WHENEVER you think of rainforests I guess you think of the Amazon under threat. But last week I found out that Australia has high mountains, magnificent waterfalls and rainforests full of fascinating plants and animals. During my visit to the country
I HAVE been reading comments for some time about the "improvements" to Church Street in Blackburn, most of which I agree with, but have you seen the "improvements" in Bolton Road, Darwen? We now have two bus stops sited by designated parking areas namely
HOW is it that whilst the uproar concerning the closure of council care homes is still on-going, the County Council can announce a scheme to give a £500,000 facelift (total re-development) to a little-used railway station -- Burnley Central (LET, September
HAVING returned to Blackburn after 11 years abroad, I am constantly amazed at the ineptitude, lack of professionalism and common sense of some members of Blackburn with Darwen Council. Two recent examples of what seems to be muddled thinking not in tune
A TEENAGE stable girl was killed when she was thrown from her bolting horse. Rebecca Davies, aged 19, from Atherton, was dragged along the ground after she had fallen from the racehorse and trapped her foot in the stirrup. Rebecca, a graduate of the British
REGARDING the confusion surrounding the recent 'A'-level examinations in the past, it was fairly common for certain examining bodies to move the goalposts concerning results. A distribution graph was quickly drawn of the number of students obtaining marks
I HAVE now been covering the Clarets for just over a year, a real mix of both good and bad. Fans have been both "over the moon" and as "sick as parrots" but I can never remember seeing or hearing them as upset as they were at Bradford on Saturday. The
AN 11th-hour message over the future of county care homes rang out across Lancashire today: "It's still not too late to save them." MPs, councillors and the relatives of residents living in 32 homes facing the axe made joined the call as the council prepared
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is weighing up a possible swoop for highly-rated Notts County keeper Saul Deeney. The Republic of Ireland Under 18 international made a big impression during a recent trial spell at Brockhall after he was recommended to Rovers
I HOLD a great deal of store by the phrase 'form is temporary, class is permanent.' So I'm somewhat bemused by the current hysteria in the national Press suggesting Michael Owen is going through a major crisis. Owen, as anyone with half a brain knows,
A PET owner will be in for a sad return from holiday unless the family's boxer dog is found safe and well. Carol Preston, 41, of Craggs Farm, Whalley Road, Padiham, flew to Tenerife on Friday for two weeks with her four children, leaving Libby the boxer
CONTROVERSIAL plans to mine coal in the moors above Cliviger could be given the go-ahead this week. The massive operation would involve cutting a trench at Heald Moor from which contractors hope to excavate 308,000 of clay and 140,000 tonnes of coal.
A MAN accused of violent disorder during the Burnley riots last year was released after a police interview to avoid "unnecessary distress", a court was told. Asif Khan, 24, of Francis Street, Burnley, was bailed by Detective Constable Neil Querk as the
A TERRIFIED shop owner today relived the moment an armed raider burst into the store and attacked her husband with a gun before firing a shot in the air. The gunman entered Yasir Off Licence, Brownhill Avenue, Burnley at 9pm on Monday night and struck
ANDY Preece has welcomed a week without night matches as he bids to eradicate an alarming bout of fatigue in the Shakers camp writes Chris Hall Bury have emerged from a hectic start to the campaign on a level footing with the teams occupying the play-off
A WOMAN who fell ill after an endoscope examination at Burnley General Hospital died of natural causes, an inquest was told. Acting East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor heard doctors at the hospital decided to admit Jean Stopforth, 72, of Knotts Lane
AS the nights draw in the Library Theatre's production of The Odd Couple is guaranteed to bring you plenty of autumnal cheer. Neil Simon's classic tale of two friends, both separated from their wives, pre-dates and outclasses the current crop of urban
A FORMER Accrington schoolboy set off for a 28,000-mile journey around the world. Andrew Hindley, 25, of Mount Carmel High School, sailed with the crew of the Hofbrau Lager yacht in the British Steel Challenge.
