AN altarpiece which dates back to the 16th century can finally be seen again in all its former glory at Burnley’s Towneley Hall. The reredos, believed to have been crafted by an Antwerp sculptor between 1510 and 1520, has been fully illuminated
MARKET traders in Burnley are becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ at rent rises as new arrivals are paying substantially less, according to the town’s MP. Gordon Birtwistle told a full council meeting that he had been approached by one trader who
A CENTURY-OLD fountain will be restored to its former glory after a £2,000 grant from Darwen Town Council’s parks committee. The Robert Shorrock drinking fountain was installed in Bold Venture Park in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of Edward
FOUR balaclava-clad burglars, armed with a stun gun, forced their way into a house in Church. Detectives have now launched an investigation after two teenagers, who were in the house, in York Street, at the time of the incident, were threatened
A MAN whose body was found at his home, where more than 100 empty vodka bottles were once discovered, could have ‘been lying dead for weeks’, an inquest heard. Anthony Moffitt, 57, was found at his house on Chiltern Avenue, Burnley, on August 20
THROW together drag queens, disco pop classics, country hicks and an eye-popping mail order wife, and mix them in a fuschia pink paint pot... Then you’re somewhere near the glorious festival of campery that is Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Based
TODAY’s Valentine’s celebrations will be extra special for one loving couple – as it is their diamond wedding anniversary. Jim and Beryl Warner, both 81, are commemorating the 60-year landmark with a family party at their Pleckgate Road home in
It’s less than three weeks since over 200 people were killed at the Kiss night club in Santa Maria, Brazil, but already the memory has faded. We shudder at the harrowing tales of youngsters prevented from escaping by security guards checking for
LOVE is in the air today in East Lancashire. Tens of thousands of men and women will be romancing their partners with chocolates, roses and candlelit dinners. Card shops, jewellers, florists and restaurants look set to profit from Valentine’s Day
IN recent light of the horse meat scandal, I wonder if your readers would be interested in this poem. It was originally written in Lancashire dialect by Joseph Baron, a great uncle of my mother, at the latter end of the 1800s. Entitled Sossingers
RE ‘New boxing club for Blackburn youths’ – this is an extremely positive and pro-active idea. The kids in Blackburn have nothing to do in the evening and as the article states, PC Noctor has gone out and spoken to the youths and asked what they want
My partner had been stuck in mundane and uninteresting employment for some time and it was starting to get to him. We were therefore delighted when he secured employment at an exciting company in the centre of Manchester. Dozens of people commute
THE Darwen Live festival should not be exclusively supported by the council tax payer! I am not saying that support should be fully pulled right now, but in this current financial climate, events such as Darwen Live should look into other funding
Many people are aware of the Pleasington Cemetery Action Group’s challenge of Blackburn with Darwen Council, relative to the health and safety audit in all cemeteries of the borough of around six years ago. We have finally won the case, and as
A SCULPTURE that will direct visitors to one of Rossendale’s most popular tourist attractions has been branded ‘a monstrosity’ by a councillor. The artwork, intended for use as a bicycle rack, is due to be placed in Newchurch Road, Bacup, in front
THOUSANDS of young men from the Valley communities of Bacup and Stacksteads answered their country’s call to arms during the Great War. More than four years on, hundreds of them had been cut down on the battlefield, gone missing, or succumbed to
A DARWEN man has been jailed for five years for indecently assaulting a young girl. Preston Crown Court heard Allen Dearden plead guilty to five historic charges of assaulting the schoolgirl while she was under the age of 14. The prosecution
