THIS beautiful garden is a tribute to 60 years of blossoming romance.

Ted Ford began his apprenticeship as a joiner in 1943, aged 15, under a lad just four years his senior, as older men were away fighting in the war.

But when his mentor, Cyril Kendall, hurt his thumb and couldn't alter the stairs at Nunsthorpe hospital as planned, Ted had to go in his place – and it's lucky he did.

Because this November, he will be celebrating his diamond wedding with Cynthia – a nurse he met at the hospital that day.

Ted said: "I've got a lot to thank Cyril for because if he hadn't hurt his thumb, we might never have met."

And he's been busy using the skills he learned in the trade as a joiner and builder ever since – and a few more he's picked up on the way.

The couple have lived in their home in Camargue Avenue, Waltham, for some 20 years, and Ted has turned their garden into a plant-filled paradise.

He has built six benches and four garden chairs, a summer house, a pagoda, a raised patio and a greenhouse.

There is a two-tonne compost heap, he grows a range of vegetables – including courgettes, tomatoes, beans – and has a beautiful array of flowers both at the front and back of the house.

Mr Ford has even taken up painting, so wherever there aren't any plants blooming, there are huge acrylic murals of green landscapes that he has created.

He said: "I started painting in watercolours but the acrylic is a bit more hardy. I've even pressure washed them and they're fine."

Cynthia, who is the president of the local Inner Wheel group, was busy "making scones" when we went to see Ted, but he claims she enjoys it in the summer.

When asked what the pair will be doing on their 60th anniversary, he replied: "I'll probably buy her some fish and chips."

After 70 years in the building trade, Ted has built two houses, and renovated his current house but says that he is not done yet.

He said: "I've always enjoyed developing things and I've been able to use my skills for a hobby.

"Now I am planning another mural for the garden.

"It will measure 8ft by 5ft."

ON THE WEB: Share your family stories with the Grimsby Telegraph by visiting www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk and using the comment facility on the bottom of this story, or by e-mailing newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or phoning 01472 372236.

SPRING has finally sprung, the weather is hotting up and that means people are generally happier.

So, what exactly makes you happy? Some months ago, the Grimsby Telegraph's website, www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk, asked you this very question.

We wanted to know what you like most and least about your neighbourhood, how clean and tidy it is, and whether you think it has got better or worse in the past ten years.

The survey also examined your views on employment opportunities, crime and safety in this region.

Now, the Happiness Survey results are in, and they have revealed very mixed feelings about life in North East Lincolnshire.

Nearly 50 per cent of residents in the area who completed the survey said there was a problem with youths and antisocial behaviour.

Deprivation in the area, including poor job prospects, poverty and crime, was a major issue for 40 per cent of the respondents, but 13 per cent find Grimsby a nice place to live, with good neighbours. And they said there is not as much trouble as people believe there to be.

Sixty per cent of respondents from Cleethorpes expressed views that the town was quiet, with little antisocial behaviour.

However, 36 per cent reported problems with "drunken yobs" and drug use.

Half of the survey participants who live in Immingham felt that violence and crime was a major problem, as was the lack of shops and activities there.

Overall, the survey revealed people have a love for their surroundings, with 35 per cent saying they like the area's parks and being close to the seaside.

But 32 per cent reported feeling apathy, saying there was negativity and a lack of interest in making the region a better place from residents themselves.

But one Cleethorpes woman said: "We have close access to amenities and it feels like living in the countryside."

A Grimsby man said: "People's Park is close by for dog walking and feeding the ducks with my family. Town is also close by."

So where are the happiest places to live within North East Lincolnshire?

Keelby, Great Coates, Laceby, Healing, Waltham and New Waltham came out top, with 80 per cent of respondents from these areas praising pleasant surroundings, friendly neighbours and good amenities.

Being close to local facilities was also one of the things one Keelby woman was most happy about.

She said: "It's clean, safe, friendly with some nice scenic walks. It has a doctor, library and school."

ON THE WEB: Tell us about the places you enjoy most in North East Lincolnshire at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

FOR at least the third time, my e-mail account has been hacked.

