Friday Folk

COLLEGE student Bobby Ali is jumping for joy - because he has just won a starring role in a new television drama.

Bobby, of Barnes Street, Church, has been chosen for a new drama series about teenagers, called Boys And Girls.

It will be filmed in Derbyshire between May 11 and June 21 and broadcast on Channel Five twice a week at a later date.

Bobby, 16, heard about the series on the Channel Five programme The Mag and decided to apply, despite having had no acting experience.

He sent off a CV and then had to audition in London.

Bobby is on a BTec Media Studies course at Blackburn College and said his training there came in useful.

"They wanted to see if I was confident and because I do media studies I don't get camera-shy," he said.

Bobby was being sent the script for the show this week. He said: "I know it is about teenage problems and will go out twice a week, on Saturdays and Sundays."

He said he was looking forward to the filming and was hoping it would help him find a job in the future.

He said: "Hopefully I will have a career in the media so this will be good experience."

Kashmer takes up Asian jobs challenge

JOB opportunities for Asian women are being opened up in Burnley by Kashmer Shokar, who has just joined the council's Training and Employment Access Point team.

Her role is to help ethnic minority women become more aware of the training and employment opportunities open to them in Burnley's booming economy.

Kashmer brings with her experience gained in Preston, Blackburn . . . and India.

Until recently she worked as a community link worker with Blackburn City Challenge, linking with many community groups and individuals, encouraging them to play an active role in decision-making in the borough.

She is also a qualified youth worker. The Access Point in Brougham Street is in the process of arranging training courses to help local people compete for jobs.

Slimming champ in the running for prize

A BUSINESSMAN who has shed five stone in as many months is competing for a national slimming title.

Bill Rostron is in the running for a Turkish holiday or £1,500 in cash after entering the Man Of The Year title open to male members of Slimming World clubs across the country.

The 51-year-old, has gone from 20st 3lb to 15st 12lb since he started the Blackburn Slimming World meetings in November.

He decided to lose weight after piling on the pounds when he gave up smoking in August of last year.

Retired managing director of Lex in Blackburn, Bill said: "I replaced the smoking by nibbling food all the time. The weight crept on and I decided to do something about it."

Bill, who is 6ft 1in, will compete in the area finals of the competition on Sunday May 31 and could clinch a place in the national finals in Birmingham in June. Blackburn Slimming World consultant Vicky Jackson said: "He is a credit to us all. He has unbelievable determination and the difference in him is amazing. I think he has a very good chance in this competition."

Bill, of Ribchester Road, Clayton-le-Dale, said: "I feel a lot better in myself and more confident."

Father-of-one Bill, who is married to Gillian, added: "I wouldn't have been able to lose the weight without the praise and encouragement of the other members."

Paul steels himself for Iron Man tournament

SUPER fit fireman Paul Guinan has proved he's got what it takes to run with the best by clocking up an impressive time at the gruelling London Marathon.

The 29-year-old completed the 26-mile race in just two hours and 42 minutes.

It means he is now qualified to run with the elite next year.

His success follows a plea for help as he prepares for another contest of strength and endurance.

Paul, of Bentham Road, Burnley, needs cash backing as he prepares to tackle the demanding German Iron Man competition, which involves swimming 2.4 miles across open water in a wetsuit, cycling 112 miles then running a marathon. He will travel to Roth in July where he hopes to fulfil his ultimate ambition and qualify for the world Iron Man championships in Hawaii.

Taking part in the marathon was part of the former Royal Marine's strict training programme.

Paul, who works at Chorley Fire Station, also hopes to enter the New York Marathon in an attempt to top his personal record.

Anybody who can help should ring Paul on 01254 51861.

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