Preston, South Ribble and Leyland news, ,what's on, traffic, weather plus Preston North End latest

Lancashire | Archive | 2007 | March

Stories for 15 March 2007

Accrington

Drunk driver’s car theft ‘joke’

An over-the-limit driver who stole a car and crashed it in an early-morning "drunken prank" has been warned he could go to jail. more...

Stuffed animals seized in raid

TWO shopworkers were arrested as police seized 16 stuffed animals under new powers aimed at protecting endangered wild species. more...

Freeze on market service charges welcomed

MARKET traders in Accrington have been told they will not face a rise in their annual service charges this year. more...

Ashton News

Mountain biking thrill for wheeelchair users

A self confessed adrenaline junkie' is to introduce the thrills of four-wheel downhill mountain biking to wheelchair users. more...

Athletics

Half Tour of Pendle

At Saturday's Half Tour of Pendle, Candice Leah produced the firmest evidence yet that she is bridging that gap between being a county class athlete and one who could win international honours. more...

Young athlete wins 10k race

Stanley Park staged its annual 10k race on Sunday as 274 runners competed around the park's traffic-free course. more...

Bamber Bridge News

Barbara puts a smile on kids' faces

A big-hearted hospital worker has helped put smiles on the faces of children in India. more...

Bands In Profile

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Buzzing around

THE Bees have announced an intimate in-store appearance to clebrate the release of their new album, Octopus. more...

Wu Tang head out on tour

GRAMMY award-winning rap group the Wu Tang Clan have announced a date at the Apollo in Manchester. more...

To The Bones are on the nose

WHEN going to watch a performance by Bolton band To The Bones you can guarantee that's exactly what it will be - a performance! more...

Fab Four finally go online?

FANS of the Fab Four will be now able to download rare news footage and interviews with the band. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Beardwood News

School ready to bow out in style

A SCHOOL facing closure is set to bow out in style after becoming a specialist in humanities. more...

Blackburn

Paving problem holds up revamp of street

THE revamp of a historic shopping street in Blackburn has been delayed because of problems getting sandstone paving from China. more...

Shopkeeper threatened

A knife-wielding man who tried to hold up a newsagents escaped empty handed. more...

Crash shuts road

A road near Blackburn was closed for three hours last night after a car crash. more...

15 pupils in coach crash

FIFTEEN pupils escaped injury when their coach was involved in an accident on their way home from school. more...

Crash son’s fund is over £22,000

A FUND set up to help the young son of a man who died with the rest of his family in a car smash has raised over £22,000. more...

Pervert’s sex attack on train

A CONVICTED rapist who committed a sex act in front of a girl on a train is facing a jail term. more...

Indecent examination claims denied by doctor

THIS is the doctor who is accused of carrying out unnecessary and indecent examinations on patients at two hospitals. more...

The great drain robbery

BOSSES at Blackburn with Darwen Council are counting the cost of replacing stolen drain lids, after more than 100 were stolen in the past six months. more...

Transplant boy’s mum slams ‘no pay’ decision

A MOTHER whose son's life was saved by a policeman's bone marrow has slammed fire bosses who docked a firefighter's pay for doing the same for another teenager. more...

Blackpool News

£12m bill for consultants

Blackpool Council has been accused of taking taxpayers for a ride, after spending nearly £12m on consultants in the past six years. more...

Revved up for Red Nose Day

Bosses at a motor dealership are just 67 cars away from setting a new world record for the longest parade of Minis, to raise cash for tomorrow's Red Nose Day. more...

Hospice founder to retire

The doctor who founded the Fylde's only hospice retires at the end of this month. more...

New laws to aid safety

Beauty salons offering semi-permanent make-up face new legislation following the introduction of bye-laws by Blackpool Council. more...

Tributes to former Citizen editor

Naomi Bunting, 44, the former editor of the Citizen group of newspapers, has died after a short illness. more...

Blackpool Panthers Rlfc

Blackpool Panthers 18 Pia 42

Blackpool Panthers crashed out of the Carnegie Challenge Cup at the third round stage on Saturday as they lost to French national champions Pia. more...

Blackpool Rufc

Carnforth 24 Blackpool 2nd XV 41

Newly appointed 2nd XV team manager Mark Holden took his side away for his third match, in this Intermediate 5N fixture and maintained his 100 per cent record. They came away with a well deserved win against a team two places above them with two tries each from man of the match Leon Mason, Trevor Smith, Richard Jackson and Dean Smith and one from Carl Reynolds. more...

Bolton News

Husband in bid to be a Castaway

CASTAWAY star Erica Hurst's husband has launched a cheeky bid to join her on the show. more...

Erica discovers her 'older brother'

VIEWERS saw Erica and Joe talk about their blossoming friendship in last night's Castaway show. more...

Cocaine shame of fatal crash driver

A JOYRIDER was high on cocaine when he killed a 12-year-old Bolton boy in a terrifying late-night motorway smash. more...

Sports firm to face legal action

A CONSUMER group has launched legal action against Wigan-based JJB Sports on behalf of fans who were overcharged for football shirts. more...

Boy, 15, shot in police raid

A MANCHESTER schoolboy was shot with a Taser during a police raid. more...

Election time for town's youth MPs

YOUNG people are going to the polls as voting opens for this year's youth MP elections. more...

Paddy at home as star of bakery's TV advert

SHOPPERS did a double-take when they saw Peter Kay's sidekick Paddy McGuinness filming in Bolton town centre yesterday. more...

Pupils' heartbreak as vandals wreck garden

CHILDREN were left devastated after vandals wrecked their primary school garden. more...

Councillors join fight to save buses

BUS users who fear they will be left out in the cold when their service is withdrawn have turned to town councillors for help. more...

Meningitis survivor Regan leads charity walk

PLAYING happily with her family, it is hard to believe little Regan Barlow "died" twice just weeks ago. more...

Historical treasures on show

UNIQUE artefacts from the past 200 years will feature in an exhibition at the Heritage Centre in Beaumont Road, Horwich, from Saturday March 24. more...

