BURNLEY boss Eddie Howe has landed top transfer target Jason Shackell in a major show of intent for the new season.

The Clarets have paid an undisclosed fee to sign the experienced defender from Championship rivals Derby County on a four-year deal.

Shackell was an ever-present for the Rams last season after previous spells with Barnsley, Wolves and Norwich City and captained Nigel Clough’s side in the absence of defensive partner Shaun Barker.

The 28-year-old brings the know-how of over 250 League appearances to Turf Moor and will add valuable experience and authority to Howe’s young squad after the Clarets’ chief won the chase to sign the Stevenage-born centre-back.

Shackell had been a target for a number of Burnley’s Championship rivals but Howe’s persistence in pursuing the commanding defender paid off as he persuaded the former Norwich and Barnsley skipper to commit his future to the Clarets in a significant transfer coup.

Runner-up as the supporters’ player of the year at Derby last season, Shackell had previously been Barnsley’s player of the year in his single season at Oakwell in 2010/11.

A model of consistency, the defender started his career in the youth system at Norwich, graduating to the first team and helping the Canaries clinch promotion to the Premier League in 2004.

Charlie Austin and Jason Shackell are now team-mates

After almost 150 games for City, Shackell joined Wolves in August, 2008, helping lay the foundations for another Championship title success before rejoining Norwich on loan.

He then moved to Doncaster on loan in his quest to keep playing first-team football and following a switch to Barnsley reinforced his credentials as one of the top defenders in the Championship.

Burnley now become the fifth ‘permanent’ club of his career and after successfully concluding talks with Howe, Shackell will meet up with his new team-mates on Friday when the Clarets report back for pre-season training.

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on {http://bit.ly/LkG6ap|iPhone} and {http://bit.ly/P5PAfG|Android} devices.

A CONTROVERSIAL application for a 46m wind turbine in Laneshaw Bridge is set to go before Pendle Council’s Colne and District Committee tonight.

Planning officers are recommending councillors to approve the application for the turbine off Warley Wise Lane - but concerned residents of the Cowling Hill area are fighting to maintain the tranquillity of their rural landscape.

They say the size of the proposed turbine would be almost as high as Nelson’s Column and expressed concern at the hidden scale of proposed wind farm development in the area.

In March, Pendle Council refused an application for two turbines at a nearby farm on landscape grounds, but the developer has appealed to the planning inspector to have that decision overturned.

Objectors say another application for a single turbine on a nearby farm has also been made, and at least two more are in the pipeline.

A spokesman for the residents said: “The proposed development is wholly out of proportion and scale in this peaceful residential area. These forty six metre high turbines will dominate the landscape for decades to come and blight the lives of many local residents.”

“Local landowners have been approached and encouraged to submit individual applications – circumventing more stringent regulations which would apply in the event of a full-scale application for a wind farm.”

The planning inspectorate begins its consideration of an appeal by Huddersfield company DC21 Ltd for two similar turbines at Hollin Raikes Farm, Cowling, just 500 metres from the site in Warley Wise Lane, next week.

VOTE NOW ...

The craze has swept the UK with secondary schools staging massive Proms for their pupils who are about to leave.

All over East Lancashire, girls have been donning eleborate dresses and spending hours on their hair and make-up for the showcase event that marks their rite of passage from schooldays to a new chapter in their lives.

Is the craze, which has been long established in America, simply a waste of time and money or should our young people be encouraged to celebrate in grand style this important moment in their lives?

Vote now and have your say.

MORNING rain on an already sodden Centre Vale made it very doubtful that a cricket match could be held on Sunday afternoon but a willingness from ground staff and players made it possible to start a 35 over match at 2-45 p.m.

Nelson lost the toss again and Todmorden took the initiative by asking Nelson to take first knock.

Nelson, therefore, had to set the pace of the match but were handicapped by the loss of two early wickets. James Lickess was lbw to Todmorden’s pro, Qaiser Abbas, for 7 and Nelson’s pro., Shahzaib Hasan, after hitting two straight sixes, guided a delivery from Elliott Gilford to first slip and was caught for 12.

