ASSISTANT manager Carl Forman was full of praise for his Louth Town squad as they prepare to conclude what could be a historic Northern Counties East League (NCEL) season for the club.

Just 48 hours after clinching third-place in Division One, the White Wolves face Thackley in the NCEL League Cup final (3pm today).

Fresh from their 2-0 home win against Dinnington Town, at Park Avenue, Daryl Clare's in-form side should go into the showpiece – which will be held at Inkersall Road, near Chesterfield – without any fear.

It was their 13th win in 15 league games – a run that stretches back to mid February and was a key factor in Louth's rise up the Division One ladder.

Following their 2-0 victory on the final day, White Wolves' number two Forman said: "We did what we needed to, and overall we deserved to win the game.

"For a club like our, with a little budget and a small squad, is all down to the players and their commitment. We have some good, young players who have done extremely well.

"Daryl and myself would like to thank all the players for their effort, week in week out. They deserves their success and finishing third was a remarkable achievement."

In front of 104 fans at Park Avenue, goals from captain Carl Martin and second-half substitute Jonathon Walton were enough to seal three points, and ultimately Louth's high NCEL finish.

And they were quick out of the blocks in the season ended – Martin gave his side the lead after just three minutes, rising highest to nod home from a corner.

Bobby McSpadden went close to doubling their advantage moments later, and the hosts continued to pile on the pressure for most of the first-half.

Dinnington made two changes as the interval, but the White Wolves continued to assert their dominance on the contest with impressive attacking play.

Louth's top scorer Matt Kennedy – who after the game was presented with the fans' player of the year trophy – was replaced by Walton as the hosts looked to keep things fresh up top.

And it took Walton just four minutes to stamp his mark on the game – the striker latched on to a through-ball from Nick Manders and cooly slotted home to clinch the points.

Now hoping to end the year on a positive note – by taking home NCEL silverware – Louth are encouraging as many fans as possible to make the trip to Derbyshire.

CLEETHORPES CC maintained their unbeaten record in the Yorkshire ECB Premier League with an eight-wicket home win against Hull.

In what turned out to be a festival of runs at Chichester Road, the visitors won an important toss and instantly elected to bat in bright sunshine.

Fred Lumby opened the bowling alongside Graham Hume, and soon made two early breakthroughs for the Meggies.

Appleyard pulled Lumby's fifth delivery to square leg, where Indy Hayre to took a fine tumbling catch – while Hull skipper Wilkinson feathered an edge to wicket-keeper Tom Keast two overs later.

At 11-2 the Humber side looked in deep trouble, but they were rescued by a marvellous stand of 206 as opener, Peter Shally, and Tim Dimaline both produced superb centuries.

Shally was particularly brutal on South African Hume – repeatedly smashing him down the ground and square cutting through point.

He took nine boundaries off Hume's first seven-over spell as Cleethorpes skipper, Alex Osmond, struggled to find a working combination.

Shally reached his fifty in 51 deliveries, and completed his ton in 114 balls as Hull passed 200 in the 36th over.

Dimaline offered great support, taking 62 deliveries for his half-century before the returning Hume finally gained revenge, bowling Shally (106).

The visitors' middle order then subsided, with the final 16 overs of their innings producing only 67 runs as the Meggies fought back.

Dimaline passed his century in 146 balls, but only Jack Harrison – the ex-Cleethorpes player – proceeded to reach double figures as Hull closed on 283 for nine.

Hume led the way with four wickets, while captain Alex Osmond picked up two for 62 and Lumby two for 52.

The Meggies' reply got off to a patient start, with opening pair Bill Kirby and Rory Osmond keen to have a good luck at the Hull attack.

The first boundary did not arrive until the fifth over, but the Cleethorpes duo gradually began to accumulate and reached 50 in the 16th over.

Rory Osmond, in particular, was beginning to grow in confidence and reached 44 when he departed to a fine edge through to wicket-keeper Shally, with the score on 83.

Yaniv Judah's arrival gave the run-rate an injection, as he and Kirby began to find the boundary with growing consistency.

Kirby reached a well-deserved 50 in 74 balls, as the pair added 84 for the second-wicket, before Judah was stranded and run-out for 26.

Alex Osmond promoted himself to number four, and made his intentions known immediately with some crunching shots through mid-wicket.

With the required run-rate soon dropping, the pair added a quickfire century stand – in only 84 deliveries – as the Meggies took control of the match.

The captain reached his half-century in only 34 balls, with Kirby reaching a second successive hundred – including 16 fours and a six.

Alex Osmond finished the game in great style, reaching 82 not-out with Kirby unbeaten on 111, as Cleethorpes took the six points with five overs to spare.

HOME advantage was made to count during the big derby clash in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League Premier Division , with Market Rasen securing a comfortable 70-run win over Caistor Town at Rase Park.

Cleethorpes 2nds have yet to get into their stride in the top-flight this season and suffered a 47-run reverse in Lincoln at the hands of Bracebridge Heath 2nds.

