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Stories for 15 May 2003
Accrington News
'Fagin' starting six-month jail term
A GREEDY shopkeeper dubbed "a modern day Fagin" by a judge was today starting a six month jail term. more...
Blackburn News
Husband 'thought stabbed wife was scratched'
A DETECTIVE has denied trying to kill his cheating wife after he discovered her affair with an old flame she traced through Friends Reunited. more...
Bid to stop pool perverts
MOBILE phones that take pictures have been banned from leisure centres over fears they could be used by paedophiles to take snaps of youngsters. more...
Joy of civic year
BLACKBURN'S annual mayor-making ceremony takes place tonight. David Higgerson spoke to Tony Humphrys about his year with the mayoral chains around his neck. more...
Brother's Saudi bomb shock
THE brother of a Blackburn man living in Riyadh has spoken of his shock at hearing of the bombings in the Saudi capital. more...
Jubilant end to fundraiser
JUBILANT Magic Eye Appeal organisers today issued a final last thank you to generous East Lancashire folk as they begin to wind-up the fundraising for the scanner appeal. more...
Blackpool Leisure
What's on...
A LOOK at what's on around the area. more...
Pure magic
MAGICAL mystery, fantastic vocals and intricate illusions... Mystique is back at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach this weekend and the line-up is looking hotter than ever. more...
Getting the blues at the Raikes
GET ready to rock the house at Tower Blues at The Raikes, Blackpool. more...
French tale of the unexpected
CAMILLE'S central character, Marguerite Gautier, Paris' finest lady of the night, starts off as an almost perfect woman but rapidly declines to a pale shadow of what people expect of her. more...
Cut the mustard
IT'S time to cut the sartorial mustard and reload your social life with a Matrix night at Blackpool rock venue, The Tache. more...
Blackpool News
Crowds protest over South Shore scheme
MORE than 100 people attended a packed meeting on Tuesday to protest against plans for a new supported housing scheme in Clare Street, Blackpool. more...
It's time to get Paul released
A LEADING human rights activist has urged MPs to help fight for the release of a Fylde sailor "forgotten" during a mass royal pardon which released four Britons from Moroccan prisons. more...
Coroner's concerns at inquest
A CORONER has ruled that a male nurse committed suicide by injecting a lethal cocktail of drugs by intravenous drip. more...
A girl with real star quality
A BLACKPOOL youngster will prove she's got stars in her eyes when she appears on prime-time television this Saturday night as Olivia Newton-John. more...
Pervert alert
POLICE are once again urging parents to be on their guard following a string of sex crimes against Blackpool schoolgirls. more...
Missing dad found safe in St Annes
A MISSING Glasgow man whose mobile phone was found under a Blackpool pier has been found safe and well in St Annes. more...
Toddlers tumble for a fitter life!
TODDLERS at one Blackpool playgroup have found a way of keeping fit and happy -- yoga! more...
No forced closures of GP's surgeries
NO FORCED closure or relocation of doctors' surgeries in Blackpool -- guaranteed. more...
New market appears!
THERE'LL be no pier pressure on shoppers when a new market opens -- on North Pier! more...
Keep on runnin'
A BIGHEARTED Bispham man has raised an amazing £14,000 for charity while keeping fit. more...
Boost for beaches
NORTH WEST beaches, including Blackpool's, are set to get a £3 million bathing boost from Europe. more...
Royal Marine Eric keeps head down
BRITAIN'S most famous helmet has made it back to Britain as its soldier owner returned home to the Fylde coast from Iraq last week. more...
Taverners' treat for schoolkids
THREE specially adapted minibuses were handed over to north-west special schools by a charity fund-raising organisation this week. more...
Blackpool,Lytham News
Jubilee jeopardy
I AM writing to express my concerns about the proposed development of Jubilee Gardens and encourage other residents of Cleveleys and surrounding areas to voice their opposition. more...
Bust up over sanctions
ALAN E Hughes' anti-Americanism is all too widespread in this country, being shared by the extreme Left and those who resent the fact that the United States has taken on the role that was filled until 1939 by the British Empire. more...
Blackpool,Lytham Sport
Seasiders go out quietly
THE first week of the close season has passed off quietly at Bloomfield Road -- with transfer speculation filling the void left by the lack of news. more...
Game over while fans are arriving!
A WOEFUL batting performance by Blackpool at Stanley Park saw Chorley win the Northern Premier League clash comfortably by eight wickets. more...
Athletes in running to raise £100k
THOUSANDS of runners thronged to Blackpool on Sunday for the Beaverbrooks 10K fun run. more...
Bolton Business
Latest market movers
The risers - and the fallers! more...
Bolton Bygone
Pictures from the past a reminder for the future
A LOCAL artist's evocative portraits of bygone Bolton are to be published in a new book. more...
