THERE are few aspects of Darwen on which John Jacklin hasn’t had a guiding influence.

And, for a comparative newcomer to the town – well, only 40 years or so – that’s quite an achievement.

Not for him the glare of publicity in which vociferous councillors and here-today-gone-tomorrow chancers tend to revel.

He has busied himself around town quietly and with determined purpose.

He might have been born in Huddersfield but he’s worthy of the ultimate Harry Nuttall accolade: He’s a reyt Darrener!

Anyone who has played even a small part in the life of the town knows John Jacklin; to others, with little interest past their front door, his name might not register.

But if it weren’t for people like him Darwen would be much less of a town.

John, a chartered accountant at Hindle and Jepson before he retired, lives in Tockholes.

He has been involved with many organisations and charitable groups, helping to found the local Abbeyfield charity, which has two homes in the town, and playing a big part in the Lloyd Charity Trust which supports many worthwhile causes.

He has been a prominent member of the Rotary Club for many years and sits on the Darwen Partnership where his critical eye often raises eyebrows.

Politics have held little interest for him but he has been an enthusiastic parish councillor.

Probably his most important contribution to the town has been his least known.

But if it weren’t for John Jacklin’s contacts and financial know-how the imposing India Mills would probably have been empty and forlorn for nearly 20 years.

Hundreds of jobs and many businesses would never have got off the ground there.

And the fate of the magnificent chimney, probably the finest in the world, would be in the balance.

John takes little credit for introducing Peter and Barry Turner, then owners of the Brookhouse group, to the possibilities of India Mill as the nerve centre of their vast but sprawling aerospace components operation.

He is too modest. Thanks to his initiative and perseverance, and the Turner brothers’ enterprise, the empty shell left when Carrington Viyella closed the mill in 1991 is now busy and vibrant.

Brookhouse wanted their Blackburn factories under one roof and had been looking round Blackburn until John suggested India Mill and took them round.

His firm had worked for India Mill for more than 100 years and he knew it well.

They liked what they saw, but the price? A million and a quarter.

John told the CV financial chief; “You’ve no chance.”

“What does a small town accountant know about property prices?” he was asked.

But a few months later the Turners bought the mill for less than half the original asking price and John, who had been involved in the negotiations, allowed himself a faint smile across the boardroom table.