IN many parts of Britain £20,000 will barely be enough to buy you a lock-up garage. In some parts of London you would be lucky to be able to rent a flat for 12 months for the same sum. But in East Lancashire last year an astonishing 2,463 houses sold
IT'S a sumptuous, traditionally-staged production which features not only a host of international soloists but genuine Russian Borzoi hunting dogs, a falcon and naked chorus girls. It's Verdi's Rigoletto, at Blackpool Grand on Tuesday, based on Victor
BEING icons of an era that ended more than 20 years ago is difficult, but Bjorn Again are up to the task. "We stand alone in our satin pants," said "Benny", played by London-born Robin Scott -- one of four members of the Eurovision pop cover band who
THE Government has said it wants to change Lancashire's boundaries again. Two East Lancashire MPs are already at odds over one proposed change and a public inquiry is due to be held next year. But will it make any difference to the lives of ordinary people
SOMETIMES people ask where were you then, for example, when President Kennedy was shot, or Princess Diana died. I know where I was for both, but my most vivid "I remember" is when Alma Cogan died. I was eighteen and it was October 1966. I was working
I VAGUELY remember a certain Dubya saying how happy he was to be visiting a country of "free speech"! So how is this for a free country? To celebrate a very important family occasion, the boat was pushed out with a meal at the Royal County Hotel in Durham
REGARDING the article on the opening of the Bargain Booze off-licence at Roe Lee in Blackburn (LET October 30), I am the licensee of Edward's Wines, the well-established off-licence already situated only a few hundred yards from the new Bargain Booze.
I WAS sorry, but not surprised, to read that the Conservative-led Hyndburn council cabinet is against a postal ballot at next year's local elections. The fact that the European elections are on the same day, June 10, seems to me a poor reason for not
AFTER reading the comments by Mr Emberton (LET November 13) I found myself amused, to say the least, since apparently 80 per cent of the public now accept speed cameras (in proportion, how many letters in the Evening Telegraph support the use of cameras
PLANS to brighten up Bury's Brandlesholme Road with a Christmas tree have been given the chop because of vandals. Last year, yobs virtually destroyed the tree during a spate of seasonal vandalism attacks. Bury West Area Board has been unable to get funding
THE go-ahead to build a new church at Summerseat has been deferred after fears of a rift in the community. Plans for the single-storey church, with a large stained glass window and steeple, prompted concerns among parents that classrooms would be overshadowed
BURY will be put on the political map on Sunday (Nov 23) in BBC1's The Politics Show. Programme makers have been filming in the town this week, ahead of the Queen's Speech, canvassing people's opinions on Tony Blair's promise to consult the nation on
CHILDREN'S minister Margaret Hodge arrives in Bury on Tuesday (Nov 25) to open the country's first super nursery. She will formally unveil the new £700,000 building at Hoyle Nursery School, the borough's only council-run nursery which has been going since
A MANHUNT has been launched after balaclava-clad armed robbers struck in the same town centre street for the second time in two days. Police said two men entered the Woolworths store in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, last night and attacked a male member of
RESTAURATEUR Jackie Crump donated her night's takings to the hospital which saved her life. Jackie organised a fund-raising evening at her family-run restaurant, Next Door in Tottington. Money raised went to Christie Hospital in Manchester which treated
FATHER Christmas has been banished from having a grotto at Blackburn shopping centre after bosses said there was not enough room. But they were today urged to reconsider the decision by local council leader Sir Bill Taylor, traders, parents and children
A FATHER from Ramsbottom travelled to Westminster to campaign for a more understanding society on behalf of his three-year-old son who has restricted growth. Mr Dave Topping and his son Matthew joined Prestwich family David and Lynn Smith, and daughter
THE council tax is expensive and unjust and should be scrapped, say Bury's Liberal Democrats. They have called for it to be replaced by a local income tax based on people's ability to pay, which would help pensioners and those on low earnings. Councillor
THREE thousand homeowners in Bury will benefit from a £400,000 project to keep warm in winter. Bury Council has teamed up with British Gas to install energy-saving measures, free of charge, in private homes. The majority to benefit from the Here to HELP
92-93 United 3 Rovers 1 93-94 United 1 Rovers 1 94-95 United 1 Rovers 0 95-96 United 1 Rovers 0 96-97 United 2 Rovers 2 97-98 United 4 Rovers 0 98-99 United 3 Rovers 2 01-02 United 2 Rovers 1 02-03 United 3 Rovers 1 COMPLETE AWAY RECORD v MANCHESTER UNITED
MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on one of Old Trafford's unsung heroes as the Reds gear up for tomorrow's clash with Blackburn Rovers. Quinton Fortune, the South African international midfielder, has spent the last four years
Old Trafford, tomorrow, 12.30pm BLACKBURN (probable) 4-4-2 FRIEDEL SHORT GRESKO BABBEL TODD FLITCROFT FERGUSON EMERTON YORKE JANSEN REID MANCHESTER UNITED (probable) 4-4-2 HOWARD O'SHEA FERDINAND SILVESTRE FORTUNE RONALDO KEANE P NEVILLE GIGGS FORLAN
CRAIG Short has vowed to do everything in his power to shore up Rovers' leaky defence as he prepares to make his farewell appearance at Old Trafford tomorrow. The veteran defender will return to the firing line following a four month injury lay-off against
A BURGLAR who broke into a house in Todmorden Road, Burnley, was disturbed when the owner of the property returned home. The thief got in through the back door, which had been left unlocked, at 5.45pm on Wednesday, November 19. The victim disturbed the
PROTESTERS from Burnley and Nelson headed to London to join protests against the state visit of US President George Bush. Around 20 people joined hundreds of others from across the county who travelled to the capital to take part in yesterday's rally.
