Stories for 29 January 2003

Accrington News

Homes in burst banks fears

A RESERVOIR is to undergo an urgent inspection amid fears it could burst its banks and deluge nearby houses.   more...

Bold Keiran buries ghost of accident

A TEENAGER has visited the site of an horrific accident that left him with a fractured skull.   more...

Memorial service for the Pals

THE annual memorial service for The Accrington Pals will be held in St John the Evangelist church on Sunday, February 23, 2.45pm for 3pm.   more...

Blackburn News

Meningitis kills six-year-old boy

A SIX-YEAR-OLD schoolboy has died of meningitis less than 24 hours after contracting the disease.   more...

National Front target Blackburn

THE right-wing National Front is targeting Blackburn -- claiming people are deserting the BNP because it 'has gone soft'.   more...

Rovers' cola link blasted

BLACKBURN Rovers have defended themselves after a healthy eating watchdog accused the club of compromising education campaigns through its sponsorship link from Coca Cola.   more...

Man found murdered

A MURDER inquiry was launched today after the body of a teenager was discovered near a pub.   more...

Quest for new hotel

SPECIALIST consultants are being brought in to help a council which wants to see a high-quality hotel created in Blackburn.   more...

Music service hits the right note

BLACKBURN with Darwen music service has hit the right note in national awards despite being one of the youngest of its kind to enter.   more...

Man found murdered

A MURDER inquiry was launched today after the body of a teenager was discovered near a pub.   more...

Internet network scheme unveiled at libraries

A PEOPLE'S Network, which aims to give all residents access to the Internet, has been unveiled at East Lancashire libraries.   more...

Elderly woman's valuable ring taken

TWO bogus callers stole a valuable ring from the home of a woman in her 80s.   more...

Bargain-hunter's cheerio to brewery

ANTIQUES enthusiast Paul Morris has bid farewell to Daniel Thwaites after a memorable 30 years at the Blackburn brewery.   more...

Mayors get fit for a feast

SOUTH Ribble's mayor is challenging celebrity chefs to cook up a real treat for his charity fund.   more...

Bolton Bygone

Back on the right track

IN February, 1941, a number of people were taken to hospital after two trams crashed on Folds Road, Bolton.   more...

How many miners died in the Pretoria disaster -344 or 343?

The story of the Pretoria Pit disaster at Westhoughton on December 21, 1910, is well known, of course. It was one of the country's worst-ever mining disasters with 344 miners losing their lives.   more...

Glenn Ford's Horwich family tree riddle

HE IS a legendary Hollywood star with dozens of films to his name, fans across the world and a huge Beverley Hills mansion.   more...

Life at the old Museum

BOLTON is now relatively well-catered for in the matter of entertainment (some would say over-catered), but there was a time when the townspeople who wanted a night out went to "The Old Museum."   more...

January 9

From the Evening News, 1993: A BAN on smoking in public places should be brought in by the Government . . . say Bolton smokers.   more...

On this day - January 29

1728: John Gay's The Beggar's Opera was first performed, with a score derived from popular ballads of the time.   more...

Back on the right track

IN February, 1941, a number of people were taken to hospital after two trams crashed on Folds Road, Bolton.   more...

Trouble down't park

THERE was trouble down't park in 1950. A letter to the Bolton Evening News highlighted the problem.   more...

Prestigious award for scouting stalwart

A STALWART of a Bolton Scout group was presented with his Queen's Scout Award in September, 1971.   more...

January 9

From the Evening News, 1993: A BAN on smoking in public places should be brought in by the Government . . . say Bolton smokers.   more...

On this day - January 29

1728: John Gay's The Beggar's Opera was first performed, with a score derived from popular ballads of the time.   more...

Bolton Education

Anger over `Try harder' letter from Minister

PRIMARY school heads across Bolton are throwing away in disgust a letter from education minister Stephen Twigg telling them that they must try harder to improve English and maths results.   more...

Watchdog praises improving school

A SCHOOL that is improving all the time not only has the support of parents and pupils, but now education watchdogs too.   more...

New head takes over reins at primary school

THE new headteacher of a Bolton primary school is determined pupils will not only receive top quality education but also an introduction to Manchester City Football Club.   more...

Bolton Info

A brolly good investment

MOST households these days will perhaps have an umbrella or two on standby for those rainy days that are all too frequent, and the usual place for the umbrella is perhaps in a hall cupboard or perhaps in the porch.   more...

