Microwave bursts into flames

The fire at the kitchen in Roocroft Court, Brownlow Fold, at the weekend melted an extractor fan in the ceiling and also damaged a nearby cooker.

The couple had already left the semi-detached house before firefighters arrived. The kitchen suffered smoke damage.

Children playing with fire COUNCIL chiefs have vowed to step up their efforts to stop arsonists turning a stretch of open land in Farnworth into a graveyard for burned-out cars.

Children have turned the charred shells of the vehicles into a dangerous unofficial adventure playground.

And fire officers have voiced their concerns over the increasing levels of car fires on a stretch of council-owned open land behind Shillingford Way, near the disused Harrowby Street mill.

They say vandals regularly set the cars alight and dump them.

In the latest incident, arsonists set fire to a Vauxhall Astra and left it burning on the stretch of grass close to a disused tennis court.

Sub Officer Rob Gibson from Farnworth Fire Station said local children were putting themselves at risk by playing in the burned-out shells of the cars.

Calling for bollards to be erected, he said: "A lot of cars are being dumped there and something needs to be done to stop it from becoming a dumping ground. Residents have complained."

A spokesman confirmed that Bolton Council owned the land and had erected bollards previously.

"We do sympathise with people in the area and we have taken steps to try to make the area secure although fencing we have erected has been attacked by vandals.

"We have put an order through to get the fencing repaired. An inspector checked out the site again yesterday and discovered the fencing around the old tennis courts had been broken down allowing access to the area," the council spokesman went on.

"We have already carried out some work in the area and some time ago bollards were installed to stop up a small unadopted road which runs between nearby houses to prevent vehicle access to the public footpath and the old tennis courts."

Ex-England favourite Trevor is a real sport for youngsters ENGLAND soccer legend Trevor Brooking kicked-off a new era in sporting excellence in Bolton when he officially opened a school's brand new £3m sports centre.

The former West Ham star was guest of honour at Smithills School's Sports Centre grand opening day yesterday where he was flanked by young sporting hopefuls from schools across Bolton who had all come to see the new facilities.

The four-year project, the brainchild of Smithills deputy heads Ken Howells and Chris Roberts, received more than £2m in funding from Sport England.

And Mr Brooking, who is president of the organisation, said he was only too pleased to be in town and he hoped the facilities would help create some of the sports stars of the future for Bolton.

After wishing Bolton Wanderers the best of luck in tomorrow's play-offs Mr Brooking officially unveiled the plaque opening the sports centre.

"It's a great day to be opening an indoor sports centre," joked Mr Brooking on a gloriously sunny afternoon. "The facilities here are wonderful and they should be a real benefit to the whole community.

"Sport has suffered from such underinvestment in recent years that youngsters haven't even been given a chance to show what they can do. With centres such as this hopefully that will change."

Organ scandal parents hopeful over judgement A COUPLE whose lives were torn apart by the Alder Hey organ scandal are hopeful that a judge will rule that they can claim compensation from the hospital.

Bill and Denise Green, together with the hundreds of families, will hear early next week if they will be given the green light to sue after a decision at the High Court in London.

The parents, of Hulton Avenue, Walkden, lost their 18-month-old son William, in 1994.

They only found out five years later that many of his organs had been removed and stored.

Denise, aged 45, said she was confident that the families would be given the opportunity to fight for compensation.

She said: "Money won't bring our child back but it is a way of easing what took place.

"All the families have gone through so much and there has been a lot of financial losses involved, such as time off work. So any money would definitely help."

William was born six weeks premature and with a heart condition.

He was transferred to Alder Hey Hospital, on Merseyside, and underwent open heart surgery, but died days later.

When Bill and Denise buried their son they were told not to take his bonnet off, but did not suspect anything untoward had happened.

Even years later when the first organ scandal began at Bristol and then Alder Hey, they did not realise William could have been affected.

They contacted the hospital and were sent a letter detailing what organs had been taken, which included his brain and genitals.

At the end of last year, they were informed another part of the little boy's brain had been stored at a different hospital and in March they held a third burial at Agecroft cemetery, in Salford.

Alder Hey issued an official response to the report into the scandal yesterday.

It said it reiterated its apologies to parents and said it had already made a number of changes to its procedures.

Electioneers always look on bright side YOU stand about as much chance of seeing Lord Lucan canvassing in Bolton as spotting either a pessimistic candidate or a captivating local issue.

If there is one thing candidates from the three main parties agree on wholeheartedly, it's that this election campaign is going to be a referendum on New Labour's first four years in Government.

