Tom Heaton had to wait until January for his first clean sheet with Bristol City last season, as the Robins were ultimately relegated.

However, having made the switch to Turf Moor over the summer, he now has two shutouts in four games.

He has yet to experience defeat with the Clarets in competitive action - and in Burnley’s only pre-season loss at Morecambe, he was replaced at the break with the game goal-less!

It’s a pleasant change for the 27-year-old after a difficult campaign last time out, as Bristol City finished bottom of the Championship, conceding a divisional high 84 goals.

He has only conceded twice so far this term, however, against Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday, and has already established himself as a favourite with the fans.

And he said: “Last season for me was tough in terms of conceding a lot of goals.

“The difference between that and this season has been great - people heading, tackling, diving in front of the ball before it gets to me has been fantastic.

“You can sort of see the unity we’ve got as a team but as a back four and a defensive unit.”

That defensive solidity hasn’t come at a cost to their attacking intent either, with eight goals scored in that time by five different players, and he added: “In the Bolton game we played some really good stuff and it was a solid start with a few flashes of what we’re all about.

“The York game we played some good stuff at times and then stood up to a physical challenge when they came at us, and again against Sheffield Wednesday.

“We perhaps didn’t live up to some of the football that we’ve played so far, but we got two goals ahead and against an aerial bombardment we stood up to it, defended well and put bodies on the line. You can’t buy that. That’s the sort of thing that does win you football matches, especially in a division where everything’s so tight and games are going to be tight.

“If you’ve got a team that can do that and are willing to do that it’s always going to stand you in good stead.

“The important thing is that we make sure we keep doing it. It feels solid at the minute. You don’t want to talk too soon in football but it’s felt solid in the games so far.”

“It’s Burnley, not Barcelona”, was a phrase once uttered by former Clarets boss Stan Ternent as the club struggled to get back on an even keel after the ITV Digital crash.

Indeed, it became the title of a Dave Thomas book, based on the events of the 2002/03 season.

However, while there are few similarities between BB10 4BX and the Catalan capital, tomorrow’s opponents Brighton are trying to create a piece of the Mediterranean coast on the south coast.

After the club sacked Gus Poyet for gross misconduct over the summer, they turned to former Barca midfielder and coach Oscar Garcia to maintain Albion’s possession-based style of play.

Garcia is relatively inexperienced, in only his second senior managerial post, having last season landed the job at Israeli club Maccabi Tel-Aviv, who he led to the championship for the first time in 10 years.

However, he was considered an outsider for the post at Camp Nou in July when Tito Vilanova quit to undergo further treatment for throat cancer.

His appointment at Brighton annoyed league newcomers Newport County’s boss Justin Edinburgh, who, prior to the Welsh club’s Capital One Cup win at the Amex, said: “A lot of foreign managers have done fantastically well in this country. But I see a lot of unknown managers come in and get jobs over English managers.

“I don’t know Garcia but, for me, there’s a lot of good, young managers here who have been successful that I feel could do a better job at Brighton than him – and that disappoints me.”

But Garcia has learned from the best at Barca, including Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff, and he said: “Johan Cruyff was for me the most important coach to learn from about football, to learn a very clear philosophy.

“I learnt a lot when I played for him. In every training session I learnt something and that is what I want for my players. If they are better players as individuals, we will be a better team.

“I cannot explain everything because then we would be letting other teams know, but I want a team that wants to attack, wants to look for the opening goal, to keep the ball, to have a possession game.

This is my style. I think it is the best style, first of all for the fans.

“They will enjoy this kind of football and secondly because I think it’s the best style to win games.”

Winning games was a problem for Albion until last week at St Andrew’s, beating Birmingham with a goal from Wales midfielder Andrew Crofts, after a difficult summer.

Poyet has said he will take the club to court over his sacking, while key players Wayne Bridge and Dean Hammond left at the end of loan spells.

There has been a crisis at full back with Bridge not replaced until last Friday when Stephen Ward came on loan from Wolves for the season.

Right back Bruno suffered a hamstring injury at Leeds on the opening day, while Liam Bridcutt (groin) will be out for several weeks, and Andrea Orlandi has missed the last two games with a knee injury.

