GROWING up in a family environment is something most children experience. But while it is a situation frequently taken for granted, everyone readily understands how harsh it is for those who are denied it. For such unfortunate children are not only excluded
I WAS filling in a questionnaire to help my new general practitioner. It mentioned ethnic origin and you had to tick the appropriate one from a list which said: white, black Caribbean, black African, black other, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese
IT is a great shame for all concerned that the Royal Lancs Show had to be abandoned. The problem with the rain was unforseeable. However, could the road troubles have been solved by better positioning? Possibly, it may have been a mistake to move from
REGARDING your article (LET, July 26), about travellers occupying land off Canterbury Street, in Blackburn, little did I realise that when I paid my council tax I was subscribing to the building of landscaped areas and car and caravan parking for travelling
THE annual tax burden has risen for every household in Britain, this for every year since the Government came to office. The money, New Labour claims, has been spent on improving public services. If this is the case, why are there very few signs to show
A LEIGH park is to get a multi-purpose gazebo after 91per cent of locals went along with proposals. Wigan Council consulted around 500 people on the proposals, with 91 per cent of those who returned questionnaires in favour. The gazebo will be designed
A simple walk in the park can turn into so much more. Hey I ain't saying it's right and I ain't saying it's wrong but will all the 'chupe rustums ' please find somewhere else to do their canoodling. It's taking the p*** now. Picture it you're walking
BLACKBURN Rovers can expect a touching welcome to Dublin tonight after turning Damien Duff into a world beater. The Blues take on Bray Wanderers in the inaugural Andy McEvoy Challenge Cup - specially commemorated to honour a player who contributed much
A YOUTH who left two police officers injured after being thrown out of a nightlcub was given 100 hours community punishment. Burnley Magistrates had been told how James Pennington, 21, pushed a police woman and caught her colleague in the jaw. Pennington
PLANS for an £80 million transformation of secondary education in Burnley will be unveiled next week. Lancashire County Council and Burnley Borough Council will announce plans on Monday to discuss a bid for Government cash to build new schools. Lancashire
AN East Lancashire council has won a bid for more than £7million to help reduce crime in the borough. Over the next five years the European Union money will be pumped into projects in seven Burnley wards -- Bank Hall, Brunshaw, Daneshouse and Stoneyholme
AN 18-YEAR-OLD student has been told he could miss out on the most important results day of his life -- because his final term fees have not been paid. Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, have threatened to withhold the A Level results of Tom
A TOWN crier will be hanging up his bell after five years in the job. Kevin Griffiths will utter his last public cry in East Lancashire this month when he opens the Barnoldswick's first festival. Also affectionately known as Stentorian -- the official
LITTERBUGS and irresponsible dog owners who let their pets foul could face £50 fines if they are caught. Hyndburn community wardens are issuing the fixed penalty notices as part of a new campaign of zero tolerance. "We are not prepared to live in an area
COLLEGE chiefs hoping to build a new £9million art block at Accrington and Rossendale College face opposition from residents. The college has asked Hyndburn Council for outline permission for work to transform the Sandy Lane campus in Accrington, including
HYNDBURN Council has been accused of delay over a review into the provision of wheelchair-accessible taxis in the borough. The council said two years ago it would look into the issue, and commissioned a survey into whether there was any unmet demand for
After stealing the show in Mein Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Abhishek Bachchan returns in this look at life and love in the villages. Well it ain't all like that but Bollywood needs to look deeper into the issues that affect the majority of it's audience. Here
EX-HEADMASTER Dave Thomas reckons Burnley defender Dean West started a new chapter in his life thanks to his teaching. Lifelong Clarets fan Thomas met up with former pupil West again at a book launch at Turf Moor earlier this week. Thomas spent all last
GARETH Taylor has sparked concerns his eye injury may be worse than first feared after pulling out of the Welsh squad. The Clarets striker last night ruled himself out of the Euro 2004 clash against Serbia and Montenegro on Wednesday August 20 after consulting
EDENFIELD have dragged themselves from the depths of despair to become the decisive factor in the Jennings Ribblesdale League title race. After finishing bottom of the pile for the previous two seasons, Chris Hanson's men are now the form side, having
GARETH Taylor has sparked concerns his eye injury may be worse than first feared after pulling out of the Welsh squad. The Clarets striker last night ruled himself out of the Euro 2004 clash against Serbia and Montenegro on Wednesday August 20 after consulting
A CHARITY fundraiser is staging an 18-mile walk from Blackburn Rovers stadium to Derian House children's hospice. Ray Heeks, 34, chief instructor at Darwen's School of Kung Fu, has organised the walk to raise money for the hospice. His one-year-old daughter