Young Tom Bradshaw had been given the task of opening the innings and he played beautifully, helping David Crotty to add 43 for the 3rd wicket. Bradshaw hit three fours and a six before the wily Abbas trapped him in front for 32. Another productive partnership brought 38 runs as Russell Bradley made 19 before being stumped.

Crotty, meanwhile, was looking good for his first 50 of the season, collecting four fours and two sixes in a delightful 42 but a mis-timed drive had too much height and the bowler had sufficient time to run back to complete a diving catch.

Neil Thompson hit two fours and a six in the closing overs and Sean Lemon hit the final ball of the innings for six as Nelson finished on a respectable 151-6.

Nelson certainly edged the first half of Todmorden’s reply with the score reaching 50-3 at the halfway stage. Simon Newbitt (7) and Stuart Priestley (9) both fell to catches off Richard Meade’s bowling while Shahzaib Hasan bowled Ben Sutcliffe for a duck.

Qaiser Abbas was still at the crease though and it was his innings that kept his side in the frame. Elliott Gilford (17) and then skipper Andrew Sutcliffe (26) helped him to maintain a run-rate which was just about adequate.

With 10 overs to go, 72 runs were required. After Sutcliffe had been dismissed by Meade, Neil Thompson removed Matthew Brierley for 10 and 29 more runs were needed from 4 overs – still just over 7 per over.

Even in those final overs, the Nelson cause was not helped by bowlers being guilty of bowling wides. Nelson conceded 16 in wides, compared to Todmorden’s 2.

Abbas hit the last of his seven fours – to go with his three sixes ~ to finish on 63 and win the match with five balls to spare.

Nelson travel to Rishton on Saturday and then take on the champions and runaway league leaders, Lowerhouse, at Seedhill on Sunday.

THE Environment Agency is warning there could be a risk of flooding from rivers and surface water during Friday and Saturday.

Latest forecasts show up to 100mm of rain could fall in the region from 5 a.m. tomorrow.

The exact locations of the bad weather are unknown at the stage, but a weather system of thunder showers and slow moving bands of rain is likely to affect Northern and Eastern parts of Lancashire and Greater Manchester as well as South Cumbria.

This forecast could change closer to the time and this does not mean other areas will not be affected.

“We are urging the public to remain vigilant, check local weather forecasts, and the Environment Agency website for information,” said an EA spokesman.

The Environment Agency has mobilised teams across the North to check and clear river blockages and monitor river levels. It is also working with local partners to ensure surface water flooding is minimised where possible.

Steve Moore, Director of the Environment Agency in the North West, said: “Our latest forecasts show that, over the next 36 hours, some parts of the North West could experience very heavy rainfall.

“We are experiencing a period of very unsettled weather and, where necessary, our teams are out monitoring river levels and ensuring blockages to rivers and drains are removed.”

Those concerned about flooding can call Floodline 0845 988 1188. Keep up to date with the latest flood alerts and warnings via {http:// http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx|http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx}

A GIFTED young singer from Burnley is reaching for the stars in an X Factor-style show tomorrow.

Rhiain Thornton (14) is hoping for a place in the grand final of Star Maker which follows the same format as Simon Cowell’s hit ITV show.

The starlet, who has been performing since the age of six, beat off competition from hundreds of budding Alexandra Burkes and Matt Cardles to get through the auditions.

The Blessed Trinity pupil wowed judges to make it through to the bootcamp and live shows which have been held at Nelson’s ACE Centre.

Rhiain, who sings at the Basics Theatre Group, sung stunning hits from Adele, Maroon 5 and Duffy which saw her progress through the elimination phases.

But now the youngster, who lives in Amersham Grove, is preparing to take the semi-finals by storm with “I dreamed a dream” – the song that won Susan Boyle global recognition.

The winner will get £1,000 in cash, the chance to record an album and two festival appearances – including a slot at the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival in Colne this summer.

Her dad Wayne is hoping scores of Burnley people will turn out at the ACE Centre tomorrow night to cheer Rhiain on to the big final.