Dish, tin opener, magazine & clock

Q: I have a dish about 12ins across and it is in the shape of an anemone, and is bright purple and red. On the base it says Shorter. How old is it and what is it worth? Mrs G   more...

Bolton Leisure

New deadline for leisure centres

COMPANIES bidding to take over Bolton's leisure centres have been given until the end of the week to submit their proposals.   more...

The Hypochondriac at The Octagon, runs until February 22

MICHAEL MEARS was the lucky man hired to measure screen star Gwyneth Paltrow's inside leg.   more...

My friend Miss Flint, Tyldesley Little Theatre, Runs to Saturday

THIS play is something of a rarity -- a comedy about that most serious of organisations, the Inland Revenue.   more...

Big cash boost for Singin' in the Rain group

A STAGE group which is set to put on a performance of Singin' In The Rain at the Albert Halls next month has been awarded £8,350.   more...

A funny old February!

BOLTON will be echoing to the sound of laughter within the coming month when the town's premier entertainment venues play host to some of the country's top funnymen.   more...

Music and comedy at the Halls

A MIXTURE of the familiar and new are set to star at Bolton's Albert Halls this coming season.   more...

Learn to relax

LEARN the art of relaxation with Dorothy Scully's Tai Chi Qigong techniques.   more...

Exhibitions - galleries & museums (from January 29)

'Exhibition of Paintings' by local artist Brian Barlow, Harwood Library, Gate Fold, Bolton. Runs throughout January.   more...

Churchill by John Keegan, Churchill by Sebastian Haffner & Winston Churchill by Robert Blake

VOTED the Greatest Briton in the recent BBC TV series -- as we forecast he would be on our TV pages -- Winston Churchill packed more into the years between his birth in 1874 and death in 1965 than just about anyone else on this planet.   more...

NEW books available to borrow from Bolton Central Library

Fiction: The Plague Lord by Paul Doherty; The Watchman by Brian Freemantle; A Detective Under Fire by HRF Keating; A Different Kind of Love by Sheelagh Kelly; Kentucky Heat by Fern Michaels; Some Bitter Taste; Marshal Guarnaccia Investigates by Magdalen Nabb.   more...

Completely Crazy Poems picked by John Foster

Here is a vibrant collection of wonderfully hilarious poems (both old and new) put together by a master compiler and well-known poet.   more...

Guided walks

The Lancashire Countryside Service runs a programme of events and guided walks throughout the year. There are two walks with a ranger in February:   more...

Comedy at the Halls

Bolton's own Peter Kay headlines the array of acts lining up to appear at the Albert Halls . . . along with such well known names as Ken Dodd (January 29), Harry Hill (March 21), Bobby Davro (May 30), and Aussie comic and songwriter, Kevin Wilson (June 19).   more...

Search is on for Britain's oldest dog

A NATIONWIDE search to find Britain's oldest dog is underway.   more...

Young at Heart event

THE next meeting of the Young at Heart Fellowship will be held at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lord's Stile Lane, Bromley Cross from 2pm on Monday (February 3)   more...

Learn about life as a paramedic

STAFF from Greater Manchester Ambulance Service (GMAS) will demonstrate life-saving techniques in Manchester this Sunday.   more...

Crime views

BOLTON Police will be holding a drop-in session at Brownlow Fold Community Centre in Eskrick Street on Wednesday (Feb 5), between noon and 8pm.  more...

Jazz: what's on and where

JERIATRIC JAZZ: The Jolly Carter, Church St., Little Lever, Bolton. With special guest Howard Murray (tenor/baritone). Wednesday, January 29. 8.30-11.30pm.   more...

Q: Why pub quizzes? A: Because it's fun!

PETER Cropper is a member of the Sweet Green Trinity quiz team and a stalwart of the Bolton Premier Quiz League. Here he explains why the pub quiz has become part of the local way of life.   more...

Wines of the week

A NEW South American wine promises to be a good mover as it hits the Sainsbury shelves this month. Lo Tengo comes in revolutionary lenticular packaging which mimics the movement of the Tango.   more...

What to do in Bolton on Thursday

Wildlife Attractions, Bolton Aquarium, BOLTON MUSEUM, ART GALLERY & AQUARIUM, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton. Fantastic fish on display from all over the world, some highly threatened in their natural habitats.   more...

