Archive

St. Pauls 110, Tyldesley 147; R.U.F.C. 120, Lowton 158; Botanical 121, Cricket Club 132; Golborne Cons 145, St Pauls B 110; Gardeners 144, Brunswick 115.

CHILDREN at a Blackburn primary school are looking forward to the grand opening of their brand new garden. The multi-sensory garden at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour RC School, in Holmebrook Close, has more than just plants and flowers, it also has a water

A YOUNG woman who turned to prostitution in a desperate move to fund her heroin addiction was allegedly raped by a "customer", a court has heard. A jury heard claims that Andrew Fardella picked her up in a Mercedes, having agreed a £20 price, and drove

I WAS born in Darwen and lived there for 23 years, but I came to work on July 2 to hear that my sister had lost her job after more than 20 years with Crown Wallcoverings. It's a very sad day for Darwen. There will be too many people looking for work now

CAN readers help me trace a relative, Michael Wright who was born in Blackburn? His father, Jack Wright, was a sergeant in the old Blackburn Borough police force. He had a brother, Albert, who was a blacksmith in Padiham and his mother, Edna Carysforth

HAVING read of the dog attack on the landlord (LET, June 26), a neighbour of mine had her cat ripped apart by a pit bull type on the loose on June 25, which her husband caught and held on to. She tried to contact Darwen police station, but they were,

A MUM told of the horrifying moment that she saw her little son stranded on the roof of their home. Four-year-old Tom Embrey-Barlow climbed out of an open window on to the dormer roof of their home in Dale Street, Stubbins, 25ft above the ground. Firefighters

BUS company Blackburn Transport could be sold off by its council owners following a review of their investments. But a trade union representing more than 150 of the 200 firm's staff today expressed concern that employee rights could be eroded if it was

LEIGH Centurions face their toughest test of character so far this season when they make a return trip to Spotland. Just a week after their acrimonious Arriva Trains Cup Final defeat, the Centurions tackle in-form Rochdale at the same venue. But Spotland

BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today expressed his delight after landing Aussie international Brett Emerton. Souness's two-year chase for the Feyenoord ace reached a successful conclusion last night when Rovers officially unveiled him as their first major

SOLDIERS from Preston have been hailed heroes after a daring rescue mission in Iraq. Pictures were splashed across the world as the soldiers, serving with the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, managed to free three Iraqi civilians, including a mother and daughter

A HOD carrier arrested in a rumpus over child maintenance had sworn at a police woman and challenged her to arrest him. Burnley Magistrates Court heard how Michael Andrew Hunt, 35, was in the passenger seat of a car arguing with driver Andrew Bennett,

A JUDGE has hit out at car criminals after a solicitor told a court a thief and handler had got property which wasn't worth much. District Judge P Ward said car crime was "absolutely rife," and people could not safely park their vehicles because of people

A LANDSCAPE gardener who beat up an Asian taxi driver with another man was today starting a 15-month jail term. Peter Bell, 46, had got the wrong man, believing victim Ijaz Ahmed,42, had earlier upset his daughter. Mr Ahmed was subjected to a five to

A MUM told of the horrifying moment that she saw her little son stranded on the roof of their home. Four-year-old Tom Embrey-Barlow climbed out of an open window on to the dormer roof of their home in Dale Street, Stubbins, 25ft above the ground. Firefighters

A CLOSE-KNIT community is in shock after a 78-year-old man was found stabbed to death in his back garden. The body of Nether Kellet villager Richard Hodgson, of Shaw Lane, was discovered 12 hours after he was reported missing last Thursday evening. A

MEMBERS of a Lancaster band are well and truly brassed off this week after news that the council is demanding a staggering increase in their rent. The Red Rose Youth Band, which meets three times a week in a building in Ryelands Park, has been told its

STAFF working at care homes in the area are invited to attend a briefing tomorrow in Nelson on the safe moving and handling of residents. The Moving and Handling Facilitators Seminar will be held at Pendle Training, in Netherfield Road, from 11am. It

A TEENAGER has won an award for his 'life-saving' work to tackle drug use among his peers. Sean Jackson, 16, of Quakers View, Brierfield, has been declared Lancashire's County Cadet of the Year after seven years volunteer work with the Burnley Division

NEWBORN Ruby Hooper's arrival created a ripple of excitement as she emerged into the world as Fairfield Hospital's first ever water baby! Delighted mother Jane gave birth to her 8lbs 1oz daughter in the hospital's maternity bathing pool after midwives

PRESTON stormed to second place in the Northern Premier League with a crushing 158-run victory over Morecambe. An unbeaten century from Pervez Shah and 79 from Raouf Akbar helped Preston set a massive total of 246 /6 Akbar was equally impressive with

A 21 YEAR old man allegedly had sex with a schoolgirl, even though her father had told him she was under 16, a jury was told. Burnley Crown Court heard how Martin Corbett was said to have visited the 14 year old at her school but later told police he

MORE THAN 30 years ago a young postman accepted a bet in a Bacup pub to run to Todmorden and back. The run took an hour and his drinking pals put a few pound in the charity jar behind The Crown's bar. Since then the postman -- former Rossendale mayor

rA NEW and improved YMCA opens its doors at 10.30am next Thursday at 20 Bradshawgate, Leigh selling clothes, books and furniture to raise money to help young people. Face painting and wine tasting are among the attractions. More information from 01942

EVERY day across the North West alone, over 1000 blood donations are needed to make sure hospital patients get the life saving treatment they need. The National Blood Service is urging the public to give blood. The following sessions are being held locally

NORMAN Hewson was celebrating 30 years of entertaining children with his concertina. Dubbed 'The Music Man' Norman played to hundreds of audiences on the Highfield Road recreation ground in Blackburn.

