Archive

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Fighting fires

with facts THE simple fact that 2000 people have lost their lives in fires at home in the county over the past ten years is quite a staggering statistic. Last year alone, we are told today, the majority of 7,500 property fires were also in private house

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Cricket: Good weekend for Rams

RAMSBOTTOM had the best possible weekend, powering to two victories and securing 22 points. Colne were the unfortunate victims on both occasions as the Rams did the double over their rivals. And the hero was Brad Hodge who was in devastating form with

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Boxing: Chris goes down in Scouseland

PRESTWICH boxer Chris P. Bacon lost his latest fight for the British Masters title after going the distance in Liverpool. Bacon was up against Londoner Gary Delaney in a cruiserweight contest that went the full 12 rounds before the verdict went to Delaney

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Cricket: Brox double still on

A BROOKSBOTTOMS v Bury cup showdown is still a possibility after the Summerseat men followed their local rivals into the Manchester Association's H.C. Smith Cup semi-finals after a hard fought tie at Vulcan. Visiting captain Peter Thompson's luck with

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Cycle speedway: Brummies blasted at double

VICTORY for both teams completed a fine double over Birmingham by Bury-Border Flooring at Goshen last Sunday, having won both sections in the Midlands earlier in the season. The second team continued their table-topping exploits with a 30-point victory

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Bury FC: Preece's warning

BURY boss Andy Preece has warned stayaway fans that they are killing the club. In his strongest interview yet, Preece made his point simply and clearly. If supporters don't turn up, he said, then the town will not have a professional football team to

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Bury FC: Lutel joins Stanley

SHAKERS striker Lutel James has joined UniBond League Accrington Stanley on a free transfer. The 29-year-old, who was out of contract at Gigg Lane, has put pen to paper on a two-year-deal at the Crown Ground. James failed to pin down a regular first team

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Bag snatch

A TEENAGE thug, believed to be aged 14, stole a pensioner's handbag as she walked along a Whitefield road. The attack happened in broad daylight when he approached the 77-year-old woman from behind in Holly Fold. The thief, described as slim, grabbed

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Police pursuit crash leaves man serious

A GRANDFATHER was in intensive care today after he was knocked off his motorbike by a speeding car which was being followed by the police. Frank Almond, 54, suffered serious head injuries in the accident last night and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary

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Childline volunteers wanted

VOLUNTEERS in Bury are asked to take a leap into the world of fund-raising administration for counselling charity Childline. A range of regional events are planned in the coming months, including parachute jumps and abseiling, with the charity asking

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Carer's 'despicable' theft

A CARER who systematically stole cash from a disabled woman she was supposed to be looking after is facing a jail sentence for her "despicable" crimes. And today it was revealed that it took months for the 33-year-old victim, who is without speech or

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Police seek driver of hit-and-run Volvo

A TEENAGER was lucky to escape with minor injuries when he was struck by a car in a hit and run incident in Turf Street, Radcliffe. The 15-year-old grazed his right leg when a green Volvo 240GL mounted the pavement on Saturday evening (July 14). The vehicle

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Plug pulled on pub music

COMPLAINTS from residents led councillors to refuse a public entertainment licence for the Elton View Hotel in Bury. More than 30 people living near the Eagley Drive pub objected to the application, citing noise and anti-social behaviour by drinkers.

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Blind faith

BUILDING society staff in Bury came up with the answer when quizzed about which community groups should benefit from a cash windfall. Staff at the Yorkshire Building Society on The Rock nominated the Bury Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People

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Warm up games for reserves

ROVERS reserves will kick off their friendly campaign under new boss Alan Murray tomorrow with a game against North West Counties League Clitheroe at Shawbridge (3.00). Republic of Ireland international Alan Kelly, defenders Simon Grayson and Marlon Broomes

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Souey's full of Turkish promise

GRAEME SOUNESS today hailed Turkish midfield star Tugay as the new heartbeat of his team after finally landing his top summer target following a two-month transfer saga. After weeks of uncertainty, Rovers finally signed the 30-year-old midfield general

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Blair's teacher con

WE can all see now how Tony Blair intends to tackle the teacher shortages. Close the schools and within four or five years, there should be enough spare teachers to con the gullible electorate into believing that thousands more have been recruited. But

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Southmead make pupils appeal

PLEASE could I make an appeal for any pupils who attended Southmead Community Primary School on Lickers Lane, Whiston, or anyone in the local community that feels strongly against the decision to close our school, to contact myself or other members of

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If Cuba's so good....

I AM somewhat aghast and appalled at the same time by a statement made by Mike Perry (Dear Star, July 5). He writes: 'We will fight for a better system. It is called Socialism and the people of Cuba have shown it can work'. I wonder how much time, if

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Marie gives her response

IN response to the letter in the Star headed 'Comments please, Marie', I would state the following: Newton-le-Willows became part of St Helens MBC in 1974. Formerly it had its own Urban District Council. We are aware of the problems around the car park

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Have you been to Cuba?

I READ Mike Perry's letter (July 5) with some interest. He blamed previous Tory Governments for the lack of work in St Helens and later in his letter stated that the workers were victim to 'Global capitalism'. Now, which argument would he wish us to accept

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'Stay off ays'

MOTORWAY police are calling on parents to keep their children away from motorways over the summer holidays. The warning comes three years after the death of seven-year-old Garry Cunliffe, who was killed in October of 1997 on the M61 near Chorley. Garry

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Young trooper heads for hills

AN ARMY cadet from Preston has jetted off to Canada as the county's representative on a six-week training expedition. Arron Bibby, from Leyland Road, Lostock Hall, will join other young troopers from across the UK on the adventurous trip to Camp Argonaut

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Charity's cash plea to locals

CHARITY begins at home -- that is the message from a cash-strapped Preston charity which is a urging people to dig deep for local concerns. Voluntary officers at Galloway's Society for the Blind has blamed a recent drop in voluntary funds on aggressive

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Ex-mayor hits at street axe

A FORMER Preston mayor is at loggerheads with council chiefs over the planned closure of a street which he believes is going to cause huge inconvenience to people living nearby. Ted Butcher, who was the mayor in 1980, has joined forces with residents

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Nowhere to spend a penny

SPENDING a penny in Leyland could be harder than you think despite the council's major town centre redevelopments. Following a survey of all the town's public toilets, South Ribble Borough Council chiefs have earmarked the closure of two of the town's

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Teenagers' scrambler bike horror

A TEENAGER has suffered extensive injuries after a scrambler motor bike ploughed into him on Mollies Field at Merton Bank. The incident occurred at around 8.30pm on Friday, July 13. Two men were aboard the red scrambler bike when it appeared to lose control

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Results of Rabina inquiry due

THE independent inquiry report into the health care of Rabina Hashim, the mentally-disturbed Burnley mother who killed her baby by throwing her into the canal, will be made public in September, health chiefs have been told. David Peat, chief executive

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Building collapse drama

PASSERS-BY watched in horror as a car repair garage collapsed into a busy main road after being struck by a JCB early today. The vehicle struck the workshop at the Hare and Hounds garage at the corner of Newchurch Road and Four Lane Ends, Stacksteads,

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999 time wasters may put others at risk

POLICE chiefs in the Pennine Division have urged people not to make 999 calls unless it is a real emergency. Superintendent Chris Weigh told a meeting of Pendle Police Community Forum that misuse of the 999 service could lead to a genuine caller being

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Saints braced for battle stations!

