Pete Waterman, internationally famous record producer, is to spearhead a bid for two brand new radio stations in the North, it was revealed today. Pete who has sold more than 500 million records worldwide, is to be chairman of Virus Radio Limited. He
ONE of Blackpool's churches celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and hopes are high that a plethora of stars will join in the festivities. Saint Stephen's on the Cliff Church in North Shore boasts what is believed to be the only actor's chapel in
MODEST ten-year-old Michael Davis has every reason to blow his own trumpet. The talented youngster of Little Marton, Blackpool, has won first place for his cornet playing at the Brass Band Championships. He beat off strong competition from ten-year-olds
CHAMPIONSHIP winning Bury are ready to launch a new away kit for their return to Division One. Following the recent sale of Le Coq Sportif (Matchwinner) the Shakers have had to move quickly to secure a deal for the 1997/98 season. After interviewing several
ASK the waiter what the chef's specials are at The Shovels pub and he may just surprise you because from now on Australian cook Mark Blackham's menu will include a range of unique Aussie food. On Australian cook Mark Blackham's menu from now on will be
IT was a case or water, water everywhere this week as the taps were turned on at Lancaster's multi-million pound Salt Ayre swimming pool. The fill up started on Monday and will take seven days to complete, with a massive 330,000 gallons of water splashing
WHEN Blackpool man Eric Bird was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia he was given just six months to live. Now, 10 years on, Eric lives a relatively normal life having just completed what doctors hope will be his final course of treatment to send
Gordon Raynor was left reeling this week after three of his prize players left Giant Axe for good and to add insult to injury the man who delivered the killer blow was Alan Tinsley. The former Blues' boss, now with Bamber Bridge, has signed super striker
FIVE members of the Youth Committee of the newly formed Bedford Village Venture in Leigh took part in a 10 mile sponsored walk and raised £126 for equipment. The five - Daniel Kenyon, Stefanie Beaumont, Faye Edwards, Robert McLanachan and Frank Kenyon
BLACKPOOL historian Robert McDougall is celebrating after discovering a photo album crammed full of information about flying legend Amy Johnson. Amy,who established several long distance solo flying records in the 1930s, had given the album to her sister
A FEAST of amateur Rugby League is in store. For UGB are staging their annual seven-a-side competition at Bobbies Lane on Bank Holiday Monday. The first game kicks off at 12.30. Teams involved include: UGB, Bold Miners, Clock Face, Haresfinch, Haydock
EXPANDING international telecommunications company DXP is moving to Leigh with the promise of new jobs. Digital Exchange Products aims to convert the old Yates and Greer pork and pie specialists' building in Lord Street into its headquarters. The move
IT seems the feline star of Blackpool's Mystique show has been trained a little too well - he has completely vanished. DeVille the cat, who has been tutored in stage work by headlining illusionist Richard De Vere, disappeared from his locked Pleasure
ST HELENS CC came within an ace of clinching victory against Huyton on Saturday. They had first use of the wicket, but lost two early wickets. However, a middle order recovery from Darren Tyms (41), Roger Burrows (25) and Adam Friar (20) helped the men
A NEWLY formed children's fund-raising organisation wants £3,000 to send a Lowton teenager and her family on a Florida holiday. Vicky Jones, 15, of Kenyon Lane, is currently in remission after intensive 12 months chemotherapy treatment for a nasal tumour
STUDENTS sitting A-level mathematics had to wait for their exam to be faxed from Oxford when the examining body only sent half the paper. Head teacher at St Theodore's High School, Burnley, Christopher Meehan said: "We realised the paper was not there
THEATRE goers in Darwen will soon be able to enjoy local productions in glitzy surroundings following a National Lottery handout of over half a million pounds. The Darwen Library Theatre, home to both the Darwen Youth Theatre and the Library Players,
SERGEANT Dave Wall has been cooking for more than 500 fellow soldiers in war-torn Bosnia. The Preston Territorial Army soldier also baked a cake for villagers and helped hand over a new water supply system to the community of Pavice. Dave, 39, is a chef
SISTERS Christine and Dot Lewis (pictured) each raised a glass of fruit juice to toast their firm's success. Just like the clients they cater for, their business has never looked healthier. Goodbody's topped the Coalfield Challenge sponsored Best New
FORMER Blackburn Rovers star Alan Shearer today helped kick-start a £25 million appeal to develop "star wars" technology to fight cancer. Christie's Against Cancer was launched by the Manchester hospital's patron the Duchess of Kent. It aims to finance
PRESTON soldier Donna Duxbury has been presented with a medal by HRH The Prince of Wales. The 18-year-old who has been with the First Battalion The Cheshire Regiment for just a year, earned the medal with Irish clasp for exemplary service and conduct.
