GRIMSBY angler Keith Easton netted the biggest haul of the year so far as West View Fishery kicked into full gear.

Fishing in the Wednesday match on the Silver Lake, Easton bagged 123lbs from peg 16 – despite the unfavourable, windy conditions.

Ian Thompson, who is also from Grimsby, was second with 65lbs (peg 37), while Andy Bryant weighed in third with 40lbs, from peg 36.

Last Saturday, 31 anglers flocked to the Silver Lake – and they were greeted by pleasant weather, making for ideal fishing conditions.

A high number of competitors usually makes things tough going, but Hull angler Chris Mack – who was fishing from peg 5 – enjoyed a fine day, netting a grand total of 50lb.

Tom Braithwaite was second, with 23lbs from peg 37, while Richard Jacklin completed the top three, with 22lbs from peg 34.

On Sunday, well-known Grimsby angler Dave Berry was the top man on the Gold Lake – taking 77lbs from peg 12.

Ryan Lidgard was a close second with 52lbs in total, while Ian Marshall finished third, on peg 17, with a 41lb haul.

Frog Hall Fishery, in Legbourne, is another venue that has sprung into life.

Owner Shaun White decided to make a few changes to his waters, which have ultimately tempted the fish into more nets, and anglers have enjoyed better weights as a result.

Paddy Ballans led the way with 48.15lbs, ahead of second-placed Rob Taylor (35.2lbs) and Alan Wood (34lbs) in third.

Grimsby angler George McKay won the following match with 36.4lbs, while Ballans (35lbs) and Taylor (23lbs) backed up their earlier performance with another strong show.

Meanwhile, the pleasure anglers have also been having good results

Chris Foster fished on Tuesday, and bagged 73lbs – mostly carp – although he lost five big fish in the process, which could have taken his haul to three figures.

Over at Saltfleetby, Ricky Ward kept up his form in the Thursday match with a convincing win – he took 42.12lbs, from peg 16.

Next in was Bryn Davies, with 21.12lbs from peg 3, while third-placed Matthew Hassle netted 19.6lbs from peg 11.

On Sunday, veteran Alec Lovesay dominated on the Island Pond, making good use of peg 14, netting 44.2lbs.

Ricky Ward weighed in second with 42.8lbs (peg 4), while Louth's John Grant completed the 'podium' with 39.1lbs (peg 17).

At Messingham Sands, the Oak Tree Pond seems to be getting better and better.

After a long winter – during which the silver fish provided the most sport – it is now carp that are feeding well, making for some memorable days.

Scunthorpe angler Robin White fished 4mm and 6mm expander pellets over 4mm hard feed pellets on a short pole, and this tactic paid dividends as he netted over 350lbs on the day.

Some surprisingly large fish were landed, including one carp over 20lbs, while Darren Cox caught a nice look ghost carp – weighing over 15lbs.

The number of carp visible on the Tripp Lake, during the Saturday Open, was mind boggling, although few were caught by the anglers.

Instead, crucians and skimmers were the main sport as John Palmer (46lbs) edged out Alan Gregory in first place.

The Islands Lake was in excellent form for the Sunday Open and, while Hull angler Tony Noon blitzed the opposition with over 140lbs from peg 63, it was the challenging weights that raised eyebrows.

Most competitors had over 40lbs, and most of these were quality silver fish – with roach upwards of 2lbs, skimmers up to 3lbs and a string of tench.

All of this seems a far cry from a few weeks ago when freezing conditions made 20-30lbs of small fish seem like a good day.

Sunday also saw an open match run on the Swan Pond – Kim Messner was first (50.9lbs) ahead of neighbour Paul Redhead.

GRIMSBY potter Ashley Wright won the Grimsby Senior Snooker final – and his special prize is to play a frame against one of the sport's greatest names.

Wright's reward for his 5-2 victory over Nige Emmerson in the Frank Templeman Grimsby Senior Snooker Championship Final is an exhibition frame against Jimmy White.

White, pictured, is in town on Friday, May 17 when he will appear at the Grimsby Auditorium as part of the centenary season of the Grimsby & District Snooker League.

Wright and Emmerson did battle at the Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre.

Wright took the first frame with runs of 21, 22 and 27.

Wright moved 2-0 ahead with a 75-24 win, with the aid of a break of 33.

Things were looking bleak for Emmerson when Wright made a 30 break early in the third frame but, on attempting to open the reds, he suffered a poor run of the balls and had to play a safety shot. This spurred on Emmerson, and he hit breaks of 35 and 29 to take the frame 81-32.

The fourth frame was completely dominated by Wright and he overpowered his opponent 81-1 to take a 3-1 lead into the interval.

Emmerson came out the stronger and he put himself back in contention, winning the fifth frame 61-25.

However, he missed a long red in the next which proved costly – Wright went on to snatch the closest frame of the night 63-51.

During this frame, Wright showed the sporting side of the game when he called a foul on himself, which had been missed by everyone.

He used the momentum from the previous frame to become champion as breaks of 39 and 30 saw him complete a 5-2 victory.

For more information on the Jimmy White night, call David Webster on 01472 485249. Tickets are available from the Auditorium now.

