10 years ago

BURNLEY town crier Jim Hathaway cried himself hoarse after competing in a national shouting contest.

Mr Hathaway scooped 10th place in the competition at Whitby after recording a booming 95 decibels. But it wasn't enough to take first place, which was secured by a man who delivered an ear-splitting 129 decibels. Mr Hathaway, who was cheered on by a group of friends from Burnley, had to take a day off work to rest his vocal chords.

25 years ago

ACCRINGTON newly-weds Michelle and Martin Prestage were thrilled to be showered with gifts through the post following their wedding. But the couple discovered the luxury items had a sting in their tail when bills for them followed. A cruel hoaxer continued to bombard the couple with pillows, records and clocks until the Post Office agreed to intercept them. Enough gifts to fill a skip, worth hundreds of pounds, were collected.

50 years ago

INSPIRATIONAL Henry Wilkinson, of Forton, near Garstang, passed his driving test despite having no arms. Shotgun injuries in 1942 resulted in him losing both limbs above the elbow. But specially adapted artificial limbs allowed him to drive as well as if they were his own. The 39-year-old wood-turning factory owner got the idea for learning to drive after watching a TV programme.