Cross-channel celebrations for post WW1 bridge

Celebrations are taking place in the UK and France to mark the centenary of the opening of a bridge built with funds raised in Lancashire.

The Pont Blackburn bridge was erected in the northern French town of Peronne over the River Somme after the previous crossing was destroyed in the devastation of World War One.

Documents at Blackburn Library show £1,700 was collected by the people of the town, the equivalent of £200,000 in today's money.

Blackburn and Peronne are pioneers of the twin-town movement after agreeing to work together back 1921.

The bridge was a vital crossing over the river linking two sides of the town which was extensively damaged during the war.

The new bridge, named after Blackburn, was officially opened on 12 October 1924 with representatives of the town in attendance.

To mark the centenary, the Honour Choir, Blackburn's People's Choir and the Blackburn Citadel Band organised a performance at the town's Salvation Army building in Vicar Street on Saturday.

Many men from the Blackburn area were killed in battles around Peronne during World War One, including John Cotton, who was the son of the former Mayor of Blackburn, Lawrence Cotton.

Eric Millest who organised the centenary concert told BBC Radio Lancashire that Mr Cotton had pledged to help the people of Peronne.

"He wanted to do something in honour of his son and the people of Blackburn supported by giving donations from the wealthy to the poor people of the time," he said.

"It took a while for it all to come to fruition. Lawrence Cotton did die in 1921 so he didn't see its fulfilment."

Mr Millest said the concert would be recorded and copies sent to people in Peronne to allow them to join the celebrations.

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