HAVING just passed Shakespeare's birthday and St George's Day, I thought that spring might at last be with us. I was wrong and on a cool wet morning I made my way into my local woodland. Sheltered beneath a large stand of birch trees, I found lots of
LAST week I went for a stroll in a woodland just as it was getting dark and heard a "conversation" going on between a family of tawny owls. This species has been showing an alarming decline in recent years and I am happy to see it breeding successfully
THIS week I have been concentrating on the problems faced by two species of bird in East Lancashire. Both the tawny owl and the lapwing face problems on a national scale. Derrick Jackson, of Haslingden Road, Blackburn, highlighted the problems of the
INSTEAD of having police helicopter patrols on schools being vandalised (LET, April 6), why now use some of the workshy scroungers to man the schools? This would cost nothing. SAM SPENCE, Ribblesdale Place, Blackburn.
ALTHOUGH I have a couple of degrees, I am not the editor of the Manchester Geologist (Letters, April 25) but the Manchester Genealogist! I hesitate to bandy membership numbers around, but at the Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society we have
OUTSTANDING in the furore over the call by the Commission for Racial Equality to party leaders and MPs to sign an undertaking not to mention 'race' during the election, is the refusal of two older statesmen of the Labour Party, Tony Benn and Tam Dalyell
TWO men who dodged paying a £5.70 taxi fare were given conditional discharges for 12 months yesterday. David Shuttleworth, aged 23, of Hillside Avenue, Atherton and Tony Gingell, aged 20, of Warren Close, Atherton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court. Before
THE world of snooker is no stranger to power struggles. More often than not they tend to happen off the table with the world governing body the victor in the latest frame when they snookered an attempted 'rebel' tour of the type that split darts. But
Atherton LR manager Alan Lord avoided the calamity which usually befalls a team boss being announced as a NWCL Manager of the Month as he saw his side win 4-1 at Division Two bottom club Oldham Town. Goals from Wayne Bridden, Mark Parry, Mike Rhead and
DAMIEN DUFF is hoping to complete a miracle comeback tonight by playing a crucial part in leading Rovers back into the Premiership. Following Bolton's 2-0 victory at Wolves last night, Graeme Souness's promotion-chasers need one more win from their two
"DAD will be ecstatic!" Uncle Jack's son summed up the mood of all Rovers fans when his thoughts turned to the man who made the Ewood Park dream a reality. Ross Walker revealed that the family had made a pact to watch the last home game of the season
I MUST reply to a letter by V.L. in your issue April 19, as I am very angry about what can only be a frustrated Tory trying to score political points at the expense of the downfall of Ravenhead Glass. May I inform this person that Mr Dave Watts has been
TRIPLE trophy winners Saints are to be honoured with a civic reception and will parade their silverware through St Helens, with the date and details to be finalised. Saints submitted their proposals to the council after both club and supporters felt the
BURNLEY'S historic Empire Theatre building could be brought back into use -- with the help of a £150,000 English Heritage grant, announced today. The defunct former bingo hall and cinema in St James' Street is one of several buildings which could benefit
THATTO Heath Crusaders stage a festival of rugby at West Park Rugby Club, Prescot Road, on Sunday, May 6. Teams from across the region at all age levels, starting at under 7s, will be taking part in the event. The competition starts at 10.30 am and lasts
VISITORS to Barnoldswick will soon notice an increase in the number of insects in the town but they need not panic -- the growing army of large ants, spiders, butterflies and bees are harmless and made out of recycled materials. These enormous creatures
MUSIC mistress Hetty Benjamin spent only two wartime years in St Helens, but she still remembers the old place with deep affection. Orrell reader E. Lea discovered this while recently on holiday with his wife in Eastbourne. "A lady joined our company
NO-one could argue with the choice of the 'super six' who have become the town's latest Freemen -- representing as they did, all the finest qualities in the worlds of sport, religion and business development. But while St Helens Council is in the mood
