THESE determined brothers and good friends have 100 good reasons for you to support their fundraising drive for the British Heart Foundation.

Andy Ecclestone, 28, brother Chris, 33, and six of their friends will hopefully complete a 100-mile cycle ride in just 24 hours.

The event is in memory of the brothers' father Dave, who died after suffering a heart attack and crashing his car on his way home from work in March.

Mr Ecclestone, 57, of New Waltham, was driving along Estate Road 1 on South Humberside Industrial Estate, Grimsby, when he was taken ill. He sadly died in hospital the following day.

On July 7, the pair are heading back to some of his old haunts in Leeds for a ride they hope will bring back as many memories as it will bring in cash for the charity.

The brothers will be joined in the mammoth ride by Andrew Cooper, 28 – the manager of the Parkway – Mike Wright, 24, Keith Dixon, 42, Lee Briggs, 34, Ian Sommerville, 28, and Iain McLachlan, 28, will provide the team's support vehicle.

Andy said: "We will be starting at the Bay Horse, in Farsley, West Leeds, where mum and dad first met.

"From there, we will be going through Headingley and along Elland Road – dad was a big rugby league and football fan – across the North Bank and over the bridge.

"When we get back into Lincolnshire, we will be going past BASF – where dad worked with Chris and Keith – visiting the scene where he had the accident, and finishing at the Harvest Moon, New Waltham."

The group are already training hard, sticking to a programme made up of guidelines from the BHF website and a diet and fitness plan devised by their sponsor Fytche Fitness.

Andrew Cooper said: "We are trying to do one long run-out a week and shorter rides every other day.

"Our sheer determination is going to get us through it."

Dave's wife Diane and his son Steve, 30, said they were very proud of what the team were doing.

Diane said: "I'm really proud of them. Ever since it happened they have been marvellous. Everyone has – family, friends, work."

ON THE WEB: For details of how to sponsor the team, see www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

This year, Brocklesby Country Fair is going back to its roots, with more outdoor pursuits and locally sourced food than ever before. Reporter LAURA STUART-COOK meets the self-confessed country bumpkins behind the changes.

PUTTING the "country" back into Brocklesby Country Fair is the aim of Emma Would and Clare Herring, who have been drafted in by the estate to refresh this year's event.

Country pursuits will be the focal point of the fair this year, with visitors being able to witness experts in action and try their hand at activities themselves.

Never held a rifle or cast a fly-fishing rod? Then this is your chance.

The whole event will have a rustic, rural theme, with straw bales for seating, a lakeside picnic area for families to relax in and more small, artisan producers than ever.

Clare, of Walesby, said: "The Country Fair began as a humble triathlon competition about 30 years ago, when a few teams gathered at the lake and spent a day picnicking, cycling, shooting and fishing.

"We want to recapture those roots while celebrating everything that's great about Lincolnshire, from the food and producers to the country pursuits.

"It's imperative that we drum up interest in countryside skills, such as shooting and sheep shearing, especially among younger generations, to ensure they aren't lost."

This year's fair – the 28th to be held on the estate – will take place on Sunday, June 23.

A new layout will improve circulation around the showground and open up access to the countryside area and the lakeside picnic patch.

There will be two rings, which will be packed with thrilling displays and demonstrations throughout the day.

The Main Ring will play host to the Stampede Stunt Company, which gives awe-inspiring jousting and stunt riding demonstrations, as well as terrier racing and Ben Potter's acclaimed falconry display.

The Countryside Ring will be home to a terrier show, with visitors being able to show their dogs on the day, as well as carriage driving, a demonstration by angling guru Charles Jardine and a flyball display.

The Countryside Area will play host to archery, clay pigeon shooting, 4x4 driving, a gundog scurry, chainsaw carving and sheep shearing with Richard Savory, from New Zealand.

Daring visitors can pre-register now for the chance to compete in the triathlon, which incorporates a clay flush, reverse 4x4 driving and fly casting.

New attractions for this year include The Market Place, selling artisan Lincolnshire food and drink, including many of the producers who attend the regular farmers' markets at Caistor, Brigg, Lincoln and Market Rasen.

Tom Wood's Beer will return to man the beer tent and in the ever-popular Lunch Marquee – adorned with bunting and fresh flowers – chefs Paula Turnbull and Lizzie Hargreaves will be serving up an informal, home-cooked lunch using produce from Brocklesby kitchen garden.

