A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Mid Pennine Arts Gallery, Burnley. Exhibition of works by Kenneth Martin. Until January 23. Platform Gallery, Clitheroe - Storytelling: The artist's tale. Until March
REGARDING the plan for Blackburn to have Lancashire's first Muslim state school (LET, January 10), education should be free from religious influence. Separate schooling leads to separate lives and does nothing to help understanding of the separate religious
IN reply to Ron O'Keeffe Snr (Letters, January 4), I did not ask for a reduction in all Blackburn's car park charges. I merely suggested consideration be given to reducing the more over-priced charges, as some are for higher than the fees I pay. My parking
A REMARKABLE dog could be in line for an RSPCA award, following an astonishing rescue act in the chilly waters of a canal. Sam, a three-year-old yellow labrador retriever, left onlookers stunned after leaping into action to save the life of another dog
I WAS horrified to read (LET, December 23) that Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust Board have voted in favour of adding fluoride to our water supplies. Fluoride is a toxic and corrosive industrial waste product from the aluminium and fertiliser
TUESDAY night might not have been our best performance of the season, but we were happy to do the business over Grimsby at last. We were overdue a win against them after scoring five and two in the previous two matches, and how we didn't beat them in
NEXT week's Worthington Cup semi-final second leg with Manchester United is on course for a sell-out. Rovers have reported brisk business with over 20,000 tickets for the game already sold.
PORTSMOUTH boss Harry Redknapp may have to shelve plans to sign Rovers defender John Curtis. As I understand it, Redknapp wants the former Manchester United star to bolster his side's promotion push. However, Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric today hinted
BOXING clubs could be the solution to problem youngsters on some of Preston's roughest estates. Since The Phoenix boxing club, on the Larches estate, opened its doors for local youngsters police have noticed a drop in the levels of juvenile crime, which
CHILDREN in Preston are enjoying a kick about following the opening of a new recreation zone providing sporting facilities for young people. Ingol and Tanterton Action Group (INTAG) is responsible for the project, based at Poole House County Primary School
A STUDENT is aiming to raise money in order to spend four months teaching young Africans about the dangers of AIDS. Sarah Roscoe, of Hazel Avenue, Bamber Bridge, who is currently on a gap year after getting three A-levels at Runshaw College, Leyland,
COUNCILLORS are to be banned from guzzling complimentary tea and biscuits while on planning site visits in a bid to avoid allegations of bribery. The new instructions, which also cover sandwiches, restrict Lancashire County Council members and officers
A JUVENILE has been warned about his behaviour after he was spotted throwing bottles of milk at houses in Kings Drive, Padiham. Beat bobby PC Tony Himycz joined local residents to watch out for the schoolboy. He said it was unlikely the boy would offend
CINBADS (Churches Together in Boothstown Amateur Dramatics Association) proudly presents timeless family favourite Cinderella. It will be the group's third panto and promises lots of laughs, audience participation and even an appearance from Elvis. Performances
PLANS for a disused supermarket in Burnley are to be discussed by councillors at a planning meeting tonight. Rival plans for the old Co-op superstore in Curzon Street have put businesses and politicians in opposing camps. Burnley MP Peter Pike is firmly
MORE needs to be done to improve communication between Burnley Borough Council and Lancashire County Council according to senior councillors. At a meeting of a Burnley Council committee in September 2002, the leader of Burnley Borough Council, Stuart
A WOMAN who has made her neighbours' lives a misery is set to become the probably the oldest person in the country to be served with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order. And today Marilyn Birchenough, 52, of Partridge Hill Street, Padiham, said the move could
HEYSHAM port and Glasson Dock could be taken over by troops in the event of a terrorist threat - if new legislation gets the go-ahead. Dockers and other staff may also have to undergo security vetting under the Government's latest anti-terrorism initiative
BURNLEY Council has unveiled ambitious plans for the town's ailing Mechanics Theatre in a bid to save the "underachieving" entertainment venue. The future of the theatre in Manchester Road looked to be under threat last year after council bosses revealed
A COUNTY councillor today called for instant fines to be introduced for town centre drinkers in Burnley. Terry Burns said penalties should be brought in to deter people from breaking a proposed ban on drinking alcohol in the street. Coun Burns, who represents
COPS are launching a new bid to crack down on car crime and burglary in Lancaster and Morecambe. A major new initiative is targeting crime 'hotspots', looking for thieves and burglars from this week. And police are also asking local people to help by
A PLEA from the North-West Development Agency prompted the Midland Hotel's new owners to take on the historic building, the Citizen can reveal. Award winning regeneration specialists Urban Splash agreed to get involved after hearing of the problems of
SHOPPERS in Nelson were encouraged to have their say on proposals to redevelop Scotland Road during two days of consultation this week. Consultants Chesterton, appointed by Pendle Council, were on hand to listen to local people's views on their various
CHILDREN from a Nelson street are getting things done in their neighbourhood by discussing improvements directly with their landlord. Housing organisation Space, which owns the estate, came up with the idea of consulting local children on how best to
TEN teenagers from Nelson have been working together to look at issues relating to race, age, gender, and environment, through photography. The Five Wards Arts and Cultural Project will launch a calendar which the ten young women, aged 15 and 16, have
Well, the "new year" is well and truly with us, doesn't the time pass quickly? I thought now would be timely to have a look back at my career as 'Sven'. On. February 19, 2001, a chance remark at my office by a colleague called Paul (as Paul is reading
RAMBLERS in Pendle are missing out on an attractive countryside footpath because the signpost which tells them where the footpath starts has been stolen -- four times. The footpath which starts from Salterforth Lane, near the Anchor Inn in Salterforth
AN EAST Lancashire restaurant was nominated for a live radio broadcast to herald in the Chinese New Year. Ocean City, on Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth, run by Peter Kwok, was named for the Radio 5 broadcast on January 22.
