Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Wdnesday, July 18:
American Line Dancing, Accrington Town Hall, 8pm. Pre-USA Concert, Blackburn Cathedral, 7.30pm. Soloists Neil Smith and John Turner, Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, 7.30pm. Blackburn and District Probus Club, St Silas Parish Rooms, Preston New Road, Blackburn
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Action which is long overdue
AS education chiefs in Lancashire were being urged today by the county's fire authority to install sprinkler systems in all schools, a rude shock is, surely, delivered to the public by the accompanying disclosure that, at present, none has this vital
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Palace trip for a hero
WAR hero Michael Finan is polishing his medals ready for a trip to Buckingham Palace next week. The veteran, from Corporation Street in Chorley, has been invited to a garden party by the 'Not Forgotten Association.' The Association is a veterans' group
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Theatre couple's project
A COUPLE with backgrounds in theatre are hoping to attract youngsters from Burnley and Pendle to their Xcell Theatre Arts summer school. Andrew Husband and Janet Parkinson, of Camden Street, Nelson, held a week of workshops at Easter when they introduced
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'Lonely' troops need attention
SERVING in Oman at present, many of the lads of our squadron find there is nothing to do and need cheering up. That is why we are looking for single girls to be our penpals and to send photographs of themselves. SQMS Boyz, 6 Supply Regiment GP, 600 Squadron
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Mystified at reader's response
IWAS mystified and hurt at the vehement response by Councillor Par'vaiz Awan (Letters, July 12) to my previous remarks about the present racial troubles. I was so concerned that I showed a copy of my original letter to a neighbour along with Coun Awan's
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Hunting of no importance
IN reply to R Bracewell (Letters, June 28), there are some 200 fox hunts resulting in 11,000 'hunting days,' during which some 16,000 foxes are killed out of a fox population of 400,000. The success of Labour MPs in marginal rural seats shows that fox-hunting
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Rag tatter's day at the races
REGARDING your story about the rag and bone man 'Valderee' (LET, July 9), I knew him very well. As a coach driver, I used to give him many a free ride to Blackburn or Darwen. He was well known in Darwen as a rag tatter. He pushed his truck all over the
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Safe biking
YOUNG two-wheelers throughout Bury are invited to pedal along to a Safer Cycling Course during the summer holidays. Two half-day courses, run by Bury Road Safety Unit, are being run at Philips High sports centre in Whitefield and Prestwich High School
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All change at the top
A RETIRED Radcliffe businessman is the new president of Bury Irwell Vale Rotary Club. Mr Peter Green is the son of Prestwich woman Mrs Elizabeth Green who in January, at the age of 95, was awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List. The award
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Healthy outlook?
THE public are wanted to help conduct a comprehensive check-up of the borough's health service taking place this week. The Commission for Health Improvement is carrying out a routine assessment of Bury Health Care NHS Trust. It wants to hear from people
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Hostel plans for mums
A MOTHER and baby hostel is to be built in Bury. Manchester Methodist Housing Group has been awarded a total of £822,000 from the Housing Corporation and Bury Council to fund the scheme. Now the group is looking for a suitable location within the borough
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'Hand grenade' thrown into pub
HOMES were evacuated after arsonists threw a petrol bomb and a dummy hand grenade into a village pub. The Bay Horse at Worsthorne remained closed last night as police protected the crime scene. The only sign of damage was a hole in one of the front windows
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One-day event on health services
OLD folk have a chance tomorrow (Wed July 18) to find out how health services will be improved for them. Social services staff have linked up with Age Concern to stage the one-day event for elderly residents and their carers. It coincides with the introduction
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Heading off on tour
ROVERS were due to fly out of England today for their pre-season tour of Austria and Germany. Manager Graeme Souness is thought to have named a 25-strong squad for the 12-day break. And he will link up with the party later in the week after attending
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Rovers awaiting news on Traore
ROVERS hopes of landing Liverpool centre-back Djimi Traore could rest in the hands of Derby defender Chris Riggott. Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier was today reported to be lining up a £5 million bid for England Under 21 international Riggott in preparation
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Life up north's great, not grim
LONDONERS who have relocated are finding that life in Burnley is just capital. Ten empty former council houses now run by the Burnley and Padiham Housing Company are now homes to people from London boroughs. One of the first to arrive and settle in one
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Pupils' Peter present
