An Earby woman hopes to put West Craven on the map as a destination for independent producers with the launch of a new business venture.

Gill McGarrell (34), who has McGarrell’s Farm small holding off Skipton Road will launch the West Craven Artisan Fair at the New Road Community Centre on Saturday, September 7th from 10am until 2pm.

On the day, there will be a host of producers with products ranging from food to crafts and soaps to decorative home materials.

The monthly fair’s debut will also see Pendle Council offering free micro-chipping for dogs and Earby author Annette Brown signing copies of her latest novel “Escape to Africa”.

Gill’s husband Tom (34) is a freelance farmer who works across Lancashire and North Yorkshire while looking after the small holding.

The couple have been selling high quality produce from McGarrell’s Farm at similar fairs for a while in Gisburn, Settle and Skipton but Gill has decided to have a go at hosting her own.

Gill said: “I’m really quite excited about it and anticipate that it’s going to do well. Hopefully it will bring something to Earby.

“The reason we chose the New Road Community Centre is because it is in the heart of Earby. I think it offers an attractive site set in the old school and also it gives something back to the community and ensures the building stays open for all to enjoy.

“We will have a local charity of the month. This month, it will be Pendle Dogs in Need and Happa for October 12th.”

For further information, visit www.westcravenartisan.co.uk, follow the fair on Twitter at @CravenWest or like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WestCravenArtisanFair

A retired senior nursing sister who had a key role in local hospitals has died suddenly at home.

Margaret Cooper (66) from Moorside Avenue, Brierfield, had done a tremendous amount for people. She was always willing to help.

Her funeral will take place on Monday at Burnley Crematorium, at 1-40pm.

Margaret had worked for the NHS from leaving school and, when Pendle Community Hospital opened, she became senior sister on Marsden Ward. She organised the introduction of the rooftop garden at the hospital and worked on many other projects there.

She was disappointed when the ward was closed and she was transferred to the Royal Blackburn Hospital but decided to retire soon afterwards in her late 50s.

She has had a great interest in antiques and, since retiring, worked part time at Bank Hall Antiques and Sales Rooms in Burnley.

She has also been a keen Manchester United fan, cat lover and supporter of Help for Heroes.

Husband Roger said: “Margaret had not been to the doctors since 2006 and her death was very sudden and shocking.

“She was a marvellous wife and everything she did was always for other people. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for anybody.”

She and Roger were married in 1992, when she worked at a hospital in Clitheroe.

She leaves three children – David, Diane and Mark – and her grandchildren. Her father Bill had died but her mother Vi is still alive. She also has two brothers, Bill and Andrew. Another, Donald, had died.

It is suggested donations in her memory can be made to Help for Heroes or the Cat Protection League.

Pudsey paid a visit to Colne’s DFS over the bank holiday weekend as part of the store’s nationwide drive to raise funds for Children in Need.

Customers were treated to free goodies, including branded rock, bucket and spades and frisbees.

On September 11th, Dave O’Donnell (28), who has worked at the Boundary Mill Retail Park store for three years, will be playing his part in the fund-raising efforts by racing rafts mounted with sofas at the Olympic Park. He will be joined by other colleagues from across the country.

The aim is for DFS’s 3,000-strong workforce to raise £1 million.

Three men have been charged in connection with an incident that result in a police officer being injured.

The officer suffered a whiplash injury when his patrol car was hit by a suspected stolen car during a stop-and-search in Simonstone.

The dramatic incident occurred in front of startled onlookers and motorists making their way home at 4-50pm on Friday.

A spokesman for Eastern Division Police said: “Three men travelling in a car in Whins Lane were stopped and questioned by police on suspicion of aggravated vehicle-taking. During the course of this, the car collided with a patrol car causing whiplash type injuries to the officer.”

Three men have been charged with a variety of offences. They are due to appear before Blackburn magistrates on Monday.

Craig Oldfield (42) of Como Avenue, Burnley, has been charged with going equipped, dangerous driving and criminal damage.

John Beveridge (35) of Hall Road, Colne, has been charged with going equipped, and James Martin (30) of Bedford Place, Padiham, has been charged with going equipped.

An apology has been made by United Utilities following traffic chaos in Foulridge.

At the start of the month, repair works were carried out on the main A56 road, due to a water leak that is said to have started eight to 10 weeks prior.

Drivers were made to sit in half-mile tailbacks as a result of the temporary traffic lights, and many were forced to take more rural routes.

While it is understood that the emergency works were necessary, residents feel that it could have been completed in a more efficient and costly manner.

Clive Holt (69), of Skipton Old Road, told the Colne Times that the hole was dug and the traffic lights were installed. But in over a week, “it appeared no work was carried out” until the last day.

