Archive

  • Pause in journey of hope

    MEMBERS of Blackburn Deanery Mothers' Union were joining forces with Michaela Fogarty, wife of the three times world superbike champion today. They were to be in a parade led by Thwaites' brewery drays when The Journey of Hope Canister arrived at Blackburn

  • Tory leader's links crucial

    THE election of Iain Duncan Smith as leader of the Conservative Party shows that our members throughout the North West have recognised his strength of character, energy, determination and fighting spirit. Iain has very close ties with America and has

  • Man is jailed for sex with girl, 14

    A MAN was jailed and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' register for 10 years for having unlawful sex with a 14-year-old girl. Jailing Robert Russell for 18 months, a judge told him the courts had a duty "to protect young girls from the attentions of

  • Sympathies lie with the victims

    ANY person with a hint of humanity will condemn the atrocious attack on America. However, for our sympathies to lie completely with America rather than the people who died, who were from all over the world, is wrong. Where do you think the group who are

  • Have-a-go hero foils armed raid

    A BRAVE postmaster fought with armed robbers after they smashed their way through a security screen in a bid to snatch cash. Philip Boyd tackled the masked men who were armed with a sledgehammer and what was thought to be a handgun. Two men entered Crawshawbooth

  • EWOOD EYE: Robbie too pricey for Rovers

    SO Robbie Fowler's coming to Ewood according to the national Press? A tantalising thought perhaps but one that is sadly totally unrealistic as Graeme Souness quite rightly illustrated when put on the spot in a Press conference yesterday. When -- rather

  • Bring the noise

    EWOOD chief Graeme Souness today called on Rovers fans to pump up the volume tonight in a bid to spark the club's season into life. With one win to show from their opening five fixtures, Souness knows his side must make the most of back-to-back home games

  • School bids to be first to achieve new grade

    A HIGH school in Burnley is bidding to become the first in the country to be declared a business and enterprise college. Ofsted inspectors have praised Ivy Bank High School, Byron Street, for its superb links with the local business community and at a

  • Speak up, but make it quick!

    RESIDENTS in Healey Wood, Burnley, who have sent more than 250 letters of objection to a planning application are expected to turn up in force at a council meeting tomorrow. They are opposing plans for a business unit at the rear of Springfield Road.

  • Jody is set for telly stardom

    A TEENAGER from Barrowford is one of the major stars in a hard-hitting new BBC2 drama When I Was 12 which was filmed in Burnley. The film is the handiwork of multi-award-winning film-maker Dominic Savage who recently picked up the best new director prize

  • Public meeting will discuss network

    A NETWORK of voluntary and community groups is to be set up in Pendle. Residents and local organisations are asked to attend a public meeting at Nelson and Colne College, Reedyford Road Sports Centre, at 7pm on Tuesday. An official from the Government

  • They're buzzing for bug week

    KIDDIES from two nursery schools dressed up as insects to celebrate Barlick Bug Week. The youngsters from La Petite Ecole and Pendle nurseries went out on a bugs parade in the yard of the former Rainhall Road school. Some of them will be taking part in

  • Men spotted near scene of burglary

    POLICE want to speak to two men about a burglary in Railway Street, Foulridge. They were seen near the house at the time of the break-in when items valued at £2,600 were taken. These included a Sony CD player, 50 CDs, a Compaq laptop computer, Canon printer

  • The cracked pot

    SEARCH any computer's clipart for a graphic to represent the theatre and you'll get the well-known symbol of masks representing comedy and tragedy. This centuries-old image gives 'Northern Broadsides' its unique rationale. They perform two plays in tandem

  • All song and dance in Chicago

    JUSTICE is revealed as a three-ring circus when lawyer, defendant and prosecution give celebrity performances in a cynical tale where trial for murder is presented as entertainment. Chicago the Musical is about wannabe star Roxie Hart (Jane Fowler) who

  • Five years ago

    A SPECIAL exhibition of vinyl records from throughout history was put on show at Burnley Heritage Centre. Burnley historian James Howell delved deep into his own collection to put together the old 78s from the 1930s right through to the 1980s including

