Story shorts - 30/09/10

Growers out to squash rivals

Growers are needed for the 16th annual Mere Brow’s giant pumpkin competition. The contest sees growers compete for the title of heaviest pumpkin. Entrants try to topple the 2005 winner which tipped the scales at 915lbs. All proceeds go to NW Air Ambulance. For more information contact Trevor on 07812480994.

Appeal for blood donors

The National Blood Service is holding donor sessions in Lancashire. It will be at St Mary’s Church Hall, Cop Lane, Penwortham, between 2pm and 4pm and 5pm to 7.30pm on October 8. Events are also being held in Blackpool and Morecambe. Call 03001 232323 to book.

New council pension plan

Lancashire County Council will be looking after pension services for neighbouring authorities as part of a new agreement. The change will see 45,800 Cumbrian pensions looked after by Lancashire as part of a move to improve services.

Farm walk at rural attraction

A farm walk is to be held at a popular Lancashire tourist attractions. The event takes place at the Cobble Hey Farm and Garden Centre, Claughton-on-Brock, on Sunday. The free event runs from 1-3pm. Booking is essential. Call 01995 602125.

Free computer session at pub

The next in a string of free council-run computer classes for beginners is to be held in Fulwood next week. The session, on Preston Council’s Citizenzone bus, takes place in the car park of the Sherwood pub, Sherwood Road, Fulwood, from 9.30am to 2.30pm on October 5. Call 01772 516419.

New market for part of city

A farmers market is to be held in part of Preston. The Ribble Farmers’ Market event will be held at St Michael’s Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Ashton, on the third Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm. A range of local fresh produce is on offer. Call 01772 827835 for more details.

County college has open day

A Lancashire college is to hold an open day for prospective students. The event at Myerscough College, St Michael’s Road, Bilsborrow, runs from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Call 01995 642222 for more information.

Dog rescue event

Dog lovers interested in re-homing a greyhound can find out more at an event in Preston this weekend. Pets At Home in Mariners Way, Riversway, is hosting the event on behalf of the Lancashire region of Greyhound Rescue West of England. It takes place between 10.30am and 5pm on Saturday.

Call to get into boots again

Preston men over the age of 35 are being urged to dust off their boots and return to football. Football Replay, a national scheme offering fun five-a-side football for over-35s, kicks off this week at 40 centres around the country - including PlayFootball Preston, at Tag Lane, Ingol. Call 01772 727 819 or email [email protected] to book a place or for more information.

Pride for Lions of Lancashire

The Commanding Officer of a Lancashire regiment has spoken with pride at how his troops have handled a mission to establish a new combined force in Helmand Province. The 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment deployed from Cyprus in July and are serving alongside a company of Estonian troops. Lt Col Robbie Boyd said: “This is a truly multi-national Combined Force.”

Firework man ‘comfortable’

A 26-year-old man who suffered serious burns when a firework exploded in his face is in “comfortable” condition in the Royal Preston Hospital, a spokesman confirmed. The incident happened off Neapsands Close, Fulwood, at 2.12am on Tuesday.

Woman flees duvet blaze

An 18-year-old woman escaped through a window after falling asleep and setting fire to a duvet. Firefighters said the woman was under the influence of alcohol when they arrived at Dalmore Road, ingol, at 10.40pm on Tuesday. She had fallen asleep in the hallway of her flat. She was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital.

Lorry victim is still ‘poorly’

A man who was involved in a collision with a lorry is still “very poorly” in the Royal Preston Hospital, police have confirmed. The 62-year-old from Chorley suffered extensive leg and arm injures during the incident in Golden Hill Lane, Leyland, at around 1.15pm last Tuesday.

Evacuation at student halls

Around 50 students were evacuated from a halls of residence when the smoke alarm sounded. Firefighters said dust created by workmen at Whitendale halls, off Adelphi Street, Preston, was to blame for the incident. It happened at around 10am yesterday.

Firefighters will wash your car

Drivers can get their cars washed by a team of firefighters and raise money for a good cause on Saturday. Crews from Penwortham fire station will have their buckets, hoses and sponges ready between 10am and 2pm as part of National Car Wash Day. They will be asking for donations to the Firefighters Charity which supports 17,000 injured firefighters every year. They will also be offering home fire safety tips.