THE excitement surrounding Grimsby Town may have calmed, but some fans remain black and white forever.

In the run-up to the Mariners' big games in recent weeks, we appealed for Town's biggest fans to come forward.

One couple who contended for the title were Richard Dodd, 69, and his wife Sue, 61.

The pair, from Fotherby...

Held their wedding reception at Blundell Park.

Have personalised number plates on their car to read GTFC.

Fly the GTFC flag every day.

Attend nearly every game.

Sue said: "I started following Town in the 1970s with my brother, who now lives in Chesterfield and is still a supporter.

"We would travel from Louth to see them every home game. My mum, who is 87, soon joined us and now the whole family is GTFC mad!

"When I met Richard, he was a Nottingham Forest fan but he soon converted.

"He is now a very avid supporter with me and all the family.

"We had our wedding reception at Blundell Park because it is such an important place to us. We hardly miss a game together.

"My brother's eldest daughter even met her fiance at a Town game! Grimsby is deep in our family's blood."

In fact, their marriage made the pages of the Grimsby Telegraph in 2002, because it was a real love story.

The couple wed in a romantic ceremony at Waltham Methodist Church – 29 years after they first met.

The pair met at teacher training college in Retford.

They began spending all their time together, but Richard was married, so nothing ever developed beyond friendship.

But at the last dance of their last college ball, Richard kissed Sue. She ran away immediately.

Although Richard spent the rest of the night looking for her, he didn't see her again ... until a college reunion in 2001.

There, they met up for a drink and they got on just like old times. Richard was divorced and the couple finally admitted they were in love.

The Telegraph interviewed the pair the day before the wedding.

Telling their story, Sue recalled: "When I saw Dick it was just like it was at college, and we got on fantastically."

And Richard was taken into the GTFC fold, and has had a season ticket ever since.

He said: "Well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!"

ON THE WEB: Share your family news by visiting www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk or by e-mailing familyannouncements@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

CLEETHORPES Athletics Club duo Rachel Bell and Patrick Atkin performed solidly at an invitation only event in Scotland.

Both made the long journey to Dunfermline Athletics Stadium to compete for the Humber South Team in the Youth Development League.

And the pair thoroughly justified their selection with good showings in the Under-20 age group.

Difficult weather conditions greeted the athletes in Pitreavie.

Patrick Atkin, who is a multi-events athlete, had a fine 400m result in the 'A' race, coming second in a time of 51.7.

This was backed up by a fourth place finish in the long jump 'A' competition with a leap of 5.75m. He was also fourth in the A shot putt with 10.35m.

His final event was the discus throw, in which he finished a creditable second in the 'B' competition with 24.66m.

Bell, meanwhile, was selected for the Under-20 100m 'A' race – although she is still an Under-17.

She had an excellent result, coming equal first in 13.31, a very good time for the conditions.

A tie result in time and position is very rare in athletics. In the 200m, again the 'A' race, Bell had another good run to come second with a time of 26.75.

The Humber South team is a composite squad from Scunthorpe & District AC, Lincoln Wellington and Cleethorpes AC.

"BAD news, bad news, bad news."

So bemoans Nancy as the TV screen displays the aftermath of a horrific bus crash.

"One bus crash. What about all the buses that made it safely to their destinations?" she asks.

"Yes," counters Mark sarcastically, "I suppose the news should just be a dispassionate list of events that have occurred the world over during the day, except of course it would take forever."

This fictional exchange from the sitcom Peep Show often springs to mind when I hear people complain that the Grimsby Telegraph only ever runs negative stories.

When I first joined the paper I was given the role of Immingham reporter, a patch where the locals felt they got scant coverage in comparison to Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

But despite writing a glut of positive stories about the Immingham Carnival, the Pilgrim 400, Immingham In Bloom, One Voice, Pilgrim Junior Swimming Club and the skate park project, residents would still stand up in public meetings and complain that their town got nothing but bad press.

If one assumes they actually read the paper, they must have either ignored the good news stories or simply forgotten them.

Sadly, both are likely scenarios. Because, as much as people like to protest otherwise, bad news sells more papers and lingers longer in the memory than good news.

Recent tragic events in North East Lincolnshire have only re-emphasised this.

Sales of the Grimsby Telegraph shot up on the back of the stories about two men being killed on the level crossing at Great Coates and the horrific collision on the A18 which killed a family of five.

On the Telegraph website, the Great Coates story attracted more readers than our coverage of the Duchess of Cambridge's visit to Grimsby.

Now it is true that I have heard very few complaints about the Telegraph giving these terrible events front- page coverage.

