THE rumour mill is still peddling the myth that immigration is bad for the UK, causing division throughout society.

As someone who benefited from working in a multicultural environment, it is about time some of these myths where busted.

People say immigrants claim more benefits than those born in the UK but the truth is very different. They cannot access the welfare system until they have been living here for three months – and the Government plans to extend this to a full year. Department For Work And Pensions' figures show that of 1.44 million people claiming JobSeekers' Allowance (JSA) in February 2011, fewer than 38,000 were from other EU countries – around 2.6 per cent of total claimants, roughly in line with the percentage of the population.

Another untruth that does the rounds is that people who come to the UK from abroad take more out of the country than they put in. However, immigrants are about 60 per cent less likely than natives to receive state benefits, tax credits or live in social housing. In fact, since 2004, figures show that immigrants made a positive contribution. For instance, in the fiscal year, 2008-09, immigrants paid 37 per cent more in direct or indirect taxes than they received in goods and services. Sarah Mulley, of the Institute of Public Policy Research, said they pay more into the system than they take out because they are young people who are working.

Another untruth is that immigrants who come to the UK take jobs off those born here. The UK Border Agency's points-based system for non-EU immigrants means that they can only take jobs where there are skill shortages – and must prove they have the relevant qualifications. Numerous studies have shown there is no link between EU immigration and unemployment levels. Many internationals are highly- skilled and make a positive contribution to our country.

Immigration promotes a multicultural society, and the contributions it makes enhance all our lives.

TEN budding entrepreneurs have the chance to win £500 to help them make their idea a reality.

The Try It Awards for people in North East Lincolnshire are seeking ten people over the age of 16 who want to make a difference in their local community.

Run by Unltd and Grimsby's E-Factor, they offer the cash and support to help social enterprises become a success.

They are looking to hear from people who:

Have an idea for how to address a social problem affecting your community.

Want to take the lead in making your idea a reality.

Are an individual aged 16 years or over.

Need up to £500 cash and the support to make it happen.

A social enterprise is a type of business with the aim of improving human and environmental wellbeing, rather than profit for shareholders.

They can be non-profit or for-profit and formed as a co-operative, mutual organisation, social business or charitable organisation.

Each applicant must show their enterprise will be sustainable, address a local need and they have the determination to succeed.

The competition was launched in April and the deadline for applicants is Friday, May 31.

Applicants must also complete an expression of interest online at unltd.org.uk/expression-of- interest.

Mark 'other' under the 'How Did You Hear About Us' question and quote UNELincs.

Applicants will then be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview at E-Factor.

For more information, contact Unltd on 0121 766 4570 or e-factor on 0800 9520181 or email adamhall@unltd.org.uk or info@e-factor.co.uk

A FATHER whose daughter was born three months early is revving up support for Grimsby's neonatal unit.

Rob Preston, 33, of Grimsby and his friend Simon Stephenson, 35, are taking part in this year's Barcelona Bangers rally.

For Rob, the event is a way to raise money for the unit at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital (DPOW), that cared for his daughter Lauren Preston.

On August 26, 2010, his partner Sarah went into labour at just 25 weeks – her due date was not until December 6.

Lauren, who weighed 1lb 15.5oz, was transferred to Jessops neonatal unit at Sheffield Children's Hospital 12 hours after birth, where she remained for four weeks.

She returned to the neonatal unit at DPOW for a further eight weeks to be cared for.

Rob said: "It was a daunting time for us both and as Lauren is our first child we were not sure what to do.

"The staff at both hospitals were fantastic but we wanted to give back to Grimsby especially because it is our home town."

Although two-year-old Lauren has chronic lung disease, she is still a lively toddler.

Rob said: "So far we haven raised just under £2,000 through sponsorship and donations which is great."

The men will drive across Europe in a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, that they have customised in the theme of Pac-Man.

On Wednesday they will set off from Grimsby and head to Calais where they will meet others taking part in the event.

This is the first time they have entered into the Barcelona Bangers rally and are hoping to have a lot of fun.

