IT will be with a jaundiced eye, surely, that East Lancashire parents will look on the announcement this week of millions of pounds being allocated to improve nursery and child care provision in the county. For hard on its heels come letters telling them
IT'S just after four in the morning and I'm kneeling over the toilet bowl, clinging on to the ceramic sides, my shaking arms the only thing stopping my aching head falling in completely. I've been here for hours, looking at my pathetic watery reflection
SEDGLEY Park's former Welsh international half back, Colin Stephens, has an intriguing showdown in prospect before the new season gets under way, writes STEVE BOTT. One of the games Sedgley have lined up as a warm-up prior to their big kick-off in Rugby
FAR be it for me to tell the Oxford English Dictionary their business but the current definition of this particular f-word may have to be re-written after Tuesday night's encounter at Accrington Stanley. For those Bury fans expecting an "After You Claude
BURY chairman Terry Robinson will have a message of hope for those who arrive for the Open Day on Sunday, writes STEVE CANAVAN. Robinson said: "We have managed to get through the summer and the takeover appears to be progressing but we need 5,000 fans
MALTESE international Luke Dimech will not start the season at Bury - but it doesn't mean he won't be joining. Bury are allowing the classy central defender to return home to play for his Maltese club side, Sliema Wanderers, in European clashes. The idea
1694: The bank of England was founded. 1940: Bugs Bunny made his official debut in "The Wild Hare". 1964: Winston Churchill made his last appearance in the house of commons at the age of 89. 1965: Edward Heath became the leader of the Conservative Party
RENT DODGERS: Bury's Housing Department was taking applications for the post of bailiff in an all-out campaign to stamp on the borough's rent dodgers. With rent arrears totalling a massive £100,000, the bailiff would have the power to take council tenants
AN 11-year-old boy has suffered serious spinal injuries after cheating death for the second time in three months. Christopher Williamson, of Tyldesley, is lucky to be alive after falling 25-ft through the roof of a disused garage, on to a concrete floor
UNSWORTH councillor Gordon Sharkey is recovering in hospital after a heart scare. The Labour councillor and former mayor was taken to the coronary care unit at Bury General Hospital this week after visiting his doctor. Coun Sharkey, of Ripon Close, Whitefield
A COUPLE today relived the terror of dodging bullets at Sri Lanka's international airport -- and received a security pledge from the Foreign Secretary after their brush with death. Instead of a trouble-free flight to Heathrow at the end of a dream two-week
FOOTBALL fan Darren Bernstein has achieved a rare academic goal, landing a dream job in America. Darren (25) of Ripon Avenue, Whitefield, has graduated with a unique International Masters degree in law, management and humanities of sport. He is now off
SCHOOL kitchens will get a £135,000 facelift as the council tries to fend off private predators. Town hall bosses say the investment is vital if schools are to continue using the local authority's school meals service. They also hope that creating more
NO problem has been too great for 11-year-old Jasmin Warburton, who has proved an inspiration to classmates. Despite numerous health setbacks and time off school this year, Lowercroft Primary pupil Jasmin still emerged with a glowing set of exam results
TOWN hall bosses are pressing ahead with plans to sell off part of Hoyle Park to Millers Bakery Machinery Ltd. They have agreed in principle to the sale following weeks of consultation with residents living near the East Bury park. Millers want to expand
PAUL Terzis has scotched the rumours once and for all. He is not leaving the Centurions to move into Super League with Warrington and will be back at the helm at Hilton Park next season to lead another Leigh fight for promotion. "I'm going nowhere and
BLACKBURN Rovers' youth team were knocked out of the Northern Ireland Milk Cup International Youth tournament at the quarter final stage. They were beaten 5-0 by Paraguay.
ROVERS chief executive John Williams today defended the club's decision to give Manchester United fans the whole of the Darwen End when the Premier League champions visit Ewood in the opening week of the new season. Implementing such measures has angered
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today revealed forgotten duo Egil Ostenstad and Jeff Kenna could still have futures at Ewood as Rovers prepare to wind up their pre-season tour of Austria and Germany in Plauen tonight. Norwegian international Ostenstad and
ROVERS boss Graeme Souness today warned his squad they face their toughest test yet when they take on VFC Plauen at the Vogtlandstadion tonight. The men from Ewood will complete a punishing schedule of three games in five days against the Oberliga outfit
I AM writing with reference to the front page article (Star, June 21) in which Marie Rimmer attacks the national media for their portrayal of St Helens. Although I greatly admire Marie Rimmer and the work she does in many directions, I cannot see eye
A NATIONAL photographic exhibition about domestic abuse is to open in Leyland to mark the first anniversary of South Ribble's women's refuge. The Breaking Free exhibition by photographer Liza Hamlyn contains photographs of women's experience of domestic
A HEART bypass patient is planning to get his healing heart pumping with an assault on the Yorkshire Peaks to raise money for charity. Bernard Snape, 53, a financial advisor from Alder Coppice in Lea, Preston, is aiming to raise £1,000 in sponsorship
BURNLEY will bid for permission to spend £4.6million on housing next year -- and lobby the Government Office North West for even more cash to tackle the town's major housing problems. The lion's share of the draft bid for improvements is earmarked to
FRESH from Sunday's thrashing of Halifax, Saints continue their travels with another potential banana skin against a Salford City Reds side keen to impress their new coach. (Sunday, 6pm). The Reds have taken some heavy beatings in recent weeks, culminating
THE PLAY-OFFS of the Monkhouse 2001 Summer Squash Tournament takes place on Wednesday at Preston Grasshoppers with the finals played on Saturday August 4. The play-offs will be between Preston College, Fulwood Leisure Centre, two teams from Penwortham
YOUNGSTERS in Preston are set to fight pitched battles for the next month -- but all in the name of sport. A soccer tournament hosted by the police is set to kick off what is hoped will become an annual event. The competition is organised by Larches Estate
THE delicious aroma of newly-baked bread still wafts across the memory of a veteran reader who recalls a time when what is now the site of St Helens College was a network of lively side-streets. J. A. of Clock Face (he prefers anonymity) claims to be
DRUNKENNESS had reached such a pitch in St Helens that a religious group, fired by temperance zeal, set about to suppress this sinful business. And an echo of that anti-booze battle is contained in a turn-of-century certificate, brought to my attention
PEOPLE made the most of the fine weather on Saturday (July 21) to make their way to Preston Private Nursing Home's summer fair. Residents, their families and friends joined staff at the Midgery Lane home, in Fulwood, for the fun day where there was a
IF you went down to Lea pre-school's neck of the woods on Thursday July 19, then you would of been in for a snugly surprise. Because that was the day that tots, from the school in Greaveston Lane, Lea, and their teddies had their outdoor picnic. From
Trust will begin training to solve psychiatrist shortage By Lesley Richards A REVIEW of mental health services in the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust has revealed an urgent need for psychiatrists. The Commission for Health Improvement report also
A SIDE effect of surgery caused the death of retired smallholding farmer Helen Parker at the age of 92. An inquest heard that Mrs Parker, who was blind, suffered a fall at her Haslingden home as she went to unbolt the back door to let her daughter in.