A day of looking back
NEXT Sunday a Local History Day is being held at Mere Hall, off Brownlow Way, Bolton, when many local history societies are getting together to put on an exhibition of local pictures, records, artifacts -- indeed, everything you might want to know about the history of the local area. more...
Man and Scythe up for sale
From the Evening News, May 15, 1903: THE premises to which the oldest licence in Bolton is attached, "The Man and Scythe", Churchgate, was sold by Messrs John Thornley and Son at the Swan Hotel last night. more...
Bolton Education
College denies student noise claims
ANGRY residents near Bolton Sixth Form College South Campus are calling for a meeting with college heads to resolve issues over student behaviour and a noise nuisance. more...
Bolton Leisure
What's on offer in the region this year
Here we take a look at what's on in the pick of the North West theatres. more...
Call for blood
BLOOD donor session dates. more...
Venue: Life Cafe,
Peter St, Manchester more...
Churches plan musical
THE musical Wildfire is being staged at the Formby Hall by Churches Together In Atherton, on Thursday and Friday. more...
Air your views over crime
CRIME and disorder issues will come under open discussion at the next Leigh Public Voice on Policing meeting on May 21 at 7.30pm in Leigh Town Hall. It is part of Greater Manchester Police Authority's new style of public consultation. more...
Bolton News
Video evidence jails banned driver
A MAN whose son died in a road crash has used his own video evidence to secured a jail term for the motorist who killed him. more...
Old benefit as town pilot takes off
A FIVE-YEAR pilot project has succeeded in improving services for older people in Bolton as well as helping to shape national policy. more...
Man killed in steam train crossing accident
A RETIRED council worker has described how he fought desperately to save a motorist's life after an horrific collision between a train and a Land Rover on the East Lancashire railway line. more...
'We want to make a difference'
STUDENT Joseph Hill and his friends will make the journey to two Romanian orphanages in July to help 34 children they have never met. more...
Globe trek gran is off to Africa
TIRELESS grandmother Elizabeth Stones is set to tackle her third big adventure in 12 months -- trekking through the Atlas Mountains in Africa for charity. more...
Drink-driver denies death charge
A MOTORIST who was over the drink drive limit killed a pedestrian after speeding down the wrong side of the road, a court heard. more...
Pictures from the past a reminder for the future
A LOCAL artist's evocative portraits of bygone Bolton are to be published in a new book. more...
Slowing down ageing process
RESEARCHERS in Liverpool are to launch the UK's first major healthcare study aimed at slowing or reversing the effects of ageing process. more...
My pledge to needy
VETERAN Labour councillor Cliff Morris was installed as the new Mayor of Bolton with a pledge to help the sick and elderly and disadvantaged young people. more...
Beatrix Potter Hollywood movie plan
THE life of celebrated children's author Beatrix Potter is to be made into a Hollywood movie. more...
Call centre blaze drama
MANAGERS at a call centre which was damaged by fire have been working through the night to ensure customers are not affected. more...
Hospital is £3m in debt
BOLTON Hospital will go into the next financial year £3.2 million in the red. more...
Labour should decide, says Tory
CONSERVATIVE council leader Alan Rushton says it is up to the Labour party to decide how Bolton town hall is to be run. more...
I'm a viewer, get me out of here BY NICOLA MOSTYN
IT was intense. The rain. The ragged clothing. The humiliating duties. Not knowing when they were going to be set free. No. Not I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. I'm talking about the DVD box set of Tenko! more...
College denies student noise claims
ANGRY residents near Bolton Sixth Form College South Campus are calling for a meeting with college heads to resolve issues over student behaviour and a noise nuisance. more...
Boost for adult learning
A GRANT of almost £600,000 has been made to Bolton council to improve adult and community learning in Westhoughton. more...
Bumper cash injection for bargain store
ONE of Farnworth's most popular shops has undergone a £100,000 revamp. more...
Helping hand on campus
THE NEW chaplain of Bolton Institute hopes to set up a multi-faith support team for staff and students. more...
Euro-call for North-west assembly
NORTH-west Euro MP Gary Titley has thrown his weight behind the campaign for a referendum on an Elected Regional Assembly for the North-west. more...
Shops stuck in 'Twilight Zone'
OWNERS of small businesses hit by major sewer works in Leigh will meet contractors to discuss their plight. more...
Police hunt for sports car driver
POLICE want to question the driver of a sports car who failed to stop after a three car shunt at a pedestrian crossing. more...
Diamond couple get a visit from the mayor
A DIAMOND wedding couple had a visit from the Mayor of Bolton when they celebrated their big day. more...
Victim cut free after truck smash
A DRIVER had to be cut from a car following a two vehicle crash on the A6 between the Chequerbent roundabout at Westhoughton and Four Lane Ends today. more...