AROUND 600 extra childcare places are being created in Blackburn with Darwen thanks to lottery cash. Blackburn with Darwen Council has won more than £200,000 from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund to provide the additional 582 places for three

FOUR local communities joined to celebrate the first birthday of a project to help the youngest members of society. SureStart is designed to improve the quality of services for children under four, promote community involvement and improve children's

LEIGH MP Andy Burnham will help to lead the fight against crime after he was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Home Secretary David Blunkett. Mr Burnham began his new role as PPS last week where he will help to support Mr Blunkett in his political

A LABOUR councillor has slammed Hyndburn Council's leadership for striking a £45,000 deal with Accrington Stanley. Huncoat ward councillor Dave Parkins said Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe was offside and accused him of "vote catching," saying

AN OUTRAGED wife has welcomed council plans to erect another CCTV camera for £20,000 after an overgrown tree hid the violent and "unprovoked" attack on her husband from a camera. But Hyndburn Council's plans have been criticised by opposition councillors

A FAMILY who have been trying to trace relatives in Canada got the shock of their lives when they read the Journal . Mike Tyldesley, a Canadian who is a direct ancestor of Sir Thomas Tyldesley, featured in the April 10 edition. The story of how Mike's

A GRANDMOTHER claims her family have suffered weeks of intimidation -- because they are Canadian. Joan Williams believes her family has suffered physical and verbal abuse from people living in the Higher Folds area of Leigh because of her nationality.

by Robert Johnson A DAD has praised the firm that gave his disabled son a chance in life after he'd been turned down for 170 jobs. Twenty-three-year-old John Darbyshire of Lowton, who suffers from Diaplegic Cerebral palsy, had given up hope of ever finding

I WRITE in response to all the bleeding heart do-gooders who perpetually wibble on about how we should 'invest in the youth of today...blah, blah'. Has everyone gone soft? If you deduct the youth element from national crime statistics it would make a

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a mosque at the back of a terraced house in Clitheroe has been recommended for approval by planners. A revised plan limiting hours of worship at the proposed Holden Street mosque was given the thumbs-up by Clitheroe Town

AS A vicar and writer in the Church of England, I am inundated with letters from people who despair at the state this country is in. My postbag reveals that there is an unofficial debate going on in every city, town and village, with people asking 'what

YOUNG disabled athletes will be competing in Blackpool this weekend (July 12-13) in the Disability Sport England national junior athletics championships. The annual two-day event, starting at 9.45am on Saturday and 9.30am on Sunday takes place at usual

MORECAMBE players have reported back after the summer break fit and raring to go. Manager Jim Harvey was said to be 'delighted' with the fitness of his squad as the countdown towards match action began. The first friendly is at Barrow on Saturday, with

THREE tries in the opening eight minutes sentenced Lancaster to another heavy defeat in their debut season in the rugby league Conference on Saturday. A 58-8 hammering at Chester Wolves was not what the Giant Axe men wanted after running the promotion

THE UK's biggest compensation law specialist is backing Blackpool FC with a six figure two-year sponsorship deal. The Lancaster-based Life Repair Group, now the market leader in personal injury litigation following the collapse of The Accident Group,

IT is mid-July, the sun is shining and, believe it or not, Blackpool FC are less than a week from their first game of the season. Steve McMahon's side take to the field at Accrington Stanley's Crown Ground on Tuesday night, with a strong squad expected

STAN TERNENT will soon be starring in his own movie blockbuster! The multi-talented Burnley boss has already dented the best-sellers list thanks to remarkable sales of his revealing book, 'Stan the Man'. And now, Stan is the main focus of a new documentary

MAL LOYE hammered the Scots for his fourth half century in five one-day innings to leave Lancashire sitting pretty at the top of their National League table. Loye hit 88 from 92 balls in an unbroken opening stand of 170 in 28 overs with Mark Chilton as

LEIGH comes out to party when the town hosts its annual carnival on Saturday and Sunday July 26 and 27. Billed as "a Celebration of Leigh's Heritage", the carnival will be held at Bedford High School on Manchester Road. Planned attractions include an

THE RSPCA are inviting local animal welfare groups to get woof and ready for their annual dog show and fun day next month. The action-packed event -- which is set to be held at Lawsons Road, near Stanley Park in Blackpool on Sunday, August 3 -- hopes

A FYLDE hotelier escaped a jail sentence after 'flashing' an undercover policeman at a notorious hot-spot for sex pests. James Anthony Kean, 42, of Dale Street, appeared before Blackpool Magistrates on Monday, July 7, charged with public indecency offences

