A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Coffee Morning and stalls, Brunshaw Methodist Church, Burnley, 10am. Accrington and Blackburn CHA Club meet Whitehall Park gates, Darwen, 1.30pm, for Turn Lowe (C), leader
IT'S easy to laugh at plans for Blackburn with Darwen Council's "de-rumourising" department because it sounds like something straight out of a comedy series like Monty Python's Flying Circus. But in reality this proposal is a matter for serious concern
SEDGLEY Park's rearranged game with Kendal fell victim to the icy weather at the weekend and the two clubs will hope for 'third time lucky' on March 8. Tomorrow, Park travel to doomed Fylde but will not be complacent following the events at Park Lane
TWO of the biggest entertainers in snooker are set to do battle in Bury in March. Ronnie "The Rocket" O'Sullivan and Jimmy "Whirlwind" White are lined up for what's sure to be a night not to be missed for fans of the green baize. The superstars will each
BURY Amateur Boxing Club's brothers Amir and Haroon Khan each lifted North West National Schoolboys Amateur titles when they competed at Everton Sports Centre, Liverpool recently. It was the third time that Amir has won the title but little brother Haroon
Ramsbottom Utd...3 Glossop North End...2 RAMSBOTTOM came out on top in this relegation battle after once again coming from behind to take the three points. The Rams conceded a goal as early as the second minute when Glossop's big centre back Sherlock
BOLTON RUFC...26pts BURY RUFC...16pts BURY embarked on their local derby against near neighbours Bolton full of expectation as they were a league above their hosts. The critical mauling at the hands of Tom Lightfoot relating to the previous match would
AIR MILES Manchester League Premier Division Leigh Athletic...3 Elton Vale...4 IF it was elementary for Elton centre forward Derek Watson in the previous weeks' game, then, after this performance, crime sleuth Sherlock Holmes may well be doing some investigating
AN escorted shopping scheme has proved a hit with the elderly and disabled. The pilot project, which provides transport from home to a superstore and return, has enabled older people to keep their independence. The venture has been supported by Age Concern
BRADLEY Barclay smashed a window after being thrown out of the Boars Head, in Blackburn, because of his drunken condition. But Blackburn magistrates heard it was the manner in which he was ejected that had upset Barclay. Roger Pickles, defending, said
Regarding the charity boxing match being staged by Blackburn Lions (LET, February 24), boxing is not a sport, it is degrading and should not be supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council by allowing such a spectacle to be offered in the borough. BRIAN
Hunting with hounds is totally outdated and unnecessary and there is no place in today's society for such barbarity. And all this is in the name of so-called 'sport.' Hares and foxes are chased for long periods of time until exhausted, caught and then
AT last, a councillor who tells it like it is! Well done, Councillor Colin Rigby (LET, February 12). Blackburn has indeed under the present regime been allowed to deteriorate into a 'grotty' town. If you walk anywhere a quarter of a mile from the town
I AM glad Ada Gibson has got some new donkey stones after lamenting using up her last one (LET, February 12). But I'd advise her that she will find plenty on Matthew's stall on Accrington market. They have stocked them for more than 25 years and they
POLITICS met amateur dramatics at the weekend as Blackpool Town Hall was transformed into a film studio! The building's sweeping staircase was the backdrop for swashbuckling scenes shot for the forthcoming Blackpool Operatic Players' production, Singin
THERE'S nowhere like Blackpool for variety and to prove it the world's most famous yodelling whistler will be appearing here soon! Ronnie Ronalde, known to ladies and gents of a certain age for his quirky hit records, will appear in Blackpool on May 6
THE BODYCOUNT at Blackpool's Grand Theatre is set to rise next month when Corpse arrives in the resort. Set around the time of King Edward's abdication in the 1930s, Gerald Moon's award-winning comedy thriller has lashings of murderous intentions, sibling
AN arson investigation has begun into two fires which broke out at houses in Bury, police said. Detectives have linked a blaze which started in a shed and spread to a house in Westgate Avenue with a fire at a house in nearby Devon Street. Nobody was hurt
THREE boys had their £200 bicycles stolen by young thugs. The victims, two aged 12 and another aged ten, were confronted by the robbers while cycling in St Anns Road, Prestwich at 4.30pm on Thursday (Feb 20). They were approached by three teenage youths
TWO masked men threatened a man with a machete and a claw hammer before stealing his car. The carjacking happened at 9.35pm on Monday (Feb 24) in Hill Street, Radcliffe, and the 20-year-old owner of the Vauxhall Nova and a passenger were not harmed. They
CAMPAIGNERS ensured they were revved-up for a motorised protest against war with Iraq. Vehicles plastered with anti-war posters set out from Bury's Castle Leisure Centre at 11am on Saturday (Feb 22). Around half-a-dozen cars were driven around town centre
DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses to an armed robbery at a video store on Sunday night (Feb 23). Shortly after 9pm, four masked men entered Choices Video store, in Outwood Road, Radcliffe, and threatened staff with a machete before demanding the
BURY MP David Chaytor invested his time to present a long-established firm with the Investors In People (IIP) award. The Labour backbencher handed over the prized certificate to Albany International UK, whose HQ is in Pilsworth Road, Bury. The Government-sponsored
