WHEN a Lytham school needed new security gates to keep criminals out it went straight to the experts - a team of prisoners. For inmates of Kirkham Open Prison are building the gates and security signs shortly to be fitted at Lytham C of E Primary School
RAMSBOTTOM United boss Ken Bridge has been named as North West Counties League Second Division Manager of the Year. The award was presented at the league's annual dinner and presentation evening at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport last Saturday evening
A 21-YEAR-OLD Swansea man appears in court for the second time tomorrow (July 4) accused of attacking a 16-year-old Blackpool waitress. Yesterday, the girl was still semi-conscious and critically ill in Royal Preston Hospital ten days after the attack
Rotherham 10 Lancaster 17 LANCASTER ran out easy winners in a Northern League water polo match on Tuesday night against the side that knocked them out of the cup earlier in the season. It was close to start off with, with just one goal separating them
LOOKING after someone who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease is a full-time job offering little respite for the carers. But those on the Fylde are being shown there is somewhere they can turn for support and advice. Sunday (July 6) sees the start of Alzheimer's
THERE will be no Liberal Democrat candidate in the Ellel by-election on July 24 because of a mistake in the nomination papers. The Liberal Democrat candidate, John Gilbert, left his nomination to the last minute and was unable to correct an inaccurate
WORK is due to start on a giant multi-million pound industrial site alongside the East Lancashire Road. Layout work on the the 90 acre estate is due to begin in September - a major move in readying the Stone Cross development between Golborne and Lowton
DARWEN went into the East Lancashire history books this week when the area's first Asian priest was ordained into the Church of England at St Peter's by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters. Pakistani Christopher Javed Peter, 48, was brought
A LEIGH police constable has been awarded a St John Ambulance Award for saving the life of a car driver. PC David Winstanley who was on his way to work at Leigh Police Station in March last year saw the carnage of a smash between a truck driven by a Mosley
RETIRED prison officer Keith Eccles has had over 27 years of service honoured with a medal. A Darrener born and bred, Keith was presented with the Imperial Service Medal in a special ceremony at Risley Prison, where he had worked from 1973 until his retirement
YOU still have time to show off your talents to win lessons in recording - our search for singing sensations has been extended to July 11. Musical coach Simon Jones from Clayton Brook near Preston is offering two people or groups the chance to win a free
HOSPITAL life may be pretty hair-raising, but it's nothing compared to letting your sister cut your hair! Paediatric nurse Peter Doyle, his brother Andrew and pals Jamie Garvey and Frank Laytham, all from Great Harwood, raised over £700 by having their
A TOWN turned out in force to mark the end of a school era. Church junior school pupils, staff and a host of school friends joined together in a march through the town. Mounted police and a junior contingent from the town's band led the parade from Central
A PLEA has gone out for Blackpool soccer fans to support and be patient with the club in its search for a new management team. Former boss Gary Megson quit Bloomfield Road on Tuesday (July 1) to take over at Stockport County despite last-ditch attempts
LOTTERY funded refurbishment at Darwen Library Theatre has been postponed until November as the renovation plans undergo a revamp. The delay in the half-million pound project has enabled the theatre to put on a programme of events, many of them suitable
GLADIATOR Hunter will take on a princely role in the Preston Guild Hall's Christmas Pantomime. The muscle-clad glad, real name James Crossley, will play the prince in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, joining a cast of popular celebs. Former Coronation
'ELLO, 'ello, 'ello, that face looks familiar! Hyndburn's mayor, Councillor Maurice Cowell, tried to convince a group of visitors of his innocence on a tour of the cells at Great Harwood police station. The unexpected inmate was part of an event organised
BULLY boy Police allegations have led to a force investigation. A SWAT-like swoop on a bewildered Astley student led to a complaint about over-the-top tactics to the Chief Constable. And his parents' claim of heavy-handed Police tactics have resulted
LEA Endowed Primary School in Preston bid a temporary farewell to one of its longest serving members when teacher Eileen Kirby retired. Eileen, who has taught reception and nursery classes at the school in Lea Road for 26 years, will return to the school
MORE than 700 communicants crowded into Atherton Parish Church to witness the 'miracle' of the church being re-opened after a £1 million restoration. The packed church included many former parishioners as well as those from other denominations keen to
HIGHER costs for home buyers should not take the wind from the sails of East Lancashire's recovering housing market, says the boss of Lancashire's biggest building society. Eddie Shapland, chief executive of the Nelson-based Marsden, said the cut in mortgage
A CUTTING from The Citizen sparked a 25,000-mile journey for former Darwener May Fish. "Darwen Tower always holds nostalgic memories for ex-pat Darreners wherever they are," said Mrs Fish. "And when I read about the planned celebrations to mark the 100th
BEER drinkers flocked to an East Lancashire festival from as far afield as Canada and Europe - after reading all about it on the Internet. And thirsty visitors to the third annual Accrington Beer Festival sank a mind-boggling 5,472 pints to leave festival
AN Oswaldtwistle firm is putting all its weight behind a scheme to cut drug abuse among youngsters. Gaskell Textiles is one of several businesses in the county to offer to pull the Life Education Trust's 10-metre long mobile drugs unit between schools
STUDENTS from Cardinal Newman College, Preston have been congratulated for their sporting achievements by the chairman of Lancashire County Council, County Councillor Mrs Hazel Harding, at a special presentation at County Hall. Teams from Cardinal Newman