WIGAN and Leigh College principal Margaret Murdin has offered £10,000 a year rent to the Atherton Centre to hold some of this winter's night school and daytime vocational courses. But so far the Centre's management has not made up their mind. It leaves
SHREWSBURY stalwart Dean Spink is the latest name to be linked with a possible move to Burnley, writes PETER WHITE. But Turf Moor boss Adrian Heath today dismissed suggestions that he was about to make a sudden swoop for the burly forward. Spink, who
THE victim of a fairground accident has condemned as "ridiculous" a £5,000 fine imposed on the owners of a ride which, she claims, could have killed her. Susan Burrows, of Boughey Street, Leigh, was badly injured last year when a lap bar on the Miami
THE new Mayor of Preston was sworn in at the Town Hall this week in a blitz of pomp, circumstance and success stories. Mayor Dick Evans used his installation to announce a major coup for the town - the Zebu, one of the main attractions of the Maritime
BLACKBURN Northern will be hoping history has a knack of repeating itself as they look to climb out of the doldrums after a disastrous start to the season. For it was two years ago that the Pleckgate Road side lost their first seven games of the season
MEXICAN teenager Jesus Alarcon didn't know what to expect when he first came to Preston a year ago. But now the 17-year-old student loves it so much he wants to stay - and enjoy more of his favourite cuisine! Jesus who's at Hutton Grammar School, explained
AS revealed exclusively in the Preston Citizen, drivers who are banned from driving will have their names published in local newspapers. Offenders appearing at Preston Magistrates Court between May 12-16 who were banned from driving are: Gary Stuart Davies
PRESTON station is on track for a multi-million pound facelift. In September, Railtrack will start work on the 117-year-old building, spending £6 million on repairs including resurfacing platforms and better facilities for the disabled. And along with
BLACKBURN Hawks boss Jim Pennycook has set his sights on introducing a new sport to the town - roller hockey. The player-coach unveiled his plans this week and believes it could only be a matter of months before youngsters could be competing in a national
Review by Gill Atherton IF you recall with nostalgia the days of ration books and air raids, then a new book by a local author, Victims of War, is not to be missed. Jean Shansky of Broadgate, recalls the sights, sounds and horrors of WWII in her latest
A WORKERS' march with international significance passes through Bury on Sunday (May 18). It is the North West leg of a European protest over the Single Currency: protesters say governments are attacking jobs and welfare in rushing to meet convergence
WHAT a difference a couple of months make! All the talk in Leigh was how the Centurions were going up and the Warriors were going down. Well it certainly doesn't look like that now, does it? And as far as I'm concerned it's not getting any better for
Review by Nicola Jolly BIG, bold, brash Jo Brand warned Preston's Guild Hall audience she would shock them - and she did not break her work. By now, after three visits to Preston, local comedy lovers know this comic's brand of humour which centres on
BRITAIN'S loos are shrinking! Our public facilities are going down the pan and it's starting to drive me round the U-bend. The Women's Institute lifted the lid on ladies loos last week saying they're just too small, but, as your caring CITIZEN found out
CUSTOMERS at Fishpool Post Office in Bury will be bowled over by their new sub-postmaster - former Pakistani cricket ace Asif Masood. The fast bowler represented Pakistan from 1968 to 1977, playing in 18 Test matches and the first World Cup in 1975. Now
IT has been a whirlwind eight weeks for new South Ribble MP David Borrow. The former Preston Council leader was drafted in to replace Labour candidate Dennis Golden who died shortly before the election. Within two months, 44-year-old Borrow was queuing
SHOPS will soon have a new weapon in the fight against crime - a photo album full of crooks! Mugshots of criminals who continually target Preston town centre will be distributed so store staff can watch out for potential trouble-makers and even refuse
PIGEON fanciers are getting into a flap over a local authority hand-out warning the public about diseased birds. The Blackburn with Darwen Council publication gives details of diseases carried by feral pigeons and advises people to stop feeding them.
FORGET the stairs or the elevator. When it comes to making a quick descent of Blackpool tower, one Bury receptionist will step out into space without the aid of a parachute. On July 16, Miss Teresa Gorman, no relation to the Conservative MP, will be one
THEY may be joint top of the EW Cartons Lancashire League but Billy Stelling reckons his East Lancashire side are still under achieving. The giant South African is disappointed by the way the Alexandra Meadows side have started the league - despite only
IN a dramatic clear-out, Preston North End handed out P45s as they prepared to part company with eight other players. Skipper Ian Bryson has bee given a free transfer. Also on a free is ex-Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Bobby
NEARLY every case which went before magistrates courts in Bury last year led to a conviction. The rate was 98.08 per cent and now the Crown Prosecution Service has pledged to improve efficiency even further, with emphasis on reducing delays. These are
A BRAVE jeweller escaped with her life after grappling with a crowbar-wielding thug who struck as she worked alone. Shocked shop owner Hazel Swindlehurst was attacked on the same day a jeweller in Cowbridge, North Wales, was stabbed to death after confronting
THE father of a teenager told how he battled to revive his dying son after he dragged him unconscious from his burning bed. But Kelvin Fenna (18) died in the fire at his home in Collen Crescent Bury, in the early hours of Sunday morning (May 11). A grief-stricken
YOUNG and old will come together to launch Blackburn's biggest environmental event to mark the new millennium. And the search is now on to find a youngster who will light the beacon to officially open the new sculpture trail on May 31. Groundwork Blackburn
NEW civic awards to thank people who help the community are top of the agenda for the new Mayor of Bury. That, and making sure Bury survives and thrives as a borough, are among the main aims of Coun Roy Walker who was sworn in on Wednesday (May 14). Colleagues