For many observers, the surprise result off the day came at Alford & District, where the title-chasers were dismissed for only 74 during a heavy 85-run defeat at the hands of visiting Alkborough.

Barton Town also failed to put their own surface to good use, suffering a seven-wicket loss when hosting old rivals Messingham.

In Division One, the closest encounter came at London Road, where Louth 2nds inched home by three runs against Owmby.

Horncastle are already showing determined efforts to regain top-flight status, and were rewarded for a long trip into the Isle of Axholme with a 26-run win over Outcasts.

Meanwhile, Holton-le-Clay suffered a disappointing 38-run defeat against visiting Broughton, at Tetney Lane.

In Division Two , there was a rare tie as Grimsby Town 2nds visited Hibaldstow, with both sides scoring 165 runs without being bowled out.

Strong batting from Caistor Town 2nds helped bring them a 77-run home triumph against Nettleham 2nds, while Keelby won by 20 runs at Cherry Willingham 2nds.

In Division Three, Barton Town 2nds set South Kelsey a tough victory target of 214, which proved well beyond the batting efforts of their hosts.

A similar sort of game saw Old Lincolnians comfortably beat Market Rasen 2nds.

Alford & District 2nds showed fine form with bat and ball, securing an eight-wicket win at Broughton 2nds, but Caistor Town 3rds were heavily defeated at Washingborough.

Divison Four saw another big total posted on the batsman friendly surface at Keelby 2nds, where the village team rattled up 267 on their way to a convincing win over Scunthorpe Town 3rds.

BRADLEY Wood already has contract offers from Football League and Conference clubs – but will "never forget" the support of Grimsby Town's fans.

The former Youth team star said farewell to the Mariners last week when he was released at the end of his contract.

Wood, who racked up more than a century of first-team appearances after signing his first pro deal in 2009, admits it has been a real wrench to move on.

And he was keen to thank the Town supporters who have backed him through 'thick and thin'.

He said: "The Grimsby fans have been great to me since I've been at the club – even when I first started and went through my first couple of years as a professional, which is probably the hardest time.

"I'd like to thank them more than anything because they've supported me through thick and thin.

"If I've ever needed anything they've been there, even if I've needed work on my house or anything like that – they've helped me out just because they are Grimsby fans.

"That's something I really appreciate and will never, ever forget."

The world of football moves on quickly and the 21-year-old, who was Town's Young Player of the Year for the 2010/11 campaign, is already mulling over the best options for his young family.

"I had interest from a couple of teams last week and a couple of offers, but I've got my child and my missus to think about so I'm going to take it as it comes," he added.

"Obviously, it's my first time doing anything like this, and my agent has told me not to go straight for the first deal – they'll be better deals out there – but I need security for my family.

"One is a Conference club and one's a bit higher. The Conference level offer is a bit more money but I'm not really bothered about the money at the moment – I'm just bothered about getting back playing football."

The Leicester-born youngster was one of eight professionals released by Town last week as Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's plans for another campaign in the Conference kicked into action.

He said: "About half the squad have gone and I'm not sure what's going to happen from here on in, but that's the managers' choice.

"I wish them all the best because I've been at Grimsby Town so long and hope that the club does well in the future.

"I'd love them to get back into the Football League because that's where I started with them."

The full-back, who was brought to the club as a teenager by then Youth-team boss Neil Woods, continued: "I found out last Wednesday – everyone had a set meeting and the bosses told us if they were keeping us on or letting us go," he explained.

"I'd been speaking to my agent and he said 'you've been playing out of position for a while so don't be too disappointed if you don't get a deal. If you do get one we'll see what they offer you.'

"So I was half and half really and it hasn't come as a massive shock, but I just feel that maybe the loyalty I've shown hasn't paid off.

"I've been at the club for a long time but that's part and parcel of football.

"The gaffers explained that they only had so much money to do certain things. Obviously Sam (Hatton) and Aswad (Thomas) are still in contract and they said there wasn't enough money in the budget for me to be kept on.

"I've just got to move on and see if I can forge a career somewhere else.

"I will give 100 per cent for any team I play for – that's the type of character I am. That's half the battle of becoming a decent professional, and it's something I'll always have."

A CENTURY from overseas star Azeem Ghumann was enough for Louth to overcome visiting Sleaford and move top of the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League table.

In the highest scoring game of the day, the London Road side took full advantage of Bracebridge Heath's surprise loss to Spalding – taking a full 20 points.

England's Arran Brindle (59) supported Pakistani Ghumman, pictured, who struck the second ton of the Premier League campaign.

And with joint leaders Skegness also losing at home to Woodhall Spa, victory in the run-fest was enough to move Andy Carrington's side into first-place.

After Louth had made, former Grimsby Town man Oliver Burford made 60 as Sleaford closed their reply on 246 for eight.

Meanwhile, Jim Morgan's Grimsby Town moved up to second, courtesy of another man-of-the-match performance from Harry Clewett.

