OLYMPIC medal winner Samantha Murray will be hoping her latest television appearance will be Pointless! The Ribble Valley athlete, who won silver in the modern pentathlon, appears on the BBC quiz show Pointless Celebrities on Saturday — where the
YOUNG carers across East Lancashire are set to be given more opportunities to take a break from their day-to-day roles. More than £2,800 has been approved by County Councillor Mike Calvert, the cabinet member for young people, towards two innovative
A WOMAN whose life was turned upside down when her brother was murdered is urging youngsters to think twice about carrying a weapon. Melissa MacFarlan has joined forces with police to visit schools to share the story of her eldest brother Marvin
TECHNOLOGY which can quickly repair potholes and make roads ‘good as new’ has been developed by an East Lancashire firm. The equipment, nicknamed ‘the frying bedstead’, heats up both the pothole and road surface to 200 degrees centigrade prior
MORE than 50 applications to rehome four husky puppies, and their mum, have been received by a Nelson rescue centre. The five dogs, who have been at the Sibes and Sled Dogs Husky Rescue Centre for a week now, have attracted national media attention
Over the coming weeks we will be featuring a brief column about the Christian season of Lent written by a wide variety of people. It will include ministers, lay people, young people, the Bishop and even Jack Straw will contribute. There will also
A TOP sports nutrition firm based in Nelson has signed up six-time Olympic cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy as a brand ambassador. Science in Sport (SiS) said the deal would see Sir Chris work closely with SiS and its team of experts to help
THANKFULLY our society has a long way to descend before we see the levels of violence experienced in some countries. The easy availability of guns is a major factor in the United States where, for example, it is estimated that street gangs have
I do not begrudge anyone who is in genuine need of benefits. However, probably 80-90% of people on benefits could afford the council tax rise if they cut their cloth accordingly. When my water, gas, electricity, home insurance, car insurance, council
IN your report (LT, February 6) on the visit of Trade Minister Lord Green to Blackburn, you omit to mention an interesting point raised by a member of the audience regarding the ‘connectivity’ of Blackburn to the rest of Northern England, alluding
Has anyone thought how strange for David Cameron to spend so much time on legislation for same-sex marriage when the economy like many other things are in such a mess? Well, the answer is one that he would sooner not own up to, even at the expense
Five hospitals are to be investigated in the wake of the public inquiry into failings, and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is one. High death rates at Stafford Hospital were one of the factors that triggered the original investigation.
THE furniture industry in Hyndburn may be under threat from the rising price of wood, MP Graham Jones has warned. Timber costs more than double what it did five years ago, putting massive financial pressure on firms using the material, such as
A HUNCOAT church forced to close last month after ransacking thugs caused more than £2,000 of damage will re-open this weekend. Our Lady’s Church halted services for the first time in its 90-year history after mindless yobs broke in, stole two
A CHILD born with severe cerebral palsy has defied doctors predictions by kicking his first football. The parents of three-year-old Finley Rosbotham, who is from Oswaldtwistle, were told when their son was born that he would never be able to move
BUILDING materials have been dumped in an alleyway that was cleaned up a year ago having previously been blighted by fly-tipping. The alley behind Accrington Road, Intack, Blackburn, used to suffer from fly-tipping before it was given a spring
BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw has expressed concern that transferring cash from Lancashire Constabulary to the Independent Police Complaints Commission so it can have greater powers to investigate misconduct could undermine the force’s own efforts to maintain
FOUR back alleys in Audley Range are to benefit from a council scheme to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Alleygates are to be installed at the back of sections of Ripon Street, Lambeth Street, Queens Park Road and Pringle Street. A
CONCERNS over an English Heritage building in the Ribble Valley being used by teenagers as a place to drink alcohol are being investigated by police. Residents have been complaining to officers about the number of discarded bottles and cans being
A PRIMARY school is asking parents to park further away after complaints from residents. In a newsletter to parents of children at St Barnabas’ CoE Primary School, in Knowlesley Road, Darwen, the headteacher said people had complained about cars