FOR these two Grimsby Town fans, the team's play-off hopes has provided a welcome excuse to reflect on the club's glory days.

Dennis Harris, 88, and Alan Plant, 56, who are both residents of Bradley House Care Home, Grimsby, said they had been present for some of the most memorable moments in Town's history.

Dennis fondly remembers going to the match as a child, using the money his mum gave him for the tram to buy sweets, before winding his way through the back streets to the ground.

He added that as an Armstrong Street School boy he had played for Grimsby Town Boys, taking up positions on the inside left and right, though he modestly added: "I wasn't in the team regularly."

He recalled watching the side taking on such giants as Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City – and often coming out on top.

He said: "I was there when we played against Man U and we beat them 3-2."

Alan, who played in the local leagues himself, had an insider connection to the club, as a firm friend of Terry Donovan – who started his career at GTFC and was later sold off to Aston Villa.

He said: "Terry used to joke that by selling him they paid for the Findus Stand to be built."

He recalled attending a play-off final as a child with his father, which attracted 22,000 fans to the match.

Alan said: "Lawrie McMenemy was the manager back then. I can't remember who we were playing, but it was to see if we would be the Division Four champions.

"I remember Lawrie had organised a bag piper and a band to play before the match.

"We won it – don't ask me the score – and we all ran on to the pitch.

"I remember looking up at my dad and him saying 'go on then' and running down out of the stands. I can also remember the players coming out into the directors' box."

However, both Dennis and Alan were unsure of how well Town will fare tomorrow.

Alan said: "I hope they don't do their usual – start off well and then peter out.

"They need to play football, pass to each other and tell the goalie not to let the ball past him!"

Dennis added: "They'll do well, for about ten minutes."

CYCLISTS are being invited to saddle-up for an annual charity bike ride through the Lincolnshire Wolds to help beat blood cancers.

The 15th Grimsby Bikeathon in aid of Leukaemia And Lymphoma Research will start from Ravendale Farm, at East Ravendale, on Sunday, May 12.

Paula Turnbull, from the Grimsby and district branch of the charity, said 26-mile and ten-mile routes will be available.

She added: "The bikeathon is open to everyone, from families to serious cycling enthusiasts, and provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the wonderful setting while raising much-needed funds for this great cause.

"We hope as many people as possible will come along and help us to make this year's event a record breaker.

"The route has plenty to challenge the most experienced of riders and also offers families a great day out."

In the past 50 years, the group has raised more than £850,000 for research into leukaemia and lymphoma – and hopes to top £1 million soon.

Every year, members organise four major events – the bikeathon, a golf day and two shopping events.

The 26-mile bikeathon route begins at 9.30am, with the ten-mile route kicking off at 10.30am.

Entries can be made online at www.grimsbybikeathon.com until Monday, May 6.

Advance fees are £10 for adults and £3 for under 16s, or you can pay £15 for adults and £5 for children on the day.

For more information about the event, call 01472 812109.

THERE were ten green bottles... that built a school greenhouse.

Pupils at Scartho Junior School have taken a hands-on approach to learn about the environment.

By recycling plastic bottles at home, they have managed to collect enough to build a greenhouse – the idea which came from their garden club teacher Barbara Smith.

She first saw the project advertised on an event stand at the Chelsea Flower Show and wanted to bring it home.

Mrs Smith said: "I have always been keen on gardening and the school has always had its own green space to do various things with.

"The children are already involved with growing their own vegetables in our little compost beds.

"Now we will have a recycled greenhouse to grow foods such as tomatoes, peppers and more.

"The pupils use a lot of the foods we grow in cookery classes, so they learn the whole process."

Working from designs, the greenhouse needed about 1,500 plastic bottles to be fitted within a wooden frame.

Ray Gula works for Novartis in Grimsby, a company which runs a community partnership programme each year.

As Ray's daughter attends the junior school, he pitched the greenhouse idea to his bosses and colleagues, who were more than happy to help out.

He said: "We rolled up our sleeves and together built the wooden frame of the greenhouse and put it all together.

"I am intrigued to how it will all work, but I think it is a fantastic thing for the children to be involved with.

"Not only does it help them learn about the environment but they are getting out in the fresh air and having fun."

Syilvia Maduako, 8, is a member of the school gardening club.

She said: "It builds up our teamwork skills when working in the garden because we all have to take on certain roles.

"The vegetables need watering and monitoring regularly.

"I am excited about the greenhouse as we can grow different foods."

Ashley White, 9, saved up lots of plastic bottles at home.

She said: "I had a drink a lot to collect bottles.

"I love taking care of the garden, I do some gardening at home as well.

"I am looking forward to looking after the plants inside it – it looks really cool.

SINGING always raises a smile ... but for this group of performers, it has done wonders for their health too.

The Singing for Health and Happiness workshop, organised by Community Art Works Limited, started as a project to see whether singing can make you healthy.

It was originally meant to last just ten weeks, and has been so successful that it will continue indefinitely.

Yesterday, the participants took part in a performance at the Freeman Street Resource Centre, in Kent Street, Grimsby.

Angela Pearson, the co-founder of Community Art Works Limited, explained: "My mum, Pearl, has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which means she has problems with her breathing.