Here there's no trouble at t'mill!

WHEN we saw coaches from Liverpool, Birmingham and Shrewsbury parked outside Oswaldwistle Mill we realised that this is a popular place.   more...

Bolton News

Baby murder charge mum goes free

SOLICITOR Sally Clark jailed for life for the murders of her two baby sons was today dramatically freed by the Court of Appeal.   more...

Q: Why pub quizzes? A: Because it's fun!

PETER Cropper is a member of the Sweet Green Trinity quiz team and a stalwart of the Bolton Premier Quiz League. Here he explains why the pub quiz has become part of the local way of life.   more...

Glenn Ford's Horwich family tree riddle

HE IS a legendary Hollywood star with dozens of films to his name, fans across the world and a huge Beverley Hills mansion.   more...

Sweet killed a toddler on a shopping trip with mum

A TODDLER died after choking on a sweet while on a shopping trip with his mother, a Bolton inquest was told.   more...

Football mad star's red nose crusade to Africa

SOCCER mad actor Ralf Little is preparing himself for a football tour of Africa.   more...

Arson attacks knock cricket cub for six

OFFICIALS at Blackrod Cricket Club are counting the cost of an arson attack on their ground -- the latest in a series of attacks on the club during the last two years.   more...

Council deny speed humps danger claim

CLAIMS by an ambulance chief that speed humps can cause as many deaths as they prevent have been denied in Bolton.   more...

Big cash boost for Singin' in the Rain group

A STAGE group which is set to put on a performance of Singin' In The Rain at the Albert Halls next month has been awarded £8,350.   more...

Emergency landing

A BRITISH Airways plane with nearly 100 passengers on board was forced to make an emergency landing at Manchester Airport. The plane, flying from Heathrow to Glasgow, battled through high winds to land safely at around 8.50pm last night. Buses took the passengers to Glasgow.  more...

'Make blackspot safe' appeal

A MAN who was badly hurt at the same spot on a major road where a child was injured at the weekend says a pedestrian crossing should be installed before someone else is injured or killed.   more...

Complaints platform

A CAMPAIGN to get rail passengers to complain more about train services was due to be launched at Manchester Piccadilly station today with the Rail Passenger Council promoting their "Have a Pop" scheme.  more...

Ex-policeman cleared of drink driving

A FORMER policeman has been cleared of drink driving following a trial.   more...

Children's hospice gets a £1m boost

CHILDREN'S hospice Derian House has finally been blessed by lottery luck and been given a cash boost of almost £1million.   more...

Meningitis charity appeals for help

THE Meningitis Research Foundation is calling on the people of Bolton to help combat life-threatening diseases which can kill in hours.   more...

Youngsters fall short in fruit survey

YOUNGSTERS in the North-west know all about healthy diets but can not resist the lure of burgers and chips.   more...

Playing into the BNP's hands

THE British National Party must be rubbing its collective hands, if not with glee then with something approaching "We told you so" satisfaction, following the death of a Special Branch police officer in the raid on a house in Crumpsall, North Manchester.   more...

Sentence a case of Russian roulette BY ANGELA KELLY

JUDGE Lindsey Kushner decided not to send a 16-year-old boy from Tonge Moor to youth custody for pointing a fake gun at a woman's head.   more...

Where does that glaze button come from? asks ALAN CALVERT

EVERY so often I notice one of the advertisements on television and the name of the product registers with me.   more...

Injured daughter - mum 's anguish

Mum's anguish over injured daughter   more...

Criminal hire doctor struck off

A DOCTOR has been struck off after he hired a man convicted of kidnapping, forgery and assault to work at his surgery.   more...

New deadline for leisure centres

COMPANIES bidding to take over Bolton's leisure centres have been given until the end of the week to submit their proposals.   more...

Radio stolen in car break-in

THIEVES stole property from cars after smashing their windows in seperate attacks in Whitefield and Bury yesterday.   more...

Roadworks under way

WORK has begun to resurface the busy A665 Bury Old Road at Prestwich.   more...

Getting a bellyful of Eastern promise

Former Coronation Street actress Denise Welch starred in the role of an overweight mum who turns her life around -- by belly dancing in one of the BBC's afternoon plays. Angela Kelly went along to a Bolton class to try out the art.   more...

Sentence a case of Russian roulette

JUDGE Lindsey Kushner decided not to send a 16-year-old boy from Tonge Moor to youth custody for pointing a fake gun at a woman's head.   more...