He said: “It is a big night for Rhiain. She is the only singer left from Burnley. She is really hoping to get to the final.

“The standard has been really high in the competition. Rhiain has done really well. She has a real passion for singing.

“What would mean most to her is to win and get the chance to sing at the Blues Festival. There will be people from all over the world there.”

You can see Rhiain in action in the semi final of Star Maker at the ACE Centre in Nelson from 7 pm tomorrow night.

BURNLEY boss Eddie Howe believes the capture of long-term target Jason Shackell is a major signal of ambition by the club.

Howe lauded the experienced defender after snapping him up for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £1.1m, from Championship rivals Derby on a four-year deal.

The 28-year-old, voted runner-up as the Rams’ supporters’ player of the year last season, was an ever-present at Pride Park, and captained Nigel Clough’s side in the absence of defensive partner Shaun Barker.

Howe tracked the Stevenage-born centre-back during his single season at Oakwell, where he was named Barnsley’s player of the year for the 2010/11 campaign.

And, after missing out on that occasion, Howe was understandably ecstatic to finally land his man.

“Jason is somebody I’ve admired for a long time for various reasons,” said Howe.

“Firstly, he’s a fantastic professional and has the right character.

“Secondly for his playing ability. He’s an excellent player, composed, good on the ball, good size and certainly has very good leadership skills, so he’s a very good fit for us.

“Hopefully the fans will be excited by the signing. He’s a good footballing centre-half who definitely fits our philosophy.

“I do think it’s a show of intent, as he’s highly thought of throughout the Championship.

“Last year, I felt he was one of the top defenders in the league.

“It’s certainly a show of ambition, and hopefully the supporters will enjoy seeing Jason in a Burnley shirt.”

Shackell’s form and reputation had attracted numerous suitors, but Howe’s persistence in pursuing him paid off as he persuaded the former Norwich and Tykes skipper to commit his future to Turf Moor.

“It was a long, drawn out process for various reasons,” Howe said.

“We wanted to wait for the right one and we certainly felt Jason came under that bracket.

“We wanted to put all our thoughts and energies in to trying to get him to this club. He was worth waiting for and we’re delighted to get him.”

A model of consistency, Shackell started his career in the Canaries youth system, graduating to the first team and helping them clinch Premier League promotion in 2004.

Shackell joined Wolves in August 2008, helping lay the foundations for another Championship title success before rejoining Norwich on loan. He was then loaned out to Doncaster, before a switch to Barnsley reinforced his credentials.

He boasts more than 250 league appearances, valuable experience and authority that Howe feels will benefit the squad and the younger generation at Turf Moor.

“It’s something that we looked at, that we perhaps needed more in the squad,” Howe said.

“I think everyone’s aware we had a young squad last season and, at times, we missed a leader on the pitch, especially when Duffo was injured.

“You need that experience and that vocal point to your team.

“We do have leaders within that, David Edgar and obviously Chris McCann, but I feel Jason will add a lot to the group in that sense.

“It’ll be good for all the young players to have someone like Jason to look up to and learn from. Both on and off the pitch he’ll be a good example to them.”

Shackell will join his new team-mates for the first time today as the Clarets report back for pre-season training.

And Howe is excited about the prospect of being reacquainted with his squad after the summer break.

“It’s been a long summer and the lads have had a good break but we’re ready to get working,” he said.

“I’m excited by what we could be capable of this year, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do in terms of in the transfer market and also on the training pitch.

“The hard work starts now for us but we’re looking forward to that work, having a good pre-season, and making sure we’re ready for Port Vale.

“We’ll be looking at fitness levels and how the lads have looked after themselves, but I’m sure they’ll be no issues there.

“We’re confident all the lads will be in good shape.

“We’ll just be assessing where they are in that regard, but we have plans in place and our pre-season is all organised.

“Trying to get the group through injury free will be our biggest priority.

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on {http://bit.ly/LkG6ap|iPhone} and {http://bit.ly/P5PAfG|Android} devices.

AFTER signing for the Clarets on a four-year deal new boy Jason Shackell admits he was eager to meet his team-mates and get on with pre-season.

