Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, September 26
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Bank Top Commnunity Centre, Oakenhurst Road, Blackburn: Baby Nosh (health visitors) 10-11.30am. DJ Phat Phil, Chicago Rock Cafe, Burnley, 9pm. Carers Voice -- information
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It's showtime
A NEW theatre company dedicated to children aged six to 18 is opening in Preston next month. GHi is an ambitious project being run by the Guild Hall, and local theatre group Imagine! Productions. Together the organisations hope to run about ten workshops
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Bury Sunday League
RESULTS and fixtures PREMIER DIVISION Blackmoor HFFC 1, Cheetham 1; Bury FC Social 2, The Heywood 2; Elton Vale Sports 2, Pleasant View 1; Heaton Park Prestwich 2, Garsdale 7; Tottington United 3, Kings Hotel 5; Westbury Sports 5, The Cave 0. DIVISION
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Bolton/Bury mini league
LATESRT details U7 Section A: Brandlesholme Warriors 0 Elton & Walshaw Panthers 2; Bromley Cross Aces 1 Boothstown Brazilians 3; Horwich RMI Reds 5 Westhoughton Rangers 0; Horwich St Mary's Tornadoes 2 Ladybridge Athletic 6; Rooftec Rangers 0 Eagley
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Souness blasts Rovers
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness blasted his players after Rovers slumped to a crushing UEFA Cup defeat in Turkey last night. Genclerbirligi's 3-1 victory in the 19 Mayis Stadium leaves Rovers with a mountain to climb in the second leg at Ewood in three
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Rovers have it all to do
THOSE Blackburn fans who braved this trip to Turkey might have emerged unscathed from Ankara last night, but sadly the same could not be said for Graeme Souness's bruised and battered troops. Genclerbirligi, inspired by the majestic Souleymane Youla,
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Police appoint new race issues worker
A RACE issues co-ordinator has been appointed by Lancashire Constabulary to work with ethnic minority communities who come into contact with the law. Stephen Little, 44, has taken up his new post and will be based within the community safety department
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'Support your carnival' plea
A SUMMER festival procession is in danger of being scrapped if people fail to come forward and join in the fun. Members of Lostock Hall Carnival committee say next year's parade might not go ahead if locals do not take part. Now committee secretary Brian
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Lecture brings special memories
A MEMORIAL lecture will be held at the University of Central Lancashire this week in honour of a former Preston MP and campaigner for health. The Audrey Wise Memorial Lecture will take place on Tuesday at 6pm at the Greenbank Lecture Theatre, Victoria
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Arthur's a card carrying fanatic
WHILE some people enjoy DIY or gardening in their spare time, one man has an unusual hobby that has taken him around the world. For the past seven years Arthur Parsons, of Shermount Avenue, Fulwood, Preston, has been a fanatical phone card collector.
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Friend broke order to meet pal again
A MAN banned by an Anti Social Behaviour Order from seeing his lifelong friend met up with him to say their fond farewells. Burnley magistrates heard how Alhaj Mahmood, 21, and Tarjan Uddin drove to Waterfoot because they knew they would not be able to
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Technology park plan for Michelin site
PLANS to build a new £2million technology centre on the former Michelin site in Burnley have been submitted to the council. The proposals for the centre will be the first step in the redevelopment of the whole site, which is expected to take several years
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Meet the lodger - it's Page Three Linda!
FORMER page three model Linda Lusardi has become firm friends with the Burnley family she stayed with as part of a TV game show. The Brunskills had no idea who would be coming to live with them for three days when they agreed to take part in Celebrities
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No tanks! Protest over gas cylinders
WORRIED residents are piling on the pressure against the siting of two liquid gas tanks close to their homes. Householders in Holland Court are anxious that the siting of cylinders at St Anne's House, North Street, will pose a potential hazard and become
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Burglar stole then went back for more
A RAIDER who struck twice at the same Trawden commercial premises had eaten no food and had no cash, Burnley Magistrates heard. The court was told Stuart Leeming, 23, first took a £200 chainsaw, then went back later and came out empty handed but left
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What's on...