Clewett (66) and Steve Crossley (64) put on 120 for the fifth-wicket as the home side reached 226, before their final wicket fell in the 49th over.

Richard Genge then took five wickets for Hartsholme, but Clewett went one better with six for 18 as Hartsholme were all out for 118 – leaving them bottom of the table after three games.

But it was the result at Spalding Grammar School that sent shockwaves across the division.

Campbell Light was the architect of that outcome, taking seven for 70 as title favourites Bracebridge were bowled out for 118, before hitting an unbeaten 42 as the hosts completed their run chase.

LINCOLNSHIRE ECB PREMIER LEAGUE

Bracebridge Heath 118 (John 61, Light 7-40), Spalding 121-6 Louth 282-7 (Brindle 59, Ghumann 103), Sleaford 246-8 (Burford 60) Grimsby Town 226 (Clewett 66, Crossley 64, Genge 5-67), Hartsholme 118 (Clewett 6-18) Lindum 208-3 (Bansal 66, Tomlinson 55), Bourne 175-6 (Stroud 50) Woodhall Spa 218-8 (Sergeant 79no), Skegness 150 (Kelum 5-53) Haxey 131 (Raza 5-38), Market Deeping 135-4

SNOOKER fans can expect a vintage display from Jimmy White when he makes a special appearance at Grimsby Auditorium later this month.

The 51-year-old, known as the Whirlwind, will take on eight players from the area in an exhibition on Friday, May 17 – which will see Mike Hallett perform the MC duties.

With former professional Ashley Wright expected to pose the biggest threat to White, seven other hopefuls have been given a chance test their skills against the six-time World Championship finalist.

Part of the Grimsby & District Snooker and Billiards League centenary celebrations, the mercurial left-hander will also take on Darren Stanfield, Dan Hargrave, Lewis Sewell, Lewis Singleton, Steve Neul, Steve Ellis and Blake Munton.

With the exception of Wright and Munton, the Grimsby players each won a qualifier at Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre to confirm their involvement on the night.

And with a single frame against White their reward, the local league stars will now prepare for the toughest on-table challenge of their lives.

With a large crowd expected, many will be counting on the Whirlwind to bring his 'A game' to the town – just as he did on his last visit to the area.

Indeed, the charismatic potter recorded a 147 maximum at the Auditorium in 2010, and backed that up with an equally superb 146 in the following frame.

On that evening, White overcame late great Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins 5-0 as spectators were treated to a wonderful evening of snooker.

And ahead of the Whirlwind's return, event organiser Dave Webster said: "Without any shadow of doubt, Jimmy is one of the greatest players to ever play snooker.

"When he was here last time, Jimmy knocked in a marvellous 147 break, and then a 146 – all in the space of two frames.

"It would be wonderful if he could do something like that again. He is a living legend and a real entertainer for the crowd."

Although White has never won the sport's greatest prize – despite going close in 1984, and every year between 1990 and 1994 – he can boast an impressive list of honours.

Winning 10 ranking events in total, the Whirlwind defeated John Parrott 16-9 to claim the UK Championship in 1992.

Beyond that, the London-born star is able to bestow a tag that even the most illustrious snooker player would be envious of – White is often regarded as the people's champion.

And it is that level of popularity that is certain to lure fans to the Auditorium a week on Friday.

Alan Edmonds – who runs the Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre – added: "It's fantastic for the area – Jimmy is a snooker icon.

"If you speak to anyone in Grimsby, all they want to do is get down and watch Jimmy play.

"Along with Ronnie O'Sullivan, he is that player that fans most want to watch, and he can still pot as well as ever.

"I have seen the local players who will get to play and they are over the moon. It will be a great experience for them, as it will be for the fans."

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Grimsby man who "lived for his family" and was "always the life and soul of the party".

Chris Wells, 37, died at his home in David Street on October last year, leaving his family with a hole they will "never be able to fill".

His proud mum Cynthia Beck said Chris had always been well liked by all those who came into contact with him – no matter how short the acquaintance.

She said: "He would do anything for anyone. That was just who he was."

She recalled fondly how, just three weeks before his death, Chris – who worked as an operator at BASF – had helped her move into a new flat and within minutes was chatting away to the neighbours like they were old friends.

Mrs Beck said: "He had finished his nightshift at 7.30am, picked up the removal van at 8am and spent the day helping me move.

"One of the neighbours offered to make us a cup of coffee and he was soon chatting away to them and making them all laugh.

"He was always like that. Once, he caught me doing some wallpapering and made me stop and put everything away, then came back the following day and did it for me.

"We were very close. He would always come and talk to me."

As reported, Chris took his own life.

However, apart from one minor episode six years before, he was known as the family "joker" who was popular and out-going – never showing any signs of depression. He was also popular with his colleagues at work, who told the devastated family he had been a good friend and valued member of the team, despite only being with the firm for 18 months.

