Dave Pinder at HighfieldHigh passed away yesterday morning. He taught at the school for 20 years

Web chatrooms are busy with memories and tributes to him.

Children have been arriving at school with flowers this morning to pay their respects to a very popular teacher.

A Facebook page set up in his memory already has over 4 thousand tributes from present and former pupils.

This morning, pupils have been remembering Mr Pinder at school.

Andy Mitchell has been talking to Headmaster Ian Evans.

click on the link to listen....

Revoe Primary has been critcisised in their report into pupil behaviour.

They say too many pupils behave badly..bullying and name calling are too common and some pupils don't feel safe.

The report goes on to say that until the interim leadership took charge, bosses at the school hadn't taken effective action to ensure kids behave well.

It says key aspects of the school's performance have declined rapidly since the last inspection.

Andy Mitchell has been talking to Education boss Councillor Sarah Riding.

click on the link to listen

The full Inspection report can be read here    http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/119248

The incident took place at 3am on Saturday the 4th May.

A 45 year old man from St Helens was knocked unconcious after being punched several times. He recieved facial injuries and required treatment at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Officers have released CCTV footage of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the incident. The alleged offender is described as wearing a distinctive black t shirt with the word POLICE written on the back.

He was seen to get into a nearby taxi immediately after the incident.

PC Andy Gilmour from Blackpool Police said, "I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who witnessed the incident to come forward and contact the police.

"There were a number of people in the area at the time and I would ask them to contact the police and assist us in finding the person responsible.”

The Piper Cherokee, G- ATRR  is said to have hit trees and flipped over at Caenarvon Airport.

A man in his sixties and a young boy are in a critical condition in hospital.

All those on board were from the same family and beleived to have come from the East of the County.

The aircraft is registered to owners in Blackpool.

Sue Kendrick at the Airport spoke to Andy Mitchell

click on the link to listen

Census data published this week found there are 1340 young and young adults in Blackpool. There's been an 80% rise in children aged 5 to 7 becoming carers.

A charity is calling on the Government to recognise the needs of youngesters, after legislation was announced in the Queen's Speech to provide support and improve their lives.

They say that children are expriencing educational difficulties by missing out on school, and is having an impact on their health.

Michelle Smith from Blackpool Carers Centre says children are taking on a big burden.

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Over 230 people voted to give the Irish Draught breed the name after a poll was run on the mounted branch's Facebook page.

A total of 657 people voted from a list of pre-selected names.

PC Adam Pearson from Lancashire Constabulary's mounted branch said: "It was great to get the public involved in naming our latest recruit. I would like to thank everyone who voted.

"It is very fitting that the horse has been named Hutton since that is where he lives.

"If you want to keep up-to-date with the work of our mounted branch police officers, see photos and get regular updates, like our Facebook page.”

One of the people who voted will now be chosen as a winner and will receive a tour of the mounted branch and get the opportunity to meet some of the horses and staff.

Hutton arrived at the force's mounted branch in March and has joined another 19 police horses who live at the police's stables.

The force's Mounted Branch joined Facebook in November last year and has over 1,800 likes. The page allows people to keep up-to-date with their work and includes photos of the horses and information about some of the work they have been involved in.

To follow the police horses on Facebook, search the site for ‘Lancashire mounted police'.

The man who now finds himself in charge of sorting out the mess of Central Promenade says its all to play for an is urging the public to have their say.

We've all been fed up with getting caught up in the queues ...but now the council says there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Councillor John Jones says we can have a say in what it will look like and denies a decision has already been made on what to do with the A584.

Click on the link to listen to him telling Andy Mitchell all about it...

Lieutenant Colonel Rosie Stone commanded a small team from her specialist TA unit, The Media Operations Group (V), whose task was to gather stories for local radio on how British Forces from the 1^st Mechanised Brigade are settling in to the life on the frontline.

Rosie last deployed in 2010 when she covered the stories of major road building projects and a largescale surge of ISAF forces into Central Helmand. She is struck by how much has changed since then.

"Last time I was here there were over 30 British controlled military bases throughout the area, most of those are now being run by Afghan forces and the increased sense of security within local communities is noticeable.”