CAMERA enthusiasts from Bury Photographic Society will be hoping for full exposure when their work goes on show to the public. The group, based at Fishpool Liberal Club, celebrates the launch of its annual exhibition at Bury Art Gallery tomorrow (Sat
A ROSSENDALE trucker died in his blazing cab today after a smash which closed the A74 north of Carlisle. Wayne Mellor, 39, of Sow Clough Road, Stacksteads, died when his lorry crashed and burst into flames. The accident, which happened on the north-bound
YOUNG sportswoman Nicola Frost has scooped a special award from the BBC. Nicola (15), who attends Coney Green High School, Radcliffe, was presented with the BBC GMR Young Disabled Sports Achiever Award for Bury to celebrate her commitment, dedication
DEFIANT grandmother Lynn Greenberg has surpassed medical predictions and trimmed three stones off her figure after having a stomach by-pass operation. Lynn, of Breeze Mount, Prestwich had to lose weight for health reasons after she tipped the scales at
RECORD-BREAKER Neil Turley will step up his comeback this weekend when he makes a return to senior action for Leigh Centurions. Turley's re-appearance in the first team will come at Castleford on Saturday night (6pm) when the Centurions and the Tigers
GARRY Flitcroft has urged Rovers to find the mental strength to finish the season on a winning streak. After performing well against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, the Rovers captain has been frustrated at their inability to nail down results
KEVIN Keegan believes Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke are still one of the most potent forces in the Premiership. The Manchester City boss, who signed Cole in his first season as Newcastle United manager in 1992, believes there is still a lot to come from
A BURNLEY charity which helps unemployed people with learning difficulties has been won a reprieve from council budget cuts. Fresh Fields, based at Rosegrove Nurseries, Cemetery Lane, was due to lose £7,000 from its grant as Burnley Borough Council cut
ONE of the most popular Bury players in recent years, Phil Parkinson, has been appointed manager of Second Division Colchester United writes PHIL THORP. The 35-year-old former Reading skipper takes over from Steve Whitton who was sacked last month after
BURY Reserves edged closer to the Avon Insurance Premier Division relegation trapdoor this week when they suffered two defeats in three days. On Wednesday afternoon at Stainton Park they lost 1-0 to Sheffield United when an 83rd minute deflected effort
BURY are poised to make another addition to their front line as the club continue to unearth a rich seam of teenage talent. Manager Andy Preece is ready to table a contract for little known 19-year-old trialist Chris Porter after he netted twice in the
VANDALISM and burglaries in Pendle's schools could be reduced, if a pilot scheme to use a £4,000 mobile CCTV camera is successful. The pilot project will be funded from the Crime and Disorder budget 2002/2003 and will involve using the camera to record
AS Stephen Beckett prepares to take to the stage in what he calls his dream role, there's a nagging question to which he needs an answer. "Does anyone know if I'm a father or not," he asks with a laugh to the cast of Private Lives during a break in rehearsals
AFTER nearly 50 years of live performances, Ken Dodd shows no signs of slowing down. "People ask me when I'll retire but I'll never stop," he said. "I just love it. I'm still stage-struck." As probably the hardest working 75-year-old in the business,
A HOMELESS drama group found a saviour for their production of American rock musical Godspell. Darwen Youth Theatre performed at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre Darwen Library Theatre, was closed for refurbishments.
A CONVICTED burglar from Clayton-le-Moors has been found dead by his brother in the cell they shared at Preston Prison. Andrew McKee, 32, of Barnes Street, was found hanging yesterday afternoon. Staff by staff and paramedics had tried to resuscitate him
A MAN who went to Iraq to be a human shield has been warned to come home as soon as possible by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. Dieter Seager, 28, of Washington Street, Accrington, flew to the Middle East on Friday and is in Amman, Jordan, waiting to go
A HAVE-A-GO mum confronted a gang of teenagers and slapped two youths across the face after her son was beaten up. And today Felicity Bottomley revealed she would do the same again to prevent juvenile nuisances "getting away with it." Mrs Bottomley, of
A PRINCELY sum of £11,000 will spearhead the setting up of a Learning Shop in Bury. A group of seven local youngsters have received the grant from The Prince's Trust to develop the shop, aimed at helping young people in the area with learning difficulties
BURY'S largest private employer is getting even bigger! For thanks to a belated Christmas present, mobile phone giants O2 are creating up to an additional 180 jobs at their busy Dumers Lane headquarters. And this will bring the total workforce to around
A FARMER whose first chemotherapy treatment completely removed his lung cancer was killed by one of the chemicals used in his treatment. An inquest heard that John Helm Life developed a rare complication known as mitomycin lung, which ultimately led to
A VICAR today defended his decision to stand as a Conservative candidate in the Ribble Valley Council elections in May. Whalley vicar the Rev Chris Sterry, 48, is to join the Mayor of the Ribble Valley, Coun Joyce Holgate, on a Tory ticket for the village
STONE thieves are still stripping the East Lancashire countryside of its heritage -- despite the use of cutting-edge crime detection sprays by police. Police today said they were doing everything in their power to stop raiders stripping the countryside
FLEETWOOD assassin Jane Couch was last night preparing to go through the pain barrier when she took on tough Bulgarian Borislaca Guronova in Bristol last night. WBF world light-welterweight champion Couch, who comfortably outpointed Guronova in December