ROVERS fan Wendy Pittard changed her wedding plans because she could not bear to miss the last home game - and got a kiss from two of her favourite players. Wendy, 29, of Oswaldtwistle, swapped the date of the big day so the couple could cheer on the
FURIOUS community leaders are building a team to kick out soccer hooligans. A series of attacks on isolated sports grounds has brought a call-to-arms from borough councillors who have been incensed by mindless vandalism. Hindsford councillor Graham Lingings
to blockade 'cull dump' tip FARMERS have threatened to blockade a landfill site with a 'wall of tractors' to stop it being used as a burial ground for an estimated 6,000 foot and mouth victims. The threat from farmers came as Government plans to use Whitehead
THE Clarets have added to their strength in the boardroom by appointing local businessman Martin Hobbs as a new director. Hobbs, boss of a Hapton-based footwear wholesale firm, was voted onto the board at a meeting at Turf Moor yesterday. His appointment
CLARETS defender Chris Scott is heading for the United States in a bid to kick-start his career back to life. Scott has not been offered a new deal at Turf Moor so leaves Burnley this week and heads straight for America where he will link up with Columbus
PADIHAM hope to hit the headlines for the right reasons this season as they look to to reclaim their Jennings Ribblesdale League title. Last season, cricket at the Arbories was to some extent overshadowed by professional Ajay Sharma who was at the centre
WITH the first team game at home to Winstanley Park halted with the visitors in trouble at 35-4, and the second team game washed out completely, Haydock CC's young third team took centre stage with their game at St Paul's in the Southport & District
A SPECIAL group which is spearheading the fight against youth crime has met all its objectives in its first year of operation. And Bury's Youth Offending Team (YOT) celebrates its first year of existence with the production of a Youth Justice Plan showing
FURTHER to my wondering about what accommodation former MEP, left-wing rebel Michael Hindley, of Great Harwood, might have reached with New Labour to appear back on the ballot paper with the party's blessings, he supplies me with the answer... none. For
Ramsbottom United made an excellent start to a gruelling six games in 14 days run-in in the NWCL Division One with a 2-0 derby win at Atherton Colls. In a close fought encounter United took the lead 15 minutes before the break through Chris Wilcock and
SCHOOLCHILDREN had an "egg-cellent" day when the first of a batch of chicks decided to show its face. Pupils at St Joseph's Primary School, in Limes Avenue, Darwen, were delighted at their success after keeping their fingers crossed for four weeks. The
ST HELENS has framed its most ambitious economic development blueprint to date in a bid to attract a £102-million package which would create and safeguard 5,000 jobs. The far reaching proposals have been submitted to a specialist inward investment consultancy
YOUNG bookworms are having a busy week at St Joseph's RC School, Stacksteads, with drama workshops and activities for book week. Students from Accrington and Rossendale College have been holding drama workshops with children which will be part of a performance
FORMER Ravenhead workers voyaged to the House of Commons to lobby MPs and ministers last week and returned with a glimmer of hope. Workers were boosted by the news that Government funding would be available to any company wishing to buy and then re-open
YOUNGSTERS at a Darwen school are to get a taste of middle management after being selected as next year's newly appointed prefects. More than 60 pupils at Darwen Moorland High School, in Holden Fold, will attend the managerial course at Ewood Park on
THE grieving family of a former headteacher of Haydock High School, who died in a tragic car crash last year, have spoken of how they are still coming to terms with the loss. Stepdaughter Helen Mills contacted the Star to let readers know about the family's
COUNCIL bosses have been accused of translating a town's old Latin motto into a Labour election slogan. Darwen's millennium monument, which is set to cost the taxpayers £50,000, is being built outside the market hall in the town centre and features the
ATROCIOUS weather didn't deter a massive turn-out for a stormy debate as the battle to save Parr High reached white hot intensity. Hundreds of people gathered for the formal meeting in the consultation process over the future of Parr High School, as St
