Archive

ART, music, sound and dance workshops have launched the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Young People's Centre in style. The special day, held last Thursday, was the first official event to be held by the NSPCC at the Great Sankey centre since it was officially

HEARTLESS vandals have broken into Locking Stumps Nursery for the third time in four weeks. Staff discovered the damaged building on Thursday morning last week. As well as stealing a video recorder, the thieves had raided the children's sweets and badges

HEARTLESS thugs smashed up and set fire to a Bruche church on Saturday night. The alarm was raised at around 9pm when a neighbour of St John's Church, Grantham Avenue, spotted smoke coming from the building. The fire brigade and rector, the Rev Mark Finlay

STAR-STRUCK stage aces at Great Sankey High School are being snapped up by leading drama schools - and are taking their own brand of Shakespeare into eastern Europe. Budding thespians from Barrow Hall Theatre Company are building an international reputation

A BRAVE paraplegic from Stockton Heath has raised more than £600 for charity by doing a 13,000 feet sky dive. Darren Stuart, who is 33 and lives in Carlisle Street, did the dive from a plane at Langor Airport last Saturday. Mr Stuart said: "It was fantastic

A COMMUNITY braved torrential rain, a swamped field and gusting wind to enjoy the fun and games at the annual Birchwood Carnival. People of all ages took to the streets for a procession of floats and walking groups before the main event at Forest Park

A DREAM came true for a Westbrook youngster when two of his sporting heroes paid a visit to his bedside at Warrington Hospital. Graham Walton, aged 10, of Firman Close, broke his leg in two places when he was involved in a car accident in Burtonwood Road

LYMM High School governors voiced their frustration this week over halted plans to improve playing field facilities at their school. Recent OFSTED reports highlighted that Lymm High's playing fields are not big enough for a school of its size and that

THE often opposing forces of science and religion have led one man to his life's calling with the aim of bringing the two topics to sit side-by-side. The Reverend Dr Chris Stafford is due to be ordained a priest of the Church of England later this month

CARERS in Warrington could be facing serious financial hardship, according to experts at the town's Carers' Centre. Next week is National Carers Week and the Garven Place-based organisation is taking the opportunity to highlight the plight of many families

Jim Baynes, 79, was one of 800 veterans who travelled to the French port - 60 years after thousands of trapped troops were evacuated in flotilla of small boats and ships. The Dunkirk Veterans' Association has now been disbanded. "I was one of the younger

Mums and dads playing with their children on the swings until the sun goes down and it is time to go home. But that pleasant portrait of English life is being threatened by EU directive EN1176-6. For now British playgrounds must meet tough European safety

Chris Matthews, who netted £90m when he sold former company Telinco to World Online in January, made the statement on February 2 in the Knutsford Guardian. "I will lay a bet with you that the person chosen to be the office cleaner will become very rich

Conmen involved in The West African Letter Fraud have begun to post and e-mail letters to businesses in the town. "Faxes have been arriving at addresses throughout the world, but it now seems they are hitting Knutsford," said Tony Davies, corporate fraud

King Street-based solicitor Simon Armstrong said those who chose to live in the town centre had to accept the noise of others enjoying a night out in Knutsford. "It is flying in the face of reality to expect utter silence," he told councillors at a licensing

One day this week drivers turning on to Warrington Road will be stopped to answer questions about their journey. "Generally at most junctions the Highways Agency know why people are turning right," said an agency spokesman on Monday. "But in this case

Ambulance crews found the man collapsed on the Chester-bound side. "The caller left the patient because he had to catch his train to go to work," an ambulance spokesman said yesterday (Tuesday). The man, who is believed to have fallen and hit his head

For five days calls were still ringing through to their deserted depot in Thorneyholme Drive - and not to their new premises on the Parkgate Industrial Estate. Then BT began diverting calls to the wrong end of the industrial estate. "Somebody had to sit

The 84-year-old, who had just cashed her £70 pension, when a man in his 30s and wearing a flat cap grabbed her purse. "To some people it might not seem like a tremendous amount of money, but that lady might have to live off it for a week," said Sgt Kevin

PREDATORS on the internet need to be stopped. The web has become a stalking ground for weirdos and paedophiles, it's got completely out of control. Something needs to be done to police the internet and stop nutters preying on chat rooms, particularly

BASS Leisure Retail pubs in Widnes are bracing themselves for an upsurge in customers during Euro 2000 - and most of them will be female. The local pub used to be something of a male refuge, but women are now proving just as passionate about their football

DESPITE the dreadful weekend weather which forced the postponement of Widnes Golf Club's prestigious Vice President's Cup, the first loss of a June competition in living memory, it has been a busy and productive time at the Highfield Road course. Two

Barrow Border Raiders 20 Widnes Vikings 17 THE Vikings' hopes of a home draw in the play-offs were dealt a severe blow with this disappointing defeat. It was a disjointed performance from Widnes who scored their three tries with relative ease, but may

BAD weather wrecked the weekend fixtures at the Lane Tennis Club, with only the u12 B team playing away at Bellingham, Wigan. Playing on an artificial surface, the two teams played a good standard of tennis considering the conditions, with a steady but

WIDNES driver Fin McCaul is back in action in his Volkswagen Polo rally car next weekend (June 10) - and he is praying that the Scottish National Rally will end a run of bad luck which has seen him roll his car over twice and suffer injuries in a bicycle

A MOTORIST suffered broken ribs following a smash on Route Seven, near the Ditton roundabout on Thursday night. Two appliances from Widnes fire brigade WAS called to the scene of the crash where they found a man, aged in his 6O s, trapped in his Rover

Halton Polecats Baseball Club BASEBALL in Halton has been affected by heavy rain during the last two weekends. Last Saturday both Halton Bronco and Pony League teams travelled to Preston where the Bronco team took on the Orrell Chippers and the Pony Team

A FAN'S action group has sent an SOS to its Scouse neighbours to help save Runcorn FC. The desperate plea has been made to Premiership giants Liverpool and Everton and First Division Tranmere Rovers in the hope that they will rescue the debt-ridden club

POLICE are urging residents in Runcorn and Widnes to watch out for bogus officials after a second pensioner was tricked out of her savings. Following an incident last week where an 80-year-old Runcorn woman was conned, last Saturday, May 27 an 85-year-old

HALTON'S health record is so poor, it should be given special Health Action Area status, according to Halton MP Derek Twigg. He is so concerned that the borough's mortality rate is now the worst in Britain, he is pressing for urgent action. The disturbing

A BIG-HEARTED animal lover this week offered a £500 reward to help catch the callous thugs who bludgeoned a female swan to death. The Runcorn man - who wishes to remain anonymous - was so distressed by the attack, he wants the culprits prosecuted. He