WHEN he fell in love with the sound of brass at the age of eight, Jonathan Murray's ambition was to join the Golborne Band. Five years on, he has won a place at the prestigious Royal Northern School of Music - despite never sitting a formal exam, and
A TOWN cleaner became town hero this week, having completed a dream mountain expedition for charity. Chris Graham, of Hadden Road, Lowton, spent nine days in Tanzania, trekking 19,321ft up Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. After five
A MYSTERY foot and mouth style illness that struck a prize-winning cattle herd is still baffling officials. More than half the 180 thorough-bred Ayrshire herd at Garrett Hall Farm, Tyldesley, were found to have blisters around their noses and mouths -
TOWN centre businesses have launched an ice cream war which threatens to freeze out one of Leigh's long-established family firms. Twenty shops have backed a petition objecting to Mario Manfredi selling ices in pedestrianised Bradshawgate, in front of
LAST week's look back at the old Leigh market brought back floods of memories for readers - from as far away as the USA. Brian Johnson, of Lombard, Illinois, recalls the wizardry of Fish Lil, and former Leigh shopkeeper, Kath Lisle, and the time of her
LEIGH market hall traders, whose businesses have been hit by building work on the £2m Spinning Gate mall extension, have suffered a new blow. They have learned that their rents are to rise by two and a half per cent from November. Now the angry stallholders
MORE than 80 Ribble Valley farmers hit by the devastating impact of the foot and mouth crisis have been given a guiding hand by a leading firm of chartered accountants. The farmers, who have suffered following the foot and mouth culls in the area, attended
A COUNCILLOR has called for proposed new football pitches in a Ribble Valley town to be axed -- in favour of netball courts. Joyce Holgate, a councillor for the Whalley area, made her plea for women to be given a sporting chance when colleagues studied
CAMPAIGNERS are angry that Ribble Valley Council wants to cut down 41 of the trees round Clitheroe Castle, to make the grounds look better. The clusters of centuries old beech, ash, oak, and sycamore trees that surround the keep are scheduled to be reduced
They scooped £5.7 million between them, giving them £438,784 each. Not to be sniffed it. It'd certainly do for me.
Dear Sir, Andy Burnham's enthusiasm to work for the people of Leigh is most welcome after what some would describe as a period of political hibernation for this area. What does concern me, however, is his partisan promotion of the quarter-of-a-billion
nI KNOW rules are rules but the two-stroke penalty for Ian Woosnam at the Open Golf Championships at the weekend for carrying one club too many seems ludicrous. The error by his caddy, Myles Byrne, could have cost him the title and nearly half a million
I KNOW people are busier - or lazier - than ever these days, and don't want to cook. Ready meals and fast food are a boon for those in a hurry. Personally, I'd rather eat cardboard. But the supermarkets are full of ready-made everything for all tastes
HOW do teenagers drive round with such loud, thumping music blasting in their eardrums? In the hot weather this week, there was a crowd of us waiting to cross at Leigh's Turnpike and we were entertained by the noisiest music I've ever heard, emanating
DISCOVERING the next generation of marketing experts has earned Bury members of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) a highly coveted accolade. The Lancashire branch of the CIM was singled out for the best student activity programme for 2000-01
BURY businesses are being urged to avoid "commercial suicide" by making sure they have adequate protection against computer viruses. Some such viruses which are currently doing the rounds are titled under the subjects of "Snow White," "A virtual card
A HOLCOMBE Brook businessman has swapped the black board for the keyboard by logging on to a successful career in web site design and publishing. And Reg Fowler is certainly in the market when it comes to allowing traders to set out their stalls worldwide
BURNLEY manager Stan Ternent could have the problem of international call-ups to deal with this season. New signing Dimitri Papadopoulos is a Greek Under 21 international and will be returning to Athens this weekend with a view to be selected for the
MITCHELL Thomas is kicking his heels waiting on the sidelines -- but he aims to be back in contention for a first team place soon. The central defender is struggling with a hip problem which he picked up in one of the first days of pre-season training
JOHN CRAWLEY was set to resume the Lancashire captaincy as they aimed to stop the Yorkshire bandwagon at Headingley today. The Tykes have a big lead at the top of the First Division table and are heading for their first title since 1968. In contrast Lancashire
BLACKBURN Northern's Neil Weaver will quit as captain of the Jennings Ribblesdale League club at the end of the season. Weaver, who's wife gave birth to their first child, Rebecca, five months ago, has been captain of the Pleckgate Road club for the past
IT'S cup final time in the St Helens 'Sparks' Mens Bowling League with Clock Face Rec (scr) taking on Prescot Guild Hall (+30) in the Lewis Cup at the Unison Club and Unison A (+40) meeting Thatto Heath Railway (scr) in the St Helens Cup at either the
ST HELENS Town face another long haul to County Durham after being drawn away to Northern League side, Brandon United in the FA Cup preliminary round to be played on Saturday, August 25. There was better news in the Carlsberg FA Vase though with the club
THE wheels came off Atherton CC's Redmayne Bentley Bolton Association championship carriage at the weekend. Firstly against Elton on Saturday they failed to press home the advantage that a first innings score of 241-6 gave them and had to settle for a
PARISHIONERS from a Bury church will be hoping to catch a glimpse of themselves on television next week, after their vicar traded experiences with a Sikh temple teacher. While more earthly TV programmes show people swapping holidays or decorating ideas
THE BATTLE to stop plans to replace a village pub with a £1.4 million housing scheme took a new turn this week. Developers put forward their third plan so far. Villagers in Summerseat were furious with the latest bid to replace the Waterside Inn. Since
SICK people in East Bury can now enjoy a royally-approved alternative way back to health. A range of complementary medicines and therapy, of the type supported by the Prince of Wales, is available for those referred by their doctor. The project offers
THE curtain will finally fall on more than 80 years of cinema history in Whitefield if a multi-million pound scheme to transform the site of the Mayfair into luxury apartments gets the go-ahead. Prestwich-born property developer Mr Chris Rustage, who
A WHITEFIELD woman has finally been granted an independent investigation into why the brain of her late husband was removed during a post mortem without her knowledge. Mrs Elaine Isaacs (56) only learned the truth after reviewing medical papers in 1999
BURNLEY manager Stan Ternent could have the problem of international call-ups to deal with this season. New signing Dimitri Papadopoulos is a Greek Under 21 international and will be returning to Athens this weekend with a view to be selected for the
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham's surgeries will be: Friday August 3: Golborne Library 6pm-7pm; Friday August 3: Hindley Town Hall 7.30pm-8.30pm; Saturday August 4: Leigh Town Hall 10am-11.30am.
