A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Music by "Made In England," The Ranken, Hoddlesden. Lanny Morgan (Altoist), The Rhythm Station, Rawtenstall, 8.30pm. Annual Open Art Exhibition, Astley Hall, Museum and
COUNCILS are frequently criticised for taking decisions affecting the lives of thousands without proper consultation. Services are drastically altered or costs increased and yet too often the 'victims' of the changes get to play no part in the decision-making
FOR the final night, festival organisers indulged in a spot of missionary work, taking a headline act out to the lesser known regions of Padiham Town Hall. Nine Below Zero are more R&B than mainstream blues and as such were an excellent change of
DARING thrillseekers are being sought to ride white-knuckle rides to raise money for a charity. Staff and volunteers for the Sue Ryder Care charity, based at Cuerden Hall, Cuerden, will tackle the rides at Camelot theme park, Charnock Richard, for an
MOTORBIKE fans are being urged to head to a top class annual bike racing event in East Lancashire. The 24th Hoghton Tower Sprint will have competitors from the four corners of the UK as they race against the clock up the long straight drive. Organisers
BLACKBURN with Darwen Borough Youth Service hosted a multicultural awareness day for a group of girls from the 'girls' activity project' at Mill Hill and from Bangor St Community Centre. The girls from different communities got together with Action Factory
AS the months have passed and things are soon forgotten, I see the motorway signs are still there for 'Blackburn Services.' By the way, has anybody seen the sign at the junction of Hardman Way and Bolton Road, Darwen? -- Turn right for Blackburn Centre
REGARDING your report (LET, April 11) on traders being told to pay for taking waste paper and cardboard to the municipal recycling centre in Clitheroe, here is a segment of society being unfairly targeted. The small trader generates a larger portion of
RAIL bosses who sparked outrage by depriving Blackburn of its Victorian station clocks have been forced into a U-turn by the threat of legal action. And today Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council officials said the town should never have had to go through
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today called on his players to bounce back from Saturday's defeat at Old Trafford with a rousing performance against arch-rivals Bolton this afternoon. Rovers' European hopes suffered a set-back at the hands of Manchester
SOCCER players in Burnley gathered for a weekend multi-cultural tournament. The beautiful game was used by Prince's Trust volunteers to bring players from Burnley's diverse communities together. The tournament, which was played at Barden Leisure Centre
FIREFIGHTERS battled against moorland fires across East Lancashire throughout the Bank Holiday weekend. The driest March for over 100 years and hot April sunshine were said to be major contributors to the fires, which have caused extensive damage. During
A BURNLEY grandmother today blasted rail chiefs for failing to erect a safety fence on a high-speed Trans-Pennine route and said: "Someone could get killed." Anne Cragg hit out as thousands of youngsters enjoyed the second week of the Easter school holidays
Rochdale 1 Bury 2 by Phil Thorp: SHAKERS got their crucial Easter programme off to a flying start at Spotland with a deserved derby victory that moved them up to fifth place and into the heart of the play-off places. The Shakers took the lead after 23
AN investigation is under way after fire burned out an empty house in Arthur Street, Brierfield. It was reported at 8.30pm on Saturday, is said to have been started deliberately. A joint investigation by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the police
THREE of Pendle's park areas have been identified as key priority sites for improvement during research into the borough's five-year outdoor recreation strategy. Colin Patten, service manager for parks, cemeteries and outdoor recreation, will submit the
HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope is hopeful that a compromise can be found to stop lorries ruining the lives of residents near East Lancashire's largest landfill tip. After speaking to a 200-strong public meeting last week about the expansion of Whinney Hill tip
HYNDBURN'S footballers will have new top class pitches when £330,000 worth of work finishes next year. The work at King George V playing fields off Manchester Road, Accrington, will mean the pitches are out of commission for 2003/2004 season but they
MAY 1, 2003 could go down as one of the most closely fought and confrontational council polls in years. In the first of our series looking at the issues which could decide this year's local government elections, reporter THERESA ROBSON focuses on the
THE Clarets travel to play-off chasing Nottingham Forest this afternoon looking to end a run of five straight away defeats and build on Saturday's 2-0 win against Gillingham. Goals from Gareth Taylor and Drissa Diallo secured a comfortable match in a
ON Thursday night at Clitheroe Football Club Stan Ternent admitted to Clarets fans he could not choose between Graham Branch and Gareth Taylor as his player of the season. On Saturday afternoon both men showed why they are also heading the polls with
THE Britannia Coconut Dancers weaved their through the streets of Rossendale on Saturday as part of their centenary celebrations. The group donned their traditional attire of black make-up and skirts, which is said to originate from the outfits of Moor