Simon, of Cleethorpes, says they are both mad about cars and bikes so the event seemed fitting.

He said: "The idea is to purchase a car for no more than £250 – we were really lucky and Cars Of Grimsby gave us a cheque for this amount. Then we designed it and did it up at minimal costs for the event.

"Again we have had a lot of help from businesses and Grimsby Signs have done all the labeling as a donation.

"I am looking forward to driving to Barcelona, it will be a new experience as I have never done it before.

"We have given ourselves a team name 'In Cod We Trust', taking Grimsby with us on the journey.

"I have stuck the football club's crest to the car to support the town across Europe."

To sponsor Rob and Simon, visit www.grimsbyneonatalunit.wix.com/gybarcybangers2013.

Alternatively visit their Facebook page where Rob's dad has pledged to donate £1 for every like the page gets, www.facebook.com/pages/Grimsby-Neonatal-Unit-Barcelona-Bangers-2013

GRIMSBY-educated actor John Hurt was unveiled as an incarnation of The Doctor as the latest series of Doctor Who reached its climax.

On Saturday, viewers saw the actor – famed for his roles in movies such as The Elephant Man, Alien and the TV drama The Naked Civil Servant – make his debut at the conclusion of the BBC1 show.

Viewers saw the Doctor's sidekick Clara (Jenna-Louise Coleman) enter his "timeline" where she saw his other regenerations, as they headed through various points in history.

But as she spotted one figure she did not recognise, the present Doctor, played by Matt Smith, ushered her away.

And as 73-year-old Hurt turned round, the words "introducing John Hurt as The Doctor" appeared.

He will appear in a 50th anniversary special later this year.

Hurt spent his teenage years growing up in Blundell Avenue, and he spent many an afternoon watching Grimsby Town play.

He also worked on a stall at Wonderland market and attended art college in Grimsby.

THIS talented pupil will leave a lasting impression on her school.

Willows Academy pupil Ruby Jennings will leave her mark on the school after designing the new logo.

As reported, the school officially became an academy at the start of May with the School Partnership Trust, which also manages several other academies in North East Lincolnshire.

Head teacher Ruth Beckett says the staff had an idea to give the school a new look.

"To coincide with the change to an academy we asked the children to design a new logo over the half term.

"We wanted the children and their parents to get involved in the changing of the school.

"We had a lot of great entries but the staff chose Ruby's design because of what it stood for. It was really striking.

"She included two hands one saying old, one saying new.

"These hands represent saying goodbye to the old school and hello to the new, she drew the willow tree which is symbolic to the school and the area.

"And lastly, she came up with the new slogan, believe and achieve, growing together."

Six-year-old Ruby says she was shocked to find out her design had been chosen.

"I didn't know it had been chosen until they said my name in assembly," she said.

"Everyone thought I had a heart attack because I screamed.

"I was really excited.

"I got the idea for the logo after I looked on the internet to see what I could do.

"My mum drew the circles because I'm not very good at doing circles but I drew the pictures.

"I only did one practice and then I drew it how I wanted it.

"When mum found out I won she picked me up in the air and my dad said well done Ruby!

"I am really proud to see my design on everything."

The school will begin the first new term as an academy in September with a revised curriculum which aims to raise the standards of the school.

The School Partnership Trust also manages the John Whitgift, Academy, Weelsby Academy, Strand Primary Academy,

Macaulay Primary Academy and the Wybers Wood Academy in Grimsby.

GRIMSBY actress Julie Peasgood has become a patron of a local beauty spot.

As a child growing up in Grimsby, Julie loved visiting Louth's Hubbard's Hills.

She accepted an invitation from the trust which runs the scenic valley park to become a patron and joined volunteers cleaning up the amenity area.

Members of staff from Lincolnshire Co-op dedicated their volunteer days to the tidying up of the Hills and cleared litter and branches.

The Grimsby-born actress, who starred in Emmerdale and a Bird's Eye frozen peas advert among many other roles, said she loved visiting Hubbard's Hills as a young girl.