A dedicated arts and crafts marquee, run in association with Heart Of England, will give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work.

And keen shoppers will want to head for the Country Living area, where a variety of stallholders will offer everything you need for rural life.

The fair wouldn't be complete without equine classes, and Brocklesby Pony Club will be organising an open show incorporating working hunter classes, showjumping and a fun gymkhana.

And after the torrential rain and water-logged ground that blighted last year's fair, Emma and Clare are praying for good weather.

Emma said: "We've booked the sunshine for this year because after all the changes we've made, we want as many people as possible to come along and see what we've done – and they're more likely to do that if the weather is glorious!

"However, we have made sure we're well prepared should the weather be less than perfect, and it will still be a wonderful day out for all the family."

The show will benefit St Andrew's Hospice, in Grimsby, and Grimsby And Cleethorpes Riding For The Disabled.

Entry costs £11 per adult, with under 14s admitted free. Discounts are available for those who pre-book online at www.brocklesby .co.uk/country-fair

Tickets for the lunch marquee, costing £22 for adults and £10 for under-11s, can also be booked via the website.

ON THE WEB: See a picture gallery from previous years at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

A TERRIFIED man feared for his life when he was chased down the street by a jealous and drink-fuelled troublemaker who angrily threatened to slit his throat, a court heard.

The victim had "never been so petrified" after his assailant threatened to stab him, the court was told.

Aaron Whitehouse, 20, of Hainton Avenue, Grimsby, admitted a racially aggravated assault on Emeka Okeke, affray and possessing a kitchen knife as an offensive weapon on March 17.

Craig Lowe, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Whitehouse burst into Mr Okeke's home, demanded to know what he had said to Whitehouse's girlfriend and told him: "I'm going to slit your throat."

He hit him with both hands and told him: "I'm going to stab you and slit your throat."

He grabbed a 12-inch kitchen knife and when Mr Okeke ran away, he chased him out of the house and down the street in Welholme Road, Grimsby.

Mr Okeke later said: "I have never been so petrified. I felt in terror for my life."

Whitehouse and another man, Jamie Dyke, 18, formerly of Roberts Street, Grimsby, admitted affray on September 26.

The pair were involved in a confrontation with Brett Vinson and he ended up being pulled to the ground.

Dyke repeatedly punched him in the face with both fists and Whitehouse kicked him in the body while he was on the ground. A third attacker kicked and punched the victim while he was on the ground.

In other incidents, Whitehouse admitted affray, criminal damage, assault and using threatening behaviour on September 10.

He was aggressive after going to confront his ex-girlfriend and became angry about being rejected by her. He waved a spanner about, smashed a window and shouted: "I'm going to smash your head in and slit your throat."

He later started shouting and swearing at the Co-operative store in St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes, and headbutted staff member Ashley White in the face.

Dyke also admitted four theft offences on September 1 and 22, as well as criminal damage on the second occasion.

Tom Ledden, mitigating, said Whitehouse moved to Grimsby to get away from his family but the move "backfired" and he began drinking heavily.

"When he has had a drink, he can't manage his emotions or behaviour," said Mr Ledden.

"It is a shocking catalogue of stupid and drunken behaviour."

Simon Hirst, representing Dyke, said the incidents showed "atrocious behaviour". His offending was drink-related but he had "woken up" and realised he was wasting his life.

Whitehouse was sent to a young offenders' institution for two-and-a-half years and Dyke for 16 months.

MEET Joanne Hewson.

She is the new strategic director for people and communities at North East Lincolnshire Council.

She will take up the position on September 1, but will be working alongside the current interim director Jack Blackmore, until he leaves the authority at the end of August.

The role covers a diverse range of services including health, family support, adult social care and children's social care.

Joanne has been with the council for 14 years with previous experience in children and family services across the private and public sector, including time within both the early years and adult education sectors.

Joanne was born in the area and has worked locally throughout her career with a vast experience of working with and for the community.

She has been deputy director for early intervention and family support services since 2009.

She said: "While there are a lot of challenges in North East Lincolnshire, not least because of the reduced funding and the difficult circumstances local families face, I am looking forward to taking up the role. Being local I think I understand many of the challenges that our communities face and I want to foster new relationships to help improve the life chances of children, families and adults across the borough."

TWO terrified young men were forced to escape through a roof and desperately cling on to a chimney "for dear life" after their friend – who was high on M-Cat – started fires in a bedroom below where they were sleeping.

