THE first model Darwen Tower created from a new mould will be auctioned by the town's Rotary Club to raise cash for the real thing.

Following a row over the rights for the original set of metal miniatures, a local entrepreneur commissioned a new pattern block to mark this year's 120th anniversary of the eight-sided landmark structure's construction.

Of the 120 produced, 118 have been sold for £120 each but numbers one and 120 have been held back for auction by Darwen Rotary Club.

The club has taken over the funds raised by The Friends of Darwen Tower which got into a bitter row with the town council over the rights for models produced from its official mould.

Now the rotary club is auctioning number one to raise more cash towards the £100,000 needed to repair and refurbish the real Jubilee Tower on Darwen Hill overlooking the town.

So far it has raised £54,000 for the project, including the cash from the now defunct Friends group.

Number 120 will be auctioned at a later date to raise further money for the repair fund before bid is made to the National Lottery for a grant to complete the job.

Rotarian John Jacklin said this week: “We are looking at a lot of ideas to raise the £100,000 we believe will be needed to restore the Tower to its former glory.

“It is in bad shape at the moment because of 120 years of weather and neglect.

"There are a number of structural problems and the whole building needs pointing and weather-proofing. It is also hoped that sufficient funds will be raised to enhance the surrounds and access.

“We also want to light up the Tower and that is now feasible because of new technology.

“The Rotary Club are in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council, who are also contributing to the efforts to raise funds, to make an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant to help with the restoration.”

The auction 'mini-tower' Number One is now open for anyone to make a bid.

Members of the public can place their bids on Darwen Rotary Club's Facebook page or e-mail their bid to Samantha@strategicapproach.co.uk.

Cllr Roy Davies, Mayor of Darwen Town Council, said: "We are quite happy with these models which are made from a different mould than the one owned by the council."