A 60-YEAR-OLD woman says she is scared to go out after being punched in the stomach and robbed by a teenager. Beryl Wilding, a retired nurse, was on her way to catch a bus into Burnley town centre to do her shopping when she was attacked. The youth ran
POLICE have recovered a large stash of stolen goods as part of a police operation to crack down on burglary. Operation Firewall was launched by Pennine Division police in August this year and since then there have been 93 arrests made for burglary. Property
A GYM owner has been cleared of attacking a plasterer after he failed to turn up for work at his Blackburn gym. Simon Jones, 28, was found not guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm after a two-day trial at Burnley Crown Court. The defendant, of
ROSSENDALE will be hoping to avoid double trouble at Ossett Town tomorrow. For earlier this season the Dark Lane outfit were the first team to lose to the bottom placed side, who have won only three times in 18 league games. But Paul Lynch believes his
COLNE'S popular Luther Greenwood Festival will bring together some of the North West's finest talents in a celebration concert. The event will feature the talents of some of the best dancers, singers, instrumentalists and drama enthusiasts who have taken
BURNLEY bookmaker Mr R D Kippax dashed to save his shop when smoke poured through the floor of his office in Croft Street. Mr Kippax said he "rescued a few thousand pounds." Nineteen-year-old Joyce Christie put her wedding frock on and joined in the party
PROUD father Richard Greenwood has already given son Will a special family message before tomorrow's World Cup rugby union final between England and Australia in Sydney. Greenwood senior, who played five times at flanker for England during the 1960s,
A MERE two per cent difference will tip the balance England's way in tomorrow's rugby union World Cup final - that's the view of former international Richard 'Dick' Greenwood. Greenwood is out in Sydney with wife Susan to watch son Will play in the centres
TEENAGE songstress Laura Fitzgerald performed alongside comedian Peter Kay in front of thousands in Bolton town centre. Laura was one of the stars of Bolton's festive lights switch-on by the funnyman who created Phoenix Nights. The talented vocalist -
EAST Lancashire holiday company MyTravel is continuing with its operations in Turkey despite the bombings in Istanbul. A company spokeswoman said the group, and the rest of the British tour operators, have been extra vigilant in doing business in Turkey
CHRISTMAS comes to Leigh with a bang next Thursday when a light show and firework display herald the start of the festive season. Honorary Leyther and the Knotty Ash professor of fun, comedian Ken Dodd, will once again throw the switch to light up the
FREEDOM From Fear, the Usdaw campaign against violence and abuse of shopworkers in the UK, is the most effective trade union campaign in Parliament, according to Leigh MP Andy Burnham. Addressing a conference in Warrington, the Parliamentary Private Secretary
PENSIONERS took a trip back to the war years to celebrate Remembrance Day. More than 40 surprised members of Astley's Luncheon and Pensioners' Clubs arrived at their bunting clad-hut as it echoed to the sounds of George Formby and Vera Lynn. Flags and
BURY North MP David Chaytor was literally right on the button to help open Viridor Waste Management's power plant extension. He pressed the control switch at the company's base at Pilsworth to launch the latest addition to the plant. This involves a further
TAXPAYERS still face huge rises in bills for police services - despite the government giving the Lancashire force an extra £5.29million next year. And Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans today branded the proposed 15 per cent increase in the police's share of
SCHOOL league tables were rejected as "ridiculous" by a head teacher who said they could misrepresent achievements. Phillip Mahon, principal of Oakhill College, criticised the tables for failing to give parents the true qualities of a school. And he declared
HI-tech businesses can take the route to success at the next meeting of the thriving BuryBusiness.NETwork. Business strategist Phil Coen will assist delegates to build a roadmap that will guide them through the process of integrating internet-based technologies
A NEW major speculative office development in Bury is already emerging as a mecca for business. For only three months after the launch of Waterfold Business Park, two units totalling 8,000 sq ft have been pre-sold. The news has been announced by by the
BURNLEY have dished out an upbeat message to fans ahead of tomorrow's crunch clash with Rotherham: "Don't panic!" Stan Ternent's side go in search of their first win in seven league games against the struggling Millers at Turf Moor. And the Clarets management
FOR Burnley fans, victory can be the difference between a night on the tiles and an evening kicking the cat. For Mo Camara, it means grabbing a long overdue lie-in on a Sunday morning. The Clarets defender has been tossing and turning in recent weeks
rTURKEY teas, raffles, tombola and an early visit from Santa are features of the Christmas Fair. Starts at 2.30pm on Saturday, November 22 at St Paul's School, Westleigh Lane, Leigh. Admission is 10p.