A FAMILY of five had a lucky escape following a fire at their home on Bridgeway West in Windmill Hill on Monday morning. A smoke alarm had been fitted in the property but had failed to warn the occupants of the blaze. Luckily, they were alerted by neighbours

A DOLPHIN has been spotted in Runcorn Docks. The creature is believed to have followed a vessel from the sea into the Manchester Ship Canal and has been swimming along in the water between Latchford Locks and Runcorn Docks for the last week. Porpoises

A RUNCORN man suffered serious injuries following a smash on the busway on Tuesday afternoon. The 28-year-old man, who has not been named, received treatment at Warrington Hospital for a puncture wound to his rib cage following the collision. The crash

A GANG of yobs who threw stones at a bus on Runcorn's busway have prompted an inititive by police. Officers will carry out a special operation on the unique busway system over coming weeks to put the brakes on criminal activity. The bus, which was travelling

MICHAEL Welsh has played his way into his own Euro 2000 adventure. The 18-year-old, of Swanlow Lane, has been picked for the Republic of Ireland under-18s side, jetting off for a tournament in Portugal this week. Michael will be taking on the best youth

THE wheels were right, but the weather was wrong for Howard Mainwaring at the weekend. He finished second in qualifying on the grid at Croft in the latest round of the British MRO 125 Championships. Lying second in the overall standings, the 14-year-old

IT is a hotly debated subject: who are the better drivers, men or women. Well, one Winsford girl is proving that women are most definitely the best - and she is only eight years old. Kirsty Rosenberg, who started racing when she was seven, is the youngest

A ROAD safety campaigner, whose wife was tragically killed in a traffic accident, has put forward his suggestions for improvements to the road where she died. Roland Ayliffe, 73, and his wife Joan, had been campaigning for improved safety at an accident

ANGRY Winsford residents have called for the resignation of two Liberal Democrat Councillors following a dispute over the location of a mobile phone mast. Campaigner Isobel Penter, along with other protesters, wants the mobile phone mast between Swanlow

CONSERVATIVE MP for Eddisbury Stephen O'Brien has condemned Cheshire County Council's decision to approve the planning application for an underground chemical waste site, near Winsford. The council argued that the decision would help pave the way for

A POLICEMAN has claimed bobbies are fighting a losing battle against 'loutish teenagers' plaguing our towns and villages. In a heart-felt letter to the Guardian, the local officer labels some youths as 'foul-mouthed yobs' and says they are running police

GROUP of big-hearted finalists in a local heroes competition have donated their winnings to help buy a mini-bus for special needs youngsters. The five unsung heroes were judged equal winners in the Asda competition in Winsford and in typical fashion they

WINNINGTON Park remain 12 points clear at the top of Murray Smith Division Two after all six games were abandoned without a ball being bowled. Park, with 92 points from seven games, were due to take on fourth placed Cholmondeley. However, Congleton in

STEVE Walters' departure sent shock waves through Northwich Vics last week. However, their most renowned player of the last five years, insists that it was a surprise when Morecambe came in with an offer. "It was out of the blue," said Walters. "I had

TWO crews from Northwich Rowing Club made the trip to a regatta in London's Docklands last weekend, and returned with one gold and two silver medals. Traditionally, it has been the women's club members who have done well in this event, but this time the

VAL Owen's status as a free agent at the end of the season meant he was always likely to look for a more lucrative deal. The top scorer and player of the year followed his friend Colin Lambert, who he was with at Hyde United, to Conference rivals Hednesford

NORTHWICH Cricket Club has scooped a £4,330 grant from the National Lottery. The Alliance Division One East leaders have received the cash boost as part of the Millennium Festival awards and it will be used to re-generate playing facilities. This includes

WHARTON Cons shrugged off individual disappointment by consolidating their lead at the top of the Mid-Cheshire Bowling League. County captain Glynn Cookson, Ron Lightfoot, Alan Robinson and Alan Vickers were all part of the Cheshire team which lost the

NORTHWICH youths will have the ideal football education in a new partnership between the town's premier football team and college. Keen footballers in Mid-Cheshire will soon have the unique opportunity to train and play at a new centre of excellence,

JOANNA Clarke has sent a "watch out" message to her rivals as she aims to rekindle her fiery start to the racing season The Norley driver is determined to get a podium place after failure at her local circuit last Monday. She spun 180 degrees into the

A WHITEGATE businessman who sold his internet service company for more than £250 million has announced plans to make a further billion pounds - within 18 months. Chris Matthews became a multi-millionaire after selling the Rudheath-based Telinco Networks

INTREPID Sir John Deane's student Nick Frost is soon to undergo a passage to India for charity. The 17-year-old, from Hartford, is to fly out to remote Ladakh in September to help put up a greenhouse in the mountains. Nick, of Heyes Park, said: "The idea

AT least 70 jobs are to be created in Northwich with the launch of a new health and beauty centre next year. Boots the chemists have announced plans to extend into the leisure and fitness market by creating a new BootsBody360 centre in the town. Apart

A POLICEMAN has claimed bobbies are fighting a losing battle against 'loutish teenagers' plaguing our towns and villages. In a heart-felt letter to the Guardian, the officer labels some youths as 'foul-mouthed yobs' and says they are running police ragged

The following statement is from its 1999 annual report: 'We were established in May 1998 at the request of residents of Longridge and Shaw Heath estates to negotiate the forthcoming transfer from Manchester City Council to a Registered Social Landlord

I WANT to express my anger at the poor upkeep of Knutsford's car parks and to warn othes to be careful where they park because it could cost you more than you think. The parking situation has been the source of much discussion in your paper over the years

MRS JOAN LEACH Over Tabley Knutsford Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.

No one had an appointment. Instead patients - often workers from the concrete factories and woollen mill - would take a numbered disc and wait their turn. "He didn't care that he didn't know how his technique worked, " said Knutsford pharmacist Jan Lees

Unlike her pals, who would flee if they ever got into trouble, policeman's daughter Jean would stop and chat. She was more wary of her big brother David. "I thought he was being mean, but now I realise he was just protecting me," she said. She looked

Saturday's league home game against Chester Boughton Hall did start, but had to be cancelled. Sunday's match - the home second round Premier League 1st XI Knockout Cup - was scrapped. On Saturday the visitors, batting first, were 91 for 1 off 30 overs

THE Sankey Canal at Widnes produced some memorable bags of bream to pleasure anglers over the past week. The Bream are quite mobile and shoal fairly close together leaving some anglers enjoying a feast while others endure a famine when they are only a

WARRINGTON Wolves were able to thank their luck for a change against Bradford. On Sunday, the Bulls were reduced to 12 men after Brian McDermott's high tackle on Mark Hilton and they felt hard done by. Bulls chairman Chris Caisley had a moan about referee

Warrington Wolves 42 Bradford Bulls 32 MORE of the same Warrington Wolves, please! I thought I was going to wake up to find I had been dreaming but when the final hooter sounded reality set in that I had just witnessed one of the all-time great Warrington

