LIBERAL Democrats in Darwen are calling for a practical memorial to honour the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Leader, Councillor Paul Browne, told the Citizen the political party had been discussing the issue locally, to determine what the general feeling was following Diana's tragic death just under a fortnight ago.

But rather than have a statue of the Princess erected in Trafalgar Square as was suggested over the weekend, Mr Browne is joining calls to see a hospital or school named after the Princess.

"Children were one the groups in society closest to the Princess' heart," commented former mayor Mr Browne.

"She was a lovely, caring woman who dedicated a lot of her time to helping others, so naming a school or hospital after her would be most appropriate.

"If a memorial to her was practical, it would almost be as if her work was being carried on and her memory would live for ever."

Mr Browne added his group was also backing calls to have an airport renamed after Diana, though not necessarily Heathrow.

"Why not rename Manchester Airport, it is a very large airport and nobody would be able to forget her.

"It is something that has been done in other countries so I don't see why it shouldn't be done here."

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