GIRLS are being given the chance to take part in extreme sports as part of a unique new campaign being launched by Wigan Council. The Youth Development Team is offering 12 local girls, aged 11-21, the opportunity to learn to skate, stay free of charge
WORK by artist Tracey Emin is being featured at the Harris Museum. In a new exhibition, Words, Emin's embroidered blanket work, The Simple Truth, is on display until March 1 along with work by other artists, including David Hockney. Informal talks on
PRESTON Movie Makers are holding a practical night on Thursday, January 23, at Galloway Hall, Brackenbury Road, Preston, from 7.45pm. For information ring 614555. SYNTH pop duo Erasure are stopping off in Preston as part of their 2003 tour. They are playing
AN entertainments extravaganza is back on the agenda for Baxenden residents after an absence of two years. The traditional Bash Spring Fair was revived three years ago for the Millennium after dying out at the turn of the last century. But the annual
THE manager of Churchills nightclub today spoke of her horror at the 'tragic turn of events' which unfolded last May. Angela Calvert says she cried for days after the death of teenager Gavin Tattersall and is still affected by the traumatic night. She
ACCRINGTON Royal British Legion has been thrown a lifeline by members of a neighbouring branch. The branch is fighting for its survival after membership dwindled to just 35. It has represented those who fought in several wars, including the famous Accrington
THE headteacher of a popular primary school today underlined his commitment after education inspectors delivered a second damning Ofsted report in less than five years. Geoffrey Garlick spoke out following an inspection at St John with St Augustine CE
A NEW multi-million pound scheme, aimed at reforming and modernising the borough's NHS service, is due to "lift" off the ground in the coming months. The Lift (Local Improvement Finance Trust) project involves a 10-year, £13.5 million plan to revolutionise
AN HISTORIC black and white framed Tudor mansion is turning green after setting up a recycling depot. Picturesque Samlesbury Hall in Preston New Road, Blackburn, is turning to bottle banks to help dispose of its waste. The manor, which is home to an antiques
THE excitement of the famous Willy Wonka treasure hunt is about to erupt in East Lancashire as an award-winning confectioner prepares to place a golden ticket into circulation. Farmhouse Fare, run by entrepreneur Helen Colley, is to place the ticket inside
LIVESTOCK will this year be allowed at the Royal Lancashire Show for the first time since the foot and mouth epidemic of 2001. The premier three-day agricultural event is moving to the Ribble Valley, and its new president is Rodney Swarbrick, 64, a former
THERE should be no welcome and no support given to the British National Party anywhere in Lancaster. The BNP is a neo-Nazi organisation riddled with people with serious criminal convictions for activities such as racial violence and incitement to racial
A HOSPITAL worker passed on a computer disc containing erotic images of young children and adult pornography to work colleagues, a court heard. Blackburn magistrates were told other members of the adult porn exchange group at Calderstones Hospital, Whalley
CONCILIATORY voices within the ranks of the New Labour party are being stifled by intimidatory reminders of expulsion or deselection as at least 17 warships boarded by 3,000 Royal Marines prepare to sail from the UK to the Gulf, with a further support
SO noweye.com presents a collection of webcams from ski resorts around the world, with over 1200 in Europe alone. Just looking at these snowcapped wonderlands makes you want to get your skis on and head off for a week or two of wintersports fun. As well
APPLE computers have re-vamped their laptop range, the PowerBook G4, including a top-of-the-range 17-inch screen model, a monster of a laptop which you might think would be hard to balance on anyone's lap. As well as that huge machine, Apple announced
I HAVE read the letters back and forward for the last few weeks, particularly between Cllr Emily Heath and David Uphill. I seem to recall that Cllr Heath was blaming people from Morecambe and Hey-sham for causing pollution and parking problems in Lancaster
WHEREVER you go today, e-mail and the Internet are always within touching distance and now airline passengers will be able to surf the web while flying. Passengers flying with Lufthansa Airlines in its Boeing aeroplanes from Frankfurt in Germany to Dulles
A SECOND half goal by Lee Elam gave Morecambe the edge in a hard-fought FA Trophy derby at Giant Axe. A crowd of more than 2,000 people saw the former Southport winger turn a Gary Thompson cross past Lancaster City,s otherwise unbeatable keeper Mark Thornley
I wonder if I am alone in asking why our MP feels approval of the proposed sports/college complex in Pennington requires to be whole-heartedly backed by the people of Leigh to obtain planning approval. As I understand it, major planning decisions are
AFTER two televised world championships in recent weeks, darts fans can look forward to a weekend of live action in Morecambe. Lancashire host Surrey in the Inter-Counties darts championship, with local players Liz Akister and Mick O'Hara playing for