A CHRISTMAS tombola evening has been organised at St Michael and All Angels' Church school, Leigh Road, Howe Bridge, on Tuesday, November 25, at 7.30pm in aid of church funds. Admission is 60p and includes refreshments.
HINDLEY town centre comes alive with Christmas cheer on Friday, November 28, when Santa throws the switch at 7pm at the town hall.
LEIGH Local History Society will hear a talk entitled Cotton Queens at the November 26 meeting in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.30pm.
SINGER-songwriter Kellie While makes her debut appearance at Leigh Folk Club on Friday, November 28, as part of her UK tour spotlighting her talent as a solo performer. Kellie has been lead vocalist with the Ashley Hutchings Band and has just finished
RESULTS of the King Street Indoor Bowls League sponsored by JR's Taxis were: Pumas 10, Tigers 34; Trackers 29, Ladybirds 16; Lions 10, Eagles 26. Table: Eagles 7 47; Trackers 7 36; Ladybirds 7 32; Tigers 7 29; Lions 7 23; Pumas 7 18.
THE Wigan Six-A-Side Football League is seeking new teams. All games are played outdoors on Monday evenings on an astroturf pitch close to the town centre. Contact Football Mundial on 01937 587012 for an information pack and application form.
JOHNNY Knowles Tuesday Leigh canal open results: 1. I Barton 4lbs 10oz fished bread punch & squat(pole), 2. R Felton 4lbs 2oz caster & worm (tip), 3. J Barton 3lbs7oz punched bread (pole) 4, C Evans 1lb 13.5oz worm & caster (pole). Standings
Results Under 11s: Culcheth 1 Winton Wanderers 4, Monks Sports A 0 Winsfield Rovers 6, Leigh RMI 1 Monks Sports B 0. Under 15s: Lowton Wanderers 3 Platt Bridge 1, Culcheth 0 Monton Ams 2, Standish 6 Hindley Youth 3, Douglas Valley 3 Hindsford Bandits
Myerscough College 7 Leigh 6th Form (Marshall street) 1: LEIGH 6th Form visited Myerscough College, last season's league winners, and were given a footballing lesson in a 7-1 defeat. In a poor first half for Leigh, Myerscough freely broke through and
Leigh 2nd 26 Tyldesley 10: LEIGH RUFC maintained their impressive league run with a fine 26-10 victory at Round Ash Park against fierce local rivals and league leaders Tyldesley. In an opening spell during which both teams cancelled each other out Tyldesley
TOWN Hall bosses have acted speedily to declare part of Walmersley a conservation area. They took urgent action after hearing that housebuilders were interested in developing the former Walmersley Brewery. The site, and nearby Christ Church, both date
PARRENTHORN High School headteacher, Mr Arthur Francis, announced his retirement at the annual prizegiving ceremony. Mr Francis, who will be 60 next March, has been at the Heywood Road school for 16 years and has watched it go from strength to strength
MP IVAN Lewis has pledged his support for a Morrisons supermarket in Whitefield town centre in preference to a rival scheme backed by Bury Council. Councillors had previously agreed "in principle" to a plan for houses and shops on the Brand Centre site
Once branded as Flopstars, Liberty X still managed to make in big with their first album. And singer Kevin Simm told JENNY SCOTT they intend to remain at the top. . . THE music scene's graveyard is littered with the dashed hopes of one-hit wonders who
BIG-hearted youngsters at schools across the area will be taking part in fun events today to raise funds for Children In Need. St Cuthbert's, Darwen, have organised a pyjama party and teddy and virtual reality birthday, St Joseph's, also in Darwen, will
A MAN has been jailed for three years for sex abuse he carried out on children years ago when he was under 16. Mark Fitzsimmons, 30, was convicted of sexual offences against three children. A judge passing sentence at Preston Crown Court told him: "It
A CHRISTMAS fair opens at 1.30pm on Sunday at St Gabriel's Club, Higher Folds estate, Leigh.
HINDLEY town centre comes alive with Christmas cheer on Friday, November 28, when Santa throws the switch at 7pm at the town hall.