The 28-year-old defender, who has played more than 250 league games during spells with Norwich City, Wolves, Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley, will be introduced to the squad when they report back for pre-season training on Friday.

And he believes he’s signed up at Turf Moor at the perfect time, with a full pre-season schedule ahead.

“This is perfect, I’d much rather have it this way, obviously I’ll be meeting everybody for the first time tomorrow when everybody’s back in so I’m looking forward to that,” said Shackell.

“You get a full pre-season, you get to work on things and play plenty of pre-season games so that’s something I’m looking forward to.”

The experienced centre-back is also looking forward to being reacquainted with former team-mate Kieran Trippier as the pair played alongside each other for the Tykes.

“I know Kieran from Barnsley and obviously I know he had a fantastic year last year,” he said.

“He’s only young and he’s a very good full back so I’m looking forward to working with him again.

“I’ve never played with any of the other lads but I’m looking forward to meeting them.”

A SOLDIER home on leave was arrested in Colne after using “obscene language” towards the police, a court was told.

Nathan Akers has completed two tours of Afghanistan with the 45 Royal Marine Commandos and is due to go back in October. Akers, who has post traumatic stress disorder which has led to the hair loss condition alopecia, is currently on a supervision order, Pennine magistrates heard.

Akers (20), of Thursden Place, Nelson, admitted being drunk and disorderly in Market Street on June 16th. The Bench gave him an absolute discharge as he had spent nine hours in custody. Chairman Tony Winder told him: “We are also aware that this will be dealt with by your commanding officer as well.”

What’s in a name? More than 75 years of skulduggery when you are the ageing Brother Aelric of Jarrow ... but were once Alaric the Magnificent, legate and senator of the Roman Empire.

Holy hypocrite and man with a past, the uncompromising anti-hero of Richard Blake’s superb series set in the dying days of the Roman Empire, is back to amuse and bemuse us with his fifth outrageous adventure.

Aelric, now aged 97, bewigged, toothless and occasionally subject to the indignity of being transported around in a wheelbarrow, has lost none of his caustic wit and can still sniff out trouble at ten paces.

His youth ended long ago but his mental agility is undiminished and when the crumbling empire demands his services, albeit it with a little blackmail, Aelric must jump (or in his case, shuffle) into action.

Of course, Aelric lives on memories and not dreams so when he is asked to write an account of what took place at the notorious Little Council of Athens over 70 years ago, to settle a religious dispute between the Emperor and the Pope, those in power get more than they had bargained for.

Closeted in Canterbury and surrounded by sheets of papyrus, Aelric, or Alaric as he then was, takes us back to 612AD and to decadent, desperate Athens, the empire’s most vulnerable city.

Alaric, a 22-year-old senator, fresh from a bloodbath in Egypt that may or may not be regarded his fault, is forced to divert the imperial galley to Athens for reasons the emperor has neglected to share with him.

In a vague commission, every word of it ‘dripping with menace,’ Alaric must drop anchor off Piraeus and follow orders from Lord Priscus, commander of the East, a man more reliant on opium than his soldierly skills.

Alaric finds a demoralised and corrupt provincial city where the military situation is disastrous, the harvest has failed and starvation is setting in. And the word is that an army of twenty million barbarians is on the move and preparing to sweep through the passes into Athens before the month is out.

There are also the not insignificant problems of an explosive religious dispute, the decapitated corpse of a high-ranking woman and hints of something far worse than murder.

Is Alaric on a high level mission to save the empire or has he been set up to fail? He will have to call upon all his formidable intellect and ruthless ingenuity to survive his enemies inside and outside the city walls . . .

The Ghosts of Athens delivers so much more than just another Roman adventure story ... with a lethal, freewheeling hero who worries more about a spot on his nose than ruffling the feathers of the rich and powerful and who wheels and deals in such a fascinating period of history, there can never be a dull moment.

Add this to devious plotting, superb period detail and the joy of being transported back in time by a born storyteller, and the dangerous, dying Roman Empire comes alive in all its bloody technicolour.