FLEETWOOD Town's footballers could be set for a move to a new stadium after Wyre Council revealed ambitious plans for a new sporting centre of excellence in the town. Council chiefs hope the ambitious £750,000 project, based at the King George's Playing
NEW asbestos regulations will come under the spotlight at a special awareness event being staged next Tuesday (March 4) by Bolton and Bury Chamber. Delegates can find out more about the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations at the event, to be held
SOME of Villa's star players could be lining up for Blackpool shortly - but don't expect to see the likes of Dion Dublin wearing Tangherine in the near future. The Villa in question are an Irish youth side who the Seasiders are working with in their bid
FOR the second year running Bury-based Pennine Telecom has bucked the trend in its volatile sector to turn in another year of increased profits. With its sister company Interquartz (UK), a combined turnover of £9 million is expected to generate a profit
CLARETS assistant manager Sam Ellis admitted that everyone is delighted with the way the new formation is working but he insisted: "Don't tell the manager it's 4-5-1 - he thinks it is 4-3-3." Stan Ternent made the change for the first clash with Fulham
PLANS to build one of the world's biggest wind-farms off the coast at Cleveleys could be speeded up after a new Government review, a local MP claims. Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP, Joan Humble, says she is keen to see a quick decision on the multi-million
A PLETHORA of road safety improvements are under way to make life easier for pedestrians. Motorists are urged to find alternative routes while the work, expected to take ten weeks, goes on. Several schemes are in Bury: at Blackford Bridge, where a pedestrian
HALF a million pounds of drugs have been discovered by police in Bury. In the space of just five days, a total of 27,000 ecstasy tablets, five kilograms of amphetamine paste and half a kilo of cocaine has been seized by detectives. The haul has an estimated
BURY'S largest private employer is getting even bigger! For thanks to a belated Christmas present, mobile phone giants O2 are creating up to an additional 180 jobs at their busy Dumers Lane headquarters. And this will bring the total workforce to around
PARENTS could be slapped with on-the-spot fines for taking their children on term-time holiday without permission. Bury MP Ivan Lewis, junior education minister, hopes to bring in laws "later this year" which will allow head teachers and police to dish
Radcliffe Borough...4 Witton Albion...2 THERE's never a dull moment at Stainton Park these days and Saturday's pulsating encounter with Witton Albion followed the familiar pattern of goals and incident. Seemingly cruising at half-time, Boro had goalkeeper
AS ONE of the best-love singers of the 70s his perfectly even, brilliant white smile adorned the walls of millions of teenage girls. He's a family man, a peace-loving, non-political spokesman and the world's most famous Mormon. Yes, he's Donny Osmond
FROM Band Aid, the show which in 1985 attracted an audience of billions... to Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre. A million miles apart maybe, metaphorically if not in actual distance, but that doesn't make any difference to Midge Ure. "I like the idea of playing
RUMOURS of our demise are premature. That's the message from Darwen skate/punks The Reserved, who are set to play a one-off show in Blackburn next month to quash rumours they've split. Now studying in London, the group are livid at suggestions they have
DAVID CROSSLAND -- the man who founded the international holiday group Airtours -- today announced his retirement as executive chairman. His shock resignation comes after a disastrous 12 months for the company -- now known as MyTravel -- which has seen
PENSIONERS were able to "air" their views in more ways than one when the BBC GMR bus rolled into Radcliffe. The mobile broadcasting studio was in The Piazza to give local old folk advice on benefits and access to the internet and broadcasting technology
TWO seminars exploring issues surrounding a little-known neurological condition are being held today and tomorrow. The first Symposium on Dystonia is aimed at medical professionals and will feature speeches by some of the country's leading experts. Around
AN exhibition in the Darwen Library will take its audience on a trip into Darwen's history for three weeks until March 14. Holker House local history students have been working for five months to compile the exhibition, which is shown in the library each
WORKERS at the M65 services are urging more people to drop by and sign the 'name change' petition. Since the petition was started over a month ago, nearly 1,000 shoppers have put pen to paper in protest of the services being named after Blackburn. Services
A ROSSENDALE trucker died in his blazing cab today after a smash which closed the A74 north of Carlisle. Wayne Mellor, 39, of Sow Clough Road, Stacksteads, died when his lorry crashed and burst into flames. The accident, which happened on the north-bound
A MAGNIFICENT seven schools have been praised for their work on health improvement. Staff and pupils from Tyldesley Fred Longworth High, plus six junior schools, were among nine from the area who have been recognised for work in their specialist fields
RUMOURS of our demise are premature. That's the message from Darwen skate/punks The Reserved, who are set to play a one-off show in Blackburn next month to quash rumours they've split. Now studying in London, the group are livid at suggestions they have
BLIND people in Blackpool are to benefit from a sensory garden being created by volunteers this week. Residents of the Princess Alexandra Home for the Blind, Squires Gate will be able to enjoy "a haven of soothing sounds and smells" this summer thanks
