HLB AV Audit, the Southampton-based accountants appointed by the Government to audit the parish council's accounts, have written to the parish clerk to say they have not completed the audit as required by December 31.

Earlier in the year, the audit forms had to be re-issued across the country as many had been 'lost in the post'.

The parish council will therefore have to publish a Statement of Accounts in an unaudited state. Any villagers interested in the detail of the accounts should contact Carole Galbraith on 416947.

FOLLOWING a residents' lobby at a recent parish council meeting for an extra bench for the children's playground, a bench has now been installed by Burnley Borough Council.

THE next parish council meeting is on Tuesday, January 13, in the parish room at 7.30pm. Allotment rents will be collected from 7pm.

COMMUNITY beat manager Glynn Grey, and police community support officer for the rural area Dave Johnson, wish all villagers a happy and prosperous New Year and remember -- do not tempt thieves by leaving shopping on display in your car, and make sure your home is secure by locking doors and windows.

COUNCILLOR Alan Lawson and his wife Dorothea will be representing the Parish Council at the Epiphany Civic Carol Service to be held at Blackburn Cathedral on Sunday January 11.

WORSTHORNE Men's Group meets on Tuesday, January 13, in the Thursby rooms in the church at 8pm, when John Hartley will be taking his audience on a trip across Europe by Classic Rally Car.