But with the Tories and Liberal Democrats insisting 1997's Labour landslide -- which saw Tony Blair's team capture Bolton North-east and Bolton West -- was something of a freak result, even candidates facing five-figure majorities are talking up their chances.

They claim results last time round were the product more of a backlash against 18 years of Conservative rule than a sea-change in political affiliations.

The acid test of this theory will come in BOLTON WEST, where the Tories need a 7.2pc swing if they are to overturn Ruth Kelly's 7,072 majority.

The seat had been Tory since 1983 and is high on the Conservative target list at 118th. If they are to stand any chance of defying the polls and forming the next Goverment, it is simply a must-win constituency.

Ms Kelly, still only 33, is spoken of by some pundits as a future Cabinet minister and says she will be battling hard for every vote.

But Labour campaigners fear the campaign may become personal.

She resents accusations that she is an absentee MP and persistent, but inaccurate, rumours that she has sold her house in Bolton.

Ms Kelly did move from Heaton, but now lives in Horwich in the heart of the constituency.

As for criticisms of her Commons record, present at only 30pc of votes, she insists work on behalf of constituents is more important than than being 'lobby fodder' for a party with a huge majority.

Her campaign will focus on the argument that voting boils down to a choice between her party's continued 'reform' of public services and £16 billion of cuts which Labour allege the Tory manifesto contains.

But Tory challenger James Stevens, an RSPCA worker who opposes hunting, is confident of out-foxing her at the polls.

He believes even Labour didn't expect to win last time, and are looking nervously over their shoulders this year.

His slogan is "Putting Bolton First" and he believes the message that the Tories would be tougher on Crime, one which Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe espoused in Horwich this week, will strike a chord.

He sees over-development in Lostock and Westhoughton as another issue where he can make serious in-roads into Ms Kelly's support.

Both Ms Kelly and Mr Stevens are keen to portray a cross against Liberal Democrat candidate Barbara Ronson's name as a wasted vote.

Argue

The Lib Dems, though, argue they have good reason to believe Bolton West will be a three horse race.

Although they only won 11pc of the vote in 1997, they point out that they are the dominant party in local government in the area with a well-known local politician in Mrs Ronson.

As in the two other wards, they will campaigning on a platform of 'honesty on taxation' - that if voters want better services they must be prepared to pay for them.

BOLTON NORTH-EAST is another constituency which party strategists will be watching closely.

The presence of top Tories Francis Maude and Ann Widdecombe in the last few days signals that this is a seat the party think they can win despite a 12,669 Labour majority.

But it would take a major shock for 1997 victor David Crausby to be beaten by Tory hopeful Michael Winstanley, not least because boundary changes meant traditionally Labour Halliwell was added to North-east.

Here again the Conservatives will rely heavily on the law and order card, with crime identified as a major issue by 83pc of respondents to their surveys in the constituency.

Mr Winstanley claims he is getting a good response on the doorsteps from traditional Labour heartlands such as Breightmet and Tonge.

He also believes Europe will be an issue, with Labour pledging a referendum on entering the Euro.

But Mr Crausby insists electors minds are on Bolton not Brussells, and says it is the parties different visions of the future of health, education and law and order which will decide the day.

And even Mr Kelly, who admits to being scarred by the 1992 election when he lost the seat by just 185 votes after two recounts, is brimming with confidence this time round.

Liberal Democrat former councillor Frank Harasiwka is again hoping voters will find his party's 'third way' more appealing than Tony Blair's vision.

In BOLTON SOUTH-EAST, where Labour's Dr Brian Iddon enjoys a hefty 23,311 majority, Labour's biggest enemy could be complacency.

With victory seemingly so assured, there are concerns that some supporters will think their vote makes no difference.

The seat is only 399th on the Tory target list and right down at 551 on the Liberal Democrat equivalent.

But Dr Iddon insists he will fight the seat with as much gusto as if it were a marginal. Among the issues he is keen to push are the strong economy.

Conservative challenger Haroon Rashid admits he faces a daunting task but insists it is not impossible.

He claims Labour's position of strength in Bolton South-east means it has taken the constituency for granted.

Echoing Labour tactics nationally, Mr Rashid has issued a five point pledge card focusing on law and order, improving pensions, cutting red tape in schools and hospital waiting lists and keeping the pound. Lib Dem contender Tim Perkins, however, predicts "meltdown" for the Conservatives in this year's election. He says the Liberal Democrats' popularity in local government proves they are a viable alternative.

