Archive

REGARDING the letter about Alan Barnes and Diane Holgate, stars of 'Whistle Down the Wind' (LET, January 31), my husband was assistant manager at Burnley Odeon when they were making the film in Downham. Every evening after a day's filming the producers

REGARDING David Coggins letter 'Low Flying Plane Was in Airport Stack' (LET, January 28). His report was very good. As a retired microlight pilot I have more than a passing interest in aviation and air traffic in the Blackburn region airspace and I have

THERE is no better justification to fight to maintain and expand jury trials against trial by judges than the recent Hutton Inquiry. Despite damning evidence, much of which is in the public domain, Hutton still managed to come up with a whitewash, which

BEFORE any development begins at Sudell Cross and at the junction of Penny Street and Salford, Blackburn, regarding recent articles in the LET, can the infrastructure be developed first? Penny Street is difficult at the best of times. Many times I either

POLICE arrested only five people on the day -- and praised Rovers and Spurs fans for their good nature. Three men from the Blackburn area were arrested after another man from Blackburn complained he was assaulted. A Blackburn man was taken into custody

NILS-Eric Johansson admitted he may have made contact with Teddy Sheringham. Spurs protested loudly for a penalty in the dying minutes after Nissa's challenge on the Tottenham favourite. "My first reaction was that he dived," said Johansson. "I can't

SUSPENDED battler Garry Flitcroft watched the game from the stands but lifted the trophy along with captain-for-the-day Henning Berg. He was obviously delighted to see his team mates win the game against the odds without the suspended trio Tugay, Craig

LANCASHIRE Evening Telegraph reporter Ian Singleton has been a Blackburn Rovers fan since he was four. Here he explains what it was like for a life-long fan to see the team lift the cup... IT'S 74 years since Rovers won a major cup, so this is an unknown

FLYING winger Keith Gillespie last night hailed Rovers' Worthington Cup success as the highlight of his career. Before yesterday's 2-1 victory over Spurs, the Northern Ireland international hadn't won any major honour in the English domestic game. So

REGULARS at the Knowles Arms, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, began celebrating straight after the final whistle. Andrew Caton, 34, of Highbank, Blackburn, said: "They played really well and deserved this. It has been a long time coming." His son Cameron,

ROSSENDALE'S first ever Liberal Democrat councillor could find himself playing kingmaker after the 2003 elections left Rossendale a hung council. Along with independent Alan Neal, Lib Dem Philip Young could hand either the Tories or Labour control after

SHOCKED school friends were today saying prayers for three sisters who died in a house fire which has left the community numb with disbelief. Louise Waddington, 11, and her sisters Hayley, 10, and Gemma, seven, died when fire swept through their home

BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today hailed his latest signing, Jonathan Stead, after the striker marked his Rovers debut with a priceless goal at the weekend. The 20-year-old forward secured three massive Premiership points by scoring the winner in Saturday's

THE youngest of three girls who died in a house fire in Hapton narrowly escaped death almost two years ago when she was rescued from a Blackburn swimming pool. Gemma Waddington, who was then five years old, was rescued by lifeguards who gave her the kiss

A KNIFE fanatic who stabbed his brother's girlfriend in the back after she told him he hadn't the guts to attack anybody has been jailed for 16 months. Burnley Crown Court heard how Warren Bradshaw, 21, plunged a kitchen knife between victim Victoria

BURNLEY Council's finance chief has reassured residents that they will not receive a huge council tax rise this year. A disappointing grant settlement for Burnley Council from the Government last year sparked fears that tax payers would be facing a steep

PEOPLE in Burnley are being given the opportunity to question leading councillors and council officers at a series of public meetings. The events, being held across the borough in February, March and April, will include a presentation on the work the

BURNLEY council's head of communications has quit after just a year in the post. Gerry Crookes was appointed to the job last January after the Task Force report into the riots of 2001 recommended setting up a communications unit. Ms Crookes opted for

A ROW has broken out over plans for a new housing development. Land at the top of Bawhead Road, Earby, known as Springfield, has been earmarked for housing in the local plan for many years. Pendle Council, which owns the land, has decided to market the

THE first rounds had been fired in the fight to give Accrington a new shopping centre which Hyndburn Council and developers wanted. Top officials who were interested in developing the Broadway car park site, backed Hyndburn's case for a development with

RESCUERS from Blackburn and Goosnargh helped save the life of a man who became stuck on top of fells near Preston. Tony Bond, 51, of Goosnargh, is a team leader with the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team who were called out to find the 24-year-old.