A round-up of what's happening over the next week. Preston Arts Festival will be running from October 13 October until October 25. There will be plenty of entertainment with dance, drama, music and poetry planned. For programmes and booking visit the
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East Lancs handles cuppas to care
KAREN Francis will be handling the cups and saucers tomorrow morning as a massive fundraising campaign comes to life across East Lancashire. Karen is manager of the leisure centre at The Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, one of dozens of businesses
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Dad gave son drugs when he was 14
A 29 year old Accrington man was given amphetamine by his father when he was just 14 years old. Blackburn magistrates heard that following that introduction to drugs Craig Thomas had gone through the entire range of illegal substances and been addicted
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Ding-dong row over missing bus stop
A COUNCIL has been criticised for getting carried away after they removed a controversial shelter -- and took the bus stop as well. Bob Tuffnell, of M&M Coaches, Accrington, said Hyndburn Council only left a steel pole, with no sign at the top in
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Struggling cinema could be revived
ACCRINGTON'S cinema could re-open before Christmas after several companies expressed an interest in taking over the beleaguered business, it has been revealed Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said Globe Enterprises -- in which the council owns
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Backing for school after false porn slur
PARENTS of pupils at an Accrington school which was at the centre of false allegations of computer porn have given a vote of confidence to staff. Some 16 parents have signed a letter pledging their support for staff at Heathlands College in the wake of
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Railway group back on track
A MODEL Railway club which was ravaged by a vandal attack over six months ago has fought against the odds to get their annual exhibition back on track. More than 10 years of hard work was destroyed in one night last February when a vandal smashed up all
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Members wanted
CHARITY workers are on the road to new success after pulling through a bad patch. With the future looking bright the Friends of Tyldesley's Fourways Assessment Unit are now seeking new members to help strengthen their team. The voluntary group which supports
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Grandfather died on way to collect cigs
A SELF-EMPLOYED joiner was killed when he was struck by a taxi as he returned to a pub after forgetting his cigarettes. Grandfather Jack Sharrock suffered serious head injuries in the collision outside the Royal Oak pub on Wigan Road, Leigh. A Bolton
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Anthony's pitch-ure perfect
A YOUNG musician has been selected to play for an elite chamber orchestra under the baton of an top conductor in a one-off concert. Anthony Satterthwaite, 13, of Darwen Close, Longridge, has been invited to play for the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted
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From the Radcliffe Times of September 25, 1953
A lifting of textile sanctions against Japan by three East African nations would have little adverse impact on the textile trade in Lancashire, according to the Radcliffe Cotton Manufacturers Association. IN an attempt to stave off an anticipated shortage
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Stanley was always at home with a takeaway
WHEN he was a child, the smell of fish and chips was always in the air for Stanley Perrins, of Higher Dean Street in Radcliffe. Mr Perrins committed his memories to paper for Days to Remember of the chip shop in Robert Street that his parents kept until
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Fountain gave rector hope for town's future
"A LITTLE oasis in our desert", was the description given to Radcliffe's first public monument -- an ornate drinking fountain writes Richard Connor Those were the words of the Rector of Radcliffe Rev Stanley Swinburne, a very outspoken man. Chronicling
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Reserves run riot
WITH the club's first team game postponed Hindsford's second team travelled to Irlam MS in the first round of the Open Trophy. The early part of the game was evenly matched with Hindsford coming closest to scoring when a Matt Toone effort was deflected
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Colls hold leaders
ATHERTON Collieries had a superb 3-3 home draw against top of the table Clitheroe, but should have won after being 3-1 up with only 10 minutes remaining. John Blackley, Martyn Stewart and Paul Bridge got the goals for the local side, but a disputed freekick
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East on fire
Leigh East 44 Featherstone Lions 6: LEIGH East were on fire on Saturday with an eight-try romp which left Featherstone Lions reeling and helped soothe the hurt felt by the previous weekend's reversal at Thornhill. Life has not been easy for Featherstone
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Radcliffe Parks League
THE last competition of the season, Bowler of the Year 2003, will be held at Dobbies BC on Saturday, September 27. The draw will be held at 12.15pm and matches commence at 12.30pm, strike-out 12.15pm. All games will be 21up with every player on scratch
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Clarets to face Dons sell-out
WIMBLEDON are expecting a full house for their first game in Milton Keynes on Saturday when they take on the Clarets. And Burnley boss Stan Ternent knows that his team will have to turn up the heat in what could be a pressurised atmosphere. His side were
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New-look youth club set to open soon
A MODERN-day youth centre for Radcliffe is nearing completion. The former Radcliffe Youth Club in Coronation Road has been closed for six months while refurbishments totalling £200,000 have been taking place. Radcliffe area youth work manager, Tim Pyzniuk
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Memorial garden for Billy
THE father of an eight-year-old boy killed in a motorcycle accident has created a memorial garden in his name. The tragic death of Billy Joe Dean touched the hearts of hundreds of people in Stoneclough. And when his father, Joe, decided to transform a
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Award for caring staff
COUNCIL staff have picked up another award. The revenue and benefits team based at Leigh and Wigan have been awarded the Royal National Institute for Deaf People's Louder Than Words charter recognising its services for deaf and hard of hearing customers
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Runner for charity
FATHER of two, Nick Harper, has been bitten by the running bug after completing the Great North Run. The 29 year old, of Schofield Street, Leigh raised £650 for Cancer Research UK by running the half marathon in two hours eight minutes. He's now half
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£650 raised for Alzheimer's
lA CHARITY concert in aid of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease raised over £650 shared between Wigan and Leigh Alzheimer's support group and Golborne House residents' fund. Tommy Lythgoe and friends from Lowton organised the well-supported event
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Chef scoops top prize in cheese draw
CHEF Anthony Eccles is licking his lips after winning the ultimate prize for food enthusiasts -- a luxury weekend at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir. Anthony, 28, a sous chef at the Mytton Fold Farm Hotel, Langho, won the top prize in a draw by cheese brand
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Where's Milly gone?