YEAR six children from St Peter's RC School, Newchurch, have left a lasting reminder of their time at the school. The 19 pupils have spent the last few months working with artist Peter Hall, from Pennine Studios in Burnley, to create a clay 3D relief
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Five years ago
BLACKBURN Rovers made a £4million bid for Manchester United's Eric Cantona as an indication of Jack Walker's intentions to put the team back on top of the Premier League. Mr Walker made the offer after saying he was 'incensed' by rumours about Alan Shearer
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Three in court on arson charges
TWO men and a juvenile were today appearing in court in charged with conspiracy to commit arson in Accrington. The charges against Rajjad Ali, 20, Arffan Hussain, 18, and a 16-year-old male relate to a series of firebombings a fortnight ago. Ali had already
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Gateway spindle
is unveiled By Lesley Richards 0A WELCOMING £30,000 artwork, signifying the gateway to Leigh, was unveiled in Bradshawgate on Monday. The specially commissioned 5m high stainless steel cone, the Leigh Spindle 2001, was formally named by Leigh Council
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Race-attack school in plea for security
PARENTS and staff at a Hyndburn school that was targeted in a racist arson attack have rallied together to campaign for better security. More than 500 people have signed a petition demanding more security, in particular an improved perimeter fence, for
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Garden
design success By Katie Ellis Emily's ideas delight flower show judges A SCHOOLGIRL'S interpretation of the work of author and artist Beatrix Potter won her a major prize in a prestigious show. Nine-year-old Emily Beachcroft, of Hindley Green Primary
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Star-studded auction
A GLITTERING array of television stars were dressed to the nines as they lined up for a charity ball in aid of a children's organisation. Monarch of the Glen actors Richard Briers and Susan Hampshire OBE joined EastEnders favourite June Brown and former
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Clarets look at De Conde
FORMER Belgian under-21 international Dimitri De Conde could be the man to bolster Burnley's midfield ready for another promotion push. De Conde has checked in at Turf Moor for a trial spell and could earn a permanent deal with the Clarets if he impresses
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CRICKET: Red rose side are red-faced
LANCASHIRE chief executive Jim Cumbes today apologised to the members after surely one of the most embarrassing weeks in the club's history. After being forced to switch next week's Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy quarter final against Durham to Blackpool
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More Irish music
THE Irish music at O'Neill's, King William Street, Blackburn, can last a little longer this Thursday night. The pub now has a late-night licence to serve until 1.30am. Folk band the Takers will take advantage this week when they start their performance
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Feel those African rhythms
A PUB is trying to tap into the area's African community with a special theme night in their honour. The Lomax Arms, on Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, has renamed this Saturday 'African Day'. Percussion group Drum Dance will provide a sample of the country's
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Fight for Jinnah cash
FRESH funding is being sought to extend two bold initiatives which have benefited all generations of Asians in Bury during the past three years. And the man who helped spearhead the initial application for funding has given £500 towards maintaining the
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New faces heading out to Austria
ROVERS were due to fly out of England today for their pre-season tour of Austria and Germany. Manager Graeme Souness has named a 25-strong squad for the 12-day break, including recent signings Grabbi, Greer and Mahon. Souness will link up with the party
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Clarets look at De Conde
FORMER Belgian under-21 international Dimitri De Conde could be the man to bolster Burnley's midfield ready for another promotion push. De Conde has checked in at Turf Moor for a trial spell and could earn a permanent deal with the Clarets if he impresses
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Fire mascot lights up school fair
WELEPHANT the fire brigade mascot was guest of honour when he paid a surprise visit to a school summer fair. Pupils' eyes lit up when they saw officers and their fire engine roll into the yard at St Barnabas' Primary School, Knowesley Road, Darwen. Children
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Danish scouts' hols saved at last minute
FRIENDS of a disappointed Danish scout troupe stepped in when the foot and mouth crisis threatened to scupper plans for an East Lancashire holiday. The group of 22 from Voersa and Saeby sent out an SOS when Bowley international camp at Great Harwood was
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Officer to press for new youth facilities
PLANS to seek cash for a leisure facility for wheeled sports and a youth shelter can now proceed after Lancashire County Council agreed to pay for officer time. An application for £1,706.25 made by youth and community officer Steve Roman was agreed by
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Hannah's a right card
AN 'elephant' was the surprise guest to open Haslingden Primary School's summer fete. Lawrence Edward Fant, known to his friends as L E Fant, also doubles as sir during the week at the largest primary school in Rossendale alias teacher Peter Toogood.