HARRY Windsor has has turned his back on Australia for good old Blighty. But it is not the royal prince who is celebrating a return - for Harry is a gap-year student at Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley. And the 18-year-old is learning all about

EAST Lancashire's only Conservative MP, Nigel Evans, is to ride high on the ocean wave this year. He is to become a part-time sailor for 28 days over the coming months as part of the Parliamentary Armed Forces Scheme, which gives a number of MPs each

MACMILLAN Cancer Relief has appointed a new fundraiser to cover the east of the county. Elvira Soria has taken up the post to try and boost the cancer charity's appeals in East Lancashire. To mark her arrival, Elvira has launched a new appeal to fund

GILLINGHAM are glad to see the back of Burnley after another fruitless trip north. Glen Little left the Kent outfit facing more Turf Moor misery following their FA Cup fourth round exit a fortnight ago. First team coach Wayne Jones moaned: "That's three

SAM Ellis insisted there would be no complacency in the camp after Burnley secured their first league win of 2004. The hard fought 1-0 victory over Gillingham lifted the Clarets five points clear of the relegation places and kept Stan Ternent's side unbeaten

FOOD for the Gods this was not. But you can bet many of the Clarets legends watching from the stands were punching the air like everyone else when Glen Little finally put us mere mortals out of our misery. From Adam Blacklaw through to Jimmy McIlroy,

TERRY Martin made the perfect start to his road rally season by claiming a well-earned victory in the Shaw Trophy. The Blackburn driver, with new navigator Paul Taylor on the maps, finished four minutes ahead of Rob Chalmers and Chris Bebbington after

BRENT Peters bemoaned his side's lack of discipline as they conceded an injury time equaliser at his former club Glossop. But at least the manager could bask in some happy memories as his son Martin, 13 years after dreaming of playing on the Surrey Street

THE home side were comfortable winners in this NWCL Division One top of the table clash as the Blues fell to their first away defeat of the season. On a difficult playing surface Woodley battled bravely and, with a two-goal cushion at half-time, never

ROSSENDALE United's wretched away form continued as they fell to another disappointing defeat against fellow strugglers Colwyn Bay. Dale have yet to register a goal in 2004, a statistic which just about sums up the problems that have dogged them for the

THE Colne fans responded to chairman James Webster's battle cry as the largest gate since the Dynamoes days roared Nigel Coates' men through to the last eight of the FA Vase. Ian Simpson, a scorer in the previous round's win at AFC Wimbledon, and Carl

BURNLEY has a history of hard work, which is reflected in its town emblem of a busy bee. It still carries what have been described as the "Scars of Industry" but most residents and visitors agree that its industrial archaeology is second to none. Queen

OVER the next few years there seem likely to be major and exciting changes around the docks of Liverpool. These developments may well push forward its claims to become a City of Culture -- but for those who know Liverpool there is a strong case present

DURING the 1960s many towns had their hearts ripped out of them by planners intent upon making all settlements look the same. Fortunately, some towns turned back from the brink, with Blackburn and Darwen having the good sense to retain some of their character

ALTHOUGH it has been used and misused over the centuries, the name Hyndburn suggests what it once was -- a stream where the deer roamed free. Accrington is the unofficial capital of Hyndburn and the river is now culverted beneath the largely Victorian

PENDLE Hill is almost -- but not quite -- a mountain and from its 1,831ft summit there are spectacular views. To the west, Blackpool Tower can often be seen but much closer is the rolling scenery of the Ribble Valley. From the eastern slopes rises Pendle

THIS area is full of optimism at the moment. The beaches are starting to pass the European bathing water standards and Blackpool is set fair to become a major casino resort. There is a tendency to compare all the other Fylde resorts with Blackpool but

WHATEVER the weather, many of the regulars at a cosy little Blackpool caf, choose to tuck in to satisfying, good old traditional English fare. Although partners, Ian and Ian (sic) have only owned the business in Cheapside for a couple of months, they