He added: “When it is a major highway it is completely irresponsible.”

Following the repair works, it has been agreed to discuss the matter at the next parish council meeting, and County. Coun Paul White has said he will be making representations to United Utilities and the Highways Department to ensure future work is completed quicker.

He added: “This is a particularly bad stretch of road when there are traffic restrictions on it.

“Obviously when there are emergency works required, these can cause disruption.

“In this case however, it does seem that the work could have been completed more efficiently.”

Mr Holt went on to suggest a “small compensation contribution” be made to Foulridge Parish Council, to help them with a Sustainability project.

And in a letter seen by the Colne Times, United Utilities’ case manager Michael Skilky apologised for “any inconvenience caused” and agreed that work “was not carried out to the high standards we strive for across our network”.

As well as apologising for the delays caused while they were carrying out repair works, United Utilities also sent network team leader Tom Hayes to personally apologise to Mr Holt.

In his letter, Mr Skilky added: “I appreciate the impact that this work has had for local residents and commuters using this area to travel through each day.”

And talking to the Colne Times, a spokesman for United Utilities said: “We’re sorry to our customers who had their daily routine impacted due to our work.

“As a gesture of goodwill we will be making a small donation to the parish council to support any community projects they may have up and coming in the near future.”

The amount being donated by United Utilities to Foulridge Parish Council has yet to be confirmed.

A new month, a new school term and a new selection of entertaining and exciting books beckons as summer gives way to autumn at Scholastic Children’s Books.

Leading a magical mixed bag of titles is Mark Lowery, a born-and-bred Prestonian who now lives and teaches in Cambridge and is fast becoming the talk of children’s publishing with his funny, anarchic books.

Holly Webb, another popular writer, returns with two enchanting books, debut author Rachel Carter makes her mark with a tender, uplifting story and CBeebies’ much-loved presenter Cerrie Burnell reveals her writing skills.

Age 11 plus:

Pants are Everything by Mark Lowery

Hold onto your pants as Lowery’s accident prone, madcap schoolboy Michael Swarbrick returns to bring chaos, catastrophe and corny one-liners.

In the follow-up to his debut novel Socks Are Not Enough, which has been shortlisted for the 2012 Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Southern Schools Book Award, Lowery reprises all the zany antics of the unluckiest 14-year-old alive.

Michael Swarbrick is actually a normal boy but he can’t stop being swept up in a sequence of uncontrollable events that could just ruin his life! In Pants are Everything his pathetic existence seemed to be getting better. He was on a date with the girl of his dreams… a romantic donkey ride on the beach, followed by some daring skinny dipping in the sea. Delightful! Only things never really get better for Michael, and one small moment of bliss ends with him a) getting arrested b) becoming a local celebrity and c) becoming an internet sensation because they think he’s a nudist, which he isn’t of course!

With its quick-fire one-liners, quirky diary format, changes of font and its association and wonderfully witty ‘naughty schoolboy’ attitude and irreverent humour, there is no chance of boredom setting in here.

The highs, lows, misery and marvels of being a 14-year-old boy are so pitch perfect that readers will find it hard to believe that Lowery is actually a grown up! And there is plenty of sound common sense hidden between those laughter lines…

(Scholastic, paperback, £6.99)

Age 2 plus:

Snowflakes by Cerrie Burnell and Laura Ellen Anderson

CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell has received much well-deserved praise for tackling her disability head on and here she gives us a beautiful and inspirational picture story about a little girl learning to value herself and her differences.

Mia has come to live with her Grandma in a land of forests and snow. It isn’t at all like her old life in the city and at first she feels very different from the new children she sees. But when she watches the snow falling around her one night, Mia realises that she is just like one of the snowflakes… unique and perfect in her own way.

Snowflakes, so lovingly and thoughtfully written, has important messages about new beginnings, friendship, family love and shared experience, all offset by Anderson’s charming and characterful illustrations. A warm and reassuring story to read and enjoy before that last, bedtime hug…

(Scholastic, paperback, £6.99)

George’s Dragon Goes to School by Claire Freedman and Russell Julian

For the fun factor, look no further than gregarious George and his pet dragon Sparky who are back and breathing fire into a dull day at school.

This hilarious sequel to George’s Dragon sees Sparky tagging along with George for a disaster-filled day in the classroom and comes from the pen of the ever-popular Claire Freedman, bestselling author of Aliens Love Underpants.