Flat Caps gig

IRISH band The Flat Cappers play a gig at the Brass Cat pub, Churchgate, tomorrow as part of the Bolton Irish Festival celebrations. more...

Sam lends his support to sporty youngsters

BIG Sam and Lofty the Lion cheered on primary school youngsters as they tackled a series of physical challenges. more...

Computer link is made with GP records

MEDICAL staff in Bolton have become the first in England to look at patient records from GP surgeries through a new computer network. more...

Jobs fair

A JOB opportunities fair is being held for Great Lever residents this month. more...

Pitches plan to get teenagers off streets

SPORTS pitches costing £85,000 are to be built in a rundown part of Little Hulton. more...

Offenders raise charity cheer

OFFENDERS who have raised money while completing community service are donating the cash to the Good Companions disabled group. more...

Life is one big drag

HEALTH staff proved how life can be a drag for smokers, when they hauled an inflatable cigarette through the streets of Bolton as part of No Smoking Day. more...

Tony Blair under fire over police funding

PRIME Minister Tony Blair has come under fire in the Commons over the funding of Greater Manchester Police. more...

Pensioner found dead in stream

A PENSIONER found dead, face down in a stream in Lancashire, is believed to have fallen in by accident. more...

Travellers are to be fenced out

TRAVELLERS who have set up a string of illegal camps on playing fields will soon find themselves blocked by fencing. more...

Band contest for football club

BUDDING Arctic Monkeys are needed for a "battle of the bands" competition to raise money for a girls' football team. more...

Call for ban on acne drug

AN ACTION group against the controversial acne drug Roaccutane is calling for it to be taken off the market. more...

Roy takes a bus trip down Memory Lane

WHENEVER Wanderers FA Cup winner Roy Hartle had a bad game, his suffering was very public. more...

Council settles 98 per cent of equal pay claims

MORE than 2,000 women workers have received equal pay compensation from Bolton Council. more...

Move into library is the healthy choice

A HEALTH resource library has a new location within Bolton's central library. more...

Housing association rises to challlenge

A BOLTON housing provider has been shortlisted for an affordable housing challenge. more...

1,107 women warm up for charity race

MORE than 1,000 women have already signed up for Bolton's Race for Life. more...

Pupils tied up in knots for hospice

PUPILS at George Tomlinson High School used their bad taste for a good cause. more...

Focus on slavery at library

AN EVENT to discuss the Muslim contribution to the abolishment of slavery is being held in Bolton. more...

Casting off for team spirit

LANDLUBBER Eddie Hughes had to find his sea legs when he helped sail a Liverpool-built tall ship back home. more...

Trade ruined by yobs, shopkeeper says

A BOLTON shopkeeper is considering selling up after being plagued by yobs while it has been revealed other businesses are facing huge bills because of anti-social behaviour. more...

Cash for drama

HORWICH Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society has been given £500 from Horwich Town Council. more...

Quacking good fun on the river

YELLOW plastic ducks will be racing on Bolton's River Croal at the weekend to help launch a group that will provide young people aged 16 to 25 with fun and enjoyment through volunteering. more...

Stretch out in the armchair

OLDER people who find exercise difficult can still keep fit thanks to a new group. more...

Take a ticket to pamper yourself

THERE are still a handful of tickets remaining for the fun ladies pampering evening at The Phoenix tomorrow. more...

Life help group lands £30,000

BOLTON Independent Living has been awarded a £30,000 grant from a national charity. more...

Gentle pair are the cat's whiskers

CUTE cats are looking for someone to give them a new home. more...

MP takes shot at Tory air tax

FAMILIES of Bolton servicemen abroad could be hit hard by green air taxes, claims a Bolton MP. more...

Tourists roll up for Bolton Market

A STAGGERING 2.5 million people visit Bolton Market every year - some from as far afield as Staffordshire. more...

Estate agents to share £125m bonus

STAFF at upmarket property group Savills will share a bonus of £125 million after the group posted a profits rise of nearly a third to £75 million. more...

Spring festival celebrations

A THRILLING line-up of main ring attractions is promised at the 2007 Royal Welsh Smallholder and Garden Festival, which is expected to set another record attendance this year. more...

Club's £4,000 for charities

NEARLY 30 charities have benefited from donations totalling more than £4,000. more...

Police win car crime fight

CAR crime has been slashed by nearly three-quarters by a two-month police operation. more...

Pensioner's masked raid ordeal

A GANG of masked robbers armed with a shotgun tied up a 66-year-old woman and her son before ransacking their home. more...

M61 crash teenager dies in hospital

A TEENAGER who was hit by a car as he tried to cross the M61 near Horwich late at night has died in hospital. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

VIDEO: News, Sport and Weather bulletin

The Bolton News TV News, Sport and Weather bulletin for March 15 is online now more...

Missing woman: Police call off search

POLICE have called off the search after earlier reports that a woman was seen being dragged from a taxi. more...

1,700 evacuated in school blaze alert

All 1,700 pupils, staff and visitors were evacuated at a Bolton school after a fire broke out. more...

Sean Green: Post your tributes online

A Book of Condolence has been opened with the family's blessing in tribute to tragic teenager Sean Green who has died after being hit by a car in a mystery accident on the M61. more...

Violent father escapes prison

A FATHER who subjected his girlfriend to domestic violence has escaped prison. more...

Life On Mars car raises thousands for Comic Relief

THE 1974 Ford Cortina used in time-travelling cop drama Life on Mars has fetched £12,800 on an auction website. more...

Vernon is a real comic

BOLTON-born television presenter Vernon Kay is doing his bit for Comic Relief . more...

Asylum seeker sentenced for "bizarre" offences

AN asylum seeker living in Bolton shocked onlookers by committing a string of "bizarre" offences. more...

Cocaine shame of fatal crash driver

A JOYRIDER was high on cocaine when he killed a 12-year-old Bolton boy in a terrifying late-night motorway smash. more...

Sports firm to face legal action

A CONSUMER group has launched legal action against Wigan-based JJB Sports on behalf of fans who were overcharged for football shirts. more...

Boy, 15, shot in police raid

A MANCHESTER schoolboy was shot with a Taser during a police raid. more...