"I did some research into what I could do to help her and found that singing was supposed to really help. I started the group and found people that had breathing difficulties really started to benefit, as did those without. We all did a lung capacity test when we started ten weeks ago and even I, who was a singer, gave a very poor reading close to being an asthmatic.

"Now, at the end of the initial programme, everybody's lung capacity has greatly increased – and that's just from an hour's singing, once a week for ten weeks.

"The results have been incredible, and it has not just helped their health.

"Some of the members call it their hour of happiness because the singing and companionship of the members has really boosted people's feelings.

"If you sing that you are happy, you will be for some time afterwards. It has been so uplifting for everybody."

Rachel Appels, of Heneage Road, Grimsby, said: "I can't do a lot as I suffer from complex regional pain syndrome, which makes moving difficult.

"The hour of singing is so uplifting and enjoyable. It doesn't make you forget the pain, but it does make it feel better.

"All the other members and the activities just make it so enjoyable. If it ran for one hour every day, I would be here.

"We have become good friends."

Sharon Dormer, of Patrick Street, Grimsby, added: "I have arthritis in both my hips which means I cannot get out much. This leaves many people isolated, but coming to a group like this is such an enormous help. It's not just the health benefits; it makes you feel better inside as well."

The group runs each Thursday from 1pm to 2pm at the resource centre. Each session is £1.

A SHARE of £50,000 is up for grabs in Immingham.

Community groups in Immingham are being urged to apply for One Voice's share of the Immingham 100 Fund.

It is from the £121,500 grant awarded to them in celebration of the town's dock's centenary.

Groups can apply for up to £1,000 providing they can prove their projects will have a lasting impact on the town.

Chairman of One Voice Elaine Norton is excited to get started.

She said: "We need to make sure the projects will make a difference to the area.

"Knowing we have this funding to help our community make long-term, sustainable differences is great. It means we can support people and make a difference, especially to those groups who are struggling to make ends meet."

Although the cap is at £1,000, One Voice can use its discretion to award more if the project needs it.

Already, the group has given the Community Choir £600.

Elaine continued: "In this financial climate, many groups are worried about how they can make ends meet and whether they will survive.

"Added to that is the fact some families cannot afford to send their children to clubs and activity groups. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference to people in Immingham."

If you want to apply for a share, e-mail Elaine at chair@onevoicecommunity.com or phone for a paper copy on 07513 612964.

Each application will be reviewed by a panel every three months. The next deadline for applications is Monday, June 3.

Find out more about how to apply here.

GRIMSBY potter Stuart Carrington is ready to recapture a place on the Main Snooker Tour.

The 22-year-old, who endured a tough debut season on the circuit in 2011, will battle for a professional place alongside 11 other hopefuls this weekend.

Drawn against practice partner Jeff Cundy for the qualifying event in Sheffield, Carrington will have to win two matches to seal one of three spots for 2013/14.

And having clicked into top gear ahead the crunch meeting with his close friend, the Grimsby cueman is confident of delivering the goods in South Yorkshire.

Carrington said: "The way I have been playing has set me up really well. My results have been really good and that has filled me with confidence for the weekend.

"It's a bit disappointing that me and Jeff (Cundy) can't both get on the Tour, it would have been nice for us both to get one of the three places – but that wasn't to be.

"It can be difficult playing against a good friend, but you have to put that aside and make it feel like any other game – we both want to win, and will both be gunning for it.

"I've been playing consistently for a while, winning most games in one or two visits – which is obviously very pleasing for a snooker player."

The PTC (Players Tour Championship) event in Sheffield won't be Carrington's only chance of a return to the summit, though, as the World Snooker Q School kicks-off on May 11.

However the Grimsby man – who won the Paul Hunter Memorial Open last month – is determined to avoid the trickier path back to the top.

Carrington added: "This weekend is a really good opportunity for me to get back on the Main Tour, and if I manage to do that it means I won't have to go through the Q School.

"That's obviously a lot harder to do, because there are five matches at each Q School event, where as there are only two in the Sheffield play-off."

While Carrington will face a stern challenge from Cundy, and the other competitors, he will at least be able to rely on fine personal form.

During his victory at the Northern Snooker Centre, in Leeds, the Grimsby potter registered two century breaks (135 and 121), and 13 runs of 50 plus.

Beating professional Craig Steadman (5-3) in the final, Carrington saw off no fewer than four players from the Main Tour.

He added: "It couldn't have been a tougher draw for me. I beat the two highest ranked players in the competition, so I couldn't have asked or done any more.

"Out of all the events I've ever played in, that was the most consistent day I've ever had. I was knocking in 60, 70 and 80 plus breaks for fun.

"Winning this couldn't have come at a better time. Hopefully my hard work in practice is finally starting to pay off."

GRIMSBY Town staff say disappointing ticket sales suggest fans may have "written us off already" in Sunday's play-off clash at Newport.

Accounts manager Steve Wraith thought fans were "down in the dumps" about Wednesday's controversial 1-0 defeat to Newport in the dying moments of the game when ticket sales were slow on Thursday.

But yesterday, only 50 fans bought tickets to the away leg to support the team that could progress to Wembley and finally be promoted to the football league if they win.