But court stories are a different matter – and I'm afraid that for all those who insist they have no wish to read about the nefarious deeds of rapists, muggers and benefit cheats in their newspaper, there are thousands more logging on to our website to do just that.

Last Wednesday our front- page story was about a 21-year-old man who appeared in court for abusing staff at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital.

On page 33 of the same edition was an article about another 21-year-old who had been named Yorkshire and Humber regional apprentice of the year.

One reader e-mailed the newsroom to suggest we had got things the wrong way round.

Was he right? Given the choice I'm sure more people would rather meet the latter, but I bet they'd prefer to read about the former.

Just as more people would rather read about the bus that crashed than all the others that made it safely to their destinations.

Of course the selective nature of news has the distorting effect of making the world seem a scarier place.

A local councillor once told me that after reading stories on the Telegraph website, his ex-pat brother was moved to enquire if his sibling lived in a "wild west" town.

I suppose the Grimsby Telegraph could be a dispassionate list of events that occur in the town every day.

But then, as Mark might say, to read it would take forever.

And I'm not sure even our most avid reader would want that.

SUCH is our way of looking at the world that a Bangladesh fire wouldn't normally merit much news coverage, even if it kills several hundred.

What, however, propelled this recent blaze into the headlines is that the factory destroyed used to make clothes for Primark, the popular discount clothing store.

Like with the earlier scandal of horse meat in cheap burgers, questions were being asked as to whether there is a human price to pay for having low-cost goods on sale in Britain.

I remember the old knitwear factories in the Midlands, long since victims of cheap foreign imports. I also recall when M&S prided itself on buying British, and once had a dancing partner who used to work for one of their suppliers.

Sadly M&S now is like most firms, in getting its products from all over the globe, so Primark is certainly not alone in availing itself of overseas labour. Sadly, that isn't going to change. We may make quality clothing in Britain, but can compete no longer in the mass market against nations who have lower living costs and can get away with paying its workers the level of wages that it'd be impossible to survive on in the UK.

If firms went back to the old M&S policy, the upshot is that prices would rise sharply. Which given that we have so many both in and out of work struggling to make ends meet, that is a strategy which only the most other-worldly ivory tower liberal would seriously advocate.

However, we can encourage firms to sign up to the fair trade agenda, and ensure that the working conditions for those abroad are improved. It does no one any good to support the exploitation of workers, wherever they come from.

MOST little girls dream of being a princess ... and for her kindness and hard work, ten-year-old Megan Crolla has been given a right royal honour.

Megan was chosen to become this year's Waltham May Queen by her school, Waltham Leas Academy.

The May Queen tradition has been running for more than 14 years in the village.

And Megan couldn't be prouder at receiving the crown. A special ceremony was held at All Saints' Church, Waltham, in glorious sunshine.

She said: "I am really proud I have been chosen.

"All my family were there to see me being crowned, which was really nice. It was a great day."

"I have been chosen for being nice and helping others as well as working hard at school.

"I am really looking forward to doing everything the May Queen does."

The Reverend Elsie Butler oversaw the handover ceremony to Megan from last year's recipient, Bethany Ariey.

She said: "It's a big honour for the girls to be crowned.

"They are chosen by the school for being nice girls.

"Bethany really enjoyed it, she did a great job and I'm sure Megan will really enjoy it, too.

"The May Queen duties will include opening all village and church fetes and events.

"Megan's first job will be to open the Waltham Village Summer Fair."

Her father Peter Taylor said: "She looks like a princess in her dress. I am very proud of her.

"Its fantastic to see your child being recognised for being really nice and polite.

"It's so nice to hear people think your daughter is a lovely girl. It's a fantastic achievement for her."

ON THE WEB: What traditions do you enjoy? Are there any you think should be resurrected, like this May Queen ceremony in Waltham?

Have your say by visiting www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk and posting a comment on this article or by e-mailing viewpoint@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

THE transition from school to college can seem a mountain to climb for any teenager, but help is available in Grimsby.

School leavers will be welcomed into Franklin College on Thursday night as staff prepare to hold their informative open evening.

From A level to BTEC courses, staff are confident there will be something to suit every student.

Principal Trevor Wray said: "The open evening is a chance for parents and student to come and see what we have to offer.

"We are expecting about 800 new students to come through our doors in September.

"However, we want to make sure that each one of them feels comfortable and has had an insight to what we are about beforehand.

"We are glad to be able to say that we have the best A level and BTEC results in the area."