  • Robbers threaten woman with hammer

    A TERRIFIED shopkeeper was forced to hand over cash to two thugs when one of them threatened her with a hammer. The robbery happened at 9.30pm at Booze Buster off-licence, Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, when the two men, described by police as white

  • Sounds of thanks for survival nurses

    A BRAVE grandmother who beat cancer 18 months ago is planning a fundraiser for the dedicated band of nurses who helped her to survive. Lorraine Riley, 47, found a lump in her left breast in February last year which was diagnosed as being cancerous. She

  • Phone masts legal probe

    UNDERFIRE councillors are to set up their own inquiry in a bid to force a change in the law over mobile telephone masts. The move by Hyndburn council has come after a series of decisions allowing telecommunications poles to be erected across the borough

  • Garage plan survives privacy protest

    PLANNING permission has been given for an extension over a garage workshop to form residential accommodation at Arches Cottage, Main Street, Sawley. The application sought planning permission and listed building consent to alter the dwelling to build

  • Abattoir gets the chop and internet plans are shelved

    THE Ribble Valley's only privately owned abattoir is the latest casualty of the foot and mouth crisis. Butcher and owner Ian Heywood had planned to launch a mail order and internet service, Ribblevale Meat and Poultry, from his abattoir in Wiswell. It

  • 'Oscars' boost to tourism

    TOURISM in East Lancashire has been given a boost after receiving several nominations for the 'Oscars' of the tourism industry - the prestigious North West Tourism Awards. The Inn at Whitewell, near Clitheroe, has been shortlisted for the best small hotel

  • Cheeky challenge

    DIDN'T it get right up your exhaust pipe, that explanation from regeneration chief Councillor Ashley Whalley for most of the main roads into Blackburn being obstructed by roadworks timed to take place all at once? Better doing them all in one go than

  • The money pit

    THAT the nanny state mentality has thrived under New Labour has been made plain time and again - with everything from free computers for the 'deprived' to free condoms for promiscuous teenagers. But don't we get a telling insight into how deep-dyed -

  • Little growing larger

    HE may be called Little but the Clarets winger's reputation is growing by the match. And if the rumours of interest from Premiership clubs are true, so is his transfer fee - not that Burnley have any intention of selling him. Glen Little was the star

  • Bring the noise

    EWOOD chief Graeme Souness today called on Rovers fans to pump up the volume tonight in a bid to spark the club's season into life. With one win to show from their opening five fixtures, Souness knows his side must make the most of back-to-back home games

  • Late goal cruel blow to Bury

    Bournemouth 3 Bury 2 LAST minute of the game, the score two each and a well-deserved point almost certainly in the bag. Almost certainly that is, if it was anyone other than Bury playing. For those who have been watching the Shakers for a while will know

  • MP to show minister town's 'ghettoes'

    A TOUR of some of the area's worst pockets of deprivation awaits Housing Minister Lord Falconer when he visits Darwen and Rossendale next month. Darwen and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson is ready to greet the Minister on October 19. Mrs Anderson says she

  • Human sewage flows down street

    WORKERS at a warehouse were shocked when raw sewage flowed down the road. The incident happened near Kenley Warehousing and Distribution at Darwen Mill on Hilton Street at dinner time yesterday. Managing director of the company Chris Clay said that it

  • Salon is top of the crop

    TOP of the crops -- that's hair salon Headmasters in Waterfoot! Owner Christine Moffatt entered a competition for 10 North West salons and was delighted when the organisers, Wella, picked her as the best. They were checking on how the staff give advice

  • Probe into the death of toddler Aaron

    THE inquest into the death of toddler Aaron Reynolds, who died when a fire broke out at his home in Rawtenstall, will be held at Reedley Magistrates Court next Thursday. His mum, Sally and partner Graham Gardiner, are expecting to attend the inquest and

  • Bonfire alert

    A BONFIRE lit close to houses was extinguished by Hindley firefighters. Trees chopped down to clear land on Abbey Lane were piled up and set alight at 6.30 pm yesterday.