BLACKPOOL Transport has introduced a new initiative to improve the safety near its buses. Other major companies have already found success by using dipped headlights, making pedestrians more aware of the presence of the vehicles. A simple act such as

GOLBORNE CC 2nd XI had a poor weekend as they lost both their games against Clifton and Standish. On Saturday they were bowled out for a modest total of 95 leaving Clifton to knock the runs off without the fall of any wickets. The top scorers for Golborne

PLANS to merge the Leigh Amateur Football League with a neighbouring league in Wigan have fallen through at the eleventh hour. The league was set to merge with the Wigan Amateur Football League -- with the new competition planned to kick off later this

PLENTY of good racing was dished up on a fast, grippy Astley & Tyldesley track in last week's Manchester Cycle Speedway League Grand Prix Round. On the night honours were just about shared between the competing Astley & Tyldesley and Tameside

LEIGH hurdler Sharon Walls narrowly missed out on qualifying for the European Championships in Finland. Eighteen-year-old Sharon competed in the National Junior AAA Championships and managed to qualify for the final of the 100m hurdles when she ran a

AFTER signing several new players, including the highly rated former Blackpool quick bowler Marcus Sharp, Lytham have had some recent excellent results and occupied fourth place in the league after several years spent avoiding relegation. The visit of

BURNLEY are thought to be close to sealing a sensational double swoop for Manchester United stars Luke Chadwick and Michael Stewart. The Clarets are trying to fight off stiff competition from Sunderland and Nottingham Forest to land aggressive midfielder

BLACKPOOL will boast an attraction even more statuesque than the tower this weekend as stunning chart-topper -- Lucy Carr -- makes an appearance at The Syndicate nightclub. Lucy, whose debut single, Missing You, made it straight into the Top 30 in January

thank you COLLECTIONS promoter for Churches Together in Atherton, Norma Earle, has thanked residents for supporting their street collection which raised £163.95 during Christian Aid Week.

rASTLEY WI members had lots of laughs at a games evening. Next month there's an arts and crafts demonstration when new members are welcome. Phone 01942 892870 for details.

A DARWEN legend who taught thousands of children and adults to swim died has died aged 77. John Johnson's dream of building a private swimming school was realised in 1971 when the joiner found a building on Blackburn Road to suit his needs. The keen swimmer

CARNIVAL weekend walks have been organised by Leigh Heritage Society. A town centre heritage walk is scheduled for Friday, July 25, meet at Leigh Library at 10am. On Sunday, July 27, the venue is Leigh Cemetery. Meet there at 2pm. Cost is £1 per walk.

AN accidental death verdict has been recorded on a 92-year-old man who had sustained injuries to the head. Alfred Evans' heart condition, the head injuries and a fractured femur had all conspired together, a coroner said. Mr Evans of Coronation Avenue

CARNIVAL weekend walks have been organised by Leigh Heritage Society. A town centre heritage walk is scheduled for Friday, July 25, meet at Leigh Library at 10am. On Sunday, July 27, the venue is Leigh Cemetery. Meet there at 2pm. Cost is £1 per walk.

EVERY day across the North West alone, over 1000 blood donations are needed to make sure hospital patients get the life saving treatment they need. The National Blood Service is urging the public to give blood. The following sessions are being held locally

A MOTORIST accused of causing the death of a Tyldesley motorcyclist appeared on Monday at Liverpool Crown Court. Kevin Moran, aged 45, from Rochdale pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Gary Smith by driving a Vauxhall Astra dangerously on November

A WILD deer has been sighted not far from Atherton town centre. Farmer Mark Lancaster was mowing a field behind Hesketh Fletcher High School early on Monday when he surprised the deer which ran off towards Hamilton Street. The Lodge Lane farmer said:

LEIGH County Court has won a Charter Mark -- a public service accolade for its commitment to serving the town. It is now one of 199 courts nationally to be rewarded for introducing improvements to the service which make the court more welcoming and less

HTHE Local Network Fund is an organisation that aims to help disadvantaged children by investing in community projects and voluntary children's groups. In the past 12 months the Fund for Children and Young People has awarded over £112,000 in grants to

A SUPPORT group which helps families affected by suicide will celebrate its second anniversary later this year. The Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide group or SOBS has helped hundreds of families affected by suicide since it was established in August

A RUGBY League-mad grandad who died in February after being struck by a vehicle just yards from his local pub, was remembered by regulars who challenged Leigh East to a charity rugby match. Friends and family of Jack Sharrock cheered as a team from the

A LOCAL watering hole has been shortlisted in a nationwide community pub of the year competition. The Yew Tree at Mosley Common is one of five finalists shortlisted for the title in the Unique Brewery competition. Hosts Dominic and Jane Dalton have got

AFTER reading many letters from motorists constantly moaning about running costs, congestion, speed cameras and so on, people seem to forget one thing. Who wanted the car in the first place? Nobody forces you to drive. Did anyone from the school of motoring