"Franklin College offers pupils 77 courses in total with 56 of these at an advanced level.

"There is so much that our students can take advantage of, from art and design course and health and social care, to humanities and science.

"I am looking forward to meeting our potential new pupils on the night."

Those already attending the college, spoke told the Grimsby Telegraph to let others know why they decided to come to Franklin once they left school.

Freya Whittaker, 16, is now studying textiles, English, media and sociology.

She said: "The college offers a wide choice of subjects, which was exactly what I was looking for when leaving school.

"They were able to match a subject to all of my interests.

"Coming to college gives you the start of independence and I would encourage anyone to come here."

Jess Horton, 16, studies media, English literature and sociology.

"I preferred to come to a college rather than sixth form," she said.

"Here you are not treated like a student and you are trusted to have free time to get on with your own work."

Adam Jackson, 18, said Franklin College prepares you for university.

He is studying film studies, maths and project design.

He said: "I really enjoy it here, the courses they have differ a lot so everyone can find something they enjoy."

Jake Drant, 18, said: "There is a great atmosphere here and you settle in quickly."

The open evening is on Thursday from 6pm to 8.30pm, at Franklin College, in Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby.

A NEW furry friend has joined the Pets As Therapy team in North East Lincolnshire.

Meet Fred the cat, who will be touring residential homes, hospices and day centres.

Pets As Therapy, known as Pat for short, provides animals for a special sort of therapy.

It has been proven that contact with animals can help people with dementia and offer companionship to people with ill health.

Vicky Burn, a volunteer for Pat in North East Lincolnshire, has been helping people with her dog Bonnie for more than five years, and said the addition of Fred to the team will make a huge difference.

"I have been volunteering with Pat for about eight years overall, and five years with my current dog," she said.

"We travel all over, visiting schools, residential homes and day centres to teach and aid children and adults.

"Being able to now take Fred along with us will make a huge difference.

"Fred is the only Pat cat in North East Lincolnshire and one of only a few in Lincolnshire as a whole.

"Not everybody is a dog person, and many prefer cats, so Fred will help us reach these people too.

"Bringing the animals into places where people either can't have their own pets or have memory problems, for example, really brightens their day.

"Seeing the animals can bring back memories and get people to talk to people they normally wouldn't.

"People have told me that seeing the animals is the highlight of their week.

"I can visit residential homes and the resident could be nodding off in the sitting room but as soon as they see Bonnie or Fred they light up and become full of life."

The thrills and spills of Pleasure Island have given joy to thousands of families, and now the park is celebrating its 20th birthday. Simon Faulkner finds out more...

PLEASURE Island in Cleethorpes is throwing a special party to celebrate its 20th birthday – and everyone is invited.

The resort theme park will be throwing its doors open late into the evening on bank holiday monday, May 27 – exactly 20 years to the day that it first opened for business.

From 7pm thrill-seekers will be able to enjoy their favourite rides, live music, and at 10pm, a spectacular fireworks finale.

During the day, the theme park's 20th anniversary will be marked with a giant cake and live music, as well as a special appearance by popular kids TV character Peppa Pig, who will be officially opening the new Furry Friends Farm.

Pleasure Island owner Melanie Wood said: "At a time when there's not a great deal of positive news around the resort we feel that to be in business for 20 years is something worth celebrating.

"Pleasure Island a big part of the local economy. We have enjoyed being part of Cleethorpes for 20 years and we hope to be here for the next 20 years at least.

"We are very busy organising the event and we just hope that people will join us to celebrate this occasion."

Melanie believes Peppa Pig's first visit to Pleasure Island will prove a big draw, and is urging people to book their tickets to avoid disappointment.

"Peppa is a long-standing favourite with both girls and boys, and when I asked the staff she was the unanimous choice."

She said the farm had been very well received by customers since opening in March.

"Everybody who has been to the farm has been absolutely thrilled at what they have seen. It is just a fantastic additional attraction and if it does take off we might think about opening it in the winter, too."

Pleasure Island opened its doors on May 27, 1993 on the 54-acre site, which was previously home to Cleethorpes Zoo and the stock car racing stadium.

The site was bought in 1991 by the Melanie's father Robert Gibb, the owner of Flamingo Land theme park in North Yorkshire.

When Mr Gibb was killed in a car accident in 1995, his wife Maureen and children Vicky, Melanie and Gordon inherited both parks, and created the biggest privately-owned theme park business in the UK.

In April 2010, Pleasure Island, with Melanie at the helm, broke away from Flamingo Land, run by her brother Gordon, to become an independent operation.