Pitches plan to get teenagers off streets

SPORTS pitches costing £85,000 are to be built in a rundown part of Little Hulton. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Roy takes a bus trip down Memory Lane

WHENEVER Wanderers FA Cup winner Roy Hartle had a bad game, his suffering was very public. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Vernon is a real comic

BOLTON-born television presenter Vernon Kay is doing his bit for Comic Relief . more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Brockhall News

Joanne joins charity trek on slopes of Himalayas

A CHARITY fundraiser has been inspired to swap the office for the Himalayas in a bid to help under privileged children. more...

Burnley

Hameldon: we obtain damning Ofsted report

THE LANCASHIRE Telegraph today reveals the damning Ofsted report into Hameldon Community College. more...

Pervert’s sex attack on train

A CONVICTED rapist who committed a sex act in front of a girl on a train is facing a jail term. more...

Play area to be sold for hospital parking

COUNCIL bosses have agreed to sell part of Rakehead Recreation Ground so it can be turned into a hospital car park. more...

Hameldon: Ofsted's findings

THE Ofsted report which sent Hameldon Community College into special measures is scathing about about the quality of leadership and teaching as well as pupils' attitudes. Here we detail its findings as laid out in the report, which had not yet been officially made public. more...

Hameldon: Lancashire Telegraph comment

The opening of Burnley's Hameldon College last September as part of the borough-wide Building Schools for the Future initiative should have heralded a new era of positive progress and improving standards. It's now clear that this hasn't happened. more...

Hameldon: the inspector’s letter to pupils

Ofsted inspector Garry Jones has written to pupils of Hameldon Community College. Here is a copy of the letter. more...

Police raid house in drugs probe

POLICE investigating whether schoolchildren were sold drugs during their lunchtime break raided a house. more...

Masked raiders strike at supermarket

A WOMAN security guard was attacked as masked raiders robbed a van delivering cash. more...

Bury News

Police ram stolen car

A HIGH speed police pursuit ended at Pilsworth when traffic cops forced a stolen car off the road. more...

Mystery death of mum, aged 25

MYSTERY surrounds the death of a young mother who collapsed at home after complaining of breathing problems. more...

Police ram stolen car

A HIGH speed police pursuit ended at Pilsworth when traffic cops forced a stolen car off the road. more...

Funeral of school governor

THE funeral of a school governor will take place today. more...

Car crash victim's gift of life

A YOUNG driver who died in a road crash has given the gift of life to others. more...

MP David votes for 100pc elected second House

BURY MP David Chaytor demanded that the House of Lords be fully elected to stave off a crisis in British democracy. more...

Public 'will keep voice on area boards'

RESIDENTS have been promised that they will keep their right to speak out at the borough's six area boards. more...

Blind councillor 'is a role model'

BURY councillor Keith Rothwell has been recognised by a leading magazine as a role model for disabled people to enter public life. more...

Green team set out new agenda

GREEN campaigners, councillors and church leaders have taken the first steps towards forming a Bury Climate Change Coalition. more...

Hunt for drug-crazed attacker of gran

A FRAIL pensioner was beaten with her walking stick by a drug-crazed thug. more...

Round Table anniversary celebration at town hall

BURY Round Table members enjoyed a dinner to mark the club's 70th anniversary. more...

Funeral of school governor

THE funeral of a school governor will take place today. more...

Car crash victim's gift of life

A YOUNG driver who died in a road crash has given the gift of life to others. more...

Business Headlines

O2's new award for businesses

MOBILE phone giant O2 is calling on firms to enter the largest local business awards event of the year. more...

Bosses fear backlash over smoking ban

MORE than a third of employers in Bolton believe the smoking ban will to bring unnecessary conflict between managers and staff. more...

Business park owners enjoy 30 per cent groth

A COMPANY which owns 19 business accommodation centres in the North-west has expanded by 30 per cent in six months. more...

BUPA profits reach £4.25bn with NHS work

GOVERNMENT-led incentives to reduce NHS waiting lists and increase efficiency in the service helped private healthcare giant BUPA post a rise in annual revenues and profits. more...

Business Updates

Good 'un Bennetts!

BURY-based butchers Bennetts Quality Meats have proved themselves to be a cut above. . . more...

Busy industrial park attracts fresh trade

THE popular Warth Industrial Park in Bury, the former home of Macpherson Paints, is proving to be a magnet for business. more...

Book in for PACE

CAPITALISING on employee strengths and capabilities and harnessing an existing pool of talent will be the focus of Bury College Business Solutions' latest PACE Network event. more...

Castaway: Follow Erica'S Progress

Husband in bid to be a Castaway

CASTAWAY star Erica Hurst's husband has launched a cheeky bid to join her on the show. more...

Erica discovers her 'older brother'

VIEWERS saw Erica and Joe talk about their blossoming friendship in last night's Castaway show. more...

Chipping News

D-Day on plan for turbine

COUNCILLORS will decide tonight whether to allow an animal park to install a wind turbine. more...

Clarets News

Leighton James verdict on derby clash

BURNLEY legend Leighton James believes this weekend's local derby with Preston is a make or break match for the Clarets. more...

Police fear derby trouble

POLICE are preparing for the Lancashire derby between Preston North End and Burnley this Saturday. more...

Colne

School buses saved by service merger

TWO village bus services which were earmarked for the axe have been saved after transport bosses agreed to merge them. more...

Transplant boy’s mum slams ‘no pay’ decision

A MOTHER whose son's life was saved by a policeman's bone marrow has slammed fire bosses who docked a firefighter's pay for doing the same for another teenager. more...

Comic Relief: The Big One, March 16, 2007

Travel firm gets nosey

FIRST Choice Travel Shop in Asda's Pilsworth Road store in Bury is getting into the swing of tomorrow's Comic Relief's Red Nose Day by arranging a raffle where the star prize is a holiday to Tenerife! more...

Vernon is a real comic

BOLTON-born television presenter Vernon Kay is doing his bit for Comic Relief . more...

Vernon is a real comic

BOLTON-born television presenter Vernon Kay is doing his bit for Comic Relief . more...

