RESIDENTS can have their names inscribed on special millennium plaques in a fund-raising drive to refurbish a town centre church.

Members of St Alban's RC Church in Blackburn town centre have launched the plaque scheme to raise £250,000 to tackle dry rot in the church's roof timbers.

Only 1,000 of the special plaques will be available at £250 each to raise the much-needed funds.

The plaques will be housed on a wall in the church and architects, sculptors and poets have been invited to submit their ideas on how it should look.

Inscriptions can represent individuals, a family, school, society, club or business, and will be supported by a more lengthy entry in a bound volume housed nearby.

Special scrolls will also be presented to supporters of the scheme to authenticate the plaques.

Organiser Gerry Flynn said: "The target is to raise £250,000 and already £25,000 is in place. This is the amount of money required to replace the damaged roof timbers of the building and erect an appropriate millennium plaque.

"The plaque will take the form of a wall within the church. Over the next two years or so much advice and guidance will be sought regarding design, location and suitable inscriptions. Notable architects, sculptors and poets of international repute have already been invited to submit their ideas and make recommendations."

The plaques can be purchased with a one-off payment, five payments spread over two-and-a half years or by monthly direct debit.

Mr Flynn added: "As we look forward to and prepare for the dawning of the new millennium, all of us no doubt at some time will begin to look back nostalgically.

"Is it not fitting therefore that those of us who would wish to be remembered should be given an opportunity to do so?

"There will only be 1,000 inscriptions and these will be allocated on a first-come basis."

For more information, contact Mr Flynn on 01254 667430 or parish priest Canon Jude Harrison on 01254 59331.

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