RAMSBOTTOM is making the final preparations for its May Day celebrations. The town will hold a host of events for four days from Friday May 2 to Monday May 5. A French farmers market, markets and craft fairs have been planned. Crowds will be entertained
A 38-YEAR-OLD man injured in a car crash was today said to be improving in hospital. Police said the man, who has not been named but comes from Haslingden, suffered serious head injuries when his van was in collison with a Renault V6 in Bradshaw Road,
A CONTROVERSIAL development of 30 apartments in Helmshore could be given the green light next week despite objections from residents. The original application for Free Lane by Rawtenstall-based Hurstwood Developments Ltd met with opposition from residents
MIKE Humphreys, former head of Our Lady and St John Arts College, Blackburn, has been presented with the CBE which he was awarded in the New Year's Honours List to mark his contribution to education. Mike attended the ceremony at the Palace to receive
MORE than 200 former pupils and staff swapped stories from across the world at the first reunion at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, for several years. The event attracted former pupils from throughout the UK and even two from the west of
A BLACKBURN primary school came of age with a special service to celebrate 21 years "at the heart of the community". A birthday assembly was held at St MIchael with St John primary school, in Barbara Castle Way. The school has doubled in size since it
THE days of the silver screen have returned to The Empire Cinema in Ewood, Blackburn. Now reborn as the Thwaites Empire Theatre, its manager Dave Smith is aiming to bring top quality films on a monthly basis to the historic building that closed down as
STAFF and parents are to be given a say on controversial plans to introduce flat fares on school buses. But the man who brought forward the policy warned that any new concerns must be backed by fact, and not emotion alone. Outrage greeted Blackburn with
BLACKBURN-BASED Promethean and Rolls-Royce at Barnoldswick were today celebrating the major success of winning a Queen's Award for Enterprise. Promethean was honoured in the 'innovation' category, placing it among the best companies in the UK for design
CHORLEY put themselves in the driving seat for the UniBond First Division play-offs with a comfortable win over already-relegated Eastwood. The Magpies are now fifth and a maximum six points from their two remaining games would guarantee them a trip to
PADIHAM did themselves, and BACUP BOROUGH, a big favour on Saturday. A goal from Thompson gave Graham Haworth's men a 1-0 win at Stone Dominoes to keep themselves in with an outside chance of promotion. Although Stone are still favourites to get the points
PREMIER Division champions Accrington Stanley are firmly on course to achieve their double century target as they prepare to face Lancaster City at the Crown Ground tonight (7.45pm). John Coleman's side notched a stunning 5-1 win at Gainsborough Trinity
THE sounds of the Windy City whipped into town and blew away fans of the blues. The 15th Burnley National Blues Festival turned a new page on Saturday by linking up with the Chicago Blues Festival to present Delmark blues legends Willie Kent, Bonnie Lee
POLICE have ended their investigation into how a woman suffered 40 per cent burns after she admitted it was self-harm. The 21 year-old woman, whose identity has not been revealed, was found slumped in the garden of a home in Assheton Road, Billinge, Blackburn
TRAFFIC calming measures on Whalley Old Road, in Little Harwood, Blackburn, have been just a waste of time and money. The speed cushions that have been laid are about as effective as chocolate teapots. A kerb, which was lowered for mobility use, flooded
REGARDING your report (LET, March 27) on Blackburn with Darwen's Christmas trees. Conservative Councillor Paul McGurty is quite right to point out that savings could be made by planting the trees on a permanent basis rather than the annual pilgrimage
IN response to the outburst towards cyclists by Councillor Fred Slater (LET, April 15), I assume that he has never tried his luck on one of the cycle paths at the side of the road which encourage us with young families who enjoy cycling to take to the
A WOMAN lost everything when her rented flat was destroyed by fire The woman discovered the blaze when she returned to her end terrace first floor flat in Chapel Street, Leigh. Firefighters spent two hours controlling the fire, which is thought to have
A BURNLEY grandmother today blasted rail chiefs for failing to erect a safety fence on a high-speed Trans-Pennine route and said: "Someone could get killed." Anne Cragg hit out as thousands of youngsters enjoyed the second week of the Easter school holidays
LEIGH RMI went into their final home game of the season on Easter Monday afternoon knowing that victory would almost guarantee them a place in next season's Conference. But Johnathan Allan's second-half strike ensured Northwich left Leigh with a point
ANGRY Rovers boss Graeme Souness launched a stinging attack on referee Andy D'Urso after the official failed to send off Spanish goalkeeper Ricardo in Saturday's controversial clash with Manchester United. Rovers were trailing 2-1 to the Premiership league
THE key stats and moments from the game against Man Utd. Rovers FRIEDEL: Came to Rovers' rescue on a number of occasions with some crucial saves in both halves. ...8 NEILL: Had his hands full against Paul Scholes who tried to ghost in from his position
THERE are certain things you would risk your mortgage on in the world of sport. Michael Schumacher winning the formula one drivers' championship, Rangers and Celtic finishing first and second in the Scottish Premier League, or the Aussies humiliating