WHILE Det Sgt Bill Nelson must do his duty and uphold traffic regulation prohibiting vehicles from using the direct route via Norwood Avenue, Lowton, he should be aware that the results of his actions will be somewhat different to the rosy picture he
A SOD-cutting ceremony to officially mark the start of building work on a Healthy Living Centre in Burnley will take place next Wednesday. The centre will be based across from Northbridge House, in Daneshouse, and will offer a gym, healthy living classes
LEIGH Weight Watchers manager Jan Matthews has been congratulated on the success of the programme by TV critic Garry Bushell. Jan said: "We have had a great year and I am really proud of all the hard work we have put in, so receiving this award was very
LEYLAND'S historic Tudor House could be transformed into a medical centre. Health chiefs at Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust are looking at the grade II listed building in Southern Towngate as a possible site to provide health care services
A PENSIONER has fought back from two bouts of cancer to become the face of clothing company Uniqlo. Leyland's Dorothy Bannister scooped the top prize in a recent Citizen competition to find a model for the Japanese-based firm. The 64-year-old won first
AUDITIONS are being held for Turnpike Community Theatre's summer production Romeo and Juliet. Writers Jo Shepherd and Neil Gredecki have taken Shakespeare's tragic love story and given it a modern twist. Newcomers or old hands aged 16 or over are welcome
A CHARITY is changing children's lives thanks to old mobile phones. Sense is appealing to Leigh area users to recycle their unwanted sets to help deafblind people. The charity can receive upto £35 for each phone recycled and the money will help provide
A SPONSORED abseil, originally organised to raise funds for Leigh Parish Church Tower Appeal, is being thrown open to local groups and charities. The appeal is close to collecting the £120,000 needed for essential tower repairs and fundraisers anticipate
JOHN Warminger used all his skill and concentration to master the ever-changing conditions to win the 13th winter merit bowling competition at Pennington Park on Sunday by beating Billy Rigby 21-19 in the final. The consolation final was won by John Prestwich
CLASSIC World of Fitness second squash team were hosts to David Lloyd Manchester. An electrical fault caused the court heating to fail and this totally changed the nature of the games. After losing his first game, Gordon Bailey took control to take the
PORTSMOUTH boss Harry Redknapp may have to shelve plans to sign Rovers defender John Curtis. As I understand it, Redknapp wants the former Manchester United star to bolster his side's promotion push. However, Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric today hinted
A ONE-EYED cat is desperately seeking a loving owner to give him a new home. Theo, named by Maureen Savage, of Moggies Cat Rescue, Darwen, was picked up off the street last week after sleeping rough on a frozen grass verge. Maureen said: "I had a phone
DARWEN 'independence' campaigner Roy Davies meets council chiefs tonight to discuss the future of the town and the prospect of separation from Blackburn. Roy, of Olive Lane, will confront Blackburn with Darwen bosses with demands for more money to be
A DARWEN councillor today stepped into the debate over a controversial footpath which links a housing estate with a new motorway service station. Coun Mike Barrett, who represents Darwen's Earcroft ward, called for the path connecting Redvers Road to
BRAVE neighbours have been praised for trying to save the life of an alcoholic who was killed in a fire at his Darwen home. Neil Whalley was more than four times the legal drink-drive limit when he died as a result of inhaling cyanide fumes during the
PEOPLE living in Ramsbottom are being urged to take to the streets and help their town become a better place to be. The council is now recruiting Community Safety Wardens in town centres across the borough. Manager Ged McGee said: "Our wardens act as
A NEW swimming group for young water lovers has taken off with a real splash. Children participating in the Duckling Award Grade One at Rawtenstall's Marl Pits pool, in Newchurch Road, take part in a 10-week course and complete a variety of tasks, including
MY letter struck gold, thanks to you. (Citizen Letters, January 9). A Mr Porter has a map of Preston of 1852, and points out that in those days Marsh Lane was called Bridge Lane! This is the answer to the puzzle, and as a matter of interest I have now
I FELT compelled to write about the letter 'Laws favour minorities'. (January 2). I celebrated Christmas with my family not because I am Christian but because Christmas Day is celebrated throughout the world in the hope of bringing 'goodwill and peace
I WAS not amused by the letter 'Laws favour minorities' (Citizen, January 2). If no one wanted to shop on Christmas Day then shops would not open. The fact is that shops that open on this day provide a useful service to the neighbourhood they serve, which
