THE grave of one of Darwen's most celebrated sons has been restored to its former glory.

And today the town's civic society named other projects aimed at marking Darwen's place in history.

Restoration of Sir David Shackleton's grave at Darwen Cemetery was carried out after society members heard about its dilapidated state.

They were aided by Blackburn with Darwen Council which provided cash, and restorers from Darwen Memorials.

Society secretary Marilyn Bysh said: "I thought the headstone was just granite, but it turned out to be marble. It is beautiful.

" It stands out now and that is right because he did an awful lot for the town."

Sir David was elected to Darwen Town Council in 1894 and eight years later was MP for the fledgling Labour Party.

He became chairman of the national party three and in 1910 was appointed Labour Advisor to the Home Office by Winston Churchill.

Sir David also campaigned for the rights of cotton workers and woman.

He never lost his affection for Darwen and his home in the capital was named Sunnyhurst after his favourite Darwen beauty spot. He died in 1938, aged 74.

A plaque is planned for one of Sir David's former homes in Belgrave Road or Victoria Street next year. Meanwhile, this year the society aims to place a plaque at the site of Spring Vale railway station, where Indian spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi arrived on a visit in 1931 to see the effects of India's boycott on cotton goods.

He arrived at the station on September 26 from London. However, thousands of people were left disappointed after gathering at Darwen station where they had expected him to arrive.

The Civic Society also hopes to erect a plaque in Pole Lane to mark the spot of the old village chapel and graveyard.