A Blacko cycling fanatic will complete his own Tour of Britain next month when he takes on the latest of a series of cycling charity challenges.

Jimmy Dent (28) will take part in the Rapha Manchester to London event on Sunday, September 6th, cycling 220 miles and more than 4,000m. of ascent in the day to raise money for Ambitious about Autism.

Jimmy will be joined by his brother, John, who lives in London, and the event is the latest test of endurance the Dents have taken on after riding from London to Florence last summer and London to Barcelona in 2012.

With the route from the velodromes in Manchester and London longer than any one day race even the professionals ride, Jimmy has been getting out on his bike up to five times a week in preparation as well as running to build up his fitness for the trek.

Jimmy said: “Hopefully, the weather is going to be on our side because if it’s raining it’s going to be very hard.

“We’ve done stuff for Cancer Research in the past, but this one is for Ambitious about Autism, a condition which affects quite a lot of people.

“Rapha, the clothing company, run the challenge every year and classes it as the hardest one day challenge that you can try, so it’s going to be tough.

“Distance wise, both previous challenges have been 1,000 miles but over 10 days, so I personally think this is going to be far harder as a single challenge because we’re doing nearly a quarter of that distance in one go.

“You have to let the organisers know the estimated time you are going to do it in. John has told them we’ll do it in around 12 hours, which I think is very ambitious.

“You’ve got to stop to refuel along the way, so I’m thinking more like 14 or 15 hours.”

After finishing, Jimmy faces a quick dash back to Pendle to see the end of Stage Two of the Tour of Britain and cannot wait to see professionals pedalling past his front door.

Jimmy added: “It’ll probably be a massive feed, sleep and then the train back.

“Hopefully, we’ll catch the Tour of Britain passing through the area. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Go to http://uk.virgin moneygiving.com/team/M2LDentBrothers to donate.

Nelson’s opening day win against Runcorn Town was marred by controversy just three days later in the 3-2 defeat to Abbey Hey at Victoria Park.

The Blues thrashed Runcorn Town 4-0 at the Pavilions Sports Complex courtesy of a brace from Adam Nuttall while Andrew Bell and Paul Fildes completed the scoring.

But Mark Fell’s side were cruelly denied a point on home soil on their second outing of the campaign. Having fought back from a three-goal deficit, skipper Peter Wright’s stoppage time strike was ruled out by the linesman’s flag. The club later confirmed, having seen replays of the incident, that four players were playing the Admirals’ striker onside.

Town were the first to probe in Cheshire with goalkeeper Tom Hunt called upon to tip Sam Houghton’s fierce drive around the post.

Nuttall’s effort flashed past the upright as the visitors responded but the winger went one better moments later when meeting Bell’s deep cross at the back post to head Nelson in to the lead.

After a defensive re-shuffle, caused by injury to Phil Doughty and the introduction of debutant Pavel Vieira, the Blues went on to double their advantage before the interval. Wright fed Bell who strode in to the area and beat Daniel Lever with ease.

The away side extended their lead just before the hour when Nuttall latched on to Bell’s incisive, diagonal pass to net his second of the fixture when bending an effort in to the top corner.

Nelson went on to survive a succession of corners from the hosts before scoring their fourth with a minute of normal time remaining.

You could’ve forgiven Nuttall for being selfish in search of his hat-trick when bursting in to the area but the man of the match found Fildes to his left and the substitute swept the ball beneath Lever.

The Blues were on a high, but they were soon brought back down to earth with a bump.

Ashford Blake beat Hunt with a looping header from Jonathan Hardy’s centre just after the quarter-of-an-hour mark to give the away side the lead on Lomeshaye Way. And they made it 2-0 just 10 minutes later as Andrew Smith towered above his marker to guide a header past Hunt from Hardy’s corner.

Things then went from bad to worse seven minutes in to the second half when Nuttall was adjudged to have fouled Danny Hewitt inside the box and Justin Pickering made no mistake from the spot.

The home side gave themselves a lifeline with an immediate response when defender Ricky Mercer powered a header home to make it 3-1.

With the visitors rattled, Nelson pressed, and Dave Sherlock scored his first goal for the club with a glorious volley that fizzed through a crowded penalty area before finding the net.

Sherlock had a goal ruled out for offside in the 72nd minute as Nelson searched for the equaliser while Blake hit the bar at the other end as Abbey Hey broke.