Craig Mackail-Smith - who was on hand to deliver his own child last Wednesday! - is a long-term absentee with an Achilles injury, and Will Hoskins has a knee problem.

Brighton are expected to line-up (4-1-2-3): Kuszcazk; Calderon, Greer, Upson, Ward; Andrews; Crofts, Agustien; Buckley, Ulloa, Lopez.

Man to watch

Leo Ulloa is expected to reach the 20-goal mark in his first full season in England.

The big Argentinian centre-forward – signed from Spanish club Almeria in January – netted in the first two league games this term.

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that long sunny days make people feel happier and, with all the different events taking place across Pendle, there are also a lot of fun activities to get involved in.

Over recent weeks, I have been delighted to attend Trawden Show, visit some of our local sports clubs and attend other community events.

I’ve also been pleased to speak at two of our local Rotary Clubs, who both do excellent work in the community.

However, away from the fun and sun, when I have been working in my office I have been really encouraged by the raft of surveys revealing increased optimism, growing consumer spending and growth across the UK.

In a remarkable development showing the rebound is now no longer confined to London, a Lloyds TSB’s survey for July implied the fastest-paced business growth in at least 12 years, with growth in every region of the country. The best part of this was that the fastest-growing region of the country was the North West of England.

We also heard that unemployment in Pendle has fallen once again. The number of unemployed people in Pendle in July was 1,852 (4.4% of the economically active population).

What is especially encouraging about this news is that, with a national unemployment rate of 7.8% it would seem our local economy is recovering more quickly than the rest of the UK.

The housing market is also showing signs of recovery, research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors indicates.

New figures show the Government’s “Help To Buy” scheme has attracted 10,000 successful applications.

This is an apparent acceleration since June – when 4,000 registrations were recorded.

The economy is not out of the woods yet, but it would appear that soon there may be more reasons to be happy apart from just the weather.

A campaign to stop speeding on a 20mph Colne estate has taken a step forward.

A meeting was held at North Valley Community Centre to press concerns surrounding traffic speed Birtwistle Avenue and Harrison Drive.

The event was attended by around 50 people, including county councillors.However, residents were left disgusted at the fact there was no attendance from Lancashire County Council’s traffic management team.

Elaine Wells (51), who has lived in Birtwistle Avenue for 25 years, personally thanked councillors, Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson and Lancashire Constabulary for their attendance, before then asking: “Where were you Lancashire County Council?”

She added: “I, personally, along with my colleague Mrs Mitchell worked very hard to make this happen.

“I feel let down and actually disgusted.

“Once again, thank you to everyone who did make it – and a great big thanks for nothing Lancashire County Council.”

Writing on Facebook, North Valley Community Centre chairman Jim Smart added: “Disappointment was expressed that there was no representative from traffic management at county hall.

“After heated debate, and lengthy discussion, with input from many members of the residents, Andrew Stephenson MP, local and county councillors, it was decided that the county councillors would take the issue and a petition to the officers at county hall.”

Campaigners have been working alongside councillors to try and get more speed indicator devices in the area for the past two years.

But having now started a petition, and with aims to launch an official residents action group at North Valley Community Centre on September 4th, Mrs Wells feels that they now have a “foot on the ladder”.

Lancashire County Council confirmed that it was unable to attend the meeting.

However, a spokesman added that County Coun. Dorothy Lord, who attended the event, had provided feedback, and that measures were already being taken to slow drivers down.

Alan Capstick, highways manager for Pendle, said: “Highways engineers, county councillors and district councillors met to discuss speeding issues on Birtwistle Avenue on Thursday, August 1st, following recent incidents and safety concerns raised by local residents. Following the meeting we agreed to install some new electronic signs to warn speeding drivers.

“Alongside the other measures that are already in place, we hope this will encourage drivers to slow down and reduce accidents in the area.”

Barnoldswick Town remain without an FA Cup win since entering the competition after losing their extra preliminary round replay 2-0 at home to Hebburn Town on Tuesday night.

The sides drew 2-2 on Saturday, and both made a cagey start at the Silentnight Beds Stadium.

Chris Ridehalgh fired over, before he saw an effort cleared off the line by Chris Smith.

