"THE battle here, if you like, if it was a battle with the players on the training field, was won very early doors -- probably by dint of personality I would like to think and by competence. Players can recognise very quickly whether people can do the
MR A Sedgwick (Letters, October 23) would attract more support were he to get his facts right. For example, he blames currency decimalisation on the EU. The decision to decimalise sterling was taken by James Callaghan when he was Chancellor in the 1966
REGARDING the Christmas decorations in Blackburn (LET, October 19), I cannot believe that anyone in the town would have the gall to complain about their Christmas decorations, especially since they are 100 per cent better than the piddling string of lights
THE latest government statistics show that bankruptcies in the United Kingdom remain at extremely high levels. In the first six months of this year there were over 11,000 personal bankruptcies in England and Wales with a further 1,500 bankruptcies occurring
FIREWORK explosion victim Paul Ridge's mother has spoken about the dangers of devices like the one which killed her son and revealed she had warned him about playing with them. Sheila Ridge also told the opening of an inquest that her son had talked to
COUNCILLORS were today urged to pay back more than £36,000 in expenses paid out in error after an administrative bungle -- and warned they could face legal action if they refused. The call from Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe came as the
Just two years ago they created a national stir with a 1-1 draw with Kevin Keegan's Fulham at Craven Cottage before losing 2-0 in the replay in front of 8,000 at Hilton Park. The cash and exposure their Cup exploits brought were to prove the springboard
AN army of helpers turned out in force at the weekend for a major clean up operation at a waterway near their homes. Residents living near Eaves Brook, in Preston, which runs from Cromwell Road to Deepdale Road, rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into
A LITTLE boy, featured in The Citizen earlier this month, is one step closer to swimming with the dolphins in Florida thanks to a special charity night at a local line dancing club. Dancers at the Triple 'C' club in Watery Lane, Preston, have pledged
A 'NEIGHBOUR from hell', who subjected local residents to months of harassment, has been told to pack up and leave his home on the Broadfield estate in Leyland. Joseph Ragoncsa appeared before South Ribble Magistrates' Court last week where he was served
AN average day for Peter Quegan sees him wading through paper work, liaising with clients, then the odd jaunt to court before the lunchtime recess. But when he isn't fighting for justice, you'll find the 35-year-old solicitor from Longton teaching military
AT around 1pm on Saturday, October 14, a man drove onto the forecourt of Caledonia car dealers, in Port Way, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, and drove off with a pressure washer worth £2,500. The thief was driving a white K-reg Nissan Vanette vehicle and loaded
THE charitable organisation which claims to own Morecambe's Winter Gardens has denied rumours that they have sold the building. The Building at Risk Trust (BART) say they own the freehold to the landmark theatre and spokesman, Alan Bemrose, insisted that
A BURNLEY woman who had drunk "quite a lot" of gin died after falling into the bath and then being put to bed by her sister. Jean Maguire told an inquest that she lived with her sister Janet, 41, in Ferndale Street, Burnley, where she found her dead in
LANCASTER'S Homeless Action charity is now looking for a smaller Christmas shelter as hopes of finding an 'ideal' venue for the annual event fade. And organiser Tony Hennessey says the lack of a venue is holding back donations of food and cash which are
FIREWORK explosion victim Paul Ridge's mother has spoken about the dangers of devices like the one which killed her son and revealed she had warned him about playing with them. Sheila Ridge also told the opening of an inquest that her son had talked to
GRIEVING parents today urged people to become more aware of the problems associated with epilepsy after the death of their son. Michael Holt, 27, had suffered from epilepsy for seven years after being involved in a serious car accident. He was found dead
MORECAMBE Police are to crack down on truants in their latest initiative to reduce crime in the West End. Responding to fears highlighted in The Citizen last week that juvenile crime is out of control, Insp Steve Watson says there has been a 25 per cent
HEALTHCARE by telephone is coming to Lancaster as a controversial NHS helpline is extended to the Morecambe Bay area. NHS Direct is being extended across the country in a bid to encourage more patients to help themselves at home. Calls will be taken at
THE threatened closure of Lancaster's canalside Navigation Wine Bar has been temporarily withdrawn. Navigation owner Clive Bennison was stunned when the council issued him with a notice to quit saying they planned to sell off the land. But following a
MORECAMBE'S pioneering promenade lighting scheme is being fine tuned ready for a new display in December. The hi-tech lights attracted criticism when they were launched at a low-key switch on ceremony in October. Residents claimed the new lights were
THE Marsh estate's long-awaited community centre moved closer than ever this weeks as a planning application was submitted to the city council. Eight firms of architects have now been approached to submit designs for the centre and Lancashire County Council
