WEST LANCASHIRE
23 June 2021
Vol 28 Issue 25
www.champnews.com
Startling image of youths at village quarry
INSIDE THIS WEEK: Ahoy, me hearties! Susan’s new pirate book is a real treasure
Little Hero award for youngster
PARENTS RALLY TO HELP SCHOOL RAVAGED BY FIRE Police say arson was cause of huge blaze at Asmall Primary Report by Henry James
Susan with her new book
SHIVER me timbers! Skelmersdale author Susan Brownrigg’s new children’s book is about to set sail. Kintana and the Captain’s Curse is a fast-paced treasure hunt set on the beautiful island of Nosy Boraha, Madagascar, 1733. The book, aimed at eight to 12 year olds, was inspired by the Skelmersdale author’s love of pirates and Madagascar animals, including chameleons, fossas and lemurs. Susan, who lives in Tanhouse,
Skelmersdale, told the Champion: “I have thoroughly enjoyed researching all about pirates. “Kintana’s pa, Israel Hands, will be familiar to Treasure Island fans, but readers might not realise he was actually a real pirate who fought alongside the infamous Blackbeard. “Madagascar is the perfect setting for a treasure hunt as Captain Kidd is believed to have buried his hoard somewhere on the island’s coast.
Continued inside
The fire at Asmall primary school. Image Snapchat maps
INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS Covering Parbold, Newburgh, Appley Bridge, Standish, Wrightington, Upholland, Skelmersdale, Mawdesley, Eccleston, Burscough, Rufford, Scarisbrick and all surrounding areas
A FIRE at Ormskirk’s Asmall Primary which forced the school to close its doors on Friday and at the start of this week after it was “significantly damaged” is being treated as arson by police. Six fire engines were called to the blaze at the school on Tennyson Drive in Ormskirk at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 17. A fundraiser set up by parents and people connected with the school has already raised more than £8,000. A loud bang was reported by residents before the blaze started. The building was well alight when firefighters arrived at the scene and huge flames could be seen coming from the school. No-one was injured in the incident. Lancashire Fire Service reported that the fire was under control by 9.30pm, but firefighters remained at the scene to dampen down any hot spots. Continued on page 3
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