Adam Hayton curled shot just the wrong side of the post, but Town began to slowly lose their way.

The half finished with Hebburn on the attack, Billy Carrington making a point blank save to keep Martin Roper out.

Town fell behind after 51 minutes, as Danny Morton slipped, allowing Dan Smith to collect the ball and lift it over Carrington’s head.

Hebburn were easily containing Town, and to try to change things a treble substitution took place on 66 minutes, Danny Boyle, Callum Smith and Samuel Howell enterting the fray.

The change didn’t have the desired effect and Carrington was forced into two brilliant saves to deny Roper.

Howell brought a diving save out of Andy Hunter as he tipped his shot round the post for a corner, and from the corner Billy Priestley failed to make contact with the ball two yards out when any contact would have delivered a goal.

Roper drew two more brilliant saves from Carrington, but a minute later, after the ball should have been cleared, Roper did get Hebburn’s second goal, a goal he richly deserved.

It was a poor performance from Town after they probably shaded the first match.

The hosts went ahead a Town defender upended Hebburn’s Smith just outside the area, and Steven Graham calmly stroked the ball round the wall into the far corner.

After 20 minutes, a corner saw Ridehalgh find Andy Lee, who in turn fed Howell, who struck an unstoppable shot from a tight angle past Hunter.

Morton’s powerful shot thudded against the top of Hunter’s left upright, before Town took the lead on 38 minutes. Howell’s cross was picked up by Danny Boyle, who shifted the ball past Hunter and thumped his shot past the defenders on the line.

Hebburn came out after the interval looking for the equaliser, and it came when Paul Robinson’s free kick cleared against Ben Johnson and in by Carrington.

Town are at AFC Liverpool tomorrow before hosting St Helens Town on Tuesday.

Nelson climbed back up to second in the NWC First Division after a 3-1 win at 1874 Northwich at Winsford’s Barton Stadium on Saturday.

Manager Mark Fell gave debuts to new signings Richie Allen and Peter Wright, and the Admirals started the batter, as Liam Boswells’ header flew just wide.

And on 6 minutes Nelson were ahead, as a Boswell corner found Josh Barrick, unmarked at the back post to tap in.

Northwich started to come back into the game, and they levelled on 26 minutes as Lee Hendley out paced Tom Murphy and squared for Rick Bailey to slam past Ben Woodhead from 16 yards.

Moments later Boswell hit post and bar, but Nelson ended the half under pressure, though they stood firm.

The second period saw the game ebb and flow, and just after the hour, good work from substitute Nat Taylor and Richie Allen saw a ball laid on a plate for Wright, who guided a wonderful header home.

Taylor hit the post on 74 minutes, before the Blues sealed the three points in the closing moments when Boswell cut in from the left and hit a low drive into the bottom corner.

Tomorrow Fell’s men play host to Cheadle Town (kick-off 3 p.m.), before, on Wednesday, the Admirals travel to face Formby (kick-off 7-45 p.m.).

A Barnoldswick couple are pulling their socks up in preparation for the hike of lifetime as they attempt to scale Africa’s highest mountain.

Gemma Bassett (24) and partner Aaron Ashworth (26). of Rylstone Drive, Barnoldswick, travel to Tanzania in September for a six day trek on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The couple are raising money for the Principle Trust, the charitable wing of Skipton company Principle Healthcare.

Gemma works for the Skipton-based company which aims to provide a holiday retreat for children and their families, who are disadvantaged socially, physically, emotionally or as a result of extreme poverty.

Aaron has the “Razor” barber shop in Albert Road, Barnoldswick.

In training for the expedition to the mountain, known as the “Roof of Africa”, the pair have scaled Pendle Hill twice in 90 minutes, have walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks and extensively trailed the Lake District, with England’s highest peak Scafell Pike climbed on the latest visit.

Gemma said: “I think we both feel very positive about it, the training has been going well.

“It’s a huge challenge we are facing, but we are really excited about it. The altitude is the thing worrying us the most.

“With it being such a local charity the trust felt right. It’s a great cause, but not a lot of people have heard of it so we want to raise some awareness of it too.”