Darwen

War lion back in one piece

A VANDALISED lion statue in remembrance of Boer War soldiers from Darwen has been restored. more...

Man told ‘ex’ he would stab her

A chance meeting with his ex-partner during a night out ended with a 23-year-old man being arrested. more...

Party seeks support for new town council

THOUSANDS of signatures are being sought for a petition which could help secure a new town council for Darwen. more...

Education

Hameldon: Ofsted's findings

Hameldon: we obtain damning Ofsted report

THE LANCASHIRE Telegraph today reveals the damning Ofsted report into Hameldon Community College. more...

Ewood News

Taxi-wait man broke window in frustration

A man who became frustrated when the taxi he had ordered failed to arrive smashed the window of a cab out of frustration. more...

500 sign up to join midnight walk

ALMOST 500 women have applied to do a midnight walk in aid of East Lancashire Hospice. more...

Features

Is this what your vote is worth?

The local elections are looming and familiar claims and counter-claims are being made by the political parties. more...

My mosque could do more for me

Picture this it's a cold Sunday morning, you've just woken up, you're having your breakfast and there's a knock at the door. more...

Feniscowles News

£13m lakeland plan for Blackburn

THIS is the vision of a �13million leisure project which is set to transform a controversial 112-acre piece of countryside has been revealed. more...

Fylde Rufc

Fylde hit by injuries

Fylde, in fifth place in National Three North, take on seventh placed Morley at the weekend. more...

Manchester 46 Fylde 29

Fylde played their part in an excellent game of attacking rugby before going down to Manchester by 29-46 in this Lancashire Cup quarter-final. more...

Gig Guide

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Mercury rises in One Vision

Blackpool's Grand Theatre will be rocking to the sound of Mercury, one of the top Queen tribute bands on Monday, April 2. more...

Step back in time with classic songs

The Treadwell Drifters will be performing classics such as Saturday Night at the Movies and Under the Boardwalk, when they perform at the Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, on Saturday March 24. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Great Harwood

Accident student dies in hospital

A 20-year-old student who was knocked down by a taxi while on a night out has died. more...

Accident student dies in hospital

A 20-year-old student who was knocked down by a taxi while on a night out has died. more...

Health

‘Oscars’ tonic for NHS staff

THREE health care teams are vying to be named the best in East Lancashire after being nominated by grateful patients. more...

Health News

Meningitis survivor Regan leads charity walk

PLAYING happily with her family, it is hard to believe little Regan Barlow "died" twice just weeks ago. more...

Call for ban on acne drug

AN ACTION group against the controversial acne drug Roaccutane is calling for it to be taken off the market. more...

Hyndburn News

Pope backs climate Bill

HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope has welcomed the publication of the draft Climate Change Bill as a powerful tool for tackling global warming. more...

Ice Hockey Updates

Phoenix cruise past Capitals

And patient Compton will get full game tonight more...

Jack Straw

Parents face a big test over choice of school

MY children are now in their mid-20s. But I can still remember the roller-coaster of our their final year at primary school like it was yesterday. more...

Jimmy Bell Column

Get behind us for final push

SATURDAY is a cup final for our lads and we need the supporters there. more...

Lancashire

QLR attack on war crime trial

AN ARMY regiment has launched an attack on the decision to prosecute five Lancashire soldiers accused of abuse in Iraq. more...

Council chiefs’ pledge over social care

CHILDREN and families who have regular contact with social workers can expect higher standards of care and better communication thanks to a new set of promises from council chiefs. more...

Latest Sport

Pitches plan to get teenagers off streets

SPORTS pitches costing £85,000 are to be built in a rundown part of Little Hulton. more...

Pitches plan to get teenagers off streets

SPORTS pitches costing £85,000 are to be built in a rundown part of Little Hulton. more...

Leigh Rmi

Big test for Leigh

After Tuesday's 3-1 timely home victory over Blyth Spartans, RMI have yet another Conference North "six pointer" on their hands when they visit second-bottom Redditch United. more...

Letters

Please get drivers to shut up!

CAN I through the newspaper ask for some suggestions as to what I can do about the clowns who think it's fun to play loud music, rev their car engines and beep their horns? more...

Support for cot death parents

WE were very sorry to hear about the tragic death of Pauline Frear and Gordon Hammett's baby daughter Hope, (LT February 28). more...

Good luck to the midnight walkers

THE appeal for 1,000 women to complete a midnight walk on behalf of East Lancashire Hospital (LT, March 8) brought back memories of the Superstroll' 40 miles Blackburn boundary walk in years 1982 and 1983 which I and many others attempted. more...

No marriages means no records

RESEARCH shows marriage is down by 10 per cent. And at its lowest level ever. more...

Pack up and leave Blackpool

I find it totally amazing that Councillors Bate and Bamborough are now demanding the resignation of the Labour leader of Blackpool Council when only a decade ago they, and their Lib Dem colleagues couldn't get their pyjamas on quick enough to jump into Labour's bed and form a Blackpool Lib Dem-Labour pact. more...

Fines won't slow down rich drivers

It was with disbelief that I heard recently about on-the-spot fines for speeding. more...

Leyland News

Nurses on night patrol

Young people in South Ribble were made a spectacle of when a new initiative to crack down on the growing problem of binge drinking got under way. more...

Life

Ange's new addition to the family

ANGELINA Jolie has adopted another child. more...

Britney offered help from unexpected quarter

TROUBLED star Britney Spears has been offered a lifeline from two unusual sources. more...

Reports of self-immolation of the rise in Afghanistan

FRIGHTENING reports from Afghanistan suggest that self-immolation by women is on the rise. more...

Helen's phone phobia

OSCAR winner Helen Mirren is apparently scared of answering the telephone. more...

Women's rights activists arrested

DOZENS of women's rights activists in Iran were arrested last week after gathering outside a courtroom where a further five women were on trial. more...

Local Band Videos

Film star for a day

A Preston film fanatic was a star for a day after helping to fund a new British thriller. * Watch the film trailer here more...