PENSIONER Marie Golden cried tears of pride when she learned a road is to be named after her late son. The Citizen broke the news to the 67-year-old from Leyland that part of a South Ribble by-pass is to be called Golden Way in memory of her son, county
OWNERS of handguns are being invited to surrender their arms at Lancashire Constabulary's Hutton Headquarters near Preston. The move follows the Firearms Amendment Act 1997 which bans ownership of the high calibre weapons. And in anticipation of the bill
WHAT can you write that hasn't already been written about the King. I'm talking about Elvis Aaron Presley, and as you may have seen on the recent BT ads on the telly, his music, expecially the poignant Always on My Mind, never loses its magic. This new
A GROUP run by two elderly ladies is hoping to treat its members to a day out if they obtain funding from this year's Citizen-Crown Paints Community Awards. Alice Phillips, 79, and Bessie Shorrock, 80, who run the Blackburn Rheumatoid Arthritis Group,
THE drums were drumming and pipes were piping at Fulwood Barracks, Preston on Saturday (June 28) for the 42 North West Brigade's Ceremony of Beating Retreat. Former soldiers from all over the country gathered with the town's dignitaries and members of
Well they only had 100 years so what can we expect from Blackburn, sorry, I mean Blackburn with DARWEN Borough Council. They even had a practice fiasco some months earlier and still couldn't get anything right on the day of the centenary celebrations
LANCASHIRE Enterprises is no more! The economic development specialists has dropped Lancashire from its title to become known simply as Enterprises plc. Chief executive David Taylor blamed the decision on the company's need to reflect its growth into
RETURNING to Bosnia after nearly three years, Preston soldier Simon Coombes had his work cut out. The 26-year-old is a member of 65 Field Park Squadron, Royal Engineers, and went back as part of the 5,000-strong British contingent of the NATO-led Stabilisation
THERE is a world away from mainstream music which goes largely unnoticed so collections like those from Putumayo Records are as reviving as a cold shower on a hot summer's day. This 12 CD series is a dip into unchartered waters for those who prefer to
IT'S a sign of the times when even the Caped Crusader can't fight crime and evil on his own and has to rely on fledglings Robin and Batgirl for help. George Clooney swaps his ER doctor's mask for that of Batman's to pit his wits against Arnold Schwarzenegger's
YOUNGSTERS at Brownedge St Mary's in Bamber Bridge have been collecting for Vine House day care centre in Cromwell Road, Ribbleton, Preston. They decided to help after a friend of the school, Jim Slater, suffered from cancer and died on Boxing Day last
ACTRESS Julianna Marguiles says that going to bed with co-star George Clooney would be like sleeping with her brother - thankfully the interviewer was tactful enough not to ask how on earth she could possibly know... Eddie Large of Little and Large was
AN innovative 'hot house' aimed at highlighting ways you can save energy is to finally open after its launch was postponed by vandalism. Yobs damaged the front door and some inside furnishings of the Addison Close house in Blackburn, just days before
THE weather could be better but nothing will dampen the spirits of Blackburn folk when the town takes on the fun atmosphere of nearby world famous resort, Blackpool. During the traditional holiday fortnight, starting on July 19, council chiefs have planned
A POTTY parrot had a Bury man in a flap when it serenaded him from a tree - to the tune of 'Singing In The Rain'! Jack the African Grey escaped from the home of Birtle man Fred Russell who had been looking after the pet for a friend. And Fred's pal Jimmy
A LANDLORD witnessed an amazing bit of horseplay at the opening of his new pub. The famous Thwaites shire horses were invited to help Vic Bamber celebrate the launch of Stacey's in Adelphi Street, Preston. But the day ended with fun and games when three-year-old
A PRIEST who runs a drop-in centre for young drug users has launched a £20,000 appeal to move to a new site. Father Jim McCartney - who has run St Annes Drop-In Centre in France Street, Blackburn, for the past four years - says that the current premises
LOOKING for a new job? Let Job Hunter do the work for you. Job Hunter is an innovative, interactive web site launched by the UK's regional press. Following the successful Auto Hunter, Job Hunter is the second site to be launched by ADHunter UK Ltd. It
ELTON residents are celebrating today (JUne 27)following a decision by Bury councillors to reject plans for a huge telecommunications tower near their homes. Mobile phone giant Orange submitted plans for a 56ft tower to be built on the Camp Street Industrial
MUSIC lovers in Preston have got together to arrange a mammoth festival which they hope will keep people dancing for ten long days and nights. PrestFest, due to run October 3-12, will feature a bevy of local bands and big names from further afield. They
YOU don't have to be an outdoors person to enjoy the Lake District - believe me, I know because I'm not and I loved my weekend in the heart of extraordinary Cumbrian countryside. Taking the bare essentials - toiletries, towels, tent and tinnies - my boyfriend
THE advent of the Second World War in 1939 put an abrupt end to League football in England until 1946. As our young men returned home from the War to take up their lives and careers, they looked for recreation to try to drive away the misery of the previous
LIBRARIANS are to get tough new powers in a crackdown on troublemakers. People who cause a nuisance or disturb other readers could be banned from libraries when the new by-laws are introduced. The current laws on behaviour were brought in 1964 but the
THE growing trend towards flexible working hours has prompted a Bury councillor to call for an increase in weekend child care facilities. The appeal from Holyrood ward councillor Wilf Davison comes in response to a decision by council planning bosses
RESIDENTS will be fully consulted before any concerts are held at Burnley's Turf Moor football ground. The assurance has been given by the chairman of Burnley Council's recreation committee, Coun John Harbour. He said the idea of having major concerts
A CHAIN letter asking for business cards to be sent to a dying child should be ignored, says the Post Office. The letter, currently circulating in East Lancashire, says seven-year-old Gary Richards, of Carshalton, Surrey, has terminal cancer. His ambition