CHILDREN in Ramsbottom will have lots of fun this summer now arrangements have been made for a play scheme. The new scheme is named Ramsbottom Five Plus and will operate from Woodhey High School from July 23 for three weeks. Chairman of the management
THIS year's Mayoral fun day in Rossendale promises to be one of the best with activities now being held over two days. Organiser Town Crier Peter Gill said: "We arrange the entertainment and the funfair and give the community the chance to help themselves
A TRANSPORT chief today threatened to pull his buses out of Bacup after a spate of attacks on his buses. And Edgar Oldham, managing director of Rossendale transport, also warned someone could be killed or seriously injured unless the vandalism stopped
HOWARD Brooks and his partner Kelly Wood hid five bottles of vodka in their four-year-old daughter's pram before leaving Asda without paying for the drink. Blackburn magistrates heard that when they were detained staff realised the pair had been caught
FRIENDS of the Earth today blasted council officials after it was revealed it is the second time they have been prosecuted for dumping illegal waste. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council were forced to pay out £10,000 on Monday after pleading guilty
EAST Lancashire is to receive a half million pound cash injection to help beat the menace of drug-related crime. The awards announced by The Home Office are part of a £220m Government anti-drugs fund, and will ensure that cash is pumped into high crime
DAISY HILL 1 - NELSON 1 NELSON increased their lead at the top of the NWCL Second Division to two points with this result, but realistically it was a bitter disappointment and a severe setback to their championship hopes. Having dominated the game for
CHORLEY 0 - TRAFFORD 3 CHORLEY fans had learnt to expect one thing when the Magpies take on Trafford in the UniBond First Division-- trouble. And the script for last night's match was unchanged, a hat trick by former Mossley striker Lee Wilkinson giving
Saints: Wellens; Hoppe, Iro, Newlove, Sullivan; Martyn, Long; Nickle, Cunningham, Fairleigh, Joynt, Shiels, Sculthorpe. Substitutes Matautia for Nickle (20), Jonkers for Fairleigh (33), Nickle for Matautia (33-37bb), Fairleigh for Matautia (47).Hall for
TRIPLE trophy winners Saints are to be honoured with a civic reception and will parade their silverware through St Helens, with the date and details to be finalised. Saints submitted their proposals to the council after both club and supporters felt the
Bradford Bulls 6 Saints 13 TRIPLE-CROWNED kings of Rugby League worldwide - and deservedly so! That was totally focused Saints, who added the Silk Cut Challenge Cup to Grand Final and World Club Challenge Championship trophies with this Grand Slam triumph
SAINTS coach Ian Millward paid tribute to his players after they had collected their third trophy in seven months and said they can now be considered up there with the best sides of the last 100 years. After Saints' clinical display of precision kicking
PRESCOT & Odyssey CC 1st team were unable to play at Burrows Lane on Saturday due to a seriously waterlogged ground. The 2nd team though travelled to Prestatyn where vice-skipper Steve Edwards was in charge. P&O lost the toss and the Welshmen
IN one of the few games to survive in the Bromborough Paints Merseyside Cricket Competition Rainhill CC 2nd XI battled to a draw at home to Cheshire Lines. The visitors took first knock in a rain-affected match and made a healthy start with J. Wall racing
DUE to the weather St Helens Recs 2nd XI were the club's only team to play at the weekend. They travelled to Fleetwood Hesketh and after winning the toss, out the home side in to bat. Scoring was difficult on a slow wet wicket against the tight bowling
Leek CSOB 0 St Helens Town 0 TOWN surrendered pole position in the North West Counties League Division One title race to resurgent Rossendale Utd with this result, allied to last Thursday's home defeat at the hands of Kidsgrove. Nonetheless, nine wins
ALL the divisional titles in the Combination are still undecided as the season enters its final stages. The Star Premier Division looks like a two-horse race between College St Helens and Billinge. The latter dropped valuable points with a 4-1 home defeat
AN African Grey parrot, valued at £800, was stolen from a house in Park Road, St Helens some time between 10.45am and 4pm on Thursday, April 19. Anyone who can help police with their inquiries can contact DC Louise Birchall on 0151 777 6052.