The pair have set up a donation page online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GemmaBassett

Detectives have issued a description of a suspect after a 35-year-old woman was raped on her way home from a night out in Colne.

The attack happened sometime between 9-40pm and 10-15pm on Saturday, August 17th at the rear of Exchange Street.

A 35-year-old local man arrested on suspicion of rape on Wednesday, August 21st has been released without charge.

The victim was making her way home from a night out and had left the Union Exchange pub before making her way along Market Street and on to Parliament Street and was walking in the direction of Exchange Street when she met a lone man smoking a cigarette at the junction with Blascomy Square.

The pair spoke and a short time later the woman was attacked at the rear of Exchange Street.

The suspect is described as white, aged about 40 years, with shaved hair, stocky build and a tattoo on his arm. He was wearing a white shirt and black trousers and smelt of alcohol and cigarettes. He spoke with a local accent.

Police believe the attacker may have been disturbed when someone has been heard speaking further up the backstreet. Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Jim Elston said: “This appears to be an opportunist attack on a vulnerable lone woman returning home from a night out.

“This is a vicious crime which has had a significant impact on the victim who is being supported by specially trained officers”.

“I would appeal to anybody that saw a man acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the offence or anyone that thinks they may have witnessed this incident to contact police as a matter of urgency.

“We are carrying out extra patrols in the area and if anyone has any concerns I would urge them to speak to an officer.”

Officers are carrying out CCTV and house to house enquires but anyone with any information that could assist police with their investigation should contact Lancashire Police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Elderly and vulnerable residents plagued by gangs of youths have been “hung out to dry” by police and social landlord Calico according to their anxious relatives.

Residents in Calico’s Booth Court and Allen Court sheltered accommodation, off Abel Street, and people living in nearby Pheasantford Green, contacted the Express in desperation to say gangs of youths have been running riot throughout the summer outside their homes.

The litany of shame includes:

Streets littered with drug paraphernalia

Youths having sex with prostitutes in broad daylight;

Abusive and intimidating behaviour;

Youths urinating and spitting into letterboxes.

Mrs Denise Dixon, whose 79-year-old father Mr William Robinson suffers from dementia, says she is worried for his safety at Allen Court.

“What is happening to my father and his neighbours is disgusting. The behaviour of these gangs is shocking, but what’s worse is the police and Calico are doing little about it.

“We visit my dad every day and these youths are stood outside their windows smoking cannabis. They are verbally abusive to us, and mock my father if he leaves his house. I am so upset because nothing is being done.”

Similar problems have also been reported at nearby Booth Court and Pheasantford Green where two elderly residents spoke to the Express about problems which they said have been going on for years.

One said: “I am at my wit’s end with the behaviour of these people. The authorities have turned their back on us. I’m afraid to leave my house it has become that bad.”

The other, a 72-year-old woman, said she had been forced to move out of Booth Court because the situation had become so intolerable.

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle met residents and agreed the situation was unacceptable. He has promised to meet police chiefs and Calico bosses to find a solution. Neighbourhood Policing Insp. Viki Crorken said: “We are aware of concerns from residents and their families in this area and we are engaging with them.

“Seasonal trends show young people will congregate together more in summer and as such we have been regularly patrolling the area and have teams dedicated to engage with the young people and reassure residents. When there are specific incidents of crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour we take these matters very seriously and will deal with the issue appropriately. We encourage anyone who has concerns to contact their neighbourhood policing team.”

Nichola Wright, Calico’s head of Neighbourhood Services, said: “We completely sympathise with residents whose lives are affected by criminal behaviour.

“Our understanding is the people causing the problem are not Calico residents, but we are working with police to ensure decisive action is taken against anyone undertaking criminal activity.”

A Nelson resident has been airlifted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital to be treated for suspected cardiac problems.

North West Air Ambulance were called to a property close to Marsden Heights Community College this morning.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that we did attend an incident at 11-46am this morning.

“It involved a female in her 50s, who had suspected cardiac problems.

“The land crew transferred the patient to the helicopter, which landed in the school grounds.

“It would have taken 40 minutes to drive, but we got her transferred in seven minutes.”

A creative business owner has this week announced plans to launch a food festival in Colne.

