Archive

  • Kick off

    BLACKBURN Rovers star Jeff Kenna was guest of honour at the opening of a new centre at Accrington and Rossendale College. The Learning Resource centre is housed in the old library building which was kitted out with the latest computers during the summer

  • Mixed reception

    GIRLS of all ages have been taken on at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, in West Park Road, Blackburn, for the first time. Sixth form females have attended the school for just over a year, but younger girl students started in September. To mark the occasion

  • Mission to raise money

    BLACKBURN College students were on a fund-raising mission at their annual enrolment. As they signed up for their courses, the students raised £540 for the Christie's Against Cancer appeal. The cash was raised when each donated their £5 college fee to

  • Heavenly plan to light sky at night

    NIGHTCLUB boss Peter Clarke from Belthorn is lighting up the night sky as part of a £100 million plan to dazzle the clubbing industry. Peter, originally from Oswaldtwistle, runs the Heaven and Hell clubs in Blackpool and Leeds, has pulled off a £100,000

  • Treatment despicable

    HAVING read your report "Poppy Day Appeal Despair" (LET, October 14), I consider that Blackburn with Darwen Council's treatment of the volunteers is despicable. I hope organiser Pat Browne is successful in his endeavours to obtain suitable premises for

  • Give us a fair deal

    I HAVE no doubt that John Lewis (Letters, October 13) has lived through some very hard times and I have great respect for the sacrifices made by all who fought for our country, but I must respond to his claims that farmers are calling for more and more

  • Rap for diabetes row school

    A SCHOOL facing prosecution under new disabled rights legislation was today slammed for its ignorance by the doctor of a pupil who was banned from trips after suffering a diabetic blackout. Clitheroe Royal Grammar School will be the first in the country

  • Garry glitters

    Wimbledon 0, Rovers 2 BLACKBURN Rovers fans could be forgiven for checking the small-print on the club's pre-season pledge of 'the play-offs or your money back' in the aftermath of Sunday's morale-sapping defeat at Fulham. But those who've already mentally

  • Cameras allowed in court

    FILM crews and photographers were given a rare glimpse behind the doors of Preston Magistrates' Court at the weekend as court officials held an Open Day. The Citizen's photographer Kevin Walsh was at the court with visitors and members of the public.

  • Early closure at rally

    A BIKING group from Preston have been told they will have to cut short their annual charity weekend of live music due to complaints over noise. Members of the Preston-based Jesters MCC now fear that their charity raising bash could fail to rake-in the

  • Murder hunt man named by police

    POLICE have named the man they want to interview in connection with abduction and murder after the body of a woman was found in a car behind a Blackpool town centre pub on Wednesday, October 18. Mother of three, Megan Margerison, was found with a stab

  • By-election is hotting up

    POLITICAL heavyweights fighting for Preston's parliamentary seat are set for a 'gloves off' contest, as the town's by-election goes to its final round. Although no firm date has yet been fixed for the contest, rumours circulating around Preston's Town

  • Your shelter needs you!

    LANCASTER'S MP Hilton Dawson has joined calls for a good samaritan to come forward with offers of help for Homeless Action's Christmas Shelter. The local homeless charity desperately needs a venue for this year's shelter over the festive season. This

  • Witch way to preserve heritage

    LOCAL people interested in the Pendle Witches have been invited to a witchy weekend in Pendle to celebrate Hallowe'en. The 17th century evening will include a candlelit buffet in a hall specially decorated for the celebration and will include the Speke

  • Pub chain gets slice of night life

    PUB chain J D Wetherspoon has bought a Lancaster nightclub and plans to open two pubs in the city centre, The Citizen can reveal. The rapidly growing chain has purchased Springs Nightclub on Spring Garden Street, subject to contract, and is hoping to

  • Hotel in radio spotlight

    MORECAMBE'S famous sea front art-deco Midland Hotel is to be the subject of a half hour national radio programme. The unique building will be in the national spotlight when the BBC's Radio Four series 'Bringing the House Down' devotes its entire 30 minute

  • Team Penguin in Roger Clark award final

    69 British rally drivers started the year with hopes of lifting the Roger Clark Award and the £50,000 prize fund. After 10 months of rallying at all levels the 18 judges have now announced the name of the 6 finalists. Steve Head (Carnforth) together with

  • Green light for Pontins proposals

    THERE were heated scenes in council chambers on Monday when plans for a massive retirement village on the site of the former Pontins holiday camp were unexpectedly given the go ahead. Planning officers had recommended that the controversial plans be refused

  • Athletics: Eric's honours

    TWO Blackburn men went one better than last year finishing first in their age groups at the Anderton Arms 10K at Preston. Eric Wilson of the Harriers took M45 honours with ninth outright in a field of well over 200, and John Mitchell of the Road Runners

  • Our Atlantic connection

    SO just how popular are the Preston and Leyland Citizens? They are popular enough to be read all the way across the Atlantic, that's how! And how do we know? Because one reader in Canada, a Mr Shorrocks contacted multi-marathon runner John McDonald after

  • Army honour for local consultant

    A CONSULTANT from Preston has been honoured with two prestigious appointments. Mr Iain Robertson OBE has been appointed Brigadier of the Territorial Army Medical Services for the whole of the UK. Mr Robertson who is consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

  • Five years ago: RIP Red Rum

    AINTREE was open to the public as mourning fans of Red Rum flocked to pay tributes at his grave in the shadow of the winning post. The legendary three-times Grand National champion was buried at the winning line at Aintree.

