THE last in the current season of live comedy in Leyland, is set for Friday October 4. Top of the bill will be the hilariously demented Carey Marx, recently featured on Channel 5's Jack Docherty Show, BBC 1's Stand Up Show and Channel 4's Gas. The audience
NOT so much a concert, more a friend dropping in for a chat. Pete McCarthy came to Burnley last night and shared a thoroughly enjoyable evening with a good sized audience, regaling them with some of his tales of travel and readings from his two best-selling
THIS was a must win game for bottom of the table United, who faced an Abbey Hey side fresh from an 8-1 FA Vase win on Saturday. On six minutes the Manchester side had a lucky escsape when Russell Brierley's cross beat the keeper, but passed across the
ANDY Preece has welcomed a week without night matches as he bids to eradicate an alarming bout of fatigue in the Shakers' camp. Bury have emerged from a hectic start to the campaign on a level footing with the teams occupying the play-off berths, not
RFU National League Two Sedgley Park...17pts Bracknell...16pts THIS was a shapeless, untidy game, tense rather than genuinely exciting, and the final whistle came as a relief as Sedgley hung on for two precious league points. Bracknell were the quicker
POWERGEN INTERMEDIATE CUP First round Bury...16 Ormskirk...5 THE road back to Ormskirk must, in the words of Lennon and McCartney, have seemed long and winding when you have been outplayed by a team assumed to be cannon fodder. This, at least, was the
1910: The twin-engined plane had its first test flight in France. 1938: The 80,000 ton liner, Queen Elizabeth, was launched by the Queen Mother. 1960: Europe's first travelator began operating at London's Bank tube station. 1968: The musical Hair, which
BIN PUNISHED: Refuse men had been reprimanded for leaving dustbins without lids for long periods of time. The move followed complaints from residents in the Lowercroft area. Residents claimed that the open bins were attracting vermin and were a potential
I DISAGREE with Mrs H Hamer's view (Letters, September 4) that Whalley Range and Randal Street are 'grot spots' that let Blackburn down. There are many other areas twice as bad, such as Infirmary, Johnstone Street, Bank Top, Highercroft, Mill Hill and
AROUND 35 workers had to be evacuated after a fire broke out at Ainsworth Finishing Company. The blaze started at the Bury Road premises at 2.50am last Friday (Sept 20) when cotton dust is believed to have ignited in an industrial drying machine. Firefighters
A PENSIONER was robbed of her handbag by a thug in the early evening The incident happened at 8.10pm on Saturday (Sept 21) as the 69-year-old walked along Porrit Street in Bury. She was approached from behind by the thief who snatched her handbag and
A 22-YEAR-OLD man was robbed of his mobile phone by a thug. The incident happened outside St Monica's RC High School in Bury Old Road, Prestwich, at 6.10pm on Sunday (Sept 22). Police say the offender approached the Asian victim and grabbed the phone
A TASTY recipe for community friendship has been cooked up in Bury. Elderly residents are attending new luncheon clubs, the first to be run by Bury Council. The first meetings took place in Bury at Griffin House and Falcon House. These will now run weekly
IT was just the job for hundreds of local employment seekers when Bury staged a special event to fill more than 300 vacancies. The Jobs Fair was held in Bury Town Hall and attracted representatives from many local companies offering temporary seasonal
AN early morning ram raid on a Bury petrol station which caused £2,000 worth of damage was captured by a CCTV camera. Now police are hunting for the robber who drove a stolen car at speed into the shop front at the Save Service Station in Rochdale Old
FIREBUGS are being blamed for starting a blaze which damaged an exterior section of a Radcliffe factory. The fire, at the premises of GMG Products in Cams Lane, involved a quantity of plastic waste material. Flames damaged the outside wall and the heat
PROTESTERS against care homes closures vowed they would continue their fight despite the county council's decision. The vice-chairman of the Lancashire Action Committee, Bob Trafford, said county council leader Hazel Harding "should resign immediately
SHOTS showman Jahn Hanson is hoping to shake up the cocktail world with his colourful creations when he makes a bid for the World Cocktail Making Championship. The TGI Friday barman is in with a chance of stealing the crown in San Francisco next March
DEVOTING more than half his life to the Scout movement is nothing to shout about, according to Mr Fred Hughes. But the Scout Association disagreed and last week it presented him with an award for 40 years service. Mr Hughes (75) of Selby Walk, Bury, joined
BURY'S popular Mill Gate shopping centre will resound to the sound of drums today (Fri Sept 27) during the official opening of the £3 million Minden Parade redevelopment. At 10.45am, the Lancashire Fusiliers Association Corps of Drums will march into
FACTORY workers were evacuated as more than 15 firefighters responded to a chemical alert. The drama at the premises of A&E Threads at Bankside Mill, Chapelfield, Radcliffe, happened after a quantity of phiournea dioxide, contained inside a 50 kilogram
IS it downtown Hong Kong? Rush hour in Peking? No. It's the mayor and mayoress on their travels in the borough. The mayor swapped his official limo for a rickshaw and brought traffic to a crawl on Saturday (Sep 21). Councillor John Smith and his mayoress
BLACKBURN'S very own radio station 'The Burn FM' is back on the airwaves and that means the return of the ever popular Friday Night Sport tonight. The weekly sports programme proved a big hit during the Blackburn-based independent station's two trial
THE introduction of a new transfer window in English football has come in for it's fair share of criticism since it was implemented at the end of August. But the one group of people who do stand to gain from it are up and coming young hopefuls like Blackburn
NEIL Danns could easily have gone off the rails. Brought up in one of the toughest neighbourhoods in Britain, the Toxteth-born teenager could have slumped into a life of crime. Temptation lay in waiting at every street corner, eager to entice its next
THE 'nobs' and their 'hangers-on' have had their day for protesting about countryside rights - in reality a cover for defending fox and stag hunting 'rights' - so we can now sum up some of the issues involved, issues particularly here in North Lancs.