"The roads I watched being prepared are now fully ‘black topped' and providing a key lifeline through Central Helmand enabling farmers to take produce to market and improving the standard of living for many in this poor region.”

She recorded a number of interviews with the troops in Nad Ali who are now responsible for providing combat support to the remaining military Brigade Advisory teams and, when required, the Afghan Army and police that have now taken control of the local area.

"The changes are dramatic in some areas though it is still a harsh and often hostile environment for British troops as they finish their job here. Afghan forces are determined to provide security for their own people and support their own Government. This season is a key one for them to prove they are ready.”

Kingsman Michael Bates, 26, of the 2^nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (2 LANCS) is on his first tour of Afghanistan and said,

"I didn't know what to expect but it's a pretty good camp. I feel safe and secure inside it.”

It is Kingsman Kane McNaught's second tour and he added: "In 2011 I was at Patrol Base Kuday Noor here in Nad Ali. This time it is completely different. Last time we were getting contacted every day and in firefights. This time it is all about handing back to the Afghan Forces.”

Both the soldiers love the heat but are missing family. Kingsman McNaught from Blackpool particularly misses his 3 year old daughter Lily May whilst Kingsman Bates mentions his wife and his grandad who he sees regularly back home in Fleetwood.

Lieutenant Colonel Neil Unsworth, the Commanding Officer of 2 LANCS, said his soldiers have settled in well since their arrival over Easter and outlined their job: "Our role is to react to what the Afghans want to do and the way they want to do it. We have to support them while they do that. They have needed us less and less; they are very capable, particularly in this area.”

Based at Weeton Barracks, near Blackpool, 2 LANCS' tour will last around six months and is likely to be the Regiment's final deployment to the country. It will see the unit mentoring soldiers of the Afghan National Army as local security forces take on sole responsibility for the district of Nad Ali.

Rose Stone spoke to the lads for Radio Wave... click on the link to listen

 Yesterday (Tuesday 14^th May) the Scott family were made the subject of a Police Closure Order following a long history of anti-social behaviour.

The family, of Golbourne Close appeared at Fleetwood Magistrates Court where the 3 month order was granted following a full day trial.

The order comes after high levels of anti-social behaviour at the house for around 3 years.

Over that time police have received numerous complaints of anti-social behaviour, domestic disputes in the street and groups congregating outside the property causing a nuisance.

Action has been taken following complaints from local residents.

The order means that the house must remain closed for three months and anybody who enters the premises can be arrested.  

Speaking after the order was granted Sergeant Daniel Whittaker from Fleetwood’s neighbourhood policing team said: "This house had become a nightmare for local residents, making their lives a misery. The closure order should now bring the local people some much needed respite.

"This action should send a clear message that the police, Council and local residents will not tolerate this level of anti social behaviour.

"We are committed to making sure Fleetwood is not blighted by this type of behaviour and will continue to use tactics such as closure orders to rid local communities of such nuisance.”

Councillor Roger Berry, Cabinet member with responsibility for community safety at Wyre Council, said: "We have worked together with our partner agencies to find a solution to this issue and will continue to work collectively to tackle anti social behaviour within communities using a wide range of tactics.”

Kingsman Daniel Richardson, 25, is one of a four man team selected and trained on the handheld and helmet mounted cameras issued to the 2^nd Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (2 LANCS) by the BBC. The documentary will be released sometime next year after his unit has completed its tour in support of the Afghan Army and police force.

Daniel explains that he joined the Army at 19 but left to try out a civilian job, however he soon missed the camaraderie and rejoined, this time his local Regiment. Asked about life in the FOB he said "I like it. It's different but its got all the facilities you need”.

The unit is responsible for providing combat support to the remaining military Brigade Advisory teams and, if required, the Afghan Army and police that have now taken control of the local area.

An avid Blackpool football fan, Daniel keeps the flag draped over his bed space lbut he admits that of everything he misses his dad the most.

Lieutenant Colonel Neil Unsworth, the Commanding Officer of 2 LANCS, praised the performance of his soldiers and commented on how quickly they have settled in to life on the frontline.

Based at Weeton Barracks, near Blackpool, 2 LANCS' tour will last around six months and is likely to be the Duke of Lancaster's final deployment to the country. The unit is mentoring soldiers of the Afghan National Army as local security forces take on sole responsibility for the district of Nad Ali.

