PACKETS of Christmas cards depicting Darwen's famous landmark tower have been snapped up by residents.

Around 5,000 of the cards showing the tower in the twilight were put on sale in Darwen Town Hall by Darwen Civic Society and almost all have now been sold.

The society decided on the design on the snow-swept moors after many Darreners requested the tower when asked by the society. It was painted by former Darwen artist Ron Duxbury, who now lives in Langho.

Jack Fisher, from the society, said: "The card has been a real success.

"Our cards are popular every year but even more so when people can recognise the scenes in Darwen. We do sell them to people in different parts of the country and they are even sent overseas.

"It has been near enough a sell-out, which is wonderful."