ELMS Bank High School has won a glowing recommendation from Government inspectors. A team from Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, visited the school in April and were very impressed with what they found. Their report, published last week,
FAMILY doctors feared they could be frozen out of top-level decisions about health care. Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley health authority had formally voiced an interest in becoming a trust in 1994. But planned management changes met opposition
THE Duchess of Kent has said thank you to Burnley charity worker Mavis Butler. The Duchess is president of the Macmillan Cancer Relief charity and awarded her the President's Medal in recognition of her long-standing commitment and fund-raising efforts
I READ that a survey for McDonald's said 94 per cent of customers want British beef back on their menu. A survey among us says 150 per cent that we do not! A STEER (British) alias M PICKERING (Mrs), Olympia Street, Burnley. Previous news story Converted
SHOPLIFTERS in Colne are finding life difficult, thanks to a new bush telegraph. It takes the form of a radio network, and has mushroomed since it started as a pilot project in the Spring. The radio link has now been officially launched with a base at
THERE'S no such thing as a language barrier when it comes to Esperanto. And a group of young teenagers from the Czech Republic have just proved the point to schoolchildren in Barnoldswick. The teenage girls, their teacher and her grandson, were the guests
A SUSPENDED councillor at the centre of a housing allocations probe at Burnley has resigned from the Labour Party. At last night's full council meeting, Coun Jack Alston, one of two councillors suspended by the national Labour Party pending a council
THE Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has moved to new offices at the St Helens Technology Campus. The new North West office, at 10-12 Waterside Court, is an amalgamation of three of the board's former premises in Manchester, Liverpool and Preston
ANGRY parents are expected to lobby councillors tonight in the wake of a controversial land sale bid. They say the land is being sold too cheaply, and that if it was sold for more there would be money in the kitty to improve the safety of the roads where
AN imaginative scheme for improving basic literacy is producing impressive results at Carmel Sixth Form College. Although more than 80 per cent of Carmel students follow the A Level route, the college also has a long tradition of running courses for students
A DAY out in London for three Rainford High pupils and their teacher turned into a farce when they visited 'top people's store' Harrods. The trio - Jenny Ratcliffe, Alison Tinsley and Jenni Hunter, all from Eccleston - were in the capital to pick up a
WHEN sub-postmaster Ronnie Pardoe retired this week it marked the end of a 100-year family connection at College Street Post Office. And to commemorate the special occasion on Friday, June 27, Post Office Counters Ltd. presented a long-service certificate
EURO MP Mark Hendrick is lending his weight to the campaign to urge Germany to make a decision soon on the Eurofighter. Mr Hendrick said the German go ahead for the next phase of the £35 billion project would be a major boost for the local economy. "The
IT IS rare that children who commit crimes are publicly identified and even rarer that their faces are plastered across the front pages of the newspapers. Last week we saw the mug shots of five incredibly young-looking boys charged with violent intent
FAMILIES living near an accident blackspot are living in fear for their children's safety. And they warn someone could be killed unless action is taken soon. After the latest accident in Gamble Avenue, Windlehurst, Philip Davies wrote to the Star voicing
A BIG-hearted senior citizen who had never won anything in his life has hit the jackpot in Saints' lottery - and promptly donated more than half to the children's ward at Whiston Hospital! Seventy-eight-year-old Patrick Hammond, of Cross Street, Prescot
Brian Doogan reports HIS drinking improved, his swearing improved and his cricket didn't - but Ian Chappell has only good memories from his time, 35 years ago, in the Lancashire League. Right? "Jeez, my memory's not that good," said the tough-talking
POPULAR Bury nightspot Waldo Pepper's will be closed for at least two months following a second flood in four years. A mains water pipe burst outside the establishment's premises on The Rock in the early hours of Tuesday morning and water poured into
HOLCOMBE Brook's popular American landlord, Mr Joe Bleacher, pulled his last pint on Tuesday, June 23. Having run the Hare and Hounds for four years with his wife Kathryn, Joe and his family left the town on Wednesday. They are to manage another Scottish
EATING fish and chips while driving proved to be an expensive experience for pipe-fitter Michael Baker when he appeared in court. The magistrates heard that 38-year-old Baker, of Bullfinch Drive, Bury, was, in fact, eating his fish and chips from his
FIVE-YEAR-OLD golfing sensation Matthew Draper has revealed one the secrets of his success...he is a Clarets' fan! Britain's answer to Tiger Woods is thought to be the country's and possibly the world's youngest golfer ever to score a hole in one, while
I HOPE Tony Blair can sleep easy knowing he's forked out more than a third of my annual salary on a bed. But I suppose it was a drop in the ocean for the Blairs. When you're reaping in almost half a million pounds each year I don't think £3,500 will make
A POSTMAN stole cash from postal packets to buy drugs. Heroin addict Peter Wood, 31, of Meynell Drive, Leigh, was trapped after a workmate saw him tampering with the mail, Manchester City Magistrates heard. The same night he was captured on video opening
BRAVE Suzanne Pope was crowned this year's Edenfield Rose Queen after battling against a rare illness. The eleven-year old pupil of Stubbins County Primary School developed cancer of the kidney, lung and a brain tumour when she was just three-years-old
WORK on the first phase of the multi-million pound Accrington market square development could start within the next six to eight weeks. The first step involves roadworks to realign Peel Street, where the bus station is, and relocate bus stands along the
A SOLICITOR allegedly behind a £l million Legal Aid scam has denied knowing his staff were manufacturing thousands of bogus client files. Gary Grosberg (44), of Barnhill Avenue, Prestwich, told Liverpool Crown Court this week: "It sounds ironic now, but