Again, I don't know how it has happened; I am able to go into what is now my old account and I never bother opening anything that comes up as spam.

What's more, it is not as if I've been targeted specifically as the bogus letters sent supposedly on my behalf are of the standard variety that crop up in spam.

You might be aware of the kind of thing if you are an internet user.

They're badly written, spell your name wrong and say you've been stranded abroad, short of money.

Those close to me will, however, be aware of the fact that I don't have a passport and haven't left the UK this millennium.

So really, anyone can be hacked – which is worrying.

You see, it isn't just the nuisance of having to get a new e-mail account. That's relatively easy with a bit of help.

Rather, it is the fact we are being encouraged to do more and more of our business online.

Indeed, I write this as the new Universal Credit is being trialled.

This benefit, eventually to apply to all those of working age who qualify, is being handled entirely through the internet.

Claimants will have to have an online account.

But what will happen if something goes wrong and people can't, as a result, access their money?

It is a worrying thought in view of the ease in which hackers seem to operate.

Incidentally, this First Person piece is being written in pen and delivered by hand – I feel safer that way!

The Your Life Your Future campaign is here to help people find employment. Today, we feature two people who are eligible for the Wage Incentive Scheme. Katie Blackburn reports.

A FORMER home care assistant could be your new employee with some financial benefits.

Katie Standley, 19, of Garner Street, Grimsby, is on the hunt for work but, as an added bonus, she is also eligible for the Wage Incentive Scheme set up by the Government.

It means her next employer may be entitled to up to £2,275 – more information on this is given below.

Katie has been unemployed for the past six months after her former client died.

She attended Oasis Academy Wintringham, Grimsby, before moving on to the Grimsby Institute where she studied health and social care at level three.

As part of this, she also completed a first aid course.

"I feel I have a lot of skills to offer people," Katie said.

"I am looking for work anywhere and doing whatever, from cleaning to a shop assistant.

"I am currently handing out my CV where possible and I constantly check websites for new jobs."

Katie believes it is a lot harder for younger people to find work due to the mass of people that now go for any one job.

She said: "I applied for one role but was up against 15 other people.

"It is mad at the moment and the competition to secure a job is intense."

To help herself in the meantime, Katie is currently studying a distance learning course in end-of-life care.

She said: "I am trying to gain further skills and qualifications that will stand me a better chance of gaining work.

"I am passionate about the care industry, but at the moment I am wanting anything that will give me some income.

"I attend the JobCentre regularly to see what job vacancies it has."

Call the JobCentre Plus on 01472 622357 if you are interested in employing Katie – and getting a subsidy from the Government to do so.

ON THE WEB: If you are looking for a job, or an employer looking for new staff, visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/jobs

WITH a drive for work, this Grimsby girl landed her first job in a factory aged 16.

Now, Sanchia Carroll, 21,is on the hunt for a new job after being unemployed for the past two years.

She left Matthew Humberstone School with six GCSEs and felt college was not the route for her.

Instead, she sought work through an agency and was given her first job at Young's, in Humberstone Road, Grimsby.

Sanchia was there for three months as work became limited and was eventually laid off.

But this didn't dampen her determination and she moved on to a cleaning role at the former Humberston Country Club.

Now she is looking for a new position, and one advantage is her eligibility for the Wage Incentive Scheme, set up by the Government to help young people into work.

"I am looking for any type of work that can offer me about 30 hours a week," she said.

"I have been searching but it is very hard at the moment and most places want someone experienced. I am a good learner and I am willing to get stuck in with things.

"Bar work is what I have looked at most recently, but nothing has turned out for me."

She told how it is disappointing when she applies for jobs and doesn't hear back from the company or is unsuccessful.

Remaining positive, she said: "I just keep looking around and applying, hoping someone will finally hire me.

"I rent a house in Grimsby so it's hard at the moment with the lack of income. Paying the bills is difficult.

"I attend the JobCentre once a week to keep checking their vacancy lists."

Call the JobCentre Plus on 01472 622357 if you are interested in employing Sanchia, and getting a subsidy from the Government to do so.

A RECENTLY-RETIRED detective – who led high-profile investigations and cold cases – has been nationally recognised for her outstanding career.