A FARM labourer's daughter told a public inquiry how she walked a scenic footpath threatened with closure throughout her childhood. Dorothy Harrop, of Brownlow Street, Clitheroe, was a witness in the fight against the closure of a stretch of the Ribble
super sports centre AN East Lancashire school is bidding to have the best sports centre in the North of England by the millennium. Plans are already on the drawing board for the ambitious project and governors of Fearns School, Rossendale, are now looking
COUNCILLORS will decide tonight whether or not a Ribble Valley rector can tend his flock - of sheep - in his back garden. The Reverend David Mewis has lived at Grindleton Rectory for four years, during which time he has become quite a shepherd. The Ribble
BURY'S moral guardians are to vet a controversial film for the first time in nearly 20 years. Following public objections, they will decide whether a movie - which shows people getting sexually excited by car crashes - is fit to be seen locally. At a
CLIMBING doctor Michael Flannery made it to an agonising 400m from the top of Himalayan mountain Makalu, before the expedition was called off. The East Lancashire doctor was part of a climbing team which had been blindly wading in snow up to their waists
THE new chairman of Bury Racial Equality Council (BREC) has vowed to bring stability to the troubled race relations body. The pledge has come from former Conservative councillor Sam Cohen who has taken over the hot seat from precedessor Mrs Val McGrory
JOHN Twissell fired a super level par round of 71 at Hesketh to qualify comfortably for the final of the Glenmuir Club Professional Championship. The Clitheroe professional finished just outside the play-off spot in the regional final, won by Bill Fletcher
TYLDESLEY RU have just agreed terms with Worldwide Express Courier DHL for club sponsorship of the 1997-98 season. The agreement is the biggest sponsorship deal Tyldesley have been involved in during its 117-year history and means the Well Street club
LAUNCHED today is a £25million appeal by the famous Christie Hospital in Manchester to develop "star wars" technology that could, in the future, mean patients being treated and cured of cancer in just one day. It is an amazing, but believable dream, says
JUST as the Referendum Party's doom showed, Europe was not the big issue of the general election with the voters. But today the government addresses what, along with crime, really was one of their top concerns - the future of the NHS. True, Labour had
A STAND-up comedian who also carved a reputation as a charity champion has taken his final curtain call after a showbusiness career spanning nearly 40 years. Stevie Faye, a 69-year-old grandfather-of-four living in Whiston, has rubbed shoulders with some
TWO sisters were found unconscious in their bed after suffering suspected carbon monoxide poisoning early today. Eight-year-old Raeesa Patel and 13-year-old Rehana were taken to hospital after they were overcome by fumes. British Gas officials today launched
VINCE HANKINSON reckons Atherton RU is going places. And HE is definitely going places - a sponsored cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats with club member Helen Smith. The prize pair are now on the last leg of their strength-sapping adventure,
GOLBORNE have posted an early-season warning to the Bolton Association title pretenders. The champs and league leaders again gave an indication of their title intentions by breezing to victory over Astley & Tyldesley on Saturday. And they followed
KEVIN Dean, general manager of the popular Mecca Bingo Club in Kirkland Street is leaving - having accomplished his mission to successfully develop and open the multi-million pound site. Kevin is moving to new pastures in Knotty Ash, where he will take
MEMBERS of St Helens East Victim Support Scheme welcomed Mrs Jean Wotherspoon as guest speaker at their annual general meeting at Earlestown Town Hall. Mrs Wotherspoon, who last visited when she was High Sheriff of Merseyside, has a wide knowledge of
KHALID JHUGROO was in stunning form as youngsters from Tyldesley SC enjoyed great success at the City of Salford Spring Meet. He took the Top Boy award in his age group after winning the 400 freestyle, knocking SIX seconds off his PB to achieve his first
ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD THE origins of an old-time germ-killing fluid known as Sally White still remains a bit of a riddle. We still don't know who that particular Sally was who gave her name to the locally-manufactured bleach (now vanished from the scene
AS you reported (LET, May 13) after all the turmoil of Rossendale's Environmental Health Committee, the council is to go ahead with the next phase of the controversial 'wheelie bins.' What a big con on the Valley public! Though the problem of carrying
A BURY woman is using her healing hands to help bring comfort to former war-torn Sarajevo. Mrs Mavis Lawton (60), set off from her Greenfield Close home yesterday for a two-week stay in the country. During her time in the former Yugoslavia she will use
LABOUR MP Gordon Prentice has celebrated his first government job with a blistering attack on Stagecoach's handling of bus services in East Lancashire. Mr Prentice, newly re-elected in Pendle, has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Transport
Leeds under 13s 22 St Helens under 13s 6 English Schools RL Cup Final A PHYSICALLY stronger Leeds outfit deserved beat a game St Helens side at Headingley. The home side started off like a whirlwind, but St Helens tackled bravely. Half-backs Anderton
DESIGNER jewellery maker Charlotte Speak has been deaf from birth but is learning all about computers, thanks to Burnley ITeC and her hearing dog Fleck. Charlotte, 28, has been using her silversmith skills since graduating from Birmingham University but
MY son is highly intelligent, a star student on his university course. But there's one thing lacking in him and the majority of the male population - common sense. Show me a man with his feet firmly on the ground and I'll show you 100 floating around
AFTER a confidence boosting victory in mid week against Mossley Hill in the Lever Cup, Rainhill had high hopes of registering a first league victory of the season at home to Parkfield. Electing to bat first, Rainhill made a steady start with openers Peter
TWO traders have been given a right rocket after pleading guilty at St Helens Magistrates Court to selling fireworks to under-age children. Both defendants were given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay St Helens Council's costs of £180
