A GRIMSBY Girlguiding member is poised to make her mark on the next generation of women leaders after earning the charity's ultimate honour – the Queen's Guide Award.

Laura Tucker, 25, has dedicated years to working toward guiding's highest accolade, which is presented to only a handful of Girlguiding's half a million members annually.

The Brownie and Ranger Leader received her award at a special ceremony in the House of Lords.

The Queen's Guide Award empowers young women, aged 16 to 25, to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, raise their aspirations and discover their potential to improve their own lives and the lives of others.

The girls-only programme sets members a series of demanding challenges, including embarking on an ambitious four-day expedition, overseeing a ground-breaking community action project and devoting a year to cultivating a skill of their choice.

Among the tasks customer assistant Laura chose to tackle were gaining her boating licence to take a guiding trip along the Rochdale Canal, running a Samaritans' charity shoeboxes project and taking part in an international Guide camp in Ontario, Canada.

She said: "I don't think I would be as adventurous or confident to take on challenges in life if I had not had the background in guiding.

"I am currently planning a trip to Sweden with my Rangers, something I probably wouldn't have done before my Queens Guide Award."

Laura received her award from Baroness Caroline Cox and Chief Guide Gill Slocombe, herself a former recipient.

Gill said: "The Queen's Guide Award embodies all that's best about guiding.

"The adventures that recipients experience, the skills they learn and the friendships and confidence they build will last a lifetime – and prove immensely valuable as they pursue their goals in life.

"This challenge has helped them become confident, skilled, self-reliant young women ready to make a positive difference to the world around them, and I have no doubt that they will."

Baroness Cox added: "The Queen's Guides are a real inspiration and I'm sure we can expect great things of them – it would not surprise me if these young women go on to make up our future generation of strong female leaders in the UK."

MICHAEL and Ann Dugard have had "thousands of arguments" during 50 years of marriage.

But the happy couple, pictured below, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on March 30, insist they would not have it any other way.

"Anybody who tells you they have been married 50 years and haven't had an argument are liars", said Michael, 71.

"We've had thousands of arguments, otherwise we would have had a boring life. We are still together and we are happy."

Echoing his sentiments, Ann says she has absolutely "no complaints" about the life they have shared since tying the knot at St Mark's Church on Laceby Road, Grimsby all those years ago.

The couple first met at the White Hart Pub in Grimsby. Ann was approached by Michael and the pair ended up going to the Gaiety together. They immediately hit it off and were married within 18 months.

After leaving school at 15, Michael went to work as a machinist at Dixon's Paper Mill. He was still there when it closed 16 years later, and moved on to Findus and then Bluecrest, before retiring at the age of 64.

Ann worked at the Cordage Ropery Factory, in Ropery Street, for seven years before she and Michael were married.

The couple have five children – Shane, Kevin, Joanne, Karen and the late Elaine.

They also have eight grandchildren.

Michael and Ann, who have enjoyed holidays all over the world, lived in Rutland Street, Grimsby for 25 years before moving to their current home on Ennerdale Close, in Humberston.

Aside from arguing, Michael joked that the secret of their long and happy marriage was give and take, adding: "I give, she takes!"

ON THE WEB: For more family announcements, visit www.thisisannouncements.co.uk/grimsby

YOUR Grimsby Telegraph has been commended in the 2013 Newspaper Awards.

The area's only daily newspaper received the accolade in the Regional Newspaper of the Year category.

It is the latest in a string of awards this publication has won in recent years for excellent coverage and production.

Editor Michelle Lalor said: "This newspaper is committed to serving the public.

"In North East Lincolnshire, more people read a copy of the Grimsby Telegraph every day than all the national newspapers put together – an amazing fact which shows just how popular our publication continues to be and we thank all our loyal readers and advertisers."

The 2013 Newspaper Awards is a respected annual event in the journalism industry.

The panel of judges praised the Telegraph's "good layout" and added that it is "well produced".