He also leaves behind his daughters Casey Wells, 13, and Lauren Wells, 9.

His sister Vicky Palmer said she and Chris had been "very close", doing "everything" together and even going on family holidays together long after they had both married and had children.

She said: "We had really good holidays together and days out.

"In the summer, we would just say 'we're off' and head to Skegness, Mablethorpe, Appleby's for an ice cream, or Hubbard's Hills.

"He would always be the one playing with the kids.

"He loved taking them camping and they would often go off to places like Flamingo Land and camp."

Mrs Beck added: "We have a lovely family, but now a big part of it is missing."

ON THE WEB: For more local tributes, visit www.thisisannouncements.co.uk More family announcements start on this page.

ON your marks, get set... go!

More than 550 runners took part in the annual Humberston Fun Run, organised by the Humberston and North Sea Lions.

The event raises money for the Lions, who use it to help organisations and individuals across North East Lincolnshire.

It was established more than 30 years ago, and has been organised by the Lions for the last six.

And runners of all ages and abilities took part in this year's three-mile course around the village, with the first runner completing it in just over 15 minutes.

Fun run organiser and secretary for the Humberston Lions, Martin Allingham, pictured inset, said: "This is the biggest event in Humberston.

"This year, like every year, has had a great turnout.

"All the money we raise goes to the Lions, where it will be given to worthy local charities and people in need.

"Last year we gave out about £25,000 to various groups and individuals.

"We help everybody we can within the community who needs support."

Martin said the fun run really shows how people are willing to help others.

"This is a real community event and everyone gets behind it," he explained.

"Many of the runners dress up and we even get the residents of the village standing on the street cheering the runners as they go by.

"The weather was really in our favour this year – not too hot or cold.

"The 195 Grimsby Squadron Air Training Cadets have volunteered their time to marshall the course, and without them and everyone who helped, the event would not be possible.

"Every year to say thank you, we give them a donation for their hard work in setting up all the markers and monitoring the race.

"We hope to raise in the region of £1,000 thanks to the generosity of the runners and their sponsors.

"We would particularly like to thank David Wise Motors, Elite Windows and Smart Kitchen Designs for their donations, which will make a big difference to the lives of many people."

Chris Taylor, 18, of Waltham was the first person to cross the finish line and said: "It's really good fun, and I really enjoyed it.

"I expected it to be a lot worse but the weather was good for running.

"I run cross country with the Air Cadets so I was prepared for this and I have run it before.

"It's great to know that we have helped raise money for a really good cause and to help people in the community."

Katie Hodgson, 12, was the first girl to cross the line, shortly after Chris.

"I really enjoyed it," she said.

"I run with Cleethorpes Athletic Club and have done the fun run three or four times before.

"I did it as warm-up for a big race later on in Grimsby; it was really fun."

ON THE WEB: More photographs of the run follow on the next three pages, and log onto www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to view a picture gallery.

TRAIN operator East Coast – servicing the Doncaster to King's Cross line – has been awarded four stars in a leading benchmarking scheme for organisational performance.

It has achieved the accolade from the British Quality Foundation as part of its Recognised for Excellence programme.

East Coast managing director Karen Boswell said: "This is a fantastic achievement and reflects a great deal of effort which has gone in to reaching the required standard.

"It's a valuable award which is internationally recognised, and which ensures there is a clear benchmark of success and continuous improvement programme in place for the future of the East Coast business.

"It's the first time in the history of our franchise that we have received such accreditation, which makes this achievement all the more impressive. I'm very proud of our team at East Coast and our success in turning around the business in just three-and-a-half years."

It comes a month after it became the first UK train operator to be named as one of Britain's top employers for a second year, following an independent assessment of its human resources practices and employee benefits.

The latest award was based on an external analysis of its overall performance and achievements since it began operating trains and managing stations on the East Coast Main Line in November 2009. The award is in place for two years.

East Coast's submission focused on leadership, people, strategy, partnership, resource and process.

British Quality Foundation chief executive Joe Goasdoué said: "East Coast is clearly an organisation that is well on its way to achieving and sustaining excellence."

YOU would be forgiven for doing a double-take if you saw hundreds of women on the streets, dressed only in their pyjamas.

But you would not need to rub your eyes ... the annual Sleepwalk, in aid of Grimsby's St Andrew's Hospice, is back for 2013.

Already, 150 women have pledged to don their best nightwear – and their stoutest boots – for the popular annual sponsored walk.

And there is plenty of time for you to sign up, too, and raise vital cash for patients with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.

This year, the sleepwalk is taking place on July 5, starting at midnight from Lucarly's, in Humberston, which is also the finishing point.

It has once again been organised by hospice fundraiser Angela Greenfield.

She said: "It's basically a sponsored walk, but with both a long and short route of 11 and five miles respectively, to cater for all abilities.

"It is mostly women who take part; however, we do like men to come along, too. They act as marshalls, and can walk with the women on the course, so it isn't strictly female-only.