SUPER SAINTS helped launch the town's new £50,000 state-of-the-art ambulance last week and were joined by Andy Sharp, acting operations manager of the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service, to mark the event at Knowsley Road. The ambulance has a new design
FIREFIGHTERS in Leigh are hoping to receive plenty of support at their open day tomorrow (Saturday July 28). An action-packed day of fun is guaranteed with the chance to look at fire engines and lessons on fire safety, including how to deal with a chip
POLICE investigating an armed robbery outside the post office in Walmesley Road, Eccleston, at 1.20pm on Tuesday, July 24, are anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen a green hatchback car being driven at high speed from the scene where the getaway
COMPUTER and information technology skills are set to be boosted across St Helens, thanks to the development of two new specialist City Learning Centres. One of the key aims of the centres is to help people get work. Work on both buildings, which will
lARSONISTS struck at a primary school in Hindley and set fire to the roof and doorway, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage. The firebugs broke into All Saints Primary School in Chapel Fields Lane on Sunday evening and set the boiler house door
Proceeds from the event on Thursday, August 9, from 10.30am, will go to Derian House Children's Hospice. The closing date for nominations for the store's Local Kid Hero is Sunday. Parents and carers have been asked to nominate a child who has made a difference
MORRISONS would like to thank customers for all their support on the charity fundays. The supermarket raised £203,000 for its Charity of the Year, Save the Children. All 111 Morrisons stores nationwide joined in by organising entertainment days which
TEENAGERS with disabilities in St Helens are demanding a say in the way services and leisure opportunities are provided for them. According to a new report called 'What's it like for me?' produced by a group of local 12 to 17-year-olds, young disabled
GOLBORNE Asda is organising its annual fun day to make life better for terminally sick children. Proceeds from the event on Thursday, August 9, from 10.30am, will go to Derian House Children's Hospice. The closing date for nominations for the store's
TALENTED chefs at a Darwen restaurant cooked up a real treat for judges as they scooped the first culinary award of its kind. Ayoob Ali, proprietor of the the Akash Indian Restaurant, in Duckworth Street, amazed tasters as they sampled his quality cuisine
A LEIGH MP has helped to secure the introduction of strict controls on some of the world's most dangerous chemicals. Chris Davies, who serves on the environment committee in the European Parliament, acted as a bridge between MEPs and environment ministers
nRESIDENTS took part in a second litter blitz of their estate last week. Families from the Manchester Road area of Leigh, and local councillors John Lea and Charles Rigby, pulled together for a three-hour clean up of the streets around Bedford High School
ST HELENS Council libraries have a summer challenge for children in the borough -- to read six books during the summer holidays and receive a medal and certificate to mark the achievement. With a host of titles to choose from in all St Helens libraries
BUDDING poets are being encouraged to submit their work to Poetry Now. The publishers are editing a new collection of poetry about magical places and would appreciate any contributions. Poems can be in any style, as long as they offer others the chance
ADVENTUROUS types looking for action and new thrills might fancy jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet. The National Deaf Children's Society is seeking hundreds of volunteers to make a thrilling 10,000 ft freefall parachute jump. And those who raise enough
TWO members of staff at the Asda store in Rawtenstall are planning to go "over the top" to raise money for charity. Mum of two Sue Foxcroft, 36, a customer greeter at the store, and Victoria Tattersall, 19, a check-out operator, plan to abseil 100 feet
MORE than 100 jobs are in danger as the borough's biggest retailer announced major losses at one of its superstores. Hindley's Co-op superstore, in Cross Street, has been losing out to fierce competition from out-of-town supermarket giants Asda and Sainsbury's
FIREFIGHTERS had to wear special chemical suits to clear a mustard spillage at a Leigh factory. Staff at the Patak plant, off Atherleigh Way, had to be evacuated after a pint of pure mustard oil was spilt. The oil, which is used as a food additive in
ALMOST 60 nurses have returned to the NHS in the region since the government's recruitment drive began three months ago. The promise to recruit 20,000 extra nurses by 2004 is on track, with 3,000 nurses and midwives having returned or about to return
FRIDAY, July 27: Alma Street OAPs HQ, Westleigh (2-3) S Simmons, P Turner; Howe Bridge Sports Centre (6-7) R Splaine; Leigh Town Hall (6-6.30) K Anderson, Mrs L Liptrot, J O'Brien (7-8) K Cunliffe; Tyldesley Town Hall (6.30-8) A Stephenson. SATURDAY,
AN Atherton-based gas pipeline project has won a major safety award. Engineers building the 40km line across Lancashire and Cheshire have clocked up more than 840,000 working hours with just four time-loss accidents - including two twisted ankles. The
WHEN Jack Tither died this year at 78, he left one of his most treasured possessions - a hand-made toy. The carved wooden horse and cart, made in 1923, bore his full name, John Arthur Tither. Now the family of Mr Tither, of Golborne, are trying to trace
THE OLDEST member of an Atherton theatre has been rewarded for her support with a floral tribute. Frances Butler celebrated her 103rd birthday in June and is the only member in Manor Fold Residential Home's 20-year history to reach such an age. The theatre
Thanks for your support THE OLDEST member of an Atherton theatre has been rewarded for her support with a floral tribute. Frances Butler celebrated her 103rd birthday in June and is the only member in Manor Fold Residential Home's 20-year history to reach
A REVIEW of mental health services in the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust has revealed an urgent need for psychiatrists. The Commission for Health Improvement report also raised concerns about care decisions and complaints. As a result, the trust
A GIRL born with a life-threatening liver condition is going for gold at the British Transplant Games in Leeds. Seven-year-old Faith Ong, of Blackberry Way, Penwortham, will compete against other children in the obstacle race, ball throw and 50m track
