Police hunt for couple
Police in Lancaster are hunting a couple wanted in connection with theft and fraud.
Lancaster magistrates have issued arrest warrants for Margaret Higgins, 34, and Patrick Wallace, 40.
Insp John Clucas, of Lancashire Police, said: "We believe that they will be together."

Yobs target special needs school
The Coppice special needs school school and a neighbouring residential centre Maplewood House have been targeted by yobs 13 times in the last year. Now they are to get a security fence to keep out vandals and intruders. LCC's development control committee has agreed an 8ft fence should be built round the site.

Smoke pours from back doors of van
An electrical fault led to a fire in the back of a van parked outside homes on a Lancaster street.
Firefighters were called to extinguish the fire which started in the back of the Ford Transit van on Williamson Road, off Moor Lane in the city, at 1pm yesterday.
The flames left the back of the van lightly damaged by heat and smoke.

Get roped in to raise charity cash
Abseilers will come down to earth to raise money for a children's charity in Preston.
Volunteers will abseil 100ft down Harbour House at Preston Dock on Saturday in a sponsored event for Preston and District Scope.
Henna designs, face painting, games and stalls will also be on offer from 10am-4pm.
Slots are still available for anyone who wants to join in the abseiling. For more information, call Ann on 01772 828000.

Sea theme for nature centre day
Sights and sounds from the sea will be the theme of a family fun day at a nature centre in Penwortham.
Lancashire Wildlife Trust is holding a marine day at its environmental education centre in Howick Cross Lane on August 14.
Touch tanks and a pond dip will let young visitors get up close to sea creatures.
Face painting and refreshments will also be on offer. To book a place, call 01772 751110.

Building for a better future
A South Ribble builders firm has joined up with housing association Progress Housing Group to improve its 10,000 homes across the North West.
CW Berry has developed a 5,000 sq ft warehouse at its site on Golden Hill Lane, Leyland which is only accessible to members of the Progress group, which includes the New Progress Housing Association.
Managing director Gary Sanderson, of the housing group, said that it would plough a chunk of the £1.3m it spends on materials and supplies to upgrade homes across the region into the local company.

Market day at Tower
A farmers' market is to be hosted at a Lancashire beauty spot next week.
The Merchant of Hoghton Market is being held at Hoghton Tower, in Hoghton, near Preston, on Sunday, August 17, between 10am and 2pm.

Furniture funding
A Lancashire charity is appealing for furniture donations to raise cash for poverty-stricken people around the world.
International Aid Trust sells donations at The Furniture Warehouse on Longton Business Park, Station Road, Much Hoole.
The charity provides holidays for over 3500 disadvantaged children and helps hundreds of people in the UK. If you have anything to donate, call 01772 611 122.

Bike ride for charity
Cyclists are invited to raise money for the British Red Cross.
The Lancashire Loop Cycle Challenge, will take place on September 28, with three routes – 26 miles, 54, or 100 miles.
Entry costs £10 and participants are asked to raise at least £85 in sponsorship.
For more information call 0151 7025061 or e-mail afairclough@redcross.org.uk

Memories of steam
Ex-railwaymen are invited to a reunion celebrating steam traction.
Anyone who worked at the engine sheds in Preston and Lostock Hall in the 1960s can attend the celebration.
It is being held at the Leyland and Farington Social Club, Derby Road, Leyland, on Friday August 15 at 7.30pm.
Call 01257 793764 for more details.

Cats would welcome a few cans
Friends of felines will raise funds for the Preston branch of Cats Protection at an open day.
The event will include a tombola, the chance to buy cat-themed gifts and refreshments.
Visitors will also be able to meet some of the cats in the charity's care.
The open day will take place from 1.30pm this Sunday at Heathfield, Station Road, Much Hoole. Admission is by bringing tins or pouches of cat food for the charity.

Car overturns
A car overturned and slid into a ditch on a slippery road outside a Lancashire health club.
The accident happened outside the VVV Health Club on Marine Road East, Morecambe, at 9.40pm last night. Two men in the Citroen Saxo declined hospital treatment.

Hostel given £15k revamp
Young homeless people in South Ribble have been given a helping hand to get their lives back on track.
A £15,000 donation has helped revamp six flats at The Mill in Leyland, which are used by homeless youngsters. The cash came from The Redrow Foundation.
Electric showers, a new kitchen and a counselling room have been installed at the flats, managed by social care organisation, Turning Point.
Dindy Mphi, acting team leader for The Mill, said: "Since the upgrading of The Mill, service users have been able to develop their key skills through using the new services and we have noticed a positive change."

Otter spotters
The county's otter population will be monitored by Environment Agency staff at 60 sites, including the rivers Ribble and Calder, tomorrow.
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