Life & Community
Pen pals make a comeback – and Westhoughton’s leading the way
Westhoughton High School launches intergenerational letter-writing project with the local community
Life & Community
Day to day living in the North West
Life & Community
Not just skincare: how influencers became Gen Z’s trusted journalists
Influencers are no longer just promoting skincare or the latest makeup trends. They’re calling out media bias, decoding bureaucracy — and, in Kat Abughazaleh’s case, running for Congress.
Home & Garden
From brew to bloom with tea bags and coffee grounds
Simple ways to put your kitchen waste to good use in the garden, with tried and tested tips that work right here in the North West.
Life & Community
Westhoughton teacher banned after drinking cider in classroom during school day
Westhoughton High School teacher admitted drinking cider in class, with pupils present — panel says it put students at risk and damaged trust in the profession.
Life & Community
80 years on from VE Day, Westhoughton throws a very special celebration
'A time to reflect on the strength of our community, both past and present' — Lois Barnett reports from Westhoughton's VE Day celebrations
Eat & Drink
One pot, four ways with roast vegetables
Save time, save money and still eat something lovely. A tray of roast veg can be the start of four brilliant meals.
Profiles
'I feel privileged to have served as Mayor of Westhoughton'
As his time as Mayor comes to a close, Neil Maher reflects on a busy year representing Westhoughton, from driving ambulances to Ukraine to raising more than £4,300 for local causes.
Life & Community
Police urge public to report vehicle thefts in Westhoughton
Officers appeal for information after reports of break-ins to vehicles in Church Street area
Home & Garden
Gardening in a northern terrace with only a tiny back yard
You don’t need a big garden to grow something beautiful. With a few clever ideas, even the smallest Westhoughton yard can bloom.
Life & Community
Why Westhoughton needs local news that listens
Insights from the Perugia journalism festival on how community papers like the Howfen Journal can help towns like ours be seen, heard, and better served.
Life & Community
Bikers roll through Westhoughton in Easter egg convoy
Special event in aid of local children’s charities brings colour and noise to the town centre
Life & Community
Hedgehog rescue charity devastated by fraudsters who stole nearly £2,000
Westhoughton’s beloved hedgehog rescue faces crisis after scammers drain funds – but community generosity offers hope