THE North West Development Agency (NWDA) today welcome the Prince of Wales's intervention in support of rural communities hit by foot and mouth. Speaking at St James's Palace, the Prince urged more than 200 business leaders to help in his personal crusade
NON-DRINKER Dorothy Henry developed sclerosis of the liver which ultimately contributed to her death. An inquest heard that since being forced to retire through ill-health, Mrs Henry had received extensive treatment for a blood disorder. She had undergone
A WATERSIDE housing estate could be built along a picturesque stretch of Leeds and Liverpool canal under plans unveiled today. Housing developer Dorbcrest Homes Ltd has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for permission to build 34 detached houses
STORE wars are set to break out in Blackburn after cut-price supermarket Lidl submitted detailed plans to move into the town. But the German store's plans to build a 1,282 sq ft discount store off Whalley Banks, Blackburn, leaves the future of one of
ANGRY parents are threatening to form an action group to fight a decision which will stop their children going to free nurseries. Dad Michael Holden, of Rishton, said: "Lancashire County Council is hurting three-year-olds. We must take action." Families
PILKINGTON Spartans came up against a confident Sutton side in this week's matches in the St Helens & District Rounders League. Julie Derbyshire was Sutton's star with a hat-trick of rounders and a catch, ably assisted by Andrea Travis, who scored
ON Saturday Eccleston entertained Singlehurst at Bobbies Lane in what turned out to be a very exciting game. Batting first Singlehurst struggled to 30-3 in 20 overs. But when Moody came to the crease things began to change. He attacked the Eccleston bowlers
ST HELENS Recs 1st XI travelled to Caldy on Saturday and after winning the toss elected to bat first. Despite the home side's slow over rate the Recs batsmen kept a good run rate going. Overseas player, Tambe top scored with 54 and both the Ford brothers
RAINHILL 1st XI gained a thrilling home victory against local rivals Sutton in a match sponsored by PBS Windows. The home side won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first with Indian professional Daneekar's leg spin claiming the first wicket with
A MENTAL toughness honed by his two former sporting loves have helped equip Ken Hudson with the qualities needed to succeed in the rather different world of golf. For the Grange Parke member, who narrowly failed to qualify for last week's Open at Lytham
RAINFORD entertained Haydock and earned the lion's share of the points in a game where the outcome was undecided until the final ball. Batting first, the hosts got off to a bright start as Robinson took charge with a bright and breezy 48. Alan Maddison
TAKING the honours this week is the partnership of Arnold/Johnson who won Haydock RPC and St Helens Flying Club's races from Worcester. Burtonwood HS racing from Poole 14/7 1. R. B. Smith 1240.98 2. R. B. Smith 1234.28 3. Butcher/Hutchinson 1220.46 4.
MANAGER David Moyes has confirmed he has made a "substantial" bid for Manchester United utility player Jonathan Greening. The versatile 22-year-old, who usually plays in midfield, but can also play at the back or up front, made several first team appearances
RYAN Kidd could be out of action for six to eight weeks after picking up a knee injury in pre-season training. He is due to have a cartilage operation this week. GRAHAM Alexander has also picked up an injury and is doubtful for the start of the season
AS we moved into the 1990s it looked as if Liverpool would continue their massive success of the previous decade but in the first season of this new decade they once again chased home behind Arsenal in the Championship who won by a seven point margin.
WATCHING kids play video games fascinates me. Their hand-eye co-ordination is something to behold. I have never been any good with the new-fangled hi-tech games. I couldn't even cope with Space Invaders. The love of my pub-game life was those ping pong
SERVES Marks and Spencer right for its downfall. The company's profits have plummeted from a peak of £1.2 billion to only £481 million for the year to April. Only! This maybe wouldn't have happened if it hadn't sold out and moved production from this
GARDENING fans will known that TV makeover king Alan Titchmarsh can create magic new plots. But this week he went one better. Pensioner George Prescott, of Elmridge Court, Lowton, planted some free Californian poppy seeds given in the star's name with
LONG-serving milkman Ricky Roberts swapped the terraced streets of St Helens town centre for the lawns of Buckingham Palace last week. For the 67-year-old, who has been delivering morning pintas to the residents of the streets behind St Helens Town Hall
A WOMAN is appealing for the return of her prized wedding album stolen from her car some time between 8 and 8.30pm on Monday, July 16. The album, of great sentimental value, was in a yellow Argos bag on the front seat of her violet-coloured Vauxhall Nova
THE Derbyshire Hill Youth and Community Centre in Parr is inviting young people to share in its action-packed and varied summer event programme which it is organising. The Summer Fun event runs until Saturday, September 1 and the programme will include
THE Rotary Club of Rainhill have raised £1,200 in aid of the charity International China Concern. The money will be used to fund a trip back home by Englishman David Gotts, founder of the charity which helps orphaned and abandoned children. David currently
A MASKED knifeman escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash after threatening staff at an off-licence. The raider, brandishing the knife and wearing a stocking over his head, entered Hutton's off-licence in Cambridge Road, Newtown, at about 9.30pm on
FOUR Green Goddesses were quickly on the scene when a fire tore through the Aldi supermarket in Haydock on last Tuesday. Two fire rescue crews, consisting of around 36 soldiers, worked for up to four hours to contain the blaze which had been started at
THE former Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) shop in Prescot will now be known as 'For pets in need of vets'. The shop in Eccleston Street has been given a new look to mark the charity's change in image and logo and a new poster campaign, featuring
STAFF at Eccleston Park nursery have been hit by a mysterious case of 'double vision' over a phenomenon they believe makes their 'tots class' unique. For the group at the nursery contains a staggering five sets of twins and this number will grow even
