FORMER soldier Leon Harker made a nail bomb from a coke can, sand a firework and exploded it in a residential street because he wanted to hear what a big bang would sound like, a court was told.

Harker, a roofer, put 20 - 30mm nails in the canister which he set off in Pinfold Place, Nelson.

He pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon when he appeared at Burnley Crown Court and was given nine months jail, suspended for 18 months and ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work.

Harker (27), of Thursby Road, Nelson, was also ordered to comply with a curfew from 9pm to 6am.

Miss Emma Kehoe (prosecuting) said Harker was seen to set off the device and, with others, to run down the road shouting “Yee Ha”. No one was injured in the explosion, but debris was sprayed about 10 metres.

Mr Mark Stuart (defending) said Harker had admitted immediately that what he had done was a silly prank. “He thought no one was around. This was not an act of malice and there is no suggestion of a political motive.”

Sentencing, Mr Recorder William Smith said he had given the father of two credit for accepting the responsibility for this actions. “There was the potential for harm had anyone been in the vicinity”, he told Harker. “I am sending the message that I do not regard this anything other than a serious offence.”

Fancy a glass of wine with your baked beans on toast? Make mine a soft, juicy Spanish red made from the Tempranillo grape... or a New World Shiraz if there’s a dash of HP sauce!

No TV supper, snack lunch or snatched tea is too humble to be consumed without the perfect glass of ‘vino,’ says the very wise, very wonderful and very knowledgeable Helen McGinn.

A mother of three young children, overworked housewife and refreshingly unpretentious wine expert, McGinn is something of a visionary when it comes to women and wine.

She can see the panic in the wine aisle when they come face to face with a terrifying ‘wall of wine’ and end up reaching for the same old thing, the bottle with the ‘nicest’ label or hoping that one in the ‘middle’ price range will be just the job.

And her decade sourcing wines around the world as a supermarket wine buyer left her friends queuing up to seek out her recommendations for everything from everyday get-togethers and birthday parties to weddings, christenings and anniversaries.

McGinn sent out regular emails with advice and wine deals until one night her blog, The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club, was born and became not just an instant red-hot favourite with mums everywhere but an award winner as well.

And now we can all get in on the act with the publication of her all-inclusive book and its unrefusable invitation to explore the warm, chilled-out and sparkling world of wine.

With the minimum of fuss and the maximum fun and charm, McGinn’s enchanting and accessible guide takes us through a ‘school year’ of simple wine lessons from an autumn term of cosy, fireside reds, through the minefield of Christmas booze and on to a summer ‘love-in’ of outdoor, fruity favourites.

On the way we learn how to go beyond the discount deals, choose the right wine for every food and every occasion, discover the can’t-go-wrong crowd-pleasers, perfect reds to go with your Sunday roast, the best wine to drink with chocolate, plus some unexpected suggestions for a ‘girls’ night in.’

McGinn also takes us on a fascinating journey through wine production ... how it is made, what affects its flavour, its rules, regulations and traditions and some hilarious advice on differentiating between wine’s fruit flavours (the ‘zip’, ‘grip’ and ‘oomph’ if you need to get technical!)

And to help keep the wine facts flowing and the ‘wine satnav’ in good working order, McGinn injects some personal anecdotes and her own brand of dry, fruity and deliciously mellowed humour into her invaluable selection of top tips.

So if you automatically choose the second-cheapest wine on the wine list, want to extend your wine horizons beyond Pinot Grigio or simply agree with McGinn that life is too short to drink bad wine, then The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club is the perfect tipple!

(Macmillan, hardback, £12.99)

TWO more of the Clarets’ young prospects have secured loan deals with prolific striker Jason Gilchrist and midfielder Luke Gallagher joining Droylsden until the end of their season.

The move to the Blue Square North Club will give the 18-year-olds a first taste of senior football as they approach the end of their two-year scholarship deals at Turf Moor.

Gilchrist is the current top scorer in the Clarets’ youth team after sharing the accolade with Shay McCartan last season and netted a hat-trick at Old Trafford in December as Burnley knocked Manchester United out of the FA Youth Cup.

And Gallagher’s progress in the youth set-up at Burnley has seen him represent the Republic of Ireland at under-19 level.

“They are going there for competitive experience,” said Turf Moor Academy Manager Jason Blake.

“We have a good relationship with Droylsden, who try and play football the right way, and their position in the league means we will be able to observe our players’ performances and temperament and character in a team battling to stay up.

“Both of them have probably exceeded the level of competition in the Youth Alliance but now they will be playing at a competitive level and as well as training part-time with Droylsden will continue their training and development with us.”

The Bloods, struggling in the bottom three of the Conference North and facing play-off chasing Guiseley on Saturday, have previously given loan experience to first-year Clarets professionals Alex Coleman and Adam Evans this season.

And McCartan, Tom Anderson, Joe Jackson and Steve Hewitt have also benefitted from loan moves into the Blue Square with Premier Division sides, Hyde, Barrow and Alfreton Town.

Anderson – who was included on the substitutes’ bench for Burnley’s Championship win at Millwall in January – has made a combined total of 21 starts for Barrow and Hyde.