PROUDLY displayed in a quiet corner of the Waterside lounge was a card from the Queen. In the royal Golden Wedding year there is something extra special about Jim and Margaret Jay's wedding celebration. The Leigh couple have been married for SEVENTY years
ST HELENS Recs moved into the last eight of the Liverpool Echo KO with victory over Prescot. On a damp slow low wicket Vince Wood with 18, Ian Huyton with 17 and Stu Lyon 16 allowed Recs to reach 94-7 after their 20 overs. The total proved too much for
YOUTH looks set to get their say on matters concerning them. Wigan MBC Leisure Services Department have appointed Eddie Burke in the new role of Young People's Participation Officer. Eddie, from Bolton, was previously involved in setting up and co-ordinating
TOTTINGTON Public Band has scored success to the tune of £47,520 with a cash windfall from the National Lottery. Band chairman Mrs Katie Pilling said: "Everyone is thrilled! It is the realisation of a dream. "It took nine months to prepare the band's
RESTAURANT manager Karl Heaton swapped his 'Special of the Day' for a diet of bread and water! And joining him for a 12-hour 'lock-in' at Tyldesley Police Station was his boss, Gordon Davy - manager of the Sainsbury store being built off Atherleigh Way
A TALENTED teenager has beaten all the odds to excel at the sport he loves - and has been rewarded with a place in the national squad. However, Daniel Ashall (15), who is confined to a wheelchair, may not get the chance to compete unless he and his family
TWO drivers trapped in the wreckage of their cars were treated by an emergency medical team after a head-on crash in Atherton on Friday. The man and woman were given painkilling drugs by the doctors and nurses as firefighters cut them free. Joanne Slater
REIGNING champions Saints face their heirs apparentwhen Super League leaders Bradford Bulls come to Knowsley Road on Sunday, kick-off 6.35pm. Saints were lying fifth nine points behind Bradford before last night's games, in which the local side were visiting
THE ban on large-calibre handguns came in to effect on Tuesday (July 1) and police will be contacting owners to make arrangements for the weapons to be handed in at designated police stations across Merseyside, where compensation will be given for each
IF you would like to be served by a medieval wench then the place to go is the Magic of Coronation Street on Blackpool's South Promenade. From July 26 the attraction is putting on medieval nights, which promise to be "bawdy banquets with much quaffing
HAPPY with two points - but not with certain players failing to pull their weight. That was the response of Shaun McRae to Saints' narrow victory at Oldham. WHITTLE: A close shave at Boundary Park but it should not have been. What has happened to Saints
COUNCILLORS were last night (Wednesday July 2) being urged to order the total clearance of the Rectory Road area of Stoneyholme, Burnley. Housing officers say demolition is the best way to solve the area's massive dereliction problems. Only 29 of the
A group of neighbours have locked out the criminals by fitting big iron gates across their back alley. It is likely to be the first of many such schemes in the borough. For five years, residents of Emily Street have endured the worst crime-rate of the
BURNLEY Miners' Club, in Plumbe Street, has been named as one of the best run clubs in the country. The honour came from the official magazine of the Club and Institute Union when it was chosen as club of the month. Plumbe Street is well known for its
A LANDLORD and his wife were bowled over at the prospect of serving lunch to the Australian cricket team. But when a lesser known club from Maroochydore, in Queensland, turned up to dine, their hopes were not knocked for six. The team is touring Britain
COCK-A-HOOP council bosses in Burnley hailed a "Budget of hope" after chancellor Gordon Brown presented Labour's first economic package in a generation. And there was a warm welcome too from health watchdogs who said the Budget marked the first major
FOLK no longer in the first flush of youth can teach younger generations a thing or two when it comes to helping others. We had lots of suggestions for people who deserved special thanks and a word of public recognition for their unstinting efforts. We
THE only way is up for a Morecambe nightclub aiming to establish itself as one of the top dance venues in the North. Work is currently under way to revamp the Empire Nightclub on Morecambe Promenade to turn it into a 'state-of-the-art' leisure complex
CAR loads of youngsters are making life miserable for people in the Quaker Bridge area of Reedley. Residents told a Reedley Hallows parish council meeting they had seen youths jumping on the bonnets of parked cars, urinating on them and syphoning fuel
LOCAL ladies aren't choosy about men - they're just looking for a guy who's a cross between George Clooney, Sean Connery and Ewan McGregor. They want someone who dresses casually, works hard, holds firm to his beliefs... and wears boxer shorts. But they're
TELEVISION researchers are waiting to hear whether former Carnforth teacher Alistair Beeston will tell his story of deception in a studio debate. The former deputy head of Nether Kellet Primary School, who recently completed a three-month jail sentence
CHRIS Brass handed managerless Burnley another pre-season shock when he was admitted to hospital yesterday suffering from appendicitis. He had an operation last night and Clive Middlemass, the club's chief scout who has taken temporary charge of playing
IT'S Judgment Day and counting for Blackburn Rovers manager Roy Hodgson, as he met the majority of his playing staff for the first time at the start of pre-season training today. Hodgson, still hoping to complete at least two more incoming transfers over
GOLF'S boy wonder has revealed the secret of his hole-in-one success - his lucky Clarets cap! Five-year-old Matthew Draper became the envy of millions of golfers when he struck his record-breaking shot. He was wearing the Burnley FC hat when he aced the
RUNSHAW College in Leyland will soon offer locals the chance to make music when a new service starts in September. Lancashire Music Service is setting up a music centre to coincide with the opening of the Creative Arts Suite in the college's Eskdale Building