It’s almost time for ‘Bring Your Pet to School’ week and George is bursting with excitement. He can’t wait to show off Sparky, his pet dragon, but Mum is not so keen. After all, Sparky is huge, clumsy and, well, a dragon. Even worse, he’s a fire risk! And it seems that Mum knows best when Sparky starts creating all kinds of chaos at school and sets off the school fire alarm. Everyone is evacuated to the swimming block where the heating is off and the water is freezing cold. If only there was a dragon with impressive fire-breathing skills to hand to help save the day…

Freedman’s warm story filled with fun and adventure comes with the brilliantly vivid and colourful illustrations of Russell Julian and a wise lesson that everyone, even a dragon, has a role to play and their very own way of helping other people.

Every picture, every page tells a hilarious story…

(Scholastic, paperback, £6.99)

Eliot, Midnight Superhero by Anne Cottringer and Alex T. Smith

And how about a superhero for the youngest generation? Meet Eliot… by day, he is a quiet boy who likes to read and play with his toys. But when the clock strikes midnight, Eliot is transformed into an action superhero!

When he’s not showing off his incredible swimming skills or wowing the crowds with his expert lion-taming, you can find him assisting the Queen. One day Eliot receives an urgent message from the world’s Most Important Scientists that a giant meteor is hurtling towards Earth. Will Eliot be able to rise to the challenge and save the world from destruction in the nick of time?

Anne Cottringer’s fast-paced and inventive story, animated by Alex T. Smith’s lively, all-action illustrations, is guaranteed to appeal to inventive little boys with a sense of adventure and an innate sense of fun.

(Scholastic, paperback, £6.99)

Age 7 plus:

Looking for Bear by Holly Webb

Talented writer Holly Webb, author of a staggering 70 or more books, has never been short of imagination and not content with her recent Magic Molly, Animal Magic and Emily Feather series as well as A Cat Called Penguin and The Chocolate Dog, returns here with a charming, standalone story.

Webb was a World Book Day 2012 author and in Looking for Bear she tackles contemporary issues as well as delivering a rich, fantasy-filled story.

Ben and Cassie have just moved into a new home but there is chaos everywhere. The builders are still doing it up and Dad is busy rushing around. The garden is exciting with its shed and greenhouse full of stuff left by the previous owners and there are lots of trees which are great for climbing.

Dad has got a lot on his plate now that Mum doesn’t live with them any more and he seems to spend most of his time working from his office at home. Meanwhile, Ben and Cassie get a big shock when they realise they have to share a bedroom, particularly as Cassie leaves her large collection of teddy bears all round the room. But they soon realise that two can be more fun than one. Are the builders really pirates, particularly Les with his long grey hair, grey bear and gold earring? Maybe they are working on the house whilst waiting for the tides to change, and is there really a bear living in the garden? Maybe they could catch him... in these unlikely times, anything seems possible.

Helen Stephens’ illustrations catch the mood of this clever, compelling little story which is ideal for reading together or alone.

(Scholastic, paperback, £5.99)

Pip Street: A Crumpety Calamity by Jo Simmons

Jo Simmons’s laugh-out-loud series has got youngsters purring with delight as they take a trip down Pip Street where cats rule OK. Perfect for fans of Mr Gum, the books feature anarchic, easy-to-read stories with simple, eye-catching illustrations and a sense of silliness that will appeal to children with a stubborn streak of naughtiness.

Here we embark on a wickedly funny tale of crumpets, rivalry and revolution. When Bobby’s dad takes over a local crumpet factory, Bobby breathes a sigh of relief. No more moving! He likes it here on Pip Street, especially with his fizzy new friend, Imelda, next door.

There’s only one problem. Crumpets are boring! No one wants to buy them. That means Bobby’s dad will lose his job, and in turn that means moving again! Someone – Bobby, of course – needs to dream up a fantabulous master plan to make crumpets exciting. Meanwhile, another new boy across the street is trying to cosy up to Imelda. Can Bobby put this new rival in his place and start a crumpety revolution?

Pip Street books come in a square, chunky format and strike a perfect balance between text and illustrations, provided by Steve Wells who uses cartoons collaged with found objects and photos. With an anarchic and irreverent sense of fun, Pip Street adventures will appeal to youngsters who find it hard to be well behaved all the time!

(Scholastic, paperback, £4.99)

Age 8 plus:

Shrinking Violet is Totally Famous by Lou Kuenzler

Who can resist the amazing Shrinking Violet Potts, brainchild of the talented Lou Kuenzler and a fresh and quirky character whose madcap adventures are jam packed with thrills, spills and laughter?

The third book in this popular series follows Shrinking Violet, the amazing girl who can shrink to pocket size, as she mixes with the famous to save her favourite milkshake café.