  • Ten years ago: Clarke snubs 999 crews

    AMBULANCE crews were snubbed by Health Secretary Kenneth Clarke after he refused to give any extra cash to the service. The snub was a blow for the people of East Lancashire who had helped raise £400,000 to buy life-saving 'Heart Start' defribillator

  • An animal lover's send-off

    ANIMAL lover Tony Jackson was given the most appropriate send-off possible when his coffin arrived for his funeral in a horse-drawn carriage. The grand transport to the church was organised at the request of his wife, Patti, of Green Haworth, Accrington

  • Rottweiler savages woman

    A WOMAN and her corgi were seriously injured in a vicious attack by a dog thought to be a rottweiler. The dog sunk its teeth into Patricia Keeley's mouth and hand as she tried to stop it mauling her pet Meg. Patricia, 57, was walking Meg at 8.20am today

  • Sign-maker's battle with drug addiction

    A MAN who helped paint the 'Welcome to Leigh' signs died after suffering from a drugs overdose. Andrew Cannon, a sign-maker for Wigan Council, was found dead by his wife Anne-marie at home in Tower Grove, Higher Fold. An inquest at Leigh Town Hall heard

  • Town chiefs plan a cracking Christmas

    A BIGGER and better Christmas has been promised for Leigh this year. A 20 ft Christmas tree, climbing Santa Claus and late-night shopping are just some of the treats in store for the town centre. And a £100,000 plethora of new lights will provide a display

  • I'll fight to keep my dream home

    AN isolated farmhouse featured in a first world war TV remake is at the centre of another battle. Coal merchant Paul Rogers is determined to fight to keep his green belt dream home which he's being told to demolish by planners who thought it was out of

  • Site charts hit sounds

    ON-LINE sales of albums are now being included in the charts, but one company is going even further. Gracenote's chart is based on CDs played on desktop computers around the world. This is their most recent top ten: 1Eminem: The Marshall Mathers LP 2Radiohead

  • Rap for diabetes row school

    A SCHOOL facing prosecution under new disabled rights legislation was today slammed for its ignorance by the doctor of a pupil who was banned from trips after suffering a diabetic blackout. Clitheroe Royal Grammar School will be the first in the country

  • So easy with this set-up

    OUR CommuniGate site, which offers free websites for community groups, is going from strength to strength. More than 70 sites are now on board, and it's no wonder. This is what one user said: "What a fantastic site! I found CommuniGate simple, easy and

  • Spin doctors lay it on with a trowel

    ONE way to get us hacks to sit up and take notice is send us stuff in the post. Public Relations companies are excellent at this (anyone who, like me, is regularly on the receiving end of PR will tell you how understated Absolutely Fabulous was), and

  • Scorpion youths mauled by tigers

    Scorpions U13's 18 Royton Tigers 22. AN excellent team performance by Scorpions saw them lead at half-time 12-10 through tries by Carl Eastwood and Simon Ogden with Eastwood converting both. In the second half they went behind 18-12, but fought back and

  • Thornton cup success

    THORNTON CLEVELEYS U9s 1 DOLPHINS SPIRIT OF YOUTH A 3 DOLPHINS played well with both full backs playing well. After conceding a penalty Dolphins replied immediately from a corner taken by man of the match David, which hit the post and went in. THORNTON

  • Three is a magic number number for Blues

    Lancaster 3 Marine 1 ANOTHER win at the Giant Axe, this time 3-1 against Marine, brings Lancaster back up to seventh place in the UniBond Premier Division. After last week's defeat of the disastrous Runcorn team, Tony Hesketh's re-invigorated side again

  • Lancaster bounce back

    Lancaster 3 Runcorn 1 EVEN the rain couldn't dampen Lancaster's spirits as they bounced back from last week's heavy defeat in style. Goals from Chris Ward, Kenny Mayers and Lee Clitheroe sealed the win early on in the second half for City, but Lancaster

  • Wild west end!

    HOUSES in a West End street are being systematically vandalised by gangs of tearaways who are too young to be prosecuted. Residents in Marlborough Road claim the situation has turned into a "nightmare" and local property agents have resorted to hiring

  • Game move

    Burnley's Lancashire Youth Cup tie against Rochdale originally scheduled for tonight will be played at Turf Moor on Monday, November 6.

  • Clarets face fight if they want Moore

    BURNLEY could face a fight from Preston North End if they renew their interest in Stockport County striker Ian Moore. Reports from Stockport suggest that the deal to bring Moore to Turf Moor could be back on after it was ditched last weekend. However,

  • Ugly brothers - seeing eye to eye

    BLACKPOOL Zoo travelled back in time to the Jurassic era this week when Ickuss the iguana came face to face with one of his distant relatives. Six-year-old Bethany Newman, left, dressed up as Aladar from Walt Disney's latest blockbuster movie. And Ickuss

  • Lee ensures that Elvis lives on

    HE MAY have been born six years after Elvis died, but the spirit of the King lives on in 17-year-old Lee Star, pictured here. Lee will be appearing with The Beetles UK, a tribute to Liverpool's fab four, at Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Paradise Rooms on

  • Shrimps long trip to make their point

    Dover Athletic 2 Morecambe 2 IMPROVING Morecambe fought hard to take a point from the tough trip to Dover on Saturday. The Shrimps, fresh from a hard earned win over Kingstonian and an unlucky defeat on their last big trip to Yeovil, where, the more creative

  • Bon voyage!