A JUDGE has blasted a Thornton man who, he said, was ruled by "greed not need" after he was found guilty of involvement in a £170,000 benefits scam triangle. Barry Twyord, 45, of West Drive, was given to a two and a half year prison sentence during the
THE head-teacher of a prestigious Blackpool school has been cleared of claims that he 'bullied and intimidated' a senior teacher. Chemistry teacher and former head of sixth form, Dr David Grimshaw, 55, was suing Arnold School, Blackpool for £250,000 after
A BLACKPOOL drug dealer faces a 'severe' prison term after being caught with almost £1 million in cannabis and ecstasy. Belfast Crown Court judge, Lord Justice Nicholson issued the warning after 43-year-old William McCluskey was convicted by a jury of
FYLDE residents are seeing red over a green initiative which they fear may be a health hazard. Some disgusted householders claim Fylde Borough Council's 'twin bin' doorstep recycling scheme could spread germs and will create a stink in the summer. Under
IT SEEMS that Fylde and Wyre is a fantastic place to live if you want a bit of good luck. Judging by the volume of letters and calls that have been flooding into the Citizen office after last week's 'Don't be fooled by the prize guys' article, half the
BLACKPOOL's very own Great Uncle Bulgaria still faces eviction after failing to pay £12,000 in rubbish clearing fines imposed by council environmental health officials. Dennis Bostock, 62, has spent the last 26 years rifling through rubbish bags in the
BACKROOM staff including physiotherapists and masseuses from Bolton Football Club are looking to use ancient medicinal arts to guarantee their future success. And one player, Mike Whitlow, is even taking lessons in the easter medicine discipline at John
TEACHING assistants from 22 Blackburn with Darwen schools have benefited from special training to help boost SATs test results. The Department for Education and Skills made money available at the beginning of this year for teaching assistant training
DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a 17-year-old traveller have renewed an appeal to four men who could hold vital information. Eamonn McDonagh died after being found near his home on wasteland behind the Moorings pub, Hollin Bank Street, Blackburn
ANTI-war protesters have been urged to postpone a march because it clashes with a "massive" Premiership football match. The International Peace Movement said the march could attract around 1,000 people. It is set for March 15 and due to start outside
THREE porky pets, believed to be the fattest in East Lancashire, are following in celebrity footsteps and waddling into their own fat club. Podgy pooches and massive moggies are following chubby celebrity singer Rik Waller and seeking professional advice
TALENTED youngsters are to repeat a successful dance spectacular, after the mayor badgered organisers for another performance. A hundred youngsters from high schools in Blackburn and Darwen will provide the live pre-match entertainment at Blackburn Rovers
BLACKBURN Hawks round up their Premier Cup commitments with a visit to old rivals Kingston Jets on Saturday night. Player-coach Bobby Haig is without key players for the trip to Humberside and is already looking towards next season. "Peterborough have
JIM McBride has maintained his quest to boost his Rossendale troops ahead of next season. The Dale manager was hoping to wait until the summer before strengthening his squad. But a string of disappointing performances has led him to delve into the transfer
LUTEL James hopes his personal goals target will help fire Accrington Stanley towards the Nationwide Conference. The Reds' leading goalscorer wants to hit 30 by the end of the season and keep his side on course to be crowned champions of the Unibond Premier
I HAVE never read such a farrago of nonsense as that printed under the heading 'Bush had to invent villain of the piece' in today's Citizen. Even your regular reader, W Soley, would be unlikely to claim that the Twin Towers were demolished by agents of
MEDICAL professionals have long railed against boxing as a sport. Their main bone of contention is that unlike other sports, the head is the primary target. Punches taken over a boxer's career have a cumulative effect and can lead to serious injury and
THE North West Air Ambulance was heralded as a wonderful addition to frontline emergency services when it came into operation a few years ago. Able to access the scene of a major accident within minutes, it has saved countless lives. Blackburn Lions was
FIREFIGHTERS tackling a serious blaze in Blackpool were stunned to see a man they were trying to save waving what they thought was a gun at them. The man was one of 11 people who were "minutes from death" as fire raged through their three-storey apartment
I MUST congratulate market management and staff at Bury on the way they handled the recent fire on Garden block. Disruption was kept to a minimum and the contractors worked quickly to get us back to normal. Those most seriously affected by the fire were
PERHAPS someone could explain to me how we can oppose a power grouping in the European Parliament of which we disapprove? Even if all our 87 MEPs were united, they would carry insufficient voting weight to change anything and remember, 80 per cent of
CORRESPONDENT Jim Homewood recently tried to assert that the European Union was responsible for the disastrous privatisation of our railways. He is completely wrong! The blame rests squarely on the shoulders of the dogmatic Tory government. If this wasn't
THE BNP do not "blame" asylum-seekers for the state of Britain's economy and the impoverishment of pensioners; they blame the mainstream parties for not handling the issue of immigration correctly and letting it get so out of control. Who wouldn't want
