WEAVER Dorothy Waring has created a stunning full-length Elizabethan-style coat to celebrate the new millennium.

The work of art is made up of pure silk and all its features relate to aspects of the past 1,000 years.

There is a computer chip in the collar, a clock to denote the passing of time, the names of her favourite charities and all the British kings and queens who have reigned, as well as examples of different metals.

She came up with the intricate design while studying for a hand-woven textiles course at Bradford and Ilkley College and it took three months to complete.

"I wanted to make my mark on something and I'm really pleased with the results," said Dorothy, of Pole Lane, Darwen, who has been involved in spinning for 18 years and took up weaving two years ago. "A lot of research went into it to make it as authentic as possible and everything has a meaning. I chose the Elizabethan theme because it is the only time this millennium that we've had a monarch called Elizabeth at the turn of a century."

The coat, which has been valued at £5,000, has already been on display at two textile shows and could be part of a special millennium tour of the country next year.

Dorothy would also like is to be seen locally.

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