However, the Blundell Park ticket office is open 9am until noon today, so there is still chance to get your ticket and back our boys to beat the Welsh side away.

Mr Wraith said: "We've been scratching our heads because it has been unbelievably quiet – it's as though fans have written us off already.

"It's crazy because it's only one goal and with our away form, we still stand a great chance."

However, the total number of tickets sold is 650, which Mr Wraith said is impressive given the five-and-a-half-hour journey to Newport.

"It's not a bad crowd to take all that way but I thought we would fill our allocation and we've got 400 left," he added.

Two lads who weren't put off by the defeat – or the journey – were Harry Bampbell, 16, and Jack Blockley, 17, who caught the ticket office just in time to buy the last tickets sold on Thursday.

Jack, of Hardy's Road, Cleethorpes, said: "We've got a good chance of doing it.

"On Wednesday we played OK, but on our day we can beat anyone in the league so if we turn up to play, we can win.

"Our away form has been really good and I actually prefer the atmosphere at away games – everyone sings louder because there are less of you.

"I'm getting the coach down and I think there will be a good turn-out but I hope the whole town gets behind them on the day."

Harry, of Lindum Road, said: "Going in 1-0 down isn't too bad – all it takes is one goal and we are right back in it. The atmosphere will be great and I think we can win it – it's going to be a long journey home if we don't."

But if you can't make the five-and-a-half-hour journey to Newport on Sunday, The McMenemy's Suite will be showing both play-off games.

It opens at 12.30pm and tickets cost £3 for adults and £2 for children – which includes a drink – but you must book to guarantee entry.

It will be a comeback that no Grimsby fan wants to miss if it takes them to Wembley – and Mr Wraith thinks trailing a goal might not be such a bad thing.

He added: "Going in to a game with a 1-0 lead is dangerous because you don't know whether to attack or defend so at least our players will start on the front foot because they know what they have to do."

"IF we play to our potential then it will take a massive effort from Newport to stop us achieving what we want."

That's the view of Grimsby Town joint boss Paul Hurst, left, ahead of tomorrow's Conference play-off semi-final second leg.

The Mariners need to win by at least one goal to keep their promotion dreams alive – and take their place in the Conference play-off final at Wembley on Sunday, May 5.

And Town's managers have been quick to up the pressure on the Exiles after Wednesday's first leg home defeat.

"As much as we wouldn't have set out to lose the game 1-0, in many ways we're the team with the least to lose," said Hurst.

"It makes it nice and easy – we know we've got to win there, so let's be on the front foot and be nice and positive.

"We're being written off by certain people, so if we can prove them wrong that's what we'll do.

"But, for Newport, it's a funny scoreline. Do they try and get that second goal and kill the tie off – or do they try to protect what they've got?

"The fans down there will be urging them forward and that may just leave them with a tricky decision.

"I'm sure the manager will have a clear mind of what he wants to do, but when you get caught up in the game and the atmosphere, it's whether the players can carry that out.

"That's something we'll look at and see if we can take advantage of."

He added: "If we play to our potential then it will take a massive effort from Newport to stop us achieving what we want.

"We've told the players to have no regrets – don't leave anything in the dressing room and make sure everything is left out on that pitch.

"If that's not good enough then we can't ask any more of them.

"I just hope the team that we select play with freedom, and the scoreline that we're going in with might help us do that."

With striker Lenell John-Lewis (thigh) and defender Simon Ford (hamstring) both ruled out, midfielder Frankie Artus is the only doubt, due to illness.

Meanwhile, Joe Colbeck returns from his four-match suspension to provide more competition on the flanks as the Mariners target their 11th league away win this season.

"It does add more pressure to Newport to deliver in front of their own fans because there's that feeling that if they don't finish the job, they've messed it up," Hurst continued.

"Justin Edinburgh was honest in his assessment of the game and has been warning against complacency.

"But, as managers, we can say all we want and ask questions of players, but it comes down to when they're out there and the occasion does strange things to people.

"We need to score, but at the same time we don't need to score in the first minute.

"We'd certainly like to get that first goal to give the players more belief and ask more questions of Newport – the whole atmosphere in the ground would change."

The Mariners will take the opportunity to watch their potential play-off final opponents tomorrow – from their hotel in Newport.

Kidderminster Harriers and Wrexham go head-to-head in their semi-final second leg at 1.30pm, with the Welshmen holding a 2-1 advantage from the first installment.

Joint boss Paul Hurst says the opportunity to watch the clash on Welsh TV could help take his players' minds off their crunch encounter later that day.

"We won't gather the players together to watch it, but they may choose to watch it in their rooms," he said.

"Either way, the focus is on our game, but sometimes it can help if you've got something like that to watch and take your mind off of the game in a good way.

"There will be more than enough time to start thinking about our game after our short coach journey to the ground.

"We don't want them to waste too much energy worrying about the game because that's when the fatigue can kick in later on."

NEWPORT County's top goalscorer Aaron O'Connor is back in contention for tomorrow's crunch play-off clash with the Mariners.

The prolific striker has been nursing a thigh strain and missed Wednesday evening's 1-0 victory at Blundell Park.