Warfare, intrigue, murder, politics, betrayal and the devious, deadly Aelric ... Blake’s perfect recipe for a sumptuous Roman feast.

(Hodder & Stoughton, paperback, £13.99)

BURNLEY boss Eddie Howe has made exciting Leyton Orient prospect George Porter his second new signing of the summer.

The winger has agreed a three-year contract with the Clarets with the move subject to completion of the relevant paperwork.

The two clubs are also still in discussion over a fee, with Orient entitled to compensation for the 20-year-old right-sided player.

Porter has spent the last two seasons with the O’s after signing from non-league side Cray Wanderers and had been offered a new deal to extend his stay in East London.

In his first year with Orient, the Sidcup-born wideman was loaned to Lewes and Hastings United to gain first-team experience.

Then after returning to Brisbane Road for the 2011/12 season Porter made 38 appearances for the League One side, often as an impact player off the bench.

Porter’s arrival at Turf Moor follows the capture of Mansfield Town defender Luke O’Neill as Howe looks to develop future talent in tandem with a Championship challenge next season.

“We believe George is an exciting young player with the potential to develop further with us,” said the Burnley manager as he steps up his recruitment drive ahead of Friday’s return to pre-season training.

“He will increase competition in the wide areas in our squad but is also one for the future.

“He has had a taste of League football and we will now be working with him to help him make the step up to the Championship and make a big impact here at Turf Moor.”

A NELSON publican had a lucky escape when his partner lunged at him with a First World War bayonet during an early hours fall-out, a court was told.

Bruce Manville got away unscathed when the weapon hit a door during the trouble in living quarters above the Prince of Wales in Leeds Road last September 19th. A lodger at the premises was awoken by the victim screaming for help and found Jeffrey Chadwick swinging the bayonet around and shouting towards Mr Manville: “I’m going to kill you,” Burnley Crown Court heard.

The hearing was told police arrived to discover Chadwick had left the pub and gone out into the street with the weapon. Officers caught up with him a short time later on Scotland Road and he was arrested.

The defendant (27), said to be vulnerable and to possibly have autism, has now been in custody four weeks. He won his release after a judge gave him a 12-month community order with supervision. Chadwick admitted affray and possessing an offensive weapon.

Miss Sarah Statham (prosecuting) said it appeared the defendant and victim had had an altercation after closing time.

Just before 5 a.m., the couple began to argue and the defendant left the bedroom, went into the function room, came back and hurled a television into the bedroom where Mr Manville was still standing. Chadwick then returned to the function room, armed himself with the bayonet and went into the bedroom, brandishing it.

Miss Statham said Mr Manville would say the weapon was about two feet in length and the defendant was holding it above his head. Chadwick then lunged towards him, Mr Manville went to shut the door on the defendant and the bayonet struck the door.

When police later found Chadwick on Scotland Road and got near to him, they heard something fall to the ground. He stopped on request and was arrested. He claimed he had the weapon for self defence. The defendant had no previous convictions.

The prosecutor added: “Mr Manville believes that the defendant has autism and requires some assistance, not punishment.”

Mr Hugh Barton, for Chadwick, described him as a “vulnerable young man.” He had a background of depression and self harm. The barrister added: “This is an individual who does not read normal reactions, in a way which might be consistent with some form of autism.”

Sentencing, Judge Jonathan Gibson said the bayonet, if used, could cause extremely serious, if not fatal, injury. Fortunately, it hit the door and not Mr Manville.

He told Chadwick: “It doesn’t take me to tell you, I am sure, that could so easily have gone wrong and you could have been facing a much more serious charge and a long sentence.

“It seems to me that not only you, but Mr Manville, if he continues to see you, and also the rest of society will be best served by a proper, thorough intervention by the probation service.

Torrential rain has resulted in the temporary closure of a Colne supermarket.

The Asda store in Colne was flooded after the incident which happened at around 7-50 p.m. last night. It is thought the intensity of the rainfall and sheer weight of water caused the leak.

Staff at the Corporation Street supermarket evacuated shoppers from the store immediately and it remained closed over 12 hours later at around 8-30 a.m. today though it is expected to re-open at some stage this morning.

