A FORMER soldier is to hold a 12-hour lone vigil at Darwen Tower to raise money for his injured comrades.

Ex-infantry man Trevor Jones is also hoping to document any paranormal activity as darkness descends on the landmark.

Mr Jones, who served for six years with the 1st battalion of the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, is carrying out the vigil on March 21 to raise money for the Help 4 Heroes charity. He will stay at the site from 6pm to 6am.

The 53-year-old is now looking for sponsors and also hopes to borrow two paraffin lamps to light his base camp.

He said: ‘‘I joined the army at 17 because I’d always viewed soldiers as heroes. In those days everyone wanted to get into camouflage. I served in Northern Ireland where the conflict was continuous, and so I decided to leave.

‘‘I think it is very important that we give our backing to those who serve in the armed forces, especially those who come home wounded, which is why I am carrying out my vigil.”

Mr Jones, who has worked at Crown Paints and as a security guard at Blackpool’s Sea Life Centre since leaving the army, added: ‘‘I will carry out my vigil as though a senior officer has asked me to check the site out.

‘‘I am hoping there will be some kind soul who will lend me a couple of Tilly Lamps so I can utilise my chosen spot as a base station.”

Mr Jones, of St Albans Road, Darwen, will be dimming the lights in the early hours of the morning to try to clarify rumours that the site is haunted.

He said: ‘‘Things are never quite what they seem and there is always the chance that old monuments hold other secrets and scenarios which would greatly shock those who would never believe it.”

Donations can be made to Mr Jones’s chosen charity in support of his vigil by visiting helpforheroes.org.uk Anyone who can offer a lamp is asked to email Mr Jones at toysoldier@googlemail.com.