On her return visit, she said: "It looks more beautiful than it did as a child. It was a big treat coming to Hubbard's Hills with my parents.

"What made it more magical was I used to get car sick, so I had to lay down in the car and then we would be here.

"It is beautiful and looks well kept."

She added: "There is now a lot of silt in the stream, which is a chalk stream and it will need clearing out. So to keep it looking its best will need money and work and people's time. There are lots of volunteers putting in their time. I would encourage people who want to keep it as beautiful as it is to give their time.

"Hubbard's Hills is open 365 days a year and is free. We need to keep it looking magnificent."

Trustee Philip Day, who was helping clean out litter and branches said: "We are fortunate to have such a beautiful area. But some young people use it for barbecues. How irresponsible is that? It costs us £3,000 a year just to clear the litter. People should know to take their litter home with them.

"At weekends Hubbards' Hills is filled with families enjoying the natural beauty and on bank holidays is very busy. It is great for dog owners, so long as they clean up their muck."

Lincolnshire Co-op education and volunteer co-ordinator Rachel Sampher said staff are allocated two paid days each year to carry out voluntary work in their communities.

She said Co-op managers had encouraged staff from Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Louth to take part in the clean-up.

They arranged for a quad bike and trailer to pick up a lot of branches and dead wood which was put on a bonfire.

She said: "We have all enjoyed picking up litter, clearing rotten wood and taking out some invasive trees."

The volunteers will return on June 4 to carry out more work.

The trust took over responsibility for the upkeep of the beauty spot from East Lindsey District Council in 2009.

The park was given to the people of Louth in 1907 after money was bequeathed in the will of Louth teacher Auguste Pahud.

FORMER Grimsby Town striker Richard Brodie has spoken of his delight after sealing a move to hometown club Gateshead.

The 25-year-old, who had an unsuccessful loan spell at Blundell Park earlier this season, will officially join the Heed on July 1 when his contract with Crawley expires.

"I've been away for a few years and it's nice to be back home," he told The Shields Gazette.

"I'm playing for my hometown club and I'm still only 25.

"I grew up in Gateshead, went to school in Gateshead and played in school finals at the International Stadium.

"There's a lot of distractions when you're away, you meet other people and it's easy to focus on other things rather than football.

"I don't mind admitting I found it hard being away from home at times, being lonely, and got swayed by distractions.

"But it's all about learning from these things, and they can make you a better person and a footballer.

"I've been back home six weeks and I've realised how much I've missed my friends and family.

"I spoke to a number of clubs but Gateshead have always been there in the background."

He continued: "Looking at the squad, I think there's an outstanding chance we can make the play-offs.

"The thing for me now is to get scoring goals and give the town and fans something to cheer about.

"I want to show people, the club, and just as importantly myself what I can do.

"My record in the Conference shows I can play at this level."

"I'M just so glad I came and so glad that all the boys came – it was everything I dreamed of and more."

Joe Waters' 5,000-mile journey back to his beloved Blundell Park, to remember the last Grimsby Town side to win a divisional championship, had definitely been worthwhile.

The manager of that Division Three title-winning team of 1979/80, George Kerr, welcomed his skipper back along with former boss John Newman and another 15 of his players, for a very special evening.

The Mariners Trust had decided it was high time to remember Kerr's boys of 1980 – who had also won promotion from Division Four the season before.

And Town's fans responded in force, packing into McMenemy's to rub shoulders with a golden generation of Mariners – many of who hailed from the town itself.

The night was tinged with sadness after the recent passing of one such local hero, Kevin Moore.

But a minute's applause in memory of the man who made more than 400 appearances for his hometown club ensured he was remembered in fitting, and very emotional, style.

A donation from the evening will be made to a charity chosen by Kevin Moore's family with the remainder of the proceeds going to Town's Youth set-up.

And the figurehead of the event, Kerr, was delighted to bring his triumphant side back together after all these years.

"It's wonderful – we haven't been together for such a long time," he told the Telegraph on Friday evening.