LEIGH Local History Society will hear a talk entitled Cotton Queens at the November 26 meeting in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.30pm.
PATIENTS travelling to Wigan Infirmary for treatment should allow extra time for their journey. Road resurfacing in Wigan Lane means traffic will be controlled by temporary lights between 9.30am and 4pm until Friday, November 28.
LEIGH Salvation Army has organised a rainbow-themed Christmas fair at 11am in Cook Street on Saturday. Stalls will be decorated in the colours of the rainbow and will offer goods in the same theme. Refreshments will be available.
BEDFORD Babes childminding group is on the lookout for new members. The Babes, which also covers Lowton, Bickershaw, Tyldesley, Hindley, Astley and Atherton, wants to hear from any NCMA (National Childminding Association) registered members. It was established
A SHUTTERED church is earmarked for conversion into apartments. The redundant St Anne's church building, beside Tyldesley Road at Hindsford, could soon live again. St Anne's was consecrated at the start of the 1900s but has lain idle since the end of
TWO adventurers stopped a fund-raising climbing challenge to rescue a party of elderly people stranded on a Welsh mountain. The 12-strong team from the line training flight section at RAF Cosford set out on The Welsh 3000 -- a 15 peaks walk -- to raise
RADCLIFFE Borough host Whitby Town in the Unibond Premier Division on Saturday looking to avenge a 1-0 opening day defeat. Kevin Glendon's men go into the game on the back of a win at Lancaster City in the Unibond Challenge cup in midweek. Gary Sampson
IT'S a sumptuous, traditionally-staged production which features not only a host of international soloists but genuine Russian Borzoi hunting dogs, a falcon and naked chorus girls. It's Verdi's Rigoletto, at Blackpool Grand on Tuesday, based on Victor
BEING icons of an era that ended more than 20 years ago is difficult, but Bjorn Again are up to the task. "We stand alone in our satin pants," said "Benny", played by London-born Robin Scott -- one of four members of the Eurovision pop cover band who
A 47-YEAR-OLD woman who stormed out after a row with her partner was breathalysed and found to be more than double the legal limit. Diane Jordan, of Avebury Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty at the town's magistrates to driving with excess alcohol. She
A WOMAN tried to smuggle a mobile phone to an inmate at a Lancashire jail. Sheila McLachlan dropped the phone, which was wrapped in a plastic bag, into a trolley outside the prison shop at Kirkham jail. McLachlan, a 44-year-old mother of one, of Westbury
BLACKBURN Rovers star Dwight Yorke teamed up with a star of children's television to light up the sky last night and kick start Christmas. The Ewood hit-man delighted the crowds when he pulled the switch to turn on Blackburn's festive lights. Dwight was
A COUNCIL has launched an investigation into an £800,000 community centre, less than two months after it was officially opened. Blackburn with Darwen Council confirmed that allegations had been made about the running of the new Green Lane centre in Mill
BLACKBURN Hawks attempt to get their league campaign back up and running on Saturday. The Hawks lost their last match at the Arena 5-3 to play-off rivals Nottingham Lions. But despite the defeat, they'll be looking forward to another home fixture to get
ANDY Farrell could make his first appearance for Padiham tomorrow. The former Burnley utility man may come in to boost the Storks' depleted side when they entertain Leek CSOB tomorrow. Anthony McCluskey and Craig Wilkinson are out through suspension,
MARK PATTERSON has warned Chorley's player - "shape up or ship out!" The angry Magpies boss is unimpressed with the fitness levels of the UniBond First Division club just four games into his reign. And with Christmas on the horizon, Patterson has set
RAMSBOTTOM were still waiting to appoint a new manager ahead of tomorrow's trip to Fleetwood in the FA Vase second round. The club's board called a meeting on Wednesday night to sift through a host of applications, but current caretaker player-boss Ged
TEENAGE hotshot Matty Derbyshire may not be at Great Harwood for much longer if the wealth of Premiership interest in him is maintained, writes SUZANNE GELDARD. The 17-year-old has prompted enquiries from a number of Premiership and Football League clubs
NELSON have signed Dave Gray and Brad Pates ahead of tomorrow's trip to Maine Road. Former Bacup star Gray, who scored more than 25 league goals in their promotion season last term and has already grabbed 11 goals in all competitions this year, was snapped
BRENT Peters admits he is having his breath taken away - by his side's football. The Bacup Borough manager has hailed his players the best he has worked with at West View. And he hopes their special brand of play continues this weekend as they entertain
THOSE cocky, arrogant Aussies - I wish we were more like them. Not that I'm condoning a country whose two biggest exports over the past decade have been Home and Away, and Kylie's bum. Okay, Kylie was a bad example, but you get my drift. But when it comes