  • Probe into fire death of toddler Aaron

    THE inquest into the death of toddler Aaron Reynolds, who died when a fire broke out at his home in Rawtenstall, will be held at Reedley Magistrates Court next Thursday. His mum, Sally and partner Graham Gardiner, are expecting to attend the inquest and

  • Cash raised at superstore

    CUSTOMERS and staff at Asda's Blackburn store have already raised £2,000 towards the American disaster fund. A fund was started the day after the disaster and money has been raised by customers and staff putting cash in buckets which have been placed

  • Anti-racism group: 'We back war on terror'

    AN East Lancashire racial equality group has urged the governments of the Western world to root out the perpetrators of evil once and for all. Members of the Blackburn with Darwen Racial Equality Council stood alongside the mayor of Blackburn as the town

  • Security top of Straw Europe agenda

    WESTERN security was top of the agenda when Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw held talks in Brussels in the wake of the American terrorist atrocities. A long-planned get-to-know-you meeting with senior EU Commissioners and Euro-MPs inevitably

  • Hope is hanging on wall

    A CHARITY wants East Lancashire women who survived breast cancer to help them spread a message of hope. The Cancer Research Campaign will set up its Wall of Hope in Blackburn and Colne town centres in October. The wall has the pictures of hundreds of

  • Hello 'Sailor! On video, anyway

    IF you are one of the most hyped bands of the year, a pub is not the first place you'd think of unveiling your debut album. That is exactly what happened for next-big-thing group Starsailor last night -- at a backstreet bar in Chorley! But the nearest

  • Farmers call for a clearer picture

    BLACKBURN with Darwen has had its risk assessment dropped by foot and mouth officials it was announced today But the despair for the farmers in the Ribble Valley continues as the area -- of the worst affected areas in the county -- is still deemed a "

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Colne action

    COLNE face Leek at home in NWCL Division Two tonight, hoping to build on their morale-boosting 2-0 win at Norton United on Saturday.

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Stand-ing tall

    STAND maintained their position at the top of the NWCL Division Two table with their sixth consecutive win. Micky Bartholomew opened the scoring for the Ewood Bridge side with his third of the campaign on 16 minutes. And Steve Carroll made it safe with

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Nelson bounce back

    NELSON worked hard to get back on the winning trail at the Whitebank Stadium and would not have been flattered if the scoreline had been doubled. The Blues suffered a 5-0 loss to Daisy Hill on Saturday - only their second loss in nine games. But the NWCL

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Darwen not the prize guys

    DARWEN fell to two sucker punches early in the game against one of the early NWCL Division Two pacesetters Formby and never recovered. Despite a good start which saw Paul Baker go close for Darwen only to be denied by goalkeeper Lindon King's knee, Formby

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Blankety blank in derby

    THE deadlock could not be broken in an entertaining derby as Bacup and Padiham shared the spoils in NWCL Division Two. Padiham started off the brighter of the two sides and had a couple of chances to take the lead in the early stages, but couldn't find

  • Dobie double upsets Preston

    ONE-time North End target Scott Dobie scored his sixth goal in four games to pile the misery on Preston at the Hawthorns last night. North End thought they had kick-started this season after their first victory in the league with the win over Millwall

  • Man kept child porn images

    A MAN was convicted of 10 offences of possessing pornographic images of children. Douglas Rayment, aged 55, had denied a total of 11 charges of possessing indecent images of a child during his trial at Bolton Crown Court. The jury found him guilty on

  • Fire call hoaxers must be cut off

    AT a time when the vital role of firefighters has been demonstrated beyond compare in America, it brings home with telling effect what a curse hoax emergency calls are. For not only are lives and property placed in jeopardy when firemen turn out in response

  • The Arctic fish that lost its way

    A WEEK or two ago I was asked for some observations about the Arctic Charr, a fish which occurs in the Lake District, especially in the depths of Windermere. These days we talk about Global Warming and yet we are just recovering from the last Ice Age.

