THE borough will once again stretch the hand of friendship and strengthen ties with its twin town of Tulle. An exchange visit to the French town is planned from July 21 to 28 and there are a limited number of places available for anybody wishing to go
A PRESTWICH-BASED group has certainly lived up to its name! For energetic members of Christie Hospital's Tender Loving Care (TLC) ladies fund-raising committee have handed over £12,000 for the £25 million Christie Against Cancer Appeal. The cheque represents
POLICE launched a murder inquiry in Colne today after a 34-year-old man was found in a flat. Police were called to a block of flats in Brown Street East just before midnight after paramedics attended to the injured man. A police spokesman said: "A 34-
BLACKBURN Rovers have suffered a setback today in their bid to bring Turkish midfielder Tugay Kerimoglu to Ewood Park. The Home Office have refused the player a work permit, saying he does not meet their criteria. Blackburn, who had agreed personal terms
ROVERS new-boy Corrado Grabbi today fired a parting shot at some of the top clubs in Italy, accusing them of ignoring local talent and flooding Serie A with foreign stars. Grabbi spurned the chance to join a host of leading sides in his homeland, including
AN ARMED raider who brought terror to two Burnley post offices in one afternoon was today starting a five and a half year jail term. Burnley Crown Court heard how partly "masked," drug addict Stewart Entwistle, 30, pointed what appeared to be a handgun
THE Ribble Valley's only balloonist says he is battling on despite losing 50 per cent of his income since foot and mouth disease grounded him in February. Graham Church runs the Pendle Balloon Company and used to complete an average of 50 one-hour flights
SAVINGS and low-cost loans group, Colne and District Credit Union, has rung up its 100th loan -- just 18 months after the branch got under way. The saver, who has not been named, is using the cash for a holiday during the coming wakes weeks. The Credit
THEY'VE reinvented the circus at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Eclipse, which has opened for the summer season at the fun park's new state-of-art Globe Theatre, is billed as a "circus musical", and as such it takes the traditional concept into the 21st century
AFTER 18 months' hard work at a cost of £25,000, Baxenden's 'Focal Point' was unveiled. Residents, representatives of funding bodies, contractors, councillors, and the design team from Baxenden school were all at the opening of the garden, at the junction
A TEENAGER is in hospital after being shot in the eye by a stray pellet while working on a clay-pigeon shoot. Nathan Smalley underwent an operation on Sunday at Burnley General Hospital to remove part of the pellet from underneath his left eye. Police
A 21-YEAR-OLD Longridge man authorised himself to cash someone else's Giro at the town post office. Blackburn magistrates heard that staff initially refused to cash the Giro but when Phillip MacPherson returned later with a letter he claimed was from
BURNLEY will take on Nationwide League new-boys Rushden and Diamonds in the first round of the Worthington Cup. The Clarets were paired with the Conference champions when the draw was made today and the two will meet in a one-off clash at Turf Moor, rather
PREMIERSHIP big guns Chelsea are planning to use their pre-season trip to Burnley as a dry-run for their top flight campaign in the North-West. Claudio Ranieri's side will play at Turf Moor on Saturday, August 4, just two weeks before they start their
A MAN'S body was found hanging under Blackpool's South Pier in the early hours of this morning (June 19). Blackpool Police were called to the scene at around 7.45am and were trying to trace the next of kin of the man who has not been named. Police did
MANCHESTER United fans can bid for a football signed by the team stars in an auction held in aid of children across Lancashire affected by the AIDS virus. Blackpool HEAL (Health Education AIDS Liaison) is holding the online auction to boost funds for
JAPANESE-owned Futaba Tenneco has just installed a 1500 tonne press at its Burnley factory which is believed to be the most modern in the UK. The company, which manufactures exhaust systems, was previously known as Tenneco Automotive before it was taken
HEADACHES over VAT invoices for small and medium-sized firms trading in Europe could soon become a thing of the past, according to North West Labour Euro MP Gary Titley. He was speaking in Strasbourg after the European Parliament approved measures to
A NEW service has been launched in Burnley to give small businesses a 'professional gloss' that would normally be beyond their means. The Integrated Office is a new concept for business people on the move or those just starting on their own. The virtual
BURY'S record signing Chris Swailes is due to sign for First Division new boys Rotherham United on a free transfer today writes Steve Bott Swailes has accepted a three-year deal first offered to him by the Yorkshire outfit during talks on Friday, as the
SPORTY students from Darwen Moorland High School who excelled during a special day of athletics were rewarded for their efforts. The annual competition -- held at Witton Park, Blackburn, for the first time -- was entered by 27 tutor group teams. Events