IN THE expensive folly, which is the new Scale Hall Lane junction, pedestrians have once again been sacrificed on the alter to the mighty motor car. The pedestrian crossing traffic lights on Morecambe Road have been adjusted such that they only change
'WHO do you think you are kidding Mr Metcalfe?' You don't want zero-tolerance because you feel safe and you don't feel the rest of us in Morecambe should be entitled to any form of peace! Why don't you do yourself a favour and buy yourself a nice little
TRAIN drivers union ASLEF held talks on Wednesday with First North Western in their ongoing dispute over pay. With threatened strike action, which could disrupt weekend services in the coming months, First North Western are trying to resolve differences
A FAMILY, from Preston, were involved in a bus crash while on holiday in Turkey. Tina Rigg, 37, husband Andrew, 36, and children Graeme and Daniel, both 13, Shelby, nine, and niece Lisa Rigg-Swindlehurst, eight, were travelling to Marmaris when the coach
PRESTON Prison is leading the way in helping prisoners adapt to life behind bars with its award winning night centre. From organising pets left behind at home to telling family members of a change in circumstance, the centre's staff focuses on the individual
PRESTON is to have its own city 'cathedral' as the Bishop of Blackburn plans to make St John The Divine Church, on Church Street a minster. The present building has been on the site since the nineteenth century, the tower since 1814 and the body since
A CELEBRITY made a visit to Preston's Football Museum looking for the oldest soccer ball in town! The football, used when Preston North End were beaten 2-1 by West Bromwich Albion in the 1888 FA cup final, was sold for £32,900 on Tuesday at a London auction
THE ARRIVAL of a saucy lingerie shop in Preston has received a frosty response from a senior member of the clergy. Ann Summers is to officially open its 71st store in Preston next month but a Catholic Father has said that the chain of shops encourage
A NEW police initiative to put uniformed police workers on the beat has been criticised by union chiefs as getting bobbies on the cheap. Recruiting takes place next week for the new Home Office funded scheme which will see Preston and South Ribble patrolled
POLICE are hunting robbers who attacked a disabled woman and ransacked her home. The 52-year-old, who uses a walking stick because of a back injury, was attacked outside her house in Hargrove Avenue, Burnley, on Monday night after going into the back
AN ex-soldier suffering post traumatic stress disorder after being sent to war attacked two police officers. Burnley Magistrates heard how Shaun Smith, 31, had been in and out of various psychiatric institutions and had recently been in Burnley General
PC LINDA Haywood will hold a police clinic at 12 Lowerhouse Lane on Monday from 3pm. Local people are invited to call in and discuss any concerns they may have in their community, or call in and have a casual chat. THE next family social evening at St
A DEPRESSED teenage mum resorted to crime in a bid to win back the affections of the father of her daughter. Burnley Magistrates heard Claire Higson, 19, who has a 12-week-old baby, stole a neighbour's cheque and then handed it over to her boyfriend after
A FORMER pub manager accused of starting a fire said to have put the lives of his girlfriend and two children at risk after a tiff told a jury he loved them. Philip Swarsbrick, 34, then running the Fighting Cocks, Cliviger, who admitted he lied to the
A MAJOR re-organisation of policing is planned after a high ranking officer admitted he was tired of being unable to keep promises to reduce crime. Supt Steve Hartley added that mistakes had been made in tackling crime and that he knew the people of Burnley
EAST Lancashire's Iraq war rebel Gordon Prentice today explained his rebuff for Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Pendle MP was one of 56 Labour back benchers to defy the Prime Minister in Tuesday's debate on the issue. Mr Prentice was caught in a major
PRESTON and District Referees Society welcome the FA's fitness co-ordinator for Lancashire, Barry Oldham to their next monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 1. Mr Oldham is a former Nationwide League referee and brings with him a wealth of experience, not
BRIG sealed victory well before the final whistle in a confident display, writes Daniel Mee. They creating some good early chances with Stewart Clitheroe putting a good cross into the back post, on ten mintes but Alex Porter's left footed volley was too
CHILDREN will be served up a treat next week as the Cliff Richard Tennis Trail visits schools to encourage pupils to pick up a racket and serve an ace. Ten primary schools in the area will receive tennis equipment and funds for 20 hours of coaching from
GRAHAM HOWARTH is not getting too carried away by Padiham's success as he knows his side could hit a rough patch any day. So far it has been an amazing start to the NWCL Division Two campaign with eight wins and one draw for the side from nine league
PENDLE Partnership is encouraging community projects to apply for small grants. The partnership an alliance of organisations from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors, is committed to the regeneration of Pendle. It can help projects apply
A PRIVATE nursery in Church received a first class report from the government's Ofsted department. The Dill Hall Nursery, on Regent Road, was found to be making good progress in all areas of learning.
BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw pledged his support for 24 Bosnian refugees who were settling in Blackburn. He praised the town's Muslim community for coming to the aid of the victims of the civil war in Yugoslavia.