Children risk lives in train drain game

THRILL-seeking youngsters have been playing a potentially fatal game of "chicken" by ducking down in a deep drain between railway lines as 70mph trains pass over their heads.   more...

Hellbent on war

IN October 2001, while on a diplomatic mission to the Middle East, Tony Blair told the ruler of Oman that no steps would be taken against Iraq unless there was "absolute evidence" that Saddam's regime had been complicit in the September 11 attacks.   more...

Traffic nightmare

MAY I bring, once again, to your attention the traffic on Crown Lane, Horwich.   more...

Kept in the dark

THE inspectors in Iraq have yet to find any evidence of "weapons of mass destruction".   more...

No change since 1947

I NOTICE with dismay the new walls (back and front) of the houses in Ainsworth Lane.   more...

Better signs the answer

I CAN'T remember the last time I saw children playing on the motorway.   more...

Owen no hero

MAY I take issue with Angela Kelly (January 22), in referring to footballer Michael Owen as a "hero".   more...

Guardian angels

HAVING just driven past our local fire station and witnessed the firefighters striking once more, I have decided to share my feelings and tell this story.   more...

Speedy reply

IF your correspondent Stuart Murray had read the previous correspondence on the subject of speed restrictions.   more...

Making a mockery of democracy

THERE is no doubt that the new 60-bedroom hotel almost ready on land next to the Beehive pub in Horwich will boost the local economy.   more...

Hot pants: The bottom line

HOT pants are back with a vengeance, thanks to Kylie Minogue and the Cheeky Girls.   more...

£25k hires you comic Peter Kay

IF you've got a spare £25,000 you can, apparently, have Bolton comic Peter Kay at your corporate do.   more...

No smoke without danger

AN NHS drug trial allowing pregnant women to smoke a "safe" cigarette strikes me as daft.   more...

Bolton Sport

Adlington win closes gap on leaders Darcy

SUNDAY was another disappointing day for the BSF Winter Rounders League with only three games being played.   more...

Youngsters crush Tempest hopes

TEMPEST United suffered a severe blow to their West Lancashire League promotion hopes as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat against a youthful Burnley team.   more...

Halliwell Darts

FRIDAY saw England's Paul Williams beat Shaun Liptrot in a close and exciting final with an unlucky Pete Jones and Paul Halliwell just losing out in the semis.   more...

Football mad star's red nose crusade to Africa

SOCCER mad actor Ralf Little is preparing himself for a football tour of Africa.   more...

Seven-up as rampant RMI seal cup win

Flixton 0 Leigh RMI 7 by Martyn Hindley   more...

Walkden are indoor kings

WALKDEN proved the masters of the indoor cricket game as they swept to another convincing win in the Bolton League's Anthony Axford Trophy.   more...

Cricket league votes to block overseas amateurs

THE Bolton Cricket League have thrown out a move to bring back overseas amateurs for next season writes Peter Mensforth   more...

Harriers overcome uphill struggle

COLIN Rigby lead the way for Harriers in the Ashurst Beacon Fell Race from Upholland.   more...

Arson attacks knock cricket cub for six

OFFICIALS at Blackrod Cricket Club are counting the cost of an arson attack on their ground -- the latest in a series of attacks on the club during the last two years.   more...

Walkden are indoor kings

WALKDEN proved the masters of the indoor cricket game as they swept to another convincing win in the Bolton League's Anthony Axford Trophy.   more...

Click here for all the latest news from Down Under

HERE are some of the best websites to follow all the England action   more...

Bolton Wanderers

WANDERERS 1 EVERTON 2: All the stats and facts

WHO did what at the Reebok   more...

We have to accept we can't cope at times - Sam

Wanderers 1, Everton 2: STRAIGHT-TALKING Sam Allardyce voiced the fears that are haunting worried Wanderers fans today when he admitted the team is in big relegation trouble.   more...

PREVIEW: Everton test for Ricketts jeers

MICHAEL Ricketts knows only too well that he is in danger of suffering a backlash from Bolton fans starting with the home clash with Everton on Tuesday.   more...

Double strike rocks depressing Wanderers

HOW Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock reported for this website.   more...

PREVIEW: Charlton plea over Ricketts jeers

WANDERERS' players have no problem with wantaway striker Michael Ricketts.   more...