Nelson thought they had that leveller deep in to injury time but the linesman inexplicably ruled otherwise and the hosts were left empty handed.

This week we have a rare postcard indeed to gaze upon – a little corner of Nelson that has, now sadly, been lost forever.

Yes, seen here on a 1930s sepia scene is Nelson’s famous “Clock-face” buildings, which stood for many decades between Rakeshouse Road and Lee Road, opposite the bottom of 
Walton Lane.

Seen here (on the left) is the well-known to all Nelsoners Pillings, a sweets and tobacconist’s corner shop with its superb enamel signs for Gold Flake and Three Castles cigarettes.

Further along the row is Rushton’s, the clockmaker which began its business in Nelson in the Victorian era.

The “Clock-face” name comes from the giant outdoor clock seen on the right between the upper-storey windows of Rushton’s .

Sadly within a few years of the issue of this historic postcard this iconic row was bulldozed to the ground.

PS. In November, 1979, when I was lecturing at the Silverman Hall, a gent in the audience told me Mr Rushton’s huge clock had been rescued and was in a conservatory in Walton Lane.

The owner of a new Italian restaurant set to open in Burnley says he believes this is the start of something special in the town centre.

Restaurateur Pino Cafasso is spending nearly £1m. {http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/nostalgia/ex-bank-to-be-turned-into-italian-restaurant-1-7375422|turning the former NatWest Bank in Grimshaw Street into an authentic Italian restaurant}.

The restaurant and cocktail bar, which will be named The Palazzo and boast a live pizza oven, is set to open in October and Pino, who owns The Villa in Clitheroe, is hoping it will open people’s eyes to the beauty of Burnley.

“I really hope that it will be the start of something special. I think it will be. I hope people will see this and then decide to do something similar. Burnley needs more places like this.

“The more the better. There are so many buildings like this around Burnley centre. People are blind to a lot of the buildings that are around here. Burnley is a fantastic place. This is one of the towns of the North.

“The architecture, with all its marble and stone, is stunning but it wasn’t just the building that attracted me. It was Burnley the town. The town has a fantastic history. I think people can forget about town centres. There are all these rural locations where people are talking about getting from A to B or getting taxis. In the town centre people can stop where they are for a drink, or go to a bar next to where they are, carry on the night. There should be lots of variety.”

Pino talks passionately not just about an industry he loves but also about a town he is now financially and emotionally invested in.

“People are always talking about the Ribble Valley and coming from Burnley to eat over there. I want to bring people from the Ribble Valley here. People are already talking about it. There has been a lot of interest. There will be a website soon and a full menu for everybody to see and everything is currently on track for the October opening. We’ve already taken a couple of Christmas bookings from people.

“I’m very positive. I feel very honoured to have a place like this. When I came to Burnley to have a look around, I walked around the corner and when I saw this building I just said ‘wow’. It is like something you would see in Rome. It is 150 – 200 years old and you can tell it has been built by people from a different era, people who had the time.

“I’m extrremely excited. I want to see it alive. I can’t wait.”

Colne started the NWC Premier Division season with a bang with six points from six.

On Saturday, the Reds thumped Winsford United 6-2, with Jay Hart netting four goals, before coming from behind to win 3-1 at Maine Road on Monday night.

At Maine Road, Stuart Cross in the Reds goal was called upon to make some good early saves.

Colne soon got their attack into gear and should have taken the lead when Hart and Kenny Taylor combined for Spencer Jordan, but Maine Road keeper Ryan Livesey blocked his close range shot.

The hosts took the lead midway through the first half when Josh Harper pulled the ball back for Connor Hughes on the edge of the area, and the striker made no mistake with a shot into the roof of the net.

But eight minutes before the break, Andy Tinker supplied a telling cross into the goalmouth and Danny Boyle headed home at the second attempt to level matters.

Spencer Jordan gave the Reds the lead just two minutes later when he found the top corner of the net with a firmly struck curling shot.

As the second half began, Colne again pushed forward and as Jordan got past the home defence, he was brought down by Jonathan Mason, and Hart blasted home the spot kick to put Colne 3-1 up.

Maine Road came back strongly but could not find a way past the resolute Colne defence.

On Saturday, Colne hit six in their seasonal opener.