£190 boost for rescue squad
MEMBERS of Bolton Mountain rescue have said thank you to the people of the town who helped boost their funds by £190 after a collection at Tesco, Horwich. more...
Woman pleads not guilty to child cruelty charges
A BOLTON woman facing child cruelty charges has had her case committed to Crown Court. more...
Call for blood
BLOOD donor session dates. more...
Car body riddle
THE body of a man has been found next to a burning car on a country road in the early hours of the morning. more...
'Disqualified' driver charge
A BOLTON man made his first appearance at court accused of driving while disqualified. more...
Air your views over crime
CRIME and disorder issues will come under open discussion at the next Leigh Public Voice on Policing meeting on May 21 at 7.30pm in Leigh Town Hall. It is part of Greater Manchester Police Authority's new style of public consultation. more...
Family's hot wash
A MOTHER and a small child escaped after a washing machine caught fire at a house at Sportside Grove, Walkden. The fire was caused by a short circuit. more...
Fan attack: Nine charged
NINE men from Bolton have been charged after an attack on a Manchester United supporter who was left fighting for his life. more...
Bolton Sport
Bolton & district snooker league
RESULTS -- Section A: Bradshaw Cons A2 2.5 Deane Cons 6.5; Farn Snooker 2 Halliwell Cons 7; Our Lady of Lourdes 2 First Bus Social 7; Bolton Snooker A2 1 Horwich RMI 8; Plodder Lane Cons 1 Rileys A1 8; Greenfields 1 St Marys SC 8; Cuemasters A1 7 Bradshaw Cons A1 1; Ellesmere 3 Bolton Snooker A1 6; Rileys A2 2.5 Cuemasters A2 6.5. more...
Bolton Pool League
Mixed Pairs Semi Final is on Wednesday, May 21 at the Crofters, Bradshaw. more...
Dog track is setting the pace with new look
THE partners running Westhoughton greyhound track say they are on schedule for a grand re-opening ceremony in a month's time. more...
League date
THE next Bolton Cricket League meeting will be held at Farnworth S.C. on Monday. more...
Bolton Wanderers
Sam is not going anywhere - chairman
WANDERERS chairman Phil Gartside today assured fans that Allardyce will not be replacing Graham Taylor as Aston Villa manager. more...
Gudni signs up
WANDERERS' retired captain Gudni Bergsson continues to leave a lasting legacy in Bolton. more...
Fan attack: Nine charged
NINE men from Bolton have been charged after an attack on a Manchester United supporter who was left fighting for his life. more...
Burnley News
Jury clears 'gentle giant'
A FORMER bus driver cleared of sexually assaulting a teenage passenger spoke today of his relief and happiness and added: "Justice has been done." more...
Prosecution sums up in murder trial
A JURY was reminded yesterday of the bizarre events surrounding the murder of a witchcraft enthusiast whose body was found on moorland above Cornholme last year. more...
It's all chains at town hall
COUNCILLOR Gordon Birtwistle today issued a heartfelt thanks to the people of Burnley who helped him raise an unprecedented amount during his year as mayor. more...
Killer's 'trance' claims disputed
CLAIMS that a Burnley woman was in a depressed and suicidal trance when she shot her husband's mistress dead in a beauty salon were dismissed by a psychiatrist giving evidence as part of an Old Bailey murder trial. more...
Shirtless dad in rumpus outside nightspot
A HALF-NAKED father of four involved in an early hours street rumpus threatened to kill nightclub doormen, a court was told. more...
Nurse becomes new first citizen
BURNLEY'S new mayor was handed the chains of office at a ceremony in Burnley Town Hall yesterday. more...
Padiham and Hapton Bulletin
RESIDENTS enjoyed the chance to ask questions on a range of subjects when former Mayor of Padiham, Councillor Granville Lord, hosted an Open Forum at Padiham Town Hall. more...
Farewell for bin man Eric
BURNLEY town centre almost ground to a halt yesterday when a procession of more than 20 vehicles formed a funeral cortege for a much loved bin man. more...
Bury News
Man killed in steam train crossing accident
A RETIRED council worker has described how he fought desperately to save a motorist's life after an horrific collision between a train and a Land Rover on the East Lancashire railway line. more...
Chorley Info
Rota for duty chemists
THE duty chemist for Chorley on May 18 is L Rowland, 97 Market Street, Chorley. more...
Chorley News
Be proud to fly the flag
I WAS away from town on St George's Day. On my return I was informed that the Chorley Borough Council had decided not to fly the English flag on the town hall for the fear of upsetting certain people from other countries. more...
No surprise
I REFER to Tony Martin, who has been denied early release from prison because he could still pose a threat to burglars. more...
