A BUST of Queen Elizabeth II will be given to each of Lancashire’s 12 districts as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

County Hall bosses are to commission the creation of one main bust and another 12 replicas, which will be provided to each of Lancashire’s district councils.

The main piece would take pride of place in a prestigious location such as County Hall or Lancaster Castle, but it would be left to districts, including Hyndburn, the Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, to decide where to display their versions.

Senior officers hope to secure a ‘significant’ person to lead the unveiling of the main bust.

A marble bust of Queen Victoria, which was commissioned and created in 1897 to tie in with her Diamond Jubilee celebrations, can still be seen in County Hall.

Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council, said Cabinet members wanted to emulate what was produced more than 120 years ago.

“We felt it was so important in the history of the country", he said.

“Queen Elizabeth II is second only to Queen Victoria now, and god-willing, she will serve even longer than her.

“In 100 years’ time or more the people who come after us will look at this piece of artwork and see that as a magnificent achievement.

“When the bust of Queen Victoria was created in 1897 a lot fewer people came into Preston.

“People had a different sort of attitude and a different relationship with County Hall and the county council.

“Things have moved on significantly, but we felt it would be right to have one bust in County Hall, but one for each of the district councils to have to keep.

“It will be up to each individual council to decide where to keep it, whether it is in a library or town hall.”

Given the Queen’s role as the Duke of Lancaster, County Hall chiefs said they wanted to mark the Diamond Jubilee in a number of ways.

County Coun Driver said illuminated addresses celebrating the occasion would be produced, with one kept at County Hall and the other presented to Her Majesty.

In addition, every one of the county’s primary school pupils will be given a commemorative item.