DARWEN'S MP has sent a strongly-worded letter to the owners of the M65 Services site in a bid to change the sign to read 'Darwen'. Janet Anderson was shocked to hear that the new services would more than likely remain as Blackburn, instead of being accredited
A DARWEN couple endured a holiday from hell when their caravan was melted by the heat of fires that swept through southern France. Jean and Roy Livesey, who own and live in the London Terrace Post Office, were all set for 20 nights of bliss when they
A COMMUNITY project in Rossendale has won a £5000 lottery award to develop links between community, voluntary and religious groups and the local councils. Community Action project manager Irene Kay said the cash would mean groups could now work together
A DOCTOR killed herself because she feared she was unable to do enough for her patients, her husband claimed. Dawn Harris, 38, of Holcombe Brook, Rossendale, was found hanged at her home by husband Michael Churchill on Saturday night. He said his wife
A NEWLY refurbished building has been praised for helping to rejuvenate the surrounding town centre. Until recently the turn-of-the-century former newsagents in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, was a rundown property split into two smaller shops. But following
After spending as little time as possible as a model it seems the next step in your career seems to be acting. One after the other the kings and queens of the catwalk are making moves to the silver screen and whilst it might be give superficial
WAQAR HUSSAIN spent over 18 months out of England. His journey took him to Turkey, Iran, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the UAE and finally his village in Pakistan where he settled for a period. This month he tells of his visit through IRAN. A country learning
PEOPLE are being urged not to cool down by jumping into reservoirs during the hot weather. United Utilities, who own the reservoirs, said that every swimmer tempted to test out reservoir waters are putting their lives at risk. The water company said that
A CINEMA advert encouraging teenagers to tackle crime is to be screened at four East Lancashire cinemas. The Crimestoppers Trust is launching the campaign, called Crossing the Line, on August 15, and it will be screened at the Accrington Premier, Burnley
A COMMUNITY group which claimed £1,900 for a 'fact-finding' trip to Madrid is to return the money before the end of the week. Blackburn with Darwen Council recalled the cash after the Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed outrage at the grant - awarded
FOSTER carers are being urged to turn bounty hunters as a council bids to find more stand-in parents. And the council behind the scheme today insisted that sexuality and marital status should not been seen as obstacles for would-be carers wanting to look
ICE-cream manufacturer Eddie Cowpe can't help but get hot under the collar during the current sizzling spell... even when producing his ice-cold treats. For instead of keeping him chilled, Eddie says making ice-cream is actually warm work! Eddie, owner
AN IRANIAN claims to have begun a sixth day of hunger strike today after being told by authorities that his case for asylum has been rejected. Mohammed Reza Solymanyzadeh says he will face death by stoning if he returns to Iran and says he has therefore
ROSSENDALE United twice came from a goal behind to beat Oldham 4-2 at Dark Lane. Oldham took the lead from the penalty spot before Ryan Hevicon equalised. The visitors made it 2-1 but Dave Gamble levelled matters with a spot-kick before the break. Doni
THIS year's Summer 2003 Cancer Relief Football tournament was another huge success and it's all thanks to you. Seventy-six teams from Preston to Manchester participated in the competition which is now in it's fourth year. The tournament was organised
Regarding the article in Asian Image concerning the police officer who was beaten up. I think we have a duty as a community to make sure members of the police and one who is as respected as the officer in question should be subjected to this. There are
I had to write in after going to this year's mela in Blackburn. I went with some of my friends and feel some 'men' in our community have no shame whatsoever. We are in our thirties and had young children with us but we were harrassed on numerous times
ACCRINGTON Stanley are to hold their second Summer Soccer School. Stanley boss John Coleman and his team of qualified football coaches will take the sessions, which run from August 18 to August 21, from 10am to 3pm each day. Boys and girls aged six to
ACCRINGTON Stanley have snapped up former Sunderland goalkeeper John Kennedy. The 22-year-old, who was released by the Black Cats at the end of last season, agreed terms - initially on a non-contract basis - last night. Delighted Stanley manager John
CHERIE Blair was guest of honour at a Labour party event at the Safrons Restaurant in Manchester. It came at a time when the party also launched it's Muslims for Labour organisation which hopes to encourage the participation pf Muslims in British political
TAKEWAY owners in Preston and South Ribble could get their fingers burnt following an overhaul of the licensing laws. From next March, takeaways selling hot food after 11pm will have to pay a new 'tax'. The new 'premises licence' will also cover venues
