COSMETIC surgeons have so far operated on 52 women in Grimsby's private hospital to remove PIP implants – and 12 were found to have ruptured.

Last year, bosses at St Hugh's Hospital, in Peaks Lane, Grimsby, revealed that 44 women had undergone breast surgery there before November 2008, when the hospital had been used by the Cosmetic Surgery Centre Company (CSC).

It later transpired that the Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) implants used, made by a French company, could be toxic and at a high risk of rupturing, sparking major health concerns with women nationwide.

The scandal fully emerged in December 2011, when medical experts in France urged women to have them removed as a precaution.

Donna Read, St Hugh's Hospital director, took over management in 2008 and with it the task of cancelling the contract the centre had with CSC after having her own concerns about PIP.

Instead, she decided to open the hospital's own cosmetic surgery section, using Alastair Platt and Mohammed Riaz, from Hull Plastic Surgeons, to carry out all breast implants.

CSC ceased trading in 2010, leaving Mrs Read and her team to pick up the pieces with concerned women demanding their implants were taken out.

After numerous meetings, Mrs Read was able to confirm that all women who had the implants fitted at St Hugh's under CSC could have them removed and replaced for free, as reported.

So far, out of these 44 patients, 38 have undergone treatment; the remaining six women have been offered it but for various medical reasons, including pregnancy, have been unable to do so yet.

Today, Mrs Read confirmed that 12 of the 38 PIP implants removed had ruptured or were damaged in some way.

She also revealed that 14 extra women who had their PIP implants fitted through a different company wanted to be admitted to St Hugh's to have them out.

In these cases, the Government paid for the removal of the implants but the 14 women paid at non-profit prices to have them replaced with another type.

Mrs Read is delighted that she was able to keep her word and provide the much-needed support to all these women.

"I was sympathetic to those concerned and keen to provide some reassurance which we were able to do with the support of our board of trustees," she said.

"All clients were invited to have an MRI scan to establish whether or not the implants had ruptured.

"Specific outpatient clinics were held to feed back the results of the scans and then subsequent consultations were organised with our cosmetic surgeons.

"It was important to us that our local ladies did not feel abandoned.

"The ladies who used the CSC not only had their implants removed but also replaced at no cost.

"There were others who contacted us regarding their worries who were subsequently dealt with, despite the original provider taking no responsibility.

"I am extremely proud to be the hospital director of St Hugh's, which ensured that our local women were dealt with."

A 43-year-old Cleethorpes woman, who wished to remain anonymous, had her PIP implants removed and replaced for free at the hospital.

She said: "It was such a worrying time when all the news broke.

"I just wanted them out as soon as possible. I understand that St Hugh's were put under a lot of pressure but I feel staff there did their best for us all.

"It is a weight off my mind now they are out, but I can not help thinking 'what if' about the new ones, even though I have been fully reassured they are safe.

"If I could get away with it, I would not have implants in but they boost my self-esteem.

"I would urge all ladies thinking about implants to do rigorous research and speak to a surgeon.

"I am glad those who supplied the PIP implants in France are now being held to account in court.

"I just hope they get a sentence that justifies the amount of fear they created in women across country."

FLYING the flag for the UK and his home town of Grimsby, Brett King is hoping to hit the big time in America.

The 21-year-old is packing his bags after landing a place at the prestigious New York Film Academy.

Brett, who has just completed a BA at Huddersfield University, hopes this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will help him break into film and TV acting.

And the reality is slowly setting in. He said: "It's very exciting. I never thought I would get in. I have been chosen to be one of 16 people from around the world to be accepted on this course.

"It's so surreal. From this I will be almost guaranteed a job after graduating from the best acting academy in the world.

"I have been set on being an actor since I was young; I have always wanted to be a movie star.

"I have been told by many people that I will make more money being a nobody than trying to be somebody but I'm already there.

"Whatever happens now I will be leaving with a Masters in acting from the best school in the world."

Brett, a former Hereford School pupil, has a clear goal for his career.

"It's like a dream come true," he said. "Every day, I will be at the film studios in LA mixing with the big actors and directors.

"My dream would be to land a film or TV role with Steven Spielberg."

Brett has been involved with the youth section of the Caxton Theatre, in Grimsby, since he was 12, where he now volunteers as a teacher.

He has received many glowing reviews from the Grimsby Telegraph of his Caxton performances over the years.

Girls' Night Out will be Brett's last performance at the theatre, which closes tonight, before getting ready to travel to America.