A BIZARRE Alliance Under 21s game was concluded with Bradford landing a late match-winning drop goal. Rarely does a game of Rugby League fail to produce a try and Wolves stand off Steve Kirkbride will likely play out the rest of his career without clearing

WARRINGTON Wolves will play their part in Super League development on Sunday. The Wolves away game versus London Broncos has been switched to Newport Rugby Union ground in south Wales in a bid to boost the sport in the area. It will be Warrington's first

WOLVES new boy Mike Peters was at Wilderspool to see his teammates end Bradford Bulls' club record Super League run at the start of a season. He told the GUARDIAN: "That's why I wanted to come to Warrington. The Wolves have turned over Bradford in a tremendous

A PENSIONER was tricked by a sneaky thief who offered to carry his shopping to his door. The 68-year-old was walking home from shops at around 2pm on Monday, May 29, when a man approached him and offered to carry his shopping bags. When the pensioner

JOHN Gartside, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: "As any such project would be subject to a planning application, I am obviously unable to give a view on behalf of the council. "But from a totally personal basis, as a long-time supporter of

THE people who will be affected most by a change of grounds for Warrington Wolves are the fans. Many supporters were set against a new home in Burtonwood because they felt it was too far out of town. Choosing the Tetley Walker site is likely to suit all

THE next crucial stage in the development of a new super-stadium for Warrington is the granting of planning permission. An application for the stadium, in association with a Tesco superstore, was submitted to Warrington Borough Council planning chiefs

Club wants supporters to get involved in development of stadium facilities Fans' views to be taken on board, say Wolves WARRINGTON Wolves supporters and the town's whole community will be given the chance to air their views about facilities at the club's

THE chairman of the Wolves' owners has compared Warrington's situation to his home town's position. Norman Summers is from Clydebank in Scotland, and his knowledge of Clydebank's nightmare scenario adds reality to what Warrington would be like without

OPTIMISTIC Wolves fans have raised their eyebrows over a 12,000 capacity limit for the proposed new stadium in Warrington. Some supporters are wondering whether or not 12,000 will be enough, despite slightly more than 9,000 being the highest Wilderspool

THE threat of rain couldn't dampen the spirits at the annual Warrington Show. Hundreds of visitors braved a chilly wind on Bank Holiday Monday to watch the equestrians in action at the town's biggest horse show. And they had the chance to enjoy a funfair

FANCY yourself as the next Anna Kournikova or Andre Agassi? Warrington Borough Council and David Lloyd Leisure have joined forces to offer six talented youngsters a 12-month scholarship. Three boys and three girls, who are resident in Warrington and between

EXCLUSIVE: By PETER MAGILL HEROES who helped to capture a teenage gunwoman after a terrifying corner shop robbery have been commended by a judge for their bravery. Armed with what appeared to be a black handgun, Sarah Flannagan, aged 18, held up the Dalton

A POSTMAN from Orford is looking to hit his peak in a bid to deliver the goods and bag lots of cash for a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Mike Birchall, of Rhodes Street, is a member of St Benedict's Church and has been chosen to make the pilgrimage to help disabled

A TINY part of the World Peace Flame is burning brightly at The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Young People's Centre. Representatives from the Life Foundation Worldwide visited the town last week to present the special light to Colin Parry, one of the founders

WARTIME Warrington will be recaptured this weekend in a three-day spectacular. Nostalgia Weekend, from tomorrow, Friday, to Sunday, will see hundreds of people from across the UK and USA visiting Warrington for the celebrations. One hundred GIs from the

SOME of Warrington Museum's hidden treasures will be making an appearance at the venue this month. A select number of the museum's 200,000-strong collection of artefacts have been put on display for the Treasures 2000 exhibition. Among the items on show

SOCCER stars from Cheshire Police are taking to the pitch to raise cash for a host of worthy causes, including St Rocco's Hospice in Warrington. The Bravo Charity Trophy Tournament takes place at the Roodee, Chester, on Sunday, August 27, and it is hoped

HEARTBROKEN brothers who suffered at the hands of Pokmon thieves have been given a special gift. Joseph Bibby, aged nine, and his 11-year-old brother Ned had their rare collection of Pokmon cards stolen at a Toys R Us league day at the town's Westbrook

POLICE are searching for an 84-year-old man who was still missing from home as the Midweek went to press on Monday. The family of Robert Belliam are worried about his welfare, since he disappeared from his home in Knutsford Road, Latchford, in the early

THE Government has set tough new targets for local authorities in a bid to reduce Britain's waste mountain. By 2003, 17 per cent of waste must be recycled, and by 2015 at least 33 per centre - around four times as much as is recycled today. The challenge

A LORRY driver has died in a two-wagon smash at Stretton. The crash happened yesterday afternoon on the A49 when the man's LGV was involved in a collision with an articulated lorry. Firefighters cut the cab from around him using specialist equipment -

CARING volunteers are in demand to take out children with special needs or disabilities. Warrington and District Scope is asking for people to join its new service, Family Link. The call comes as Carers' Week approaches, between June 12 and June 18. The

HISTORY will be made at this year's Lymm May Queen Festival when a dog display team with a difference takes to the field. Pooches from the Cheshire Canine Dog Display Team will put on a dazzling arena performance for villagers on Saturday, June 10, when

POLICE have voiced fears about the management of a popular village pub, where up to 100 people were involved in a disturbance on Christmas Day. Management at the Harrow, in Culcheth, claim that a catalogue of incidents, reported to Cheshire Constabulary

A FRACAS in a town centre pub left a man badly beaten and with injuries including a fractured nose and broken tooth. The altercation broke out at Courtyards pub in Bridge Street on Friday night. A 35-year-old was out with friends when he got involved

HUNDREDS of residents are voicing their opposition to plans to convert college playing fields into a housing estate. Warrington Collegiate Institute says that selling off sports pitches at its Padgate and Winwick Road sites would result in a £7.5 million

A DRUGS dealer from Woolston, convicted of being a key player in a £1.2 million narcotics plot, is set to fight his 14-year jail sentence. Former car dealer Phillip Sullivan, aged 37, who was found guilty of helping to supply a multitude of hard drugs

BOYS and girls at an Orford primary school are rubbing their hands at the prospect of school dinners. For decades the pupils of Beamont Infant and Beamont Junior Schools have trooped out to wartime huts in the playground for their lunchtime tuck. But

FIRE chiefs have praised the actions of a housing manager who rescued a resident from a blaze in Bewsey. Michael Devlin rushed to the aid of 18-year-old Matthew Charnock after alarms alerted him that a flat was on fire. He found him on the floor of his

A MOTHER and her disabled baby were ordered off a bus on their way to a hospital appointment because their pram would not fold up. Karen Croston, of Legh Street, Earlestown tried getting on board Warrington Borough Transport's No 420 bus from Earlestown