Violet Potts has fallen in love with the awesome shakes at Udderly Perfect, the coolest cafe around. But then the cafe is threatened with closure, all because of a mistake Violet made. She must find a way to keep it open so perhaps she can persuade her favourite celebrity stuntwoman, Stella Lightfoot, to join the campaign. But when Violet shrinks and ends up in Stella’s luggage, she learns that her idol is not who she thinks she is. Now Violet might be the only one who can save Stella’s reputation. Can she save Udderly Perfect too?

An eye-catching text and warm, witty illustrations by Kirsten Collier add to the entertainment while a special foiled cover and chunky, square shaped design ensure these books are becoming collectible classics.

(Scholastic, paperback, 5.99)

Emily Feather and the Secret Mirror by Holly Webb

Step into a world of fairies and fantasy in the second book of a magical series from Holly Webb which handles important family themes with subtlety and ethereal charm.

Emily Feather’s adventures are proving a flyaway success, taking young readers beyond the realms of possibility and into a magical kingdom.

Emily’s house is enchanted. Behind its many doors are strange and wonderful worlds, full of the kind of magic that most people never even dream of. Emily’s family are the gatekeepers of those doors – guardian fairies living in a world of mystery. Emily can only wish she had fairy powers too. Maybe they would help her to deal with the bullies at school. Can Emily find a way to take some of her house’s magic with her? Dare she dream beyond the realms of possibility?

Holly Webb is now the queen of young fantasy fiction and this beautifully written, imagined and presented book with its foiled cover and spellbinding story encourages children to harness their inner power to fight bad things and help others. A magical series but with its feet firmly in the sometimes harsh realities of life.

(Scholastic, paperback, £5.99)

Age 9 plus:

Ethan’s Voice by Rachel Carter

Rachel Carter has been an aspiring writer since the age of 12 and her debut novel, a moving and sensitively crafted story featuring a boy trying to tell his story when he can’t find his voice, is full of talent and promise.

Ethan is mute. He lives on the canal with his mum and enjoys his books more than anything. He also likes the canal and going to the pond to catch newts and minnows. The best thing is that when he’s there, no one laughs at him because he doesn’t talk.

Ethan can’t remember when he stopped talking or why. He can barely even remember the sound of his own voice. This is just the way things are and he likes them that way. But then he meets Polly and she turns his world upside down. Polly’s friendship makes him begin to wish that things could be different. She is fun and exciting and helps him to see how vivid and colourful the world is, but can she help him find his voice again?

Ethan’s Voice is an uplifting, tender tale which tackles serious subjects with insight and sympathy, and is perfect for fans of Mark Haddon and David Almond.

(Scholastic, paperback, £5.99)

Teen:

A Kiss, a Dare and a Boat Called Promise by Fiona Foden

Top journalist and former editor of J17 and Bliss, Fiona Foden captures all the angst of youth in this touching tale of life change and first love.

Thirteen-year-old Josie is a ‘boater’… she has lived on the water her entire life. Her home is an old wooden boat called Promise, moored on a sleepy stretch of river, and she shares it with her Mum, a ‘magical baker’ who works at a nearby country hotel, her ‘hairy’ big brother Ryan who has just turned 16 and their wiry terrier dog Murphy.

All the boats round about them are people’s homes too. In fact, the ‘boaters’ are all friends and just like one big family, including Josie’s best pal Bella.

Josie finds it easier to walk on deck than on dry land but now she is all at sea. Promise has been taken in for some routine repairs and the devastating news is that she has been condemned. The hull is rotting and the boat is a write-off.

Suddenly earthbound and stuck in a grotty flat miles away from anyone she knows, Josie is forced to start again. Life seems bleak, until she meets Leon. Bold and daring, he shows Josie a new world of possibilities. He even knows how she can live on a boat again. But can Josie sail off into the sunset without him just when they are getting close?

Young love, adversity and learning to accept change all come under Foden’s searching spotlight in a beautifully observed story which presses all the right buttons for teen readers.

(Scholastic, paperback, £6.99)

As more than 1,000-plus Clarets fans made the trip to Pide Park to watch their team in action, our photographer Dan Westwell was on hand to capture the moment.

There was jubilation among the fans as Burnley Fc ran out 3-0 winners over Derby County.

Can you spot yourself on our photos?

More fans’ photo galleries to come soon ...

Were you at the match at Pride Park in which Burnley FC beat Derby County 3-0 at the weekend?

Perhaps our photographer Dan Westwell has snapped you?

Can you spot spot yourself, friends or family on these pictures of fans at the match.

More fans’ photos to come later today

A bin man said to have a bad temper in drink hit a woman with an electric flex during a fight, a court was told.