IT'S time to get those feet tapping as Preston's first Feast Of Jazz Festival draws near. The brainchild of Preston's Brian Gumbley, the Feast Of Jazz is the city's newest live entertainment event and will be blowing it's trumpet from October. Venues
JOE Orton's black comedy Loot is on at the Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, until Saturday (September 28) at 7.30pm. Preston Drama Club will be performing the production which includes bank robbers, a mourning husband, his wife's corpse, a seductive
AN Accrington soldier has been enlisted to head up a new Army recruiting campaign. Matthew Blood, a gunner with the Royal Artillery, features in the new campaign which aims to show the diversity of career opportunities in the army. Matthew, a former Mount
A DOCTOR has warned of the hidden dangers of trendy henna tattoos after a girl was left scarred by its dye. Bethany Ainsworth, five, had to be referred to a skin specialist who did a patch test, It was found she had suffered an allergic reaction to the
A CONCERNED father has called on a council to make safe a redundant depot. Dad-of-two Laurie Harrison said the former Ribble Valley Council depot near his home in Kirkmoor Road, Clitheroe, was in an appalling state. His sons, Jack, nine, and William,
AN internal inquiry into the death of a young man, who is believed to have choked on food at Calderstones, will report by the end of October. Adam Sykes, 22, originally from the Halifax area, died on September 2 at Burnley General Hospital, despite the
TRAVELLERS squatting on land at a business park have said they will quit the site by Saturday. Ribble Valley Council chief executive Dave Morris and a respresentative of Clitheroe Police were due to request an eviction order from Blackburn magistrates
WAYNE Curtis gave Morecambe a second straight victory at Christie Park on Tuesday night. The striker's 20-yard effort after half an hour was enough to separate the teams as Jim Harvey's men dominated. It leaves Morecambe on the fringe of the play-off
TEN audit professionals with Hollins-based business advisers DTE have clocked up more than a century of experience. The veterans at the company will be celebrating their "ton-up" teamwork with a slap-up party. Audit director John Turner, who himself recently
COMPANIES in Bury who have the lowdown on hi-tech may need to do more to maximise the rewards of adopting information communication technology (ICT). That's the message from Bolton and Bury Chamber following a report which discloses UK productivity is
A NEW "women only" competition is to replace the annual Bolton and Bury Business Awards. The local business community has enjoyed an annual Oscars-style dinner since 1993 and it has been a well-received showcase for entrepreneurial talent. But Bolton
NEVER mind the farcical end to last weekend's game, Clarets assistant boss Sam Ellis is determined to accentuate the positive ahead of Wimbledon's visit to Turf Moor. "We have gone six games unbeaten and we are quite happy with that," he admitted. "The
STEVE Davis has watched the video nasty of his error at Bradford several times but now he is just desperate to put it all behind him. And he was quick to praise his team mates and the staff for not giving him a hard time. The Clarets skipper admitted:
SAJID MAHMOOD and Mark Currie will replace Ryan Driver and Tim Roberts on the Lancashire staff next season. And manager Mike Watkinson is also set to offer a full-time contract to Bolton schoolboy Tim Reece. It means the Lancashire squad will be much
STAFF at a Leyland college say they would not rule out putting on an extra qualification to run alongside the current A-level system. It comes as education chiefs at Runshaw College returned A-level coursework to be re-marked -- leaving students' futures
TO PROMOTE their murder mystery theatre show, Mojo, the Dukes has teamed up with six popular bars in Lancaster to give theatregoers the opportunity to win free tickets by spotting chalked up bodies in town! Mojo is a thriller with gangsters at the centre
GOVERNMENT minister Ivan Lewis will open the new Lancaster and Morecambe College Art and Design building on October 4. The building, constructed last year to house staff and students formerly based at the White Cross, will hold such facilities as a textiles
LANCASTER finally has a canal link with London - more than 200 years after it was first planned. The £6 million scheme in Preston was opened by Rural Affairs minister, Margaret Beckett MP, on Friday. The schemes link the Lancaster canal to the Leeds-Liverpool
A POLICEMAN had his radio stolen during a burglary at his Morecambe home. Officers say the TETRA radio equipment has been disabled and will not interfere with operations, but are still keen to see it returned. The officer's house was broken into on Monday
THE construction company that renovated the Winter Gardens is all set to buy Morecambe's troubled Midland Hotel, the Lancaster and Morecambe Citizen can exclusively reveal. Barnfield Construction, which secured the £1.4 million contract to renovate the
LANCASTER City came from behind against Hyde United to claim a well-deserved injury time victory. City recovered from the blow of losing 'keeper Mark Thornley and, with experienced striker Phil Brown taking over, the Dolly Blues came from behind to claim
GORSEFIELD County Primary School's globe-trotting mascot certainly gets around! But he excelled himself when he paid a visit to the heart of Government. Travelling Teddy, as he is known, accompanied teacher Sharron Hardman when she attended a reception
LIVING in the shadow of his great uncle's business empire, a poverty stricken Woolfold childhood could not have been easy to stomach for Bill Byrom. While other branches of the family flourished, Bill, his parents and nine siblings were "as poor as the
POLICE have come under fire from a father claiming they are failing to catch a flasher in Bury The pervert has targeted children in Fairfield Drive three times since April. His latest act of indecent exposure happened at 3.15pm on Saturday (Sept 21) while
