A YOUNG mum was "made to feel like a criminal" after being told to leave a college study group - because she had her sleeping baby with her. Liz Cooper, 25, took five-month-old Dominica Jimenez to a group study session evening at St Mary's College, Blackburn
A MOTHER-of-one who confessed to indulging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old boy in Burnley is being hunted by police. Alexandra Patricia Tattersall, 31, of Saxon Street, was due to face Judge Pamela Badley for sentencing over the charges at Burnley
CHRISTMAS got off to a soggy start at Whalley's annual Pickwick Night. Organisers said tonight's weather was the worst it had been since the popular event began 19 years ago. But even a torrential downpour as things got underway failed to dampen the
A JUDGE has asked for a sex grooming investigation after a cricketer was found guilty of raping a 14-year-old girl in a hotel room. Ajmal Mohammed, 40, of Audley Range, Blackburn, plied the victim with alcohol and she woke up in a Blackpool hotel room
A YOUTH organisation has won a national award - launched in memory of murdered headteacher Philip Lawrence - for its work in the community. Youth Action, in St John's Court, Ainsworth Street, was one of nine groups to receive a Philip Lawrence Award
A MAN who spat at a rival in a feud between families told police he did not regret it, Burnley magistrates heard. Asim Hussain, 25, hit Asif Iqbal's face after spitting at him from a car. He was caught through DNA and arrested. He then told police he
A prolific thief who has almost 100 convictions for stealing has been given a 90-day suspended sentence. Francis Duffy, 29, who stole toiletries worth, was captured on CCTV. He now had 145 offences on his record, 94 of them for theft or similar offences
A PUBLIC question time is being run at the start of Lancashire Police Authority meetings. At the beginning of each meeting, time will be allocated to questions from members of the public. Questions may be asked regarding any specific item in the public
ANGRY traders staged a town centre march in protest at a town's Christmas decorations. They feel there is a lack of festive spirit in Nelson, with what they describe as a lack of lights, a decent Christmas tree and the traditional crib. As a mark of
TONY Gale has backed former Blackburn Rovers defender Lucas Neill to overcome the boo-boys and rise to the challenge on Sunday. Neill was roundly jeered by Rovers supporters on his first visit back to Ewood Park after completing his move to West Ham
A GREEDY accounts assistant who stole more than £63,300 from her dying boss, has been jailed for 18 months. And after the case, cancer-stricken director Ken Harrison said she got what she deserved. Burnley Crown Court heard how mother of one, Mandy
A Christmas market will be at Blackburn market on Saturday. There will be extra gift and craft stalls and locally sourced foods, and the Mayor of Blackburn, Coun Maureen McGarvey, will be dropping in to give youngsters from Mill Hill and Whitebirk a
SOME £740,000 worth of cuts have been identified at Burnley Council - but a further £660,000 needs to be found to balance the books. More than a dozen posts will be axed across a range of council departments, as finance chiefs aim to deliver a balanced
FILMS made by teenagers about the dangers of drink driving will be shown to thousands of football fans at Ewood Park. Four teams of GCSE pupils from Our Lady and St John Catholic Arts College, Blackburn, were tasked to come up with ideas and storyboards
A CHILD sex offender meant to report to the police station annually forgot and did not go, a court heard. Burnley magistrates heard how builder Desmond Walsh, 40, who had been put on the Sex Offenders Register after being convicted in 2002, had complied
POLICE and a new team of neighbourhood workers are moving into Darwen Town Hall as part of a scheme to make it a hub of town services. Blackburn with Darwen Council's neighbourhood team and the police officers who work with them are moving in to the