But his current loan spell at Hyde has been cut short by a knee ligament injury which has seen him return to Gawthorpe for treatment and rehabilitation.

“He has got a knee injury but the good news is it’s not as bad as we first thought,” said manager Sean Dyche.

“There was a worry that it might be a serious one. It’s not, but it will take time. It’s not a week or two. It’s a longer rehabilitation period.”

Hyde have, however, extended the loan stay of McCartan until the end of their season on 20 April as they continue their battle against the drop.

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on {http://bit.ly/LkG6ap|iPhone|Download our football app on iPhone} and {http://bit.ly/IdEJgn|Android|Download our football app on Android} devices.

AMBITIOUS boxer Shayne Singleton is ready to make history by taking the BBBofC English light-welterweight title off Curtis Woodhouse tonight.

The 23-year-old goes in to the biggest fight of his life on the back of a 100 per cent record from 13 professional contests, which includes the capture of the International Masters belt in his last outing versus Nicaraguan foe Santos Medrano in October.

Former Sheffield United, Birmingham City and England Under 21 midfielder Woodhouse took the crown in September when beating Dave Ryan over 10 rounds via a majority decision at Rotherham’s Magna Centre, but Singleton is confident he’ll overthrow his opponent from his throne.

The pair headline the show, billed the “War of the Roses”, at Manchester’s Bowler’s Arena this evening.

“I’ve been killing myself to make the weight,” declared Singleton, nicknamed the Pain. “I weighed in at 10st 5oz at the beginning of the week and had to make 10st for the official weigh-in yesterday. I was struggling to get it off a bit because my body holds water. I’ve been having to do sweat drills when I really should’ve been resting. But I’ve had chance to re-hydrate myself before the fight and get everything back in.

“I’m confident, though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I’m probably more nervous than I’ve ever been but I won’t let it get on top of me. I’m very confident I’m going to do it. It’s the biggest moment of my career and I’m not going to give this opportunity up. I want that belt.”

Singleton added: “I definitely feel good physically. I hit a wall at one point during my training because I was working so hard which meant I had to slow it down for a few days to let my body recover. I’m peaking again now, at the perfect time, and I’m ready to go.

“I’ve changed a lot of things during training in preparation. Sparring has been demanding, they’ve been partnering me up with opponents who put pressure on and get in my face. I’ve had to train against that sustained pressure because that’s his style. I like boxing on the back foot but it’s a completely different proposition when somebody is pressurising you.

“Nobody from the region has ever won a belt of this stature. I’d be making history and it would be a great achievement in my life. This would be my greatest achievement by far. I was over the moon when I won the International Masters title but this is on another level. I’m honoured to get a shot at the English title. This would put me right up there if I win it and I could get a shot at anything.”

COLNE picked up a point on their travels at Glossop on Saturday, after taking a second-half lead through Krystian Evans.

Although it was a lovely spring day, the pitch conditions were not conducive to good football as the ball bobbled around on the tricky surface, causing problems for attackers and defenders alike.

On 10 minutes Jason Hart’s pace took him clear, but the ball took a bad bounce and flew just over the bar.

Carl Ellerton and James Crorken then combined to release Ashley Carter down the left, but his cross failed to find any of his team mates.

The nearest Colne came to opening the scoring was when Steven Mercer’s header from a corner kick flew narrowly wide of the near post.

Mark Coyne and Bill Williams also came close with headers from corners, but they could only watch as their efforts were cleared off the line.

Just before half-time Crorken showed good feet down the right to skip past two defenders and pick out Hart at the far post, but his shot nestled into the side netting.

Minutes later Evans combined with Hart, who struck a good shot which was deflected for a corner.

So at half-time the play had been end to end but few real chances had been created.

Colne began the second half well. In the second minute Evans won the ball in a challenge, and after a good run he unleashed a shot which flew like a rocket just over the crossbar.

This was just a sign of things to come because minutes later Evans repeated the scene, but this time his shot kept low, and although the keeper got a hand to it, he just could not keep it out of the bottom corner of the net.

Danny Bryan was now combining well with Evans and Crorken, but twice his efforts were deflected for corners.

Then with half an hour remaining, Glossop drew level after they were awarded a soft penalty, and Nicholas Allan stepped up to drill the ball into the bottom corner.

Both teams then raised their games in search of a winning goal, which made for good entertainment in the dying stages.

Carter and Coyne came close for Colne, while Mehmet and Hirst were denied by the safe hands of Colne’s Thompson.

With five minutes remaining, Hart broke through the Glossop defence, but with only the keeper to beat he elected to pull back the ball for his team mates when a shot looked like a better option.

In the end a draw was a fair result but Colne will be looking for a better result tomorrow when they entertain bottom club Stone Dominoes at the XLCR Stadium.

They then travel to Silsden on Wednesday, kick-off 7-45 p.m.

KIERAN Trippier hasn’t given up hope of closing the gap on the top six in the remaining 10 games.

The Clarets looked like moving within six points of Brighon in sixth place on Tuesday night, only to concede a late equaliser at home to Barnsley.

As things stand, they are eight adrift, pending the weekend’s results, with Burnley’s next game at home to Hull City on Monday night (kick-off 7-45 p.m.).

