I'M a bit of a whinger when it comes to noise, but there are times when there has to be a bit of give and take.

Two events have prompted complaints from residents this week - early morning noise from a fundraising dance at Leigh Fire Station, and from the Leigh centenary firework celebrations on the Library Square last Thursday. It's awful being kept awake when you want to sleep, but moaners should take solace from the fact that these were just one-off events - and in a good cause.

They're not a continuous pain like noisy and inconsiderate neighbours.

Fifteen-year-old Laurie Hinds took time out to tell me how impressed she was with the fireworks finale. While line dancing in the Liberal Club, the gang there thought the first bang was just another car being stolen. What?

When they realised what it really was, they went out to view the spectacle. At the end everyone in the streets applauded and cheered.

Laurie says: "I hope the town will do this sort of thing for the Millennium."

Are you listening Leigh?

Welcome home to the Spinning Jenny, now housed in the Town Hall foyer after a 10-year absence in storage. And well done to the ladies of Leigh Soroptimists who raised the £3,000 cash to have the heirloom restored.

LAST week I wrote a story about Leigh's Our House pub charity cycling team who are organising annual August Bank holiday treks to help local youngsters.

Due to a misunderstanding it was stated muscular dystrophy sufferer Paul Cartwright, who the squad helped last year, had sadly died. I am delighted to report this is totally wrong, and that last week Paul was enjoying himself on holiday in Wales. My apologises to Paul and his family, and fundraisers, for any distress caused.

He can now take comfort from the fact that he belongs to an elite club of people, like Mark Twain, who can boast "the news of my death has been greatly exaggerated".

A LEIGH grandma and her granddaughter were stunned after walking along Cook Street on August 4.

They couldn't believe their eyes when one of a gang of young boys pulled down his trousers, committed a sexual offence and invited them to take part.

In a letter to me this week she writes: "This town is going from bad to worse. It is pointless going to the police." Oh no it isn't . It's not too late to report the matter. Do it immediately before the youngster strikes again, believing he is free to get away with his obscene action.

This kind of behaviour must be stemmed before it gets worse.

Think of the children not fortunate enough to have a gran with them!

CRICKET sickens me off at the best of times, but now that Channel 4s won the coverage I hate it even more.

The sound of leather on willow is not what I want to hear at 4pm.

I and millions of 15 to One and Countdown fans want to see the sophisticated William G and the bumbling but lovable Richard Whiteley.

Does Channel 4 not realise how many fans they are disappointing by dropping these quizzes? How dare they?

We'd rather watch grass grow than put up with that boring game.

It's just not cricket.

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