However, Exiles boss Justin Edinburgh is confident the forward will return to boost his side's chances of progressing.

He said: "I envisage having Aaron back for the second leg. We could have risked him (on Wednesday) but I decided not to and it's paid off for me, giving him the rest."

Meanwhile, defender Ismail Yakubu, pictured, insists that County's late first leg winner was his goal – and not an own goal for Town's Ian Miller.

"It was definitely my goal," he said. A deflection is a goal, it's not an own goal. If I wasn't there it probably would have been cleared so it's my goal.

"It could be a massive goal but we know we've still got work to do.

"There is another 90 minutes of this tie still to play and if we start thinking we can rest on our laurels, take it easy and defend our lead then Grimsby are the type of team that will punish us.

"One goal isn't going to be enough but it was massive for us to keep a clean sheet. They are a big team who are very dangerous at set-pieces and I think we did well to keep them out.

"Tony James and Byron Anthony were unbelievable alongside me at the back and it's a big achievement."

Yakubu was part of the same AFC Wimbledon team as Town's Sam Hatton, which triumphed in the 2011 Conference Play-Off Final. And he wants the Welshmen to "saviour" the occasion in front of 7,000 fans at Rodney Parade.

"It could go all the way tomorrow and that is why we need to be 100 per cent on our game because they have dangerous strikers who can hurt us," he said.

"But we need to enjoy it as well. We have to stay positive as individuals and as a team and savour occasions like this.

"You don't have a long career and these are the games you will remember."

DOZENS of Lincolnshire towns and villages have been enjoying the cultural riches twinning brings for many years.

Now, plans are afoot to twin a small Dutch town built on land reclaimed from the sea with Lincolnshire as a whole.

The foundations of Dronten, in Flevoland, were laid in 1960 following partial drainage of the Zuiderzee after the Second World War.

During the work, scores of ditched Lancaster and Halifax bombers were discovered in the silt, many of which had flown from Lincolnshire.

And in reverence to the Allied bomber crews who hit back at the occupying Germans, a memorial was created using a damaged propeller from one of the crashed planes, an aircraft from Wickenby.

The tribute also recognises the Operation Manna food drops to the starving Dutch towards the end of the war from Lincolnshire bases, including Wickenby.

Since the 1970s, veterans from the Air Gunners' Association have taken part in cultural exchanges every year with the citizens of Dronten, but their numbers have dwindled.

The Mayor of Dronten, the 4th of May (Dutch Remembrance Day) Foundation and the town's people have been worried about losing the link with the British.

So a small contingent of town twinners from Lincolnshire is to visit the Netherlands early next month in the hope of cementing the friendship for generations to come. The Dutch will then visit here between May 15 to 19 to tour the county's famous air bases and attend a City of Lincoln Council reception and the 70th anniversary Dambusters raid service at Lincoln Cathedral.

The chairman of the county's town twinning federation Michael Cutler said: "The twinning of a town with a whole county is unique and a wonderful idea.

"The people of Dronten are warm-hearted people and much pleasure has been had in the past by the air gunners who have taken part in exchanges.

"At one time there were as many as 350 taking part but sadly, due to the age of these heroes, very few are left.

"Dronten people are now appealing to those in Lincolnshire to set up a twinning arrangement whereby exchange visits are made between interested British families in Lincolnshire and the residents of Dronten. They want to keep the links alive and ongoing.

"Future exchanges could involve younger people and Lincolnshire schools and sports teams.

"The Dutch are keen to get involved in the rest of what Lincolnshire has to offer, particularly the Fens that are linked to the Dutch, way back."

Dutchman Dr Jay Pinto, an East Yorkshire GP, is liaising between officials in Dronten and the town twinning federation.

"It is heartbreaking that there are fewer and fewer veterans who come over each year – they are treated like heroes," he said.

"The airmen who did the food drops were British, Poles and Americans and did not just throw bombs at Germany.

"A lot of them had the chance to drop food over Holland and millions of Dutch people were saved.

"There needs to be a link with Britain still kept.

"Lincolnshire is still Bomber County number one, so it makes a good choice as a place to twin with."

A TRUSTED club steward fleeced his bosses of more than £3,500 – by pocketing cash from gaming machines and frittering it away on gambling and drinking.

He had already been given a chance after similar thefts were discovered but threw the kindness of Cartergate Social Club back in its face by continuing to thieve, a court heard.

Club chairman Peter Waters said: "It was a real shame because he was a dear friend for 14 years – he's not just let himself down but all the members as well.

"You have to put trust in your staff and although we suspected he had done it before, you can't just dismiss someone unless you are 100 per cent sure."

Darren Roche, 37, of Abbey Road, Grimsby, admitted stealing £3,577, belonging to Cartergate Social Club, between January 6 last year and January 5 this year.

Anthony Mowbray, prosecuting, told Grimsby Magistrates' Court that Roche had been in a position of trust as a steward at the club, which organised social events and ran bar facilities.

The treasurer realised "something was wrong" but it "took some time to get to the bottom of it all".

Roche pretended that cash from gaming machines was collected every two months, instead of every month, and he "pocketed the proceeds every other month".