The British Association for Women in Policing (BAWP) has honoured former Humberside Police Detective Superintendent Dena Fleming with a lifetime achievement award.

She will accept the prestigious honour in the BAWP Awards 2013 ceremony at Cardiff on June 11.

Mrs Fleming, who hails from Hessle and went to school locally, retired from the force last summer, ending her career as the head of Major Investigation Teams responsible for murder and serious crime.

She had worked particularly hard on developing expertise in historical cold case crimes and was fundamental in gaining the successful prosecution of numerous offenders for serious sexual assaults committed years ago.

In North East Lincolnshire, she worked on various cases, including child abduction and raids on suspected brothels.

She was also the head of the specially-trained team which deals with so-called honour crimes in this region.

The BAWP awards recognise the contributions and achievements of women within the police service and this year will be the seventh annual awards.

Mrs Fleming joined Humberside Police as a cadet aged 17 and at 18 became a regular full-time officer.

She transferred to Lincolnshire Police in 1986 but returned to Humberside in 1998, where she spent the last 14 years of her career.

A nationally-accredited senior investigating officer as well as a wife, mother and grandmother, Mrs Fleming said receiving the national award has given her a "fantastic sense of achievement".

"I am immensely proud of my career in the police service and of the young people who are continuing to do the job today," she said.

"I have witnessed the most harrowing of scenes, dealt with so very many victims of crime and put a large number of bad people behind bars.

"It has been hugely challenging both internally and externally, but I have got great professional and personal satisfaction from my role as a police officer over the past 32 years.

"To be nominated and to receive this national award from the British Association of Women Police Officers has given me a fantastic sense of achievement.

"I am absolutely delighted to be honoured in this way and would like to thank all those people who have worked for me and with me over the years, and all those who believed in me. Given the choice I would do it all again."

ON THE WEB: Share your celebrations with the Grimsby Telegraph. Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk, e-mail newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or call 01472 372236.

IT'S England vs the Rest Of The World for Seachill employees who are holding a football match to raise money for a colleague whose wife is suffering from cancer.

Workers at the fish firm will play a football match to raise money for their friend Ian Gillin – who has worked for the company for ten years – tomorrow, after discovering his wife, Angie, has terminal bone cancer.

Angie got breast cancer eight years ago but beat the disease and got the all-clear from doctors – but a year later was diagnosed with another form of the killer disease.

Unfortunately, this time doctors say the cancer is terminal so the couple are enjoying the time they have left – and they plan to spend the money on equipment that will make that time more comfortable.

Ian, 44, of Petchell Way, Grimsby, said: "It was devastating to find out that the cancer had returned, especially after she beat it once – but we knew it was always a possibility.

"We don't know if she has one year, two years or even five, but we're taking each day as it comes and enjoying what time we still have together.

"I had no idea my colleagues were planning this match until this week and I was really surprised and overwhelmed when they rang me and told me.

"Angie couldn't believe that the people I work with would spend their time trying to do something like this for us.

"We are going to use the money for medical equipment like an orthopaedic bed which will help with the pain – equipment like that is very expensive."

It's been organised by employees Glen Matthews, Stuart Douglas, Dominik Marek, Dave Thompson and Gary Peck – the eighth of its kind that Seachill have played in consecutive years.

They have raised more than £5,000 for charities such as St Andrew's Hospice and other colleagues and have usually been an epic England vs Poland battle – as there are hundreds of Polish workers at the plant.

But after Poland got hammered 7-2 in 2012, Polish national Mr Marek, defrost supervisor, is allowed to pick players from other countries to make up a Rest Of The World team.

Mr Marek said: "I'm hoping things go a little better this time round – no matter what happens, they can't go much worse. We've got a couple of good new players from Latvia and Lithuania so I think this time we stand a better chance."

Packing hall manager Mr Douglas said that the rivalry is more than just a national one – it's professional, too.

He said: "The English team is made up mostly of supervisors and managers, so it's a chance for the other guys to give them a few kicks on the pitch.

"There is definitely a bit of rivalry and there's always a bit of passion in the game, but it's all in good spirit.