BOSSES at a major leisure company are showing they're no dummies by giving a long-standing Blackpool attraction a £250,000 face-lift. Leisure Parcs Ltd is due to unveil an eye-catching glass entrance, brand new models and features, a shop and a separate

A MAN videoed his illegal sex romp with a 14-year-old girl who he had met while working at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Shaun Brown, 35, met the schoolgirl because she regularly attended the Pleasure Beach where he worked as a ride operator. Brown, of Gladstone

CIVIL servants in Blackpool could lose out on a bonus worth hundreds of pounds because they 'work in the wrong departments' a trade union is claiming. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) says financial services department staff at Norcross

YOU CAN keep your Tour de Eiffel, Piazza del Popolo and Statue of Liberty -- one top British model would swop them all for a bag of chips and Blackpool's 'Iron Lady' any day! In a recent edition of US fashion bible, American Vogue, Oldham-born catwalk

A CELEBRATION of art and music in schools ended on a high note when more than 2,000 children joined in a mass sing at Ewood Park. Pupils from schools across Blackburn with Darwen sang their hearts out at the event, which is now in its fourth year. Before

THE jury in the lesbian murder trial were being sent out today following an eight day trial. During his closing statement defence barrister Alistair Webster, told Preston Crown Court, that the accounts of a witness caused serious questions. Mr Webster

BLACKBURN Rovers fan Jack Straw has issued fellow MPs with a Turf Moor challenge. The town's MP says he will give two tickets to watch Burnley to anyone proving they mentioned the infamous claim -- that Saddam Hussein could unleash weapons of mass destruction

A COUNCIL under fire for the length of time it takes to deal with housing benefit claims has been given a £120,000 cash handout from the Government and ordered to make sure things improve. But the company responsible for dishing out housing benefit for

RE: the report on the proposed development of the Jubilee Garden site which apparently offers all the things that the people of Cleveleys have been waiting for such as Macdonalds and KFC outlets... more car parks and more congestion in the area. What

WE HOLD a Remembrance Day every year in memory of the millions who died in two world wars, but forget why they died. They were told it was so that our country would never be ruled from across the channel. We now see that what was not achieved by the sword

IT'S interesting to observe how our modern culture strives to make sin look normal and make respectability, decency or righteousness look strange. One of the ways is by hi-jacking words and minimising or neutralising their real meaning, and the article

CHRIS Lucketti will lead Preston North End in their charge for promotion when the new season kicks off, boss Craig Brown confirmed this week. Centre-back Lucketti took on the captain's armband at the start of last season following Sean Gregan's move to

OHN Coleman will run the rule over new signings and trialists when Accrington Stanley play their first pre-season friendly on Sunday. The Reds travel to Radcliffe Borough as preparations get under way for the big Conference kick-off at Aldershot on August

YU-GI-OH card crazy kids will be able to trade cards at special 'swap shops' in Woolworths stores on Blackpool Promenade and Talbot Road, Blackpool this Saturday, noon-4pm. Prom store manager Brian Heeler said: "We did a similar thing with Pokemon last

DON'T be a wallflower this weekend! Join Friends of Marton Mere on a wild flower and butterfly walk on Lawson Field, Blackpool this Sunday (July13) at 10am. And on Friday (July 18) at 9pm there will be another chance to visit the nature reserve to look

TURN your hidden treasures into a goldmine by signing up for the latest round of the hit antiques show Cash in the Attic. The Cash in the Attic team are now recruiting on the Fylde coast for people to open up their homes, lofts and garages for the new

A SUMMER fete and family fun day takes place at Royles Brook Primary School, Marsh Road, Thorton this Sunday (July 130, 1.30pm-4.30pm. Fun includes a grand raffle with £200 prize money, BBQ and licensed bar, bouncy castle and inflatable ball pool and

ORGANISERS are looking for memorabilia dating back to 1853 - the year of the first Great Eccleston Show. The popular agricultural show celebrates its 150th anniversary this weekend and artefacts could help piece together the fascinating history of the

Leigh Centurions 19 Salford City Reds 36 by Mike Hulme: SADLY, the question has to be asked. Do Leigh have the temperament to hack it on the big occasion without losing their composure, and consequently, the match? The statistics are saying no, they don't

A ROW broke out at Radcliffe Area Board over the number of sick days taken by Bury Council staff. A member of the public took deputy council leader Wayne Campbell to task and condemned what he called the "lead-swingers" of the council. But Coun Campbell

LEIGH RMI are prepared to make midfielders Gerry Harrison and Ged Kielty available to other clubs. Manager Mark Patterson has recently brought in new faces to strengthen his midfield and now wants to bolster his strike force. Patterson said: "My next

A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Fun Night, Belmont Community Centre, Burnley, 7pm-9pm. Bank Top Commnunity Centre, Oakenhurst Road, Blackburn: Baby Nosh (health visitors) 10-11.30am. DJ Phat Phil, Chicago

A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Free Computer Training, Daisyfield Centre, Blackburn. Luncheon Club (55-plus), Rosehill Baptist Church, Burnley, noon. Ballroom and Latin American Dancing for beginners

LANCASHIRE County Council may be engaged in a charm offensive with voters as its existence is threatened by the introduction of regional government. But if part of the strategy entails getting more people to know and understand its workings through better

ATHERTON LR U16s are looking for new players and will hold trials on Sunday. The trials will be held at Meadowbank Playing Fields at Meadowbank School in Atherton at 11.00am. For more details contact Bernard Lynam 01942 873878.

