THE past and present of Darwen has been captured in a £12,000 stained-glass window unveiled at St Peter’s Church.

Fundraising for the window started three years ago, and it has just been installed on the south side of the building, overlooking the road.

The window was paid for entirely through donations and replaces plain glass.

Team rector the Rev Andrew Holliday said: “We’re so pleased with the window. It is absolutely beautiful with sunlight bursting through it.

“Just after I arrived in 2004 it was the 175th anniversary of the church and we came up with the idea of the window as a celebration of the church and the town.

“We have had to be very patient with the fundraising, but it has been well worth it. People have been enormously generous. We have been very touched. Some people have donated in memory of a loved one and others just to say thank you.”

The central image is of the Darwen coat of arms. Also representated are old images of the town hall, the railway, a shuttle representing weaving and spinning and Darwen moors. Additionally, there is a red bus, Darwen Tower, Arkwright’s wheel, a coal mining scene, trams and images of the churches that make up St Peter’s.

Mr Holliday said: “We wanted to record the richness and beauty that is Darwen for posterity.”

The public can view the new window at St Peter’s craft fayre on November 21 and 22.

The window has been made by stained glass specialists Design Lights, of Bolton.

Its workers also created the lantern at Blackburn Cathedral.