I MUST protest against the letter 'Laws favour minorities' published in The Citizen on January 2. Christmas is no longer a Christian day but celebrated as a secular festival as evidenced by the decline in church going on Christmas Day itself. The so called
THE Blackburn with Darwen Council for Voluntary Service have a short course programme lined up for 2003 that is aimed at staff, committee members and volunteers involved in management of voluntary and community groups. Courses are run by Bootstrap Enterprises
BEWARE of counterfeit pound coins! An artist aunt told me about cheap artists' equipment on sale at Netto, so I dashed round to the Leigh store to snatch some while it was still available. Only when I got back to the office did I discover I'd got more
I WAS saddened by the death of Bee Gee Maurice Gibb at the weekend. It's disconcerting when people of your own age start popping off. I've even reached the stage where I've started read the dispatches column in the Journal, something never done by young
MATTY Swailes struck a 17 minute hat-trick to put Atherton Colls just one game away from retaining the Goldline Trophy. Colls thrashed Charnock Richards in a repeat of last season's final to reach this season's showpiece. Swailes first came as early as
YOUNG female actors are wanted for a new production at the Charter Theatre, Preston. Any young girls with the dream of being in the spotlight are in with a chance, as long as they are under 4ft 4ins tall, and aged between seven and ten years old. The
A THEATRE company is set to wow the crowds with an action packed brand new performance of the "Scottish play". Leyland's C'est Tous Theatre Company have pulled out all the stops for Shakespeare's classic Scottish play. Authentic costumes and real swords
WITH its future put in doubt last year when a £1million budget deficit called for savage cuts by the council, Burnley's ailing Mechanics Theatre might now find salvation in a link-up with the private sector. For though in the past it put Burnley at the
THERE is no doubt that ever since their town was merged with Blackburn more than a quarter of a century ago, many people in Darwen have felt it has had to live in the shadow of its larger neighbour and has had second-best treatment. But though this may
REGARDING police in the Pennine Division sending out letters to criminals (LET, January 10), when the Lord Chief Justice advocates that burglars shouldn't be sent to prison (but God help the victim if he should so much as breathe on the burglar he catches
ON behalf of Make-A-Wish Foundation UK I would like to thank all who supported the charity in 2002. Their generosity enabled many more children in the North West to realise a very special wish and provided magical memories for all the family. The purpose
JUST before Christmas there was a sound of singing at our door, as follows: "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride on a one-horse open sleigh." The singing stopped with a knock on the door. On opening it, my wife was
I FIND it remarkable that some Darwen residents have nothing better to do than complain about the signing of Blackburn services on the M65 (LET, January 3). The Highways Agency has got it right when it indicates the bigger town on its signs. The junction
I THOUGHT Christmas was a time for kindness and helping one another. Well, something happened on December 27 that made me sick. Having just dropped off a member of my family, I was returning along my normal route home when I noticed somebody lying in
A ONE-EYED cat is desperately seeking a loving owner to give him a new home. Theo, named by Maureen Savage, of Moggies Cat Rescue, Darwen, was picked up off the street last week after sleeping rough on a frozen grass verge. Maureen said: "I had a phone
REGARDING Eric Leaver's article (LET, January 8), I've read with interest over the past few weeks the many letters concerning the speed camera in Great Harwood, especially so since we were caught on November 8 doing 37mph in what we thought was a 40mph
YOUR report (LET, January 11) on the re-introduction of community policing was welcome news, but will the scheme actually make a difference? For example, will the so-called beat bobby be on the streets "shop hours" or in the evenings when required? When
PLANS of the super stadium designed to give sport in the community a massive boost show just how the rugby, soccer, athletics and leisure complex would fit on the Leigh College site. On Tuesday, January 28 between 6pm and 9pm plans for the exciting sports
A LABOUR cabinet member is at the forefront of a party split prompted by plans to create a Muslim faith local authority-aided school in Blackburn. Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council said the faith schools
A SOLDIER was fighting for his life today after a pickaxe was lodged in his skull during an alleged attack in a war training exercise. Konrad Bisping, 26, from Clitheroe, was airlifted to hospital with part of the axe still in his head. The incident happened
LEIGH Centurions finally got the work-out they badly needed last night with just four days to go before the start of the new season writes Mike Hulme NW Counties Division Three side Bank Quay Bulls were crushed 62-6 as the Centurions, with nine new faces
