SHOCKED people across East Lancashire are campaigning to free British nanny Louise Woodward.

A growing army of people in the county believe Louise is innocent and many have pledged a crusade to clear the 19-year-old of the murder of baby Matthew Eappen.

A wave of outrage swept over the nation after Louise was sentenced to life for second degree murder.

Many feel that the American justice system let down Louise and she did not receive a fair trial.

Thousands of fans watched as a group of Blackburn Rovers supporters hoisted a giant banner into the air with the words: "Louise is Innocent."

The supporters paraded along the terraces holding the banner aloft in a public show of support for the young nanny at the Oakwell Stadium in the clash between Rovers and Barnsley.

The Coach and Horses pub on Market Street, Edenfield, have banned all their American drinks and food in disgust at the "unfair" trial.

Landlord Roger Barrie, 49, whose punters have been following the trial on a Sky TV screen at the pub, said: "We are doing it to show our disgust at the verdict. The way the trial was set up was not right. "I know it won't change the world but we wanted to show a bit of solidarity. The ban stands until Louise is acquitted."

A group of Blackburn youngsters are on their way to collecting 500 signatures in a "Free Louise" petition from people in the Bank Top area of Blackburn - and so far no-one has refused to sign it.

Colleen McAulie and brother Andrew, aged 12 and 13, of Stonyhurst Road, and sisters Kelly and Kerry Sowerbutts, both 12, of Johnston Street, will send their petition to Home Secretary Jack Straw urging him to act to help Louise.

Andrew said: "Everyone is in shock and upset. They expected Louise to get a proper trial and be found not guilty."

Colleen said: "We don't know whether Louise shook him but he had an injury beforehand anyway."

Colin Larter, who broke down in floods of tears when the jury returned their 'guilty' verdict, vowed: "I won't rest until something is done." The 32-year-old is leading a campaign to free Louise and wants others to join him.

He plans to raise funds for Louise's family, boost awareness of the case and lobby the Government on the issue of uneducated nannies abroad.

"It has been a big blow for the people of East Lancashire. Everyone believes she is innocent. I really hope and pray that she is acquitted."

Colin , who lives with his wife Angela and his two children on Derby Street, Colne, added: "I do feel sorry for the Eappens having lost a child but there was just not enough collaborating evidence to convict Louise."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.