AN inquiry has begun into claims the leader of Manchester City Council has "failed to promote good race relations". Councillor Richard Leese was reported to the Standards Board of England (SBE) after proposing the Council should no longer pay for a translator
THE arrest of an estate agent who had parked on double yellow lines is being investigated by the Police Complaints Authority. Faisal Aslam, 28, complained he was handcuffed then held in police custody for seven hours without charge. He said officers refused
A YOUNG mum is urging members of the community to help Cystic Fibrosis charity reach it's fundraising target. Fozia Dar's daughter Mariam was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis soon after she was born. Mariam is now 13 months old. Fozia of Charlotte Street
MEMBERS of the community were left devastated after plans for a mosque in Clitheroe were turned down for the fourth time. Ribble Valley Council's planning and development committee overturned an officers' recommendation and voted against the scheme by
A MUSLIM man was shocked to realise he had bitten into a meat pie after ordering a butter pie from a Morrisons store Now, Ali Tilley of St George's Road, Preston wants the superstore to improve the way they label their foods. Twenty-six year old Ali said
I offer a unique disclosure of my life lived on edge whilst contemplating marriage with a Muslim man. A man who claimed to be a self-professed pious'squeaky-clean' individual, to quote in his own words caused me psychological injury and physical degradation
REGARDING the Royal Lancashire Show fiasco, when are the Red Rose 'experts' going to follow their White Rose counterparts and find a permanent showground for this wonderful event? Advantages: good roads, good standings for exhibitors, good show rings,
AN 18-YEAR-OLD student has been told he could miss out on the most important results day of his life -- because his final term fees have not been paid. Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, have threatened to withhold the A Level results of Tom
FOR OUR latest Pride of East Lancashire Award we are looking to find the area's Neighbour of the Year. Neighbourhoods have changed a great deal in recent years and many people no longer know the person that lives next door. But in some areas community
You may recall in previous articles I dealt with the latest Government initiative to attract skilled workers into the country - the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). As of 30 May this new scheme was introduced for low skilled workers. The Sectors
COBBLER Brian Armstrong will be swapping East Lancashire for the Wild West - when he visits the American hometown of his lifelong hero, John Wayne. And the trans-Atlantic trip is all thanks to big hearted bosses at his workplace - as a thankyou for his
FROM horror to science fiction, it seems Bollywood is into trying something new this year. The lovey dovey storylines still hold sway but Koi Mil Gaya features a big spaceship, Hrithick playing a nerd, and a load of gadgets. A bit of a first for the industry
BURNLEY have handed a trial to Australian Under-20 defender Adrian Madaschi who has spent six years in Italian football, mainly with Atalanta, but is now keen to establish himself in England. And Clarets boss Stan Ternent, who has admitted being in the
DEAR MASSI, This is first time I have ever written to you. I have a daughter who has recently told us she wants to marry this 'friend' of hers. Me and my husband brought her up to be responsible and we always told her she could tell us anything. Unfortunately
TRIBUTES have poured in for a stalwart of the Darwen Library Players who died just weeks before her next performance. Carole June Slater, 63, of Redearth Road, known as June to friends and family, joined the Players two years after the theatre group formed
THE first heat in a Lancashire-wide Soccer Idol contest will take place in Blackburn. It has been organised to give the county's best young footballers a foothold on the ladder to success. The most promising players from four heats, to be held across
A WOMAN who emigrated from East Lancashire to Canada three months ago spoke today of her horror at the wildfires sweeping across the country. More than 11,000 people have been forced from their homes by 328 fires in the provinces of British Columbia and
AFTER four years of trying Gujrat finally came good in the annual Asian Image Charity Cup. They overcame some early scares to beat Nelson's Itihaad in the final. In the semi-final though it looked like rank outsiders St James's would reach the final after
I write concerning the Anila Baig column about Melas. I think it was so true and nowadays the melas have lost their family feel. I understand young people want musc and loud acts but there should be other activities for mela goers. It is good that they
JOHN Coleman has his options open for Accrington Stanley's first game in the Nationwide Conference. The Stanley manager has been running the rule over his squad during their extensive pre-season fixtures in preparation for the big kick-off at Aldershot
A NEW appeal has gone out to the community to help trace a conman who went on the run after stealing money intended to pay for Hajj. Mohammed Adris, of Blackburn Road, Accrington, was scheduled to be sentenced in May after admitting two charges of theft
THE family of the eight people murdered in a fire in Huddersfield said they hoped the three men convicted served their full jail terms. Following the sentencing, Muhammed Shafique, whose brother, sister, mother and five nieces were killed in the blaze