  • Berries with a deadly reputation

    FORTUNATELY, deadly nightshade is a rare plant because no flower has had a more evil reputation than the witches' plant, which is also known as "daft berries" and belladonna. Its scientific name is Atropa Belladonna and it is so poisonous that it has

  • Rival rulers of the pondlife kingdom

    I MENTIONED recently that the dragonfly was a sort of tiger of the pond and later received an interesting letter from John Blenkinsop, who remembered working with me and the late John Clegg, an expert on fresh water biology. "I agree with you," wrote

  • Look to your own country, Tony

    INSTEAD of getting involved in world policing, Tony Blair should sort out our own country first. He has a lot of work to do here -- hospitals, schools and asylum seekers. Yes, support the USA, but don't get involved. It will only make things worse. WILLIAM

  • Blair's a fair weather friend

    REGARDING the Prime Minister's vow to join America in hunting down the terrorists who wreaked such horror in America, remembering how Tony Blair released dozens of terrorists from jail in Northern Ireland some months ago, if the circumstances were not

  • Don't allow evil to repeat itself

    MAY our country support Tony Blair in everything he decides to do regarding recent events in the United States. This indeed was an attack on every nation which believes in democracy. Therefore, we should not sit back and allow evil to repeat itself. I

  • Recognise the truly afflicted

    REGARDING the terrorist activities in America, who is it out of all that have been hurt by those terrible deeds that needs assistance most? Is it the ones who have received the pain and the suffering or is it the ones who delivered it? These words lay

  • Threatened by a spiral of violence

    TONY Blair has indicated that European integration will be strengthened in response to terrorism. Britain will support a new European search-and-arrest warrant, as well as the abolition of formal extradition procedures between EU member states. But there

  • Bonfire goes ahead thanks to campaign

    WE'VE saved the bonfire! Organisers are going ahead with this year's event at Witton Park after a Lancashire Evening Telegraph campaign prompted scores of pledges of support. Blackburn's annual fire and fireworks event, which attracts 10,000 people from

  • Ace Twiss sparks RMI glory night

    Leigh RMI 3 Chester City 0 A SPARKLING performance from young striker Michael Twiss set Leigh RMI on their way to a comfortable victory over Chester City - their second successive Conference win. The 23-year old former Manchester United star set home

  • Short not out for long

    BLACKBURN defender Craig Short today vowed to be back in action as quickly as possible after undergoing surgery on his injured knee. The former Everton defender is facing up to the prospect of at least a month on the sidelines following an operation to

  • We will bounce back says Charlie

    BOLTON defender Simon Charlton today predicted that Wanderers will bounce back from the disappointment of their first Premiership defeat. "We have the resolve to get a result at Blackburn," the in-form Reebok full-back warned rivals Rovers ahead of tonight's

  • It won't be friendly says the skipper

    MIDFIELD general Garry Flitcroft has no intention of being neighbourly as Rovers and Bolton prepare to do battle at Ewood tonight. Flitcroft and Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce live barely a stone's throw away from each other in a village on the outskirts

  • Passenger hurt

    A CAR went out of control and hit a stone gate post in Robin House Lane, Briercliffe. Involved in the accident at 2.30am on Monday was a Ford Escort driven by Sebastian Thomas Walmsley, 18, of Cherry Tree Lane, Townsendfold, Rawtenstall. Passenger, Stephen

  • Woman bailed after attack on paper girl

    A PAPERGIRL was in tears after she was attacked on her early morning round, a court heard. Burnley Magistrates were told how Stacey Riley, 21, slapped the 14-year-old but the prosecution alleged she punched and "set about" the teenager. Riley, of Fir

  • Mentally ill man's parents to sue hospital

    A MENTALLY ill man from Nelson will make a fifth appearance before magistrates tomorrow after being repeatedly sent back to Lancaster Farm young offenders institute because of a lack of local mental health resources to deal with him. Neil Anthony Green

  • Brighter news for town centre trade

    A RETAIL survey of Pendle's town centres says the number of empty properties is declining. The survey to be discussed by the council executive tomorrow also dismisses fears of the effect of the opening of the Morrisons super store on Nelson town centre

  • Ten years ago

    A MASSIVE £30m plan to take Blackburn town centre into the 21st century was dumped by London based developers Hyperion Properties. The plans for a hotel, shops, leisure facilities, a multiplex cinema, restaurants and a new night club on the 16-acre site