READING the letter printed in The Citizen last week under the heading "Safety of Nation at Risk," has made me very angry! It is no small wonder that the writer's name and address was witheld for the author's safety. I think it was an ignorant letter and
THE net is closing on thieves in Nelson town centre thanks to a crime-busting initiative launched by police in partnership with local traders. The Nelson Excludes Thieves initiative (NET) will involve police distributing mug-shots of convicted offenders
A NEW scheme served up to help raise the profile of badminton in schools throughout Preston has netted a sponsorship deal from BNFL. UK Fuels Business, at Springfields, near Preston, is to sponsor the Preston Schools Under-14 Badminton Team Tournament
JOHN STEELE, 48, of Hoghton Lane, Higher Walton, Preston, appeared before Preston magistrates on Monday (October 23) charged with kidnapping and murdering his former girlfriend Megan Margerison, from Longridge. Police launched a full-scale hunt for Steele
HEATING giant Baxi Holdings Plc has announced plans to merge with one of Europe's leading heating group's Newmond plc. While the merger is subject to approval of shareholders in both companies, it is expected to take place next month. The new group, which
THE 1st Battalion Queen's Lancashire Regiment exercised their freedom to march through Preston town centre on Wednesday (October 25). Hundreds of people lined the streets for the special parade which included 200 officers and men together with Army cadets
A FAMOUS name in British motorcycling announced plans to move to Blackburn and bring a jobs boost to the town. CCM Armstrong -- one of two large scale bike manufacturers left in the country -- revealed it was to open a factory in Blackburn and create
CONNECTIONS between Accrington and Russia may appear to be a little thin on the ground. But the town became the place for all Russian expatriates to visit last weekend, thanks to a local church and the world wide web. A group of six Russian Christian
THE youth of Wigan and Leigh have the chance to shout out their views on video. This is just one of several new ways being introduced for young people to get their wants and needs over to the people who can help improve their lot. These include a conference
HOME Secretary Jack Straw has been asked to intervene in a cross-border impasse between coroner Michael Singleton and the Scottish authorities. Mr Singleton has been thwarted in his attempts to hold an inquest on Gary Tootle, of Coniston Avenue, Accrington
LATEST local planning applications submitted to Wigan Council include: Ingersoll Rand Ltd., Swan Lane, Hindley Green - extend warehouse to provide two loading bays incorporating two storey office extension; Firsdale Industrial Estate, Nangreaves Street
A HIGH-ranking former Leigh Police officer is under internal investigation. Superintendent Steve Westcott, 48, second-in-command at Bury and former Chief Inspector with Leigh sub-division, allegedly used his force's surveillance unit to snoop on his own
COMPLAINTS over a poor police response time and inaction after fireworks were set off on Leigh Civic Square (as reported in last week's Journal) have gone to the top in Greater Manchester Police. GMP Authority chairman, Hindley Green councillor Stephen
FORMER Big Brother contestant Nichola Holt -- star of an "uncut" video which shows her naked -- has accused producers of "cashing-in" on the success of the hit TV show. During a visit the Welch Mill Carpets in Leigh on Saturday, the 29-year-old admitted
HUNDREDS of Leigh area people are being told they cannot have a flu jab for up to three weeks as production problems delay supplies of the vaccine. Doctors are being forced to postpone many vaccination appointments until mid-November. And the pharmaceutical
A NICE chap called Keith Nash emailed me to tell me about his site which contains details on local bands -- from jazz to punk and back again -- and when and where you can hear them. There are MP3s to download, plus email links, a chance to keep yourself
COUNCIL bosses have stepped in to buy cemetery land at the centre of a housing scare -- just minutes before it was due to go to auction. But rivals who also wanted the Calderstones Cemetery land in the Ribble Valley today criticised the NHS Executive
THIS week I attended the first meeting of the Blackburn with Darwen E-Community Forum, and very exciting it was too. Final details are still being thrashed out by the powers that be (money is being requested from Europe, which is never a quick and easy
HALLOWE'EN is a prime time to go and see a scary movie -- we have our favourites booked at the local video shop for weeks in advance. Last year saw the release of the utterly brilliant The Blair Witch Project, which was hailed by many as the first great
BLACKPOOL Scorpions deservedly won this top-of-the-table clash at Woolston. Due to injuries they had to make four changes to last week's team enabling John Bond and Mark Duxbury from the second team to make their debuts, and both of them performed admirably
Blackpool 2 Macclesfield 1 THINK back to a sunny afternoon in Stoke on September 10, 1998. That was the last time Blackpool won back-to-back league games. Pool won the game 3-1, thanks to two goals from the late Martin Aldridge and one from Clarke Carlisle