"Individually, I've seen some of them over the last 30 years but never all of them together.

"These boys are loved by everyone at the club and that's shown in the turnout to see them. There was some fantastic talent in that team.

"But it's also a sad occasion after we lost Kevin recently – he was a very important part of the whole thing and is sadly missed by us all, as is Shaun Mawer.

"I live in this town and refuse to move from this town, which shows what Grimsby means to me.

"I was very, very ill earlier this year, so this reunion means the world to me."

Waters – another to pass the 400- appearance mark for the club – made a rare return from the United States to see his old team-mates.

He said: "It's absolutely amazing. As the guys came in, I recognised them all instantly – although they're a little bit different in certain ways!

"I'm just so glad I came and so glad that all the boys came – it's everything I dreamed of and more.

"A lot of them had to do a lot to make it, and we may never get the chance to do it again."

Amongst the homegrown talent back at BP were Kevin Drinkell, Tony Ford and Dave Moore.

"I haven't seen boys like 'wee' Joe (Waters) for such a long time, while Nigel (Batch) used to be my room-mate, so I've been looking forward to this catch-up for a long time," said Drinkell, who went on to play in the top-flight for Norwich City after his Town departure.

"The amount of memories and stories over that five, six, seven year period is frightening, and one night just isn't long enough to go through them all."

Ford, a player to achieve the rare feat of more than 1,000 career appearances, added: "It's a fantastic turnout – both in terms of the fans and the players – and there are far more than I thought.

"But the amazing thing is that we all recognise each other, so we can't have changed too much!

"It was a fantastic time in 1980, especially for us lads who came up from the Youth team and got the chance to play for the first team.

"We all just enjoyed playing football and that helped us achieve so much success, which was the icing on the cake."

The side's goalkeeper and yet another member of the '400 club', Nigel Batch, summed up the evening perfectly.

"It's just brilliant to see all the old lads for a good drink and a laugh, back where it all began," he remarked.

"We haven't had a night like this before and it brings all those fantastic memories flooding back when you meet up with your old pals again."

A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl led 2,500 women in this year's Race For Life – which could raise in excess of £140,000.

Cancer touches the lives of everyone in our community and every year, women run, jog and walk to raise money for Cancer Research UK and its fight against the disease.

This year was the same, as 2,500 local women, girls, babies, and even a few dogs, hit the track at Meridian Park for the 5km Race For Life 2013.

In 2012, the Cleethorpes race raised about £139,000 and with a full roster of entrants yet again, organisers hope they will beat that record and top £140,000.

In Pictures: Race For Life 2013

But as the ladies lined up at the start, many of whom have run the race before, they probably didn't expect nine-year-old Grace Sullivan to be leading the pack as it ran back into the stadium.

The crowd of supporters couldn't believe it when she crossed the line first, completing the 5k race in just 19 minutes and 10 seconds.

Grace, of Nettleton, said: "I was running for my grandma who died of cancer in 2004 – it was before I really got to know her.

"It felt amazing to win – and I raised £47 for charity."

Her mum, Jacqueline Sullivan, 50, said: "I'd heard a young girl was winning but couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Grace running into the stadium."

A river of pink tops flowed down Kingsway all morning as the ladies headed to Meridian Park.

The 2,500 ladies warmed up together and screamed in unison "cancer, we're coming to get you," before lining up at the start.

And just before the race began, the sun broke through the clouds to shine a light on the race.

The new Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Councillor Peggy Elliott counted the ladies down from ten at the start.

She said: "Cancer is something that touches everyone's lives at some point or another – there isn't a person here who hasn't lost a friend, a family member or a neighbour to it.

"I, myself, lost a very close friend of 30 years to the disease just a few weeks ago – and she was battling it for 20 of them.

"This is a terrible disease and we have to do what we can to stop it, which is what every single person here is doing today.

"But it's about more than that – people join in with this together and remember the people they have loved and lost.

"I've always been impressed with the community spirit in this area and seeing everyone today makes me proud to be from North East Lincolnshire."