The Reds took the lead after only eight minutes when a precise through ball by Jordan released Jason Hart into the area and he rounded keeper Ben Proctor before slotting the ball into the vacant net.

But Colne’s lead lasted just three minutes as James Rothwell took full advantage of a 20-yard free kick, curling the ball just inside the post.

The visitors took the initiative and enjoyed a good period when they tested the Colne defence, in which Michael Morrison was outstanding.

With half-time approaching, the Reds began to push forward once again and when Ben Hoskin’s cross was headed down by Jordan, Hart blasted just over.

But a great interchange of passes inside the area, started by Hart and continued by Jordan, allowed Boyle to fire home from close range to give Colne the lead on 43 minutes.

And on the stroke of half time, Hart stretched their lead with a cool sidefoot from 20 yards into the bottom corner of the net, after Jordan’s run had the defence back pedalling.

As the second half began, the Reds again pushed forward, and with only two minutes gone, Kenny Taylor, making his league debut, added their fourth goal with an angled shot into the far corner.

Colne went further ahead after 55 minutes when Hart cut inside from the left wing and scored with a low shot to complete his hat-trick.

Seven minutes later, Hart made it 6-1 with his fourth goal when he fired home after Proctor had parried a shot in his goalmouth.

In the closing stages of the game, Winsford looked for a consolation goal and Chris Lunn came close when he fired wide after making himself a good chance.

But Lunn made amends after 85 minutes when he forced the ball home from close range in a crowded goalmouth to complete the scoring.

Tomorrow, Colne travel to Barnoldswick Town in the FA Cup, and provided a replay is not required, they will face AFC Darwen at the XLCR Stadium on Tuesday evening in the league, with a 7-45 p.m. kick-off.

DAVE PRIESTLEY

A Zumbathon and family fun night will take place in September to help Pendleside Hospice

Last year the annual event raised £700 for the hospice in Reedley and organisers hope to smash that target this year.

Held on Saturday, September 12th, from 6.30pm at Burnley Miners’ Club, the event will feature a cheerleading display from the Basically Cheer Team, a DJ and party games with Southern Sounds Entertainment, Zumba with Lianne Hill, balloons and face-painting with Arti Parti, “Frozen” characters courtesy of Neveah’s Mascots and Minnie Mouse, finishing the evening with live music Riflemen of War.

Tickets are £8 adults, £4 children (under 16) or a family ticket £20 (2adults, 2children) which includes a hot supper. Call 07766743934 to book or buy on the door.

There was double cause for Barnoldswick to celebrate this week as national Britain in Bloom judges visited the town for the first time in its history.

Brendan Mowforth and Ian Beaney spent three hours of Tuesday morning inspecting Barnoldswick’s stellar efforts with the spectacular Sea Wall taking centre stage.

The judging event coincided with the 25th birthday of Barnoldswick Town Square and a party was held afterwards.

The Barnoldswick in Bloom team will find out in the autumn if the quest for gold in the national competition has been successful.

The town is competing against Cupar, Dalton with Newton, Falmouth, Henley-on-Thames, Pembrey and Burry Port and Tewkesbury for a gold medal.

Coun. David Whipp said: “The judges had a great morning in Barnoldswick. The town was in tip top shape after a small army of volunteers devoted many hours to clean and cultivate.

“We also had BBC Lancashire doing a live broadcast from the Town Square where we held a 25th birthday party for the square.

“We now have to wait until October to find out if we’ve secured a gold medal for Barnoldswick in the national finals.

“In the meantime, we can enjoy the town looking better than it ever has. A big thank you to all the volunteers who have worked so tirelessly for our town.”

Sean Dyche pointed to two pivotal penalty decisions which went against his side as Burnley twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Turf Moor against Birmingham City.

The Clarets went behind to a goal from Jon Toral, before Michael Keane headed his first Burnley goal.

Paul Caddis put the Blues back in front from the spot after Clayton Donaldson was judged to have been brought down by Tendayi Darikwa, but substitute Matt Taylor rescued a point with an unstoppable free kick.

Dyche said: “I thought it was a dominant performance, even first half there was a flatness to our performance but we dominated the ball, went one down to a knock down the pitch, didn’t head it and it dropped perfectly for their lad - it was a good finish to be fair.