CURIOUS visitors queued round the block at Warrington Museum last week when antiques guru Eric Knowles rolled into town. Dozens of people dusted off family heirlooms for inspection by the Antiques Roadshow star and other valuers from Bonhams Antiques

ANGRY St Werburgh's parents this week called for more openness from the borough council and the committee which will decide the fate of the school. A public consultation is currently under way over the recent decision to amalgamate St Werburgh's and St

WARRINGTON Wolves fans have won the day over the siting of the club's new community stadium. Supporters' number one venue choice, the former site of the Tetley Walker brewery in Winwick Road, has been selected by the Wolves' owners for the Super League

BIDDULPH council tenants are being urged to watch a video which promises a bright future for Moorlands public housing. The video is fronted by Granada News anchorman Andrew Brittain, and is being used by the Moorlands council to promote the planned sell-off

NOW that the first stage of the refurbishment at Crewe Baths is complete I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have worked so hard on our behalf to achieve such a high standard of presentation. There has been so much hype about

A PUBLIC meeting is being set up to oppose the council's decision to ban car boot sales on Crewe Vagrants Sports Ground. The sports club were hoping to use their site, off Newcastle Road, Willaston, for regular Sunday car boot sales to raise money but

TENNIS Club members have served up an invitation to join them. The Crewe Congs (Hightown) set use two shale courts at the rear of 37, Gainsborough Road. For details contact secretary Mrs Carole Kynaston on 560094. or chairman Ray Stafford on 583847. Converted

EXPERIENCED Derek Walker hit a fine century to help put Crewe Cricket Club into the third round of the Cheshire Cup on Sunday. His innings plus some top-class bowling from their five pronged pace attack saw them complete a comprehensive 136 run victory

CREWE'S Missiles landed a third place after a fantastic debut in the GBHI national finals at Deeside Arena last weekend. The roller-hockey side were making their first appearance in the event as one of ten teams taking part from across the country. On

SUMMER transfer activity could net Crewe exactly the right amount of cash they need. But that doesn't mean any of the current squad leaving the Alexandra Stadium any time soon. Versatile 20-year-old defender David Wright is probably the man of the moment

STAFF and pupils at Crewe's Gainsborough Junior School are celebrating a glowing OFSTED report. Government inspectors have declared it "a good school with many very good features". Effective leadership has created a school which emphasises the care and

THE actions of two lifeguards who saved the life of a nine-year-old boy have been praised. Lifeguards Richard Cotton and Robert Slater, pictured left, from Sandbach Leisure Centre were on duty on Sunday, May 7, when they spotted the boy was in serious

A BID to turn derelict land into a children's play area has hit a funding snag. Town councillors have backed the Barony West Residents' Association plans to transform the site in St Mary's Road where two houses have been demolished. They have agreed a

AROUND 350 residents in Crewe and Haslington have voiced complaints about the axing of their local bus service. The number 34 Haslington to Crewe service was run by Arriva and First PMT by contract from Cheshire County Council but was axed before Easter

ALLOWANCES paid to borough councillors over the past year totalled £160,617. A list made public last week reveals that members claimed amounts varying from £5,220 to £152. Top 'earner' was Chairman of Housing and Deputy Council Leader Maureen Grant who

AN ACT of faith and a 'resurrection' will draw crowds to Nantwich on Sunday. The town's churches have teamed up for a Carnival revival. The grand parade and party will be the first large scale fun event of its kind to be staged for a quarter of a century

RAILTRACK has been accused of turning its back on Crewe Station's multi-million pound redevelopment. Economic development bosses in Crewe have said the refusal to commit towards the plans will have an impact on rail services in Cheshire and beyond. Crewe

LARRY Hazeline, manager of the Warrington office of Oldham builders T Partington and Sons, has been appointed a company director. He is 49 and has been with the company since l973. Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting

WARRINGTON-based BNFL believes that the prospect of a public/private partnership will provide a "powerful incentive to improve performance and transform the company." The move would mean part privatisation of the company and has been on the cards since

WARRINGTON'S Alan Cheung has been highly commended in the "Site Engineer of the Year" awards. Beating engineers from across the UK and Ireland, Alan was presented with a certificate at a ceremony at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London. He works

new system for warships AEA Technology Products and Systems business, which has staff at Risley, has been awarded a £1m contract to to produce a system which will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from ships. The company is working with the Royal Navy

SUMMER is almost here and once again Gipsy Travellers in caravans have moved into the area blighting our lovely countryside, (what little we have left) and our grass verges and any spare land they can park on. Last year Northwich, Middlewich and Winsford

THE National Health Service receives much criticism in the media and elsewhere and I would like to present an alternative view. My mother Edna Whitby died on May 24 , aged 89, and no one could fault the constant care and attention she received from the

THERE were a number of car owners who complained some time ago when police officers went along to Poplars Avenue, Orford, issuing tickets to those who had parked their cars on the grass verges. Parking cars on pavements and grass verges is illegal and

I TAKE strong exception to the letter in last week's GUARDIAN regarding vandalism being in the minority in our local parks. I suggest this anonymous person takes a walk around my local park in Knutsford Road (or any local park for that matter) and he/

As a resident of Gorse Covert, I would like to praise the carnival committee which organised last weekend's Birchwood Carnival. Despite a day of rain, which culminated in a torrential downpour at 4pm, the event seemed to be a success and I heard favourable

COULD I please be allowed to clarify my views on the Longford issue, following the attacks on my original letter made by Messrs Bishop and Broughton. I never suggested for a minute that other areas were without their problems, and I am the first to admit

THIS summer's holiday hotspots for fun-seeking Warringtonians will see Cyprus in pole position, according to Thomas Cook of Horsemarket Street. Young people are heading for a resort known as Ayia Napa, where an army base is proving popular with singe

WET weather has dominated the fishing scene for members of Lymm Angling Club. Anglers have been thin on the ground due to the heavy and persistent rain. Rivers are in flood but hopefully things will improve in time for June 16 when they open up to coarse

THIS time of the year is always risky in terms of pollution for many of Warrington Anglers' Association fisheries. Usually the cause is sileage or farm effluent which causes a massive drop in oxygen levels and suffocates the fish. Many thanks to member

WARRINGTON'S Thai Boxing sensation Warren Brown is back in the ring on Sunday. The town's Sports Personality of 1999 winner will get to grips with Frenchman Famir Grarby at Everton Park Sports Centre in an international prestige fight. World champion

KING and Queen A are proving to be by far the dominant force in this year's Warrington and North Cheshire Bowls Association Leagues. They lead Section A of both the Monday and Friday competitions after two resounding victories over Touchers A last week