They thought they would die as they hurriedly tried to flee to safety through a skylight after their bedroom filled with thick black smoke, a court heard.

James North, 18, of Cemetery Crescent, Laceby, near Grimsby, admitted arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, on June 24.

Gurdial Singh, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Christopher Wells and his family went on holiday, leaving North, who was his daughter's boyfriend, in charge of their home.

North allowed two friends, Daniel Watts and Daniel Hague, to visit and they stayed over at the house in Fairmont Road, Grimsby. They all used the drug M-Cat and North became paranoid, erratic and unpredictable.

The two other young men went to bed in an attic above the bedroom used by the parents of North's girlfriend. They awoke in the early hours to find thick black smoke had filled the room.

They could not see anything and began to panic. They were desperate to escape and managed to flee, wearing just their underwear, through a skylight to the roof.

"They were clinging on to the chimney for dear life," said Mr Singh. "Daniel Watts believed they could have died."

North had used an accelerant to start fires in three areas of the other bedroom, including on top of a wardrobe, on the bed and on the floor.

Mr Hague later said: "I feel lucky to have got out alive. It's going to affect me for the rest of my life."

He added that he thought North "was trying to kill us" and said: "I thought we were friends – but not now."

House owner Mr Wells found the first floor badly smoke-damaged, carpets were unusable, several items were ruined and parts of the floor and ceilings needed replacing. He was not insured and repairs had cost about £10,000 so far.

The family were made temporarily homeless for a while and had to live elsewhere.

North was locked up for 21 months but, because of early release provisions and tagging, he is expected to be released after serving between just two and five months.

FORMER prolific criminal Natasha Crabtree fell foul of the police in what was a "blast from the past", a court heard.

She used to commit offences "left, right and centre in her early years" but now had an eight-year-old son to look after, Grimsby magistrates were told.

Crabtree, 22, of Tasburgh Street, Grimsby, and Tom Joyce, 20, of Frederick Street, Grimsby, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on April 16.

Andrew Vaughan, prosecuting, said police were called to Asda in Holles Street, Grimsby, after a report about people being aggressive towards staff when staff refused to serve them.

Crabtree and Joyce were found in nearby Railway Street and both of them used foul and abusive language.

They were warned about their behaviour but continued being aggressive.

Michael Culshaw, mitigating, said unemployed Crabtree had been given an antisocial behaviour order several years ago. She had breached it but, in recent years, her offending had slowed down considerably.

"This offence was very much a blast from the past," said Mr Culshaw.

"She was appearing before court left, right and centre in her early years.

"The Asbo has restricted her severely in the community."

Joyce had only one previous conviction and was working two days a week.

They were each given a six-month conditional discharge and were ordered to pay £85 costs and a Government-imposed £15 victims' surcharge.

TWO members of staff suspended from a Grimsby school amid sex photo allegations have resigned from their posts, it was revealed today.

The employees at Ormiston Maritime Academy, formerly Hereford Technology College, have quit following an investigation by governors into inappropriate conduct.

The investigation centred on two unnamed members of staff, who the Telegraph understands were a male and female, and an allegation that they used the school's IT system to send messages.

Governors also followed up claims that one of them had sent a sexually explicit photograph to the other – again using the school's IT network.

The school issued a statement confirming the pair had been suspended on March 27. At that time the Telegraph also reported how senior managers were believed to be studying CCTV footage of two people accessing the school's lift, following claims it was seen repeatedly "going up and down" while still occupied.

Today it has been confirmed that the investigation is now completed and no further action is to be taken, following the resignations.

An Ormiston Academies Trust spokesman said: "Following the allegations of inappropriate conduct, we can confirm that a full investigation has taken place and the matter has been concluded.

"Two members of staff have resigned. We respect the privacy of all staff, including those involved, and it would be inappropriate to comment further except to reassure parents that we continue to focus on providing the best possible care and education for Ormiston Maritime Academy pupils."

The original story came just days after an Ofsted report branded the Westward Ho school as "inadequate". It was the academy's first inspection since converting from Hereford in November 2011.

At the time the head teacher Elaine Davies defended the school and said there was now "a better calibre of staff" and there had been measurable progress since the December report. Ofsted's report on a follow-up monitoring visit has since been published, and described the school's action plan as "fit for purpose".

"IF WE come together, we can stamp out scams."

That's the pledge of the Grimsby And Cleethorpes Citizen's Advice Bureau which is calling for your support in its drive to Spot Scams To Stop Scams.