ROVERS' attempts to off-load Italian mis-fit Ciccio Grabbi could have hit the buffers. Several clubs in Italy and Greece were said to be chasing the 26-year-old striker but no-one has since followed up their interest with a firm offer. "Ciccio is staying
BLACKBURN Rovers' Norwegian full back Stig Inge Bjornebye faces a further spell on the sidelines after undergoing an operation on his foot. The 33 year-old defender picked up the foot injury in training and has had surgery to rectify the problem. It's
A LOCAL rower is hoping to break the world record for crossing the Atlantic. Paul Nelson, from Hunstanton Close, Euxton, is part of a two man crew who hope to row their specially designed boat, the 'Spirit of Lancashire', across the ocean in 40 days to
TRADERS have cautiously welcomed a £500,000 scheme to revive the flagging Friargate Brow area of the city. The cash grant will be spent on the road that links the University of Central Lancashire to the city centre. The money comes jointly from the Single
A NEW manager has taken over the running of Preston city centre and pledged to make it the best in the county. Carl Speight, 33, was appointed chief executive of Preston City Centre Management Company on Monday. He takes over the post from Jane Lemmon
CROWDS flocked to Avenham for a visit by Prince Charles. Royal fans crowded into Oakham Court to catch a glimpse of the Prince of Wales, as he arrived as part of a whistle-stop tour of Lancashire. He greeted his fans before popping into the Pukar Disability
DRIVERS were today urged to get on the buses and make a Preston park-and-ride scheme work. A month after the £4.7million Walton-le-Dale scheme opened only a fraction of the 800 car parking spaces are being used each day. And angry residents living near
THE leader of Burnley Council has been grilled over the roles of two important community groups. Stuart Caddy was called before a meeting of a council scrutiny committee to answer questions about the functions of the Burnley Community Network and the
A 56-YEAR-OLD man who became "besotted" with a woman he met out walking his dog, bombarded her with letters and began to stalk her, a court heard. William Maguire Blevins was made subject to a two-year restraining order after Carole Unsworth claimed he
A GOOD Samaritan thought he was helping an injured teenager - but instead fell victim to Lancaster's first 'carjacking'. Thugs left Michael Bland, 54, lying in the street before crashing his car on icy roads north of Lancaster last Thursday night. "The
A LEADING anti-racism campaigner is calling on Lancaster people to fight the British National Party - which plans to stand for council seats locally. Local trade unions, religious groups and established political parties need to come together to see off
OWNERS of Carousel Childrenswear, in Barrowford, are hoping to expand their business. They have applied to Pendle Council for permission to extend the shop into the first floor of the building at 98-100 Gisburn Road. The application is also for the installation
PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice today said he is against a war with Iraq unless there is compelling evidence of weapons of mass destruction being harboured by Saddam Hussein. Speaking from Westminster he said: "The UK and the US should turn their intelligence
A MAN has appeared in court accused of causing the death of young businessman Keiron Edwards by dangerous driving. Surgeons battled for nearly six hours to try to save the 21-year-old after he was rescued from the wreckage of a silver Mazda Xedos car
I WOULD like to contact any relatives of Kath Wilkins from Darwen, who left for Voluntary Service Overseas early this year. Although I have sent several e-mails I've had no reply and I'm anxious for news of her. EILEEN EASTHAM, 3 Milton Close, Darwen.
MORE on the 'mystery' of the now-gone Waterloo Buildings at Livesey whose origins reader Jack Dickinson sought from Looking Back after he recalled playing in the run-down premises as a lad in the 1940s. For alerted by local history buff Mike Sumner's
ONCE again East Lancashire coal industry historian Jack Nadin seeks to mine readers' memories this time, for information on these colliers whose picture he wants to include in his latest book on the region's long-gone coalfield. They were members of the
A WOMAN found dead in a hotel in Colne was today named as 24-year-old Abigail Gallagher. Police investagating the discovery at 12.46am on Tuesday said she did not have a fixed address. They were investigating the possibility that she died as a result
RETAILERS in Pendle are being asked to let the council know if they sell any Fairtrade products in its bid to secure Fairtrade status for the borough. The council is hoping to identify at least 18 local cafes and catering outlets which sell such products
TRAVELLERS arriving at the UK's airports and major railway stations will soon be faced with billboards advertising the sights and sounds of Preston. To attract new business and travellers to the city, pictures will be displayed in a poster campaign including
KIND-HEARTED staff from Tesco Metro, Blackburn, brought some post-festive cheer to young victims of domestic violence. They collected and donated toys for youngsters spending the start of the New Year in the Women's Refuge, Blackburn.
