A GROUP of apprentices have manufactured a historical beacon which will be placed on Darwen’s Jubilee Tower and will be lit during the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday celebrations.

WEC Group Welding & Fabrication apprentices, based in Darwen, took part in the project after being approached by a local scout leader.

The Jubilee beacon lighting event will take place at the top of the newly refurbished Darwen tower on Thursday 2nd June in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign.

WEC Group managing director, Steve Hartley, was approached by local Scouts leader Michael Grimes to manufacture the beacon in preparation for the ceremony - and WEC were happy to take part.

First year WEC Apprentices, Conrad Waddicor, 16, and Declan Brewer, 18, from the group’s newly built Engineering Academy in Blackburn, were tasked with crafting the celebratory beacon with their new found welding and fabrication skills.

WEC Group have worked on many Darwen Tower related projects over the years, including the refurbishment of the Tower’s weather vane in 2008.

WEC Apprentices also manufactured a new stainless steel dome after the original fibre glass dome was blown off the top of the historical landmark during winds of up to 80mph on 11 November 2010.

The new dome was donated to the town of Darwen and later airlifted via helicopter in January 2012.

Mr Hartley said: “We have a strong connection with the Jubilee Tower and we are always keen to accept projects that benefit our local community.

"Darwen has been the home of our early successes and we are very pleased to be able to contribute to Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.”

WEC Group’s training manager, Kris Mercer, added: “The apprentices have done a fantastic job manufacturing the beacon for the Jubilee celebrations.

"It’s nice to see the world class training that we provide to our apprentices at our new facility put to good use for such a momentous event.”

The beacon is one of thousands being lit in the UK and the Commonwealth and forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee Weekend.

There are thousands of people expected to attend the beacon lighting ceremony at Darwen Tower.

For more information and full event timing about the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Darwen, visit the Blackburn with Darwen Council website.