Archive

BOLTON'S coronary care appeal rocketed at the Reebok last night -- soaring to £356,000. Wanderers players Stig Tofting, Henrik Pedersen and Fredi Bobic rubbed shoulders with local politicians and company bosses for a launch party at the Reebok Stadium

YOURI Djorkaeff says he is hoping to go straight into the Wanderers' attack at St Mary's on Saturday. Despite being redundant for most of the season at Kaiserslautern, the French star has assured Sam Allardyce he is match fit and ready to make an impact

SAM Allardyce plunged back in the transfer market today when he added French midfielder Mario Espartero to his survival squad. The 24-year-old £1.5 million rated attacker has joined Wanderers on a three-month loan from FC Metz. Espartero will join fellow

SAM Allardyce plunged back in the transfer market today when he added French midfielder Mario Espartero to his survival squad. The 24-year-old £1.5 million rated Espartero has joined Wanderers on a three-month loan from FC Metz. Espartero will join fellow

A REVIEW of racial equality has given good marks to Bolton Council after all departments were scrutinised by the Commission for Racial Equality.

POSTCODE change proposals would put Golborne and some Lowton addresses in Newton-le-Willows and Culcheth would be branded Birchwood. But Royal Mail plans are being questioned by Leigh MP Andy Burnham and Lowton-based Wigan Council Cabinet member Cllr

PUBLIC transport campaigners are hoping for Sunday trains serving Atherton. Local train operating company First North Western has indicated that it could provide trains to run the service, but would require outside funding. So Wardley Public Transport

CHILDCARE has received a boost in Bolton thanks to a £160,577 injection. The New Opportunities Fund grant will be used by Bolton Council to create 24 after-school, 16 before-school, 216 before and after places, and 40 all-year round places for children

THE Meningitis Trust will benefit from an Atherton Inner Wheel coffee morning at Atherton Parish Church on Friday, March 1, 10am to noon. Admission £1.

BURY Housing Forum stages its Annual General Meeting next week. The AGM takes place on Thursday February 28 at 6.15pm. Anyone interested in attending should contact Kay Johnson on 0161 253 5533.

1 Steve Banks 2 Bruno N'Gotty 3 Mike Whitlow 4 Gudni Bergsson 5 Colin Hendry 6 Paul Warhurst 7 Bo Hansen 8 Per Frandsen 9 Henrik Pedersen 10 Dean Holdsworth 11 Ricardo Gardner 12 Dean Holden 13 Youri Djorkaeff 14 Gareth Farrelly 15 Kevin Nolan 16 Fredi

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help educate young people about relationships and sexual health. Brook Wigan and Leigh's education project, "Sex Talkers", which is run by young people for young people, is recruiting volunteers aged 16 to 25. For more information

NEW-born Rhiann Easdon arrived in the world at 3.02am on 3.02.02. And parents Terry Easdon and Andrea Such will not forget her dramatic arrival in a hurry as Rhiann -- who had been due a week earlier -- was raced to a resuscitation ward at the Royal Bolton

ANOTHER new bar may be coming to Bolton at the site of the former French restaurant Brasserie Le Mans. The restaurant at the junction of Deansgate and Bradshawgate, named after Bolton's twin town, closed last year and has stood empty ever since. Deepak

A FAMILY-friendly roadshow offering back to work help for the jobless is coming to Leigh and Hindley next week. The travelling advice centre will be at Leigh Asda on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and at Hindley Co-op on Thursday and Friday. Funded by

CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a kebab shop in Farnworth were due to go before planning chiefs today. Councillors will debate whether the shop should be given the green light. Opposition has been voiced by traders who fear an extra food shop would drive

A WOMAN had her V-reg BMW car-jacked by a man who threatened to shoot her, a court heard. Patricia Sutton was putting the shopping into her car at Iceland in Leigh when Darren Edwards allegedly approached her and demanded the keys. At first, Mrs Sutton

IF YOU want to protect your eyesight as you get older, watching your weight may be the best thing you can do. Scientists at Harvard and Tufts universities in the US have found that too much body fat, particularly around the middle, may increase the risk

SCHOOLS in Bolton will get fresh deliveries of fruit in a multi-million pound initiative to improve children's health. The town will receive a share of the £42 million Government grant to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables in an attempt

Week 4 Crisps: none (vg) Dips: none (vg) Nachos: three nb (not bad) Water: gallons (vvg) Weight: 8 stone 10lb (vg) IT is a month since I embarked on my new lifestyle. That is four weeks of living off, not the fat of the land, but the lean. Thirty days

WITH the Chinese New Year upon us, why not celebrate by cooking an authentic Cantonese dish? We sent reporter FRANK ELSON along to the Yu and You Restaurant in Horwich along with photographer SEAN WILTON to watch a dish being prepared by a top chef. THERE