    HERE'S something you don't see very often -- a lifeboat on the road! But fear not, the William Street lifeboat from Fleetwood RNLI station didn't make a wrong turn at the beach. It was seen on Amounderness Way in Blackpool while on its way for some love

  • Loans group set to expand

    A CREDIT union in central Blackpool is set to help even more cash-strapped residents by expanding to cover the whole of the resort. The Tower View Credit Union, based at Layton's Queens Park Estate, is a non-profit financial co-operative that serves Layton

  • Lifeline for mercy flights

    LANCASHIRE Air Ambulance has been thrown a lifeline to enable it to keep flying seven days a week well into the new year. Tory Party spokesman for Blackpool South, David Morris, has welcomed the news that the air ambulance is to continue running its full

  • Dynamo date

    THE annual general meeting of Dynamo, the local cycling campaign, takes place on Tuesday 24 October. Back in Lancaster by popular demand, cycle-adventurer Steve Holard will present an illustrated talk on his epic journeys by bike across land and water

  • Soccer schools

    THERE will be soccer schools held at at Christie Park on Tuesday Oct 24, Wednesday 25 October and Thursday 26 October during the kids' break from school. Prices start at just £22 for three days and the courses are suitable for boys and girls aged from

  • Midfield ace is back at LR

    ATHERTON LR have signed 20-year-old midfield player Mark Mather on a one-year contract after putting in several excellent performances for the first team this season. Mather spent his schoolboy days attached to Manchester City and was a member of LRs

  • RMI Alliance make flying start

    LEIGH RMI's Alliance side has got off to a flying start with four wins out of five. Each game the team comprises fringe players for the first team, lads on their way back from injury or suspension in need of match practice and trialists but most importantly

  • Super Hudspith steers Miners to key win

    Saddleworth Rangers 12 Leigh Miners Rangers 26 LEIGH Miners Rangers overcame swirling mist, driving rain and a 12-0 deficit to win at Greenfields for the first time since 1996. Inspired by centre Mark Hudspith who scored two tries and five goals, the

  • RMI slog out Trophy draw

    Northwich Vics 3 Leigh RMI 3 A SPARSELY populated Drill Field played host to a night of sheer frustration for both sides as Northwich Victoria and Leigh RMI failed to resolve their Nationwide Trophy game at the second attempt on Tuesday. Last weeks' effort

  • Test for breaking news system

    This is a test story to see if what I have done works. What this should do is create a test breaking news story in the Blackburn directory. If it does work then i'll email Richard Lewis and Chris Sudlow and tell them.

  • Souness is keen on Dean

    BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness could be ready to make a fresh swoop for Derby hitman Dean Sturridge in a bid to beef up his injury-ravaged strikeforce. Ewood chief Souness had talks with Rams boss Jim Smith about a possible swap deal involving Sturridge

  • Canaries fail to sing at Deeepdale

    Preston North End1, Norwich City 0 Tuesday, October 17 Att 13,002 PRESTON turned in a magnificent performance and clinched the points in time added on for stoppages. Bjarki Gunnlaugsson scored in a fitting finale to a wonderful evening's football played

  • Growth industry from scrapyard

    GARDENERS across Britain are benefiting from an imaginative recycling scheme which converts scrap car brake pipe tubing into a range of plant supports. The scheme is the brainchild of specialist industrial consultants NJT Associates, of Haslingden. During

  • School earns fourth award

    AWARD-WINNING Grimewatchers at a Darwen school are hoping their new garden will win them their fourth environment prize in the annual competition. Holy Trinity School in Bank Top is under way with a 20-year plan to improve the environment around the school

  • Girl tells of bike crash terror

    A COLLEGE student told how she and her friends had a lucky escape after a motorcyclist's machine skidded into the bus shelter where they were standing to avoid the rain. Cheryl Glover, 16 of Minster Crescent and 14-year Victoria Hogan of Devon Street

  • Angry man kicked glass door

    AN angry man pushed a council computer off a desk and kicked a glass door when he couldn't see a housing officer. Burnley magistrates heard how homeless Sam Woodhouse, 21, then went to the police station, gave himself up and was arrested. Woodhouse said

  • Ironing out grot-spots

    A GRIME-BUSTING project to ban the grot-spots of Crawshawbooth is battling for a winning place in this year's Grimewatch environment awards. Members of the village community, traders, councillors and Round Table members have all mucked in to get involved

  • Recipe: Sweet curried rice with chicken

    SWEET CURRIED RICE WITH CHICKEN Makes three portions. 1 small onion, finely chopped, 15g (1/2 ounce) of butter, 2.5ml (1 tsp) curry powder, 100g (4ozs) brown rice, 450ml (3/4 pint chicken stock), 120ml (4 fl ozs) apple juice, 50g (2ozs) frozen peas or