AFTER back-to-back home wins Saints will be aiming to get on a roll when they travel to Halifax on Sunday (6pm) - the first of a trio of consecutive away games. The New Shay is not the easiest place to play and coach Ian Millward is anticipating the usual

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It's a record

ALAN Schofield has broken the world record for the longest putt ever, 166ft 8in -- it's official. The record was broken on August 5 last year at Fishwick Hall Golf Club, but was only recently recognised as an official world record by the Guinness Book

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Jack's a hit with his batting

CRICKETING star Jack Duerden is following in his big brother's footsteps. Big-hitting Jack, a pupil at St Pius X School, has stunned his 1st XI team-mates with his batting this season. The 11-year-old from Penwortham has a batting average of 31 runs per

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Preston crush Leyland for record breaking win

FOX Lane was the stage for a landslide victory on Saturday as Preston defeated Leyland and Farington by 193 runs, proving that Preston are capable of turning the season around in emphatic style. This now gives Preston an unbeaten run of seven matches

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Saints Superstore Opening Hours:

Thursday, July 19 - 9am to 7.30pm Friday, July 20 - 9am to 5pm Saturday, July 21 - 10am to 2pm Sunday, July 22 - Closed Monday, July 23 - 9am to 5pm Tuesday, July 24 - 9am to 5pm Wednesday, July 25 - 9am to 5pm Superstore Information: 01744 734103 Ticket

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Martyn fires Saints victory

Saints 46 Leeds 24 LEEDS' resistance began with a roar and a few swinging arms, but it ended up with a whimper as rampant Saints clinically demolished their play-off rivals to keep a firm grip on third place. Just like last week's thrashing of Warrington

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Chemists on weekend dispensing duty

THE following duty chemists will be available for dispensing services on Sunday, July 22, between noon and 1pm (unless stated otherwise): R.W. Barton Ltd., 65-67 Eccleston Street, Prescot; Taylor's Chemist, 191 West End Road, Haydock (10am to 8pm); LLoyds

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Bridge that puzzle gap?

SO where is it then? For yonks I've been familiar with the placename Gerards Bridge, a homely old quarter which became victim of much bulldozing a few decades ago and which was once largely populated by families with distinctly Irish names. Lord Gerard

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Liz kneels to the challenge

LIZ Marsh just couldn't resist it! After tuning in to our ongoing theme concerning the old-time Lancashire ritual of sprucing up the front doorstep, she went in search of scrubbing supplies. And, to her delight, Liz, from Ward Street, St Helens, located

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Water babes

TINY tots dived in at the deep end and proved to be real water babes after scooping awards for their efforts. Youngsters at Ashlea Nursery School, in Marsh Lane, Longton, near Preston, made a splash in the pool as part of their 5m swimming badge awards

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Staff face misconduct charges

AN inquiry into the death of five-year-old Karla Selley, from Leyland, who died while having a tooth removed in August 1999, has been received by South Lancashire Health Authority. The health authority accepted the report's recommendation that dentist

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Pupils play teachers

ACTING enthusiasts, from Walton Le Dale High School, in Brindle Road, have gone on tour, performing to children at their old primary schools. The play, Awful Billy Smith, is a comedy about a really naughty boy who makes his teacher's life a misery while

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Champion idea for funding

A NEW Government funding scheme is handing out £50,000 to voluntary groups across Lancashire. The money, from the 'Community Champions Fund', will go towards helping people set up or improve community groups throughout the region. Anyone can apply for

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Mela in the park

PREPARATIONS are hotting up for the 5th Preston Mela set for Sunday August 5 on Avenham Park, Preston, from noon to 9pm. As always the free festival of South Asian culture is expected to provide a feast of family entertainment featuring the Bhangra group

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Streamlined cabinet meets

THE first meeting of Lancashire County Council's streamlined new cabinet took place on July 12 at the County Hall in Preston. The cabinet, responsible for the day-to-day running of the county, is designed to modernise the council's decision making system

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Ethnic policies reviewed

AGENCIES involved in providing criminal justice services in Lancashire have launched a major auditing exercise in a bid to improve services to ethnic minorities. Police and prison service workers have been joined by lawyers, magistrates, probation officers

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Cute puss Robyn needs a home

ROBYN -- a long-haired tortoiseshell cat -- is recovering after using up most of her nine lives. And now the cute moggie, who almost died in a road accident in the Preston area is looking for home. But if you cannot offer her a home, you can help with

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Students perform slave play in Ghana

STUDENTS from Preston have jetted off to Africa to perform a play they have written about slavery. Teenagers from the Garstang area aim to explore the issues of the Atlantic slave trade as part of the Fair Trade/Slave Trade project, organised by the Garstang

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Consultant can only practice under strict conditions

A CONSULTANT suspended from a children's hospital after a baby from Accrington died has been told that he cannot practice as an anaesthetist except under a number of strict conditions. Mark Leonard Baxandall, of South Bramhall, Stockport, a consultant

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Wattle they think of next!

HISTORY has been recreated in Oswaldtwistle with what is claimed to be the world's first disabled access toilet made in wattle and daub style. The building, on the Tinker Brook Nursery site, off Roe Greave Road, is an environmentally-friendly alternative

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Amputated fingers man's 'cry for help'

THE family of an Oswaldtwistle man whose hand was run over by a train today claimed that he had not received enough medical help in the run-up to the accident. David Whiteley, 39, was struck by a train travelling from Colne to Blackpool a mile outside

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Call to end oppression

By Lesley Richards A HINDLEY campaigner has joined the fight to end the brutal oppression and persecution of practitioners of an outlawed way of life in China. Thirty-two-year-old Anthony Langstone, a follower of Falun Gong, an ancient spiritual practice

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Sex attacker locked up after assault

A 35-YEAR-OLD man who sexually assaulted a woman in her own home was jailed for three years. At Bolton Crown Court, a judge said Geoffrey Makin was at risk of committing further offences. Reports from both probation and psychiatric experts concluded Makin

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Meningitis warning after death of baby

A FAMILY, struck by tragedy for the second time, laid their baby daughter to rest today as medical chiefs issued a meningitis warning. Ten-month-old Chanelle Corbett-Barker, who died last Friday, July 13, at her home in Park Street, Tyldesley, is believed

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Sports and culture dept quote awaited re Lottery criticism

MP WANTS CASH BACK FROM LOTTERY By Brian Gomm AN EXTENSION to a club which was built in the 1920s by striking miners was made possible by a £143,000 grant from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Last Friday, MP Terry Lewis officially opened the new lounge

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Hospice donations

WIGAN and Leigh Hospice acknowledge the latest donations: In memory of John Glover from friends and neighbours - £173, Greenough St Independent Methodist Church - £110, Jane Hilton - £15, IMO Elsie Eason from Leigh Hospice Shop Ladies - £62 IMO Harry

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Man in skip lorry smash broke his neck

THE passenger in a lorry which hit a notorious bridge is in hospital suffering from a broken neck. Geoffrey Rawcliffe, aged 61, of Shakespeare Avenue, Great Harwood, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary after the crash on Tuesday and was found to have

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Bad reception for school extension

A £1MILLION project to ease Ribble Valley's school places crisis has been approved -- but it could wreck television receptions at dozens of houses in Clitheroe. A two-storey, 10 classroom extension is set to be created within the grounds of Ribblesdale

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Quarry chalets plan is blasted

RESIDENTS in Longridge have vowed to form an action group to halt a proposed holiday complex being built around a picturesque flooded quarry. A planning application has been submitted to Ribble Valley Council for 30 stone chalets to be built around the

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St Annes rescued by the rain

RAIN came to the rescue of St Annes at Morecambe after they had collapsed from 104-1 to an inadequate 177-9. Darlington (32), Evans (48) and Bickerdike (37) were St Annes' top scorers, but pro Dave Callaghan could only manage 15 before he was lbw to Stephens

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nLITTER award of the week goes to Albion Street.

On Tuesday, it was full of rubbish blown in from Bradshawgate. It does nothing to attract customers to the area or for the ambiance of the new market stalls, where traders are sick of clearing up. And it says nothing for the louts who drop their discarded

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What's it worth?