The theft "put a substantial dent in their finances", said Mr Mowbray.

There had been previous theft incidents at the Grimsby club involving Roche but he had been given a chance and had not been charged.

Ed Bates, mitigating, said the thefts by Roche were a breach of trust but "it was a case of when, not if, he would be caught".

He had been "incredibly open" with his employers and the police. He made full admissions and it was a "relief to get it off his chest".

He originally took small amounts and intended to pay it back straight away but blew the money on alcohol and gambling problems.

"The problem then escalated and spiralled," said Mr Bates.

"Circumstances got out of control. The offending has gone on and he fully appreciates what he has done.

"He has been trying to make amends."

Roche, a steward at the club for about 14 years, had since found other work which did not involve handling cash.

His second marriage had collapsed because of the theft matter and he had moved back to his mother's home.

Roche, who had no previous convictions, was given an 18-week suspended prison sentence, 200 hours' unpaid work and was ordered to pay £3,577 compensation.

District judge Daniel Curtis told Roche: "Anybody who takes money from a small members' club, particularly in this day and age, must appreciate that they are not only stealing but breaching a trust imposed on them.

"What makes this matter worse is that the members of that club gave you a chance when you were found out in the past to have done this.

"It will affect your employability in future years.

"Members of that club can have some consolation that they will get their money back."

Mr Waters added: "The only good news from this is that we are going to get the cash back – it's a lot of money to us at a time when pubs and clubs are struggling."

Roche was ordered to pay back £120 a month. After the hearing, he declined to comment, saying only: "Everything has been said in court."

HUNDREDS of mourners turned out yesterday to pay their last respects to the five members of the same family killed in a horrific crash on the A18.

St John the Evangelist Church in Birtley, near Gateshead, was full and hundreds more people had to stand outside listening to the service for the Cockburn family being relayed on a loudspeaker.

Three generations of the family, from Ouston, near Chester le Street, County Durham, died on Friday, April 12 when their car was in a head-on collision with a lorry on Barton Street as they were heading to a dance competition in Skegness.

The crash took the lives of dad David Cockburn, 48, a care home manager, his wife Angela, 49, who ran a beauty salon, and daughters Bethany, 18, and hairdresser Carley Ann, 21, both keen dancers. Bethany's 23-month-old daughter Lacie Stephenson was also killed.

Yesterday's service was conducted by Reverend Gareth Lloyd, and Mr Cockburn's cousin, Reverend Karen Fenwick, Minister at Lowson Memorial Church, Forfar, Scotland.

The coffins were carried into the church to the sound of Only Just Begun, by the Carpenters, the music Mr and Mrs Cockburn had at their wedding.

Music at the service included hymns Guide Me, O, Thou Great Redeemer and Abide With Me, as well as favourite songs of the family, Aerosmith's I Don't Want To Miss A Thing, for Carley and I'll See You Again by Westlife for Bethany. The two vicars spoke of how the family loved, and were devoted to, each other, and how they had many friends.

Rev Lloyd told the mourners that the size of the turn-out was a tribute to the family.

The gathering was told that Mr and Mrs Cockburn's son Dean remembered that his parents "always had time for their children even though they both worked.

"They always had time to support Dean's football and the girls' dancing."

Dean described Bethany as "very straight, called a spade a spade and had a little stubborn streak."

He said his sister Carley was "very strong minded and always the life and soul of any party. But even though she was gentle, she could be fiery if anyone upset her."

The funeral also heard that Garry Stephenson, the father of Lacie, wanted to spend the rest of his life with Bethany and their daughter and he said of Lacie that "no words can ever express what you brought into all our lives , and the love and joy that surrounded you."

Rev Fenwick said Mr and Mrs Cockburn "were simply devoted to their children – their whole world revolved around them – and they always welcomed their friends, too, it was like party house."

The coffins left the church for Gateshead's Saltwell Crematorium to Dancing Queen by Abba.

THE man who last took Grimsby Town to a play-off final desperately hopes they reach another this season – and go one better than his side did.

Russell Slade led the Mariners to the League Two Play-off final against Cheltenham Town in 2006.

But having reached that Millennium Stadium showpiece – thanks a two-legged semi-final victory over fierce rivals Lincoln City – his Town squad fell at the final hurdle after Steve Guinan's 63rd-minute winner.

And with his former club just one game away from reaching another play-off final, Slade – now in charge at Leyton Orient – hopes they can emulate, and then better the achievements of his 2006 squad.

Recalling that campaign to the Telegraph, he said: "It was a remarkable season back then.

"It was only on that last game of the season that we missed out on automatic promotion.

"Of course we played Lincoln in the semi- final.

"We set our stall out well at Sincil Bank in the first-leg. We made ourselves very difficult to beat and got an excellent result by winning there.

"And then in the second-leg, despite Rob Jones being forced off through injury, we did really well at home.

"I remember the celebrations so clearly – it meant so much just getting to Cardiff and having the chance of going up.

"The final will always wrangle with me because we'd beaten Cheltenham fairly comfortably in the league but the game at Cardiff just wasn't a classic game for us.

"The key thing was losing Michael Reddy early on. It was a key, key moment for us.