"Year on year, this event has been both a challenge and a great girls' night out.

"Walking through the night when you would normally be asleep is a challenge, but at the end of the night there is a great sense of achievement in having completed the walk, along with the satisfaction of knowing that the money raised will provide vital care and services for those adults and children who need the support of the hospice.

"A total of 550 people took part last year. So far for this year, 150 have registered, and we are hoping to beat last year's attendance."

The registration fee for the walk remains at £12 per person or £10 if you have taken part in the Sleepwalk before.

Every walker will receive a T-shirt, medal and commemorative pin badge.

Angela said: "All we ask is that you raise as much sponsorship as possible.

"Your registration fee only covers the cost and administration of your place on the walk, so sponsorship is vital if the event is to once again make a significant contribution to running the hospice."

Only 3 per cent of the money needed to keep the hospice, in Peaks Lane, operational is government-funded.

For more information, phone 01472 350908 or e-mail angela.greenfield@nhs.net

ON THE WEB: Find out what's in store on the sleepwalk at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

POLITICAL party UKIP made huge gains – and the headlines – in last week's elections. Unlike Lincolnshire, voters in North East Lincolnshire did not go to the polls. But how would you have voted if we had? Reporters Faye Preston and Richard York find out more. Have your say by visiting www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk and commenting on this article.

Terry Gibson, 76, retired, of Scartho: "I would normally vote for the Conservatives, but I can understand why people voted UKIP and their policies. The Tories should see this as a wake-up call."

Nick Cowdroy, 49, a self-employed joiner, who runs NC Joinery, of Cleethorpes: "I would have voted UKIP because of the problems we have with immigration. People have had enough of the Tories."

Teacher Kevin Harris, 53, of Cleethorpes: "I would have voted UKIP if we had an election here. Immigrants are coming here and undercutting other traders. It needs sorting out."

Patricia Mitchell, 84, retired, of Cleethorpes: "I would have voted UKIP because they would deliver what I want. We need to get out of Europe and put the young ones back in work. It is about time the Tories woke up."

Janice Clay, 60, retired, of Humberston: "I am Labour through and through. I always have been and always will be, because they look after the poor, but I agree with some of UKIP's policies. The Conservatives should be listening to this."

Emma Owen, 29, a teacher from Cleethorpes: "The Conservatives should see the result in Lincolnshire as a wake-up call and stop resting on their laurels. I am not sure if I would have voted for UKIP."

Karl Wiseman, 24, of Stallingborough: "People have jumped in with UKIP as a protest vote. I think they have a narrow set of policies so it would be interesting to see them pull out a full manifesto. Where possible, however, I will always vote Green Party or Labour."

Ashley Phillips, 21, of Grimsby: "People don't trust the big parties, so people are voting for groups like UKIP. People just want to see a change for the good."

Vanessa Day, of Grimsby: "I think it's brilliant that UKIP has gained so much. I have always been a Labour supporter but now I vote UKIP. There is too much immigration which is putting a strain on all the national services. UKIP is doing well. It is just a case of waiting and seeing if they will keep their promises."

John Short, 51, of Grimsby: "It doesn't matter which party is in power – what matters is who they are looking out for and who is pulling their strings. I don't vote so I can't give a personal opinion on UKIP."

Paulo Gomes, of Grimsby: "People are fed up with the main parties. People have gone to UKIP for a change. Many believe immigration is too high but there are many people leaving the country as well. People have gone to UKIP because of the poor economy and are looking for an answer."

Peter Thomas, 65, of Cleethorpes: "UKIP is a protest vote. Hopefully the big parties will sit up and take notice. This will shake them up. It's a big step for UKIP."

"WE WILL be able to give the photos to our children and grandchildren for them to treasure."

A family were delighted when they were reunited with missing photographs, discovered by chance hidden in a chair.

As reported, the chair was bought for £5 by Karen and Patrick Hotson at an auction.

When the couple discovered the pictures hidden away, they contacted the Grimsby Telegraph to trace the family of the people on them – Daisy Winfarrah and her daughter, Joan.

It took less than a day to find them, and the large collection of photographic memories were handed to their rightful owners... and the story behind them unfolded.

Daisy had kept cards and newspaper cuttings from 1977, as well as the large collection of photographic slides.

She was the former post lady from Ashby-cum-Fenby and had treasured the mementos from a bygone era.

She died about 25 years ago and her daughter, Joan, who died about two years ago, kept family photos.

Joan even featured in the Grimsby Telegraph when she lost her much-loved parrot three years ago from her home in Humberston. Raymond Winfarrah, of Pelham Avenue, Scartho, is Joan's cousin, and remembered her as a keen photographer.

"She was always taking photos," he said.

"We are very grateful to the couple who found them in the chair and to the Grimsby Telegraph from tracing the family."

Joan's ex-husband Rodney Armstrong, 69, of Eperstone Park, Humberston, immediately recognised himself in the wedding line-up published in the paper.