Ashley Sutcliffe, who owns Live Like The Boy in Shackleton Hall, hopes that his brainwave will be a way of attracting new people into Colne and boosting the profile of the farmers’ market in the town.

The event will be held on November 16th to coincide with Ready Steady Cook Live at the Colne Muni.

Ashley, of Keighley Road, said: “I’m always keen to look at new ways to bring people to the area, and whilst there has been a surge in retail business in the town it is underpinned by the cafe and food culture combination we have on our now rich high street.

“Food has a unifying and inviting effect, with so many aspects of catering, eating and drinking in and around Colne I thought that it was a great opportunity for great food producers to meet the great Lancashire town of Colne and for the whole town to come together for a feast.

“This town is on the up and the sooner we can have a full calendar of events that enthral and captivate our visitors, demonstrating the strengths of the town, the better.”

Although the event is still in its planning stages, it is expected that there will be around 20 stalls plus activity at Shackleton Hall.

Ashley added: “We have local food producers and catering students, as well as any local food businesses being invited to join the ‘food map’ of Colne.”

Coun. Paul White, who speaks on town centres and economic development for Pendle, said: “As a council, we’re more than happy to support the plans for a food festival in Colne.

“It’s a first for the town, which is thriving right now with lots of independent food businesses.

“Ash at Live Like The Boy, who is behind the event, is a true community champion who wants to see the town thrive and has a real passion for what he does. He is a credit to the town.”

Anybody wanting to get involved with the foodfestival is asked to contact Ashley by email to ashley@livelikethe boy.co.uk

Alternatively, they are invited to call in to Live Like The Boy for more information.

Colne finally achieved their first win of the season, but they had the spectators on the edge of their seats before it was done.

Daneyal Qasim hit the winning boundary, clubbing the ball towards the Grange over mid-on to clinch a one-wicket victory over Rishton on Sunday.

Matthew Walker won the toss for Colne and put Rishton into bat.

Unusually, professional Shadley van Schalkwyk was not called upon to open the bowling, and Qasim from the Bowling Green end and Wallbank from the Grange end put an iron restraint on the Rishton scoring.

Qasim took 1-18 from his 7 overs, and Wallbank 0-14 from 10.

Adam Holt confidently caught a skyer off his own bowling, and half way through the innings Rishton were only 48-2, with professional Daniel Salpietro just 20 not out from 25 overs.

Rishton did eventually push the score along to 151-6, mostly thanks to Craig Smith (37 not out).

Salpietro made 40, splendidly stumped by Tillotson off Walker in the 36th over.

Colne conceded just 16 extras in 50 overs, which with the modern leg-side wide rule is a tribute to how accurate the

bowlers were.

Rishton’s bowlers could not match that accuracy. They took early wickets, and Colne at 37-4 looked to be struggling.

But van Schalkwyk was still in, and a succession of partnerships took Colne towards

the target of 152

The fifth wicket was worth 22, with Akram (11) supporting the pro.

The vital sixth wicket put on 49, with Alex White (13) batting confidently and well, always looking to have plenty of time to play his shots, and sensibly pushing the singles.

The seventh wicket put on 12 with Adam Holt (9), the eighth 21 with Walker (6), and the ninth seven with Qasim at the other end.

The task of scoring the other runs wasn’t reserved solely for the pro, with extras contributing a crucial 35, mostly wides and byes.

Then, with Colne four runs from victory, van Schalkwyk got a leading edge to Salpietro’s slow bowling and gave a return catch for 48.

It was an unfortunate end to a determined innings, and he would have deserved the honour of making the winning hit.

But last man Wallbank survived the rest of the pro’s over; and off the fifth ball of the next over, Qasim’s boundary gave Colne the longed-for victory.

Colne are at Lowerhouse tomorrow and at Nelson on Sunday in the derby.

Barnoldswick suffered a crushing defeat on Sunday against leaders Clitheroe, who now have one hand on the Houldsworth Ribblesdale League title.

With five games remaining, the Chatburn Road side hold a 39 points lead at the head of the senior league after a 145-run win.

“Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong,” admitted Barlick skipper, Liam Bedford after this unexpectedly one-sided rout of the outclassed defending champions.