  • Spice up charity funds

    THERE'S hot news coming for curry lovers next month as Britian prepares to go "vindaloony" and jalfrezi crazy for National Curry Day. Sponsored by Kingfisher Premium Lager, a popular brew in many Indian restaurants, National Curry Day will give everyone

  • Don't let Lights stagnate

    BLACKPOOL Illuminations must not stagnate believes its manager Richard Ryan as the debate continues on the future of the seaside's shining glory. And Blackpool Challenge Partnership is more than happy to step in and offer a helping hand with funds from

  • Uneasy riders

    CONCERNED horse riders from across the Fylde are mounting a campaign highlighting the dangers of Blackpool's busy rural roads. Around 70 of them will saddle up their mounts on National Horse and Road Safety Day this Saturday and set off with a mounted

  • We'll fight war graves plan

    AN old soldier whose father is buried in an Italian war grave after falling in the Battle of Anzio in 1944 says he is behind the fight against cuts in pay for gardeners who tend war graves overseas. Ex-servicemen and members of clubs catering for those

  • Chance to have say on services

    THIS could be your chance to have a say on how services are delivered in your area. Residents of Blackburn and Darwen borough are to be asked to take part in a massive research project by the council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Blackburn with

  • Racist abuse in neighbour row

    MARK Andrew Smith shouted racist abuse at his Asian neighbours after they challenged him over damage to their fence. Blackburn magistrates heard that despite being arrested and charged with offences Smith again shouted racist abuse at his neighbours less

  • Black cab drivers' plea for fare hike

    THE cost of getting a black cab is set to increase after councillors agreed to calls by taxi drivers to up their rates to meet increasing fuel costs. Blackburn and Darwen Hackney Carriage Association called for a five per cent increase in fares which

  • Work's a pain in the back

    BUSINESSES are urged to take the pain out of working or face losing time and money. Back pain costs British industry 4.8 million lost days a year, according to figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as part of a week-long campaign on

  • Athletics: Lee Trophy joy

    DARWEN Dashers had fourteen runners in the Anderton Arms 10k race at Preston as the race was part of the President's Trophy mini-series. Derek Lee was first back in 15th with Barry Shackleton, home from Bahrain close behind in 19th. Next was Roy Ashcroft

  • Athletics: Lee's not cross

    LEE McCash has won the first big cross country event of the season, the opening round of the Reebok Cross Challenge at Liverpool. Running in conditions described by one correspondent as 'desperately muddy', but by Lee's father Joe as 'an ideal day with

  • Non league: Gardiner move

    Ramsbottom have lost the services of their teenage wide midfielder Gareth Gardiner who has joined North West Counties Division One rivals Rossendale. The 19-year-old, a former trainee at Manchester United and Oldham, joined Ken Bridge's side in the summer

  • Athletics: Harriers open campaign

    The Harriers of Rossendale and Todmorden opened their cross country league campaigns on Saturday with the first fixture in the Red Rose League at Bury. However, it was 11-year-old Danielle Walker of Burnley AC running as a guest who took the plaudits

  • Ballerina of the arm wrestling world

    Girl Power with Dany Robson ELAINE Pickup's stage name 'Lady Natural' might suggest she takes part in a demure, gentile sport. But when you learn that the 29-year-old makes her entrance to the theme from Halloween and Def Leppard it suggests something

  • Heath makes a date with his mates

    HEATH Cruckshank bids his final farewell to Leigh at the end of the month with one date - April 29, 2001 - ringed in his diary. That's the day the Centurions and the Eagles clash at the Don Valley Stadium; mate against mate he calls it. The popular Aussie

  • Rossall reports

    IN Division A of the Rossall Monday Sixes, Wilson (3), Norman (1) and Williamson (1) scored the Fleetwood Flyers goals to see them beat The Cellar 5-2 while Blackpool Area Divers had a 1-0 win over Athletico 6 FC. Symbol Social Club gained three points

  • East Lancashire events, Friday, October 20

    "A Friend Indeed," Westbury Gardens United Reformed Church, Audley Range, Blackburn, 7.30pm. American Wrestling, Guild Hall, Preston, 7.30pm. Old Skool Music, The Wharf, Eanam, Blackburn, 8pm. Model Railway Exhibition, King George's Hall, Blackburn, 5pm

  • School trip rules should be clarified

    NO matter what the rights and wrongs of the case may be, it is intrinsically sad that diabetic East Lancashire pupil Tom White, 15, finds himself banned from future school trips because of his illness, simply because it means he is denied an opportunity

  • Cashing in

    THE fund-raising fruits of a charity fun night were handed over at St Mark's Conservative Club, Blackburn. Club members had enjoyed an evening of raffles, auctions and fun last month to raise £850 for the Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied group based

  • Meet the King

    A life-sized cardboard cut-out of Elvis Presley welcomes visitors to a new exhibition at Blackburn Art Gallery and Museum. In fact the legend of 'The King' is very much alive and well at the exhibition, which opened to the public earlier this month. It

  • Meet the King - in Blackburn!

