It’s by no means an exhaustive compilation but these are the stories which were read the most online and you read them here first. And if you didn’t catch them first time round, now’s the chance to find out the quirkiest and most unusual stories covered by our reporters, in what has been a packed 2022 for news.
. Pink pigeons
One of the world's rarest birds may have been spotted... in Nelson! Kelly Lunney couldn't believe her eyes when she saw a pink pigeon fluttering around Netherfield Gardens. For if it was what was known as a Nesoenas Mayeri, a species of pigeon endemic to Mauritius, there are just 500 left in the world. Kelly was able to take a few photos and video footage of the eye catching bird as it kept returning to the same place Photo: submit
. Bee swarm
A couple from Wigan had to call a specialist in after a 20,000-strong swarm of bees descended on their garden back in May. The bees covered Valerie and Ken Freeman's car in Kimberley Street. A local bee keeper swiftly came to the rescue and moved the queen bee to a temporary hive - the bees soon followed Photo: submit
. McDonald's stand-off
A stand-off over a McDonald's sausage and egg McMuffin ensued at McDonalds drive-thru in Leyland. Stuart Yates had objected to being asked to park and wait for his breakfast to be cooked. He had complained the week before after being forced to wait 15 minutes and on this occasion he refused to go anywhere until he got his food. The drive-thru lane was closed and police were called to the scene Photo: submit
. wbeg-21-12-22- filming in Blackpool-NW
An American comedy series boasting an all-star Hollywood cast descended on Blackpool back in April. Documentary Now! is an American mockumentary TV series from the producers of long-running US sketch show Saturday Night Live. Film crews were busy shooting scenes at a hair salon in Empress Drive with rumours of Australian star Cate Blanchett being on set Photo: submit
. Usain Bolt in Astley
Retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt paid a visit to La Casa restaurant and bar in Astley back in June. A post on the firm’s Facebook page said: “Guest of the week Usain Bolt. Thank you for visiting us, it was a pleasure to serve you here at La Casa.” Bolt won eight Olympic medals and set world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay during an illustrious sporting career Photo: submit
. American Mink
A retired lecturer found a dead mink on a walk in countryside near Chorley. The man who wished to remain anonymous was walking along the Heapey Reservoir when he came across what he originally thought to be a dead cat. When curiosity got the better of him, he went back for a closer inspection and was shocked at what he found. He contacted the local authorities but was met with no response and eventually buried it in local woodland Photo: National Wolrd
13. Love Island House
Blackpool’s answer to the Love Island villa was revealed. An old building on Empress Drive in North Shore had been transformed into a luxury retreat that was all about positive energy. The retreat, called Empress Hall, was aimed at groups of friends and colleagues who wanted to come together and take time out of their busy lives. It had a games room with a pool table, karaoke machine, and a home cinema and was all about having good times Photo: Olly Clark Photography
14. 'Banksy' mural
A mural in the style of Banksy appeared on house in Milbourne Street in Blackpool. The distinctive work of art was discovered on the side of a terraced home in Milbourne Street. It depicted a boy holding onto a yellow umbrella in the familiar style of the famous yet elusive artist whose identity remains a mystery. The artwork was not confirmed as an authentic Banksy Photo: Daniel Martino
15. Non Binary Gingerbread People
A bakery in Blackpool caused a stir on social media for selling ‘non-binary gingerbread people’. The biscuit – found at The Cottage Bakery in Hawes Side Lane – sparked a mixed response, with some backing the decision and others calling it the 'woke agenda'. Owner Paul Cook said it had actually taken people three years to notice the change after he started putting labels on them to display ingredients and people said it was wrong to call them men. Paul said. “So I had a chat with my printer about and he said, ‘Why don’t you call them non-binary?’ Photo: Daniel Martino