COMEDY fans can be assured of a laugh a minute during this year's Zero Degrees Festival in Louth.

The laughs start at the Riverhead Theatre on Saturday, June 29, with the Comedy Club 4 Kids.

It will be a first for Louth, but it's already going down a storm in many towns and cities.

The show features current TV and circuit comedians.

Compere Tiernan Douieb will be supported by headline comedians Howard Read and Patrick Monahan – and they will offer a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.

The day is rounded off with a more adult-friendly show in the evening at the Riverhead Comedy Club.

On Sunday, June 30 a star-studded cast makes up the second half of the Riverhead comedy weekend, with a show compered by Tom Allen, star of Radio 4's Bleak Expectations, Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies, and a So You Think You're Funny winner.

He's joined by singer/comic Carly Smallman, featured on The Rob Brydon Show, and Alan Francis, also a So You Think You're Funny Winner, who also recently featured in Psychoville.

The headline act is Miles Jupp from BBC's Rev, Have I Got News For You?, Mock The Week and Radio 4's Just A Minute.

To round off the fun, there's another great family show lined up at Louth Town Hall, on Friday, July 5, when Jimmy Cricket presents a spectacular night of family entertainment.

Jimmy will be bombarding the audience with one-liners, plus a brilliant line-up of support acts.

Festival Chairman Alan Mumby said: 'We're delighted to have such a star-packed line-up, catering for all tastes, young and old.

"We never dreamt for one moment that we would hit the ground running in this way with the comedy element of the festival. We're very excited about it.

"Another new element in the festival is Vintage Day in the Cornmarket on Sunday, July 7 when people will be encouraged to wear vintage fashions and enjoy a European, cafe-style culture.

"We hope we can carry on adding new strands each year, so the festival grows into a spectacle that will attract visitors from all over the country."

Tickets for the comedy shows will be on sale at the Riverhead Theatre, the Town Hall and Off The Beaten Tracks, as well as a number of other outlets to be announced.

ON THE WEB: See comedian Jimmy Cricket in action in a video at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

TODAY

MEDITERRANEAN night at North Kelsey Village Hall 7.30pm for 8pm start. Entry by ticket, priced £5, which includes food. Take your own alcohol. Contact Lynda on 01652 678597.

GRIMSBY Bach Choir presents A Thoroughly English Concert at Grimsby Minster, at 7.30pm, with musical director Steven Maxson and organist Anthony Pinel. Tickets cost £10 if purchased before the concert and £12 on the night, with accompanied children under 16 years, students and serving soldiers free. Tickets are available on 01472 870292 or at the Caxton's Box office at Grimsby Library on 01472 346251

CAISTOR Farmers' Market in Caistor Market Place, from 9am to 1pm, with a wonderful choice of quality foods.

BARNETBY Silver Band and Barnetby Junior Band at South Kelsey Village Hall, doors open 6.45pm, concert starts 7.30pm. Admission costs £5 per person (includes tea and biscuits). For further information and tickets, call Michael Shaw on 07796 977944 or Stuart Haddrell on 01652 679348.

SILHOUETTES Musical Theatre in concert presents the life and songs of Gershwin and medleys from Broadway and the movies with The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Forrest Gump and more, 7.30pm, at Grimsby Central Hall, Duncombe Street, Grimsby. Tickets cost: circle £10, £9; stalls £8; children £8. They are available from Box Office, Central Hall on 01472 355025.

ALL aboard for a special exhibition of model railways and trains in Cleethorpes. The Cleethorpes Model Railway Exhibition will take place at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall. Prices will be £3.50 for adults, £2 concessions, £1.50 for children and a family ticket (two children and two adults) will cost £8.

SUNDAY

CRAFT and Vintage Fair 10am-3pm at Healing Village Hall, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Care. Entrance costs 20p, teas and coffee is for sale. For further details, contact Nicola on 01472 488212.

RSPB coach trip to Padley Gorge, near Matlock. This is a walk down a largely wooded river valley with excellent footpaths and all downhill. The scenery is beautiful and some quite rare birds will be seen, though you don't need to be a birder or even an RSPB member. The coach leaves Millmans (Wilton Road) at 7.30am and pack-up is needed. In the afternoon we visit Old Moor RSPB Reserve on the route home – another nice walk. To reserve seats, phone Martin Francis on 883436 or John Youles on 501420.

SOCIAL cycle rides for women and men, including beginners. Led by experienced cyclists with advice available on all aspects of cycling. Distances are 10 to 40 miles with durations of one to three hours. Meet a little before 9am at the Neville Turner Way car park in Waltham. Please ensure that your bicycle is roadworthy and tyres are pumped up! Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. This is a free event, led by members of Lindsey Roads Cycling Club at a pace to suit you.

BIG breakfast at St Edmund's Church, Riby, 8.30am-11.30am. £6.50 for tea or coffee, fruit juice, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and egg, bread roll and marmalade. 12 years and under £3.50. The event is part of West Lindsey Churches Festival.

GRIMSBY People's Festival with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Puttin' On The Ritz 7.30pm at the Grimsby Auditorium. All tickets cost £18. Call the Auditorium Box Office on 0844 871 3016.