A TEXTILE industrialist was working up until three weeks before his death at the age of 90. Mr Arthur Hargreaves, of Stanhill, Oswaldtwistle, was president of the East Lancashire-based multi-national textile manufacturers, Hilden Enfield Group. He died
ORGANISERS are busy preparing for one of the biggest shows of the year in Burnley. Burnley Show is to be held at Towneley Park on June 8 and organisers, Burnley Agricultural Society, are promising the usual wide range of competitions, stalls, games and
A FORMER mayoress of Bury, Mrs Edna Cockayne, died on Monday (May 12) at the age of 92. She was the wife of the late Alderman Ernest Cockayne. The couple were mayor and mayoress of the old Bury Town Council in 1969-70. For the past three years, Mrs Cockayne
SUTTON CC suffered another blow when they were beaten at Bromborough on Saturday. The Bromborough wicket was damp and uneven and the home captain had no hesitation in asking Sutton to bat. Runs were at a premium as the ball popped and shot around. Sutton
FLYING half-way round the world for a booze-up might seem a touch eccentric. But ex-Leigh Grammar School head boy Gabby Hayes and his pal, Tony Ashmore, couldn't miss meeting-up with their buddies again. Next month Tony is flying out from Los Angeles
SAINTS' transfer-listed full-back Steve Prescott has still not sorted out his contract wrangle with the club - more than six months after asking for a better deal! A 23-year-old local product, Steve asked for an upgrading on returning from the Great Britain
A HERON is in trouble with residents of a Bury street after carrying out dawn raids on fish ponds. Locals in Victor Avenue initially welcomed the return of the heron to the area as a sign that years of hard work cleaning up the nearby River Irwell and
THE cricket season has taken a dramatic turn for the better for Owens Corning St Helens Recs. On Friday they defeated Bolton League outfit Clifton in the National Knockout. And on Saturday, they beat Worsley in the Liverpool Competition at Ruskin Drive
TYLDESLEY'S "Cabbage" social club may re-open as a pub. This month cash-strapped Tyldesley Allotments Club closed through declining support. Even attractions like a bumper, bargain-priced Sunday morning breakfast menu couldn't halt the slide. But now
A WOMAN has warned shoppers to be on their guard after seeing her handbag snatched from her car in a smash-and-grab incident on a supermarket car park. Trish Donlan (48) from Chiltern Road, Parr, had left the bag - containing £300 in cash, credit cards
LOTTERY chiefs have boosted the popular prizes in the Wigan and Leigh Hospice prize fund. Their moves come in the week when national Camelot Lottery cash pay-outs have been made to charities working outside this country. The new Hospice being built at
MEPC, owners of Church Square Shopping Centre, have confirmed that retailing giants BHS have signed to move into part of the former Tontine Market currently being converted to general retail space. Shop fitters will move in during autumn with the store
A STAR of Saints' victorious Wembley squad is joining the amateur ranks . . . Aussie ace Derek McVey has been named coach of Thatto Heath. The appointment marks the latest stage in the ambitious club's plans for the future. They have applied to join Blackbrook
A BAND of talented musicians are celebrating after securing a grant of £5,000 from the Arts Council of England. The award, under the A4E Express Scheme, will enable Newton Youth Orchestra to develop a junior music ensemble, provide a series of master
BLACKPOOL'S South Pier had to be evacuated on Tuesday (May 20) after a hand grenade was found on the beach. Members of staff and nearly 100 members of the public who were forced to leave the area and stand in the pouring rain for nearly two hours after
DO you have a nose for news and an eye for some spare-time cash? If so, we want to hear from you.For the Lancashire Evening Telegraph is recruiting community correspondents. Two years ago we expanded our news gathering team by establishing a network of
Saints 22 London Broncos 22 SUPER League champions Saints' chances of retaining the coveted title were dealt another severe blow by the Broncos in this epic encounter on Friday night. Coming in the wake of defeat by leaders Bradford Bulls, the loss of
IT was a story of contrasting halves, but a sharing of the spoils was probably the correct verdict. So said Saints' boss Shaun McRae in assessing the game with London Broncos. WHITTLE: Point lost or point gained - supporters are sharply divided on this
NEW Mayor of St Helens is Councillor John Mealor (69) who was elected with all the time-honoured ceremony in the council chamber of St Helens Town Hall. He announced that the exclusive charity for his mayoral year will be the St Helens and Knowsley Hospice
I REFER to the article (LET, May 15) about the crackdown on pavement hazards such as advertisement boards outside Hyndburn shops and how Hyndburn and Lancashire County Council have, quite rightly, stated that all obstructions of the highway are technically
PLANS for a hot food takeaway at the end of Lancaster's Prospect Street have been thrown out by city council planners. The move to turn the existing butchers shop into an open-all-day chippy caused uproar among local residents, who protested to councillors
Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club members were flying the flag this weekend at Three Sisters Kart Circuit at Ashton in Makerfield. Although it is the second event at this venue which counts in the local championship, six Kirkby crews contested the event run
A CYCLIST whose friend was seriously injured after his bike collided with a sheep has criticised farmers who allow their animals to stray onto roads. John McAulay, 47, suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs and a broken collarbone when his trek bike
RARE birds of prey and their chicks are being stolen from the Trough of Bowland by professional thieves. Three Peregrine falcon chicks and six hen harrier eggs have been taken in recent weeks. Police claim the determined thieves have an expert knowledge
IAN McGarry has vowed he will return to non-league football after resigning as Darwen manager. And he revealed that a faction within the Darwen board who wanted him out influenced his decision. McGarry also felt he could do no more given the lack of resources
"It was a terrible shock but you've just got to get on with it. The customer's have been wonderful. It's their support that makes it all worthwhile." These are the words of the Skerton sub-postmaster who bravely returned to work the day after after being