Bad news for road users BUS passengers and motorists around Egerton and Bromley Cross are facing a month of disruption from next week.

Hough Lane -- linking Blackburn Road with Darwen Road across Eagley -- is due to close for road repairs for approximately four weeks from Monday.

The work will mean buses serving Hough Lane and Eagley Way will be diverted.

Services B8, B9 and 531 will be diverted via Blackburn Road and Darwen Road.

For further details contact Greater Manchester's Public Transport Information Line on 0161 228 7811.

Nichola's got her feet firmly on the ground A NEW maturity seems to have descended on local Big Brother "celebrity" Nichola Holt.

As you no doubt remember, the former Canon Slade girl showed a remarkable enthusiasm for becoming famous when she exposed herself to the nation's gaze on the hit Channel Four show.

She did not win, but her shaven head, Bolton accent and eccentric demeanour made her a memorable TV personality -- for a while.

The madcap world of relentless media exposure saw her attending posh receptions with genuine stars, appearing at numerous charity events, featuring in a tabloid sex romp story and even making a pop record.

This, appropriately enough, was called The Game.

Famous

It did not make the charts and 29-year-old Nichola was soon to discover that it is not really enough to be famous for being famous.

Through it all her parents, Frank and Joyce, behaved with great dignity and friends of the textile artist and former barmaid remained loyal in the way that Bolton people do.

Nichola, who now lives in Hertfordshire, says: "I've had enough of it really -- I just want to get on with the rest of my life."

In the short term that means working on a fashion collection and preparing to fly out to Romania and South Africa to help orphans and street children by using her artistic skills to brighten up their environment.

After that it could mean a career as an art teacher.

Attraction

The new series of Big Brother this month holds no attraction for her and she warns the latest contestants that they should not expect to get much out of the experience.

She is simply one of thousands of young people who have found that celebrity is not quite what they thought it was.

Nichola's realisation that "it is time to move on" shows that deep down -- in spite of the startling image -- she is a sensible Bolton girl at heart.

We hope she will eventually come to relish some of her unique memories and wish her well in what will presumably be a less frenetic future.

Meanwhile. graphic designer Daniel Eatock from Lostock and his friend Dan Forster, from Tyldesley, have a different kind of association with the Big Brother show.

We look forward to admiring their promotional handiwork when we are bombarded with images promoting the new series.

'Lost child' devastated by threatening LEA letter A SCHOOLGIRL who has been battling against ME for two years claims she now has to fight the "prejudice" of education chiefs.

Lena Hindley, a pupil at Thornleigh Salesian College, was diagnosed with the chronic fatigue illness when she was 14.

Now, she has been left devastated by a hard-hitting letter from the council threatening to take her parents to court.

The letter arrived at her Farnworth home just weeks before her GCSEs. It said her parents, Robert and Hilary, would face prosecution or a fine of £1,000 if they fail to see Lena goes to school.

Lena claims she has struggled to overcome the illness and deep-rooted prejudice she says she has encountered.

Experts label children with ME as the "lost children" -- because their illness is largely ignored by the adult world.

Lena is one of 24,000 children in the UK who has Myalgic Encephalopathy -- a little understood and potentially devastating illness.

The Association of Young People with ME says that youngsters as young as five ahve the symptoms.

At the height of her illness, Lena struggled to keep her eyes open. She could easily sleep all day and night.

Dad Robert, a firefighter, said: "After six months, we demanded our doctor referred her to a specialist, and she was diagnosed with ME."

Lena, aged 16, said: "I was really shocked -- but I went with the flow. I started attending the Royal Bolton Hospital two days-a-week.

"They told me how to plan my day making sure I put in rest periods.

"I was so sleepy every day and I remember this lasted for about a whole year. The Millennium Christmas was spent entirely in bed. I missed it all.

"Then things started to get better and I'd have one or two days where I could actually do things. I went back to school three days-a-week.

"But I had to stop seeing all my friends, except my best friend who used to bring me work from school so that I could catch up with what I had missed."

While most teenagers are out partying and at discos, Lena has been spending most of her time in bed -- although she admits her condition is improving.

Her strength is slowly returning, enough for her to take five GCSE exams.

A spokesman from the LEA refused to comment on individual cases.

He said the letters were standard and sent out to parents of children who had poor school attendance.

Father Mervyn Williams, headteacher at Thornleigh Salesian College , refused to comment further but said: "This is a local authority procedure."

EXPERTS say ME lasts on average between six months and six years and symptoms vary from person to person.