Alison Mackfall, area events manager for Cancer Research UK said there was a "fantastic turnout" – as there is every year.

She added: "We've all got one thing in common – we all hate cancer and we're not going to stop until we beat it."

To donate to Cancer Research by phone, call 0845 600605 or send a cheque payable to Cancer Research UK to Race for Life, PO Box 442, Northampton, NN3 6UU.

See tomorrow's paper for more pictures.

FITTIES residents have taken North East Lincolnshire Council to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

The move is in response to the council's refusal to let them stay in their chalets 50 weeks of the year – mainly due to a risk of flooding.

Council leader Councillor Chris Shaw said he would pull the plug on power to The Fitties in the closed season and shut off water, gas and electricity supplies.

He said: "They don't need it after 4.30pm in the closed season. It is a holiday camp, not a residential estate. That is what they signed their leases for."

The leader said he would gladly negotiate with those residents who have abided by the conditions of their leases, but not anyone who has breached their lease.

Councillor Shaw said officers are gathering evidence of Fitties residents who may be in breach of their lease.

The leader said tenants could renegotiate their leases by contacting the council planning department.

It was revealed at a meeting of Fitties' Owners Residents' Association Bungalow (Forab), where chairman Paul Harwood pledged to get as many signatures on a petition which accuses the council of abuse of power as possible.

It will be circulated to residents as well as being available online.

Mr Harwood said it would support the case in the European court, which is expected to be heard possibly in August.

A panel of judges in Strasbourg has received the residents' case accusing North East Lincolnshire Council of abuse of power, failing to uphold the democratic process and the exploitation of its citizens' human rights.

Forab claims NELC, which is the landlord for more than 300 chalets on the Lincolnshire coast, has refused to renew more than 40 per cent of leases since April 2011, which the residents say leaves them without security of tenure.

Mr Harwood told the meeting of about 175 residents the case had been submitted to the judges.

He said: "Thorpe Park gets to choose which eight weeks it closes down and they still allow contractors to stay 52 weeks of the year. The Humber Yacht Club gets access to its site 52 weeks and Pleasure Island opens in January sometimes. Why can't we be here? It is one rule for some, but not for everyone."

He said dog walkers, ramblers and bird watchers had access to the site all year round and demanded residents should have the same rights.

The chairman encouraged supporters to sign an online petition by logging on to www.thefitties.co.uk

THE Luddites are in the ascendency on Laceby Parish Council, according to deposed chairman Martin Greenbeck.

Councillor Greenbeck, who has served as chairman for the past five years, failed to secure re-election to the post at the parish council's annual meeting.

Instead, vice-chairman Dave Marshall was elected to the position.

Councillor Greenbeck will continue to serve as a parish councillor. However, he declined an invitation to become vice-chairman.

He told the Grimsby Telegraph he was "extremely disappointed" to lose the chairmanship, but declined to comment on the outcome of the vote other than to say: "The Luddites are in the ascendancy."

Councillor Greenbeck said one of the proudest achievements of his five years in charge was the building of the St Francis Grove play area, which he described as a "huge undertaking".

He remains chairman of the multi-agency sub-committee, which is exploring the potential for building a skate park in the village.

Councillor Marshall, who previously served as chairman in the 1990s, expressed his thanks to Councillor Greenbeck for his work as chairman.

When asked about the suggestion that Luddites were in the ascendency, Councillor Marshall said the parish council needed to "get it's breath back" after completing the St Francis Grove project.

He said: "The parish council will do things at a slower pace and take its time to think about the next project.

"We are not professionals. This is all voluntary and that's probably a Luddite speaking."

Councillor Marshall expressed hope that volunteers would come forward to fill the two vacancies on the parish council.

Anyone interested should contact the clerk Debbie Weatherill by e-mailing clerk@laceby.org.uk.

A HOMEOWNER has been ordered to pay £1,500 for leaving up unsightly scaffolding at a listed building in Grimsby for six years.