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Teacher top of class!
TEACHER Gary Constantine has made a brilliant start to his chosen career. Mr Constantine, 24, was named Outstanding Young Teacher in the BT backed Guardian teaching awards presentation at Liverpool Town Hall. Now in his second year of teaching, the former
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Cab driver rammed in JCB terror ride
A TAXI driver today told how he feared for his life when a stolen JCB tried to force him off the road. Farooq Khan, a driver with Arcade Private Hire, in Crossfield Street, Blackburn, said he was driving along Livesey Branch Road towards town in the early
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Under-used schools facing closure
THE future of underused schools in Blackburn and Darwen is hanging in the balance as council chiefs try to sort out how to keep up with a shifting population. Councillors have warned that some may have to merge or even close to release money to pay for
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LOCAL SOCCER: Lutel is shaking it up
ACCRINGTON Stanley's new signing Lutel James turned down the chance of another season at Second Division Bury to sign up for the Reds Conference bid. Shakers boss Andy Preece offered the 29-year-old striker another year following three seasons at Gigg
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GOLF: Furey just misses out on Open chance
HALF of one roll of the ball was enough to stand between Ged Furey and the Open Championship at final qualifying at Fairhaven yesterday. The Pleasington professional was left to rue a missed chance on the 12th hole, when the shot was so close a gust a
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Arson charge: Man, 20, in court
A MAN has appeared before magistrates in connection with a series of recent arson attacks in the town. Ryan James Webber (20) faced two charges of arson with intent to endanger life and a separate count of arson. All the offences are alleged to have taken
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Hands off our naughty bits . . .
A POLICE investigation was launched after a Blackburn pub hosted a show featuring female strippers, but are strip shows for women just as seedy -- or just good clean fun? Donna McKenzie went along to the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, to find out
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Party ended in the cells
DAMIEN Youds' 18th birthday bash ended in police cells and a state of alcohol-induced amnesia. Youds told Blackburn magistrates that his sister had arranged a surprise party for him and people had been handing him drinks all night. "I don't even remember
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Marks for bar below the belt
REGARDING the unkind remarks by Mr Danny Brierley (LET, July 7) about Pitchers Bar in Blackburn, I don't know what day or time he went in for a meal. My husband and I go in for a meal at lunchtime. I place my order with the waitress then go to the other
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Voices ignored at community conference
HOW can the people who attended the community conference meeting held at Turf Moor, Burnley, on July 5, in an attempt to promote a healing process on the matter of race hatred, possibly congratulate it on its success when the chairman council leader Stuart
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Closure plan 'a denial of justice'
A LEADING family judge has branded the possible closure of courts in Leigh and Wigan as a "denial of justice" for people in the towns. Speaking on his retirement from the circuit bench, Judge Peter Urquhart reacted to moves for civil cases to be dealt
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Players dance all the way to the bank!