A FEMALE stylist who gets on very well with men and a male hairdresser who has a great rapport with the ladies make a great team. Jill Lawrence, 32, opened the gents' salon, Boys2Men, in Lord Street, Blackpool, about three years ago. "I chose to focus

WHEN it comes to male grooming, Trimmers, offer that all-important personal touch. And owners and partners, Phil and Neil are filling a niche in the grooming business. "Although it's possible for men to undergo hair removal treatment at many of the Blackpool

BOOGIE on down to Blackpool's best-kept secret venue! Predominantly gay, particularly straight-friendly on some nights, Churchills Bar, in town-centre Topping Street, is open all day, every day. Here you can relax, chat, drink, dance, sing, eat good pub

BLACKPOOL'S newest independent gay venue, ConnXtions, is on the lookout for new talent. Following in the true tradition of the club motto "Dare to be Different", ConnXtions is launching a new comedy night in September. The series of comedy nights at the

ALAN Dean walked down the aisle with a beautiful bride recently. But he's still searching for his own soulmate. He was delighted to be a 'bridesman' at his best friend's wedding, but wearing a dress was unthinkable to straight-acting Alan Dean. Alan,

CHILDREN at primary schools have been given a special invite to Helmshore Mill Textile Museum during the half-term holiday, which runs from February 16 to 20. The museum is not open until the general public until March 28 but keeper Catriona West has

ORGANISATIONS and individuals working to improve the lives of people in Rossendale are being invited to take part in a Festival of Local Life. The event has been jointly organised by Community Action in Rossendale (CAR) and the community office at Alder

CONTRARY to the national picture, the Conservatives failed to make any gains in Preston City Council's elections. The political landscape remains largely unchanged in the traditional Labour hotspot, where a third of the council's seats were up for grabs

IT WILL be business as usual in Blackpool on Friday following Labour' s clear victory in the town' s first all-postal local election. More than half (50.43 per cent) of Blackpool' s electorate voted, returning Labour to power with 25 seats compared with

RADCLIFFE were denied a wecome win by an 88th equaliser from Mark I'Anson but it was no more than Spennymoor deserved. Borough took the lead just before the break through Josh Mitten but were grateful to keeper Danny Hurst in the second half for a string

* Denotes oxygen therapy service available. Blackpool: Boots*, 28-38 Bank Hey Street, 10.30am-4.30pm; Co-op Pharmacy (in Asda), Cherry Tree Road, Marton, 10am-4pm. Moss Chemist, Morrisons, Squires Gate Lane, 10am-4pm; Lloyds Pharmacy*, 110 Talbot Rd,

A LOOK at the key stats and figures from the Worthington Cup victory over Spurs. ROVERS: BRAD FRIEDEL: Arise Sir Bradley of Blackburn! Deserves to be knighted after pulling off a string of top saves...10 MARTIN TAYLOR: Had his hands full against Ziege

A BLACKBURN man has been jailed for trying to smuggle three million fake cigarettes into the UK disguised as a shipment of Chinese noodles. Saleem Moosa, an assistant warehouse keeper of Lancaster Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to the offence on the

BUSINESS leaders today claimed Rovers' magnificent triumph in the Worthington Cup would help to put Blackburn back on the international map. With victory at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium guaranteeing a place in European football next season, they said

THE cheers of celebration almost lifted the roof off the Millennium Stadium. But after the first throws of ecstasy, the Blue and White Army hugged each other with relief -- the margin between success and failure was far too close for comfort. Every fan

TEACHERS from a Blackburn school will march to the beat of an African drum later this month when they head off to the Gambia. The group, from Cedars Infant School, will pass on their skills and knowledge to Gambian teachers and pupils. Frances Neale,

TEENAGERS in Blackburn and Darwen will receive an extra birthday present this year as part of a Mayor's plan to encourage young people to vote. But the scheme has been given the thumbs -own and branded a waste of money by teenagers. The council is due

BLACKBURN woke up today with a smile as wide as the Jack Walker stand after Graeme Souness's heroes put Rovers in wonderland. Thirty thousand ecstatic fans who made the journey to Cardiff and tens of thousands more back home began a giant party when the

