WHEN the vicar of Padiham, the Rev Mark Jones, arrived in town one of his first ambitions was to get the lifeless bells in the church tower ringing again. Inspired by his enthusiasm, the parish rallied round and raised enough money to reurbish the bells.

The culmination of the dream was on Sunday when the Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev John Goddard, re-dedicated the bells in front of a packed congregation at St Leonard's Church. He paid tribute to the efforts of the vicar and his parishioners. Then the bell-ringers hauled on the ropes and the sound reverberated all over town.

The Mayor of Padiham, Coun Mark Jinkinson, and the Mayoress, Mrs Denise Jinkinson, led the civic dignitaries who attended. and the Mayoress, Mrs Denise Jinkinson headed the civic dignitaries who attended and the Mayor expressed his pride in the efforts of the people of Padiham

CASH will be given away this month in Padiham. A presentation night will be held in Padiham Town Hall to distribute almost £6,000 raised by last year's mayor, Coun Bob Clark, and mayoress, Mrs Hazel Rushton.

Groups and charities were asked to apply to the fund for donations. Those who were successful will receive cheques on Tuesday, September 21 at 7pm.

The Mayor of Padiham, Coun Mark Jinkinson and the Mayoress, Mrs Denise Jinkinson, have arranged entertainment during the ceremony.

At the ceremony, Naomi Koope, from Didsbury in Manchester, will play the violin, both

GAWTHORPE High School is holding an open evening on September 29, from 7pm to 9pm, and is also open on September 30, from 9am to noon. This enables parents and carers of prospective 2005 pupils to tour the school and meet staff.

The school is applying for permission to erect 2.4metre high security fencing where it meets Gawthorpe Hall grounds.

HAPTON man James Greenall, of Bridgefield Street, raised more than £200 for Burnley and Pendle Hospice with a marathon 25-mile canoe paddle on the canal at Hapton.

Starting from the Bridge Inn, James marked out a section of a mile either side and paddled his canoe for more than eight hours. His wife, Amanda, and two-year-old daughter, Emily, were among the enthusiastic crowd who urged him on.

James decided to support the hospice after his grandad was cared for by them.

cash plea

PLEAS from St Margaret's Church, in Hapton, for help with the church gardens, and a financial donation, will be discussed at the parish council budget meeting on Monday, September 20.

GAWTHORPE High School is holding an open evening on September 29, from 7pm to 9pm, and is also open on September 30, from 9am to noon. This enables parents and carers of prospective 2005 pupils to tour the school and meet staff.

The school is applying for permission to erect 2.4metre-high security fencing where it meets Gawthorpe Hall grounds.