The Olympic Torch in Preston
Photos and report by Jandira Ludmila

HUNDREDS of people got up early on 23 June 2012, to see the Olympic torch passing through Preston and witness this important event in the history of England and the Olympic games. It was on its way from Blackpool to Manchester. Prestonians didn't want to miss a one in a lifetime chance to participate to the Olympic spirit that is flaring up in the country! A crowd of children, parents and students were out on the streets to welcome the Olympic flame and see 16 torchbearers make their way to town. Many followed the torch from Blackpool Road to the town centre cheering, encouraging the runners and waiving their flags. The passage was accompanied with music blasting from the vehicles escorting the runners and entertainment was provided by a local group of animators in the flag market. One of the torchbearers sparked the cheers from the crowd when exchanged a kiss with his girlfriend whilst waiting for the torch to be passed to him. do you know who this torchbearer and girlfriend was? Email us via:- news24@southportreporter.com please and let us know.

Southport Market Launch Day Draws Closer

FOOTFALL already exceeding all expectations as new traders move in ready for the big day. The interest and excitement surrounding the imminent official opening of Southport's redeveloped market is reaching a new high as new traders move in to the freshly completed phase 2 of the project. During the last week, quality butcher, Paul Reilly, fishmonger, Kevin Peet and Holmes-Smith Gourmet Foods among others have set up shop in the stunning Edwardian market hall and by all accounts, business is booming even before the official launch day.  The soaring popularity of the market is good news for retailers who have to expand rapidly to cope with demand. Many locals are discovering Southport's Market's great service, quality, choice and value for the first time as Darren Graham from Mr G's Fruit and Veg comments:- "I've noticed a whole new customer base have started using the market."   The Market's dedicated Facebook page and new web site are brimming with ideas, recipes and information about the launch, the traders and future events. Judging by the amount of favourable comments and 'likes', the launch is going to be a memorable event in Southport's history as well as bookmarking the start of a new phase in the town's success as an important retail destination.   The celebrations for the grand launch are well under way and exciting follow-up events are planned throughout July and August to maintain the momentum of the market's success. Following the grand launch day on 7 July 2012, with celebrity chef, Simon Rimmer, local restaurateur and BBC Masterchef finalist, Jay Tinker will be appearing on 14 July 2012, demonstrating his extraordinary culinary talents with cookery demonstrations from 11am when he will prepare a starter, followed by a main course at 12 noon and finally a dessert at 1pm. This will be an event not to be missed for serious foodies or any Masterchef viewers who will enjoy hearing about Jay's experience on the programme.  A very large attendance is anticipated on 7 July 2012, both from the public and invited VIPs and celebrities. The event will showcase all that Southport Market has to offer, with food traders offering delicious free tastings all day, such as the famous Peet's Potted Shrimps and Holmes–Smith's mouthwatering pork pies. Simon Rimmer's arrival at 10am is expected to attract a very large audience for his cookery demonstrations throughout the day but perhaps it will be the opportunity to claim one of 500 exclusive Southport Market shopping bags full of goodies that will attract the biggest queue of shoppers waiting for the doors to open at 9am.  Dune FM will broadcast live from 11am and with the Savoy Jazz Quartet playing from 9am the party will be in full swing ready for the arrival of 2 very special VIPs at 11am; Peppa Pig and Hello Kitty who will be giving away balloons in the Lord Street and Market Quarter. Claire Bear from Claire House Children's Hospice will be on hand to help entertain young shoppers and there will be face painting on offer as well as the opportunity to meet a few Southport FC players or buy some merchandise from their unit in the market.  Anyone interested in taking one of the last few remaining units to benefit from the extraordinary success of Southport Market and be part of the launch are urged to contact letting agent, Quarterbridge on:- 01206 710999 as soon as possible.

Regional Winners Announced in Search for Deaf Communication Champions

THE regional winners in a UK-wide search for the best and most dedicated teachers and learners in deaf and deafblind communications have been announced.   Signature, the UK's leading provider of accredited qualifications in deaf and deafblind communication and organisers of the prestigious 2012 Signature Annual Awards, has announced the regional winners in the awards' Learner of the Year and Teacher of the Year categories. In the North West of England, Neil Morris of St Helens, was awarded the title of North West Learner of the Year after learning sign language to help him communicate with his deaf mother and brother, while Lancashire man, Jimmy Anderson, who lost his hearing in childhood, was named North West Teacher of the Year.

Jim Edwards, Chief Executive at Signature, said the standard this year was higher than ever:- "Each year, these awards serve to remind us that there is a staggering amount of good work going on across the country to enhance and develop deaf communications and I am so proud that Signature's qualifications remain at the heart of much of this work. Our judges were left with the near-impossible task of picking out winners from the exceptional array of nominations we received; it was very close in many categories but we have been left with some very worthy winners. The nominations we receive are always utterly heartwarming and truly inspirational and once again I am looking forward to hearing much more about these regional winners during the build-up to our national awards in November.”

The annual awards hosted by Signature aim to celebrate the individuals and organisations that are dedicated to improving communication and accessibility for the deaf community.  Each of the regional winners will now be shortlisted for the coveted national Learner of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards, to be announced at Signature's prestigious awards ceremony in November. For more information on the 2012 Signature Annual Awards, or to nominate someone in a remaining national category, visit the awards' website at:- signature.org.uk/awards; Entries must be in before 27 June 2012.