    A life-sized cardboard cut-out of Elvis Presley welcomes visitors to a new exhibition at Blackburn Art Gallery and Museum. In fact the legend of 'The King' is very much alive and well at the exhibition, which opened to the public earlier this month. It

  • Downing Street date for Nazmun

    A SCHOOL community officer from Blackburn took part in a Downing Street reception yesterday to help promote an awards scheme in secondary schools. Nazmun Usman, of Beardwood School was invited to go to the capital to discuss the future of the new Diana

  • French lesson in manners

    FRENCH truckers aren't all bad. I was riding my bike home when I saw a French articulated lorry at a junction. I indicated that I was turning left and nearly fell off with shock when I not only got a wave of acknowledgement, but also a shout of thanks

  • Beware of the Thought Police

    ONCE upon a time, in a town called Democratia, lived a small businessman. He was honest, interested in his community, and having worked in that community for many years, he was well known. Now, the Commissars who ran this community wanted to change it

  • Brian's fury at 'Tombstone' town centre

    IT WAS like the Gunfight at the OK Corral when a gang of "drunks" set off rockets in all directions in the town centre. Pensioners, shoppers and families with children emptied the Town Hall Square to avoid being hit by a stray firework. Town Hall security

  • Rottweiler savages woman

    A WOMAN and her corgi were seriously injured in a vicious attack by a dog thought to be a rottweiler. The dog sunk its teeth into Patricia Keeley's mouth and hand as she tried to stop it mauling her pet Meg. Patricia, 57, was walking Meg at 8.20am today

  • Palace match switched

    ROVERS game away at Crystal Palace has been switched from Saturday December 23 to Friday December 22 (kick-off 7.45pm).

  • Referee was opposite of a homer: Burton

    WIMBLEDON boss Terry Burton felt a poor refereeing decision contributed to his side's downfall as they crashed to their first home defeat of the season at Selhurst Park last night. Burton felt aggrieved at the award of a first half free kick which led

  • Kim's a whizz with Pokemon

    A PINT-SIZED computer whizz-kid from Preston looks set to become the next generation of 'dot-com millionaires' after creating a database for hundreds of her prized Pokemon cards. Ten-year-old Kim Barnes, from Albert Street, has staggered her parents and

  • Soccer players' reunion

    ONE of the greatest memories in the life of 71-year-old Ray Head was when Tom Finney -- now Sir Tom -- presented him with a cup and shield. The former junior footballer played for Deepdale Youth Centre in the 1946/47 Preston and District League, junior

  • Teacher plans Peru trip

    A PRESTON school teacher is to take a three week trip abroad to 'peruse' the good work being done by the national charity her school supports. Elisa Birchall, 26, a teacher from St Mary's and St Benedict's Primary School in Brownedge Lane, Bamber Bridge

  • Prize cattle export order

    A PRESTON-born farmer and her Canadian husband have been served an ultimatum by the Canadian Government to get their 27 prize water buffalo out of the country within less than a fortnight. The notice comes amid fears that the animals could have contracted

  • Spotlight on farm safety

    LOCAL farms are to be targeted in a health and safety clampdown. Child safety, manual handling and arboriculture activities will come under the spotlight as agricultural inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive arrive at farms across the borough

  • 'Bogus callers' firm hits back

    PRESTON Borough Council and a Blackpool company have reached loggerheads over alleged bogus callers. Preston Borough Council has issued warnings to the public and firms of solicitors about Kirkman and Butcher Referral Agency Ltd, calling the actions of

  • Prize for Carnforth RAF recruit

    A FORMER pupil of Our Lady's RC High School has completed her Recruit Training at RAF Halton with flying colours. Sharon Marie Walling of Carnforth is now beginning her career in the Royal Air Force, having graduated as the best recruit in Ground Defence

  • Neighbours' paving plea hits cash barrier

    DISGRUNTLED residents left a council meeting grumbling after finance chiefs blocked a move to provide a neat pavement outside their homes. Householders in Brentwood Avenue, Burnley, petitioned against the county council replacing broken paving stones

  • Sausage roadshow comes to town

    THE ADAM'S Sizzling Sausage Roadshow will be at Sainsburys on Friday, October 20, giving away sausages and related products. The roadshow's coming will be heralded by the arrival of the brightly coloured roadshow van, decorated with balloons. They will

  • Shotgun murder charge

    A 22-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before Burnley magistrates charged with the shotgun murder of Iain McKay. Imtiaz Hussain, of Walpole Street, Burnley, was charged with murdering Mr McKay between September 30 and October 1. Hussain was represented in court

  • Badge thefts

    IN THE last three days nine cars parked on the Ridge estate have had their manufacturer's badges stolen. The police believe children are behind the thefts, which have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to some of the cars. They have appeal to parents

  • Who sold killer firework?

    POLICE and trading standards officer today issued a public appeal in a bid to discover who gave teenager Paul Ridge the illegal firework which killed him. The 18-year-old died when the aerial display shell, a professional device which was banned from

  • Court awaits reports

    A 42 year old Lancaster woman who admitted wounding her step father, had her sentence adjourned for the preparation of reports when she appeared before Preston Crown Court. Pauline Goodfellow, of St Catherines Court, pleaded not guilty to attempting to

  • Well done, that boy!

    TOP paperboy Lionel Hawke, 15, of Napier Street, Nelson, was given a stereo as September winner in the Newsquest Distributor of the Month awards. Christine Dunmore is pictured presenting Lionel, who delivers the Pendle Citizen, with his prize.