At the heart of all things local since 1897, the publication serves thousands of people in North East Lincolnshire and the surrounding area.

From job vacancies and classified adverts to sharing your family news and celebrating achievements, we pride ourselves in providing a vital community service.

We are also a campaigning newspaper, and take up issues the public care about. Recently, we launched the Ten Tonnes Of Tins initiative to collect food parcels for people experiencing hardship.

In partnership with Christian Action Resource Enterprise (Care), donations are coming in thick and fast.

Care's general manager, Sarah Taylor, praised the campaign's impact.

She said: "The Grimsby Telegraph recently initiated the Ten Tonnes campaign on behalf of our Daily Bread Food Larder. As a result, we have seen an amazing influx of donations of food and support from across the local community. This additional support has been essential to meet the increasing need we have experienced."

The Telegraph launched the appeal after discovering Care had seen a 130 per cent increase in the number of people taking emergency food parcels compared to last year.

Sarah added: "With the support of the Telegraph, we have been able to ensure we continue to meet this growing need as more and more people are turning to food banks and larders due to financial difficulties."

The ongoing Your Life, Your Future campaign – aimed at getting people into work and training – is another example of how the Telegraph plays a part in raising aspirations and opportunities in the area.

Ms Lalor added: "Last week we published more than 1,000 job vacancies in a bid to help those looking for work.

"The Job Centre was inundated with phone calls and enquiries; we could not have wished for a better response."

THRILLSEEKERS were paralysed with fear when a terrifying tour of a pharmaceutical complex went horribly wrong.

A groundbreaking new drug which can halt the ageing process is being tested at the Young Futures Corps premises, in Railway Street, Grimsby.

But there was a power cut during a tour of the facility, and some of the test subjects underwent a terrifying transformation ... into the undead.

Thankfully, this terrifying scenario in the heart of Grimsby is made up by the people behind Modern Ops Paintball.

It's called The Walking Undead tour, and a dark warehouse has been created to scare you out of your wits – but only for 90 minutes!

Owner Mike Burley created the story for the tour of something going wrong at a controversial medical testing site, and tested it out on family and friends at the weekend.

In the story, staff at the facility have been using humans to test ReGenerate, a new drug which can apparently halt the process of ageing.

But ReGenerate has had some "unintended consequences" on test subjects.

During the walk-round, there is a power cut and test subjects breach the restricted area, attacking the visitors.

Unfortunately, they are infected with a highly contagious disease – and the visitors' fight for survival begins.

Scream as you're confronted with a disfigured "monster" in a lab coat attempting to bite you.

It is believed this poor man could be Ernest Heitinger, the award-winning German biologist who became famous for testing his treatments on himself.

Another test subject, seen with blood dripping from his mouth and wearing a sharp business suit, is believed to be Young Futures chief executive Kurt Smith, who went missing in June last year.

Even more concerning is that it is believed there were at least 30 more test subjects in the facility when testing was abandoned – and all remain unaccounted for.

But of course, it's not in the slightest bit real!

Mr Burley said: "Come to the facility and you will feel as though you have been transported into a horror movie."

The tours cost £30, last 90 minutes, and take you round a dark warehouse created within Mr Burley's paintballing facility.

ELDERLY North East Lincolnshire residents are being warned to beware of cold callers following a spate of unsolicited phone calls offering financial advice.

Age UK issued the warning after concerned residents alerted them and the Grimsby Telegraph to the issue, in the hope of preventing vulnerable people from falling victim to any potential scam.

The alarm was raised by two worried locals, who did not wish to be named, who said they had been called by an unknown firm offering financial advice regarding losing assets if they were placed in a care home.

The firm then tried to book an appointment for a financial adviser to visit them at their home the following day.

The concerned residents said the caller knew their names and some other personal details, which they feared may lull some people into a false sense of security.

A spokesman for Age UK said the risks of people being duped by cold callers was very concerning.