ALL aboard – for a special exhibition of model railways and trains in Cleethorpes. The Cleethorpes Model Railway Exhibition will take place at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall. Prices will be £3.50 for adults, £2 concessions, £1.50 for children and a family ticket (two children and two adults) will cost £8.

MONDAY

GRIMSBY Oddfellows Friendly Society Social afternoon, 2.15pm in Meeting Room 1, 2nd floor, Grimsby Central Library. Introduction to Herbal Medicine a talk by Emma Warrender of Herbs for Health. All welcome, members and visitors. No charge. Refreshments served.

MESSY Church group at St Peter's Church, Holton-le-Clay. Family fun 6pm-7.30pm in the church extension for boys and girls, adults welcome. A range of activities including crafts and games. For further information, contact Carol on 599818.

B ACTIVE 4 Life exercise to music classes at Tealby Village Hall, 10.30am, and at Nettleton Village Hall, 2pm.

T'AI CHI sessions are held every Monday, 10am-11am, at Holton-le-Clay Community Centre, in Picksley Crescent. All ages are welcome and sessions cost £3. For more information, call Ann Lee on 01472 329951.

MIDDLE strings rehearsals at Middlethorpe Primary School, in Highgate Crescent, Cleethorpes, 4.45pm-5.45pm (term-time only). For orchestral string instruments from absolute beginners (with knowledge of five notes) to grade 3 standard, £1.50 per week. Call 01472 323483.

CRAFTY sessions all levels at the Scouts Hut, in Carr Lane, Grimsby, 10am-noon. Call Vicki on 01472 870557.

KARATE for adults or the mini martial artist at the Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate, based at Hereford Technology School, in Westward Ho, Grimsby. Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and the first two lessons are free. Call 07989 331927, e-mail kaizenno-michi@hotmail.co.uk or log on to www.kaizennomichi.co.uk

LOOKING to have a laugh and perhaps take some light exercise? Come and join the over-50s on Monday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm at St Augustine's Church Hall, in Farebrother Street, Grimsby. You can try out t'ai chi, Kurling, have a game of bingo, or play on the Wii and enjoy refreshments for just £2.

CARD making classes from 10am to noon, 1pm to 3pm and 7pm to 9pm, £7 per lesson, at Grimsby Crafts, in Littlecoates Road, Grimsby. Phone 01472 277724.

ARTHRITIS sufferers are invited to take part in weekly t'ai chi sessions at Immingham Civic Centre. Sessions are from 10.30am to 11.30am and cost £1.50 each.

GRIMSBY PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY: Members recently celebrated the opening of the society's Annual Exhibition Of Prints. The exhibition was opened and awards were presented by LPA Hon President Ron Abbott, and there was poetry related to some of the prints, written and read out by members of Driftnet Poets. Members receiving awards on the nights were Steve Knights, Hon President of Grimsby Photographic Society, John Leslie, ARPS, John Thorndike, Brian McCarthy and Tinus Bojen. The exhibition is in the Gallery of Grimsby Central Library and remains on view to the public until 5pm on Friday, May 17. Grimsby Photographic Society meets on Thursday evenings at Millfields Hotel, Bargate, and new members are always welcome. For further details contact Hon Sec Jo Humberstone on 07933 384844 or via e-mail at johumberstone@msn.com You can check out the Society's new website at www.grimsbyphotographic society.com

SEVEN young people have shown their burning desire to impress employers.

The group have just completed a BTEC Level 2 fire and rescue in the community qualification at Peaks Lane Fire Station.

The course, funded by the Grimsby Institute, aims to promote self discipline and boost the confidence of participants as well as giving them useful qualifications.

Watch manager Neil Bettney, who leads the Learning Centre at Humberside Fire And Rescue Service says the course can be a real boost to the young people.

"All the people taking part are what is known as NEETs. These are young people not in employment, education or training.

"Young people can find it difficult to get a job and we hope this course can make a difference.

"We are not training them to be firefighters, we are showing them discipline, punctuality and helping them gain confidence in their abilities.

"They also get a qualification in first aid and health and safety.

"We have seen these young people change so much in just a short space of time.

"Some are now looking at jobs they never felt capable of, but now they have the confidence to take on new challenges.

"It has also been great for the crews here, this is a way of showing people the hard work we do and a way to help people."

Josh Moore, 20, of Wybers Wood, Grimsby, who was also named the top student of the course, says it's difficult for young people to get jobs.

"It has been difficult to find a job, but this course has inspired me to join the RAF and become firefighter.

"I am really proud that I have achieved this.

"I am currently learning to drive and have more confidence than before.

"Hopefully, having these qualifications will help me and others get employment.

I would recommend the course to anyone and I have already asked if I can come back and help on the course in future.

"I want to thank our trainers for all their hard work, I have enjoyed every minute of it."

Donna Finney, partnership administrator for Grimsby Institute says the course aims to give valuable skills to young people.

She said:"The Institute is working in partnership with Peaks Lane Fire Station to make this course available.