ANYONE who thought there was no future in 'Cole' in this part of Wales was not at the Millennium Stadium to see Andy Cole re-ignite Blackburn's flagging season. For the red-hot Rovers striker not only fired the goal to deliver his new club's first major

STAR striker Lutel James has revealed he never wanted to leave Accrington Stanley. The 31-year-old made a transfer request after being left out of the starting line-up against Bamber Bridge last week. But James admitted his outburst to manager John Coleman

DESPITE the 3-0 scoreline, Preston boss Craig Brown was adamant his team performed better in the corresponding fixture at the Hawthornes back in August. Back then, North End were reduced to 10 men when Jonathan Gould was sent off following a Lee Hughes

PRESTON North End Women's FC are aiming to take their Under 16s team to compete in this year's World Youth Cup. The competition takes place in Gothenburg, Sweden in July with more than 1,400 boys and girls teams from around the world taking part. It will

THE ground campaign for Baghdad has intensified as US forces clashed with Iraq's Republican Guard near Karbala, 50 miles southwest of the capital. This was the the first major ground assault against the troops charged with defending Baghdad and as of

A CARJACKER escaped in a BMW after forcing its owner out of the vehicle, which was parked in his driveway. The motorist was in his silver BMW 535 -- registration DAV3S -- in St Austells Drive, Prestwich, when the robber struck at 8am on Monday. The car

THERE are few things more horrifying than the sort of fire which took the lives of Louise, Hayley and Gemma Waddington on Friday night. The tragedy has not only devastated the estate in Hapton where they lived and Padiham County Primary School where they

A LEADING figure in Lancashire sporting life has celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary. Ken Dean is chairman of Blackburn Sunday Football League, president of Blackburn District Bowls League, and an executive member of Blackburn Sports Council. He and

AS an environmentally friendly, young citizen of Blackburn, I am disgusted to find the condition of the 'waste' land behind Burnley Road. It has deteriorated somewhat, in recent months. I feel it has become a dumping ground for any old rubbish -- tyres

A 28-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with the murder of a father-of-one who was found at his home in Wigan. The body of David Young, of Cadman Grove, Hindley, was discovered at 10pm on February 3. Lee O'Donnell, aged 28, of Holding Street, Hindley, was

BLACKBURN Rovers' Worthington Cup triumph was the first domestic soccer showpiece to be played indoors. Officials made the decision to close the Millennium Stadium's massive roof in Cardiff hours before the kick-off as rain set in. Both Rovers and Spurs

FOOTBALLERS' wives celebrated victory with their loved ones -- but said it was really a victory for benefactor, the late Jack Walker. Partners and children of Rovers players watched from a special box in the stadium and cracked open the bubbly on the

FORMER Rovers boss Roy Hodgson was delighted to see his old club lift the Cup - but remembered the man who paved the way for it all to happen. "Blackburn are so much in Jack Walker's debt," said Hodgson, remembering the Rovers benefactor who pumped millions

IT was a fantastic homecoming for Welsh boss Mark Hughes who more than enjoyed clinching the Worthington Cup on his home turf. The veteran striker moved into midfield in the absence of the suspended Garry Flitcroft and Tugay and proved an absolute revelation

UNCLE Jack would have been proud of you - that was the message to Graeme Souness' ecstatic team from the Walker family. A number of the millionaire benefactor's family were at the Millennium Stadium to see Rovers' victory, the second major success for

IF the far-right British National Party's ground-breaking three-seat victory in Burnley last year was a shock, then its grasp last night of six seats to become the second-largest party on the council can only be described as startling. But it is stark

A BLACKBURN minister is calling on the heads of the Church of England to back him in a bid to boycott racism and far right political parties like the BNP. Reverend Simon Bessant, director of Mission for the Blackburn Diocese, was today tabling a motion

Tamworth 4 Leigh RMI 3 by David Magilton: PHIL Starbuck was left bitter and angry after he claimed the referee had cost Leigh a vital victory. Three times Leigh went ahead against their relegation rivals, but a controversial penalty decision, and the

THE key moments and player ratings from the game against Middlesborough . BRAD FRIEDEL: The big American was back to his brilliant best. Made two world class saves in the second half 9 LUCAS NEILL: Needed all his battling qualities against Stewart Downing