DUMPING rubbish cost a Darwen resident £210. Lisa Marie Walker, of Sudell Road, was ordered to pay the cash after waste from her home was found fly-tipped in the alley behind her house. She was charged with failing to comply with a Section 46 notice
FASHION chain Republic is expected to go into administration today, putting 1,000 jobs at risk. Republic, which has a shop in The Mall, in Blackburn, is the latest high street victim following the closure of music retailer HMV, camera group Jessops
A DRINK driver said not to have stopped for police when they put their blue lights on, was fined £300 by Burnley magistrates. The court heard how Steven Wight, 27, of Catlow Close, Fence, was said to have been ‘caught up with’ when he turned into
ROYAL Blackburn Hospital receives more ‘blue-light’ ambulances than any other in the North West, it has been revealed. Vehicles had been queueing up outside the accident and emergency unit waiting for treatment for lengthy periods. But the
THE MYSTERY of a dead soldier from Haslingden has been solved by a team of veteran ‘detectives’. James Clark was the only one of the 111 names listed on a Haslingden Second World War roll of honour for whom no information was known other than his
ROSSENDALE Schools Town Team has thrown its weight behind Bacup Borough’s bid for Lancashire Co-operative Trophy glory. Brent Peters’ men face either AFC Fylde or Kendal Town in the cup final at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton on March 11. Jon
A DRUNKEN man who refused to get off a bus was abusive to staff and then police, magistrates heard. Paul McLaughlan, 26, had been found slumped on the back seat by officers. There was a strong smell of urine and a bottle of blue alcopop was
A FITNESS centre run by two brothers from Waterfoot has been chosen to spearhead a campaign by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Lean Bootcamp, run by Jonny and Paul Stannard, has been chosen as the Lancashire ambassador for Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution
IGHTENHILL Primary School will hold a day of fun on Friday for their annual book day. Lessons will be themed around books and there will be a performance of The Story That Wrote Itself.
KYLE Bradley James Killian, 18, of Old Accrington Road, Burnley, who admitted racially-aggravated threatening behaviour towards Naqash Ahmed, has been given a 36-hour attendance centre order by Pennine magistrates.
A FRIENDSHIP tuck shop will be held on Thursday at Barrowford Primary School. The pupil council at the Rushton Street school has organised the tuck shop to makr Valentine’s Day, with classmates invited to bring in themed cakes or buns and also
A BROKEN down vehicle caused severe delays on the A56 northbound between A6177 Grane Road and junction 8 of the M65 at around 7am on Monday. The blocked lane affected motorists heading away from Haslingden, towards the M65.
NELSON Post Office will close for two weeks next month while it undergoes refurbishment. Improvements to the office, on Place de Creil, include a new queueing system and seating. When it reopens, it will have earlier opening on Monday morning
BACUP Borough will find out next Tursday who they will play in the final of the United Co-Operatives Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy as AFC Fylde and Kendal go head to head. Brent Peters’ men will have one eye firmly fixed on the outcome of that game
A FORMER treasurer of Barrowford Show has been severely reprimanded by her professional body after failing to bank cheques and hand over the books to organisers. Caroline Marsden, of Wigan Lane, Heath Charnock, was censured by the Institute of
EAST Lancashire Euro MP Paul Nuttall is calling for free school meals for all pupils living in poverty. He is backing a petition to the Prime Minister urging the government to extend the help to all children who need it across the county. UKIP
MPs in Lancashire are being urged to tell the government to take a tougher stance on tobacco promotion. This comes as new figures reveal an estimated 18,000 children start smoking every year in the North West. Tobacco Free Futures has called
THE internet has brought a multitude of changes to our lives in the past two decades. The way we shop, seek out information and communicate have been transformed by the ability to sit at home and find what we want with a mouse and a keyboard.
STUDENTS from Unity College, in Burnley, have raised £170 for Pendleside Hospice. Year 11 pupils held a cake sale, and chocolate raffle, to help the charity.
NIGEL Canning, 43, denied assault causing actual bodily harm, and having an offensive weapon, at Burnley Crown Court. Canning, who is from Burnley, but has recently been living in Carlisle, was granted technical bail.
HAMELDON Community College, in Burnley, has raised more than £100 for Lancashire’s only school for deaf children. Year 11 pupils had a cooking class, and coffee morning, in aid of Royal Cross Primary School, in Preston.