Batting first, Clitheroe posted 216-6 from their 45 overs with Kashif Siddique and Peter Dibb hitting half centuries.

Barnoldswick never threatened to chase down their target as Josh Marquet was quickly among the wickets.

Marquet finished with 5-32 as the home team were bowled out for only 71.

Clitheroe, third 12 months ago and champions for the last time in 2010, could now collect the trophy after this weekend’s forthcoming double header.

Barnoldswick remain favourites for second place but Baxenden’s nine-wicket win over Settle opens the door for a three-team chase for third with Read.

A half century from Susantha Pradeep earned Salesbury a two wicket triumph over Earby.

Sri Lankan professional Pradeep hit 65 as the Red Caps passed their target of 156-9.

Jason Rawson added 35 for the hosts.

Earlier, Edward Foster and Stephen Brown both took four wickets for Salesbury.

Earby professional Fahid Rehman hit 51 off 72 balls before being third man out at 82, while Lee Parkinson added 40 off 41 balls as he helped take the score from 98-6 to 153-7.

All Saturday’s games were washed out.

Tomorrow Barnoldswick host Cherry Tree, while Earby are at Euxton, and on Sunday it is derby day at the Applegarth. Wickets are pitched at 1-30 p.m. on both days.

A Barnoldswick tot is set for a life-changing operation on Thursday after a year long fund-raising effort has reached its conclusion.

Two-year-old Oliver Rushton, of Carr Road, will undergo the six-hour specialist Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy procedure at Leeds General Infirmary next week with the hope he will be able to walk in the long term.

He was born with spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, which resulted in messages sent from his brain to his leg muscles becoming muddled, leaving him with an inability to walk.

Oliver has learned to get around by dragging himself with a combination of hands and forearms, but he does have use of a walking support frame.

His parents, Helen and Adam Rushton, began a campaign to raise funds for the youngster this time last year in the hope that one day he could have the operation.

That bid was stepped up early this year when it became apparent the NHS was not going to fund any of the cost of the operation or the lengthy rehabilitation programme Oliver will need.

However, Helen says the generosity of people in West Craven and the wider area has left the Rushton family “overwhelmed”, especially as it reached the remarkable figure of £35,000 within 12 months, meaning Oliver’s operation can be done at the optimum age.

That support has continued this summer as Skipton and Silsden Young Farmers held an It’s a Knockout-style event in June, raising £2,000-plus, while an event at Mario’s Restaurant in Gisburn Road, Barnoldswick, yielded around £750.

Late last month, Pauline Hunt, owner of Decisions plus sister shop Decisions, Decisions, presented a cheque to the Rushtons for £500 after choosing Operation Oliver has her charity cause for the year with funds raised by a raffle and gift wrapping.

Oliver’s day care centre, Brook Farm Nursery in Kelbrook, has handed over a further £800 from a summer fair and “grab and go” breakfast, eight of Helen’s midwife colleagues at Burnley General Hospital took part in a 10km total warrior assault course in the Lake District and several West Craven businesses have held collections.

Helen said: “Myself and Adam are feeling very anxious already, but we know that this will give Oliver the best quality of life.

“It is so difficult choosing to put your child through surgery and we have a long rehabilitation ahead. We will be forever indebted to those who have helped to get us. We are so grateful.

“Oliver is blissfully unaware of what is happening. We are sure he will take everything in his stride though and no doubt charm the nursing staff.”

A Barnoldswick family is celebrating the birth of a new daughter delivered by a husband playing the role of emergency midwife.

When Jaimie Reid (30) went into labour with her third child on Saturday evening, husband Ian (36) phoned her parents to say they were going to Airedale Hospital.

Little did he know that, just 35 minutes later, he would have delivered baby Georgia into the world at their house in Priory Way with the help of Jaimie’s parents, Alastair and Lorraine McLoughlin, her sister Lindsay Blunstone-McLoughlin and a fast-approaching paramedic team who were on the telephone throughout.

The delighted couple admit that they are not used to playing the waiting game for babies, as their two boys Daniel (5) and Josh (20 months) were both born early.

