DARWEN'S Jubilee Tower is to be lit up for the first time to mark the final hours of the first year of the new millennium.

The moorland attraction which is already a well known landmark will be lit up using spotlights powered by generators as New Year celebrations take place around the borough.

And as part of the celebrations fireworks are also going to be set off from a secret moorland location.

Council chiefs are hoping if this proves to be a success it could become a regular event.

Councillor Ashley Whalley, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for regeneration, said if the evening was clear the tower would be visible from miles around.

He said: "There is a lot of support throughout the borough for lighting the tower and it is something the council is looking into."

The tower has recently been closed to the public while structural repairs are carried out. Council chiefs say installation of permanent lights will depend on the success of these repairs, although the effect of installing an electricity supply on the local environment will also have to be taken into account.

Coun Whalley said: "We don't want to encourage people to come onto the moors, but to enjoy the fireworks and the visual aspects of the lit tower from the town.

"The fireworks will be let off at a secret location and should be visible from many parts of the borough."

He said: "The Millennium Year has been marvellous with the council and its partners providing lots of free entertainment for everyone to enjoy such as the Beer and Folk Festival and the Arts in the Park Extravaganza.

"This is a fitting way to round off our year. It started with a bang with fireworks exploding all over the borough and it is fitting it should end in the same way."