TOILET terror is the main thing putting off potential visitors to East Lancashire camping and caravan sites, a new study has found. The poll carried out by the Camping and Caravanning Club, showed holidaymakers think that unclean toilets are more
THE planning application for Accrington’s new bus station is set for final approval by councillors next week. The go-ahead for the new scheme, at Crawshaw Street car park, is top of the agenda for Hyndburn Council’s planning committee on Wednesday
OFSTED inspectors have said a Rishton secondary school must still do better – but agree it is heading in the right direction. Watchdogs assessed Norden High School and Sports College last month, finding shortfalls in pupil achievement, behaviour
THE qualifiers for tonight’s second heat of the Lancashire Telegraph-backed Reidy’s Talent Contest have been revealed. Nine acts and artists will be performing live in Blakey’s at King George’s Hall, Blackburn, with three going forward to the grand
A ROMANIAN husband and wife worked in tandem to pick the pocket of a 77-year-old woman as she shopped in Blackburn town centre. The town’s magistrates heard the theft was only foiled by a sharp-eyed store detective who was following the couple
St. Mary’s College Creative Writing group held a poetry reading afternoon in the College Library. The event was about sharing some of the work that the creative writing group (called Planet 125) had developed over the last few months and about
BUSINESSES from Blackburn are being encouraged to get their football boots on for a good cause. The town’s Youth Zone and its ambassador, Rovers’ player David Dunn, are championing a high-class kick-about at Ewood Park. The Big Kick is offering
A 40-YEAR-OLD man appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with a spate of burglaries, mostly on or near holiday caravan parks. Leslie Steven Rawstron, pleaded not guilty to 18 charges of burglary involving property worth more than £17,000
EAST Lancashire residents whose first language is not English may soon be unable to take their driving test using an interpreter. The use of theory test translations and practical test interpreters is being reviewed by the Driving Standards Agency
BLACKBURN with Darwen’s new primary care boss has warned borough council spending cuts could have a ‘catastrophic’ impact on local NHS services. Chris Clayton said he was very alarmed at that scale of cuts in social care in the £30million budget
Congratulations to St. Mary’s College student, Luke Pickles (17), former pupil of St. Augustine’s RC High School, who has just qualified to represent the North West at swimming, in the British Colleges Sport National Finals. He will be swimming the
THE Sisters of Nazareth have just celebrated 100 years of caring for older people in Blackburn. Their former Nazareth House Care Home, in Preston New Road, at Beardwood, is currently undergoing a transformation into a modern-day retirement village
A DROP-IN family health clinic has been launched in Blackburn. Visit Ivy Street Community Centre, from 9.30am to 10.30am on Thursdays.
A craft club is held at Christ Church Longridge on Monday mornings. The Berry Lane church is also open for coffee mornings on Fridays. The craft club starts at 10am.
BLACKBURN and Darwen band are on the lookout for a new member to play harmony music. If you can hit the right note, call Nick Sheppard on 07968 867488.
COUNCILLORS are today set to approve the development of a Sawley caravan park.The plans, to be discussed at Ribble Valley Council’s development and planning meeting, are for 11 plots.
A CRACKDOWN is being launched by police on poaching in rural areas of the Ribble Valley. Anyone with information should call police on 101.
BLACKBURN’s over 55’s club is looking for new members. The group meets at Peridot Community Base, in Peridot Close, every Thursday between 2pm and 4pm. Activities include bingo, quizzes and trips out. Call 01254 697655.
LITTLE pirates will be making treasure chests at Clitheroe Castle next Wednesday. It is part of a series of pirate themed days at the castle, including fancy dress competitions with prizes for the best dressed pirates.
