Archive

  • Events in East Lancs, Saturday March 3

    Charity Race Night, St Alban's Social Centre, Larkhill, Blackburn. First race 8.15pm. Proceeds to The Hanidcapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust. Mother and Daughter Day, Blackburn Central Library, 10am-12.30pm. Table Top Sale, Blackburn Ragged School, Bent

  • 'Secure' should

    mean just that AFTER yet another patient goes on the run from the medium-secure unit at Calderstones Hospital, Whalley, which houses child sex offenders, killers and arsonists sent by the courts, as well as non-offenders, Trust chief executive Russ Pearce

  • Catering students taste national success

    THREE Blackpool students have gone cuppa crazy and won an award for their coffee in a national competition. Chris Smith, 23, Matthew Holder, 18, and Chris Murphy 19, all students at Blackpool and the Fylde college won the Best Coffee award in the prestigious

  • First steps to fame?

    ASPIRING actors and potential popstars will have the chance to train in music, dance and drama with a workshop courtesy of three local teachers. Vocalist Helen Ridehalgh, dancer Lisa Haylett and actress Elaine Bennet are running Stage 2001 in Staining

  • Simister to walk it again

    LANCASHIRE Walking Club promote the North of England 20km race walking championships for men and the 10km for women in Simister on Saturday. Prestwich has again been awarded this prestigious event for the second time in three years, being chosen by the

  • Preece pipped for award

    SHAKERS boss Andy Preece has been pipped at the post in the race to become Division Two's manager of the month. With three wins and two draws in a fantastic February, Preece was among the front runners for the prestigious award, especially considering

  • Bacon on rocky road to British crown

    CHRIS P. BACON is back on the menu, or should I say the fight card. The Prestwich boxer was forced to retire last year because of a back problem, but the cruiserweight has made a successful comeback . . . and wasted no time in disposing of his first opponent

  • Heys' jolly good show

    Prestwich Heys...6 Pennington...0 HEYS racked up their biggest league win of the season on Saturday as they swept aside Pennington with a confident display against the division's basement side, writes Scott White. The afternoon began on a sombre note

  • Booth blasts the atom

    WHOEVER first said attack is the best form of defence shouldn't repeat it in front of Ady Lewis for the next few weeks! Despite going hell for leather against champion Nicky Booth, the Mighty Atom's attempt to win back the British and Commonwealth bantamweight

  • Park's Walsall concerto

    Walsall ...29pts Sedgley Park...34pts THIS meeting of two in-form sides produced a game full of running rugby and heart-stopping excitement. In the end, the vital league points went to Sedgley Park, but it was a desperately close-run thing. The game started

  • Depleted Fold grab a point

    ELTON FOLD...1 WILLOWS...1 FOLD'S illness and injury-ravaged team recovered from being a goal down and also being reduced to ten men as they staged a cracking fight back. A fully deserved victory would have been sealed five minutes from time but for the

  • Today's the day

    1896: Fighter Kid McCoy became world welterweight champion when he beat Tommy Ryan in Long Island, USA. 1969: Concorde made its maiden flight from Toulouse in France. 1930: Lady Chatterley's Lover author, D. H. Lawrence, died on this day.

  • This week in 1976 25 years ago

    BOG STANDARDS: Tottington's public toilets were to be brought up to scratch following complaints from locals that the flushing system didn't work, the doors had no locks, toilet paper was not provided and users were peeing in the dark. PHONE LOCK: Two

  • Looking for Edna

    CAN readers tell the whereabouts of Edna Hartley, of Nelson, with whom I was a penpal in the 1930s and 1940s when I lived in Elmsett, in Suffolk. IVY ROSE (Mrs), 12 Hall Pond Way, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 2JP. E-Mail ivyruk@yahoo.co.uk

  • Soft touch? No more than many

    HOW ridiculous it was of Blackburn Conservative councillor Graham Pound to state that Britain is a 'soft touch' regarding asylum seekers (Letters, February 14). If this is so, why has every country in western Europe such a problem? Belgium, Holland, Norway

  • Tory tax boost

    A NEW married couples' tax allowance will give parents £1,000 a year, says Tory election hopeful John Walsh. He has welcomed the commitment from Shadow Chancellor Michael Portillo to bring back the benefit which Labour scrapped. The allowance would permit

  • A really scrum do!

    A RADCLIFFE schoolgirl is "trying" for the top in the rough and tumble sporting world of rugby. Kirsty Smith (15) has just been selected to play for the Lancashire U-16 Girls rugby league team. Kirsty, a pupil at Coney Green High School, plays her first

  • Re-vamped pool will be a hit with swimmers

    SWIMMERS can make a splash once more at Bury's Castle leisure centre pool, which re-opened at the weekend(Sun Feb 25). The pool has been closed since Christmas for maintenance and improvement works to turn it into a modern, well-equipped facility. A moveable

  • Pensioners robbed

    TWO pensioners, who live less than half a mile from each other, were tricked and robbed by the same thief. In both incidents, which occurred within 15 minutes of each other on Tuesday afternoon (Feb 26), the conman claimed to be a water board official

  • Skate park is go!

    A FOUR-YEAR fight by skateboarders, BMX bikers and in-line skaters in Radcliffe has finally paid off. The way is now clear for a town centre skate park after planners gave full planning permission. "It's brilliant news and we are delighted," said Mr Chris

  • Hotel feel in hospital complex

    THE cold clinical atmosphere of hospitals is soon be a thing of the past for patients at Fairfield. Bosses at the Rochdale Old Road complex are seeking to model it on a hotel facility. Fairfield Hospital is in the middle of a massive development programme

  • Hawk swoops!

    HUNDREDS of young mobile phone users are to be engaged in a massive crackdown on crime. Over the next few weeks, 11,000 pupils throughout the borough will be given the chance to have their phones security marked as part of a new initiative by Greater

  • Victim Support in plea for more funding

    BURGLARY victims in the borough are being denied access to vital post-crime support services because of a lack of resources. Last year alone a total of 411,095 cases of burglary were referred to the nationwide charity Victim Support with only a third

  • It's a Chambers of horrors for Albion

    GARY Megson hopes to turn Ewood into a Chambers of horror for Rovers boss Graeme Souness and his promotion chasers tomorrow. Young midfielder Adam Chambers was the toast of The Hawthorns last week after marking his second League start with his first ever

  • Pharaoh-ld effort

    A PRESTON bike rider has raised loads of money for charity after using pedal power to ride across Egypt. Gordon Jackson, of Almond Close, Penwortham, has raised £2,800 for Mencap, the charity that helps people with disabilities. Charity champ Gordon joined

  • Sarah's mad about Scotties

    POOCH-mad Sarah Morgan from Frenchwood is on cloud "canine" after being picked to represent the North West in the junior section at the famous Crufts dog show next month. Sarah, 18, from Selborne Street, Frenchwood, is a vehement animal lover - not only

  • Council chief stands down

    LANCASHIRE county council leader John West has announced his retirement from local government after 40 years. County councillor West, who represents the Preston South/East constituency, intends to step down from politics in May and will not be seeking

  • Police probe arson attack on home

    AN arson attack on a house in Burnley is under investigation. The fire in Robinson Street, Daneshouse, was started by someone reaching in through the letter box and setting fire to a scarf. The burning scarf dropped down setting fire to papers, a plastic

  • Duo take on challenge, but it's just Kidzplay!

    TWO members of Burnley Youth Theatre decided to turn the tables after years of being at the receiving end of directors. Liam Greenfield and Imran Anwar, both 19, took on the challenge of adapting, casting, directing, producing and designing John Lee's

  • College silver celebrations

    LANCASTER University's Grizedale College celebrates its 25th anniversary on March 10 with a weekend of events for students and graduates. The weekend swings off with a 70s theme disco including student DJs, and an outdoor marquee. Events include celebration

  • Cash boost for Skerton

    THE future looks bright in Skerton following a £1.8 million Government grant to help children get a good start in life. The Sure Start Scheme will use the money over the next three years to help 789 children under the age of four. The money has been targeted

  • Contract threat to punk festival

    MORECAMBE'S 25th anniversary punk festival could be under threat after market traders insisted they are not obliged to move out of the building. Council chiefs have promised the resort's Festival Market to the punk festival organisers, meaning traders

  • Re-write my lease for peace sake!