MORECAMBE'S revival was demonstrated with style at Christie Park on Saturday as conference leaders Rushden and Diamonds crashed to earth against Jim Harvey's battling Shrimps. Returning striker Justin Jackson was kept in the bag by young defender Justin
THERE aren't many aspects of life in which Lancaster is a poor relation to Morecambe. But, for as long as anyone can remember, The Shrimps have been generally acknowledged as the senior side in the district. But, with both teams now getting closer in
A SIX goal second half livened up this game, but, with City conceding four, it wasn't a happy journey back for the travelling supporters. On paper, Lancaster have one of the most solid defences in the league so it's a mystery how so many goals are seeping
A SERIOUS offer to buy Morecambe's landmark Midland Hotel has been accepted. London and Countryside Developments has bought the art deco hotel, subject to contract, and company agent David Denton said they were confident the building had a great future
ON the day that Nottingham Forest manager David Platt told his side they had already blown their chances of automatic promotion, they produced a stunning display to beat Burnley 5-0. In his programme notes, Platt said: "We are not good enough at this
Nottingham Forest 5 , Burnley 0 IN the crazy, messed up world of football you could almost have predicted the Clarets' 5-0 drubbing at Nottingham Forest last night. Nine games without defeat, three away wins on the trot and a top six position after the
PUPILS at Montgomery School have been sending themselves in a spin to make some wishes come true. The pupils from the school on All Hallows Road, Bispham, spent 2000 seconds on the Carousel at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to raise money for the Make a Wish
A ST ANNES veterinary practice is keen to get the message home that a dog is for life and not just for Christmas. The Veterinary Health Centre, at Greenways, is inviting groups of school children to their surgery for a look around and a talk about pet
A BLACKPOOL tram has returned home after spending more than 30 years in the United States. The double-decker, No. 147, built in 1942, served on the Marton line -- the route along Waterloo Road, Whitegate Drive and Church Street. It was taken out of service
CAT lovers across the Fylde almost cleared out the pens of a cat sanctuary recently -- thanks to The Citizen. Cat Rescue, which helps wild and stray cats and kittens, was inundated with calls after an article recently in The Citizen supplement Bellissima
LANCASTER'S Georgian era guide Mr Pilling Dick is preparing for a haunting experience on November 10. He leads the old calendar walk through the historical sites of Lancaster, marking ten years of the popular old calendar walks. He will be joined by colleague
CLARETS boss Stan Ternent is pleading for the sanity to return to Turf Moor. He believes that if anything positive is to come from last night's 5-0 hammering at Nottingham Forest, it is that it will bring the players, fans - and the Press - crashing back
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today urged Mark Hughes to hand himself an international recall after the veteran striker made an explosive start to his Rovers career last night. The former Manchester United ace scored twice within the opening 31 minutes
IT'S never easy where Blackpool Football Club is concerned. After cruising to 3-0 up with 20 minutes to go, Pool conceded two ridiculous goals -- including one from the Carlisle keeper -- to create yet another nervy ending for all in Tangerine. But at
HOPPERS bowed out of the Tetley's Bitter Cup after a battling performance against opponents from a division higher in the league. Buoyed by an impressive debut from Tongan international fly half Vunipola, the Midlands side at times looked likely to overrun
WOMEN are staking their claim in the business world, holding almost three times as many managerial roles as a decade ago. Women executive are also closing the gender pay gap, lagging only eight per cent in their salaries compared to 38 per cent in 1990
BEDS giant Silentnight has enlisted the help of three new "sleep experts" on its management trainee programme. The two-year scheme at the Barnoldswick-based company tutors graduates in all aspects of management, giving them extensive experience in sales
A PARKING clampdown has been enforced on a busy Culcheth junction following complaints from bus drivers. New restrictions will be imposed on vehicles parking or "waiting" for more than 30 minutes on Warrington Road near its junction with Charnock Road
ROOF repairs will close the two swimming pools at Ashton Leisure Centre between Monday, October 3,0 and November 26 inclusive. Members of Ashton swimming club will use Hindley Pool for their Thursday night meetings during the closure period. "For us the
LEIGH legal secretary Vick Scott is just great! The 25-years-old has won the coveted Office Employee of the Year Award from Redrow Homes. Leigh-born Vicki has been with the Leigh-based company for six years, and took the title after being voted a champ
ONE of the Ribble Valley's most renowned hotels has changed hands in a deal worth around £375,000. The Spread Eagle Hotel at Sawley is now owned by Nigel Williams from Kendal. The Spread Eagle was voted "Restaurant of the Year" for 1999/2000 by Lancashire
THE pumpkin has, for as long as man can remember, been synonymous with Hallowe'en, but has never really been considered a tasty eating option. So often the fruit insides have been discarded once the lantern has been carved and displayed in the window.