I MUST applaud the government for turning down plans for a new £130m by-pass around Hastings. Despite 80 per cent of people voting in favour of the scheme, the environmentalists, who feared it would destroy sites of outstanding natural beauty, won. Yippee

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Police under fire

POLICE could be ordered to use tranquilliser guns after the fatal shootings of two men in four days. One mentally sick lad in Liverpool was waving a sword, and another was carrying a gun-shaped cigarette lighter when they were floored by marksmen. The

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Wot R U SA-ing?

FOR the first time, the Oxford English Dictionary has added the shortened words used in text messages to the new edition published this week. HAND - have a nice day, and THKQ, thank you, along with PPL (people). WKND (weekend) and PCM (please call me)

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Cutting costs on menu at talk-in

CUTTING business costs was the toast of Bolton and Bury Chamber at its latest talk-in lunch. And diners drawn from the corporate communities of both towns found out about five new Chamber commercial services that will help members boost their profits.

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Kids question cops

Pupils COP this! A group of Grange Park youngsters have been learning what it's like to be a police chief. Pupils from Class Six at Grange Park Junior School wrote a letter to the police as part of an English lesson, outlining some of their concerns about

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Opener holds off high-flying Wallasey

A GRITTY innings from Dave Dove helped Leigh CC earn a creditable draw in their away game at high-flying Wallasey. Opener Dove batted through the entire Leigh innings as they chased the home team's 230-3. Wallasey got off to a steady start, adding 31

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Dimery leads title charge

ATHERTON CC picked up the pieces from last week's abandoned match and posted their third 40-point back-to-back weekend with convincing victories over Standish and Golborne. But their quest for Redmayne Bentley Bolton Association championship honours did

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Man (85) hanged himself with clothes line

AN 85-YEAR-OLD Radcliffe man hanged himself after telling his wife: "I've had a wonderful life." Mr Jack Balshaw had suffered from depression as his health began to fail. Previously, he had threatened to harm himself. The pensioner was found suspended

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Invite is to hit the surf in Alfred Street

LOG on and get the lowdown on hi-tech! That's the invitation being extended to novice and experienced computer buffs living in East Bury. For the town's popular Jinnah Day Care Centre is now offering taster sessions to allow the uninitiated to master

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Inquest is halted after notes claim

A PRESTWICH company director in financial difficulties died in his fumes-filled car a day after he tried to cut his wrists. And just before his death, father-of-two Mr Guy Morgan left a note for his wife Judith which read simply: "I'm in the garage".

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Workers call for new nursery

PLAY workers disillusioned about the state of their nursery hut say they are desperate for a new home after a spate of vandal attacks. The Playaway group, which provides activity sessions for the under-fives, rent a portable cabin from the council at

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Girl band power ahead

A MUSICAL bid for "girl power" has turned into a quest for fame for all-girl singing group P6. What started as "a bit of fun" to find Prestwich's answer to the Spice Girls just over 12 months ago has developed into something driven by ambition, dedication

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Last call-out for Harry

FORMER firemen Harry Woods is getting ready for his final call-out to Romania, after nearly a decade delivering aid to the country. Along with other members of the Greater Manchester Fire Service Fire Engine for Romania Appeal, he will head out to the

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Going nowhere!

"GOING nowhere" is the message from North End to clubs enquiring about signing Jon Macken and Sean Gregan Intense media speculation in recent days has linked the players with big money moves to the Midlands -- Macken with a move to Wolves and Gregan to

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Taking the pressure off

STRESSED-out parents are being invited to a new support group where they will be assured of a warm welcome and listening ear. Set up by three local mums, the Pressure Off Parents group (POP) aims to provide support and advice to parents whose children

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Preparing for the future

HIGH School students had their first taste of work when 12 year olds had the opportunity to take part in an Industry Day at Westleigh High School. Employers put 150 pupils through their paces sampling a variety of jobs including Army, health service,

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Glass lorry accident causes chaos

A TRAILER flipped over at a busy town centre roundabout spilling out tons of glass cullet all over the grass verge. The accident happened at about 1.20pm on Friday, July 13, at the Asda roundabout near St Thomas Church. Police cordoned off part of the

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Students' work goes on show

THE work of Wigan and Leigh College access art and design students has gone on show to the public. A free exhibition has been mounted in the Derby Room and Turnpike Gallery, Leigh Library, until July 31. Opening times are Monday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am

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Goddesses on blaze alert

DESPITE a large number of hoax and nuisance calls, a total of 389 incidents from over 1,300 calls (latest figures as the Star went to press) have been succesfully dealt with on Merseyside since 'Operation Fresco' kicked off last. Army firecrews have been

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Key role for Bhutia

BAICHUNG Bhutia is finally ready to establish himself in the Bury team - two years later than scheduled. The Indian international joined the Shakers in a blaze of publicity in 1999 but failed to produce the goods and spent most of the last two years languishing

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Sun warning for children

THE dangers of summer fun in the sun for children are being highlighted by St Helens Council who have issued guidelines to help protect youngsters from the dangers of the sun. Children should wear sunblock with an SPF of 30 at all times in the sun and

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Hit for six

A CRICKET bat autographed by the Lancashire county cricket side will be up for grabs at a summer fair on Saturday July 28 at Ingleside, Upper George Street, Tyldesley. The fair, from 10am-4pm, will include collectors' records and book sales, raffles,

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Corrie's foster plot under fire

SOCIAL Services chiefs have lashed out over a current controversial storyline in a popular TV soap. They fear the 'buy a child' plot in 'Coronation Street' -- which regularly attracts more than 10 million viewers -- could deter potential foster carers

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Research appeal

TEDDY boys, beatniks, mods, rockers and hippies of the 50s and 60s are sought by researchers working on the production of a television documentary. If you encountered the generation gap, rebelled against parental attitudes to fashion, music and life they

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Park opens new observation point

A NEW education hide has been officially opened at Pennington Flash Country Park. The hide, at Pengies Pond, was opened by Pauline Deans, of Pennington Rangers, and pupils and teachers from Hindley Junior and Infant School. It will be used for school

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Throwing light on shady problem

ST HELENS Council's Trading Standards officers are tackling a 'shady' problem in partnership with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Together they are launching a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of faulty sunglasses. Aimed at all age

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Town's chapter in Kiwi history

TERRY WYNN, Labour MEP for the North West set out on a fact finding mission during a recent visit Down Under when he discovered that a key chapter of New Zealand's early political history has links stretching back to St Helens... while Terry himself made

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One to remember!

SLEEPY Glazebury sprang in to life on Saturday when the annual gala was held in the north Cheshire village. Because of foot and mouth restrictions, the favourite fun day venue of Lately Common was switched to the village primary school playing fields,

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Enterprising youngsters

A STUDENT competition has been launched to find the region's young international talent. Lloyds TSB Commercial and the Institute of Directors have launched a competition to spur on the North West's business students. The Young International Business Award

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Computer helps women's group

A LEIGH women's group has beaten off a challenge from community organisations throughout the country to win a faster connection to the world wide web. Women for Well Women has received one of the latest internet-ready PC systems, thanks to a BT award.