ZESHAN Ali, 27, of Carr Road, Nelson, was cleared of allegations against him, at Burnley Crown Court. Judge Beverley Lunt recorded not guilty verdicts after the prosecution offered no evidence on charges of assault and damage. Allegations of
A 66-YEAR-OLD man appeared before Burnley magistrates accused of handling a stolen £42,000 excavator. Patrick Orr is alleged to have handled the vehicle, taken from Scotts Plant Hire Ltd, on the day it was stolen, last November 29. Orr, of
DARWEN have lost their professional Jonathan Carter - but the Birch Hall outfit have moved quickly to snare impressive South African Alan Kruger as replacement ahead of the Northern League season. The Towers had signed Barbados ace Carter as paid man
AN evening meal fundraiser held at Nino’s Italian restaurant, in Red Lees Road, saw 181 people attend and £1,260 raised for St John’s Church improvements.
BRUNSHAW Action Group has been awarded a grant of £500 by County Councillor Dr Misfar Hassan. The community group will use the money towards the cost of a residential weekend for some of its young female members.
JORDAN Liam O’Mara, 22, of Saltburn Street, Burnley, has been fined £225 with £85 costs with five penalty points imposed on his driving licence by Pennine magistrates after he admitted to driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after
A JOBS fair takes place in Barnoldswick on February 28. Representatives from major employers including Craven College, Matalan, and Sainsbury’s will attend the event at the Rainhall Centre in Rainhall Road from 10am to 2pm.
A 47-YEAR-OLD man admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm at Burnley Crown Court, but a trial may be held over the facts. Brian Coupe, of Parklands View, Burnley, owned up to assaulting Rosemary Morgan, last December 2. He will be sentenced
DETECTIVES hunting for a man who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old schoolgirl are investigating the possibility the attack is linked to another incident. Officers in Hyndburn CID believe the early morning attack in Sabden on Monday could be connected
A LANDMARK building in Burnley town centre could fetch almost £200,000 at auction later this month. The former County Court in Bankhouse Street, which has been derelict for since 1986, is expected to be snapped up by developers. Bidders will
EAST Lancashire couples who have been married for up to 20 years are the most likely to divorce, a new study reveals. Napthens solicitors which has offices in Blackburn, Chorley, Preston and Blackpool has collated statistics over the past six months
A LEADING Burnley councillor has hit out at ‘unfair and disproportionate’ Government cuts that will have a ‘massive impact’ on the people of Burnley. The council is looking to save a further £2.1million from its budget for 2013/14, but has said
DALE Renton, 19, of Wren Street, Burnley, is facing a trial on May 20, at Burnley Crown Court. The defendant, who denied burglary, was bailed on condition he obeys a 7pm to 7am curfew and Iives at his home address.
MARK James Bell, 39, of Brunswick Street, Nelson, admitted being drunk and disorderly on November 4. He was conditionally discharged for 12 months with £85 costs by Pennine magistrates.
SEAN Dyche has described Mark Howard as ‘the outstanding candidate’ after the Clarets confirmed the appointment of their new head of sports science. The 35-year-old joins Burnley after leaving a similar role at Blackburn Rovers last year. Howard had
PETER Gerrard, 34, of Harrison Drive, Colne, pleaded not guilty to two counts of police assault and one allegation of being drunk and disorderly in Market Place, on January 27. Gerrard was given unconditional bail until a trial on April 11.
DANIEL Browne, 37, of Market Street, Whitworth, has been conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay £75 in compensation by Pennine magistrates after admitting to stealing a black jacket, wallet, cash and a mobile phone from Awat Hassan
A GROUP dedicated to the conservation of Lancashire’s badgers is in need of volunteers. Among the many tasks Lancashire Badger Group carries out and requires volunteers for is monitoring setts, a vital procedure in gathering evidence to prosecute
A BURNLEY man with a history of heart trouble died after collapsing at a friend’s home, an inquest heard. Stephen Bonsall, 43 of Sharp Street, underwent an operation in 2010 to fit two heart valves. He collapsed at a friend’s house on August
A FAIRTRADE coffee morning featuring stalls and a ‘bring and buy’ sale takes place on Saturday from 10am to midday at Higherford Methodist Church, Gisburn Road.