"We have about 15 players on each team and a few people come to watch, too, so the atmosphere is always great.

"Ian won't be playing in the match but his brother is coming down to play."

Ian added: "As much as I'd like to, I think I'm too old and unfit to play – I'll leave it to the younger guys."

The match takes place at 3pm tomorrow at Bradley Pitches.

ON THE WEB: Visit this story at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to see a photo gallery of pictures the Grimsby Telegraph took at previous events in 2011 and 2012.

MEDICAL experts are expected to talk to the public in July over a shake-up of health services in North East Lincolnshire.

Members of Clinical Commissioning Groups in both North and North East Lincolnshire and Northern Lincolnshire And Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) are working together to collate information to help them fully understand the needs of the community.

A Sustainable Service Review (SSR) is under way to outline what services are required by the health service and wider community, and how they can be delivered while getting the best value for money, as reported.

However, Cathy Kennedy, deputy chief executive for North East Lincolnshire's CCG, wants to stress that no draft documents, plans or options have been published regarding the review.

Her comments follow the Grimsby Telegraph's sister paper in Scunthorpe publishing information from a document it had seen.

This was, in fact, a public document drawn up by North Lincolnshire CCG highlighting its commissioning plan for 2013-14 Right Care, Right Place.

It is already known that as part of the report, areas being looked into are maternity, paediatric, stroke, planned (non-emergency) and unplanned (emergency) care.

Cathy said: "It has been well documented that NEL CCG is currently working with its partners to look at existing services across Northern Lincolnshire through a programme called sustainable services.

"This is to explore how these services can be improved and can provide, long into the future, the high quality and excellent health outcomes that local people deserve.

"No decisions have yet been taken about what changes might happen.

"Nothing will be published either until the pre-engagement phase starts at the beginning of July.

"A full consultation, if the proposed changes are sufficiently significant to require it, would be held later in the year."

ON THE WEB: More information about the Sustainable Service Review can be read at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

ANGRY residents have branded a meeting to discuss Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick's decision to suspend the force's acting chief constable as a "disgrace".

It came after members of the public were inadvertently excluded from the meeting of Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel at Tedder Hall, in Manby.

The East Lindsey District Council-run panel is responsible for scrutinising the actions of the police and crime commissioner.

After resolving to form a task group to investigate the "circumstances and implications" of Mr Hardwick's decision to suspend Neil Rhodes, the room was swarmed by a handful of outraged residents who had not been told the meeting had started.

They were led by Louth town councillor Margaret Ottaway, who said: "I think it is a disgrace that members of the public were waiting downstairs for this meeting but weren't taken in.

"If this is the way that the panel operates, then I don't know how they are going to look at what Mr Hardwick did.

"I know how local government works and it should be open to the public. I will be taking this matter further because what has happened is unacceptable."

Panel chairman Councillor Ray Wootten apologised to the members of the public and filled them in on what had happened during the meeting.

As reported, acting chief constable Mr Rhodes was suspended by Mr Hardwick in February following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

However, Mr Rhodes appealed the decision and took the case to the High Court, in Manchester, where his suspension was quashed in March and he returned to work.

Now, as the pair attempt to work together for the sake of Lincolnshire Police, the panel has decided to investigate what happened and why.

Councillor Wootten said: "We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation into the causes and consequences of this matter."

Councillor Stephen Woodliffe added: "It is important that the task force looks at the morale of the police force following this incident."

And Councillor Norman Norris said that the task force will provide "reassurance" that the incident is being looked into thoroughly.

There has been significant interest in the recent situation and I've been tasked with leading a working group to fully explore what has happened.

We will be looking at how we can support the commissioner in his role by helping to ensure such situations don't reoccur. Our work will be thorough and we will be asking challenging questions before reporting back to the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel later in the year.

I am looking forward to chairing this group and I believe establishing the working group is the right way for the panel to investigate what has happened.

The Working Group will consider the events surrounding the decision by the Commissioner to suspend the acting chief constable and focus on what lessons can be learnt.

The working group is cross-political and cross-gender and is made up of myself, Councillor Anne Welburn and Councillor Ian Cartwright MBE.