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Watered-down approach to weeds

CONTRACTORS have started the annual blitz on street weeds -using environmentally friendly herbicides. But because the weedkiller destroys growth on contact and does not continue working in soil, a second spray will be carried out in September as the growing

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Bathers beware

SWIMMERS are being warned to keep away from canals, rivers and lakes. The hot weather warning to stick to official swimming pools comes from British Waterways as temperatures rise this summer. Canals and rivers might look inviting places to take a dip

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Journal rekindles childhood memories

SCHOOLDAY memories flooded back for Michael Ratcliffe when he saw an old soccer team photograph in the Journal. Mr Ratcliffe, of Primrose Street North, Tyldesley, was a pupil at Hindsford Sacred Heart school and a member of the soccer team pictured after

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A dream come true

A COMPLEX which gives a Blackpool school "probably the best sports facilities of any school in the country" was officially opened this week. Collegiate High School's magnificent new sports hall was officially opened by the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor

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Dray horses ready for ring

IT MIGHT have looked like horseplay at Larkhill, but there was a serious purpose as Thwaites dray horses Royal and Regent stepped out in Blackburn. The star equine pair were being put through their paces by wagon driver Richard Green and colleague Andrew

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Spreading the safety message

LANCASHIRE firefighters are going all out to meet the people in a new scheme to combat a soaring number of fires in and around the home. Last year there were more than 7,500 property or primary fires in the county -- the majority involving homes -- and

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Better luck next time

YOUNG St Helens kickboxer Mark Edzes won his opening round of the Great Britain Open Championship in Birmingham at the weekend, only to go out at the second stage. Purple belt Mark, aged 9, was fighting in the under 4ft 6 category against boys up to two

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Enter the dragons!

A HOST of St Helens paddlers have been selected for the Great Britain Dragon Boating team to compete in the World Championships in America from August 1-5. The crew will be up against stiff competition from over 20 other countries at the Schuylkill River

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ST Helens slip to defeat

ST HELENS 1st XI entertained Liverpool and slipped to a two-wicket defeat. The homesters batted first, and although Craig Horabin and Darren Tyms scored 38 each, some hostile bowling from Sajid Shah 8-24 ripped them apart. Liverpool were made to fight

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Graeme bags another pot

COMPETITION favourite Graeme Wilson from Oldham added the Hamlet Bowling Championship to his growing list of crowns with a convincing victory in Sunday's final at Carr Mill. Wilson was rewarded with a cheque for £2,000 for his efforts after beating fellow

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Recs secure Triangle win

ST HELENS Recs 1st XI made the short journey to Orrell Red Triangle on Saturday and secured a win, after winning the toss elected to bat first. Scoring was difficult as Recs got off to a slow start. Andy Ford scored 21 but wickets fell at regular intervals

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PNE linked to Aussie

NORTH End are also being linked with a move for Australian defender Tony Popovic who plays for Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Popovic, a regular in the Australian national team set-up, is believed to be on his way to Deepdale when his contract with

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McBride transfer on hold

THE TRANSFER of Brian McBride from Columbus Crew to Preston is on temporary hold as McBride is playing in the MLS in the USA until September, and could continue for up to another four months depending on if Columbus Crew make the playoffs, which they

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What's On with Sue Gerrard

THE weather may have taken a turn for the worse this week but there is still a sunny outlook on the entertainment scene during the coming weeks. THE Theatre Royal, Corporation Street has an evening of dance in store on Wednesday, July 25 when the Brigham

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Vital to show support, despite virus fears

FARMERS with livestock have been urged to stay away from next weeks Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show amid fears the foot and mouth virus could be spread during the event. But the president of the National Farmers' Union, Ben Gill, speaking at the launch

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Hospital stay was faultless

OVER the years, I have read many comments about the bad treatment people say they have had in Bury General Hospital. So I would like readers to know that my three-week stay in Kenyon Ward was without fault and everyone on the ward was most efficient and

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We don't want your rubbish

I WHOLLY agree with "Concerned" from Radcliffe (July 6) regarding the hostel for the homeless. The people of Radcliffe are sick and tired of do-gooders emptying all the rubbish here. It seems like every week there are reports about residents from the

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Radcliffe canal is neglected

FOR the first time in a while, I went to see the canal in the Water Street area of Radcliffe. I got quite a shock. It was an absolute disgrace, yet nearer to Bury, the towpath had been improved and the canal looked lovely. It was the same towards Bolton

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Seem intent on "revenge"

I AM a 47-year-old father of three grown-up children and I have many friends of different races. During my childhood the now older generation of Asians, who had sought refuge or a better life here in Britain, were often unfortunate victims of ignorant

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Time that Shakers ended this United obsession

WHEN are Bury supporters going to wake up and see where their club is heading? Can any Bury fan still doubt that the future of Bury FC is going to be as a feeder club for Manchester United plc? The last decade has involved ever closer ties developing

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Bare-faced cheek

WATCH out for travelling gangs of workmen who are ripping up and stealing expensive stone flags from streets in broad daylight. The cheeky things are posing as council workmen, sporting yellow bibs. The hard-faced thieves lifted more than 30 metres of

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A few hot days have us in a spin

THANK goodness the muggy heatwave is over. At least we can get some sleep. I had to resort to buying a powerful fan, but I'm not the only one complaining. The sultry evenings of late have driven 23 per cent of couples apart, one partner heading for the

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Carelessness threatens the environment

I DON'T know how we have become such a race of litter louts. I'll bet there's even a pop tin and crisp packet on the moon. Every beauty spot I visit is spoiled by carelessly discarded rubbish - and worse, it's putting wildlife at risk. This week, the

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The end of an era and thank goodness

MOTOR-mouth Murray Walker is retiring after more than half a century of Grand Prix commentating. Fans waved banners saying "Sorry to see you go-go-go" at his last British Grand Prix at Silverstone. I'm not. His over-the-top prattle has grated on me for

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Putting trust in Kim

A FORMER teacher from Rivington High School has been appointed as the Ravenhead Community Trust Director by Shaun Woodward, Labour MP for St Helens South. Kim Maxwell will now be working with Shaun and other trustees to co-ordinate all fundraising activities

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Centurions in the dark

THE Centurions are still in the dark over their application to join Super League. Leigh along with Widnes, Rochdale and Oldham, have all applied for franchises to join the elite division should they be successful in the NFP Grand Final next week. Leigh's

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High school makes its mark

BROADWAY Community High School has achieved one of the first Artsmark Silver awards in the country. The Arts Council of England's new Artsmark award encourages excellence in the provision of arts education. Schools have to demonstrate a commitment to

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Centurions let Rovers off hook

Leigh Centurions...26 Featherstone Rovers...10 NEIL Kelly should have stayed at home and mowed the lawn instead of wasting his time on a Hilton Park spying mission. The Widnes boss, who brings his Viking invaders for Sunday's play-off showdown, won't

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Youngsters highlight eco-issues

YOUNGSTERS at Sutton Manor Nursery School have welcomed a new addition to their school - a recycled plastic sailing boat. The boat, created by Groundwork St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Liverpool and Environment Polymer Products of Bold, as part of the

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Doing it tough!

Leigh Centurions...14 Oldham...15 THE Centurions must take a leaf out of Dewsbury's book if they are to fulfil their Grand Final dream. Last year the Rams lost their Preliminary Semi-Final home tie - ironically to Leigh - before going on to reach, and

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Gordon's name lives on

A FORMER sporting son of St Helens has died at the age of 71. Gordon Rimmer, originally from Dentons Green and an ex-pupil of the Higher Grade School, played cricket at the St Helens Cricket Club throughout the 1940s and 1950s and rugby union with Liverpool

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'Deano' rumour rumbles on

IS Dean Saunders heading for Blackpool? There are persistent rumours that the former Liverpool and Wales striker could be about to link up with former team-mate Steve McMahon. The veteran goal-getter is known to be on the lookout for a new club, having

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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, July 21

Spring Vale Rambling Class meet Chester Avenue Car Park, Clitheroe, 2pm. Guided T ours, Refreshments and Gift Shop, Stonyhurst College, 1pm-5pm. Opening Day, Lawn Tennis Club, Feniscowles, Blackburn, 2pm. All welcome. Encaustic Art Exhibition, Oswaldtwistle

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Cricket: Andy's second chance

