A FATHER who dialled 999 when his son was assaulted has spoken of his fury after being told: "We can't help - it's not an emergency". Kevin Savage rang for help when his 15-year-old son, Matthew, came home with his face bleeding after being set upon
A TEAM of young volunteers have been praised for creating a memorial garden for a five-year-old girl who died of cancer. Prince's Trust volunteers gathered yesterday to open a memorial garden in memory of Paris Devlin, of Florence Avenue, Burnley. A
A FAMILY attacked after confronting the yobs who were vandalising their home said they had been left terrified. The couple, of Prestwich Street, Burnley, were kicked and punched after confronting two "rowdy" men. They said that the yobs also made
PEOPLE still living on the Darwen Academy site have been warned they will be forcibly removed from their homes unless they agree to sell them. The 10 residents left in the Redearth Triangle could be evicted by Blackburn with Darwen Council in a matter
LANCASHIRE Police are leading the UK in the use of a groundbreaking "third generation" E-fit system. We went to meet the man behind the high-tech new system, known as EvoFit. IT started life as part of work for his PhD but Dr Charlie Frowd has now
A 10-YEAR-old boy has been left with severe injuries after the family dog mauled his face. Callum Chippendale was today described as 'poorly' in hospital after being attacked in the house in Shale Street, Gannow, Burnley, at 11.20pm last night. Police
A BUSINESS leader is calling for showdown talks with the Chancellor in a bid to stave off further fuel price increases. Mike Damms, chief exec-utive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, claims that Alistair Darling's plans to up fuel duty by 2p
A PROJECT to create East Lancashire's first "carbon neutral street" has been launched. Hyndburn-based environmental charity Prospects Foundation is hoping to find a road in the borough where all householders would start a range of energy efficiency measures
Rossendale Museum (Whitaker Park, Haslingden Road) is hosting an exhibition celebrating the arts and crafts of Mexico. It's a rare opportunity to experience the brilliant colours and stunning designs of the country's many regions. Activities will also
A retired care assistant died from complications relating to a liver transplant, an inquest heard. Joan Mary Starkie, 61, of Ribble Way, Clitheroe, was admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital on February 12 suffering from vomitting and headaches. She developed
Prince Charles made a day-long visit to Burnley. Watch our video of the Royal visit.
RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say on plans to restore a historic park to its former glory. Memorial Park, Great Harwood, is set to undergo a regeneration which will see landscaping and planting, as well as entrances and benches improved.
Prince Charles met with faith leaders to discuss community issues on the last leg of the Royal visit to Burnley. The Bishop of Burnley, the Right Reverend John Goddard, said the meeting at Burnley Town Hall went "extremely well". He said: "It was
A DISABILITY forum is asking residents to get invol-ved in making the area an "easier place" to live and work. The Hyndburn Disabled Forum was launched last year so that people with a disability have a say on which local problems need the most attention
COLNE teenager Steven Burke marked his senior Great Britian team pursuit debut by winning a gold medal at the World Cup in Denmark. The 19-year-old - teaming up with Ed Clancy, Paul Manning and Geraint Thomas, helped Great Britain beat Denmark to win
Should we laugh at other people's misfortune? The answer to that question should be no. But sometimes it's simply too hard to resist. I shouldn't really like Channel 4's Grand Designs, but I do. It's a smug show full of smug people, ploughing their
A Leukaemia charity is looking for people with a head for heights to raise cash. The Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill near Ramsbottom has an elevation of 1,100ft and volunteers are needed to abseil it in aid of The Anthony Nolan Trust, on Sunday, May 18.
A TEENAGER who had sex with a vulnerable schoolgirl is set to be released from prison so he can get treatment in the community. A court heard that Shaun Wilkinson's 15-year-old victim had learning difficulties and did not understand what had happened
AN investigation has been launched after a lorry shed its load of steel in Church. Bosses at Walkersteel, based at Walker House, Blackburn, said an internal inquiry was underway to establish what went wrong. Rush-hour traffic was disrupted by the incident
THREE people arrested over the supply of insulin to a body builder who susequently died have been released without charge. And a second man believed to have taken the drug as a muscle-enhancer is continuing to fight for life two months after falling
A NEW exhibition of work from the Art and Craft Guild of Lancashire has opened at the Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington. The displays include the work of 20 painters, sculptors, potters, textile artists and jewellers living and working in Lancashire.
ACCRINGTON grandmother Joan Walmsley hopes to be the first in the family to stand at her own grandfather's First World War grave. Richard Edward Hacking died while serving with the Canadian forces at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, in northern France, in 1917
A LITTLE-seen 1960 film starring Norman Wisdom had people packing into Darwen Library Theatre this week. There was a Crooked Man' was shot on location in the town and caused a frenzy of excitement, as film stars and camera crew strolled the streets.