"I'm not saying we would have won the game but, in games like that, it's all about fine margins. You're dealing in inches in every area of the field and we didn't perform quite to our best on the day and that proved to be the difference really.

"Things conspired against us which meant that we didn't quite make it on the day."

Seven years on from that desperate Sunday afternoon in South Wales and the current Town squad have a chance to write their own piece of history tomorrow.

Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's squad will travel to Newport for the second leg of their play-off semi-final trailing the Exiles by a single goal after their narrow victory at Blundell Park in midweek.

And Slade will be keeping a close eye on events at Rodney Parade in the hope of witnessing a Town comeback that would see them book a dramatic return to Wembley and a shot at a Football League return.

But, he insisted that it won't be easy to reverse that deficit, adding that Town's mental approach to the second-leg will be key – just as it was for his side in 2006.

"Semi-final games are always difficult because there is so much as stake for both teams," he said.

"For me it's more about having the better mental approach than having the greater quality.

"If you haven't got focus, you haven't got anything. If you're not focused on the game, you're on to a loser right away.

"For me, Grimsby are in the wrong tier and I hope they go up this season because the fan base and the size of the club is much better than the Conference.

"That's how it's perceived, but the players can't let themselves get affected by that pressure to get back into the league.

"I'm sure the crowd will be right behind them, as they were when I was there. They can play a really massive part tomorrow.

"I always look out for their results and I really do wish them well.

"Grimsby Town were responsible for giving me a manager's job back in the league, so I owe them a lot and I have massive respect for the people there."

"I'd desperately like to see them back in the league," he continued

"They need to be back in there, because the Conference, long term, is not the place for Grimsby Town and I hope they can do it this season.

"It's time to get back and the quicker the better.

"I'll be looking out for the result tomorrow, and if they do manage to get to Wembley I hope they can go all the way."

FAMILY and friends turned out in force yesterday to say farewell to Paul Hodge, the driver killed in a collision with a train earlier this month.

The 47-year-old, of Sutcliffe Avenue, Grimsby, died from head injuries when his Volvo V40 was in collision with a train at the Great Coates level crossing on Tuesday, April 9.

Two and half weeks later, mourners gathered yesterday at Grimsby Crematorium to pay their respects to the grandfather and father-of-three.

His casket was carried into the chapel to U2's With Or Without You.

The non-religious celebration of life was led by Lee Grant.

Other songs played during the service were Yellow, by Coldplay, Jay-Z's 99 Problems, and Pride by U2.

The final track was Rihanna's recent hit Diamonds.

Mr Hodge worked on Immingham Docks de-waxing cars, and was on his way home with workmate David Williams in the passenger seat at the time of the tragedy. The 40-year-old, of Cleethorpes, died of multiple injuries.

The train remained upright and on the tracks, as reported, and there were no injuries on the train, as all passengers were safely removed from the 7.26pm TransPennine Express service from Cleethorpes to Scunthorpe.

Shortly after his death, his family described him as a "loving father, grandfather, son and brother who will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him."

They said: "He was born in Grimsby and returned here after leaving the Forces.

"He was an avid football fan and followed Manchester United. He also served with the First Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

"Paul will be very sadly missed by all those who knew him and this has come with tragic and devastating shock to all of his family and friends."

Inquests into the deaths of the two men have been opened and adjourned to a date to be fixed once the investigation by British Transport Police (BTP) is complete.

A BTP spokesman said a report will be prepared for the inquest and will include more details about the train and the car.

The barriers at the crossing, and CCTV footage from the scene will be examined as part of the investigation.

Witnesses should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, quoting incident number 516 of April 9.

GRIMSBY Institute staff are being offered voluntary redundancy and job sharing in a bid to make savings.

Changes in funding from central government and other boards means the Institute's grants are about £2 million lower than anticipated – which is happening at further education colleges throughout England.

Underlying economic pressures have also prompted the Grimsby Institute Group to look at making cost savings and examine opportunities for new funding and revenue.

In an effort to avoid compulsory job losses, voluntary redundancy, where appropriate, is being offered, as well as initiatives like job sharing.

The institute's 1,300 employees – which includes a campus in Scarborough and outreach learning centres – were informed this week.

Efficiencies in "non-pay" operations and non-core areas of spending are already being looked at, and staff are encouraged to share ideas. Principal and chief executive Sue Middlehurst said: "This will be a worrying time for our people, but we have made the announcement as soon as we were able to do so.

"This will ensure that our staff are fully consulted and are able to contribute to the process. We already encourage the sharing of best practice and good ideas across the group, so I know that staff will work together to ensure the best outcome is achieved."

The Institute's allocation from the Education Funding Agency, which provides cash for the education of 16 to 19-year-olds, was approximately 20 per cent lower than expected.

This has been experienced across England, with dozens of colleges unhappy at large, unexpected reductions.

As a result, the Institute must look at every aspect of its business, and some changes will impact on staffing.

The group has said that changes will be done with students in mind, and investment in buildings and resources will continue, using reserves and support funding.

Last month, building work began on a £6-million art and design centre, funded by a number of grants. The construction of a new all-purpose sports pitch is also planned.