PERMISSION is set to be granted today for a Ribble Valley riding school to dramatically upgrade its facilities. Osbaldeston Riding Centre, Osbaldeston, is likely to get the go-ahead from councillors to begin work on a replacement outdoor arena
LOVING homes for children in care is the only thing on the wish list for Lancashire County Council’s adoption team this spring. More than 100 children, who cannot live with their families, are hoping to move from foster care and find permanent
AN exodus of experienced headteachers is taking place in East Lancashire. A union boss and headteacher with 20-years experience said there are a number of leaders ‘of an age’ due to retire – but there was a problem recruiting replacements due to
A CCTV image of the men wanted in connection with the theft of 10 gas canisters in Darwen has been issued by police. Officers said the theft took place at James Gibsons Ltd hardware store on Warflex House shortly after 8.15pm. Two men approached
A TEENAGER has admitted robbing a man of £1,000 in the street while armed with a crowbar. Preston Crown Court heard Oliver Green, 18, of Sycamore Grove, plead guilty to robbing Paul Mountain while armed with an offensive weapon. The attack happened
DARWEN’s MP has been given a special award in recognition of his work to promote canine access and responsible dog ownership. Jake Berry was presented with the Kennel Club Dog Parliamentary Award when he joined other canine campaigners to celebrate
A BUDDING archaeologist from Blackburn has curated his own display called ‘A Journey into the Afterlife’, at Blackburn Museum. At 14 years old, Ryan Smith is the youngest member of the Blackburn Egyptology Society, known as TheBES — the name of
A NEW operations director – who has already played a leading educational role in Blackburn – is set to oversee East Lancashire’s first university technical college. One of John Proctor’s key roles will be to forge links with industry leaders such
A LEADING East Lancashire concert pianist has called for a full inquiry into sexual misconduct at Chetham’s school of music while convicted sex offender Michael Brewer was director of music at the historic institution. Martin Roscoe claims the
JOBSEEKERS can get advice from experts at the Maden Centre, in Rochdale Road, Bacup, today. The job club meets at 1.30pm, and is followed by the Stop Smoking support group, at 5pm.
VETERANS can take advantage of free keep-fit session at Alder Grange Sports Centre, in Rawtenstall, on Monday night. Lighthouse Tai Chi has organised the class, from 7pm to 8.30pm.
A MEETING of Rossendale Council’s cabinet due to take place last night was postponed after snow engulfed the Valley. It has been rescheduled to take place at 5.30pm tonight, in the council chamber, at Futures Park, Bacup.
The NSPCC Rawtenstall District Committee is holding a fundraising Beetle Drive on February 21. It will take place at the CPA Social Club, in Loveclough Place, Loveclough, from 7.30pm.
TRAVELLERS have set up an unauthorised encampment at Futures Park, in Bacup. It comes just days after travellers were asked to leave private land, in New Hall Hey Road, Rawtenstall. Rossendale Council said it was working with both Lancashire
MICHAEL Appleton has confirmed that Blackburn Rovers hope to complete a loan deal for Karim Rekik in time for the defender to be available for Saturday’s FA Cup match at Arsenal. Rovers are due to sign the Dutch teenager on loan from Manchester City,
FURIOUS Whitworth residents stormed out of the Rossendale Council chamber after a decision to allow 39 new homes to be built on the former Facit Mill site. The application, by Countryside Properties and Calico Housing Group, was unanimously approved
THE sentencing of two brothers who have admitted assault causing actual bodily harm was adjourned until March 7, at Burnley Crown Court. Christian Niven, 22, of Osborne Terrace, Stacksteads, was remanded in custody. His co-defendant Steven
YOUNG drivers could win free lessons as part of a safer driving course at Ramsbottom Fire Station next month. Following the success of the inaugural Safe Young Drivers scheme last year, firefighters at the station, in Stubbins Lane, have organised
BURNLEY Council’s sport and play development unit is delivering their ‘Getin2’ half- term activity club next week. The club is for five to 14-year-olds and is based at St Peters Leisure Centre from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Activities include
PRE-SCHOOL children can enjoy a weekly storytime, sing song and colouring session at Padiham Library each Thursday from 2pm to 3pm. The sessions are free.
EAST Lancashire care specialists Carepal are advising Lancashire residents to plan as far ahead as possible for their care needs. The move follows this week’s Government announcement on the proposed changes to care funding. Liz Faye, managing
THE FORMER Age Concern offices, in Railway Street, Nelson, could be converted into a house after plans for the work were submitted to Pendle Council.