A LEIGH father of three has died in hospital after a farm accident at Heskin, near Chorley. Shaun Riley, 32, a dumper driver for Chorley-based Ruttle Plant Hire, was working alone in remote fields at Heskin Hall Farm, Wood Lane, last Friday when at about
SLIMMING gurus Jackie Rogerson and Karen Ashcroft struck it rich at an end of the year celebration. The club leaders revelled in the chance to meet Eastenders' latest star, Alfie Moon, played by Shane Richie. The pair who run classes at St Benedict's
A POLICE officer at the centre of a murder investigation has called for revellers to curb "binge drinking" after a man admitted the manslaughter of a teenage clubber. Christopher Britcliffe, 21, of John Street, Clayton-le-Moors, denied a charge of murder
A MAN asked to look after his hospitalised sister's children tried to sell her property. Christopher Meeson's sister trusted him with the keys to her house but he took her property and tried to sell it to a neighbour who recognised some of the goods.
FORMER Leigh miners and their families received government payouts totalling over £2.75million last year. This takes the compensation sum in the constituency to over £6million to date. Leigh MP Andy Burnham has welcomed speedier payouts across the borough
A 27-year-old man has been jailed for a total of 12 months after he was convicted of burgling a neighbour's house in Leigh where he stole property, including a games console and other toys and games, worth over £1,000. Christopher Monks from Arrow Street
AN award-winning Jack Russell is in line to become top of the pups for the second time. Fifteen-years-old hearing dog for the deaf, Rosie, who won the bravest dog section in the BBC's Animal Awards 2000 programme broadcast at Christmas, has been short-listed
FOUR men and a woman, including a father and daughter, from Leigh have been jailed for a total of 20 years and four months for supplying heroin and amphetamines. Police had put the five under covert surveillance and watched as they ferried drugs to each
PASSENGERS watched in horror as a man brandished a gun on a tram in Bury. The 20-year-old was travelling on the Metrolink and pulled out the weapon as it pulled into Besses O' th' Barn railway station in Bury Old Road, Whitefield. He got off the tram
FOLLOWING the letter regarding Broadband in Heysham last week, we have a similar problem at Galgate. Despite the exchange being close to the university, even fewer people have registered - and it does not look likely that we will ever reach the trigger
A SOLDIER was fighting for his life today after a pickaxe was lodged in his skull during an alleged attack in a war training exercise. Konrad Bisping, 26, from Clitheroe, was airlifted to hospital with part of the axe still in his head. The incident happened
SUE Paylor's misplaced criticism of Bulk Ward councillors says more about her likely Green candidature in the coming May elections than it accurately describes our work as councillors. All three of us are heavily involved in council decision making, not
I refer to the article "Abortion campaigner goes to the top..." in The Journal. Thank God that Mary Lavelle has been willing to spell out to Prince Charles, the Prime Minister, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Murphy O'Connor and our local MP Andy
YOUNG rugby players from Lancaster Royal Grammar School could be just two games from Twickenham after their next English Schools Cup game next week. They play St Bees, of Cumbria, with the prize for the winners a home game in the quarter-finals. And some
I read in disbelief the letters page in your paper where Wigan Council were being highly praised for their work. I felt I had to write you to say I disagree, unless you go to Wigan. The Council could do with taking a long hard look at Tyldesley. What
LANCASTER is back on the rugby league map after the town's recently formed club was voted into the game,s national structure. Lancaster will take on clubs from Blackpool, Bolton, Carlisle, Chester and Liverpool in the north-west division - chasing a place
A BANNED driver who twice got behind the wheel has escaped jail -- but was told by magistrates he had come very close to it. Burnley Magistrates heard Mark James Garstang, 27, did not know he had been ordered off the road the first time he was caught.