Lee Carr, of Railway Street, Nelson, was given a suspended jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm to Hazel Bullock.

The court also issued a restraining order against him after hearing the pair had had a tempestuous relationship and that the woman’s injuries happened while they were fighting.

Carr said he wanted nothing more to do with the complainant.

The five-month prison term was suspended for a year and came with a Lancashire alcohol specified activity order.

Sentencing at Burnley Crown Court, Judge Beverly Lunt told Carr: “I have put your future in your hands.

“If you do not do it, I will have to send you to prison.

“You would throw away a good job and everything you have.

“It is never right to hit a woman, ever.”

Judge Lunt did not make an order for costs or compensation against the defendant.

Here’s our final gallery of fan photos from Saturday’s match.

As the Clarets beat Derby County 3-0 at Pride Park, photographer Dan Westwell was on hand to capture the action both on and off the pitch.

Can you spot yourself, friends or family in these photos?

I think it is rather appropriate and timely to highlight a special event in the locality for this month’s beer ramble.

Roll up, roll up, as Burnley holds its second beer extravaganza at the Mechanics, in Manchester Road, from Thursday to Saturday. An event where much jollity and slurred words will be in evidence!

The three-day festival is organised by East Lancashire CAMRA, a fine body of dedicated and passionate souls, who will guarantee an excellently run even for the discerning – and not too discerning – beer drinkers.

I do have to admit I have the occasional pop at CAMRA. They do frustrate me from time to time, with their blinkered views on areas, ripe for modernisation – and being reluctant to move more into the electronic age.

It always amazes me when some CAMRA members, only some, think they have become an authority on beer, as soon as their membership card hits the doormat. Some of the comments you hear in the pub really do amuse and bewilder me – many other pub regulars, being most bemused at their antics at the bar – but that’s another topic of discussion.

That said, CAMRA always do a good job at running beer festivals. East Lancashire’s branch of volunteers have carved out an excellent reputation in the locality, with the Pendle Beer Festival in Colne, for example, becoming one of the most anticipated beer celebrations on the national festival calender.

Times have certainly changed at local beer festivals. Not too long ago, it was all aging males, with beards, beer bellies and rucksacks!

Women were non-existant. You would have had a better chance of seeing Lord Lucan riding into the beer hall on Shergar!

Now you will witness a far better age range – more women and younger people eager to sample the delights of cask-conditioned beers, ciders and perries.

Mind you, the beards, beer bellies and North Face rucksacks are still very much in evidence!

The Burnley Beer Festival will have approximately 90 real ales – and will boast an excellent choice of continental beers. Many of the beers will be from local brewers – and the organisers have attracted a superb range for their patrons to choose from.

Festivals give you a chance to sample ales that are not normally showcased or readily available in local pubs and clubs – and Burnley’s temporary “Beer Mecca” will give you that opportunity. The free programme will highlight all the ales on parade - along with tasting notes and strengths.

The three-day celebration is fast approaching – and lots of hard work and planning is about to come to fruition.The volunteers at the festival will give you a warm, friendly welcome – and will always be prepared to give you advice on beer selection and offer you a taster.

So, East Lancs CAMRA hope to see you at the Mechanics from noon on Thursday, through to Saturday evening. I will be the mature geezer – the one with the beard, beer belly and wearing a fedora, tank-top pully and a tweed jacket, with leather patches on the elbows!

An investigation is under way after a caravan was wrecked by a blaze, and Nelson Fire Station is advising that deliberate fires like that can result in people dying.

The incident happened around 2-30am on Saturday in Cravendale Avenue, Nelson.

Watch Manager Roy Edwards from Nelson Fire Station said: “Two crews from Nelson worked for almost an hour to extinguish the caravan that was set alight on a private driveway. On arrival, the flames were already reaching the roof of the nearby house. We managed to stop the fire spreading to the house.

“Due to the time of day of this incident, if neighbours had not seen the fire, the fire would have spread into the house with the potential to cause injury to the residents.”

Mr Edwards added: “The fire was started deliberately and an investigation into who started the fire is ongoing.”

And he stressed the dangers of incidents like this. He said: “Deliberate fires can cost lives. They also put a strain on fire service resources that may be required elsewhere.

“If you suspect any deliberate fires, call Crime-stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

A dedicated Colne manageress will be paying a touching tribute to her grandma and late father-in-law when she runs the Blackpool Autumn Breaker 10K in October.

By taking on the challenge, Sharon Jackson (33) aims to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The mum-of-two, who runs Colne business Harp Ceramics with her husband Paul, has personally experienced the tireless efforts of the charity – as her grandma Kathleen is currently suffering with dementia, while her father-in-law Colin Jackson died from Alzheimer’s at just 57.