He said: "The phone calls and visitors raises real concerns for us and our customers.

"We would advise older people to never accept a cold call from anyone requesting a visit to their homes to discuss home care fees and funding."

He added such issues should be discussed with North East Lincolnshire Council's adult social care team, who would never cold-call.

He said: "This is a very complicated system and Age UK has recently launched a new information and advice service.

"We would always advise anyone with a query to drop in."

An open event for those wishing to discuss welfare, benefits, money matters, social care, housing, local services and support, will be held on Friday, June 14, from 10am to 2pm at Age UK's Osbourne Street centre.

Alternatively, call the charity on 01472 344976 or NELC's social care team on 01472 256256.

CREW members from Cleethorpes' RNLI met potential recruits at an event aimed at keeping the charity's lifesaving services afloat.

Dozens of people who are interested in joining the RNLI's bank of volunteer responders, headed to the North Promenade station on Saturday to find out more about joining the service.

They were shown videos of real-life incidents and had the opportunity to speak to existing volunteers.

Operations manager Jack Barlow said: "We have got enough crew to operate the station at the moment, but because most of them have other jobs, it can mean they're not available when we need them.

"We tend to find that we're short of crew between 9am and 5pm when most people are at work, so that is what we're targeting today.

"The station isn't manned, but we're on call 24/7 so we need people who are available when an incident comes in."

Mr Barlow said potential recruits have to be able to swim 100 yards fully clothed without a life jacket.

Among those interested in joining was Paul Walker, 42, of Cleethorpes. He said: "I work as a taxi driver which means my working hours are very flexible and I have spare time to dedicate to doing this.

"I've lived here all my life and I'm very interested in finding out more about lifesaving on the Humber and the idea of working in a team appeals to me, too.

"I think volunteering for the RNLI is a great way of giving something back to the community."

Josh Smith, 18, of Cleethorpes, is studying uniform services at Grimsby Institute.

He said: "I hope to join the forces one day and volunteering to help a local charity and the local community is good experience for me in the meantime."

Existing volunteer Ian Sanderson, 44, of Cleethorpes, who is a shift staff officer at Phillips66, said potential recruits need to demonstrate commitment.

He added: "You can be the best lifeboat man in the world, but if you don't have time to commit then it's not much use to anyone.

"I came along to a recruitment day myself when I moved here from Immingham 12 years ago and I can honestly say that signing up was the best thing I've ever done."

If you are interested in volunteering, call Kelly on 07850 448699 or e-mail lifeboat618@hotmail.co.uk

IN-FORM Louth Town moved up to fifth in the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) table courtesy of a 2-1 derby victory over Grimsby Borough.

Following a minor blip in midweek, the White Wolves took control of the Division One clash with first-half goals from Nick Manders and Andrew Willoughby, before surviving a late scare at Bradley Community Stadium.

Gary Deakins netted for Borough eight minutes from time, but it proved to be no more than a consolation as Louth secured their ninth win in ten NCEL outings.

Daryl Clare's side head to Appleby Frodingham tomorrow night (7.45pm), knowing that another victory will give them a huge chance of finishing third.

The White Wolves are five points behind Cleethorpes Town – who have finished their campaign – with two games remaining.

From the first whistle against Grimsby, it was visiting Louth who looked the hungrier – breaking the deadlock after only six minutes.

George Newby was then booked for Borough, with away forward Paul Goodhand forced from the field moments later when he sustained an injury.

In the 38th minute, after several close attempts at Grimsby's well-defended goal, Willoughby doubled the visitors' leader.

Running clear through on goal, the forward cooly slipped the ball underneath John Taylor in the home net – and it stayed 2-0 for the remainder of the half.

Frazer Finlay replaced player-boss Clare at the start of the second half, and it was not long before he was shown yellow for a late foul.

With Borough getting stronger as the game went on, White Wolves skipper Carl Martin set the standard in defence, and his hard work earned him yet another man-of-the-match award.

