THE work of a Darwen designer, who provided Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher with his own SPEZIAL trainers, is coming to Blackburn next month.

Gary Aspden, who has created for Adidas for 20 years, will bring 1,000 of his own and other collectors' shoes to The Cotton Exchange.

The display will be one of the highlights of the first British Textile Biennial in Blackburn from October 4 to 20.

Last week Adidas launched its LG SPZL trainer designed by Mr Aspden and the Oasis singer. The designer presented the first pair to the rockstar backstage at a gig in Hackney.

The exhibition will include numerous versions of the iconic Adidas ‘City Series’ models and a full archive of the SPEZIAL range.

Commissioned by Super Slow Way, the Biennial highlights expression in textiles against the backdrop of the Pennine Lancashire cotton industry.

Mr Aspden’s exhibition celebrates the training shoe's role in the cultural expression of 1980's young from the football terraces to the dancefloor in Blackburn and elsewhere.

He said: ““I grew up in Darwen and spent most of my formative years in Blackburn. The experiences of my upbringing and youth have always been a source of inspiration for the adidas Spezial range that I design and curate. The creative team who work on Spezial are all from the area so getting involved with the British Textile Biennal whilst supporting Nightsafe seemed a perfect fit.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s regeneration boss said: “What a massive coup it is for Blackburn to be hosting this exhibition. As a designer, Gary optimises everything that the biennial celebrates.His work is internationally renowned."

Laurie Peake, director of Super Slow Way, said: "Gary is a great product of Pennine Lancashire with textiles and fashion in his DNA; the son of a mill worker and one of a generation of passionate Rovers fans whose wardrobes are a vital vehicle of self-expression.”