A DAD who was a member of a national battle re-enactment society died at home after a suspected heart attack, an inquest heard. Jeremy Tomlinson, 40, was found dead by his wife of 20 years Gina at their home in Grane Road, Haslingden, on June 4
A GROUP of travellers have set up camp on the site of a former car park in Burnley. Five caravans and several vehicles arrived on the former Gardner Aerospace factory car park, in Hargher Street, on Monday after-noon. The town suffered problems
A COUPLE are raising funds for seriously ill children after the death of their baby son on New Year’s Eve. Dawn Laycock, 33, and her partner Richard Hindle, 36, from Rishton, want to help other parents after they tragically lost six-month-old Lincoln
PEOPLE living on a Darwen estate were left scratching their heads after recently-created ‘parking spaces’ had yellow lines painted next to them. Last year, grass verges in Birch Hall Avenue and Levens Grove were resurfaced by Twin Valley Homes
A WELL-KNOWN and respected headteacher will be stepping down after 21 years in charge. Alasdair Coates, who battled a rare form of cancer two years ago, will be handing over the reins at St Christopher’s CE High School, Accrington, in September
THREE brief moments on a whistle-stop tour of the Holy Land were enough to send a shiver down any traveller’s spine. Standing in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have prayed with his disciples the night before he was arrested.
THE poor state of a main road has been slammed by a resident who used to fix roads for a living. Derek Brown, of Ravenglass Close, spoke out after the Lancashire Telegraph revealed shock figures about the number of potholes being tackled by East
A GLOBAL education company which has its headquarters in Blackburn is to provide interactive whiteboards to classrooms in Saudi Arabia. Promethean will be providing the technology, which will also gives teachers access to the company’s learning
SENIOR Labour councillors Kate Hollern and Mohammed Khan have won their battle to block planning permission for a car sales lot in their ward. Aman Ullah Qamar was seeking retrospective permission to use the site in Wensley Road for his Wensley
BURNLEY-BORN actor Sir Ian McKellen has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Ulster. On accepting the title, Sir Ian, legendary star of blockbusters such as Lord Of The Rings and X-Men, revealed he could trace his family tree back
A ONE-TIME prolific crook who went shoplifting within about a week of a suspended jail term, has walked free from court again. Father-of-nine George Barnes, 48, had been given eight months in prison, suspended for two years, with 12 months' supervision
A DRINK-driver was caught more than three times the limit after an alcohol problem ‘reared it’s ugly head again’ a court was told. Dawn Clapham, 43, had been stopped by a police officer after he had spotted her Vauxhall Astra swerving across the
A THIEF who struck when he had no cash ended up with a bill for £360, handed down by Burnley magistrates. Daniel Browne, 37, had gone back to heroin again after his benefits had been stopped and had helped himself to a delivery driver’s jacket,
A ROSSENDALE village has been named as having one of the top ten romantic place names in the UK. Loveclough came seventh in the romance rankings, which were compiled by the AA ahead of Valentine’s Day. Nigel Philips, from the motor insurance
A GIANT cross could be erected on land near to Earby post office to celebrate Easter. The Churches Together group which covers Earby, Kelbrook and Salterforth have asked Pendle Council for per-mission to put up the wooden cross. They would
ROADS are to be closed to allow for repairs to a Ribble Valley bridge on a busy route. A section of Whalley New Road near the bridge in Langho will be closed overnight for the next four weekends so that engineers can carry out minor work and repainting
HUNDREDS of residents in Pendle have signed a petition to try to get a former warehouse turned into a skate park and internet cafe. A group, which calls itself Skate has launched a campaign to transform the property at Unit 1 Lodge Holme, Skipton
A SUPER effort by supporters of Pendleside Hospice has helped the organisation smash last year’s Light Up A Life fundraising total. Nearly 8,000 people were remembered as part of the Reedley institution’s 2012 campaign - raising £107,625. Around
A PILOT scheme to improve the rehabilitation of stroke patients is set to be trialled across Burnley this year. Council bosses have secured funding of £25,600 for the work as part of the BEEP (Burnley Exercise on Prescription) programme. The