YOU reported recently on the battle to ensure that the printer cartridges used by most people with home computers can be re-filled and re-used for an economic price. I just wanted to say publicly that the success we have had in changing European law to
HOW can "Observer" (Yours Truly, Feb 20) be satisfied that our local councillors are doing an excellent job when Bury Council has been officially classed as "weak" by the Audit Commission and ratepayers are possibly facing an extortionate 11.7 per cent
LITTLE Lewis Brierley has been left down in the dumps after his nursery's teddy was stolen during a shopping trip in Bury. The four-year-old was looking after the bear, which belongs to Christ Church Nursery in Ainsworth, during half-term when it was
DON'T look at the percentage. It's the amount you have to pay that's important. That was Labour's message to local residents as they hit them with a huge council tax rise of 11.7 per cent. The hike, as predicted by the Bury Times last week, is the largest
1912: The first parachute jump made over Missouri, America. 1931: Sir Oswald Mosely formed the British Fascist Party. 1950: The French Assembly curbed the sale of Coca Cola on French soil. 1966: The Cavern Club in Liverpool closed. 1971: Lichtenstein
UNSWORTH Will be keen to resume their Air Miles Manchester League campaign tomorrow when they travel to Rochdale for their clash with Milton at Springfield Park. Milton won their last contest, in the opening game of the season last August but, despite
SUMMERSEAT teenager Kelvin Trippier is on the fast-track to soccer stardom after winning a scholarship with Oldham Athletic, writes PHIL THORP. The 16-year-old Woodhey High School pupil is one of five budding stars from a squad of 19 to earn the three-year
Milton...0 Unsworth...2 DESPITE a month's inactivity, Unsworth continued were they left off with a fine away victory at Milton. The win puts them firmly in the top half of the table and avenges a defeat inflicted on them by the Rochdale side in the first
SKATE-BORED: Bury was looking to become the first local authority in the country to draft a by-law banning skateboarding in the streets. STRANDED: British Rail staff swung into action in 1978 after 12-year-old Joanne Booth was left stranded in Bury while
ROVERS fans have turned out in force to make generous donations to an international charity. Club store Rover the Moon has been swamped with hundreds of items of second-hand sportswear in response to a kit amnesty organised by Andy Cole's Children's Foundation
TWO people were cut free from a car by firefighters after an accident. A Mitsubishi Charisma carrying five collided with a Vauxhall Astra on the junction of Ramsgreave Drive and Lammack Road, Blackburn, at 7.50 last night. Anjam Saeed, 43 of Langham Road
A MIDDLE-aged man who sexually abused a little girl and downloaded sadistic child porn from the internet was today facing a 'substantial' jail term. Burnley Crown Court heard how ex-soldier David Taylor, 59, also got the seven-year-old to pose for him
New Mills...0 Prestwich Heys...2 PLAYING up the slope at New Mills can cause problems, but Heys coped with this well in the first half. They gradually imposed their dominance in midfield and took the lead in the 20th minute when Orrell kept possession
REGARDING your article headlined 'Meeting will bid to allay fears' (LET, February 20), I see that health chiefs and councillors have decided, with the help of all those people who protested through letters to your newspaper or to councillors about the
FOUR men have been jailed for playing their part in a brawl outside a nightclub. But the judge rejected the allegation that the Leigh men had launched a pre-meditated attack on the doormen at Barbarella's bar in the town. In the dock at Liverpool Crown
DAMAGE to the tune of £9,000 was caused to a Bury music store over the weekend. The main display window of Read, Franklin and Heywood, in Broad Street, was smashed shortly after midnight on Saturday (Feb 22). The window was valued at £3,000 and musical
FORGET 180! A charity darts match at the Bridge Tavern raised £421 for charity. Champion player Kevin Painter took on all comers at the Blackburn Street pub earlier this month to aid research into the genetic illness, tuberous sclerosis. And this week
WITNESSES are being sought to a handbag theft In Ramsbottom. The 86-year-old was sitting in a car in Market Place on Friday afternoon (Feb 21) when a thief approached her and grabbed her handbag from the front seat. Police said the theft happened at 3pm
EMPLOYMENT opportunities in the local health service will be in abundance at a jobs fair to be held next month. The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is recruiting staff to work in Fairfield General Hospital; North Manchester General Hospital; The Royal
TWO pensioners have fallen victim to bogus officials who bluffed their way into their homes. In both cases, the callers claimed they were from the electricity board and stole a quantity of cash. The first incident happened in Cuckoo Lane, Prestwich, between
FOSTER carers are needed to take older children and disabled youngsters under their wing. Bury Council's family placement team hopes to attract recruits with an information stand at Asda's Pilsworth store next Thursday (March 6) from 11am to 2pm. Diana
TEN council colleagues certainly made a splash in an effort to help others. They took the plunge and raised £1,046 in a sponsored Swimathon for Bury Hospice, covering 11 miles between them. The team comprised Graham Atkinson, Mike Savage, Andrew Bond,
ANTI-smoking group ASH has welcomed the introduction this month of a ban on tobacco advertising in the UK. The North West branch of the group, based in Silver Street, Bury, believes it will make a real difference as the region is rated as having one of