PARTS of Blackpool were plunged into darkness on October 24 after a power failure stopped the Illuminations shining. Shortly before 3.30pm a fault at the Shannon Street substation in the Foxhall area of Blackpool caused the supply of power to be cut to
IT was out with the old and in with the new in Blackpool last weekend as two cars began and ended their reign on the road by taking a trip through the Lights. A cavalcade of classic Minis -- starting with the last off the production line -- followed a
A RICHLY-deserved royal honour went to a Kirkham mum-of-two for her tireless work at a local special needs school. Sue Gallagher, 52, from Carrwood Drive, Kirkham, received an MBE from the Queen at a Buckingham Palace reception on October 27 to mark her
POOR Gabby Sanderson decided it wasn't her day when she missed an appointment with a top London model agency because of a late train. But just an hour later the St Annes girl was on Cloud Nine when she came face-to-face with her pop idol Britney Spears
A MAN who has helped care for all the patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital for more than 17 years retired this month. Gordon Roberts, executive director for nursing and quality, put an end to 37 years in the NHS on October 27. Gordon, 55, arrived at
A WOMAN who died in a three-car collision in Poulton-le-Fylde on October 22 was due to retire from her job as a warden at a Fleetwood sheltered accomodation block this week to look after her sick father. Julie Harrison, 40, who lived above Hatfield Avenue
PRESTON'S Mark's and Spencers store is expecting to see a rise in food sales at their Fishergate store following the shock announcement that Tesco Metro is to close within months. A spokesperson for the high street giant said: "We are hoping that people
A BID to create a new fighter plane for the British and American armed forces has reached a new milestone and boosted jobs hopes in East Lancashire. Aerospace giant BAE Systems is a major partner in the Lockhead Martin joint strike fighter (JSF) X-35A
SEVERAL police inspectors are to be given new posts following the retirement of a long-serving officer. Following the departure of Clitheroe Inspector, Les Martin, a number of officers will be moving within the Lancashire Constabulary's Eastern Division
A TORRENT of dirty floodwater had a teenage council tenant climbing on his bedroom furniture to escape the deluge. Now Aaron Howard is hoping the council will re-home him after a catalogue of flooding problems at the Addison Close flat. Flooding, triggered
PROUD Preston will once again set their stall out as the 'bright young things' of Division One football as Barnsley make the trip over the Pennines for Friday's Sky TV clash (October 27). And prior to the high-profile meeting, the contrast between the
IF first impressions count, then Simon Svabic is in for a big season with Leigh. Just a week into his Hilton Park career, the utility back has already made his mark on coach Paul Terzis. "I've been really excited by what I've seen from Simon in training
THE Centurions are back on the trail of St Helens versatile star Scott Barrow. Leigh's interest was rekindled when Castleford this week pulled out of a proposed deal that would have taken the 21-year-old to West Yorkshire. Barrow had two rounds of talks
Children's activities, Clitheroe Castle Museum, 12noon-3pm. 'The Lancashire Witch Craze,' a lecture by author Jonathan Lumby, to celebrate Hallowe'en, followed by a pie and peas supper, Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford, Nelson, 7.30pm. Lourdes
THE people of Hyndburn must be wondering what sort of local government is running their lives. It has emerged that Tory councillors wrongly claimed for meetings of the new one-party cabinet and more than £20,000 was overpaid in the period between April
SOAP operas are a vital part of life with everybody wanting to know what's going on before everybody else. But secrecy is the key and it was with this in mind that Blackburn soap supremo Tim Fee masterminded and oversaw the building of the Emmerdale village
ONCE again tragedy has occurred leading up to Guy Fawkes Night. How much longer in a modern so-called civilised society are we to stand by and watch this sham take place each year? It is time someone stood up in parliament and demanded a total ban on
ON behalf of my parents, other family members and many people of Blackburn, I write to express sincere gratitude to Doctor Mohammed Bux Patel, who has recently retired after 30 years as GP. Dr Patel has been our family GP for many years and has always
LEIGH market traders are furious that work started this week on a multi-million pound expansion to the Spinning Gate shopping centre which could spell disaster for their businesses. They fear that the loss of valuable parking spaces at the site could