JUST what is wrong with the police in Bury? Until four weeks ago my parents had lived happily in Tottington for 30 years. However, due to teenage thugs, aggressive behaviour and the general apathy of the local police, they were forced to move. My parents
CORRESPONDENT Philip Sedman (Letters, November 18) chastised some for not wearing a poppy and reminded people of "other cultures" that they should be grateful to those who died making Britain a safe place for them to live. I am from one of the "other
DESPITE a pledge given by the council that the Broad Street centre would be kept running, in its entirety, this has proved not to be the case. The moment of truth will be revealed when the Arts and Crafts centre is moved lock, stock and barrel, to the
BURY MBC planning committee narrowly approved the application by High Points Estates Ltd for retail units on the Spring Street car park in Bury. This now leaves the door open for other similar projects, and the Westfield plans to erect a multi-storey
THE Government's declared intent to "force" local councils to approve more wind farm applications, not only shows their contempt for local democracy and the hypocrisy of their devolution rhetoric, it also means the end for ever of our stunning northern
BEDFORD High School students have come to the rescue of a fund-raising cancer group. They have stepped in to host a Christmas concert on December 15 to boost the Wigan and Leigh branch of Christies Against Cancer's fund-raising efforts after the event
Leigh RMI 2 Shrewsbury Town 2 by Martyn Hindley: WOUNDED by their weekend ordeal at Telford, Leigh RMI wiped the smile off the face of the other Shropshire Conference side with a committed display in which they were only denied victory by a last gasp
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Christmas Fair and hot pot lunch, Clitheroe United Reformed Church, 10.30am. Winter Warmer, Town Hall, Todmorden, 11am-1pm. Organised by St Michael's Church, Cornholme
She might be a pop star and TV presenter who is married to a heart-throb, but that doesn't shield Kerry McFadden from real life, as she told JENNY SCOTT. . . FOR a few moments you can believe that Kerry McFadden is a typical working mum. "I've just taken
MACHETE raiders sprayed a woman worker with toxic liquid as more than 100 Leigh supermarket shoppers watched in horror. Three masked men, armed with machetes, arrived at the Asda superstore on Kirkhall Lane in Leigh, on Thursday night in a stolen green
ARMED robbers allowed a man to remove a puppy from his £25,000 Alfa Romeo before stealing the car. Earlier, the thugs had threatened the 33-year-old owner at gunpoint after he pulled up outside his home in Manchester Road, Bury. They struck as he was
THE future for workers at the former Hall's factory in Radcliffe looks bleak. Bury South MP Ivan Lewis and four employees of the Dumers Lane firm were left feeling "pessimistic" after a meeting on Monday with confectionery giant Cadbury Trebor Bassett
A HOSPITAL manager has been awarded a top accolade for saving the National Health Service a staggering £15 million a year, while at the same time improving patient care. Now Mr David Scott's model is being adopted by hospitals across the country. Two
ENTERTAINER Wendy Rees is stepping out on her own after health reasons forced her to quit the world of showbiz. And now she is now passing on the tricks of her trade to those wishing to follow in her footsteps, or just to gain confidence in dealing with
MIKE Harris is set to become the 32nd player to pull on a Leigh RMI shirt when he makes his debut against Exeter at Hilton Park on Saturday. The versatile right-sided player, who signed on Tuesday night, could be joined at the club soon by Hucknall striker
RESIDENTS can expect another inflation-busting rise in council tax: but it won't be as bad as last year. That's the early indication from town hall bosses after the Government announced what Bury Council would get towards the 2004/05 budget. Bury has
ANDY Todd has been placed on 'Ruud alert' ahead of Rovers' daunting trip to Manchester United tomorrow. Ewood chief Graeme Souness looks set to give the re-born defender the unenviable task of blunting Dutch master Ruud Van Nistelrooy. And the 28-year-old
ROSEGROVE would like to welcome Kate Targett who will be patrolling the Rosegrove and Griffin areas with existing warden, Andrea Sutcliffe. Kate's area has changed to Rosegrove. We look forward to working with her and Andrea for the benefit of the community
A MANHUNT has been launched after balaclava-clad armed robbers struck in the same town centre street for the second time in two days. Police said two men entered the Woolworths store in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, last night and attacked a male member of
BURY'S Beer Festival which ends on Saturday night, is the toast of the town. And the event at The Met in Market Street, organised by the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), promises to be bigger and better than ever.
BRAIN-DAMAGED Nicola Elwell of Stanley Street, Ramsbottom, spent a week at a specialist scientific institute in Philadelphia, USA. The seven-year-old underwent tests to ascertain the chances of improvement in her condition.