PUPILS from Cowley High School were joined by former pupil Emmer Winder when they opened an art exhibition of their work at Cineworld. Emmer (21) who is studying Interactive Art at Manchester Metropolitan University, completed a work placement at the
DAREDEVIL Nicola Robinson is set to leap 120 feet down the side of a Liverpool hotel - in memory of her late grandma. Nicola, 26, from Toll Bar in St Helens is taking part in The Cancer Research Campaign 'Close To The Edge' event on Saturday July 29 by
Leigh Centurions...18 Widnes Vikings...26 HILTON Park was awash with tears at the end of an afternoon of high emotion. On one side there were tears of joy for Widnes and on the other tears of frustration as Leigh fought to come to terms with the realisation
PEOPLE living in Parr and Blackbrook are being urged to have their say on issues affecting them. Members of the Parr & Blackbrook Alliance (PABA) set up to give help and support to residents in the neighbouring districts, are calling on the public
Leigh RMI 0, Bury 3 RMI never recovered from gifting away an early goal as a strong Bury side ran out clear winners at Hilton Park on Saturday. In the second of nine pre-season friendlies, Leigh were forced to chase the game after Paul Robertson's early
Lancaster City 5 Leigh RMI 3 STEVE Waywell was given little to smile about at the Giant Axe as a gentle pre-season friendly went disastrously wrong for the Railwaymen on Monday. Lancaster were rampant in the first half against their former UniBond League
THERE was no joy for Ramsbottom as they tasted defeat at the double in league and cup. They were edged out by Rishton by just three runs in a thrilling Inter League Trophy semi-final at Acre Bottom. Neil Wells was the biggest thorn in Ramsbottom's side
ANOTHER excellent performance by Radcliffe saw them close the gap on champions and current leaders Middleton. The Racecourse men claimed maximum points against derby rivals Stand after cracking a total of 210-6 themselves before dismissing the visitors
KEVIN KEEGAN will be bringing a strong Manchester City squad to Stainton Park tonight (Friday) for yet another prestige friendly involving Radcliffe Boro. Kevin Glendon's men have already locked horns with Premiership new boys Bolton Wanderers and local
RUG RATS: A Bury carpet company came to the rescue after thieves stole a disabled woman's life savings. Knot Mill Carpets offered to supply and fit Miss Agnes Keith's hall carpet at her Andrews Close home in Ramsbottom after a thief barged his way into
ART connoisseurs will be spoiled for choice when they visit the annual exhibition by Bury Art Society. No fewer than 146 works are on show at Bury Art Gallery in a colourful display of local talent. People flocked to the exhibition (pictured) when it
OWNERS of musical instruments gathering dust in cellars, attics and cupboards are being asked to take them out of mothballs for pupils across Bury. Bury Music Service is looking for any unused instruments, which could be donated or loaned for budding
THE Lightowler sisters are on a roll following their latest success. Lynsey (22) and Aimi (18), of Eastfields, Radcliffe, got their skates on and each won top titles at the British Dance Championships for artistic roller-skating. Lynsey won the Senior
ONLY one year to go! The countdown to the Commonwealth Games has well and truly started in Bury. Dancers and musicians took to the streets as the town hosted an outdoor party with the 2002 Manchester games on the horizon. They entertained market day shoppers
NURSERY children in the borough's poorest areas are the beneficiaries of a £1.6 million government windfall. Redvales, East and Moorside, along with Bury's three other most deprived wards of Radcliffe South, Radcliffe Central, and Besses, are all to receive
AN INVITATION to help beat congestion on the M60 between Eccles and Simister is being offered to local residents, businesses and motorists. A series of public exhibitions is to be held to give motorway drivers and those people living and working nearby
RECENTLY the 194 circular bus, which used to run from St Helens to Prescot then through Rainhill and back to St Helens, via Sutton Manor has now not only been re-numbered, but also had its route changed so as to not come through Sutton Manor any more.
PLANS to build a 30-metre cage for decomposing waste behind a school in Longton, has sparked a wave of concern from people living nearby. Residents living near the site in Thropp Lane fear the plant -- which will treat sewage and animal dung, abattoir
LANCASHIRE Constabulary is on the hunt for new four-legged recruits to boost its team of trained dogs. The force's Dog Training School is on the prowl for suitable hounds for general purpose work and searching. Breed Breed type is not essential but officers
THE FRIENDS of the Harris Museum and Art Gallery have organised a night to remember historic Preston figure, Joseph Livesey. Livesey, founder of the 'Temperance movement', will be brought to life in talks by experts Dr David Hunt and Aidan Turner-Bishop
NOT many people would give up their spare time to tackle would-be crooks and not get paid for it. But for Keith Goodwick it is all in a day's work. For he is one of Lancashire Constabulary's special police constables. The retired local government officer
A PUB landlady, who was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, is planning to throw a party to raise cash for The Cancer Research Campaign. And she is battling to win her fight against the deadly disease in time to walk up the aisle with her childhood
EVERYONE has heard of the Jackson Five -- now we have the Smith Nine who are to hit Jazzin' the Park and wow the enormous crowds with an energetic dance routine. The seven-strong Smith family, accompanied by 11-year-old family friends Jade Ashton and
A CRIME-ridden suburb of Preston could soon be transformed into a newly developed area following the publication of a 'from the horse's mouth' report. The Planning for Real report focuses on the issues affecting people in Tanterton. It is a culmination
FARMERS with livestock have been urged to stay away from the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show amid fears the foot and mouth virus could be spread during the event. But the president of the National Farmers' Union, Ben Gill, speaking at the launch of
LIKE most teenagers, Derek McDonald had made special plans for his eighteenth birthday, but instead of enjoying a big party with family and friends he was forced to experience his special milestone from a hospital bed. But there's still a beaming smile
THE counselling and helpline service which has helped AIDS and HIV sufferers in East Lancashire for 15 years is closing down because of the lack of volunteers. Burnley Aidsline, which has covered the whole of the East Lancashire area, has helped thousands