PREVIEW: Wanderers' 'new' double signing!

SURPRISE guys Ivan Campo and Bernard Mendy could give Sam Allardyce a massive boost for the Premiership run-in - starting at home to Everton on Tuesday night.   more...

PREVIEW: Forget signings! It's points we want - Sam

SAM Allardyce believes the next two home games could sort the men out from the boys.   more...

Everton Fact File

WE run the rule over the Toffeemen   more...

Relegation - fans fear the worst

WANDERERS fans woke up today to the desperate fact that relegation from the Premiership is fast becoming the likely scenario.   more...

PREVIEW: Wanderers' double boost for Everton clash

JAY JAY OKOCHA and Per Frandsen could boost Wanderers ahead of Tuesday night's clash against Everton after they both returned to training on Sunday.   more...

PREVIEW: Survival battle: Wanderers' 6-point target

WANDERERS are looking for victory against Everton at the Reebok tonight ahead of even more vital games against fellow Premiership strugglers Birmingham and West Brom.   more...

PREVIEW: Moyes warning for Reebok visit

MANAGER David Moyes believes Everton will face a tough battle against determined opposition for the visit to the Reebok on Tuesday.   more...

Sam sets points target

SAM Allardyce today admitted that last night's home defeat by Everton plunged his side into "grave, grave danger," with the next two games against Birmingham and West Brom now crucial in the fight for survival.   more...

Sam sets points target

SAM Allardyce today admitted that last night's home defeat by Everton plunged his side into "grave, grave danger," with the next two games against Birmingham and West Brom now crucial in the fight for survival.   more...

WANDERERS 1 EVERTON 2: All the stats and facts

WHO did what at the Reebok   more...

Salva deal: We have a chance, says Sam

VALENCIA striker Salva Ballesta is still a Wanderers target. Manager Sam Allardyce said today: "We have a chance with Salva. It's not certain, but I have pushed hard most of the day and made progress."   more...

Relegation countdown: Who plays where . . .

WANDERERS are deeply embroiled in the relegation countdown so here is a handy guide to find where and when the opposition is playing over the closing months:   more...

Relegation: Fans fear the worst

WANDERERS fans woke up today to the desperate fact that relegation from the Premiership is fast becoming the likely scenario.   more...

Relegation countdown: Who plays where

WANDERERS are deeply embroiled in the relegation countdown so here is a handy guide to find where and when the opposition is playing over the closing months:   more...

Sam strikes Spanish gold!

VALENCIA striker Salva Ballesta has signed a loan deal until the end of the season according to the Spanish club's website.   more...

The story so far

ALL the results   more...

Burnley News

Give it back, 'evil drugs genius' told

THE brains behind a massive North West drugs operation has been ordered to sell his luxury house and give back the profits of his crimes.   more...

'Meltdownb' fears over GP services

FAMILY doctor services are facing a crisis if GP vacancies continue to rise, it was claimed today.   more...

Samaritans unite with Clarets

THE Samaritans are joining forces with Burnley FC as part of a unique bid to cut down on the number of young men committing suicide.   more...

College praised for mental health scheme

BURNLEY College has been praised by a charity for a course which helps students who have suffered mental health problems.   more...

Worsthorne bulletin

WORSTHORNE Scouts meet on Mondays at 8pm and have 22 members at present but will lose a few in May.   more...

Student drove car onto beach after drinking

A STUDENT who drove a new Mini Cooper on to Blackpool beach while he was over the alcohol limit, has escaped a driving ban.   more...

Park at your peril, football fans are warned

ROADWORKS in Burnley have resulted in a series of diversions in time for Saturday's football match.   more...

High-tech crime fight under way

A SERIES of high-tech police initiatives have been launched in East Lancashire as part of a special operation designed to deter criminal activity.   more...

Bury News

Three held in Terrorism Act raids

THREE people were arrested under the Terrorism Act in dawn raids across Greater Manchester today.   more...

Residents evacuated in gas blast threat

MORE than 200 Prestwich householders were forced to leave their homes during an early morning gas blast alert.   more...

Armed raiders grab Post Office cash

MASKED raiders armed with an axe and a knife burst into a Post Office and stole cash.   more...

Radio stolen in car break-in

THIEVES stole property from cars after smashing their windows in seperate attacks in Whitefield and Bury yesterday.   more...

Roadworks under way

WORK has begun to resurface the busy A665 Bury Old Road at Prestwich.   more...