We will aim to produce an interim report for the next Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel.

The chair has asked us to work towards completing a full report by September 7.

Morale within the force is very important and we will be looking and how it has been affected by this incident. However, we cannot start our investigation until Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, has completed his investigation.

A TEENAGER repeatedly kicked his terrified grandmother in a vicious attack – after a furious argument erupted about his drinking.

He also assaulted his grandfather when the nasty confrontation escalated – and both men ended up falling on an armchair, Grimsby magistrates heard.

Jordan Call, 18, who is living at a hotel in Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, admitted assaulting Joan Call and Alwin Call on March 13.

Brendan Woodward, prosecuting, said the teenager was living at the time with his grandmother Mrs Call, 57, and his grandfather Mr Call, 72, in Patrick Street, Grimsby.

His behaviour deteriorated about two years ago and problems were caused, partly because of his drug use.

Call returned to their home at 9.10pm after a drinking session and words were exchanged with his grandmother about his drinking.

He walked towards her and, because she feared she would be assaulted, she slapped him across the face once.

Call grabbed the telephone and she tried to take it from him. He kicked out at her stomach and chest area three or four times.

His grandfather pulled the teenager away from her but was powerless to detain him, said Mr Woodward.

Call grabbed hold of his grandmother and pulled her around, causing her to fall to the floor. He kicked her about the body while she was on the floor.

His grandfather tackled Call again and both men fell on to an armchair.

His grandfather put him in a headlock, restricted his breathing and forced him to apologise to his grandmother.

Andrew Havery, mitigating, said Call's mother, Michelle Wood, died when he was aged seven or eight and he had lived with his grandparents for about ten years.

"Things became difficult and strained," said Mr Havery.

"He returned home, words were exchanged and his grandmother made comments that were less than complimentary about his mum.

"He lost it. He is not proud of his behaviour."

Call assaulted two people who "should be the nearest and dearest to him".

There had been no repetition of his behaviour and no further difficulties, said Mr Havery.

Call, who is at college and had no previous convictions, was given a one-year supervision order and ordered to complete 130 hours of unpaid work.

The court also ordered him to pay £120 compensation to his grandmother, £100 to his grandfather, £85 costs and a Government-imposed £60 victims' surcharge.

He was given a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting his grandparents or visiting their home.

ON THE WEB: More news from the courts is available on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

THE skies of Grimsby town centre were filled with song as the congregation of Grimsby Minster celebrated Ascension Day.

The pitch-perfect voices of the group of eight choristers and three choral scholars carried across the town, as they took to the roof of the church to sing Hail The Day That Sees Him Rise.

It's a tradition that has been enjoyed in Grimsby for "donkey's years" and, as ever, it went down well with passersby, with one remarking "Don't they sound sweet?" as she passed.

Canon Andrew Dodd, the priest in charge for Great Grimsby and area dean of North East Lincolnshire, said: "Ascension Day is the day when the Church remembers the story in the Bible when Jesus ascended back to Heaven to remain with the Father.

"It's the story that encourages disciples to go out into the world and bear witness to God's love in the world.

"It is held 40 days after Easter and lots of churches celebrate by having things like balloon releases and fireworks.

"Part of our tradition here is for the choir to go up onto the tower, which is as high as they can go in the town centre, to represent following Jesus up.

"It's a well-established tradition here at the minster. We have been doing it for donkey's years."

The choir had been training for the big day under the direction of choirmaster Tony Pinel.

He explained that the group, made up of St James' School pupils aged eight to 16, practised every school day.

He said: "This is something they particularly enjoy. It's a tradition that has been done every year for a number of years now.

"For four of the younger boys, it was their first time."

And, as the singers descended the steep, narrow spiral staircase following their performance, they were full of excited chatter about the experience.

More than one of the boys described the experience as "awesome".

Among them was head chorister Roy Hillson, 12.

He said: "It is the second time I have done it and it was awesome.

"The view from the tower is fantastic, but the part I like the best is the singing."

SPOOKS star Peter Firth's appearance at a fundraiser helped to raise more than £1,000 for a cancer charity that has helped his cousin.