He will be studying a masters degree in acting for TV and Film at the Los Angeles campus of the school.

And he overcame a very tough application process to be selected – but now faces another hurdle.

"I have to pay all the course fees, which are $16,000 a semester for the two-year masters degree," he explained.

"On top of that, I have to pay for my flights and my working student visa.

"I am hoping to get a scholarship from the school but that will not cover the full costs.

"I will be working once I am out there but what I am looking for is maybe someone would sponsor me, like an investment.

"I have already approached Huddersfield University and the Grimsby Institute to look for some funding but anyone that can help please get in touch to help me achieve my dream."

PLANS for the proposed A160 upgrade were put on display to the public yesterday.

Representatives from the Highways Agency were on hand to answer questions from residents about the multi-million-pound scheme during a drop-in session at South Killingholme Community Centre.

A second session is being held at the same venue today between 10am and 4pm.

Formal consultation on the project began on April 8 and will run until May 20.

After considering feedback from the public, which can also be submitted by phone, e-mail or post, the Highways Agency is hoping to submit a planning application by early 2014.

Subject to approval, work could start by the summer of 2015, with completion due by the autumn of 2016.

The project, which is expected to cost between £89 million to £132 million, will see the entire three-mile stretch of road upgraded to a dual carriageway, improving access to the port of Immingham and the area's two oil refineries.

The upgrade is also seen as vital for the growth of the area's renewables industry, as the route will provide access to the Able UK's planned marine energy park at East Halton.

Frank Underwood, 68, of East Halton, believes the proposed upgrade will make the road much safer, particularly for vehicles joining the carriageway from the A180.

He said: "There have been some nasty smashes involving lorries coming off the A180 onto the A160 where it is a single carriageway.

"Making the road a dual carriageway will inevitably make it much safer.

"It looks a really good scheme.

"You can tell that they have really thought about it."

He added that closing the central reservation gap at the junction with Town Street, preventing cars from turning right in front of oncoming traffic, would also improve safety.

A new road and footbridge will be built to provide access over the dual carriageway between both sides of the village of South Killingholme.

Wilfred Scutt, 70, who lives in the village, said: "I don't have a problem with the overall objective which is getting the transport to the docks.

"Our main concerns were the removal of the gap at Town Street. It is not a big danger, but at least we are now getting this road bridge."

For more information about the consultation, visit www.highways.gov.uk/consultations/a160-a180-port-of-immingham-improvement-consultation, e-mail a160immingham@highways.gsi.gov.uk or call 0113 283 6258.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 20.

ON THE WEB: Are you affected by the planned A160 upgrade? Have your say at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

MPs have asked for Government support to improve safety on the A18 following last week's collision which left five people dead.

Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell and Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers raised the issue during a meeting with Transport Minister Stephen Hammond.

The meeting, which was also attended by Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin and Gainsborough MP Edward Leigh, was called to discuss a potential upgrade to the A15.

However, in the wake of last week's tragedy, Mr Mitchell and Mr Vickers took the opportunity to ask if Government funding would be available to improve safety on what has been dubbed Britain's most dangerous road.

Mr Vickers said: "We took the opportunity to raise the A18 with the minister and he is going to get his office to look at whether there are funding streams available to the council and we await his letter in the next week or two."

As reported, even before the crash, North East Lincolnshire Council was proposing to cut the speed limit on the A18 between Laceby Top roundabout and the county boundary at Ludborough from 60mph to 50mph, with a 40mph section between the Beelsby and Hatcliffe junctions.

They are also looking at a number of other safety measures, including adding solid white lines in the middle of the road to deter overtaking.

Mr Vickers added: "I welcome any move to restrict overtaking, as any user of that road will know it is very dangerous. For us locals it is not too bad because we know the road, but if you are a stranger – as these unfortunate people were – it is more dangerous."

Mr Mitchell said: "It does need action. I'm not sure what form that should take, but it certainly needs some form of widening and straightening. We can't leave it as it is."

The MPs also asked Mr Hammond if the Government would provide funding to improve the A15 between Lincoln and the junction with the M180 at Barnetby Top.

Mr Hammond said officials in his department would discuss the matter with Lincolnshire County Council.

Mr Vickers said: "Now that the Government has approved the A160 upgrade, improving the A15 is the next piece of the jigsaw in providing better access to the Humber ports."

Mr Mitchell said: "It is a long narrow road and accidents are caused by people trying to pass heavy goods vehicles.