BLACKBURN Rovers' hero of the hour, Jonathan Stead, admitted he was over the moon to score on his Premiership debut. The 20-year-old striker, who joined Rovers in a transfer deadline day deal from Huddersfield Town last week, was thrust straight into

BY his own admission, Graeme Souness has never been much of a gambling man. While Premiership colleagues such as Kevin Keegan and Sir Alex Ferguson like nothing more than a flutter on the horses, Souness prefers to tend his roses as a means of escape

A MIDDLE-aged man who groped a "besotted" girl has been spared a jail term. Burnley Crown Court heard Neil Abbott, 49, was, according to his barrister, more motivated by drink than being sexual predator. Abbott was given a 12-month community rehabilitation

THE parents of a teenager who was seriously injured in a car crash have thanked a mystery woman who helped to save their son's life. Mum Julie Craig and step-dad Gary Williams spoke of their gratitude for the woman who pulled Luke, 14, from the wreckage

A FATHER-OF-THREE believed to be Burnley's most prolific banned driver has been jailed for nine months. The town's Crown Court heard how Mark Butterworth, 25, had more than 130 previous convictions, of which 35 were for driving while disqualified. The

A FIRE chief has urged people to take safety in their homes seriously in the wake of the Hapton house fire tragedy in which three sisters died. Burnley Fire Station commander Dave Jackson called on householders to contact their local fire station and

SHOCKED school friends were today saying prayers for three sisters who died in a house fire which has left the community numb with disbelief. Louise Waddington, 11, and her sisters Hayley, 10, and Gemma, seven, died when fire swept through their home

Carlisle United 2 Bury 1 by Neil Goulding: BURY's brave battlers came unstuck away to fellow strugglers Carlisle United at Brunton Park. And defeat for Graham Barrow's team could not have come in a crueller fashion for the Shakers who worked hard in tortuous

A 21-YEAR-OLD man who repeatedly had sex with a schoolgirl and took partially nude pictures of her has been given an eight month jail term. Anthony Price, then a part-time barman, had at first pleaded not guilty to under-age sex and claimed the victim

Morecambe: 12.30pm -1.30pm Sunday - Cohen's Chemists, 99 Lancaster Road Morecambe. Lancaster: 6-7pm Sunday - J N Murray Ltd, 2 Broadway, Skerton, Lancaster. Carnforth: Mon, Tues Wed Thurs (except Bank Holiday). Forest Pharmacy - 24 Market Street, or Co-Op

EVELYN Glennie's is an amazing story. Profoundly deaf since the age of 12, she has gone on to become one of the world's leading percussionists in a field where few had attempted to play solo before. Not content to rest on her laurels, though, Evelyn is

ONE of Germany's most highly regarded orchestras is to give a concert in Preston's Emmanuel Parish Church. The Cologne New Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is visiting the Brook Street church on April 21. The orchestra recently toured with violinist Nigel

LANCASHIRE County Council were leading the field in encouraging people to take an interest in planning decisions. The council was only one of seven in the country to provide people with photocopies of planning application forms free-of-charge. College

BURNLEY-born Eric Bellingham was due to make his TV debut in a film part which he agreed to play at the last minute. The film 'Material Matter', made for the British Productivity Council, illustrated ways that use could be made of industrial waste. And

CHEMISTS on duty on Sunday, May 18, are: Moss Side Pharmacy, Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, 10am-2pm; Boots, Fishergate, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Asda, Fulwood, 10.30am-4.30pm; The Pharmacy, Sainsburys, Deepdale, 10am-4pm, Boots Pharmacy, Deepdale Retail

WHEN housewife and mother-of-four Jane Brown decided to go back to school, she didn't realise just how far it would take. For already she is making inroads into the world of design after leaving college just seven months ago. Jane, 48 creates panels,

PLANS for a caravan park which residents claim would swamp a rural Ribble Valley hamlet are set to be kicked out. Planning councillors are being urged to refuse permission for the development, which would house 79 static caravans on land at Davis Wood

AN open evening is being held for parents interested in sending their children to after-school maths and English classes. The event is about the Kumon learning method, which aims to build confidence and ability by making learning more enjoyable. It involves

A VOLUNTEER driving scheme is appealing for more motorists to help provide transport for the elderly and disabled. Burnley, Pendle and Bacup Communicar currently has 18 drivers, who use their own cars to drive elderly and disabled people, who cannot use