AN ACCRINGTON school will get £350,000 over two years to build a new science lab and overhaul its existing facilities. The news was announced by head of Mount Carmel RC High Katrina Ryan at their awards evening in the school hall, in Wordsworth Street
BEDFORD High School students have come to the rescue of a fund-raising cancer group. They have stepped in to host a Christmas concert on December 15 to boost the Wigan and Leigh branch of Christies Against Cancer's fund-raising efforts after the event
BETTING shop boss Doreen Almond is a fund-raising charity champion. For more than 30 years, the Atherton Ladbrokes manageress has supported local causes. Last year, at a glittering presentation evening at the Park Lane Hilton in London, she received a
FIT at 50 could very well be the motto for a group of ladies living on the Hillock estate in Whitefield. The feisty group have set up an over 50s exercise group with the help of an award from the Millennium Fund. Around 25 women attend classes at St Andrew's
EAST Lancashire is hoping three Stonyhurst stars can become World Cup winners tomorrow. For rugby stars Iain Balshaw, Kyran Bracken and Will Greenwood, ex-pupils of the Ribble Valley's Stonyhurst College, could each play a part in England's Rugby World
AN up-and-coming Ramsbottom employment lawyer is celebrating a contract with one of the UK's largest legal firms. Richard Sheldon has been appointed to the Manchester office of North West law firm Mace & Jones. The 25-year-old joins as an assistant
HOLD on tight because we could be in for a bumpy ride. It's still a bit too early to call the two upcoming home games as make-or-break, but they could certainly shape the coming months. Last weekend's defeat at Derby hardly helped matters. I don't think
CHRISTMAS comes to Leigh with a bang next Thursday when a light show and firework display herald the start of the festive season. Honorary Leyther and the Knotty Ash professor of fun, comedian Ken Dodd, will once again throw the switch to light up the
DATEN Ladies hockey 1st had an exciting 4-3 local derby win over Warrington. Debbie Holland opened the scoring for Daten with a skilful move that pulled the goalkeeper out of position making it easy to make contact with the backboard but the away side
YOUNG people are being given a helping hand to stay on the straight and narrow. A team has been formed to work with youngsters aged eight to 17 in Bury who are at risk of offending or anti-social behaviour. Four youth inclusion and support panel officers
FRIENDLY and thriving: what better way to describe Heaton Park Methodist Church as it celebrates its 75th anniversary? Visitors travelled from far and near to help members enjoy a commemorative lunch and afternoon service on Sunday (Nov 16). The current
CRAIG Short has vowed to do everything in his power to shore up Rovers' leaky defence as he prepares to make his farewell appearance at Old Trafford tomorrow. The veteran defender will return to the firing line following a four month injury lay-off against
EAST Lancashire holiday company MyTravel is continuing with its operations in Turkey despite the bombings in Istanbul. A company spokeswoman said the group, and the rest of the British tour operators, have been extra vigilant in doing business in Turkey
A RETIRING model ship-builder today revealed that his decision to sell a lifetime's work left him in tears. Peter Coughlin is today selling 15 of his model ships, as well as drawings, books, and tools at an auction in Leyburn, North Yorkshire. For the
TRADERS and residents in Darwen are being asked for their opinions after the blueprint for the town's future was unveiled. The multi-million-pound strategy, developed by Darwen Town Centre Partnership during the last year, has now been put out to public
THE headteacher of a Stacksteads high school has praised the class of 2003 on their exam success at its annual prizegiving evening. Mark Smallwood, from Fearns Community High School, in Fearns Moss, said the pupils who left school in the summer had achieved
PRIVATE sector tenants and landlords are wanted to form part of a team looking into improving rented housing in Rossendale. Improved management and better standards of housing will be addressed by Rossendale Council's planned accreditation scheme for
A MANHUNT has been launched after balaclava-clad armed robbers struck in the same town centre street for the second time in two days. Police said two men entered the Woolworths store in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, last night and attacked a male member of
LEIGH St Peter's Christmas fair begins with a flourish at 2pm on Saturday when the junior choir opens the event in the Leigh Street school. Admission is 20p.
CHOWBENT Unitarian Chapel's annual Christmas fair takes place on Sunday from 2pm to 4pm in the hall off Bolton Old Road, Atherton. Admission 30p.
BIRDMAN Gordon Yates will give a talk on Sea Bird Summer and Birds of the Pennine Forest to Leigh Literary Society on Monday, December 1, at 7.30pm in the Derby Room, Leigh Library. Non-members £1.50.