As part of the month-long campaign, staff at the Grimsby branch of the bureau are particularly keen to warn North East Lincolnshire residents of rogue traders preying on the elderly.

One of the latest cons known to be operating in the area is from firms contacting vulnerable older people offering to set up a trust deed to protect their properties being sold to pay for care fees.

Tony Gaskins, chief executive, Grimsby And Cleethorpes Citizens Advice Bureau, said: "People are seeing their money go down the drain as con artists rip them off.

"This month we are warning people to be on the look-out for rogues looking to make a quick buck at their expense and reminding that scams are crimes so it is vital they are reported."

He said other popular scams currently operating in the area included firms claiming victims had won a lottery, or even promising them a new job – in exchange for money in advance.

Others offer to do work on residents' homes, taking cash for work which is never completed.

His top tips for spotting a scam include:

The call, letter, e-mail or text has come out of the blue.

You've never heard of the lottery or competition they are talking about.

You didn't buy a ticket – so can't win.

They are asking you to send money in advance.

They are saying you have to respond quickly, so you don't get time to think about it or ask family and friends before you decide.

They are telling you to keep it a secret.

They seem to be offering you something for nothing.

If it seems too good to be true – it probably is.

He also warned that scam artists will try a wide variety of ways to contact their victims.

He said: "Throughout the whole of May, the Citizens Advice bureaux and Trading Standards across England and Wales will be reminding people that scams come in all shapes and sizes, including adverts, people knocking on your door, e-mails, letters, phone calls, texts and over the internet.

And it's not just a local issue.

New national figures reveal over 22,000 reports of scams were made to the Citizens Advice service in England and Wales in the past 12 months.

However, the service is concerned that the true picture may be even worse, with many victims failing to report they have been conned.

If you think you have been conned, don't be too embarrassed to seek help.

Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to help stop it happening to others.

THE bumper trade over the bank holiday brought a "significant boost" to the local economy.

With temperatures hitting a high of 24 degrees, trade also heated up as thousands flocked to the resort.

Drivers were forced to park near Lock Hill Roundabout, in Grimsby, and walk the two miles into the resort as traffic came to a standstill along Cleethorpe Road and backed up to the A180.

Portfolio holder for leisure and tourism Councillor Mick Burnett said: "This weekend has brought a significant amount of money to the local economy. It is a start in the right direction. The weather really made all the difference. People were out in droves.

"Tourism is so important for the local economy. Numbers are still being evaluated but, from what I saw, it is clear a significant amount of money was spent here."

Pleasure Island alone welcomed 2,200 visitors and takings shot up 50 per cent compared to this time last year.

And following Easter's bitterly cold weather, the horrendous sand storm days and the Hatfield landslide cutting the resort off from Yorkshire rail passengers, it was a welcome boost for traders.

And it wasn't just Cleethorpes that was booming this weekend. The glorious sunshine brought scores to Grimsby's People's Park, who enjoyed the surroundings and the new cafe run by Tukes volunteers.

Send us your pictures of you enjoying the beautiful weather to pictures@grimsbytelegraph. co.uk

BUCKETS and spades flew from the shelves of Tom's Bargain Centre to tourists "digging" the hot weather.

For owner Gary Harding it was the busiest he had seen the resort in 20 years.

He worked 48 hours over the long weekend and was still flat out yesterday.

He said: "It was the busiest weekend we have ever had.

"The whole town was gridlocked with traffic – it was great to see it so busy.

"We really needed this weekend after Easter, it has been a real boost to trade for everyone."

YOU won't find cooler prices for ice cream than in Cleethorpes.

Queues of sweet-toothed visitors spilled onto the road as they waited for their customary ice cream by the seaside.

It comes as national newspapers reported the Bannister family who were charged a staggering £54 for four ice creams in Rome – prompting disgust by local traders.

Bob Macdonald, owner of Clee Rock Co on the North Promenade – where you can buy a single ice cream for £1.20 – said: "You could buy all our ice creams together for less than that.

"It is the best place to be."

HUMANS were not the only ones working hard over the bank holiday. The animals put in a fair shift, too.

Hundreds of children enjoyed donkey rides on the beach by Nutall's Donkeys.

Owner Sally George said: "It has been brilliant. The beach was absolutely packed – the busiest I have ever seen it. We had a really poor Easter because of the weather, so this is just what we needed."