ROY Hodgson is likely to face stiff competition if he attempts to bring any of his current Inter Milan stars to Ewood when he takes charge of Blackburn Rovers this summer, writes PETER WHITE. Defenders Alessandro Pistone and Massimo Paganin are reckoned
A LOCAL brownie pack faces extinction unless it can find a new Brown Owl. The 2nd Slyne-with-Hest Brownie Group, which has been running in the village for 28 years, faces closure unless a volunteer willing to take over comes forward. The Slyne brownies
MORECAMBE FC's position as the premier non-league club in the north west was enhanced this week with the announcement that the club is to host a revolutionary pilot scheme for footballing wannabees. Bosses at Christie Park are delighted with the news
THE ultimate accolade is being bestowed on Richard De Vere. From this weekend a life-size statue of the top illusionist and his dog Schnorbitz will take pride of place at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on the Wonderful World building. Made of bronze, it will
TWO university lecturers enjoying a night in with friends were tied up and robbed by a gang of masked thugs at the weekend. The raiders forced the lecturers and three students onto the floor, tied them up and threatened them violence before stealing cash
ONWARDS and upwards - that's Ramsbottom United after they clinched the North West Counties League Second Division championship on Saturday. Goals from two Steves - Orrell and Davis - gave United a crucial 2-0 victory at Oldham Town and that was enough
P.J. Shannon is bang on with his views of 'bogus options' and the media circus which aims to preserve the status quo. As regards J. Scott, there are a lot of things that go on today that we didn't fight for and nothing is done about it! Mr W Wright, Morecambe
The editor's comment on my letter regarding ballot papers ask what point I was trying to make - I am sorry that I did not make this clear and trust you will publish my answer. I meant that one had the freedom and the right to have a ballot paper and that
It amazes me to see the morning traffic in Lancaster as bad as ever when the fine weather makes it perfect for cycling to school or work. Studies have shown that 75 per cent of traffic in and around Lancaster is for journeys of less than a couple of miles
THE Annual Roses Festival of Sport between Lancaster University and York University has taken place with a defeat for the Bailrigg students. The 33 year old encounter between the two universities involves over 1,000 students each year. This year's event
YOU just know Daisy is in for a torrid time. England's green and pleasant land of the 1920s held untold troubles for an elementary schoolgirl who wins a surprise scholarship to a public school for the daughters of privileged, upper-class gentlefolk. But
FANS have been left playing a guessing game after Coronation Street star Tracey Shaw appeared in Blackpool sporting a wedding and engagement ring on her left hand. The star, in town this week for the £250,000 relaunch of the Magic Of Coronation Street
PRESCOT and Odyssey romped to a seven-wicket victory at Tranmere Victoria on Saturday. Skipper Tony Bonner won the toss and invited the home side to bat on their sub-standard track. And after 20 overs Tranmere had reached 35-0. However, Bonner then brought
A WAVE of excitement is rippling through Darwen in the build up to one of the biggest dates in the town's history. Next month the town will welcome hundreds of guests as it celebrates the 100th birthday of Darwen Tower - one of the area's most famous
A RETIRED vicar died from internal bleeding while he was on two types of medication, an inquest heard. William Bolton, aged 91, had been diagnosed as diabetic in his seventies and suffered circulation problems 10 years later. He was taking medication
A TOP East Lancashire fire officer and veteran of international mercy missions is retiring next month after more than 30 years with the brigade. During a career of life-saving service, Accrington fire station commander Colin Cunliffe has been part of
SUSAN FOX has been appointed the new president of Hyndburn Chamber of Trade - and has put increasing the spotlight on local traders top of her priority list. Mrs Fox, who runs the Fent Shop haberdashery on Whalley Road, Accrington, believes that shopping
CHILDREN'S favourite Jessie Pedlow is to have a toddlers' park named after her. Although eighty and virtually blind, Jessie has been described by Burnley Council leader Kath Reade as the "powerhouse'' behind the campaign for the grassland play area among
A SOUTH African parish priest made his first overseas trip to savour life in Baxenden. Reverend Lazaus Mohapi travelled from his home town of Namahadi, in the foothills of the Lesotho mountains, as part of an exchange with the Diocese of Blackburn and
LOWTON'S "beast from the sewers" has raised its ugly head again. Monday evening again brought torrents of raw sewage flooding roads and driveways in the Chester Avenue area. Now sickened locals are kicking up a stink in the hope of finally laying the
SEVEN residents stopping at the Comfort Friendly Inn, Burnley, had to be released from the lift by firefighters last night. The three women and four men were going down in the lift when it jammed between floors trapping them for about 15 minutes. Firefighters
A SHORT snippet of Preston's history has been sold to developers for office space. The former County Court built in the 1960s in Winckley Square was made redundant when the new Crown Court opened. But it could soon see a brief of solicitors moving in
A YOUNG ballroom dancer has been forced to skip to a higher class after a search for a partner got off on the wrong foot. Top juvenile Samantha Dubraime, of Longfield, Fulwood, combed local halls and classrooms for nearly a year, but couldn't find a consort
A LEIGH solicitor and three members of his staff were involved in systematically defrauding the Legal Aid Board out of more than £1million, a court has heard. They exploited the system of free surplus EEC meat and butter for people on benefits by helping
JACK STRAW knew the role of Home Secretary would put him at the cut and thrust of British politics - but a spear-wielding warrior is probably more than he bargained for. But for a brief spell this week, that is what appeared to be on the cards as Aborigine
FUN-LOVING Longton folk took to the streets to celebrate their annual carnival day. Smiles were in full bloom as the weather stayed fine for the colourful event. Marching bands filed through the village providing the perfect accompaniment to the day.