"It would cost something like £300 million to dual, but it should at least be possible to put in passing bays."

Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for updates on the appeal.

IT'S her eleventh London Marathon, but this 60-year-old found love for more than just running as she prepared for the first on her 50th birthday.

Linda Bristow Tyler and her husband Keith Tyler have been married for ten years in June – and they first met when preparing for the 26.2-mile race in 2003.

This year, at 60 years old, she is running her 11th consecutive London Marathon – her 22nd in total – and running 40 miles a week to train.

Linda said: "I don't really feel any different to how I did when I ran my first marathon.

"You pick up a few more niggling little injuries when you get older, but it is something I still really enjoy. I'm happy that I can still get out there to do it and hope that other older people would read this and realise that they can do it, too.

"It's important to keep fit as you get older as you need to take extra care of your health."

Back in 2003, Keith, a member of Cleethorpes Athletics Club, posted a notice about places on the Grimsby Institute's internal website where they both worked – and it caught Linda's eye.

Despite not running since school, she made it her personal mission to run the 2003 London Marathon – which fell on her 50th birthday – and got in touch with him.

They first began training together, then seeing each other and after both successfully completing the race, they were married in Mexico two months later, in June 2003.

Since then, the couple have run marathons all over the world, the last being a Disney-themed run in Florida, and raised thousands of pounds for various charities.

Keith, 66, said: "The London Marathon was instrumental in us meeting, so running has given us some very happy memories, not only in our married life, but with all the places we have been and seen for marathons.

"She has been a great wife and training partner and seems to always get round the race, no matter what, which people seem to admire very much."

However, this year, she's flying solo – as Keith could not get a place at London – to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer.

She added: "We have usually chosen children's charities, but some friends and family suffered from prostate cancer over recent years – and Keith had a scare, but he is fine."

Linda says she's not sure how many more marathons she will do, but is looking forward to a half-marathon in Geneva, where Keith will be running his 36th marathon two weeks after London.

FAMILY and friends said a final farewell to David Williams, who was killed in the horrific collision on the Great Coates railway.

More than 70 mourners travelled from across the country to say goodbye to the "happy-go-lucky" Cleethorpes man, pictured right, at Grimsby Crematorium yesterday.

His partner of 19 years, Carolyn Woodward, placed a single red rose on his simple white coffin as friends and families watched on through tears to Prince's Purple Rain.

Carolyn described him as a "fun loving man with a wicked sense of humour" while friends nicknamed him a "loveable rogue".

Speaking on Carolyn's behalf, Tony Jewitt, administrator for the Bridge Fellowship Church, said: "He was quick-witted and made many people around him laugh.

"He was also extremely considerate and always thought of other people first. He was always on hand when anyone needed him.

"Their days together were very much the same... Dave working ridiculous hours while Carolyn waited for him to arrive home.

"He would call her on the way back and told her every day he loved her."

The 40-year-old was a passenger in Paul Hodge's Volvo, which was hit by a train 10 day days ago. Paul, 47, also died.

Dave and Carolyn moved to Grimsby a year ago and within ten days he got a job at Immingham Docks.

Before that they ran a café together in Blackpool after moving north from Somerset, where they had lived for 15 years.

Addressing the mourners, Mr Jewitt asked them to reflect on Dave's life to his favourite song, Who Let In The Rain by Cyndi Lauper.

He said: "Ten days ago there was an event that changed your lives.

"There is pain and what feels like emptyness. Some are overwhelmed by emotion, anger, guilt, disbelief.

"It is hard to believe Dave has been taken. His life was cruelly and tragically cut short."

Reflecting his positive outlook on life, Bob Marley's No Woman No Cry played as mourners arrived and as they waited to say goodbye to their friend, the song faded, telling them: "Everything's gonna be alright".

Best friend of 20 years, Brian Salter, recalled fond memories of darts challenges, practical jokes and Dave's caring nature.

He said: "We quickly became friends. He was a happy go lucky character who would never let anything phase him. He got us through tough times with a smile.

"Once you met him, you would never forget him. My memories will be of a very kind and caring man. He will always be in my heart as my best friend. He was one of the best."

Mr Hodge's funeral will be held next Friday at Grimsby Crematorium from 1pm. All are welcome to attend.

CLEETHORPES angler Roly Rusling is better know for racing pigeons, but on Sunday in the Carr Lane AC match he drew a flier of a different kind.

He drew the reed peg on Tripp Lake, at Messingham, and the conditions were awful – the wind at times made it impossible to fish the pole at any lengths.