A TEENAGER whose second fall from a motorcycle sparked off a major weekend rescue operation has been told by his worried dad: "Enough's enough." Anthony McWilliam fractured a leg following the spill at a remote spot near Elton Reservoir, Bury. He was
OFSTED inspectors found plenty to praise when they returned to Christ Church Ainsworth CoE Primary School. In her opening remarks on the Tommy Lane school, reporting inspector, Miss K. Manning, said: "The school provides its pupils with a good education
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is hoping for some good news from the treatment room as Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke battle to be fit for Monday night's televised clash with West Brom. Cole and Yorke will both undergo fitness tests this weekend before Souness
HIP HOP nights have been launched at the Leather Factory in Burnley. Last night was the first one, and now it is to go monthly on the last Thursday of every month. Hiphop, Breaks, Open MIC, seven-inch funk and turntablism are what the night is all about
AMBITIOUS Blackburn band Rocketdog have given themselves a year out in a bid to launch their musical careers. The quartet of lead singer Darryl Smith, guitarist Mark Duckworth, bassist Gaz Marshall and drummer Matt Berry got together during their time
I TOLD you last week about the CDs I often receive from recording companies, looking for column inches on up-and-coming musicians who have been in studio, committing their talents to what in my heyday was vinyl. Well, there was even better to come when
A WOMAN bus passenger was injured when she fell from her seat on board a bus which came under attack from young thugs. The 74-year-old sustained bruising to her leg and chest and was treated in hospital. The incident happened on Saturday afternoon (Sept
A MEMBERSHIP crisis at Radcliffe Round Table has forced its annual bonfire display to go up in flames. For the first time in almost 40 years there will be no firework extravaganza in the town. Last year, it attracted more than 3,000 spectators. The Round
A MAN has been banned from a Blackburn off-licence for a year after going in and behaving "like a lout" with his brother. David Stones, 22, and his brother Lee, 19, both of Cemetery Road, Darwen, had earlier pleaded guilty to an offence of using threatening
TEENAGER Melissa Strickson was not taken into care partly because children abscond from social service accommodation, it has been revealed. The teenager died of an overdose in October 2001 after running away from home for the 27th time in a year to the
PEOPLE are invited to go back in time to the 19th century when they visit Rossendale Museum. The museum is taking people back to the cotton industry days where it is hosting a unique collection of silverware which belonged to the successful Whitehead
THE pub landlord who called time on swearing is weathering the storm after an initial drop in trade. Stuart Scholfield, licensee of the Welcome Arms, South Street, Bacup, hit the headlines when he introduced a soccer-style system of showing yellow and
COMPUTER Training is now available in Ramsbottom at the Stubbins Bridge Information Technology Centre. The course runs flexible hours training programmes and the centre is open 64 hours a week. All adult students are eligible for free training and free
THE funeral of ex-Mayor David Caley took place on Wednesday afternoon in the Isle of Man. Mr Caley, formerly of Leigh and for 11 years a Leigh East ward councillor on Wigan MBC, died last Friday. Mr Caley, who was also operations manager for the North
A SUMMER of inconvenience ended with the reopening of town centre toilets in Tyldesley. And now community watchdogs who pulled the plug on the dilapidated Market Square toilets back in March want people to help keep graffiti vandals and undesirables at
THE Milltown Brothers have recruited a top-name producer to work on their new album. The five-piece band from Colne -- who reformed with their original line-up earlier this year -- are set to record their new material with Glenn Skinner. Most recently
THE darker side of life in modern-day Dublin will be brought to life at Darwen Library Theatre tonight when the award-winning play Howie the Rookie takes to the stage. Compared with the film Trainspotting for its uncompromising language and dark humour
I TOLD you last week about the CDs I often receive from recording companies, looking for column inches on up-and-coming musicians who have been in studio, committing their talents to what in my heyday was vinyl. Well, there was even better to come when
ONE of the most prominent features of the Blackburn skyline has been captured on canvas by a top North West artist. The brewery tower at Daniel Thwaites on Penny Street was Julia Midgley's subject as she sought to repay the company for their support of
A NEW confidence-building course aimed at women with children under the age of four starts in Blackburn on Thursday. The course, called Taking Control Of Your Life is funded by Sure Start. It is free and run by the Women's Centre for Blackburn and District
LEIGH Probus launches its new season on Thursday, October 3, at Leigh Masonic Hall. The meeting, which starts at 2.30pm, will include a talk on guide dogs for the deaf.
A BLACKBURN man accused of violent disorder during the race riots in Burnley last year was "leading" the group, a court heard. Tariq Saddique, 28, of Azalea Road, Blackburn, was questioned by the prosecution at Preston Crown Court about group movements
THE last block of public toilets in Blackburn town centre could be pulled down to make way for new clergy apartments. Blackburn Cathedral, which owns the amenity on the Boulevard, is trying to find ways to house vicars and canons nearer to the cathedral
HUNDREDS of East Lancashire workers and students are expected to wear their jeans next Friday and help raise money for research into genetic disorders. The Jeans for Genes Day is an annual event when people abandon their usual dress code and pay £1 each
THE man who masterminded a worldwide fake marriages racket was today starting a six-year jail sentence. Ismail Purbhai, 50, was the brains behind the illegal marriage and immigration operation, based in Blackburn but which stretched as far as Bombay.