  • Churches spreading the Word

    THE parishes making up the Accrington Team Ministry of Christ the King will hold a mission day on Sunday September 23 at the Poplar Working Men's Club, Wellington Street. Eighty members from the six churches will meet from 1pm to discuss their faith and

  • Death charge driver due in court

    A MAN was due to appear in court today charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Andrew McManus, 21, of the Old Coach House, Whalley Road, Billington, was sent on bail by magistrates in Blackburn to Preston Crown Court. He was expected to appear

  • Excitement as auction mart returns

    CLITHEROE auction mart is to hold its first market since the foot and mouth outbreak hit the Ribble Valley. The Wednesday market programme was put on hold in May, but returns on Wednesday September 26, from 10am onwards. It will offer a wide range of

  • 'Model' home wins backing

    A "FLAGSHIP" development for nursing and residential care facilities could soon be built on land at The Sidings in Whalley. Ribble Valley Borough Council planning committee approved an outline application for the development at the northern end of the

  • Anniversary pair scoop prize

    WHEN David Astin told his wife Sue they'd scooped a big lottery win on their wedding anniversary she thought he was joking. But Sue, 44, of Clitheroe, soon realised that her husband's weekly wind-up was in fact reality, and the couple are now celebrating

  • WHO SAID WHAT: Francis praises Clarets

    IN the past Blues boss Trevor Francis has been reluctant to talk about the opposition, preferring to concentrate on his own side. But last night, after seeing Burnley end a 100 per cent home record, he admitted: "They have made a fantastic start. They

  • TURF TALK: Hands off Stan the man

    WHEN a manager is enjoying success it is inevitable that his name will be linked with any vacancy that pops up with monotonous regularity throughout the season. Therefore it will have come as no surprise to Clarets fans that the rumour mill has been suggesting

  • Little growing larger

    HE may be called Little but the Clarets winger's reputation is growing by the match. And if the rumours of interest from Premiership clubs are true, so is his transfer fee - not that Burnley have any intention of selling him. Glen Little was the star

  • Goal-den wonder

    FORGET a goal of the season competition, at Burnley it is hard enough to win a goal of the week contest. After Paul Cook's wonder goal at the weekend, Glen Little served up two entries and Ian Moore a third in a thrilling victory at St Andrews last night

  • Why we are seen as land of the freebie

    DEPLORABLE as it is for any mugging to occur, with a recent case in Darwen were we not nevertheless given an enlightening insight into why this country is so attractive to asylum seekers that some will even risk death clinging to Channel Tunnel trains

  • Fire threat could be a blessing in disguise

    IF carried out, there might be a blessing in disguise in the threat by fire crews to let houses burn on Blackburn's notorious Fishmoor sink housing estate if they come under attack from yobs deliberately setting them ablaze so they can hurl stones at

  • Dobie double upsets Preston

    ONE-time North End target Scott Dobie scored his sixth goal in four games to pile the misery on Preston at the Hawthorns last night. North End thought they had kick-started this season after their first victory in the league with the win over Millwall

  • Brush up on artistic skills

    YOUNGSTERS in the Darwen area can put their artistic skills to good use on Saturday mornings by taking part in art sessions. The sessions are held at Darwen Valley Arts Centre on Sudell Road and are open to youngsters aged between five and 15-years-old

  • It's never to late to learn

    ADULT education classes are taking place at Darwen Adult Education Centre on Railway Road and Darwen Access Point in Duckworth Street and there is a wide variety of courses to choose from. These include calligraphy, keep fit, computing, painting and drawing

  • Drinks may have brought on death of woman, 54

    CHRISTINE Chawner, 54, of Anchor Grove, Darwen, died of natural causes which could have been brought on by heavy and prolonged drinking. An inquest heard that Mrs Chawner suffered heart failure but a post-mortem examination had been carried out because

  • Cash-raiser for impoverished people

    A CRAFT morning at Sion Baptist Church, Higher Cloughfold, will raise money for impoverished people from Angola. For the third consecutive year, members of the fellowship at the church will hold a coffee morning on Saturday, from 10,30pm to 1.30pm. There

  • Witness tells of 200mph horror crash

    AN eyewitness has spoken of the horror of the 200mph smash which cost racing driver Alex Zanardi his legs. Steve Hobday, 36, of Haslingden, was in Germany at Lausitzring on Saturday to give a demonstration for his own racing team SPH Motorsport, who he

  • Morning on the wing

    A WILDFOWL spotting morning run by the Bolton Wildlife Explorers and Bolton Phoenix has been organised for September 22 from 9.30am to 1pm at Pennington Flash, Leigh. Anyone interested can book a place by ringing 01204 305435.