YOUNG actors workshops will be held at the Burnley Youth Theatre, Queen's Park Road, starting on Thursday. Budding thespians will be encouraged to develop their acting skills, try different theatre styles and explore text and improvisation. Thursday sessions
A 19-YEAR-OLD engineering apprentice from Burnley is hoping to take his career one step further by combining his work with a university degree. Sam O'Leary, a former Gawthorpe High School pupil, will start a degree at Leeds University this autumn, while
THE race for the third automatic promotion place from Division Three has left Shakers on the outside after their 0-0 draw with Scunthorpe at Gigg Lane. Sixth place Shakers took on the team immediately behind them - Scunthorpe - in a Gigg Lane crunch clash
FOOTBALL fans across the country may be flabbergasted, but the FA Cup is going back to Bury. However, the Nationwide League Division Three promotion-seeking Shakers have not pulled off a giant-killing win to take the Cup -- they are only borrowing it
THE chairman of a Pendle charity has paid tribute to local people for their support. Brian Haig, chairman of the Pendle Club, thanked businesses, church and voluntary organisations for their fund-raising efforts. The Pendle Club is a registered charity
A MOTHER-OF-TWO has spoken of her terror after being left black and blue after being attacked while she walked home from the pub. Police are appealing for witnesses after Jillian Clark was assaulted while walking along Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, with
How did a 35-year-old father with a history in management and IT end up running an independent school with more than 250 pupils and 30 teaching staff? CLARE COOK finds out how Paul Smith is coping at Moorland. DRESSED in casual T-shirt and slacks, Paul
A LOOK at the key moments from the game against Gillingham. BURNLEY NIK MICHOPOULOS A second successive clean sheet at home courtesy of several good saves, notably those that denied Danny Spiller...8 MARK McGREGOR Back in his more natural position of
DARWEN'S defence of their Northern Premier League title got off to the best possible start as they picked up 12 points from a five-wicket victory over Kendal at Shap Road on Saturday. Captain Chris Lowe asked Kendal to bat, and his decision reaped early
STAND-IN South African professional Johann Louw came up with the goods as Clitheroe started the Jennings Ribblesdale League season on a high. Louw, who is the new pro with East Lancashire, stood in as deputy for the Ribble Valley club and helped them
MARK Higgins made a name for himself on his COLNE debut with 106 as they beat TODMORDEN. The Aussie faced 137 deliveries, smashing 12 of them for four and one for six as Colne rattled up 229-5 off their 50 overs. Higgins shared in a second wicket stand
SLOW and steady wins the race, or so the saying goes. But Bacup threatened to turn what should have been a comfortable win into a photo finish in what was arguably the tie of the 2003 Lancashire League campaign's opening day. Ian Austin, sub pro for defending
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today called on his players to bounce back from Saturday's defeat at Old Trafford with a rousing performance against arch-rivals Bolton this afternoon. Rovers' European hopes suffered a set-back at the hands of Manchester
THE Clarets travel to play-off chasing Nottingham Forest this afternoon looking to end a run of five straight away defeats and build on Saturday's 2-0 win against Gillingham. Goals from Gareth Taylor and Drissa Diallo secured a comfortable match in a
PROPOSALS to build eight two-bedroom flats in Darwen are to go before a planning committee after a neighbour raised objections. The plans for two blocks, each two-stories high, to be built on former tennis courts on Earnsdale Road, will be discussed by
A STACKSTEADS community group today appealed for help to help recreate a blooming success. For the past two years, the Friends of Riverside Park have arranged the planting, hanging and watering of floral baskets around the town. Now the group wants to
A CONTROVERSIAL development of 30 apartments in Helmshore could be given the green light next week despite objections from residents. The original application for Free Lane by Rawtenstall-based Hurstwood Developments Ltd met with opposition from residents
THE Bishop of Blackburn said the Iraq crisis had filled the last few months with "as much gloom as I can ever remember" in his annual Easter sermon. And he used a Biblical story to send a warning to voters about the forthcoming local elections. The Rt
A BLACKBURN landmark could be demolished after fire ravaged through the listed building last night. Fire crews from Blackburn battled the blaze at the former Kings Inn, King Street, for more than three hours after fire broke out just before 5pm. Police
LANCASHIRE Police are revving up the battle against crime -- by twinning with the force made famous by a TV motorbike cop show. The initiative is seen as a valuable way for each force to learn new crime prevention techniques. But the new relationship
RAIL bosses who sparked outrage by depriving Blackburn of its Victorian station clocks have been forced into a U-turn by the threat of legal action. And today Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council officials said the town should never have had to go through
EAST Lancashire's steam railway line could soon be used for regular train services, it has been revealed. The East Lancashire Partnership -- made up of councils and and other organisations -- believes there is enough demand for commuters travelling to