A PATCHWORK quilting and machine embroidery event will be held at Oswaldtwistle Mills this weekend. Attractions include patchwork displays, machining demonstrations and special techniques. Experts will be on hand to offer advice. Admission is free and
HEADTEACHER Hugh Burkinshaw put his best foot forward to kick off Walk to School week. Mr Burkinshaw, of Peel Park Primary School, Alice Street, Accrington, walked the four miles from his home in Padiham in a bid to lead by example and raise funds from
A REPORT which says fluoridation of water is an effective way of reducing tooth decay has been welcomed by the region's top health body. Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority has also welcome the Government's decision to study the implications
POLICE have warned Hyndburn residents who have stone flags at their properties to beware of thieves operating in the area. Today officers released the registration of a vehicle they are connecting with the thefts. A white van H275 VTU was seen driving
AN epileptic died just a week after refusing to take his medication. An inquest heard that the day before Terry Hill's death social workers involved with the 21- year-old with learning difficulties had decided that a crisis meeting was needed as soon
POLLUTION inspectors have given Castle Cement the all-clear after a thick, black cloud was spotted coming from chimneys at the firm's Ribblesdale works. Residents near the Clitheroe plant complained of the unsightly plume at around 8am yesterday and the
A CHAIRMAN has been appointed to head the new health trust which will be formed when Blackburn and Burnley hospitals merge next year. Businesswoman Christine Kirk, who has chaired Calderstones NHS Trust for the last 10 years, will become chairman of East
A SCHOOL is conjuring up a special Harry Potter weekend to show children just how magic boarding can be. St Mary's Hall, the preparatory school for Stonyhurst College, is holding a Harry Potter-style boarding weekend for youngsters aged seven to 13 who
POOL'S impressive run in the league came to an end thanks to a late defeat at the hands of Barnsley - their second loss of the season. Clearly there were a lot of tired legs in Blackpool colours and on the night they were second best. Despite an early
WITH a skeleton squad at the start of the season, the last thing Clarets manager Stan Ternent needed was an early spate of injuries and suspensions. But in the high pressure world of first division football, the loss of players is almost inevitable and
HYPNOTIC large-scale video projections fusing a range of techniques and digital special effects form Fine Lines , an exhibition by London-based artist, Maria Marshall, at Leigh's Turnpike Gallery. Marshall explores the roles of mother and artist in three
THE nine-month long NFP league season is now over and the top nine clubs can prepare for the play-off series which culminates in the Grand Final at Widnes on October 12. How the newlook play-off system works . . . September 22 PRELIMINARY SEMI-FINALS
I WONDER if certain Labour councillors in Blackburn realise what a boost they may have given the British National Party by their handling of a planning application -- now rejected -- that could have turned a former old folk's home into a hostel for asylum
THE crisis that is gripping first division clubs has taken another twist with news that Watford have asked the majority of its players to take a 12.5 per cent pay cut. But, despite rumours to the contrary, that is not a path that the Clarets are going
BLACKBURN midfielder Neil Danns today admitted he is living a dream after being catapulted into the first team over the last seven days. The 19-year-old midfielder was as shocked as anyone when manager Graeme Souness handed him his senior debut in last
A COUPLE celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a service of thanksgiving at the church where they were married. Hilda and William Harold Kelly, of Baron Street, Darwen, have been parishioners at St Edward's and Sacred Heart Church, Blackburn
A NEW Criminal Record Bureau call centre in East Lancashire is set to open two months early as bosses fight to clear a backlog of 100,000 applications. Around 35 staff from the existing call centre in Liverpool will be bused into Darwen from next week
A MAN depressed about the breakdown of his marriage killed himself in a massive drinking binge after leaving his estranged wife a voicemail saying: "Right, you have got your own way, you'll find out tomorrow." An inquest heard that notes written before
DEMAND for tickets to see comedian Peter Kay shows no signs of abating with his third show in Blackburn selling out in just four hours yesterday. Tickets for the show on Tuesday, October 15, went on sale at 11am and by 3pm all 1,800 seats had been sold
AMBITIOUS Air Engineering Artificer Ross Harrison of Blackburn has already distinguished himself in his Royal Navy career. He was awarded an end of term prize for gaining the highest overall points in the compulsory fitness tests throughout the 10-week