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Drop-In 10am-3pm; Police Advice Surgery and Asian Link Worker 10am-noon, Women's Information and Self Help Centre, Cardwell Place, Blackburn. Over 55s Luncheon Club,
BLACKBURN with Darwen Council has taken another step towards dictatorship and shows contempt for residents by granting planning permission for the new JJB Soccerdome at Guide (LET, June 27). Despite the residents' objections, the council has forced its
AN IRANIAN claims to have begun a sixth day of hunger strike today after being told by authorities that his case for asylum has been rejected. Mohammed Reza Solymanyzadeh says he will face death by stoning if he returns to Iran and says he has therefore
BLACKBURN defender Andy Todd has handed in a transfer request just 10 days before the start of the new season. And manager Graeme Souness has 'reluctantly' agreed to put the player on the market. Todd, 28, is frustrated after starting only 14 games for
PARISH councillors in Burnley have fallen out with their borough colleagues at the town hall over plans to build an apartment block. The proposal for the 20-apartment building on land off Nicholas Street in Harle Syke has raised the hackles of parish
SHAKERS will have to dig deep and splash out on two or three more new faces if they are to win promotion this season, according to manager Andy Preece. The Bury boss has been busy wheeling and dealing this summer to plug the gaps left by the likes of
A VANDAL attack on a Jewish cemetery in Prestwich was motivated by racism say police. Twenty headstones were pushed over and smashed at the Hebrew Burial Ground in utterstile Lane sometime between 7pm on Monday and 7.30am on Tuesday. The damage is expected
IN THE build-up to Sunday's Worsley Cup final at East Lancashire, no-one is facing a more anxious wait than Rawtenstall professional Mike Smith. The Australian all-rounder is recovering from knee surgery and needs to prove his fitness by tomorrow night
DEAR MASSI, Six months ago I decided it was time to get married. However, since then I have realised I am not ready for it. I haven't told anyone in my family and my parents have already asked me to meet three people who they think would be suitable for
BLACKBURN defender Andy Todd has handed in a transfer request just 10 days before the start of the new season. And manager Graeme Souness has 'reluctantly' agreed to put the player on the market. Todd, 28, is frustrated after starting only 14 games for
A LAP dancer is ready to welcome her first students this weekend as she holds a class in the art of pole dancing. Kathryn Hartley says she has been beseiged with interest in the classes from women of all ages and even a man! She said she has taken about
GIRLS from a Blackburn school splashed their way into the record books by becoming the first school in the North of England to swim the English Channel. Westholme pupils aged between 13 and 18 formed two teams for the 21.5-mile crossing, during which
CLITHEROE lost 2-1 in their friendly at home to UniBond Premier Division side Burscough last night. The Blues took the lead just before the break through Simon Garner. But Burscough hit back with an equaliser early in the second half before grabbing a
OLD is gold or is that just what people say to make themselves feel better. But in the Rossendale Mid-week Cricket League cup final it proved to be right. The underdogs and 'B' side proved too much for the 'A' side beating them for the very first time
I think it is disgusting that anyone should put up with violence, men do get beat up by women i've seen it myself and it's wrong. Women get help, kids get help and support and we even have the RSPCA for animals so why shouldnt men have the same help!
IN what was one of the hottest days of the year so far, Santos lifted the Summer 2003 Cancer Relief Cup beating Nile on penalties in the final. The all Preston final saw the Nile and Santos go head to head for the second time within a year. The two met
I have been following the George Galloway saga and wanted to say it was scandalous how he has been treated. The newspaper that made the claims has retracted its reports and now feels it made a mistake. But our government doesn't seem to have learnt a
Concerning the letter entitled 'Schooling issue needs to be tackled' by Iftikar Ahmed of the London School of Islamics I would say there are many other issues at stake. Whilst the reasons for Islamic schools might be justified it is also important to
THE husband of a popular Bolton GP, who is believed to have killed herself because she felt, unable to cure all her patients has spoken of their last conversation together. Michael Churchill said there had been nothing to suggest that his wife Dr Dawn
PRESTON Muslim forum, PCT and Maa aur Bacha group have come together to challenge the increasing problem faced by the community's unhealthy eating patterns. Many families fail to realise the importance of a well balanced diet and the effects that a bad
A RAF reservist who was disciplined for refusing to fight in the Iraq war on religious grounds appeared in court to appeal against the ruling. Moshin Khan, 24, was arrested and charged with going absent without leave from his base at RAF Honington, Bury
Talented Ibrahim Ali said the secret of his award-winning curries was to treat them like a woman...with lots of tender, loving care. And Ibrahim has revealed the unique recipe which won him the prestigious title of Burnley's Curry King Champion. An official
