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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
THE First Division is a strange place to be right now. A month ago, we hammer Walsall 3-1, with Delroy getting a hat-trick, then this week they go and hammer Nottingham Forest 4-1. The same Forest, you might recall, who came to Turf Moor and comfortably
OUR boys are home from Iraq after four and a half months of putting their lives on the line -- and they've been given a hero's welcome. After working 18 hours a day, seven days a week saving lives and keeping the peace in Iraq the 1st Battalion of the
PAUL Gallagher unleashed a Bonfire Night fire-cracker of his own to earn a point for Rovers Reserves in last night's second team derby with Bolton Wanderers at Christie Park. And even more good news for beleaguered Graeme Souness was the return of Craig
CRAIG Short today admitted he feared he had become surplus to requirements at Blackburn Rovers. The veteran defender, who made his comeback after a three month lay-off in the reserves last night, felt his days were numbered at Ewood as he watched Lorenzo
A MAYOR has thrown open the stage to promising local bands at a gig to raise money for her charity fund. Five-piece Blackburn group Fashionable Winos were the first band to volunteer their services for the concert in aid of the Mayor of Burnley's charities
POP Idol reject Andrew Derbyshire today backed the show's Mr Nasty Simon Cowell - and told MPs to stay out of the row over the cutting comments of the competition's judges. A group of angry MPs - including East Lancashire's Gordon Prentice - have launched
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
THE cost of school meals in East Lancashire was to rise 5p to 30p, it was announced. However to soften the blow to parents, the increase would not take effect for a year. The move was made as part of a government drive to cut the tax payers' £400 million
LOW unemployment in East Lancashire and an acute shortage of machinists was revealed. A survey showed there were 6,500 vacancies in spinning, weaving and finishing across the North West. Yet Blackburn's unemployment level was just 0.8 per cent, Burnley's
WITH Accrington Stanley's appearance in the FA Cup first round, football fever is gripping the town. And that was added to yesterday when the world famous trophy arrived in the town ahead of Sunday's match against Huddersfield Town. As part of the countdown
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
THIS week John Prescott was on tour, encouraging regions to establish regional assemblies. Whether we in the North West accept this invitation would be up to us, since assemblies will only go ahead if people in the region have said they want one in a
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
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
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
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,
THE Radcliffe Boro Supporters Club are holding their November meeting in the Boro Club on Thursday with a 7.30pm start. Ian Bishop and Chris Denham are expected to represent the Boro playing staff.
BURNLEY bosses have begun the battle to win back stay-away fans. The club has announced sweeping cut-price offers for the next two home games in a bid to boost dwindling Turf Moor attendances. Fans can pay £20 for four tickets (two adults and two concessions
CRAIG Short today admitted he feared he had become surplus to requirements at Blackburn Rovers. The veteran defender, who made his comeback after a three month lay-off in the reserves last night, felt his days were numbered at Ewood as he watched Lorenzo
FIRE crews were called out to a scrapyard in Darwen after reports that electrical transformers had been thrown on to a bonfire. Officers from Darwen fire station, together with a representative from the Environment Agency, attended the fire at Barnes
THE future of some of Darwen town centre's oldest buildings has been secured as part of a massive programme of improvement work. Regeneration bosses at Blackburn with Darwen Council were today celebrating the announcement that the Heritage Lottery Fund
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
MOTORISTS face a new crackdown to tackle the 'growing problem' of people still being over the limit from the previous night's drinking. The move was announced after the publication of research by the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety that uncovered
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
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
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
* 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,
FIREFIGHTERS across the county were called to more than 500 incidents on bonfire night making it the busiest night of the year. But crews throughout Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley said November 5 had passed off with no major incidents
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 TOY company has launched an investigation into a complaint that a four-year-old boy discovered a beetle in his play dough. Dion Clements was given a Matchbox toy fire engine set with Fun Dough for his birthday, and found the 2cms-long dead bug inside
HE has worked 18 hours a day, seven days a week, with just six days leave, saving lives and keeping the peace in Iraq. And for Sam Schofield, having his dad home after four and half months is the best birthday present he could have ever asked for. Sam
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
A SUSPECTED heroin dealer has been cleared by a court after the mother of his children refused to give evidence against him. Mother-of-two Michelle Camm was to provide the only evidence against Mark Anthony Barnes at his trial later this month. But she
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
FIVE men who plotted to flood the north of England with ecstasy, amphetemines and cannabis have had their prison sentences cut by up to a third. The men, from East Lancashire, were part of a sophisticated operation which between December 1999 and February
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
OUR boys are home from Iraq after four and a half months of putting their lives on the line -- and they've been given a hero's welcome. After working 18 hours a day, seven days a week saving lives and keeping the peace in Iraq the 1st Battalion of the
ACCRINGTON Stanley captain Peter Cavanagh earned an England cap after playing 90 minutes for the semi-professional team against Belgium under 20s. The England National XI drew 2-2 with the Belgium side at Darlington's Reynolds Arena and fullback Cavanagh
HOTSHOT Paul Mullin is determined to win his fitness battle in time for Sunday's FA Cup showdown with Huddersfield Town. The Accrington Stanley striker missed training last week after sustaining a calf injury in the fourth qualifying round win over Leigh
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
ROCKET attacks on pensioners' homes angered estate residents who have petitioned Greater Manchester Chief Constable Michael Todd for help. They want more police patrols in the Shakerley area and a firm stance against the firework-hurling yobs who are
