CROWDS billowed on to East Lancashire Railway platforms where two newly refurbished steam machines were wheeled out for all to see. The 1936 locomotive Leander was renovated following a £100,000 donation from the Heritage Lottery Fund and was on track
WHEN juvenile nuisance and disorder are the bane of so many neighbourhoods already, some people are not only fuelling this curse, but actually making a profit from it. For, just as is said by Police Sergeant Dave Fleming, chasing up the problem, alcohol
This week, with ADRIAN SHURMER, former policeman who this week released an update for his Official Guide to Hyndburn BOOK: I came up with the idea for the guide because there were no maps of Hyndburn at the time and all the police were getting lost. I
BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw opened a new out-of-town police headquarters and urged officers not to lose touch with the public. The Foreign Secretary welcomed the Greenbank station, on Whitebirk industrial estate, on the outskirts of Blackburn. But he said
FURTHER to the debate about fluoridation of tap water, if it is dangerous for children under three to drink it, what are mothers supposed to use when making their babies milk feeds? WINNIE McKENNA, Trinity Street, Oswaldtwistle.
I WOULD like to correct Tony Medley (Letters, January 16), who states that Darwen is an insignificant town that not many people have heard of. A couple of years ago, my family obtained a new computer that came with an American encyclopedia disc. Out of
RECENTLY, Lady Olga Maitland declared there are some 350,000 Iraqi nationals residing in Great Britain. These, she stated, are eagerly awaiting the time when Saddam Hussein will be removed from power. I wonder if anyone knows just how many of these Iraqi
BLACKBURN ROVERS' return to the Premier League helped the club make an operating profit last season after years of multi-million-pound losses. Announcing the annual report for 2002, chief executive John Williams said the £24,000 profit represented a £13
ROGUE off licences and teenage drinkers are being targeted as part of a police crackdown. Police in Padiham are promising to take tough action against shops and off licences caught selling alcohol to underage drinkers, as part of a new campaign to prevent
A BNP councillor today vowed vowed to press charges against two fellow members alleging theft after they removed his wreath from a Holocaust memorial. The bunch of white lilies was placed by Coun Terry Grogan when he and fellow BNP councillor Carole Hughes
A BABY girl was rescued from a house fire and revived on the pavement outside early today. Fire crews said the 14-month-old child was the only person in the house in Waterbarn Street, Burnley, when they arrived, shortly after 12.30am and they battled
SHAKERS match with Oxford United at Gigg Lane on Saturday was called off shortly after noon. Match referee Alan Kaye decided that certain areas of the pitch by the South Stand are frozen under the surface anddecided that the game should be called off
BURY, whose game with Oxford was postponed on Saturday, face two more sides with promotion and play-off aspirations. They travel to Cambridge United on Tuesday evening then head for the English Riviera and Torquay United next Saturday. Both have already
PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has welcomed new government cash to tackle drugs-related crime. Home Secretary David Blunkett has allocated more than £144million for the crackdown. Out of £50million for police Basic Command Units Pennine Division of the Lancashire
WORKERS at Nelson's government file store today received a vote of support from the town's MP who said he was "alarmed" at proposals to close the facility with the loss of 130 jobs. Pendle MP Gordon Prentice is now planning to visit Schofield Mill on
TOTS and toddlers at Radcliffe's United Playgroup enjoyed a first-class trip to Australia. The journey of imagination was part of the celebrations for the 30th birthday of the playgroup which is held three days a week at Radcliffe United Reformed Church
PENDLE'S only samba band -- Copacabana Beach -- has been livening up the Waterside area of Colne where it practises on a Monday night. Members of the band meet up for rehearsals at the Waterside Youth Centre, in Colne Lane, and are hoping more people
AN angry father has demanded a full explanation of how a 14-year-old suffered a broken nose in a maths class. Natalie Cook's father Nigel Cook said the incident, which resulted in another pupil being excluded from Barnoldswick's West Craven High School
THE HYPOCHONDRIAC, Octagon Theatre, Bolton (until Saturday, February 22) WITH this radical interpretation of Moliere's classic farce, you can hardly accuse The Octagon of taking the easy option. From the heavily stylised set and costumes, to the vibrant