LOCAL environment and transport campaigners have sounded the alarm over moves by Lancaster University to sideline its transport policy. The university's Transport Policy Review Committee has been dissolved in an administrative shake-up and a vital document
AN escaped bull had 40 minutes of freedom before being shot dead by police firearms officers. The beast fled from the cattle market in Brook Street, Preston and ran to Lytham Road, which had to be sealed off. Police and the bull's owners tried to capture
FACED with crippling debts and depleting numbers, Carnforth's charity owned Borwick Hall future looks uncertain. Current owners the Lancashire Youth Club Association (LYCA), hope to sell the Tudor mansion to County Hall but negotiations are ongoing, as
FISHMONGERS have got the taxman on their tail! According to Lancashire accountants Latham Crossley & Davis fishmongers and driving instructors are the latest businesses to come under the Inland Revenue spotlight as part of a crackdown on tax. Each
A YOUNGSTER who would like to share a plate of spaghetti with the Spice Girls is one of four winners in a school culinary competition. All the pupils in Year 11 at Grange Park School had to write an article entitled: "My favourite meal and why? Who I
WE had a terrific response to last week's call for your views and comments about the Town Clerk's departure from the council. Here's what you had to say. Mrs Philips of Gringley Road, Morecambe said: "Well done the Citizen. Thank goodness there is one
A NEW service has been set up to help young gay men in Morecambe. A weekly drop-in session at the Information Shop for Young People on Victoria Street is aiming to help take away the pressures of homosexuality. A spokesman said: "Gay men often find that
FOR years Robert McEwen has waited to walk the streets a free man and now after nearly four years locked up in various prisons his long wait is finally over. But despite his great relief, the quiet 31-year-old has found his taste of freedom has a bitter
NEW £3million sea defences should mean an end to the misery of mopping up for hundreds of flood-prone South Shore households. The first phase of the South Shore coast protection scheme was officially opened by Blackpool Mayor Councillor Fred Jackson last
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build houses in Fulwood, Preston was unanimously turned down by councillors. As part of a detailed plan Allen Homes hoped to improve traffic calming measures as well as put up the homes on land near to Boys Lane, Fulwood. But members
RAMSBOTTOM missed a golden opportunity to gain revenge for the previous week's defeat when they dramatically tied Saturday's LANCASHIRE LEAGUE derby clash at bottom of the table Rawtenstall. But the careless Rams only had themselves to blame. Going into
MORECAMBE'S MP described recent talks to persuade the government to ditch plans for a prison at Middleton Towers as 'extremely constructive.' Geraldine Smith met with Prison's Minister Joyce Quinn this week to talk about the controversial Home Office
THREE teenagers appeared before Preston magistrates charged with the murder of 22-year-old John Dookie. Stephen Arthur Mellor, 19, of Moor Lane, Preston; Anthony Kirk, 18, of Cranbourne Street, Bamber Bridge; and Kevin Samuel Cole, 19, of Deeley Close
A LEYLAND security firm landed a gem of a job guarding £500,000 worth of the world's most precious replica diamonds - including copies of the famous Koh-i-Noor and Pink Panther. John and Wendie Fitzpatrick, of Southport Security Rangers in Slater Lane
A ROVING Citizen reporter who is on an intrepid journey around the world has just sent news home of her gruelling five-day trek through the Australian outback. Joanne Cochrane, of Palatine Road, Blackpool, has just completed a 32 kilometre walk through
A FIRM at the sharp end of the market has become the latest East Lancashire employer to gain the Investors in People award. Partwell Ltd supplies plastic and metal cutting surfaces for a variety of uses including food preparation and clothing production
VAUX NORTHERN LEAGUE Results from the weekend of June 28/29 Division One: *Darwen 184-7 - Fleetwood 185-6; *Kendal 179-4 - Blackpool 78-7; Leyland DAF 55 - *Lancaster 176; Morecambe did not bat - *Chorley 99-5; *Preston 51 - Netherfield 53-1; *St Annes
THE leader of the council is today expected to vote for a massive 640 per cent increase in his special responsibility allowance. Recommendations before a finance and corporate policy committee, chaired by council leader, Stanley Henig, propose that the
DENYS Wright is sick, tired, "prisoner" to a wheelchair and 75 years old. But a council order threatens to put him on the road to ruin. Mr Wright has been ordered to appear in court because he can't afford to pay nearly £1,500 towards repairs to a road
AS one of the 3,000 people who walked to Darwen Tower on Sunday, June 22, I thought the Tower would look like a refuse tip when all the people left. But when I returned to the Tower on the Tuesday evening, I was impressed by how clean it was. There wasn't
HONG Kong's historic hand-over was witnessed first hand by three Darwen men. Blackburn with Darwen councillor David Smith joined two friends to watch British dignitaries hand Hong Kong back to the Chinese after more than a century of rule. Coun Smith,
WHEN exhausted headteacher Ron Hayden turned up for work one morning wearing odd shoes, he had no idea he'd start a trend. For his young pupils, at Spring Hill Primary in Accrington, jumped at the chance to take up the new footwear fad to mark the county
THE BUDGET showered mixed blessings on East Lancashire people, with pensioners and estate agents cheering Chancellor Gordon Brown's package while motorists and licensees gave the new measures a thumbs-down. Kevin Durkin, advice and information officer
A 22-year-old man was found hanging in his cell in Preston Prison on Tuesday (July 1) with a piece of torn bed sheet round his neck. Steven Nuttall had been an inmate for eight days since his remand to Burnley Magistrates Court, charged with burglary.
MUSLIMS living in Leigh and Hindley want somewhere to bury their dead. They want cemetery space at the Leigh-end of the borough so they can be laid to rest in the traditional Muslim manner. And one of their leaders, Railway Road restaurant owner Mohammed
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the future of a footpath claim it has been used by generations of local people. A bitter row has broken out between residents and textile firm William Reed over the path between Every Street and Burlington Street, Nelson.
