DARWEN people are invited to another party at their tower.

The re-opening community celebration is on Friday, almost six weeks after the landmark was made available to the public again.

A low-key ceremony at the end of April was criticised for failing to include the community.

The community celebration was announced later and Blackburn with Darwen Council officers have made sure no one is left out this time.

Bill Whalley, whose grandfather helped build the landmark, is travelling from America to take the traditional walk up to the tower.

Joining him will be MP Janet Anderson, councillors, ramblers, schoolchildren, members of the Friends of Bold Venture Park, the Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods and the Darwen Civic Society.

There will be a special ceremony once they reach the tower.

The celebration comes after last week's announcement that Darwen Tower, according to councillors, was to become the "most magnificent Jubilee beacon in the north".

From 10pm to 12.30am each night from this Friday, floodlights and laser effects will make the tower visible for up to five miles.

On Golden Jubilee Bank Holiday Monday between 10.15 and 10.30pm there will be a giant firework display.

Blackburn with Darwen direct services chief Peter Hunt said: "This community celebration at the re-opening of Darwen Tower falls perfectly within the national celebrations to mark Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee.

"The tower is a crucial factor in the character of Darwen town and a sentimental landmark for many thousands of people both in Darwen and beyond.

"We are celebrating our historic tower and welcome representatives across the community to this special day.

"Darwen Tower is now open again as a symbol of Darwen and its people, and continues to provide a magnificent landmark for the region."

Anyone wishing to join the walk should go to Darwen Town Hall at 10am on Friday, Bold Venture Park Scout Hut in Manor Road or, at 10.30am, to the Sunnyhurst Pub, Tockholes Road.