POLICE officers in Haydock will soon have a public access point thanks to the help of The Tenants and Residents Association. A vacant shop in Pimblett Road is being decorated to provide a meeting point for people who need to discuss various issues with
THE Chicago Rock Cafe will be holding their own version of Stars in Our Eyes on Tuesday, May 15, when 10 of the best singers in town will compete for a chance to win a music session at a top recording studio. Various other prizes will be up for grabs
ST HELENS Council Leader Marie Rimmer has praised Saints for adding the Challenge Cup to their triumphs in the Grand Final and the World Club Challenge. Councillor Rimmer said: "What a wonderful achievement to win yet another famous trophy in the 100th
ST HELENS Council's Ranger Service is organising an action packed May Day festival at Sherdley Park on Monday, May 7. The Bank Holiday event, from noon to 5pm, will have a variety of events including folk music, rural craft display, traditional dances
A PREGNANT young mum was punched in the face by a robber who snatched her purse. The 18-year-old woman was set upon as she pushed her one-year-old child's pram across Hoyles playing fields off Bell Lane, Bury, at 11.15am yesterday. After she challenged
LOCAL officials of the world's largest humanitarian organisation are appealing for residents to support their annual fund-raising drive. Red Cross Week will run from Sunday, May 6 to Saturday, May 12 when collectors will be generating support throughout
"Return to the Forbidden Planet," Charter Theatre, Lancaster Road, Preston, 7.30pm. Gloverhill Residents Action Group and Neighbourhood Watch, St Bedes Church Hall, Railway Street, Nelson, 7pm. Blackburn Artists' Society Exhibition of Paintings in Watercolour
AMID nigh-constant debate and concern about supposedly sliding standards in education, a new culprit is placed in the dock in East Lancashire today alongside the traditional villains of trendy teaching methods and the dumbing down of tests -- text messaging
WE note that Burnley MP Peter Pike, voted for allowing the European Union Flag to be shown on car number plates. The legislation he was voting for makes it illegal to substitute the Union Jack, cross of St George, Scottish Saltire or Welsh dragon for
A MOTORCYLIST and his female pillion passenger, both aged 16, are recovering in hospital with serious leg injuries after their bike skidded off a road and smashed into a tree. Police say the youngsters, who have not been named, were travelling along Danes
I WAS one of the 3,151 failed nominees to become a non-political member of the House of Lords. Born in Colne, I attended Lord Street School until I was eleven. My grandfather, father and uncles all worked in local textile mills and my mother taught at
A MATT Jansen header from three yards out ensured a Rovers return to the Premier League. His goal 18 minutes from time secured a 1-0 win over Preston North End, at Deepdale. But Rovers had to survive a Preston shot against the post in the last minute,
COULD someone tell me why you can't have a military funeral in a Roman Catholic Church? There is but one God. Puzzled, Thatto Heath (name & address supplied).
I AM writing in disgust that the Council did not put on a civic reception for the Saints after their history making win at Twickenham. Instead it was up to the club to show off their smashing success. Years ago, win or lose, there was always a welcome
WINDLE residents, who remembers Dennis Cowley's shop, Dutton James garage or Lady Pilkington's Strawberry Teas? All of these commercial ventures existed around the cemetery for years without causing moral outrage. Two major dual carriageways and the petrol
MAY I, through your paper, say how proud I am of St Helens when approaching the town centre from the M62 via the Link Road. For the first time ever St Helens is starting to actually look like a proper town to the outside world instead of appearing like
A TEENAGER who has refused to do any community service was warned by a judge he could be facing jail. Anthony Sanderson, 19, was bailed for a pre-sentence report by Judge David Pirie who warned him he was not going to be allowed to "play fast and loose
POLICE have appealed for information about a spate of car tyre slashing in Nelson in the early hours of yesterday. Acting sergeant Marie Jackson said seven people had reported damage to their tyres while their cars had been parked in Brunswick Street
A BUSINESS woman who worked her way up the career ladder and is a role model for young Asian women has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. Single mum Tahira Shamim 37, of the Lomeshaye Road area, became the first Asian employee at the Marsden Building
OVAL ball stars of the future from Blackbrook Royals will cross the Irish Sea this weekend in a bid to promote Rugby League in the Emerald Isle. Members of Royals' under-13s and under-15s squads will head for Tipperary where they will play local opposition
PUPILS at a school in Colne were putting the finishing touches to their wildlife pond today after receiving expert help from the Environment Agency. The youngsters at Gibfield Special School, in Gibfield Road, were due to help Agency officers complete