LAP-DANCING bars could leave women running the gauntlet of sex-hungry men in Blackburn town centre, a health boss warned today. The remarks by director of public health Dr Jim Paris have also highlighted concern at the moral implications of allowing erotic
A CHARITY is highlighting the devastating effects of brain injury on young people with a dedicated Awareness Week. Headway, the Brain Injury Association, which is the UK's leading charity providing help and support to people affected by brain injury,
ARMED robbers escaped with cash tills after raids on a newsagents and a general store. Detectives believe the same gang is responsible for the robberies which happened within 15 minutes of each other on Saturday night (Feb 22). The first incident happened
THERE will be no room for sentiment for Derek Fazackerley, despite having fond memories of his 18-year playing career at Blackburn. Fazackerley, who returned to Ewood Park as a coach under former manager Ray Harford, will be hoping to help Manchester
ROVERS became the latest team to take full advantage of Manchester United reserves' dismal home form when the collected three comfortable points at Moss Lane, Altrincham last night. This was United's fifth defeat in five home games and they rarely looked
NEW traffic calming measures could be introduced in Brunshaw Road after the death of a Burnley teenager. John Paul Fallon, of Irene Street, died in Burnley General Hospital after being hit by a car on Friday, February 14. Burnley's top police officer,
A YOUNG mum today revealed how she had banned her children from a Burnley park as juveniles covered the area with shattered glass and made it a "no-go zone." Catherine Young, who has four children, said the play area in Piccadilly Road had been taken
PLANS to get skateboarders out of Burnley's town centre bandstand have not been abandoned, council bosses have insisted. Councillors agreed last September to put up a four-and-a-half-foot fence around the bandstand to deter skaters. However concerns were
NICE to see Stan Ternent hasn't lost his penchant for plain speaking since his days at Gigg Lane writes Bolton Evening News columnist Neil Bonnar His constant criticism of Bury folk in his new book went against the grain with me as a lad from that town
SHAKERS enter their most important clash of the season on Saturday with their manager's best laid plans in tatters. After three games without a win, Andy Preece was hoping to inject some fresh impetus into his side for the visit of third-placed Bournemouth
THE first of Forever Bury's series of car boot sales kicks off at the Gigg Lane ground on Sunday morning at 7am. It is planned to follow up this inaugural event with similar sales on the first Sunday of every month throughout the spring, summer and autumn
A MAN conned East Lancashire bookmakers using a scam involving the Racing Post, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard Mark Diggle cut out pages with winning results from previous copies, put them into the current edition and altered the date on
A MAN who targeted the same supermarket three times to carry out the theft of TV sets has been jailed six months. Wayne Englebert, aged 24, of Cross Lane, Radcliffe, had carried out two of the shoplifting forays at Asda in Rochdale while subject to bail
THE owner of a Colne hotel which is the subject of a council investigation today said: "I've done nothing wrong." Bernard Collins, owner of the Hendley Hotel, said he would be happy to meet with officers or councillors from Pendle Council about their
CHOIRMASTER Edward Dickson became an auctioneer for a day, bringing the hammer down on 140 lots to raise money for the Sunday school funds at Colne Road Methodist Church in Burnley.
A FORMER soldier turned to drug dealing to feed his girlfriend's heroin habit and keep her from working the streets, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that James Holden had fallen in love with prostitute Samantha Walsh and as a result he had
A LOCAL company is carrying the can for cash to improve the environment. Swinnerton Brothers Ltd , based in York Street, Bury, is urging individuals, groups, schools and even families to register with them for a new campaign. Called Make Things Happen
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Secretary Lord Heseltine is the keynote speaker at an event in Manchester in April. He will deliver an address at "Planning for Regeneration", the annual conference of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered
PACY teenager, Ian Hume, ran Blackpool's aging defence ragged as the Seasiders' 11 game unbeaten run came to an end at play-off rivals, Tranmere. It was a well deserved victory for the Wirrall side, who now go level on points with Steve McMahon's men,
CAROLYN Brooks is to become a young people's champion for Bury. She has been appointed by the Prince's Trust as development worker covering both Bury and Bolton. She will give the leading youth charity an increased local focus that aims to directly answer
WHO wants the bother of a country estate..? Not millionaires in the North West it seems. According to a new survey, 89 of the country's wealthiest people prefer the sea air and sunny beaches of Lytham St Annes to a life in the country. In fact, outside
MOTHER-OF-TWO, Marie Rooke is deserting her family duties to serve up rations to US Marines stationed in Kuwait. Plucky Marie, 35, flew to Kuwait City on Sunday (February 23) on a month's contract to work in a military camp canteen which feeds 44,000
TONY Grant admitted he is loving his more attacking role in the new formation used by manager Stan Ternent in the past three games. The former Everton and Manchester City player has provided the crosses for three goals in the last two games, and he confessed
CLARETS star Graham Branch was unimpressed by Jean Tigana's complaints after Fulham's FA Cup defeat on Wednesday night. And he had a blunt message for the Frenchman as he said: "If he does not like physical contact, he might as well go back to France.