"All the students have done really well and the skills they have learnt are transferable to all jobs.

"Employers can look at their CVs and see they have proven themselves committed to punctuality and hard work."

There are still places available on the next on the course, which starts on May 23. For more information, contact Grimsby JobCentre Plus on 0845 604 3719 or the Learning Centre at Humberside Fire And Rescue Service.

ON THE WEB: See more pictures at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

I OFTEN think that the West Marsh ward is a microcosm of the old Humberside county.

That was divided by a river, the Humber, while we are split into two thanks to the free-flowing River Freshney.

This natural division is not made easier by the poor level of public transport non-existent at weekends, bank holidays or in the evenings.

Consequently, people stick to their own side of the river when it comes to accessing local facilities.

As a result, no single community centre can claim to speak for the entire West Marsh.

Instead, the hub of the ward is the Freshney itself and the Duke Of York Gardens (or The Bully) through which it flows.

That's why the community day on Saturday, May 21 is so important.

Organised since last year by the Friends Of The Freshney, it seeks to involve as many different groups as wish to show their community spirit.

It isn't primarily designed to raise money, though obviously costs like insurance have to be covered.

Rather, its purpose is to bring people together to help promote the positive side of the West Marsh and what goes on there.

Having said that, those who join in the fun by either selling prize draw tickets in advance or having a stall will be able to keep a good percentage of any money raised for their own particular organisation.

Already we have the promise of support from various agencies, including the police, the fire service and children's services.

Weather permitting, that bug bear of outdoor events in Britain, it's all coming together to be another fun-filled day.

It isn't too late to get involved, either to just help on the day or to have your own stall.

So ring 01472 353700 if you want to join in with one of the highlights of the West Marsh's annual calendar.

By Matthew Brown, Labour councillor and football fan

THE football landscape in the UK changed forever following the shock announcement that Sir Alex Ferguson will leave Manchester United and retire from football after 26 years.

He has built not just a football team, nor a club, but played a key role in building a global empire.

Having won 38 trophies at Old Trafford, much can be said about how he developed the club. Too often in modern football the chairman, owners and fans are too happy to sack a manager after a poor set of results.

However, Martin Edwards, the then chairman of Manchester United, deserves much credit for standing by his man and indeed the Glazer Family who stood by Ferguson between 2003 and 2006 without the Premier League trophy that has belonged to Manchester United for the best part of two decades.

As the game changed, so did Sir Alex. Much of what he did is the true trademark of a great leader. Surrounding himself with some of the finest minds in the field of sport, the ability to delegate to people and to bring through youth and combine it with experience as we have seen with Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes combined with the young brilliance of Rafael and Rooney.

Ferguson, the long-standing Labour Party member, donor and even adviser, played a small role in advising Tony Blair due to his success at man management – getting the best out of people.

Fortunately for English football and for the world in general we have not seen the last of Sir Alex as he has agreed to become a director and ambassador of the club he has served with distinction for so long.

Hopefully in his new role he will be able to pass on some of his experience. However, one thing is for certain, English football will be poorer for the loss of one of the biggest personalities we have witnessed. A true British success story. Here's hoping Grimsby Town can learn some of the lessons that his tenure has shown. Stability is key.

THE HORRORS of knife crime were made abundantly clear to pupils at one Grimsby school last week by a mother who was left devastated by the death of her son.

Ben Tilling was just 17-years-old when he was killed as a result of a knife crime.

For his mother it was devastating and something she has been forced to come to terms with over the years.

Whatever the circumstances of a child's death, the impact that loss will have on a parent must be just dreadful – a pain which must never go away.

Ben's mum appears to have coped by using her terrible experience to help prevent her situation being repeated.

That is a brave move, but a really positive reaction to an extremely negative part of her life – and if just one life can be saved as a result of what she is doing, then it is a job very well done.

People simply must realise what impact their actions can have on both their victims and the relatives who are left – if they did, there may be less grief in the world!

Have you had an experience of knife crime, or have you been a victim?

Tell us your story by commenting on this at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalor

GRIMSBY seafood executive Anita Barker will remain as chairman of Humber Seafood Group, following her shock departure from the helm of the company she rescued.

A strategic review has brought together the management of three business units of Icelandic Group, as first reported on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk and in detail in Thursday's Telegraph.

Cleethorpes-born Malcolm Eley will lead it as chief executive, heading up both Seachill, the business he was managing director of, and Coldwater, from where Mrs Barker is to leave.

Speaking to the Telegraph, she said: "I am positive, and really proud of Coldwater, and where it has come from. I am really convinced the track it is now on will continue strongly.

"I will remain as chairman of Humber Seafood Group, and I will have more time to promote it now. I will be getting behind that with some passion."

Mrs Barker was crowned Northern Lincolnshire Business Person Of The Year in 2009, having been credited with empowering a huge Grimsby workforce into turning round the fortunes of one of the town's biggest seafood processors.

The accountancy-trained married mother-of-two arrived in Grimsby having worked in the industry with Northern Foods, Hazlewood – which became Greencore Group – and Geest, which became Bakkavor, with a spell with Boots in her native Nottinghamshire inbetween.