WELL, would yer believe it? The appeal by our local World of Glass museum for a wartime air-raid siren didn't fall on deaf ears. After a mention on this page, Marie Roylance, exhibition and events manager, had two brought in. Marie was obviously delighted
OLD landlords never die, they simply head for the hills. Or at least Jack Poole, one-time mine host of three St Helens pubs chose to do so. For Jack (now 84) is, I'm pleased to hear, living in retirement in Brecon, Wales. And I'm sure that all his old
WE'VE all done it, of course . . . peeled off unfranked postage stamps from incoming items of mail and stuck 'em on our own outgoing letters. But there's a pitfall to this little cost-cutter, as I was to discover the other day. For while little can be
A GREAT fog sweeps in over the estuary like a silent tidal wave, blown by a wind to make a seagull shiver... No, it's not Knott End on a dank day in November, but the Grand Theatre, Blackpool, on a night of true dramatic terror. Yes, The Woman In Black
BOSSES at Great Harwood Food Products warned they may have to close down, losing 200 jobs, because of the mad cow disease scare. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced plans for a scheme to slaughter cattle more than 30 months old in
stroke of luck helps find long lost tagged Tigger AN AMAZING coincidence has put an end to weeks of searching for a hitchhiking cat. Tigger, a lucky six-year-old puss, has been reunited with his owners, Lowton's Waywell family, thanks to a stroke of good
A MASSIVE search resumed today amid growing concerns for the safety of missing Rossendale businessman Thomas Rosthorn. Rossendale Search and Rescue team, police dogs, specialist police search officers and the force helicopter have all been mobilised in
Councillor's delight at 323 acre deal 'Generations in the future will be able to enjoy this' CONSERVATIONISTS are celebrating the Forestry Commission's purchase of a huge tract of open space between Leigh and Tyldesley. The sale has been completed of
RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans will be meeting East Lancashire care home owners on Friday to discuss the problems caused by new government regulations. Recent rules about the size of rooms for old people and other disabled residents mean that many are being
West Park u/16s 17 Fylde 12 PARK'S youngsters gave a terrific display to end holders Fylde's three-year unbeaten record in this Lancashire Final on Sunday. After building up a 14-5 lead, Park conceded a late converted try to set the nerves jangling before
YOUNG Kelly Burrows from St Helens WA Gymnastics Club has been selected for the Lancashire Gymnastics under-8s squad. Kelly, who is trained by former British Veterans Champion Emma Potter at the club based at the former Sacred Heart School, off Borough
A PENSIONER who tripped over a footstool while closing her curtains and broke both her arms died in hospital, an inquest was told. Elsie May Greenhalgh, aged 82, died in Fairfield General Hospital from pneumonia due to immobility. Her son, Keith Greenhalgh
ISN'T a ludicrous notion - that well-heeled Clitheroe is flagging to the extent that it needs government regeneration money to put it back on its feet? I mean, this is the prosperous town that university surveys say has some of the best-quality-of-life
DID not the fact that, ultimately, it took a jury just 15 minutes to acquit him and that Clitheroe Grammar School teacher Garth Sutcliffe was welcomed back to the classroom by a standing ovation from pupils, speak eloquently of what they thought of the
A MATT Jansen header from three yards out ensured a Rovers return to the Premier League. His goal 18 minutes from time secured a 1-0 win over Preston North End, at Deepdale. But Rovers had to survive a Preston shot against the post in the last minute,
BRING on Man United! It's not certain yet but North End fans can be forgiven dreaming of playing the Old Trafford giants in the Premiership next season. Those dreams could become reality with just three matches now standing between PNE and a place in
COMPUTERISED accounts specialist Judy Howarth has joined Mayes Business Partnership of Accrington where she will give clients advice on software packages. Judy, 34, has been appointed computerised accounts co-ordinator and will be at the forefront of
A BLACKBURN automotive pressings and assembly company is reaping the benefits of joining the Investors in People Programme. B. Robinson & Co, which employs 170 people at two sites in the town, said profits had improved along with the skills of its
NEW full-time and part-time jobs will be created in a £330,000 investment programme at Express Gifts' Reeedyford Mill, Nelson. The company is concentrating all its charity catalogue operations at the Pendle Street site which will lead to an anticipated
PARENTS in Newton-le-Willows have been celebrating the success of the Partnership with Parents scheme. Supported by the Newton 21 Single Regeneration Budget, the project has benefited 2,000 local families since its launch at Newton-le-Willows Library