A DRUG dealer was given a chance by a judge to kick his habit so he could put crime behind him. Burnley Crown Court heard how David Brown, 37, presented to the court a "very positive" pre-sentence report, and Judge Beverley Lunt told him she was prepared
THE Prince took a trip down Burnley's canal to see the full potential of the Weavers Triangle development. His Royal Highness, wrapped up in a camel overcoat, braved the windy climb up to the Leeds-Liverpool from Centenary Way to get a panoramic view
A FAMILY-owned pet shop is closing down after being killed off by supermarkets. Animal Magic has traded in Blackburn Market for 28 years, and at its height had over 20 North West shops employing more than 150 people, in towns like Accrington and Burnley
The Youth elections for Blackburn with Darwen is about to take place and we are calling for all young people aged 11-18 to vote. The Youth Elections will take place between 3rd of March and ends on the 7th of March. Voting will take place in schools
A WIFE beater subjected his victim to a campaign of harassment - including bombarding her with texts and phone calls - a court heard. Magistrates were told how father-of-three Paul Higgins, 43, who had earlier attacked his wife Nicola on New Year's
TWO sisters have helped to raise £70,000 for charity after trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro. Gillian Waddicor, 35, of Prince Lee Meadows, and Sue Waddicor, 30, of Punstock Road, both Darwen, were among colleagues from not-for-profit organisation Manchester
WORLD War I historian Steve Williams, of Brindle, who is also secretary and co-founder of the Chorley Pals Memorial Appeal, is organising a coach trip to the Somme battlefield. The five-day trip, in July, in aid of the appeal, is aiming to raise £55,000
HEALTH workers have been warned they could lose their jobs if they speak publicly about problems at East Lanc-ashire's hospitals. An e-mail sent to all staff at the Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Hospitals has warned that they must not speak to
The Youth elections for Blackburn with Darwen is about to take place and we are calling for all young people aged 11-18 to vote. The Youth Elections will take place between 3rd of March and ends on the 7th of March. Voting will take place in schools
PRINCE Charles was treated to a musical welcome as he arrived at Burnley Youth Theatre. Youngsters taking part in the Prince's Trust Acting Up scheme, performed One from the musical Chorus Line. After chatting with the 12 girls, he watched a routine
A NOTORIOUS betting fraudster who once targeted East Lancashire has been banned for life from three of the country's biggest bookies. Betting giants William Hill, Ladbrokes and Totesport joined forces to obtain an Anti-Social Behaviour Order on John
Blackburn Rovers' Reserve match against Middlesbrough next Monday has had to be postponed. The clash at Christie Park need to be rearranged because Morecambe are playing Grimsby Town in a Johnstone Paints semi-final the following evening. A new
Firefighters in Blackburn and Accrington were called to around 20 different grass fires on Tuesday. In Blackburn, they turned out to seven in the Shear Brow area, and eight behind Ewood Park. Accrington crews also attended grass fires in Rishton, Accrington
HRH Prince Charles shakes hands with Sarunas Kamtautas (machine operator). To his right is Leigh Cain.
RESIDENTS are being urged to attend a meeting to discuss road issues in the borough. The Lancashire Local Pendle meeting being held on Wednesday, February 27, at 6.30pm at Rainhall Centre, Barnoldswick, will discuss a review of bus service, winter gritting
LONG-term sickness absences among hospital staff are decreasing, according to new figures. In October, November and December last year, staff at the Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital lost 1,586 fewer days to long-term sickness compared
PRINCE Charles paid tribute to a "remarkable" Burnley-based business which has helped give disadvantaged youngsters the chance of a future. His Royal Highness was speaking as he opened a new workshop at engineering company BCW at Lancashire Digital
ORGANISERS of Darwen Civic Society's 20th photographic exhibition are calling for more entries. This year's theme is the New Aspects of Darwen' and/or The Exterior of Darwen Library'. The library was chosen to mark its centenary in May, and the New
Former Burnley and England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act, sources said today. He was detained after Northumbria Police were called last night to a hotel in Gateshead. A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Police
FIVE equals four for rallyman Steve Simpson, who chalked up his fourth successive victory on the 2008 Legend Fires North West Stages. And Saturday's win - with almost two minutes to spare over his rivals - made it five in total for the Bury-based Hyundai
Andrew Flintoff set his sights on "scoring some big runs" for club and country after making a successful return from injury for England Lions in India. The all-rounder played as specialist batsman in the three-wicket win over a Mumbai XI on Tuesday,
THE operating profit of aerospace giant BAE Systems, which has a major UK base in Samlesbury, soared by £123million in 2007, it was announced today. The company's preliminary results for last year showed an operating profit of £1.77 billion, up from
Race Retro celebrates its fifth anniversary at Stoneleigh Park, near Warwick, on March 14-16. There will be over 400 exhibitors at the show in four halls, plus the Bonhams auction, live rally stage, dual autotests, classic kart racing, a vintage wall
Tickets for Lancashire Lightning's Friends Provident Trophy home fixtures are now on sale with big savings for tickets bought in advance - and no booking fees charged. The one-day competition has been revamped for 2008, with the two-division format replaced
A MAIN road through a town centre remained closed due to repairs to a burst water pipe. Police were called to Albert Road, Colne, at 11.50pm on Tuesday after a large amount of water began to spread across the road. Engineers from United Utilities fixed