Same old story
SO once again we hear the same old story about unclaimed benefits for pensioners. Is it any wonder when you see the claim forms the pensioners have to face. more...
You don't realise how well off you are
WEALTH I never... Chorley is one of the `real wealthiest' places in England and Wales, according to latest statistics. more...
Mayor ready for task ahead
CHORLEY'S new mayor Eric Bell has pledged to make his year in office as profitable as possible for local charities. more...
All change at the top
IT'S all change at the top of the tree for Chorley's Conservative group. more...
Play fair plea
A mum is fighting a lone campaign to give children somewhere to play. more...
Back in the old routine
THE former leader of Chorley Borough Council's Liberal Democrats has swapped flat caps and meat pies for white stilettos and jellied eels. more...
Girl breaks leg escaping fire
A FIFTH arson attack in Astley Village has sparked Chorley's fire chief to issue a warning to firebugs. more...
No more short cuts
IT'S the end of the road for drivers who have been using a Chorley motorway's handy slip roads for years. more...
The show goes on
A SERIES of theatre workshops for teenagers will still go ahead in Chorley over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, despite £3,000 of vital equipment being stolen from the organisers. more...
No happy birthday for break in victim
HEARTLESS burglars ripped open birthday cards and plundered £200 from them after breaking into the home of an 88-year-old woman. more...
Trial date set for ex-mayoress
A TRIAL date has been fixed for the former Mayoress of Chorley who has been charged with company fraud. more...
Chorley Sport
Happy day at the seaside followed by cup knockout
CHORLEY performed a demolition bowling job at the seaside blowing the Blackpool batting away in under two hours as they raced to a quickfire 12 points in a match that ended Blackpool 56 Chorley 58 for 2. more...
Captain sounds cautious note
CHORLEY skipper James Fazackerley is delighted at his team's successful start to the season as his side stormed to the top of the Northern Premier League table but has warned supporters not to get carried away with the early success. more...
John plays extra time
WHEN John Haydock signed up as an administrator for Chorley Football Club at the age of 24, little did he realise his career would go into extra time. more...
Magpies skipper is player of the year again
SKIPPER Ian Leather, Chorley's longest-serving player, who recently made his 200th appearance for the Magpies, has received the Supporters' Player of the Year award for the second time. more...
First victory for Lynx
A HAT-TRICK of touchdowns in the closing ten minutes assured Lynx's sweet-tasting victory over Workington Town in a match that ended 10: 28. more...
Clarets Sport
Davis sees the Light
SUNDERLAND are leading the chase for former Burnley captain Steve Davis. more...
Play-offs didn't live up to my expectations
I'VE waited a long time to be involved in the play-offs, but it didn't go to plan in any way, shape or form. more...
Clitheroe News
Farms fear TB plague
A FARMER today issued a warning about a rise in tuberculosis among cattle and said it could prove more devastating than the foot and mouth epidemic. more...
School Rap tour's sound message...
SOME of Britain's biggest pop acts cut their teeth performing in East Lancashire before hitting the big time. more...
MP backs scrapping of varsity tuition fees 'tax'
EAST Lancashire Tory MP Nigel Evans has backed his party's new policy of scrapping tuition fees for university students which he said would save hundreds of local families thousands of pounds. more...
Pollution spill 'probably detergent'
ENVIRONMENT bosses have said a pollution spill that left a 50 metre stretch of the River Calder in Whalley covered in white foam was probably caused by detergent. more...
Delighted to get the call
A FORMER Clitheroe newsagent Alan Yearing was installed as the new Ribble Valley mayor. more...
Colne News
Burglar sneaked into shop through the loft
A THIEF who sneaked into a neighbouring shop through the loft escaped jail and was told he was a lucky man. more...
Tastes of the world on offer at fair
WORLD Fair Trade Day will be celebrated on Saturday with a free food fair in Colne. more...
Would-be PC over limit
A WOULD-BE police officer who rolled her car when almost twice the limit was given a 12-month driving ban. more...
Darwen News
Wing and a prayer!
INSPIRED by Harry Potter, a Darwen minister took to the sky to obtain his paragliding licence... and bring him closer to God. more...
Suicide husband suspected wife affair
A WOMAN who lost a daughter and her husband in the space of a month was asked if she had driven him to suicide by having an affair with a computer repair man. more...
Stolen flag blow could hit a proud tradition
DARWEN Scout leaders today warned a 90-year-old tradition could be in jeopardy after thieves made off with a Union flag on St George's Day. more...
School cash boost
STAFF at a village school are celebrating a cash boost for the second successive year, as reward for good teaching and commitment. more...
Lancashire Leisure
When obsession leads to heartache
PARISIAN charm, olde worlde courtesies, romance and glorious frock coats and bustles mingle with emotional obsession and heartbreak in a splendid new adaptation of Camille. more...
EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, May 16
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. more...
Lancashire News
Reason for hope for everyone at Ewood
I WRITE this in a traffic jam on the way from White Hart Lane. What a great finish to the season. more...
Ten years ago
ALMOST 50 years after they first met in the frozen seas of Russia, Benjamin Yakoubovsky and Jack Sowerbutts renewed their friendship. more...
Five years ago
THE Church of the Latter-day Saints' Temple off the M61 at Chorley opened its doors for the first time. more...
Burglar sneaked into shop through the loft
A THIEF who sneaked into a neighbouring shop through the loft escaped jail and was told he was a lucky man. more...
Tastes of the world on offer at fair
WORLD Fair Trade Day will be celebrated on Saturday with a free food fair in Colne. more...
Would-be PC over limit
A WOULD-BE police officer who rolled her car when almost twice the limit was given a 12-month driving ban. more...
Threads of the past go on net
A PAGE of pictures from Blackburn and Darwen's past -- each photograph a thread from the rich tapestry that forms their Cotton Town heritage. more...
'I couldn't save him'
A RETIRED council worker today described how he fought desperately to save a farmer's life following an horrific collision between a train and a Land Rover. more...
Body found in burned car
MYSTERY surrounds the discovery of a man's body found close to a burning car in Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley. more...
Electorate decides who is in or out
REGARDING your report headlined 'Campaign starts now to oust BNP' (LET, May 7), someone should tell Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Bill Taylor that it is the voters who decide, who is ousted and who is voted in. more...
Does Galloway forget killings?
I WAS astonished to see my local Liberal Democrat councillor Mrs Karimeh Foster, on the main 10 o'clock news on Tuesday, warmly greeting suspended Labour MP George Galloway to Blackburn. more...
Banned, by left wing misfits
THE well known entertainer and philosopher, Mr Bernard Manning, is now persona-non-grata in Burnley (LET, May 6). more...
Fears for park's healthy trees
I THINK that the cutting down of the trees in the Memorial Park, Great Harwood (LET, May 7), is terrible. I'm worried they may be felling healthy ones instead of the ones that look diseased or whatever is said to be wrong with them. more...
Support for MP is shameful
PARVAIZ Awan should be ashamed to even suggest that George Galloway should stand in Blackburn (LET, May 7). more...
Town criticism unbelievable
I COULDN'T believe my eyes when I read Mr Lee Richardson's criticism of Darwen people (Letters, May 5). more...
Farmers can't face new crisis
AFTER the nightmare ravaging of East Lancashire farms in the foot and mouth disease epidemic two years ago, it should, surely, be expected that every effort is being made to prevent them suffering another cattle plague. more...
Lancashire Sport
Ormerod flying flag for East Lancs
BRETT ORMEROD has admitted that the traditional FA Cup final nerves are affecting his fans more than him. more...
Davis sees the Light
SUNDERLAND are leading the chase for former Burnley captain Steve Davis. more...
Rovers in for Amoruso
BLACKBURN Rovers are closing in on a deal for Rangers centre-back Lorenzo Amoruso. more...
Serving up a treat!
JOHN Schofield has hit enough backhands, smashed a enough volleys and served enough aces to cast a critical view on the state of tennis in East Lancashire. more...
Baynes is the man of moment
CRAIG Baynes proved to be the `right' man for Baileys FC with the only goal of the game from his trusty `standing' leg! more...
Deano double seals the Old Black magic
YOUNG guns Dean Clarke and Adam Kozlowski were the Old Blacks heroes with the goals that clinch cup glory at Accrington Stanley's Crown Ground. more...
Grey day for Rib as Mill Hill chase treble
Mill Hill remain on course for a Blackburn Combination treble thanks to a wonderful hat-trick from Mark Grey. more...
Juniors are Real deal!
REAL Juniors were just one of the star teams on show at Witton Park when the Blackburn and Darwen Junior League held its end of season cup finals. more...
Lancaster News
Fire girl hears warning
POLICE have cautioned a young girl and want to track down two other youngsters after a Lancaster shop was damaged by fire. more...
Festival extends deadline
LANCASTER'S first film festival is stir-ring up so much interest that organ-isers have extended the time for people to enter. more...
Taxi drivers don't want special privileges
IF I may reply to S Roberts and Lorraine Barrow (Citizen Letters, last week), both show total ignorance about taxis. more...
You cannot pick and choose
I DISAGREE with Andrew Dinsdale's (Citizen letters, May 8) that to claim that war is wrong implies the status quo is better. more...
Who is the real Scrooge?
AFTER reading several letters from the `Friends of Heysham' in Citizen about car boot sales in the village, we two residents feel we must reply. more...