  • Builders net deal for £620k centre

    BUILDING company NEL Construction, of Nelson, is going back to school after clinching a deal to build a £620,000 state-of-the-art sports centre. The basketball centre at a school in Oldham will be used by pupils during the day and opened up to the public

  • Athletics: Get well soon, Dave

    ACCRINGTON Road Runners Harry Haseley and Gill Craske had one of their last outings before the New York Marathon, but missing was Club President Dave Heppenstall who is recovering from a cycling accident which left him with three broken ribs and a broken

  • Athletics: Mystery leader

    WITH only one race remaining in the Chorley Millennium Grand Prix, Race Director Terry Dickenson is building the suspense. After long time leader Neil Faulkner from organising club Chorley AC dropped out of the series because of a new job in Ireland,

  • That note's a bit sharp

    SWEENEY Todd's wielding the razor at the Colne Hippodrome this week where Colne Operatic Society are staging the chilling musical. Eric Beardsworth (right) is playing the dastardly barber with Judith Briscall (left) as his sidekick, Mrs Lovett the cook

  • Docks rail link to be reviewed

    RESIDENTS are to get a chance to air their views at a public meeting next Tuesday evening following proposals to restore freight rail services at Preston Docks. The meeting follows Preston council's ruling to defer the decision -- made by Totalfina Bitumen

  • Conmen target elderly woman

    TWO CONMEN stole £120 from an elderly woman after they tricked their way into her Hindley home. One of the thieves spoke to the 77-year-old while his accomplice searched all the rooms and stole the cash from the house on Cornwall Drive. The first man

  • Dinner guests

    MEMBERS and guests of the Accrington Lions met at the Fence Gate Inn, Fence, near Burnley, to enjoy the group's 33rd annual Charter Dinner. Guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn, Councillor Douglas and Mrs Sandra Hayes. Lions president Keith

  • Bus strike over

    THE BUS strike is finally over. Drivers at First Manchester voted to accept the latest offer on pay and progression after two months of talks. Mick Cavanagh, convenor for the Transport and General Workers' Union, said significant progress had been made

  • Lorry men face death charges

    TWO men have denied a manslaughter charge over a man's fatal injuries in a lorry incident. Andrew Walker, 33, of Bury Fold Lane, Darwen, a director of Kenley Distribution and Warehousing, and lorry driver Christopher Bott, 36, of Melbourne Street, Clayton-le-Moors

  • Fears allayed over reclamation of Ramsdale's Tip

    SHALE extraction will transform the canalbank side of Pennington Flash. And if planning conditions are strictly observed, there should minimal traffic nuisance as more than 100 lorries a day rumble over Plank Lane rucks to Ince. Cllr Brian Jarvis, who

  • Hospital staff let my father down

    A YOUNG Leigh mum-of-two has called for an investigation into her father's treatment at Leigh Infirmary - over two years after his death. Wigan and Leigh College administration student Kathryn McGinty, of Tennyson Avenue, claims that three months ago

  • Bike blitz blamed for horror crash

    AN HORRIFIC weekend scrambling accident resulted in a 33 year-old Hindley Green man suffering serious head injuries. And as builder Mark Aldred, of Atherton Road, lay in intensive care, evergreen moto-cross rider and Leigh Motor Cycle Club chairman Brian

  • 'Hell' family in shock eviction

    A FAMILY who have made the lives of their 'yuppie' neighbours hell for the past nine years are to be thrown out of their council home. A judge on Monday ordered the immediate eviction of Anthony and Rosemary McHugh after hearing how the behaviour of the

  • I'm all in a lava

    USUALLY the only thing to get me shouting at the TV is a talking politician or sport. But on Monday I caught a documentary on Channel 4 about vulcanologists which had me shouting "Get out of the flipping way you mad geologist type!" so loud that I nearly

  • Scorpions beaten by Bulls

    Blackpool Scorpions 22 Bank Quay Bulls 31. SCORPIONS lost their unbeaten record in a hard fought contest but could have won but for errors in good field positions. They took the lead when Julien Irving finished off a set move from a scrum. Craig Campbell

  • Rossall reports

    IN Division A of the Rossall Monday Sixes, Wilson (3), Norman (1) and Williamson (1) scored the Fleetwood Flyers goals to see them beat The Cellar 5-2 while Blackpool Area Divers had a 1-0 win over Athletico 6 FC. Symbol Social Club gained three points

  • Rangers rampant

    POULTON ST JOHN'S U9s 1 BLACKPOOL RANGERS 6 RANGERS took the lead by Jordan Holmes, two goals from Philip Taylor and more goals by Jamie Silver (2) and Jack Taylor completed the rout. POULTON ST JOHN'S U9s 1 BLACKPOOL RANGERS 5 RANGERS B team were very

  • YMCA mixed bag

    FOXHALL A U9s 2 YMCA A 4 FOXHALL B U9s 1 YMCA B 0 YMCA had the edge in the A game and two goals from Joe Van-Breeman plus one apiece by Michael Murray and Christie Barlow earned them a 4-2 win. The B game was equally well contested and although Foxhall

  • Any fans out there for dolly fixtures?