But Trippier was in defiant mood after the draw with his former club: “It’s not over yet. We’ve got 10 games left.

“We need results to come our way and us to win and we can be up there.

“But I believe in the team we’ve got and the manager we’ve got and the staff that we can still do it.

“We need to start again, get the result and feel confident in every game to get in the play-offs.

“We don’t want to look downwards, we want to look up.

“Since the manager’s come in he’s tightened everything up and done very well.

“We need to keep thinking positive, and I still believe we can get in those play-offs.”

Burnley will go for an eighth-successive win over the Tigers in front of the cameras, with the derby at Blackburn next Sunday also looming large.

But Trippier is only looking towards Hull: “It doesn’t really matter if we’re playing in front of the cameras or not.

“We need to be focused and get the result we need and kick on to the play-offs.

“Right now, Blackburn is just another game. We don’t want to look too far forward, we want to concentrate on Hull and then the following game.

“We’ll concentrate on Blackburn when it comes round and hopefully get the win that everybody wants – the fans most of all.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this league, whether we’re above or below them we’ll still do our best for the fans and the club to beat them, and any other team we play against.”

And the former Manchester City youngster feels the squad will be getting a welcome boost at a good time, with Ben Mee, Michael Duff, Ross Wallace and Dean Marney closing in on a return to fitness: “We know the quality Ben Mee has, and when he comes back it will be a massive boost.

“We’ve got Dean Marney, Ross Wallace and Duffo obviously to come back fit.

“We need that boost.

“They’re all coming back close to fitness so it would be great to get them back in.

“But David Edgar’s come in and Marvin (Bartley) and Kaca (Alex Kacaniklic) has come in and done very well – they’ve all done well to say they’ve not played that much.

“They’ve stepped up to the mark.

“There’s more pressure this season than last season – we’ve got two to every position now, sometimes three.

“Everyone’s fighting for the shirt and you’ve got to put a performance in because there are people waiting to step in.

“We have players who can do that.

“Deano and Chris McCann were injured and we had Marvin and Eddy coming in and doing a job.

“There are a lot of shirts up for grabs.”

And he was disappointed not to hold on for the win on Tuesday: “It was a frustrating game. We were 1-0 up and in the first half we looked comfortable but in the second half they put a lot of pressure on us. “We struggled to get that (second) goal.

“The decision on Charlie Austin, it could have been a penalty and if we did get that we would have scored and it would have been game over.

“But they came back well and scored a decent goal and we struggled to put our chances away.

“Winning at Charlton gave us confidence going into this game and we took that early lead and I thought it was going to be our day.

“But give credit to Barnsley, they bounced back.”

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on {http://bit.ly/LkG6ap|iPhone|Download our football app on iPhone} and {http://bit.ly/IdEJgn|Android|Download our football app on Android} devices.

BARNOLDSWICK Town’s seven-game unbeaten run came to an end at title-challenging Maine Road on Monday night.

Having won five and drawn two of those games, including the 1-1 draw at home to Wigan Robin Park on Saturday, the side went in confident of a positive result.

The pitch was even, but very bouncy due to the dry conditions of late, making it difficult for flowing football.

Town started well, as Tom Bradley’s free kick was headed behind at full stretch by the Maine Road centre half, and from Liam Blades’ corner, Mark Threlfall stepped over, and a home defender took it off the toe of Danny Boyle.

Maine Road had a couple of half-chances as well, but Town’s first big chance came when Aaron Hollindrake roasted Gresty for pace, but saw his vicious shot hit the outside of the post with the keeper well beaten.

Two minutes later, Blades’ corner found Chris Ridehalgh, who was denied by keeper Hall from five yards out.

Just after the half hour, Billy Carrington punched a dangerous free kick clear, and Kevin Richardson was alert enough to block the follow up from Warburton. Boyle again tried to release Threlfall but the keeper made a timely interception at his feet.

Hollindrake won the ball back and had a shot which was deflected for a corner, and Ridehalgh had the ball taken off his toe by the keeper, who was having an excellent game, as the sides went in goal-less.

The first action of the second half saw Ridehalgh give away a needless free kick which was whipped just wide by Bentham with Carrington stranded.

Warburton then dispossed Shaun Airey and showed him a clean pair of heels, but the resulting shot hit the outside of the post.

Boyle then hit a brilliant dipping volley narrowly wide from 25 yards with Hall beaten.

The turning point in the match came in the 57th minute. Richardson won a tackle but was adjudged to have scraped his studs down the back of Bentham’s leg.

The linesman was right on the spot and told the referee it was a straight red. Bentham got a yellow for his troubles.

To Towns credit, they rolled their sleeves up and dug in.

But just after the hour, the deadlock was broken when Warburton cut in from the left and smashed a shot past Carrington.

Threlfall then broke through the middle and fed Blades, who should have done better with the cross.

Warburton headed a free kick wide as Town started to become stretched, but in the last 10 minutes it was all Town.

But for all the urgency, Town couldn’t find a way through.

The best chance fell to Ridehalgh from a Blades cross, which he back heeled at a grateful keeper from five yards out.

Town deserved a point, and but for the sending off they probably would have got it.

