TOWER fever gripped Darwen as close to 3,000 people trudged across the windswept moors to wish the town's famous landmark a happy 100th birthday.

Church bells rang as walkers, ranging from mothers with pushchairs to pensioners, made their way through the town centre streets and up to the tower to mark the anniversary of the sod cutting ceremony in 1897.

Blackburn and Darwen brass band greeted the impressive crowd as they gathered to collect specially commissioned Darwen rock, scrolls and badges at the summit.

Blackburn with Darwen Council, who organised the festivities, were soon overwhelmed by demand for mementoes of the day.

Darwen dialect poet Jim Atherton helped make it an event to remember by reciting his latest verse "Darren Teawr" and dozens of children stepped back in time to the Victorian era to take part in the fancy dress competition.

After a kite flying display Darwen and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson brought proceedings to close by unveiling a commemorative plaque.

Thanking walkers for their support the Mayor, Coun Peter Greenwood, said: "The marvellous turn out has helped to make this a landmark event. And although it is unlikely we will build another tower we can certainly build on the strong community spirit in the town." Guest of honour William Whalley, whose grandfather owned the company which built the tower, travelled from the United States to take part in the occasion.

He was joined by more than 50 special guests, all descendants of men involved in the construction of the tower, at a lunch in the Tower Room laid on to give the VIPs a chance to swap stories.

They included Rodney Lovell from Brisbane, Australia, who became fascinated with the story of Darwen Tower after discovering his great grandfather, John Duckett, was one of the many monumental stonemasons who are credited for building the landmark.

Shaws of Darwen, who are also celebrating their centenary year, presented eight limited edition ceramic towers to VIPs at the event.

Mr Whalley said: "It has been a wonderful occasion and I am grateful for everything that has been done for me during my visit. If it wasn't for the people of Darwen we would not have the tower today."

Anybody who attended the event but missed out on a commemorative certificate is being asked to call in at Darwen Town Hall or to ring 01254 53277,

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