“To be honest, the whole game would have been considerably different on a decision, unfortunately, I don’t like to talk about them, but when it’s that blatant, on Jutkiewicz, it’s unfathomable to have someone pulled down...

“I was a defender, the defender is done and he’s panicked and pulled him down. It’s not only a penalty, but he goes off the pitch by the nature of the rules.

“We got on with it, as we do, responded twice, as we tend to do.

“The second half was better, much more energy, more fluency and we created enough chances to win the game.

“Then you have the other contentious penalty where their lad runs in an unnatural manner and stands on our lad’s toes, and goes down.

“Two big decisions went against us.”

Burnley were patient, but laboured in their approach play in the first period, but much improved after the break, and Dyche admitted: “I wasn’t disappointed at half-time, but it just wasn’t what we want it to be, it was too safe, it was too methodical, and sometimes that happens when a team comes and drops off.

“You need to show patience and shift the ball quicker, which we didn’t do.

“Second half we did, there was more energy to the performance, more mixed movement, and I thought we were effective.

“We certainly did enough to win the game.

“We didn’t have to win, there’s no rules say you ‘re going to win, you have to work every time you play.

“We’ve laid down a good mental marker because we’ve come from behind three times, so there’s no problem with that, the structure is good, the energy is good, it’s just those defining moments we need to tidy up.

“We had enough chances and enough of the ball, and enough dominant moments to win the match, just sometimes things go against you.

“In my opinion it was a mistake for the penalty, we can’t do anything about that one, a mistake for the first goal, and even then it lands perfectly for them.

“Credit to Gary, he’s got them off and running, he’s come here and looked to absorb the game and got something from it.

“We know we’re a work in progress, we’ve got to adapt the group, reflex it, rethink it, and there’s good signs, particularly second half.”

Keane and Taylor both scored their first goals for the club, and Dyche noted: “Keano’s a young man learning, the nuts and bolts of his game he still has to pick up, but he’s a good player, there’s no two ways about it.

“And Matty Taylor delivered a fantastic free kick. You’d do well to see one better. We know he has that in his locker, we wanted him to deliver when he got on and he did.”

Lightweight boxer Tommy Coyle said it best in the aftermath of his loss to one-time Olympic Gold medallist Luke Campbell MBE.

The 25-year-old fighter took to Twitter after being stopped in the 10th round of his clash at Yorkshire’s Craven Park Stadium professing: “You are not defeated when you lose, you are defeated when you quit”.

Sure, that enlightening and inspirational collection of words go some way to masking the disappoint of an athlete in defeat. Unquestionably, though, they ring true.

A succession of 20 professional triumphs, across the light welterweight and welterweight classes, may have quilted Shayne Singleton in a bubble of invincibility.

But the reversal to Sam Eggington in March has served its purpose. The former 140lb English champion, who recently received a replica of the belt he was forced to relinquish after victory over Curtis Woodhouse, will return a physically and mentally stronger specimen because of the lessons learned that night in Hull.

“The loss is going to help me,” insisted Singleton. “It’s already helped me and I’m not even back in the ring yet. It taught me that I can’t get away with certain things at that level. I paid the price. It’s a shame I got beat taking those risks and lost my unbeaten record, but now I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“I’ve got to make sure it doesn’t happen again because it could leave me at a loose end in my career. I want to be one of the best fighters in Britain. Curtis Woodhouse lost five times before becoming British champion. Derry Mathews has lost nine times. Defeats mould you in to a better fighter. I’ll certainly learn from it. I’ll be a more intelligent fighter because of it.”

There’s certainly no shame in defeat to Eggington. Promoter Eddie Hearn has raved about the Stourbridge protege, and there’s no doubt that the 21-year-old is edging towards European honours having claimed the British and Commonwealth straps.

“Seeing what Sam has gone on to achieve has made the defeat feel a little bit better,” he said. “I got beat by a top notch fighter who has gone on to become British and Commonwealth champion. He’ll definitely go on to bigger and better things.

“With Eddie Hearn around him he’ll eventually get up to fighting for world titles. There’s talk of a fight with Frankie Gavin, some people think he’s not ready for that, but I think he would beat him. He would be too big and strong for him.”

Singleton added: “He’ll do very well but I want to get back up there with him and fight him again to my game plan without losing my head and being daft. I’ve watched the fight five or six times since and I was impressed with my performance in the rounds where I didn’t get involved.