On Saturday, Threllfall snatched a late leveller at home to Wigan Robin Park.

Town started the game well, with Ridehalgh hitting the upright two minutes into the game.

Blades provided some good balls into the Wigan area but Jason Foulds, the Wigan keeper and captain was quick to soak up any threats.

The next 20 minutes saw end to end action, with both sides failing to capitalise.

Carrington was forced to make a full stretch save from a James Edgar free kick, with Wigan winning the loose ball in midfield, pushing forward and putting Town under pressure.

A Wigan corner on the half hour mark saw a great ball in, and once again Carrington was foced to make a vital save.

An evenly matched first half saw the sides go in goal-less.

In the second half, Town were attacking into the sewer end, and moving the ball across the pitch, but not gaining any ground.

Town made a substitution on 63 minutes with Ash Alderson replacing Ridehalgh, but four minutes later, Wigan pushed forward and a glancing header from Joseph Hull left Carrington stranded to put Wigan into the lead.

Town responded and made a second substitution, Hollindrake coming on for Danny Morton.

Hollindrake made an immediate impact, showing strength and determination to try and get something out of the game.

His first contribution saw him powering a stong header across the box, only for Foulds to reach out and collect the ball.

Town kept on attacking, with a brilliant shot from Andy Lee in the 88th minute.

The three points were looking like Wigan’s but Threlfall had other ideas and snatched a late point with an excellent header.

Tomorrow Town host Runcorn Town, kick-off 3 p.m. at the Silentnight Beds Stadium.

FIRST Division leaders Formby spoiled the party midweek as they fired six past the Blues at Victoria Park.

Having picked up back-to-back wins against Oldham Boro and Irlam of late, which saw Nelson climb to ninth in the table, Mark Fell’s side went in to the clash full of confidence.

However, the Merseysiders were relentless with six different scorers settling the fixture.

The game started well for the home side as Brandon Barski gave the Blues the lead in the 19th minute but they suffered a blow when Mark Kirkby and Michael White both netted just minutes before the interval.

Nelson failed to respond after the break and they were punished as the visitors scored four in the space of six minutes around the hour mark - Jason Carey, Emini Adegbenro, Francis Smith and Paul Speed all adding to the scoresheet.

It had been a different story at the weekend when the Blues turned on a five star performance to thrash Irlam in front of the Sky cameras on Lomeshaye Way.

On the back of victory against Oldham Borough, manager Mark Fell made just one change to the starting XI with Ralph Welch stepping in for Andrew Naylor.

It was the visitors who carved the first opening of the game when a free-kick, conceded by Iain Robinson in a dangerous position, was cleared only as far as Chris Rowan who drilled his effort straight at Ben Woodhead.

However, Nelson took the lead moments later when Tom Anderton broke in to the Irlam area and squared for Ashley Higgins to notch his ninth goal of the season. Robinson almost atoned for his earlier error but the defender’s header from skipper Chris Turner’s corner whistled wide.

Danny Johnson went close in Nelson’s next foray forward when his looping centre bounced on to the top of the crossbar with Jamie Brewer well beaten. At the other end Woodhead did well to palm away a dipping cross as Irlam threatened.

After Welch picked up an injury in a strong challenge, though eventually getting back to his feet to resume, the away side went agonisingly close to levelling when a firm header from a corner was arrowing towards Nelson’s goal nwhen it was headed off the line. Irlam continued to push as the half petered out as Ryan Hutchinson blazed over the top while Burgess prodded wide moments later.

The second half at ‘Little Wembley’ turned in to somewhat of a goal fest. Hutchinson sent the first warning shot for the away side as he struck a free-kick straight at Woodhead but their persistence was rewarded when Irlam broke through the centre, catching Nelson cold, and Christian Lawlor netted with ease to make it 1-1. Irlam skipper Steve Mills could’ve turned the game on its head shortly after but his header, when unmarked, produced a great save from Woodhead.

Stung by the setback, Mark Fell’s men responded and pressed hard as Brewer was forced to turn Tuner’s thunderbolt around the post. The resulting corner prompted a goalmouth scramble and when the ball was partially cleared Danny Johnson hammered the ball in to the back of the net to restore Nelson’s lead.

Hutchinson shaved the outside of the post with Brewer plunging to his right. Hutchinson was then replaced by Brandon Barski and in his first involvement the substitute was brought down inside the area. Up stepped Higgins to score his second spot kick of the week to make it 3-1. And Higgins was gifted his hat-trick, again from 12 yards out, after midfielder Nat Taylor was upended inside the penalty area. But Nelson weren’t finished there and Barski broke clear, rounded the keeper and fired in to an empty net for Nelson’s fifth.

ROCK Rovers have received a sponsorship boost, with their new strip provided by Plumbase.

The store has moved from Railway Street in Nelson to bigger premises on Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, and store manager Ismail Hanslod has celebrated by backing the East Lancashire League side.

Ismail, picktured handing over the new strip to Rock’s Glen Pool, said: “I’ve known Glen a long time, and after the move, I looked into a sponsorship deal, and had the funds.

“I was delighted to help.”