Melanie added: "The early days were a particularly happy time because we attracted a quarter of a million visitors from all across the country.

"Over the years we have seen rides come and go. We used to do ride swaps with Flamingo Land which was a great way to keep the product fresh. It has been far more difficult since we went independent but we are remaining positive.

"Going independent means decisions can be made far quicker, but it also means the big decisions rest on one pair of shoulders.

"We have staff that have been here for the 20 years who have started as ride operators and are now part of the senior management team.

"For example, Neil Ireland, our general manager, was employed in 1991 and he is now part of the furniture."

Tickets for Pleasure Island's 20th birthday party celebrations can be bought online at www.pleasure-island.co.uk or by calling 0844 5040104.

Admission costs £18.50 for the day (10am to 5pm), and £15 for the evening (7pm to 10pm).

ON THE WEB: Read about Pleasure Island's latest attraction, Furry Friends Farm, at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

GET your green fingers ready and grow for gold with Grimsby In Bloom.

That is the rallying cry from committee members as they launch 2013's summer gardening competition.

And this year they want more than flowers and greenery ... they would love to see tasty, homegrown treats, too.

The theme is edibles, so they will be looking for entrants who have incorporated colourful vegetables, fruit and herbs into their displays.

The chairman of Grimsby In Bloom, Elaine Atkinson, said: "We want everyone to plant their normal bedding but to also include something edible in there too.

"You don't need an allotment or vegetable patch to do it, it can be created in the tiniest space. It can even be done in a hanging basket!

"Adding vegetables and fruit to the display can look really nice. People can be as creative as they like. They can plant strawberries or tumbling tomatoes or herbs with their trailing flowers. The mix can look stunning."

In its fifth year, the competition unites the community with a bit of healthy competition, driven by the incentive to improve their neighbourhood – and bag their share of £1,200 in garden vouchers.

There are seven categories: front garden or hanging basket or container display, school or children's centre garden, place of worship, street, community gardening project, business or retail, and group dwelling.

Sponsored by Pennells Garden Centre, Humberston Road, Cleethorpes, £30, £20 and £10 will be given to the top three respectively in each category.

The chairman of Old Clee's Howard Grove Gardening Group, Malcolm Tombs, 71, hopes they can retain their title of best street for the third year.

He said: "We get a lot of pride from it. We'll be going for a hat trick this year!"

The launch came as the winners of the Grimsby In Bloom poetry competition were announced at Waterstones, which sponsored the event.

The eight winners were all from Healing School, a science academy.

Assistant principal Alison Smith said: "The competition follows on from a poetry module they have been studying. It's a great way to help get them engaged in their creativity and they have really enjoyed it."

Hannah Ritchie, 13, won first place and a £30 Waterstones voucher.

She said: "I am overwhelmed. I really was not expecting to win. I am really proud of myself.

"I will definitely enter again next year. I write poetry a lot and it's really fun."

ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to download your entry form for the summer gardening competition.

A NEW community facility is helping youngsters Get Hooked on Positive Activities.

A series of lakes have been created on the site of the proposed Millennium Park development on a 64-acre site off Humberston Avenue.

The Hewson family, who own the land and are behind the plans for the 400-home development, have gifted 15 acres to Get Hooked on Positive Activities (GhoPA).

The land will also be used to provide other outdoor activities, such as archery and fencing, as well as the potential to build a permanent base for the group.

And, in the initial sessions of a six-week programme, ten young people caught more than 100 fish in a mammoth angling event.

All participants completing the six-week Sportivate Angling Programme will receive certificates and angling licences, worth £27.50 each.

GHoPA managing director Mark Fenty said: "The young people had a great time, supervised by our experienced and accredited coaches..

"It's still early in the season and a little cold but to catch more than 100 fish when many had not fished before was terrific. They've all enjoyed relaxing in a wonderful environment. Fishing gives them a chance to reflect and talk to our coaching staff."

The young people also undertook a litter pick of the public routes through the site beforehand.

As reported, the Hewson family has submitted plans to North East Lincolnshire Council's planning team for the development, which includes a pledge to use half the site for community use.

And Ross Hewson said he was pleased to see young people were already enjoying the facilities.

He said: "It is a wonderful venue and it's terrific to see it being used. We're delighted to help out an organisation with a proven track record of helping young people and the wider community."

ON THE WEB: For more about the proposed development, visitwww.thisisgrimsby.co.uk where you can find past articles on the plans by using the search facility.

THE harsh economic climate has led to a "worrying" increase in nutrition-related illnesses, a local GP has claimed.