FRESH talks have been called over controversial plans to close down a community centre to make way for housing in Burnley. Campaigners are angry at proposals to bulldoze Burnley Wood Youth and Community Centre in Glebe Street as part of redevelopment
WOMEN in East Lancashire are spending hundreds of pounds on beauty products since the latest craze hit the headlines. The Scouse Brow is the look currently in demand across the globe – thanks to The Duchess of Cambridge and the stars of reality
ALL too often we hear about pensioners being targeted by distraction burglars. These nasty criminals prey on people in their own homes, stealing not only valuables but the victim’s peace of mind. In the past week, six elderly pensioners have been
Re ‘First wave of Blackburn with Darwen Council staff told their jobs are at risk’. I live in Spain and I bet the council wish they had 500 people on their books, let alone make 500 redundant. It is a joke to see how many people the councils and government
It's time that soldiers and others who serve queen and country were given priority housing over those who expect something for nothing. All that seems to happen in these times is an aim to gain benefits, get off your face, and push out a child
Noel Gallagher’s announcement that he is suffering from tinnitus will raise much needed awareness here in East Lancashire, and Deafness Research UK remains ready to help. While Mr Gallagher’s comments that “if I do eventually die of brain disease
Support your local producers and craftspersons. I agree, some of the produce may be more expensive than you would find in a supermarket. But in many cases you get what you pay for. The quality of these locally-produced foods and crafts
FLYTIPPING will probably decline as folk get poorer. They will become less wasteful, plus scavenging will rise. A lot will get eaten by the stray animals that folk have abandoned because they can't feed them and the rescue centres are full.
DETECTIVES investigating a spate of distraction burglaries are urging pensioners not to allow strangers into their homes wearing gloves. The warning comes after at least six elderly pensioners in Blackburn and Darwen were robbed in their homes
I have made several trips to the recycling centre at Whinny Hill in Accrington, and some of the staff there treat you like you are coming along to dispose of toxic waste instead of general household rubbish. Last time, I was virtually ordered to
What would worry me about the Portas process would be the dangers inherent in getting together a group of people that wanted a place to succeed. This may sound barmy but has anyone considered that a group of people sharing a common aim with such
A BURNLEY bus station customer services officer was racially abused by a drunken teen he was trying to restrain, a court was told. Naqash Ahmed feared for his safety and thought he was going to be spat at in the incident at 7.30am on January 19
A LOAN shark who ran an illegal money-lending business across Burnley, Rossendale and Todmorden for more than four-and-a-half years could be facing jail. Stephen Fossey ran his illegal operation from a grocer’s stall on Bacup Market but it stretched
A GATEWAY site in Brierfield is to be landscaped as part of efforts to spruce up the town centre. Last year the former shops from 9-17 Railway Street were pulled down and the site flattened. Now the borough council is set to use transitional
THE outgoing head of a Colne high school has spoken of his unease at the changing face of education. Chris Bohills will step down as head at St John Fisher and St Thomas More Catholic Humanities College from September after six years at the helm
A RAIL and bus ticket which enabled travellers to hop on services across East Lancashire has been axed, it has been confirmed by public transport bosses. Just two years ago. Northern Rail teamed up with bus operator Transdev, and the Clitheroe
A PUBLIC appeal has been launched to ensure efforts for an East Lancs-North Yorkshire rail link can officially get moving. Campaigners from SELRAP are looking for £70,000 to fund their own ‘surveyor’s’ study which would spell out the tech-nical
A CANNABIS factory totalling 40 plants has been uncovered after a police raid in Bacup. Drugs with a street value of £16,000 were found in an attic by officers who swooped on a home in Todmorden Road. A 68-year-old man has been charged with
BLACKBURN Rovers fans can once again bid to play on the Ewood Park turf in aid of charity. The club has again joined forces with Football Aid, allowing football fans the opportunity to at Ewood Park on Thursday, May 2, from 7pm. The event allows