BLACKBURN Hawks are set for another hectic weekend as they prepare for a brace of tough encounters. Bobby Haig's men take on the Paisley Pirates in a Challenge match on Saturday and then return for an ENHL clash at the Arena against Whitley Bay the following
DARWEN could face disciplinary action after four of their players were sent off in the 5-1 defeat at Leek CSOB on Tuesday night. Dennis Hill, Lee Webb, Matt Anderton and Andrew Smith all saw red and Wilkes blasted the standard of refereeing claiming that
CLITHEROE get their chance to go back to the top of NWCL Division One when they travel to current leaders Prescot Cables tomorrow. Lee Sculpher's men currently lie second in the table, three points behind in-form Prescot. But with a goal difference of
BACUP get a rare chance to play a league game tomorrow when they travel to Maine Road. Brent Peters' side cannot play at their West View home until the end of the year which has restricted the number of NWCL Division Two games they can play. They have
THE final round of superbikes at Imola marks Neil Hodgson's swansong with GSE Racing. It is the Burnley star's last ride aboard the HM Plant Ducati for GSE as he moves to Ducati Corse after four successful years of competition with the team. His partnership
GREAT Harwood chiefs got some brief but important words of warning from their former manager Eric Whalley ahead of their huge FA Cup clash at Harrogate Town tomorrow - 'watch the two up front.' Clint Marcelle and Robbie Whellans are two fearsome strikers
PNE took the initiative early on and it paid off when Fiona Dransfield slotted home a cross from Sarah Parker. They continued to pressure Newsham with some fast slick moves and were resolute in defence with Karen Browne in goal pulling off a superb point
PRESTON North End has bought a new star - its training ground! The club has bought the facilities at Lea Sports Ground from its current owners, Westinghouse UK Fuel Business. This ends a 20 year search for PNE to own a permanent training ground. The last
NORTH End found them served up to the Wolves on a silver platter thanks to 5-3-2 formation which made them easy pickings from the off. Lambs to the slaughter? Too easy to drop that one in, but against a Wolves side licking their wounds and with the ability
A FORMER Leyland boozer, once one of the hottest night spots for miles around, was razed to the ground this week. People aged 40-plus will remember the Leyland Tiger, on the corner of Longmeanygate and Leyland Lane, as a place where a good night out was
SWIMMING champ Adrian Turner put top Ramsbottom Rascals through their paces at a special training clinic on Sunday. For three hours the double Commonwealth Games ace from Prestwich showed 30 ten to 18-year-olds how to improve turns, starts and tips to
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with Lisa Hopkinson (Yours Truly, Sept 5) about being vegetarian. These so-called vegetarians who eat fish and poultry are arrogant and ignorant. I would be interested to know how they justify eating fish, yet find eating red meat
SINCE the opening of the M66 south-bound extension, that which became the M60 as part of the Manchester Orbital Motorway, I have become increasingly aware of destination signs which do not conform to those on other major motorways. According to the Highway
"I KNOW you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realise that what you heard is not what I meant"! If you play this game for long enough you become an expert; it is called being a politician. For most of my life politicians
THE Bolton and Rochdale district of the Methodist Church recognises the difficult and complex situation that Mr Blair faces with regard to the threat of Saddam Hussein's regime. We are encouraged by the commitment in his TUC speech on September 10 to
I NEVER cease to be disgusted at the abhorrent waste of money by the European Union, but the latest move to spend £10million on extending the Strasbourg parliament is deplorable. To clarify the situation, MEPs meet in two parliaments: the main one in
WHY is it the French consider their own interests first and those of the rest of their so-called European partners second? Three years after the EU lifted its unjustified ban on British beef, the French continue to put up shutters to this country's beef
OFSTED inspectors found plenty to praise when they returned to Christ Church Ainsworth CoE Primary School. In her opening remarks on the Tommy Lane school, reporting inspector, Miss K. Manning, said: "The school provides its pupils with a good education
THE first car arrived just after lunch on Sunday, and within the hour a mini-convoy had pulled up, the wheels of each one buckling under the heavy load. Watching them empty was like watching a magician's trick. The boxes seemed to be never ending, all
MORE than 100 high school students have had their exam results upgraded after teachers demanded they be remarked. Pupils at Woodhey High School in Ramsbottom can finally celebrate after the external Assessment and Qualifications Alliance Examination Board
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Coffee Morning, bric-a-brac and raffle, St Aidan's Church, Mill Hill, Blackburn, 10am-noon. Janet Anderson Advice Surgery, Asda Supermarket, Rawtenstall, 3pm-4.30pm.
IT'S full steam ahead as Leyland Historical Society hosts a production by the Mikron Theatre Company about little-known inventor Richard Trevithick. The play tells the story of the Cornish engineer and inventor who, on Christmas Eve 1801, journeyed with
SO, now, the disgraceful deed is done. With flagrant disregard for democracy, county councillors have voted to close 32 of Lancashire's care homes for the elderly -- 17 of them here in East Lancashire. It is not just that the decision stinks of contempt
THE darker side of life in modern-day Dublin will be brought to life at Darwen Library Theatre tonight when the award-winning play Howie the Rookie takes to the stage. Compared with the film Trainspotting for its uncompromising language and dark humour
AUDIENCES beware! The shaven headed, opinionated Pub Landlord embarks tonight on a nationwide tour which will see him serving up pints of vitriol in both Blackburn and Burnley over the coming weeks. Al Murray's award-winning comic creation will appear
DO not be alarmed if you spot 600 squaddies in the stands during one of Shakers' coming fixtures. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers have joined forces with the Forever Bury supporters trust to help forge better links between themselves and the club. The
BURY FC supporters wishing to invest in their favourite club can now buy shares in the Shakers. The Bury Times understands that £1 shares are now up for grabs and fans wishing to partake in the new issue should apply in writing directly to the directors
IT'S about time the public conveniences in Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen, were brought into the 21st Century. If it was privately-owned, the Environmental Health would be closing them down. What impression of our popular beauty spot must many visitors have
I APPRECIATE the suggestion by Kenneth Atkinson (Letters, August 28) that people queuing for buses need seats and also his reference to the kindness of the young man involve in the incident he mentioned. Immediate steps should be taken to fit strip seating
IN your report (LET, September 20) about the planning committee's decision on an application for a centre for asylum seekers in Blackburn, Councillor Andy Kay said that some of the attitudes and the way people had no faith in what was being done was little
DUE to the number of responses I have had following the refusal of planning permission for Puccino's Deli-bar in King William Street, Blackburn, I must respond. I fully understand what many are saying about this decision. It makes a change for the public
A WOMAN'S handbag was stolen during a drive-by robbery outside the Tesco store in Prestwich. Police say the 48-year-old lone female was walking in Valley Park Road near the store when she was approached by a red-coloured Ford Fiesta saloon car. A man
A MAN was held in a headlock as two thugs stole his mobile phone in a weekend robbery. The incident happened at the Heaton Park Metrolink station on Sunday (Sept 22) just seconds after the 25-year-old victim got off a tram. The two robbers blocked his
A NEW singles club for men and women over the age of 35 will be launched in Bury in November. However, in the meantime, those seeking friendship can attend the start of At Last at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton, tomorrow (Sat Sep 28) at 7.30pm. The club is
TV's Lisa Riley will turn out on Sunday (Sept 29) at a fund-raising football match in Radcliffe. But the "You've Been Framed" presenter won't be on the pitch! Tottington-based Lisa will do a running commentary and sign autographs at the match between
AN organisation committed to bringing young people and business together is officially established in its new headquarters. And to celebrate the move the Bolton & Bury Education and Business Partnership (EBP) presented £400 to a charity which arranges
FURY mounted today after 32 care homes for the elderly were axed -- despite a massive public outcry against the closures. In the biggest single protest for years, residents, their families and community leaders have fought tooth and nail to stop the proposals
THE new owners of the Longfield Centre in Prestwich are to work with Bury Council on sprucing up the shopping precinct's image. As reported in the Bury Times, Crestwave Investment Ltd purchased the precinct from Edinburgh Home Estates in the summer for
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is hoping for some good news from the treatment room as Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke battle to be fit for Monday night's televised clash with West Brom. Cole and Yorke will both undergo fitness tests this weekend before Souness
IF GREENPEACE, Friends of the Earth and a motley ragbag of Irish politicians and misguided greens really cared about the environment, they would not be cluttering up the Irish Sea and trying to prevent BNFL from carrying on their legitimate business.