DOG owners in Blackburn will be shouting "workies" not "walkies" on June 27. The Blue Cross animal welfare charity is celebrating its centenary year with a national take your dog to work day. It may seem like a barking mad idea, but it is hoped career
A TAKEAWAY boss fears his business will go down the pan if councillors stop him opening after the pubs close. Kebab shop partner Kaya Huyuk has been opening until midnight to cater for late night drinkers - despite laws saying he has to shut an hour earlier
Computers are now being taught to lip-read and then print what you've said on screen...great! Now we won't be able to curse our bosses under our breath without them finding out! THE anniversary of the first envelope being used passed last week and it
DOG muck is proving a sticky subject for the Liberal Democrats in Preston who found it was one of the most emotive issues during their door-to-door election campaign. The group wants to raise awareness of the dangers of dog fouling by presenting a three-point
I FEEL I must reply to Mr Higgins, Chairman of Leigh Rugby League Club, after the statement he made last week in The Journal, when he said the Leigh club is in a healthier position now than it has been for 20 years. I can only speak on behalf of the club
Coun Marshall was looking for the town's silverware, and in particular a Steeple Cup chalice, believed to be the earliest piece of Plate owned by the Corporation. After a little digging and dusting, he managed to exhume the chalice which hasn't been used
BLACKBURN Railway Station is set for a high speed passage into the Year 2000 with news that another £2 million is to be spent on it. Railtrack announced the refurbishment package this week and work is expected to begin in early 1998 - giving the town
BURY-based greetings cards giants, Birthdays Group, has announced a major takeover. The group has bought Rochdale-based Thorpalm Greetings Cards for an undisclosed sum. The business trades under the well-known name of "Paperchain" which has more than
NOT content to report on matters of worldwide import, a certain broadsheet national newspaper has decided that what's good enough for the Citizen is also good enough for its readers. The Guardian publishes a section in its Saturday edition called The
HAS BSE gone to the dogs? A recent study would indicate that a form of BSE can be passed on to dogs. If this is so, then there is only one way you can protect your canine's cranium - feed him or her a vegetarian diet. Yes, dogs can be vegetarian! According
LUCKLESS Maureen Clayton's trail of tragedy was topped when her house was struck by a bolt of lightning. The surge of volts ripped through the roof and set the building ablaze leaving terrified Maureen fleeing from her home on Wheatfield, Leyland during
FLYING North End winger Kevin Kilbane was yesterday (Wednesday May 21) expected to net a £1 million move to West Bromwich Albion. The highly rated 20-year-old, who has wanted to move from Preston for some time, has long been admired by Hawthornes' boss
A LOCAL businesswoman is one of the bidders lining up to save Blackburn's Pavilion buildings from demolition. Nancy Shaw, director of Shaw Corporation UK, is hoping to rent one, and eventually all three of the listed Church Street buildings. She wrote
Lancashire lynx 29 Hunslet Hawks 0 LANCASHIRE Lynx stepped up their promotion challenge in a sensational clash at Victory Park on Friday night. Due to emergency pitch repairs at their usual home of Deepdale, the Lynx had a temporary move to their former
ROY HODGSON will be handed an open cheque book when he arrives at Ewood Park next month as he attempts to build a side capable of competing with Europe's elite. A place in Europe will be Hodgson's target and Jack Walker is set to hand over a fair slice
PRESTON were easily beaten by 8 wickets at Leyland Daf in the first round of the Vaux Samson cup. Daf captain and professional, David Makinson won the toss and put Preston into bat. Jonathan Fleetwood and Graham Dobson opened the batting but the former
YOUNG players from Rossendale have joined their football-crazy parish priest on his 25th soccer tour to Southern Ireland. Father David Lupton, of St James' the Less RC Church, Rawtenstall, was today taking the parish's under 11 and under 14 teams, which
THE popular Burrs Activity Centre certainly lived up to its label at the weekend. For apart from staging a range of sports, it was the venue for an official opening ceremony and cheque handover involving officials and the outgoing Bury mayor, Coun Trevor
MRS Thatcher hit the election trail in East Lancashire with at least six personal guards - and one of the biggest security back-up operations in British electoral history. Lancashire police, Special Branch officers and anti-terrorist squad members threw
WARREN Hegg is the latest victim of Lancashire's early season injury curse. The wicket keeper was forced off late on the opening day of the championship game against Northants at Old Trafford with a back spasm. Neil Fairbrother, already captaining the
SECOND round matches in the McDonalds national young athletes league involve five teams from local clubs. Blackburn Harriers boys hosted a Division One West meeting at Witton Park, put out a team weakened by seasonal examination calls, but managed third
GOOD performances from Howe Bridge Aces in an Intermediate League defeat against neighbours Atherton (166-154) and a 194-124 win against Swinton ASC. The swimmers: Jane Bithell, Leah McCulloch, Kirsty McNamara, Sam Coffey, Louise McMullen, Kristy Austin
LEIGH have been sent packing from the League Cup. After posting a respectable 161 against Oxton, their rivals swept in on the back of a century opening partnership. Greg Dimery and skipper Dave Dove quickly fell as Leigh battled for a good score. But
THE annual Atherton Charity Cup Final was a time for good football, a hat-trick that didn't quite live up to the 1962 figure and a host of cherished memories. Harold Schofield and Jack Yates, two players with the successful Blakemores side of 1948, were
