A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Blackburn Flower Club, Trinity United Reformed Church Hall, Brownhill, Blackburn, 7.30pm. "Just Around The Corner" with Jacqueline Corner. "Captivating Calderdale" --
CONGRATULATIONS to Blackburn Rovers for a superb win last night and for playing their way to their first major cup final in more than forty years. Thousands of fans can now look forward to a great day out a Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - and the excitement
A TASK group has been set up to recommend whether Lancashire County Council should turn the clock back 17 years and start considering some reports in secret and not release them to the press. The task group was set up after council leader Coun Hazel Harding
TWO birds have been to the forefront this week. These are the goosander and the tawny owl. From mid-January until April both species will become more and more noticeable. Tawny owls are already beginning to hoot in order to establish breeding territory
AS the rivers and streams of Britain get ever cleaner the increase in the fish stocks grab the headlines. Next in publicity list come the aquatic birds. But how much publicity do our mammals receive? The answer is not much. Fortunately the Wildlife Trusts
G METCALFE (Letters, January 16) expressed the feelings of a majority of the public -- that drag hunting is successful. This sport provides enjoyment for all who participate, especially hounds, and horses can exercise without huntsmen provoking hounds
GOODNESS me, what would people do without Blackburn Councillor Ashley Whalley to pick on? Leave him alone please -- he is doing his best. Yes, at first the town's orbital was a mess, but now it is a dream -- a nice easy flow into town and out again. The
A PROFESSIONAL at Leigh Golf Club took his own life after he became depressed about the shape of his nose. Michael Smith, aged 28, was found dead in his car in July with a hosepipe leading from the exhaust. An inquest was told that Mr Smith had been depressed
NEARLY £8,000 was grabbed in an armed raid at a Whitefield store which was the second robbery there in a week. Wednesday morning's (Jan 16) raid happened after a security guard arrived at Ribble Drive Late Shop in Albert Place. A gang of five men are
sA PILOT scheme has been launched in Bury to avert a hospital beds crisis. During the winter, there is often a shortage of beds because many are taken up by older people who are recovering from hospital treatment. The new scheme, Step Down, enables older
POLICE and prosecution lawyers are examining new evidence in the case of baby brothers who died within the space of a year -- and are due to make a decision within weeks. The medical information was compiled following repeated adjournments of the inquest
DETECTIVES today said they were keen to speak to a man seen following a teenage rape victim just minutes before she was attacked. Police said a couple walking home had seen a man walking just behind the victim. They said they now wanted to speak to him
SOCIAL services have launched a new campaign to persuade people to adopt a child. Bury looks after 240 children a year, from toddlers to teenagers and from a variety of backgrounds. Many are waiting to be placed permanently with a family. About 20 local
PEOPLE in debt after the Christmas spending spree are being urged to get quality advice. Trading standards inspectors believe that some consumers have been misled by firms which failed to give them legally required information. A regional survey found
A NEW self-service library for sportsmen could be built at Castle Leisure Centre. Town hall bosses desperately need to increase the number of opening hours at libraries to meet tough Government targets. But they say they do not have enough money to keep
JUBILANT Blackburn boss Graeme Souness last night saluted his Worthington Cup heroes after Rovers booked their first major Cup final appearance in 42 years. Fab four Matt Jansen, Damien Duff, Andy Cole and Craig Hignett all grabbed a goal apiece as Rovers
A LOOK at the games that saw Rovers through to their first major Cup final in 42 years. Round Two ROVERS 2 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0 Ewood Park, Wednesday 12 September, 2001 Scorers: Jansen 14, Dunning 77 Attendance: 9,559 Team: Friedel, Greer, Berg, Taylor,
A HOST of young talent is to take to the stage for a special variety show next month. Young performers from across the borough will strut their stuff at the 2002 Bury Variety Showcase held at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich. The event is the brainchild
STUDENTS and staff at Burnley College are celebrating today after their annual report revealed exam pass rates above the national average. Principal John Smith expressed his delight after receiving the college's annual report for 2000 -- 2001. It contains
