DARWEN Street bridge could be illuminated at night in a bid to make a more attractive entrance into Blackburn.

The bridge is one of several structures being looked at by Blackburn with Darwen Council as part of a project designed to bring the town centre to life at night.

Around £220,000 has been secured to use 'creative lighting' which would show off Blackburn's architectural best.

Restored buildings in King Street, Fleming Square and Church Street are all favourites to benefit from the work, which has been approved by councillors and business leaders.

Blackburn Cathedral could also benefit from the project, funded by European and Government cash, with extra lighting to show off the building and provide a brighter grounds to walk through at night.

The project was first revealed earlier this year when funding was approved by regeneration bosses.

A new leaflet has been produced by the council and will be sent to local businesses, encouraging them to work with the council to get their businesses lit up.

But it may not just be buildings . Structures like bridges are also in the reckoning.

Capita, the firm which provides highways and planning support to the council, is considering a bid to help light up Darwen Street bridge.

The bridge, which carries trains over one of the main roads out of Blackburn, dates back to the 1860s.

Ian Richardson, associate director at Capita, said: "It is a well-known structure in the town centre and would make a very good gateway into the town."

Capita's bid will compete with other bids for money once the project is launched in the New Year.

Creative lighting -- which can range from basic floodlighting to the subtle use of colours and different levels of light on buildings -- can also make buildings of no architectural importance look good at night. The leaflet being distributed to businesses shows what Manchester's CIS insurance office block looks like during the day, and what it looks like at night.

Chris Standish, Blackburn town centre heritage programme officer, said: "The project is geared towards enhancing the quality of buildings and spaces.

"It will help with the emergence of a vibrant, well-managed night-time and evening economy. It will encourage people to stay longer and help bring additional investment."

Doug Chadwick, chairman of Blackburn Civic Society, said: "The lighting of Darwen Street bridge would make an attractive gateway into the town."