Dr Reeta Singh, of the Ashwood Practice, based at Weelsby View Medical Centre, in Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, has said more patients are coming to her feeling "run down and unwell" because they cannot afford to eat.

Her concerns come after she and her staff collected two boxes of food for the Grimsby Telegraph and charity Care's Ten Tonnes Of Tins campaign.

Patients affected are often elderly or vulnerable, but Dr Singh has also treated parents who sacrifice their own meals to make sure their children eat.

Dr Singh said: "The elderly are not eating properly and losing weight and we have seen a lot more patients who are generally run down.

"We ask them about their diet, which is generally poor, and hear about parents who feed their children before themselves.

"There has been a definite increase in this, and I am worried about the future impact on the area's health."

More patients are also asking for vitamin supplements and build-up drinks, but the practice operates a food-first policy and only certain patients are eligible for them on the NHS.

"If people don't eat well, their bodies do not function to full capacity," Dr Singh explained.

"They are prone to viral infections and are low in energy and mood, which leads to mental health problems like depression.

"The worry alone of not having enough money to eat is a huge stress that also causes illnesses."

People are referred to Care from other agencies who help with social and health problems, including malnutrition.

One referral form reads: "The family does not have any food in the house and the eldest child is poorly, which we feel is due to inadequate diet."

The staff at the medical centre are among scores who have donated to the Ten Tonnes Of Tins campaign.

We have appealed to the good- hearted of North East Lincolnshire to help us reach our target by donating tinned and dry foods for Care's Daily Bread Food Larder.

Ashwood staff have donated two boxes and have started collecting for their third.

Dr Singh continued: "We like to do our bit for the community and it was so easy for people to get involved.

"We try to promote ourselves as being part of the community, we don't just look after people's medical needs, we encompass everything and this was a practical way to help."

ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to find a simple smoothie recipe you can make at home to give your body a boost.

Bedroom tax, benefit reform and more changes means financial pressure on people is growing. For many in North East Lincolnshire, a local charity has become a lifeline simply in order to survive. FAYE PRESTON reports.

IMAGINE a world where a parent will go without food so their children can eat.

It may sound like something from a Victorian novel, but this is the reality in 2013 – and the reality in North East Lincolnshire.

Record numbers of people are relying on emergency food parcels to survive in our area.

Over the past year, the Grimsby charity Care, which runs the Daily Bread Food Larder, handed out an unprecedented 1,080 food parcels.

That is more than double compared to last year – a 131 per cent increase – and they fear it's going to get worse.

Poverty-struck people are turning to Care, which is short for Christian Action Resource Enterprise and is based in Hainton Avenue.

And it can be for any reason – from losing a job to being left short after an unexpected bill.

That is why the Telegraph teamed up with the organisation to launch the Ten Tonnes Of Tins campaign, providing food parcels for people desperately in need.

Now, Care has expressed its fears over the impending universal credit, which will be rolled out across the borough this October.

Combined with the impact of the "bedroom tax", the team at Care are bracing themselves for figures to rise further.

The general manager for the charity Sarah Taylor said: "I am really alarmed by the increase in the number of people needing us.

"Although it could be that more people are finding out about us, it is also because of all the benefit changes coming into place, people losing their jobs and the cost of living continuing to go up.

"The majority of people who come to us are families or single people who are on low incomes. But we will help anyone who needs us."

In 2011 Care, which has been nominated for North East Lincolnshire's Safer and Stronger Communities Award, gave 30 to 40 parcels a month, but this has rocketed to between 115 and 130 since December.

The Government's benefit reform will see one universal credit payment made once a month to one person in the family.

Sarah believes more people than ever will need support as they learn to budget.

She continued: "People may be able to manage their money, but it is really tight. If they do have some small crisis, like the washing machine breaks or the kids need new school shoes, they have to look within their budget to find the money and what they can go without.

"Often, a parent will go without food so their children can eat.

"When the universal credit starts, people are going to need more support budgeting their finances. They won't be used to it.

"It also opens up an opportunity for financial abuse. For example, if the payment goes to an alcoholic father and he blows it all on drink, where does that leave the mother and her children?

"We are very concerned about what is going to happen in the future."

Conservative MP for Cleethorpes Martin Vickers praised the work of the food bank.

Mr Vickers said: "It is a sad fact in times of austerity the demands on such services like food banks will increase – they always have.

"There is no ignoring the fact there will be losers as well as winners in any reassesment of benefits, but the whole aim of them is to make people more self-sufficient and to target those funds available to those in need.