Ex-policeman cleared of drink driving

A FORMER policeman has been cleared of drink driving following a trial.   more...

Criminal hire doctor struck off

A DOCTOR has been struck off after he hired a man convicted of kidnapping, forgery and assault to work at his surgery.   more...

Bury Sport

Ammies pass return test in style

Radcliffe Amateurs...3 Rivington...0 - FIVE weeks without a game due to the recent adverse weather conditions, meant a stern test for Radcliffe Amateurs on Saturday.   more...

Boro held as Albion hit a late equaliser

Witton Albion...2 Radcliffe Borough...2 - A GOAL ten minutes from time denied Boro a victory against fellow promotion hopefuls Witton, but a draw was a fair result in an end-to-end encounter.   more...

Football mad star's red nose crusade to Africa

SOCCER mad actor Ralf Little is preparing himself for a football tour of Africa.   more...

Chorley Sport

Magpies hit back to stun the Shrimps

CHORLEY came from behind to embarrass Conference high-flyers Morecambe with a stunning victory in the second round of the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy at Christie Park last night.   more...

Lynx secure cup tie against Swinton

CHORLEY Lynx progressed to the fourth round of the Challenge Cup with a victory over amateurs Leigh Miners - securing a fifth round home draw against Swinton.   more...

Clarets Sport

One hundred wins - top five

THE Clarets victory at Griffin Park on Saturday was the 100th in a competitive game since Stan Ternent took charge - not that the manager is counting.   more...

Take it easy for Taylor

GARETH Taylor admitted he will treading on egg-shells against Reading on Saturday, aware that any yellow card will see him banned for the FA Cup clash at Fulham.   more...

Burnley's boys do Pashley proud

BURNLEY'S young players may have lost to Tranmere Rovers in the Lancashire FA Youth Cup but coach Terry Pashley was delighted with their efforts.   more...

Dimi has to stay at home

THE last time Greece played an international match, Burnley striker Dimitri Papadopoulos collected his first full cap.   more...

London's calling again for Clarets

SO it is Fulham away in the fifth round of the FA Cup. You would think after a 20 year wait the Clarets would be entitled to have a tie with a little more glamour, a little more spice.   more...

Clitheroe News

'Fight for North West, not against Iraq'

A BATTLING 85-year-old councillor is calling on East Lancashire people to fight regional government in the North West -- not war in Iraq.   more...

Pupils get a sample of prison

STUDENTS at Stonyhurst College discovered jail was far from being a holiday camp, after sampling life in a prison cell.   more...

Roman expert Jim dies

ONE of Ribchester's best known characters, Jim Ridge, who was for many years the curator of the village's Roman Museum, has died.   more...

Colne News

Avago...and winner John did just that!

A COLNE father has shown he has got what it takes to be a TV presenter after winning the chance to be a game show host.   more...

Minister sees work of benefits section

THE work of Pendle Council's benefits section was due to come under the spotlight today when government minister Malcolm Wicks visited the borough.   more...

Elderly man saved in fire drama

AN elderly man was rescued from a house in North Valley Road, Colne, last night.   more...

Old for new

CHILDREN and staff at a Colne school have collecting paper, cans and plastics for a new recycling project.   more...

Darwen News

Victory in m-way sign battle

*CAMPAIGNERS who want the M65 Services name changed from Blackburn to Darwen could be on the verge of victory.   more...

Police will quiz mother over fire at home

A MOTHER is to be questioned by police after a house fire which left two of her children seriously ill, it was revealed today.   more...

Buy local is boss' message

A COMPANY manager is urging people to 'buy local' with a series of hard-hitting posters in Darwen.   more...

Show in 'Honor' of special date

TICKETS are now on sale for Honor Blackman's solo show 'Wayward Women' at the Darwen Library Theatre on March 8.   more...

Massage treat for shoppers

TIRED shoppers in Darwen are in for a treat on Saturday, February 8.   more...

Scenery paint challenge

ST Cuthbert's Amateur Dramatic Society in Darwen is looking for keen artists to paint pantomime scenery.   more...

Lancashire Business

Deal for tiles division of carpet company

STRUGGLING East Lancashire carpet manufacturer Gaskell plc has completed the sale of its tile division in a £17million deal.   more...

Lancashire Leisure

EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Thursday, January 30

A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside.   more...

EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Wednesday, January 29

A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside.   more...