PROLIFIC batsman Andy Williams is getting a second sniff of the county cricket scene at the age of 30. And while one score years and ten is hardly over the hill in willow-wielding terms, his selection for Cumberland - and the chance to face some of the

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Bury FC: Mum's the word from Shakers 'buyer'

POTENTIAL new Gigg Lane supremo Alex Tarsus dropped into Stainton Park on Wednesday night to see the Shakers for the first time. But the Turkish businessman heading the consortium close to buying a controlling interest in Bury FC was staying tight lipped

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Bury FC: Leigh preview

PRE-season preparations continue for Andy Preece's squad at Leigh RMI. The Vauxhall Conference side held Oldham to a scoreless draw on Wednesday and will be up for the clash against the Shakers. For Preece it is another chance to shuffle his pack and

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Angling: Chadwick's choice catch

THE third match of the Bury Society's Junior Section was held for the Hart Trophy, on the Island Lodge last Wednesday evening. Rian Chadwick had a mixed net of small fish, including skimmers, to take top weight 4-14-3. He was closely followed by Daniel

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Today's the day

1715: The Riot Act, which prohibited people gathering of more than twelve people, took effect. 1885: Professional football was legalised in Britain although a number of clubs admitted they had already been paying their players. 1941: The 'V for Victory

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Three-car crash on roundabout

A MOTORIST injured his thumb when he lost control of his car on a Whitefield roundabout. Mark O'Sullivan (25), from Swinton was in collision with two cars, a Citroen Saxo and a Fiat Brava, when his BMW 530 careered across the dual-carriageway just off

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Boiler on fire

A DOMESTIC gas boiler burst into flames after being sprayed with a flammable cleaning agent. A fire crew tackled the blaze which broke out in the kitchen of a property in Chesham Road, Bury. Officers said the boiler had been sprayed with the cleaning

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Taxi fare charge alters

TAXI fares are going up but in a roundabout way! Hackney drivers themselves did not want the "night" rate to be increased from £1.70 to £2 for the first eight-tenths of a mile. They worried that customers who had had a drink would complain that it was

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Phone thieves caught on camera?

CAMERA footage is being checked to identify two robbers who made off with a Metrolink passenger's mobile phone. The robbery happened at 10.15pm on Friday (July 13) at the Bowker Vale station off Windsor Road, Prestwich. The 21-year-old victim was waiting

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Banqueting co-ordinator

WHEN it comes to conference and banqueting facilities at opening events, 26-year-old Diane Edwards has experience second to none. Diane's latest venture is as conference and banqueting co-ordinator at the new £12 million Village Leisure Hotel at the Waterfold

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Avoid food poisoning with course

A CONSERVATION group is staging a series of one-day courses in Whitefield to prevent food poisoning. BTCV Bury will be conducting one-day basic food hygiene courses for its volunteers and the public. Taking place on July 23, August 20, and October 22,

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Turley boost

NEIL Turley has given Leigh Centurions the news they've been waiting for all week. "I'm fit, ready and raring to go," declared the 56-try full-back ahead of the NFP Major Semi-Final blockbuster against Widnes Vikings at Hilton Park on Sunday. Turley gave

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Poultry stall cash isn't chicken feed!

BURY'S fusiliers have saluted the generosity of a local market trader. Mr Stephen Hilton, who owns the Fish and Poultry stall on Bury Market, presented the Wellington Barracks Fusilier Museum with a £250 cheque. Mr Hilton has become a friend of the Royal

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No plans to snatch Emerton

SPECULATION in today's national Press also linked Houllier with a fresh bid for long-term Rovers target Brett Emerton. The report suggested the Feyenoord wide-man could even fly into England this weekend to complete a £6 million move to Anfield. But Rovers

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No more cash on table for Traore

SOUNESS today insisted he will not be upping his offer for Liverpool defender Djimi Traore. Rovers had a £3 million bid for the classy Frenchman rejected earlier in the week. But Reds boss Gerard Houllier did hint that he may be prepared to let the 21

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Wally's blooming lovely effort

CAN we, through your letters page, thank Councillor Wally Ashcroft for getting on his hands and knees to put plants and shrubs next to the bench and bus stop at Windle Island -- and not a camera in sight. Blooming lovely! D. H. (name and address supplied

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Blues are looking to get together

CLITHEROE boss Dave Burgess wants to forge stronger links with Premiership new-boys Blackburn Rovers after the two clubs swapped training grounds this week as part of a unique experiment. Burgess, a self-confessed Blackburn fan, has already taken his

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Woodward should step in

I AM writing about the proposed closure of Parr High School, and the bird-brained idea the LEA and council have come up with to close the school and send our children to a school none of them want to go to. Not only that, when they get there they are

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CRIMESTOPPERS: Beware bogus cabbies, lads!

ON Sunday, July 8, at 4.30am, a man was waiting for a taxi in Preston town centre when another man, driving a silver Ford Mondeo, stopped and offered to take him home for the same price as the cost of a taxi. When in Mendip Road, Leyland, the driver stopped

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Slow down or pay up!

ALMOST 1,000 more motorists in Lancashire have been caught out by speed cameras between April and June this year compared to last year. The striking rise in the number of people caught speeding follows a change in the speed for which penalty fines are

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What's on

A LOOK at the events taking place around the area. Classic car enthusiasts are gearing up for the tenth annual Classic Car Show at Hoghton Tower, Hoghton on July 22. More than 500 classic vehicles, from pre-1930s to E-Type Jaguars and Velocette bikes

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Raising the 'dead' soccer heroes

BLACKBURN Rovers' premiership status was "officially" resurrected by fans at the weekend -- in the most bizarre ceremony in football. But the unusual event, which dates back to 1948, very nearly didn't happened after police tried to blow the whistle on

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Pedal on safe pathways

BIKE riders are gearing up to use pedal power on new cycle paths in Preston and South Ribble. County council chiefs have ploughed thousands of pounds into creating safe places for people to get around on cycles. The move has been welcomed by cycling organisations

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Scheme to stop underage drinking a success

OFF-LICENSEES in Burnley have been praised by police for their help in the town's crackdown on teenagers buying booze. But despite the success of the new campaign, police say their efforts to curb under-age drinking will continue. To date, the emphasis

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Roses match for women

Lancashire Under 19s women's cricket team play Yorkshire at Preston Cricket Club on Sunday starting at 1.30pm.

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Brush up on your soccer history

SOCCER mad kids from across Lancashire are being given the chance to study the history of football and brush up on their school work at the newly opened National Football Museum. The museum at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium is launching a joint

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Brig lose to Bolton

BAMBER Bridge were beaten 2-0 in their first pre-season friendly against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night. Brig's next match is against Scottish outfit Stenhousemuir at Irongate on Saturday, July 28 -- believed to be the first time they have played a

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Waiting game for Chris

CHRISTOPHER Hayes, aged 14, from Preston, has joined the race for a place in the final of the 2001 Daily Telegraph/Center Parcs Junior Gold Championship. He shot a 79 to win his qualifying round at Ashton and Lea Gold Club and must now wait until August

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Project with a noble aim

A SPORTS project aimed at introducing children with disabilities to sport is proving a great success. The Preston Panthers club is co-ordinated through Preston Disability Sports Forum, in conjunction with Preston Disc and West View Leisure Centre. It's

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Can anyone bridge puzzle gap?

SO where is it then? For yonks I've been familiar with the placename Gerards Bridge, a homely old quarter which became victim of much bulldozing a few decades ago and which was once largely populated by families with distinctly Irish names. Lord Gerard

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Old remedies did the trick!

POOR folk couldn't afford to visit the doctor when they became ill back in the 1920s, because treatment demanded payment. That's why there were so many home-made remedies about -- from bread poultices, with which to draw infection, to a chest-rub of goose

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Quick steppers

LEYLAND Morris Men continue their busy schedule when they make their first visit to Saddleworth Folk Festival, on Saturday, July 21.

