AN image showing how an old mill has been transformed ready for the year 2000 scooped first prize in Darwen Civic Society's annual photographic competition.

The theme of the contest was Darwen in the Millennium and aimed to encourage all sections of the community to look at both old and new aspects of the town.

The winning prints and a selection of entries are on show in Darwen Library until May 28.

Linda Walsh, 50, was presented with a cash prize for her picture entitled 'Darwen Mill: Spic and Span Again.' The building, behind St Joseph's Church, is close to her home in Rydal Avenue.

She said: "The mill is now owned by Octavia Ward and has been cleaned up recently. It's in quite an unusual position and has an interesting history."

Second prize went to Jean Eadington for her print of the M65 motorway extension and she was also highly commended for another entry of School Street in Darwen. Garry Webster came third for his photograph entitled 'Freedom of the Moorland.'

Moorland High School swept the board in the secondary school section. The faculty of creative arts submitted more than 80 entries. Tim Kay scooped first prize with his contribution, 'The Old, the New, the Ugly and the Beautiful.'

Callum Eggleston came second with his print 'Engine and Chimney at India Mill.' Claire Slater's photograph 'House Land 2000,' was third and Jennifer Kendal's entry 'Back Alleys of Darwen,' was highly commended.

St Barnabas School, in Knowlesly Road, won all the prizes in the junior section. In first place was Michelle Leatham with 'The Gate,' Christian Longworth's photograph of the Millennium clock was second. Leah Watson's image of Darwen Leisure Centre took third prize.

Entries by Sarah Middlehurst, Jason Lane, Louise Yates and Shelley Wood were all highly commended.

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