THERE are no plans to build a Marks and Spencer store in the Ribble Valley, the company has announced. The high street retailer moved to quash rumours that it was considering setting up a branch in Clitheroe, possibly on the site of the former Rectella
PARK keepers in Pendle are warning children not to walk on frozen lakes and ponds. Children are being told to stay away from lakes and ponds that have frozen over during the recent spate of icy weather, during half term. Park keepers have been breaking
Leigh Lennon and Eleanor Markendale have been selected for the North of England U20 team to compete in Malta from April 24-28. It will be the first time a team has been chosen for this competition, but it is expected that the athletes will come up against
A BLACKBURN town centre shop has been left counting the cost after vandals smashed five windows in two days. A window was shattered at Pavilion Interiors in Church Street on Monday and four others were smashed the following night. Joanne McMillan, who
An entire school year were invited to a 16th birthday bash for a fellow pupil. Guests including year 11 pupils from Ribblesdale High School Technology College, Clitheroe, piled into So Bar, King Street, Clitheroe, to help Louise Paul celebrate her
THREE East Lancashire youngsters have won Athlete of the Match Awards at the third and final round of the Lancashire Sportshall League at Blackpool. Christian Butschoe-Brain of Westholme School scored 19.5 points in the U11 Boys' section, Sam Yates of
LOWERHOUSE have employed Tasmanian all-rounder Brendan Drew as their pro for the new Lancashire League season - which begins on April 20. The 24-year-old seamer, originally from New South Wales, made his debut for the Islanders in 2005 and was part of
Andrew Flintoff's return to competitive cricket hit a temporary barrier yesterday after he was ruled out of England Lions' match against Maharashtra in Mumbai. Lancashire all-rounder Flintoff, 30, was due to play his second one-dayer of the week but
A MACMILLAN Nurse who is cared for by her colleagues after falling ill with cancer has thanked the charity for helping her live life to the full. Lesley Dawson, 44, of Dean Lane, Water, had been a nurse for more than 20 years and had already survived
A COUPLE were attacked after confronting yobs who had vandalised their home. The couple, of Prestwich Street, Burnley, heard men shouting in the street and saw them throwing things at their window at 2.45am. The 27-year-old woman rolled down the window
Rossendale Harriers' 40th year was marked by growth, success, and international recognition for three of their teenage prospects. The club held its presentation evening last Friday at their Marl Pits headquarters to recognise the top performers of 2007
A 21-YEAR-old man who was found lying on a grass verge with back and head injuries may have been hit by a car, police have revealed. Officers are investigating whether the man had been in collision with a vehicle before he was found close to Raikes Bridge
WORKERS on a construction site chased a thief who stole a JCB. A man broke into the secured compound in Springvale Mill, Bury Road, Edgworth, and drove off in the JCB. Workers in Springvale Mill saw the man fleeing in the vehicle and a group of them
PRINCE Charles told Burnley's business and council bosses that the regeneration of the town was key to raising the aspirations of young people. The Prince made the comments during a 30-minute meeting with Burnley Council bosses, Bryan Dray from the
Carl Fogarty, Blackburn's four-times World Superbike champion, today launched his new website. The site www.carlfogarty.com contains all the latest news, views and images of Foggy. It also includes statistical details of Carl's career, a full biography
The SD34 Motor Sport Group hold their annual presentation tomorrow night at Horwich RMI Club, near Bolton. Awards are given for various motorsport disciplines, including stage and road rallying, off the road, hillclimb and marshalling. The prestigious
STEPHEN Warnock is hoping his Blackburn Rovers defensive partner Andre Ooijer will be fit to face Bolton Wanderers on Sunday. The Dutch international, who suffered a hamstring injury in the defeat at Arsenal, returned with the rest of the squad yesterday
NOW the hectic time we call Christmas has passed, I wonder if any of the older generation remember what Christmas used to be like. Shops would shut all week, maybe 10 days because food shops were shut 52 Sundays in the year. Most households observed
HAVING read with interest the recent comments regarding dog fouling of local football pitches, I would like to make a comment. I do not own a dog and having played football in the past and had to be very cautious due to uncaring dog owners, I agree with
I WOULD like to say a big thank you to Tony Watson, Peter Hunt and Andy, Wayne and Steve. They have given me so much support and encourage-ment. I run the cleaner greener Griffin group which concentrates on helping keep the area clean. Without the
Are you over 50 and trying to get to grips with modern technology? Or perhaps you have an older friend or relative who wants to be able to send emails to their family? Then a course being held at the library might be just what you're after. Age
I WAS delighted to read that a member of the United Nations has launched a Muslim-Western forum in Europe. The forum was opened in January in Madrid by Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Sapin's Prime Minister. Mr Zapatero said the UN-backed initiative is
GRAHAM Alexander believes Burnley could be the surprise package of the Coca-Cola Championship. The experienced defender has been involved in the end of season knock-out at this level three times with former club Preston North End, losing in the final
Villagers in Hapton are concerned after damage was caused to the shelter at Hapton railway station. Cars were also hit by stones in Hapton Road, Padiham, last week.