YOURI Djorkaeff says he is hoping to go straight into the Wanderers' attack at St Mary's on Saturday. Despite being redundant for most of the season at Kaiserslautern, the French star has assured Sam Allardyce he is match fit and ready to make an impact

Iam sick and tired of seeing so-called professional referees destroy all the hard work of football teams. It's time they were held responsible for their actions. Football is between two teams but it now seems to be dominated by referees' decisions that

WITH regards to your article "Wanderers pay credit to the Travelling Fans" on Monday January 28. What a Joke ! The day started at 8.30am when Travel Club coaches were ignored by our caring manger as he got out of hs car, even after the coach driver had

YOUNG girls are getting into the spirit of the Commonwealth Games by learning about fitness and health. And the young members of St Paul's 1st Bolton Rainbows have enlisted professional help to guide them on their way. The all-girl uniformed group, based

A YOUNG creative culinary team has led the Millstone Inn and Brasserie at Anderton to winning the Bolton Evening News' Restaurant of the Year 2001. The picturesque inn just beyond the Horwich boundary was chosen for the prestigious award by a panel of

AN HISTORIC old pub which draws customers from Bolton, Blackburn, Manchester and beyond has won a Highly Commended award. The special BEN plaque -- one of only two in the prestigious annual competition -- goes to the Strawbury Duck at Entwistle on the

THE Royal Balti House Restaurant in Farnworth has hundreds and hundreds of loyal customers. In fact, one couple make a regular 80-mile round trip from their Blackpool hotel just to enjoy the food at the Market Street venue. All of which has led to the

THE YEW TREE, in Anderton, is definitely number one and the firm favourite for a couple from Horwich. "We have been going for 32 years and the standards have always been the same." Another fan from Bury loves the "relaxing atmosphere and exotic menu."

BOLTON Evening News readers are certainly discerning when it comes to Eating Out. And they are also very loyal. Thousands of you voted for your favourite eateries in the BEN Readers' Restaurant of the Year competition for 2001. And, although the Royal

ARE there really only 14 people who play rugby league in Bolton? That's how many players Bolton's only senior rugby league team could muster last week. Bolton Mets have been scraping through with barely enough players to make up a team for several months

SO Michael Ricketts is a bad player then is he? That's the case if you believe the national media who stuck the knife into the Reebok striker after his performance for England last week. Sam Allardyce ripped into the popular tabloid journalists this week

IF anybody is planning on becoming a top class cricketer the best advice they can take is not to get married. Cricket has already becoming a breeding ground for failing marriages as couples feel the strain of being away from each other for so long. Players

Almost anytime - apart from the occasional blip it's relatively warm in the winter, absolutely boiling in the summer For more information about Malta weather click HERE To book a holiday click HERE and follow the links to all the major operators

THERE was a pleasant range of both pasta dishes and pizzas, as well as other options, such as steaks and chicken dishes. My teenager's main course of Pizza Margharita dwarfed the plate and met with his hard to earn seal of approval. Our other lad really

THE three-course earlybird menu, seven days a week from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, is an excellent attraction. The creamy texture of my starter -- fanned avocado salad with chilli jam garnished with beetroot compote -- was a winning combination, everything a starter

Numerous four and five star hotels, plus plenty of package deals from your local travel agent. Top hotels to be recommended are: The 4* Victoria Hotel in Sliema, Rooftop pool with stunning views, handily placed for all the sights while in a quiet area

THERE were plenty of starters to choose from including home-made soup and spicy chicken wings. My partner chose the gammon from the very extensive main course choice. It was a 10oz prime steak served with egg or pineapple, slices of black pudding, plenty

THE starter list is split into hot and cold with about 10 choices on each. My partner's main dish, Supreme, contained chunks of chicken, onions, mushrooms, sweetcorn, peppers and a cream sauce which was very well presented and tasted as good. I opted

ON my three visits here I have sampled for starters pate de volaille and salade de canard oriental. Both were wonderful. Main courses include roasted guinea fowl filled with a chicken mousse and apricots, seabass with a salmon stuffing, lamb gigonette

A 4oz alligator steak, surprisingly fishy but not unappetising, provided the novelty element, while an 8oz rump steak was a worthy challenge on top of the starters. You can get a chocolate fudge brownie to share between two, but even the single portion

THE dining room is neatly joined next to the bar, but a log fire and stone wall gives diners privacy. The starter menu was extensive. I chose garlic mushrooms served in a delicious warm, white wine sauce. For main courses steaks and grills looked like

A MIXTURE of Mexican food plus a selection of world cuisine, with the laid back atmosphere of a tapas bar. After a delicious appetiser, I could hardly contain my excitement when my main course, chicken fajitas, was served sizzling in a tomato and onion