Josephine Dixon, 77, has suffered from bowel cancer for more than a year and arranged the charity night at Lucarly's on Wednesday to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support – because nurses have helped her "no end", she said.

And to stir up some interest, she invited her cousin Peter Firth, star of hit BBC drama Spooks, which has been on our TV screens for more than a decade.

But Peter made sure he wasn't the only celebrity in the building, bringing along his oldest friend Alexandra Pigg, co-star in 80s film Letter To Brezhnev, who first came to prominence as Brookside's Petra Taylor in 1982.

Peter said: "It was a fantastic night for a brilliant charity that has done an awful lot for my cousin and millions of other people across the country.

"Their creed is that no one should face cancer alone and I couldn't agree more, which is why I wanted to support the event."

And the star-studded cast paid off for Macmillan – Josephine has not collected all the money in yet but knows it has raised more than £1,000.

She said: "It was such a wonderful night – it made me so proud that so many people had come to support the cause.

"There were some big Spooks fans who came to see Peter and they were really pleased to meet him.

"I'm just glad that he came to support me so I could do something for the Macmillan nurses after they have done so much for me.

"When you get cancer, you don't know what to do but they sort everything out for you, which makes things that little bit easier.

"I can't say enough good things about them, nothing is too much trouble."

The money was raised by charging £1 on the door, selling raffle tickets and auctioning off two flights to Scotland – raising £120.

And Cleethorpes Cancer Support Group, which has a shop in Sea View Street, Cleethorpes, were so impressed by the efforts of Josephine that they donated £500 to the fund.

Voluntary shop manager and trustee Lynn Wedlake said: "We heard about Josephine through her sister Brenda Bradley, who has been a volunteer with us for three years.

"And when we found out that this lady, who is so poorly, was going to all this effort to throw such a big night, we wanted to help.

"I have seen her cousin Peter in Spooks because my husband is a big fan and he was great company and very polite to everyone."

"Reading out the raffle prizes can be a bit of a dull job but he certainly made the process very exciting."

A WALTHAM musician has achieved national acclaim after being featured on BBC Radio 1's playlist.

Harry David, 24, is currently unsigned and unmanaged, and has written, recorded, produced and played all instruments on his latest track himself.

And now Solitude is currently being aired on BBC Radio 1, after being played on regional stations – just days after we reported how a Cleethorpes band has achieved similar fame.

The self-taught musician first began writing, recording and producing at the age of 14.

He taught himself guitar, piano and drums, playing a mixture of acoustic, pop and rock elements influenced by artists such as Tracy Chapman and Eric Clapton.

During three years studying Creative Music Technology at university in Scarborough, he began to establish himself as a popular musician, performing and selling out shows at local venues, festivals and house concerts.

"I have always been into music," said Harry.

"Since I was ten, I have been really interested in getting an acoustic guitar and one Christmas I finally got one.

"Our next door neighbour had been in a lot of bands and he offered to help me learn.

"He took me under his wing and I would go round a couple of nights a week to practise new techniques.

"Playing music had always been a hobby for me but when I got to university, I really started to get into it as a career path.

"I bought better gear and found I really enjoyed the recording and producing side as well."

Harry explained that Solitude explores the meaning of happiness through self- enquiry and deep contemplation, which he says "cuts to the core of these ideals".

He recorded every instrument as well as writing and producing the song by himself.

"There is no way to describe how supportive the BBC has been in helping me get my music heard," he added.

"I have been so lucky and I am so grateful to all my family and friends who have supported me.

"I have started work on my debut album and hope to keep creating exciting work."

It comes only a few days after we reported how Cleethorpes band Theory 59 had also made the playlist with their song Through The Lies Comes Clarity.

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

ON THE WEB: You can download Solitude now on all good music sites.

A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences following an armed siege in a residential street in Grimsby.

Officers from Humberside Police had a seven-hour stand-off with the man at his home in Anderson Street.

It was believed that he had been drinking and was threatening to harm himself when specially trained, armed officers were called to the scene at about 5pm on Wednesday.

It took until the early hours of yesterday for negotiators from the force to calm the situation and for police to enter the property and arrest the man.