Looking Back

Mark remembers the good Times

WHEN the Blackburn Times office of 1905 made the headlines in Looking Back recently, it prompted former newshound Mark Pattison to tell his own story. more...

Lostock Hall News

Max nets cartoon winner

A young artist has kicked away the opposition and created a new cartoon figure for a popular animated television series. more...

Lytham News

Investigation into lorry fire

A fire destroyed 30 three piece suites and severely damaged a lorry on Westby Street, Lytham. more...

Manchester News

Accident student dies in hospital

A 20-year-old student who was knocked down by a taxi while on a night out has died. more...

Boy, 15, shot in police raid

A MANCHESTER schoolboy was shot with a Taser during a police raid. more...

Accident student dies in hospital

A 20-year-old student who was knocked down by a taxi while on a night out has died. more...

Boy, 15, shot in police raid

A MANCHESTER schoolboy was shot with a Taser during a police raid. more...

Police ram stolen car

A HIGH speed police pursuit ended at Pilsworth when traffic cops forced a stolen car off the road. more...

Police ram stolen car

A HIGH speed police pursuit ended at Pilsworth when traffic cops forced a stolen car off the road. more...

Mellor News

Barbados dream of model girl Louise

A TEENAGER is one step away from the final of a prestigious national beauty contest. more...

More Sports News

England wait on Anderson scan

ENGLAND suffered a scare ahead of the opening match of their World Cup when Burnley seamer Jimmy Anderson was taken to hospital with a fielding injury. more...

Motorsport

Accy boys fight to finish

JUST five seconds separated Accrington Motorsport Club members Stephen Brown and Stephen Johnson at the opening event of this year's F1000 ANWCC Stage Rally Championship. more...

Mexican pain for Barritt

HAPTON'S Daniel Barritt and his Japanese driver Fumio Nutahara suffered a minor setback after finishing only seventh in the latest round of the Production World Rally Championship. more...

Movies

Factory Girl (15)

With newspaper column inches concerning Sienna Miller thus far dominated by her relationship and break-up with Jude Law, the burning question now that Miller's single and making her debut as a leading lady is this: can she act? more...

Premonition (12A)

This initially intriguing psychological / paranormal thriller begins with happily married housewife and mother of two baby girls Linda Hanson (Sandra Bullock) awaking from a nightmare in which her husband Jim (Julian McMahon) is killed in an horrific automobile accident, only to find that the events she dreamed indeed came true. Or rather, they're about to come true. more...

Fur (15)

AMONG the prizes Steven Shainberg picked up for Secretary, his kooky, S&M-among-the-filing-cabinets comedy, was the Independent Spirit Award. more...

I Want Candy (15)

IF PORNSTARS, ping-pong balls and pears get you going, I Want Candy is the film for you. more...

Outlaw (18)

Those films were notable for violence and bad language as much as anything else, and Outlaw continues that tradition. more...

Neil Bonnar: Shoots From The Lip

England's lot are just being left behind

LISTEN to the recent hype about Premiership footballers and you could be mistaken for thinking they are super human. more...

Nelson

Boy fighting for life after snorting heroin

POLICE have issued a stern warning on the dangers of taking drugs after a Nelson teenager was left fighting for his life after snorting heroin. more...

£10,000 copper wire haul

DETERMINED thieves tried four times before they broke into a Nelson warehouse to steal £10,000 worth of copper wire. more...

Hospice offers a dream holiday

AN EAST Lancashire charity is giving people the chance to win a holiday of their dreams. more...

News

Kidnapped man freed in Sri Lanka

A man who was abducted in Sri Lanka has been freed by his captors. more...

Health professionals in India visit

A big-hearted hospital worker has helped put smiles on the faces of children in India. more...

Preston mosque plans approved

Plans for a £2million mosque in Fulwood have been approved by Preston City Council subject to traffic issues being resolved. more...

Nicola Mostyn: Shoots From The Hip

That special mother-daughter relationship

Being a mother must be a strange thing. My mum often reminds me and my sister that when she got married, she wanted sons. more...

Non-League Details

Reds title hope

FC United could put some clear daylight between themselves and their title rivals when they travel to struggling Abbey Hey tomorrow. more...

Oldham News

Police ram stolen car

A HIGH speed police pursuit ended at Pilsworth when traffic cops forced a stolen car off the road. more...

Police ram stolen car

A HIGH speed police pursuit ended at Pilsworth when traffic cops forced a stolen car off the road. more...

Padiham News

Baxi jobs under threat

ONE of East Lancashire biggest manufacturers has announced plans to close its base in the area with the possible loss of jobs. more...

Pendle News

MP: Trident consultation was 'disgrace'

PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice caused the defence secretary to receive a slap on the wrists yesterday after arguing against plans to replace the Trident nuclear weapons system. more...

Pne News

Police fear derby trouble

POLICE are preparing for the Lancashire derby between Preston North End and Burnley this Saturday. more...

Preston News

Hospital call base overhaul

A RADICAL overhaul has been ordered for an overworked call centre used by cancer sufferers, the disabled and kidney disease patients. more...

£2m unpaid bill dispute

A dispute has erupted between the city council and the housing association which runs the city's former council homes. more...

Firm fined £16,000 over death

A building firm has been fined £16,000 over a fatal incident at a Preston school. more...

Parks restoration under way

Work on a state-of-the-art pavilion and the restoration of Avenham and Miller Park has got under way. more...

Next step for CATS

More than 2,000 people in the area responded to a public consultation on the controversial introduction of Clinical Assessment, Treatment and Support services (CATS) centres. more...

Profit boost promise for future workers

Staff at the giant retail store which has been earmarked as a cornerstone of Preston's city centre regeneration project look set to gain from a massive profit share scheme. more...

Tributes to comic actor

Tributes from around the world have been pouring in for Preston-born comic actor John Inman who died, aged 71, last week. more...

Film star for a day

A Preston film fanatic was a star for a day after helping to fund a new British thriller. * Watch the film trailer here more...

Schools hit by bus cutbacks

Some of Preston's most underused but heavily funded school bus services have been axed following a decision by county council chiefs. more...