If you think this is bad you should try Rhyl
I WAS neither hurt nor offended by the letter headed `Morecambe really has had its day' (Citizen, May 1). I was, though, somewhat saddened. more...
We will keep on working
THE main thing independent councillors have in common is their wish to give something back to the community. more...
Car wars as taxi drivers threaten strike
LATE-NIGHT revellers spilling onto the streets in the early hours could be left to make their own way home as city hackney taxi drivers threaten to go on strike. more...
John is new first citizen
CANCER sufferers and head injury patients have been put at the top of the list by Lancaster's new Mayor. more...
John is new first citizen
CANCER sufferers and head injury patients have been put at the top of the list by Lancaster's new Mayor. more...
Bethany beats path to stardom
A MORECAMBE teenager has taken her first step towards the limelight - by winning selection for a national stage company. more...
Farmer John joins local food pioneers
A FAMILY farm is embarking on a major new venture - and looking forward to a bright future far removed from the devastation caused by foot-and-mouth disease. more...
Court jails robber gang
ARMED robbers have been jailed for a total of 38 years for violent attacks at post offices around the country, including Morecambe and Heysham. more...
Three agendas at Dukes
THREE films with very different agendas will be screened at the Dukes next week. more...
Ian takes his turn in the Spotlight
LANCASTER short story maestro Iain Colley will top the bill at Spotlight this weekend. more...
Druge raid cops make arrest
AMPHETAMINES and can-nabis resin have been seized during a police raid on a Morecambe address. more...
That `pillock' John is back again
JOHN Shuttleworth, star of BBC Two's 500 Bus Stops and four series of Radio Four's The Shuttleworths, is heading back to Lancaster. more...
Lancaster Sport
Veteran athlete Avril leads record breakers
LOCAL athletes scooped 12 golds, three silver and six bronze medals - plus 10 personal best performances - in the Lancashire AAA Championships at Stanley Park, Blackpool, at the weekend. more...
Rugby league men face a long, hard summer
LANCASTER'S all-new rugby league club is in for a long, hard summer... more...
Four out as Harvey builds
FOUR players have been released by Morecambe as manager Jim Harvey begins working towards the next Nationwide Conference campaign. more...
Leigh Education
Team effort pays off at Westleigh
WESTLEIGH High School has received a glowing report from Ofsted Inspectors. more...
Leigh Leisure
International stars in Leigh
LEIGH Folk Club welcomes a group of international recording stars on May 23. more...
Leigh News
Record breaking 400m performance
I WAS impressed by Leigh Harrier Tashon Gallagher's recent record breaking 400m performance -- without spikes. more...
Dad was deflated by lack of spare
PEOPLE who have bought a new Rover recently should check if they've got a spare wheel and jack. Buyers don't automatically get one! more...
My ugly washing line...
THE heavy rain after all that dry weather has caused me a heap of trouble. more...
Keep Smiling!
A MESSAGE on a wayside pulpit read "If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours." more...
Porsche driver lacks style
I WAS behind a posh two years old grey metallic Porsche Carrera in a regularly encountered queue waiting for the lights at Lovers Lane, Atherton, to change. more...
Double take
HOW many drivers travelling along Wigan Road, Atherton, at 8.50am every day do a double take just past The Royal? more...
Jack is a winner for the Harriers
TALENTED nine-years-old Jack Castledine is a lad ahead of his years. more...
Year of success
LEGAL eagle Ashi Arora has experienced a whirlwind year of success. more...
WINNERS - Charlotte Lownes and Chelsea Staunton.
DISCO queen Charlotte Lowndes has danced off with her third successive British title. more...
Scally reunited with owner
A LOST elderly whippet picked up by a pet charity in Git Pit village last month has been reunited with his owner -- thanks to the Journal. more...
Strings attached...
SEVEN junior schools have been learning the art of puppetry. more...
Top of the form
LEIGH Cricket Club's ladies' darts and dominoes section scored a bullseye to help make life easier for children of Chernobyl. more...
Clinic closed
for repairs more...
Leigh driver on road death charge
TWENTY-two-year-old Richard Bourke of Stavesacre, Leigh appeared before Bolton Magistrates charged with death by dangerous driving, obtaining services by deception and three further counts of dangerous driving. more...
Running for charity
AN Atherton woman is entering the Greater Manchester Run on May 26 in memory of a friend who lost his life to cancer. more...
College bound
MORE pupils than ever before who leave Westleigh High School are going into further education at Winstanley College. more...
Learning centre opens
A SATELLITE learning centre has taken off in Tyldesley. more...
Attracting wildlife
ASTLEY WI learned of the extensive work going on to attract wildlife to the area. more...
Have your say on local crime
RESIDENTS are invited to have their say on police and crime and disorder issues at the next Leigh Public Voice on Policing meeting on May 21 at 7.30pm in Leigh Town Hall. more...