A GRANDAD has appealed to the public to help find a seven month old brown terrier puppy which went missing a week ago leaving a little girl heartbroken. The brown Lakeland terrier bitch named Milly went missing on spare land near the Stour Road estate
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'Eyesore' award winners selected
AWARDS in Darwen Civic Society's photographic competition 'Eyesores In and About Darwen' were presented yesterday. The society's 15th annual exhibition, on display in the town library, highlights grot spots in the area from various viewpoints. Children
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Goodies for scheme leavers
FOUR-year-olds given an early boost in life moved on to their next challenge with a goodbye gift. The Sure Start Programme in Hindley and Hindley Green presented all the children leaving the scheme with a rucksack full of goodies to carry with them in
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Wounding man in court
A MAN has appeared in court charged with unlawful wounding after an attack in Leigh. Andrew Diamond of Belshill Court, Rochdale, pleaded not guilty at Bolton Crown Court to a charge of wounding with intent, but entered a guilty plea to a charge of unlawful
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Coffee for charity
BENTS Garden Centre's Fresh Approach Restaurant is taking part in the World's Largest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief tomorrow (Friday). Staff hope to better last year's £750 total raised from 8.30-11.30am. Head pastry chef, Andrew Bourne
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Attack at flat after woman was slapped
TWO men took the law into their own hands after the partner of one of them was assaulted. Blackburn magistrates heard that Neil Townsend's partner, a care worker, had been slapped in the face when she asked the group of individuals to be quiet so her
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Julie's slimline tonic
CONGRATULATIONS were in order for Julie Young who lost 18 inches after a 10 week course of toning table sessions and diet. "Any woman or man can achieve what Julie has done, with diet and regular sessions," said Barbara Gildart of Corpobello salon in
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Churches join Rosary parade
CHURCHES from Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley will join in 119th celebrations next week. Parishioners will link up for the Wigan and District Catholic Men's Society annual Rosary Sunday demonstration on October 5. They will assemble at Darlington Street
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Cash handout will mean a brighter future
OVER £650,000 could be handed to Wigan Council by the New Opportunities Fund for area makeovers. Bickershaw, Golborne, Higher Folds, Plank Lane and Shakerley are set to benefit from the "Green Scheme." The funds will be used to improve environments by
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Band to go it alone
FRUSTRATED by the inadequacies of organised tours to Holland and Germany in the past few years Astley Youth Band have decided to go it alone for 2004 -- in the French Alps. Big audiences are predicted for next July's week long, four concert tour based
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Gibfield site gets VIP treatment
ONE of the area's biggest regeneration schemes has started at Atherton where VIPs and government officials will join developers and take a 4 x 4 tour of the 300 acre Gibfield Park site. Gibfield Park has been derelict and -- says Wigan Council -- dangerous
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WI have a 'dummy' run
NEWCHURCH WI members enjoyed a ventriloquism demo by Colin and Kate Spenser and their "other family". Colin outlined a brief history of audio illusion and demonstrated his skill with models he had made and Kate had dressed. They learned in the USA there
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BICC humour inspires Geoff
A FORMER BICC employee has turned his experiences at the company into a series of novels. "One Spring" is the second in a series of four humorous novels by author Geoff Lee. Following on from "One Winter" it tells the nostalgic story of a Lancashire family
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Church wants villagers to have a voice
A VILLAGE church is seeking a louder voice in helping to sort out problems in the community. Golborne St Thomas' has chosen to undergo a Parish Assessment and Review and is appealing to residents to have their say. The PAR programme has been prepared
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Pumpkin pickers nick Alf's prize veg
THIEVES were so green with envy they pinched Alf Shacklady's man-size orange pumpkin from out of his back garden. Pensioner Alf, from Princes Avenue, Blackmoor, Tyldesley couldn't believe his eyes when he went to water his baby and could only stand and
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Boro fightback is too late
LANCASTER CITY 4 RADCLIFFE BOROUGH 2: Boro turned in an inept defensive performance and only two late goals gave the scoreline a look of respectability. Ironically Boro looked the better team for long passages of the game, but they fell behind after 27
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Hardy back to give Boror cup boost
BORO boss Kevin Glendon is banking on Radcliffe star Neill Hardy being fit for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Oldham Town. The key striker missed the midweek Unibond Premier defeat at Lancaster with flu but is expected to shrug off the virus in time for
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Girl, 19, 'jumped from balcony'
AN INQUEST in Blackburn has been told that a 19-year-old girl who died while on holiday in Cyprus jumped from a sixth floor balcony. Caroline Booth, of Ambleside Drive, was on holiday with members of her family and her partner at the Eden Beach Holiday
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Green grants on offer
SAPPI'S Blackburn base has launched an environmental grant scheme. The scheme was created to promote the commitment of Sappi -- a world leader in paper manufacture -- to achieving the highest possible standards of environmental performance. The company
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Lib-Dem leader slams 'jealous' Straw