A PHARMACIST has revealed how a pioneering treatment scheme is lightening the load on hard-pressed GPs. Patients across East Lancashire who have minor ailments are being encouraged to visit the chemist for free advice, leaving doctors with more time
A DOUBLE glazing firm worker was more than twice over the drink-driving limit when he was seen weaving about a motorway by police. Brendan Whittam, 32, of Tockholes Road, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was banned for 20 months
BLACKBURN with Darwen Community Safety Partnership's Safe Haven bus is celebrating its first birthday. The bus, which is the first of its kind in the North West, is aimed at providing a place of safety for people who are out in the town centre. Funded
Defrost the turkey in a bag in a cool room. Remove the bag and giblets. Once it's thoroughly thawed, cover and store in the fridge, and cook as soon as possible. Do not re-freeze once thawed. To roast: This is a rough guide, because different cookers
This year's party fashions shimmer with sequins, glimmer with glitter and glint with gold and silver. And it all adds up to the most glamorous festive season we've seen for many a year. Of course, there are pros and cons. On the upside, it's a great
A quick guide to the sort of things you can pick up for him, her and the kids. For her Items that will either make her feel a million dollars or give the impression that you've thought carefully about her desires are top of the list. Things that
We've worked out all the timing for your Christmas dinner, so simply follow our guide and get the kids lined up to do the washing up. They'll be dealing with clean plates! As early as possible... * Order your fresh turkey - organic and free-range
MORE people probably troop through your house during Christmas than at any time of year. It's a great season for getting in touch with people we haven't seen for ages and of course, for inviting them to parties. But what will they think when they
After you buy your Christmas tree, slice a few centimetres from the bottom and give it a good drink in a bucket of water as soon as you get it home. While choosing the tree you might want to look at the special tree holders available. They enable
1. Measure your ceiling height before buying, and take into account whether the tree will be standing on the floor or on a table. You don't want to get carried away and have a tree that's too tall for your room. 2. Go to a shop that is well-lit
Send an East Lancashire-themed electronic Christmas card to friends and family. It's easy to send your e-card - first of all click here to choose from one of eight different pictures taken in East Lancashire. Then simply choose your colours, who
It's party season, and isn't it time you hosted one yourself, instead of waiting for invitations to other people's? After all, your party will probably be the best you've ever been to -- at least it will be with a bit of planning. Your first priority
ONE of the major pleasures of Christmas is decorating our homes according to tradition. But did you know that the way you do it at this time of year is supposed to make a big difference to whether you'll be lucky in the coming year? Most of our
A cricketer has been found guilty of raping a 14-year-old girl in a Blackpool hotel room. Ajmal Mohammed, 40, was told he would receive a lengthy custodial sentence at Preston Crown Court today. The girl, who had been plied with alcohol, woke up to
Rehearsals are underway for the entertainment at the Mellor Mothers' Union Christmas Party on Tuesday, 11th December in School. The members of the Drama Group' are preparing a Christmas Miscellany' with poems, songs and sketches. Ladies from the
At the last PACT meeting, Hapton Parish Coun Joan Lakeland expressed concern over youths from Padiham coming up to Hapton to cause trouble. PC Lund stated that he was aware of the problem and is currently dealing with it. Residents from Carter Avenue
The "Friends of Memorial Park" are hoping to attract new members to help improve the park. Anyone interested should call Anne Eves on 01282 772104.