Crime meeting
A MEETING is being held to discuss Golborne and Lowton youth crime. more...
Sunday School birthday plans
BEDFORD Methodist Church Sunday School in Leigh celebrates its 219th birthday this weekend. more...
Reunion plea
CULCHETH School old boy Gordon Brown is trying to contact old schoolmates of 50 years ago and set up a reunion. more...
Spring Fayre date
A SPRING Fayre is to be held at Bag Lane Methodist Church, Atherton, on Saturday betweem 11am and 3pm. Admission is 30p. more...
Summer Fayre
A SUMMER Fayre will open at Christ Church School, West Bridgewater Street, Leigh, at 12.30pm on July 5. more...
Action should be applauded
rSIR, more...
Lesley's tireless work for baby charity
WHEN mum-to-be Lesley Wardle developed the life threatening condition pre-eclampsia her baby was induced three months prematurely. more...
Brassed off!
WHEN Leigh Silver Band lost its long fight for survival, the trustees faced a dilemma. more...
by Lesley Richards
Tom's music lives on more...
Fred tells of his miracle escape
AN 82 years-old man has spoken of his miraculous escape after a 32 ton articulated lorry overturned and shed its load knocking him unconscious as he was planting shrubs in his front garden. more...
Leigh's man of brass dies, 66
LEIGH man of brass, Alan Rowson, has died after a long illness at the age of 66. more...
Atherton Carnival will be hot stuff
IT will be hot on the streets of Atherton on Saturday - and that's a promise. more...
Gas pipe plans will cause disruption
TRANSCO engineers are gearing up to move into Leigh and Atherton to carry out work on upgrading the gas supply system. more...
Transport of delight!
PUPILS boarded a supersonic bus for a learning trip on transport. more...
New Mayor
ELDER statesman Cllr Wilf Brogan on Wednesday became Mayor of Wigan and immediately started raising funds for a rapid response ambulance. more...
Business owners to meet contractors
OWNERS of small businesses hit by major sewer works in Leigh will on Friday meet contractors to discuss their plight. more...
Garden Centre hit by huge losses
GARDEN centre boss Derek York is urging businesses affected by the Tamar road closures in Leigh to slam in compensation demands against United Utilities to the small claims court. more...
Leigh Sport
Brilliant-Leigh!
Leigh Centurions 50 Featherstone Rovers 12. more...
Rain
ruins more...
Batsmen fail after bright start and dropped catches prove vital
Leigh strike back more...
Hannah wins her first county title
AT the Greater Manchester Track and Field Championships at Longford Park on Sunday, 12-year-old, Hannah Warburton ran a National Grade 1 Standard. more...
Press Release
Kevin aims to tackle world more...
GOLBORNE UNDER 15'S v. ADLINGTON UNDER 15'S
Golborne more...
Leigh Centurions Welcome Their Oldest Fan
LEIGH Centurions honoured a special fan at Sundays fixture against Featherstone Rovers at Hilton Park. more...
Morgan's League
Leigh Miners 216, Gardeners 202; Leigh Bowling A 206, Botanical Gardens 210; Tamar 238, Morgan's B 197. more...
Charity final
THE final of the Atherton Charity Cup will take place on Sunday at Atherton Collieries, kick off 2.30pm. more...
Centurions on full alert for Featherstone backlash
LEIGH Centurions have been put on full alert for a Featherstone Rovers backlash. more...
Nelson News
Roads closed for procession
A NUMBER of temporary road closures will be in place in Nelson on Sunday to allow a procession organised by local Muslims to celebrate the birthday of The Holy Prophet. more...
Council in call for vigilance over BNP
PENDLE Council is expected to vote for a motion supporting continued vigilance and community cohesion, following attempts by the BNP to win seats on the council at the local elections. more...
Ladies on stage for charity
NELSON Civic Ladies Choir hope to be in good voice at the end of this month when they take to the stage with 10 other ladies choirs at a charity concert in Huddersfield. more...
Preston Leisure
Stroll along towpath
WALKERS can join members of the Heartbeat charity for stroll along the towpath of the picturesque Lancaster Canal, from Bilsborrow to Garstang, and back again. more...
Clothes for kids
THE Parent Teacher Association of Queen's Drive County Primary School, Black Bull Lane, Fulwood, Preston, is holding an ex-chainstore children's wear sale on Wednesday, May 21, at 7pm. more...
John has his eye on you
COMEDY fans can catch John Shuttleworth when his Pillock of the Community tour comes to the Charter Theatre, Preston. more...
A chance to star
YOUNG actors are in with a chance to play the next Oliver Twist in a production at the Charter Theatre, Preston. more...
A golden festival
PRESTON Arts Society has announced plans for its Golden Jubilee Arts Festival from September 9 to 14. more...