IN the general euphoria that surrounded the thrilling FA Cup replay defeat of Fulham, there was just one cloud on the Clarets horizon. After a 20-year absence from the last eight of the competition, Burnley had a great chance to make a name for themselves
JETSETTER Katy Hoare, from Whitefield, is continuing her luxury lifestyle after her flatmate won a TV quiz show for the second week running. The former Bury Grammar School pupil Katy (23) was whisked away on a dream holiday to South Africa with pal James
BLACKPOOL-based funnyman Frank Carson has vowed to keep treading the boards despite suffering from a potentially life-threatening heart condition. The 76-year-old Ulster-born comic - whose catchphrases "It's the way I tell 'em" and 'It's a cracker!" have
A KIND-HEARTED student at Blackpool Victoria Hospital has signed up for the London Marathon in a bid to raise money for children with cardiac problems. Karl Hankinson, 22, of Denstone Avenue in Bispham, hopes to raise more than £1,250 for national charity
JUST 16 months ago, Michelle Howley was too scared to get into a lift in case it got stuck! Since then, 41-year-old Michelle has lost six stones and by changing her lifestyle and joining a slimming class, has dropped from a size 28 to a size 14. Now her
LITTLE Lewis Brierley has been left down in the dumps after his nursery's teddy was stolen during a shopping trip in Bury. The four-year-old was looking after the bear, which belongs to Christ Church Nursery in Ainsworth, during half-term when it was
HORWICH runner Paul Muller was not the only success story of Radcliffe Athletic Club's 12 miles trail race. Robin Sedman-Smith of West Cheshire AC was second in 72.22, followed in by Rob Jackson, another Horwich runner. Bolton's Ken Fowler looked to be
IT was a case of perseverance finally paying off last Sunday, as Horwich runner Paul Muller fulfilled an ambition by winning Radcliffe Athletic Club's 12-mile trail race. Having competed in the race six times, and never having finished outside the first
CLARETS star Graham Branch was unimpressed by Jean Tigana's complaints after Fulham's FA Cup defeat on Wednesday night. And he had a blunt message for the Frenchman as he said: "If he does not like physical contact, he might as well go back to France.
GIRLBAND Lemonescent made the half-term break a real treat for Fylde teenyboppers after making a guest appearance at under 18s disco night - Heventeen - on Tuesday. The quartet - 17-year-old Shonagh, Lisa 20, and Nikki and Sarah, both 21 - have already
NINE-YEAR-OLD Jared Potter made a splash for cash when he staged a sponsored swim in aid of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Magic Eye Appeal. The pupil from St Peter's Primary School met Darwen Leisure Centre chief Michael Lyons and Magic Eye representative
TEENAGERS are using a bus shelter for sex and boozing, residents claim. Now MP Janet Anderson is campaigning for the removal of the shelter, in Priory Drive, Darwen. Council officials will investigate residents' complaints before making a decision. Mrs
COMMONWEALTH gymnast Craig Heap swapped his leotard for skis yesterday as East Lancashire celebrated the arrival of virtual snow. Craig, from Burnley, joined the Mayor of Rossendale Coun James Eaton and an array of star ski and snowboard experts as new
A TEENAGER robbed a man outside a fish and chip shop because he claimed he was owed money. Damian Taylor, 19, of Russell Street, Bacup, snatched a £5 note from his victim's hand and grabbed two pound coins which had fallen to the floor. A judge sentenced
FRIDAY, February 28: Howe Bridge Sports Centre (6-7) B Splaine; Tyldesley Town Hall (6.30-7.30) S Hellier; Leigh Town Hall 96-6.30) K Anderson, J O'Brien (7-8) K Cunliffe, M Whiteside. SATURDAY, March 1: Atherton Town Hall (9.30-11.30) R Holmes, S Loudon
THE future of Rossendale Council's road maintenance teams will be reconsidered after workers voted to take pay cuts. The Unison members prompted a council rethink by voting overwhelmingly to accept the same pay structure as workers at other district councils
FROM Band Aid, the show which in 1985 attracted an audience of billions... to Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre. A million miles apart maybe, metaphorically if not in actual distance, but that doesn't make any difference to Midge Ure. "I like the idea of playing
RADCLIFFE Borough travel to Ossett Town tomorrow seeking a vital victory as they home in on long-time league leaders Alfreton. Last Saturday's 4-2 win over Witton Albion at Stainton Park took Boro into second place, just seven points behind Alfreton,
AT a time when warclouds are once again looming, this powerful revival of Peter Whelan's play has added resonance. The Accrington Pals tells the story of the men who rushed to serve king and country in a fervour of patriotism and loyalty, only to be cruelly
A DELEGATES meeting will be held on Monday at 8.30pm at the Horseshoe Inn, Radcliffe. Will any team/players in possession of annual awards please ensure they bring them to the meeting. Will all Second Division captains please note that the Royal Oak B
AS Stephen Beckett prepares to take to the stage in what he calls his dream role, there's a nagging question to which he needs an answer. "Does anyone know if I'm a father or not," he asks with a laugh to the cast of Private Lives during a break in rehearsals