LOOKING for a new vehicle? Need a reliable motor which will turn a few heads? Well East Lancashire businessman Ian Procter has just the thing - an armoured car painted in full camouflage colours! Mr Procter, who owns Radiation Auto Bodies, Burnley, has
GLAZEBURY crashed to a nine-wicket defeat by Moorfield. Only Peter Calvert, who hit 42, offered much resistance as they were tumbled out for an inadequate 86 in their North West Counties League match-up. The bowling of Carl Fitzgerald (5-20) and Tony
SOMEONE out there has the power to help save little Amy Read's life. The four-year-old from Moorcroft, Edenfield, has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. Her parents, Wendy and Mark, can only hope that a donor
ORGANISERS of Pendle's first "green" festival have thrown out an invitation to all local groups and businesses with an interest in protecting the environment. The Say Yes to Alternatives event will be held at Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne, on June 27/28
NINE swimmers from Atherton SC will represent Central Lancashire at the Inter-Association Age Groups at Everton Park... Heather Frederiksen, Amy Jones, Rhiann Jackson, Holly Davies, Hannah Foster, Rachael Unsworth, Daniel Kings, Ryan Grundy and Matthew
SUPPORTERS of Christie Hospital proved it is possible to have a cake and eat it when they found a novel way of handing over £5,000 for research into generic breast cancer. The cash has been raised by a small band of dedicated volunteers since the turn
FEARS that pensioners visiting social clubs in St Helens are being targeted by muggers have prompted crime prevention officers to issue a five-point safety plan. In recent weeks, a number of attacks have been made on elderly people travelling to and from
AFTER months of speculation, the curtain has risen on a new era at the Theatre Royal, as the new management launch an innovative three-year programme. The theatre world is watching as the church steps into the spotlight and takes control of this historic
TRAFFIC delays are expected to continue until the weekend in Whalley New Road, Blackburn. Lancashire County Council workmen have been fitting a new drainage pipe under the road. Work was delayed after the repairs needed turned out to be bigger than expected
LEIGH are ready to concede defeat in the Division Two promotion race. A second successive defeat, and a fourth in 11 games, leaves Leigh six points off the lead - a margin coach Keith Latham can't see his team pulling back. "The 12-4 defeat at Barrow
TOUGH new laws come in to force on Saturday, May 24 within St Helens to control the nuisance and potential public health hazard posed by irresponsible dog owners. The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, will enable council dog wardens to take legal action
FIRMS will be being offered the chance to tap into millions of pounds of business at tomorrow's Chamber of Commerce exhibition. The event, which organisers promise will be the biggest of its kind, will feature a 'Meet the Buyer' forum for local businesses
ANGRY taxi drivers are demanding police action to halt a spate of mysterious cab thefts in the town. Since June, 1994, nine 'Fairway' black cab-style taxis have been stolen from outside drivers' homes around the St Helens area. All the missing vehicles
HISTORY was made at this year's Rainhill Schools Music Festival when a vocalist was chosen Musician of the Year for the first time, Elizabeth Hardman, a senior pupil at Rainhill High School, earned the accolade for her rendition of 'The Laughing Song'
ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD THOUGH it had a rather snooty-sounding ancient nickname, there was nothing posh about Fol-de-Rol Row! It consisted of a string of humble terraced dwellings which graced the Parr scene for more than a century. The cottages stood below
A MAN who had to be carried to an ambulance by eight firemen has died. Mr George Sharples (63), who is said to have weighed around 35 stones, took ill at his home in Derwent Walk, Whitefield. An ambulance crew was called to his house when he began to
A POPULAR shopping complex on the edge of Blackburn town centre could be extended with six new stores. Stafford-based Creswell Estates are hoping to get planning permission for new development at Russell Street, the site of the former British Gas depot
WOULD-BE credit card cheats Sibtain Abbas and Amjid Mohammed made a major mistake in their attempt to steal - they were the wrong sex. A court at Bury heard how they men produced a credit card to try and pay for the goods at Currys store and an alert
SCHOOLGIRL Salena Prescot has been given her marching orders - and she couldn't be happier! For the 15-year-old from Alford Avenue, Sutton Manor is one of only 12 army cadets in the country to be picked for a six-week exchange trip to Canada. Salena,
A 31-year-old man has died after an industrial accident at the Terry Adams Pilsworth quarry at Pilsworth Road, Bury. Police say Peter Nicholson, a father of two, was run over by a loading shovel land moving vehicle on an access road within the quarry
POLICE are looking for witnesses to an incident in which a thief snatched cash from a till at 'Sunflowers' florist, Chain Lane, Blackbrook. The man entered the shop at about 1.45pm on Thursday, May 15, and asked the assistant for change. When she opened
A LOWTON bus stop struggle has resulted in compromise. Pocket Nook Lane bus users wanted a replacement stop as near to the Newton Road junction as possible when their old stop was abolished for road safety reasons. And Village Club stop users didn't want
THE glass on the table began to shake, the candle light began to flicker and the room went ice cold as regulars at a popular pub began to feel vibes from 'the other side.' Licensees Dave and Jan Stott treated customers at The Grange Hotel, in Grange Park