Musician's all aglow

Heard the one about the rocking reverend, the psychiatric nurse, the engineer and the optician with luminous eyes? * Watch the band in action more...

Tributes to former Citizen editor

Naomi Bunting, 44, the former editor of the Citizen group of newspapers, has died after a short illness. more...

Prestwich Headlines

Funeral of school governor

THE funeral of a school governor will take place today. more...

Funeral of school governor

THE funeral of a school governor will take place today. more...

Prestwich Heys, Local Soccer Round-Up

Heys delighted with Goldline glory

PRESTWICH Heys continued their remarkable season with a thrilling victory over Charnock Richard in the final of the Goldline Trophy on Monday evening. more...

Public Transport

Councillors join fight to save buses

BUS users who fear they will be left out in the cold when their service is withdrawn have turned to town councillors for help. more...

Ribble Valley News

Pope backs climate Bill

HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope has welcomed the publication of the draft Climate Change Bill as a powerful tool for tackling global warming. more...

Rochdale

Police ram stolen car

A HIGH speed police pursuit ended at Pilsworth when traffic cops forced a stolen car off the road. more...

Police ram stolen car

A HIGH speed police pursuit ended at Pilsworth when traffic cops forced a stolen car off the road. more...

Rosegrove News

Hundreds at Harrison's funeral

HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to pay their respects to a teenager who was tragically killed in a motorway accident. more...

Rossendale News

Savings at town hall

ROSSENDALE Council is making big savings. more...

Rovers News

Neill: I've no regrets

PUBLIC Enemy Number One Lucas Neill last night said he's ready to put friendship to one side' when he returns to Ewood Park with relegation-haunted West Ham United this weekend. more...

Derbyshire debt to coach McNally

THE football coach who launched Matt Derbyshire on the road to Premiership stardom is looking to get back into the game after severing his ties with Blackburn Rovers. more...

Rugby League Round-Up

Warriors call up Ashton

CHRIS Ashton looks set for a recall to the starting line-up for Wigan's Super League clash with Salford City Reds. more...

Salford News

Cocaine shame of fatal crash driver

A JOYRIDER was high on cocaine when he killed a 12-year-old Bolton boy in a terrifying late-night motorway smash. more...

Pitches plan to get teenagers off streets

SPORTS pitches costing £85,000 are to be built in a rundown part of Little Hulton. more...

Cocaine shame of fatal crash driver

A JOYRIDER was high on cocaine when he killed a 12-year-old Bolton boy in a terrifying late-night motorway smash. more...

Pitches plan to get teenagers off streets

SPORTS pitches costing £85,000 are to be built in a rundown part of Little Hulton. more...

Seven Days

That Was The Week That Was

News and sport stories from The Bolton News, Bury Times Group, Leigh Journal and associated newspapers and websites in Lancashire from the last seven days more...

Shakers Updates

I've no regrets over Tipton loan - Casper

HE might not line-up in Saturday's all-important clash against Macclesfield Town, but it's a fair bet the name Matthew Tipton will still get a mention at Gigg Lane. more...

Striker Andy picks up top prize

ANDY Bishop will be as surprised as anyone when he picks up the February player of the Month award before kick-off on Saturday at Gigg Lane. more...

Shirty Harry Blog

If you want to something to moan about...

What's going on at Dingley Dell then eh? more...

Soccer Headlines

Casper takes on the 'Guv'

PAUL Ince was the guvnor' of Old Trafford as Chris Casper made his way into the first team as a youngster at Manchester United. more...

Stanley News

Antwi set for Stanley start

NEW Stanley signing Godwin Antwi will go straight into the team for Saturday's must-win game against Torquay United. more...

Stars From The Bolton Area

Paddy at home as star of bakery's TV advert

SHOPPERS did a double-take when they saw Peter Kay's sidekick Paddy McGuinness filming in Bolton town centre yesterday. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Summerseat News

Yellow is colour of money for trees

PUPILS have earned a Ramsbottom primary school £200 by recycling old Yellow Pages. more...

Tangerine Dreamer Blog

Pool face triple away day challenge

Ten games to go. Ten games that just might lead Blackpool Football Club back to the higher divisions of the football league, after nearly 30 years in the wilderness. more...

The Last Bit

My favourite spot

Man it is tough hiding from the locals these days. I can't go anywhere with my bird because they are on to me. more...

Thornton News

Donation hits a high note

Budding musicians at a Blackpool primary school will have a chance to practise their skills thanks to two local businessmen. more...

Call for speed review after accident

The manager of a nursery on a road notorious for accidents has called for traffic calming measures to be brought in. more...

Tigers' Round-Up

Tigers lack winning attitude

LONDON WELSH 32 more...

Don't say the 'S' word

WHETHER you approve or disapprove, four-letter words are a feature of modern day sport sport, however, one in particular is causing Sedgley Park Director of Rugby and lock forward Tim Fourie no amount of concern. Don't panic, the word in question is safe.' "I keep hearing, we're safe, we can't go down,' well that attitude really annoys me and it was that attitude that helped lose us the game against London Welsh," he said after the Tigers went down 32-17 at Old Deer Park, with tries from Jonny Roddam and Chris Hall the only aspects of note. more...

Trawden

School buses saved by service merger

TWO village bus services which were earmarked for the axe have been saved after transport bosses agreed to merge them. more...

Tv Reviews

Masterchef Goes Large, BBC2

WELL, we've only got one more night left and it will all be over. more...

Wanderers News

Roy takes a bus trip down Memory Lane

WHENEVER Wanderers FA Cup winner Roy Hartle had a bad game, his suffering was very public. more...

I'm ready for treble challenge - Smith

ALAN Smith has told Sir Alex Ferguson he is ready to play a major role in Manchester United's treble bid - starting with Saturday's Old Trafford duel with Wanderers. more...

Allardyce fury at City link

SAM Allardyce has reacted angrily to reports claiming he is being lined up as a replacement for under-pressure Manchester City manager, Stuart Pearce. more...

Roy takes a bus trip down Memory Lane

WHENEVER Wanderers FA Cup winner Roy Hartle had a bad game, his suffering was very public. more...