And in the 82nd minute, Grimsby managed to pull one back with a well-taken goal from Deakin – which made for a nervy final stage.

But the Whites Wolves managed to hold on, sealing their 27th point from a possible 30.

Manager Clare said: "We stood firm and our confidence was good. We have another three points and are pushing to get higher in the table than we have ever got before.

"I am very impressed and pleased with the points. We are within reach of the club's highest ever league finish which is a tribute to the resilience of the players."

"I also think it is absolutely important we keep playing in top form and keep the habit of winning as we approach the League Cup final."

That showpiece – against Thackley or Worksop Parramore, in Chesterfield – will take place on May 6 (Bank Holiday Monday).

However, the White Wolves must first see out their NCEL charge, starting with a trip across the A180 tomorrow evening.

KIRMINGTON motorcycle rider Guy Martin continued his fine start to the new season with another victory – at the Cookstown 100 road race.

The speedster had already won the Scarborough Spring Cup when he travelled to Northern Ireland at the weekend for the event.

And the Tyco Suzuki rider was at it again, storming to victory in Saturday's Supersport race ahead of McAdoo Racing Honda's Michael Dunlop and Ian Bell Yamaha's Dean Harrison.

The 31-year-old then kept his 100 per cent podium record intact for 2013 with a pair of second placed finishes to Dunlop in the Open and Superbike encounters at the County Tyrone venue.

Martin said: "I knew I was comfortable in the Supersport race when I saw 'Plus Four' on my pitboard, but probably backed off a bit too much and let Dunlop back into the race, what with slowing down and a bit of a mistake.

"He's a good old boy and we had a good race but he did hit me on the last lap. I'm just glad I was able to hang in for the win. In that last Superbike race I really couldn't have given any more.

"I think I led for four laps and I also went under my old lap record, but I can't knock the man – I was just beaten by a better rider on the day.

"We have a few things we want to try before the North West event."

A BAND of lads from Cleethorpes are daring to dream of musical stardom now their newest song has been added to the Radio 1 playlist.

Theory 59's new song Through The Lies Comes Clarity has been added to the BBC introducing playlist which means DJs such as Sarah Cox, Scott Mills and Greg James will play the tune.

The band have been playing together for years in venues such as The Beachcomber, Walter's and Gypsy Tears and have already been played on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, but this new breakthrough will expose them to a much larger audience.

Drummer George Baker, 19, of Humberston Avenue – who also works at Humberston Park Special School – said he shouted the house down when he was woken up by an email from the BBC last week.

He drove straight to see guitarist and vocalist Asthon Grimble, 19, who lives up the road and interrupted him mowing the lawn, telling him to "sit down" before giving him the great news.

Ashton, who works as a team leader for Tesco, said: "It's a great opportunity for people to hear us because we want to get signed by a record company and make a new EP.

"The news has really inspired us and given us loads of new ideas – we've recorded three new songs since we found out."

Noah Sparnom, 18, of Simpsons Fold Court, New Waltham, said: "Finding out that we are going to be on Radio 1 has really kick-started everything."

Guitarist and vocalist Billal Alankar, 18, of Chichester Terrace, Cleethorpes, is at Bradford University studying chemical engineering, but is trying to find gigs in Leeds for the band.

He said: "I've been spending my student loan wisely – buying new instruments and sound equipment."

The band was set up when the members were at Humberston Academy when their ages added up to the number 59 – thus the name.

However, bassist Arne Walker – who played on the recorded single – is no longer with the band and has been replaced by classically trained guitarist Noah, who went to Tollbar.

Noah added: "There was a bit of pressure, but I'm settling in well."

The group name their inspirations at Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Muse and Foles – so they are clearly aiming high.

George added: "Hopefully this is just the start for us – we're hoping to get gigs in university cities now because there is a constant flow of young people listening to new music."

GRIMSBY Town's bosses have some "tough decisions" to make on their squad's future as attentions quickly turn to next season and another promotion push.