IT is pub grub, so do not expect Cordon Bleu but, for cheap and cheerful, hot and tasty meals, you can't go wrong. The menu is extensive with specials to choose from.The chicken korma (my choice) was creamy and contained plenty of delicious breast meat

I WENT for the spare ribs in a barbecue sauce as a starter. The meat just melted off the bone and the sauce was very tasty. For my main course I chose Cannelloni which arrived bubbling in a large bowl with plenty of cheese topping. For dessert I chose

CIAO Napoli is an excellent restaurant with fine food, impeccable service and an overwhelming choice. Staff were happy to let us ponder over the menu for a good 15 minutes. We both chose main meals from the specials board which also offered more expensive

SOMEONE declared the onion bhajis the best they had tasted. As the only vegetarian in our party, I went for Veg Brinjal Potatoes -- a wonderful tasty medley of potato and aubergine served in a thick and spicy, but not hot, sauce. My friends tried Chinese

CHOOSING a curry at Zef's is no easy task as the choice is truly overwhelming. We chose to share a chicken tikka karahi, vegetable balti, garlic nan and pilau rice. With a couple of pints of Kingfisher beer, it was a meal fit for a king and absolutely

WE were not disappointed with our out-of-the-ordinary starter selections. My wife chose the Mozzarella Fritta, deep fried Mozzarella cheese served with a crispy salad. I opted for the Melanzane Parmigiana -- layers of aubergine, mozzarella cheese and

THE menu takes in more than 100 dishes. The spicy mushrooms in a mild garlic sauce starter was almost a meal in itself, served piping hot. Our main course choices really gave us a gastronomic treat. After doing full justice to the spices, vegetables and

THERE is a huge selection and something for everyone. For my starter I decided on the exotic sounding Thai spiced fish cakes. My wife chose the bacon and cheese wedges followed by grilled chicken topped with cheese in tomato and olive sauce. I chose the

THIS is part of the Tom Cobleigh chain and its wide ranging menu caters for diverse tastes. We selected the chef's combo for two -- a large plate loaded with breaded mushrooms, spicy potato wedges, onion rings, chicken satay, onion bhajas and garlic bread

WITH so much on the menu we were spoilt for choice. I chose potato skins with cheese and chives and my wife baked flat mushrooms with a spicy tomato dip. Both dishes were tasty and a decent size. My main course was meatballs on spaghetti, a tasty, generous

I CHOSE the excellent minestrone soup from the many starters which tasted superbly fresh and was served in quite a large bowl. My partner's garlic bread was wonderfully doughy. The main course menu was hard to choose from...the list was almost endless

PIZZA is always a good test case for an Italian eaterie and the Capricciosa with extra olives we shared as a starter didn't disappoint. The Bistecca Alla Pizzaiola was a splendid piece of sirloin accompanied by a scrumptious sauce. My ravioli was absolutely

WE selected five tapas. These included: including Cordero en Salsa -- lamb casserole with red wine, onions, mustard and peppercorns; Gambas Gabardina, a tasty dish of battered king prawns served with garlic mayonnaise, and Seleccion de queso Espanoles

THERE are 20 starters and our party selected a cross section including one which was a great mixture of spicy fish mashed with spinach on a light batter pancake. The main course menu included plenty of Tandoori dishes, 25 chef's recommendations, balti

MY starter was Antipasto di Verdura, a vegetarian hors d'ouvre with artichoke hearts -- absolutely delicious and extremely filling. I also tried some of the smoked salmon starter from the specials board. It was just how smoked salmon should be served

THE menu was about 10 pages thick and had lots for any wallet or taste. The Nice and Easy range had many favourites. Both of us picked our main course from the Chef's Choice. I chose Chicken Fajitas while my partner went for the Oriental Chicken. For

THERE'S a wonderful starter selection including grilled grapefruit with honey, fresh squid with chilli, lemon, garlic and tomato and duck spring rolls with plum sauce. For her main course my partner selected penne, a pasta dish served with chopped fresh

WE chose traditional chicken and sweetcorn soup to start and found it very tasty with plenty of strips of chicken. I then had sweet and sour pork -- more than enough pork pieces and the sauce was very strong without being too syrupy. My boyfriend had

MP Brian Iddon is spearheading a campaign to raise awareness of Down's Syndrome amid claims that people are suffering from medical discrimination. The Bolton South East MP has launched a website to promote better training for medical students to change

POOR posture is caused when muscle imbalance imposes stresses on the underlying structures of ligaments and joints, resulting in certain deformities of the spine. WHAT IS GOOD AND BAD POSTURE? Posture is a term used to describe the alignment of the body

WHERE IS IT? It lies in the middle of the body, and sits just below the cervical (vertebrae in the top of the neck). These vertebrae are attached to the rib cage. WHAT DOES IT D0? It has 12 vertebrae, and its main function is to rotate the middle of the

