Lancashire

A JUDGE has praised a recycling crew who spotted a prolific crook in a back street with stolen property and blocked his escape.

THE story of three young boys who died in a blizzard on Darwen’s moors has inspired a renowned musician to compose a piece of classical music.

A HOUSING charity has condemned a decision to award a major handyman contract to a commercial concern - without any consultation.

A VETERAN of the entertainment business has said he hopes to breathe new life into a unique dance hall.

A VETERANS charity is on a mission to repair more than 60 damaged war graves in time for the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

RESIDENTS are celebrating after a road dubbed 'the worst in Rossendale' has been resurfaced after a 30 year battle.

A TOWN centre will be buzzing when giant multi-coloured bees appear throughout the streets.

DOZENS of homes and businesses were left without water yesterday morning when a mains pipe burst, causing ‘chaos’.

A NATURE reserve has been given a £20,000 grant to improve habitats for wildlife.

TWO of brewery Thwaites’ much-loved shire horses have retired due to ill health.

A CAR rolled down a grass bank and into a house after the driver forgot to put on the handbrake.

FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze in a derelict building after a pile of rubbish went up in flames.

A DRUNKEN reveller had a lucky escape after he was rescued from the river after falling in trying to retrieve his mobile phone.

RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on Blackburn with Darwen’s new £13.5million sports and swimming complex in the town centre.

A SECOND Coronation Street star is being investigated by Lancashire Police.

THE Fire Brigades Union has slammed a report proposing further cuts to the fire and rescue service.

A DRUNK single mother kicked a police officer repeatedly in the face after she was arrested, a court heard.

A disabled teen has hit out at taxi drivers he claims persistently ignore him because he uses a wheelchair.

TRAVELLERS have taken over the car park at a Burnley hotel.

The man once dubbed the ‘King of Marbella’ has swapped his millionaire crib for a prison cell as he starts a four and a half year year stretch behind bars.