A MAN went to the police station to make a complaint of assault during celebrations of the birth of his second child and ended up in police cells. Blackburn magistrates heard that he refused to speak to uniformed officers who were leaving the station
DETECTIVES have named a man they want to question about an assault on a 76-year-old woman who was threatened with a knife in her own home. The appeal came after a man approached the victim at her home in Brantwood Avenue, Knuzden, and asked her for a
HORSE lovers from Longsight Stables in Langho saddled up to help the Magic Eye Appeal. Riders between the ages of four and 50 took up the reins in August in aid of the appeal and raised more than £1,800. The sponsored ride was organised by Susan Barker
POLICE in Cyprus will seek a life sentence for the rapist who attacked a Blackburn holidaymaker after revealing they want him to spend the rest of his days in prison. The move came as a local MP said she was furious as a woman and ashamed as a Cypriot
THIS was a must-win game for NWCL Division One bottom club Ramsbottom who faced an Abbey Hey side fresh from an 8-1 FA Vase win on Saturday. On six minutes the Manchester side had a lucky escape when Russell Brierley's cross passed across the gaping goal
CHORLEY left it late to rescue a point but it was one they fully deserved after making much of the running in the UniBond First Division match. A superb strike by David Eatock had given the Magpies a first-half lead before two soft goals put Matlock ahead
DARWEN boss Steve Wilkes cut an angry figure as his side crashed to a 5-1 defeat at Leek - yet his rage was directed at the officials rather than his players. In a bad-tempered NWCL Division Two clash, the visitors had four men sent off, much to Wilkes's
ROSSENDALE lost out in a seven goal thriller largely due to a mad five minutes just after half time. They went in 2-1 up at the interval but trailed 3-2 just five minutes after the restart. Jim McCluskie's side matched the early season UniBond First Division
POOL put on a dazzling second half display to take all three points off a resilient Port Vale. It would seem that last Saturdays defeat at Barnsley was no more than a minor blip as the Seasiders return into 6th position. The question now is can the Seasiders
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Whist and Domino Drive, Bolton-by-Bowland Village Hall, 7.30pm. Organ Recital by Ronald Frost, Blackburn Cathedral, 1pm. Musical Evening with Accrington Clef Club, Accrington
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. St Mary's Guides Coffee Evening, St Mary's School Hall, Langho, 7.15pm-8.45pm. Gardeners' Question Time and Plant Sale, Heatley Rooms, St Mary's RC Church, Osbaldeston
ON the eve of tomorrow's crunch vote on the future of Lancashire County Council's homes for the elderly, the grim indications are that councillors are set to approve the closure of 32 of them - 17 here in our region. This is despite fact that tens of
IS it possible, for once, for councillors to reconsider a decision and not close Puccino's deli-bar in King William Street, Blackburn? Or is it beyond their pride to hold their hands up and admit they have got it wrong? Is this too drastic a step for
A NEW Criminal Record Bureau call centre in East Lancashire is set to open two months early as bosses fight to clear a backlog of 100,000 applications. Around 35 staff from the existing call centre in Liverpool will be bused into Darwen from next week
BLACKBURN midfielder Neil Danns today admitted he is living a dream after being catapulted into the first team over the last seven days. The 19-year-old midfielder was as shocked as anyone when manager Graeme Souness handed him his senior debut in last
DRINK, drugs and depression caused a Burnley man to hang himself. Heroin addict Kevin Horne, 28, of Dane Street, took his own life in June this year. An inquest into his death at Burnley Magistrates' Court yesterday heard shortly before his death Mr Home
CHIEF Executive of Lancashire County Council Christopher Trinick has written to the Parish Clerk confirming he is checking up on the position with regard to traffic calming in Worsthorne and will write again soon. Speeding is a major factor in a third
AN EMOTIONAL pub boss allegedly started a blaze which put the lives of his terrified girlfriend and two young children in danger, a jury was told. Philip Swarsbrick, 34, the then manager of the Fighting Cocks, Cliviger, either meant to put the trio in
A PROPOSED pathway to one of Pendle's best known and loved landmarks is being blocked by three landowners. Blacko Tower is a prominent local landmark which is known to everyone in the area. There has never been a public right of way to it. The parish
RESIDENTS in Nelson's Bradley and Colne's Waterside and Vivary Bridge wards are being invited to join a group to oversee the possible development of cyber-cafes in their communities. These would provide an informal walk-in community setting for local
PUPILS at St Hilda's RC High School, Burnley, collected emergency food parcels for their harvest festival. The parcels were given to Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service, to be distributed in the community.