A NEW hardline rent regime introduced at Christmas had paid off for a community housing group which has since received more than £20,000 in arrears. Burnley and Padiham Community Housing, which owns the former council house estates in the area, said the
THE debate over whether to allow Foulridge-based JA Transport to build an industrial building and demolish existing garage buildings rumbles on, after councillors deferred a site visit. Planning permission for a building of 647 square metres was refused
A WOMAN who went on an 'errand of mercy' ended up arrested after swearing at police in an early hours melee, a court heard. Burnley magistrates were told how Barbara Hubbard, 40, was spoken to by officers called to a disturbance in Colne, and didn't heed
POLICE and prosecution lawyers are examining new evidence in the case of baby brothers who died within the space of a year -- and are due to make a decision within weeks. The medical information was compiled following repeated adjournments of the inquest
A MAN bit his girlfriend on the cheek during an argument which started because she had switched on the clothes dryer while he was still in bed. Blackburn magistrates were told that Christopher McManamen bitterly regretted the incident which he blamed
A FORMER home of the Thwaites family is set to be returned to its former glory - 50 years after it began falling into disrepair. But by giving approval to the restoration of Woodfold Hall in the Ribble Valley and the construction of a racehorse training
CLARETS skipper Steve Davis has hit back at any suggestion that Burnley are a one man side, reliant on the skills of Glen Little. At last night's fans' forum, held at Burnley Cricket Club, Davis was asked to comment on the report in last night's Lancashire
MARK YATES is determined to silence his Turf Moor critics by knocking his former club out of the FA Cup. The 31-year-old - who turns 32 tomorrow - will face Burnley for the first time since he left the club in 1993 when he lines up for Cheltenham in the
WHATEVER the reasons for the mass brawl at an East Lancashire school that resulted in police with riot vans and dogs being sent in for days to protect pupils and staff, it is clear that things have come to a pretty pass when such action is necessary.
ROBBIE BLAKE'S protracted move to Burnley could be completed today after a meeting this morning between the player, his agent and the club. Blake has been chased by Stan Ternent for a long time and he is set to complete his £1million switch across the
A DARWEN pensioner has criticised council officials for not accepting £5 coins - despite them being legal tender. Ray Kemp, 69, of Westland Avenue, said he was given the coins when he went to collect his pension at Darwen Post Office. But when he went
A GROUP of artists commissioned to create a 'sculpture trail' have been given a base in Bacup by the council. A former shop in St James Street, which has been empty for some time, will serve as a town centre presence for the group and possibly open to
A 19-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Anthony Rigby who was found barely conscious at his flat in Swift Close, Blackburn after being shot in the head. Mark Peter Harrington, of St James Road, Blackburn, was originally charged
WE'RE in a final -- at last! Apt revenge too, nearly ten years after Sheffield Wednesday beat Rovers 4-2 at Ewood at the same stage of this competition. Rovers were last in a major final in 1960 and only my grandad has memories of that -- and sour ones
RAIL users face a battle to get into work tomorrow as conductors operating East Lancashire's only express service go on strike. Arriva Trains Northern has confirmed that all of the timetable for the York to Blackpool service will be cancelled tomorrow
FANS, MPs and community leaders united today to hail the Rovers Cup kings and roared: "Bring on the final." Blackburn was jumping in celebration after Graeme Souness's team delivered a Worthington Cup knockout blow to Sheffield Wednesday on a glory night
PNE's first win at Walsall for 20 years brought a welcome three points last Saturday. But we need to put another long unbeaten run together now if we are to catch up with the division's pacesetters. With away games at the likes of Man City, Norwich and
ON behalf of myself, my family and especially my mother, Mrs Ivy Fender, of St Alban's Court, Blackburn, I say a massive thank-you to all at B and B Taxis, Blackburn, especially the drivers for their patience and helpfulness in helping my mother to and