    A LANCASTER yoga teacher has "barred" council officials from her studio in a row over the building. Pat Benson, who teaches yoga to 200 people a week at her studio in St Leonardsgate, says the "lock out" is her way of protesting at the way the council

  • Members please

    ST JAMES Bowling Club are invitring new members to join their men's teams. For more information about the club, which recently held its AGM, call 01772 339700.

  • Making a racquet

    PRESTON College Sports Centre is offering new deals for fans of racket sports. Customers can book badminton and squash courts at a reduced rate at weekends from now and until the end of this year. Squash courts are £2.30 for 40 minutes and badminton courts

  • Determination is the key

    THE Warriors U10 side put in a great team performance to win Burtonwood 24-22 against Burtonwood in the dying minutes. Trailing 18-4 at half time, after failing to take several chances, the Warrior's put in a blistering and faultless second half display

  • Signings boost

    COLNE: John Lister has boosted the ranks ahead of tomorrow's home game with fellow strugglers Oldham Town in NWCL Division Two. The Colne manager has signed former Nelson midfielder Ady Moran and fellow midfielder Keith Gilbert, adding valuable experience

  • Kelly takes charge

    RAMSBOTTOM: Mike Kelly and Mike Feeney are likely to stay in charge at Ramsbottom, following the death of Ken Bridge, until the end of the season. Club secretary John Maher said: "Everything has been in a state of limbo since last week. Mike Kelly and

  • Famer's livelihood hangs in balance

    A FARMER'S livelihood hung in the balance today as Laneshawbridge remained at the centre of investigations into a new outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food have put up signs at Far Laithe Farm

  • Butcher dies of heart attack

    A POPULAR butcher has suffered a heart attack and died. David Parsons, 57, owned a shop in Leyland Lane for 20 years and worked at Booths supermarket in Preston before his death on Thursday, February 22. He was a friendly face around Leyland where he

  • Flip those pancakes!

    CATERING students at Preston College, in St Vincent's Road, Fulwood, are flippin' great at rustling up a right tasty treat and this week the cookery buffs proved they were worth their salt. The smiley bunch knocked up the batter and tossed in the eggs

  • Health cash boost

    HEALTH services across the North West were to receive an extra £114million But health bosses in Burnley and Blackburn warned the cash would be swallowed up by inflation and it would take them six years to bring them up to the level of other districts

  • Parents' fury over blackspot

    PARENTS in Golborne have petitioned councillors over an accident blackspot near a primary school. The parents at All Saints RC Primary decided to act after a spate of accidents at the railway bridge where Tanners Lane and Nook Lane join. They say the

  • Politicians fall foul of criminals

    TWO candidates for an East Lancashire parliament seat were today set to make crime one of their biggest fighting points after they both fell foul of crooks. Hyndburn MP Greg Pope revealed he had his car broken into while prospective Conservative candidate

  • 'Foot and mouth crisis is national disaster', says minister

    A GOVERNMENT minister declared the foot and mouth disaster a national crisis when he visited Leigh. Department of trade and industry minister Kim Howells also warned people to stay away from the countryside. Speaking during a visit to a science education

  • Stand go-ahead

    COUNCILLORS have approved plans to build a bold new stand for Hilton Park, home of Leigh Centurions and Leigh RMI. Centurions bosses say it is an essential step to fulfilling the dream of entering Super League next season by bringing the ground up to

  • Harry Crippin, the man with stars in his eyes!

    IF ever a local boy made good it had to be Harry Crippin. Harry, who became one of Britain's top civic administrators, was just as happy playing snooker or enjoying a pint with his old mates in Tyldesley as he was entertaining the Pope or bestowing the

  • We are on a tax treadmill

    THERE is no other way to describe it. We are on a tax treadmill. Barely has the deadline for last year's self-assessment been done and settlement made, to the accompaniment of dire threats of the revenue, than next year's tax code pops through the letter-box

  • OUTBREAK: Farm kids' absences worry school chiefs

    CHILDREN'S schooling could suffer in rural areas because the foot and mouth outbreak, education bosses feared today. They urged headteachers to carry out safety measures to stop the disease spreading. Concerns were raised after a number of schools across

  • We're not all that stupid

    THE tragedy of the latest outbreak of foot and mouth disease is incalculable in human and financial terms. There seems no end to the trials being visited upon Britain's farmers by nature or successive British Governments. The source of the foot and mouth

  • Now it's Aelfric the much-maligned

    HAVING been the subject of no fewer than five letters (Feb 15) after making every effort to close this religion debate I can only apologise to bored Citizen readers and point out that when we held the public meeting on religion versus rationality, among

  • Carleton still top the table

    CARLETON A lost 6-4 to Marton Inst but stay top of the Premier Division of the Lytham St Annes League by 11 points, but have played three games more than second placed St Annes YMCA A. Lytham Ex-service B (9-1 victors over AXA Guardian B ) increased their

  • Rangers run rampant

    FC RANGERS U11s 9 BLACKPOOL RANGERS 1 Scorer was Andrew Pennington. BLACKPOOL RANGERS U12s 3 FC RANGERS 2 FC led via a penalty but Blackpool Rangers equalised before half time. FC regained the lead but Rangers equalised and desrvedly scored the winner

  • Scorpions pay price for errors

    Haydock 15 Blackpool Scorpions 14 IN an error strewn performance in this top of the table clash Haydock took an early lead after a Scorpions knock-on near their own line. They made it 7-0 with a penalty and a drop goal. The Scorpions kept losing the ball

  • YMCA victorious

    SPIRIT OF YOUTH A U9s 1YMCA A 3, SPIRIT OF YOUTH B U9s 0 YMCA B 4 A double-strike by Joe Van-Breemen plus a goal from Michael Murray gave the 'A' side victory. In the 'B' game Christy Barlow netted twice. Alex Keenan and a brilliant goal by Jack Cronin

  • Disputed penalty denies Lytham win

    Lytham 1st XI 4 Alderley Edge 5 A DISPUTED penalty helped to end LSA's run of success but they have only themselves to blame for a lacklustre first half in which the opposition scored three times. LSA staged a first class fight back with Dave Hans scoring

  • Gr-eight week for Thorton

    THORNTON CLEVELEYS A U10s 2 POULTON 1 THE Tigers took the lead through Adam Richardson. Poulton equalised before the break before Adam Richardson headed the winner. Man of the match Stevie Wilson. THFC B U10s 3 POULTON 2 THE Lions took the lead through

  • Rossall Reports

    IN Division A of the Rossall Monday Sixes Blackpool Area Divers picked up another three points after a 5-1 win over Blackpool Charity while The Cellar had a good 4-1 win against The Royals. Boca Juniors beat Fleetwood Flyers 2-1 and Athletico 6 FC shared

  • Thanks to Leigh RL

    I WOULD like to thank Leigh RLFC for making Sunday, February 11 a 'red letter day' for me by their winning display on national TV. As a 69-year-old ex-miner who transferred from Bedford Colliery (Wood End) to a Leicestershire mine in 1968, the thing I

  • Lottery fall-out

    AFTER my old colleague, racing editor John Sexton's £250,000 win on WWTBAM last week, some of his good fortune must have rubbed off on me -- I actually won a tenner on the lottery. I won't spend it all at once.

  • Beware bogus customs men

    A HOLIDAYMAKER returned from France with her duty free booze and fags - then handed them over to phoney customs officers. The three bogus officials "confiscated" her goodies worth over £100. What a sickener. Channel hoppers beware.

  • You can give an armful!