WARRINGTON athletes Katie Brennan and Jenny Smith shone in the North of England Junior 800m championship at Cleckheaton. In an exciting tactical race both girls were involved in a terrific final 200m sprint for the line with Katie taking an excellent

WARRINGTON will be well represented when Cheshire Police tackle West Yorkshire in the National Police Rugby League Cup final. The showdown will be staged at Warrington Wolves' Wilderspool Stadium on Wednesday, June 21 at 3pm and the majority of Cheshire's

IAN Knott has been the unsung hero over the past two weeks. He has played out of position in the centre but scored crucial tries in both the Bradford Bulls and London Broncos victories. Against London in south Wales on Sunday Knotty crashed over for the

Broncos u21 22 Wolves u21 23 FOR the second successive week a drop goal settled a Warrington Wolves Alliance Under 21s match. Warrington lost 3-2 to Bradford a fortnight ago but stand off Steve Kirkbride's boot secured the win at Charlton Park RU ground

TEAM building plans for next season are already on the move. By the end of the season and around October most of the deals are done and the quality players are already signed or have made their decision by then as to where they will be playing the following

CHRIS Campbell is on standby to return for the Wolves in their important Tetley's Bitter Super League clash with Hull FC at the Boulevard tomorrow, Friday, kick-off 7.30pm. Winger Campbell was the man to make way for Toa Kohe-Love's return from suspension

FRIDAY nights continue to provide some brilliant entertainment in Warrington's Summer Darts League. Gas Social not only won their match at Hawthorne to gain revenge for Monday's defeat but in doing so stayed in touch at the top of the table, one point

AMBULANCE boss David Todhunter will fly out to South Africa on Monday to advise the country's health officials. Mr Todhunter, of Appleton Thorn, is the chief executive of Mersey Regional Ambulance Service. He has been invited by the Department of Health

WARRINGTON girl band TKO are to make music history with their debut single and open the door for others to break into the world of pop. The three-girl group will become first UK band to release their debut single on the internet on September 2 making

A RETIREMENT village costing £15 million is set to be established in Orford - which will secure the long-term future of a historic club. Imaginative blueprints will see part of Ryland's Recreation Ground, off Gorsey Lane, transformed into a haven for

THE family of a man who was a fitness fanatic during the 1930s and 1940s are looking for more information about his life in Warrington. Reginald Finch, who lived in Garibaldi Street and later Stockton Heath, was a member of Warrington Borough Gymnasium

COUNCIL bosses have given the seal of approval to the first part of Warrington's Local Transport Plan. At a meeting of the borough council's environment committee on Tuesday night, members agreed the moves, which are the result of a massive consultation

POLICE have turned their attentions to a seaside resort in the search for a missing 84-year-old from Latchford. As the GUARDIAN went to press, Robert Bellian had not been seen for more than four days, after leaving his Knutsford Road home in the early

ANGEL-voiced youngsters who harmonised with friends 6,000 miles away could soon feature on a single. The brains behind the BBC Music Live programme, which featured a link between Brook Acre Primary pupils and their counterparts in South Africa, were overawed

PEACE ambassador Terry Waite has paid tribute to his mother, Lena, who died at the age of 87. Mrs Waite, formerly of Highfield Road, Lymm, died at Applecourt Nursing Home after a period of failing health. A funeral service took place on May 25 at Walton

CULCHETH residents are joining forces in a bid to fight the siting of telecommunications masts in their village. There are now three masts, at Glaziers Lane, Culcheth Sports Club in Charnock Road and Tanners Farm off Twiss Green Lane, and many people

STRIKE threats over the proposed loss of up to 40 energy industry jobs in Warrington have been averted after round-the-clock talks. Electricity and water giant Scottish Power has withdrawn plans for 300 redundancies throughout its Manweb operation after

AT 10.30pm on a normal Monday night, Daryl Roland would be at home in Padgate, preparing for bed after a day's work shelf-stacking and greeting customers at Asda Cockhedge. But this is no ordinary Monday night and the comforts of home are very far away

A GROUP of young people were left heartbroken after visiting one of the town's leisure attractions, claim bosses at a high-profile charity. Youngsters from the NSPCC's youth council took to the track at Speedkarting, Bank Quay Industrial Estate. But they

A FORMER labourer who has been left in constant pain after an horrific industrial accident could be in line for a six-figure payout. Father-of-one Ray Ashley, of Clay Lane, Burtonwood, is unable to walk unaided after a 25ft fall from a roof on to a concrete

YEARS of campaigning are set to come to fruition when Appleton finally gets its own village green. The land will be transferred to the care of the Lumb Brook Millennium Green Trust later this month and will mark the start of other improvements. The footbridge

BOY band DNA are to release their debut single and are predicting that it will be a huge hit. Aron Sowerby, who is 21, Darren Beddard, 22 and new member Nick Reid, 23, are hoping to release the lively pop tune Scream some time in July. The song was recorded

A DYNAMIC Latchford High School has been singled out for special praise by the government, because of it's dedication to sport. Sir Thomas Boteler school has been rewarded with a Sportsmark award for the high priority that the school places on recreational

A RAINY day in June did not put the dampers on a Burtonwood church's first rose queen festival in 11 years. Although the event had to be staged inside St Michael's Church Hall, it was still every bit the success that its organisers hoped it would be.

A GREAT Sankey motorbike enthusiast who died doing what he loved most is being mourned by family and friends. Anthony Wilkinson, who was 38 and lived in Malvern Close, died last week after a motorcycle accident. His widow, Carole, said: "Tony had a cheeky

A LATCHFORD man proved that he was a cut above the rest recently when he used 'shear' effort to raise money for cancer sufferers. John Howatson, of Barrymore Avenue, sat in the barber's chair and parted with his hair during a charity head shave for Cancer

WESTY is about to burst at the seams with babies, according to a group of expectant mothers. Women with swollen tums have become such a familiar sight around the Marsden Avenue area that one of them is convinced that a mini baby boom is on the way. Mother-to-be

HISTORY was brought back to life at the weekend as Burtonwood Air Base took a step back into its wartime heritage. Americans once stationed at the base returned for one last visit to see Header House before it makes way for a new urban village. A nostalgic

Exclusive by STEPHEN RYLANCE WHEN Paula Sharp's daughter was born with a failing valve in her heart, she named her Hope and prayed that she would survive beyond the first few hours of life. After emergency surgery to fit an artificial valve, the plucky

SSL International, whose headquarters are in Canute Court, have donated £3,000 to help fund the eight-day event. "We are relative newcomers to the Knutsford community but we are pleased to be able to show our support for such an intriguing venture," said

Despite entering the world a month earlier than expected, he is already faithful to the family's tradition of crying - VERY loudly. "You can tell his parents are both town criers," said mum Julie. "When you put Spencer next to other babies their cries

