Darwen's 'crown jewels' to return after 50 years

The mace will move to Darwen's heritage centre in 2024

A ceremonial mace is returning to a town after being locked away for almost 50 years.

The mace, belonging to Darwen, dates to 1878 and has been located securely in Blackburn Town Hall since 1974.

Dubbed "Darwen's crown jewels", it contains a scroll given to the first Freeman of Darwen in the early 1900s.

It will be moved to the town's heritage centre in Railway Road next year. A civic ceremony is also planned for the event.

Details of the memorabilia's security and insurance cover are being finalised, and a secure cabinet to hold the items in is being built ahead of their transferral.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Sir Jake Berry requested the mace be returned more than 14 years ago, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

"I am delighted that Darwen's crown jewels are finally, at long last, being returned to where they belong and they can take their rightful place in the heart of our town," he said.

It has also been welcomed by Albert Gavagan, chair of Darwen Heritage Centre.

Mr Gavagan said: "We are really happy with the progress being made and are looking forward to having the memorabilia proudly on display in our new secure museum quality-cabinet.

"We are planning a civic gathering in the New Year to mark the occasion.

"The heritage centre is the perfect place for people to be able to see them along with all the other items of importance to Darwen that we have."