PRESTON table tennis player Katy Parker, was the only unbeaten English player after the team events in the European Youth Championships in Italy. The 16-year-old helped England's juniors comfortably beat Israel 3-1, Switzerland 3-0 in their Level 2 group
PRESTON runner Helen Pattinson has flown out to Canada in preparation for the World Athletics Championships. She is hoping to go one better then her Olympic semi-final last year by making the final of the womens' 1500m event. Winning the AAAs national
PRESTON suffered a double blow on Saturday as Darwen knocked them out of the Slater Cup and club professional Akbar suffered a broken finger that sees him sidelined for the rest of the season. Darwen chose to bat on a good track at Birch Hall and amassed
SAINTS have rewarded forward John Stankevitch with a new three-year contract after a string of impressive performances in recent weeks. Widnes-born Stankevitch (21) joined Saints from the Parkside Golborne amateur club and made his senior debut in the
SAINTS have called on all RL clubs to deny any interest in joining the Zurich Premiership. Chief executive Mal Kay has responded to the comments of Peter Wheeler, his counterpart at Leicester Tigers RU, who claims several Super League clubs are considering
Halifax 22 Saints 46 SIZZLING Saints put on a champagne super show of running rugby to delight their vocal travelling army of fans and leave their opponents shell-shocked. Matches between the two sides have traditionally been close, nerve-jangling, last-gasp
THE following duty chemists will be available for dispensing services on Sunday, July 29, between noon and 1pm (unless stated otherwise): Moss Chemists, The Health Centre, Old Colliery Road, Whiston; Taylor's Chemist, 191 West End Road, Haydock (10am
THE old St Helens town-centre branch of the British Legion was nicknamed 'The Blood Tub'. And apart from its rough-and-ready reputation, it had another claim to fame, according to Moss Bank reader Bill Barrow who says that, over its comparatively short
THE gossip gang who regularly occupy a nostalgia nook in the Carr Mill Hotel have come up with another couple of yedscratters for our readers to agonise over. They wonder if anyone can conjure up the shortest street name in St Helens. This must be in
THE May Queen memories featured on this page last week have triggered off further happy childhood recollections. Pensioners Alice Cotham of Clinkham Wood, and Edith Carter from Sutton Leach, are among those who chipped in. And Edith also forwarded a picture
POLICE in the Preston area are piloting new procedures to ensure high quality service and support to vulnerable people. The three-month pilot, which began in June, aims to test the practicality and effectiveness of new practices for recording information
THE estate of Hoghton Tower buzzed to the tune of engines on Sunday as it hosted the tenth annual Classic Car Show. Hundreds of vehicles, dating back as far as pre-1930, revved up the hill to show off their shiny bodywork to enthusiastic admirers. There
VAN Gogh's sunflowers and Monet's water lilies may be the most famous horticultural works of art but it's the exhibits at this year's Southport Flower Show that will inspire gardeners and artists this summer. Flowers that have stirred both old masters
MOST shoppers have welcomed Leigh's new £30,000 piece of public art. Council leader Lord Peter Smith unveiled the new gateway to the precinct, the Leigh Spindle 2001, outside Leigh's PDSA Shop in Bradshawgate last week to mixed reviews. Some passers-by
A LITTLE girl who won over the hearts of regulars at an East Lancashire club is set to travel to America to undergo a life-saving operation. Charlotte Speddy, three, has never met members of Rishton Conservative Club -- but they were so moved by the story
By Teri Jones A MYSTERY foot and mouth style illness that struck a prize-winning cattle herd is still baffling officials. More than half the 180 thorough-bred Ayrshire herd at Garrett Hall Farm, Tyldesley, were found to have blisters around their noses
MASKED raiders have stolen cash and attacked a landlady in raids at a pub and an off-licence. The landlady of The Queen's pub in Tyldesley was left with a bruised face, black eye and suffering from shock after two men wearing balaclavas forced their way
CHEMISTS on duty on Sunday, July 29, are: Moss Side Pharmacy, Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, 10am-2pm; Boots, Fishergate, Preston, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Asda, Fulwood, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Sainsburys, Deepdale, 10.30am-4.30pm; Scholes Chemist
A UNIVERSITY lecturer must wait until next month to find out if her claim of being overlooked for a prestige job is successful. Dr Barbara Ingham, 56, told a Manchester tribunal she was ignored for a professorship by her bosses at Salford University because
GOD'S TEXT MESSAGES "I'll text you on my mobile." For millions of couples in love, a text helps them survive during times of separation. In our home, we have a calendar that displays a Bible text every day from somebody who loves us. It has been said
HOW can ITV call the Saturday night favourite You've Been Framed, New You've Been Framed? I think I'll sue under the Trades Descriptions Act. Every clip is ancient, they've all been on umpteen times, but the listings don't show they're repeats. It's pathetic
THE first washable men's suit, a tailoring revolution, is now available for £125. Inventor Jim Oliver developed a fabric of polyester, wool and Lycra, which doesn't go shiny after wash and wear, and promises to save the owner a fortune in dry-cleaning
HI READ a lovely letter in a magazine for oldies. A pub quiz team allowed a guest with limited general knowledge to write down the answers for them. They did well and reached a tie-break question, What was the name of Frederick Forsyth's novel about the
GREATER Manchester's Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has appointed Andrew Harrison as head of finance and systems. He was finance director and company secretary of Enterprise Cumbria Ltd (ECL) and played a part in a significant improvement of that organisation
FAMILIES who open up their homes to schoolchildren from Romania have been hailed 'life-savers' by organisers of the trip. After a fortnight's stay in the UK, members of the 42-strong Friends of Music Romanian choir said their final farewell to the country
HAYDOCK fighter Paul Middlehurst is the new lightweight World Amateur Kickboxing Champion after knocking out Portugal's Tiago Mendes in 46 seconds at Kirkby. He adds this title to his current British and Commonwealth belts.