Less than 500 farmers have entered cattle in the show compared with about 700 in previous years. Show officials have blamed the dwindling numbers on the crisis in the dairy industry which has made farmers reluctant to pay to take their livestock to the

Shoppers have been appalled by the state of former Timpson's shoes for more than a year. But on Monday John Williams, whose company Mason Owen and Partners represent landlords Ethel Austin, promised something would be done. "I am going to get a chap to

Farmers helped to lay eight tons of straw on the Old Hall field so villagers could enjoy the crowning of this year's Mobberley Rose Queen and dancing displays. "They came up trumps and delivered the straw when we needed it," said committee secretary Lin

AROUND 500 soldiers will be firing at each other - with muskets and cannons! An American Civil War re-enactment battle is being staged in the tranquil village of Hale, as part of their millennium celebrations. The traditional parade of carnival floats

EX-WIDNES rugby players are turning their hand to a different sport to help the Vikings' young fans. The Past Players Association formed a bowls team and they have been playing against various clubs throughout this year. Fund-raising efforts from the

Portico u8 34 Halton Hornets u8 40 HORNETS had to dig deep to achieve this hard earned victory. The whole team deserve credit for the way they all worked for one another, showing courage and commitment throughout the game. Scorers as follows: Gareth O'Brien

Latchford u8 16 West Bank Bears u8 28 IN a competitive game the Bears came out worthy winners. Mom was hard-working try scorer Jonny Lowe who was well assisted in the defensive department by top tackler Jordan Daly and try scorer Mark Middlehurst. Most

WIDNES town centre will soon be transformed into an Angels Paradise, say directors at a Liverpool lap dance firm. More than £250,000 has been invested in upgrading Cleo's on Victoria Road and John Fox, director of Angels Paradise, the firm behind the

FIRE crews from Widnes fought for two hours to free a dog which had become trapped under poles in a timber yard on Monday night. Workers at Ditton Sleeper Yard called emergency services just before 6pm after hearing whimpers coming from underneath a pile

INTREPID pupils at Brookfields School have produced their own newspaper. It was just one of a series of special activities organised as part of a media industry week. World chief reporter Barbara Jordan was invited to talk to pupils about her job and

WORKERS at troubled Daresbury Laboratory are still waiting anxiously for Stephen Byers, the Trade and Industry Secretary, to throw them a lifeline. Mr Byers is expected to announce plans to create a task force which could bring in new projects and extra

HEADTEACHERS and education chiefs will join forces in a bid to turn Halton into and centre of educational excellence. Millions of pounds of Government cash will be invested in a scheme which will improve standards and facilities in schools and enhance

A RUNCORN man has been jailed for six years following a series of sex attacks on a 10-year-old girl. James Ashcroft, 63, of Dukes Close pleaded guilty to six charges of indecent assault and three charges of rape at Warrington Crown Court on Friday. Ashcroft

A £550,000 appeal is to be launched to create a new Macmillan cancer centre at Halton Hospital. It comes just days after a disturbing report revealed that more people are dying from cancer in Halton than anywhere else in Britain. The state-of-the-art

BREWING giant Guinness is reviewing the future of its Runcorn plant, the can exclusively reveal this week. The 165-strong workforce fear jobs could be axed if the company decides to make cuts. The detailed investigation follows a slump in the global beer

PEOPLE are more likely to die from cancer in Halton than anywhere else in Britain. These shock findings were revealed this week in a disturbing report. Halton has the highest ratio of deaths for all cancers in England and Wales and the second highest

A RUNCORN youth was hit over the head with sports trophy in an unprovoked attack on Castlefields, leaving him with severe facial injuries. The 20-year-old victim was approached after getting of a bus on Main Street, Runcorn, just before midnight on Saturday

WINSFORD coach Tommy Blackmore's dream of making his outdoor boxing night an annual event has come true. This was after the second annual night turned out to be a knock-out success, with over £500 being raised for the club. Over 400 people turned up at

DETECTIVES are hunting two men who robbed a 24-year-old woman and stole the takings from a local pub. The victim was walking across Somerfield car park with another woman at 10am on Friday, May 31. She was on her way to the bank with a bag containing

THE 2nd Middlewich Scouts are pictured below proudly displaying their new minibus at their recent open evening. The scouts were able to buy their new bus after a massive fund-raising appeal following the theft of their first bus last year. Retiring chairman

THE Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival committee is breathing a huge sigh of relief after hearing that headline band Te Vaka will play at the festival. The New Zealand band were due to play in Belgium, Germany, Holland, Austria and London's Millennium

TRIBUTES have poured in after the death of a Middlewich man who devoted himself to the good of the town and its people. Anthony Fallon, known to everyone as Tony, died at Leighton Hospital last Wednesday, May 31, aged 78. He moved to Middlewich in 1945

RESIDENTS looking for new homes are avoiding the Crook Lane estate in Winsford, which is falling into an increasingly worse state of disrepair. According to the Vale Royal housing performance committee, demand for houses on the Greenfields Park, Over

A 15-YEAR-OLD girl who vanished from home with her 28-year-old maths teacher did not return to school this week to sit her GCSE exams. It was believed the Year 11 pupil, who has not been named, would attend The County High School in Leftwich to complete

NIGEL Gleghorn hasn't made any summer signings yet - but hasn't lost any players either. The Witton Albion boss has made tentative enquiries about a number of players and is also waiting to see if goalkeeper Ronnie Sinclair, who has doubts over work commitments

STEVE Walters has revealed he left Northwich Victoria to help both himself and the club. The skipper departed to Morecambe for £25,000 last week after completing a successful medical on Tuesday night. Fans favourite Walters, on ending his five-year stint

IF you like your sports to be a matter of mind and body, then Delamere Forest could be the place to be later this month. On Sunday, June 25, an orienteering competition is taking place and teams of four are needed to track their way through the Cheshire

COLIN Naylor is Northwich RUFC new chairman, taking over from John Nancollis who has stepped down after six years. This was confirmed at the club's Annual General Meeting at Moss Farm. Colin, who is better known by many as 'Sam', is a former 1st XV captain

WITH reference to the letter from "Vics Fan" printed in the sports section - this is not a question of what the Vics want to do, it is for the residents who live by Moss Farm to decide whether they want a football club on their doorstep They are the people

WEAVERHAM Shukokai Karate pupils beat off the best in Europe last week. Barry Williams, who runs his karate academy from Weaverham community centre, won the middleweight Shukokai European Cup in Paris, an event which was also successful for many of his

THE wheels were right, but the weather was wrong for Howard Mainwaring at the weekend. He finished second in qualifying on the grid at Croft in the latest round of the British MRO 125 Championships. Lying second in the overall standings, the 14-year-old

RODNEY Royle hit a hole-in-one to become the first Oddfellows Golf Society member to do so on their summer tour. The golfers have been playing in the Highlands since 1986, and Royle scored his ace at Newton Stewart, near Dumfries on Sunday. He hit an