She will be completing the challenge with her brother Neil.

Sharon,of North Valley Road, said: “We are trying to raise as much awareness as possible.

“People think that Alzheimer’s is just linked to older people and losing your memory.

“Paul’s dad was still fully aware of who he was, but he started losing his speech and sight, and he was bed-ridden.

“It is a brain condition, and Colin’s brain started dying before his memory did.

“The Alzheimer’s Society have been superb from start to finish.”

Although Sharon only started running in April, she is now hopeful to complete more 10K treks and half marathons for the Alzheimer’s Society and Pendleside Hospice.

Anybody wanting to make a donation can go to her JustGiving page or visit her at Harp Ceramics, in North Valley Road.

Sharon, a former manageress of Debenhams, and Boundary Mills, added: “I would be so grateful if people could spare a couple of pence.

“It doesn’t matter if it is 2p or 10p – anything is better than nothing.

“I’m really excited for the 10K, I can’t wait.

“I didn’t do any running up until April, and it’s really addictive and you get fit really quick.”

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/Sharon-Jackson5

Fancy a conspiracy thriller which blends bruising action with brains? Step into the dark and dangerous world of Dr Emily Wess and her cerebral creator, the leading historian A.M.Dean.

The Keystone is the second book of a classy series which blends high-octane adventure with fascinating, fact-filled history, taking the cultures of ancient civilisations into contemporary settings with stunning authenticity… and explosive results.

Dean, an expert on ancient cultures, history and late antiquity, first introduced us to Emily, an academic constantly on missions to save the world, in The Lost Library and now she is back to track down a key which has been lost for nearly 2,000 years.

The author’s long-standing interest in the human tendency toward conspiracies, together with his commanding grasp of the genuinely mysterious context of real history, have inspired the breadth and focus of these irresistibly clever and exciting books.

Dean takes historical events and discoveries and uses them as a backdrop on which to weave fast-paced, suspense-driven mysteries based on extensive research and top-notch academic scholarship.

At the heart of The Keystone is the history of ancient Gnosticism, a religious belief that the material world should be shunned and the spiritual world embraced, which came under new scrutiny when a treasure trove of intriguing and ambiguous writings was found at Nag Hammadi in Egypt in 1945.

Dr Emily Wess is a woman driven by the unknown. Ancient history and religions are her passion and she has a craving for ‘the mysterious and the unexplained.’

What she doesn’t yet realise is that she has in her possession the one object that will enable an ancient religious order to undertake the greatest and most perilous work in their long history.

When her visiting cousin, Andrew Wess, is murdered in the study of her home in London by ruthless intruders, Emily and her husband Michael Torrance, a Coptic antiquities expert at the British Museum, are soon on the trail of a dangerous artefact.

This ancient key holds the secret to unveiling a Gnostic mystery and has lain hidden in a sealed jar in a cave in the Egyptian desert since AD 374. In the wrong hands, it could unleash destruction beyond imagining on the modern world.

In Chicago, meanwhile, the Magnificent Mile, a shopping mecca for thousands of tourists, is about to go down in history. The dangerous sect is preparing for an explosive Independence Day parade and the finishing touches are being put to a device that will wreak untold havoc on the city.

Soon Emily, Michael and the ruler of the sect are racing to Egypt. One party craves retribution, the other seeks spiritual ascendancy and both sides will do whatever it takes to succeed. But can Emily and Michael stop the sect before they transform an ancient promise into a very modern curse?

The Keystone has all the essential ingredients of a traditional history mystery – nailbiting suspense, intriguing clues, false trails, a devilish foe, danger aplenty and exotic landscapes – but there is the added thrill of exciting chunks of little-known history and some in-depth knowledge directing the action.

Emily and Michael, meanwhile, are becoming an appealing and absorbing double act as they harness brains and brawn on epic, action-packed journeys to justice, truth and deliverance.

Don’t miss the great adventure…

(Pan, paperback, £7.99)

This month’s pub review takes me high above Nelson to the historic hostelry that is the Shooters Arms.

The Pendle pub has had its ups and downs over the years – but new landlord Paul Street is aiming to get this boozer back to being one of the area’s most popular watering holes.

Paul has been in the pub trade for over 20 years, and was a builder by trade. He is loving his tenure at the Shooters and said: “It’s a lovely place. The local people are so friendly and the views over the Pendle countryside are stunning.”