The dust is beginning to settle on the Mariners' 2012/2013 campaign following Sunday's Conference play-off exit at the hands of Newport County.

After that desperate defeat in South Wales with another Wembley final beckoning, Town's co-managers are already weighing up their options.

With 11 players out of contract this summer – including Shaun Pearson, Craig Disley, Ian Miller and Derek Niven – the bosses have a busy time ahead.

Add to that the loss of the squad's five loanees, and the make-up of the Mariners line-up for next season is looking more than a little uncertain.

And Paul Hurst hinted that those key decisions will be made later this week.

"Because we were up there challenging, we weren't going to tell anyone what the situation is, so that's something we'll have to do this week," he said.

"We've got the Player of the Year Awards tomorrow – it's whether we decide to inform the players of our plans before that or delay it until after.

"We'll make some tough decisions and not everyone will agree with those, but that's what we're paid to do.

"We'll look to put a squad together capable of improving further again.

"We're not a million miles away, but even if we'd have got promoted, you look at the areas you can improve in."

Other Town players out of contract in May, June and July are Greg Fleming, Bradley Wood, Simon Ford, Frankie Artus, Louie Soares, Greg Pearson and Dayle Southwell.

And Hurst admits that the end of season contract negotiations are never an easy time for players and managers alike.

"Some of the players will be wondering where their future lies, and for me and Rob (Scott) that's our next step – to make those difficult choices," he added.

"It's not nice when you've worked with a group so closely, and we haven't got any players that I will take any pleasure from letting go. It won't be a nice thing to do because they have given their all.

"I don't think it will be a case of just 'topping up' the squad. It will be trying to get the best out of what's available to us.

"We've got a better basis to work from compared to last season.

"Over the season the players have done well, but we want ones who can do better and that's the decision we have to make."

PAUL Hurst has paid tribute to Grimsby Town's supporters who made the 480-mile round trip to Newport for Sunday's play-off defeat.

The Mariners had almost 700 fans in attendance in South Wales for what ultimately turned out to be a disappointing day.

But the travelling Town faithful were in good voice and on best behaviour despite the end result.

Joint boss Hurst remarked: "The fans were fantastic, weren't they?

"It was difficult to hear them from where we were because of the Newport fans right behind us.

"But we could see our fans singing and it's a long way to go on a Sunday, especially with work the next day.

"We obviously thank them greatly. They stood and waited right until the end, which is greatly appreciated because it's very easy to walk off when things aren't going your way."

The co-manager also urged the club's phenomenal support to join his players in returning refreshed for another promotion charge in two months' time.

"They'll have a bit of time off and in a few weeks time when we're all missing it and looking forward to getting back into pre-season, I'm sure they'll be back to cheer us on again," he added.

THE Mariners squad have been urged to return for pre-season training fit and raring to go.

Following Sunday's season-ending defeat at Newport, Grimsby Town's players will disappear on their summer holidays in the coming weeks.

But joint boss Paul Hurst has demanded that his charges return in good shape and ready for another long Conference season.

"After the Newport game, we talked a little bit about the match but also generally about what we need from people going forward," the co-manager explained.

"Everyone is ready for a rest now but that rest isn't as long as it has been in years gone by. You rest a little bit and let your body recover but you have to get fit.

"Pre-season has changed and it's hard when you do come in, but football players are now expected to stay fit throughout the summer and that work begins now.

"For the ones that are here next year, we need them to sign up to being fully committed and the best that they can be.

"We'll collectively put all those together and try to go again next season.

Meanwhile, Hurst has shed light on Shaun Pearson's substitution against Newport on Sunday.

The big centre-half was replaced at the break by striker Andy Cook as the visitors looked to find a way back into the tie.

"Shaun was ill," said Hurst. "He's played all season and is obviously a big player for us, but he woke up on Sunday morning not feeling great and then at half-time said he felt weak.