DARWEN Morris Dancers want help to ensure their home show stays in town. The successful troupe is set to host a competition for nearly 400 people on September 9 and the only venue big enough in Darwen is the leisure centre. Secretary Sandra Jackson said
POLICE have arrested a man in connection with the attempted abduction of a young girl near a primary school in Darwen. The man, who has not been identified, was arrested by detectives yesterday and has been released on police bail for two weeks while
OVERCAST weather didn't stop the crowds turning out to the 28th Ramsbottom Festival Of Sport held at Nuttall Park, Ramsbottom. In recent years the event had adopted more of a country show format but this year the emphasis was firmly back to sporting roots
REGULARS at the Commercial Hotel, Water, were made to pay for being happy on the night Alma died. Shortly after what has been described as one of the most emotional scenes on television and as soap fans across the country shed tears, customers turned
A FORMER Blackburn man was among those made an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. David Whalley, a former pupil of St Silas and Billinge Technical College, received the honour for services to regeneration in Barnsley where he has lived since leaving
POLICE have renewed warnings to be on guard against bogus callers after two men tried to con their way into two homes in Blackburn. Police said the men had posed as council workers and solicitors to try to get into the two houses in Sabden Walk, but had
TWO men and a youth appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with attempted murder following an incident outside Blackburn Royal Infirmary in which an Asian man was repeatedly stabbed in the head, neck and chest. A doctor at the hospital was also
NEWS that plans for 24-hour drinking in pubs are likely to be shelved has received a mixed reaction from East Lancashire. Round-the-clock opening hours were due to be introduced by the Government as early as next year after Blackburn MP and former Home
PRESTON North End have lined up two mouth-watering pre season clashes with Champions League semi-finalists Leeds United and Serie A side Verona. The match against the Italian side, on Friday August 3, is part of Lee Cartwright's testimonial celebrations
POLICE are hunted a man who attempted to abduct an eight-year-old girl in Ramsbottom. The man, in his 40s, chased the terrified girl through woods near her home in Whittingham Drive. At one point, he grabbed hold of her T-shirt but she slapped his hand
Blackburn and District Probus Club meet St Silas' Parish Rooms, Preston New Road, Blackburn, 10.30am. Derbyshire Curiosities with Mr A Briddon. Friends In Bereavement meet in the lounge, St John's Methodist Church, Albert Road, Colne. 'Western Adventure
POLITICAL opponents of globalised commerce and of the so-called mono-culture of the internationally-spread corporate symbols that accompanies it may be heartened by the planning recommendation to ban burger colossus McDonald's from having its famous '
A WOMAN who rarely drank choked when she swallowed her own vomit after a night out with her husband, an inquest was told. Georgina Mifsud, aged 40, of Diamond Street, Leigh, had been out with her husband Dominic on December 28 but had not eaten much during
IRISH eyes were certainly smiling for a four-strong Bury team who completed a fund-raising Dublin Challenge. The foursome, residents of the town's Howarth Close Hostel for those with learning difficulties, certainly cut a dash to Dublin and helped raise
VANDALS targeting the former Prestwich Town Hall have placed the empty Grade Two listed building under threat. And unless the owners act now to protect the early 19th-century detached villa, Bury Council will step in to protect the former Manor Park nursing
POLICE were today investigating whether a steamy afternoon sex show staged in a pub in the shadow of Blackburn Cathedral broke the law. Drinkers watched as a stripper peeled off her nurse's uniform before writhing with a half-naked customer she had covered
THE sky's the limit for a Bury garage owner who has set off to Spain to represent Britain in the World Air Games. Neil King, who runs the Brandlesholme Service Station in Brandlesholme Road, and his partner Eileen Krysztofiak, have soared into the upper
BLACKBURN Rovers today warned Wolves boss Dave Jones to forget about signing Marcus Bent after slapping a 'not for sale' sign on the speedy striker. Reports in today's national Press suggested Jones was lining up a £3 million bid for the former Sheffield
A PRESTON man has passed the winning flag for an all-expenses-paid trip to the European Grand Prix in Germany. Penwortham-born David Wootton scooped the top prize after picking up a flyer in his local Booth's supermarket -- but almost missed out scooping
TWO thieves, claiming to be from the water board, entered the home of an 88-year-old woman in Belton Hill, Fulwood. The bogus officials, who struck at 10.10am on Wednesday, June 13, stole cash while pretending to carry out tests. They were both white,
A WOMAN motorist from St Helens injured when her car veered off a motorway into trees is still critical at Preston Royal Hospital. Julie Marie Locke, aged 30, of Liverpool Road, Pewsall, suffered severe head and chest injuries after her BMW 318 left the