Mrs Dorothy Birks of St Leonard's Street, Padiham, has held her last coffee morning after 30 years of fundraising for St. Leonard's Church. Mrs Birks thanked all the supporters and fundraisers involved. Monies have also been donated to Derian House
Do you fancy a prison at the end of your street? If you don't there's no immediate need to worry. There are no plans that I have seen for a prison in East Lancashire, and - roughly speaking - I ought to know as the minister responsible for the prison
BACK in 1966, the then Mayor of Burnley invited eight youngsters to the town hall, after they raised vital cash for his charity. During his year in office, Ald John Parkinson opened a kidney machine fund and these young friends added £7. 15s to the total
A SOLICITOR slammed police for giving a gambling addict a fixed penalty for theft before "sending him on his way." Burnley magistrates heard how Adam Peter Dewhurst, 20, who struck again a week later, had been on a community order at the time. His
A FUND has been set up to help the victims of the Bangladesh cyclones. Burnley and Pendle's Bangladesh Welfare Association has established a local relief fund after hundreds lost their lives to Cyclone Sidr. Hundreds of thousands of people were also
COUNCIL leaders in East Lancashire remain committed to 'going it alone' despite missing out in the latest round of local government reshuffles. Local Goverment Minister John Healey has announced that new 'super-councils' will take control of services
A MOTHER has clocked up her third conviction for drink driving. Burnley magistrates heard Abigayle Whitham, 26, had driven her vehicle away from a garage where it was being repaired and smashed into a house and garden. At first she claimed someone
BLACKBURN Rovers have opened talks with defender Zurab Khizanishvili over signing a new deal. The Georgian international, 26, still has 18 months to run on his current contract at Ewood Park, but the club is keen on extending those terms. Khizanishvili
INJURED captain Steven Caldwell says he faces a fight to regain his first team place once he is back to full fitness. The Burnley defender is hoping to resume full training next week for the first time since a torn thigh tendon forced him out of the
JOHN Coleman could not contain his anger after seeing Accrington Stanley throw away three points last night. The Reds looked on course for that elusive home win when Ian Craney sent Stanley ahead with a stunning free-kick. Craney's moment of magic came
Parents and friends watched an art and drama performance by Year 5 pupils of Haslingden St James's Primary School. Mid Pennine Arts co-ordinated the project on behalf of Creative Partnerships. Pupils visited Queen Street Mill in Burnley and, after
A SELF-taught kung fu fan who attacked a police officer with moves learned on the internet blamed the TV programme Panorama, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard how Eric Nolton James, 39, said the show had left him confused about his rights.
A BEAT bobby will patrol Darwen town centre until 2am at weekends to reassure licensees and people enjoying a night out. Community policing for the town centre has traditionally ceased at midnight, although officers from the nearby police station have
SLEEP SAFELY CAMPAIGN The Association is applying to secure private investment funding in aid to supply every household on Dall Street & Glebe Street a much needed Carbon Monoxide Detector. Our aim is to make sure that all of your homes are being monitored
A CAREER criminal who provided the "muscle" in a terrifying robbery has failed in a challenge against his potentially life-long sentence. Craig Greatorex, 30, of Alexander Close, Accring-ton, was convicted of robbing George Sharples when he appeared
A VETERAN Burnley dwarf actor who has appeared in 50 pantomimes has spoken of his sadness at theatre bosses' decision to use puppets instead of short actors. This year's Christmas panto of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at King George's Hall, Blackburn
THIEVES who took concert tickets from a Bacup house have been warned that they will be arrested if they turn up to use the seats. Tickets for Boyzone, Marti Pellow, Cbeebies and James Blunt were stolen during a burglary at Beech Close. A £1500 Toshiba
A BABY born with severely under-developed lungs died on the day of his birth. A leading paediatric pathologist told an inquest that Nikodem Sobolewska had died of pulmonary hypoplasia. Dr Melanie Newbold said medical science had nothing to offer on
Jason Roberts believes Blackburn Rovers are primed for a Champions League challenge this season and is determined to be part of it. The Rovers striker was dropped to the bench after starting on the opening day at Middlesbrough and was then out for two
A MOTHER-of-four breached an anti-social behaviour order by taking her children to see the switching on of Burnley Christmas lights, a court heard. The Burnley magistrates were told how Susan Howarth, 38, was banned from the town centre because of her
DARWEN Dashers have announced that The David Staff Fell Race, held last month, has raised £250 for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). The race is held annually in memory of 17-year old David, who collapsed and died during his first race as