They married at Welholme Methodist Chapel in 1975, and remained friends with the family when they divorced ten years later.

Ann Ballans also identified one of the women photographed at a holiday resort in the 1970s. Relatives think the photo was taken in Bournemouth, where Joan loved to visit.

And the woman on the right of the photo was named as the late Joan Booth, formerly of Humberston Road, Grimsby.

Ann was her carer for 30 years until she died about seven years ago.

ON THE WEB: Share your family stories and celebrations with the Grimsby Telegraph by visiting www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk or e-mailing newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk. Family announcements begin on page 30 of today's Telegraph.

THE sun might have heated up trade in Cleethorpes but it's yet to get on track following the catastrophic railway landslide.

Shoppers and tourists arrived with the sunshine this bank holiday, bringing welcome relief to traders who forecast a tough year ahead.

Despite temperatures as high as 20°C, the impact of the Hatfield landslide – which has cut Cleethorpes off for TransPennine Express passengers – was felt.

The chair of Seaview Street Traders and owner of In the Pink Jewellery in St Peter's Avenue, Karen Webb-Meek, said: "We are busier than a normal weekend and there are a lot of people wandering around the resort, but it isn't as bustling as last year's bank holiday weekend, even though it is sunny.

"The train line problem is definitely having an effect and sadly there is nothing we can do about that; it won't be resolved until the end of the season.

"We just have to grit our teeth and get through it. I don't think people realise what a lifeline that train is to Cleethorpes."

The owner of Hawaiian Eye Café, Jane Wood, said: "Trade has been great for us compared to Easter. We were looking forward to a good weekend for traders and visitors to the resort.

"Good weather is dreadfully important and the next three to four months are vital.

"With the trains still not running directly to the resort, we need all the sunshine we can get."

North East Lincolnshire Council and transport bosses are in discussions about running more trains into Cleethorpes following the landslide in Hatfield.

It has destroyed the line, isolating Cleethorpes from Yorkshire, which is where its main trade comes from, and it won't be fixed until September.

Then, bitterly cold winds swept tonnes of sand across the main promenade – resulting in its closure – in April, turning Easter into a nightmare for traders.

So bad was the trade, some businesses said they will not recoup what they have lost, as reported.

Now they are hoping the sun continues to shine until the end of September.

The owner of Jonny Doughnuts and Oliver's Eatery, Jonathan Dacombe, said: "Like everyone else, we were well down at Easter – probably by about 50 per cent.

"We will never recoup what we lost but we hope by the end of the year we won't be far off."

Davinia Lacey, the owner of JKs on Sea View Street, added: "It is on the up compared to Easter, which was really bad. There is more of a vibe going on.

"The train's had a slight impact on us, but not a worrying one."

Lindsey and Lee Bailey enjoyed a whole weekend in Cleethorpes with their five children.

Lindsey, 28, said: "We used to come for the day but we fancied a change from Skegness and stay the weekend. It's great when it's sunny."

ON THE WEB: Upload your Bank Holiday snaps to www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

A PETITION is calling on East Lindsey District Council to reinstate the register of personal interests.

Following the Localism Act, councillors are no longer required to register or declare non-pecuniary interests at meetings.

An e-petition has been launched by Louth resident James Pocklington, who said: "Many councils in our region have continued to require their councillors to register and declare non-pecuniary interests.

"However East Lindsey District Council has taken the opportunity to abandon this requirement, without which there is no specific procedural guidance for all personal interests within council meetings.

"The councillors may decide to speak and vote on matters which formerly would have represented a declared conflict of interest. For example, as a trustee of a charity, or as a friend, relative or close associate.

"Furthermore there is no requirement for the councillor to declare membership of any body whose principal purpose includes the influence of public opinion or policy, such as a political party or trade union.

"It seems an odd choice to make and one that does not, in my view, help to maintain public confidence in the impartiality of councillors decisions."

The petition closes tomorrow and if there are more than 1,400 signatures, it will go to full council for debate.

A spokesman from ELDC said: "The new standards and conduct arrangements were agreed by council at its meeting of July 25. The council is satisfied that the new arrangements meet our statutory obligations."

UNION bosses have welcomed the steps taken by Bluestar Fibres to support the workers who face losing their jobs at the Grimsby plant.

Following a meeting with company management yesterday, Unite's regional officer Ian Wood said he had been assured that the firm was doing all it could to cushion the blow of the potential 175 redundancies which were announced last month.

As reported, staff have entered a 45-day consultation after Bluestar Fibres said it was considering stopping productions of its carbon fibre precursor product at the Moody Lane site.

Mr Wood revealed that the company had already asked the Jobcentre Plus to come in and help those affected to find alternative employment.

He added that Unite's education department would be contacting the company early next week to offer assistance to its employees.

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph after what he described as "meaningful and productive" talks, Mr Wood said: "It was a very good meeting. It is obvious to me that the company wants to work closely with Unite to try to mitigate the circumstances and provide employees with an overall decent package."