WHERE IS IT? It consists of five vertebrae from the top of your pelvis downwards. WHAT DOES IT DO? It is the main support for the spinal column, the cervical and thoracic vertebrae sit on top of these five vertebrae (lumbar). Unlike the other parts of

GOING hell for leather on the treadmill may seem a healthy way to kickstart your fitness regime, but too much too soon could have a diverse effect on your health. The Arthritis Research Campaign has voiced concerns that binge exercising could actually

WOMEN have long believed in the power of inner strength -- and now scientists have confirmed it. The research, carried out at the London University, claims women have a higher number of infection-fighting white blood cells than men making their immune

PAULINE TUCKER, a retired nurse from Breightmet, found out she had breast cancer only 10 months after a clear mammogram. Her message is "Do not be lulled into a false sense of security." She also wanted to shed light on some lesser-known aspects of life

WHEN you smile does the world smile with you or go "ugh" at the state of your teeth? It is probably only the Hollywood A-list who have teeth that really dazzle. And it is not always down to good genes. More like a good dentist. Because, you see, teeth

LADIES and gentlemen, dreamers and cynics, bourgeois and bohemians everywhere, step right up and prepare to party like its 1899 at the superclub of the century -- Moulin Rouge! This award-winning song and dance-filled celebration is available to own and

THE Air Miles Manchester League is now inviting applications for clubs wishing to join the league for season 2002/2003, the competition's 100th campaign. There is no final closing date but clubs should apply as soon as possible as there is likely to be

APPLICATIONS are now invited for this season's Atherton Charity Cup. Gerald Butler of the organising committee said: "We had to give last season's competition a miss after the terrible winter weather left teams and leagues with a fixture backlog. "Things

A COMPUTER forensic training centre billed as Europe's first school for cyber-cops has officially opened its doors in Liverpool. The high tech centre is the brainchild of computer company Guidance Software. Detectives and company investigators will learn

THE Prince of Wales has honoured his promise to open a specialist unit for cystic fibrosis named in honour of a young woman who died of the disease. Prince Charles told the family of Amanda Bristow he would perform the ceremony when he visited Liverpool's

BOLTON Council should lobby Whitehall about its shock decision to reject radical plans to tackle the town's housing crisis, says a leading councillor. The Government has thrown out the council's bid to set up a separate housing organisation and borrow

GOVERNMENT figures out today show that Bolton NHS patients suffer a high death rate following emergency surgery. The Royal Bolton Hospital was among some of the worst in the country for patients dying 30 days after surgery. Official figures show that

CONCERNED residents have turned out in force to investigate traffic plans for a notorious accident spot. People talked to engineers from Bolton Council about the traffic proposals in Astley Bridge which are likely to include the partial closure of Seymour

BOLTON Council is joining a "tough targets" improvement campaign which could mean millions of pounds reward if life in the town improves. It is part of the Local Public Service Agreement Initiative launched by the Government and the Local Government Association

TOP racehorse trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies predicts: "I think I will win the Grand National this year." And to prove it, the man who sent out Earth Summit to triumph four years ago, is set to run his three contenders in Haydock Park's De Vere Gold Cup

CHILDCARE has received a boost in Bolton thanks to a £160,577 injection. The New Opportunities Fund grant will be used by Bolton Council to create 24 after-school, 16 before-school, 216 before and after places, and 40 all-year round places for children

BOLTON Childcare expert Liz Tatman says many local working mums face the same problem as Marie and Karen in the story above. She comments: "Many women want to go back to work, either full or part-time after having a baby and that is perfectly reasonable

FORMER Manchester United star Paddy Crerand today pleaded not guilty to wounding a 38-year-old man. The 62-year-old, who was part of United's 1968 European Cup winning side, denied a charge of wounding with intent, and a second charge of unlawful wounding

WESTHOUGHTON pensioners are being invited to a free party at St Bartholomew's Church. It will be held today, Thursday, and will start at 4.30pm. Anybody who wants to go can pick up tickets from churches in the Westhoughton team ministry.