IT'S ships ahoy as Preston's new waterway was unveiled linking Lancaster canal to Britain's waterways for the first time. Margaret Beckett MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, opened the Ribble Link on Friday, September
PREDICTABLY the weather was fine on Sunday as Preston's first indoor Mela finally got under way after the event was rained off in August. A carnival atmosphere filled the city's Guild Hall as revellers came from far and wide to enjoy a celebration of
A 48-year-old Burnley woman died after suffering deep vein thrombosis following an operation to remove a benign tumour from her jaw. An inquest heard that complicated surgery had been necessary because the tumour would not have responded to other treatments
EIGHT men involved in trouble when taxis were attacked in Burnley after the England v Sweden World Cup match are awaiting sentence. They were among 11 who appeared together at Burnley Crown Court all accused of violent disorder on June 2. All were bailed
SHAKERS' players have an extra incentive to hit top form against Wrexham on Saturday, with squad places for Bury's Worthington Cup second round clash with Bolton Wanderers still up for grabs. But player manager Andy Preece was keen to keep their focus
SHAKERS boss Andy Preece is hoping to silence some of his fiercest critics when he returns to the Racecourse Ground on Saturday writes Chris Hall. Bury will be looking to build on their 1-1 draw with leaders Hartlepool last week with a win at third-placed
TWO prizewinning singers making big names for themselves in opera will be returning to the North-West for a special concert. Their evening out will be spent with the members of the Nelson Arion Male Voice Choir, who are maintaining a tradition going back
WALTON-le-Dale Cricket Club has received a donation of £1,000 by Sportsmatch, a government scheme that matches the financial support of a sponsor as a way of promoting grass-roots sports. Club sponsors, Forbes Solicitors made the initial £1000 contribution
UNBEATEN in nine? Not any more. This week's double header saw PNE win away at Derby in the televised match last Saturday, a fine performance against a side still suffering from the shock of relegation from the Premier League. Ricardo Fuller was once again
Preston 3 Southport 4 DESPITE controlling most of the match Preston contrived to lose this absorbing contest after defensive lapses in the second half allowed the visitors a lead which they never surrendered. Two goals by Phil Bowman, including a wonderfully
GIVEN the fact that Bury's social services budget is in the red by £800,000 (Bury Times, Sept 13) and that, three months into the financial year, the council were aware enough of this to earmark £1 million from the reserves to help balance the budget,
COLNE are desperate to get back on track following three successive losses. But the NWCL Division Two promotion hopefuls face a tough task at home to second placed Stone Dominoes. Manager John Lister has been furious with some of Colne's performances
A BUSINESSWOMAN has set up a pioneering new scheme aimed at helping farmers and landowners hit by the foot and mouth crisis. Alison Roland, Chartered Town Planner, is a one-woman firm dedicated to providing a comprehensive planning consultancy service
A REPORT which says fluoridation of water is an effective way of reducing tooth decay has been welcomed by the region's top health body. Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority has also welcomed the government's decision to study the implications
PARISH Councils could be implemented throughout Hyndburn amid government talks of creating elected regional bodies to control services, such as social services and education. A recently published government white paper promotes the creation of regional
MORECAMBE'S September bowling festival took place in Regent Park last week, with results as follows; Pre festival pairs: Mr J Richardson and Mrs P Murphy (Thornton Cleveleys) beat Mr G Buckley and Mrs M Chadwick (Knutsford). Mixed pairs: Mr A Hughes (
Teams should be keen on Drummond by Steve Dunthorpe. STEWART Drummond has been the bedrock of Morecambe midfield throughout the better part of Jim Harvey's Christie Park reign. He is one of the few players at this level who combine drive and energy with
A SPECIAL roadshow will certainly mean business when it rolls into Bury and Prestwich next month. For Buiness Link North Manchester will be driving right into the heart of the business community with a series of on-the-spot roadshows. These will also
LANCASTER and Morecambe College's Community Sports and Coaching Centre is offering free sports coaching for primary school children in years 5 and 6. Trampolining is on offer from October 2 and table tennis is on offer from October 3, both from 3.30pm
BOWERHAM Bombers Junior FC are running a half-term Adidas Soccer Academy course at St Martin's College next month. Priced at just £16, the two-day course is for children aged eight to 14, and offers free gifts and a certificate as well as coaching from
ARGENTINIAN wizard Carlos Marinelli and Scottish international Allan Johnston were two of the big names on show as Blackburn Rovers reserves went down to a 2-0 defeat in their first Christie Park clash of the season. Noel Whelan and Allan Johnston scored
AFTER two solid performances in the final rounds of the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship yesterday, Tom Boardman is already looking at how to get an advantage over his rivals next year. The Lancashire teenager finished sixth overall in
NEIL Shipperley has travelled all over the country playing his football so he is one Dons player who will not be troubled by the proposed move to Milton Keynes. That said, his sole concern tomorrow will be making life as uncomfortable as possible for
DONS boss Stuart Murdoch admitted this week: "Our position in the table reflects our season - middling." And with the move to Milton Keynes now only three months away he is hoping that position will improve in order to encourage new fans to follow them
LENNIE Johnrose spoke today of "the worst week of my professional career" as he faces up to joining hundreds of other players on the football scrapheap. The combative midfielder knows he faces one of his toughest ever battles to get back into the game