    EVERY time I see a blood donor session advertised I think of the wonderful Tony Hancock sketch. You too can walk about with an empty arm by donating a pint at Tyldesley Methodist Church, Elliott Street, on Saturday between 10am and noon and 2pm and 4pm

  • Disease tests on local farm

    TESTS are being carried out to see if a farm near Lancaster has fallen victim to the foot and mouth epidemic. The farm is one of dozens across the country which have been put on a suspected list. Government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture (

  • TNT have the right approach

    STAFF at TNT in Ramsbottom are holding a double celebration this week. Investors in People (IIP) has given a "unanimous recommendation" that the firm retains its recognition as an IIP company. And they also announced that TNT was the first company ever

  • Seminar to save on energy costs

    BURY businesses faced with the introduction of the new Climate Change Levy are being invited to attend a special seminar next week. The event is being held as companies come to terms with the fact the levy will hit local business and increase bills by

  • New concept in home moving

    A NEW concept in the buying and selling of homes is coming to Bury. And in a radical departure from the conventional methods of estate agency business, Ownhome is poised to rapidly change the face of house moving. The company is expanding its operations

  • STAN SHELVES SPENDING PLANS

    STAN Ternent has shelved his spending plans until the summer. The Burnley manager has been linked with a number of players -- most recently striker Steve Claridge at tomorrow's opponents Portsmouth -- but Ternent says there will be no new additions until

  • Rix walks into a storm at Pompey

    TRYING to have a chat with Portsmouth's new boss Graham Rix is a tricky proposition. The Fratton Park press officer has to ask several questions about subject of the call as "some of the people trying to speak to him haven't always wanted to talk about

  • Badger trio's county success

    THIRD place in the St John Ambulance County Badger First Aid Competition went to three boys representing Lytham St Annes Badgers. Richard Parker, 10, Niall Cartmell, 9, and George Bird, 7, all from St Annes competed against teams representing Badger Setts

  • We'll buy Euro meat say supermarkets

    CONSUMERS will not suffer along with the meat producers if the current foot and mouth crisis continues, local supermarkets pledged yesterday (February 28). Chris Dee, marketing manager from Booths Supermarkets, who strive to sell only British meat, said

  • Super Leigh 2000

    £1000 - K.Whur, Leigh (4307); £250 - C.Ainsworth, Leigh, (3371); £150 - D.Massey, Leigh (5093); £100 - S.Hilton, Leigh, (3211).

  • Massey Transport Bedford D&D

    DARTS: Daten 93pts, Eastleigh 89, Fir Tree 76, Leigh Miners 76, Boundry 75, Foundry 75, Rugby Union 73, Three Crowns 73, Royal Oak 73, British Legion 69, Cart & Horses 60, Bulls Head 59, Standard Mower 58, Courts Hotel 53, Bedford Libs 49, Higher

  • Buyout will keep 80 jobs

    A LONG-established textiles company has consolidated its future by completing a £1million management buy-out. Bleaching and dyeing works Ainsworth Finishing Company has been sold to its existing management team by Coats Viyella. The move will effectively

  • Katy's title is up for grabs

    PRESTON College's sports centre will host the 2001 Preston Closed Table Tennis Championships on Saturday, March 3. The major singles events for the president's prize and the doubles event are now open competitions for men and women. But last year's singles

  • Eye specialists fly out to help

    EYE specialists from Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust are taking leave to help improve the eyesight of Romanian orphans. Staff from the Christopher Home Eye Unit are off to Turnu Severin in April to carry out squint operations on the eyes of 35 deserted children

  • Eyesore to go

    RESIDENTS were celebrating when councillors agreed eyesore shops and flats in Hindley could be flattened. Bulldozers will move in on Castle Hill Shopping Centre in Borsdane Avenue to pull down the three-storey building plagued by vandals. Most of the

  • Armstrong signs on again

    SHAKERS wonderkid Chris Armstrong has signed a new contract for the Gigg Lane club. The 18-year-old full-back finally put pen to paper after weeks of negotiations and that's news that will thrill Bury FC fans. Armstrong, brother of former Shakers Gordon

  • Petrol station site plan delay

    COUNCILLORS have put off a decision on a controversial scheme for homes on a former "blighted" Lowton petrol station. Golborne Cllr John Hilton has warned about fears of petrol poisoning on the site which he says could be "storing up trouble" for future

  • Quarter of Leigh's adults struggle to read and add up

    FIGURES have revealed that a quarter of Leigh adults have poor levels of literacy and numeracy. A total of 26.4pc of Leigh adults have problems with reading and writing and 27.7pc with numbers. A multi-million pound campaign to tackle adult illiteracy

  • Notice for council staff

    COUNCIL staff who haven't agreed to work longer hours for no extra pay have been given three months notice. Letters advising that contracts will be terminated unless new conditions are accepted have gone out from the borough personnel department along

  • Protests fail to prevent housing scheme

    OBJECTORS have failed to stop a developer from building houses on playing fields in Leigh. The protesters had strongly opposed the scheme by Redwaters Construction to rip up the 90-year-old playing fields and open greanfield land to build 16 homes at

  • Planning applications

    LATEST local planning applications submitted to Wigan Council include: Astley Street park, Astley Street, Tyldesley -- site two groups of three sheltered seating units, plus seven lighting columns; land adjacent 75 Lord Street, Hindley -- construct one

  • Sacrilege worry at danger graveyard

    A GRANDMOTHER whose father is buried at the now closed Rossendale churchyard is delighted work is going to be carried out, but said: "Why has it taken so long?" June Knight, 50, regularly visits her father Norman's grave in St Mary and All Saints' Churchyard

  • Woman's agony after finger is pierced

    A WOMAN was in agony for an hour with her hand trapped after a piece of metal pierced a finger at a firm in Hindley Green. Denise Schofield, 30, had to be taken to hospital with part of the machine still on her hand and the metal bar wedged into her little

  • Yobs' energy is misplaced

    SOCCER hooliganism thankfully hasn't spread to the amateur game. But the game at grass roots level still sometimes suffers some hefty kicks below the belt from senseless yobs. Atherton Collieries Football Club was founded in 1916 by local miners in the

  • Market traders pledge to fight on

    LEIGH'S outdoor market traders are to fight on for rent compensation. Their leader Maureen Maloney is to write to the Ombudsman and Leigh MP Lawrence Cunliffe in a new bid to win restitution of 12 weeks payments. The move follows a reply to her letter

  • Golborne holiday race is revived

    A HOLIDAY race has been revived to bring May Day fun to the village. The popular 10k run is set to take place once again in Golborne town centre on May 7. The Golborne Community Forum and Town Centre Management Initiative have revived the event as part

  • Busway cash pledge

    THE CONTROVERSIAL Leigh Guided Busway scheme moved another step closer this week when Government chiefs announced the scheme was eligible for funding. Bosses at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority confirmed the Government has provisionally

  • Local farmers hope for best in foot and mouth crisis

    AS the nation prepares for a state of emergency because of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease local livestock farmers say there is little they can do except hope and pray. Astley farmer John Kirkham who has a herd of beef cattle at Morley's Hall said

  • Smiles better than the rest

    KEAN Brown was grinning from ear to ear when his Golden Smile beer scooped a trio of awards from real ale enthusiasts at last weekend's Fleetwood Beer Festival. The Blackpool Brewery Co Ltd -- the first working brewery in the town for 28 years -- was

  • Woman, 91, is robbed by conmen

    TWO thieves conned their way into a 91-year-old woman's house before robbing her of £920. At around 4.30pm the two men called at the door of the woman who lives in Ibbison Court, Blackpool on February 19. They claimed her neighbours had reported a water

  • A famous opening for school centre

    A BLACKPOOL school received a rather special Letter From America this week to mark the opening of a new communications centre. Collegiate High School's new facility has additional classrooms, high tech equipment and places for students to socialise. And

  • Staff under pressure

    STAFF morale is positive at Blackpool Victoria Hospital's psychiatric unit, say managers, despite it being one of the busiest wards in the country. This insight follows recent claims that nurses at the unit are attempting to sue the NHS Trust for being