Rosie Stone has been chatting to Daniel...click on the link to listen!

Jamie Cutler was walking through Wesham when he came across a distressed lady walking her three dogs, who were being attacked by the pit bull which was running loose on the streets.

The pit bull had one of the dogs (a golden retriever) around the throat and one of the other dogs also had a large wound caused by this dog.The pit bull was totally out of control, however, Jamie ran over and using one of the other dogs leads, managed to get the pit bull on the lead and place the lady with her three dogs safely into a nearby garden.

Once he knew they were safe Jamie then contacted the police.As the pit bull was a banned breed of dog it had to be destroyed.

Two of the ladies dogs had to be taken to the vets for emergency treatment, and thankfully they have fully recovered. She says if it wasn't for Jamie's quick thinking and bravery she fears her dogs would have been killed and she could also have been seriously injured.

PCSO Angela Slater said: "Sometimes people are very quick to criticise the youth of today,I feel that Jamie is a shining example and he was verycourageous and brave. He didn't think of himself forone minute, he could have been seriously injured by the dangerouspitbull but luckily he wasn't. He saved the lives of 2 dogs by him grabbing the dog this enabled the lady to get to safetyin a nearby garden. Well done Jamie.”

Jamie's mum, Julie Cutler said: "I am so proud of my brave son. I didn't realise just what a fantastic job Jamie did that nightbecause he came in and just said "I've helped a lady today who was being attacked by a dog". He's such a shining example of the community spirit that so many young people have and the whole family are so proud of him.”

The place has been absolute chaos ever since the Council dug it all up and laid block paving in a single line carraiageway. Now its all going to be dug up again with the Council Leader Simon Blackburn telling Radio wave News he's fed up with the chaos which will now be sorted out once and for all at the end of the season.

One of the schemes....to put things back the way they were will cost 2.7 million pounds.....some think that will be money well spent if it solves the queues and makes it easier once again to get along what is one of the North west's busiest A roads.

Following town-wide debate on the effectiveness of the 2011 redesign of the carriageway, five options have been drawn up as to how it could look in the future.

Those options range from retaining the existing design to a four lane proposal.

The cost of each option has been fully evaluated and indicative plans have been drawn up which are designed to give residents an idea how each option would look and work.

Two public consultation events will take place to showcase the options.

They will take place at St John's Business Centre at St John's Church, Cedar Square, Blackpool, FY1 1BP, on:

• Thursday 16 May – 10am until 7pm
• Friday 17 May – 10am until 7pm

For those unable to attend the consultation events, the options will be made available online, along with a survey.

To take part in the online survey, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/promenade

Cllr John Jones, cabinet member for streets and transport, said: "This is an opportunity for Blackpool residents to help shape the future of our Promenade.

"There has been significant debate about the effectiveness of the current design following the changes made in 2011. As a result a number of options for change have been put forward.

"We want people to consider those options, their financial, visual and logistical implications, as well as the option of retaining the Promenade as it is at present, and let us know their views.

"There are no preferred options or preconceptions. Like every Blackpool resident, I just want to make sure we get this right.

"I look forward to hearing what people have to say.”

The options being put forward are:

Option 1 – No changes. Repairs carried out as and when required to block work carriageway surface. The zebra crossing which was removed earlier this year would not be reinstalled.

Option 2 – The block work carriageway and lay-bys would be replaced with asphalt. Three crossings would be required to allow people to cross safely. A raised kerbline would also be introduced at the edge of the footway.

Option 3a – The layout would remain a single lane in each direction with pedestrian refuges installed at up to six key points to help people cross the road. It also has right turn facilities and lay-bys. Asphalt would also replace the current blockwork and a raised kerbline would be introduced at the edge of the footway.

Option 3b – As option 3a but with an extended central reservation rather than smaller pedestrian refuges.

Option 4 – Change the layout to provide two lanes in each direction, widening the carriageway. Replace block work with asphalt and install crossings at all junctions. Guard rails would need to be reintroduced for pedestrian safety reasons.

Since the 2011 redesign, repairs have already been carried out to block work while a zebra crossing has also been removed.