"There will be hard decisions and I urge people to contact me or the Citizens' Advice Bureau for help and advice."

ON THE WEB: Do you feel strongly about this issue? If you want to share your experiences, visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk and post a comment on this article, e-mail newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or call the newsdesk on 01472 372236.

A KNIFE-WIELDING criminal who was jailed for ten years for two terrifying raids on homes has failed to convince top judges his sentence is too long.

Christopher Smith, 25, of Kirkstead Crescent, was high on the drug M-Cat when he broke into two homes – and prevented his victims from calling an ambulance as one suffered a suspected heart attack.

He was jailed in December after admitting three robberies and one attempted robbery at Grimsby Crown Court, as reported.

He appealed, but Mr Justice Fulford, sitting with Lord Justice Moore-Bick and Mr Justice Irwin, said there was nothing wrong with the length of Smith's sentence.

"These were very serious crimes, committed by an appellant with an appalling criminal record who has now seemingly moved into a more serious league of offending," said Mr Justice Fulford.

The court heard how Smith and another man burst into the home of a 79-year-old in Stallingborough as he sat with his son and his son's girlfriend, on July 18 last year.

Smith appeared in an excitable state and, brandishing a knife, demanded wallets and purses from the victims, threatening to stab them if they moved.

When the 79-year-old began to suffer with what appeared to be a heart attack, Smith used the knife to stop the son from calling for paramedics.

He made off with his accomplice in the son's car, but was identified through research conducted by the victims themselves, the London court heard.

Less than two weeks later, Smith was at it again, going with another accomplice into a shared house in Grimsby and robbing the occupant at knifepoint.

Smith had already committed more than 70 offences, including violent crimes, and put his behaviour down to his use of alcohol and M-Cat.

His lawyers argued on appeal that the ten-year sentence was "manifestly excessive", but saw their case rejected by the three appeal judges.

"These offences involved on each occasion two men entering private houses and stealing property, having threatened the occupants with knives," said Mr Justice Fulford.

"The appellant was indifferent to the condition of the 79-year-old when it seemed as though he was having a heart attack.

"He has a prodigious criminal record and his offending has now reached new heights of seriousness."

THE full extent of the crisis engulfing East Midlands Ambulance Service has been revealed in a shock new report.

EMAS chief executive Phil Milligan has already admitted responses to the most serious life threatening 999 calls are well below par, as reported.

But now the details of incompetence and poor care in dozens of cases have been released by EMAS.

They reveal how:

One Lincolnshire patient received a head injury and died after their ambulance – travelling at normal speed – veered off the road and crashed.

A patient who was vomiting blood was wrongly taken to a hospital in the county which could not admit him. The patient stopped breathing en route to another hospital. A paramedic has been suspended from frontline duties pending an investigation.

Police were called after codeine tablets went missing from Louth and Skegness Ambulance Stations. An in-house review was carried out.

Elsewhere in the East Midlands, a 61-year-old woman who had taken a drug overdose died after an ambulance took four hours to reach her. And a patient with a suspected broken neck fell off the ambulance stretcher while being taken to hospital.

EMAS spokesman Melanie Wright said: "In the year to date, EMAS crews have responded to more than 550,000 emergency calls. The number of serious incidents reported equates to 0.009 per cent or a serious incident every 10,377 jobs.

"EMAS is an open and honest organisation. We proactively publish this type of detail in order to be a transparent organisation which can learn from mistakes and accidents.

"Many of the incidents in question relate to delayed responses to 999 calls. Our Being The Best plans will help improve the speed at which we respond. We are confident that this, together with investment from our commissioners (so we have more staff on the road) will improve performance."

Last month, EMAS confirmed it would go ahead with its controversial Being The Best programme. This will see it replace 65 ambulance stations across the region with nine "superhubs", 19 stations and more than 100 community points over the next five years.

Lincolnshire County Council's Health Scrutiny Committee has branded EMAS's consultation on the shake-up "flawed" and ultimately wants a dedicated county ambulance service.

Chairman Councillor Christine Talbot said: "I am not convinced the new strategy that is costing £54 million will improve response times – we have not been told the details of how these will be met."

But EMAS boss Mr Milligan said that the new proposals would improve response times, adding that he would be employing 140 more frontline staff and investing £120,000 in community defibrillators.

ON THE WEB: Have your say on the issue by visiting www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk or by e-mailing viewpoint@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

AN X Factor singer is thanking her lucky stars after surviving a fireball explosion in her car.

The motorway mayhem nearly claimed the life of talented singer Christine Sandford as she returned to Grimsby from her successful auditions in Manchester.