A spokesman for Asda said: “Heavy rainfall caused the roof of our Colne store to leak last night. In the interests of our customers we decided to close the store whilst we fixed the problem.

“Teams worked through the night to mop up and get the store ship shape in time for opening this morning.”

Rain also affected proceedings at Pendle Council’s Colne Committee meeting last night at around the same time when water began to leak through the roof of the Town Hall on Albert Road and into the Council Chamber.

Flood warnings have been issued for East Lancashire as heavy rain sweeps across the region.

The Met Office has predicted up to 100mm of rain could fall on the North-West today leading to a risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency has issued 11 amber flood warnings for the region. The rivers Calder, Brun, Don and Pendlewater, from Laneshaw Bridge to the River Ribble including Trawden, Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Accrington and Whalley, could be worse hit by floods.

Fire crews across East Lancashire have been put on high alert to deal with flash flooding over the weekend.

The Environment Agency has mobilised teams across the North to check and clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels.

Officials are also working with local partners to ensure that surface water flooding is minimised where possible.

Steve Moore, Director of the Environment Agency in the North West region said: “Our latest forecasts show that over the next 36 hours, some parts of the North West region could experience very heavy rainfall.

“We are experiencing a period of very unsettled weather and, where necessary, our teams are out monitoring river levels and ensuring that blockages to rivers and drains are removed.”

This latest wave of heavy rainfall comes just weeks after areas of Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley suffered localised flooding and disruption.

The public are encouraged to remain vigilant and those concerned about flooding can call Floodline 0845 988 1188. Keep up to date with the latest flood alerts and warnings on the Environment Agency website.

BUDDING batters and bowlers from Bradley Primary School triumphed at the Lancashire County Final of the ASDA Girls Kwik Cricket Tournament.

Some 23 teams from all parts of the county converged on Unsworth Cricket Club for the competition but it was Bradley’s superstars who came out on top after beating St Christopher’s , from Liverpool, by 245 to 234. They now go through to the regional finals.

“Both boys and girls are cricket mad at our school,” said one of Bradley Primary’s cricket coaches, Sue Ardron. “They start playing in the streets and as soon as they get into Key Stage 2 they are desperate to get into the team. To do so is seen as a privilege.

“So cricket plays a major part in the PE programme at the school, it’s our top sport, and as teachers, it’s our job to mould the pupils’ cricket and get their talents recognised. The boys have won the county championships twice and we’ve reached Finals’ Day about four times with both girls and boys.

“It’s also wonderful to see Lancashire’s lady cricketers like Kate Cross and Jenny Laycock here. It’s fabulous because it shows our pupils that girls are good enough to get through to that level. It shows them what they can aim for.”

Coach Richard Bedford added: “We do after-school clubs for both girls and boys and then we hope to get the better players down to clubs like Nelson.

“But it’s always been good to come to LCB on days like this. It’s very worthwhile and it gives our players something to aspire to.”

A COLNE woman has been ordered to pay a total of £450 for playing music too loud in her Peter Street flat.

Lorette White must pay £400 costs and £50 compensation after being found guilty of four offences by Reedley Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how in January this year, she twice breached an abatement notice, which was served to her on November 28th, 2011.

The notice, which prevents her from playing music at an unacceptable level, was given to her following several complaints about loud music.

A police officer and environmental health officer from the Pennine Night Time Noise Service witnessed the noise on two occasions in January.

Ms White received a conditional discharge from the court, which means if she doesn’t stick to the conditions of her notice, she will be brought back to court.

Coun. John David, who oversees noise nuisance in Pendle, said: “It’s totally unacceptable for people to behave in this way.

“This case shows that anyone who persists in making their neighbours’ lives a misery will be dealt with by the courts.”

Philip Mousdale, Director (Services) and Deputy Chief Executive, added: “This prosecution is another success of the Pennine Night Time Noise Service.

“It allows people who have already registered a complaint with the council to call out an environmental health officer between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

“The service helps us to deal with night time noise quickly and effectively.”

