| Good afternoon, Across Lancashire you can hear the relief from parents officially declaring home-schools closed ahead of the Monday phased re-opening of schools to all students. It's a bittersweet feeling for many who are happy to see their children return to school life, routine and their friends but also understandably concerned about safety and the new routines, including potential regular home Covid-testing of youngsters. If you are feeling confused you are not alone and over the next few days we will be sharing information to make all more comfortable with the process, in addition to discussing the issues and conversations at this key point of the pandemic. Meanwhile, home-school may have remained in session yesterday, but adorable youngsters county-wide still had great fun emulating their favourite characters for World Book Day so we've shared a slideshow of your pictures. In news, Bamber Bridge fell silent this morning as the funeral cortege of Ben Smith, 20, drove through the town following his tragic road death last month. And in Leyland the proposed revamp of Worden Hall was given the go-ahead last night by planners after much debate and controversy. As always, we will keep you up to date with the news all day. Don't forget we have cut 50% from the price of a digital subscription until midnight 31 March. To subscribe enter code SPRING6X5021 at checkout. I hope you all have a relaxing weekend, kind regards, Nicola | 