Paul Brown, of Pelham Terrace, off Brighowgate, Grimsby, admitted two offences of failing to comply with the Listed Buildings Enforcement Notice under Section 7 of the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 at Grimsby And Cleethorpes Magistrates' Court. He was fined £750 and ordered to pay £750 costs.

Pelham Terrace was built in 1854 by the Earl of Yarborough and is among the finest historic buildings in Grimsby.

The court heard that scaffolding had been left in place at the front of two neighbouring properties in the terrace since 2007.

After failing to secure the removal of the scaffolding by negotiation, the council served an enforcement notice in August 2011, followed by a warning letter in March 2012 and an enforcement officer visit in May 2012, but the scaffolding remained in place.

The scaffolding had a detrimental impact to the appearance and character of the terrace and the wider conservation area, especially as the street is next to a major route into the town.

In mitigation, Mr Brown said he was proud of the building and had been delayed by the difficulty of the delicate works required and the cost.

Councillor Peter Wheatley, portfolio holder for regeneration and environment at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "It's important that we strike the correct balance between encouraging development and taking a firm stance with enforcement against those who ignore legislation. In this case we had no alternative but to prosecute after the defendant failed to comply with our repeated requests to remove the scaffolding.

"It had blighted the area for six years, but this prosecution should ensure that the scaffolding is now removed and the appearance of the building restored, with benefits for the wider conservation area. "

Jason Longhurst, head of development at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "North East Lincolnshire Council will continue to help and support the owners of listed buildings, providing expert advice and information, so as to ensure that repairs and maintenance are undertaken to the right standard. This will ensure that the character and appearance of buildings is retained for future generations to appreciate.

"In this case, the scaffolding has been in place for more than six years and lengthy negotiations have failed to result in its removal. I sincerely hope that the scaffold is now removed as the roof repairs which it enabled have been completed for some time. This will avoid the need for further action."

GRIMSBY Town's 2013/14 Conference promotion push will be built around a squad of just 18 players.

However, joint boss Rob Scott insists: "It will be a better squad in terms of quality."

As revealed in the Telegraph, the Mariners have to tighten their belts ahead of their fourth shot at a Football League return.

And those cuts to the playing budget have already had an impact, with eight players released earlier this month.

Just one of those has been replaced so far with the return of winger Scott Neilson on a one-year deal.

With only around five places remaining to fill in next season's line-up, Scott and co-manager Paul Hurst are having to prioritise where to bring in reinforcements.

"Another wide man might have to be on the back burner because it's no secret that we're going to have to go with a smaller squad next year," Scott explained.

"That is the case for a lot of clubs – Andy Morrell, the manager at Wrexham, has said the same.

"We're going to have a tighter squad who are all capable of playing in the first team and if things happen during the course of the season and we need extra bodies, that's what we're going to have to do.

"People questioned some of our player rotation last year but that was a necessity with injuries and the amount of games we had.

"People will probably be moaning next year, saying 'why don't you change the team around?!'

"But that won't be a possibility because we'll be looking at smaller numbers.

"We're aiming at probably running with 18 players – that's a really small squad, especially given the amount of games we have to play at this level and how often they come.

"But we've got a good nucleus to the team and, although it will be a smaller squad, it will be a better squad in terms of quality."

A GRIMSBY man left his elderly step-father to rely on the charity of a nursing home after gaining access to his bank accounts and stealing almost £25,000.

Grimsby Crown Court heard Jonathan Grogan, 38, of Cross Coates Road, had assumed control of accounts belonging to Byron Marriott, 79, after he suffered a major stroke on April 24, 2009.

Zaiban Alam, prosecuting, said following the stroke, Mr Marriott was unable to resume independent living and moved into Ashlea Court nursing home, in Waltham, on July 7, 2009.

Grogan signed an arrangement that stated the local authority would meet the majority of the cost of his care, but the family would pay a "top-up".

However, Miss Alam told the court

that as of January 2011, "not a single penny had been paid" towards the £4,357.28 outstanding fees and Mr Marriott's clothing was "largely being provided for by the care home as an act of charity".