Although he said he could not give precise details of the package being offered to workers, he said it included help to equip them with new skills, assistance with CVs and interviews, and a redundancy payment.

He added that a further meeting would be taking place with the company in the week commencing Monday, May 13.

"The talks have been meaningful and productive but at this moment we can't really finalise anything. The company is going to meet with us in a fortnight's time when they will have a clearer view on the timeline and plan going forward."

He added: "I am quite pleased with the progress that the company has made. They already contacted the Job Centre and we will be getting our education department to contact the company early next week so that we can work together as a unit to assist in supporting the employees.

"They have also contacted other companies in the same sector and other sectors to see if there are any vacancies, and they are going to put job adverts up in the employees' support centre, which they have set up on site."

Mr Wood added that 31 members of staff in the absorbent products side of the business had now transferred to a different company, Technical Absorbents.

"They have transferred and Unite's view is that we are pleased that those 31 employees' jobs are safe. They are not part of this redundancy consultation and we have to now concentrate on the remaining employees."

Bluestar Fibres said it would be making no further comment on the consultation at this stage.

ON THE WEB: Read about the history of Bluestar Fibres at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

A VIOLENT thug left a householder with very serious cuts and permanent scarring after viciously "glassing" him in the face with a broken bottle during a savage attack.

Two other troublemakers also set upon the victim in the street after he went out to confront them when they goaded his dog by making barking noises during a late-night disturbance, a court heard.

Paul Sleeth, 22, of Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, and Drew Richardson, 21, of Park Street, Cleethorpes, admitted wounding Stewart Finning with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on December 19.

Craig Lowe, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Sleeth, Richardson and another man were passing Mr Finning's garden in Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, at about 11.50pm when they started goading his dog by making barking noises.

Mr Finning followed them and told them to keep the noise down. There was an argument and the three men circled around him. Sleeth wielded a smashed bottle that he had picked up and Mr Finning backed away. Sleeth lunged towards him twice, "glassing" him in the face and causing very deep cuts on his nose and cheek. He fell to the ground and curled up to defend himself but the men repeatedly kicked him.

He was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary for an operation for fractured nose bones. The deep cuts were so serious that he would be left permanently scarred.

The third attacker had not been caught, said Mr Lowe.

Sleeth also admitted intimidating a witness, Brett Vinson, during a separate incident on October 12. He had previously been given an antisocial behaviour order.

Simon Hirst, mitigating, said Sleeth was remorseful for what he had done. He had convictions for violence and dishonesty but was not usually a violent man.

"What happened was a wholly disgraceful incident," said Mr Hirst.

Sleeth had suffered the deaths of two friends and began drinking and taking cocaine and M-Cat.

Charlotte Baines, representing Richardson, said both men had been in custody for about four-and-a-half months.

Richardson had shown some concern for the victim's welfare after the attack by telling police: "Is that man all right? What we did to him wasn't fair and shouldn't have happened."

He admitted kicking Mr Finning but it was Sleeth who attacked him with the bottle. He had a conviction for violence.

Richardson began drinking heavily every day after his four-year-old son died in a road accident.

"His drinking got out of control as he was struggling to cope with the grief," said Miss Baines.

Sleeth was jailed for six years and Richardson was locked up for four years and three months.

Judge Mark Bury told them: "What happened was totally outrageous. The injuries are extremely serious. This was an attack in public at night where there was a weapon used. There were three people on to one.

"It was a frightful state Mr Finning was left in at the hands of the pair of you. No other sentence can be justified other than an immediate substantial one."

GRIMSBY'S 250 postal workers are to be balloted over changes to their pay, pensions and the planned privatisation of the Royal Mail.

Although the consultative ballot is not for industrial action, union bosses said a strike could not be ruled out if their concerns were not addressed.

The move comes as staff at the main Grimsby Post Office are preparing for a fourth day of strike action tomorrow, as part of a dispute over franchising, jobs and pay.

The Communications Workers' Union (CWU) claims that privatising the Royal Mail will threaten the Universal Service obligation, which ensures mail is delivered six days a week all over the UK for the same price – a claim which Royal Mail disputes.

The union has also raised concerns about pay, potential changes to pensions and proposed efficiency savings.

Union representatives held a meeting outside the Grimsby delivery office on Fotherby Street to update its members.

The ballot is due to take place sometime this month.

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph after the meeting, CWU area delivery representative Kevin Lester said: "It is important that members of the public know that if the Royal Mail is privatised it will worsen the service that they currently receive. Under the Universal Service obligation we deliver mail six days-a-week to every address in the UK. Our competitors do not do that.

"As a public company we are governed by Ofcom. Regulators do not have the same influence over private companies."

CWU branch secretary Julia West said the union was still awaiting details over pay, pensions and efficiency savings. She said: "We haven't had any clear indication on any proposed pay rise for this year. That is a concern. We also want the Royal Mail to state its position on pensions. It could depend on the privatisation.