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Old remedies did the trick!

POOR folk couldn't afford to visit the doctor when they became ill back in the 1920s, because treatment demanded payment. That's why there were so many home-made remedies about -- from bread poultices, with which to draw infection, to a chest-rub of goose

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Sports day honour for Edna

CHILDREN from Walton-le-Dale primary school turned out in force on for a sports day in honour of a long-serving member of staff. Edna Smith has chalked-up more than 15-years at the Severn Drive school -- longer than any other member of staff. But now

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By-pass finally approved

PLANS for the controversial Broughton by-pass have finally been approved -- despite calls for even more consultation on the issue. Members of Lancashire County Council's development control committee approved plans for the multi-million pound project

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Woman in gun ordeal at home

A TERRIFIED woman was confronted by a robber who pointed a gun at her in her own kitchen. Police said the incident happened on Tuesday, July 17, when a white man aged around 25-35 years was trying to get in the back window. The woman was alone in the

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Protest as GAP store opens

ANGRY protesters staged a demonstration outside the GAP clothing shop in Fishergate when it opened at the weekend. The group, led by Preston councillor Elaine Abbot, were protesting about the company's alleged treatment of workers in third world countries

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Homes bid sparks fears

A PLAN to build homes on the fringe of a conservation area has raised concerns about the environment and road safety. Numerous residents in the Church Road district of Astley signed a petition objecting to development plans for a small field bordering

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More jobs to go for engineers

FORTY-SIX engineering jobs are to go and a question mark hangs over the future of a factory which opened six months ago. Leigh-based Peter Miles Engineering this week announced redundancies, most of which are based at the firm's new Hindsford factory,

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Planning applications

LATEST planning applications submitted to Wigan Council include: Hindley Baths, Borsdane Avenue - access ramp to front and rear entrances; Higher Barn Farm, Castle Hill Road, Hindley - listed-building consent to convert barn to dwelling; 296 Wigan Road

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Animal cull under way on farms

CATTLE were being slaughtered on the fringe of Leigh as the first case of foot and mouth in the latest epidemic was confirmed. On Tuesday, 46 bullocks were shot at Chadwicks Farm at Crankwood, mid-way between Leigh and Abram, and 20 cattle at a neighbouring

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Picture is a window in time to market's history

LEIGH'S new Albion Street outdoor market opened last month, bringing an end to seven months of heartache for traders. Stallholders were forced out of their enclosed site near the Spinning Gate Centre to make way a multi-million pound extension, and spent

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Another chance

FYLDE borough councillors have given supporters of plans for an arts centre in St Annes another chance to prove their project would work. Members of the policy and resources committee met on Monday (July16) to discuss whether the council would support

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Quarter final pops up at Blackpool

LANCASHIRE'S Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy quarter final tie will be played at Blackpool -- because of pop star Robbie Williams! Old Trafford is not available for the game next Wednesday, July 25, due to Williams playing three sell-out concerts at

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Golf: Pressure game

THE pressure is on this week as the world's top golfers compete for the prized Claret Jug at the 130th Open Championship. With the Order of Merit rankings so crucial to the selection of this year's European Ryder Cup team, a great performance in The Open

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Shattered by Sharp's last stand

BLACKPOOL shattered Chorley's hopes of going to the top of the Northern Premier League table by inflicting their first defeat of the season in a tense finish at Windsor Park on Saturday. It was a match of fluctuating fortunes, with Blackpool seeming to

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Swimming: Bobby leads the way

NEWTON HALL Swimming Club made a big splash at the summer sprint meeting in Holywell, North Wales, last weekend. More than 40 of the club's swimmers competed, and over half of them got through to finals in a programme contested by 300 swimmers from across

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Tattoo so hard

LIAM Gallagher's girlfriend, Nicole Appleton, said the birth of her son, Gene, was easier than having a tattoo. Bet she didn't have a normal birth then!

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It's okay for them . . .

SAINSBURY'S is to give food that's past its sell-by date to the Salvation Army to feed the homeless and needy. Just goes to show there's no need to take that much notice of labels. If its safe for the knights of the road, its safe for homely householders

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nI MUST have been walking with my head down, but I've just noticed that the old Chipperama on Railwa

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Call to help miners and their families

Dear Sir, The scale of the Treasury windfall from miners' pension fund surpluses shocked many miners, ex-miners and their families in the North West when it emerged last year. But the rake-off goes - in the last year alone, another £1 billion has been

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APPARENTLY Eastenders' hunk (who says) Jack Ryder has split from Hear'Say girlfriend Kym Marsh - the

I didn't think the three months relationship would last very long. After all what have a 25-years-old mum of two and a 19-years-old bit of a kid got in common? Not a lot, I suspect, except new-found stardom and riches.

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Never judge a book by its cover

GUIDANCE - who needs it, especially when it comes from a book? The newly released Little Book of Crap Advice, by Michael O'Mara, contains 94 pages of the worst tips ever dished out. They include: Chain smoke to save matches, kids need to feel secure,

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Flooring their rivals

IN good company! That's Radcliffe-based commercial flooring specialists Polyflor Ltd whose products have been laid in a leading Oldham company. More than 1,000 sq metres of Polyflor's SD specialist electrostatic discharge control vinyl tiles have been

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'Deano' rumour rumbles on

IS Dean Saunders heading for Blackpool? There are persistent rumours that the former Liverpool and Wales striker could be about to link up with former team-mate Steve McMahon. The veteran goal-getter is known to be on the lookout for a new club, having

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Telecom company to host business club

BURY Business Club will be calling on Pennine Telecom for its latest meeting. Pennine, which has been celebrating its 25th anniversary, will open the doors of its Salford Street base in the town between 6pm-8pm next Thursday (July 26) to welcome club

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NW business least optimistic

NORTH West businesses are among the least optimistic about their future sales growth, according to new figures published. A survey commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Marketing has disclosed that businesses in the region expect sales to increase

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Bury firm cleans up worldwide

A BURY-based water and flood restoration company has achieved another clean sweep! Finesse Chem-Dry has won an international franchise award after beating off the challenge of around 5,000 other hopefuls. And the latest triumph for Finesse comes after

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Open rage

AN elderly Lytham man was feeling distinctly under par this week as traffic from the Open Golf Championship was set to bring noise and disruption to his home. Jimmy Carolan, aged 79, of Waddington Road, was furious that the gap between his house and his

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Hughes hoping to impress Stan

FORMER England starlet Paul Hughes is bidding to relaunch his career with the Clarets after seeing his Premiership days curtailed by injury. Hughes is one of a quartet of potential new signings Burnley boss Stan Ternent has been checking out in pre-season

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Quick steppers

LEYLAND Morris Men continue their busy schedule when they make their first visit to Saddleworth Folk Festival, on Saturday, July 21.

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Nowhere to spend a penny

SPENDING a penny in Leyland could be harder than you think despite the council's major town centre redevelopments. Following a survey of all the town's public toilets, South Ribble Borough Council chiefs have earmarked the closure of two of the town's

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Twitch at Rossall

IT will be a twitcher's delight at Rossall on Sunday (July 22). Join rangers for a bird watch session at Rossall picnic area and promenade. Meet at the car park opposite Fleetwood Sea Cadets. Cost is £1.70 for adults and 80p for children. Call 01995 602125

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Microchip your dog

THE dog microchipping roadshow is coming to St Annes. The National Canine Defence League will give dog owners the opportunity to microchip their pooches for £9.50 when their microchipping unit comes to town. The unit will be at St Annes Square from July

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Oyez, they made a big noise!