But Rusling stuck it out on the waggler, casting towards the reeds – he caught a carp early on and, after an hour, he had two in the net when other anglers were struggling for bites.

Towards the ends of the match he lost bigger fish at the net but, in addition to his eventual win (with 6.6lbs), Rusling took £100 for landing the golden peg.

Next in was yours truly. I managed to catch silver fish on the pole before the conditions worsened. I then changed to the waggler, and ended up netting 4.15lbs.

Steve Croskill was third with 3.13lbs, while there were section wins for Jez Waters and Paul Easton.

Meanwhile, there was another club in action on the same pond – but only eight anglers weigh ed in as many went home because of the poor conditions.

In the Open at Messingham, it seemed that winter is finally over and, with the arrival of warmer weather, anglers can now expect a big improvement in the sport.

Steve Bingham, from Gainsborough, took advantage of the improved conditions to score back-to-back wins on the Islands Lake last week.

Taking a positive approach – fishing with luncheon meat and 8mm hard pellets – Bingham won the open from peg 21 with 92lbs of car.

On Sunday, he drew peg 24 and found carp, tench, chub and big skimmers keen to the bait and scored another good result with 108lbs.

Another of the shallow waters – the main Syndicate Lake – is also fishing well and steadily improving as the weather gets better.

Scunthorpe angler, Neil Graham, enjoyed a six fish haul in a single night session this week, landing carp from 14lbs to 23lbs.

Syndicate members, who have been targeting the Small Pond, have had some really good sport and Roger Wood started his session off in style on Monday, landing 3.5lbs perch on his first cast of the day.

Don Hudson spotted large carp feeding in the margins while fishing in the Wednesday Open Match on the Swan Pond.

Casting his bait in front of the fish, he attracted a 17lb bite – and the catch almost doubled his weight to give him victory over Alan Gregory, who took 32lbs worth of skimmers.

LOUTH cricket star Arran Brindle says it would be a 'special experience' to don the Three Lions on her home club ground.

England Women will host Pakistan Women in a One Day International (ODI) at London Road on July 1 – the first of two scheduled 50-over matches between the sides.

It will be Lincolnshire's first taste of international cricket action, and with a potential appearance from Brindle, the game could even see a 2,000 sell-out.

And while the 31-year-old Louth and Sussex all-rounder is not guaranteed of selection – given that the clash is still two months away – she is eagerly awaiting the occasion.

Brindle told the Telegraph: "I have got to be picked first, but pulling on an England shirt at any time is always very special.

"To be able to share that with friends and family – who have helped me along the way – is something that I haven't yet been able to experience as a cricketer.

"I really can't wait for July, but it's not just about me bringing the England team to Louth – East Lindsey have put in a lot of work on this ground.

"They have tried really hard to bring international cricket to the area – and the Louth ground is now up to the standard needed to host these matches."

Despite this being the first ever international in Louth, the female Lions have lined-up at London Road before.

In August last year, a Royal Air Force Men's XI defeated England Women by 39 runs in a charity T20 encounter.

Batting first, the RAF totalled 156 for four before England – featuring Brindle in their team – were then dismissed for 117.

Fresh from a World Cup winter in India – where they finished a disappointing third – the Pakistan series will see the female Lions return to action after a four-month break.

Although the tourists are ranked eighth in the world – five places behind Charlotte Edwards' side – Brindle insists they shouldn't be underestimated.

She said: "Pakistan are a team of full-time cricketers, and they have shown massive improvement in the last few years.

"It will be our first game of the series against them, and we will have to be on our guard to make sure that we bring the right result to Louth and the England team."

She added: "We are happy now that the sun is out. It's nice to get back outside, especially after the break we've had following a winter of cricket – we are ready and raring to go again."

Tickets for the England-Pakistan ODI went on sale on Thursday – they can be purchased for £10 by calling Embassy Theatre Box Office on 0845 674 0505. For more information on how to pick up some of the 900 free tickets on offer to schools in the area, check out our Young Stars supplement on Tuesday.

PAUL Hurst says this afternoon's (5.15pm) clash with Newport County will have no bearing on a potential play-off semi-final with the Welshmen.

Two of the Conference's form sides could come face-to-face in three successive matches over the next nine days.

With Justin Edinburgh's men assured of a third-place finish, the Mariners will be up against the Exiles again on Wednesday, at Blundell Park, if they better Wrexham's result today.

That first leg semi-final clash would be followed by the second installment in South Wales on Sunday, April 28.