The 49-year-old widow had just blown judges away with her recital of Bonnie Tyler's classic It's A Heartache.

She also sang Helen Shapiro's Walking Back To Happiness – and nearly found herself walking back to Grimsby had it not been for a Good Samaritan.

While scores of motorists drove past – some even slowing down to film her and her blazing car – a fellow X Factor hopeful, Grimsby's Rachel Bratley, heard Christine's cries for help and stopped to rescue her.

Rachel, better known to audiences in North East Lincolnshire as singer Rachel B, raced to help Christine after the Citroen C5 she had borrowed to get her to the auditions burst into flames on the hard shoulder of the M62 near Ferrybridge.

Christine, of Duke Street, Grimsby, escaped with just a few scratches and bruises.

West Yorkshire fire crews put out the blazing car and Christine was taken home by Rachel and her partner, Iain Legg.

Having survived her ordeal, Christine is looking forward to performing her signature tune, It's A Heartache, in front of the panel of X Factor judges.

She hopes to sing her heart out when she faces the panel, who are expected to include Sharon Osbourne, Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger, this summer.

Christine said she had gained the inspiration to enter the 2013 contest after the death of her husband Peter, 73, last year.

Since her car drama, Christine has lost her job as a carer, so needs her singing talent to give her a big break.

"I decided there is only one life, so I am living it," she said.

"I enjoy singing around the house, in the bath and on the loo."

Christine is well-known to Grimsby Telegraph Pub Idol audiences, having entered the competition in 2009 and in 2011.

She has sung in many of the old folks homes in North East Lincolnshire.

But the X Factor auditions at Old Trafford, Manchester, were her biggest performances to date. She was among more than 1,000 contenders.

She said: "It was an awesome couple of days. But then it turned into a shocker.

"The car started billowing smoke, so I pulled over. Just as I got out flames shot out of the bonnet. I could not believe it. The whole car was engulfed in flames. It was like someone had put a bomb under the bonnet. It was like a war zone.

"People were driving past and some people slowed down to film it on their cameras but didn't stop.

"Rachel and her partner were the first to stop. I want to say a big thank you to them. I am still feeling shaky from it all."

The Grimsby Telegraph reunited the pair back at home.

Rachel said: "It was really bad. The car was in a terrible state. I have never seen a car in that way before.

"The engine had blown up. Christine was shocked, and was lucky to be alive.

"We did what we could to calm her down and gave her water and some support.

"A lot of people were driving past; it's terrible that people go by even though there is someone clearly in distress. What is the world coming to when people don't care?

"It does not matter who it is. It looked like there had been an accident.

"I recognised Christine. We had both been in Pub Idol and then I did not see her again until the X Factor auditions. It was a good day.

"But was a shock to see her stood on the motorway. I guess it was fate. We will all be supporting her through The X Factor."

ALEX Lowes was delighted to "finally get the monkey off my back" after clinching his first race win for Samsung Honda – and surging to the top of the BSB standings.

The Lincolnshire rider kept up his 100 per cent podium record at round three of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park yesterday.

And it was in the first BSB race of the day that the 22-year-old grabbed his maiden victory for the Louth-based team.

Defending champion Shane 'Shakey' Byrne dramatically crashed out on lap 12 whilst getting ready to battle for the lead with his title rival.

"It feels mega to finally get the monkey off my back and take a win, although I was obviously disappointed that Shakey crashed as we probably would have had a good fight," remarked Lowes.

"I am really chuffed, especially to win in front of such a massive crowd.

"It was a great race for me and it couldn't have gone any better."

There was further 'Louth joy' in race one as Peter Hickman guided his Lloyds British GBmoto Honda to its best finish of the season – sixth place.

Lowes leads the championship by just a point though, after Byrne returned to the top step of the podium in race two, finishing ahead of Josh Brookes and the Samsung Honda man.

Byrne took the lead on the opening lap from Brookes and Lowes, but behind them a crash between James Westmoreland and Hickman saw their weekend end at Old Hall on the first lap.

Although the lead changed hands throughout race, Byrne held his nerve to claim his fourth win of the season and close the gap at the top of the overall standings to just a solitary point.

Byrne said: "Winning was a bit of a way of saying sorry to the team for the first race.

"I went down, lost the front and that was a strange one that the front should tuck in.

"One minute I was looking at Lowes' swing arms, then next I thought 'blimey, I am looking at some daisies'.

"But we turned it around in the second race and we pulled it off with the win.

"It was not easy as we had lost out a bit on race settings because of the crash in the first race, but the team did a fine job to get another win."