SUMMERSEAT Players are dancing for joy after receiving a cheque for nearly £3,000. The money was raised by pupils of the Ramsbottom-based Dalton School of Dance at their annual show. All four performances of their variety show staged at the Theatre Royal
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Schools to be made safer
STATE-OF-THE-ART sprinkler systems are to be installed in schools across Lancashire in a bid to curb the multi-million pound cost of arson attacks. All new schools in the county are now to be fitted with the devices -- starting with a pilot scheme at
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Saying goodbye . . . after 62 years
AN ORGANISATION dedicated to serving the needs of the local and international community has folded after 62 years. Bury Inner Wheel Club has disbanded because of a lack of new members. Mrs Christine Bennett, the club's publicity officer, said: "It is
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Turley set to be prize guy
RECORD-breaking full-back Neil Turley is in line for two prizes at the end-of-season Northern Ford Premiership awards. The 21-year-old Leigh star, who smashed the club record of 49 tries set by Steve Halliwell in 1996, is nominated for young player of
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Gang of teens viciously attack man, 44
A MAN visiting his mother in Radcliffe was glassed in the face and brutally beaten by a gang of teenagers. Seven teenagers, including two girls, punched and kicked the 44-year-old man as he lay on the ground bleeding from facial wounds. Police have described
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New faces heading out to Austria
ROVERS were due to fly out of England today for their pre-season tour of Austria and Germany. Manager Graeme Souness has named a 25-strong squad for the 12-day break, including recent signings Grabbi, Greer and Mahon. Souness will link up with the party
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Train severs man's fingers
A MAN lost several fingers when he fell asleep next to a railway line near Rishton last night and was hit by a train. The man, who has not been named, is said to be in his 30s. He was lying beside the track just after dark at 10.35pm, about a mile on
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Fund-raiser to step out
ENERGETIC fund-raiser, Ivor Emo is swopping life on the London Underground for a trek through the Sinai Desert to raise money for the Cancer Research Campaign. Ivor, 51 of Sunnyfield Avenue, Cliviger, is training for the project by running up and down
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Homes gift provides aid to learning
A HOUSING association has donated two houses to be converted into an education learning activity centre. Burnley and Padiham Community Housing has donated two houses on the Griffin Estate to the Griffin, Barclay and Holmstrand Tenant and Residents' Association
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Boy, 15, put on curfew order for break-in
A 15-YEAR-OLD boy from Burnley has been made the subject of action and curfew orders after pleading guilty to what the court described as a "serious offence." The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told by the chairman of the bench at Reedley
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Message of hope to riot-torn town
BURNLEY man Shahid Malik delivered a message of hope for the riot-torn town when he was a guest of Prime Minister Tony Blair at a Downing Street summer reception last night. Shahid rubbed shoulders with ministers and senior Labour Party workers at the
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Arson suspected in house fire
A HOUSE in Hope Street, Brierfield, was badly damaged in a suspected arson attack early today. The property was well alight when fire crews from Nelson arrived shortly before 12.45am. Sub Officer Lee Flattery said: "The fire started in the kitchen area
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Woman's death: youngsters still held
SIX youngsters charged with the manslaughter of Nelson woman Sheila Bridge were remanded in custody for a third week when the case was adjourned at Reedley Youth Court. Mrs Bridge, 62, of Lansbury Place, died 11 minutes after dialling 999 to report a
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Luke's Gospel verses raise cash
A COMMUNITY challenge which involved members from churches across Colne writing out Luke's Gospel has raised more than £800. The sponsored verse writing was launched in February 2000 by the Colne Bible Society and the final leather bound gospel will be
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Mayor and officials maintain silence
A MAYOR and council officials are maintaining a silence over Sunday newspaper allegations about his personal life. Pendle county councillor Colin Waite was at the launch of new buses in Colne yesterday -- his first local public engagement since being
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Bands backer in plea for funding
ORGANISERS of the Up4It stage at the Colne Rhythm and Blues Festival are hoping for more support from local businesses as the countdown begins to the town's biggest event. With under six weeks left until the young DJs, singers and dancers will be taking
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Ten years ago
COUNTY council chiefs devised a £40,000 rescue package to safeguard bus services in East Lancashire which were threatened with the axe by operators Ribble. The public transport special sub-committee decided to retain some of the affected services under
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Builder's reward to find petrol bombers
A BUILDER has offered a £500 reward for information leading to the arrest of petrol bombers who targeted his van. Self-employed Karl Davenport, of Shap Close, Baxenden, had just gone to bed on Friday night when the attack took place on the van parked
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Council criticised as 'cheapskates'
A COUNCIL and the users of an award-winning skate park are at loggerheads over who is to blame for its decay. The facility in Clitheroe Castle has been the subject of vandalism, but youngsters claim that Ribble Valley Council don't maintain it properly
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Council praises timely taxpayers
AN East Lancashire council today praised its taxpayers for helping keep its position near the top of the council tax collection rates. Just two borough councils in the country ranked above Ribble Valley Borough Council in the new league tables for highest
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Festival to get the tastebuds tingling
THE Albion, in Clayton-le-Moors, hosts its fourth annual beer festival this week, tantalising the tastebuds with 35 varieties of real ale. The Mayor of Blackburn, Coun John Williams, opens the event on Thursday when there will be a quiz. On Friday the
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Bay Horse duo predict smooth ride ahead
DRINKERS at the Bay Horse, Roughlee, have got something new to look at - the landlady and landlord. Laura Parsonage and David Ashton, both 34, have taken over the 17th century pub previously run by Val and Stuart Jefferies, who have left for Spain. Laura
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MPs in revolt
REBEL local Labour MPs joined a revolt against moves to sack two outspoken critics of the Government from the chairmanships of influential Commons committees. Bolton South-east MP Dr Brian Iddon, Bury North's David Chaytor and Worsley representative Terry
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Muck: my recipe for a healthy lifestyle!