But, with both sides poised to rest a host of players ahead of the play-offs, Town joint boss Hurst says nothing can be read into today's result.

"I would be surprised if this afternoon's game had any bearing on a potential semi-final next week," he said.

"Everything is up in the air in terms of who we're going to play and what team Newport will bring to play against us.

"And if they put out their strongest team and we don't but get the result, what does that tell you?

"I'm sure that the players will still be committed on both sides – whoever has got the shirts on – but will it have an impact on Wednesday night? Probably not.

"For Newport, they'll be familiar with the ground, the pitch and changing rooms, but other than that it won't have too much relevance.

"It would have a far different feel to it on Wednesday night – I can promise you that."

The Mariners head into the clash protecting an eight-match unbeaten record, while County have gone nine games without defeat.

"Newport had a fantastic start to the season and were the front-runners for a long time, had a bit of a dip and then came back strongly," added Hurst.

"They're up there on merit. Over 46 games you ultimately end up in the position where you deserve be.

"They've brought some good players into their club. They've got plenty of experience there, a lot of older guys in the team, and they've certainly got goals in them.

"So they're a big threat when it comes to the play-offs whoever they're up against."

A TORY proposal for an invest-to-save scheme to speed up pothole repairs in North East Lincolnshire was rejected by Labour councillors – who voted to seek extra funding from the Government instead.

Councillor Philip Jackson (Con, Waltham) put forward the motion at this week's full council meeting, saying that although such a scheme would cost more initially, it would save the authority money in the long term.

However, the ruling Labour group claimed that the quality of repairs had improved since the council's partnership with Balfour Beatty began in 2010, and that compensation paid out for pothole damage to vehicles had fallen from more than £4,568 in 2010/11 to just £1,357 in 2012/13.

It also accused the Conservatives of getting their priorities wrong, and of hypocrisy for proposing the use of reserves to pay for pothole repairs.

Councillor Jackson said he was not sure the council was meeting its legal duty to maintain safe highways, adding that some of the repairs being carried out were of a poor quality, resulting in repaired potholes quickly re-emerging.

Council leader Chris Shaw (Lab, Sidney Sussex) accused Councillor Jackson of saying officers were "doing a shoddy job", which he described as "despicable."

He put forward an amendment to the motion which removed the proposed invest-to-save scheme and suggested writing to the Department For Transport instead.

He said: "Our money is being cut by central government so going back to the secretary of state is the sensible thing to do."

Councillor Peter Wheatley (Lab, Yarborough), the portfolio holder for regeneration and environment, described the council's record on pothole repairs as a "success story" – prompting accusations of "complacency" from Councillor Jackson.

Councillor Ros James (Lab, Heneage) said that the council had more "pressing priorities" than repairing potholes, such as supporting the vulnerable and creating jobs.

ON THE WEB: Should the council spend more on pothole repairs? Have your say at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

A DOG walker has been fined for failing to pick up his pet's mess – after being spotted by council wardens.

Philip Raddings was handed the penalty by magistrates shortly after an awareness campaign to clean up the streets was launched.

Raddings, of Monks Dyke Road, Louth, was found guilty in his absence at Skegness Magistrates' Court. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £84 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

The court heard how dog wardens from East Lindsey District Council saw him walking away after his dog fouled in the Gatherums, Louth, on November 28 last year.

Initially, the council issued a £75 fixed penalty notice for the offence, but it went to court after he failed to pay up.

Enforcement officer Kristina West said: "Dog fouling is a blight on our communities and the council and community need to work closely together to identify offenders so we can clean up our streets.

"This prosecution sends a strong message to irresponsible dog owners that action will be taken and it can be costly."

The prosecution comes as the district council reaffirmed its commitment to clamping down on irresponsible dog owners in East Lindsey through its campaign called Not On My Street.

Despite this, dog mess is continuing to blight the streets of Louth.

Councillors sitting at a recent Louth Area Committee meeting heard that Cannon Street is a particular problem area.

Councillor George Horton said: "Dog fouling is a problem, but what is becoming more of a problem is the disposal of it. I've seen bags hanging on trees, fences and gates. That is just as bad in my opinion and it should be an offence."

Councillor Margaret Ottaway added: "East Lindsey needs to improve public relations and there are lots of irresponsible dog owners.

"East Lindsey needs to realise that communication and enforcement are the two things they need to look at."

Councillor Daniel Simpson suggested the town's CCTV cameras should be used to detect such behaviour.