BURNLEY have again been invited back to the Isle of Man to play in the Steam Packet International Football Festival. The tournament, now in its 22nd year, has the strongest line-up for several years with Blackpool, Division Three promotion hopefuls Wrexham
TURF Moor has joined a campaign aimed involving more youngsters in watching and playing football. Bosses at Burnley FC have a grant of £10,000 from Nationwide, sponsors of the Football League, to encourage youngsters, especially girls to join in the game
BORN-AGAIN footballer Graham Branch says he is playing for his future at Burnley. But he believes the task of earning a new contract at the end of the season should be made easier now he's got the backing of supporters. Branch, a centre forward by trade
BURNLEY'S troops are nearing full strength after a number of injury-hit first team players came through last night's reserve match unscathed. Clarets boss Stan Ternent saw Lee Briscoe get almost an hour's match action under his belt after recovering from
SISTERS Diane and Jamie Eatock seized at a chance to open a creche in an area crying out for childminding facilities. They produced their own business plans to run a commercial creche at Platt Bridge Youth Zone headquarters in Ribble Road and it's proved
AN Astley-based businessman has been disqualified from being a company director for two years. Thomas Critchley was one of four directors of a management activities-holding company that failed with net estimated debts of £887,000. The Insolvency Service
WELL, I think it's fair to say I've had better weeks as a Blackburn Rovers player! Last Friday's comments by the manager came as a shock to the system but that was nothing compared to the grilling I've had in the national Press over the last seven days
EXPATS from across the Atlantic, who now live just miles from some of Hollywood's biggest stars, are calling on people to get in touch via their new website. Since emigrating to America in 1964, Doris and Dave Hughlock, from Walton-le-Dale, have travelled
MUSIC lovers are in for a treat when Andrew Lloyd Webber's award-winningCats visits Manchester in March. The world's most successful and longest running musical will show at the Palace Theatre from March 11 until April 5. Tickets priced £10-£30 and available
BOLTON'S Octagon Theatre presents Reunion, a reality TV comedy written and directed by John Godber. The plot follows Jack Wesley, a novelist and part-time lecturer, as he becomes an unsuspecting contestant on a radical new game show which reunites old
CHRISTIE strawberry fair king and Atherton councillor Bob Splaine spoke to Tyldesley Probus Club members about the history of the world famous Manchester cancer hospital. Bob and his wife, Ilse, who was successfully treated there in the 1980s, have organised
A NEW programme for antique lovers has been organised at Lowton High School. Starting on January 28 from 7-9pm the eight week course will examine the major design styles from neo-classical to arts and crafts, the influence of designers such as Robert
DRINKS with almost the punch of aviation fuel will get 2003 off to a flying start. With the Atherton and Tyldesley Beer festival's main beneficiary being Childflight there's a distinct aeronautical feel to the lengthy list of beverages available at the
GOLBORNE Cricket Club is organising junior coaching sessions at Golborne High School every Saturday morning until the end of March. For further details contact Kim Lyon on 07714 146673 or Denis Ormshaw on 07970 678562.
A&T CC are staging winter nets for seniors at each Monday evening at Hesketh Fletcher High School, Atherton at 8pm and for juniors on Thursday evenings, same time, same venue. Coaching available at all nets by fully qualified coaches. All are welcome
ASTLEY & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Cycle Speedway Club have received a New Year boost. The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) have awarded the club a grant of £1150, to assist with the promotional costs of staging the 2003 World
Darts: Nevison 2, Britannia 5; Leigh RU 5, Leigh Cricket 2; Peake Fitness 6, Musketeer 1; Spinners 2, New Inn 5; Church Inn 2, Foresters 5; Bull & Butcher 3, Colliers 4; Our House 5, Railway Tavern 2; Bridgewater 3, Jolly Carter 4. Dominoes: Nevison
Thornhill 30 Leigh East 6 - IF Leigh East were bad in their pre-Christmas home defeat by Woolston Rovers, then they were worse - far worse - in Saturday's dismal performance at Thornhill. Thornhill were probably the poorest side East have faced this season
BORN-AGAIN footballer Graham Branch says he is playing for his future at Burnley. But he believes the task of earning a new contract at the end of the season should be made easier now he's got the backing of supporters. Branch, a centre forward by trade
A BLUEPRINT is being drawn up to ensure that Darwen's shopping centre survives the 21st century and becomes a thriving market town again. Top priorities are attracting a wider range of shops, improving the shopping environment and ensuring the town's
UNEMPLOYED and disadvantaged youths are to be given the chance to make a positive impact on their community thanks to the Training 2000 scheme. Gateway Learning Skills are holding a series of events and activities which aim to transform the future of
A DRIVER involved in a car accident admitted to police he had not only been drinking but had taken ecstasy tablets as well, a court heard. Rochdale Magistrates heard assistant store manager Andrew William Tinker, 20, of Plantation Street, Rawtenstall,
ROSSENDALE Police have joined forces with Rossendale Borough Council in a bid to slash crime in a problem area of the Valley. New portable CCTV cameras aim to cut juvenile nuisance and burglaries in Rawtenstall. Officers said the equipment will help them
A CHARITY is changing children's lives thanks to old mobile phones. Sense is appealing to Leigh area users to recycle their unwanted sets to help deafblind people. The charity can receive upto £35 for each phone recycled and the money will help provide