THE grieving son of a man who died from a simple flu jab says he will not be taking legal action against the manufacturers. Mr Colin Richardson's father Harry Richardson (60), of Hilda Avenue, Tottington died after a millions-to-one reaction from the
RAINFORD Cricket Club had the chance to continue their fine start to the season against title hopefuls Highfield on Saturday -and blew it! The game also contained an added ingredient in that Highfield's overseas player is Grant Martyn, the younger brother
INJURY-RAVAGED Saints' were dealt another hammer blow on Tuesday when stand-off Tommy Martyn was ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing exploratory knee surgery. Martyn suffered cruciate and cartilage ligament damage to his right knee while
UNLESS 20 tonnes of malleable clay is donated to the Wyre Marshes Reserve in Preesall - a rare type of lavender could be lost forever. Sections of the old sea wall on the reserve have been washed away by high spring tides and are now in need of urgent
THE funeral of tragic young mum Rhonda Melling will take place next Tuesday. Rhonda was found dead at her home in Abbey Lane, Westleigh, on May Bank Holiday Monday. Stuart James Thorpe, 26, of St Helens Road, Leigh, has been further remanded in custody
LEIGH'S going to be blooming this summer. But Leigh Soroptomists are looking for someone to help them make the flowers grow, and grow, and grow! Town Centre manager John Ayres is now backing the project with an extra injection of cash which could see
ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD THERE was a special bond between Peggy, the faithful Shire horse, and office worker Rosemary Wotherspoon. Each day, Rosemary would pop down from her town-centre office desk to provide a fresh-carrot treat for the magnificent railway
LYTHAM traders are up in arms after they were told they were would have to stump up if they wanted Christmas lights. Only £3,500 has been allocated by Fylde Borough Council for festive activities in Lytham this year - only half what it costs for the traditional
FOLLOWING a series of meetings with community representatives, police chiefs have agreed to appoint a second community beat officer in Whiston. Members of Whiston Town Council had expressed concern that one beat officer was not enough to deal with the
THIS year's Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix of summer road and fell races starts tomorrow (Friday, May 23) evening with the Colne Lions 10-kilometre event. The race starts at 7.30pm from Colne Cricket Club, Keighley Road, Colne. The opener is followed by
AN EAST Lancashire councillor was among 100 virgins who attended a mass to celebrate the revival of their ancient tradition. Coun Winifrid Lesley Jackson, the sister of Labour's high flying Margaret Beckett, is a consecrated virgin of the Roman Catholic
BURNLEY Health Care Trust is preparing to open a ground-breaking eating-disorder centre. High Meadow, Colne Road, Brierfield, is the first NHS unit of its kind. As well as being a comfortable home for anorexia and bulimia sufferers, it has consultation
EAST Lancashire's lone Tory MP, Nigel Evans, today backed moves to allow party rank and file to have a say in who leads the Conservatives in opposition. Last night Tory chairman, Brian Mawhinney, called for constituency chairmen and chairwomen to be given
CONCORDE could swoop over Cliviger when the village holds its spring carnival on Monday (May 26). If conditions allow, the supersonic jet will put in a special low-level appearance after it takes off from Manchester on a holiday charter flight to Toronto
THE Rossendale family of a businessman held in a Dubai jail for 82 days without being charged are appealing to their MP for help. George Atkinson was at a three-day golf tournament in the Gulf state when he was arrested on March 1. His wife, Helene, and
POLICE are questioning children in the Waterfoot area of Rossendale after the window of a Stagecoach bus was smashed. The bus was stopped on Burnley Road East when an undisclosed object was thrown at the window of the single-decker Leyland Tiger. Damage
ADRIAN Heath had reassuring words this week for fans worried about Burnley's ability to attract quality players. He urged supporters to be patient and not to panic after Gary Parkinson's move to Lancashire rivals Preston North End. The manager said he
HARD-WORKING staff at Walton High School have been praised by OFSTED inspectors. The Nelson school has been under the scrutiny of a team of 12 who watched teachers at work in 195 lessons. They were pleased to see pupils gain a sense of achievement by
FAMILIES from Burnley will be among the first in the country to find out how eco-friendly their lives are by using a home computer. The ten families, all of whom live in the South West area of town, are taking part in a unique national survey instigated
LANCASTER'S MP is calling for a BSE crisis debate to bring the city's 'smell' plight to the heart of Government. In his first week at Westminster, Hilton Dawson has sought out the speaker Betty Boothroyd to get an adjournment debate in which he will raise
BLACKPOOL soldier Peter French is answering the call of the wild to save threatened iguanas in the Belize rain forest. Peter, aged 27, is a sapper in the 39 regiment of the Royal Engineers and is to help build a compound at a zoo in Belize for the iguanas
ENTREPRENEUR Christine Coates is celebrating a second accolade after receiving the OBE earlier this year. Christine's firm Coates Engineering (International) Ltd, which she owns together with her husband, has been awarded the Investors in People standard
LOCATIONS around Blackpool are being given a face-lift thanks to a group of hard-working volunteers. Members of the Prince's Trust have just completed their second challenge, sprucing up St Christopher's Church. Their debut task was to revamp St Nicholas
FEARS that Bury could lose the services of boss Stan Ternent and assistant Sam Ellis have been allayed by major shareholder Hugh Eaves. Neither Ternent nor Ellis has a formal contract but initial talks with the management duo were opened before the players