TRANMERE boss John Aldridge blamed his defence for last night's 3-2 reverse at Ewood. The former Republic of Ireland international felt his three central defenders should have cut out the crosses for Rovers' second and third goals. And, though he felt
Rovers 3, Tramere 2 THE National Press claim it cost Blackburn Rovers £20,000 a week to persuade Mark Hughes to perform one final swansong in the Nationwide League. However, the former Manchester United star has made the switch from Everton to Ewood for
PRESTON'S Ian Taylor gifted himself a belated birthday present when he won the BS Property Development Lancashire PGA Championship at West Lancs. The Preston-attached professional, who turned 32 earlier in the week, staged a grandstand finish to beat
TRADING Standards bosses at Lancashire County Council are reminding people of the dangers associated with fireworks before bonfire night and have pledged to ensure the law is enforced over their sale and use. The warning comes just before November 5,
HEARTLESS thieves have put a damper on a Preston Scout group's camp after they stole a box trailer filled with vital equipment. The four-wheeled trailer was parked at St Christopher's Church, in Blackpool Road, Lea, when it disappeared sometime before
A ROYAL seal of approval is to be made to a Preston mother-of-two this week to honour her tireless work for a local special needs school. Sue Gallagher, 52, from Carrwood Drive, Kirkham, is to be appointed an MBE by the Queen at a lavish Buckingham Palace
A PRESTON councillor is calling for tougher action on the youths who have caused havoc at a local primary school. Coun Jonathan Saksena, who represents the Brookfield ward, spoke out after the caretaker at St Mary Goretti's in Gamull Lane, Ribbleton,
A FORMER binman spotted by a woman fiddling with her car in the early hours told police he was short of cash and had hoped to find a vehicle open. Burnley Magistrates heard how Daniel Paul Joseph Dean, 21, said he had recently lost his job but had not
THE mother of shotgun killing victim Iain McKay has told an inquest of the last time she saw her son. Mr McKay, 31,of Williams Road, Burnley, called at her home for tea on the evening before he was found dead in Netherwood Road, Burnley. Mrs Sheila Fay
PIECES of art based on the thoughts of bus users across East Lancashire will be on display in the Mid Pennine Gallery, in Burnley, until December 23. The Buslife exhibition features work from five North West's artists who have been creating work for the
A DIRECTLY elected mayor would put Burnley in the grip of a dictatorship which would wreck the town, councillors were warned. Conservative leader Coun Peter Doyle said he was opposed to a mayor who would have the power to select his own cabinet of councillors
POLICE have again warned householders to be on their guard after heartless con men stole from three vulenerable pensioners earlier this week. On Sunday between 6pm and 6.36pm a man claiming to be a window cleaner called at the house of a 91 year old man
BRUTAL thugs left two schoolchildren seriously injured after vicious unprovoked attacks in Lancaster last weekend. The children, a boy and girl, both 14, were walking through busy areas of Lancaster in broad daylight. The first victim was a grammar school
AN MP has urged the government to step up efforts to bring more family doctors to East Lancashire by paying them more. Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said his area had the highest number of GPs due to retire in the next five years outside London, making the
AN initiative to cut down on the misery and injuries caused by fireworks has been launched in Pendle. Traders selling fireworks in known "hotspots" where there have been problems with fireworks in the past will be visited by Lancashire Fire and Rescue
A LEYLAND company, which advertised computers for £100, has been the subject of a petition to be wound up in the public interest by the High Court in London. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry presented a petition to the court following enquiries
A HAVE-A-GO hero chased robbers for five miles in a 'Sweeney' style car chase after a £1,000 factory cash snatch. Hero Nick Hogan was praised by police for his actions and even gave a lift to one startled van driver whose vehicle was hijacked by the raiders
A CHRISTIAN charity is a "double dealing, two faced organisation" according to its new development officer, Leigh-based Jan Harney. But Jan, who took up her post at Christian Viewpoint last month, says it is two faced in a very positive sense. The charity
A MAN was attacked, tropical fish killed and a dog injured when two unwelcome guests turned up at a party in Accrington. Burnley Crown Court heard how Wayne Shepherd, 22, assaulted the brother of host David Bradshaw with a weightlifters' dumbell then