    Off the Ball by Steve Dunthorne -- THAT blasted fixture computer is at it again! Not content with sending Morecambe all the way to Scarborough on a Tuesday night, the clever machine has managed to schedule the Shrimps' two longest away trips within a

  • Staying at home offers escape chance

    POOL have the chance to escape from the bottom of the table with two home games coming up. On Saturday the Tangerines face Macclesfield who are currently seventh in the league. The Moss Rose outfit, now managed by Peter Davenport, beat Torquay 2-1 on

  • Woeful awayday for sorry Seasiders

    Plymouth 2 Blackpool 0 Scorers: Wotton (60), McGregor (88). Att: 2,867 POOL came away with nothing from the long trip to Plymouth against one of the few teams who were below them before the match. The game started poorly with neither side looking like

  • Simpson sizzler seals victory

    Mansfield , Blackpool 1 Scorer: Wellens (79) POOL bounced back in style from Saturday's disastrous display with a well deserved victory at Mansfield after Richard Wellens followed up a sizzling Simpson free kick. The win broke Mansfield's unbeaten home

  • Reserves roll over Rovers

    Tranmere Rovers Reserves 1, Burnley Reserves 2 THE Clarets' young second string ended Tranmere's unbeaten start to the season with two early goals at Prenton Park to climb to second place in the Avon Insurance League Premier Division. Burnley were quick

  • Fundraisers' fabulous £50,000

    FYLDE fundraisers have collected a massive £50,000 to donate to Manchester's Christie Hospital. The 20 active members of the Christie Hospital's Fylde Coast Fundraisers crammed their spare time full of darts marathons, golf tournaments and casino nights

  • Fylde women rewarded for selfless service

    TWO Fylde women have been presented with special medals from the Queen for their tireless work for others. Mrs Joan Meadows from Norbreck and Mrs Amy Arundel from Hambleton, pictured here left and right respectively, were each presented with the Queen's

  • Home service

    A NEW scheme which should enable elderly patients to live independently at home has been launched at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The Aftercare Scheme for the Elderly is aimed at residents of Wyre or the Fylde over the age of 75 who may need support.

  • Leigh fight back to clinch success

    Leigh RU 18 Ashton-on-Mersey 6 LEIGH'S first XV fought back from a 6-3 half time deficit to beat Ashton-on-Mersey. After Ashton had missed with an early penalty attempt an exchange of blows following a scrummage led to the visitor's prop being sin-binned

  • Pennington defence shoulders the blame

    SLACK defending by Pennington was heavily punished last Saturday in a Manchester League Premier Division 3-0 home defeat by Mitchell Shackleton. On the plus side for the Howe Bridge outfit the playing surface was near perfect despite the horrendous midweek

  • Hard graft lays foundation

    Leigh East 23 Siddal 11 LEIGH East extended their winning National Conference Division One sequence to four games to stay well in the promotion hunt. This was East's best performance of the season so far. The tries were perhaps not quite so spectacular

  • Kick off times are a Payne for Colls boss

    ATHERTON Colls chairman Steve Payne believes that North West Counties League officials could do more to help member clubs. "The latest thing is to get us all to move our midweek kick off times back to 7.45pm from 7.30pm," he says. "What is the point of

  • Leigh RMI 1 Telford United 1

    Black's spot on as RMI rescue a point SPOT king Tony Black came to RMI's rescue with the 88th minute penalty that preserved his team's six-match unbeaten run. Trailing to a freak own goal, RMI needed Black's fourth successful spot kick of the season to

  • Last test

    This should go to the bottom as i didn't tick the 'reverse' button

  • Third test for breaking news system

    This is a test story to see if what I have done works. This time i have ticked the 'reverse' button What this should do is create a test breaking news story in the Blackburn directory. If it does work then i'll email Richard Lewis and Chris Sudlow and

  • Clarets face fight if they want Moore

    BURNLEY could face a fight from Preston North End if they renew their interest in Stockport County striker Ian Moore. Reports from Stockport suggest that the deal to bring Moore to Turf Moor could be back on after it was ditched last weekend. However,

  • Engines supplier boost for Rolls

    ROLLS-ROYCE has been confirmed as the first engine supplier for the Airbus Industrie A3XX airline following selection of the Trent 900 engine by Singapore Airlines for its new fleet of up to 25 aircraft. Rolls' Barnoldswick plant makes fan blades for

  • Birthday joy for Haydock

    HAYDOCK Finance, the Blackburn-based business and consumer finance company, celebrated its 20th anniversary with more than 300 guests at a dinner at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors. The firm's co-founder and managing director, Jon Wilkinson, was

  • Work: The love of your life

    PEOPLE are increasingly more likely to find close friends and the love of their lives in the office or shopfloor than down the pub or at a disco, according to a report by a firm of career consultants. We are increasingly likely to make lasting friendships

  • SHAKERS: Bury boss appeals to fans to show they care

    BURY chairman Terry Robinson has called on more fans to attend matches in a bid to impress prospective buyers. Robinson described the crowd at the recent Colchester game as "a financial disaster" and called on supporters to turn up in bigger numbers,

  • Pendle plod

    ROSSENDALE Search and Rescue Team chairman Paul Higgins and team member Judy Whiteside were among more than 212 walkers who tackled a 13km trek over Pendle Hill to raise money. Walkers were sponsored for their own causes and split the proceeds 50/50 with

  • Driver accused over boy's death

    A DRIVER who knocked down and killed a little boy on a school crossing is to face court proceedings after claims he went through a red light, an inquest heard. The Burnley hearing was told of allegations that the "green man" was showing and the bleep

  • Some light relief in Poulton

    SHINE on! Poulton lights will be glittering brightly this Christmas despite worries there would be no one to foot the bill. But last year's sponsors have generously agreed to fund the festive display again if no other source can be found before October

  • 'Sack' notices shock care workers

    ANGRY care workers at Blackpool's council-run homes were facing the prospect of joining the dole queue as social services bosses prepared to issue redundancy notices on October 19. A full council meeting the previous day rubber stamped the proposed closure

  • A blooming good idea!