  • Disease may force business to shut

    BOSSES at a Preston cheese manufacturing firm could be forced to shut their 67-year-old business due to the export ban on cheese products. Managers at Singletons Dairy, in Preston Road, Longridge, fear they could be out of business in three months if

  • 200-plus Guides Go For It in crazy activities

    MORE than 200 Guides from across East Lancashire are set to get together this weekend for a Go For It Day. The special day, to be held at Pleckgate School, on Sunday is to allow Guides to experience different activities which they can take back to their

  • Teachers give their story on how to improve

    FOUR East Lancashire teachers have contributed to a new book giving the inside story on how to improve primary schools. Leading Primary School Improvement draws on research carried out by Gwynneth Bennett, senior teacher at Ightenhill County Primary in

  • Wall of flames as sheep are burned

    MORE than 1,000 sheep went up in flames last night as government officials burned East Lancashire's first victims of the foot-and-mouth outbreak. But the funeral pyre in farmer Arthur Pooley's Withnell field could be the first of many blazes in the area

  • Forget the fear

    Graham Howarth is looking for his side to overcome the fear factor ahead of Saturday's visit of high-flying Tetley Walker. The Arbories boss has admitted that confidence is low and that his side's performances have suffered. He said: "Players are afraid

  • Fans deserve success

    'This trophy is for the fans' JOHN Coleman wants to win some silverware for the Accrington Stanley fans. The Crown Ground boss is confident the Reds can beat Farsley Celtic on Saturday and go on and lift the President's Cup. He said: "The fans have been

  • Teacher's pet helps Blues' Vase cause

    NEIL Spencer gave up sunny Cyprus and £170 to help Clitheroe's FA Vase charge. The striker had arranged to lap up the sun in the Mediterranean for a week after the Blues' FA Vase last 16 clash with Rushall Olympic. But the game was postponed and rearranged

  • Did you serve in this Legion?

    IT HAS been my task over the past 20 years to compile the history of the Legion of Frontiersmen, particularly in the light of the Legion's approaching centenary in 2004/5. It has been a difficult task as most of the Legion records were destroyed in the

  • A one-sided view of Las Vegas

    AFTER patiently watching the first instalment of BBC's Referendum Street, one word immediately sprang to mind -- farcical. This was supposed to be a serious and enlightening debate on the most vital issue of the day, ie. the European question. The producers

  • Where has all the cash gone?

    I AM responding to the recent article in The Citizen (February 15) regarding the rise in Blackpool's council tax. It's at times like these that I wish that we could go back to the old values during mediaeval times. At least at that time you could put

  • Disease may force business to shut

    BOSSES at a Preston cheese manufacturing firm could be forced to shut their 67-year-old business due to the export ban on cheese products. Managers at Singletons Dairy, in Preston Road, Longridge, fear they could be out of business in three months if

  • Club could do more

    GIVEN the current financial plight of Bury Football Club, I think that the club could be doing more to rectify the situation. One obvious way would be to get more people watching on a regular basis. There should be incentives, such as a "half-season"

  • No more evictions

    I WAS heartened to read in the Bury Times (Feb 9) that, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the number of properties repossessed by mortgage lenders in 2000 was the lowest since 1989. How different from the situation that existed under the previous

  • His mind is made up

    PLEASE restrain P. Doherty (Fifth Column). It was not my intention to deter him from his comments on the local scene (my teenage relatives find it amusing). But P. Doherty appears to have made up his mind already on the euro after completing his lengthy

  • Fund-raising is going well

    LAST year the Bury Times very kindly publicised our fund-raising efforts for much-needed repairs to our church and parish hall at St Joseph's RC Church in Ramsbottom. Repairs and decorations to the Lodge Street hall have now been completed and it is in

  • Saddam is not suffering but his people are

    HAVING high-jacked the American presidency, George Bush has just tested the limits of international law, bombing, killing and maiming innocent civilians and with the support of the British government. When Bush says "jump" Blair just asks: "how high?"

  • Vandals strike again

    I NOTICE some lazy vandal has once again smashed a hole in the wooden fence between the Leigh by-pass and Findlay Street to create a short cut. No sooner is the fence repaired than it is damaged again. The council must be sick of replacing smashed up

  • Rags to riches bargains

    I CAUGHT a glimpse of Kilroy discussing the subject "I've gone from rags to riches". One single mum living on benefits had won £250,000 and didn't know what to do with it. Don't they make you sick? Give me the chance and I'd know what to do -- without

  • Now cars are so boring

    lI FOLLOWED an immaculate 1967 duck egg blue Ford Anglia into Leigh, and it stuck out like a sore thumb among today's boring vehicles. The old Fords were two a penny and ugly in their day, but now they stand out and make modern cars look like tat. To

  • Million sellers

    THE Saturday home sale page of a national paper was advertising great stars and good music. Excuse me. They want £8.95 for a tape and £10.95 for a CD of Bert Kaempfert. He must be the bain of every record collector's life, along with Ray Conniff. The

  • What a saucy way to eat pancakes!

    SAUCY Journal man Paul Smith's pancake fetish takes some licking! Dinner table schoolmates from Smithy's days at Abram St John's and Golborne "comp" may recall his Shrove Tuesday cravings for pancakes and . . . brown sauce. Yuk! Not for him the soft option

  • Katy's title is up for grabs

    PRESTON College's sports centre will host the 2001 Preston Closed Table Tennis Championships on Saturday, March 3. The major singles events for the president's prize and the doubles event are now open competitions for men and women. But last year's singles

  • Stand go-ahead

    COUNCILLORS have approved plans to build a bold new stand for Hilton Park, home of Leigh Centurions and Leigh RMI. Centurions bosses say it is an essential step to fulfilling the dream of entering Super League next season by bringing the ground up to

  • Video nasty for Leigh fans

    GOOD humoured Leigh rugby fans were all smiles for police cameras before Sunday's cup tie at Warrington. Afterwards, disappointed in defeat, they could still raise a cheer after their side's gallant display, but when the excitement died they were left

  • Unlucky Pool left pointless again

    Chesterfield 2 Blackpool 1 Scorers: Chesterfield: Williams, Ebdon Pool: Wellens (57) DAYLIGHT robbery could now be added to Chesterfield's list of alleged footballing misdemeanours after stealing the points from a match dominated for the most part by

  • Swinton signings imminent

    SWINTON hope to have two new players on board for Sunday's game with Dewsbury at Gigg Lane (3pm). Mike Loughlin, younger brother of Lions' centre Paul, is to take up a loan spell from St Helens, while the Knowsley Road club are also expected to release

  • Just Jamie: Welcome to my world

    A new weekly persona column in which Jamie Diffley looks at life... HELLO dear readers, hope you are enjoying your new look Evening Telegraph. And as an bonus over the coming weeks you get to relive my exploits after the powers that be gave me a column

  • Mark has a field day

    DIDSBURY TOC H 9pts BURY 36: By MIKE JONES BURY winger Mark Fielding ran in a hat trick of tries as his team turned on the style with an entertaining second half display. The first 40 minutes of the match had provided nothing to entertain spectators from

  • It's good, bad and ugly for Stand

    MITCHELL SHACKLETON...3 STAND ATHLETIC...2 THEY were showing a repeat of the film "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" on the television last Saturday night. Stand decided to put on their own version in the afternoon as they slumped to their fifth defeat

  • No comment needed on art

    THERE is a saying that good art speaks for itself. The art for Church Street, in Blackburn, has Councillor Ashley Whalley as its spokesman. I think no further comment is needed. L LAWES, Bold Street, Blackburn.

