As Preston recovers from the impact of Storms Dudley and Eunice, spring is finally on the way, with an end to dark morning commutes as the days get longer ahead of half term.

This week, news that American burger chain Five Guys may be coming to Preston city centre had residents excited – in other culinary news, local Winckley Square restaurant 263 landed a spot in the esteemed Michelin Guide.

Here are five other stories you may have missed.

Rosemere’s ‘Walk in the Dark’ charity fundraiser to return this April

Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s popular Walk in the Dark fundraiser will return this April for the first time since 2019.

The nighttime trek along the A6 from Chorley and South Ribble Hospital to Rosemere Cancer Centre at the Royal Preston Hospital, sponsored by Eric Wright Group, will set out at 8pm on Saturday 23 April.

Participants can also complete the 11-mile distance virtually, with in-person walkers encouraged to foster a ‘street party atmosphere’.

Read the full story here

UCLan academic plays integral role in gaining recognition for a Caribbean Queen

A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) academic has played an integral role in gaining official recognition for a Caribbean Queen.

Dr Nicole Willson’s research on Marie-Louise Christophe, Haiti’s first and only Queen, has led to a blue plaque mounted on a London property.

In 2019, Dr Willson unearthed a translation of the original will of Marie-Louise Christophe in the UK National Archives.

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Council says Preston city centre coffee takeaway can keep on brewing 

A takeaway coffee shop based in a Grade II listed vicarage in Preston City Centre has been granted permission to stay open.

The planning application -a change of use to convert part of the garage into the Holy Grounds takeaway- was registered on 10 December 2021, six months after it opened.

Preston City Council has now approved the application.

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Fulwood student to have designs created and sold by Boohoo

A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) student will have her designs turned into reality thanks to Boohoo this summer.

Sameera Mohmed will see her sustainable fashion collection created and sold by Boohoo after winning a competition set by the retailer to find an upcoming student designer.

The 20-year-old from Fulwood, Preston, beat off competition from all over the country to win the chance to work with Boohoo designers.

Read the full story here

Preston Here for Humanity to offer free packed lunches to schoolchildren over half term

A local charity is handing out free sandwiches, crisps, yoghurts, biscuits, fruit, and drinks to schoolchildren over half term.

Preston charity Here for Humanity has launched the initiative to supplement the school voucher scheme and help with the rising cost of living, food, and the expected lifting of the energy cap.

The grab bag lunches are available from Here for Humanity HQ in reception from 12pm Monday to Friday.

Read the full story here

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