BURNLEY MP Gordon Birtwistle will be holding a surgery for constituents tomorrow between 4pm and 5pm at Burnley Library. He said: “It’s so important that local people are able to speak with me about issues of concern.”
AN ANIMAL shelter at Lower Draught Gates Farm, in Burnley Road, Trawden, is set to be demolished and replaced by a warehouse, after plans were submitted for the work.
PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has praised the impact the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) has had in East Lancashire during a debate in the House of Commons. Mr Stephenson said: “The regional growth fund has been a great help to businesses across Lancashire
PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has praised the impact the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) has had in East Lancashire during a debate in the House of Commons. Mr Stephenson said: “The regional growth fund has been a great help to businesses across Lancashire
A BURNLEY nursery school has retained its ‘good’ rating during a recent Ofsted inspection. Stoneyholme Nursery School, in March Street, was rated good by the independent body. The report said: “Children enjoy taking part in a wide range of
A DIY enthusiast said to have accidentally chopped off his big toe went out and stole a saw after he was released from hospital, a court heard. Dad-of-two Martin Roy Blenkinsopp, 40, had cut through the bone of his toe with an angle grinder.
AN EAST Lancashire dance and fitness entrepreneur has been selected to open the biggest event in the hairdressing calendar the ‘Pro Hair Live Exhibition’ on Manchester’s Deansgate. Charlotte De Curtis, former British Isles and European dance champion
A CONVICTED drug dealer who stocked up on cannabis for Eid has walked free from court for a second time because of his sick mother. Munir Raza, 31, said to be his mother’s sole carer, had been spared prison last April after she wrote a letter saying
A SLAUGHTERHOUSE boss has insisted he is innocent after Food Standards Agency bosses raided his farm as part of the horsemeat scandal. Peter Boddy, who runs an abbatoir in Hey Head Lane, Todmorden, has said he will co-operate with agency investigators
AN evening of classic soul and Motown takes place at the Bird Trap, Brierfield, on Saturday from 8pm to 1am. Entry is £2.
PENDLE Over-50s Club is holding a Valentine’s Day quiz for teams of up to six at the ACE Centre, Nelson, today at 2.30pm, entry £1.50 per person.
AN afternoon of knit, craft and natter takes place tomorrow from 2 to 4pm at Colne Library.
POLICE are to increase patrols around Trawden’s community centre and library after complaints of youths congregating in the area in the evenings, and causing noise nuisance as well as road safety issues.
AN event for toddlers and their parents takes place at Nelson Baptist Church, in Woodlands Road, tomorrow from 10am to 11.30am. The Toddle Into Church event features a bouncy castle, songs, stories and toys and entry is 50p per family.
COLNE singer Russell Shaun will be performing a home-town concert this Saturday. Russell has performed all over Europe but has said that his home audience is the best he has ever had. Having been on the road for a decade playing to sold- out
PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has called a meeting with the Canal and River Trust over the poor state of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Nelson. Mr Stephenson said: “Pendle residents are fed up of walking the canal and finding it strewn with litter
A MAN from Colne has been prosecuted for allowing his dog to foul in public. Duncan Cameron, 47, of Basil Street, failed to appear at Reedley Magistrates’ Court, but the case was proved in his absence. A local resident witnessed Cameron allowing
A CANDLE created by a budding tycoon from Pendle has taken pride of place in the office of Prince Andrew. Ameena Bibi, 18, whose company, Occasions by Ameena, makes and sells bespoke candles and other products, won the Tycoon in Schools Award for
SUPPORTERS of Marie Curie Cancer Care have thanked customers of the Sainsbury’s store in Norfolk Street, Colne, after raising nearly £2,000.
THE Paul Greenwood Band, featuring Pete Tillotson on bass and Ben Gonzalez on drums, will be appearing The Venue, in Albert Road, Colne, this Saturday from 9pm.
AN evening of mediumship with Gordon Walsh will be hosted by Colne Spiritualist Church at their Spring Lane home on Thursday, February 21, from 7.30pm.