“He fought Glenn Foot last month and he won every round. The fight wasn’t even close. I took a couple of rounds and it shows that I’m up at that level.”

Karl Ince’s student will make his long-awaited return to the ring on October 3rd at Preston Guild Hall, though an opponent is yet to be announced. Anybody wishing to purchase tickets can contact Shayne on 07857 476485.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring,” he said. “I’ve done a bit of sparring already with Rick Godding. I did a few rounds with him and put it on him. It felt good to be throwing punches and landing them but it also felt good to be getting tagged myself. I feel rested and rejuvenated and I’m ready to come back.”

A few weeks ago legendary Retro DJ Paul Taylor told the Burnley Express he believed Burnley’s nightlife was “dead and buried”.

He said witnessing the decline of the town’s once thriving club scene had left him feeling depressed and Burnley would now struggle to recapture those glory days.

{http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/top-dj-burnley-nightlife-dead-and-buried-1-7351698|Click here to see what paul had to say}

However, Remedy co-owner Madge Nawaz believes that while the town has had its problems in recent times it most certainly is not dead and buried.

“It’s been a difficult few years for the pub and club trade but town is certainly not dead. There is still plenty going on and there are some really good nights happening down Burnley but all the bar owners in town now need to join up and work on moving forward together, before it is too late.”

It is not just a problem localised to Burnley. Figures released this week by the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers have revealed that nearly half the UK’s nightclubs have shuts their doors in just 10 years. In 2005 there were 3,144 clubs and this is now down to 1,733.

The smoking ban, cheap supermarket deals, the financial crash, people becoming more heath conscious. Regardless of who you speak to, it seems there are a number of contributing factors.

{http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/burnley-s-nightlife-is-under-threat-1-7202579|Read here - How nightclub owner Mich Cookson fears for future of Burnley night-time economy}

Madge believes business rates in the town centre is another one of the main reasons.

“The council needs to bring the rates down. Surely it would make more sense to lower the rates and get more businesses into the town rather than have high rates and empty buildings. Everybody is struggling financially nowadays and it is the kind of boost which could really help the town centre.

“There are plenty of people around with ideas. We want to put on a street festival outside Remedy and Mojitos. Close off the road, have some live music, some food stalls, rides. There would be a really good atmosphere and I’m sure it is something a lot of people would enjoy. We need the council’s help with road closures and licensing and things like that though. We’re willing to put the effort in, hopefully they are too.”

Frankie Musso, who runs Blu-Bar in town, added: “I think it’s important to note that we are talking about an over regulated industry, and many bars and clubs like ourselves should receive more flexibility from our local authorities and the Government. The smoking ban, licensing laws and the increased sale of cheap alcohol in supermarkets who do not have to adhere to the same laws as we do, has created a whole new world order.

“Of course we have seen big changes in the nightlife economy, with the popularity of things like festivals, cheap package holidays, and people just generally feeling the pinch of the recession. I think times have changed and relying on a crowd of punters to walk into your place just won’t wash any more. You have to become the destination and not just a place on the map.

“Blu-Bar has evolved to change with these times. The night-time economy, however, is far from dead, it’s just very different.”

Kate Ingram, head of regeneration, said: “We’re happy to work with local businesses wherever we can to help revitalise the local economy, however business rates are set at a national level and we don’t control them locally. Earlier this year the Government conducted a review on business rates nationally and we understand they will report on these findings by Budget 2016.”

Craven councillors have again requested that Pendle Council officers should write to the boss of NHS England about continued poor ambulance response times.

Pendle Council’s West Craven Committee was told that North West Ambulance Service statistics for January, February, March and April showed that 30%, 50%, 33.3% and 16.7% of the most important Red One calls were reached within the eight minute target time in the respective months.

April, May and June’s figures however showed that ambulances had reached , at best, just 25% of the most critical Red One calls within the eight minute target time – just three of 14 total Red One calls in that period.

Statistics for Pendle as a whole showed 63.9%, 63% and 57% of Red One calls were reached within eight minutes for the respective months.

Councillors had requested further details from the NWAS to establish how close the service was to achieving the target times.