GREG Dimery was in unstoppable mood again on Sunday as Oulton Park cruised into the third round of the Cheshire County League Knockout Cup. Grappenhall must be sick of the sight of the Australian, as, for the second time this season, he scored an unbeaten

VALE Royal Athletics Club had a big turn-out in the Cheshire league at St Helens. In the under-11s Corinne Kinvig won the 100 metres, closely followed by Louise Bosson, Kate Howard, Claire Bolger, Katie Balfour, Lucy Blackburn, Bethany Rugen, Shona Nugent

RESIDENTS of Middlewich and Sproston will have to raise about £25,000 to fight against proposals for a waste dump site at Kinderton Lodge. Landfill expert, The Banks Group, wants to mine clay leaving a giant hole which could be filled with household or

FOLLOWING last week's Guardian report on Northwich Memorial Hall's 40th birthday celebrations, tributes have poured in for one man who was at the heart of everything good during the early days. Tommy McKenzie was the hall's first compere and was responsible

THE foul smell given off by Cuddington's former waste tip poses no danger to health, a report has concluded. The independent report, by Entec, states that the former tip could still give off a smell for several hundreds of metres. The odour was first

TWO constables, who rescued a woman from her upturned, burning car will be honoured at the prestigious Police Bravery Awards. Constables Robert Holden, from Cuddington, and Mark Hampton, of Crewe, braved the flames twice - despite the risk of an explosion

HERE'S something that VW Beetle fans will be wheelie excited about. Sandra Garrett, from Weaverham, has been bitten by the love bug so badly that she is inviting all drivers of the famous car ... to her wedding. Psychology student Sandra, 23, is a massive

IT'S said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away - but in the case of Len Groves, it's a few pints of mild and a dose of whisky. Len, of Peckforton Way, Castle, may be fighting fit and getting ready to celebrate his 90th birthday this Friday. But it

NARROWBOAT fans flocked to the Broken Cross Boat Club's 21st anniversary Boat Rally and Anderton Extravaganza. Despite the rain crowds came from across the country to enjoy the fun which took place near the Anderton Boat Lift last weekend. The event attracted

A 15-YEAR-OLD girl who vanished from home with her 28-year-old maths teacher did not return to school this week to sit her GCSE exams. It was believed the Year 11 pupil, who has not been named, would attend The County High School in Leftwich to complete

POLICE sealed off part of Delamere Forest last week when a pensioner was found hanged. Stanley Partington, 67, of Elm Cottage, Chester Lane, Winsford, was reported missing by his wife when she became concerned that he had not returned home. But after

On top of that, your readers get a full page devoted to his one woman, well-oiled Tory fighting machine. Since George Osborne is William Hague's speechwriter, it is reasonable to believe that Mr Osborne wrote the following words which Mr Hague spoke a

It was a great disappointment for Mobberley that its Rose Queen Festival - the village's main millennium celebration - was held on Saturday in an almost continuous downpour. But the show went on thanks to two tons of straw, emergency matting on the Old

PEOPLE find faith in different ways and at different times. Many can discover when they hit rock-bottom. For St John's youth minister Chris Slater, the effect took slightly longer but was nonetheless a monumental turnaround. The then 23-year-old was working

But so far seven huge stones have eluded historian Mark Olly. So now he's asking Knutsford residents to help him track them down. "It is possible someone may have them as a feature in their garden," he said. The rocks were once part of an arch that is

That was thanks to aggressive batting by Kevin Waterhouse who amassed 82 runs against Lindow and Langley without conceding his wicket. Details for Group A: 1 Congleton 72 for 0 (Waterhouse 47 not out, Dale 16 not out), Lindow 52 for 4, 2 Congleton 67

As shoppers dived for cover and businesses shut their doors, radio, TV and newspaper reporters called the police hotline for news of the swarm. The bees had settled on a bollard in Canute Place after bombarding shoppers in the square. One man almost crashed

ARCHIE Goodier hit a superb eight-darter for New Alliance A at home to Cheshire Cheese as they outplayed the visitors in the Summer Darts League. Eddie Beddall, 13 and Joe Woods, 14, were his main supporting acts and only Robbie Fairhurst's 16 darts for

THE Trent and Mersey Canal at Lodge Lane is fishing really well for perch and roach to 12 ozs. Pole fished pinkie and white maggot was the successful method. Bream to 4lbs from the wides at Saltersford plus a perch of 2lbs 12ozs 0drms was reported by

Warrington 20 Bradford Bulls 34 WARRINGTON wolves Academy failed disappointingly in the second in the second half. After being so much on top in the first 30 minutes they should have won the game. An early penalty gave the Bulls a brief lead before Mike

ST. AMBROSE College cricketer Brendan Morris has broken a 53-year-old school record. His 131 in an Under 13 fixture against Bury Grammar School was the highest ever score by a pupil from the Hale Barns Catholic Grammer School. Brendan, from Tarporley

Rylands A joined King and Queen A at the top of Section A of the Warrington and North Cheshire Bowls Association Monday League following their 12-2 win over Alford A. Kevin Wainwright, 21-3 and Ray Bate, 21-6, were the best winners. King and Queen's 10

WARRINGTON bowls star Tommy Johnstone was rocked by a late rally in the final of the Warrington Charities competition at Brooklands on Bank Holiday Monday. Johnstone and fellow past Waterloo winner Lee Heaton, of Horwich, were both looking to lift the

BULLS boss Matthew Elliott applauded Warrington's efforts after his all-conquering side was defeated for the first time since the 1999 Grand Final at Wilderspool on Sunday. Elliott said: "I thought Warrington did well and I congratulate them for a really

THE Warrington Wolves team carried Darryl Van de Velde's positive vibes into the second half of Sunday's wonderful victory over pacesetters Bradford Bulls. The result was a 30-2 second period whipping of a team that had only conceded 69 points in its

I think Sunday and the win over Bradford was summed up wonderfully by Nigel Wray. Nigel is the owner of Saracens Rugby Union Club and Watford Football Club and is a major investor in the city. He was a guest of mine at Sunday's game. Straight after the

FANS will have many treasured memories from Sunday's outstanding achievement in defeating mighty Bradford Bulls at Wilderspool. The Wolves pack mixing it with Bradford's powerhouses, the try of the season so far by Lee Penny were two stand out moments

Caption here for Alfie WARRINGTON Wolves players have admitted to themselves that the team cannot rest on its laurels after the tremendous defeat of Super League's top club Bradford Bulls on Sunday. It was encouraging to hear straight after the game that

AFTER his outstanding performance against Bradford Bulls last weekend, Tawera Nikau will keep the stand-off position for Warrington Wolves in Sunday's game against London Broncos at Rodney Parade, Newport. Coach Darryl Van de Velde was delighted with