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
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
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
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,
FIVE men who plotted to flood the north of England with ecstasy, amphetemines and cannabis have had their prison sentences cut by up to a third. The men, from East Lancashire, were part of a sophisticated operation which between December 1999 and February
BLACKBURN Rovers are facing a potential goalkeeper crisis ahead of Monday night's game against Everton. German rookie David Yelldell has joined Alan Kelly on the sidelines after a shoulder injury flared up and ruled him out of last night's reserve game
A SUSPECTED heroin dealer has been cleared by a court after the mother of his children refused to give evidence against him. Mother-of-two Michelle Camm was to provide the only evidence against Mark Anthony Barnes at his trial later this month. But she
FIVE men who plotted to flood the north of England with ecstasy, amphetemines and cannabis have had their prison sentences cut by up to a third. The men, from East Lancashire, were part of a sophisticated operation which between December 1999 and February
FIVE men who plotted to flood the north of England with ecstasy, amphetemines and cannabis have had their prison sentences cut by up to a third. The men, from East Lancashire, were part of a sophisticated operation which between December 1999 and February
POPPIES will be worn, memories will be stirred and gratitude will be given when Radcliffe reflects on the bravery of its townsfolk on Remembrance Sunday. The sombre occasion will see the parade of veterans, descendants and representatives of uniformed
THE young children enjoying themselves at a top nursery in Blackburn will have little idea about the history of the building they attend every day. Care 4 Kids is based in Rainbow House, Agnes Street. But there are few clues in the building's name to
A BUSINESSMAN was burgled for the sixth time in a year while he took part in a TV debate about crime. David Moore's plumbing firm, based in York Street, Clitheroe, was raided as he appeared on BBC1's Kilroy programme. The break-in took the cost of items
A £900,000 resource centre is being planned for community use and voluntary groups in Hyndburn. The facility will be based at the former St James' School house, in Cannon Street, Accrington, after the council bought the building for £120,000. The scheme
ROAD safety measures installed by Lancashire County Council were today criticised as "a danger to human life". And the county authority has been attacked by councillors and fire crews for pressing ahead with the controversial measures. Hyndburn Council
CONFECTIONERY giant Cadbury Trebor Bassett has been issued with a series of hard-hitting questions from MP Ivan Lewis, who is fighting to save the former Hall's factory in Radcliffe. The Bury South MP has demanded to know the identity of the individuals
AN 85-year-old man died of a broken heart just two months after his wife was fatally injured when he drove into the back of a parked lorry. An inquest heard that Allan Boucher was saved from serious injury by a driver's side airbag. But Nigel Boucher
BURNLEY bosses have begun the battle to win back stay-away fans. The club has announced sweeping cut-price offers for the next two home games in a bid to boost dwindling Turf Moor attendances. Fans can pay £20 for four tickets (two adults and two concessions
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
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
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
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
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
BORO travel to Blyth Spartans on Saturday and will be hoping to get back on the winning path that had seen them climb up to sixth in the table. "I am really pleased with the way the lads are playing and, apart from the Frickley game, the defence has looked
A SALUTE from the Royal British Legion was just one of many emotional moments for Walter Jones at his surprise 80th birthday party. It was the last thing he was expecting when he went to the Ram's Head pub in Stand Lane, Radcliffe, on Tuesday for his
£200,000 centre opens its doors A £200,000 state-of-the art centre, which will provide fun and challenging activities for Radcliffe's youngsters, will be officially opened on Saturday. The former Radcliffe Youth Centre in Westminster Avenue has been refurbished
THE future of some of Darwen town centre's oldest buildings has been secured as part of a massive programme of improvement work. Regeneration bosses at Blackburn with Darwen Council were today celebrating the announcement that the Heritage Lottery Fund
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
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
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 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
A HEALTHIER future is on the cards for Radcliffe now that it is a step closer to having its own Sports Strategy. Graham Atkinson, borough leisure services officer, provided an update at a meeting of Radcliffe Area Board. He said two consultation exercises
RADCLIFFE Boro hot-shot Jody Banim could be about to sign for Conference high-flyers Shrewsbury Town. The diminutive striker leads the UniBond League scoring charts with 20 goals and would be sorely missed by the Stainton Park side. Manager Kevin Glendon
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
A DISPUTE between two MPs over a council ward neither of them wants is set to be resolved at a public inquiry. Blackburn's Jack Straw and Darwen and Rossendale's Janet Anderson are going head to head in a debate over Fernhurst, on the boundary of the
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
AMIDST all the joy of his family reunion, the trauma of the last few months -- and the heartache of losing a friend -- were never far from the thoughts of Colour Sgt Michael Huxley. Michael, 34, surprised wife Sharon, 33, and their two children when he
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
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
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
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
ACCRINGTON Road Runners women claimed a moral victory at the Adidas/On the Run Through the Villages Road Race. Unfortunately for them there was no womens team prize due to a lack of pre-entries in this category, but that was all that stopped them lifting
YOUNGSTERS across the borough will be heard! Children of Bury Sing, an annual concert involving hundreds of primary school pupils, has been saved after the two local MPs intervened. The seven-year-old event was near to folding when both the National Lotteries
A WOMAN is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Friday accused of shooting dead a 43-year-old man in a Radcliffe street. Heather Stephenson-Snell, of Crombie Avenue, York, makes her second court appearance to face a charge of murdering Robert Wilkie