"The ballot is to consult with our members and seek their views on these issues. There will be no industrial action at this stage."

In a statement, the Royal Mail said it was "disappointed" with the CWU's decision to hold a consultative ballot.

It added: "We have had ongoing and detailed discussions on a range of issues, including pay, with the CWU, which will continue. We are committed to seeking an agreement with the CWU on the way forward in Royal Mail that equips the business for the future and is fair for our employees."

The Royal Mail said Ofcom had ruled out any changes to the scope of the Universal Service.

PARENTS are heeding the calls of GPs across the borough and booking their children in for MMR jabs.

It follows the news that 1,056 children, between the ages of 10 and 16, had not completed their course of the controversial vaccine and were more at risk of contracting measles.

Mandy King, 44, of Carnforth Crescent, Grimsby, decided enough was enough when she saw the front page of the Grimsby Telegraph and took her daughter Ellie Bell, 11, to the doctors.

She said: "Ellie had her initial MMR jab before the age of two but not her pre-school booster.

"I took her for it but she was so frightened of having it done that I changed my mind.

"I have tried since then to get her to have the second vaccination, but she just wouldn't do it. At one point she ran out of the doctor's room."

Mandy also said that Ellie has been poorly on several occasions and it was always a worry that she had not completed her MMR jabs.

She said: "She always gets colds, throat infections and ear ache.

"After hearing about the measles outbreak in Wales and then reading the paper about the number of children without the vaccine in North East Lincolnshire, it made me realise she must have it done."

Ellie, together with her mum, attended an appointment at the Raj Medical Centre, in Laceby Road, Grimsby.

Despite her previous worries, Ellie said the injection was not as bad as she thought.

"I was scared it was going to really hurt but it just stung a little bit," she said.

"I didn't look as the needle went in my arm and it was over very quickly.

"I am happy I have it done now."

Mandy wants to encourage other parents whose children have outstanding vaccinations to get booked in with their GP.

She said: "It is a weight off my mind now and I feel relieved that if an outbreak of measles did occur round here, Ellie will have a better chance of fighting against it."

The generation of youngsters without the jab were due for it at the time of the since discredited report linking it to autism.

Kerrie Pasquill-Johnson, clinical nurse manager at the Raj Medical Centre, urges all parents to check their child's vaccination records are up-to-date.

"We have had a lot more calls from parents ringing up to enquire about the MMR jab since the outbreak occurred in Wales.

"I have been dealing with child immunisations for the past seven years and I have not had anyone react badly to it.

"It is extremely important that a child is fully protected as it reduces the risk of diseases spreading.

"The injection is over in seconds, but results last a lifetime."

A MAN has been charged with causing the death of 79-year-old grandmother Mary Horsley.

The elderly woman was walking home from a hotel she had worked at for 20 years when she was knocked down – just minutes away from her front door in East Halton – in January.

A 26-year-old man from Immingham, who was arrested at the scene, was released on bail, but has now been charged with causing her death by driving without due care and attention while over the prescribed alcohol limit.

The mother-of-three had finished an evening shift at the Amethyst Hotel, in East Halton, when she was hurt as two cars collided between Scrub Lane and Swinster Lane.

Despite medics taking her to Hull Royal Infirmary, she did not survive the incident, which happened at about 9.30pm on Tuesday, January 8.

The 26-year-old man, who was driving a Ford Fiesta, and a 29-year-old Immingham woman, who was driving a Suzuki Swift, were involved in the crash.

Villagers believed the driver of the Suzuki spotted Mrs Horsley walking home and had stopped to offer her a lift when the collision happened. This has not been confirmed by police.

She was described by her family as a much-loved mother-of-three and grandmother to many, and by friends as a "lovely lady" with a "brilliant sense of humour".

Floral tributes were laid at the crash scene.

The 26-year-old was has been released on bail again to appear at North Lincolnshire Magistrates' Court on Friday, May 17.

NEWS that talented Molly Cutler did not get chosen by judges on The Voice shocked her growing band of fans.

The Waltham teenager auditioned for the show and after a snippet of her performance was shown on a television trailer, support from local fans grew strong.

But the Franklin sixth form student – who plays the guitar and gigs around Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Louth – did not get chosen by any of the all-star judging panel.

Despite her excellent performance during the blind auditions, where the judges do not see the singers, being shown on the trailer, it was not shown on Saturday night's programme.

Molly, 18, beat 30,000 other singers to get to the live auditions and performed to judges Will.i.am, Jessie J, Sir Tom Jones and Danny O'Donoghue while her family watched from behind the scenes.

Her family did not wish to comment other than to say they were proud of her.

At the time of going to press there was no one from The Voice available to comment.

The BBC promised the second season of The Voice will be packed with twists and unexpected surprises – prompting locals to speculate if Molly's audition is one of them.

But because it wasn't shown on television, it may be a case of watch this space ...