Wolds Police Inspector Terry Ball said throwing bags of faeces in trees and on gates could be considered a littering offence, but the police are constrained by law to have evidence.

He said: "We have got to have somebody give a statement or we have to see them littering ourselves.

"I do give credit to the young man in standing forward and I wish others would make their voices heard.

"I would expect any of my officers to do the same; I would be vastly disappointed if they did not."

The district council is continuing to encourage the community to provide details of those people who are known to not clean up after their dog by e-mailing dog.wardens@e-lindsey.gov.uk so action can be taken.

ON THE WEB: People can show their support for the campaign by downloading a poster for their window at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk. Search for this article on the website and you will find the link.

THE Duchess of Cambridge's visit to Grimsby cost the council £3,856, it has been revealed.

And the visit has been branded as "great value for money", after the information was compiled following a request from a member of the public under the Freedom of Information Act.

The money was spent like this:

£2,051 on a jet wash and sand block paving outside the Fishing Heritage Centre.

£275 on removing graffiti.

£435 on repairing the cafe's stainless steel splash back.

£528 on decorations inside the centre.

£478 on the cost for the closure of the heritage centre car park.

£72 on civil enforcement officers.

£17 on security patrols, with the palace picking up the bill for their own security staff.

Councillor Chris Shaw, the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "Grimsby got international coverage that day and if anyone can find me that for less than £4,000 anywhere else then I will be very interested.

"The work we did to prepare for the visit was stuff that needed to be done anyway – we just brought it forward a little so Grimsby looked its best while the world's eyes were watching."

As reported, pregnant Kate's visit caused international speculation that she'd let slip she was having a daughter.

Later, video footage obtained by the Grimsby Telegraph proved that Kate had kept tight-lipped.

Telegraph reporter Lucy Greensmith was outside the centre when the Duchess arrived.

She said: "We all knew the visit was a monumental occasion for Grimsby, but the national media coverage it received was unprecedented.

"It certainly helped put Grimsby in the spotlight.

"I think the cost of the visit is a small price to pay for the national publicity the town received and the lasting memories Kate's appearance will have on the lives of hundreds of local people, myself included."

Trawler owner Kurt Christensen met the Duchess on her visit, and agrees it was great value for money.

He said: "If it cost £100,000 I would still say it was worth the money. To be given the chance to talk to one of the most influential women about the fishing industry was a huge privilege.

"The outside of the heritage centre looked like the Oscars. Grimsby ended up in Hello magazine and all the nationals. Then with the whole 'babygate' being put to rest, it went on for a week. To buy that kind of publicity would cost £4 million at least."

Grimsby businesswoman Wendy Wood waited outside the Heritage Centre to meet Kate. She and the Duchess shook hands and had a short conversation.

Mrs Wood said: "I thanked her for coming to Grimsby and said we are very proud of her. She replied 'Thank you, it's lovely.' I asked if she was cold and she said, 'No, not as cold as you, I haven't been waiting here for hours to see you'.

"There was excitement and anticipation in the air all morning; it was a lovely occasion for Grimsby."

A spokeswoman for Humberside Police was unable to confirm how much the force spent on providing officers for the royal visit.

She said: "Humberside Police provided a policing operation on the day of the royal visit to ensure its success and the safety of all those involved as well as to prevent any crime and disorder.THE GRIMSBY TELEGRAPH SAYSNO one could argue with the cost of the council's preparations for the recent visit by the Duchess of Cambridge to Grimsby. In fact many will be quite surprised at the little that was spent in making sure things were ship shape and correct in time for the Royal arrival. There is one thing for sure – the town and surrounding area received plenty of publicity from the engagement, thanks to the international interest as to whether or not Kate revealed she was having a boy or a girl. Now, in the end, it was proved that she did not indeed reveal any such thing – however that did not stop the media going mad and of course Grimsby was at the centre of that. The question is, has North East Lincolnshire capitalised on that – or how can it do so in publicity material going forward? Or indeed, was the visit just a one-hit wonder – quickly forgotten, not only by the local area but also on a national and international level? Time, of course, will tell and let us hope that this extremely successful visit can leave a lasting impression on our area. *Did you go to see the Duchess of Cambridge and do you believe our Royal Family offers value for money. Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalorOUR POLL ASKS YOU: Was it worth the £3,856 of public money spent on cleaning up the Fishing Heritage Centre to bring the Duchess of Cambridge to Grimsby? See Latest Poll on the home page to take part.