AN inquest into the death of a 41-year-old chef, who died in a car crash in America, has been opened in Blackburn. Michael Baldwin, who lived in Music Mountain Road, Connecticut, but was originally from Blackburn, died on January 26 at around 12.30am
A DRUNKEN teenager, who stole an air hostess’s car as she defrosted it, wrote the vehicle off after crashing into a row of parked cars. Daniel Bowler, 19, also struck a signpost and was spotted driving erratically by an off-duty policeman before
A RAIL service linking East Lancashire with the Yorkshire Dales is set to be extended to run throughout the year, it has been confirmed. Travellers have ensured that the DalesRail service, which uses stations between Blackburn and Clitheroe, has
HOUSEHOLDS in Lancashire will see more than £125million poured into preventing flooding and wasted water over the next 12 months. But average water bills in the county are expected to rise due to inflation to around £406, a rise of around £13 per
A DANCING group is celebrating the success of steps to raise funds for local causes. Stanhill Dancers, Oswaldtwistle, have raised £16,000 over the past four years for numerous local causes. The group have taken part in fundraising sequence dancing
A CHORLEY primary school in special measures has been warned its governing body could be scrapped and replaced by an interim executive board. The existing board of governors at Highfield Primary School, in Wright Street, would make way for a team
BLACKBURN-BASED chocolate company Simply Chocolicious has been shortlisted as a finalist in the forthcoming E3 Business Awards at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton tomorrow. The company, winner of the The Mall Retail Factor competition last year, makes
FED up neighbours and businesses are complaining of nuisance in an area of Accrington. Police have pledged extra patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour at Accrington’s Acorn Health Centre and at Dawson Close, over the next few weeks.
HOUSEHOLDS in an area of Accrington are being urged to be on the alert for overnight crime. Problems are currently affecting homes in Milnshaw, with reports of burglaries and vehicle crime, mainly overnight. Extra police patrols are being pledged
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY mask workshop will take place at Downham Village Hall on February 21. Children will have the opportunity to make their very own animal designs at the Creatures of the Forest event, taking inspiration from some of the Forest of
CONNEXION Zone’s events for children at Christ Church in Berry Lane, Longridge, will be held today at 9.30am and on Sunday afternoon with stories, songs, games and crafts.
DARWEN Camera Club is welcoming new members to its monthly photographic competition. The group meets every Monday at Hollins Grove Church, Hawkshaw Avenue at 7.30pm. For more information call 01254 672762.
A TEENAGER who was stuck in a lift in Blackburn had to be freed by firefighters. The 17-year-old was trapped in the lift at young people’s service The Foyer, Princes Street for an hour before being rescued by the fire service. The crew went
Residents in the St Aidens area of Mill Hill took part in a Your Call community clean-up to tackle dog fouling and litter. Mill Hill ward councillor, Carol Walsh had received a number of calls on the issue and volunteers donated 12 hours of their
THE Barlow Institute in Edgworth will welcome a female folk trio from Scotland next week. Jeana Leslie, Siobhan Miller and Jenn Butterworth will perform at the Bolton Road venue from 8pm. The musicians came to prominence in 2008 as winners
AN 85-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before magistrates, accused of touching two supermarket staff. John Moffatt, of Staghills Road, Newchurch, is charged with four counts of sexual assault, said to have occurred on November 21 and 22, last year.
EAST Lancashire landlords are being warned to take their responsibility for gas safety seriously after a rare prosecution by the UK’s safety watchdog. Under the law, landlords must ensure the gas appliances in their properties are properly maintained
LEADING teaching unions have said ‘enough is enough’ over plans to scrap GCSEs and replace them with the English Baccalaureate Certificate. GCSEs will be abolished and from 2015, up to 600,000 teenagers will begin sitting the new-style certificates
WELSH singer Aled Jones has cancelled his Blackburn concert date due to ‘technical difficulties’. The singer was due to perform at Blackburn Cathedral on April 13. His appearances have also been cancelled at cathedrals in Cardiff and London.