NOW that the jingle of euro coins has subsided on the Continent, one wonders what benefits will accrue. The largest member of the EU, Germany, has an unemployment level fast approaching four million -- twice our rate. In the rest of the EU, unemployment
THE recent finding in a National Addiction Centre and Mixmag survey of clubbers that regular users of the Drug Ecstasy are 25 per cent more likely to suffer a mental health disorder is a serious cause for concern. Our own national survey of mental health
A PUB boss was saved by his dog when he was confronted by a gunman. The raider burst into the Albion pub, Bag Lane, Atherton, as the licensee was clearing up at the end of the night and threatened him with a single barrel shotgun. The thug pointed the
ALTHOUGH most letters complaining about the non-gritting of roads and pavements during the recent cold spell came from the Blackburn and Darwen area, I can assure Mr F Crompton (Letters, January 15) that people in Hyndburn also suffered in the same way
A PARK group planning a dip into the past is appealing for historical documents about Bury's Clarence Park Lido. The Friends of Clarence Park and Lido are looking for any potential display exhibits. The group hope to stage an exhibition documenting the
RADICAL changes to the way council houses are awarded will be debated later this week. Residents are invited to discuss the new draft lettings policy when Bury Housing Forum meets on Thursday (Jan 24). The policy covers a whole range of issues, and suggests
THE row brewing over the Ainsworth Arms pub takes a new development today (Tues Jan 22) when licensing bosses will discuss the case. The manager of the Bury and Bolton Road pub, David Allcock, has applied for an entertainment licence. But residents fear
AN off-licence has been robbed for the third time in 30 days. The Victoria Wine outlet in Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, just yards from the town's police station, was targeted again on Friday night (Jan 18) by armed raiders. In the latest incident two men
ATHERTON Colls travel to Kidsgrove Athletic tonight for a NWCL Division One fixture. With both sides set to clash in February over a two-legged Worthington Challenge Cup Final the league encounter offers the opportunity to gain a little psychological
RONNIE CLAYTON was the last Rovers skipper to lead the club out at a major cup final and he will be there when they come out for the showpiece end to the Worthington Cup. "It is great for the club and a real boon for the town," claimed the proud Rovers
ROVERS insprational midfielder Tugay is keen to play in the Worthington Cup final, and give the fans a great day out in Cardiff. TUGAY - The Turkish midfielder is pleased to have become a fans favourite at Ewood. "I LOVE it, I really love it. They are
A ROUND-UP of the key moments and facts from Rovers win over Sheffield Wednesday. ROVERS: FRIEDEL: Made a crucial first half save from Sibon to prevent Wednesday from putting the tie back in the melting pot...7 CURTIS: Given the task of keeping Sibon
DAMIEN Duff is hoping to provide the ammunition that will help Andy Cole clinch a Worthington Cup winners medal - the only accolade the striker hasn't won. The Republic of Ireland winger scored one and made Cole's late goal - the one which effectively
EWOOD enforcer Garry Flitcroft is in danger of missing Rovers' big day at Cardiff following his sending off in last night's semi-final second leg. Flitcroft's dismissal in the 53rd minute for a two-footed challenge on Trond Soltvedt marred Rovers' 6-3
AS Ewood buzzed with anticipation at the prospect of Rovers' first major final in 42 years, there was just one thing missing from the celebrations -- the smiling face of the late Jack Walker. For it was always Jack's wish to lead his beloved Rovers into
THREE youths have been arrested and will be questioned today after a 41-year-old man was attacked with hammers on his own doorstep. Police said the victim, who has not been named, nearly died when a broken rib punctured his lungs. The man who was attacked
THE brother of a Burnley man caught fighting for the Taliban in Afghanistan has flown to the war-torn country in a last-ditch bid to bring him home. Anwar Khan, 25, was captured by the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan while fighting for the Taliban regime
A FORMER employee of Pendle Council has backed residents in the Whitefield area in their claim that they were not properly consulted over the Nelson West Renewal Area and said she was warned that her involvement in the issue could harm her employment
A RESCUE operation was due to be launched by RSPCA inspectors and local diggers after a dog got trapped under a pile of boulders. Zak the border terrier had spent his second night in icy conditions after chasing a fox and getting stuck.