COUNCILLORS were today urged to pay back more than £36,000 in expenses paid out in error after an administrative bungle -- and warned they could face legal action if they refused. The call from Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe came as the
PART of a mossland earmarked as a key European conservation site could become a quarry. Environmentalists are clamouring to have Astley and Bedford Mosses designated a Special Area of Conservation but they fear a huge gravel pit could be dug out on a
'NEIGHBOURS from hell' facing eviction from their council home left suddenly at the weekend before a court order could be enforced. Tony and Rosemary McHugh and their sons Stephen, 18, and Martin, 22, of Thompson Street, Leigh, vacated their semi-detached
TYLDESLEY Salvation Army hall is set to close within six months. Leaders of the movement say the 112 year-old corps should amalgamate with Atherton in order that funds can be devoted to helping the needy rather than repairing the Lime Street building.
STAFF at Blackpool's council-run rest homes are facing yet another slap in the face after being forced to decide whether to work for social services or a co-operative which is hoping to save two of the homes.. The news comes after staff were handed their
WITH Hallowe'en, approaching I thought I'd have a trawl round the web for things that go bump in the night. Pendle Hill is the big attraction with its nasty and brutish history of witch trials and the like. Hallowe'en goes back a long, long time, being
YOUNG cross country runners from a Lytham school have put their best foot forward in a fine start to the league season. The first race of four, sponsored by Chadwicks Timbers and organised by Blackpool and Fylde AC, took place in wet and slippery conditions
DESPITE the wet weather, teams in the Lancaster Netball League remained enthusiastic and, after two weeks, the top of the league is tight with the Royal , Reebok and Allstars sharing top spot. Each team nominates a player of the match from the other side
LONG-serving council finance chief Peter Kenyon is to be invited to be the next mayor of Burnley. The policy committee decided to make the formal invitation for him to take over from present civic leader Rafique Malik next May, after hearing the resources
A ST ANNES veterinary practice is keen to get the message home that a dog is for life and not just for Christmas. The Veterinary Health Centre, at Greenways, is inviting groups of school children to their surgery for a look around and a talk about pet
POOR Gabby Sanderson decided it wasn't her day when she missed an appointment with a top London model agency because of a late train. But just an hour later the St Annes girl was on Cloud Nine when she came face-to-face with her pop idol Britney Spears
BLACKPOOL'S top DJ Dr Feelgood visited children on Victoria Hospital's Berry Ward this week to hand out equipment such as PlayStations and colour TVs bought by Blackpool licensees. The fund-raising is part of Care For Kids, which raises money for children
A BRACE from hot-shot Chris Ward gave Lancaster City an impressive victory against promotion contenders Accrington Stanley. The Dolly Blues had to come from behind in abysmal conditions in East Lancashire, but the highly rated teenage front-man showed
A BLACKPOOL animal charity is offering "shed loads" of thanks to a local DIY store after it helped out with a storage problem. Terry Savage, customer services manager at Wickes DIY Store in Blackpool was on hand to open the new shed, which he had donated
THEY'VE got high hoops! Over the summer at Hodgson High School Technology College in Poulton, some strange, large, grey towers have appeared. They're six new basketball posts which should help the already very successful team reach new heights. The new
LANCASHIRE'S ambulances are responding to life-threatening incidents faster than new target times set by the Government, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment. The latest figures reveal that Lancashire Ambulance Service is reaching more than 77 per cent
THE North West Air Ambulance attended an incident at the Cockerham Parachute Centre. A woman had sustained a back injury and fractured left wrist after a hard landing from a parachute jump from 3,500ft. The patient, after being examined by the paramedics
MORECAMBE MP Geraldine Smith is the guest speaker at a major discussion on the future of the West End this Saturday. The 'workshop on the West End III, West End 2010; a vision for the future' day takes place from 10am to 4pm with lunch provided, at the
THE final Leigh Junior Schools cross-country competition, promoted by Leigh Harriers, was staged last Saturday. The series of three races saw some outstanding running by the youngsters with the overall individual and scholl winners only being decided