BLACKBURN Harriers are accepting entries for the Ribble Valley 10K Road Race sponsored by Forbes Solicitors on Sunday December 30. The race is at Roefield Leisure Centre at Edisford Bridge, Clitheroe starting at 11am, and all finishers will win a T-shirt
HYNDBURN Athletic Club hosted the third round of the Red Rose Cross Country League at a soggy Wilson Playing Fields on Sunday. The course had minor amendments this year, and was further tweaked on the day because of the heavy rain. The home club started
TOM Cornthwaite celebrated a double race victory ... on the same day. When most runners fancy two big events on the same day, they choose between them, while the more foolhardy might run in both and suffer. But last Sunday, Cornthwaite ran the eight-mile-long
A WOMAN found with a 14-inch blade in her pants later sold her landlord's possessions while he was away, a court heard. Burnley magistrates were told Louise Livesey, 22, claimed she had found the machete. She sold victim Nick Pearce's television and
Sébastien Loeb joined an elite club when the Frenchman claimed his fourth successive FIA World Rally Championship Driver's title by finishing third on the Wales Rally GB won by Mikko Hirvonen. Hapton driver Daniel Barritt missed out on the event due
THE chairman of the Lancashire Police Federation said the "time was right to strike" after branding a pay offer "disgraceful". The federations fears that the Government may be about to backtrack on a decision to award Police Officers a 2.5 per cent
BLACKBURN youngster Tom Bradshaw has set his sights on the Formula Palmer Audi Championship for next season. Bradshaw brought his debut 20-race season to a close with his maiden victory at Croft. And after admitting he didn't want the campaign to come
Rossendale United have come top of Unibond First Division North's Fair Play League for November. It's a turnaround for the club who, last season, had the unfortunate distinction of having the worst disciplinary record in the league. The award
Tickets for Burnley's FA Cup tie against Arsenal at Turf Moor go on sale at 1pm, today. Normal league ticket prices will apply and will be available via telephone, postal applications and in person at the ticket office. Season ticket holders, Foundation
ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman insists he has never been as upset after a match following his side's 2-1 defeat to 10-man Rochdale last night. The Reds took the lead through Ian Craney's free-kick, just moments after Rochdale's David Perkins was
AS we learn that next year's arts in the park has effectively been cancelled, the reasons behind this decision baffle me! I agree promoting integration is very important for a town like Blackburn, though I saw no problems with different people mixing
I WAS passing the graveyard of St Peter's Church the other day as I've done many times over the years, but the difference when passing now is I can't help feeling sadness and a bit angry knowing that in the not so distant future these graves are to be
Top local chef Mark Wilkinson gives his recipe for how to cook the perfect sprouts in the second part of our Christmas dinner video series. Mark, who has worked with celebrity Paul Heathcote and John Burton Race, reckons that even if you don't usually
Top local chef Mark Wilkinson gives his recipe for how to cook the perfect roast potatoes in the first part of our Christmas dinner video series. Wilkinson, who has worked with celebrity Paul Heathcote and John Burton Race, is now head chef at Northwood
I NOTICE that Church Street, our "flagship" multi-million-pound pedestrianised area, where previously even the parking bays could not be daubed with yellow lines, is now fenced off and being unceremoniously dug up and driven over by HGVs and tracked excavators
AN EAST Lancashire art student braved the cold and jumped into the sea to raise money for an exhibition of her work. Hayley Welsh, from Stanhill Street, Oswaldtwistle, is studying for a degree in scientific and natural history illustration at Blackpool
WE are looking for information about a Darwen ice cream man. Back in the late 1800s, a boat sailed away from Sicily bringing migrants to the UK. One of the people on board that first voyage was a man who settled in Darwen, called Peter Rossi. He made
WORKS outings used to be a big day on the calendar. Workers would pile on to coaches and head off for the coast or countryside, usually via a hostelry or three! This is a picture of men from the machine shop of Clayton Good-fellows, engineering works
LOOKING Back is today winding the clock back more than 90 years, to field an array of cricketing talent which played in a charity match in East Lancashire in 1915. Among the great names which got together for a patriotic cricket match' at Church that
AN EIGHTY-four-year-old woman escaped with only minor injuries after her car overturned. The woman was driving her car along Whalley Road in Wilpshire shortly after 4pm yesterday when she hit a parked car. The impact caused her vehicle to flip onto
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 6th December at 7pm in the Village Hall. All residents are welcome to attend.
A GROWING number of East Lancashire children are leaving primary school with good levels of literacy and numeracy. Government figures out today show that primaries in both Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council - the authority for