Table: Westleigh Village 41; Leigh Cons 36; Peake Fitness 33; Fir Tree 32; Colliers 29; Waggon & Horses 28; Railway 25; St. Pauls 23; Sportsman 17. The least darts is tied between Allan Lee and Steve Morris on 15. Lee also has the highest checkout

A TEENAGER who bit a clubber on the jaw, causing a permanent scar, has been jailed for four months. Matthew Wilkinson carried out the attack near Blackburn's Utopia nightclub, from where he had been ejected. Earlier that night, he and his companions had

I AGREE wholeheartedly with Hyndburn MP Greg Pope about not enough people in the North receiving honours (LET, June 5), but I also disagree with people like Mick Jagger and Jeffrey Archer. Are those getting them really the ones we want as an example to

IN answer to Eddie Duxbury's remarks (Letters, June 28), Councillor Mohammed Khan was legitimately upset because anonymous printed leaflets were circulated in Blackburn's Bank Top area suggesting that he was the owner of the former Three Pigeons public

SO once again our Lib-Dem MEP tries (Letters, July 3) to put a pro-EU 'spin' on what is a serious threat to our constitution. A collective trade body does not need a permanent 'president' or 'foreign minister' -- a nascent state does. However, he gives

A FAMILY have slammed the council over plans to build a new road just yards from their son's grave. The Rooney family, from Atherton, were told at a public meeting last week that the proposed A5225 "Gateway to Wigan" road to Lovers Lane would be built

BLACKBURN Rovers' first team squad plan to be fighting fit in time for the big kick-off on August 16. Skipper Garry Flitcroft and his Rovers team-mates started pre-season training at the club's Brockhall base yesterday. And one of the first things they

GARRY Flitcroft last night leapt to the defence of Souness after Keith Gillespie became the latest player to launch a stinging attack on the Rovers boss. Just 24 hours after David Dunn accused Souness of hounding him out of Ewood, Gillespie then accused

ROLL up, roll up -- an auction with a difference is being held to clean up Preston houses. Young charity champs in the Brookfield area have put their heads together and come up with an unusual way of raising cash for youth groups on the estate. Next month

A SERIOUSLY ill woman is risking the wrath of the police to speak out about her fight to legalise cannabis -- and has won the backing of a former head of the Scotland Yard drugs squad. Sybil Lucas-Brewer has been taking cannabis for four years to stop

DRINKERS in Hoghton are campaigning against the sale of their beloved pub. The Castle, in Gregson Lane, is up for sale and regulars fear it could end up as part of a new housing estate. Locals have rallied round to help the tenants, Brenda and John Noblet

A PRESTON shop worker is fuming with council chiefs after being told to remove an advertising board from outside her shop. It comes after the authority sent letters to 120 businesses across the city requesting the removal of free-standing 'A-boards' which

A DYSLEXIC teenager has quit school to concentrate on a career as a top show-jumper. Sarah Needham, 14, of Brownedge Road, Bamber Bridge, was pulled out of Balshaws High after falling behind in class. The youngster suffers from learning difficulties and

A DOG that went missing when its owner's home was burgled, turned up safe and well at an animal rescue centre. But joy was mixed with anger and frustration for owner Martin Pratt as the centre had refused to let him register it missing in the first place

A 41-year-old man found with a lock knife claimed he used it on an allotment, but a judge said it was not a gardening implement. Burnley Magistrates Court had been told how Alan Bleasdale was seen with the knife handle sticking out of his pocket by a

COMMUNITIES in Burnley are set to be consulted as part of plans to regenerate the town. Neighbourhood Action Plans will be put together setting out how the council intends to tackle the problems in Burnley Wood, Daneshouse and Stoneyholme and South West

A FORMER sales manager from Burnley has spoken of her relief at winning a payout of £7,550 after a tribunal found she had been discriminated against for being a woman. Elizabeth Marsden, 44, of Brunshaw Road, was one of three women who won compensation

A MOTORIST who did a 'u' turn to avoid stationary traffic in Carnforth on Sunday had a golf club thrown through his rear window as he drove off. The club caused £150 damage to the rear window of the Ford Mondeo as it drove off down the A6 at 12.15pm on

PARENTS fearing for their kids' safety intend to blockade Lancaster's Barton Road on Friday morning in protest about the lack of a crossing patrol. Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson, who is supporting the action, says there is still hope that the county council

HOPES were high this week that a buyer will be found for the factory, which laid off 22 of its workers after going into administrative receivership. Morecambe-based Imperial Home Dcor has had interest flooding in say administrators Ernst and Young. The

THE Leader of Burnley Council has revealed that the authority could unite with Pendle and Rossendale as the debate over regional assemblies hots up. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has already announced that three regions in the country -- the North