SINGER-songwriter Kellie While makes her debut appearance at Leigh Folk Club on Friday, November 28, as part of her UK tour spotlighting her talent as a solo performer. Kellie has been lead vocalist with the Ashley Hutchings Band and has just finished
VODKA drinkers are warned to be on the lookout for a counterfeit brand contaminated with lethal methanol. Tests on seized copycat Kirov vodka have revealed they contain enough methanol -- which is used in solvents and fuel -- to cause blindness and coma
She might be a pop star and TV presenter who is married to a heart-throb, but that doesn't shield Kerry McFadden from real life, as she told JENNY SCOTT. . . FOR a few moments you can believe that Kerry McFadden is a typical working mum. "I've just taken
Once branded as Flopstars, Liberty X still managed to make in big with their first album. And singer Kevin Simm told JENNY SCOTT they intend to remain at the top. . . THE music scene's graveyard is littered with the dashed hopes of one-hit wonders who
A DRIVE by Transco employees in the North West has helped the company improve safety at work and raise £2.5 million for charity. Employees of the gas pipeline company, which has offices and depots across the region, including Gorse Bank, Blackburn, Oswald
A 22-YEAR-OLD man caught driving while disqualified returned the following day to collect his car and was arrested again, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that since the "back-to-back" offences in March Andrew Alexander Johnstone had been
NEW figures obtained by an East Lancashire MP reveal that problems with hard-to-sell low value homes in the region are among the worst in the country. Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said that last year 2,463 houses in the region were sold for less than £20,000
A TV documentary which followed the fortunes of council workers has been hailed as a success -- by the council bosses and residents who watched it. The closing episode of Granada's Are You Being Serviced? saw series favourites The Jetting Crew -- who
FATHER Christmas has been banished from having a grotto at Blackburn shopping centre after bosses said there was not enough room. But they were today urged to reconsider the decision by local council leader Sir Bill Taylor, traders, parents and children
WILY winger Gavin Cooper could be handed a place in Colne's starting line-up when they travel to take on Hallam in the FA Vase second round. Reds' recent signings Lee Coldridge and Bernard Morley are both cup tied, and Cooper's goal in last weekend's
CONFIDENT Clitheroe manager Lee Sculpher is sure he can wipe out the bitter memories of 18 months ago. The Blues were cruelly knocked out of the FA Vase quarter final with the last kick of the game against Whitley Bay when they went down 2-1. "That was
I FULLY agree with Ronald Dyson (Letters, November 7) that Bury Arts and Crafts Centre should be kept open for its original purpose. The present site of the Fusiliers Museum seems always very presentable, but if it is desired to be more central, then
PARENTS and pupils are being invited to cement their loyalty to Bury C of E High School by signing up to a "buy a brick" appeal. Each brick will have the buyer's name engraved on it and will be built into one whole wall of the reception area of the new
OK, it's time to get the motor painted and dust down the ceremonial flags. No, I'm not trying to make a last-ditch effort to welcome President Bush to the UK. I am talking none other than the yearly hustle and bustle of the Eid Festival. Next week sees
NIGEL Evans will be cheering for England in the rugby World Cup final on Saturday morning despite his Welsh background. The Ribble Valley MP will be in the tearoom of Bolton by Bowland Post Office having breakfast as he did last week when the team defeated
CAMPAIGNERS against the visit of American president George Bush made their voices heard loud and clear in Bury on Wednesday. Around 40 demonstrators gathered outside the town hall with placards and banners opposed to American policies in Iraq. Members
BURY Council's chief executive is leading the way: his department is the first to achieve Investor in People status. The department encompasses personnel, revenues and benefits, information and communications technology and democratic services. Mr Mark
A CAR firm is hoping its shoebox campaign will step into top gear in the next few days. Schools, community groups, parents and children are being encouraged to fill shoeboxes with small gifts to help under-privileged children at Christmas. Car dealership
POIGNANT scenes were witnessed at Bury Parish Church where members of a specialised wartime naval force laid down their group standard for the last time. Around 40 ex-servicemen and family members were present for the final ceremony of the Coastal Forces
A PROTEST by pupils at Castlebrook High School against a clothing shop selling fur prompted an amazing response. For bosses at the head office of Zara in Spain ordered the offending items be removed from its shelves. Youngsters from the Unsworth school
LEIGH RMI want as many people through the gates as possible this weekend -- to help their opponents. The Conference club have agreed to pay Saturday's visitors Exeter City £2 for each spectator over the 600 mark. RMI struggle along with average gates
IF Blackburn Rovers plan to take anything off Manchester United then it's absolutely vital that they keep the lid on Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Alex Ferguson's side are far from a one-man band. Everywhere you look, they've got star quality in every department
PENSIONERS took a trip back to the war years to celebrate Remembrance Day. More than 40 surprised members of Astley's Luncheon and Pensioners' Clubs arrived at their bunting clad-hut as it echoed to the sounds of George Formby and Vera Lynn. Flags and
BURNLEY MP Peter Pike today urged Burnley Council to make sure any changes in senior management do not set the authority back. His comments came after the Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed 11 senior managers' posts - including the recently created
HARPAL Singh's dislocated shoulder will keep him out of Bury's line-up for the next three months. The on-loan Leeds winger will enter hospital next week for shoulder reconstruction surgery. The news is a sickener for the Bradford-born winger and for Shakers
PLANS for a massive redevelopment and building project at Nelson and Colne College have been approved by college bosses. The scheme for Reedyford campus includes the construction of purpose-built accommodation. This would make range of courses for school
CONEY Green Technology College got a very welcome surprise at its prizegiving evening on Thursday. Guest of honour, Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, announced that the Government will provide £200,000 to support its amalgamation with Radcliffe High School next
THE extent of an undercover operation to keep ravers from the summit of Pendle Hill at Hallowe'en was revealed. Farm slurry was sprayed over fields and the farmer dug a ditch around the area to deter ravers who had two years perviously hald a massive
THE moment when the most unusual wedding in soap history was rubber stamped is set to become a Corrie fan's pride and joy. Hyndburn-born actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, best known as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, has organised a celebrity-themed auction
FA CUP hero Andy Gouck faces a fight to keep his career alive after narrowly avoiding a head-on crash with a police car while drink driving. Gouck, who was twice the alcohol limit, may now be unable to carry on playing for Accrington Stanley after losing
THE Whitefield owner of one of Bolton's oldest independent clothing store has found a way to continue opening for business -- a week after its town centre building was wrecked by a bus. Hilary Ann White will move her women's fashion store into empty premises
LEIGH St Peter's Christmas fair begins with a flourish at 2pm on Saturday when the junior choir opens the event in the Leigh Street school. Admission is 20p.