BLACKBURN pub landlord Cliff Hutchinson was in mourning after his soccer idol Eric Cantona was kidnapped by Blackburn Rovers supporters. The United fan had a bust of the Old Trafford legend behind the bar but Rovers regulars made off with it and left
DETECTIVES today said they were keen to speak to a man seen following a teenage rape victim just minutes before she was attacked. Police said a couple walking home had seen a man walking just behind the victim. They said they now wanted to speak to him
ROBBIE BLAKE'S protracted move to Burnley could be completed today after a meeting this morning between the player, his agent and the club. Blake has been chased by Stan Ternent for a long time and he is set to complete his £1million switch across the
PLANS to increase the capacity at Whaddon Road for Sunday's FA Cup clash between Cheltenham Town and the Clarets have had to be shelved. Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker failed with efforts to get approval for both a big screen and temporary stand. The
BELGIUM international Bob Peeters will not move to Burnley without the blessing of his international manager Robert Waseighe. Speaking from Holland today the Vitesse Arnhem striker admitted: "Before I make any move I will call the manager and seek his
THE fiasco of Clitheroe town centre being gridlocked because of new bollards -- which highways officials plonked on a busy street's pavement without consultation -- will remind those with long memories that such 'jobsworths' were employed to keep the
JUBILANT Blackburn boss Graeme Souness last night saluted his Worthington Cup heroes after Rovers booked their first major Cup final appearance in 42 years. Fab four Matt Jansen, Damien Duff, Andy Cole and Craig Hignett all grabbed a goal apiece as Rovers
NORTH End have beaten off Premiership competition to grab the signature of Manchester City starlet Dickson Etuhu. And a delve into the European transfer market has also paid dividends for David Moyes -- finally getting hold of Thordur Gudjonsson, albeit
DARWEN Leisure Centre is holding an Open Night tomorrow and everyone is welcome to view the facilities on offer. The event, at the centre in Green Street, is from 6 to 9pm. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the facilities and pay just a £1 for any casual activity
DETECTIVES waiting to question a man taken to hospital after an explosion ripped through a mill complex have also arrested a woman, it was revealed today. The man, who has not been named, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary on Monday night suffering
ORGANISERS of the popular Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show are to hand over £10,000 to good causes after a bumper year which saw them raise twice as much as ever before. Good weather and an unusual biker wedding helped the event in Rawtenstall in September
THE FATHER of a soldier stationed in Afghanistan today criticised the focus on the plight of terrorist prisoners in Cuba and said: "Don't forget about what my lad is putting up with." Brian Ozenbrook, whose son Damian is on patrol in Kabul, said he believed
A TEENAGER who stabbed his 15-year-old girlfriend in the lower chest has avoided a custodial sentence. A judge at Preston Crown Court placed the youth on 18 months supervision and ordered he carry out 70 hours community work. Judge Philip Sycamore said
POLICE are investigating an alleged attack in which a football referee was knocked to the ground after sending off two players during an amateur clash. The incident happened as David Otley was refereeing a Blackburn Combination Premier Division clash
RAIL users face a battle to get into work tomorrow as conductors operating East Lancashire's only express service go on strike. Arriva Trains Northern has confirmed that all of the timetable for the York to Blackpool service will be cancelled tomorrow
GREAT HARWOOD face Skelmersdale United at home tonight in North West Counties League Division One tonight (kick off 7.45). Denis Underwood's side are looking to boost their first division survival hopes with a win against the fifth-placed side. Harwood
DAVID Lucas is set to be missing from action for several weeks after collecting a strain in training. He pulled a muscle at the top of his heap as he jumped for a high ball. Tepi Moilanen was forced to return to the nets at the weekend despite having
DAVID Moyes claimed this game was big one - with the three points available vital what with the match being sandwiched between two cup ties. After the game, he claimed his players had worked very hard and tried everything to score. That might have been
NEARLY 300 pupils have been struck down by a gastric-flu bug at a school in Ramsbottom. The highly infectious Norwalk-Like Virus, or NLV, which causes sickness, diarrhoea and fever, is sweeping across the North-west. Education chiefs say Bolton has not
CONTROVERSIAL portable huts installed on the roof of Fairfield General Hospital to treat the sick have been given a clean bill of health by patients and staff. Patients have now moved into the acute medical ward. The first one was Mrs Carey Weinberg (