Lancashire News

Shedding light on a 'deterrent'

WELCOME as they are in themselves, I am left in the dark by the notion that the hundreds of extra street lights that are to be erected in East Lancashire at huge public expense will cut crime.   more...

The sentence should fit the crime

THIEF Raymond Craig was a heinous rat when he stole rings from the fingers of an elderly woman patient in hospital.   more...

Ten years ago

EVEN Robert Burns would have been proud of the traditional Scottish tribute paid to him by catering students at Accrington and Rossendale College.   more...

Five years ago

DIANE Hawkins, of Fawcett Close, Blackburn, raised a cyberpet to the grand old age of 49 and asked if she had broken any records.   more...

Meningitis kills six-year-old boy

A SIX-YEAR-OLD schoolboy has died of meningitis less than 24 hours after contracting the disease.   more...

Man found murdered

A MURDER inquiry was launched today after the body of a teenager was discovered near a pub.   more...

Jet engine memories flood back

COPIES have been sent to me of your report (LET, December 16) about the new blue plaque erected on the wall of the Swan and Royal Hotel, Castle Street, Clitheroe, to commemorate the deal signed there in 1942 for the development of Sir Frank Whittle's jet engine -- the embryo of which I have a personal association with.   more...

Good move for cleaner estates

REGARDING the resignation of Blackburn councillor Charles Mills from the board of Twin Valley Homes in disagreement over a tenant being evicted for having an untidy garden (LET, January 17).   more...

Ready to fuss over Frodo?

MANCHESTER Dogs' Home is looking for an owner for an exceptional dog.   more...

A dark side to centre suggestion

IN response to Mr Neil Townsend's remarks (Letters, January 14) about the new health centre to be built over the astroturf pitch at Darwen Leisure Centre, I really like his suggestion that the footballers use Blacksnape Playing Fields. However, as we play at 8.30 pm on Thursdays, there may be a lighting problem.   more...

Offer a home from home for Wilbur

WILBUR is a medium-sized black and tan cross breed dog. He was picked up by the Rochdale Dog Warden when he was found wandering in the area on the 12th August 2002.   more...

Flag ban could only happen here

REGARDING the views on flying the country's flag (Letters, January 22), yes, it is regarded as politically incorrect for us to be proud to be English -- because, if we fly the flag, we are classed as racists.   more...

Billy needs a home

BILLY is a medium-sized black and tan cross breed dog. He was picked up by the Tameside Dog Warden when he was wandering in the Denton area on the 27th June 2002.   more...

Let's have the true story, Jack

SO, a quarter of the UK's Forces are to be sent to the Gulf. What the devil is this country up to?   more...

Could Dylan be the dog for you?

DYLAN is a black and white, medium sized, male cross English Bullterrier, who is about three years old.   more...

Numbers, please

WITH outside agencies as well as the local council looking after asylum seekers, what is the true number in this area?   more...

Hungry migrants find a new home

FOLLOWING the movement of Twites in the Burnley area during the cold spell of early January, I expected an influx of a fascinating bird called the waxwing. What I did not expect was for birds to turn up in Blackburn!   more...

Weather or not...

HERONS breed in fairly large colonies. Adult birds can arrive in the heronry as early as February but the breeding success does depend upon how well the female birds fare in January.   more...

Species in decline

NOT too long ago the reed bunting could be regarded as a common bird. This is not the case at the moment.   more...

Just deserts for evil drugs genius

SUCH is the extent of the drugs curse in East Lancashire that there can hardly be a family that has not been tainted by it -- if not with a relative or neighbour snared as an addict, then as victim or acquaintance of someone who has suffered the rampant theft it inspires.   more...

War almost won by commonsense

PEOPLE in Darwen have long protested that they are treated as second class citizens. Many believe 'Big Brother' Blackburn always gets a better deal than their town.   more...

Lancashire Sport

Reds boss targets more of the same

ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman described his side's first away win for four months as 'a relief'.   more...

Hawks cut down by sharp Scimitars

BLACKBURN Hawks ran high-flying hosts Sheffield Scimitars very close in a pulsating Northern Cup tie at Queen Road, Sheffield.   more...

Stanley at home for Trophy game

ACCRINGTON Stanley are at home to Lancaster City in the Lancashire FA   more...

Turn up the heat!