The Grimsby Telegraph was at the scene.

A spokesman for the force said: "Police were called shortly after 5pm on Wednesday to reports of concern for the safety of a man at his home address.

"It was believed he had been drinking and intended to harm himself.

"There was concern the man may also be in possession of a firearm.

"Armed response officers were deployed to the address and a cordon was put up in the street as a precaution to ensure the safety of the local community.

"Specially trained police officers attended, to speak to the man and officers remained in the vicinity for the duration of the incident.

"At 12.25am on Thursday, officers entered the address and the man and a second man, aged 63, were both located unharmed inside the house.

"The 46-year-old man was arrested."

The spokesman confirmed that the man was arrested for breach of a restraining order and also for possible firearms offences and was detained at Grimsby Police Station, in Victoria Street.

The spokesman added: "At no point was a firearm seen nor were any shots fired."

They added that inquiries into the incident were continuing in the local area yesterday.

As reported in yesterday's Grimsby Telegraph, firearms officers, nine police vehicles and a number of police dogs all attended the scene of the drama.

The street was cordoned off throughout the incident.

A number of alleyways near the property were also blocked off for the duration of the incident.

The drama led to a large number of people gathering in the Lord Street entrance to the street to try and get a glimpse at what was going on.

Some onlookers described to the Telegraph's reporters how it was "frightening" to hear reports that firearms were involved in a police incident so close to their homes.

A LORRY driver was speeding and his windscreen was obscured by dirt and cracked glass just minutes before a road accident left a cyclist dead.

The horrific crash happened when the driver's vehicle suddenly hit the cyclist from behind on the "notorious and dangerous stretch of road", Grimsby magistrates heard.

Wayne Marsh, 49, of Beverley Close, Holton-le-Clay, admitted causing the death of 64-year-old Graeme Walton by careless driving at Barnoldby-le-Beck on December 8.

It happened on the stretch of road between the Laceby roundabout and and Barnoldby-le-Beck – the subject of further tragedy more recently with the deaths of five members of the Cockburn family, killed when their car was in a head-on collision with a lorry on Barton Street on April 12.

Describing December's incident, Brendan Woodward, prosecuting, said Marsh was driving an articulated lorry tractor unit and was accompanied by his son.

The lorry hit the rear of cyclist Mr Walton at about 9.40am. He later died.

A police investigation revealed that the lorry's windscreen had a large crack along the entire area immediately in front of the driver's sitting position.

His view would also have been significantly impaired by excess grime from the road on the windscreen, said Mr Woodward.

The tachograph revealed that the vehicle's speed was 45mph in a 40mph limit.

The cyclist was riding in a proper manner, added Mr Woodward.

The starting point for sentencing of the offence was 36 weeks' custody, the court heard.

Michael Culshaw, mitigating, said Marsh was pleading guilty at the first opportunity the case was in court.

No other mitigation was given during the brief hearing, but much more is expected to be given at Marsh's next court appearance.

Marsh is thought to have escaped injury in the accident.

The magistrates committed the case to Grimsby Crown Court for sentence and Marsh was allowed unconditional bail.

He was given an interim driving ban.

Mr Walton, of Melton Ross, was a keen cyclist and had two grown-up children, Jennifer and Harry.

His long-term partner Gill Renney told the Grimsby Telegraph after his death that they were "devastated by this untimely loss".

She said: "Graeme was originally from Bedford, had lived in various places around the country and had settled in Lincolnshire a decade ago.

"He was newly-retired, having worked hard all his life, firstly as an engineer and then a project manager for a telecommunications company.

"He had looked forward to, and was enjoying, his retirement."

Mr Walton was a keen traveller and had visited many places across the world.

They had recently bought a caravan and toured the country together.

"COME and do my job for a day and see how easy it is to save money."

That was the challenge laid down by North East Lincolnshire Council leader Chris Shaw to the Taxpayers' Alliance (TPA) during a radio interview yesterday.

And Andrew Allison, the pressure group's national grassroots co-ordinator, has agreed to take Councillor Shaw up on his offer.

The council leader made the bizarre invitation whilst responding to comments made by Mr Allison about council spending.