A REGULAR tai chi class takes place at the Grassroots Centre, at St Philip’s Church, in Leeds Road, Nelson, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesdays. The class costs £2.50 per session.
A CLEAN-UP of the Vivary Way area of Colne by Pendle Council’s localities team is nearing completion. The work has seen a litter pick, strimming, trees clipped back and shrubs pruned.
THREE craft markets have been arranged for Colne this year following the success of similar events in 2012. They will take place on March 30, May 25 and September 7, on the car park next to the market.
AN art group, TenOVus, meets every Thursday at Christ Church, in Carr Road, Nelson, from 6.30 to 9pm. Entry is £2.50 to cover the cost of room hire and refreshments.
PLANS to redevelop the filling station at Colne Service Station, in Burnley Road, Colne, remain in the pipeline, but an application has been submitted to Pendle Council to extend the time limit for the work to take place.
A HOUSING scheme on the former Hycrome works site in Knotts Lane, Colne, has been withdrawn after Pendle Council’s housing partner, PEARL2, decided housing was not viable. The council has been keen to see the site developed in some way.
VISITOR signs welcoming people to Colne are to be put up at the bus station, railway station and library once designs have been agreed. The design is set to feature the high street as well as famous people from the town.
PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed the news that the Post Office is to continue to offer DVLA services over the counter. Under a new seven-year agreement with the Department of Transport, the Post Office will continue to offer DVLA services
CO-boss Bernard Morley was delighted with his Rambottom United nap-happy men as they ramped up their Evo-Stik League First Division North promotion bid with a stunning 5-0 win at Garforth. The Rams were rampant in Yorkshire as they eased into sixth-place
BURNLEY Football Club have reiterated they have a zero tolerance approach to racism after allegations that Blackburn Rovers forward Colin Kazim-Richards was abused during December’s East Lancashire derby at Turf Moor. The allegations came during
A BLACKBURN primary school will be the first in the borough to become an academy, at the start of next month. The news comes as Blackburn with Darwen Council prepares to sign over the land at Wensley Fold VC CE Primary School, which will become
SAMANTHA Murray says she is ‘elated and relieved’ after modern pentathlon survived being dropped for the 2020 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee opted to omit wrestling ahead of modern pentathlon and taekwondo and will now decide which
TOURIST favourite Blackpool Tower is again shining in its fully-lit glory after only the second switch-on in its 119-year history last night. The tower, which uses 5,508 lights and is capable of producing 16.7million colour combinations, has lit
A PERVERT who sexually abused young girls over nearly five decades has been jailed for 16 years. Colin Dunn, 63, who molested six youngsters, confessed to first striking when he was just a teenager. Yesterday, Burnley Crown Court heard three
THIS is part of the striking £100million vision for Burnley's historic Weavers’ Triangle in an image seen for the first time. Council leaders and developers hope that their ‘On The Banks’ masterplan will create a fresh buzz around the imposing
DEMAND for assured, quality North West produced beef has never been higher, according to the National Farmers’ Union. The organisation said it has noticed shoppers trading up or opting for fresh British meat over imported processed products in
BLACKBURN Rovers boss Michael Appleton was left to count the cost of a decision going against his men as they drew 1-1 with Brighton last night. Rovers were leading thanks to Scott Dann’s goal when Jordan Rhodes saw a shot blocked by a Brighton defender
BURNLEY striker Sam Vokes will hope for the all clear from scans today after fears of a broken foot were allayed following a two-goal appearance in a behind closed doors friendly at Stoke. Vokes staked his claim for a place in the Clarets’ starting line-up
SOLDIERS from the Second and Fourth battalions of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment are to be deployed to Afghanistan. Philip Hammond, the Secretary of State for Defence, has confirmed that soldiers from the North West are to be sent to serve in
AN appeal has been launched for volunteers to help staff women’s aid centres in East Lancashire. People who can spare just one day a week are being asked to come forward by East Lancashire Women’s Centre for its offices in Blackburn and Accrington
BURNLEY'S home game against Huddersfield Town has been postponed after the Terriers reached the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Clarets had been due to host Huddersfield in the Championship on Saturday but the Yorkshire club's FA Cup fourth round replay