AN under-11s Valentine’s disco is being staged at the North Valley Community Centre in Colne from 6pm to 7.30pm this Saturday. For details, ring 01282 861038.
ASH Mandrake, the double guitar specialist, will be appearing at Jim’s Vegetarian Cafe, in New Market Street, Colne, with Teaspoon as support, from 7.30pm on Thursday, February 21.
MORE than 8,000 flower bulbs have been donated to help Nelson blossom this spring and summer. Bosses at Wilkinson’s, in Pendle Rise shopping centre, have handed over daffodil and other varieties to Nelson In Bloom. And the horticultural gift will
BLOCKBUSTER stores in Accrington, Blackburn, and Padiham, are set to shut, administrators for the chain have announced. It had previously been announced that the Rawtenstall store was to close. The latest planned closures of 164 stores nationally
DETECTIVES searching for a man who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old schoolgirl are following up on potential leads. Officers in Hyndburn CID are sifting through information that may help them find the attacker who struck in Sabden on Monday around
BLACKBURN Rovers are signing Karim Rekik on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season. The 18-year-old Dutch defender previously had a loan spell at Portsmouth during Michael Appleton’s time at Fratton Park, and it is understood he will join
LADIES, if you’re hoping to be whisked off your feet by a whirlwind of romance today then think again. According to the majority of local traders, almost all husbands, boyfriends and fiances are unorganised when it comes to buying presents for
A TWIN daughter born with an incurable hole-in-the-heart condition has been described by her mum as ‘an amazing little fighter’. Vicky Kenyon has been warned by doctors that her four-year-old daughter Jennifer may not survive into her twenties.
A DAD is fighting to stop his children from being deported from Burnley to South Africa. Justin Tutt, 29, fears his children Seth, eight, and Leigh, five, could be ‘raped or killed’ if they are sent back to their native country where they will
COUNTY fire bosses have agreed a council tax freeze – despite facing a £6million funding gap during the next three years. Lancashire’s chief fire officer Chris Kenny has warned that the budget reductions will ‘inevitably’ affect services. Leaders
AN AMBULANCE crashed into a stone wall as snow and sub-zero temperatures hit East Lancashire yesterday. The vehicle, which was travelling towards Blackburn on the Grane Road near Belthorn, was not responding to an emergency. The collision,
MOVES aimed at rooting out police corruption and misconduct announced by the Home Secretary have been given a cautious welcome in Lancashire. Members of the county’s police force already have to declare any second jobs they have to their bosses
CHARLIE Austin is ready to rediscover his blistering pre-injury form and help refuel Burnley’s play-off push. The Clarets top scorer blazed a goal trail before enduring a frustrating five-week lay-off with a hamstring problem. Austin had signed
HOW refreshing to learn that Ross Wallace was willing to take a pay cut to stay at Burnley Football Club. On the face of it, modern day football does not seem to have been touched by austere times like the rest of the world. Burnley, however
BRADLEY Orr has expressed his gratitude to Michael Appleton for giving him a second chance at Blackburn Rovers after being told he would never play for the club again. Orr has started Rovers’ last three games after being recalled from a loan at
MICHAEL Appleton is determined to add to his squad before Blackburn Rovers’ next league game at Hull City on Tuesday. Appleton brought in DJ Campbell and Lee Williamson last week but is eager to bring in up to four more players. The Rovers
AMONG the talents that Michael Appleton has brought to Blackburn Rovers since his arrival as manager, perhaps the most important was the simplest thing of all. Common sense. It would not appear to be the most ground-breaking of attributes, indeed
BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche and Turf Moor skipper Jason Shackell have been nominated for the Championship's manager and player of the month awards for January. Dyche led the Clarets to three wins and one loss from the four games in the month, while
A man ‘glassed’ an innocent victim in a case of mistaken identity. Blackburn magistrates heard that Kyle Anthony Bradley believed the man he attacked was responsible for the death of his uncle four years earlier. But the man identified to him