She added that in the meantime Mr Marriott's "bank accounts and credit card were looted" by Grogan, who transferred large sums into different accounts and even took out a £1,000 loan in his step-father's name, which he never repaid.

The money – which amounted to a total of £24,717.37 – was then withdrawn in cash.

The alarm was raised when Mr Marriott's solicitor Mike Siddle, was informed by Grogan's brother James, he intended to hand over his step-father's house to Grogan.

He applied for a court of protection order to safeguard his client's legal position and suggested Grogan be named as proposed receiver.

But, despite repeated requests for Mr Marriott's bank statements and other financial documents, Grogan failed to supply them.

Mr Siddle became suspicious and successfully applied to be named as receiver on the order himself, at which point he raised his concerns with health care workers, who called in the police.

On his arrest, Grogan repeatedly blamed his brother for the thefts and only changed his plea to guilty after a trial had been arranged and the weight of evidence held by the prosecution became apparent.

Richard Hackfath, mitigating, said his client had no previous convictions and had now "lost his good name in spectacular fashion".

He added the father-of-two had not been "living the high life" but had used the money to meet the living expenses of his family while he had been unemployed and was full of remorse for his actions.

Jailing him for 27 months, of which he will serve half on licence, Judge David Tremberg said: "Within weeks (of the stroke) you embarked upon a calculated, persistent, systematic and relatively sophisticated course of conduct designed to take funds for your benefit.

"In my judgement, this was in breach of a high degree of trust."

TWO fire engines are attending a call at a Grimsby primary school - but it was a false alarm.

Staff in one of the buildings of Strand Primary Academy were evacuated after the alarm went off. 

Two fire engines have attended - although staff at the school have confirmed it was a false alarm.

AN INTREPID Cleethorpes explorer who has conquered Mount Everest has returned to Nepal for what he says will be his toughest challenge yet.

John Pomfret, 50, of Davenport Drive, who scaled the world's highest peak in 2006, is to take part in his first marathon – a gruelling 26-mile trek across the foothills of the Himalayas.

And the self-confessed adrenaline junkie admits to being apprehensive at the prospect.

He is being accompanied on his three-week trip by Grimsby Rugby Club teammates Neil Corry, 35, of Grimsby, and John Hamill, 49, of Cleethorpes.

Just like John they have never taken part in a marathon before.

The Tenzing-Hillary Marathon, named in honour of the first people to conquer Everest, will take place on Wednesday, May 29.

It starts at the Everest Base Camp, taking competitors over rough mountain trails at high altitudes to the finish at Namche Bazaar.

John and his friends, who calling themselves The Three Musketeers are now in Nepal getting acclimatised to the conditions. As part of their preparations they will be embarking on an eight-day trek, which will include climbing three big peaks in the region.

John said: "We will be in Nepal for 18 days before the marathon starts and we will be training a lot before the event.

"There are three climbs we are going to do, carrying packs for five to eight hours a day, every day, just making it that little bit harder so that when we do the marathon we are as ready as we are ever going to be."

John, who is hoping to complete the marathon in between eight and ten hours, added: "I'm apprehensive because I have never done a marathon. I'm used to the terrain and altitude, but not so much the running.

"They say that for most of the route, you can't run as it's too steep. I think it's going to be a case of what's known in military terms as 'tabbing'. It's going to be interesting!"

The trio will be raising money for Walking With The Wounded, a charity which funds the retraining and re-education of wounded servicemen and women to help them find long-term employment.

John said: "It supports soldiers who are wounded and they prove to people that even though they have lost their limbs there is life after bad injuries."

As reported, John is hoping the marathon will form the second jewel in an Everest triple crown.

Having already scaled the mountain from the south side, he has set his sights on completing the northern ascent next year.

He is aiming to complete the Seven Up Seven Down Challenge by scaling the highest peak on each of the seven continents inside the current world record of 135 days.

To sponsor them visit www.justgiving.com/John-Pomfret.