TRICORNERED hats, handbells and lungs of iron -- it could only be the Town Criers British Championships in Blackpool town centre! A group of 26 criers from across the country competed in the annual event held on Saturday afternoon in Birley Street, following

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Rose queen Laura's royal mission

LAURA Catlow-Morris is thrilled to have been crowned this year's Rose Queen for St Stephen's on the Cliffs Church, North Shore. And the 13-year-old wants to use her good fortune to help needy children in Rwanda. Laura, left, who attends St Aidan's School

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Members muck in!

MEMBERS of Poulton and District Conservative Club understand more than anyone the hard graft that's gone into building their new club. When the club on Vicarage Road had to move premises it was the members who pitched in to transform a former rest home

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Jimmy's street cred

BLACKPOOL soccer legend Jimmy Armfield was among three new lay canons installed at Blackburn Cathedral on Sunday, bringing what was described as " a bit of street cred" to the Church of England. Also honoured along with Mr Armfield -- organist for 30

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Mary's jackpot joy

A RETIRED Blackpool nurse has scooped the £5,000 jackpot in a new satellite link bingo game at her local working men's club. Mary Thompson who lives in the resort with her husband struck lucky at the weekend in this latest bingo craze which links up working

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Top ties in prospect

THE draw for the Champions Challenge threw up some fascinating ties when the top pre-season RL competition kicks off at Leigh Miners on the first weekend in August. Now in its 21st season, the tournament for the Grainey Trophy, is now well established

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MP revolts over bid to oust critics

BURY MP David Chaytor joined a revolt against Government plans to oust critics in its own ranks. The Labour backbencher, who has rebelled against his party on several occasions, wasted no time in notching up his first protest of the new Parliament. He

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Finger blunder ruined my life

BLUNDERS which linked a Radcliffe man to a burglary through fingerprints found at the scene ended up costing him his job and his family. Now Stephen Wallace is planning to sue Greater Manchester Police after he was wrongly accused of burgling a local

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Woman hanged herself after row with boyfriend

A FORMER Bury woman found hanged at her home in the Middle East took her life in the aftermath of a row with her boyfriend, an inquest heard. Miss Christine Garford (39), who had been working as an art teacher at the British School in Oman, was found

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History in the making

PEOPLE from all walks of life in Radcliffe have re-affirmed their faith by helping create the mammoth Borough's Millennium Scriptures. The six leather-bound manuscripts feature more than 5,000 verses, nearly two thirds of the New Testament, and will become

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Cricket: Walshaw roll on

CONDITIONS at Walshaw were very wet when skipper Rob Faulkner won the toss and elected to bat first. Runs were not easy to come by, but two patient knocks of 46 and 43 from Faulkner and Mark Forrest respectively helped the home side to 157 for 8 from

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Souey's full of Turkish promise

GRAEME SOUNESS today hailed Turkish midfield star Tugay as the new heartbeat of his team after finally landing his top summer target following a two-month transfer saga. After weeks of uncertainty, Rovers finally signed the 30-year-old midfield general

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Hughes hoping to impress Stan

FORMER England starlet Paul Hughes is bidding to relaunch his career with the Clarets after seeing his Premiership days curtailed by injury. Hughes is one of a quartet of potential new signings Burnley boss Stan Ternent has been checking out in pre-season

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'I'm over moon", says shock leader

UNKNOWN Englishman Greg Owen is a shock joint leader in the second round of The Open at Royal Lytham. Owen - in only his third Open - raised a few eyebrows as he swept past the best golfers in the world. He told the BBC: "I'm over the Moon - delighted

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Brides hold up buses

BRIDGE works in Bolton will delay three Leigh bus services. Work on the A666 Manchester Road between Moses Gate and Green Lane started this week and will affect the First Manchester 551, 552 and 553, Bolton to Leigh via Farnworth routes for 12 weeks.

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Dryer on fire

FIRE crews were called to Chanters Industrial Estate, Atherton, to put out a fire at Lancashire Motor Bodies. The fire, which involved a dryer in the paint room, started at 9am on Monday. Two people suffered smoke inhalation, but did not go to hospital

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Floral fun

FLOWERS, strawberries, song and prayers will feature at Atherton Bag Lane Methodist Church flower festival celebrations on July 29 and 29. Next Friday, from 7pm-9pm, flower donations in memory of family and friends are being accepted. The following day

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Challenge of a lifetime

A CHARITY is looking for adventurous volunteers who want to try their hand at whitewater rafting. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign requires teams of six to eight people to take part at one of five whitewater courses across the country. Those who raise

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Success Arts Ambassadors

ST HELENS Council's Arts Ambassadors initiative has been named the most effective in the North West. The borough was one of three local authorities chosen to pilot the year-long project which aims to raise the profile of the arts and build better links

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Pensioners in bus stop campaign

A BUNCH of elderly neighbours are campaigning to have a bus stop returned to its original position. The introduction of a pelican crossing for children opposite Haydock High School has resulted in the stop being moved further down the road. It means that

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Call for more coffee mornings

MACMILLAN fund-raiser Siobhan Kelly is asking coffee drinkers help raise money for cancer relief. The World's Biggest Coffee Morning, sponsored by Nescafe and Kit Kat, is to take place on Friday September 28 in aide of Macmillan Cancer Relief. Last year

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Old folks under siege

GANGS of marauding yobs have turned life into a living hell for a group of pensioners. One 87-year-old even told the Star that he was too terrified to look out of his own windows any more in case it led to an attack from the youths. Old folks in in Grange

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FREE cycling safety classes

Wigan Council's road safety unit will be moving throughout the borough to teach skills to the over tens. Road safety officer Darren Barton said: "Roads can be dangerous places for cyclists, especially during the rush hour, and educating children about

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School expands

MORE places may be up for grabs for Leigh area students at the prestigious Bolton School. In response to demand, a third class has been added to the pre-preparatory department, the junior schools are being enlarged and additional places have been made

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Dancing to beat breast cancer

BELLY dancers have been strutting their stuff to beat breast cancer. Members of Golborne Egyptian Dance class, who meet on a Thursday evening at Golborne High School, have been helping raise money for the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Dancers from

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Chris laughs all the way to the final

EIGHT year-old Christopher Morris likes A Good Laugh - and so did poetry competition judges. The Leigh Gilded Hollins County Primary pupil beat more than 2,500 entrants to become the youngest primary group finalist in the Wigan Poetry Competition. Christopher's

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Call for zoo boycott

LEIGH holidaymakers heading for the Spanish sun are urged to blacklist a zoo housing an abused elephant. Animal Defenders have launched a boycott to help free Rhanee, an ex-circus elephant, featured during the Chipperfield's UK trial two years ago. The

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Drivers, start your engines

LOWTON St Mary's Scouts and Cubs entered their speedy creations Sparrow and Sparrowhawk in the National Scoutcar races at Scarborough but this time, did not get among the awards. The races, for pedal cars built by Scouts using old cycle parts, reach speeds

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Nathan has never had a no-show

AN ELEVEN-year-old is the only child in almost 140 years never have missed a day at a Leigh school. Nathan Chadwick, of Hindley Green, has spent four years at St Peter's Junior School, and has never been absent. Nathan, whose favourite subjects are maths

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David is the borough's new Brit abroad

A LANGUAGE student has become the new ambassador to the borough's French twin town, Angers. David Kemp, 22, has been appointed by Wigan Council to be the latest representative in the Loire Valley city for the next 12 months. He has just graduated from

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Student crosses the pond after university success

A FORMER Astley student has graduated from Christ College, Cambridge, and jetted off to the US to celebrate. Stuart Peter Benjamin, 21, of Thanet Grove, Leigh, has gained a BA (Hons) 2.1 in computer science and social political science. The former Leigh