Icelandic Group chief executive Finnbogi Baldvinsson approached her about a financial management role in Grimsby's Coldwater, and in a previous interview Mrs Barker told the Telegraph about that initial arrival. "I came in first and foremost because I developed a fabulous working relationship with Finnbogi," she said.

"Once I had seen the business I saw so much potential in terms of the products and the people. I cannot do a job I do not believe in.

"We did a lot of things right but we hadn't thought through enough about where we were going and the shape of the business. We hadn't spent enough time on relationships with customers, employees, unions and the banks, but we could only do something positive with that.

"I had come in as financial director to understand why we were losing so much money. Three months in, they offered me the job as MD."

Consolidation of operations in Grimsby followed, with a West Midlands plant closed and production brought to North East Lincolnshire.

Major strides in research and development have also been made, with a further £2.2 million investment revealed this year at Coldwater's East site – in the form of an industry-leading coated manufacturing production line. It brought in 20 further jobs, taking the head count to 300 across both South Humberside Industrial Estate plants.

ON THE WEB: Europe's Food Town 2013 – a special supplement majoring on the seafood sector, can be read as an eBook on line at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

"THE reason we're here is because of you – and your help is the only thing that keeps us going."

These were the words of Brian Marsh, chairman of the trustees of the Humberston Park Special School Hydrotherapy Pool as he received a donation for £2,700 from the Humberston Happening.

Mr Marsh explained how valuable the facility is to the severely disabled children who use it and told them that it costs £30k to £40k a year to run – but they have been refused funding by both the National Lottery and Children In Need.

However, he added that the community raised the £750,000 – which took 15 years – needed to build the pool, which opened in 2007, and donations from local people have helped support it ever since.

Humberston Happenings was set up in 1998 to raise money for local causes in the village and their biggest annual event is The Last Night Of The Proms, which they held in aid of the pool for the fifth time in November last year.

Chairman Enid Gray said: "We are entirely devoted to improving Humberston and this is such a needy cause that we are very pleased to be able to help."

More than 500 people went to Thorpe Park – after it outgrew the former venue, Lucarly's – to see the Lincolnshire Hospitals Band.

And, as is customary, members of the audience, who paid £5 a ticket, were asked to make a donation to the band as they left if they had a good time and it was offered to the band – who played for free.

But when they realised there was more than £500 in the buckets, they wouldn't accept.

Lincolnshire Hospitals Band secretary Peter Vause said: "We were just glad that people enjoyed it enough to donate so much from their own pockets, having already bought a ticket."

This year's concert takes place on Saturday, November 23, at Thorpe Park. Tickets cost £5 and you can get them at Cleethorpes Library Tourist Information – or call Trevor Grayson, Humberston Happenings vice-chairman, on 01472 812543 to find out more.

Call Mr Marsh on 01652 632172 if you would like to help the Hydrotherapy Pool.

ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk for links to stories about the proms and the pool.

IMMINGHAM students took some top awards in a ceremony for more than 10,000 pupils across the country.

Successful pupils from Oasis Academy Immingham took five of the Oasis National Awards at a ceremony in Birmingham to celebrate the best achievements in 28 primary and secondary schools nationwide.

The awards were in a range of categories from academic achievement to sport – and they were also highly commended on two more categories.

One of the winners was Jay Fraser, 16, who won an achievement award for his academic success and wants to study astro-physics with a language at university – despite his humble background.

Jay, of South Killingholme, said: "I have four siblings and I am only the second one of them who is going to finish school – all of them apart from my sister dropped out.

"I'll also be the first to go to university from my family and I think it shows that no matter where you come from, you can do well if you set yourself goals early and work hard."

Another of the winners was Connor Benson, 16, of Washdyke Lane, Immingham, who won the Arts And Culture Award for his achievement in music at the school – but also his involvement in the wider community.

Connor passed his level three music course a year early, as well as finding the time to play a key part in the Rock School, helping young people learn to play instruments, form bands and play gigs.

"I enjoy the work I do and the award ceremony was a good day out and a welcome break from revision but it's back to work now – my first exam is this Friday," he said.

Humanities learning director Gemma Rothenburg said: "Some people think that Immingham is a small community and nothing good happens here, but our students are fantastic – they have worked hard and got what they deserved.

"This event showed that they were part of something bigger, but what was also very encouraging was how older pupils were advising the younger ones on the bus home about how they can succeed in the same way.

"Given the right opportunities, anyone can achieve."

Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis, said: "While winning an award is just one measure of success, we are incredibly proud of all our winners and believe that these accomplishments can inspire each and every one of our young people."

ACHIEVEMENT: Jay Fraser – The award recognised his outstanding achievement throughout the past year across a variety of aspects of community life. The judges noticed his impressive commitment to learning, improving and inspiring others.

SPORT: Chelsea McCreath – The young netball star has competed for the past two years at district level and represented the county at cross country for the last two years too. The school called her an asset to the PE department and a great role model for her peers.