I SPENT much of last weekend in bed. A dodgy stomach -- the sort of thing you associate with limp egg sandwiches bought from a garage last thing at night. However, as I tried to remember every morsel I'd consumed over the previous 24 hours, an item of
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Big chance for Malta's best
BURY supporters get their first glimpse of Maltese international trialist Luke Dimech in tomorrow's friendly at Radcliffe Boro. The 24-year-old defender is in the middle of a three-week spell with the Shakers and is hoping to earn a contract. Dimech,
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Complaints spark playground revamp
THE PLAYGROUND at Bold Venture Park, Darwen, is to be refurbished after local people complained about its condition. Councillor David Smith, representative for Sunnyhurst, revealed that the improvements would take place over the next couple of months.
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Church throws its doors open
FIREWORKS came early to St Saviour's CE Church in Bacup when a display was held at an open day. Visitors got the chance to walk up inside the bell tower and tour the church as well as help to raise money by spending at the stalls and watching the displays
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Lock-up plea by police
HOUSEHOLDERS in Rossendale are being advised to ensure their house is safe and secure following a spate of opportunist thefts. Det Sgt Stuart Barlow said: "I am appealing for people to make sure they keep their doors locked and remove the key. "Also fasten
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Young traders' American dream
A SCHOOL's young entrepreneurs could soon find themselves trading in the US thanks to a unique partnership. Members of the young enterprise scheme at Fearns High School, Stacksteads, are set to be linked with a school in America following a visit by a
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Parents offering bike as reward. . . for bikes
THE parents of two brothers left devastated when thieves stole their motorbike and a quad bike have stepped up the search for the missing machines -- by offering another bike as a reward. The vehicles are owned by six-year-old Sebastian Taylor and his
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Fashion
victims put eyes at risk TRENDY shades can seriously damage eyesight. That is the warning from Wigan Council's Trading Standards officers, who are endorsing a campaign, organised by Guide Dogs for the Blind, appealing for people not to be tempted into
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Libraries challenge set for young readers
A SUMMER Reading Challenge has again been launched by Chorley district libraries. Children are being urged to go to their libraries and ask for a special Reading Carnival collection wallet to take part. For every book they read, they get an illustrated
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Hear choir before USA trip
THE last chance to hear Blackburn Cathedral Choir before it embarks on a tour in America will be tomorrow. The choir is going to a 10-day tour in the USA. The singers will be singing in Princeton, New Jersey, Newport and Fairfield, Connecticut. Tomorrow
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Childcare team to get mums back to work
NEW neighbourhood nurseries aimed at helping unemployed mums get back into work will be the subject of an open evening tomorrow. The event will start at 7pm at Wensley Fold Primary School in Manor Road, Blackburn. A Blackburn with Darwen Council Early
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Youngsters' soccer fun
DISADVANTAGED children have scored with Blackburn Rovers' Football in the Community team. In partnership with the borough's Education Action Zone, Rovers' community officer Anthony Barlow organised two days of soccer coaching for over 200 youngsters,
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Council policy aims at ratifying equality
RESIDENTS have joined Blackburn with Darwen Council in developing a special programme aimed at promoting fairness and equality across the borough. The new protocol, known as the Diversity Policy, illustrates the ways in which the authority will work with
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Wardens soon be on the parish beat?
CRIME-BUSTERS are preparing to put community safety wardens on the streets of Blackburn as part of a pilot scheme for the whole borough. Livesey and Pleasington parish councils are to bid for government funds to introduce the uniformed community wardens
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LOCAL SOCCER: Striker Sargeson set to sign
ROSSENDALE United's Craig Sargeson is set to sign for the UniBond First Division club for another season. And the Dark Lane club have launched a three-pronged attack on neighbours Ramsbottom United as they boost their squad for the forthcoming UniBond