Rock were held 1-1 at home to Colne United on Saturday, going behind to a headed goal by Scott Ridehalgh, before Liam Roberts netted a deserved late equaliser.

Chris Hindle was man of the match.

The reserves won 2-1 at Waddington, but should have been more comfortable, after squandering a number of chances. Levi Whiteoak and Scott Ruddy were on target, with Gareth Kellow man of the match.

Tomorrow Rock host Rimington,. while the reserves travel to face the same Ribble Valley side, meet The Venue 12-30 p.m.

Pendle Renegades 3, Silsden White Star Reserves 3

RENEGADES had to settle for a point after a very frustrating afternoon of missed chances.

After 10 minutes a long ball over the top saw Silsden’s striker clean through on goal, and he calmly took it round the keeper and slotted in.

But it wasn’t long before Renegades were level as Nathan Taylforth, blasting in the loose ball from a corner.

Silsden again got their noses in front just before half-time after a free kick on the near touch line was volleyed into the bottom corner.

Renegades regrouped at half-time, and within a minute they were level, as Silsden’s keeper made a great reflex save only to find Shane Taylforth on hand to fire in the rebound.

However, Renegades were stunned again as Silsden knocked a long ball forward for their number nine, who raced clear and made no mistake.

With 19 minutes to go, man of the match Taylforth picked up the ball in midfield and fired his effort in off the right hand post.

Renegades pushed for a deserved winner, and were denied a clear cut penalty for handball, as Silsden held out for a draw.

Silsden White Star 3, Earby Town 4

Earby made heavy going to take what should have been a easy victory, with Silsden being reduced to nine men midway through the second half.

Town opened the scoring on 10 minutes when a cross from Adam Hartley found it way through to Jake Palmer, and he finished well from close range.

Earby’s lead lasted less than five minutes as a mistake let in a Silsden forward, who squeezed his shot in.

Midway through the half, a long ball was played upfield by Silsden to their forward, who beat two defenders and fired into the bottom right corner.

Palmer got Earby level 10 minutes later from the spot when a Silsden defender handled the ball on the line, reducing them to 10 men.

In the second half, Earby took the lead when a shot by Joel Howard from a tight angle looked to be going in, but Paul Oldroyd tapped in on the line.

But Silsden levelled when another mistake at the back let in their forward, who completed his hat trick.

Silsden who looked most likely to score again, but they were reduced to nine for a second bookable offence and now Town started to get on top.

Hartley fired a shot just wide then saw his shot well saved by the keeper, then on 80 minutes he got what turned out to be the winner when he raced clear of the defence and lifted the ball over the keeper into the net.

Earby had a chance to make the game inside the last five minutes when Hartley was brought down in the box, but Palmer fired the spot kick over the bar.

The reserves held leaders Embsay Reservesd 3-3, with Matt Bowker scoring all Earby’s goals.

Tomorrow Town host Barnoldswick Barons, match sponsor ATH Consultants.

A BARNOLDSWICK student is heading to one of South America’s crime capitals as part of charity work with poverty-stricken children.

Vicki Hartley (20), of Gisburn Road, is flying to Quito in Ecuador in July to undertake six weeks of work with The Street Kids Project.

The non-governmental organisation helps children who are often homeless, by providing a safe environment to eat, shower, relax and meet others in a similar situation.

Vicki, a second year Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice student at Liverpool University, is looking forward to the trip and is keen to help those less fortunate than herself.

By working with the project, founded by two psychologists, she hopes to help tackle issues early and stop future generations falling into life as thieves, street workers and drug dealers.

She may also get the opportunity to work in a children’s hospital for a week, something Vicki feels would be really interesting.

Vicki said: “While in Quito, I will get the chance to help children with their homework, help in the carpentry workshop, help in the kitchen, visit schools and prepare activities for children to enjoy and learn.

“I’m really excited at the thought of helping with this project and know it will be a fantastic experience.

“I feel it will be rewarding and I hope that I will return feeling as though I have made a valuable contribution to helping these disadvantaged children.”

But the budding psychologist is equally aware of conditions in the Ecuadorian capital as well as its crime rates and will be taking advantage of local travel tips.

The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office website warns travellers that incidents of armed robbery, express kidnapping and mugging are all on the rise, particularly in Quito.

Vicki added: “I’m pretty apprehensive and nervous because I know that the conditions in Quito are vastly different to here in the UK and there will be some huge cultural differences.

“Travellers Worldwide, the company I’m going with, have a support team and I will also familiarise myself with the city before I get there.”

Before Vicki heads off to Ecuador she needs to help to fund her trip and has already raised half the expected £2,500 she requires through car boot sales and a quiz night.

However, she also has a race night planned on Saturday, April 6th, at 7pm at Rolls-Royce Leisure Club and is completing a 45-mile charity bike ride from Morecambe to the Skipton Road venue on May 18th.

The race night is being sponsored by Sherlock and Blackwell Accounting but Vicki is hoping to get sponsors for each of the eight races as well as a race night commentator.

She also plans to auction off the winning horses after the event.