Some people feel so ill that they can hardly sit up in bed. Others struggle to open letters and read.

As yet, there is no cure.

The charity AYME hopes to use national ME Awareness Week, which starts today, to end social prejudice against the illness.

Jill Moss, director of AYME, said: "I am not surprised at how Lena has been treated.

"The simple fact is, it is too much like hard work for the school to treat pupils on an individual basis.

"Lena's family is like thousands across Britain, finding it hard to make institutions understand the devastating effects of ME.

"The fact that Lena has to rely on her best friend to do homework is incredible. She should be getting special arrangements to sit her exams."

Top this church sale HALLIWELL Theatre Company at Harvey Street Methodist Church is holding a table top sale on Saturday, June 2. To book a table phone 495526 or 497165. Admission will be 20p -- light refreshments will be available during the day. Readings at church ST Peter's Ladies Wednesday Evening Fellowship are looking forward to a 'Miscellany of Readings' by George Platt. The evening on Wednesday will be in St Peter's Parish Centre in Church Road, Smithills, starting at 7.45pm. Further details from 407202.

ENDACOTT EXPECTS SALFORD BACKLASH

Tough trip in store WIGAN Coach Frank Endacott is expecting nothing but a tough ride from Salford City Reds at the Willows this weekend.

Endacott, who takes his third placed Warriors to the Willows on Sunday (6pm) is well aware that there is a real threat coming from John Harvey's men tomorrow.

Endacott said: "Salford really need to get their season back on track after a couple of recent losses and we are expecting a backlash. Towards the end of last season, they gave us a really tough game at the Willows and we had to dig deep to get a win. We are expecting nothing less this time.

"John Harvey has instilled a real spirit amongst his charges and they are playing some great rugby at the moment. They have made an early mark on the competition and have proved that they will be no-ones pushovers this term.

"Players in their ranks that deserve special attention include Martin Offiah, Francis Maloney and Bobbie Goulding. I have long been an admirer of Darren Brown too who for my money is one of the best import players in Super League.

"We have selected a team very similar to the one which faced Wakefield here at the JJB Stadium. We felt that there was no need to make changes as we put in a very solid performance against the Wildcats.

"There was no individual who deserved to be dropped after that game, although Brian Carney has had to pull out because of a hamstring injury. He will probably miss the next two to three weeks."

By Chris Sudlow Crowded house REMEMBER the Swinging Sixties and that glorious team inspired by Best, Law and Charlton?

Old Match of the Day footage shows the thrilling attacks, and packed terraces, as 60,000-plus regularly crowded into Old Trafford . . . Right about the football. Wrong about the crowds.

The reason for this reflection was the announcement on Saturday that one fan among the 67,526 against Derby became spectator number TWO MILLION to pass through the turnstiles this season.

This staggering figure has been achieved despite the fact it is harder than ever to get a ticket and shows just how habits have changed.

In the 60s before the advent of all-seater crowds and all-ticket matches, fans could pick and choose. So when United won the First Division in 1965 the average crowd was 45,830. And when Birmingham City came to town on December 16 the crowd was . . . 25,721.

When United won the title again in 1967 the crowd topped 60,000 only five times.

In 1968 when United ended the season second, but won the European Cup, the 60,000 barrier was passed nine times, but on 11 occasions you could easily get in.

Now, of course, you have to put your money up front if you want to watch the big clubs on a regular basis. The request for payment for a season ticket has just been made . . .

And the following season, as that great team began to disintegrate, and United ended 11th, United entertained QPR and achived one of their biggest victory margins (8-1), watched by just 36,638.

Players set for grand finale tonight MEMBERS of St Joseph's Players in Leigh are currently staging Louisa May Alcott's Good Wives directed by Doreen Johnson.

It is a follow-up to Little Women staged three years ago by the company.

The play ends its run tonight at the Chapel Street hall.

The cast comprises Kath Roberts, Dave Farrell, Viktor Batrak, Joan Doorey, Jenny Hampson, Dave Grime, Rufus Bennett, Donna Wood, Clarissa Howarth, Clare Nash, Lisa Hilton and, making his debut, Ken Belshaw. There is also a cameo performance by director, Doreen.

The Leigh company's next production is Agatha Christie's Towards Zero from June 5 to 9.

'See you in the Premier League' THE most expensive player in the history of English football has wished Bolton Wanderers "good luck" in their push for the play-offs tomorrow.

PSV super-striker Ruud van Nistelrooy -- who recently signed for Manchester United for £19 million -- gave the Bolton team the thumbs-up in an exclusive interview in Eindhoven, Holland, with Dutch BEN reporter Irma Heger.

