EIGHTY new jobs were to be created at one of Darwen's oldest companies, the new owner announced.

Shaws of Darwen Ltd had been bought by Shires Ltd from its previous owner, the Decorative Products Group. Shire immediately promised a major £3.5 million investment at Waterside, Darwen, which would double the firm's workforce to 160.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.