LIBERAL Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has attacked Blackburn MP Jack Straw over the war on Iraq. He accused the Foreign Secretary of not understanding the concept of liberalism or principle. In his keynote leader speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference
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Throat slash court drama
AN INVESTIGATION was under way today into how an East Lancashire prisoner was able to smuggle a razor blade into a court building and cut his throat with it in front of his solicitor. And the solicitor told of the horrifying moment yesterday when his
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Voters get say on Muslim school plan
PEOPLE are being urged to voice their opinions publicly on the setting up of Lancashire's first Muslim state school. The Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School, in Bicknell Street, Shear Brow, Blackburn, is set to become the first Muslim girls' school to
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Cole hot to trot for world champs
DARWEN-BASED Royal Marine Brian Cole has qualified for next year 's World Championships after finishing second in the Winchoten 100 km race in the Netherlands. Cole clocked seven hours, ten minutes and eight seconds over ten laps of ten km to average
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Greenwood is still climbing
WITH only one weekend remaining of the 2003 Road Season a good number of our local racing cyclists are now building up for the Hill Climb Season which will culminate in the National Championship to be held near Huddersfield on Sunday the October 26. One
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Hollis glad to still be involved
STEVE Hollis feared he may never play for Accrington Stanley again. The left back sustained a serious knee injury early in 2002, which kept him sidelined for 12 months. He feared his footballing career could be in jeopardy, let alone his long-standing
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Pupils dress down for charity
PUPILS from 14 schools will wear mufti for a day to help cancer sufferers. The Wigan and Leigh Group of fundraisers for Christie's has organised a non-uniform, fancy dress fun day to boost the hospital appeal. Children from St Michael's CE, Howe Bridge
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Praise for graffiti artistes - not!
I'D like to nail golden graffiti artists Lynette and Amber who have defaced Leigh's new Shopmobility building with metallic spray paint. Clever aren't they to use their names? I hope their parents recognise them and deal with them accordingly. I'd make
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Firebrand Joe is still a Leyther
I BUMPED into the sixties' scourge of Leigh Town Hall on Monday, former councillor Joe Knowles. Memories came flooding back of those many late night meetings I, and fellow representatives, spent cursing him as he prolonged proceedings in the chamber.
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Can anyone help Amy's film search?
REACTION to my views is always welcome -- even if it does take two years. That's how long it is since I wrote about accidentally tuning in to the enjoyable film "Hindle Wakes" one wet Friday afternoon. Former Westleigh factory lass Amy Jones, who saw
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Have they blown it?
Salford City Reds 26 Leigh Centurions 18 by Mike Hulme IF the Centurions fail to make the Division One Grand Final they will reflect on sixty seconds of madness that could have wrecked their season. Leigh's Achilles heel of ill-discipline is again a major
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Ladies on target
LEIGH RMI Ladies defeated Manchester Stingers 6-3. Leigh opened brightly and took the lead when Simone Robinson floated the ball over the Manchester keeper from 30 yards out. Stingers equalised before Joanne Wood fired home from the edge of the box. Poor
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Bury parks ladies' bowls amateur league
LATEST details AINSWORTH ROAD...166911) MANCHESTER ROAD...62(1) A. Lees 19, O. Booth 21; D. Flint 21, M. Howarth 7; E. Heap 21, I. Craven 6; A. Williams 21, J. Ashley 17; E. Brown 21, E. Dickinson 2; M. Gill 21, P. Highton 7; J. Heapy 21, L. Farrell 2
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Bury and Radcliffe Junior Football League
LATEST results UNDER-15 DIVISION ONE Boothstown Jnrs R 1, Swinton Town 3; Boundary Park Jnrs 1, Avro Jnrs 11; Brandlesholme 1, De La Salle 8; Middleton Colts 2, Heybury FC 5; Moston Jnrs 5, Beechfield Utd 0; Oldham Town Yth 6, Woodbank A 1; Roach Dynamo
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Bury Sunday sixes
IN the Winners Cup, Veterans qualified from group A following three straight wins. Inter Cross went through from group B after three straight wins. From group C, Bury Bulldogs went through after three wins and best runner-up qualifier went to NUF FC after
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Another 1400 show support for Village plan
MORE than 1,400 shoppers showed their support for the Leigh Sports Village project after they signed letters backing the ambitious £75million scheme. Volunteers, including MP Andy Burnham and Leigh Sports Partnership chairman Trevor Barton, were on hand
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Throat slash court drama
AN INVESTIGATION was under way today into how an East Lancashire prisoner was able to smuggle a razor blade into a court building and cut his throat with it in front of his solicitor. And the solicitor told of the horrifying moment yesterday when his
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Nightmare finally over
A FORMER gun club member has been cleared of having a "bomb kit" at his home. Gordon Hudson, 58, was found not guilty of having an explosive substance in November and fought back tears as the jury delivered its verdict after the three-day trial at Burnley
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Paddy calls for same again
MARK Patterson paid tribute to his team's battling performance against Morecambe -- and called for more of the same against Conference high-fliers Stevenage Borough. Patterson praised his players for their gutsy display against the Shrimps -- despite
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Fact file...