A LOOKOUT at a house burglary was sent to detention for 21 months by a judge who warned him if he did it again he would face at least three years behind bars. Judge Raymond Bennett told Kevin Pearson, 20, that those who kept watch for raids were just
THE 41st Pendle Schools Festival got off to a flying start with music and drama at Colne Municipal Hall. At Walter Street School, Brierfield, youngsters showed off their country dancing skills and other performances were held at St John's C of E and Holy
POLICE launched a murder inquiry in Colne today after a 34-year-old man was found in a flat. Police were called to a block of flats in Brown Street East just before midnight after paramedics attended to the injured man. A police spokesman said: "A 34-
OSWALDTWISTLE Mills put on a special Father's Day treat for dads and car enthusiasts of all ages. A dozen vintage cars in excellent condition and full working order were driven in by car collectors from Bamber Bridge, Blackpool and Rochdale and then set
LIVERPOOL had the Beatles to help the city's name become known throughout the world, London its red buses and Newcastle its brown ale. Now Accrington has joined the global marketing arena hoping to push the name around the world - with the aid of a bunch
ST LEONARD'S Church, Langho, crowned their wounded Rose Queen during a day packed with activities. Holly Bond, 11, was in plaster after breaking her thumb but still took part in the procession from nearby the Rogersfield estate to the church. She was
AN Internet company has launched an investigation after an East Lancashire businessman claimed he received an abusive message from a salesman. When mortgage broker Chris Delaney caught up with his mobile phone messages, he said he was met by a torrent
A LUXURY housing development being built next door to a secure hospital unit treating arsonists and sex offenders is "one of our most successful ever", say the builders. A spokesperson for national builder Alfred McAlpine told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph
BLACKPOOL moved comfortably into the third round of the Thwaites Lancashire Cricket Knockout on Sunday when they beat Ribblesdale Wanderers by 38 runs. Blackpool batted first and, led by skipper Mark Lomas, scored 212-3 in the allotted 45 overs and then
READ Cricket Club is emerging as a hotbed of youth cricket as they aim to stay top of the pile in the Jennings Ribblesdale League. The club's first team is currently leading the title race and the longer term future also looks bright if Read's current
RONNIE IRANI led his Essex team to Old Trafford today aiming for revenge. Irani's previous return to his home county as Essex skipper two years ago ended in a heavy defeat with Muttiah Muralitharan taking 13 wickets on his first Championship appearance
THE landlord of the Blockade pub, Accrington, has had to call time because the pub is to make way for an office block. Abdul Rauf, who has lived at the pub in King Street for three years with his wife and little girl, admitted that they will be sad to
A LICENSEE has urged that pub landlords should be able to make their policy on smoking rather than have it decided for them. Debbie Ashworth, landlady of the Pendle Inn, Barley, spoke as licensees were pressed to sign up to a voluntary charter on smoking
BINGO could be making a "Kwik" comeback to Bury! After an absence of more than three years, players of the popular past-time may no longer have to travel outside the borough for an evening of housey-housey entertainment. Supermarket giants Kwik Save are
BURY police are gearing themselves up for a massive fingerprinting exercise on visitors to their cells. However, police chiefs have promised to release all guests without charge and return their prints as souvenirs when they stage an open day on Sunday
A TEENAGER chatted with his family after crashing his car but then died just hours later in intensive care. Nicholas Hitchen suffered what paramedics and firefighters thought were just minor chest injuries when his modified Vauxhall Nova went out of control
A BURY headteacher and a woman who is devoted to disability work have both been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Mr Paul Hopkins, headmaster of St Gabriel's RC High School for more than 20 years, earned an OBE for services to education
YOU can wait for a bus for ages and then three turn up at once or so they say. When First Manchester launched their new high frequency service, they promised to eliminate the headache of long waits at bus stops for many passengers. The scheme, guaranteeing
BLACKBURN Rovers have suffered a setback today in their bid to bring Turkish midfielder Tugay Kerimoglu to Ewood Park. The Home Office have refused the player a work permit, saying he does not meet their criteria. Blackburn, who had agreed personal terms
PREMIERSHIP big guns Chelsea are planning to use their pre-season trip to Burnley as a dry-run for their top flight campaign in the North-West. Claudio Ranieri's side will play at Turf Moor on Saturday, August 4, just two weeks before they start their
