DARWEN Tower used to be unique. . . now replicas are about to start popping up all over the district.

But before locals start to panic that their centenary celebrations for the Tower are about to be overshadowed, it should be noted that the fake replicas are a mere 12 inches high!

Local firm Shaws of Darwen has produced just 250 of the unique statues to commemorate 100 years of the tower re-shaping Darwen's skyline.

Retailing for £12, the miniature towers are a must for those wanting a momento of the centenary celebration, according to Shaw's general manager Michael Leaf.

He said: "As we were celebrating our centenary anyway, we were looking for a way to mark such an occasion, and the fact we had been in Darwen as long as the Tower, we felt it was an ideal tie-in.

"We have only made 250, and all our employees have been given one to mark the occasion.

"The rest will be sold with all proceeds being donated to Queens Park Hospital's children's wards, who we regularly raise money for."

All the towers are boxed and carry with them a certificate of authenticity from Shaw's, who specialise in making ceramic products.

Mr Leaf added: "We are proud to be associated with Darwen and this is a great way of showing off our proud links with the town."

The towers are only available from Shaws, based on Johnson New Road, but can be seen at the Town Halls in Blackburn and Darwen.

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