To report a noisy neighbour or to get advice on a noise problem, contact the council’s environmental health team on 661199 or visit www.pendle.gov.uk/neighbourhoodreg

Motorists are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling today as heavy rain is forecast into the weekend.

The Met Office has issued an amber alert that heavy and persistent rain is likely to extend north and west across many eastern, central and some northern parts of England on Friday. With the ground being near-saturated in many areas, there is a possibility of some surface water flooding.

The Highways Agency, which operates and maintains motorways and some major A roads in England is working closely with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys.

Simon Sheldon-Wilson, Director of Traffic Management at the Highways Agency, said: “I advise drivers to plan their journeys before setting out, check the weather and traffic conditions, leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.

“Rain and spray can reduce visibility and when the road is wet it can take up to twice as long to stop so it makes sense to slow down when it’s raining. It’s also important to remember that surface water may affect motorways and major A roads where heavy rainfall occurs.”

Tony Waters, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “We are expecting spells of very heavy and thundery rain across a wide area of the UK in the next few days, with worst affected spots likely to be in central and northern parts of the country.

“Rainfall totals could be 20-40 mm widely across warning areas, but some places could see around 100 mm of rain through Friday and into Saturday. Given the saturated ground from the record rainfall in June, this could cause significant disruption – including difficult driving conditions and flooding in some areas.”

The Highways Agency offers a number of services to help people make decisions about their journeys. Up-to-date information on road conditions on England’s motorways and trunk roads is available on the Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by calling 0300 123 5000. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio.

THE Clarets have returned for pre-season training today after their summer break.

Due to the inclement weather, the players were brought indoors to the gym at Turf Moor to be put through their paces and start to build fitness again.

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on {http://bit.ly/LkG6ap|iPhone} and {http://bit.ly/P5PAfG|Android} devices.

BURNLEY and Pendle Rugby League returned to action following last weeks enforced break due to the weather.

With Crosby St Mary unable to travel, the Reds took on Bury Bronocs A in the Safehomes Electrical and Alarms sponsored fixture.

The Reds started positively, as they attacked the experienced Broncos with no fear. The wet weather meant handling errors were rife, keeping B&P pegged in there own 20m zone but equally defending well enough not to be troubled by the Broncos.

However, as the rain set in, B&Ps impressive form of two weeks ago seemed to be washed away, as the Broncos upped the pace and it was a case of not wanting to defend, rather than not being able to, as the visitors helped themselves to the opening try.

Man of the match Joe Holden responded with a try, as B&P exploited poor marker play in a tiring defence to crash over on the blind side from dummy half.

That was the only bright patch in a half which saw the Broncos score a further four tries to run in deserved 22-4 leaders at half-time.

Coach Foley read the riot act at half time and with the Broncos indiscipline allowing the Reds to be marched forward 60m, Stuart Irving powered over under the sticks, taking most of the Broncos pack with him.

The Bronocs responded, with what was to be their final score before B&P decided to start playing again at 26-10 down.

Joe Holden again took matters into his own hands, barging over again for a Dean Barrett converted try.

Impressive debutant Gavin Spencer, who had worked tirelessly in defence all afternoon, then found himself on the end of a flowing move to go in out wide and run in for a score under the posts, again converted by West Craven dual registration Barrett.

B&P had left it too late for a comeback though and, with only minutes on the clock Broncos used there experience to see out a victory they thoroughly deserved.

It was a disappointing day for the 22 lads representing Burnley & Pendle and one that will lead to a lot of soul searching before the away fixture at Crosby St Marys on Saturday.

Training is at 6.30pm on Thursdays at the Prairie playing fields. Anybody is welcome to attend.

The club has also launched its online shop, with merchandise available for all players, commitee and supporters. Visit {http://www.pitchero.com|pitchero.com}.

PUPILS in Years 3 and 4 at Walverden Primary School, Nelson, had an early finish to lessons today.

The children were sent home after part of the Bracewell Street school was flooded following heavy rain.

Lancashire County Council reported there were no other problems at schools in Pendle because of the weather.