LOCAL fundraiser Big Chance Lottery has donated £600 for a new kit for Pennington Athletic FC's under 16's team. Dave Ward, manager of the team says: "This is an exceptional team. We have some talented and promising young players who have already attracted
Leigh RU 0 Birkenhead Park 37 LEIGH'S first team, badly hit by injury and unavailability, were hammered by the current and undefeated league leaders. Leigh were on the back foot from the first whistle and after a series of penalties conceded, Park took
Leigh Miners Rangers 22 Ideal Isberg 28 MICK Warburton's won a few matches for Leigh Miners in his time but this was a game in which he cost his team victory. The Miners were pressing for a victory over Ideal Isberg when Warburton's long pass was picked
IT was great news for the Leigh League last weekend when Wigan Metro Leisure Services finally agreed to hand over the responsibility for the decision on pitch fitness into the hands of referees. Games went ahead following three weeks of weather imposed
Heworth 15 Leigh East 22 LEIGH East are at the centre of a major investigation after their match at Heworth on Saturday was abandoned because of fighting. Six players were sent off after a brawl between both sides but when fighting continued as the players
Late strike denies RMI in Deva draw THE second half dismissal of Burnley's on-loan defender Mick Devenney marred a gloriously brave Leigh RMI performance at the Deva Stadium where they were only denied a gutsy victory by Darren Wright's last-gasp leveller
TWO top local non-league managers quit their posts this week. The first team bosses at Atherton Colls and Atherton LR have resigned. First to make the announcement was Colls' Alan Lord who handed his resignation last Saturday to Alder House club chairman
THE increasing burden of red tape and paperwork faced by small businesses in East Lancashire is worse than ever, according to a survey. The study, revealed through the North West Society of Chartered Accountants, found complying with work-place legislation
TEENAGE Radcliffe Boro keeper Danny Hurst has been handed the chance of a lifetime by Premiership giants Manchester City. Danny, aged just 19, starts a week's trial at Maine Road on Monday after a string of impressive displays for Boro. And his rise is
DOUGAL the daredevil cat is making the most of his remaining lives after an incredible 120-mile journey -- clinging to the underside of a van. David Aspden and girlfriend Debbie Sanderson could hardly believe what had happened when their moggie ended
THE new owner of a controversial landfill site in Rossendale has pledged to invest in the site to give local people a better deal. Lancashire Waste Services has bought exclusive rights to Horncliffe Quarry, off Bury Road, Rawtenstall, in a deal to purchase
FENCE improvements will put the sparkle back in to a Westleigh housing estate. When a Coalfield Challenge allocation was used-up fence work stopped and a restart looked doubtful. With housing department funds spoken for and a second Coalfield Challenge
BUSY bandsmen gave their second concert within a week at Boothstown Methodist Church. Led by conductor Brian Peacock, Ellenbrook and Boothstown Band presented a varied programme including music from Cats and The Student Prince, concluding with Handel
BUSINESS advice is available at the click of a mouse through the Internet. Leigh businesses can receive a boost by going online to website BizzAdvice.com which offers interactive advice in accounting, business planning, financing, human resources, marketing
OLYMPIC hero Paul Ratcliffe will next week return home to Tyldesley. Canoe master Paul, 26, who took silver in the slalom event last month in the Australia, won't have much time to shake-off jet-lag. He arrives in Britain on Monday after staying Down
AN artist has cast her signature in neon to light up Market Street, Leigh. Leigh's Turnpike Gallery has commissioned Anneke Pettican to create a piece of temporary artwork in Leigh town centre - to coincide with another exhibition by Suky Best which began
PLANS have been submitted for a new residential childrens home in Leigh. Individual Care Alternatives of Hardcastle Gardens, Bolton, have applied to build the home on land adjacent to Hilda Street. Assistant principal planning officer at Wigan Council
THE Cats Protection League is hoping to make hungry felines purr again through a fund-raising sale. Good quality "bric-a-brac", children's toys, books, crafts, jewellery, homemade cakes and barmcakers will be on sale amongst other things at Culcheth Parish
ARE you 18 to 30? Want to improve your social life? Why not try Rotaract? Rotaract is an organisation for men and women aged 18 to 30 who participate in a programme of social, charitable and fund-raising events. The Rotaract Club of Preston South covers