    BUSINESS is blooming for a Blackpool woman who turned her childhood hobby into something much more fruitful. And Mangla Sachdev, 22, is offering to help local charities at the same time as getting her venture off the ground. Mangla has been making gift

  • Beggar turns into robber

    A BEGGAR pulled out a four-inch blade and robbed a young man after he refused to give him any money in Peter Street, Blackpool, on October 4. The young man was stopped between 3.30 and 4.30pm by an unwashed and unshaven man who asked for ten pence. When

  • Minor repairs undertaken...

    DID you know you can get minor injuries treated by fully trained nurses at two community hospitals on the Fylde? That's the message Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Community Health Services NHS Trust wants to put across . The service, which has been running

  • Pilot tells of rail horror

    A PILOT at Blackpool Helicentre has told of his part in the rescue operation in "the worst crash I have seen in 20 years," Helicentre chief pilot Geoff Dodd was part of the team which offered invaluable assistance to rescue workers at the site of this

  • Golden salute to BAE mast-ers

    A TOUCH of gold came to the Fylde this week as a triumphant Olympian went to thank the men behind the mast. Olympic gold medallist Iain Percy visited BAE Systems in Warton on October 18 to show his appreciation to the engineers who helped with the revolutionary

  • Infection rates rap

    BLACKPOOL Victoria is to join hospitals across the country who must now monitor the levels of "hospital acquired" infections. Following recent reports of high hospital infection rates, Health Minister John Denham has announced this week that the levels

  • Cost of clearing rubbish is lives

    AN EMERGENCY aid charity is having to dip into its donation coffers to clear rubbish illegally dumped on its land. Blackburn-based Islamic Relief on Bennington Street has had to hire a skip at £100 a time to clear the bags of household and builders rubbish

  • Cost of clearing rubbish is lives

    AN EMERGENCY aid charity is having to dip into its donation coffers to clear rubbish illegally dumped on its land. Blackburn-based Islamic Relief on Bennington Street has had to hire a skip at £100 a time to clear the bags of household and builders rubbish

  • Drink and drugs were lethal mix

    STEPHEN ORRELL died after unintentionally mixing prescribed medication with alcohol, an inquest was told. The combination of temazepam, diazepam and other anti-depressants with a "considerable amount of alcohol" formed a lethal cocktail. The 43-year-old

  • Courage of the airlifted runner

    A FELL runner from Blackburn was airlifted to hospital after falling during the British Fell and Hill Running Relay championships -- but not before he crossed the finishing line. Father-of-two Jason Harbour was determined not to let team mates down, despite

  • Trip the light fantastic in town centre

    WITH only 66 days to go until Christmas council crews are already busy unwrapping the decorations But what exactly are the people of East Lancashire getting this year? Evening Telegraph reporter SONJA KARLSEN went to find out. IN a bid to make it a merrier

  • Is Jack most talented old timer?

    YOUNG-AT-HEART 83-year-old Jack Ledwick has been hailed as East Lancashire's most talented grandad -- but today issued a challenge to other pensioners to show they can do better. Modest Jack's many talents include magician, ventriloquist, pianist and

  • Athletics: Muller right!

    THE ninth event in the Chorley Millennium Series, Sunday's Multi Terrain Race around Astley Park was one of the toughest, using hazards like streams. Blackpool veteran Paul Muller was an easy winner in 21:48, with Neil Tattersall of Hyndburn a minute

  • Athletics: Harriers take bronze

    CLAYTON Harriers took the bronze medal in the British Fell and Hill Running Relay Championships at a misty Edale in Derbyshire on Sunday. Beaten only by organising club Dark Peak who took full advantage of local knowledge, and a Borrowdale outfit fresh

  • Atheletics: What's On

    FOR most of our local clubs the cross country season starts on Saturday with the first Mid Lancs fixture at Barrow. The start times for this and all subsequent rounds are: Under 11 Girls 12:30pm, U11Boys 12:45pm, U15 Girls/U13 Boys 1:20pm, U17 Ladies/

  • Canaries fail to sing at Deeepdale

    Preston North End1, Norwich City 0 Tuesday, October 17 Att 13,002 PRESTON turned in a magnificent performance and clinched the points in time added on for stoppages. Bjarki Gunnlaugsson scored in a fitting finale to a wonderful evening's football played

  • Woman's body in car boot

    POLICE have named the man they want to interview in connection with abduction and murder after the body of a woman was found in a car behind a Blackpool town centre pub on October 18. Mother of three, Megan Margerison - pictured here - was found with

  • I've won, I quit

    FRIDAY the 13th could not have been luckier for Radcliffe postman John Derbyshire when he found out he had won £100,000 on Spot the Ball. Jubilant John (62) quit his job straightaway and now plans to enjoy his retirement in style. Amazingly, he had no