The options relate solely to the 600m stretch of the seven mile Promenade between Talbot Square and Bonny Street and the rest of the road will remain unchanged as a single carriageway.

The consultation ends on May 31.

Gary Walker, 31 who lives in Manchester was arrested following the discovery of a large cannabis factory on Waterloo Road in Blackpool in January 2012.

Following his arrest, searches were conducted by Greater Manchester Police and his girlfriend Lisa Foster, 30, who also lives in Manchester, was arrested following the discovery of a smaller cannabis factory at their home address on Manchester Road.

In total 420 plants were found at the Blackpool address with the street value of between £55,074 and £82,611.

In Manchester 102 plants were recovered with a street value of between £4685 and £7028.

As well as the cannabis, electricity has been abstracted from the Blackpool address which amounted to £11,148.

At an earlier hearing Gary Walker had pleaded guilty to 3 charges of producing a class B drug and a charge of abstracting/using electricity without authority.

Lisa Foster also pleaded guilty to allowing her premises to be used. She received a community order and has been put on an electronic tag for three months.

They were both sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Friday (10^th May.)

Speaking after the sentencing DC Warren Jones said: "This was a highly organised and sophisticated set up with a large number of cannabis plants involved. I am pleased that we have been able to prevent this massive amount of drugs from getting out on to the streets and I hope the sentence given today acts as a warning to other people involved in producing cannabis that it will not be tolerated and you will be caught and brought to justice.”

If you suspect somebody is involved in producing cannabis you can contact Lancashire Police by calling 101 or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Margaret Rutherford was a star of stage and screen throughout the 1940s and 50s, starring as the original Miss Marple in the black and white version of the classic Agatha Christie murder mysteries and winning an Academy Award, during a storied career. She died in 1973.

But the memory of Margaret Rutherford's achievements, both on the silver screen and off it, live on and are the focus of a play by Blackpool actress, Jacqueline Pilton, entitled "Call Margaret Rutherford.”

Originally from Pierston Avenue, Jacqueline is well known to British audiences having appeared as Mavis Cathcart in television's "Emmerdale”, Pearl, the laundress in "The Royal” and as the central character in the BBC's "Jane Eyre.”

She also returned home to appear alongside David Tennant in the musical "Blackpool”.

And Jacqueline will be back at home again on May 16 when she brings "Call Margaret Rutherford” to Blackpool's Central Library.

It is the first time the show, which debuted ten years ago and was shortlisted at Buxton Festival, has been performed in the resort.

Jacqueline's portrayal of Margaret Rutherford has been described as astoundingly true to life and within the play Margaret herself seems to return from the grave to tell her amazing and amusing stories but also reveals sadness and tragedy, which, in her life time, she kept hidden from the public.

Many unknown and surprising facts about Margaret emerge, as she relates her own story as she has never done before.

The free performance will take place on the 16 May at 7pm in Central library and is part of the Wordpool Presents 2013 programme a precursor to the Wordpool Festival – Blackpool's annual festival of words – which runs from July 4 to July 6.

For tickets call 01253 478080 or 478110

He and two other soldiers died when their armoured vehicle was blown up in a road side bomb in Helmand Province on Tuesday

Lieutenant Colonel Robin Lindsay, Commanding Officer, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland:

"Despite his young age and relative inexperience it was clear to us all that he was a soldier brimming with skill and ability".

"We have all been immensely proud to have known and worked with Fusilier Sam Flint and he will forever be in the memory of the Battalion and of the Regiment. We bid him farewell and promise to continue his work in Afghanistan and to commemorate his sacrifice".

Sam was well known in Poulton where his friend Charlie Wilkinson remembers him well....

click on the link to listen

The Council owned Opera House will stage Mamma Mia next Summer.

Claire Smith at Stay Blackpool admits its a massive theatre to fill every night... but says it is a major boost for the resort for 2014..

click on the link to listen

New features will be made but it still needs massive amounts of cash to make it happen.

Changing Rooms star Laurence Llewelyn Bowen is back on board at the Illuminations Department this year.

He's been rallying support from local businesses to get involved and support the lights.

But there's also the matter of sponsorship to bring in the big money. But what is holding that back?

Andy Mitchell spoke to Laurence at the event on Thursday afternoon.....

click on the link to listen.....