  • Sight of falling flats was magic

    AS a lifetime resident of Mill Hill, Blackburn, who saw its tower block flats being built more than 30 years ago, I would like to congratulate the demolition workmen for the perfectly timed, skilfully-done and brilliant-to-see experience they provided

  • Views are a delight to read

    PLEASE congratulate yourself and the contributors to your Letters Page every night. They all seem to express my thoughts. Not only that, the humorous way they are written is so delightful; yet, with a good, serious point, they make compulsive, interesting

  • Community centre just might object

    IF Laura Bailey is so concerned (Letters, February 7) about the young people who frequent Henthorn Park and Henthorn Road, Clitheroe, having nowhere to meet, I suggest they meet in Henthorn Community Centre. Then the £5,000 allocated for the erection

  • Plain explanation for sculptures

    REGARDING the proposed Church Street, Blackburn, sculptures, once again we witness gifted artists presenting the public with works of art that leave us wondering and scratching our heads (LET, February 7). To add further confusion to the issue, I am thinking

  • Man in knife terror

    A MAN was recovering today after being robbed at knifepoint in Leigh. The 23-year-old victim was threatened in Parsonage Way by two young men, one of whom had a knife, at 10.30pm on Wednesday. He handed over his wallet containing £35. The thugs then demanded

  • Chloe is light in darkness

    IT'S some people's idea of pure terror, fumbling blindly in the dark, not sure of who is who and what is what. And in Wait Until Dark -- playing at the Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday -- the audience may be left well and truly in the black stuff

  • Food for thought

    USING dough to make dough, that's young people attached to Rachel House in Bury who used their culinary skills for a fundraising coffee morning. The youngsters baked a variety of cakes and biscuits for the event, with the proceeds going to the Barnardo's

  • Belated Christmas cheer courtesy of Asda

    SUPERMARKET staff at Asda in Pilsworth have already put the wrapping on gifts for children who will be away from home next Christmas. The store has donated its surplus Christmas stock to Booth Hall and Pendlebury children's hospitals and the National

  • Cadets ponder homelessness

    FIRST Aid is not the only thing studied by Radcliffe's St John Ambulance Cadets. The youngsters looked at the subject of homelessness as part of their Grand Prior Scheme project. They were visited by Peter and Sue Bryant of Bury Homeless Unit who explained

  • Tribute to soccer stalwart

    A MINUTE'S silence was held at local league football matches at the weekend as a mark of respect for Ramsbottom United's Ken Bridge. Mr Bridge (57), of Pembroke Drive, Bury, collapsed and died after his team's game last week (Feb 20). He was a highly-respected

  • Thanks from Childline

    CHILDLINE North West has said a big "thank you" to the Bury community which helped the charity raise £6,500 during its six-month local appeal. The Childline Bolton and Bury Appeal, supported by Bolton and Bury Chamber, took place in both towns. The charity

  • Burglars switch target zone

    RESIDENTS in the Higher Ainsworth Road area of Radcliffe are being warned to be on their guard against burglars. Only weeks after we revealed details of a mini-crime wave in the Bradley Fold area, the problem appears to have spilled over into neighbouring

  • French connection

    LEIGH Centurions are going continental in a history-making link-up with top French club Villeneuve. Leigh will become the first British club to strike a formal twinning link with a club from across the Channel when the French champions come back to England

  • Rat scare at retail car park

    ENVIRONMENTAL health bosses carried out an urgent inspection after rats were seen on Woodfields Retail Park in Bury which includes a drive-through McDonald's and a 24-hour Tesco store. But management representatives from both the fast-food restaurant

  • Appleton

    warns best is yet to come MICHAEL Appleton today warned Rovers supporters his best is yet to come as he prepares to visit Ewood for the second time in two months tomorrow. The former Preston midfielder was part of the North End team which was blown away

  • Rovers' derby game ticket details

    ROVERS today announced ticket details for their forthcoming April Fool's Day derby clash with Burnley at Ewood. The two clubs have held a series of meetings in conjunction with local police ahead of the all-ticket match on Sunday April 1st (kick-off 12

  • West Brom panel

    FINAL WORD BIG MONEY MAN: Jason Roberts: West Brom boss Gary Megson shelled out a club record £2 million fee for Bristol Rovers striker Jason Roberts in the summer. And it's turned out to be money well spent as the 15-goal striker has formed an explosive

  • MARCUS GUNS FOR ALBION

    ROVERS hot-shot Marcus Bent is aiming to outgun West Brom marksman Jason Roberts as Ewood braces itself for a battle of the strikers tomorrow. Bent is currently in white-hot form after scoring two crucial goals in the space of four days to lead Rovers

  • Air ambulance gets a cash boost

    THE North West Air Ambulance has received a donation from the Prince of Wales' Charitable Foundation towards its life-saving work. The air ambulance, which is currently funded by the support of the people of the North West and the AA - supported National

  • Car overturns on M6 at rush hour

    A WOMAN from Garstang miraculously escaped serious injury after an accident on the M6 in which the car she was driving overturned yesterday evening (Wednesday, February 28). Mrs Pat Ascroft, 63, from Dorchester Road, Garstang, was driving a blue Ford

  • United in promotion

    THE four museums of Preston have united to produce a new leaflet to help promote their services and increase visitors. This is the first time that the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, the Museum of Lancashire the Queen's Lancashire Regiment museum and the

  • Getting a kick from classes

    LEYLAND martial arts champion David Mitchell gets a real kick out of teaching martial arts -- so much so that he's just received his second dan for kick boxing. And the classes he runs for youngsters at the Elite School of Thai and Kick-Boxing, in Leyland

  • Racquet man

    A YOUNG Preston lad who has proved a smash hit on the tennis courts is hoping to net a top prize when he competes in a national tournament. Chris Llewellyn, 13, of Lappett Grove, Preston, will travel to Torquay for the semi-finals and finals of the Hertz

  • Youths 'power bomb' puppy to death

    TEENAGE boys who killed a six-month-old puppy while simulating wrestling moves on it, were banned from keeping animals by magistrates this week. Black and white collie-cross Simba died of multiple injuries after the 16 and 17-year-old youths repeatedly

  • Have you seen the fraudster?

    POLICE are keen to catch a woman operating in the area who attempts to buy goods with stolen credit cards. The latest incident came when the woman, in her mid 20s, entered the Kwik Save in Pendle Road, Leyland, where she attempted to use different cards

  • Car accident grandad on the mend

    A MAN who suffered serious head injuries in an accident with a car is back on the road to recovery. Eric Watson, 62, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, was hit by a vehicle as he crossed Casterton Avenue on Saturday. He was admitted to Burnley General Hospital

  • Police warn off youths who start junk fires

    POLICE are investigating complaints about a gang of fire-raising teenagers who are wasting Burnley firefighters' time and resources. The youngsters aged from 13 to 16 are repeatedly starting rubbish fires on land near to the arched gateway entrance to

  • School to feature in teacher training video

    STAFF, pupils and parents at Casterton primary school, Burnley, are celebrating a double Ofsted success. Following on from a successful Ofsted inspection report in December the Thames Avenue school has been chosen as only one of seven in the country for

  • Twins will be the star attraction

    A PUB will rise from the ashes after a £700,000 rebuild following a devastating fire last November. Punch Retail, owners of the former Big Steak Pub the Hollywood Star, off Manchester Road, Burnley, are hoping that the opening on March 14 will be a double

  • Pub bid for 'eyesore' building

    A FAMILY pub group is in talks with the owners of Safeway House, next to Burnley bus station. The firm wants to open a family pub in a 6,500 sq ft area of the ground floor of the five-storey property. The scheme is part of proposals to redevelop the building

  • Louise finally meets Jason

    THE 11-year-old Lancaster schoolgirl who officially opened the new Millennium Bridge is set to meet Olympic gold medallist Jason Queally. Jason was due to present Louise with a new bicycle when he officially launched Lancaster's new bridge but following

  • Ballet Billy has a rival

    A YOUNG ballet dancer is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his teenage idol after watching him scoop a prestigious film award. Christopher Parkinson, eight, of Burnley, only started dancing a year ago and already has high hopes of becoming Burnley's

  • Chainsaw attack on upside down trees

    ONE of the infamous upside down trees on the Lancaster to Caton cycle path has been felled by someone using a chainsaw. The controversial public artwork, which cost £7,000, has been the subject of derision and scorn since being erected by London-based

  • It's home sweet home for Amber

    A LITTLE girl has been re-united with her missing cat -- thanks to The Citizen. It's a bit of good news for Greaves' youngster Lauren Murphy, 7, who thought her much loved pet had gone for good after not seeing her all week. As we reported last week,

  • Council tax set at 4.1 percent

    CHAOS reigned in council chambers this week as members attempted to make £1.5 million cuts to this year's budget. The final council tax increase was set at 4.1 per cent after hours of debate. Proposals by the Greens, Liberals, Labour and last minute proposals

  • ANOTHER freebie from BT

    BT has installed a new type of kiosk in major cities throughout the country. These multimedia 'boxes' enable you to surf the net and send email through a touch sensitive screen. This is free until June 14. DO you use a credit card on the net? If so, check

  • Victim of a charmer?