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Pupils claim top art prizes

ARTISTIC pupils scooped top awards in the prestigious Manchester Show. Scholars from Hindley's Tanfield school took first, second and third place prizes in the painting competition organised annually as part of the prestigious Manchester Show in Platt

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THE JOURNAL SAYS: Come down and cheer the boys in to Super League

IF Leigh Centurions can match their off-field progress with their on-field fortunes, reaching Super League won't be a problem. What a boost for the town if that dream comes true. Anybody with a hint of loyalty and cherry-red blood in their veins will

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MP's surgery

LEIGH MP Andy Burnham will be available on: SATURDAY, July 21 (10-11.30) Leigh Town Hall. Councillors at your service FRIDAY, July 20: Albert Tatum Siddow Community Centre, Hope Carr Road, Leigh (6-6.30) K Anderson, Mrs L Liptrot, J O'Brien; The Sanctuary

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A PASTOR in America visited a family who had just moved into a house near his church, in order to g

The husband was up a ladder painting but he shouted down, "Sure, I 'll come when I'm straightened out." Months later, the pastor received a phone call from an undertaker asking him to conduct the funeral of a man who had died suddenly. The Pastor realised

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Josh is on target for £1m

HOT-shot Josh Rampling is aiming to Kick For a Million this weekend. The 10-year-old football fan, of Dean Road, Golborne, was bang on target in Asda Golborne's goal in the hole competition in May. He was one of only two youngsters who scored a bull-seye

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Disease will not stop festival

A HORSE festival will go ahead next month, despite fears over foot and mouth. The Jeep National Riding Festival is being run on Saturday, August 18, in conjunction with Moss Stud Arena, Astley, after organisers consulted leading equestrian and countryside

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Powerboats come to Blackpool

EXPECT some wet and wild racing off the coast of Blackpool this weekend (July 21) as the National Powerboat Grand Prix 2001 roars into town for its penultimate event of the year. The world's largest one-design offshore powerboat championship, the Honda

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Action-packed days!

ENTERTAINING the kids during school holidays is never an easy task but luckily there is now a whole range of fun summer activities on offer in Blackpool and the Fylde for youngsters of all ages. The Kidz Mega Fest 2001 offers a dazzling array of summer

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Vital to show support, despite virus fears

FARMERS with livestock have been urged to stay away from next weeks Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show amid fears the foot and mouth virus could be spread during the event. But the president of the National Farmers' Union, Ben Gill, speaking at the launch

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Man, 23 charged with attack in court

A 23-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court charged with wounding following an attack on a 26-year-old Blackburn man last week. Mohammed Shakil Khan was left lying in a pathway with serious head injuries after the attack near St James Road last Wednesday

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Plans to sell firm as a going concern

THE administrators brought in to run Blackburn refrigeration and air conditioning company Clive Hurley & Co have outlined plans to sell the business as a going concern. About half the workforce at the Bolton Road business was made redundant earlier

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Thief's child 'became pig in middle'

CATHY Willouby lost her temper when security guards who had caught her shoplifting refused to give her 16-month-old child back to her. Blackburn magistrates were told how the child became piggy-in-the-middle as first Willouby made to leave without the

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Police pursuit crash leaves man serious

A GRANDFATHER was in intensive care today after he was knocked off his motorbike by a speeding car which was being followed by the police. Frank Almond, 54, suffered serious head injuries in the accident last night and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary

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Carer's 'despicable' theft

A CARER who systematically stole cash from a disabled woman she was supposed to be looking after is facing a jail sentence for her "despicable" crimes. And today it was revealed that it took months for the 33-year-old victim, who is without speech or

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Penioners pairs line up

HERE is the line-up for the Windle City Annual Pensioners Pairs competition to be played on Monday, July 30 from 1.30pm: No. 1 Green: B. Tabern & F. Mernagh (CM) v Mrs E. Taylor & E. Taylor (PW); R. Roberts & L. Colquitt (PW) v Mrs B. Elias

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Sutton's early breakthrough

ON Saturday Sutton CC 1st XI hosted Wavertree at New Street and had an immediate breakthrough with Ray Foster taking a wicket with the fourth ball of the game. Unfortunately that brought Wavertree's Indian professional Sanjay to the crease, who blasted

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Dead-eye Doug hits trophy target

DOUG Smith waltzed off with the Rod Winstanley Star Individual Darts Trophy after an emphatic final victory over Steve Comber. Smith had gone one leg down against Comber, but fought back magnificently with some super arrows. After levelling the match,

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Bjarki due to recover by August

BJARKI Gunnlaugsson has recently undergone a hip operation bit is due to make a full recovery by August ready for the new season. Preston are currently in Austria training for the tour of Austria and Germany which begins this weekend, and manager David

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A decade of drama and disaster for football

THE 1980'S got off to a sad start as former North End player and Liverpool manager Bill Shankly died after a magnificent career in football, writes Tom Parker. Former Liverpool striker John Toshack guided Swansea City into the top division only four seasons

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Is this equality?

ACCORDING to the Bury Times (June 29), of 13 directors elected to the board of Bury Racial Equality Council (BREC), 12 are evidently Asian. This is a very odd show of "equality". If ever there was an invitation to the British National Party or the National

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What a waste of £250

I COULDN'T believe my eyes when I read that Bury Council have spent £250 on a car registration number (T6 BUR) for the mayoral limo. They have wasted £250 at a time when they are cutting services because they don't have enough money to run them. I suggest

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Dixon would struggle today

"COP That" (Your Letters, July 6) is writing again and I notice that his arguments still do not stand up to scrutiny. Yes the police have abandoned the community "Dixon of Dock Green" approach but that is only because people have changed. They travel

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Workhouse mentality

I SEE that "Bury Pensioner" (July 3) has now joined the "Nuff Respect" tirade against the unemployed. And I thought it was only populist politicians that targeted the disadvantaged and marginalised? "Bury Pensioner" and his sidekick may like to know a

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Bullying: it's good to talk

A NATIONAL conference on homophobic bullying was recently held at UMIST Conference Centre, Manchester, designed to promote a multi-agency approach in support of student victims. Other objectives of the conference were to disseminate research information

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Human rights should be considered

I'M not happy that Bejing has been awarded the 2008 Olympic Games. The country has an appalling human rights record. Hindley's Anthony Langstone, a Falun Gong practitioner, has told a story this week that does nothing to disprove that fact. Anthony, of

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Another great performance

I'M not the only one who knows of good actors who steal a living on disability benefit. A brave Westleyther, who shall remain nameless, has told me about her neighbours who live on the state, yet are able to climb long ladders and walk miles. They have

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The simple approach is best

LAST Friday saw the last-ever edition of one of my favourite TV quizzes, 100 Per Cent. The no-frills Channel 5 quiz was easy for settee contestants and was a great general knowledge booster. The quiz comprised three contestants answering 100 questions

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Keeping up appearances

DON'T take this the wrong way. I'm not a snob, I was brought up on council estates. The people were smashing and in the '50s and '60s, people were proud of their homes and kept them spotless. Well they did in my drive, on the top half of Higher Folds.

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New gateway can be overlooked

LEIGH'S new piece of commissioned art, The Leigh Spindle, was revealed to the public on Monday. The 5m sculpture, which cost £30,000, was paid for by Coalfield Challenge as a testimony to Leigh's past, present and future. It is an impressive piece of

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No-one thinks of the consequences

ANY Leigh teenager who goes near drugs after the ecstasy tragedy of Lorna Spinks is asking for trouble. The normally bright 19-year-old died a horrible death after swallowing a £6 pill which was one-and-a-half times the normal strength. It was part of

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This Bottle is squeaky clean

A RAINFORD pub recently received a Food Hygiene Award, after attaining levels of hygiene over and above those required by the local council. The Bottle & Glass, on St Helens Road, was awarded the certificate following a visit by council health inspectors