Leigh Centurions 18 Widnes Vikings 26 By Mike Hulme IT'S hard to know which is worst; losing in last year's Grand Final or falling at the semi-final stage this time. But the agony stays the same for Paul Terzis and his team. Leigh were physically and
LEIGH CC suffered a weekend of double disappointment, losing their league game against Northern on Saturday and then being KO'd from the Lancashire Cup the following day. Leigh had high hopes of polishing off lowly Northern but the visitors got away to
AINSWORTH Village Day is back after a three-year absence. The traditional event, which was first held in 1979, is scheduled to take place on August 11 and will be bigger and better than ever. A shortage of volunteers is the reason that it has not been
THE sweet smell of success could be coming Bury's way after the borough hosted a visit by judges from North West In Bloom. The four were shown around the town centre by Bury Council parks officials before visiting Ramsbottom. Last year, Ramsbottom finished
POLICE are looking to Bury licensees to help combat rising crime. As new figures show that other targeted offences, including car crime and drugs, are being reduced as a result of partnerships with national and local government agencies as well as business
BURY band Elbow have hit the big time after being nominated for the "Booker" prize of pop music. The five-piece group have made the final 12 of the 2001 Technics Mercury Music Prize with their debut album "Asleep in the Back". They were picked out by
MANAGER David Moyes has confirmed he has made a "substantial" bid for Manchester United utility player Jonathan Greening. The versatile 22-year-old, who usually plays in midfield, but can also play at the back or up front, made several first team appearances
FORMER pupils from an Atherton primary school will be getting together to reminisce about the 1940s . Roy Birchall has organised a reunion party at Atherton Cricket Club on September 28, for anyone who attended the school from 1940-1945. For more information
An action-packed day of fun is guaranteed with the chance to look at fire engines and lessons on fire safety, including how to deal with a chip pan blaze. The station, in St Helen's Road, will be open from 11am-5pm.
A WORLD-renowned circus company will be performing in Salford over the summer. Aerialists, acrobats and musicians from the highly acclaimed Millennium Dome Show, will be appearing in the Storm extravaganza at the Lowry from August 29-September 1. Tickets
THREE lucky winners of the St Helens Star/St Helens Council Bob the Builder colouring competition get the chance to meet BBC celebrity Bob at the opening day of the St Helens Show on Friday, July 27 where he is making a guest appearance. The youngsters
GIGG Lane will be bursting at the seams this Sunday when Bury Football Club throw back the doors for a rare Open Day. Supporters of all ages will be going behind the Shakers' scenes for a fascinating insight into the workings of a professional soccer
SHOPPERS are urged to nominate a deserving child who makes a difference to the community. Asda, in Leigh, is asking customers to get their thinking caps on as part of their Stand up for Kids campaign, which will be running throughout the year. Nominations
SHAUN Woodward has pledged his support for the fight to keep a popular primary school open. Earlier this month a consultation exercise was launched on the future of St Aidan's CE Primary in Clock Face. Following discussions with parents, the chair of
SEVERAL thousand houses across St Helens are being powered by electricity converted from methane gas from former landfill sites in the area. The exciting initiative was revealed in a report to St Helens Council's Planning Committee who heard that fundamental
KUNG-FU graduates received certificates for reaching a higher grade during a ceremony at Sudellside Community Centre, Darwen. The pupils aged three to 13 attend Darwen Kung-Fu club every Monday night. There are two grading ceremonies for the club, this
THE half-million pound CCTV crime-busting initiative in Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown has been declared a success. Members of the Eyes Over Newton CCTV committee heard that the well-supported camera monitoring programme, installed two years ago, has
'SUPERSPARKS' Colin Betts is back on dry land after experiencing the adventure of a lifetime navigating the oceans of the globe. For the past four months the daredevil 44-year-old electrician from Billinge has been a member of the 18-strong crew of 'Team
A DARWEN man's visit to a pub ended up with him assaulting three people. Robert Storrie apologised to one of his victims early on -- but later was seen kicking out and punching at the same man outside. Two women were also affected by his violence, Preston
THE holiday edition of Youth News, the free Wigan Metro newspaper for young people, is out now. Edition 12 includes articles on what's on in Leigh and Wigan, youth projects, an update on skateboarding, racial equality, and Naomi Yates writes about Moshers
Oriana Elizabeth Hurst and David John Bawers ORIANA Elizabeth Hurst and David John Bawers, of St Austell Drive, Astley, married at Rhinewood Hotel, in Glazebrook. Julie Grimshaw and Harry McPike JULIE Grimshaw and Harry McPike, of Hag Fold, married at
THE sounds of the Chowbent Chapel organ first rang out in public in August 1901. Almost 100 years later, Nicholas Rimmer gave a brilliant recital in the Atherton church to boost the Frank Glover Organ Fund, set up in memory of the former organist. Nicholas
AIR quality in the borough has improved considerably over the past 40 years, according to latest research. Polluted air is a thing of the past thanks to heavy industry and coal fires having largely disappeared. But the research also showed areas in the
LEIGH'S tumble out of the play off semi-final on Sunday was enough to make a grown man cry - and they did. Players and spectators, young and old, wept openly with frustration as the Hilton Park heroes came to terms with the fact that their vision of a
EUROPEAN car racing champion Robert Speak hopes to prolong his winning streak as he prepares for the world semi-finals this weekend. Tyldesleyite Rob, eight-time winner of the Formula 2 world stock championship, has retained his title as Formula 1 European
THE first teaching assistant at Westleigh Methodist School, Sylvia Winstanley, said goodbye for now to staff and pupils at the end of term. For Sylvia, who retired after 29 years at the Westleigh School, is going back in September - as a volunteer. The
VILLAGERS are demanding action to get rid of swarms of super-resilient flies which they claim are coming from a nearby landfill site. People from Astley Green are fed up of having to stock-up on insect repellent and fly paper in an effort to get rid of
LEIGH'S coroner is leaving for the country's most prestigious coroner's post - just nine months after taking on the role. When the last coroner, Martin Coppel, retired on health grounds last August, it took almost four months to replace him, and families
CHURCH Street and much of the adjoining area of the town centre has been in decline for the past 50 years. Slum clearance reduced the population living close to the eastern side of the town centre. People who lived in the streets off Park Road, Ribbleton
A MAN and a 15-year-old girl were arrested after police assisting council staff to move travellers from a temporary camp in Greenbank Road, Blackburn, yesterday, were subjected to a tirade of abuse. Blackburn magistrates heard that Michael O'Reilly threatened
