GREAT Harwood has had a £10,000 grant from the local area council for Christmas trees and lights to be displayed above shops on the main streets.

And I know that Blackburn Council provides Darwen with two Christmas trees, though I believe the rest of the money for town centre decoration comes from traders and, in previous years, the town centre manager has provided Christmas tree brackets over the shop fronts all the way up the main road.

But this, as far as I know, is where Blackburn's help ends. Would it be possible for Darwen to apply for a grant like that awarded to Great Harwood to make Christmas in Darwen just a little bit special this year?

I also see that Atomic Kitten were booked to switch on Blackburn's Christmas lights, while Darwen has to make do with someone from the local pantomime.

The borough is called Blackburn with Darwen , is it not? Or does this only count when Blackburn wants numbers or money?

I am sure that Darwen's population know how Cinderella felt when she was told that she could not go to the ball.

ROY DAVIES, Olive Lane, Darwen.