THE top of Darwen’s iconic tower is set to be restored thanks to six local businesses.

The dome and weather vane from the landmark were blown off during strong winds on November 11.

But council bosses, who are responsible for the tower, have teamed up with businesses to restore it to its former glory.

Six firms from Blackburn and Darwen have offered their services free of charge, while Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council will co-ordinate the efforts.

And residents in Darwen will be urged to donate to the restoration fund with 13 collection boxes dotted around the town centre.

Coun Andy Kay, resources chief at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It's good to see Blackburn and Darwen companies together with the people of Darwen supporting our heritage and restoring the Jubilee Tower to its former glory.”

Among the firms involved in the maintenance work will be SDS Albion Engineering, of Goose House Lane in Darwen, Ellison and Groom Joinery, of Parkinson Street in Blackburn, and Blackburn and Ribble Glass, of Stancliffe Street in Blackburn.

All three will help repair the dome.

Meanwhile, metal fabricator WEC Group, of Junction Street in Darwen, will repair the weather vane and Blackburn-based John Wade Groundworks will restore damaged fences and pathways around Darwen Tower.

Scaffolding at the site will be supplied by Blackburn-based Russ Heaton Scaffolding.

Repair work is due to begin in March, although the landmark remains open to the public until then.

The tower, along with other parts of East Lancashire, was battered by winds of up 80mph during stormy weather last month.

Darwen Tower sits on Beacon Hill and was built in 1897.