HAZEL RUSHTON - who until recently Mayoress of Padiham - has been getting her fingers dirty.

She is recycling polyanthus plants and spring bulbs which would be thrown away by the parks department because they haven't time to recycle them.

Hazel will nurture them over the summer ready to be re-planted somewhere in Padiham in the autumn.

SUNDAY provided glorious weather for Padiham's Annual Whitsun Walk. It was led by the Mayor of Padiham, Coun Mark Jinkinson and his wife Denise.

They were accompanied by Burnley's MP Peter Pike and the Deputy Mayor of Burnley, Coun John Harbour with his wife, Coun Gillian Harbour.

Clergy from all the churches in Padiham and Hapton were at the front of the parade also.

Congregations from each church gathered at St Leonard's and then paraded throught the main streets of town accompanied by three marching bands.

THE Spring Fair held at the Methodist Church sold so many freshly baked items that hardly a housewife in Hapton had to slave over a hot stove at the weekend!

Business was brisk and a lot of money was raised, with the bric-a-brac stalls inundated with people seeking bargains.

PARKS manager Simon Goff attended the Parish Council meeting and explained the funding initiatives that the council are on the point of achieving.

Several residents of the Hameldon Road area attended the meeting to express their concern about the proposal to site two large buildings for agricultural use by their properties. The clerk will contact the planning office with their concerns.

AN exercise programme for people who have been told by their doctor to become fitter has started at Padiham Pool.

People eligible to attend are those who have been advised by their doctor and have been issued with a 'prescription.' For details of this health promoting scheme contact your local surgery.