The NWAS gave figures for 10 West Craven response times greater than eight minutes for the April to June period, with the soonest after the target time at 9mins 45secs approximately and the longest at 19mins 30secs approximately. Nine of the 10 were longer than 10 minutes and five 16 minutes or longer.

Coun. Ken Hartley said: “This time, they can’t even make better than 25% in West Craven. It isn’t good enough and I think it’s time we sent a follow up letter to Simon Stevens, as boss of the NHS, highlighting the fact that the statistics are getting progressively worse not better and the services are not capable of supporting the people in West Craven.”

On a regional basis the NWAS is expected to reach 75% of Red One calls within eight minutes, but statistics show it missed its target for April.

Firefighters attended a house blaze in Nelson yesterday afternoon.

Crews from Nelson Fire Station dealt with the house fire at the Wenning Street property at 4-42 pm Saturday.

No further details were available from Nelson Fire Station about the incident apart from the fact that the fire is not believed to have been serious.

Ghyll members competed for President Ivan Rhodes’s prize on Sunday, with the top three places held by Earby golfers, who all finished on 42 points.

Andrew Harling was the winner on a card play-off, from Andrew Wilkinson and Keith Nash, and other prizewinners were: Front nine Alan Waterworth 24 points, Back nine Ian McGill 22 points, Mid six Ken Inman 15 points, Veterans Jim Warner 36 points, Nearest the pin at the Greenberfield Hole Jack Farnhill 2ft 2ins.

On Saturday Ghyll’s juniors competed for the President’s prize and the winner on 42 points was Jacob Jolly, with brother Ben second on 39.

On Sunday Ghyll held their annual AM-AM event, playing for the Ouzledale Trophy, sponsored by Youngs Beers.

The winning team was Busby Babes of John “Busby” Blackmore, Danny Blackmore, Neil Bowditch and Sean Nutter. Second was FRM – Craig Lemon, Anthony Foulger, Sean Lemon and Stuart Airdrie, and third was S G Carpets – Seahan Grace, Sheon Pickles, Andrew Harling and Pat Conboy.

The Orange ball competition was won by Derick Hartley, Geoff Smith, Sean Hills and Kyle Horn.

On Saturday the Juniors competed for their Ouzledale Trophy , won by Ben Jolly with 83-14-69, from Spencer Datkiewicz 94-22-72.

The ladies at Marsden Park competed for the Cloxton Cup, kindly donated by Mr Captain David Cloxton, with Eva Pinder taking first prize with 34 points, followed by Dawn Shaw. The men’s Carradice Cup wwas won by Robert Baxter’s 76-12-64, with Phillip Marlow second place in the 0-12 category with 80-11-69. Robert Stanton won the 13-18 category with 82-16-66. In the 19-28, Bob Robinson’s 92-24-68 took first place.

Last Thursday, Nelson ladies participated in the Professional Prize, won by Lynn Grandfield with an 84–10-74. The Nine Hole Competition was won by Margaret Taylor.

Irene Lonsdale won the EWGA medal at Colne with an excellent 89-20-69.

Colne continues to gear up for the finish of Stage Two of the Aviva Tour of Britain in September with sponsorship and spangle.

Colne vehicle management company XLCR and Gouchy’s Metalwork in Nelson have sponsored a Colne in Bloom initiative of adorning the town with sprayed bikes in red, white and blue.

The eye-catching designs are proving popular with locals and are alongside the usual colourful hanging baskets ready for the peloton’s arrival into the town centre on Monday, September 7th.

Dorothy Lord said: “The bloomers are always happy to do their bit within the town and here is a great example of local businesses more than willing to support the cause.”

Meanwhile, a group of keen knitters have been weaving their magic to create Tour of Britain bunting at Wooley Bargains in Colne Indoor Market. This will go on display throughout the market and in the exhibition glass box at its front.

With no experience necessary, all are invited to help create the trail of tricolour flags and you can drop in Monday to Saturday from 9am until 4pm (closed Tuesday and Sunday).

Boundary Mill is celebrating its sponsorship of Stage Two with a charity bike race with a difference on Tuesday.

Staff will raise money for this year’s chosen charity, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, by “racing” in the foyer of its flagship store in Colne.

Kirsten Jones, head of marketing, said: “We want to have a go at re-enacting the energy of the professional cyclists who take part in the Tour of Britain.