THE islands of Malta and Gozo have long been favourites for English visitors. Now, in the wake of September 11, the Malta Tourism Authority is spearheading a drive to attract even more. Internet Editor Chris Sudlow went with a party of regional journalists

SAM Allardyce plunged back in the transfer market today when he added French midfielder Mario Espartero to his survival squad. The 24-year-old £1.5 million rated attacker has joined Wanderers on a three-month loan from FC Metz. Espartero will join fellow

ALFIE Taylor and his mum Julie owe their lives to staff in the coronary care unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Four-year-old Alfie, son of former Wanderers soccer player Scott Taylor, and mum Julie would not have survived but for the skill and dedication

I WOULD like to thank you very much for my prize -- vouchers to spend at the Early Learning Centre. Delighted with them. David Rawlinson Knowsley Drive Swinton, Manchester

IN answer to Conservative Councillor Ray Barrow, who is slating the Prime Minister in the BEN, February 15. If you have nothing to hide, what is wrong with having identification cards? I wonder if Mr Barrow ever did National Service in the forces? Mr

WITH regards to the letters page on February 13, I always thought that these columns were for local topics and not national events. There was a lot of complaint recently about chewing gum, which is all over Bolton's pavements and it really looks messy

THE hunt to find convicted multi-million pound drugs boss John Barber continues today, amid claims of recent sightings of him in Bolton. Barber, of Twisse Road, Breightmet, was sentenced to 22 years in jail at Liverpool Crown Court for his part in conspiring

WANDERERS boss Sam Allardyce has ruled out Per Frandsen and Paul Warhurst from Saturday's crunch match at Southampton. Both were given the thumbs down - Warhurst with the calf injury he aggravated in the first half of his comeback game against West Ham

SOUTHAMPTON are facing a striker crisis ahead of Saturday's crunch clash with Wanderers. Only Marian Pahars is fit and available for the Premiership game writes Dave King of the Southern Daily Echo INJURED is 12-goal James Beattie. SUSPENDED for one game

BURGLARS held down a terrified pensioner in her own bed before ransacking her house and stealing cash. The woman, aged in her 80s, was pinned to her bed by two men before they searched every room in her house. They broke into the house in Lostock Drive

A MAN was fined £100 at Bolton Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to harassing his ex-wife. Anil Patel, aged 34, of Gibraltar Street, Deane, was said to be finding it hard to accept the break up.

A SHOPLIFTER was stopped walking through Bury town centre carrying a five foot-long carpet rug. Bury magistrates heard how Anthony Stewart, aged 38, struggled to come up with a plausible explanation about why he was carrying it. A police officer who saw

NURSES at Leigh are being encouraged to develop their skills and knowledge in a new drive by health bosses to retain staff. Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust are to launch Nurse Wise, a scholarship fund for trust nurses to encourage them to further

MEMBERS of the Bolton Kashmir Welfare Association are urging MP Brian Iddon to push for action over the troubled region. They have sent him a petition calling for world leaders to put pressure on the governments of India and Pakistan to resolve their

A PERVERT who sexually abused a girl over a seven year period is to serve 10 years in jail. Keith Jepson was already serving an eight year sentence for similar offences handed down at Bolton Crown Court in 1999. He will now serve a further two years in

THE Farnworth Grammar School website is appealing for former teachers to register and take part in "lively discussions" with former pupils. There are now more than 600 former pupils registered with the website and more than 9,000 messages posted in the

A PLUCKY supermarket customer has braved a bald spell to raise money for a good cause. Mandy Cooper was keen to help raise £10,000 for the Children's Hospital Appeal Trust's bid to equip an ambulance. She took part in a sponsored headshave at Asda in

MOTORISTS are being warned to slow down as £800,000 worth of bridge maintenance work begins on the motorway at Westhoughton. The repairs start tomorrow and will see the speed limit drop to 50mph between junctions 5 and 6 on the M61 because there will

A CHARITY that provides companionship for the elderly is seeking volunteers to set-up a new group in Leigh. Contact the Elderly provides a service for elderly people who live alone and have little support. The National Charity helps alleviate the isolation

BARGAIN hunters can banish the winter blues by taking advantage of a half-price sale at Help the Aged shops until Saturday, March 2. Projects funded by Help the Aged include senior link, which provides community alarm telephones and senior line 0808 800

ELECTRONIC voting has been given the green light by Bolton Council despite some fears that the electorate could be overwhelmed by the new technology. Councillors have officially backed the Government's proposal for the local authority to pilot a scheme

Week 6 Crisps: none (vg) Chips: none (vg) Minature Heroes: 2 (bad) Takeaway curry: just a small spoonfull with a large salad, no dressing (not too bad) Weight: 8st 9lbs (vg but have not hit target so vb) TWO pounds. Two measly pounds. That is all I am

Week 5 Nachos: none (vg) Crisps: none (vg) Chips: none (vg, but son's potato smiley face so not vg) Dinner at Italian restaurant (was not only vg but absolutely delicious) Weight: 8st 11lbs (v bad) AS you can see, I have regained the pound I lost last

Star Rating **** Menu **** Quality of food **** Atmosphere **** Service *** Vegetarian dishes ** Children's menu ** Disabled access **** Value for money **** No smoking area No HOW TO GET THERE: Take Chorley Old Road out of Bolton town centre. As you

THIS summer's Commonwealth Games will not be rubbish -- thanks to a group of "wacky cleaners" from Bolton. A group of 17 residents from Darcy Lever, well known for their keenness in ridding litter and graffiti from their estate, have enrolled on a 10-