A LOOK at the key moments from the game against Genclerbirligi. ROVERS: BRAD FRIEDEL: Maybe could have done better for the first but he was cruelly exposedby the men in front of him. 6 LUCAS NEILL: Not one of his better performances but the back four
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Tough on truants
TEENAGERS in Preston who skip school without permission are the focus of a new poster campaign. The eye-catching posters have the no-nonsense message 'Bunking Off -- Missing Out' splashed across them and are targeted at older schoolchildren who play truant
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Local BNP cell started
THE British National Party (BNP) is planning to push for supporters in Preston and South Ribble in time for the next local elections. Party members relaunched the Preston branch of their party at a secret meeting, held in an undisclosed location in the
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Curfew on anti-social nuisance
A COMMUNITY can sleep easier at night after an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) was imposed on a 17-year-old menace preventing him from causing further trouble on the estate. Ryan Stanley Walch, of Bidston Street, Fishwick, is banned from going out
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They've plenty to shout about
A COUPLE from Penwortham are set to be catapulted to fame as Preston animator Nick Park launches the next instalment of his Oscar winning classic Creature Comforts. Richard and Pamela Wareing are the voices behind two of the film's lead characters --
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The eyes have it for regular tests
A PAIR of Burnley opticians are marking National Eye Care Week by campaigning for more people to get regular tests. Specsavers co-directors, Sue George and David Cleasby, said many people did not realise the importance of regular eye tests, which can
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Nomination is just the ticket
AN East Lancashire bus operator has been nominated for a prestigious industry award. Blazefield East Lancashire, which runs Lancashire United and Burnley and Pendle Travel, is on a shortlist of five up for the Bus Industry Awards' Operator of the Year
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Couch potato days numbered
WAR has been declared on the couch potato culture by Burnley leisure bosses. Draft measures to rejuvenate sport and the arts are expected to be agreed by the borough council's executive when it meets on Tuesday. They include plans to get young people
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Padiham and Hapton Bulletin
THE only flat thing at the champagne evening in Padiham Town Hall was the 30-year-old bottle which was opened with a whimper, not a bang. It did not, however, stop the evening from being a sparkling occasion. Hosted by Padiham Mayoress Hazel Rushton,
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Man to face trial after fatal accident
A NELSON motorist has denied causing the death of a fellow student by dangerous driving in a brief, formal hearing at Manchester Crown Court yesterday. Sadakat Hussein, 19, of Beaufort Street, will appear for trial on January 19 after conditional bail
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Drink-drive salesman loses job
A SALESMAN almost three-and-a-half times the limit has lost his job and his driving licence after a 'moment of madness.' Charity worker Paul Cullen, 31, of Sefton Street, Brierfield, admitted driving with excess alcohol. Burnley Magistrates imposed a
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Centre wins top accolade
A ONE stop shop for children and families in Nelson was selected today as the first in the Lancashire to become a Government-designated children's centre. Walton Lane Early Excellence Centre is one of just 29 in the country to get early designation as
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Nightmare finally over
A FORMER gun club member has been cleared of having a "bomb kit" at his home. Gordon Hudson, 58, was found not guilty of having an explosive substance in November and fought back tears as the jury delivered its verdict after the three-day trial at Burnley
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Ladies meet their match
PNE took the lead on just four minutes when Michaela Barlow smacked in a cross from Sarah Berry. Louise Cafferkey and Barlow both shot just over the bar. Cafferkey's rasping shot was well saved. PNE kept up the pressure and Cafferkey shaved the bar on
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Rugby Union - last kick cup victory for Hoppers
HOPPERS got out of jail to win their Powergen Cup second round tie with the last kick of the game after being 13-0 down after 50 minutes. With several regulars missing through injury, the first half was a struggle, although there were a number of scoring
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Hockey - fitness key to success
IT has been a summer of change at Preston Hockey Club with Colin Sinclair stepping down as coach after two seasons with Nick Smith taking the reins as manager. Luke Watson will continue his dual role of first team captain and coach. The management team
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LG cup holder's back agony
LG Cup holder Chris Small revealed his private agony when he returned to Preston to defend his title at the Guild Hall next week. Chris, who was here to promote the event, suffers from an incurable progressive spinal disease which leaves him in constant
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Ragtime Robert's days of film fame
LOOKING Back's rewind last month to forgotten films produced in East Lancashire in the 1920s and 1930s made Darwen ancestor hunter Anne Stokes wonder if readers could help her trace another 'local' film in which her late great uncle starred. It was called
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MP is guest
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham will speak at the Wigan and Leigh Council for Voluntary Service's annual meeting. He will discuss the benefits to the local authority of working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector at the Hallgate House, Wigan,
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Anti-war campaign date set
THE Manchester People's Assembly, initially called by Manchester stop the war coalition, will meet on Saturday October 4, at the Methodist Central Hall, Oldham Street Manchester (10.30-5.00). It will give people a chance to voice concerns and allow as
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Fatal overdose of paracetamol