ART AND CULTURE: Connor Benson – The budding musician gained a level three in music a year early and enjoys helping young musicians as a sound technician with the Rock School. The school has called him an asset to music, performing arts in the community.

COMMUNITY: Charlotte Croft – Involved in the Human Utopia programme, Charlotte helped make Year 7 a more pleasurable experience by offering help and advice. She was one of many students involved but the school noticed how she went the extra mile to help.

TEAM LEADERSHIP: Brayden Kerr – The imaginative fundraiser set up a 24-hour sports event to raise money for leukaemia and lymphoma research in memory of a former student who died from the disease. Brayden led the year ten football team to make it happen.

STEPS are being taken to reduce the number of patients falling across Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Bright red slipper socks are being rolled out on the wards, with the Medical Admissions Unit (MAU) at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital receiving them first. They will be handed to those identified as at high risk of slips, trips and falls.

Tracey Abbott, ward manager for MAU, said: "Evidence has already shown that slipper socks reduce the incidence of falls.

"Now we have these in red they are much more prominent so the ward staff can see at a glance which patients have fallen before or are high risk.

"When patients are transferred to another ward from the unit, staff are immediately aware they have a patient with a high risk of falling."

As well as helping to keep patients safe, the socks are also cost effective as they come in one size fits all, making them less expensive than previous socks purchased. The red socks are kept by the patient after they leave hospital so they can continue to be safe out in the community, whether that is at home or in a nursing or care home.

Sister Jo Loughborough, lead for falls on the MAU, says the socks are helping staff to protect patients they know are more vulnerable.

A NEW pound shop like no other has opened in Freeman Street, Grimsby.

Joint owners, brother and sister Jon Lusher and Deana Peters hope their £1 clothing store will make a big difference to people's lives – especially those who find themselves on the streets.

They are hoping to help them on the way to a new start with a fresh set of clothes for just a couple of pounds.

The store, located near the Riby Square junction, offers every piece of clothing for just £1.

Jon, 44, who is a former market stall holder says they are a charity shop with a difference.

"There is nothing else like us in town.

"We are a secondhand charity shop that will hopefully make a real difference.

"All the clothes we sell are just £1, whether they are ASDA brand or Versace.

"All the clothes are donated and we sell them at a price that everyone can afford.

"We have just sold a £400 prom dress we had donated for just £1. Nobody has to go without.

"The shop is open to anybody, but we are hoping to help the homeless and the most in need.

"We are already in talks with the Kent Street Homeless Team about a way we can supply people in absolute need with clean fresh clothing to help them get back into society.

"I have recently moved back from Stoke on Trent where I was basically living as a homeless person, so I know what it is like.

"The team at Kent Street were a big help to me when I moved back to Grimsby so this shop is just a way of giving back."

Deana, 50, added: "Having a clean set of clothes can make a big difference to people who have nothing.

"If they are dressed like down-and-outs they can be targeted with violence and robbery.

"New clothes can help them fit back into society.

"We are not here to make a profit. Everything we make will go back into the store.

"We have set this up out of our own money, this shop was derelict when we started and we are slowly growing.

"We want to say thank you to everyone who has helped by donating clothes.

"The support of the community has been fantastic."

If you are at risk of being homeless, contact the Home Options team on 01472 326401.

The Home Options Team gives free, confidential and impartial housing advice and assistance to residents who have housing needs.

They aim is to reduce and prevent homelessness in North East Lincolnshire while making sure that your home is suitable and that you are able to manage the tenancy.

You can drop unwanted items off at the shop.

THIS caring bunch will rise to the challenge as they aim for the top of Mount Snowdon.

Staff from Ashlea Court care home, Church Lane, Waltham, will put their best foot forward in aid of Help For Heroes.

Two of the 14-strong team members have already experienced what life is like in a war-torn country.

Emma Munro, 28, is now a carer at the home, but for seven years, she served as a Royal Military Police officer.

During her first tour of duty in Iraq, she suffered shrapnel injuries when a mortar landed in her camp near Basra.

But it did not stop her from going back out to serve a second time, and her twin brother Scott is still serving in the Adjutant General's Corps and in the past has toured Afghanistan and Iraq – he will be a helper during the charity walk.

Emma said: "The charity is close to my heart, but it is also close to those who have not been directly involved in the Forces.

"It was a mutual decision by all of us to choose Help For Heroes and we have been given a lot of support already.

"I have climbed Snowdon before for my own enjoyment and I am looking forward to doing it again.

"We really want to thank residents at the home and their families as they have donated money towards this."

The Help For Heroes charity supports service personnel and their families in various ways.

One of these includes the charity's Quick Reaction Fund (QRF) giving swift financial support to those with life-changing injuries, life-changing illnesses and their families – for example, funds to purchase equipment to make a home more accessible.

The keen walkers will complete the challenge on Saturday, May 25.

Georgia Drewery, 26, a care assistant, said: "This is the biggest charity event I have ever taken part in.

"We have all been training by walking up hills, going to the gym and generally getting into shape.

"It will be a challenge – but that is good, as it makes completing it worthwhile."

The group has a target of £1,000 to reach and anything more will be an added bonus.