ENTRIES are now being invited for the third St Helens Corporate Cup - a five-kilometre town centre run or walk for teams of four. The event takes place on Wednesday, May 30, starting at 7.15pm and organisers say that there has already been considerable
THE technology of tomorrow is in St Helens today. St Helens Council has become the first highway authority on Merseyside to introduce solar-powered cats eyes on its roads. The innovative road studs -- featured on the BBC's 'Tomorrow's World' programme
RADCLIFFE Boro and Witton Albion produced plenty good football in the Unibond League Division One clash at Stainton Park but no goals last night. Boro had the better of the approach work but rarely seriously troubled Dean Greygoose in the visitors goal
SUPERMARKET bosses have agreed to meet Darwen town centre traders after a call to help represent the area. Michael Broadhurst, manager of Sainsbury's, in Redearth Road, Darwen, announced he would gladly attend the next meeting of the Darwen Town Centre
SATURDAY afternoons at the Citadel, Waterloo Street is an exciting time for St Helens youngsters who can take their parents along to magical theatre performances. This season starts on Saturday, May 5 with Little Angel Theatre's 'In the Beginning....What
CHILDREN took a step back in time yesterday when they played the games of their ancestors. Hand-held computer consoles were out and bags of marbles were in as the Year Two St Joseph's Primary School pupils of today embraced what Victorian children would
A SCHEME to crack down on car tax cheats is being hailed an instant success. Motorists have been warned their vehicles will be clamped, towed away and could even be crushed if they do not display a valid disc and road side checks are currently in operation
TREBLE-WINNING rugby league club Saints are to follow in the footsteps of Manchester United with a victory parade at Haydock Park Racecourse. The team, who completed their haul of trophies by winning the Rugby League Challenge Cup at Twickenham at the
A SCHEME set up to help new teenage mums in Darwen has been a success say care workers. Staff who run the Surestart project have seen the number of people attending a new weekly get together increase from two to seven in the last six weeks. Surestart
JUST two months old and almost in contention for a place on the march with the rest of the Barmy Army to witness Saints' Cup triumph at Twickenham! That was bouncing bundle of joy Luke Hamilton, who was enrolled as a fully paid-up member of Saints' official
A HISTORIC Darwen landmark that was transformed into a 21st century business complex has been given national recognition for its building design. India Mill, at the India Mill Centre, off Bolton Road, was mentioned in this year's Civic Trust Awards for
POLICE were called to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School when a student reported being attacked by an intruder in the school buildings. Police were called by the headteacher Martyn Morris at 12.30pm and officers searched the areas around the Glen Road
A ROSSENDALE nursery school so impressed the inspector she couldn't think of any way in which it could be improved! Staff at Meadow View Montessori Nursery School, Mitton Avenue, Constablelee, were delighted with the visit of the Ofsted inspector Sylvia
THERE was no room for bats in the belfry when would-be bell-ringers tried their hand at ringing the changes at St Thomas Church, Musbury, Helmshore. Arnold Billington has been bell-ringing for more than 30 years but his eyesight is fading. His wife Kathleen
A FORMER Rossendale vicar who quit his parish after an affair with a parishioner is still in hiding. Worship at his new parish at Copmanthorpe, near York, continued on Sunday when the service was taken by the Archdeacon of York the Ven Richard Seed. Married
for arm bitten in savage attack A PRISON officer, bitten so badly by an inmate that she had to have plastic surgery, could receive a payout from the prison service. Carolyn Knowles (above), who is 37 and lives in Leigh, has worked in the prison service
TWO men who dodged paying a £5.70 taxi fare were given conditional discharges for 12 months. David Shuttleworth, aged 23, of Hillside Avenue, Atherton and Tony Gingell, aged 20, of Warren Close, Atherton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court. Before the trial
THIS year's prestigious Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show is to go ahead despite the continuing foot and mouth crisis. However, cloven hoofed animals such as sheep and cattle will be banned from the show and visitors to the three-day event will be expected
A TEENAGER subject to an order aimed at curbing his bad behaviour confronted the Home Secretary in the street and said: "You've made me worse." But the Blackburn MP dismissed Lee Birkett's claims that he would commit more crime just to get a bed for the
CHADDERTON 2 - PADIHAM 0 PADIHAM suffered another frustrating 90 minutes of missed chances last night and as a result went down 2-0 away to Chadderton. Dean Smith headed the home side in front after 25 minutes following a left wing cross by Chris Barlow