A PLANNING application which could result in a £200,000 sports facility for a primary school has gone to the Secretary of State for approval. If the application from Persimmon Homes, requesting permission to build 32 homes, is passed an agreement will
A CHEF who cooks for celebrities in a world famous hotel today told how he was inspired by his mum's home-made parkin. Neil Wigglesworth, 45, is executive chef at Twin Farms in Central Vermont, USA, considered one of the finest hotels in the world. A
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2 BLACKBURN: 10am-1pm: Astons Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road; 10.30-4.30: Superdrug, Blackburn Shopping Centre; noon-1pm: Moss Pharmacy, 53 Fishmoor Drive. DARWEN: noon-1pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 11 Church Street. ACCRINGTON: 11am-1pm: Lloyds
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; Cohens Chemist, 63 Whalley Range; To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 6.30pm: Donald Wood Ltd, 53 Fishmoor Drive;
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: Moss Pharmacy, 314 Bolton Road; The Pharmacy, Oakenhurst
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 5 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; The Surgery (Chiropody), 132 Lammack Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: The
SCHOOL EXPULSIONS: Bury Community Relations Council was calling a conference of local head teachers and parent-teacher groups to decide how to guard children from National Front intrusion into local schools. Its chairman, the Rev Gerald Downing, emphasised
THE Clarets crashed to another heavy home defeat in a dramatic match at Turf Moor, going down 5-2 to Reading. Having gone three behind to a goal from Steve Sidwell and a John Salako brace, Ian Moore gave hope of a comeback with a goal in the 55th minute
STRIKER Andy Payton has two hopes for the season - for the Clarets to reach the play-offs, and that he plays his part. "After six weeks out after my hernia operation I am feeling fit again and it was great to get back in the first team picture as a late
I was praying for Turf draw IT wasn't just the current crop of Clarets who had a great Cup day last weekend, former midfielder Jamie Hoyland was also celebrating. Hoyland is now the assistant manager at Rochdale and he was on the touchline for their famous
1960s Brit blues guitar legend Peter Green and his Splinter Group play Bolton's Albert Halls on Valentine's Day and we have three copies of his latest album to give away. The former Fleetwood Mac axeman and Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame-r's special edition
THE Clarets crashed to another heavy home defeat in a dramatic match at Turf Moor, going down 5-2 to Reading. Having gone three behind to a goal from Steve Sidwell and a John Salako brace, Ian Moore gave hope of a comeback with a goal in the 55th minute
BLACKBURN ROVERS' return to the Premier League helped the club make an operating profit last season after years of multi-million-pound losses. Announcing the annual report for 2002, chief executive John Williams said the £24,000 profit represented a £13
AFZAAL Ahmed's "pack" of lies came tumbling down like a house of cards after the first one was uncovered, a court heard. Blackburn magistrates were told that a police officer who stopped Ahmed discovered a producer from a previous occasion when he had
THE brother of murdered Eamonn McDonagh was rescued from a blaze which trapped him in his home while three children managed to flee. Peter McDonagh, 28, was pulled from the flames of the semi-detached property in Foxstones Crescent, Blackburn, at 4.30pm
AUDITORS are to investigate a claim that councillors have gone back on a promise to spend £1million in the Bank Top area of Blackburn. The complaint was made by Eddie Duxbury and Peter Newton, who were officers of Bank Top Community Association, Blackburn
FOUR police officers who arrested a mentally-ill and armed killer have become the first recipients of a 44-year-old bravery award. They collected the O'Donnell Trophy -- created in memory of a detective inspector shot on duty in 1958 -- on the same day
EAST Lancashire is to get its first lap dancing clubs - once councillors have completed an erotic tour to see what all the fuss is about! Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses have received two inquiries for licences to be altered, allowing dancers in
CARL Fogarty today welcomed the news that his Foggy Petronas Racing team has been granted permission to compete in this year's World Superbike Championship. A recent inspection by the sport's governing body, the FIM, revealed that sponsors Petronas had