"We know what Shaun's about and it was frustrating but he couldn't have continued – if he had, he would have let the team down.

"So we had to make that change and it didn't help us, although we were thinking of changing to a 4-4-2 anyway and having more threat down the middle."

ANIMAL rescue centres across northern Lincolnshire say the number of pets being abandoned is rising as the tough economic climate continues to bite.

With the impact of Government welfare reforms now kicking in, rescue centres are being inundated with unwanted pets people can no longer afford to keep.

Bill Walker, who has run Walker's Kennels at Grainthorpe, for 30 years, said: "The situation has definitely got worse over the past couple of years.

"People just can't afford to keep their pets, so they abandon them.

"We're also finding more animals are coming to us in a poor condition because their owners obviously haven't been able to afford the vet bills."

Laura Morrell, of Ark Animal Rescue And Retirement Home, said that the introduction of the "bedroom tax" – where people have their benefits reduced for any unused bedrooms – has forced many families to give up their pets.

She said: "We had one woman who was forced to move from her house into a flat and she had to give up her dog because of the bedroom tax.

"It left her with £50 a week to live on, so she just couldn't afford her dog.

"We're finding that most animals that come to us now haven't had worm or flea treatments because their owners have barely been able to afford to feed them.

Figures from the Blue Cross, which has a branch in Nelson Street, Grimsby, reveal there were 2,124 abandoned pets taken to its rehoming centres nationwide in 2012, compared to 676 in 2010.

That is an increase of more than 200 per cent.

Grimsby's Blue Cross animal hospital treats the pets of owners who are on means-tested benefits.

Chief veterinary surgeon at the hospital Susan Knox said: "Sadly, we do treat animals that are brought in sick or injured after being found straying or abandoned.

"We would ask pet owners who may be struggling to cope to get in touch with an animal charity like Blue Cross for help and never to just abandon a pet to fend for themselves."

MORE than 100 people helped give Cleethorpes beach a spring clean – collecting 3,195 pieces of litter in just a few hours.

Volunteers from across the borough joined staff from Marks & Spencer, in Grimsby's Freshney Place shopping centre, on Saturday for the second annual litter pick.

The clean-up was part of the company's mission to tidy 110 beaches and 50 waterways nationwide in association with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).

Grimsby store manager Val Hardy said: "We are delighted with the turn-out. We had about 70 people last year and this year we've topped 100, which is fantastic.

"As well as collecting rubbish, the event is to educate people about protecting sea-life and beaches for future generations.

"We're asking everybody to keep a log of the rubbish they pick up so that the MCS can use the information for their research."

The intrepid litter pickers collected 630kg kilograms of rubbish this year, compared to 270kg last year.

They spent three hours on the section of beach from the Boating Lake to the car park at the rear of Pleasure Island.

Staff from North East Lincolnshire Council's beach safety team donated litter grabbers to help make the task less arduous.

Among those taking part were electrician Simon Myers, 39, of Cleethorpes, and his daughter Katie, 7.

He said: "We wanted to come along and help tidy up the area. It might be a bit windy but it's still a nice day to be on the beach.

"I think it's important we all do our bit to help."

Katie, who attends Signhills Academy, added: "I'm going to try and collect more rubbish than my dad."

Jo Martin, 47, of Grimsby, who works as a sales assistant at M&S, added: "It's brilliant to see so many people turn out to help us. There are lots of plastic bags and glass on the beach so we'll be making sure we pick all of it up."

Everyone who took part was given a £5 M&S food voucher, while back in the store, there was a fish hunt, quiz and colouring competition for families.

GRIMSBY-born actor Matt Kennard is back on both the small and big screens this summer.

Next week, he will arrive in Emmerdale, as Kirk Stoker, and he is also preparing for the cinema release of Bula Quo! later in the summer.

Matt, 31, spent five weeks in Fiji last year filming with Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt for Status Quo's debut movie, which sees them witness a gang murder in Fiji. They flee with crucial evidence – have they played their last gig?