To contact Vicki for tickets, priced at £3 each or £5 including a horse, you can call her on 07534 602810 or send an email to at vhhartley@hotmail.co.uk

THE members and players at Colne and Nelson RUFC have held a raffle to help support young Robert Holmes develop his skiing skills whilst attending a training camp in Pitzal Austria.

Robert, a Year 6 pupil at Blacko Primary School, has been selected to attend a one-week ESSKIA training camp without his parents.

Although this is a daunting prospect, not just for Robert, but also for both his parents, he is excited by the invitation and cannot wait to attend.

Robert has been skiing for many years and is an active member of Pendle Ski Club Race Team based at Sabden.

He has contributed to his schools’ successes by winning the North West Ski Federation Primary Schools for the last three years.

Robert regularly participates in national competitions held across the North of England.

Since receiving the invitation, Robert has been working hard to raise funds to facilitate the trip and his development.

Colne and Nelson Rugby Club have made a donation to the trip’s cost, that has provided Robert with the chance to realise his full potential and possible future career development.

THE annual Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix kicks off this year with the Hameldon Hill Fell race on Sunday, May 5th.

The sixmile race starts at noon on Turkey Street in Accrington at the Peel Park Pub.

The Pinhaw Trail Race follows on Friday, May 10th with a five-mile multi-terrain race beginning at Earby Cricket Club at 7 p.m.

The competition then comes to Burnley for the first time with the five-mile Wholan Nook Trail race on Wednesday, May 15th.

Competitors will meet at the Waggoner’s Inn on Manchester Road for a 7 p.m. start.

Another evening race is scheduled next with the Burnley Lions 10k road race from Colne Cricket Club on Friday, May 24th at 7 p.m.

The competition reaches its halfway point on Saturday, June 1st with the 3.4-mile Kelbrook Fell race, which starts at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church.

There’s a two-week gap to rest tired legs before the tough Hendon Brook 13.5-mile road race beginning at Marsden Park golf course on Sunday, June 16th at 11 a.m.

The following week the Trawden seven-mile trail and road race starts at the Trawden Recreation Ground at 11 a.m., before a month’s break in competition.

The Grand Prix resumes on Sunday, July 28th back in Burnley with the Towneley Park six-mile road race starting at Stables Cafe at 11 a.m.

Worsthorne Moor’s seven-mile trail race follows as the penultimate race of the competition on Sunday, August 4th on Gorple Road, Worsthorne, with another 11 a.m. start.-The final race is the Boulsworth 7.5-mile fell race, which starts at 10-30 a.m. at the Trawden Recreation Ground on Sunday, August 11th.

The overall event winners will be based on the best eight from 10 races, while the veterans’ competition for over 60s will be based on six races.

Prizes will be awarded at a presentation evening in the 1882 Lounge at Burnley Football Club at 7-30 p.m. on Friday, August 16th.

For more information on the Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix please visit {http://www.pendleandburnleygrandprix.co.uk|pendleandburnleygrandprix.co.uk}

A FURTHER 20 jobs could be created at Crow Wood leisure and fitness centre.

The Crow Wood site, which includes a health club, an Olympic standard equestrian centre and the Soccer Burnley complex, created more than 30 new jobs with the opening of The Woodland Spa redevelopment and Bertram’s Restaurant, increasing its workforce to 123.

However, current demand means that the business may add another 20 employees this year.

Crow Wood director Oliver Brown said: “As soon as we completed the redevelopment we had a large number of enquiries. We’ve created a day spa with a large breadth of very high quality facilities.

“There’s been huge local interest, but we’re seeing people coming from further afield too – especially Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Yorkshire who are already returning for repeat business.

“That means we’re seeing a greater demand for beauty therapists so we’re recruiting new people. Demand is such that we’re even offering a £2,000 ‘golden hello’ to beauty therapists who are fully Decléor and Carita trained.”

The £4m. redevelopment of The Woodland Spa included installing a wide variety of thermal experience cabins and swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor.

“The entire leisure and wellness facility has seven pools and more than 500 lockers, making it one of the largest privately-owned leisure facilities in the country.

THREE Pendle drug dealers who were involved in the supply of heroin in Nelson have been jailed for over four years.

Asim Hussain (30), of Railway Street, Nelson; David Brown (42),of Ruskin Avenue, Colne and Vicky Parkinson (44), of Oak Street, Colne, appeared at Burnley Crown Court on Wednesday.

Hussain was sentenced to two years four months imprisonment after pleading guilty to supply of heroin.

Brown was given two years for possession with intent to supply heroin.

And Parkinson was sentenced to 12 months which was suspended for 18 months for being concerned in the supply of heroin and careless driving. She was also given six points on her driving licence.

Members of the police’s Pennine Division’s Targeted Crime Team saw the group acting suspiciously in an alley at the back of Carleton Street, Nelson, on Monday, January 14th.

Parkinson was sitting in the driver’s seat of her Mitsubishi pickup truck while Brown was in the passenger seat.

Hussain was seen to approach the passenger window and exchange something with Brown.

Officers approached the group and initially Parkinson drove towards them. However officers were able to stop the truck and all three were arrested. Approximately half an ounce of heroin and over £300 cash was then discovered.

Sgt Martin Storey from the TCT said: “All three of the defendants played their own individual role in the distribution of heroin onto the streets of Pendle and ultimately adding to the misery that this drug causes within communities.”