Although Georgia was a day beyond her due date, she was not one for hanging around when ready, and Ian’s heroics have landed him with the tag of “Super Dad”.

Full-time mum Jaimie said: “It’s been such a shock. It all happened so quickly. I was quite intent on trying out the new birthing facilities at Airedale to be honest.

“It’s not something we had planned for. We were all set to go to the hospital, but Ian realised it was going to be happening. He was so calm. I’m really proud of him.

“The family are thrilled and completely made up. It was really special because it’s not common for grandparents to be there at birth.”

Ian, who works for HML in Skipton, is not planning a career switch any time soon. He said: “When I was called in to action I just did what I had to.

“We are fortunate she came out and everything was fine. It was all right being a midwife as a one off but I think it must be a really stressful job.”

Travel back in time for some old-fashioned fun and mystery with a super selection from Oxford University Press children’s books.

Young readers can unearth Britain’s rich history in four books charting traditional myths and legends, join in the amazing misadventures of a penniless 19th century orphan or laugh along when a picture book bear is put on the spot.

Age 9 plus:

Stories from England by James Reeves

Once upon a time myths and legends were a part of a nation’s oral storytelling fabric but the advent of books and now the digital age has diminished this centuries-old tradition.

So full marks to Oxford University Press for gathering together some of the favourite stories and folk tales from the four corners of the British Isles and Ireland and turning them into four beautiful, fascinating and collectable books.

The greatest stories ever told from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales combine with lesser known fables to delight readers young and old. From heroes and villains, witches and wizards to warriors and royalty, there is an exciting and time-honoured story here for everyone.

The eclectic round-up of Stories from England brings to life the very best traditional fairy tales and legends. From Johnny Gloke the giant killer and Jack Hannaford the conniving old soldier to the frog prince at the World’s End and more familiar characters like Dick Whittington and Tom Thumb, this magical collection is full of adventure and humour.

This beautifully produced Oxford Children’s Myths & Legends series opens up the past for all generations and keeps alive a magical storytelling tradition that is in danger of being buried by advances in the hi-tech industry.

(OUP, paperback, 6.99)

Age 9 plus:

The Mysterious Misadventures of Clemency Wrigglesworth by Julia Lee

If it’s fun, mystery and lashings of good old-fashioned melodrama you’re after, meet the irrepressible Clemency Wrigglesworth, the Victorian schoolgirl with a big heart and a penchant for adventure.

Calamitous Clemency is the brilliantly inventive creation of Julia Lee and her zany antics at a big, scary mansion in Victorian England are ideal for adventure-loving young readers.

Clemency is utterly penniless and entirely alone until she’s taken in by the marvellous Marvels, a madcap family completely unlike her own. But it’s a surprise to them all when she is mysteriously bundled from the house by the frightening Miss Clawe.

Worried about her fate, the Marvels set out to find Clemency. Enlisting the help of some not-quite-genuine Red Indians, the hunt soon becomes a rollercoaster, fast-paced race across the country.

But Clemency’s misadventures are more dangerous than her rescuers suspect and the big question is, will they reach her in time?

Lee uses all her wit and imagination in this thrilling adventure mystery which comes with a big-hearted heroine, an exciting brand of Victorian villainy and large dollops of skulduggery, magic and dark family secrets.

A gloriously addictive story…

Age 2 plus:

Boris Gets Spots by Carrie Weston and Tim Warnes

Boris, the lovable bear, is back for his fourth adventure and this time he’s feeling rather ‘rash.’ Boris is proving a big favourite with little ones who love hearing about adventures that reflect their own experiences in nursery school or reception class.

Poor Boris is poorly. He and his classmates have all been laid low by a bout of chicken pox. Teacher Miss Cluck has to enlist the help of local farmer Mr Gander and Buttercup the cow to take the ‘spotty’ animals home which means her day in an empty classroom is rather a sad affair. But at least she gets the chance to make some honey-oat cookies as a welcome-back treat to give to Boris and his friends when they return to school, fully recovered and ready to play.

Carrie Weston’s warm, endearing and reassuring story is brought perfectly to life by the bright and enchanting illustrations of Tim Warnes.

Cuddle up and enjoy!