"Some of our residents and their families know people who are serving or who have served in the Forces so the charity touches everyone," Emma added.

Anyone who wants to donate towards the event, visit www.bmycharity.com/teamashleacourt

ON THE WEB: For more charity news, visit www.thisisgrimsby .co.uk/charitycorner

Many of us can not even imagine reaching the age of 96, let alone thinking what we would like to do then – but one Cleethorpes woman has had a dream turned into reality as she returned to the ice rink more last time. Reporter KATIE BLACKBURN went to meet Joyce Smith.

STILL retaining her wit, this 96-year-old told me she would prefer to get back on the ice in her short tutu.

In her younger days, Joyce Smith loved nothing more than figure skating – nothing competitive – and would catch the eyes of everyone as she lifted her leg high in the air on the rink.

But as the years past and her mobility deteriorated, she was convinced that reliving the past would only happen through her treasured photos.

Twice a week, Joyce attends day care at Cranwell Court care home, in Cambridge Road, Grimsby, where staff provide various activities for her and others to enjoy.

When not there, she lives independently at her home in Cleethorpes.

The care home was where I first met the cheerful former ice skate,r who announced that back in the day various kinds of sports took her fancy.

From horse riding and ballroom dancing to acrobatics, she was keen on them all.

And they all linked in well with her ice skating.

She said: "Acrobatics taught me a lot about balance, which is exactly what you need when on the ice skates.

"I could do a lot of moves such as twirls, spinning low down but my favourite was lifting my leg high in the air as I skated round.

"I used to make my own tutus and outfits to skate in, but I gave them all away."

Joyce is a mother-of-two grown up children who both live in America.

She tried to pass on her passion for ice skating to them, but says her son only did it now and then and her daughter was more interested in ballroom dancing.

Staff at the care home knew about Joyce's previous hobby as it is written in her care plan.

But after speaking to her, they realised something special could be created.

Jacky Aisthorpe, activity facilitator at Cranwell Court care home, said: "Joyce told me she would love to get back on the ice one last time and I knew we could make this happen.

"We got in touch with Grimsby Leisure Centre, which has the ice rink, and it was more than happy to let us on it for free.

"When we told Joyce she became very apprehensive, I think she had it in her mind that we wanted her to be like she was in the past."

Wrapped up in her fleece, gloves and a fancy lightweight shawl, the moment had arrived for Joyce to be reunited with the ice.

Overwhelmed on the day, her humour soon shone and standing up on the ice skates, she told everyone: "These boots are rubbish – mine were a lot better."

Despite this she was coaxed onto the ice rink with carers around her and a metal frame was also provided to hold onto for stability.

To her own amazement, Joyce was moving on the ice once again at the age of 96!

Unfortunately age defeated her, and after a few minutes she could not stand on the skates any longer.

However, staff were not giving in and instead brought out a sledge for Joyce to relax in.

Jacky said: "The staff at the leisure centre were amazing, they really went all out to give her the best experience.

"We want to say a huge thank you.

"Joyce is an inspiration to us all I don't know any other 96-year-old like her."

For Joyce, who believed this day would never come, she said: "I am grateful for what everyone has done.

"This is far from what I ever expected, it is just disappointing I cannot whizz around like I use to."

During our chat, I explained to Joyce about plans to close Scartho Baths and replace the current Grimsby Leisure Centre with a new state-of-the-art leisure facility, which does not include an ice rink.

She said: "Those proposing this will not be making progress, it will be a step back.

"It needs to be retained for the young people in Grimsby to gain an interest in.

"I feel it would be a tragedy to lose something as good as this."

ON THE WEB: To see video footage of Joyce on the ice rink, visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

A STATE-of-the-art power plant that forms part of the Phillips 66 site at South Killingholme is to be bought out in a major deal worth tens of millions of pounds.

Vitol Group, based in Switzerland, has agreed to buy out the entire share capital of Phillips 66 Power Operations Ltd, owner of Immingham Combined Heat and Power Plant (ICHP) – one of the largest of its type in Europe – for an undisclosed sum.

The 1,220 MWe facility, where 56 people are employed, provides steam and electricity to Phillips 66's Humber Refinery, steam to the neighbouring Lindsey refinery, and electricity to the National Grid.

Expanded at a cost of £210 million in 2010, it has at least twice been subject of a review by the Houston-based oil giant, under both the ConocoPhillips and recently separated Phillips 66 business.

Ian Taylor, president and chief executive of Vitol Group, said: "ICHP is a high quality power plant with a highly skilled and experienced workforce. We are delighted to add it to our portfolio."

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory reviews and is expected to complete by the end of June.

Brian Coffman, general manager of Phillips 66 Humber Refinery, and lead executive in the UK, said: "While a high-quality business and asset, ICHP was determined not be a core asset for Phillips 66's business strategy. ICHP is a good solid business with strong potential in the UK electricity market."

ONE of Grimsby's best-known and most prolific criminals has been given a golden opportunity to turn over a new leaf.