“Six teams of four staff will cycle for 15 minutes each, making up an hour. And the team which rides the most miles in the fastest time will be crowned the champions.”

Volunteers from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association will be there on the day for customers to show their support by making donations.

Kirsten added: “The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is our chosen charity this year and we hope that this event will mean we can give them a cash boost.”

The teams will be cycling from 11am until 12 noon and between 1pm and 2pm on static bikes loaned by Pendle Leisure Trust.

The headteacher of Reedley Primary School has decided to retire after 11 years in which the school has seen continuous improvement.

Ruth Thompson took the decision to retire to spend more time with her family and friends and to pursue her hobbies, and in particular, her love of walking.

One of her final acts a headteacher was to open the new extension to the Reedley Road school before the summer break at a special assembly.

The ribbon was cut by the oldest child in school, Mubashir Shah, and the youngest child, Isra Mirza, along with past pupil, Amina Ansari, who is Head Girl at Marsden Heights Community College, representing all past pupils.

The project included four new classrooms, and the extension and remodelling of existing areas, with support from Lancashire Country Council who funded the project to provide additional pupil places.

Mrs Thompson said: “I’m proud to have been the leader of such an amazing team.

“We have brilliant staff and governors and such lovely children and supportive parents.

“It’s a real privilege to work with children and see them grow and develop.

“I wish the school every success going forward to support the next generations.”

Chairman of Governors David Leeming said: “The Governors would like to place on record its thanks to Mrs Thompson, the retiring head, for the excellent leadership and development of the school over the last 11 years.

“Pupil achievement has improved year on year and standards of teaching have gone from strength to strength.

“Her influence and leadership meant that the school was judged by Ofsted to be good with outstanding features and she leaves us with a strong base to improve further. We wish her a long and happy retirement.”

Burnley have been linked with a £1m-plus offer for Swindon Town wide man Nathan Byrne, as the Henri Lansbury saga continues.

BBC Radio Wiltshire reported yesterday morning that Swindon were prepared for a bid for Byrne, 23, who scored a 16-minute hat-trick against Bradford City on the opening day of the League 1 season.

Swindon are looking for upwards of £850,000 for the player, who has started this season on the right of a front three, after spending last season at wing back.

Spurs would be entitled to 50% of any fee for Byrne, who has a year remaining on his contract.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freeman is hoping to secure a player-plus-cash deal if Lansbury is to finally make the switch to Burnley.

A senior Forest executive informed the local media last Monday that {http://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/burnley-fc/latest-news/burnley-s-4m-bid-for-henri-lansbury-accepted-by-nottingham-forest-1-7402937|the club had accepted an offer from the Clarets for Lansbury}, worth an initial £3m, plus £1m in add-ons, only for owner Fawaz Al Hasawi to issue a denial on Twitter.

Lansbury was on the bench for Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup defeat against Walsall, but captained Forest in their 2-1 win over Rotherham on Saturday, when Freedman insisted the “ball is back in their court”.

Freedman is a known admirer of Lukas Jutkiewicz, signing him on loan while at Bolton Wanderer, while he is also believed to be keen on Scott Arfield.

Online applications for Lancashire school places go live on Tuesday September 1.

Last year 97 per cent of parents applied online for primary and secondary school places.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “The number of people who chose to apply online last year was really impressive.

“It really is a quick, easy and secure way to apply for school places.

“I would encourage parents to go online as soon as possible after the application process goes live on September 1, so they can familiarise themselves with the process and take a look at the admissions criteria of the schools they’re considering.

“Unfortunately some applications come in late every year and these simply can’t be considered at the same time as those we receive on time. So, it is much better to be prepared early rather than rushing your application close to the deadline. This way there is time to spare to sort out any problems or get any advice.

“It is important to remember as well that having a child already at a school does not automatically mean that a brother or sister will be allocated a place – you must still apply.”

Applications open on Tuesday September 1 and the closing dates are October 31 2015 for secondary schools, and January 15 2016 for primary.

Children start primary school in the September after their fourth birthday.

For more information, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools, where you’ll find all the information you need.

Parents can also call on:

01524 581148 or 01524 581134 (north – Lancaster, Morecambe, Wyre, Fylde)

01254 220718 or 01254 220742 (east – Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Rossendale)

01772 532191 or 01772 532190 (south – Preston, Chorley, South Ribble, West Lancashire)

A trio of Pendle students attending Craven College were delighted on A Level results day after attaining excellent grades.