Asked by local radio about a report by the Local Government Association (LGA) which claims that local services will suffer as a result of Government cuts, Mr Allison suggested that many local authorities could still find ways to save money without affecting front-line services.

And although Mr Allison did not single out NELC for criticism, his words obviously struck a nerve with Councillor Shaw, who hit back with an outspoken attack on the TPA, and an invitation to Mr Allison to "come and do my job".

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph after the radio interview, Councillor Shaw said: "I am fed up of the Taxpayers' Alliance saying it is easy for councils to save all this money. They are very good at pointing the finger and saying councils should do this and do that, but it is very easy for them because they are sitting on the sidelines."

Accusing Mr Allison of employing the "same old rhetoric", Councillor Shaw added: "It was a case of all we've got to do is share some officers and cut a couple of salaries. I am having to take 50 per cent out of the council's budget and I'm not going to do that by sharing officers.

"They say they are a pressure group but I don't need any more pressure. They should be putting pressure on the Government who is cutting our budget."

Councillor Shaw had invited Mr Allison to come and spend a full week with him, but Mr Allison said he could only commit to one day, expected to be sometime next week.

Councillor Shaw added: "Maybe he could give some insight into how we could save some money. If he comes up with some sensible ideas I will look at them.

"He can come to any meetings that I go to. But if he thinks he's coming in for a sit down and a coffee he's in for a bit of a shock."

Mr Allison said he was slightly taken aback by Councillor Shaw's offer, but said he would go into the meeting with an open mind.

He told the Grimsby Telegraph: "I just made some general comments about the LGA report. I didn't mention North East Lincolnshire or Councillor Shaw at all so I think he is taking it a little too personally.

"I have had meetings with senior councillors but never had an invitation like this. I will have a series of questions for him about whether or not council taxpayers are getting good value for money."

Councillor Shaw's outburst came on the day that the TPA released its annual Town Hall Rich List, which shows the number of employees earning more than £100,000 at local authorities across the country.

The report shows that in 2011-12, five members of staff at NELC received total remuneration, including employer pension contributions, of more than £100,000.

This was a reduction from eight in the previous year.

Councillor Shaw said the figures showed that NELC was not a "profligate" authority.

He added that further cuts to the senior management team could be in the offing.

He said: "Liz Jones (deputy chief executive) is due to take retirement in 18 months and we are probably not going to replace her. Our officers work very hard and do a very good job. But we are still looking at what savings we can make to help the taxpayer."

ON THE WEB: Do you think North East Lincolnshire Council provides value for money? Have your say at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

PAUL Hurst says Craig Disley took a pay-cut to stay with Grimsby Town – underlining the skipper's commitment to the cause.

Disley put pen to paper on a new one-year deal at Blundell Park this week, extending his stay until at least summer 2014.

His joint boss has revealed that the terms of the midfielder's new deal means he will take a drop in pay.

And in praising his captain, Hurst admitted that Disley's gesture flies in the face of the common perception of modern-day footballers.

He said: "We're delighted that Craig has signed.

"I'm sure he won't mind me saying this, but in an age where footballers get a bad press and accused of being mercenaries, he's taken a reduced offer to that which he was on.

"That shows his commitment to the club and that he's happy working with us, and vice-versa with us offering him the deal.

"While it is on reduced terms, that isn't a reflection on his performances last season, but more one of where we are at the moment."

After the release of eight out-of-contract members of their squad this month, Hurst and fellow boss Rob Scott had earmarked Disley, pictured, as a key player to tie down.

And now that he is onboard for another season at least, Hurst says he hopes his skipper can replicate this campaign's form.

"Not taking anything away from those that have left the club, but Craig is a huge part of the squad," he continued.

"He was almost an ever-present for us in the last two seasons, wearing the captain's armband and leading by example.

"There are circumstances behind certain decisions that we've made which a lot of people are aware of, but with Craig, we felt it was important to try and keep him at the football club.

"He's now looking forward to leading us on next season and we're delighted to have him on board.

"This season, he stepped up a level and added goals to his game that we didn't know he had in him.

"Hopefully, we'll get the same from him next season."