Kye Green – who was given the area's first antisocial behaviour order in 2003 – won his freedom from custody after a glowing report from a prison officer.

Green, 24, of Tennyson Street, Grimsby, admitted attempted robbery and taking a vehicle without consent.

He had been in custody since October 10 and, because of this, was given a sentence which meant he would be released almost immediately.

Green and co-defendant Andrew Thompson, 24, of South Parade, Grimsby, who also admitted attempted robbery, were involved in a nasty confrontation with a woman on September 14.

Craig Lowe, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Green and Thompson approached supermarket worker Samantha Weston in a "menacing way" after 6.40am.

She had originally been going to work but returned home after forgetting something.

She heard a voice say: "Give me your bag" and both men grabbed hold of her handbag.

She bravely resisted, however, and they gave up. Thompson let go of the bag and ran off. The worker was left upset and shocked.

Green also took a car from Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, between October 6 and 7. It was found parked in Wingfield Road and Green was arrested nearby.

The court heard that Green's catalogue of crime began with shoplifting in 1999 when he was aged 10.

He committed offences of violence in 2000 and burglary and violence.

He had a conviction for wounding in 2002, as well as others for criminal damage, dishonesty, possessing a blade and affray.

More offences of violence – and custodial sentences – followed in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Green had a conviction for assaulting police in 2007 and for a public order offence in 2008. He had been jailed for four months in 2008 for threatening behaviour.

He received a suspended sentence for three assault offences in 2009 and in June 11 had convictions for two criminal damage offences.

Richard Hackfath, mitigating, said a prison officer had provided a glowing letter, saying how much Green had rehabilitated himself while in prison. There were also certificates he had achieved.

Positive letters from his sister, Stevie Green, and himself were also considered by the court.

Judge Mark Bury told Green that the prison officer had written in "fairly glowing terms" about his progress and this was a "remarkably rare" thing.

"You are just about worthy of a chance to get your life back together," said Judge Bury.

Green was jailed for a year but, because of his time in custody, was expected to be released almost immediately.

Thompson was given a one-year suspended prison sentence and a one-year supervision order.

LESS than a month after two men were killed in a horrific collision at Great Coates' railway crossing, pedestrians have once again been dicing with death nearby.

First TransPennine Express were forced to delay their train between Grimsby and Cleethorpes yesterday after people were seen trespassing on the line.

The dangerous behaviour has forced British Transport Police (BTP) to once again warn people about the perils of walking over railway crossings, stating: "Anyone who trespasses on the railway is putting their own life and the lives of others at serious risk."

As reported, the tragedy at Great Coates, which claimed the lives of work pals Paul Hodge, 47, and David Williams, 40, lead to a warning by the BTP to pedestrians to stop crossing the line at Great Coates and other North East Lincolnshire railway lines.

BTP are still investigating how Mr Hodge's car was hit by the 60mph train, the details of which will be revealed at the inquest in the coming months.

The Grimsby Telegraph printed a front page story detailing a catalogue of incidents where pedestrians risked their lives by crossing the lines just hours after the carnage – including youngsters.

But some have ignored their warnings.

A spokesperson from the BTP said: "All too often officers from the BTP are called to deal with incidents whereby people, in particular youngsters, have been seriously injured, and sadly sometimes killed after trespassing on the railway.

"Railway lines are operational 24-hours a day, trespassing at any time of the day can prove fatal.

"Our message is simple – keep off the tracks."

First TransPennine Express were informed of the trespassers by Humberside Police but, when they checked the area, no one was found.

A Network Rail spokesperson echoed BTP's safety warning, adding: "The railway is a very dangerous environment and anyone who trespasses for whatever reason is putting themselves in danger and committing a criminal offence.

"Modern trains are fast and run quietly, by the time a trespasser sees or hears one it could be too late to get out of the way."

EIGHTY devastated young Girl Guides and their leaders have been forced to cancel a camping trip after thieves stole 24 tents, a number of gas cookers, and two gazebos from their base.

The £5,000 of equipment was stolen from the Cleethorpes Division Guides base at St Francis' Church in Sandringham Road.

As a result, the 1st Cleethorpes and 2nd Humberston Guides have had to pull out of a regional Pre-Poacher camping trip to Nettleton this month.

Eight of the tents are "irreplaceable" because they were given to the Guides in celebration of the Scouts and Girl Guiding Centenary in 2010.

Cleethorpes Division Commissioner Allison Wood said: "I have been with the Guides for over 30 years and I have never seen anything like this – it's despicable.

"It isn't so much about the value – although we will never be able to replace them – but it is about the memories the girls created in these tents.

"Everything has been taken. All they left behind were the doormats."

They have been left with one tent, which was being kept elsewhere as it is broken.

The haul included:

Six blue very large 800 Vango eight-person tents.

Two blue 600 Vango six-person tents.

Eight blue 500 Vango five-person tents.

Eight unique bright orange Outwell Girl Guides Centenary 2010 four-person tents in blue carry cases.

A selection of wooden mallets.

Two cream and blue gazebos.

A selection of green two-ring gas cookers, some with splash backs.

Aluminium cables.