The pub has a most impressive interior – and you get a nice, cosy feel about the place, with its low beamed ceilings and soft, comfy seating. It has a spacious, open bar area and there are lots of old photos adorning the walls – plus pictures of the 60s Burnley FC team of which former player Tommy Cummings was landlord at the hostelry during the 1970s.

Paul was a very welcoming host, and was eager to show me round. He took me firstly into the roomy, flag-floored pool room, before showing me the impressive old-fashioned dining-room, also flag-floored. Paul said: “Our menu has just started. There is lots of home-cooked food to choose from – and there is a special Sunday lunch which we hope will prove popular.”

Back in the main bar I was interested to see what cask ales were on offer. Three to choose from – all Thwaites brands. The line-up being the ever popular Wainwright, Lancaster Bomber and Thwaites Original. There are also four lagers.”

Outside, the pub has a lovely two-tiered beer garden, with spectacular, unspoilt views, over Pendleside. It had been a bit of a wilderness before Paul’s arrival – but now it looked most attractive, with its lawned areas, flower-beds and garden furniture. Paul adding: “Nearly all finished – all the hard work has been worth it. The weather has been kind - long may it continue.”

Back inside I met one of the pub’s oldest regulars. It’s always nice to get a few comments from the many characters you meet – and Rosey was a most friendly patron. “I have lived here, not the pub, you understand, for 65 years. I remember when the beer garden was a vegetable patch. It was overgrown until recently – but they have done a smashing job on it now.”

It was really good to see the pub thriving once more – some of the regulars had feared it was in danger of closing, until recently. Thankfully, Thwaites invested in this historic Pendle landmark – and I predict Paul and his team will make the financial outlay a wise investment.

We have teamed up with Northern Rail to bring you an amazing rail offer.

For just £10 and £5 for children* you can travel anywhere on Northern services for a day.

To qualify for these extra-special fares, simply collect two printed tokens from your paper. One token will be printed every edition until Monday 9th September. Two tokens will allow you to buy up to four Northern Day Ranger tickets at the special price. Reader offer fares are available to travel between September 14th and October 13th 2013, at off-peak times Monday to Friday and any time at weekends.

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Register at {http://www.northernrail.org/september13|northernrail.org/september13} and print off your completed application form.

To take advantage of this remarkable offer, visit any staffed railway station on the Northern network to exchange your two tokens and completed application form for your ticket(s).

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* Children 5 - 15 years inclusive

Burnley beat the deadline last night to land Stoke City winger Michael Kightly on a season-long loan.

The 27-year-old agreed a move from the Britannia Stadium literally at the 11th hour, with the papers lodged moments before the transfer window closed.

And it means a reunion with boss Sean Dyche, who signed the former England Under 21 man on a three-month loan two years ago while in charge at Watford, where Kightly scored three goals in 12 appearances.

Kightly, who started his professional career at Southend United in 2003, before dropping out of the Football League to join Grays Athletic two years later, wasn’t the only player pursued by the club on deadline day.

They lodged two bids for Brighton forward Ashley Barnes, with a final offer of £500,000, although that deal was dead in the water long before the deadline, with Albion unwilling to sell the player.

The loan window opens next week, ahead of the derby a week on Saturday with Blackburn Rovers, with suggestions that Manchester United youngster Jesse Lingard could add to the squad before then.

However, Kightly completes a successful summer of business for Dyche, who, without spending a penny in fees, has managed to secure deals for Tom Heaton, Alex Cisak, Nick Liversedge, Daniel Nizic, David Jones, Scott Arfield and Ryan Noble.

Kightly comes with good pedigree, having moved from Grays to Wolves in January 2007, where he soon earned a four-year extension and an England Under 21 call up.

He was hit by injury, though he played a prominent role as Mick McCarthy’s side won the Championship in 2009.

He joined Stoke last summer after rejecting a contract extension at Molineux, and scored on his debut at Reading, going on to make 26 appearances for the Potters last season.

Kightly will link up with his new Burnley team mates on their return to training later this week.

Keeper Tom Heaton has urged his teammates to kick on from their impressive start to the season - starting in the derby.

Burnley have won five of their first seven games in all competitions, going into the international break third in the table, and in third round of the Capital One Cup.

And Heaton, restored to the side after suspension in midweek against Preston, hopes to take full advantage of that position: “It always feels like a long time in between now and the next game so when you can come out 3-0 winners it really does give you a positive feeling.

“But it’s important you use that positive feeling and not take our foot off the gas for one minute.

“It’s about progress. The manager keeps drumming that into us and I think he’s dead right.

“We’ve set the bar high this season but we keep wanting to raise it so we’ll certainly be trying to do that in this international break and take that into the Blackburn game.”