A funny thing
THE next production to be staged at the Playhouse Theatre, Market Street West, Preston, is the comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, by Preston Drama Club, from May 28-31. more...
Pirates take to stage
ST LEONARD'S Gilbert and Sullivan Group is performing the Pirates of Penzance from May 20-24, at St Mary's Church Hall, Cop Lane, Penwortham, at 7.30pm. more...
Preston News
I'll fight back says victim
PEOPLE living in a leafy Preston suburb have armed themselves with baseball bats after a spate of attacks by gangs of young thugs. more...
'Tough guy' with a soft heart
'A TOUGH man in the ring, but soft on the inside,' -- those are a son's moving words about his former boxing champion father who died this week at his Preston home. more...
Tories out in the cold
LABOUR and Liberal Democrats on South Ribble Council are to carve up seats in the cabinet between them, leaving the Conservatives with no members. more...
Designs on making it a special carnival
THE Caribbean Carnival will have an extra special twist this year, thanks to a group of local youngsters. more...
Bridging Gulf in language
A SOLDIER from Bamber Bridge is preparing for a stint in Iraq by learning Arabic. more...
Cowgirls to gallop off
WOMEN workers dressed as cowgirls are getting ready to take the reins for this year's Race for Life. more...
Right up Preston's Street ...
PRESTON -- its plentiful shopping areas, stylish dockland and glorious parks -- is to star in its own television commercial. more...
United sign for school
A PRESTON school is onto a winner with its latest fund-raising venture. more...
Meet your councillors
THE next area forum for residents of Ashton, Ingol, Larches and Lea wards, takes place on Thursday, June 5, from 7pm at Lea Primary School, Greavestown Lane, Preston. more...
Preston,Leyland Info
Need a chemist?
CHEMISTS on duty on Sunday, May 18, are: Moss Side Pharmacy, Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, 10am-2pm; Boots, Fishergate, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Asda, Fulwood, 10.30am-4.30pm; The Pharmacy, Sainsburys, Deepdale, 10am-4pm, Boots Pharmacy, Deepdale Retail Park, 11am-5pm, Cohens Chemist, Deepdale Road, 10am-2pm and 7pm-10pm, Superdrug, St George's Shopping Centre, 11am-4pm, Sharoe Green Pharmacy, Sharoe Green Lane, 10am-1pm, Asda Pharmacy, Fulwood, 10.30am-4.30pm. more...
Preston,Leyland News
Factories in the frame
OVER the years, some of the city's most impressive buildings have been destroyed, both accidentally and on purpose. more...
Driven to despair
BEING a disabled driver I am one of those people for whom a parking bay is a necessity because of the width it allows me to transfer from chair to my car and back. more...
Proud? Not!
ON a recent visit to Manchester I was surprised and pleased to find that the city had cleaned up its act. more...
Preston,Leyland Sport
Girls are united
CARDINAL Newman and Preston Colleges women's football teams have joined forces to give the students the opportunity of entering bigger leagues and possibly go professional at some time in the future. more...
Revenge is sweet for Preston in knockout
PRESTON gained revenge for a shock league defeat at the hands of Leyland at Fox Lane last weekend by defeating them easily the next day to go through to the third round of the National Knockout. more...
Museum wins treasures from 1953 FA Cup Final
WITH the 2003 FA Cup Final coming up the National Football Museum is to display a collection of memorabilia from possibly the greatest ever FA Cup final. more...
College team wards
MYERSCOUGH College's junior football teams have been celebrating a successful season. more...
Change of colours
COLOURED cricket comes to Preston at the weekend when the South Meadow lane side take on Kendal in their first round match in the Thwaites Smooth Cup. more...
Preston,Leyland,Northend Sport
Brown issues warning to players
IT might be all quiet on the pitch, but Preston boss Craig Brown faces a busy summer behind the scenes as he plots a promotion pushing new season. more...
Rawtenstall News
'I couldn't save him'
A RETIRED council worker today described how he fought desperately to save a farmer's life following an horrific collision between a train and a Land Rover. more...
Apartments plan for derelict mill
A DERELICT mill could soon receive a new lease of life in a bid to boost Rawtenstall town centre. more...
Residents urged to get smart to pay bills
HOUSEHOLDERS in Rossendale are being urged to save themselves time and trouble by signing up to the recently introduced Allpay smartcards to pay Town Hall bills. more...
Rovers Sport
I'm going to be backing Brett all the way
THIS Saturday I'm going to become a Southampton fan for the day. That's right! Me, my grandad, and a couple of my mates are heading down to Cardiff to cheer on the Saints in the FA Cup final. more...
Rovers in for Amoruso
BLACKBURN Rovers are closing in on a deal for Rangers centre-back Lorenzo Amoruso. more...
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