THERE has been a shock new twist to the Longsight school saga with education chiefs proposing that another primary could teach its pupils in September. The Local Education Authority has suggested that Longsight Primary pupils should join Harwood Meadows

THE Government has announced plans to bring foreign languages into primary schools. However, one primary in Bolton is already teaching its pupils French. Gayle McBain speaks to the headteacher about its benefits and looks at whether it could buck the

TYLDESLEY Rugby Club will be hosting its first county game on Sunday when Lancashire Under 17s face a tough game against Leicestershire Under 17s. The game kicks off at 2pm with six Tyldesley players, Lee Davies, Peter Hayes, Jamie Aldred, Mark Jones,

A FAMILY business which has branched out to a new restaurant has been Highly Commended in the BEN Eating Out awards. The Moghul's Palace on St Georges Road, Bolton opened only a matter of months ago in a landmark old building at a busy junction. It marked

IT'S easy to blame Bury's stayaway fans for the club's current financial crisis. But you can't make people like something they don't and if the people of Bury are not interested in their football team that is their prerogative. It's a shame that Bury

MY partner decided on breaded mushrooms for starters and I chose garlic bread with cheese. Then it was on to the main course. My partner at first decided on gammon and cider pie but then chose sirloin steak and I decided on the roast chicken and chips

THEY say there are 365 churches on Malta - one to pray in for every day of the year. Devoutly Catholic, many do just that, with a morning Mass kicking off the day before sunbreak. The Mosta Dome close to the centre of the island is a mightily impressive

Flight facts: National flag carrier, Air Malta offers a daily scheduled services from Manchester (journey time just over three hours). Fares from Manchester begin at £189.10 inc taxes, between now and March 30. Air Malta Reservations: 0845 607 3710 Click

Take a bus journey, and don't worry about the bumpy ride, as road surfacing does not seem to be a priority. It's less than 30p to anywhere on the island so your wallet will get used to it, even if you don't! Buses radiate out from Valletta bus station

THE Spinners' "order your food at the bar" policy gives you enough time to solve those selection dilemmas. The main course choice included sirloin steak, mixed grill, scampi, home-made lasagne. I chose the chicken pepperpot, served with chips. The chicken

Valletta: The ramparts, churches, museums and tiny streets and shops of Valetta are a must. In the 70s the nightlife was centred here, but now the capital largely closes down once the shops close shortly after 8pm. Then the action moves on to St Julian's

Diving: The clear blue waters make Malta an excellent base - for the novice to the experienced. Expect to pay about £150 for a four-day course. I had my first dive - 20 feet down, it was an experience to remember! Have you ever tried putting a wet suit

THE standard menu offers a wide selection and a daily specials board also gives a varied and interesting choice. My starter of whitebait in batter was delicious and my 'blackboard' main meal of venison served on a bed of onions and chillies was a wise

THE driver of the Number 62 bus knew instantly there was a problem as he saw me waiting alone in the twilight by the stop close to Sliema Harbour. He halted his vehicle, leaned out of the window, and shouted: "They've changed the timetable, the last bus

THE Ultimate Combo -- chicken goujons, scampi, garlic breaded mushrooms, onion rings, garlic bread, potato wedges and three dips -- designed for two was big enough to share four ways. One of our boys chose chicken, ham and pineapple, the other fish, chips

THE Spotlight Cafe at the Octagon Theatre has reintroduced its pre-show meals by popular demand. For the "main attractions" I chose chicken, leek and ham pie -- the pastry was light and flaky while its filling was beautifully creamy. My husband chose

MY starter, hot chilli nachos with cheese, guacamole, salsa and sour cream, was so large it should not have been included under the heading "appetizer". My dish, Chicken New Yorker, was very enjoyable -- succulent Cajun chicken topped with smoked bacon

MY starter was seasonal prawns and melon, while my partner chose ribs. Our main course choice was Pollo Tuscanni -- chicken breast in a sauce containing tomato, chilli, onion and peppers. This was a winner -- the sauce was lovely and spicy with a real

THERE were nine starters including two on the specials board. My partner opted for one of the specials -- the garlic prawns. From her face after the first mouthful I could tell they were impressive. I chose the mushrooms stuffed with pate and cooked in

FOR the main course I chose the cod and chips, the meal I've always picked when I have eaten there in the past. It was as fabulous as I remembered it. The cod was about 12 inches long and struggled to fit on the plate. It was lightly battered and melted

WE chose Reshmi kebab and Shamee kebab as a shared starter. Both were excellent. For our main courses, we had the chicken rogan josh and the tandoori king prawn masala, which was quite simply the finest tandoori sauce either of us had ever tasted. Despite