Grandfather Robert Croxan took his grandson Benjamin Wike, 3, for a ride yesterday.

Mr Croxan, from Barnsley, said: "We didn't come on Monday because of the traffic, but today has been perfect. We love being by the seaside and Benjamin loves the donkeys."

FISH and chip shops were the "plaice" to eat in Cleethorpes.

Hungry visitors spilled out of Ernie Becketts Fish and Chip Shop, in Market Street, which served double the number of customers than normal.

Other restaurants ran out of fish and were forced to turn people away.

Manager Wayne Shearer said: "It was absolute mayhem – we had just enough to cover it but we have had to restock today.

"People were queuing out of the door and down the street. It was just what we needed after the bad start to the season."

CANDYFLOSS and sweet stall workers barely left their counters all day.

Owner of Hawaiian Eye Jane Wood hadn't seen the resort so busy since Radio One hosted Party On The Pier.

She said: "We started at 8am and as soon as we opened the doors people were queuing. My cook never got away from the griddle and my two candyfloss girls worked flat out from start to finish.

"It was a brilliant day both financially and personally. People came, spent their money and left feeling happy with full bellies. As long as that happens, we have all done our jobs properly."

IT WASN'T just the catering businesses that enjoyed a roaring trade.

The Jungle Zoo enjoyed its busiest weekend since it was taken over by Craig and Sharon Gledhill two years ago, and enjoyed a 20 per cent rise on last year.

Craig said: "It was absolutely mental – a lovely start to the season, which should have started earlier. I have never seen the resort so packed. Every car parking space was taken. There were cars parked on the verges until late afternoon.

"We were worried because of the railway landlslip, but this has really picked us up."

THESE three friends are preparing to Race For Life in Cleethorpes to say thank you for the care one of their mums is receiving.

Olivia McCarthy's mum, Frances Robinson, 39, of Holton-le-Clay, is currently bravely battling her third bout of cancer in three years.

Now Olivia and friends and colleagues, Sarah Bainbridge and Leanne Loughran, are taking part in Cleethorpes' Race For Life on Sunday, May 19, to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Trainee accountant Olivia, from North Killingholme, said: "My mum is a real fighter and although there is nothing doctors can do to cure her, she is having chemotherapy to give her as long as possible.

"She had two lots of breast cancer and has now been told the cancer has spread.

"She will be there watching us take part in Race For Life and I know she's proud of us for doing it.

"I want to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research to help find a cure and stop this happening to other people.

"I took part last year and there was a really good atmosphere and the weather was lovely.

"I'm definitely not the most natural runner in the world but I'm going to give it my best to say thank you to everybody who has sponsored me.

"I'll be thinking about the ice cream van at the finish line to inspire me!"

Olivia will be completing the five kilometres with her sister, Victoria McCarthy, 21, an assistant buyer for Morrisons who lives on Laceby Acres, and her one-year-old niece, Esmee..

They had initially aimed to collect £200 for Cancer Research UK but have already topped £790.

And Sarah and Leanne, who are Olivia's colleagues at AP Robinson Accountants in Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, are hoping to add another £500 to the total.

Qualified accountant Leanne, 29, from Cleethorpes, has completed three Race For Life events.

She said: "I've taken part in Race For Life with friends in the past and I'm doing it this year to support Olivia.

"Everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer and I think it's important that we all do what we can to raise money and help fund further research.

"I don't do much running but I'm quite competitive so I know that when I get there on the day I'll try to go as fast as I can."

To support Olivia and her sister and add to their fundraising total, visit www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/year-39

To support Sarah and Leanne, visit www.justgiving.com/aprobinsonandco/

There is still time to register for this year's Race For Life by visiting www.raceforlife.cancerresearch uk.org

It will start and finish at Meridian Park, in Kings Road, at 11am.

Entry costs £14.99 per adult, £10 per child and is free for under fives.

ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to see action from last year's event.

On May 7th 2013, at about 11am I posted a report of serious potholes in Queens Parade, Grimsby on the Councils website.  At 12.26 I recieved a reply from the council stating that the complaint had been passed to the relevant department for action.  Imagine my utter surprise when at 1.15 a crew from NE Lincs Council arrived and FIXED the potholes in less than 1 hour!

It took less than 3 hours from initial posting of the problem to complete resolution - quite simply an astounding achievement.

Too often the council are berated for 'lack of attention' but on this occasion they simply excelled.

• The original invoice price of the car
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