THE short-list has been drawn up in a competition to find Darwen's most influential outdoor projects.

Buildings and streets throughout the town have been scrutinised during the last 12 months in a bid to find projects which have made a difference to the appearance of the town.

Three such places and schemes have now been selected by the Darwen Civic Society and next month the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Mike Barrett, will present Civic Pride Awards to those responsible for making their town more attractive.

The awards are presented each year to groups or individuals who have taken pride in Darwen whether it be in a small way or on a larger scale. The presentation will take place on October 11 at Derwent Hall, in George Street, when framed certificates will be given to the winners.

This year, Blackburn with Darwen Council has been honoured for its contribution to the look of Darwen by being chosen to receive two of the three awards. Judges were impressed by the colourful floral displays which brighten up Market Street and Parliament Street in the town centre.

They also decided that this year's extension to the recycling facilities at Spring Vale Road waste disposal site was worthy of recognition so an award will be given for the site which houses 12 different skips for various materials and bottles.

Executive member for regeneration Coun Andy Kay said: "The floral displays were part of the council's £1m Thrash the Trash campaign and improvements to the household waste site at Springvale Road were carried out in partnership with Environmental Waste Controls who manage the site on behalf of the council.

"We are delighted to receive this recognition from Darwen Civic Society for both initiatives.

"A thank you must go to the residents of Darwen for their commitment to recycling and using the town's facilities." The final award will be presented to a family in the Sudell Road area who the judges believed helped brighten up their neighbourhood with a decorative wall around their house. The exact location has not yet been disclosed.

Civic Society secretary Jack Fisher said: "This year we wanted to congratulate the borough for its input, and the householders who built the wall in the character of their stone-built house will also be praised. It hopefully encourages others to take pride in their town."

The awards ceremony coincides with the society's annual coffee morning between 10.30am and noon.