A 77-year-old woman died after accidentally taking an overdose of paracetamol. An inquest heard that Joan Lofthouse was racked with pain and had previously said that if she died she did not want to be resuscitated. But her son said she had never indicated
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'Stop' button on takeaway
PLANS to convert a video shop to a takeaway have been refused after planners heard the area had become the 'takeaway capital of Lancashire'. Mohammed Shahzad wanted to open the takeaway in the shop at the corner of Whalley Road and Milton Street, Clayton-le-Moors
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Bikers' farewell
MOURNERS heard that a larger-than-life veteran biker who lived life to the full died the way he would have wanted - on his beloved motorbike. Arthur Lofthouse died in a road accident seven years after his son died in a TT warm-up race, and yesterday around
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Forum will make Atherton a better place
COMMUNITY involvement will make Atherton a better place. Representatives from many organisations joined forces to set up the Atherton Township Forum and at their first meeting called on people to get involved and play a part in forging a brighter future
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Truancy sweep team question 55 pupils
FIFTY-FIVE school pupils were stopped in Leigh town centre during a truancy sweep on Tuesday. Education welfare officers and police officers took to the town centre streets to search for youngsters who should have been in school. Twenty-four of the children
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Vandal-hit railway show back on track
A MODEL railway club hit by vandals six months ago has fought against the odds to get its annual exhibition back on the rails. More than 10 years of hard work was destroyed in one night in February when all the model railway layouts were smashed at the
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Date set for tower repairs
REPAIR work to make Leigh Parish Church's 16th century tower safe will start next March. Work on the town centre focal point is expected to take 12 weeks to complete. The two year fund raising appeal, started with a world record breaking candle lighting
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Health check shock for diabetic mum
A DIABETIC mother-of-two was shocked to learn her annual health check had been put back -- for 12 months. For over 20 years since her condition was diagnosed she has like other sufferers undergone an annual rigorous examination. But shortly before she
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Mum's joy at chatroom closures
THE mum of a teenage Ribble Valley girl who sparked a nationwide search after running off to meet an internet stranger has welcomed plans by Microsoft to axe its chatrooms. The company's British operation, MSN UK, announced yesterday that from October
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Women congratulated on their achievements
WOMEN of achievement from across Lancashire gathered at the Mytton Fold Farm Hotel, Langho, for a glittering awards ceremony. The Lancashire Woman of the Year title was awarded to Violet Carter, 73, of Ribbleton, a voluntary community worker in deprived
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Breast cancer appeal
OCTOBER marks the 10th year of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The good news is due to increased awareness, breast screening and improved treatments more people are surviving breast cancer. However breast cancer is still the UK's most common cancer in
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Give us a safe barrier
THE barrier at Lord Grove, Hindsford was not designed to be erected on a pavement. Both Cllr Mark Aldred and Cllr Robert Bleakley agree it is not appropriate. Residents of Lord Grove have no objection to a safe barrier but this one is not pedestrian friendly
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I want freedom of choice
I WISH to add my voice to that of S Mullen (Sep 18) regarding the addition of fluoride to our water supply. I too feel very strongly against this, primarily because I favour freedom of choice. I reserve the right to choose whether or not I brush my teeth
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The goals will flow now for Chadwick
I'M really pleased that the goals are finally going in for Luke Chadwick. Chadders had a few chances at Burnley when I was still there and they hadn't been going in. But once you get one it just starts going for you. It's great for Chadders. He's doing
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Clarets to face Dons sell-out
WIMBLEDON are expecting a full house for their first game in Milton Keynes on Saturday when they take on the Clarets. And Burnley boss Stan Ternent knows that his team will have to turn up the heat in what could be a pressurised atmosphere. His side were
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We got what we deserved
WELL, we got exactly what we deserved in Turkey - nothing! It's enjoyable playing in Europe and going away on trips like that, but the bottom line is if you don't work hard enough, then you don't get any rewards in this game. And if you don't match these
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Guide dog died saving owner
A BLIND student from Leyland described how his life was saved by his beloved guide dog who died after being hit by a car. Nine-year-old German shepherd, Granger, died after taking the full force of the car on a busy main road. His owner John Edwards was
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Leigh Youth League
LEIGH RMI Under 11s ran out 6-0 winners over Hindsford Wolves in a game that was much closer than the scoreline suggests. Leigh's goals came from Sam Strickland (2), Marc Raynor and Alex Hampson plus two own goals. Leigh's man of the match was Jack Grundy
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LR Juniors
ATHERTON LR U9s picked up their first win, beating Farnworth Lions 1-0. LR played well and were 1-0 up at half time but needed a couple of good saves to keep their lead intact. The Under 12s reached the next round of the Lancashire County Cup with a 4
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Sorry Miners crash again
Oulton Raiders 14 Leigh Miners Rangers 12: LEIGH Miners fell to their fourth defeat in five games as the Raiders hung on for their first home success of the season. The Yorkshire side got off to a lively start when winger Steve McGreavey and centre Stephen
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False start for Golborne signing