At the Padiham Council working group meeting, Laura Smith, from Burnley Council delivered a presentation on the preferred options for the future of new and refurbished buildings within the town. All households are to receive information on these proposals
PRINCE Charles has arrived in Burnley for his day-long visit of the town. He was met at Burnley Manchester Road Train Station by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, at around 10am. The Prince was then taken straight to Burnley Town
The Friends of Pendle Heritage have organised a 4-week course to take place in April. The public sessions are to be held on Thursdays throughout the month, from 10am until 12noon. It costs £40 to enrol on this course, which will give you the opportunity
I hear mutterings that too much money (over £9 million) has been spent on the splendid new landmark bridge over the railway at Freckleton Street near the Darwen Street junction. If so, I plead guilty as charged, along with those accused in the council
HISTORIAN Steve Chapples, of Burnley, tells the story of the workhouse - institutions which became prisons for those whose only crime was infirmity, or poverty. "Most people's ideas of workhouses come from reading, or seeing, Charles Dickens's graphic
Huge crowds lined the streets of Nelson on May 16, 1948 for the Whit Sunday procession, led by The Nelson Silver Band. Here the band is pictured marching past Nelson Baths (on the right), in Bradley Road. Do you have any photographs, or memories
AS education bosses put the price of planned comprehensive schools for the Rossendale Valley at £2million, the area's primary pupils were being taught in surroundings that had changed little in more than 100 years. Even in 1967 the bulk of youngsters
YOUR schooldays are said to be the best of your life. It's a time for fun and friends and, certainly until your exam years loom, a time when you have no cares. Everyone looks back fondly at their days in the classroom, trying to remember old friends
Darwen MC&CC are holding an open novice and beginners trial at Cranberry Farm, Cranberry Fold Lane, Darwen on Saturday, March 1, starting at 1pm. The meeting is open to adult novices, beginners and youth riders.
On Sunday, the Clayton Velo Cycling Club present the 40th edition of their annual Clayton Spring Classic Road Race when a full field of 80 riders will compete over 14 laps of a four-mile circuit between Edisford and Higher Hodder. The event will be run
DENNY Khan has left struggling Nelson after just four months in the managerial hot-seat - to be replaced by Nick Jackson-Cooney. Khan, 42, replaced Terry Fildes last October, but he left the Victoria Park club following last Saturday's 10-1 defeat at
THIS is the first look at how the Marsden Heights Community College in Brierfield will look. Residents, parents and students from the Brierfield and south Nelson areas are being given the opportunity to view the latest artists' imp-ressions, and see
JOHN Coleman has re-signed striker Andy Mangan on a month's loan as Accrington Stanley look for their first victory in three matches. The 21-year-old spent two seasons at Stanley before joining Bury last August and scoring five goals for the Shakers,
Prince Charles is to start his Burnley visit by meeting representatives of various community organisations along with representatives from Burnley Council and his own charities. The royal visit will take Prince Charles to some of Burnley's most innovative
Canon Michael Wedgeworth writes about the suicides in Bridgend. Catching up with the Dean's Blog after a few days away (Yes, I know, I could have read it from abroad, but I had no access to a computer), I see that a teenager, Sophie Brooks, holds the
Bear Grylls is an adventurer, record breaker and real life action hero. Last week we gave you the chance to win a copy of his Patagonia DVD This week we have another amazing Bear Grylls DVD to give away - this time it features his adventures in Panama
People are being urged to get on their bikes and make their city or town one of the next cycling towns. The search is on for the next ten cycling towns and the first ever cycling city. A staggering £47m is on offer and 60 local authorities have already