A POPULAR local artist will be putting in an appearance at Lancaster's Town House Gallery this weekend - to showcase two new signed limited edition prints. Chas Jacobs will be on hand at the Market Street Gallery on Saturday to launch 'The Eighteenth'

CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after Virgin Trains agreed to resume two rush-hour stops at Lancaster. The company had controversially cut its peak-time services from Preston to Lancaster from three to one. Green County Cllr Jonathon Sear said: "One of those

LEIGHTON Hall this weekend hosts its annual classic car rally. Up to 500 vintage vehicles, including classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors and even World War II jeeps, meet for the Fifth Lakeland Classic Car Rally at the historic hall at Yealand

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after firebugs caused £185,000 of damage to a chemicals factory in Lancaster. Fire fighters were called to the Acordis site on Caton Road at 7.20pm on Sunday where 100 tonnes of cellulose acetate flake worth £160,000

AUDIENCES would be hard-pressed to find a better dose of storytelling than the Dukes' latest open-air production in Williamson Park. Having reviewed several of the outdoor shows over recent years, I found the Grimm Tales the funniest of them all - and

PENDLE Council has appointed a Partnership Diversity Officer to help in its development of a cohesive community. Sarah Astin, 22, who lives in Fence, will work in partnership with organisations such as Lancashire County Council, the Police, Pendle Partnership

THOUGH it never had more than two dozen major collieries, the East Lancashire, or Burnley, Coalfield was, until the closure of its last deep pit at Hapton Valley in 1982, the region's second-largest provider of jobs after the cotton industry, writes ERIC

THE Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership received another boost in its battle to safeguard the former railway trackbed between Skipton and Colne with the announcement that the Labour MP for Pendle, Gordon Prentice, agreed to become the campaign

BILLY Roberts' Circus is in town camped by the Greyhound roundabout. Shows run until Sunday. Ticket information on 07860 787 745 or 07721 888 032, or from the box office open from 9am-9pm.

CARNIVAL weekend walks have been organised by Leigh Heritage Society. A town centre heritage walk is scheduled for Friday, July 25, meet at Leigh Library at 10am. On Sunday, July 27, the venue is Leigh Cemetery. Meet there at 2pm. Cost is £1 per walk.

MORE than 100 pupils and staff dressed in Dickensian costume as a Blackburn school marked its centenary. The Victorian stage show was the highlight of the day at St Aidan's Primary School in Mill Hill.

WORK to refurbish two churches could begin early next year if more than half a million pounds funding is approved. Sure Start Hyndburn has submitted a planning application to Hyndburn Council to build an extension to St Peter's Church, in Richmond Road

A DISABLED car owner has been left with no transport and a hefty bill after vandals sprayed his car with a corrosives. On Sarturday night 58 year-old Tommy Grimshaw parked his green Ford Ka on Johnson Street in Tyldesley town centre and went for a drink

PROUD Atherton gardeners could win £250, and photographers can cash in too. Entries must be in by the end of the month for a best garden competition backed by Brighter Borough funding. "If you have got a plot to be proud of -- show us!" invites town councillor

The Magnificent Seven -- Xll Apostles, Sacred Heart, Westleigh Methodist, Newton Westpark, St Thomas, St Paul's and St Gabriel's -- were joined by St James' from Wigan at a distinctive presentation ceremony in Leigh. They are Britain's first primaries

MORE misery lies ahead for residents, businesses and motorists with news that Wigan Road in Leigh is to close for 12 weeks. And bridge strengthening work at nearby Nel Pan Lane will affect traffic flow -- possibly at the same time. Wigan Road will be

IN RESPONSE to the letter last week asking why Green Ayre was chosen as the location for a skateboard park, I must ask why not? Green Ayre is an great location. It's central, kids can skate while their parents are shopping and there is a shortage of free

IN RESPONSE to the letter from M Martin regarding asylum seekers (Citizen, June 26), the rest of Europe did not so much reject the UK proposal for overseas 'safety zones' as refuse to even consider it. These safety zones were not suggested for the benefit

I HAVE read in the Citizen the arguments for taxi and private hire vehicles to be able to use bus lanes and the proposal that the lion will lay down with the lamb in as much as the hackney carriage owners now seek the help and financial support of the

BLACKPOOL triumphed in a low-scoring match by one wicket. Kendal batted first and made only 88 not out, an improvement from an early collapse to 27-6, with Deon Kruis taking 5-36 and Kabir Khan making a top score of 37. Blackpool's reply faltered, only

A LANCASTER-BASED compensation law specialist is backing Blackpool FC with a six-figure sponsor-ship deal. The Life Repair Group already sponsors the UK's leading cycling team and has laid out a two-year deal with The Seasiders. Life Repair Group's chairman

WHEN I wrote last week about my visit to Afghanistan I didn't know that I was journeying back not only with some powerful impressions and a long list on my "to do" sheet, but a quite unwanted souvenir too -- food poisoning. There's no need for me to go

KIRKHAM won the toss and opted to bat first on their visit to Torrisholme on Saturday - a decision greeted quite happily by the hosts. And they were proved correct when opener Oldfield was dis-missed early, caught behind by Carl Acton after being tormented

LUKE Chadwick has joined Burnley on a season-long loan from Manchester United. The pacy wide man, who was on loan with Glen Little at Reading last season, took advice from Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson before opting for a spell at Turf Moor. The 22-year-old

CLARETS outcast Nik Michopoulos will feature in the Champions League next week after joining Cypriot outfit Omonia Nicosia. The Greek keeper had been considering a return to English football after being released by the Clarets last summer. But the 33-

REMEMBER the name, Jamie-Lee Coldhan juggled his way to victory in his school's Fame Academy. The 13-year-old won the competition, sponsored by ASDA, at Beacon Hill School last week.