GRAEME Souness today backed relegation-haunted West Ham to win their battle against the drop - but not before Rovers try to plunge them into deeper trouble at Upton Park tonight.   more...

Take it easy for Taylor

GARETH Taylor admitted he will treading on egg-shells against Reading on Saturday, aware that any yellow card will see him banned for the FA Cup clash at Fulham.   more...

It is all Kidd's stuff for Paul

PAUL Kidd has vowed not to turn his back on Accrington Rugby League after ending a 10 year association with the club to become the assistant coach at Swinton.   more...

Play-off hopes fade up North

ROSSENDALE'S faint hopes of a play-off place faded as they went down to promotion-chasing Penrith.   more...

Blackburn stay top

BLACKBURN ran in four second-half tries to stay top of the table after soaking up the pressure from Liverpool.   more...

Joyce pulls the strings for Ryan

PAUL Ryan scored another hat-trick of tries but it was fly half Spike Joyce who orchestrated another fine victory.   more...

Lancaster Sport

Magpies hit back to stun the Shrimps

CHORLEY came from behind to embarrass Conference high-flyers Morecambe with a stunning victory in the second round of the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy at Christie Park last night.   more...

Leigh Education

Who's top of the schools?

The latest league tables for schools in Wigan and Salford, Bolton and Bury are now online on This is Leigh. Find out how schools in your area fared by clicking on the following link:   more...

Leigh Leisure

Swan Lake enchantment

PREPARE to be enchanted by the classic beauty of Swan Lake as it glides into the Manchester Opera House this week.   more...

Star chance for disabled children

HAVE you left school in the last 10 years or are you about to leave in the next five? Wigan and Leigh Scope would like to hear from young disabled people and their families who would like to attend their Reach for the Stars seminar.   more...

My friend Miss Flint, Tyldesley Little Theatre, Runs to Saturday

THIS play is something of a rarity -- a comedy about that most serious of organisations, the Inland Revenue.   more...

Leigh News

Second out-of-town post office to shut in April

A SECOND Atherton post office has been earmarked for closure as part of a programme to axe struggling urban branches.   more...

Leigh Sport

Harriers pair are Northern stars

HARRIERS Tom Boardman and Anne Powell were the individual Leigh squad stars at the Northern Cross Country championships.   more...

Seven-up as rampant RMI seal cup win

Flixton 0 Leigh RMI 7 by Martyn Hindley   more...

Nelson News

Schools pioneer new curriculum

SCHOOLS in Pendle will benefit from a £150,000 government grant to carry out pioneering research into dyslexia, modern foreign languages and accelerated learning.   more...

Charges possible over vote rigging claims

PROSECUTORS are considering criminal charges over the vote rigging allegations which blighted last year's Pendle Council elections.   more...

Model guns can be made to work

PENNINE Police today issued a warning to gun shops and owners after it was revealed that some imitation weapons can easily be converted into working firearms.   more...

Residents see plan for centre

RESIDENTS in Nelson have been finding out more about plans to develop the St Philip's Family Support Centre, in Leeds Road.   more...

Preston,Leyland,Northend Sport

PNE loan Healy out to Norwich

OUT-OF-SORTS striker David Healy has joined Norwich on a month's loan deal.   more...

Rawtenstall News

Christmas gift had been stolen

A MAN presented his pregnant girlfriend with a £1,200 home theatre system for Christmas -- but a court heard he had stolen it the night before.   more...

Hall is 'too small' for Mayor's ball

THE MAYOR'S ball has been given the go-ahead at Bacup's Leisure Hall -- despite concerns that the venue is too small.   more...

Rovers Sport

Just robbing the fans

ONCE upon a time the FA Cup used to be considered the greatest Cup competition in the world.   more...

I have to do a double-take says Egil

BLACKBURN striker Egil Ostenstad today admitted he has to do a 'double-take' whenever he sees West Ham propping up the rest of the Premiership.   more...

Turn up the heat!

GRAEME Souness today backed relegation-haunted West Ham to win their battle against the drop - but not before Rovers try to plunge them into deeper trouble at Upton Park tonight.   more...

Teams dig deep for hard fought draw

BLACKBURN Rovers' two Academy teams had to dig deep to secure two vital results in the North East at the weekend.   more...

Head to head...

WEST HAM boss Glenn Roeder will turn to veteran striker Les Ferdinand as the man to bail his side out of the relegation mire - starting against Rovers tonight.   more...

  
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