STARTERS for both the restaurant and the pub are the same. There are eight starters and other offerings include green-lip mussels, breaded garlic mushrooms and BBQ spare rib and wings. My daughter chose a roast beef baguette and I opted for the tasty

TO start I selected the deep fried mozzarella cheese, full of flavour and served on a plate of raspberry sauce with a selection of salad. Our 11-year-old companion's main course, capricciosa pizza, was a big hit. My wife chose the pollo cacciatore, chicken

CAFE Istanbul offers 22 unusual hot and cold dishes including Cerkez Tavuga, chicken pieces with walnut sauce, and spiced fried meatballs called Mititey Kofte. Main courses were roughly split into kebabs and a mix of chicken, vegetarian and fish dishes

ITS choice of dishes is very impressive ranging from tandoori to traditional curries and a number of chef's specials. We opted for a mixed kebab and onion bhajee. My kebab was a delicious mixture of tikka-marinated lamb, chicken, shish and onion bhajee

OWNERS offer dishes from all over the world -- you will spot anything from Jamaican Chicken to Lancashire Mixed Grill. Both appetisers were served about five minutes after ordering, were beautifully presented and tasted fantastic. The beef in my Greek

WITH 23 choices of starter -- from mulligatawny soup to samosas, kebabs and chilli-fried chicken -- East to West would not be a good venue for the indecisive diner! The chicken jalfrazi main course was almost perfectly pitched -- hot but not overpowering

CHOOSE from 18 starters, 19 different pasta dishes, nine different pizzas and 23 other main course options. Selecting a main meal was no easy task with such an array to choose from. My Bistecca Al Pepe was peppery perfection served with a hearty selection

DIMITRI'S offers cuisine of a distinctly Greek variety. For starters my partner and I opted for a plate of hummus served with delicious hot pitta bread. We chose five separate tapas dishes. An exotic pot pourri of flavours was soon delivered and each

THE extensive menu had 16 starters, with seven more on the specials board from which I chose mussels done the French way with cream, pepper and parsley. My husband chose the trout, a whole fish grilled with rosemary and mint sprigs tucked under the skin

FROM a choice of 21 starters, we chose Vegetarian Mix (four different veg in bhaji or patti form) and Isa Bora -- a delicate, peppery dish with a light, crispy batter. My husband had Achari Gost, pieces of marinated lamb and cooked in pickle masala. I

THE calzone, filled with mozzarella cheese, tomato, ham, salami, onions and mushrooms, was bulging at the seams. My partner chose tortellini alla veneziana, enthusing it was the best example of Italian food she had eaten outside Milan. For dessert, she

THE starters soon arrived with my partner opting for the Plantation Chop Dip of fried slices of yam with two delicious sweet and sour dips. I had Fish Pattie, spicy, but not too hot, and absolutely gorgeous. My partner chose Chicken Mafe, a fruity curry

THE children's menu has something to suit even the pickiest eater. Both boys had soup and crusty bread -- which disappeared in minutes. I had smoked salmon and prawns and my husband grilled black pudding with a brandy and peppercorn sauce -- "exceptionally

THERE was plenty on offer to delight the tastebuds of every vegetarian. To begin I ordered the Mogochips which were chunky sliced chips served with a sweet and sour chutney. My main course was chilli paneer, fried chillies served with salad. My partner

THERE is so much on the menu, but we eventually decided on six dishes: Berenjenas (aubergine with cheese, tomato and herbs); Tapas paella with chicken; Chorizo Frito -- this spicy sausage really did melt in the mouth; Patata bravas -- these spicy potatoes

PAUL Ablett believes there is no mountain he cannot conquer. Which is why he is climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest to raise money for the National Asthma Campaign, and beat the current world record while he is at it. Paul, aged 29, is a health and

CERTAIN muscles of the body are what you would call "Gravity Resisted". These muscles require strengthening, as they are the main muscle groups that keep your body in the upright position when standing. The following muscles are Gravity Resisted: Traps

THREE people had to be evacuated early today after a storage room between their flats was set alight. Fire crews were called to York Street, Leigh, at 3.45am to deal with a fire in the room between two ground floor flats. The room was destroyed and the

THE February meeting of Bolton Referees Society will take place tonight at Tonge Moor Conservative Club at 7.30pm. The Guest Speaker will be former Football League Referee David Allison, who is currently a regional co- ordinator and referees' coach for

ESTROVEN, the essential menopausal supplement, offers 50mg of isoflavones in a one-day caplet, plus a combination of vitamins and minerals. A diet high in isoflavones (Phytoestrogens) may help redress a woman's balance, which could help with night sweats

FOOTBALLERS from a Bolton pub are to stage a reunion after over 30 years in the local game. The York Hotel, Newport Street, have been members of the Bolton Sunday League since it was formed in 1970. Now they are planning a get-together for players who

