I MUST congratulate all those responsible for the new sculpture at the motorway junction between Blackburn and Darwen, which I believe is entitled 'The Tomb of the Unknown Drinker.'

This evocative piece is a fitting tribute to those many brave souls who, in the days when licensing hours meant pubs were open half an hour later in Darwen, would make the long trek up Craven Brow, glassy-eyed, to seek the final pint of the night.

This skilfully-crafted piece stands in immortal memory to all that number. Those who made it and those who didn't. Glass still in hand, the sculpted figure is seen slumped over a neighbour's wall having collapsed on his route to receive the last orders at the Golden Cup.

When many are swift to criticise expenditure on folk and street art, it is only fair to recognise the merits of a well-judged and poignant reminder of the differences that made Darwen 'special.'

And to remember with affection that gallant band of men and women who took the road for just one more.

DAVID PRESSLEY, Church Close, Mellor.

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