A LABOUR councillor who squeezed on to Pendle Council with a wafer-thin 18-vote majority has decided not to stand for re-election next May. Coun Mohammed Iqbal, who represents Whitefield ward in Nelson, cited work and personal reasons. Coun Iqbal, a county
STRUGGLING shopkeepers have joined together to improve trade in a once thriving area of Preston. Traders from Lane Ends in Ashton have the support of the town's Chamber of Trade and Preston council in their bid to stay in business. Together they've introduced
TYLDESLEY doesn't look likely to lose its image as a boozer's paradise. A trio of shut clubs have, or are, being revamped and reopened. The town centre Tyldesley Labour Club, which closed at Easter and reopened under new management as Tyldesley Social
SHOPPERS got more than they bargained for when they bumped into Reg Holdsworth in the aisles of a store in Penwortham, Preston. Actor Ken Morley, dropped into Booths in Millbrook Way to launch an apt new beer which is rich and smooth - like most former
THE parents of victims of a child molester who was jailed for three years have hit out at length of the sentence. John Brayshaw, aged 52, of Windermere Avenue, Atherton, was jailed at Bolton Crown Court on 12 counts of indecency and indecent assault on
A BEDFORD High School geography teacher who was suspended for allegedly striking a 14-years-old boy pupil is refusing to return to school after the holidays unless he receives an assurance that he will not have to teach the boy again. And he is calling
THE mother of a nine-years-old Atherton schoolboy injured in a road accident is called for a renewing of the Green Cross Code warning in local schools. Mother of three Carole MacNaughton of Birch Road was speaking after her son Gary, a pupil of St Philip's
A SOLICITOR has dug out Preston North End shares from a century ago - proving that you really can keep things in the family. John Kay from Penwortham, Preston still has receipts proving his relatives were fanatics - and shareholders at Deepdale since
SCOTT PEARCE has a chance to prove to Cherry Tree that they were wrong to let him go last season when Great Harwood take on the league leaders in Saturday's top-of-the-table clash (July 5. The powerful Australian enjoyed two seasons as professional at
DRIVERS banned from driving by Preston Magistrates between June 23-27 were: April Zoe Reeder, 44, of Laytham Street, Preston, and Rennick Toussaint, 31, of St. Georges Road, Preston, were banned for two years. Mark Anthony Cowell, 27, of Durton Lane,
May I offer my thanks to the 3,000 good people of Darwen who joined Blackburn with Darwen Council's centenary celebration of Darwen Tower. The level of support received for the event on Sunday, June 22, was unprecedented and a true indication of the importance
ENFIELD'S Shane Lee is looking forward to turning his team's fortunes around during this weekend's double header - but says his real challenge will come at the end of the season. The Aussie hotshot, with over 500 runs for Enfield under his belt this season
THRILLED workers from Leyland Trucks were given the royal seal of approval when the Prince of Wales visited on Thursday last week. The factory was the final port of call on his whistlestop tour which took in four venues round Preston, including Deepdale
LOCAL health bosses want a crackdown on the use of raw eggs in cooking following a salmonella outbreak that left more than 100 people ill. Four people were treated in hospital in April after eating chocolate mousse produced by Marc Cooper Catering on
AN 18-year-old student was fined £50 and ordered to pay the same in costs for allowing her dog to foul a footpath. Donna Flowers of Wham Lane, New Longton, near Preston pleaded guilty to the offence in a letter to South Ribble Magistrates. The court heard
GUN owners are being urged to surrender their weapons as a ban to outlaw high calibre handguns comes into force this week after the tragedy of Dunblane. A three month amnesty period has been launched and gun owners can hand in their weapons at a collection
USERS of the doomed Mosses Centre were meeting last night (June 26) to draw up battle plans in the fight to save it. The popular centre, the first purpose built community centre in the borough, is earmarked for closure by Bury Council desperate to cut
LOSTOCK Hall in Preston has a secret. Keen nature spotter Kathleen Curran and pal Gail Billsborough, 11, have discovered a rare orchid on their dog walking route. The bee orchid, usually found in more tropical climes, was spotted flowering near the disused
GRANTS of £1,000 are up for grabs to give the area's waterways a facelift. Community groups in Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn are being invited to bid for hand-outs to boost areas close to local canals, rivers and streams. The Waterside Revival scheme
A BOWLING club fears it may have to close down if work to carry out much needed repairs is not carry out soon. Highfield Bowling Club has been plagued by teeny vandals in recent years who have caused so much damage to greens that members are leaving in
OWNERS of decrepit homes have been told to smarten up their act - or risk losing them altogether. Neighbours have campaigned so often about vandalism and disrepair that housing bosses are threatening to buy several vacant properties. Mr Alan Freer, environmental
A YOUNGSTER who broke his leg in a car accident cannot stay at school because the only available wheelchair is too big to fit through the toilet doors. When five-year-old Edward Sneddon broke his leg in a car accident, hospital staff searched in vain
WE agree with everything that Mr H Slater said about the lip-reading classes at Blackburn College (Letters, June 23). They really are a godsend to people suffering from hearing loss. Another good venue for the hearing impaired is the Blackburn Fellowship
DIG deep and help your favourite free weekly the Citizen build a better world for the sick and dying of Lancashire. We are appealing to you to help us raise £250,000 for St Catherine's Hospice in Preston to pay for a new day care extension. Dedicated
CHESHAM residents are celebrating victory in stopping a golf course being built on green fields. Their long and loud protest has persuaded town hall bosses to do a U-turn and sell land both to them and the tenant farmer. Their bids were higher than that
ROY HODGSON breezed into Ewood Park this week vowing to turn Blackburn Rovers into league champions again. The new boss begins a three year contract at the club and has already set his sights on a European place this season - but the championship is his
IT was another disastrous weekend in the Vaux Northern League for Preston's three local teams. Preston were hammered by second-placed Netherfield at West Cliff by nine wickets. Leyland DAF were beaten at Sandy Lane by third-placed Lancaster by 121 runs
A MASSIVE public consultation has begun in Rawtenstall to find out views on how the main shopping street should be revamped. Nine thousand homes and 250 businesses in Rawtenstall have received questionnaires asking their views on plans to turn the clock
A FREE pop concert in Heaton Park on Sunday, June 22, was not cut short because of a riot, according to police. And the chief policeman for the area has hit out at reports of riots at the "Party in the Park" organised by a local radio station. The concert
DAMAGE estimated at £2,000 was caused when a controversial children's care home was put under siege by two stone-throwing youngsters. Police were called to New Hill Farm, Shawforth, Rossendale, shortly before 6pm last night . Two children aged 11 and