Supt Damian Darcy added: “Tacking organised crime and those involved in dealing drugs is a key priority for the police.

“We can only do this with the continued help of the community and I urge people to speak to us or call Crimestoppers if they have any information or suspicions about drugs.

“Only by working together can we tackle the issues that affect our communities and make them a better place to live.”

Anyone with information or concerns about drug dealing can contact the police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For further information and crime prevention advice, people can now sign up to receive free crime alerts by visiting www.lancashire.police.uk/intheknow

IN the Nelson and District Semi-Snooker League First Division, St Andrew’s hold an 11-point lead at the top after a 3-2 away win over Burnley Miners.

Poultry B stay in second place after a 5-0 whitewash over their A side, who lost a couple of black ball deciders.

Alexandra remain in third place despite being on the wrong end of a 4-1 result against in-form Lamb B, for whom James Waddington had a break of 56.

Briercliffe were on fire at home to Liberal A with a 5-0 whitewash to keep them in fourth place, while Andy Bates had a run of 27 as he cleared up the colours to help Lamb A gain a 3-2 home win over Carters A.

Paradise A came back from 2-0 down to get the better of a visiting Old Band B side 3-2.

In the Second Division, Derek Hart had a run of 41 for White Lea Head, who are destined for a move up the league as they now hold a 15-point lead at the top after a 4-1 home win over Paradise B, whose only winner was Steve Smith.

Colne Dressers stay in second place regardless of a 3-2 loss at home to David Street A.

Elsewhere, Molly Rigby’s jump up the table to joint second place after a 5-0 home win over Tacklers A, while Dressers E are hovering in fourth place after a 4-1 home win over Shorthomers B.

Byerden B secured a 3-2 home win over Nelson Golf Club, while Dressers D came away from St Andrew’s B with a 3-2 win.

In the Third Division, Brian Large had a run of 30 for Molly Rigby’s, who ended up 4-1 home winners over Tacklers C and are now three points clear at the top above Poultry D, who left Lamb C with a 3-2 win.

Shorthomers D pulled off a 4-1 away win over Old Band C to put them in fourth place, while Dressers C got the better of their B side by a 4-1 majority.

David Street B v Lamb D has been rearranged.

DUE to Burnley not participating this year, the Pendle Masters Darts Final at David Street became the Grand Final.

The first round saw Jack Mansfield defeat team mate Aidy Kelly 3-1, throwing a 115 check.

Next up, team mates Simon Spencer and Garry Gerrard clashed, with Simon winning 3-1.

David Street’s Tony Clarke saw off Trawden’s Stuart Routledge, and Crown A teamer Gary Hooper defeated Steph Leatham of the Stratagy.

The first semi-final pitched Clarke against Hooper, with the former winning 3-0, before Spencer defeated Mansfield 3-2.

In the final, Clarke went into a 2-0 lead, and Spencer pulled one leg back before Clarke took the fourth to claim to Masters title.

l BARLICK Fell Runners are a recently-formed running club in Barnoldswick, who already have 54 members within two months of etting up.

The club organise training sessions every week as well as local races. Tuesday training session, from 7 p.m. start from different locations, which can be found at the club’s website, facebook page or twitter page, with beginners and experienced runners catered for.

Wednesday’s pub run also starts at 7 p.m., with the venue rotating weekly.

Thursday is track night from 6-45 p.m. at Seedhill, Nelson.

The club have also organised three races - Pendle Cloughs, a long A category race around Pendle organised by Andy Hirst; Buckden Pike - which this year is a English fell running championship race, organised by Graham Wadsworth; and Weets - the local fell race organised by Shaun and Stephen Chew.

More details are available at {http://www.barlickfellrunners.org.uk|www.barlickfellrunners.org.uk}

THE jury in the trial of a man accused of murdering an 80-year-old woman in her home will continue its deliberations this morning.

George Portsmouth has claimed his partner’s grandmother mistakenly identified him to police as having attacked her in her home at Colne.

He also insisted officers had arrested the wrong person over the death of Connie French who gave a witness video recorded interview to police from a hospital bed about her ordeal.

Portsmouth (25), of Varley Street, Colne, denies murdering her in April of last year. The jury at Preston Crown Court spent four and a half hours deliberating on Friday.

Around 12 days before she died, Mrs French had written his first name down for officers and mouthed his surname, as being the one responsible for harming her at her house on North Street, Colne and taking her money.

She had also indicated a pillow had been placed over her neck and face. An alarm pendant worn by Mrs French was activated in the early hours of March 27th. Carers went on to find her lying in the front room of her home. Her injuries included one to her neck. A pillow had been placed under her head.

Portsmouth’s DNA in the form of a blood spot was found on a pillow case the prosecution allege was used by him in an attempt to smother her. Blood staining and saliva of Mrs French was found on the opposite side of the pillow case.

The defendant accepted his blood had been found on the case, but said he didn’t know when it got there because he worked with steel in his job and this could get stuck in his fingers.

The defendant also said in evidence that from time to time the gran would lend him money. His financial situation had been tight, but he had been coping. He accepted having had a gambling problem and lieing about losing money on gambling machines.

