FORENSIC experts have been enlisted to help reproduce a piece of Darwen’s history.

Darwen Research Group turned to scientists at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) after deciding to produce a replica of the town’s 200-year-old town crier’s bell, which has been used at events such as St George’s Day celebrations in April.

Darwen Vale High School’s engineering department were also approached for their help.

Jayne Waring of Darwen Research Group, said: “The original bell is far too important to be used all the time so Darwen Research Group decided to replicate the original item.

“To produce an accurate replica the engineering department at Darwen Vale High School needed to figure out how the wooden handle was attached to the spur of the bell and it was important to do this without taking the original apart.”

Jayne contacted UCLan’s School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, and the challenge was taken on by Rachel Cunliffe, senior demonstrator in forensic anthropology.

She said: “We realised our X-ray machine could well reveal the answer.

“The original bell’s fixing was hidden behind a brass collar and so through our X-rays we were able to clarify how the attachment was made and the size of the brass spur on the bell itself. We’re delighted to have contributed to a very worthwhile project.”

A Blackburn foundary, which has asked not to be identified, agreed to cast the bell in bronze free-of-charge, and now pupils at Darwen Vale High School are in the process of polishing the replica and attaching the handle.

Jayne said: “All of the work has been done to a very high standard, the school should be very proud of what they have achieved.”

The new bell will be presented to the town crier, Councillor Anthony Meleady, after the school holidays.

It will first be used during the town’s 1940s Day event on Saturday, September 3.

The original bell is on display at Blackburn Museum.