  • 'Hit by doorman' claim by clubber

    A CLUBBER had to have 40 stitches to his mouth after he was allegedly attacked by a bouncer in a town centre club. Burnley Crown Court heard how Mark Hoodless, who had been to watch the Clarets and then out drinking with friends, was said to have been

  • My brave friend who died a hero

    LANCASHIRE fireman John Williamson has saluted the bravery of his close friend, New York fire chief Peter Ganci, who dug himself out of the rubble of the World Trade Centre and continued to help others right up until his death. Mr Williamson, Lancashire's

  • Family in 'get in touch' plea

    POLICE are becoming increasingly worried about the whereabouts of a man missing since Monday. Carl Stone, 23, was last seen at his home in the Galligreaves area of Blackburn. Ian Thompson, of Blackburn Police, said friends and family of 23-year-old Carl

  • Bosnia soldier's mission after 'threats'

    FORMER soldier Tristian Binney went off on a short fuse when he went looking for a man he believed had made threats towards him. Blackburn magistrates heard that Binney gave Andrew Aspin 20 seconds to open his front door but before he had counted to ten

  • Woman fined over stolen shoes

    A WOMAN has been fined for buying shoes stolen in a warehouse raid. Paula McCrory bought footwear for all the family from two men who came knocking at her door, offering shoes at bargain basement prices. Blackburn magistrates heard that when police went

  • Partner 'threw woman around kitchen'

    POLICE called to a domestic disturbance found Ian Keegan throttling his partner as he threw her around the kitchen, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard there was a large amount of blood on the floor and the worktops and as the officers entered

  • Number's up for hoax 999 callers

    FIRE chiefs are using text messages to cut the number of hoax calls, it was revealed today. After working to reduce the number of malicious calls, bosses at Lancashire Fire and Rescue fear the explosion of mobile phones is responsible for a slight rise

  • Kevin's eyes on the top spot

    POP star Kevin Simm is preparing for a date with some of the world's top concert halls -- five years after making his singing debut in a school hall! The 20-year-old, who is widely tipped to top the charts next week with the so-called Flopstars group

  • Holiday let shock for mum and kids

    A SINGLE mum and her family may be allowed to stay permanently in a Slaidburn holiday home after planning chiefs agreed to discuss their plight further. Pam Breaks, who lives at Robinsons Cottage, Easington Road, works on the shooting estate in Easington

  • LOCAL SOCCER: New boss keeps unbeaten record

    CLITHEROE's new player-boss Lee Sculpher made it two wins out of two at Prescot in the NWCL Division One last night. Victory was secured with a goal after just five minutes from Neil Spencer. Spencer picked up a throw from the right hand flank and cut

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Neild error proves costly

    A RARE mistake from keeper Keith Neild cost Ramsbottom against high-flyers Salford City. The experienced Neild directed a kick straight into the back of one of Salford's forwards in the 56th minute and Keith Evans pounced to put his side in front. Salford

  • MOTORSPORT: Neil's new deal

    NEIL HODGSON has signed a three-year deal to lead Ducati's challenge in World Superbikes. The Burnley-born rider will stay with his GSE Racing team next year. But in 2003 the GSE team will become Ducati's main factory outfit in World Superbikes, while

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Sargey double for Dale

    ROSSENDALE United continued their impressive start to their UniBond Premier Division campaign with another comfortable victory at Gretna last night. The only thing to take the gloss off the result was the unfortunate injury to Jerome Fitzgerald who had

  • Woman threw glass at publican

    POLICE were called to a Whitefield pub after a glass was thrown at the bar, a court heard. Bury magistrates were told that police were called to the New Grove Inn after Elizabeth Finneran, aged 28, had thrown a glass, hitting the landlord but not causing