IT'S surely the least Lancaster's homeless people can hope for to have a roof over their heads during the festive season. Thanks to the hard work of the successful Homeless Action charity this has been possible for the last 13 years. But, through no fault
Cooking Time: approximately 10-12 minutes Ingredients Serves two: 4 lean back bacon rashers 4 pork sausages 45ml (3tbsp) apricot jam 1 onion, finely diced 5ml (1tsp) oil 10ml (1dsp) Worcestershire sause 10ml (1dsp) lemon juice Method: Spread 10ml (1dsp
HALLOWE'EN needn't be a trick or treat dilemma. Take a look at some of the delicious recipes and food ideas here and, using a few tricks of the catering trade, there will be a treat in store for everyone! You can turn those little horrors into angels
TRAFFIC travelling into Blackpool was brought to a standstill for 15 minutes at the weekend when horses and riders formed a convoy to raise horse safety awareness. Motorway traffic backed up as far as Kirkham when around 90 riders and 50 walkers, along
FURIOUS Anchorsholme residents are demanding that North West Water pay for an independent report on the flooding so they can take their case to court. Anger has escalated after the water company and council representatives failed to turn up for a crisis
THE BLACKPOOL widow of a car mechanic killed by asbestos cancer has spoken of her four-year battle for compensation with his former employers. Clarice Booth said that she hopes others who may also be suffering in silence will come forward and take action
HERE are three recent crimes in the region which police are asking for your help to solve. If you have any information about any of the following three crimes or information about any other criminal activity you can call Crimestoppers in confidence, you
ASSAULT victim William Wilkie has discharged himself from hospital and is believed to have returned home. Mr Wilkie, 39, of Fawcett Close, Blackburn, received head injuries, broken ribs and a broken wrist when he was beaten up as he walked down Galligreaves
A COMPANY has relocated to Blackburn -- and says new jobs could be on the way. International textile firm Morada has moved to a new purpose-built site in Blackburn after many years based in Ramsbottom. The 33,000sq ft building at Shadsworth Business Park
A CORONER has warned alcoholics they risk death from taking the drugs that are supposed to help them with their problem. It follows the death of heavy drinker Nuala Mary Kearns Harris who was on prescribed medication for her illness. An inquest heard
A TORRENT of dirty floodwater had a teenage council tenant climbing on his bedroom furniture to escape the deluge. Now Aaron Howard is hoping the council will re-home him after a catalogue of flooding problems at the Addison Close flat. Flooding, triggered
Brigg Town 3, Great Harwood 2 GREAT Harwood Town crashed out of the FA Vase in a five goal thriller that saw two players sent off. Town went behind against the run of play in the 30th minute when Nathan Stead beat two players to score. But Denis Underwood's
RUNNERS at Sunday's Great North Run set a new British record. There were 36,546 finishers beating the total set at this year's London Marathon by nearly 5,000. Preston Harrier John Nuttall in 12th was the third Briton home while Paul Brannigan of Todmorden
IN the first Mid Lancs Cross Country fixture of the season at Barrow there were wins for Pendle, Blackburn Harriers and Burnley and a team win for Clayton Harriers. Youngest winner was Ben Rusius of Pendle took the under 13 boy's race. Jamie Rusius was
BURNLEY schoolboys Finbar Ennis and John Waller were the winners when Pendle Forest Orienteers held their first ever event at Spring Wood near Whalley. In the fourth of five fixtures in the Club's Autumn Series, Finbar, a Primary Year Five pupil, completed
STAFF at Blackpool's council-run rest homes are facing yet another slap in the face after being forced to decide whether to work for social services or a co-operative which is hoping to save two of the homes.. The news comes after staff were handed their
THE Centurions' main shirt sponsor for next season will be local firm, Leighton Packaging. Owned by lifelong Leigh fan and LISA committeeman Phil Coffey, Leighton Packaging will have their company name on the front of the Centurions' newly-designed kit
A TOWN centre post office has been hit by a second closure within just three months. The West Street branch is shut again after the sub-postmaster was suspended pending an internal investigation. He had been brought in to replace sub-postmistress, Kelly
IT'S never easy where Blackpool Football Club is concerned. After cruising to 3-0 up with 20 minutes to go, Pool conceded two ridiculous goals -- including one from the Carlisle keeper -- to create yet another nervy ending for all in Tangerine. But at