Matt plays Dave, a weatherman, who dreams of being an anchor.

He sees Status Quo in Fiji as an opportunity, follows them and gets wind of a bigger story. His only distraction is Caroline, the young intern, who is played by Matt's real-life long-term girlfriend Laura Aikman.

Matt said: "It was a very fun five weeks, obviously, making a film in the Fijian sunshine. However, a few weeks before we arrived, there was a huge cyclone that caused severe flooding and put the shooting schedule into chaos.

"It all had to be changed and it was a nightmare for the crew, but we managed to get the film finished on time by some stroke of luck.

"Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt were both very down to earth and lovely guys. They have had incredible lives, but you wouldn't know it by sitting down and talking to them."

Bula Quo, which also stars US actor Jon Lovitz and ex-Eastender Craig Fairbrass, hits UK cinemas in July.

Meanwhile, Matt's Emmerdale character will hit our screens on Monday, May 13, for six episodes.

His storyline is currently under wraps, but details will be revealed soon.

The former Tollbar and Franklin student and twin brother Sam have been acting since the age of 10, when they appeared in the BBC children's series I Hate This House.

They went on to present Disney Club with Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates, and have since enjoyed individual success.

Matt played practice nurse Archie Hallam in BBC1 soap Doctors for two years, and has also appeared in Coronation Street, The Bill, Casualty, Hollyoaks and Lemon La Vida Loca.

Sam has most recently appeared on cinema screens in The Dark Knight Rises and Red Tails, and together the brothers appeared in Freight, a gritty feature film about human trafficking. The pair also have their own production company.

They both now live in London, but their family, including parents Kathy and Derek, remain in the Grimsby area.

THE money generated from Grimsby Town's FA Trophy run has already been spent on this season's promotion push – but John Fenty insists there is no cause for alarm.

The Town director revealed that the prize money from the journey to Wembley – and the money received from Ryan Bennett's transfer from Peterborough to Norwich City – has now "dried up".

The cash went towards supporting the club's bid for a Football League return, which came to a crashing end with defeat to Newport County in the play-off semi-final.

But the former chairman, right, insists there is no reason to panic, as he prepares to meet with bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst this week to plan the Mariners' assault on the Conference next season.

"The money from the Ryan Bennett deal has dried up. That, and the money from the FA Trophy run, have all been used to fund this season," he told the Telegraph.

"There needed to be a financial injection from the board to get though the cash flow that's been required to fund this campaign.

"So we're not talking about rolling funds over for next season – that's not the case.

"Based on a reasonable playing budget for next season, we're forecasting substantial losses and there are risks because that is based on an anticipation that we will get into the play-offs or higher next season. We've got to be sensible about our budgetary proposals. As we know from past seasons, you can fail to achieve those levels and income streams dry up very quickly, which can become a very serious issue.

"But season on season we have improved, and the important thing is that the fans are still with us.

"They've certainly been with us this season and we've enjoyed some fantastic support, as ever.

"We're relying on that again to give us the budgets to help support the managers in their endeavours to improve again next season."

Fenty also responded to fans' concerns that the playing budget for next season will be significantly reduced after failure to win promotion this time.

"There are budgetary pressures no doubt," he added, "but we don't have the baggage that we've had in previous seasons in that we're not paying players off.

"So in real terms, the budgets are more or less similar. There will be a slight cut."

He continued: "The discussions that I'll be having with the managers this week will cover a whole host of things.

"We will look at the actual budget and how that's going to be spent and split up.

"It will be about player retention and also what we'd like to bring in.

"There are targets for next season as there always are in managers' eyes – every manager is always two players short of a full load.

"But if we're talking about improving on personnel that we let go, then absolutely, we will certainly be strengthening for next season."

A WOMAN who neglected a dog so badly that it could scarcely breathe has been banned from keeping all animals for life.

