A FIGHTER plane bought by Darwen people could be commemorated in the town with a scale model.

Campaigners launched a bid last November to get the Spitfire purchased by townspeople during the Second World War marked by a piece of public art or a plaque.

Now a Darwen firm has offered to make and donate a one-twelfth scale model of the Spitfire, with a 12 foot wing span, as a public memorial.

Darwen councillor Tony Melia said the spitfire would be made by Weldon Engineering Group, who are based at Junction Street, Darwen.

Students at Darwen Vale High School have been asked to create images of what the Spitfire model will look like and have been heavily involved in the design.

Currently plans are being drawn up with the hope of submitting a planning application for the Spitfire to be sited in the market square.

A fund to buy the plane was launched in the town in September 1940, and it was accepted into service in March 1941.

The original Spitfire is thought to have been lost in July 1941 while on duty over France.

Documents stored at Darwen town hall record its history in detail, and Coun Melia said: “I would think some of the older people would know about it, and I imagine a lot of other people would be interested in hearing the story.

“It would be very relevant to the town, especially at the moment.”

He added: “It is all about waiting to see what will happen with the planning application as these things take time.

“I am very pleased that it will be Darwen apprentices who will make the Spitfire as it is very much a community thing.”

The plans were backed by Brian Thompson, of Darwen Royal British Legion, who said: “Darwen was the smallest town to buy a Spitfire and it is something to be very proud of.

“It is especially good that a local firm and a local school are helping to make this happen.”