We Say

Trains feeling the strain

IT MAY be seven years off but the Government's plans to put an extra 1,000 carriages on the railways should be welcomed. It may well be a case of too little far too late but at least it is progress. more...

Healthy move

MAKING patients' medical records available outside their GP''s surgery is a sensible move that could save lives. more...

What'S On In And Around Bury

Swinging music at the church

CLASSICAL and swing will feature at Bury Parish Church. more...

Terriers on display

A TERRITORIAL Army display, live music and other entertainment will be provided during an open day at Stratstone Land Rover in Bell Lane, Bury, on Saturday from 11am. more...

What'S On In The Bolton Area

Flat Caps gig

IRISH band The Flat Cappers play a gig at the Brass Cat pub, Churchgate, tomorrow as part of the Bolton Irish Festival celebrations. more...

Historical treasures on show

UNIQUE artefacts from the past 200 years will feature in an exhibition at the Heritage Centre in Beaumont Road, Horwich, from Saturday March 24. more...

Shame of wealth built on slavery

LATER this month is the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery in which Britain played a leading role. more...

Whitefield Headlines

Car crash victim's gift of life

A YOUNG driver who died in a road crash has given the gift of life to others. more...

Car crash victim's gift of life

A YOUNG driver who died in a road crash has given the gift of life to others. more...

Wigan News

Sports firm to face legal action

A CONSUMER group has launched legal action against Wigan-based JJB Sports on behalf of fans who were overcharged for football shirts. more...

Sports firm to face legal action

A CONSUMER group has launched legal action against Wigan-based JJB Sports on behalf of fans who were overcharged for football shirts. more...

You Say

Working at cinema was a family affair

I WAS thrilled and moved when I read the piece by Bill Simpson describing the Odeon in its heyday, and it took me back in time when he remembered the commissionaire in the smart uniform. more...

Preserve its art deco facade

I MUST add to the many letters on the subject of the destruction of the Odeon cinema, not just because I visited it during the 1960s and early 1980s, but it is such a wonderful building, built to last, and a credit to the builders of the 1930s. more...

Put it on ice - for the youngsters

IT seems that I am again in the majority with writers, such as Leslie Wolstenholme, regarding the Odeon. more...

Save this treasure

WOULD it be possible for the town centre planners to visit Scarborough to see what a wonderful job has been done there on a 1930s art deco-style cinema that now holds the Steven Joseph Theatre? more...

Nothing misleading in flouride statement

I HAVE had many letters published in The Bolton News over a period of more than 40 years, and though many correspondents have disagreed with my views and conclusions, no one until now has questioned the veracity of my observations. more...

Criminals who make crime pay

REGARDING the story printed in The Bolton News on Tuesday, March 6, "Driver on the run for three years". more...

Rail boss is on the wrong track

ON March 2 at Manchester Victoria Station, the two-coach Northern train to Clitheroe via Bolton arrives late, and departs with passengers standing all through the train. more...

Double trouble in roadworks

SO the proposed closing down of one lane on a section of Crompton Way is to go ahead and is estimated to take four weeks. more...

Blackpool Citizen Sport

Carnforth 24 Blackpool 2nd XV 41

Blackpool Panthers 18 Pia 42

Blackpool Panthers crashed out of the Carnegie Challenge Cup at the third round stage on Saturday as they lost to French national champions Pia. more...

Fylde hit by injuries

Fylde, in fifth place in National Three North, take on seventh placed Morley at the weekend. more...

Manchester 46 Fylde 29

Fylde played their part in an excellent game of attacking rugby before going down to Manchester by 29-46 in this Lancashire Cup quarter-final. more...

Bury Times Business

Good 'un Bennetts!

BURY-based butchers Bennetts Quality Meats have proved themselves to be a cut above. . . more...

Busy industrial park attracts fresh trade

THE popular Warth Industrial Park in Bury, the former home of Macpherson Paints, is proving to be a magnet for business. more...

Book in for PACE

CAPITALISING on employee strengths and capabilities and harnessing an existing pool of talent will be the focus of Bury College Business Solutions' latest PACE Network event. more...

Bury Times News

Samaritans seek friends

BURY Samaritans are looking for volunteers with a range of skills to join their fundraising group. more...

Hunt for drug-crazed attacker of gran

A FRAIL pensioner was beaten with her walking stick by a drug-crazed thug. more...

Photographers’ hospice date

PHOTOGRAPHERS are wanted to help with next year's Bury Hospice calendar. more...

College's day for the living dead!

BURY College students will be transformed into clowns and zombies! more...

Cheers as pubs raise hospice cash

PUBS in Bury have helped to raise thousands of pounds for a children's hospice. more...

Get rid of our mini roundabout

COUNCILLORS are on a collision course with local authority traffic bosses amid calls that a mini-roundabout in Whitefield be removed. more...

Round Table anniversary celebration at town hall

BURY Round Table members enjoyed a dinner to mark the club's 70th anniversary. more...

£2k awards benefit kids' arts project

TWO grants totalling nearly £2,000 are being awarded to help fund a children's art project and a healthy eating initiative in Whitefield. more...

Big tee time boost for charity

A GOLF tournament organised by Bury fire service has boosted a national charity's coffers. more...

Forum to discuss benefits

BENEFITS and pensions will come under the microscope at the latest meeting of Bury Elders Forum next Wednesday at 2pm. more...

Cardboard blaze at mill

A PILE of cardboard caught fire at a mill in Samuel Street, Bury, last week. more...

Sylvia gets a free bite at the Big Apple

A TRANS-Atlantic trip of a lifetime beckons for a lucky customer of Yorkshire Building Society's branch on The Rock, Bury. more...

MP David votes for 100pc elected second House

BURY MP David Chaytor demanded that the House of Lords be fully elected to stave off a crisis in British democracy. more...

Public 'will keep voice on area boards'

RESIDENTS have been promised that they will keep their right to speak out at the borough's six area boards. more...

Mystery death of mum, aged 25

MYSTERY surrounds the death of a young mother who collapsed at home after complaining of breathing problems. more...