A SPECIAL roadshow will certainly mean business when it rolls into Bury and Prestwich next month. For Buiness Link North Manchester will be driving right into the heart of the business community with a series of on-the-spot roadshows. These will also
A NEWSAGENT has shown true 'Dunkirk spirit' after his livelihood went up in flames. Matthew Tomlinson, a Labour councillor for Leyland Central, has vowed "life goes on" after a blaze badly damaged his newsagent's in Canberra Road, Leyland. And the defiant
A LEYLAND soapstar is making it big as she rubs shoulders with larger than life celebrities in a new reality TV fitness show. Actress Kay Purcell, 38, better known for playing Cynthia in television soap Emmerdale, is weighing in for Celebrity Fit club
RESIDENTS in Carnforth have been asked to outline their vision for the town. A 'Create A Vision for Carnforth Event' will seek solutions to the problems they see in their neighbourhood. It will take place on Saturday, September 28, at Carnforth High School
THE father of tragic Galgate girl, Jade Slack, will not face charges as part of an investigation into the supply of drugs. Local milkman, Simon Slack, had been arrested in August, less than a month after his ten-year-old daughter died after swallowing
'A SELF-SELECTING' group of senior Tories have snubbed local candidates and women in their hunt for the Lancaster's parliamentary candidate, a former MP claims. Four men from outside the area will go before party members tonight (Thursday), but four experienced
IT'S time for a better deal for the borough. Are are you with us? Town Hall bosses are asking residents to support them in their campaign for more money for local services. Members of all three political parties are behind the rally to rescue Bury from
THE Grim Reaper was in Edenfield this week to protest against plans to extend a quarry. His disturbing appearance in the village on Tuesday (Sept 24) came as a public inquiry into extending Scout Moor Quarry entered its second and final week. The inquiry
TWO old folks homes have been put under the axe for a second time despite a High Court reprieve. Warthfield in Bury and Whittaker House in Radcliffe are once more under threat of closure. Social services bosses say the reasons for shutting them remain
TV's Lisa Riley will turn out on Sunday (Sept 29) at a fund-raising football match in Radcliffe. But the "You've Been Framed" presenter won't be on the pitch! Tottington-based Lisa will do a running commentary and sign autographs at the match between
LENNIE Johnrose spoke today of "the worst week of my professional career" as he faces up to joining hundreds of other players on the football scrapheap. The combative midfielder knows he faces one of his toughest ever battles to get back into the game
PRESTON boss Craig Brown has demanded his struggling stars put Tuesday's mauling at Wolves behind them -- after admitting that a display like that seen at Molyneux cannot happen again. After demanding his team get out the drawing habit last week, Brown
THAT tribal beat which is drawing the masses into Manchester every week is being replicated in Blackburn. Fuel, the big House venue which opened last month, hosts Twisted every Friday evening. Tribal -- you know, heavy on percussion and big on the funky
THE Milltown Brothers have recruited a top-name producer to work on their new album. The five-piece band from Colne -- who reformed with their original line-up earlier this year -- are set to record their new material with Glenn Skinner. Most recently
JAZZY Kex -- even mentioning the name of this Blackburn haunt normally brings a smile to the face. Most people who have progressed beyond the clubbing realms of alcopops and Kylie have experienced a night in Jazzy Kex, and normally have a tale to tell
LIBRARIAN Ann Hardman does not know if she suffers from vertigo. But she will certainly find out next month when she abseils 120ft down Manchester City's Kippax stand! Ann (37) who works at Radcliffe Library decided to sign up for the sponsored abseil
TEENAGE golfer Sean Doherty achieved a remarkable feat when he became a triple champion in the space of 24 hours. Sean, who hails from Sunnybank and is a former pupil at St Monica's High School in Prestwich, won the mens singles, the mens doubles and
A PENSIONER accused of sex offences against three girls will not be tried after doctors judged he was unfit to plead. But the charges against James Hawthornthwaite, 77, formerly of Hilton Residential Home, Darwen, were left on file. Preston Crown Court
THE man who devised the idea for Ashton Park in Darwen 24 years ago is urging people to join a group to ensure its future. Frank Hull, 60, of Ashton Road, is working with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to try and improve what has become a rundown
A Carnforth man who was locked in a cell with serial killer Harold Shipman has spoken of his horror at hearing the doctor boast of mass murder. Jon Harkin, a Samaritan-trained ' listener' who was locked up overnight with Shipman to ensure the disgraced
A BLOCK of 1960s flats in the heart of Bacup are to be demolished. The unpopular three-storey block of 12 flats, known as Tong House, in South Street, are to be cleared and the area landscaped. The council-owned decaying flats are an eye-sore for people
I'VE just returned to Preston for a family member's funeral and decided to visit the area I grew up in - St Mary's Street, New Hall Lane and London Road. I felt disbelief as I journeyed through the streets. What has happened to the Preston I knew and
IT seems there's one rule for them and another for us when it comes to getting a late drinks licence (Citizen, September 19). What rubbish that the Guild Hall was refused a late licence for a charity event that probably raised hundreds of pounds for a
I WAS fascinated to read about the 'Sober in the City' rules applied to granting a late licence for the Guild Hall (Citizen, Sept 19). So basically the more 'high profile' you are, the more entitled to a drink after 11pm you are. The mayor must have been