More reaction, results and pictures from round three of the British Superbike Championship in tomorrow's Telegraph and online at thisisgrimsby/sport

Grimsby Town v Fulham Division Two Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg - Wednesday, May 13 1998

TODAY we go back 15 years, to one of Town best seasons under their most successful manager – Alan Buckley.

Only three weeks earlier, the Mariners had made their first ever visit to Wembley, winning the Auto-Windscreens Shield, but this was their first taste of the play-offs.

They were now only 90 minutes away from a second and infinitely more important visit to the home of football.

Standing in their way were the once-mighty Fulham.

On the previous Saturday, Town had travelled to Craven Cottage for the first leg, and drawn 1-1.

And so, on a balmy Wednesday evening, 8,689 packed into Blundell Park for the finely-poised rematch.

As early as the fourth minute, fans' hearts were in their mouths.

Dave Smith, attempting to clear a cross at the far post, sent the ball past Aidan Davison in the Town goal.

However, both John McDermott and Peter Handyside both climbed to nod the ball off the line.

After that scare, Town shaded the first half, with Jack Lester, pictured, working hard up front.

Then came a moment that I'll never forget – Paul Peschisolodo went in two-footed on Handyside, after the ball had gone.

Referee Clive Wilkes went for his pocket and pulled out a red card.

The second half was even more nerve-wracking, as Town, despite their numerical advantage, remained too cautious for crowd's liking.

On 74 minutes, Buckley threw on Steve Livingstone for Tony Gallimore and it proved to be a masterstroke.

Seven minutes later, Wayne Burnett's through-ball was helped on by 'Livvo' to the unmarked Kevin Donovan.

With only the keeper to beat, he drilled his shot under the keeper and into the far corner to seal his 20th, and most important goal, of the season so far.

Fulham tried everything to find a way back into the game, but McDermott and Lever both made tremendous blocks and clearances as Town held firm.

When it came, Wilkes' final whistle sparked a mass celebration.

The players did a lap of honour and even Buckley was totally overwhelmed by the occasion.

Town had made it to Wembley, and just ten days later, they did the business again to seal promotion to Division One with victory over Northampton in the final.

Happy memories!

GRIMSBY Town have turned to the Blundell Park faithful for their ideas on how best to honour club legend Kevin Moore.

Following his death last week, the Mariners are asking supporters to suggest a fitting memorial to Moore – who played over 400 games for his home-town club.

As reported, Kevin, the brother of first team physio Dave, passed away on his 55th birthday after a long battle with Pick's Disease – a rare form of dementia.

He was an ever-present during the club's Division Four promotion season and only missed five games the following term as Town marched to the Third Division title. In September 1980, he succeeded Joe Waters as captain, leading the side with distinction.

Moore, pictured, was granted a testimonial against Sheffield Wednesday in 1986 and looked on course to break the club's appearances record before his move to Oldham Athletic the following year.

In tribute, GTFC director John Fenty, said: "Kevin is a Town legend – there's not many more who have played as many games as he has for this club.

"It is a tragedy that he's passed away in such circumstances and our thoughts are with the family at what must be a terribly difficult time.

"As a club, we want to remember him with some sort of memorial and we'd like the fans to have a say in that.

"We've had some discussions between ourselves at the club on how best to commemorate Kevin's memory but we want the fans to be involved in the process. We have talked about a variety of ways of doing it – including a Memorial Cup, with a game that would raise money for a charity of the family's choosing.

"The ideas that we receive from the supporters will go up for consideration and we'll look to get something sorted as soon as possible."

He added: "Kevin was a fantastic servant to this club. I remember watching him when I was a much younger man. Game after game, he gave his all and was a stalwart. He'll be forever remembered for what he did for this club – for his attitude and professionalism, which was second to none."

Share your views

How do you think the club should honour Moore's memory? Email your thoughts to sport@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk, comment on this story at thisisgrimsby.co.uk/sport or write to the Grimsby Telegraph, 80 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, DN31 3EH.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man in an unprovoked attack in Cleethorpes.

The 24-year-old man suffered a fractured jaw when another man punched him in the face at around 1.30am in Osbourne Street on Sunday, April 21.

He also suffered grazing and swelling to the right of his face, a swollen lip.

The force of the punch also pushed his teeth back.

The victim had been drinking and was walking from Market Street, heading towards High Street.

He cannot remember the exact details, but said the man was white, wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt.

He was treated at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

If you have any information, contact Humberside Police on 101, quoting log 63 of April 21 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.