Allison said: "We are just so cross at what they have done, that they think they can just come in and take someone's things."

The Guides bought the equipment with an Awards For All Lottery grant and cannot afford to replace them.

The Centenary tents are bright orange Outwell tents with the Girl Guides 2010 logo on the side.

Alison continued: "We are Girl Guides and we stare in the face of adversity. We will roll up our sleeves and get on with it.

"Our only hope is there is some honesty left in this world and whoever is responsible returns them, or whoever buys them comes forward."

The Guides hope they will still make it to their International Poacher camp in July, but are hurt someone would steal from them.

Taylor Stewart, 11, said: "It is really upsetting. We were planning our trips and now we can't go. It is disgusting someone would steal from young children."

Hannah Stanley, 11, said: "I am shocked and disappointed. Whoever did it is very mean. We have lost everything."

Sarah Mullinger, 11, added: "I was looking forward to camping so much. You don't expect something like this to happen. I am horrified."

The theft was discovered on Wednesday night.

Anyone with information should contact Humberside Police on 101 and quote reference number AB/19729702013.

ON How can someone steal such a huge haul without being seen and from young children? Comment here or or email viewpoint@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

CALLS have been made to take action over a tree in Waltham, which residents claim could "seriously hurt" a child.

A meeting of Waltham Parish Council heard branches falling from the 65ft tree in Ascot Road, had already caused damage to cars parked below it, while further damage was caused to vehicles by sap from the tree.

Richard Gibson, of Ascot Road, said he and fellow residents were prepared to pay for six new trees in the village, if councillors agreed to axe the tall tree in his road.

He said: "North East Lincolnshire Council officers said they are not going to do anything about it. It is the wrong tree in the wrong place.

"There is nothing to restrict its growth, so we are just going to get more of it."

He added: "We are not against trees but this is out of keeping with the other trees in the area.

"We are talking branches, not just twigs. It causes damage to vehicles underneath it and if there was a child walking below there is going to be a serious injury."

He said the roots also presented a significant trip hazard.

Waltham Parish Council clerk Lesley Leach said a site visit was being arranged to look at the tree and determine if action needed to be taken.

She added the council had not received any complaints of damage to vehicles caused by the tree until the issue was raised at the meeting.

She said: "It is nice that the residents have offered to plant other trees in the village, but we would be losing a sizable tree from an area that has already had a tree taken down recently because NELC deemed it to be unhealthy, which has not been replaced yet."

Mrs Leach also said if any action was deemed to be necessary, it would have to wait until the nesting season was over.

The council would also have to consult its NELC counterparts for advice on what could be done and who would be responsible for carrying out any works.

Jason Longhurst, left, head of development at NELC, said: "The council's tree officers have received no reports about this tree since October 2009.

"At that time, dead and diseased wood was taken out, crossed branches were removed and the crown was lifted.

"We've since surveyed it again in June 2010 and April 2012 and found nothing to suggest it's not safe.

"The next inspection is due in 2015, but if anyone has any specific concerns about this tree, please contact our planning department on 01472 313131."

CAMPAIGNERS in Keelby are up in arms over plans to remove an established Hawthorn tree from the village "to prevent children being hurt" – despite the fact there have been no reported accidents.

John Hodson, of the Brightening Keelby Campaign, said the village's parish council had voted to spend £895 on removing the tree, after a concerned resident said children had been seen climbing it.

He said the resident – who has not been named – feared one of the youngsters could be injured should they fall out of the tree, which is on parish council land between the village green and Wivell Drive.

However, he branded the decision "ludicrous" adding: "There have been no accidents whatsoever relating to it and residents have not been consulted on the decision at all."

He also criticised plans to cut back a hedge separating council-owned land from an area of private land, adding: "It's the nesting season."

His comments were echoed by villager Mark Tyszka, who added: "There have been a number of accidents on the climbing frame.

"Do we take that down, too, to stop the children falling off?

"I would be very concerned if they went ahead and cut down the tree. It would be a loss to the community – particularly the children."

He also questioned the wisdom of trimming the hedge, saying he believed the plans were the result of a resident complaining it left their property in the shade.

Mr Tyszka said: "It is a lot of our precept to spend on one resident."

Fellow resident Margaret Moorcroft added: "A local qualified tree surgeon advised us only part of the tree needed to be removed."

She claimed Mr Hodson's offer to remove the branch himself had also been turned down.

However, vice-chairman of the parish council Councillor Geoff Hirst said the council had since decided no work would be done until the autumn.

He said: "We have postponed any action until the autumn.

"People always have the opportunity to object until the thing has actually happened."

He confirmed he was not aware of any accidents relating to the tree, however he said the council's reasoning was on grounds of "health and safety".

He said: "My understanding is that children have been seen to climb the tree and, therefore, there is a risk of accidents happening.

"This has to be taken into consideration."

Councillor Hirst added work had already been done to trim the hedge last autumn, in order to re-establish the boundary between the council-owned land and the private land next to it.

He said prior to this, the hedge had not been trimmed for up to two years, but when the work had been carried out, not as much had been removed as had been originally planned.