Questions on gender

A NEW law which requires councils to eliminate gender discrimination and harassment comes into force on April 6. more...

Tennis club eyes ‘ace’ site

GRAZING land in Summerseat could be developed to provide a sports club with a new home. more...

Police ram stolen car

A HIGH speed police pursuit ended at Pilsworth when traffic cops forced a stolen car off the road. more...

Parking wardens set to get more police protection

PARKING wardens in Bury are to be given greater police protection. more...

Baby Megan was born to read

LITTLE Megan Leigh Buckley is the youngest member of Bury's libraries - having joined just four hours after she was born. more...

Midnight pharmacy

BOOTS pharmacy is the second in the borough to open 100 hours a week, for prescriptions and medical advice up until midnight. more...

Funeral of school governor

THE funeral of a school governor will take place today. more...

St Patrick’s Day warning

ENJOY the craic - but don't drink too much. more...

600 pupils tune up for shows

MORE than 600 children will perform songs from a blockbuster musical this month. more...

Car crash victim's gift of life

A YOUNG driver who died in a road crash has given the gift of life to others. more...

Burrs Country Park meeting open to all

FRIENDS of Burrs Country Park will be meeting on Tuesday March 20 at 7.30pm to discuss the site management plan and some of the project ideas for the next financial year. more...

Audit chief says farewell to town hall

COUNCIL employee Jim Butterworth is leaving after 43 years' service in local government. more...

New one-stop medical centre is planned for Whitefield

WHITEFIELD is to get its own primary care super-centre which will virtually act as a "one stop shop" to house a range of vital medical services under the one roof. more...

Nuisance ‘tsar’ set to tackle the street yobs

A FAMILIAR face is set to become Bury's nuisance "tsar" to tackle young troublemakers. more...

Cricket star in fear as family is forced back to Pakistan

A PROMISING young cricketer, who plays for a Bury club, has spoken of his fears for himself and his family after they lost their fight for asylum. more...

Trio talk their way through to regional finals

THREE talkative teenagers from St Gabriel's RC High School in Bury have something to shout about after progressing to the next stage of a national competition. more...

Ram-raiders wreck shop in cash machine snatch

RAM-raiders escaped with a virtually empty cash machine from an Unsworth shop but left £20,000 worth of damage in their wake. more...

Christian Aid worker dies at 104

BURY woman Miss Florence Hopewell, a stalwart of the town's annual Christian Aid Week collection, has died at the age of 104. more...

American minister signs in at the double

THE pulpits at Bury Unitarian Church and Ainsworth Unitarian Chapel had a new face behind them as the congregations welcomed Reverend Jeffrey Gould for his first service. more...

Blind councillor 'is a role model'

BURY councillor Keith Rothwell has been recognised by a leading magazine as a role model for disabled people to enter public life. more...

Catholic college is a good place to work

HOLY Cross College has been named as one of the best small companies to work for in the UK. more...

Green team set out new agenda

GREEN campaigners, councillors and church leaders have taken the first steps towards forming a Bury Climate Change Coalition. more...

Patients' input is the way forward

FAIRFIELD and North Manchester general hospitals are unleashing "power to the patients " in a series of events aimed at highlighting how patient involvement can change NHS services. more...

Lancashire Telegraph Education

Hameldon: we obtain damning Ofsted report

THE LANCASHIRE Telegraph today reveals the damning Ofsted report into Hameldon Community College. more...

Hameldon: Ofsted's findings

Hameldon: we obtain damning Ofsted report

THE LANCASHIRE Telegraph today reveals the damning Ofsted report into Hameldon Community College. more...

Lancashire Telegraph Letters

Please get drivers to shut up!

CAN I through the newspaper ask for some suggestions as to what I can do about the clowns who think it's fun to play loud music, rev their car engines and beep their horns? more...

Support for cot death parents

WE were very sorry to hear about the tragic death of Pauline Frear and Gordon Hammett's baby daughter Hope, (LT February 28). more...

Good luck to the midnight walkers

No marriages means no records

RESEARCH shows marriage is down by 10 per cent. And at its lowest level ever. more...

Lancashire Telegraph News

Pope backs climate Bill

HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope has welcomed the publication of the draft Climate Change Bill as a powerful tool for tackling global warming. more...

Savings at town hall

ROSSENDALE Council is making big savings. more...

Lancashire Telegraph Sport

Accy boys fight to finish

JUST five seconds separated Accrington Motorsport Club members Stephen Brown and Stephen Johnson at the opening event of this year's F1000 ANWCC Stage Rally Championship. more...

Mexican pain for Barritt

HAPTON'S Daniel Barritt and his Japanese driver Fumio Nutahara suffered a minor setback after finishing only seventh in the latest round of the Production World Rally Championship. more...

England wait on Anderson scan

ENGLAND suffered a scare ahead of the opening match of their World Cup when Burnley seamer Jimmy Anderson was taken to hospital with a fielding injury. more...

Leigh Journal News

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Roy takes a bus trip down Memory Lane

WHENEVER Wanderers FA Cup winner Roy Hartle had a bad game, his suffering was very public. more...

Prestwich And Whitefield Guide News

Take That fury over their hits in musical

TAKE That have hit out at plans for a West End musical based on their songs. more...

Funeral of school governor

THE funeral of a school governor will take place today. more...

Car crash victim's gift of life

A YOUNG driver who died in a road crash has given the gift of life to others. more...

The Bolton News Business

Bosses fear backlash over smoking ban

MORE than a third of employers in Bolton believe the smoking ban will to bring unnecessary conflict between managers and staff. more...

Business park owners enjoy 30 per cent groth

A COMPANY which owns 19 business accommodation centres in the North-west has expanded by 30 per cent in six months. more...

BUPA profits reach £4.25bn with NHS work

GOVERNMENT-led incentives to reduce NHS waiting lists and increase efficiency in the service helped private healthcare giant BUPA post a rise in annual revenues and profits. more...

O2's new award for businesses

MOBILE phone giant O2 is calling on firms to enter the largest local business awards event of the year. more...

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