THUGS who have targeted the home of a lone Bury pensioner 17 times within four years have been branded as "evil." But as Mrs Elizabeth Higgins cleared up the mess left after the latest break-in at the weekend, she vowed: "I will not be forced out." In
CHILDREN'S playgrounds were being turned into 'killing fields' with deadly weapons on sale at corner shops and through the post, claimed trading standards officers. Razor-sharp knuckle dusters, spiked 'throwing stars' and evil Rambo-knives were being
Worsley Cup semi-final - Haslingden v East Lancs MICHAEL Ingham smashed Haslingden through to the final of the Jennings Worsley Cup in near-darkness last night. Ingham turned the rain-delayed semi-final against East Lancs on its head with a devastating
Middlesex v Lancashire PETER Martin produced his best performance in nine years with Lancashire on the eve of the Old Trafford Test. But Martin knows that one eight-wicket haul will not be enough to push himself back into the England reckoning. "I seem
THOSE of us who were waiting for Labour's popularity to be punctured in its first Budget for 18 years have been disabused by Chancellor Gordon Brown. Yes, he did put taxes up in an oblique fashion, but the pill was coated with tons of sugar - enough to
POLICE and trading standards officers recovered thousands of pounds-worth of fake designer label sportswear in a raid on a Blackburn firm early today. The counterfeit Reebok jackets and sweatshirts were found at Adams Embroidery Services, Rosewood Park
CLAIMS that thousands of pigeons died during a wash-out centenary race were today dismissed by fanciers patiently awaiting their flocks. An inquiry will take place on Sunday to decide what went wrong with the Royal Pigeon Racing Society's centenary race
POLICE believe a raid on an off-licence in which two men threatened a female shop assistant before making off with more than £1,000 worth of cigarettes, may be linked with a series of similar incidents. The men entered Huttons off-licence in Four Acre
RESIDENTS in Rossendale are urged to recycle more of their waste to avoid overflowing wheelie bins. The borough council already operates schemes for recycling paper and other materials, and stores have banks for old bottles, newspapers, drink cans and
LOCAL caravanners who took advantage of St Helens Council's Trading Standards Department's offer to check the weight of caravans at a safety exercise were impressed by the service. Chief Trading Standards Officer Ken Wardale said: "This is the third year
WHILE Leigh RMI manager Steve Waywell continues his search to strengthen his squad in readiness for the coming season in the Unibond Premiership, the club has moved quickly to retain his services. He has been working without a contract for 18 months but
LITTLE Hulton's Rob Clews tripped up his old club Atherton on Saturday as they headed for top spot in the Vimto Bolton Association. With the game between leaders Edgworth and third placed Golborne washed out, a win for Atherton would have seen them go
Batley Bulldogs 20 Leigh Centurions 18 LEIGH were just one tackle away from earning the point that would have given them a clear run for the promotion finishing line. Locked at 18-18 with seconds left on the clock, they merely had to feed a scrum, take
A MAN has been arrested and released on police bail following an aggravated burglary which left a woman needing hospital treatment. The incident happened between 8.30 and 9.10pm on Thursday, June 26 at a house on Crank Road, close to Kings Moss. The 35
FORMER Mayor of St Helens, Lawrence Tucker, is making a spirited battle against a severe stroke. But his wife, Marjorie, was dealt a second crushing blow when her 67-year-old sister, Jessie McConaghy, of Redgate Drive, Parr, died - also the victim of
EVEN today, the ethics of medicine are still ruled by a purely instrumental conception of animals. They are only considered in terms of their usefulness and advantage to human beings. Yet, a new sensitivity is emerging in public opinion, especially among
A SCHOOLBOY was threatened with a penknife and assaulted by three thugs - for ten pence. The attackers struck as the 13-year-old was walking along Whittaker Lane, Prestwich, at 4.45pm on Wednesday, June 25. He was confronted by three teenagers, aged around
A NEW-STYLE management structure has been agreed by Hyndburn Council to save cash and take the borough into the 21st century. The revised structure, focusing on co-ordinating working across the authority, has been developed following consultation with
MAGISTRATES have refused jurisdiction in a case involving two men found in possession of a revolver. The court at Bury was told on Wednesday that the firearm, with a spent cartridge in one chamber, was found lying in the footwell of a car carrying Kyle
ANIMAL lovers are invited to an Adopt a Pony Open Day at the Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary, Oswaldtwistle. The Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn, Coun Maurice Cowell and his wife, Margaret, sparked the idea for the special event after they adopted a pony
PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice is to meet Railtrack officials to discuss progress on the West Coast Main Line between London and Glasgow. He branded the trunk route linking to the East Lancashire line at Preston as the "poor country cousin of the East Coast
DRAG team racing manger Mike Ellis has died of a heart attack. The Culcheth father-of-four died on Saturday at Santa Pod, Bedford - home of drag racing. Mr. Ellis, 52, of Eden Avenue, had made a special impact on the sport he took up only a few years
ACCOMMODATION for the mentally ill in Bury's Hospitals looks set for a shake-up. A report to the board of Bury Health Care NHS Trust says there is "a lack of privacy and an inadequate number of toilets and bathrooms" in two of the wards at Fairfield Hospital
WHEN competitors tee off for the 15th Pilkington Rosebowl Golf Tournament at Grange Park Golf Club on Sunday, August 3, the current title holder will not be around to defend his title. Former Lancashire County player Grant Hammerton, from Manchester Golf
LOWTON cyclist and bone marrow donor Tony Handley is pedalling 58 miles for charity. On Sunday Tony, a mechanical design manager at Salford-based BNFL Engineering Ltd, will ride from Liverpool to Chester and back. He's fund-raising for the Anthony Nolan
BURY South MP Ivan Lewis is to meet the Home Secretary to discuss the proposed prison at Agecroft. The meeting with Home Secretary, Jack Straw will take place at the Home Office next week with prison minister Joyce Quinn and Salford MPs, Ian Stewart,
RAINHILL'S long awaited first win of the season came at St Marys College Old Boys. Captain Paul Ford inserted the home side on a damp track and an early wicket from Nick Chapman courtesy of Paul Ford's fine catch reduced SNOBS to 2-1. A lengthy break
LINE dancing steps-up Leigh's super town extravaganza on Saturday when the Library Square becomes a giant, open-air dance floor. Dancers young and old will bring colour and glitz in an afternoon event that's sure to bring competitors and spectators flocking
Oldham Bears 30 Saints 34 WITH World Club Challenge matters on the back burner, Saints duly got back on Super League track with this welcome win on Sunday afternoon - but at what a price! For, in earning only their second victory since the Wembley triumph
VANDALS who broke into Broadway High School, Grange Park smashed 30 windows. No value was put on the damage but it was estimated to be more than £1,000 and police are appealing for local residents who may have seen or heard something to come forward.