Heaton knows all about the rivalry with Rovers through his family of Clarets fans, and he added: “From the moment I set foot through the Burnley door this game’s been mentioned so I’m really looking forward to it.

“We’ve started this season really well, there’s a great atmosphere around the place and we’ll certainly be going all out to get the three points and we’re confident of doing that.”

The former Cardiff man was at the centre of controversy at Brighton last week, sent off for a second yellow card, having been deemed to have handled the ball twice, despite former Rochdale teammate Will Buckley admitting he had touched the ball inbetween.

And he mused: “I felt it was a harsh red card last week, I’ve got to be honest, but sometimes these things get thrown at you.

“At the time I felt we were still in the game, so it was disappointing.

“But watching from the sidelines in midweek I thought we handled it really well.

“We came back with a performance against Preston.

“It wasn’t vintage stuff all the time but we hung in there and it’s been a bit of a factor throughout this season that we can defend well in games, be tough to play against even when we’re not on top form and if we can keep doing that it’s going to stand us in good stead.”

After bringing in Stoke midfielder Michael Kightly on deadline day, Sean Dyche is determined to get as much out of the group he has at his disposal.

Dyche has to box clever in a division where several clubs’ resources outweigh the Clarets.

But while a chequebook has almost replaced a desire to improve what you have through coaching, Dyche is happy to get on with his lot: “I think people have come to realise we haven’t got the resources some clubs have got, especially a couple of our neighbours, who have vast resources. Whether they have those resources or not, they seem to be using them.

“Each to their own, but that’s how it seems. We’re just trying to concentrate on ourselves, what we’re trying to achieve, the players we’re trying to produce, develop and improve, and in turn, if you do that well, you improve results.

“We all work hard, loads of managers out there are working really hard with their players day in, day out trying to win games, I’m just one of them.

“If it’s under the radar, great, if not, and we carry on winning and it gets bigger, fine, bring it on.”

People from outside the club have have expected Dyche to go out and reinvest the money from Charlie Austin’s sale to QPR, but he admitted: “It’s inherent in Burnley’s fabric, I’m learning about the history, but to my knowledge they’ve had to sell before to make ends meet, they sold a player to finance a stand before, so it’s not a sudden, new thing.

“It just makes the challenge harder, as simple as that. If you look across the division, the ones with financial prowess tend to be up and amongst them at the end of the year.

“I was under no illusions, I wasn’t expecting to get millions to spend from the Charlie Austin money, I’ve spent zero since I’ve been here.”

Former Corrie villain Natalie Gumede will be swopping the cobbles for glamour and glitz as she waltzes her way onto the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The popular Pendle actress is set to begin her ballroom battle at the end of the month, going head to head with 14 other famous faces, including singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Countdown’s Rachel Riley.

A self-confessed Strictly fanatic herself, the former Park High School student has previously admitted her love for the show in interviews and via her Twitter account.

And in an exclusive BBC interview, the 29-year-old shared her knowledge further by dubbing Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley as one of her favourite contestants of all times, and choosing eccentric personality Bruno Tonioli as the judge she would most like to be stuck in a lift with.

She said: “One of my favourite Strictly contestants has to be Lisa Riley. Last year she brought such energy to the show, and fully embraced every part of it.

“If I was to be stuck in a lift with any judge I think it would have to be Bruno. I think he would get me through the hour of despair with great humour.”

The star, who in 1996 won the Howard Rigg Leader-Times Stage Young Performer award, also admitted who she wants to guide her through her Strictly journey, stating: “I’d love to be partnered with Brendan Cole. I know he’s a hard taskmaster but I like a challenge.”

Taking to Twitter following the announcement, the actress could barely contain her excitement, posting a series of tweets including: “SQUEALS! @bbcstrictly #scd #strictly2013” and “RUNS AROUND ROOM! @bbcstrictly #scd #strictly2013”.

She was also supported by a number of well-wishers on her social networking site, who sent messages such as: “Get ready with the ‘Kirsty’ look in your Tango and Paso!! I am SO excited!!! :)” and “So it’s true all the very very best I’ll be voting for you x”.

Natalie, who chooses Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” as the song guaranteed to get her dancing, entered the world of showbiz at a young age.

Having graduated from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in 2003, the talent won the role of China in BBC Three’s Ideal just one year later.

In 2011 she shot to fame, landing the role of Tyrone Dobb’s abusive lover Kirsty Soames in Coronation Street. The star left the world of Weatherfield in April, and this year scooped three gongs at the British Soap Awards.

See her begin her fight for the coveted glitterball trophy in the Strictly Come Dancing launch show on BBC One tomorrow at 6-50pm.