CONCERNING your article about reactions to the recommendation by David Blunkett that people should attempt to use English in their home. (Citizen, Sept 19). Mark Hendrick MP accuses Mr Blunkett of being 'patronising'. I suggest Mr Blunkett is a realist
NOT so much a concert, more a friend dropping in for a chat. Pete McCarthy came to Burnley last night and shared a thoroughly enjoyable evening with a good sized audience, regaling them with some of his tales of travel and readings from his two best-selling
JAZZY Kex -- even mentioning the name of this Blackburn haunt normally brings a smile to the face. Most people who have progressed beyond the clubbing realms of alcopops and Kylie have experienced a night in Jazzy Kex, and normally have a tale to tell
AMBITIOUS Blackburn band Rocketdog have given themselves a year out in a bid to launch their musical careers. The quartet of lead singer Darryl Smith, guitarist Mark Duckworth, bassist Gaz Marshall and drummer Matt Berry got together during their time
Radcliffe Borough...0 Leek Town...1 A MOMENTARY lapse of concentration cost Radcliffe Borough dearly as they went down to another depressing home defeat in what is rapidly turning into a season of despair. The Boro have still to win at home in the league
AUDIENCES beware! The shaven headed, opinionated Pub Landlord embarks tonight on a nationwide tour which will see him serving up pints of vitriol in both Blackburn and Burnley over the coming weeks. Al Murray's award-winning comic creation will appear
THE first car arrived just after lunch on Sunday, and within the hour a mini-convoy had pulled up, the wheels of each one buckling under the heavy load. Watching them empty was like watching a magician's trick. The boxes seemed to be never ending, all
COMMUNITY groups in Preston have struck it lucky with funds worth £9.5million to be ploughed into local projects following successful bids by the city council. Sure Start East -- a community group that work with parents-to-be and those with children aged
A MAN punched his girlfriend in the face as she cradled their baby after she refused to spend money on more drink. But Blackburn magistrates were told the incident was typical of the on-off relationship which had lasted eight years, despite numerous trials
PROTESTERS against care homes closures vowed they would continue their fight despite the county council's decision. The vice-chairman of the Lancashire Action Committee, Bob Trafford, said county council leader Hazel Harding "should resign immediately
ROSSENDALE'S midfielder-turned-striker Chris Brooks may have found himself a new position! Brooks was thrown up front by Dale boss Jim McCluskie on Tuesday as a desperate measure for the side due to their lack of goals - and it paid off when he bagged
NELSON make the short trip to Stand Athletic tomorrow with boss John Bailey looking for a birthday boost. The Blues chief turned 38 on Wednesday and wants to celebate in style with victory over last season's NWCL Division Two champions. But there is something
UNDER-FIRE Ramsbottom boss Mike Kelly has called on the fans to get behind his bottom-of-the-table team. Kelly says he feels no pressure as he attempts to reverse his side's fortunes. But he has come in for some criticism from sections of the Rams fans
ACCRINGTON Stanley's new signing Tony Black wants his second spell at the Crown Ground to be one to remember. The former Wigan striker spent a season at Stanley under Leighton James and Billy Rodaway in 1998 but didn't have such happy times as the Reds
AFTER wondering if the girls would carry on playing as well as they did in second half last week against Blackpool it did not take them long to answer the question. From the kick-off the girls wanted the ball and went on the attack straight away. The
BRITISH shoppers get through eight billion plastic bags a year, the equivalent of 133 per person. In Ireland supermarkets were forced, at the beginning of March, to pay 15c (9p) tax on all new plastic bags in a bid to curb litter problems. Within a couple
SEVENTH-months-pregnant Kimberley Fielding, 20, of Sandon Street, Darwen, was sacked without warning from Netto for giving away 100 carrier bags for free. Critics said this was harsh as they only cost pence. But, with the litter and environmental problems
TONY Cunningham (Yours Truly, Sept 19) says that apathy among ex-workers threatens the Bibby and Baron reunion, organised to benefit Bury Hospice. While no one is against raising money for charity, I do a lot for Cancer Research UK, some people have short
COUNCILLOR John Byrne, the council leader, has broken his unnatural silence following the embarrassing defeat in the High Court over the closure of old people's homes. His letter (Sept 13) was quite eloquent at first, explaining to the reader the history
I WONDERED how long it would take for Labour to blame the Conservatives for the present problems in social services, even though the policy on the treatment of the elderly was supported by all parties. I do not disagree with the policy endorsed by leader
I RECENTLY had the privilege of organising a memorial plaque to the Bury and Cheltenham war hero Richard Willis, one of the Lancashire Fusiliers' legendary "Six VCs before breakfast" in the 1915 Gallipoli campaign in Turkey. It was jointly unveiled at
MORE than 100 high school students have had their exam results upgraded after teachers demanded they be remarked. Pupils at Woodhey High School in Ramsbottom can finally celebrate after the external Assessment and Qualifications Alliance Examination Board
LEIGH Centurions Academy team face Dewsbury in the Under 19s Grand Final on Sunday. The game will be staged at Hilton Park with a 2.30pm kick off. Admission prices are £4 and £2. A souvenir programme will also be on sale.
TRAFFIC bosses are looking at widening Rochdale Old Road to create better access to Fairfield Hospital. They are asking consultants to see if short-term improvements can be made to the congested road at critical points. Councillors then hope to draw up
POOL put on a dazzling second half display to take all three points off a resilient Port Vale. It would seem that last Saturday's defeat at Barnsley was no more than a minor blip as the Seasiders return into 6th position. The question now is can the Seasiders
