A CENTURY-OLD silver spade means a lot to history enthusiast Diana Beaton.

Her great-grandfather used it to slice into the soil and start the construction of Darwen Tower 100 years ago.

And Diana, who is secretary of Darwen Centenary Historical Society, is proud to see it on display at an exhibition about the town's famous landmark.

Alexander Carus JP, who was Darwen's Mayor, used the ceremonial spade on Jubilee Day, June 22, 1897.

Diana said: "The spade was kept by my great-aunt and Alexander's daughter Ethel Riley for many years at the family home, Hoddlesden Hall. "She recognised its importance and decided to hand it over to the society."

The exhibition to mark the centenary runs at Darwen Library until Saturday, July 5.

On display are original plans for the tower, maps, drawing, photographs of the inaugural ceremony and bonfire, and the official programme of events for the main celebrations.

To coincide with the exhibition, schoolchildren have been offered the chance to win a host of tower goodies by taking part in a centenary quiz.

The prizes will be presented at the exhibition.

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