PARKSIDE Golborne signed the former Canadian 2000 Emerging nations RL World Cup player Marc Simon on Saturday but were disappointed when Eccleston UGB failed to turn up, because they were only able to raise 10 players. While Golborne will be awarded the
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Tyldesley's famous win
WORKINGTON 10 TYLDESLEY 20: THE Ellis Sports Ground at Workington is etched in Rugby folklore as the place where the mighty All Blacks suffered their only every defeat to an English provincial side when the North West Counties recorded their famous win
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Leigh RU Round-Up
Leigh 1st XV 76 Windermere 8 LEIGH RU produced exhibition style rugby in a convincing Intermediate Cup win over Windermere. Wilcock made the early breakthrough when he won the chase to his own chip ahead, and was on hand again shortly afterwards to finish
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Bury Veterans' Bowls league
LATEST results Buchanan 165(8), Black Lane A 131(2); Seedfield 150(4), Close Park 167(7); Whitehead 156(9), Clarence 117(1); Nuttall Park 181(7), Hopwood 166(3); Black Lane B 155(1), Dobbies 182(10); Openshaw 160(7), Tottington A 150(3); Nuttall Park
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Souness blasts Rovers
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness blasted his players after Rovers slumped to a crushing UEFA Cup defeat in Turkey last night. Genclerbirligi's 3-1 victory in the 19 Mayis Stadium leaves Rovers with a mountain to climb in the second leg at Ewood in three
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Technology park plan for Michelin site
PLANS to build a new £2million technology centre on the former Michelin site in Burnley have been submitted to the council. The proposals for the centre will be the first step in the redevelopment of the whole site, which is expected to take several years
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It's top of the shops!
A FEW years ago visitors to Radcliffe would have been confronted by derelict and empty shops. But business is now beginning to boom and six new shops have opened in the last eight weeks. Two more businesses are due to start trading within the next fortnight
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Guide Dogs coffee morning
INTELLIGENT dogs will be the centre of attention on Thursday, October 9 when a coffee morning in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind is being held at Kingsleigh Methodist hall in King Street, Leigh.
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MP is guest
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham will speak at the Wigan and Leigh Council for Voluntary Service's annual meeting. He will discuss the benefits to the local authority of working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector at the Hallgate House, Wigan,
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Anti-war campaign date set
THE Manchester People's Assembly, initially called by Manchester stop the war coalition, will meet on Saturday October 4, at the Methodist Central Hall, Oldham Street Manchester (10.30-5.00). It will give people a chance to voice concerns and allow as
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Thief hooks on to easy pickings
HOUSEHOLDERS in Darwen and surrounding areas are being warned by the police to remove keys from their doors after burglars broke into a house by pulling the keys through the letter box on a hook. The incident happened in Edgworth Vale, Turton, between
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Smallest school wins glowing praise
BLACKBURN with Darwen's smallest school has gained top marks from school inspectors. Tockholes CE Primary School, which has just 48 pupils and only two classes, has been commended by Ofsted. Headteacher Barbara Cocken was praised for her vision, energy
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School provides services for good of society
A DARWEN high school is set to be the first in East Lancashire to be included in a government programme that aims to put schools at the heart of communities. Margaret Hodge MP, minister for children, young people and families, announced that the school
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Adrian's Wall walk for charity
ADRIAN Jones trekked 18 miles along a section of Hadrian's Wall and helped raise an expected £50,000 for the Down's Syndrome Association. Adrian, whose son Gareth has the condition, is a partner in the family run Blackmoor Service Station near Tyldesley
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Chapel future secured - as apartments
A CONTROVERSIAL Grade Two listed building in the centre of Darwen which was falling into disrepair has been transformed into luxury apartments. Rossendale-based Living Room, in consultation with English Heritage, have converted the former Belgrave Chapel
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Pupils dress down for charity
PUPILS from 14 schools will wear mufti for a day to help cancer sufferers. The Wigan and Leigh Group of fundraisers for Christie's has organised a non-uniform, fancy dress fun day to boost the hospital appeal. Children from St Michael's CE, Howe Bridge
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Cash handout will mean a brighter future
MORE than £650,000 could be handed to Wigan Council by the New Opportunities Fund for area makeovers. Bickershaw, Golborne, Higher Folds, Plank Lane and Shakerley are set to benefit from the "Green Scheme." The funds will be used to improve environments
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Pupils from across globe at big reunion
MORE than 1,000 former pupils of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School are going back to school for a special reunion. The event, on Saturday, October 4, is being held to celebrate 300 years since the school was founded, and 90 years since the school was
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Ban on street street drinking
DRINKERS in Rawtenstall are to get their last orders after councillors voted to ban drinking on the streets. Rossendale Council corporate policy committee heard figures for alcohol-related offences before deciding Rawtenstall should be the site of the
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Training in Transylvania
NTOURISM chiefs are exporting skills to Transylvania. Lowton's Bill Hampson, who has vast experience of the country, thanks to his years of charity work with Lowton Churches for Romania, is on the team invited to deliver a programme of training courses
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Gibfield Park site gets VIP treatment
