A GROUP of amateur historians have made a bit of their own history by reaching a milestone 25 years of plotting Darwen's heritage

And Darwen Centenary Historical Society now have their sights firmly set on preserving the town's heritage safely under lock and key in a new museum in the town.

That is the long term ambition of the society's 12 members who meet every month in Derwent Hall to collate and record memorabilia.

Secretary Diane Beaton said: "We feel it's very important to preserve Darwen's heritage and to keep it in the town.

"We want a museum to be built here in Darwen. We're worried about artefacts getting lost and Darwen people missing out on the history which has shaped their lives."

In 1974, when Darwen lost its independent authority status, the society boasted more than 70 members.

Its archives are now extensive and include books, maps, government records, old census papers and ornaments, many of which are kept at Blackburn Museum.

The society welcomes donations of artefacts but would certainly appreciate a membership boost.

Mrs Beaton added: " It's a real achievement to still be going after 25 years. Our membership has dwindled recently, but if history repeats itself we'll grow once more and be strong again. I just hope we can keep it up for another 25 years."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.