THE UK's biggest compensation law specialist is backing Blackpool FC with a six figure two-year sponsorship deal. The Lancaster-based Life Repair Group, now the market leader in personal injury litigation following the collapse of The Accident Group,

PLANS for the future of Morecambe's Winter Gardens will discussed at a special meeting in the old theatre at 6.30pm on Monday (July 14). Dance and amateur drama groups have been invited to the gathering, along with local schools and associations. The

rMANCHESTER Saturday Football League side Hindsford FC are looking for a reserve team manager/player manager for next season. The successful applicant will work closely with the first team manager with training and coaching. For more details contact Matt

SNOOKER and pool players from Leigh's Skybar swept the board at both disciplines. Team members Vinny Jones, Rod McNiece, Phil Trengrove, Chris Dawson, Ste Edwards, Geoff Drake, John O'Neil and Ashley and Jason Ramsden, won the Leigh & District Snooker

Tuesday, July 1: DIVISION ONE - A&T A v Gardeners B (NR); Bedford Liberals 188, Botanical Gardens B 226; Botanical Gardens A 203, Brunswick 204; Leigh Bowling A 213, Leigh RU 153; Leigh Miners 198, Westleigh Village A 177; Tamar Bowling 220, Morgans

ATHERTON CC were hoping to arrest their slide down the Bolton Association League against title contenders Spring View, and they duly managed it with an impressive six wicket victory against the defending champions on Saturday. After containing their opponents

LUKE Chadwick has joined Burnley on a season-long loan from Manchester United. The pacy wide man, who was on loan with Glen Little at Reading last season, took advice from Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson before opting for a spell at Turf Moor. The 22-year-old

BUSINESSES in Blackburn are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of one which was recently presented with a prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise. Promethean Ltd, based on the town's Whitebirk Industrial Estate, in Lower Philips Road, was one

A LONDON veterans' association is planning a pilgramage to Darwen in honour of a teenage soldier who lost his life in the second World War. The 95th (Barnet) Branch of the Normandy Veterans' Association hope to travel in October to pay homage to Jack

rJEAN Taylor, the Tyldesley-based secretary of the Salford and Bolton Fuchsia Society, is inviting entries for the 21st annual show which is being held on August 9 and 10 at Worsley Hall Garden Centre. Details from 0161 799 3114.

A POLICE operation to crack down on criminals in Rossendale has been hailed a huge success after 10 people were charged on suspicion of committing offences. Officers swooped on addresses in Rawtenstall and Bacup on Tuesday after weeks spent gathering

rA NEW and improved YMCA opens its doors at 10.30am next Thursday at 20 Bradshawgate, Leigh selling clothes, books and furniture to raise money to help young people. Face painting and wine tasting are among the attractions. More information from 01942

RESIDENTS in Rossendale are being made to feel safer in the community thanks to a 6ft high fence designed to deter crime. The wooden fence which has been dubbed by locals as the "Berlin Wall" was installed a few weeks ago to help prevent undesirables

DEVELOPERS planning a £4million redevelopment of Lea Bank have told how well their proposals have been received by the public. Stephen Ashworth, managing director of Rawtenstall-based Hurstwood Group, said he was pleased with how well received the plans

A MAN who broke into the grounds of Phil Neville's Rossendale home said he wanted to talk to the Manchester United and England player. Jonathon Greenwood, 22, Southfield, London, was bound over for a year in the sum of £200 at Rossendale Magistrates Court

PUPILS will be saying their final farewells to a "loud and laughing" Rossendale teacher who died in a motorcycle smash earlier this week. And as part of the tribute, the two schools where he worked will close on the afternoon of his funeral on Monday.