LEIGH Rotarians thank people for their donations over the Christmas period. President Eric Hilton also wants to thank those who helped with collections, Bedford High School and Westleigh High School for the loan of their school buses, Derek and Gerry
VOLUNTEERS are helping develop a unique area in Hindley for babies and toddlers. Children up to the age of four will be able to enjoy themselves and learn, in a clean, safe environment at the 'Play Patch' located at the top of Platt Lane which has been
AFTER reading the article in The Citizen (January 9) about the springer spaniel that was rescued by firefighters from a freezing pond, I would like to say that I witnessed them save the dogs life. At 9am on Wednesday, January 8, I saw fire and rescue
STALLHOLDERS are wanted for the annual trash and treasure sale being held from 10am on Saturday, February 8 at Tyldesley Methodist Church, Elliott Street. Places can be booked for £6 on 0161 790 3493. Admission is 20p and refreshments will be available
THE debate on whether to fluoridate the area's water supply to combat child tooth decay comes to Blackburn on Monday. Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust is the last of the three East Lancashire PCTs to discuss the topic. Hyndburn and Ribble Valley
A TV company is searching for a real live Fawlty Towers. Yorkshire Television is making a new programme investigating Britain's worst hotel accommodation. Any Leigh people who have stayed or worked in a hotel they feel should be exposed should contact
A MOTORIST who sped off when police tried to stop him switched off his lights and drove the wrong way down a one way streets and through a give way junction at 40mph in an attempt to escape. Blackburn magistrates heard that Wasi Ahmed Khan was eventually
RACIAL equality campaigners in Blackburn have condemned the killing of a police officer in Manchester who was arresting terrorist suspects. The director Jamal Patel and chairman Abdul Hamid Chowdry of Blackburn with Darwen Racial Equality Council said
THE borough is to host another life saving electric blanket testing day on January 29, this time at Wigan's Market Street Age Concern office. Older people are invited to make an appointment by calling freephone 08457 00 99 66 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays
SOLAR-powered pay and display machines will make motorists fork out for street parking. Contractors for Blackburn with Darwen Council are putting 37 parking machines around Blackburn town centre. And from Monday, motorists will be charged for parking
A CONSERVATION group has spoken of its despair and anger after vandals beheaded one of Blackburn's oldest statues. Staff arrived for work at Corporation Park this week to find that the head of the statue Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring,
A POPULAR policeman who gave road safety tips to more than 100,000 children has retired from the force -- to teach children road safety. Geoff Chadwick is no longer PC 5975 but his new job is remarkably similar to his old one. He has been appointed by
CHURCH officials spoke of their sadness after hearing that a fire had left their once vibrant church with a gaping hole in the roof. The Church of the Redeemer caught fire early yesterday after an electrical fault. Firefighters battled to contain the
LANCASHIRE'S householders are to have new environmentally-friendly rubbish collections thanks to a successful £2.4million bid by the county council. The government cash is being ploughed into new collection schemes that will bring "green waste" collections
A LABOUR cabinet member is at the forefront of a party split prompted by plans to create a Muslim faith local authority-aided school in Blackburn. Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council said the faith schools
BLACKBURN golf club's women members have been given full voting rights for the first time. At an Extraordinary General Meeting at the end of last year, it was decided the club's women would in future be allowed to vote on issues affecting the club. Secretary
CLITHEROE player-manager Lee Sculpher is struggling to be fit for Saturday's FA Vase fourth round tie at Ware after a serious car accident on the M6. Ironically, Sculpher and his assistant boss Dave Sargent were on their way back from the Midlands, where
CRAIG Brown sets about trying to turn around North End's woeful season on Saturday - with up to 15 senior players out! Five players are out on suspensions after clocking up too many yellow cards. They are captain Chris Lucketti, Graham Alexander, Paul
STAFF and pupils at Westleigh St Paul's Primary School raised £220 for Francis House Children's Hospital through their Christmas production.
WAREARTED coal yard customers raised £1,365 to help educate primary age children with multiple and profound difficulties including visual and hearing defects, epilepsy, autism and physical disability. Regulars of Astley fuel merchant Paul Rogers annually
GERALD Barrett, former headmaster of the Wellington Secondary School, Bury, has died at the age of 77. Mr Barrett, of Fieldhead Avenue, Bury, had been ill for some time. He leaves a son and a daughter. Born in Farnworth, he went to St Gregory's RC Primary
IF I liked beer I'd be tempted to try a tipple on offer at this month's Atherton Beer Bash, if only for the amazing name -- Bin Laden's Downfall. My choice of poison would have to be Saddam's Mother of All Ciders, cos that's the only long drink I could
WHERE are all the decent postcards of the area? Golborne St Thomas' Guides and Brownies have appealed to me to help dig out some pictures that could show their pride in the area to the rest of the world. For the second year they are taking part in an
IF anyone wants to check by phone whether electrical goods or accessories are available from Currys, after my experience I wouldn't bother. I tried to ring the number for the Leigh store given in the book, but of course it has changed to a dreaded call
A MAN who accidentally shot dead another man at a house in Bury has been jailed for 10 years. Gary Kelly had been due to face trial for murder, but his plea of guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of gross negligence was accepted by the prosecution.