A PROMINENT businessman who has been elected the new chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques has pledged to tackle the problem of "acutely alienated" young Muslims. Blackburn-based Ibrahim Master said: "The Lancashire Council of Mosques will have
HOUSEHOLDERS have been warned not to employ a firm canvassing for business in the area. Blackburn with Darwen Council today revealed it was investigating a complaint that the damp-proofing company, which it has not named, amid claims it was breaking the
A COUPLE today relived the terror of dodging bullets at Sri Lanka's international airport -- and received a security pledge from the Foreign Secretary after their brush with death. Instead of a trouble-free flight to Heathrow at the end of a dream two-week
TWO months ago Neil Hodgson was jokingly threatening to break Steve Hislop's leg when his motocrossing buddy from the Isle of Man almost stole first place at Donington. And one year ago the two riders were involved in a first corner incident in Brands
PRESCOT & Odyssey CC had no league action last weekend due to the uneven number of teams in the Merseyside Cricket Competition. However, the 2nd XI played out an exciting game on Thursday at home to Parkfield in the semi-final of the Norman Cottam
ST HELENS 1st XI made the journey to Bolton for the last time on Saturday as the hosts are leaving the Liverpool Competition at the end of the season. The visitors batted first and compiled 229-6 declared. Roger Burrows led the way with 95 including ten
A TEAM from St Helens Sutton AC took part in the first Tesco Great North Women's Run held in Manchester. Designed to encourage as many ladies as possible to take part, regardless of their fitness, the race was a success, attracting nearly 2,000 competitors
THE ever-popular American Wrestling returns to the Theatre Royal on Saturday, July 28 from 7pm featuring 'the people's champion' Rock Steadfast as The Rock, Brad Texas as Stone Cold Steve Austin and Brad Kirk as Kane. There will also be the first UK appearance
LEYLAND police launched a ground-breaking new scheme on Friday (July 20) to cut down on underage drinking in the town. As part of Operation Calm officers will regularly be patrolling 'hot spots' -- where children often congregate to drink alco' pops and
THE Queen Mother has ordered her staff to do a soft shoe shuffle so they don't disturb her afternoon nap. The 100-year-old matriarch has ordered quiet footsteps because she's sick of the clomping on palace steps and corridors. I don't blame her, but isn't
I WISH supermarkets would stop swapping their merchandise around. There's nothing more infuriating. For years, I've used the same store, purely because I know where everything is, and to make the weekly shopping chore easier and faster. However, when
I RECEIVED greetings recently from Kathleen Causey, who now lives on the other side of the borough. Kathleen, 78, spent 26 years of her young life living at Howarth's paper shop at 346 Leigh Road, Hindley Green. Her father, John Howarth, who was the village
I COULDN'T believe my eyes when I saw pictures of a recent case of parking rage. All drivers know how irritating it is trying to park in a busy town centre, and all about driving endlessly around streets and car parks to find that elusive spot. But the
THE name Manfredi is to Leigh what flakes are to 99s. It seems unbelievable, but the ice cream company faces the threat of being frozen out of Leigh town centre after 102 years - by businesses with little service in comparison. They have organised a petition
LESS than one in 10 children will be allowed to play out more than once a week this summer because parents are worried about safety. It's a sad condemnation of society, but altogether now, did I hear the cheer 'thank goodness' go up. Many parents admit
OVER the past 10 years, child car seats have probably saved thousands of babies' lives, but children are still being killed and injured in car accidents because they are not restrained properly. And it's no wonder if recent free safety checks carried
STUDENTS from the St Helens area who have graduated from Edge Hill College of Higher Education include: Philip Liston, Shaftway Close, Haydock, BA (Hons) History, class 2:2; Kay Thompson, Crawford Street, Clock Face, BA (Hons) Media and Communication
ST HELENS Council's Ranger Service and Friends of Clinkham Wood are inviting people to go along to the Windermere playing fields, Clinkham Wood to join in a two-day art workshop. It will include hands-on wood carving and willow weaving to begin the first
THIS year's Old Prescotians Reunion Dinner will be held on Friday, October 5, at the Thistle Haydock Hotel. It is being organised for the last time by Professor Jim Taylor. From next year Trevor Powell from Bexhill on Sea, who has already set up an Old
A YOUNG man required hospital treatment for a broken nose and cuts and bruises after being set upon as he walked home from a night out. The victim, who is in his 20s, was walking along Kiln Lane, Eccleston at about 3.30am on Saturday, June 30 when two
St BERNARD will be taking on fellow mascots this weekend in a special race at the St. Helens Show to make if trophy number four for the Saints. He will line up against Jack the Lag, the Council's energy efficiency mascot and Vinnie Validate, Mersey Moggy
LOCAL people are invited to air their views and discuss community issues with councillors and officers from Knowsley in a forum which will be held on Wednesday, August 15 at 6pm at the Prescot Leisure Centre on Warrington Road. All members of the public
A SERIES of free activities for children, from under-fives to 12-year-olds, are being held at the Central Library during the school summer holidays. Events for youngsters aged five to 12 include: Carnival masks (2.30 to 3.30pm on Wednesday, July 25);
STAFF at the Lateshop in Bowness Avenue, Carr Mill are organising an emergency services fun day on Thursday August 2 from noon until 5pm and are hoping to raise money for the local community as well as a little community spirit. There will be a range
LEIGH'S Alliance side succeeded where the first grade squad failed - winning the Division One Grand Final last week. The young Centurions shrugged off the early loss through injury of play-maker Lee Sanderson and a 7-0 deficit to lift the silverware after
RECORD-BREAKING full-back Neil Turley has scored another hat-trick for the Leigh Centurions. The 21-year-old scooped all the major awards at the annual NFP ceremony at Widnes. He was named NFP player of the year following a season in which he scored a
Massive money problems in social services and education threaten to break the bank, a grim forecast made just two months into the financial year. Officers have been ordered to draw up action plans to find savings across a whole range of services. Bury's
TOWN hall bosses are pleading for cash help as a £3 million overspend looms on the horizon. Massive money problems in social services and education threaten to break the bank, says a grim forecast made just two months into the financial year. Officers
LEIGH RMI keeper Craig Dootson could be playing in the World University Games in China later in the summer. Dootson, who lives in Adlington, has been selected in the final Great Britain squad of 24 that has begun preparation for the Games in Beijing.