    AS a psychologist researching into the emotional abuse of women, I would like to hear from those who have been traumatised through a relationship where compulsive lying, deception and lack of conscience was encountered. If your life has been torn apart

  • Young dad in domestic row

    A YOUNG dad who ended up in court after a domestic row, was bound over in the sum of £50 for 12 months, by Burnley Magistrates. The court had been told how Gerald James Connor, 28, was aggressive when police were called and his wife indicated she had

  • OUTBREAK: Don't panic, says ministry

    THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today urged people not to panic about the deepening foot and mouth crisis in East Lancashire. The crisis has started to affect local businesses and supermarkets who are increasing stocks of foreign meat

  • Purely and simply successful

    TWO of Britain's most talked about celebrities -- Kym and Suzanne of television's Popstars fame -- zoomed into Preston yesterday (Wednesday, February 28) for a chat with Rock FM radio's breakfast show presenter Brian Moore. And in an exclusive interview

  • PC's bravery award

    A BURNLEY bobby was chosen to receive a bravery award after he tackled robbers armed with a baseball bat and knife while off duty. PC Sean Cunningham disarmed the man with the bat and was confronted with the man wielding a axe, before both men ran off

  • Royal visits for lucky locals

    A ROYAL date at Buckingham Palace is on the calendar for one Leigh teenager while another Leigh man has just returned from a engagement with Prince Charles. Super St John Ambulance cadet Rachel Stessl, aged 16, of Clifton Road, Pennington, is getting

  • OUTBREAK: RSPCA shelter closes its doors

    AN animal shelter has closed its doors for the first time in its 29-year history in an attempt to escape the foot and mouth epidemic. Managers of the RSPCA shelter at Altham have asked people to help them as they cannot take in any more animals. Manager

  • Golborne parents up in arms over 'danger' road

    PARENTS in Golborne have petitioned councillors over an accident blackspot near a primary school. The parents at All Saints RC Primary decided to act after a spate of accidents at the railway bridge where Tanners Lane and Nook Lane join. They say the

  • OUTBREAK: MPs want hotline for advice

    TWO MPs today called on Lancashire Police to set up a foot and mouth hotline after the disastrous animal disease hit their constituencies. Lindsey Hoyle and Greg Pope said they want the service so that farmers who fear the disease has struck their herd

  • Elderly women rescued from care home

    TWO elderly ladies were rescued in the early hours from their burning bedrooms at an Atherton residential home. The two women were sleeping when fire broke out at Woodlands House Residential Home in Woodlands Drive, Atherton, at 3.20am on Thursday. Staff

  • Video nasty for Leigh fans

    GOOD humoured Leigh rugby fans were all smiles for police cameras before Sunday's cup tie at Warrington. Afterwards, disappointed in defeat, they could still raise a cheer after their side's gallant display, but when the excitement died they were left

  • Animal lovers urged to help India 'squad'

    AN ATHERTON woman has appealed to animal lovers to help the work of young volunteer workers in India who are battling to protect wild habitats and species. Ann Hillidge wants items such as binoculars, videos and a four-man-tent to send to the Green Cross

  • Watch out for this blue brew

    IF Austin Powers was the Spy Who Sh*gged Me, then his favourite tipple would probably have come from East Lancashire. But the local drinks firm behind the brew has flown into controversy over its choice of name. They say Sh*g is named after the beautiful

  • Lights not a dim idea

    I WAS disturbed to read Ray Hill's ill-informed outburst about the improved crossing at Sainsbury's. Had he bothered to watch it at work, he would have realized that it is a lifeline for cyclists, who otherwise have no way of getting between the millennium

  • Calderstones patient escapes

    A PATIENT went on the run from Calderstones medium secure unit and got drunk in a pub 35 miles away before giving himself up to police, it was revealed today. The man turned himself in to police in Halifax "in a vulnerable state" almost six hours after

  • Putting happy back into the park

    IN reply to letters recently sent in by Mr A Peel (February 8) and T Espley (February 15), firstly for Mr Peel, to get the temporary paddling pool and a small filtration unit. This is a very small price to pay when you consider the amount of children

  • Brilliant Bispham shine

    BJFF U10s 7 LYTHAM JUNIORS 1 J Smith scored and D Millard netted two before half-time. In the second half J Smith scored two more. Lytham scored a replied but BJ went further ahead with a goal from J Brough and J Smith scored his fourth. BJFF U10s 4 LYTHAM

  • Slow start but a deserved victory

    Ladies 1st XI 3 Springfields 2nd XI 1 LYTHAM were slow to get into gear but settled down to play some good hockey with the defence denying Springfields any real scoring chances. Amy Leach and Jenny Reid made some good clearances, one of which led to a

  • Divers go nap in Rossall league

    IN Division A of the Rossall Monday Sixes Blackpool Area Divers lead the way following a 5-1win over The Royals above Boca Juniors who beat The Cellar 3-1. Athletico 6 beat Fleetwood Flyers 3-1 and Blackpool Charity beat Thompson Tornados 3-0. In Division

  • Big Brother is watching you -- so beware

    I was at Wilderspool on Sunday to witness a magnificent performance by the Leigh RL team and enjoy a fantastic atmosphere in the railway end with the Leigh supporters who sang and backed the team to the hilt. Not an ounce of trouble was reported before

  • Red stars at Christie Park

    TRINIDAD and Tobago ace Dwight Yorke and England flop Phil Neville were the latest Premiership stars on show at Christie Park last Thursday. Manchester United's second string lost 2-0 to Blackburn Rovers reserves in front of a healthy crowd of over 2,000

  • Blues take hiding at the Axe

    Lancaster 1 Hyde Utd 4 HYDE United emphatically brought City's 17-game unbeaten run to an end at the Axe on Saturday. City actually dominated but injury blows and a string of missed chances led to their downfall and a scoreline that flattered Hyde. In-form

  • No thanks!

    SAFEWAY will donate 15p to the Cancer Research Campaign for every litre bottle of Sunraysia Prune Juice sold. They'll not make much out of me. I can't stand the thought of it never mind the taste. Blame school dinners!

  • Airport meeting

    HIGH-flying Bury businesses are being invited to attend a special event at Manchester Airport. The business-to-business conference will identify real corporate benefits that can be achieved through working with diversity and addressing equal opportunities

  • In good spirits despite defeat

    A FRUSTRATING week, to be sure, with two defeats despite two strong performances. But the fact we are disappointed not to have taken six points from the top two clubs in the division only highlights the strides the team are making under Steve McMahon.

  • Could soon have the MIDAS touch

    BURY'S suppliers of environmental products and services could soon have the MIDAS touch. For MIDAS (Manchester Investment and Development Agency Service) has sponsored the launch of the region's environmental technology network, Envirolink North West.