A GREAT Harwood man aged 78 died of a heart attack after being admitted to hospital in an emaciated condition. Coroner Michael Singleton said doctors believed Amedeo D'Ippolito had not eaten or drunk for a week before he came in and they were concerned
STUDENTS from Accrington and Rossendale College are hoping to build up a collection of awards when they compete in the National Skillbuild Finals in November. The college is the only centre of vocational excellence in the North West to send students to
A SUPERMARKET giant is to escape prosecution over a labelling error which left a mother-of-two needing emergency medical treatment. Trading standards have decided not to take Asda to court over a lasagne containing mushrooms which it sold to a Great Harwood
A COUNCILLOR has given his blessing to a borough's first Amsterdam-style coffee shop. Hyndburn councillor John Burke says the opening of the cafe, above Studio One tattoo parlour, Warner Street, Accrington, should be welcomed as a way of pushing the boundaries
A COUNCIL was due to apply to the courts today for a removal order against 50 travellers encamped in Barrow, near Clitheroe. Ribble Valley Council served notice on the travellers yesterday, but they have so far refused to leave. Council leader Chris Holtom
CELEBRITIES have given their backing to a new library in an independent Catholic preparatory school in the Ribble Valley. A candlelit dinner attended by 150 guests marked the launch of the Tolkien Library at St Mary's Hall, Stonyhurst. Celebrated actor
THE crisis that is gripping first division clubs has taken another twist with news that Watford have asked the majority of its players to take a 12.5 per cent pay cut. But, despite rumours to the contrary, that is not a path that the Clarets are going
EARBY's Glen Chapple has becaome the Lancashire county club's player of the year. The award is recognition of his all-round consistency with more than 50 wickets and almost 500 runs, as well as his durability in playing in every single Championship match
I CAN appreciate that councils might, as they do, expect applicants for planning permission for a new store or such like to stump up the cost of road improvements in the vicinity if consent for their proposed development means traffic will increase. But
NORTH End found them served up to the Wolves on a silver platter thanks to 5-3-2 formation which made them easy pickings from the off. Lambs to the slaughter? Too easy to drop that one in, but against a Wolves side licking their wounds and with the ability
A PLAY detailing the worries of country life comes to Darwen Library Theatre on October 24. 'New Life', by Maureen Lawrence, is being run in association with the Lancashire Rural Stress Network and tells the tale of a farmer and his daughter, a caseworker
CELEBRATING 80 years of a club was the perfect opportunity to inaugurate a new award in memory of lifetime members. And the surprise presentation at Darwen Catholic Working Men's Club was made to a man also toasting his 80th birthday - with five generations
TWO friends have returned to Rossendale after completing the global challenge of a lifetime, following in the footsteps of the Incas. Michael Loveder, 34, and Steven McClusky, 33, were brought up in the Stacksteads area and have been pals since childhood
A DRUG addict used Ramsbottom as his own personal place to steal, a court was told. Appearing before Bury Magistrates, 34-year-old William Horrocks pleaded guilty to three charges of theft and also asked for three other identical matters to be taken into
STAFF at a Blackburn car dealers are joining more than a million people supporting Macmillan Cancer Relief with a mammoth coffee morning. The fund-raising event will begin at 8.30am on Friday at Perrys of Blackburn, in Whalley New Road. Peugeot hope to
WHAT makes a rapist? Professor of Psychology Dr Stavros Stavrou has described the brutal attack on the British tourist last week as a result of a man who has no conscience. Dr Stavrou based at Intercollege, Nicosia, 60km away from the scene of the attack
FAMILIES living near the site of a proposed £25million development are staging a protest meeting against council moves which may scupper the plans. They are angered that Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is trying to alter proposals for the Lower
YOUNGSTERS and businesses are gathering sponsors for the Magic Eye walks in a bid to make the event one of the best-ever. Brierfield Army Cadet Force are looking forward to the event on October 13 and filling in forms like 'wildfire'. Close to 800 people
THE son of East Lancashire scientist Sir Ernest Marsden said his father would have been "overwhelmed" by the honour recently bestowed on him. Dr Ernest Marsden, Sir Ernest's son, contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph after reading about the unveiling
LAST season's NWCL Division Two champions Stand maintained their charge for another title with victory over Oldham Town. Joe Murty's side have only lost one league encounter so far this season. Phil Smith opened the scoring on 35 minutes before Oldham
PAUL Mullin's double wasn't enough to get Accrington Stanley back to winning ways as they squandered a two goal lead at Ashton United. The UniBond Premier League leaders, whose nine match winning streak was brought to an end on Saturday with a draw against
PENSIONERS are eing targeted in a winter anti-flu campaign. The borough's family docal doctors and nurses will swing into action at the end of the month. Last year's campaign resulted in two-thirds of people aged over 65 in the borough being vaccinated