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce claims his team deserve automatic promotion after they piled the pressure on second-placed Blackburn with a 2-0 victory at Wolves last night. Blackburn face a crucial clash at Lancashire rivals Preston tonight if they are
GLOSSOP 0 - CLITHEROE 3 CLITHEROE maintained their challenge for the NWCL Division One title -- despite struggling to come to terms with the playing surface at Glossop last night. "The pitch was bone dry and it was terrible to play on," said Blues boss
FLIXTON 0 - GREAT HARWOOD 0 GREAT Harwood inched nearer safety in the NWCL First Division despite having two men sent off at fellow strugglers Flixton last night. Neil Baron and Warren Peake were given their marching orders in a late bust-up which also
BACUP 5 - CASTLETON 2 BACUP came back from two goals down to enjoy a comfortable win over Castleton in NWCL Division Two. Castleton had raced into a two goal lead when Richard Brown netted in the 23rd minute and Shaun Cryer's shot deflected off Wayne
DARWEN 5 - BOOTLE 4 DARWEN were the victors in a nine goal thriller against Bootle -- and boss Steve Wilkes was glad there was more than one person turned up to witness it. Just one paying person cheered on Darwen in their 7-3 win over Holker last week
ATHERTON COLLS 0 - RAMSBOTTOM UTD 2 RAMSBOTTOM kept alive their NWCL Division One title hopes with a victory in the first of their six game run-in. After a frantic opening 15 minutes, it was clear that Ramsbottom faced a difficult time with Collieries
ROSSENDALE 4 - KIDSGROVE 2 ROSSENDALE remain on track for the NWCL Division One title with a convincing win over fellow high flyers Kidsgrove. Dale have just one game left and are being pressed by Clitheroe and Ramsbottom but feel one more win could be
Chris Joynt: "The conditions were very bad. We came out to warm up and then when we came out again the heavens had opened. And it was the same again for the second half. "It was the worst rain I have played in since the World Club Challenge - which we
Results Sunday, April 26 Under 16s: Dawson Cup semi-final: St Annes 2 Whiston Jun 4, Rainhill United 5 Knowsley South 2. Under 14s: Kevin Grundy Cup 2nd Round: Rainford 2 Whiston Juniors 6, Prescot Cables 0 Knowsley South 6, Rainhill United 5 Blackleyhurst
CALLING all bowlers! It's time to get your entries in for one of the most popular and prestigious events on the local crown green bowling calendar. The St Helens Star Masters tournament is being re-launched this season -- and it promises to be bigger
RAINFORD Rangers have clinched the Rainhill Junior League under 15s title ahead of runners-up St Annes with two games to go. Whiston Juniors are the under 13s champions, with Bleak Hill runners-up. In the under 11s section, meanwhile, Whiston Juniors
Prescot Cables 3 Clitheroe 1 ALTHOUGH their own title ambitions have ended for another season, Prescot finished their home programme in fine style with this hard-fought win over championship hopefuls Clitheroe. Cables took the lead after 13 minutes when
IN the spotlight this week is J. Schofield who won both the Sutton Oak and St Helens Flying Club races from Hereford. RESULTS South Eccleston HS racing from Hereford 28/4 1. D. Woods 1611 2. D. Woods 1600 3. W. Hilton & son 1531 4. D. Woods 1528 5
BRING on Man United! It's not certain yet but North End fans can be forgiven dreaming of playing the Old Trafford giants in the Premiership next season. Those dreams could become reality with just three matches now standing between PNE and a place in
POLICE are urging people not to leave personal keys lying around after a spate of 'hook-and-cane' burglaries in in the last four or five weeks. The offenders use a piece of wire with a hook on the end to remove house keys which are within range of the
THE Market Place and the Sefton Arms pubs in St Helens town centre are jointly hosting a 'Battle of the Bands' night on Monday, May 7. Local bands will be performing live at both pubs and organisers are hoping that music fans will go along to lend their
PUPILS at Bleak Hill School in Eccleston marked a major event in school life by burying items to illustrate the typical classroom of 2001. The pupils, who will shortly be moving into their new £2.3 million primary school, buried a time capsule in the
ST HELENS will play host to the second of ten Sunday afternoon TravelWise cycle rides this Sunday, May 6 and local people are being invited to get on their bikes and join in the fun! The rides, organised by Merseyside TravelWise, Merseyside Cycling Campaign
ST HELENS Council is bringing in some temporary changes to its refuse collection service during the May Bank Holidays, as well as expanding recycling opportunties. A wider range of collected materials can be recycled at more than 34 recycling sites, while
A PENSIONER was held up at gunpoint and her BMW stolen in a daylight hijacking. The 62-year-old woman was flagged down by a young couple as she drove along Sefton Street, Whitefield, at midday yesterday. The two offenders - a white woman with brown hair