ALMOST half the Blackburn with Darwen licenced taxis and private hire vehicles stopped for safety checks last year were taken off the road as dangerous. Four out of ten inspected by police, vehicle road-worthiness experts and council officials
GOOD causes in Chorley received more than £650,000 of National Lottery funding last year, according to figures released yesterday. Twenty-seven grants were awarded across the town, providing a cash boost to local arts, sport and heritage projects
AN application has been made to build a two-storey extension and to make alterations to the roof of a property in Preston New Road, Blackburn. Mr R Yaqub of number 519 has submitted plans to Blackburn with Darwen Council.
A SINGLE-storey extension and a conservatory could be built at a home in Billinge End Road if planning permission is granted. Steve Hodgson, of Highcroft, has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council.
MOTORISTS parking their vehicles obstructively in Audley Range, Blackburn, at various times are being targeted by police.
CAR owners in the Roe Lee part of Blackburn are warned to be vigilant after a ‘spike’ in thefts from vehicles. Vehicles are being targeted in the Pleckgate Road and Brownhill area overnight.
THE owners of a farm want to knock down outbuildings to build an eco-friendly family home. Mr and Mrs Sturgess, of Fickle Hall Farm, have submitted a planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council.
A PARISH quiz night will be held in St Wilfrid’s RC Parish Room in Longridge today from 7pm. The event is in aid of Daniel Seddon who is going to volunteer at Chaing Mai Hospital, Thailand, in July. Tickets cost £3, £2.50 concessions.
SCHOOL parking hazards are a top priority for police in Baxenden this month. Officers have been asked to tackle parking issues outside St John’s Primary School.
A FORMER soldier admitted possessing MEC, said to be ‘similar to bubble’ at Burnley Magistrates’ Court. Andrew Monks, 30, of Moorgate Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing the drug at Burnley, last September 29. He was fined £60, with
THE Clitheroe Grammar School Swing Band will be performing at St Nicholas’s Church, in Sabden, from 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets are £10 from 01282 773759.
NEWCOMERS are being urged to join the Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s team of 800 volunteers. Volunteers for the trust can help set up schemes in their area to protect wildlife. For more information visit www.lancswt.org.uk.
THE owner of Cherry Trees Guest House in Islington, Blackburn, has applied for an extension to the building to provide extra space for residents. Mr H Higham has submitted an application to Blackburn with Darwen Council.
BLACKBURN rambling association members will be putting their best foot forward on Sunday, February 10. They will be taking part in a five to six mile walk around Chatburn, led by Peter Marsden. Participants are asked to meet at 8.50am at Blakey
THE board of governors at St Joseph’s RC Primary School, Darwen, meets today at 5pm when topics to be addressed include staffing and finance. For more information, call 01254 706264.
THE Crown Paints Charity 80s Night is at Crown Paints Sports and Social Club, Anchor Lane, Darwen, on Friday. This year Crown is supporting East Lancashire Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and Dove House Hospice. Doors open at 7pm, pay on the
THE Empty Homes Cluster Bid aims to bring 30 empty homes in Queen Street, Darwen, back into use this year, borough executive member for neighbourhoods Coun Yusuf Jan-Virmani told the council forum.
Wellybobs Farm, on Roman Road, Darwen, is inviting families to meet and feed the farmyard animals including Kune Kune the pig, Dozer the cow, Hetti the hen and Herbert the pigmy goat. There are also rabbits, hamsters, ducks, birds of prey, a nature
A ZUMBA and Bokwa fitness class is held at the Central United Reformed Church hall, Duckworth Street, on Tuesdays from 7 to 7.45pm for level one and 8 to 8.45pm for other levels. Call 07792039801 or email ashley@lancashire danceacademy.co.uk for
BLACKBURN with Darwen executive member for leisure Damian Talbot has promised that disruption to users of Darwen Library will be kept to a minimum during this month’s building work to repair and replace windows in the atrium area.