WARRINGTON Wolves' burden of carrying a 'bad behaviour' warning into the remainder of the season has not been received too kindly at Wilderspool. Rugby Football League chiefs condemned the conduct of some un-named players in the Wolves' game against Bradford

EX-WRENS who served at a Royal Navy air station in Stretton during the Second World War are to reunite in Appleton for a commemorative service after more than 50 years apart. They will be joined by others who served on HMS Blackcap at St Cross Church

A 68-YEAR-OLD biker is taking a three-and-a-half-thousand- mile trip around the British coastline with his pet labrador to raise money for Warrington's branch of Diabetes UK. Alec Chadwick has had a purpose-built motorcycle made, complete with a Wallace

RESIDENTS from Croft, Culcheth and Glazebury are being urged to speak out about their views on the controversial Unitary Development Plan. Entitled 'Warrington's Way Ahead', the document will set the scene for what happens in every part of the town, and

CLASS acts from Woolston High School will be hoping that they are in peak fitness as they take on their biggest ever challenge. The fantastic five, all members of staff, were expected to be part-way through an epic journey today, Thursday, taking them

MORE plans for takeaways in Penketh and Sankey have once again failed to curry favour with residents and councillors. Off-license operator Superbooze wants planners to agree to change the licence on its shop on Warrington Road for use as a hot food takeaway

A MAN has had to undergo surgery on a broken jaw after a group of thugs attacked him on his way home from a party. The 28-year-old was walking down Marsh House Lane, Orford, just before midnight on Saturday night, May 27, when he came across the group

CLUB chairman Lord Hoyle of Warrington has told the GUARDIAN just how vital the new stadium proposals are for the Wolves' future success. The former Warrington North MP, Doug Hoyle, is convinced that the ambitious package, which has been unveiled, will

A NEW stadium in Warrington is the key to keeping Super League rugby alive in the town. Modern day facilities are required to cater for today's fans' needs and to encourage the kind of corporate backing the club requires to maintain its ambitious moves

NEARLY every big open space in the town had been linked to being the site for a new Warrington Wolves stadium. Victoria Park in Latchford, Bennett's Recreation Ground in Padgate, the former Stretton air field, Arpley Meadows, the Omega site in Westbrook

WARRINGTON Wolves chiefs have revealed that their planned new stadium could be completed in 2001. Much depends on a speedy passage through the planning permission stages for the proposed joint development, with the stadium adjacent to a Tesco superstore

A DISTRAUGHT mum says her daughter's heart is going to be broken when she discovers she can't join her pals at Warrington Walking Day because of a change in policy by her nursery school. Little Sophie Roe, of Bentham Avenue, Orford, is a pupil at St Stephen's

WARRINGTON'S Parish Church is set to welcome a new priest through its doors. St Elphin's curate Mark Coleman is to be ordained at Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday, June 18. The former law student passed up the chance of a high-earning career, receiving his

A NEW animal star will be wowing the crowds at the town's carnivals this summer. Purdey, a rare Kune Kune pig, is part of the display team from Cheshire Canine Centre, Grappenhall. The company has already hit the headlines thanks to Hugo the llama, who

GRANTS of £12,500 from Children in Need and £3,000 from the National Lottery have enabled Longshaw Street Community Centre to set up a new children's playground. An open evening is being held on June 17. The playground features swings, a Wendy house and

A FORMER Warrington BT worker who was credit blacklisted escaped a jail sentence last week despite clocking up £24,000 on a credit card he obtained through deception. Bertrand Lwin, aged 29, used the American Express corporate card to pay for an extravagant

PRIMARY school pupil Lucy Leigh Read will take centre stage during Latchford's millennium celebrations when she is crowned as Rose Queen. The 11-year-old, of Knutsford Road, is a pupil at Alderman Bolton County Junior School where she plays for the netball

BEING pretty in pink has led to a pair of master flower arrangers seeing nothing but gold. Round-the-clock preparations by skilled craftswomen Marjorie Bourne and Hazel Addison have led to recognition from the world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show. The Winwick

PREPARATIONS for Thelwall's Rose Queen Festival are well under way and organisers have chosen this year's village belle. Charlotte Lees, aged 15, of Watton Close, in Thelwall, will be crowned as millennium Rose Queen following the annual parade on Saturday

A COLOURFUL addition to Myddleton Lane in Winwick has set a first for the parish council. Hanging baskets have been put up on the lane's lampposts for the first time. A total of 42 baskets now adorn the 21 street lights which illuminate Myddleton Lane

A 38-YEAR-OLD man has died after an horrific motorbike crash in Fearnhead on Tuesday evening. The man, from Great Sankey, was taken to Warrington Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The accident happened at 9.45pm when a white Peugeot 106, driven

CORONATION Street star Steve Arnold went back to school and had a "wheely" good time about it. Little cyclists at the Up To 5s nursery, at Warrington Collegiate's Institute's Winwick Road campus, were busy pedalling away on bikes and trikes to collect

A SEASONED performer suffered nerves for the first time at a special reunion almost six decades in the making. Piano man Jimmy Horne had butterflies in his stomach for the first time in a career which has spanned almost 50 years when he met up with long-lost

CONGLETON man David Willcocks is looking to team up with Congleton Town Council to promote his novel stickers. Mr Willcocks, from Heath Road, has designed the stickers, which feature Congleton's name and the town bear. They can be used on cars, caravans

BIDDULPH Players picked up three trophies on Saturday at an annual gala awards evening. The awards were presented to the amateur theatre company for their comedy Tiramisu, which they staged this spring. A special award went to the play's author, Jack

BELLY dancing councillor Christina Jebb performed an exotic routine on Saturday in aid of charity. Mrs Jebb is a Biddulph county councillor, and has been learning Arabian dancing since Christmas at weekly classes at Leek College. She signed up 15 women

THIRTY full and part-time jobs have been created at a new pub restaurant in Congleton. Woodlands was due to open yesterday, Thursday, on the Bryant Homes housing estate off West Road, formerly home to a children's home. The pub restaurant was created

ENVIRONMENTAL health boss Glyn Chambers said a fine handed out to a demolition firm should send a clear message out to similar companies. His comments followed a £5,000 fine for Manchester firm Windmill Demolition for smoke nuisance caused to Congleton

CONGLETON community groups are looking to the National Lottery to help find a cure to a long-standing headache. Private garages are used by groups to store a wealth of equipment used for events such as the carnival and the milk race. There is a desperate

DUNKIRK veterans Edwin Guildford and Edward New have been recalling their part in the heroic rescue of British troops. The Alsager pensioners served on one of the Royal Navy ships which evacuated thousands of soldiers stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk

RECENTLY as part of its transport policy in order, they say, to reduce pollution, the Government has put forward the proposal of removing older cars off the road and scrapping them, possibly with the aid of financial inducements for those that do. Could