ONE of the area's biggest regeneration schemes has started at Atherton where VIPs and government officials will join developers and take a 4 x 4 tour of the 300 acre Gibfield Park site. Gibfield Park has been derelict and -- says Wigan Council -- dangerous
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Drop in for coffee
VICAR'S wife Diane Leakey will put the kettle on to help families living with cancer. She is joining tomorrow's (Friday) world's biggest coffee morning between 10am and noon to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief and is hosting a get-together in the
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Singing star Michelle's on the road to fame
BEDFORD High School singing star Michelle Reynolds is on the road to TV fame. Following her live performance on CBBC's Fame Academy on Monday Michelle is one of eight chosen from thousands of budding hopefuls to reach the final of the contest for school
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Women taste food of the past
rWI members travelled back in time to the 17th century for a taste of the food served up then. Vicky Williams, dressed as a cook from the 1600s, taught Culcheth branch members about coffins, possets and pottages as well as how raw vegetables and exotic
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Society's new season
LEIGH Literary Society is preparing for the start of a busy new season. On October 6 Margaret Curry launches the seven month series of talks with her subject "Cotton Wool Country" followed on the 20th by Neville Holt's "The York Story". Other diary dates
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Nurseries can help charity
CALLING all nurseries! Can you help Tommy's baby charity raise some money and maybe win a Merc and a box of TOMY toys? On Friday, October 3 nurseries nationwide will hold Teddy Bears' Picnics and Tommy's are asking that children be allowed to take in
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Show how it should be done
HERE we go again -- South Ribble Borough Council is considering introducing car park charges on Leyland's public car parks handed over with most other amenities by the old Leyland District Council in 1974. As a past member of the then Leyland Urban District
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New face welcomed to ministerial team
A NEW minister in the Pastorate of Revidge Fold and Trinity United Reformed Churches has been inducted at Revidge Fold Church, Blackburn. The Rev Martin Smith has joined the ministerial team of the Rev Lena Talbot and the Rev Geoff Tolley. The Mayor and
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Hoax 999 bomb threat man jailed for 18 months
A MAN who threatened to blow up a police station with semtex in a hoax call has been jailed for 18 months. Preston Crown Court heard that Keith Peel had a previous conviction for a similar offence. Peel, 35, of Freckleton Street, Blackburn, had been committed
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Working to respect cultures
A TROUBLESHOOTER appointed to ensure criminal justice agencies are respecting ethnic minority people's culture today declared: "I want to make a difference". Stephen Little is the first ever Lancashire race issues co-ordinator in a role funded by the
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Reshuffle 'would not force up tax'
THE merger of three East Lancashire authorities would not itself force up council tax bills, the chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen has claimed. In a submission to the Boundary Commission, Philip Watson has assured residents they will not pay more
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Minister visits grants chase areas
A GOVERNMENT minister was visiting two of East Lancashire's most rundown areas today. Phil Hope, a parliamentary under secretary with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was to tour neighbourhoods in Blackburn and Burnley that have been included in
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No mountain too high for silver trio
KATIE Ingram and Rachael Thomspon teamed up with the north west's newest world champion to win a silver medal at the weekend. Karrie Hawitt, from Warrington AC, won the under-20 women's race at the World Mountain Running Trophy on Mount Alyeska in Girdwood
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Spotligh on Walsall
WALSALL hit the ground running this season, providing the shock result of the day when they beat Midlands rivals West Brom 4-1 on the opening day. But for Colin Lee, even with the services of former Arsenal striker Paul Merson, it has been downhill all
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We must do better away
TWO games, six points and eight goals -- now Craig Brown has ordered his team to sort out their away day record with another two wins on the bounce. Following two morale-boosting victories at Deepdale, Preston hit the road for back-to-back away games,
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Truancy sweep team question 55 pupils
FIFTY-FIVE school pupils were stopped in Leigh town centre during a truancy sweep on Tuesday. Education welfare officers and police officers took to the town centre streets to search for youngsters who should have been in school. Twenty-four of the children
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Take a bow, young sir
THANKS also go to an unknown knight in shining armour who this week tackled a bag snatcher. The victim who wishes to remain anonymous wrote to say she was attacked in Leigh on Friday afternoon but admits the incident happened so fast and she was so shaken
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Shopping tosh
MEN can only shop till they drop for 72 minutes according to a recent survey. In my experience that's a load of tosh. I've yet to find one that knows what the inside of a supermarket looks like or where clothes can be bought. As for gifts, well that's
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Housing or else, villagers fear
AINSWORTH could lose its only major industry at the expense of housing. But if the controversial plan is rejected, Sealocrete, based in Church Street, is threatening to expand its operation in the village. The firm, which manufactures chemicals and specialist
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Inspired Kelly saves RMI a home point
Leigh RMI 1 Tamworth 1: FORMER Irish international goalkeeper Gary Kelly helped secure Leigh RMI a valuable point with a string of fine saves to deny Tamworth victory. Mark Patterson's fielded five players making their home debuts -- and his new look