  • Firm is packed with success

    SUCCESS is all wrapped-up for packaging manufacturers Printpack, which has won the coveted Investors in People (IIP) award. The Bury-based company is one the leading suppliers of flexible packaging and film labels to "blue chip" clients in the food and

  • Ternent fury over Cox return from Trinidad

    CLARETS boss Stan Ternent has once more vented his fury at Trinidad and Tobago as defender Ian Cox looks likely to miss a second game because of international commitments. The 29-year-old played in his country's World Cup qualifying defeat in Jamaica

  • Shrimps out after spot-kick drama

    MORECAMBE paid the penalty as they crashed out of the FA Trophy at Hereford on Tuesday night. The Shrimps drew 1-1 after extra time, but fluffed their lines in the penalty shoot out to lose 3-1 and crash out of what looks to be a wide open field in the

  • Ivan Taylor probe

    THE former leader of Blackpool Borough Council, Ivan Taylor (left) is to be investigated by a senior member of another council. The standards sub committee of the council voted last week to bring in a chief executive with a legal background from another

  • President's two-year aims

    TRAINING and partnership will be the focus for the next two years for Blackpool's new Trades Council leader. President Ian Hodson stressed the need for partnership with industry to delegates at the Trades Club in his first address, but warned: "I don't

  • AA men to the 'rescue'

    THANKS to Blackpool's generous motorists, three local AA patrol men have raised almost £700 for the North West Air Amblulance. Mick Curwen, Barry Eastham, Bob Foster and Fylde Coast local manager Alistair Horne ran the three-day promotion offering car

  • Blackpool soldiers walk on the wild side

    FOUR Blackpool soldiers are currently taking a "walk on the wild side" during a six-week exercise in the treacherous jungles of Belize. Lance-Bombardier Mike Webb (23), Gunner Tom Sumner (18), Gunner Justin Whitworth (30) and Gunner Paul McIntyre (28)

  • Your views count

    BLACKPOOL residents are being given the chance to shape the future of their local council this week with a leaflet campaign. The "Your Views Count" leaflet will be dropping through doors throughout the area explaining the three voting options of An elected

  • Stretton Leisure D&D

    DARTS: Railway 6, Lowton Labour 1; Leigh Harriers 7, Leigh Arms 0; Leigh Libs 1, Leigh Bowling 6; Leigh East 2, Bond Street CC 5. DOMINOES: Railway 3, Lowton Labour 4; Leigh Harriers 4, Leigh Arms 3; Leigh Libs 4, Leigh Bowling 3; Leigh East 3, Bond Street

  • Leigh Automatics Indoor Bowling

    Gardeners 6, Eastleigh 8; Stretfords 10, Us Three 7; Aardvarks 7, Nomads 6; Leigh Bowling 13, This Lot 6; Lilford 3, Falcons 12; BICC 10, Red Rose 5; Ladybirds 5, Musketeers 8; Benters 9, Paulettes 6; Butts Park v RBl - no score. Table: Eastleigh 22pts

  • JR's Taxis D&D League

    DARTS: Leigh Cons 4, Leigh Hilton Park 3; St Paul's Labour 3, Westleigh Village 4; Fir Tree 7, Silver Dollar 0; Hindley Green Labour 5, Leigh Bowling Club 2. P Pts Leigh Cons... 17 81 Hindley Green Labour... 17 76 Peake Fitness... 16 73 Victoria... 17

  • Cannings Lowton D&D

    DARTS: Church Inn (Low) 0, Musketeer 7; Railway Tavern 4, Bridgewater 3; Leigh Cricket 5, Foresters 2; Our House 5, Jolly Carter 2; Britannia 4, Nevison 3; Peake Fitness 4, Bull & Butcher 3; Church Inn (West) v Colliers (Post). New Inn - bye. P W

  • Kids who care

    CARING pupils from a Bury school narrowly missed out on a top honour but they still managed to "Make a Difference". Youngsters from Derby High School in Radcliffe Road represented the Bury division in the annual Greater Manchester Police "Make a Difference

  • Man's body identified by student card

    A STUDENT identity card was used to identify the body of a Bury man who had been missing for more than a month. The card was found in a trouser pocket after the body had been recovered from a lodge. An inquest was opened on Friday (Feb 23) by Bury District

  • Hear'Say there's a pop star in town

    TV "POPSTAR" Suzanne Shaw was greeted with deafening cheers from excited pupils at her old school, when she and fellow band member Kym Marsh paid a visit to St Gabriel's High School in Bury. Accompanied by camera crews, the two members of hot new pop

  • Walking in the air!

    AIR travellers worried about developing blood clots on long-haul flights can take advantage of a series of tips compiled by a Bury health club. Staff at LA Fitness in Chapel Street, have come up with a leaflet packed with helpful advice and exercises,

  • Town inspires author to tell her story

    A WRITER recovering from the trauma of anorexia was spurred on to complete an inspirational book about the illness during a trip to Bury. Anna Paterson (32) wrote an account about her hellish years suffering from anorexia nervosa, triggered by years of

  • Coach scandal

    SEVERAL coach drivers have been illegally ferrying pupils to and from schools after a spot-check found they did not have a proper licence. And the Bury Times can reveal that the drivers' employers, the companies contracted to carry out the school runs

  • Hospice looks for young guns!

    "YOUNG guns" are being urged to harness their business experience by becoming a voluntary trustee and board member with Bury Hospice. Their management flair and expertise will be essential in maintaining and expanding the hospice's vital role within the

  • Paths shut in foot and mouth care

    FOOTPATHS in Ramsbottom, Holcombe and Hawkshaw have being closed to try to stop foot and mouth disease reaching Bury. Whitehall chiefs declared the areas "at risk" because of a confirmed outbreak across the West Pennine Moor at a farm in Chorley. Under

  • Closure shock for town

    QUESTION marks hang over the future prosperity of the Longfield Centre in Prestwich after Sainsbury's shock decision to close after 20 years. And we can reveal that Prestwich-born entrepreneur Chris Rustage aims to bid for the site to turn it into a home

  • MARCUS

    GUNS FOR ALBION ROVERS hot-shot Marcus Bent is aiming to outgun West Brom marksman Jason Roberts as Ewood braces itself for a battle of the strikers tomorrow. Bent is currently in white-hot form after scoring two crucial goals in the space of four days

  • Minister surprise visitor for firm

    BRINSCALL-BASED internet specialists Thomas Cole Solutions had a surprise visit from Minister for Small Business Patricia Hewitt. Thanks to its reputation in the fast-growing field of e-commerce, the company was chosen for a visit when the Minister came

  • North West flies the flag in Paris

    EAST Lancashire's aerospace industry will have its biggest-ever presence at an overseas event when this year's Paris International Air Show opens in June. The North West Aerospace Alliance is co-ordinating a major bid for new sales on behalf of its 700

  • Jazzmen team up with school pupils

    WORLD class jazz musicians will team with high school musicians to raise the roof at a local nightclub. Tenor sax man Mike Tracy, who played with the Buddy Rich Orchestra, ex-Woody Herman pianist Phil Degreg and New York Jazz Orchestra double bassist

  • Duke of Edinburgh award winners

    DOZENS of young people celebrated all their hard work when they were presented with Duke of Edinburgh awards in Hindley. A total of 62 youngsters received bronze awards from Wigan mayor Joan Hurst at the ceremony in the Monaco Ballroom. The dedicated

  • Scramblers snatched

    TWO children's 'scrambler' motorbikes were snatched by thieves who hurled a metal grid through the window of a car dealers' showroom. Shortly before 1am on Monday raiders grabbed the two Italian-made Malagutti Grizzly Junior off-road bikes worth £700

  • Family's lucky escape

    A FAMILY escaped with their lives when a worn out gas pipe burst, sending flames shooting out of an old gas fire the family were using while their central heating was being fixed. The man and woman in their 50s and their adult son decided to tackle the

  • ay network link back on

    THE motorway network link planned to scythe across part of Journal land but shelved because of road building cutbacks still figures in plans to revitalise the area. The M6-M61 link project, known as route 225 or the Blue Route, was put on the back boiler

  • Blind society's sales warning

    THE Wigan, Leigh and District Society for the Blind has warned people to be on their guard against telephone sales pitches. The last meeting of the group was told that a member had received a call asking her to buy cleaning materials which had been made

  • Home-alone kids left 'in appalling conditions'

    A MAN who went on a day trip to Blackpool and stayed over at his girlfriend's house left his two children home alone to fend for themselves, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that police, called to the house in Higher South Street, Darwen,

  • Kindhearts donate to hospice

    FUND raisers got on their bikes to boost the Wigan and Leigh Hospice coffers. Five riders found sponsorships for the annual Manchester to Blackpool charity ride and added almost £700 of the £20,000 donations acknowledged by the hospice council this week

  • Anita snaps to it in name of art

    ARTIST Anita Burrows is making her mark on the Irwell Valley Sculpture Trail and involving the children of Summerseat. Youngsters have been given cameras to capture images of "what it's like to be a young person in Summerseat." Anita, of Chatham Street

  • ian's at home in new job!