A COMPUTER forensic training centre billed as Europe's first school for cyber-cops has officially opened its doors in Liverpool. The high tech centre is the brainchild of computer company Guidance Software. Detectives and company investigators will learn

BLACKPOOL workers at National Savings could take industrial action after it was revealed hundreds face the prospect of having their jobs handed to a private firm. The Public and Commercial Services Union voiced concern about the terms and conditions of

PATIENT pensioner Alexander Boswell waited nearly a century for one magical moment in time -- and it lasted just a minute. When he celebrated his 94th birthday on Wednesday night his 24-hour clock said 20:02 and the date on his calendar read 20.02 2002

A CINEMA advert campaign to alert teenagers to the dangers of being run over has been launched by the Government. Statistics show that collisions in the road are the biggest single cause of death for children aged 12 to 15, with 70 being killed in 2000

A NEW £1 million cafe bar could open in Bolton town centre -- on the site of former public toilets. Andrew Aston of Horwich hopes to turn a former toilet and fish market on Bridge Street, Bolton, into a restaurant with a lounge, dance area and take away

THIEVES returned a teenager's £750 mountain bike after the Bolton Evening News revealed his heartbreak. Chris Spary's dream bike was stolen just hours after he bought it. The 16-year-old, of Crompton Way, Bolton, had scrimped and saved for months to buy

A SIX-YEAR-OLD girl is planning to swim the English Channel distance to help other children. Little Lauren Smith, from Tyldesley, intends to swim 22 miles in the Sharron Davies Challenge before the end of the year to raise money for children with muscular

FORMER Big Brother star Nichola Holt is set to unveil her flamboyant fashion sense at a high-profile London show this weekend. The eccentric celebrity will be showing off her first knitwear collection in a bid to capture the imagination of fashion pundits

CHILDCARE in Bolton is available in the form of nurseries or registered childminders. Bolton Council has a list of all the childcare facilities and the information can be obtained through the Children's Information Service. On average, childminders in

LOW or middle-income families can benefit from the Working Families Tax Credit which includes the Government's much talked about Childcare Tax Credit. The tax credit is based on net earnings of £92.90 a week or less. This is joint earnings where a couple

EVERY mum has a dilemma to face when she is deciding about returning to work. For some it is a question of dividing their valuable time to ensure their children are not losing out and choosing between part and full-time work. But for many women the problem

THREE singers are helping the Lamb pub on Halliwell Road raise funds for Bolton Hospice today, Thursday. Stu Wolfenden, Gary Connor and Paula Jay will be appearing at the event, which starts at 8pm. There will be several prize raffles and admittance is

WANDERERS boss Sam Allardyce is expected to announce a further signing at lunchtime. More details later.

Saturday (leisure, sport & keep fit and other events) LEISURE, SPORT & KEEP FIT BOLTON EXCEL, Lower Bridgeman Street, tel: 334456: Lifestyles Fitness Suite, Yoga, Judo, Circuits, Short Mat Bowling, Aerobics, Pilates. Open Monday to Friday 7.30am

JOIN us in our campaign to create a new £1million purpose-built coronary care unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Today marks the start of the Bolton Evening News' 2002 fundraising appeal to build a lifesaving facility the town can be proud of. You have

BOLTON'S coronary care appeal rocketed at the Reebok last night -- soaring to £356,000. Wanderers players Stig Tofting, Henrik Pedersen and Fredi Bobic rubbed shoulders with local politicians and company bosses for a launch party at the Reebok Stadium

I READ with interest your article on the origins of the Friends Reunited (www.friendsreunited.com) web site. Some 18 months ago, I was the first to register for both my junior and secondary schools, Oxford Grove CP and Canon Slade Grammar. Since then

I LIVE in Bolton and my work is in Blackburn. Both towns have substantial Asian communities, and I am very surprised that while there are 15 Asians on the council at Blackburn (including a former mayor), five in Rochdale, three in Tameside and 11 in Oldham

IN response to the comments made by Kirsty Adams on the BEN letters page February 12. How dare she criticise the Bradshaw Ward Conservative councillors, and praise David Crausby MP for what he has supposedly done for Longsight School. It is his Party

AFTER reading the article "Seeing red over bull fighting" in the BEN on February 16, I would like to applaud Lindsay Hoyle MP for his efforts in stopping bull fighting in Spain. I can assure him that many letters and postcards have been sent to the Spanish

THE Government's proposals that 90 per cent of planning decisions be taken by planning officers and not by councillors, confirms the rumours that have been circulating for some time (BEN: February 13). Yet another example of centralised government bureaucracy

PARKING at the Royal Bolton Hospital can be a big problem for many users. Those of us who have waited desperately for a space to become available will welcome the fact that this issue is being considered at a regional conference in Manchester. Bolton's