AFTER nearly 50 years of live performances, Ken Dodd shows no signs of slowing down. "People ask me when I'll retire but I'll never stop," he said. "I just love it. I'm still stage-struck." As probably the hardest working 75-year-old in the business,
COULD you help an American sailor find his long-lost Blackpool sweetheart after more than a decade? US Navy Lieutenant, Roger House, met Susan Jane Ivins while stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, in the 1980s. She returned to live with him in Jacksonville,
ONE of the few green spaces in south Blackpool could be taken over by developers, if council plans get the go-ahead. Blackpool Borough councillors voted for a revamp which could see half or all of South Promenade's Flagstaff Gardens handed over to a private
A KIND-HEARTED pensioner who is terminally ill with cancer has rejected birthday presents in favour of raising money for a hospice. Annie Halsall, 87, a resident of Holly Court sheltered housing, Troy Street, Whalley Range, Blackburn, says she would rather
A 12-YEAR-OLD boy was labelled a star of the future after getting behind the wheel of a rally car for the first time. Matthew Griffin, of Durham Road, Wilpshire, is attempting to become a member of an elite academy which teaches teenagers how to drive
BRITAIN'S top pharmacist today backed the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's campaign to keep alive community chemists. Chief Executive of the National Pharmaceutical Association John D'Arcy lent his support to the drive to block proposals which would allow
A ROW has been sparked by plans to create a £60,000 department to clamp down on rumours and misleading information. Blackburn with Darwen Council's ruling Labour group has included the cash in its budget, due to be presented to full council on Monday.
LAP-DANCING bars could leave women running the gauntlet of sex-hungry men in Blackburn town centre, a health boss warned today. The remarks by director of public health Dr Jim Paris have also highlighted concern at the moral implications of allowing erotic
CLITHEROE manager Lee Sculpher will be keeping a close eye on Neil Spencer and Gary Jackson in the build-up to tomorrow's home game with Nantwich Town. For they are his only remaining strikers after Lee Cryer suffered a recurrence of his leg injury and
PADIHAM will be aiming to put their NWCL Division Two promotion charge back on track when they entertain Great Harwood tomorrow. The Arbories side have lost their last three league and cup games but boss Graham Howarth is determined not to let the mini
ANDY Grimshaw believes Ramsbottom have clicked in time to secure survival in the North West Counties Division One. The Riverside outfit have picked up 13 points from a possible 15 and have now extended a six-point gap between themselves and the drop zone
BRENT Peters and Steve Wilkes have joined the mutual appreciation society ahead of Darwen's visit to NWCL Division Two leaders Bacup Borough. For back-slapping has replaced back-biting between the two out-spoken managers who have had a series of well
LISTENING to David Maddeley (police supt) on TV, he seemed very proud of catching 127,000 drivers in Lancashire with cameras raising seven million pounds. I suggest two things now: 1. now the police can finance themselves by robbing motorists, Council
THE letter from Wyre Borough Council Leader, Alan Vincent was very economical with the true facts relating to the lack of tram shelters at Victoria Square, Cleveleys. The local authority, in this case, Wyre Borough Council and Lancashire County Council
MAD March kicks off on Saturday with North End facing seven games which will determine whether the season is written off before Easter or goes down to the wire. Manager Craig Brown is confident of having a full squad to choose from - including David Healy
ATHERTON TOWN...4 PRESTWICH HEYS...2 HEYS resumed action in the Air Miles Manchester League with a full first team squad but went down to a side that have forced themselves into the championship race. Prestwich's own chances, following three consecutive
AFTER reading the letter headlined "The BNP will get my vote" (Feb 14), I must say that I agree. If we want to stop the threat from terrorists we could start by not housing them! BNP SUPPORTER
SO the Prime Minister has revealed that he is risking his political career over possible war in Iraq. We hope he will give the fullest consideration to the fact that British servicemen and women, and Iraqi citizens, will be risking far more than just
HOW arrogant of Councillor Ray Watts (Your Letters, Jan 28) to blame the folding of the Federation on the tenants participation compact not being introduced. Is he not aware that the compact was signed up to in March 2000 and that every tenant in the
I REFER to the report (Feb 13) headlined: "Tax critic says: cut councillors' pay and sack the skivers!" That the borough's 48 councillors await a 50 per cent rise in their allowances is contemptuous. And the revelation that 88,000 hours were lost last
PARENTS could be slapped with on-the-spot fines for taking their children on term-time holiday without permission. Bury MP Ivan Lewis, junior education minister, hopes to bring in laws "later this year" which will allow head teachers and police to dish
WHAT'S on at Blackpool's cinemas. BLACKPOOL ODEON Rigby Road, Blackpool. Times from Friday, February 28. Analyze That (15) -- Daily 12.45pm, 3.15pm, 6pm, 8.15pm. Jackass: The Movie (18) -- Daily 12.15pm, 2.30pm, 4.45pm, 7pm, 9.15pm. Solaris (12A) -- Daily