The pair spoke at PSV's training ground, where Ruud was pleased to hear that Wanderers still have a chance to play in the Premier League.

"That's great," Van the Man, 24-year-old Ruud, said.

"Of course I would wish Bolton the best of luck."

And Ruud -- who was thrilled to receive a Wanderers pennant -- put his unreserved support behind the Trotters.

"Any club in the First Division would love to play in the Premier League," he said.

"I would wish the opportunity to play in the Premier League on anybody who gets that chance."

Ruud, who will join United on July 1-- his 25th birthday -- also spoke frankly about Wanderers defender and Scottish captain Colin Hendry.

Ruud could face him in the Premiership if Wanderers are successful in their brave bid for promotion.

"Colin is a good, hard, defender," Ruud commented.

But the ginger-haired Scotsman, who has been suspended from international duty for an elbowing incident, doesn't strike fear in the heart of the Dutch international.

"I know he has a tough reputation," said Ruud. "But fear is usually a bad adviser. I think a certain amount of respect for any player is in order, but that doesn't mean you have to be fearful.

"I never am, anyway,"

Ruud also spoke about Ricardo Gardner, the young Jamaican Wanderers player, whom he met in Colorado, America, when both were there for knee treatment.

The pair, alongside a Wanderers physiotherapist, spent a night having a few drinks together.

And Ruud treaures the memory of meeting Ricardo. "He's a super guy," Ruud smiled. "He played for Jamaica in the World Cup."

And, as he rushed off to re-join his PSV colleagues on the training field, he insisted: "Say hello to Ricardo for me."

Sam Allardyce is hoping Wanderers can give Van Nistelrooy a hot Reebok reception in the Premiership next season.

"It's nice to hear Ruud knows so much about Bolton Wanderers," the Bolton manager said as he took a break from preparations for the promotion play-offs.

"Hopefully, he'll find out a lot more about us next season in a couple of tasty derby clashes!"

Fundraising training for community COMMUNITY groups in the SRB Six area and across Bolton are being invited to the North-west Fundraising Roadshow.

The free event offers small charities and community groups a unique opportunity to attend an extremely beneficial day in fundraising training.

Six workshops will feature on the day focusing on community fundraising, charitable trusts, the Community Fund , company giving, funding applications and many other issues.

The event takes place on Wednesday June 13 between 9.30am and 4pm at Mere Hall, Thomasson Street, Bolton.

It is being organised by Bolton CVS, Directory of Social Change and Mere Hall Bolton Ltd.

Booking is essential as places are limited. For further details contact Pat Stubbs, Bolton CVS on 01204 396011 or Maureen Catton, DSC on 0151 708 0136.

I READ with interest Sam Allardyce quoting -- "When the crowds are there, the players perform", obviously referring to the missing so-called 'fans'. Here are some facts to argue Sam's point. We have had eight crowds over 18,000 and have won only two, drawn three and lost three, scored nine goals and conceded 11. Let's hope these so-called 'fans' find something better to do for the West Brom game and let the loyal fans revel in the glory after we win.

(name and address supplied)

LETTER: Ticket buying at the Reebok is no fun AT the Reebok we have a beautiful, purpose built stadium and the very best facilities. Do we?

After having spent two and a quarter hours on Wednesday morning (fortunately a sunny day) queuing for play-off tickets I am left wondering is this progress?

I have queued for tickets at Burnden Park and apart from the venue nothing seems to have changed. In fact I think I preferred Burnden! At least Manchester Road offered plenty of activity - and several shops to fortify the fans - at the Reebok only the toilets were open.

Seriously though, I realise that I am very lucky to be able to go and queue for tickets - not every season ticket holder has that opportunity.

However, it is not the ideal - particularly for the older fans to be standing for so long.

I know that the staff in the ticket office were working flat out all day and it is not an easy job for them especially when tempers become a little frayed.

We, the fans want to give up our money to support BWFC, the staff in the office want to supply us with season tickets, play-off tickets, etc, and the club wants as many fans as possible - so we are all aiming for the same thing.

I just wonder if there is an easier, fairer way to serve all the fans?

Judith Lydon,

55 Rydal Road,

Heaton,

Bolton.

Waywell's big deal Four more years for successful RMI boss STEVE Waywell, who led Leigh RMI to an astounding fifth spot in their first season in the Conference, has been rewarded with a four year contract.

Waywell has been in charge at Hilton Park since 1995 and in that time has steered his side up from the Unibond First Division to the Conference.

