JUST as the final chapter closes on the workplace that was once Blackburn's biggest employer, mementos of the one-giant Royal Ordnance Factory at Lower Darwen were donated to the town's museum -- as testaments of its contribution over more than 60 years to the country's defence and to jobs.

The artefacts -- a scale model of a 12-pounder cannon made in 1982 in one of the factory's toolrooms, a combined trade union banner and an archive of photographs -- were presented at a ceremony at the Museum and Art Gallery by ROF general manager Phil Djali.

"Everyone in Blackburn knows someone who worked at the ROF. Because of that we thought it was right for these items items to be in the museum so that people who come to see them will learn of its part in the town's history," said factory safety officer Chris Heap who organised the donation.

The hand-over came as the munitions factory enters its final weeks.

Opened in 1938 on the brink of World War Two during Britain's race to re-arm, it was known as 'The Fuse' -- after the millions of fuses it produced for artillery shells. At its wartime peak, more than 5,000 workers were engaged in round-the-clock output.

Reduced in its last year to just two manufacturing units employing 120 people, the ROF's payroll is set to shrink to zero when it closes for good next month.

Production ceased at the end of last month -- though the last item manufactured was not one of the fuses the factory was renowned for, but a gas motor. Surplus at the factory was auctioned off the day before the ROF's ultimate demise was marked by the transfer of its mementos to the museum.

"We are grateful to receive them as the ROF is truly part of Blackburn's heritage," said the museum's keeper of local and social history, Nick Harling.