IN the biggest bout of his life, the pride of Pendle Shayne Singleton stole Curtis Woodhouse’s treasured English light welterweight title.

After an intriguing and entertaining 10-round contest, a section of the Bowler’s Exhibition Centre, housing a vociferous “Barmy Army”, went wild as Singleton claimed the second belt of his pro career, via a split decision, to maintain his 100 per cent record.

The 23-year-old was imprisoned in the ring’s perimeter for the majority as Woodhouse expectedly fought on the front foot, cutting off the ring. But Singleton worked the restricted space intelligently, working well off his jab before slipping his foe in a methodical display.

On occasions Singleton’s hands dropped, allowing Woodhouse to land numerous blows down the middle, and it was telling as the new champion stood bloodied, cut under both eyes, in the finale of the contest. But Singleton withstood everything the 32-year-old Yorkshireman had to offer.

Judge Phil Edwards scored the “War of the Rose” showdown 96-94 in Singleton’s favour, Dave Parris opted for the reverse when backing Woodhouse while Steve Gray’s deciding card read 96-95 to Singleton. A last round point deduction for the former professional footballer, after hitting on the break, proved pivotal and consequently cost him his crown and possibly career.

Despite talk of a rematch, Woodhouse posted on social networking site Twitter: “Like to thank everybody for the support over the last six years. I’ve been part of a great sport, thank you. Also thanks to the boxing world for showing me love.

“I’ve loved your sport my whole life and I hope I’ve given you some good nights. Even though I never reached my goal of British champion I gave it my all, no regrets, Adios boxing. Congrats to {http://www.twitter.com/@shaynethepain|@shaynethepain}. I hope you have success and great things in your career.”

Read Friday’s Burnley Express and Nelson Leader for a full match report.

A DRIVER whose dog fled in terror after a Burnley road collision has launched an appeal to find his missing pet.

Ian Plowright (69) was hurt when his van collided with a HGV before careering into a shop front in Colne Road last Tuesday night.

His beloved pet dog “Nipper”, who was by his side in the van, ran off frightened from the scene of the crash and has not been seen since.

Ian, of Windermere Avenue, suffered cuts and bruises to his face in the accident but refused to go to hospital until the black and white Jack Russell was back home safe with him.

Wendy Shaw, Ian’s daughter, said: “He won’t go to the hospital because he is frightened the dog won’t come home if he’s not there.

“He is really close to it.

“My mum died three years ago so the dog is his companion. It is all he has. It goes everywhere with him. He is lost without it.”

The family have been tirelessly searching the area for Nipper and have been appealing to Facebook and Twitter users in Burnley

A few people reported sightings of a black and white Jack Russell but the pet is yet to be found.

Anyone who has seen Nipper can contact Wendy on 07875312993.

The RSPB is asking people who spend time in the uplands to let them know if they spot a hen harrier, England’s rarest breeding bird of prey.

Now in its sixth consecutive year in operation, the conservation charity has relaunched its Hen Harrier Hotline in the hope of finding out where these birds are potentially breeding in Northern England.

It is estimated that the upland heath and blanket bogs of England should have at least 320 pairs of nesting hen harriers, but last year there was only one confirmed breeding attempt in the whole of England. 2011 was not much better, with only four successful nests, all of which were on a United Utilities’ Bowland estate.

This lack of breeding success is not through lack of trying. In spring, the male commits himself into a spectacular courtship ritual called “skydancing” in which he soars repeatedly to a great height and dives towards the moor below pulling up just before impact. Then, if he is actually lucky enough to find a female, he shows off his prowess as a hunter by passing her food while they are both in flight.

Sadly, the species is affected by continuing illegal persecution, normally associated with the grouse shooting industry. This is reinforced by the government-commissioned review – the hen harrier framework – which concluded that illegal killing and disturbance is the biggest single factor limiting the population of this species in Northern England.

Last year, this issue was brought to national media attention when a hen harrier known affectionately as “Bowland Betty” was found shot dead in the Yorkshire Dales. Betty had fledged in Bowland in 2011 and her satellite tags had helped conservationists to begin uncovering the secret lives of hen harriers beyond the nest.

Amanda Miller, the RSPB’s Conservation Manager for Northern England said: “It’s just not possible to give every hen harrier a satellite tag, but that’s where the public can help us. By calling or e-mailing the hotline, they can help us keep track of these precious birds and help prevent the tragedy of Bowland Betty from being repeated.

“The English hen harrier population is on the brink of extinction so we need to find out where, if any, birds are attempting to nest. This way we can focus our efforts on giving them the best chance to breed successfully.”

The Harrier Hotline number is 0845 4600121 (calls charged at local rate). Reports can also be e-mailed to henharriers@rspb.org.uk. Reports of sightings should include the date and location of sighting, with a six-figure Ordnance Survey map grid reference if possible.

The Hen Harrier Hotline is part of Skydancer, a four-year RSPB project aimed at protecting and conserving nesting hen harriers in the English uplands. The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and United Utilities, with additional support from the Forestry Commission.

For more information about Skydancer visit www.rspb.org.uk/skydancer.