He said: "Other clubs have shown an interest but I feel comfortable at Leigh. I have a lot of time for the chairman and his deputy and was more than happy to sign on again.

"I have been with them for six years but the time has flown by and it only feels like a season."

Waywell will have been tempted to stay by being given the go-ahead to add to the number of quality players in his squad. "We will not be increasing the size of the squad, but hope to get more quality in depth," he confirmed. "I only had a dozen Conference standard players this season and I hope to increase that by five or six. I will then be able to rotate my players and give some of them a well earned rest during the season."

Waywell, aged 49, was previously player-manager at Curzon Ashton for four years and Ashton United as assistant manger for a season before moving to Leigh. His new deal includes a testimonial game but he will remain part-time.

Chairman Chris Healey was delighted his manager had decided to stay despite being tempted by other offers believed to include Southport and Northwich.

"It shows the type of team spirit we have generated at Leigh," he said.

"The manager appreciates the hard work that has gone on at the club and shown his loyalty by signing a new contract. "Steve is happy to stay with us even though, like me, he has been disappointed with the attendances.

"We need to get a programme in place over the summer to try and encourage the people of Leigh to watch the team." Despite a lack of funds, a small squad and meagre attendances, RMI stunned the Conference with their attractive style of play which left many big names red-faced.

"The incredible fifth place finish qualifies them for the LDV Vans Trophy against League opposition next season after they had finished above many full-time professional outfits. "Many people do not realise what we have achieved at Leigh," added Healey. "It is like Rochdale competing in the Premiership."

Picture snapped up - for £278,000 A PICTURE taken by a Victorian photographer from Bury has fetched a record-breaking £278,000 at auction.

Experts were astonished at the sale price of the photo by Roger Fenton which was only tipped to go for around £20,000.

But when it went under the hammer at Sotheby's it achieved the highest price ever paid for an example of its type.

The photo, entitled The Billiard Room, Mentmore, was shot in 1855 and depicts a mystery man and woman playing billiards at the home of the Earl of Rosebury. It is thought the couple shown may be members of the Rosebury family.

Fenton was the world's first accredited war photographer during the Crimean War and his pictures of the conflict can still fetch tens of thousands of pounds.

He studied painting in Paris and was said to be one of Queen Victoria's favourite photographers. He died in 1869 after giving up photography in favour of a law career.

Rates cut brings cheer THE Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee's decision to make a further cut in interest rates to 5.25 per cent has been welcomed by Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce.

Chief Executive Andrew Ratcliff said: "This is a very welcome move by the Bank, which will boost confidence at a time of economic uncertainty.

"It will add further insulation against the US slowdown and the wider impact of foot and mouth.

"A cautious cut at this stage should leave the Bank free to cut rates further in the coming months."

Firefighter job appeal due soon AN appeal to reinstate a senior firefighter allegedly involved in a hoax phone call scandal should reach the Home Office by the end of next month.

The Fire Brigade Union is currently compiling its case which claims sub-officer Malcolm Pye, of Pioneer Street, Horwich, should get his job back because he was not involved in any wrongdoing.

He was given three months to leave the fire service last August after being found guilty of "corrupt or improper practice" at a brigade tribunal.

It was alleged he made a bogus call so he could claim the call-out allowance. His appeal against the decision was dismissed earlier this year.

METATARSALGIA --

OR MORTON'S FOOT WHAT IS IT AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR THIS is a general term to describe pain between the metatarsal heads (the bones across the front of the foot). The most common injury of these bones is called Morton's Foot. This is a localised pain which occurs occasionally at first, then becomes more persistent. WHAT CAUSES IT? 1. Not wearing shoes with good arch supports, and poor cushioning across the balls of the feet.

2. The main cause is swelling in the nerve and poor cushioning across the metatarsal heads.

3. The nerve becomes compressed between the bones RE-HAB 1. Rest from running for 10 days

2. Ice for the first few days, then hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation of the nerve

3. Buy a pair of Sorbathane inserts to cushion the metatarsal heads

4. If the condition is not severe, pain can be erased by placing a pad behind the affected metatarsal head, which stops the bone from rubbing on the nerve

N.B. If the condition is very bad, the swelling can be removed by an operation. SOME COMMONLY INJURED PARTS OF THE BODY DURING RUNNING These are usually from the waist down:

Hamstrings

Adductors

Groin

Hips

Quadricep

Hip flexors

Knee cap

Patella tendon

Calves

Achilles tendon

Woodland gift d=3