AN all-singing, all-dancing variety show at Darwen Library Theatre on March 2 will raise money for the mayor of Blackburn with Darwen’s charities. Coun Zamir Khan and Mrs Rahat Khan will host the 11th annual mayor’s command performance, which is
DARWEN Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Smith has quashed rumours that Darwen Catholic Club is to close. He said: “It has been a tough time, as it has for a lot of places. I think the club is a bit of a hidden gem as it is tucked away so people don’t
BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw has joined an influential commons committee in criticising the Ministry of Defence over its ‘rushed and flawed’ decision to switch fighter aircraft for the Royal Navy’s new carriers. The all-party group of MPs said the 2010
A CHARITY swim at Darwen Leisure Centre not only raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support but also a few eyebrows as one of the participants lost his swimming trunks during the event! Regardless, he completed his swim and got a well-deserved round
A six-year-old boy’s family have been warned his nut allergy is so strong just the smell of them could kill him. Lucas Tomlinson has an allergy so severe he breaks out in a whole body rash and struggles to breathe if he goes near a nut. As a drastic
AN all-star launch for the Pennine Lancashire 10k Run should send interest among runners into the stratosphere, organisers hope. Burnley-born Emmerdale actor Nicola Wheeler and Clarets Marvin Bartley and Charlie Holt were on hand for the return
ABOVE: The film created by the Burnley media team CLARETS mascot Bertie Bee has given fans a sneak peek behind the scenes of his life in a hilarious new film. A cast of well-known Clarets figures, including former chairman Barry Kilby,
JORDAN Rhodes’ prolifics in front of goal have already seen a few in the game draw comparisons between him and Blackburn Rovers’ scoring great Alan Shearer. The likeness may be a little premature for the 23-year-old but, having scored 68 goals
ROSS Wallace has extended his contract at Burnley for another two years after telling the club that he was prepared to take a pay cut – with more players likely to follow suit in the months to come. The Clarets have confirmed that Wallace, whose
ACCRINGTON Stanley boss Leam Richardson says he would consider bringing Cameron Belford back to the club in the future, despite choosing to sign Paul Rachubka instead on the final day of the transfer window. Rachubka spent December on loan at Stanley
RUBEN Rochina says he will assess his Blackburn Rovers future again in the summer after joining Real Zaragoza on loan last week. Rochina was perhaps the most surprising departure of the January transfer window as he was allowed to depart shortly
THE promotion company behind Burnley's Towneley Live festival has gone into liquidation – but the leader of the council believes the event should be saved. Towneley Live organisers Livewyre were wound up by the official receiver after a payment
MPs voted to back David Cameron's plan to legalise gay marriages after a Commons debate which exposed the depth of the split within his Conservative Party over the issue. The Commons voted by 400 to 175, majority 225, to give the Marriage (Same
A LANE of the M65 motorway was blocked following a collision this morning. The incident, involving a Ford Focus, happened at around 8.20am on the westbound carriageway near junction six at Whitebirk. The damaged vehicle has now been removed
TRADE Minister Lord Green came to Blackburn with Darwen yesterday and told the borough’s Hive network it was ‘an outstanding example’ of companies working together which the government wanted replicated nationwide. He told businessmen gathered
THE Stroke Association is calling on people from East Lancashire to nominate those who they would like to honour. The Life After Stroke Awards recognise the achievements of stroke survivors, carers, organisations, or groups, who have shown dedication
CHORLEY MP Lindsay Hoyle said he was seeking answers from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Chorley Council on their role in monitoring contaminated horse meat in local shops. Mr Hoyle responded to a Parliamentary question from Shadow Environment