OFFICE furniture specialist Senator International has turned to the East in a drive to boost productivity and competitiveness. The company is introducing Japanese manufacturing techniques at its modern factory at the Altham Business Park in Accrington
BACUP-BASED Petra Hellas has beaten off the cream of Europe's top fireplace designers to win a prestigious international award. The company took the award for best fireplace assembly at the international Hearth and Home exhibition in Harrogate. The winning
BUSINESS support organisations in East Lancashire are being offered a last chance to enter a national competition with a top prize of £5,000. The Best for Business Awards are run by telecommunications company One2One and are designed to reward best practice
IT'S not a particularly decent thing to excel at, but the British are among the worst in Europe at stealing other people's partners -- and cheating on our own. We are more likely even than the hot-blooded Italians or romantic French to break up someone
A 22-YEAR-OLD Darwen man was stabbed in the shoulder and chest during a late night attack. The victim, who needed 12 stitches, is thought to have been involved in an argument with another man following a party in Angel Court, Darwen. The wounding happened
ONE of the oldest churches in the Darwen area is celebrating its 339th anniversary on Sunday. Tockholes United Reformed Church dates back to 1662 and there will be a special service in the church at 2pm to mark its anniversary. The preacher will be the
A FED-UP market trader says the £20,000 Darwen millennium monument is being used as a "glorified picnic area" while townspeople wait for work to be completed. Some stall holders claim they have never been consulted about the 'marker', which stands outside
FOOD seized from the fridge at a popular Entwistle pub was condemned as unfit for human consumption. Blackburn magistrates heard that an inspection of the kitchens at the Strawbury Duck in October also revealed cooking ranges encrusted with grease and
AN amazing £6,150 was raised at the duck derby and summer fair organised at St James the Less RC Church, Rawtenstall. Father David Lupton said about 1,500 people came to the fair and he was delighted with the amount raised which will go towards the church's
A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to demolish an historic school which prompted objections from all over the world has not been withdrawn, contrary to rumour. Hurstwood Developments of Rawtenstall is planning to demolish Lea Bank School and build luxury
A JOB centre worker suffered two broken ribs and a punctured lung after she was pushed in a nightclub. Burnley Crown Court heard how the victim fell against the corner of a platform which had the disco on and although at first thought to be just bruised
A £30 million investment fund for the North West has been launched to spearhead a new drive to create new businesses and jobs. The new regional venture capital fund will invest up to £250,000 in companies in return for an equity stake in the business.
A MAN was disqualified from acting as a company director for five years after his video games company was wound up with debts of £84,510. Mahammed Hanif Patel, of Nottingham Street, Blackburn, was a director of MHP Enterprises Limited, of Radcliffe, near
BOOKIE Stephen Carysforth was out of pocket today after paying nearly £8,000 to a punter from a £2.50 stake. Stephen, who runs the family bookmakers Carysforth Racing, in Johnston Street, Blackburn, with brother Michael was forced to pay out after all
COUNCIL bosses have given permission for work to begin on a new police headquarters. Police chiefs were forced to resubmit plans for the £8million development at Whitebirk after changing some of the materials in the scheme. It will be the headquarters
Now that former Clarets number two Glen Roeder has got the massive job of keeping West Ham in the Premiership, I'm sure most Clarets fans don't envy him a bit. He is the one, along with Chris Waddle, who almost took us down to the Third Division. He is
I have been a season ticket holder with Blackburn Rovers for many years. This year loyal and regular season ticket holders were given a discount of £25. This sounds good but I have noticed that this year there has been no mention of any free cup games
POLICE were today investigating whether a steamy afternoon sex show staged in a pub in the shadow of Blackburn Cathedral broke the law. Drinkers watched as a stripper peeled off her nurse's uniform before writhing with a half-naked customer she had covered
I understand the rationale behind the modest price increases in season ticket prices at Blackburn Rovers. Which, coupled with the 'loyalty' reductions, demonstrate a commitment to the local community, a commitment further demonstarted by Mr Souness's
AMBITIOUS Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman is in talks with a Nationwide second division striker about a move to the Crown Ground. Coleman spoke to the player yesterday about the prospect of linking up with the Reds as they prepare to launch an assault
LEIGH Centurions are celebrating the call-up of two more of their squad for international duty. Centre Paul Anderson, Leigh's second top scorer with 20 tries, and hooker John Duffy have been named in the 26-man Scotland squad for the international against