THE key stats and moments from the match against Gillingham. BRIAN JENSEN: Terrific late save from Burnley's big daddy, who is in tip-top form at present. 7 LEE ROCHE: Poor in possession, but did his bit to keep the Gills at arms length. 6 DAVID MAY:

GLEN Little warned Burnley they are not safe yet after notching his first goal in 10 months to seal a vital victory over Gillingham. Little struck with just eight minutes left to register on the scoresheet for the first time since March 2003. And after

DOUGIE Lampkin suffered a major setback in his bid to regain the world indoor trials crown when he slumped to a disappointing fifth in Barcelona. The Sandiford of Burnley rider had hoped to close the gap on his rival Adam Raga with a victory on the Spaniard's

RALLYMAN Alister McRae is hoping he can resurrect his World Championship career - with help from a Ribble Valley company. McRae, whose brother Colin is one of the best-known names in the sport, will contest this weekend's Swedish Rally with sponsorship

NELSON'S hopes of victory were dashed by a late equaliser against Blackpool Mechanics. In a game badly affected by the strong swirling wind, the Blues found themselves a goal behind after Mark Ashall found the net with a looping header on 36 minutes.

FOR something a bit different, step into Blackpool's Clubwear 2000 UK, the hotspot for cool clothes. Boy bands, DJs, singers, strippers and even Covent Garden dancers frequent this alternative clothing specialist shop in Dickson Road, Blackpool, as well

BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today hailed his latest signing, Jonathan Stead, after the striker marked his Rovers debut with a priceless goal at the weekend. The 20-year-old forward secured three massive Premiership points by scoring the winner in Saturday's

GLEN Little warned Burnley they are not safe yet after notching his first goal in 10 months to seal a vital victory over Gillingham. Little struck with just eight minutes left to register on the scoresheet for the first time since March 2003. And after

IT'S Valentine's Day on Saturday and I'm expecting a beautifully-wrapped parcel from my husband containing some incredibly sexy lingerie. In all the years -- married for almost 10, cohabiting for more than 20 -- we have been together I have never, ever

A 24-YEAR-OLD Darwen man drove at more than 90 mph as he tried to escape from a chasing police car. Blackburn magistrates heard the high speed pursuit took in the M65 motorway as well as ordinary roads where Sarfraz Khan drove at more than double the

TWO Darwen companies are leading the way in air safety after receiving a seal of approval which allows them to repair aircrafts. Brookhouse Composites Ltd and Brookhouse Aerospace Ltd, based in India Mill, are two of the first companies in the country

LABOUR lost control of Pendle Council but was the victim of a dirty tricks campaign, according to ousted leader Azhar Ali. Mr Ali, who also lost his Southfield seat to the Lib-Dems, made the claim as the Lib-Dems became the largest single party in Pendle

CALLS for Iain Duncan Smith to resign today overshadowed the Conservative leader's solid showing in a crucial poll test. Senior MP Crispin Blunt deserted the front bench last night, saying Mr Duncan Smith must go, whatever the local election result. Tory

COUNCILLORS have vowed to help prevent a Rossendale boxing club from folding following proposals to sell off the council premises it uses. Jack Taylor, president of Sharples Amateur Boxing Club, said the club may be forced to close if alternative premises

IT was a good night for the Conservatives in the Chorley borough elections as they won two seats -- one from the Liberal Democrats, the other from Labour -- to take their total on the council to 18. But Labour, too, were claiming victory at the polls

LABOUR lost their grip in South Ribble last night as three of their seats were snatched away -- leaving the Tories the largest party on the council. It is not clear whether the result will mean Labour councillor Howard Gore will be ousted from his position

LABOUR party chiefs admitted they had failed to get their message across in Burnley after the BNP took six new seats. The far right party now holds eight seats and MP Peter Pike and council leader Stuart Caddy both said the failure was the reason why

THE Tories retook Hyndburn just 12 months after being ousted by Labour, with new leader Peter Britcliffe declaring: "It's my best birthday present yet!" Turnout across the borough was up from 36 per cent as 51.47 per cent of the 45,769 electorate registered