The emaciated condition of the dog was so horrific that it was the worst case of its kind that an animal welfare charity inspector had seen.

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Photos of the emaciated dog may cause distress

The owner claimed she could not afford veterinary fees – but the case was made even worse as she lived only 200m from a Blue Cross Animal Hospital, Grimsby magistrates heard.

Amanda Tallant, 35, of Comber Place, Grimsby, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and five offences of failing to ensure the welfare of the dog, between October 17 and November 11.

Nigel Burn, prosecuting, said an RSPCA inspector went to Tallant's home on a routine visit after a report that a dog had been left unattended.

There was a strong smell of urine and a dog was found in a "terrible condition".

The 10-year-old female dog was "shockingly thin" and its fur was wet and dirty.

Its eyes were open with a fixed stare and there was a discharge from them. Its tongue was hanging out and the dog was unresponsive, apart from shallow breathing.

The inspector could not believe the dog could be so cold and yet still alive.

Tallant told him: "Well, it's not dead then, is it?"

The dog, called Tessa, was taken to the Blue Cross animal charity where it was put to sleep. It had been suffering from cancer and would have died anyway.

RSPCA inspector Stuart Wainwright said the dog's condition was the worst he had ever encountered. The tail resembled that of a rat and there were sores on its body and muscle wasting. It had suffered for at least three weeks.

Gemma Greetham, mitigating, said Tallant had neglected the dog but did not deliberately act in a cruel way.

"She failed in her duty of care," she said.

Tallant claimed she did not seek help because she was "struggling hugely with her finances" and could not afford veterinary fees. She was in arrears with her rent.

She had no previous convictions and had worked as a nursery assistant until losing her job.

Her work in that area showed that she was a "caring individual", said Miss Greetham.

Presiding magistrate Michael Simpson told Tallant: "This is a very serious case of neglect. You caused considerable suffering to a dog."

Tallant was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, 200 hours' unpaid work and was ordered to pay £150 costs and a Government-imposed £80 victims' surcharge.

She was banned from keeping all animals for life.

Another £564 in RSPCA costs will be paid from central funds.

Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Stuart Wainwright said: "I am pleased with the court's decision, especially with regards to the disqualification.

"This was the worst condition of a living dog I have had to deal with. It is completely inexcusable. This seems even more unacceptable when Miss Tallant lived only 200m from the Blue Cross Animal Hospital, which provides an excellent local service."

THE Grimsby and District Football League will undergo the biggest shake-up in its 116-year history today.

In a radical change to the league's format, there will now be two age-groups, with sides fielding smaller teams.

Matches will be nine-a-side, with rolling substitutes – and games will be split into Under-30 and Over-30 age groups.

Teams playing in the Under-30 age group can have players of any age from 16-60, allowing older players to get involved alongside their sons.

For the Over-30s, teams will consist of players over the age of 30 and will not be allowed any player under this age.

These teams will be given the option of playing every week or every other week to give them a decent recovery time.

Games will be played on smaller pitches for the older age group, and in an enjoyable, fun environment.

All matches in both age groups will be officiated by fully qualified referees and in some instances assistant referees will be appointed as well.

Flexible kick-off times are available for those who want to watch Grimsby Town games or catch the lunch-time match on television.

"This new format has the full backing of the Lincolnshire Football Association and they are fully supporting us in our new venture," explained the league's honorary secretary Trevor Albery.

"So if there are any players out there who have stopped playing but miss the banter of the changing room on a Saturday and playing with friends, then why not form a team?"

Any teams that wish to join the league can do so by contacting Albery or any member of the league committee. An entry fee of £180 will secure your team in the league, and this will also include personal accident insurance cover for your team as well as entry costs to the league and affiliation to the Lincs FA. If you need any further information please contact Albery on 01472 231646 or 07779 715882, or visit the league's website on www.GDFL.co.uk. A deposit of £100 can be sent with an application form, which is downloadable from the website, to the secretary by May 31, with the balance payable by July 31.