1606: Guy Fawkes and his associates were hung, drawn and quartered in London. 1747: The first clinic specialising in the treatment of venereal diseases was opened at the London Dock Hospital. 1876: All Native American Indians were ordered to move into
THERE has been a lot of publicity recently about risks taken by firefighters in their jobs. They are often called to burning buildings which could put their lives in jeopardy. But police face the extra hazard of often having to face, not only accidental
This week, HARRY GRAYSON picks his home town, Rishton HARRY managed a lottery which raised vital funds for Pendleside Hospice, a feat which he is currently repeating for East Lancashire Hospice in Blackburn. He says: "After travelling and seeing most
This week, with the Rev Kevin Logan, of Christ Church, Accrington A CRASH wakes us. Lady the dog howls. I grab handiest weapon and run to top of stairs. "Seize! " I yell, pointing downwards. Dog sits -- a doe-eyed look suggesting gentlemen shouldn't ask
WE are living in a period of great uncertainty over world peace. When will George Dubya launch a blitzkrieg against Baghdad in an attempt, probably doomed, to remove the "real" Saddam Hussein? As there are several Saddams in existence, all looking exactly
Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY FOLLOWING my description of what is left of Feniscowles Hall, I had a letter from 77-year-old Greta Finnigan, of Bombay Street, Blackburn. Greta told me of her childhood when she enjoyed visits to Feniscowles Hall,
HELEN PRIEST meets a man whose brush with death led him to dedicate his life to a cult children's TV series IT'S not every day that you come within inches of death and, as a result, set up a website to bring a smile to thousands of faces. But Gary Bowers
A MAN charged with attempting to murder his elderly father at Blackburn has denied the accusation. Michael Brown, 52, from London, pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder Ronald Brown and alternatively wounding him with intent to cause grievous bodily
POLICE investigating the murder of Eamonn McDonagh today stepped up the hunt for four youths who he had an argument with. They carried out more door-to-door inquiries in the Infirmary Street and Abraham Street area of Blackburn in the hope of finding
REGARDING Ronald Ashworth, who was taken to court for selling copy compact discs (LET, January 23), good on him, I say. If shops didn't charge exorbitant prices, then there wouldn't be a market for copied music and games. I FRASER, Bolton Grove, Barrowford
MAYBE Blackburn's British National Party councillor Robin Evans should look up the questions page on his party's website, so that he could familiarise himself with its stance on the family. I quote... Q: What is the BNP's view on the family? A: We favour
REGARDING Mrs Amanda Davison's complaint that the grant of £74,000 to clean up Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen, puts the wellbeing of trees before people (Letters, January 20), she could not be more wrong. Clearly, some people including some major decision-makers
MR P McCann (Letters, January 14) states that there are lots of British people who have "not contributed" to our society. His statement that housewives, carers, disabled, people with health problems and those who have simply never worked are in this category
WHEN someone like Robbie Williams says that music piracy is a good idea, how can we blame or even punish Ronald Ashworth who was convicted by Burnley magistrates of selling copy compact discs over the internet? (LET, January 23). When every new personal
HUNDREDS of real ale enthusiasts helped to turn the 14th annual beer festival at Atherton into a tasty success -- and raised funds for charity. The three day Bent and Bongs Beer bash attracted drinkers from throughout the North-west to the Formby Hall
A BABY girl was rescued from a house fire and revived on the pavement outside early today. Fire crews said the 14-month-old child was the only person in the house in Waterbarn Street, Burnley, when they arrived, shortly after 12.30am and they battled
EAST Lancashire is to get its first lap dancing clubs - once councillors have completed an erotic tour to see what all the fuss is about! Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses have received two inquiries for licences to be altered, allowing dancers in
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers, Sunday 4.05pm ASTON Villa manager Graham Taylor has issued a "points make prizes" message to his players as he challenged them to show the level of consistency that has been lacking in the final third of the Premiership
BLACKBURN Rovers' wage bill hit a record £29.7 million last season after the club returned triumphant to the Premiership. The bill for the club's senior players increased by 18 per cent due to renegotiated contracts and new signings such as Andy Cole.