The three were just a handful of students scoring fantastic results which has seen the Skipton college achieve a 100% pass rate across 19 subjects offered.

Ellie McGuigan, who attended Park High School, Colne, achieved an A* in Geography, an A in English Language, and a B in Business in her A Levels.

Ellie said: “I have experienced great teaching for Business, my tutor couldn’t do enough to make the course special and Geography was amazing too.

“The support I have received has been fantastic, a great experience. I’m off to Newcastle to study Business Management now.”

Ashley Taylor (21), from Earby, went to Craven College from Aireville School and Ermysted’s where he had previously studied towards a career in Business and Law.

Ashley achieved Grade As in Biology and Geology and a B in Chemistry in his AS Levels. Ashley said: “Third time lucky for me. I had made the wrong choice previously but now I know a career specialising in Geology is for me, It’s been a hard work but I’ve loved the experience and the tutors are all really good.”

Tom Jefferies, former pupil of West Craven High School, is relieved and pleased to have secured Bs in Physics and Maths to join his existing Computing A grade at A Level.

Tom said: “I have had great teaching and support at Craven College.

“Everything was well organised, the subjects taught in depth with a chance to review and recap the learning.

“I have secured an Apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce to work in Supply Chain Management. I’m thrilled to have this Apprenticeship as I was up against literally hundreds of other applicants.”

{http://www.pendletoday.co.uk/news/education/nelson-colne-college-a-level-results-1-7410230|Nelson & Colne College students celebrate A-Level results - here}

A-Level results trauma? {http://www.pendletoday.co.uk/news/education/a-level-results-trauma-samaritans-here-to-help-1-7407851|Talk to the Samaritans}

Police are searching for three men who stole an elderly woman’s handbag after breaking into her house armed with a knife.

The robbery occurred at approximately 6-10pm on Monday at a house in Stockbridge Road, Padiham.

Police deployed the force’s helicopter to search for the men but they have not been found. Police confirmed this morning that investigations are continuing.

Anybody with information should call police on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has responded to comments from Sean Dyche on his perceived free-spending.

Boro play Derby - another big-spending club this summer - tonight, with Dyche believing “the market has gone absolutely mad.”

Derby have spent more than £10m on new recruits this summer, while Boro have lavished £5m on Stewart Downing, £2.8m on Cristhian Stuani and £4m on David Nugent.

Dyche has invested in his own squad, though the club have brought more money in with the sales of {burnley-fc/latest-news/trippier-excited-by-spurs-challenge-1-7321089|Kieran Trippier}, {sport/burnley-fc/latest-news/danny-ings-agrees-move-to-liverpool-1-7298163|Danny Ings} - with a tribunal due to set the fee - and {sport/burnley-fc/latest-news/clarets-skipper-shackell-departs-for-derby-1-7375081|captain Jason Shackell}.

He {sport/burnley-fc/latest-news/dyche-we-still-want-to-reinforce-1-7384611|said earlier this summer}: “That’s the tough side of it at the moment, we have got money, and yet some of the deals other clubs are doing are massive for the Championship.”

Boro had had interest in Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes, with a reported £12m offer on the table, and Dyche added: “If the Rhodes one is reality, where is the ceiling for the Championship? That’s beyond Burnley Football Club, not because we’re trying to be frugal, just because there has to be a future here. None of us have seen that in the Championship before.

“I say it all the time, the market has gone absolutely mad, I was talking to a head of recruitment at a very big Premier League club, and he was saying they can’t believe the market, and how hard it’s been to get deals done.

“We have money, but the targets still have to be within the right bracket, I’m not talking hundreds of thousands, I’m talking millions, but it still has to be within the right bracket for this football club.

“There can’t be nine and 10 millions – at this moment, who knows longer term – because we would have done that last year, we are very active, but finding it a real challenge to get other clubs to accept bids and allow players to change, but it’s not just us.”

Karanka defended Boro’s activity: “We are spending money this season because we felt the moment was now to spend money.

“Others spent money when they were in the Premier League last season. The money in this division tends to be with the teams who were in the Premier League.

“For this reason, I can’t understand (Dyche’s) comments. We are signing players this season, but (Burnley) signed players last season and I think they are also signing them this season.”