JUBILANT Tories tightened their grip on Ribble Valley Council at the expense of incoming borough mayor Frank Goss and former mayor Jenny Grimes. The council also has its first clergyman in Whalley vicar Chris Sterry, but the far-right BNP failed to win

THE BNP grabbed a massive foothold in East Lancashire on a night when it became the official opposition in Burnley and won thousands of votes elsewhere. But MPs and political leaders today urged people to continue the fight against the far right after

POLICE have praised people for trying to help in their search for a 'dangerous' man missing from Blackburn - but have said they are no nearer in finding him. Winswell Sutherland, 58, disappeared from his Blackburn address four weeks ago and despite numerous

CLUBLAND singers paid tribute to East Lancashire entertainer Bobby Day by performing at a memorial show at Audley Working Men's Club. Bobby, whose real name was Gary Greenall, died aged 68 in November from cancer. He was nick-named Mr Charity for his

COUNTY council chiefs today reminded elderly residents of East Lancashire of impending changes to the bus pass system. Pensioners are to be given credit card-style bus passes - the NoWcard smart card - in a modernisation drive designed to make it simpler

MAN of the match Brad Friedel was quick to play down his impressive role in Rovers' Worthington Cup success. The American goalkeeper pulled off three stunning world class saves to keep out Spurs, with former England striker Les Ferdinand the man denied

AN 18-year-old who attacked a school caretaker's husband was told he was 'very lucky' to be walking free from court. Blackburn magistrates heard how Matthew James Harrison punched his victim twice in the face without warning or provocation. As the two

HOSPITAL receptionist Julia Baines is terrified of water - and sharks. So what better way, she thought, to raise cash for charity than swimming with them! The 44-year-old's daredevil feat will be the latest in a personal crusade to help the Christie Hospital

STARS from Rovers' past joined in the celebrations of the glorious Worthington Cup triumph and were quick to heap praise on Graeme Souness and his players. And Matt Woods, a player in the last Rovers side to play in a major final in 1960, claimed the

A BLACKBURN minister is calling on the heads of the Church of England to back him in a bid to boycott racism and far right political parties like the BNP. Reverend Simon Bessant, director of Mission for the Blackburn Diocese, was today tabling a motion

A HOMEOWNER presented a photographic dossier to Blackburn MP Jack Straw after becoming fed-up with discarded furniture and rubbish -- including large knives -- being dumped outside nearby flats. Neil Linaker, 70, of Borrowdale Avenue, Blackburn, wanted

BLACKBURN goal-hero Andy Cole last night said he felt 'over the moon' after scoring the goal which clinched Rovers' first major Cup triumph in 74 years. Cole wrote his name in Ewood folklore after firing Rovers to a 2-1 win over Spurs in the Worthington

ONE of the greatest days of our lives - that was the verdict of Rovers fans as they left the Millennium Stadium with the widest smiles in Cardiff. Anthony Brine, 31, a teacher, of Mill Hill, Blackburn: said: "This is great for the town. "We're back in

AN emotional Graeme Souness last night hailed his Worthington Cup heroes - and backed them to win their fight for Premiership survival. Even though he has won every honour in the book in his illustrious career, Souness choked back the tears as he led

THE key stats and moments from the match against Dagenham and Redbridge JON KENNEDY Made several good saves and blocks but made a couple of howlers too 6 PAUL HOWARTH Had a couple of goal attempts delivered good crosses into area 7 DARRAN KEMPSON Decent

IN the week that Lennox Lewis announced his retirement from professional boxing, Accrington Stanley were floored by a very different knock-out punch. Chairman Eric Whalley had urged his side to 'keep it clean' after accumulating 10 red cards and a host

DESPONDENT Baggies boss Gary Megson said after the 3-0 defeat that it was a fair result. "It was shambolic, right the way through the team," said Megson. "It seemed as if we felt we just had to turn up to get a result. "I can't remember us winning a tackle

SEAN Gregan insists he has many fond memories of Deepdale. Saturday's appearance as the skipper of the opposition won't be one of them. Making his first return to the field at Preston since his £2million switch to The Hawthornes nearly two years ago,

Head teachers are under growing pressure from the Government to avoid excluding pupils from lessons, whether that be for a fixed period or a permanent 'expulsion'. It feels that the best place to address bad behaviour and improve's children's attitude