Apprenticeship frameworks to meet the needs of business and commercially-funded training – both potential areas of growth for the Institute – will be looked at, going forward.

Mrs Middlehurst added: "I can assure current and future students that the quality of our teaching and learning resources will not be affected."

GRIMSBY Town's players will practise penalty kicks today as no stone is left unturned in their quest for a Football League return.

The Mariners will then set off for South Wales ahead of tomorrow's Conference play-off semi-final second leg against Newport County (4.30pm) – their biggest match in three years.

Paul Hurst and Rob Scott's men head to Rodney Parade trailing by a solitary goal following Wednesday's first leg at Blundell Park.

But Hurst insists the tie is still very much in the balance – and says it "wouldn't be a massive surprise" if Town edged a one-goal victory to take the encounter to extra-time, and then spot-kicks.

"Our players have practised one or two penalties, but we'll do more of that today," confirmed the co- manager.

"We certainly won't be spending hours on it because, like we said after Wembley, that doesn't replicate anything.

"We'll have a look at it and let our keepers have a practice – albeit against their own players.

"It's all about how you feel on the day, though. You might have had a really good game, be full of confidence and can put it in the back of the net.

"On the flip side, you might not have had the best of games but you still want to put yourself forward for that penalty."

Hurst believes that last month's shoot-out defeat in the FA Trophy Final, at Wembley, will have little bearing either way.

On that occasion, successive misses from Sam Hatton and Richard Brodie allowed Wrexham to claim a 4-1 spot-kick triumph.

Hurst continued: "At Wembley we went with Sam first, who has been in that position before in a play-off final, and it didn't happen for him.

"With the second one, Richard was fresh onto the pitch and just put it over.

"So there's no guarantees and I guess that's the beauty of penalties for the fans – certainly for the neutrals anyway.

"It's hard to replicate the occasion and the feeling because when you're taking pens on the training ground you're still relatively fresh, not running on empty.

"That might sound daft – a couple of steps up to the ball for a penalty – but that can still be a factor.

"Both sides would like to finish it before then, but it wouldn't be a massive surprise if that's where we ended up going."

A HOSPITAL worker stole an iPod from a dead woman on Christmas Day.

He had the chance to hand the stolen item back after the act of "betrayal and deception" so it could be given to the patient's family, but it was lost forever after he later panicked and hurled it into the River Freshney, a court heard.

Leslie Ashford, 44, of Alexandra Road, Grimsby, admitted stealing an iPod, valued at £190, belonging to Thomas Fox.

After the hearing at Grimsby Magistrates Court, Ashford tearfully told the Telegraph: "I am extremely regretful for what I have done to her family and what I have put my family through."

Martin Howarth, prosecuting, said Ashford had worked at the time as a healthcare assistant at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, where he had been for about 20 years.

He stole the iPod from the possessions of Patricia Isherwood, 57, of Scartho, Grimsby, who had died on Christmas Eve.

The iPod had been given to her by her uncle, Mr Fox, who had himself since died, and it had been bought for him by his children three years earlier.

The iPod had family mementos, photographs, films and songs on it.

Ashford's wife, who worked on the same ward, found the iPod and took it to the hospital, asking if it was the one staff were looking for but Ashford insisted it was his and that he had receipts for it.

"He chose to throw it in the River Freshney and it was completely lost," said Mr Howarth.

Ashford later admitted he put the iPod in his tunic while he and a colleague were dealing with Mrs Isherwood's belongings, including the iPod, cash, a purse and a mobile phone.

He later claimed he confused the iPod with his own mobile phone because they had similar cases. He found it in his pocket at the end of his shift.

"I panicked and took it home," he told police.

Sean Conway, mitigating, said Ashford claimed he initially did not act dishonestly but was negligent in not carrying out his ward duties properly.

He claimed he forgot he had put the iPod in his tunic but admitted "lying and trying to make excuses" later.

"He is aware fully of the distress caused to the family of the people involved in this, not just to the family but also to his colleagues.

"It was an act of betrayal and deception."

Ashford had been sacked from his job at the hospital but was working elsewhere, said Mr Conway.

Ashford told the Telegraph: "I have deep regret at the mistake I made and my subsequent foolish and stupid actions.

"I wished I could turn back the clock but I had started on a path and I couldn't see a way to right it.

"I am sorry for the extra suffering I have caused."

"I lost my dad a couple of years ago and that's difficult enough without the extra trauma I have put them through.

"I never met the patient. I didn't know her. I had just had a week's holiday and never nursed her.

"I spent 20 years caring for people and helping them with grieving.

"I can't reconcile myself with what I have done to them and to my family.

"I take my punishment. I hope they can get some comfort from being in court and seeing that. They can move on."

He added that his wife had also lost her job at the hospital – even though she was the one who took the iPod in.

"She did the honourable and honest thing," he said.Ashford was given 250 hours' unpaid work and was ordered to pay £190 compensation to the estate of the victim, £85 costs and a Government-imposed £60 victims' surcharge.

The woman's daughter Kelly Isherwood, said after the hearing: "It makes me sick. He was in a position of trust.

"He was meant to be caring for the sick and for those who have passed away.

"He totally disrespected the memory of her."