Food News, with Christine Rutter DINE Yankee-style on July 4 this year with a feast of American Independence Day nosh. Stores in East Lancashire have a helluva choice for an American dream of a meal to mark the Declaration of Independence, issued more
A TEENAGE boy was treated by his doctor for cuts and bruises after being allegedly attacked by a man as the youngster made his way home along a footpath. The incident took place on the Red Rocks footpath which runs through Grange Park Golf Club at about
BURNLEY Chamber of Trade is worried that the shopping centre and car park planned for Curzon Street could cause traffic chaos in the town centre. Members who represent Standish Street shops and the market, both near the proposed development, say they
A GRIEVING widow whose husband and son died within a week of each other three months ago had nearly £300 stolen by a bogus official. The conman called at the 76-year-old victim's home in Newby Place, Moss Bank, at about 3pm on Friday, June 27, claiming
ACCORDING to Jonathan Colman and B Birch (Letters, June 21), nuclear weapons have kept the peace since August, 1945. I would ask both of them where have they been since then. There have been countless wars in which it is estimated that more than 50 million
THE flow of information from Turf Moor dried up this week as Burnley began their search for a new manager. Speculation began on who the new boss could be - but the club was staying tight lipped on the moves taking place behind closed doors. Supporters
SOCCER chiefs at Morecambe football club are gearing up for a new season following the unveiling of the Vauxhall Conference fixtures list this week. For a start their top player Michael Knowles has decided to stay with the Shrimps despite rumours of being
WEIGHT-watcher Christine Sanderson is half the woman she used to be after she lost seven stone. Christine, of Colne Road, Reedley, went on a diet after her weight rose to 238lbs because of medication, overeating and lack of exercise. Now Christine, 45
THE International Scottish Rally which finished in Dumfries gave Wayne and Neil Sisson the lead in the Mobil1 British Junior Championship. With their class and junior championship rival Stuart and Steve Egglestone out of the event at the end of the first
EAST Lancashire's lone Tory MP launched a bitter attack on yesterday's "slow fuse" Budget which he predicted would explode in the faces of local people. Ribble Valley's Nigel Evans said the Windfall Tax would cause fuel and water charges to rise, and
NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK - NORTHERN CRICKET LEAGUE U18s Results from weekend of June 28/29 *Chorley 79-7 - Netherfield 80-5; Darwen v Preston - postponed; Fleetwood 103-3 - *Morecambe 102-4; Kendal v St Annes - postponed; Leyland 64-5 - *Lancaster 164
Neil Bramwell Speaks Out BURNLEY fans should not crack open the champagne just yet over reports that outside investors are beating a path to Turf Moor. Jack Walker's millions may have done the job at Ewood Park but the simple fact is that the Clarets
PLUCKY milkwoman Mavis Ratcliffe didn't lose her bottle when a thief stole her milk truck. She shouted at the thief, ran up and down the road calling for help and almost jumped in front of the truck to stop him escaping. The thief, who was about 25, later
GET involved in the fastest growing sport in Britain - women's football - join Myerscough College's training sessions for girls aged 6 -15. Coaches are hoping to set up girls' teams for various age groups and this practice could win you a position. Call
BURNLEY claimed a place in the final of the Lancashire League's Jennings Worsley Cup with a thrilling victory over Todmorden. The epic match ended on Monday night with the Centre Vale side nine wickets down and just three runs short of Burnley's total
MY brother and myself are trying to trace our family tree. We did have relatives living in Preston in the early 50s. The family name is Johnson, our aunt and uncle were Joan and Donald Johnson, but Don died in 1952 and that is when contact broke down.
Lancaster City Council has a new Town Clerk. A special committee set up to restructure the council's top management has agreed that Director of Development, Charles Wilson, should be appointed to the post. The City Treasurer, David Corker, will become
WELL-LOVED cries of "He's behind you", followed by thigh slapping and the obvious pie throwing, are planned at Blackpool's Grand Theatre for its Christmas pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. The Grand's annual panto was launched with an abundance of stars
LANCASHIRE Police awarded talented youngsters for fancy footwork on the football pitch. The LanCon Junior soccer teams invited Blackburn Rovers star Marlon Broomes for the presentation of trophies and certificates. Winners were: Lee McAteer - most improved
MORECAMBE'S West End was blitzed in a series of dawn raids by police in riot gear on Tuesday. A total of 30 police officers burst into eight addresses, arrested 15 people and seized quantities of heroin, cannabis and ecstasy in an on-going offensive code
LOVELY Laetitia Ray is certainly proving to be the golden girl of Mystique. The sultry 19-year-old, who stars alongside illusionist Richard De Vere in the Pleasure Beach spectacular, joined the show this season and has already gone down a storm with audiences
MOORE & SMALLEY PALACE SHIELD Results from the weekend of June 28/29 Division A: *BAe Warton 175-8 - BAe Preston 152-7; *Dutton Forshaw 142 - Fulwood & Broughton 143-8; *Fylde 118-8 - Thornton Cleveleys 116-9; *Garstang 121 - Longridge 124-3;
BURY could be facing a summer tug-of-war with Lancashire rivals Burnley for the services of boss Stan Ternent and his assistant Sam Ellis. The Shakers' management duo are certain to be high on the Turf Moor side's hit-list if Adrian Heath takes up a reported