    A LEIGH man is set to investigate the latest technology for new homes in his new job. Ian Wilkinson, 46, (pictured right) has been promoted to development manager at the Warrington-based house building firm Bellway Homes. In his new role Ian will look

  • Execs 'back to school'

    A GROUP of Leigh schoolchildren have been teaching high tech executives all about their company. Officials from Volex Wiring Systems were put in the picture courtesy of an imaginative group of 10 and 11-year-olds from Bedford St Thomas's Primary. Officials

  • Smuggled immigrants lorry driver loses jail appeal bid

    A LEIGH man, who was caught with a van-load of illegal immigrants at Dover, failed in an Appeal Court bid to cut his five-year jail term. Lawyers for Stuart Lally, 53, of Eden Grove, argued he was suffering from depression and was "vulnerable to exploitation

  • Cyclist Alan's trek raises more cash

    AN ATHERTON cyclist has spent the week sitting on cushions -- but then he has cycled 300 miles in the Far East to raise charity cash. Saddle sore Alan Hilton, 33, has vowed he will take on another challenging ride to raise more cash on top of the £1,800

  • Angry boss blasts raiders after third break-in at soccer club

    THIEVING vandals who have been branded cowards have almost called time at a proud old soccer club. For the third time in a fortnight thieves this week broke in to Atherton Collieries' club. After the latest attack on the Alder Fold clubhouse, when beer

  • Get in touch...electronically

    READERS on the Leigh Journal's Internet website have once again been sending their electronic request to get in touch with old friends or relatives. The emails have come from as far as New Zealand as people have responded to our feedback forms on the

  • Raiders bring soccer club to breaking point

    THIEVING vandals who have been branded cowards have almost called time at a proud old soccer club. For the third time in a fortnight thieves this week broke in to Atherton Collieries' club. After the latest attack on the Alder Fold clubhouse, when beer

  • Survivor Aaron unveils brother's memorial

    THE teenage sole survivor of a holiday accident which wiped out his family has helped to restore a school memorial to his little brother. Aaron Pearce, 19, was back at his old junior school St John's, Mosley Common, to see the unveiling of the renovated

  • Hands-on teenagers looking for 'healthy' careers

    A HANDS-on approach will give 15 and 16-year-olds a real insight into careers in health and care. Final year pupils at Westleigh High will get a close look at the roles of nurses and care workers and career guidance in those fields in a pioneering project

  • Floral tribute to tragic grandad

    FLOWERS have been left by the grandchildren of pensioner Ernest Sargeant crushed under the wheels of a car at an Atherton pub car park. A touching message reads simply: "To grandad. God bless, love Carole, Keith and Stephen." The bouquet from his grandchildren

  • Beware an outbreak of common sense

    MUCH wailing and gnashing of teeth in recent weeks over the city council's budget bunfight. It seems some parties aren't prepared to accept any reduction in the arts darling while those closer to power are keen to keep any council tax rises down. One

  • Helicopters in rail crash SOS

    BLACKPOOL Helicentre swung into action yesterday (28 Feb) to help the rescue operation at the scene of the tragic rail crash at Selby, North Yorkshire. Chief pilot Geoff Dodd, who has been flying helicopters for nearly 20 years, described the scene where

  • Healthy build-up

    A MENTAL health service for young people from Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Community Trust is fighting fit thanks to a Government cash injection. The Primary Care Liaison/Consultation Service, based in Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, was set up in response to

  • Conmen cash in on crime-fight!

    IN what must be the cheekiest con-trick of the year, hard-nosed fraudsters are attempting to sell advertising space in publications they say are run by... the crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers! Calls have been received by a number of local firms from

  • It's Macmillion!

    IT'S FOUR cheers for the Windmill Appeal this week as the cancer care charity smashes through the Macmillion pound target -- thanks to the massive efforts of four local fundraisers. The quartet of cheques which finally broke the million pound barrier

  • Pay rises for council chiefs

    BOSSES at Blackpool Borough Council are set to see their pay packets rise to a level similar to that of the Prime Minister after a motion asking to delay them for a year was defeated. Coun Peter Callow, who tabled the motion at the meeting of the full

  • Stepping out for stardom!

    TALK about taking Steps to stardom! Shane McKeever is set to make his first TV appearance tomorrow night (Friday) when he line dances his way onto the kids talent show Steps II The Stars, presented by Claire and H from chart-topping band Steps. Seven-year-old

  • Souey kicks off gazebo

    BLACKBURN Rovers boss Graeme Souness officially opened a £10,000 extension to a residential home for the disabled. The gazebo at the Jack Walker Disabled Unit, at Birch Hall, Blackburn, was built by students from Blackburn College and St Wilfrid's High

  • College produces winning bands double

    A COLLEGE course has proved it is top of the charts when its students came first and second in a recent competition. The Reserved and Scenario are two bands who formed through its members being on the BTEC National Diploma course in Contemporary Music

  • 'Too many' pubs near cathedral

    CHURCH bosses have complained that Blackburn Cathedral is being surrounded by pubs and clubs after revealing that choirboys and girls have been verbally abused by revellers. The move comes after plans were submitted to turn a former cafe situated just

  • Coaches plan is a winner

    POLICE are urging Burnley fans to use specially chartered coaches to ferry them to the game against Rovers next month in a bid to keep trouble at a minimum. The first clash between the rivals for 17 years last December was marred after violence broke

  • 3,000 enjoy feast of traditional grub

    PENSIONER Ida Kemp knows a thing or two about traditional grub. And after decades of tucking into Lancashire cheese she wasn't sure anything else would do. But her loyalty was put to the test when a Lancashire blue cheese, still so new it has yet to be

  • Dale look to extend unbeaten run

    JIM McClusksie is without the suspended Jerome Fitzgerald and injured Jason Heffernan as Dale look to extend their unbeaten run to 17 games at Nantwich. The Stags have not lost a game since Boxing Day and have only lost twice since McCluskie took charge

  • Don't mention

    the 'P' word! Complacency is not a word John Bailey wants to hear around the Victoria Ground. For while Nelson are six points clear at the top of NWCL Division Two with 11 wins from the last 15 games, Bailey insists his side are not even talking about

  • Chorley challenge

    KEN Wright is sweating on the availability of Simon Kay (hamstring) as the Magpies are already without five players for the Chairman's Cup clash at home to Leek Town from the UniBond Premier Mark Court is suspended while Greg Challender (back) and Neil

  • Mark is more than

    happy to be 'home' MARK Patterson says his move 'home' to Darwen is more than just a stop-gap measure. The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder has signed for the NWCL Division Two side, who travel to Squires Gate in the Second Division Trophy tomorrow,

  • Striker McBride to miss Palace trip

    PRESTON will be without striker Brian McBride for their trip to Crystal Palace tomorrow. The American international injured his eye 15 minutes into his side's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Mexico. "He is going to see a specialist in America, apparently

  • Portsmouth panel

    MANAGER: Graham Rix. This will be the former Arsenal man's first game in charge since taking over from caretaker Steve Claridge. The coach was influential in Chelsea's success under Ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli, who stood by him when he went to prison