1st XV: Wigan away, meet at 12.30 pm; 2nd XV: Wigan at home, meet at 1pm; 3rd XV: Bury (h), meet at 1.30 pm; Tofts: Aldwinians (a), meet at 12.45 pm; Vets: Wigan (a), meet at 1pm.
LEIGH ground out a result in this Lancashire Cup tie but too many silly penalties could cost them against top opposition. Middleton-Adams scored twice in the first half after forceful runs, Rushworth converting one. In the second half Middleton-Adams
THE town's star-studded Christmas lights ceremony turned into a "near-nightmare" as crushed youngsters had to be rescued from the crowd. Children were pushed over and trampled as people surged forward to see EastEnders actors Steve McFadden and Lucy Benjamin
BURNLEY have dished out an upbeat message to fans ahead of tomorrow's crunch clash with Rotherham: "Don't panic!" Stan Ternent's side go in search of their first win in seven league games against the struggling Millers at Turf Moor. And the Clarets management
ALDER Grange High School, Rawtenstall has celebrated the success of its pupils at its annual prize-giving ceremony. The special event was attended by the Mayor of Rossendale, Councillor Eileen Kershaw, and County Councillor for Rossendale West Hazel Harding
A LARGE quantity of powdered ecstasy was recovered by police during early morning raids centred on a Rawtenstall pub. Four men were arrested, including a man who was helped from the River Irwell after he had earlier been seen driving through Rawtenstall
A CHRISTMAS tombola evening has been organised at St Michael and All Angels' Church school, Leigh Road, Howe Bridge, on Tuesday, November 25, at 7.30pm in aid of church funds. Admission is 60p and includes refreshments.
WOMEN'S Institute members decided to celebrate their golden jubilee year with a difference. Members of the Astley group have planted a rowan tree in the grounds of Astley's Dam House to mark 50 years of comradeship. And the group, which meets at the village's
A YOGA group was stumped when its Australian-born teacher packed up and headed for home. For four years, Lee Hodges took charge of three Ashtanga classes in Leigh and Hindley Green, but then discovered she was pregnant. In September, she and her partner
WING wizard Dean Calcutt is desperate to reclaim his place in Accrington Stanley's starting line-up. The 28-year-old has been forced to settle for a place on the bench since starring in the Reds' memorable FA Cup first round win over Huddersfield two
STEVE Wilkes will be putting a ban on bananas at the Anchor Ground this week, in case his players slip on a skin. For the Darwen manager has a fear of playing lowly opposition and is desperate not to come a cropper against bottom-placed Chadderton tomorrow
COUNCILLOR Roy Walker (Letters, November 11) is right to report that First Bus and Rossendale Transport have unilaterally decided to suspend their bus services routing along Moss Street and Silver Street in Bury. What he didn't say was that the bus companies
I WRITE to comment on the letter about Nangreaves (November 14) from Mr Geoff Baggott headed: "What are they conserving?". The development of the old mill by Northern Counties in the 1980s was an idea which was discussed at great length, in many meetings
A PROTEST by pupils at Bury school against a clothing shop selling fur prompted an amazing response. For bosses at the head office of Zara in Spain ordered the offending items be removed from its shelves. Youngsters from the Castlebrook High School school
PUPILS playing truant will be given a police escort straight back to the classroom as education chiefs mount a pre-Christmas crackdown. Patrol teams spotting skiving youngsters will alert squad cars by radio to have them frogmarched back to school. In