(OUP, paperback, 6.99)

As a double derby week-end draws near, Nelson will want to forget the events at Rawtenstall on Sunday.

They were rarely in the game right from the start - even losing the toss.

Rawtenstall decided to bat first and made a wonderful start, the Kershaw brothers opening up with a 75 first wicket stand.

Matthew Kershaw, having made 41, was the first to go, smartly stumped by Russell Bradley off the bowling of Toqir Hussain.

Ryan Canning was given a rare bowl and actually bowled quite well. He was certainly economical - conceding just 46 runs from his 15 overs.

That, on such a tiny field like the Worswick Memorial Ground, was very creditable.

His two wickets included Chris Cook-Martin (for 12) and Andy Riley (for a duck).

Sam Kershaw went on to score 38 before Adil Ali had him caught at slip and then it was professional, Brett Pelser, who punished the Nelson bowlers.

Standing in as skipper in Vinny Hanson’s absence through injury, Pelser hit three fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 57 as Rawtenstall closed on 209-7.

Nelson’s reply was not ideal - Max Howells run out for 11 and Canning caught behind for 4.

Tyler McGladdery tried to pick up the pace of the innings but he missed a sweep shot and was lbw for 22.

While David Crotty and Neil Thompson were together, Nelson were still in the game and they made a stand of 43 for the fourth wicket. However, Thompson was bowled by the veteran Keith Roscoe for 24 and Crotty was caught behind off Pelser for 44. That was virtually the end as no other batsman reached double figures.

Pelser turned in a good all round performance, finishing with 4-20 as Nelson capitulated for 134 - 75 behind their victors.

Trawden’s Mike Hartley helped England to team silver in the recent England veterans in the DTL 2013 European Team Tournament in Lazenay in France.

The competition was won by the hosts, who scored 1,723, ahead of England, who were second with 1,713.

Driving instructor Mike said: “There were pretty low scores all round, but the French veterans had home advantage and experience of difficult traps.

“I finished 13th overall from 400, and that’s my England duties over and done with for the year.

“Next year it starts again and I will have to try and earn selection again.”

Veterans champion was Ted Philipson of England.

More hospital services could be returned to Burnley in the wake of a damning report which revealed East Lancashire had some of the highest death rates in the country.

Ward 23 at Burnley General Hospital, which had previously been mothballed, was re-opened by health bosses earlier this year and, following the report, plans to return more services could be in the pipeline.

Dr Alan Crowther, director of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s community division, told the Express much was being done to improve patient care following the Keogh Report.

But Dr Crowther said it was unlikely all the services which had been moved from Burnley would be returned and added he was unable to comment further on which medical facilities could come back to the town.

“I don’t think we will be able to replicate what’s at Blackburn in Burnley but we need to make sure patients in Burnley get the right balance of care across the patch.”

Dr Crowther said the Trust had already highlighted the problems which came to light in the Keogh Report and had been working to address them when the report was published.

“The Trust, as part of the Keogh Review, has drawn up an action plan for how we are caring for our patients.

“We know we have to deliver a good quality service to our patients. As part of that we are reviewing the way services are delivered.

“There is a possibility that there will be more services at Burnley.

Ward 23, which opened before the publication of the report, was brought back into use to help ease winter pressures at the Royal Blackburn Hospital but has remained open as a “step down” ward for mainly elderly patients whose condition is medically stable but who are not yet well enough to return home.

The re-opening of Ward 23, which has 24 beds, now means Phase V at the hospital is now working to full capacity.

Dr Crowther said: “A certain problem we have is when patients come in ill to the Royal Blackburn Hospital and are getting better but they are not quite well enough to go home we often find that they need some more support.

“Yes Ward 23 is relieving the pressure on the system but it’s also recognising that we need to give patients a different experience of care. Blackburn’s skill is dealing with acute medicine.”

Thousands of music lovers descended on Colne over the weekend to enjoy this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival.

Celebrations began on Friday evening as festival-goers waved flags and sang the patriotic song “Land of Hope and Glory” at the Colne Muni.

For full coverage and pictures from over the August Bank Holiday weekend see the Leader Times newspapers on Friday.

More to come.