GRAEME Souness has scoured the European market to bring one of the best left backs in the business to Ewood Park. The Rovers boss admitted he looked at Celta Vigo's Juan Fran Garcia, Nantes' Sylvain Armand and Silvinho from Deportivo La Coruna before
I have opted for ambition - Mahon ALAN MAHON today explained why he turned down a clutch of First Division clubs to drop from the Premiership into the Second Division with Cardiff City. The Blackburn Rovers midfielder joined the Bluebirds last week on
AN MP today revealed the secret behind his poor dress sense -- he has been dressing badly to raise cash for charity close to his heart. Burnley MP Peter Pike has been dressing badly as part of the Loud Tie campaign launched by Beating Bowel Cancer. And
A BNP councillor today vowed to press charges against two fellow members alleging theft after they removed his wreath from a Holocaust memorial. The bunch of white lilies was placed by Coun Terry Grogan when he and fellow BNP councillor Carole Hughes
AN annual careers event for East Lancashire will take place on Thursday, February 20, at Pendle Training in Nelson. Jobs Night 2003 will involve many local employers who will be offering jobs with training through the Modern Apprenticeship scheme. The
A GRANT of more than £220,000 to a group helping to support families with young children has been welcomed by the local MP. Gordon Prentice is delighted at the lottery cash for Home-Start Pendle which operates in Colne. The Pendle Labour backbencher said
A FORMER labourer who was caught "babysitting" a £640 stash of amphetamine has walked free from court. Judge Raymond Bennett told Sean Guntripp, 25, the Lord Chief Justice had recently stated offenders should not be sent to jail unless it was absolutely
POLICE in Pennine Division are appealing for information about a trail of vandalism and thefts in Barnoldswick, which they believe are connected. Sergeant Chris Saville, of Barnoldswick Police, said: "Three youths were seen acting suspiciously and were
A YOUNG pup who survived freezing temperatures is looking for a new home where he can keep warm. But fears are growing that Wellard, as he has now been named, is not an isolated case. Hyndburn dog warden Stephen Wood found Wellard yesterday after a family
A MUSIC student today revealed how he has landed a dream assignment to work with one of the hottest acts in the UK. Lee Holden, in his second year studying towards a BA Contemporary Music at Burnley College, has been invited to produce a record for a
1960s Brit blues guitar legend Peter Green and his Splinter Group play Bolton's Albert Halls on Valentine's Day and we have three copies of his latest album to give away. The former Fleetwood Mac axeman and Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame-r's special edition
MONDAY FEBRUARY 3 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: Moss Pharmacy, 314 Bolton Road; The Pharmacy, Oakenhurst
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: The Pharmacy, Oakenhurst Road; Geloo Bros, Cleaver
THE millions of Jews who died in the Holocaust were remembered by Stonyhurst College pupils at special services. Two pupils of the preparatory school St Mary's Hall appeared on ITV's My Favourite Hymns, led by Fr Dennis Blacklidge of Blackpool and filmed
A FILAKER gave hundreds of people a nostalgic glimpse into the heritage and identity of their town. Four hundred eager Darreners attended Darwen Library Theatre this week to view their town as it used to be in the 1950s and 1960s in the Darwen Movie Story
A RESTAURANT manager helped herself to £1,200 of her former partner's cash and spent it on rent and bills, a court heard. Burnley Crown Court heard single mother-of-two Alison Fleming, 36, had spent money, thinking her relationship with Barry Thompson
A FAMILY who have been the faces behind a popular Rossendale pub for more than a decade will pour their last pint next week. Alan, Janet and Ian Jackson have been at the Craven Heifer, Burnley, Road, Rawtenstall, for 12 years, and have raised more than
A LONG-standing heroin addict unknowingly put undercover police in contact with a supplier, a court heard. Francis Devine mistook one of two officers for an addict and thought he was helping a fellow user get his hands on drugs. Preston Crown Court heard
TRANSPORT Minister John Spellar is to discuss a new franchise for the Trans Pennine Express from the East Coast via Burnley, Blackburn and the East Lancashire line to Blackpool when he visits the area on Friday. He will be in Burnley for a business breakfast
BLACKBURN Rovers have opened talks to complete the redevelopment of Ewood Park in partnership with international property group AMEC. The Manchester-based developer is looking at the feasibility of rebuilding the Walkersteel Stand which would increase
TRADING Standards officers who raided an illegal sex shop found children's cartoon character Felix the Cat hiding an X-rated surprise. Video boxes with the comedy cat's face on the front held titles including 'What school girls don't tell,' 'Sensuous
PLANS to create Lancashire's first Muslim state school have been put on hold after backbench councillors demanded the chance to debate the proposals. The group has taken advantage of Blackburn with Darwen's call-in procedure, which enables them to scrutinise
with KINGFISHER FAIR conditions last weekend promised some decent catches and there were some, although many anglers were disappointed. The return of very cold weather towards the end of the week will ensure that this weekend will prove even more difficult
