Blackpool Tower will light up blue to remember murdered toddler Preston Davey on the third anniversary of his death, it has been announced.

The tribute, requested by Preston’s birth mum Sarah Davey, will take place on 27 July.

Preston was just 13-months-old when he was killed by his adoptive dad, Jamie Varley, after being placed with Varley and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley as prospective adopters in March 2023

A seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court heard how Preston endured extensive physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, suffering around 40 injuries before his death.

Described by prosecutors as one of the most shocking cases they had ever encountered, the trial concluded with Varley receiving a whole life order for murder, sexual offences, grievous bodily harm, cruelty, and indecent image offences.

McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty, and sexual assault, and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

A jury heard how Preston was routinely ill-treated, physically assaulted, and sexually abused while in their care for just under four months at their home in Blackpool.

Preston had been taken from his mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, by an emergency care order by Oldham Council.

Ms Davey, when she was 14, had been jailed for the “unspeakably wicked” murder of a frail pensioner in 1998 and had been in and ou

A spokesperson for Blackpool Tourism said: “I can confirm that the Tower will be lit in blue on Monday 27 July.”