AN eye-catching set of 40 pewter arrows to celebrate Blackburn's role in creating the 'Western' film genre has hit the target with planners.

The will make up new piece of public art in the historic Northgate Conservation Area.

The installation will mark the fact the first film of this genre - 'Kidnapping by Indians' - was made by pioneering movie makers Mitchell and Kenyon in the town.

The artwork of 40 pewter arrows will be installed on the gable end of the terraced block in Northgate in the town centre where the cinema pioneers worked in the late 1890s and early 1900s.

The Western is a genre of fiction set in the old American frontier, often featuring cowboys, outlaws and Native Americans as principal characters.

Now Uncultured Creatives planning application for the artwork on the wall of 34 Northgate has been approved.

The block has recently undergone a shop front transformation as part of the Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage Project.

A report by planning officer Christian Barton approving the installation says: "This application involves the installation of a new public art work consisting of 40 pewter arrows that collectively, signify the cinematic codes and conventions of the Western film genre and the association with Mitchell and Kenyon, who’s firm was founded in Blackburn in 1897, with premises at 21 King Street and 40 Northgate.

"The proposed artwork is to be located on the gable end of 34 Northgate, and will be sited at least 5.7 metres from the ground, to the west of and over the existing tall arched window.

"It is simple in its design and although the arrows are many in number and wide spread across the side of the building, they are located on the side elevation and will only really be viewed and experienced at close quarters within the conservation area.

"Furthermore, the Northgate Conservation Area Development Guides notes the integration of art within the conservation area should be encouraged.

"The proposed artwork has important historic links to the area and therefore will be an appropriate addition to the conservation area.

"Furthermore, the proposals would not compromise the setting of other heritage assets in the locality."