ANYONE looking for new skills or qualifications may find Westleigh High School's range of "bitesize intro courses" of interest. Subjects range from e-mailing to German through joinery and personal fitness. For a full range of courses and dates, log on

by Robert Johnson A WOMAN out walking was trapped for more than an hour after she fell into a stream and broke her leg. The alarm was raised by a neighbour at 5am after hearing the shouts of help from Deborah Blair who had lost her way and fallen into

TWO local lollipop women has been honoured for her all-weather dedication to making roads safer for children. Susan Steward of Westleigh has been named Lollipop Person of the Year by the Leigh Journal. Finally, Ethel Burns from Hindley has come runner-up

Dr David MacDonald is inviting local people to join a demonstration against the slaughter of innocents in Israel and Palestine being staged at 2pm on July 12 in Manchester's Albert Square. Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition wants demonstrators

THE BBC are looking for a modern British family in Leigh to take part in a new television series. Producers of "Meet the Family" want to chronicle the highs and lows of everyday family life, and promises to make the family household names overnight. The

THE founding of the Shakerley Community Partnership marks an exciting new opportunity for the estate in Tyldesley. The Partnership will have two buildings; a new nursery adjacent to Shakerley school and a community centre on Cumberland Avenue. A new project

RENTED properties are being checked out by Council watchdogs. This week an accreditation scheme was launched in the Leigh area which, unlike those in other parts of the country, will be independently audited by Wigan Council to make sure only the best

MUCH to my annoyance, I discovered the other day, that someone had been complaining about the performance level of the post office delivery service. The person concerned was criticising that some mail was delivered slightly later than scheduled and that

IT'S TIME to put your heart and soles into a major Blackpool fund-raising event with The British Heart Foundation and your community paper, The Blackpool Citizen. We're asking our readers to join news editor Steve Dunthorne and reporter Nikki Masters

EXCITING new plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment of Blackpool's Hounds Hill shopping centre went on display this week. The centre's owners, Academy Land, have applied for planning permission for a 200,000sq ft expansion of the centre, including

A NEW night shelter for homeless youngsters, costing more than a quarter of a million pounds, is to be built in Blackpool town centre after borough councillors gave plans the green light. Work will begin on the new £275,000 eight bed shelter next month

LIVE entertainment, information on council services and a free cup of tea are all on offer for Blackpool residents at the Winter Gardens on Saturday. Blackpool Borough Council is rolling out the red carpet for its first ever open day, 'Changing Times.

FIVE local libraries are set to be replaced by three hi-tech 'centres of excellence' in a £3m shake up by Blackpool Borough Council. The resort's first new library in 90 years will open at Palatine as soon as next year, with Bispham library set to double

MASTERPLAN blueprints are set to change after police snubbed proposals to build a brand new police station in the heart of future Blackpool. The Masterplan -- introduced by Blackpool Borough Council in May this year -- aims to completely redevelop the

PEOPLE in the North West are among the most kind-hearted when it comes to being an organ donor, a study has found. Over the last five years, numbers on the donor register regionally have almost doubled. In 1998, 600,000 people in the North West were registered

A LOWER DARWEN chef has taken his career to new heights - cooking at 40,000ft for airline passengers. Ian Sankey, pictured above, spent 18 years as an executive chef in London before being asked by BMI to test his culinary skills in the air. He cooks

A RULE book telling county council officers which words they are now banned from using has been published in a bid to make the authority more popular with the public. Lancashire County Council's 32-page guide has been sent out to all officers and sets

CHILD psychologists are being brought into a borough's schools in a bid to pull up performance in key tests and exams. Blackburn with Darwen Council has unveiled plans to pump £1.3million of Government money into a pilot project -- one of the first in

AN AFGHANISTAN asylum seeker whose refugee status was believed to be in limbo has been found hanged in a Blackburn terrace house. The body of Faizullah Ahmedi, 19, was discovered by a housemate in the hall of a house on Edmundson Street in the Johnston

BUS company Blackburn Transport could be sold off by its council owners following a review of their investments. But a trade union representing more than 150 of the 200 firm's staff today expressed concern that employee rights could be eroded if it was

LIBERAL Democrat Mike Turner ( Citizen July 3rd) really should get his facts right before committing them to public scrutiny. I am delighted to inform him that following the UK Independence Party's ( UKIP ) Political Slot on Channel 4 recently, we have

NORTH End will hold its first open day for three years when it opens the doors to the public on Sunday, August 17. Supporters will be given the chance to meet the first team and management, take part in question and answer sessions and get autographs.

ACCRINGTON Stanley will run a five-day summer soccer school from Monday, July 21. The sessions will be taken by Stanley manager John Coleman and his team of qualified coaches at Highams playing fields from 10am to 3pm every day. The course covers all

ANYONE looking for new skills or qualifications may find Westleigh High School's range of "bitesize intro courses" of interest. Subjects range from e-mailing to German through joinery and personal fitness. For a full range of courses and dates, log on

L EIGH-born Christina Jenkins was upset by a website guide to Leigh and the places in and around the town. She tells me she realised Leigh was going down the tube but here lies the proof of what others think about our once lovely little town. I had to

DONALD Duck, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Bloomfield Bear and Bertie Bassett are among the allsorts lined up to make a special guest appearance at Bispham Gala Week. The event will take place on the forecourt of Red Bank Road Post Office from Monday, July 14

CHOCOLATE lovers who want to declutter their homes should give their unwanted items to the Blackpool's Shelter charity shop, Talbot Road, this Saturday (July12). The shop is giving away one free chocolate bar to anyone donating items, from ornaments to

LEIGH Centurions have sent out a big thank you to all the fans who were at Spotland last Sunday. With over 6,000 fans in the ground it was the Leigh fans who out-numbered and out-sang the Salford opposition. Mike Callaghan, Leigh's Operations Manager