I DROPPED my Smart car into a pothole recently, only to find that, when it re-emerged, it didn't work anymore.

There was the distinct lack of Good Samaritans at the time.

My car had drifted to a halt on the Barton to Brigg road.

Over the course of three hours, despite more than 100 cars, vans, lorries and tractors passing by, not one person paused to offer assistance.

Many did look in my direction, and several had to stop behind before being able to pass. It is also true to say that many will have recognised me; I certainly recognised them as local people. They had their reasons for not stopping, however, they couldn't have concluded that seeing a local GP sitting on a crash-barrier in the middle of nowhere was a normal activity.

The episode raised an interesting question in respect to how we see each other in the 21st century. The Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer reminds me that "my duty towards my Neighbour is to love him as myself, and do to all men, as I would they should do unto me".

It is a direct reflection of both the Bible's Old Testament and the New Testament. If we cannot extend such exhortations within our own community, what chance is there for our neighbours in today's so-called "global village"?

The Good Samaritan helped a stranger because he saw his need. If we cannot help someone who is not a stranger but well known to us, how can we counter the vast needs we see in other parts of our country and the wider world?

Maybe those who passed me by perceived the truth that I was essentially okay.

However, I suspect that many were too busy, too distracted, or just too indifferent to even think about asking.

What, then, does my vehicle breakdown tell us about our true ability to meaningfully respond to our neighbours in the wider world?

PROUD pupils wore their uniforms with smiles as they celebrated the rich heritage of their beloved school.

Laceby Stanford Junior and Infants School enjoyed their annual Founders' Day celebration at St Margaret's Church, honouring 283 years since their school opened.

Children sang hymns and songs and the Stanford String Quartet performed the Stanford Parade to an audience of teachers, former teachers and members of the Stanford Trust – showing the spirit of Philip and Sarah Stanford, who left the money and land to build the original school in Laceby, lives on to this day.

Head teacher Mark Wrigley is keen their legacy continues through the school and its pupils.

He said: "We believe very strongly in our school's history and we will always celebrate it. It is so important we don't forget its roots.

"This is a much-loved tradition that is going to keep going.

"The pupils have worked so hard to make today special. They have done brilliantly and have made us all proud."

The Stanfords' story is both tragic and inspirational. In the early 1700s they owned the College Farm, in High Street – which is still there to this day – along with other land inherited from Philip's father.

Sadly, the couple's two children both died in infancy and when Philip died in 1712, the money and land was left to Sarah, who set up the Stanford Trust.

Following her death, all money and lands were invested or used to provide a school for local poor children and is now used to provide grants to all children living in Laceby, Irby, Aylesby, Bradley or Barnoldby-le-Beck along with funding school equipment.

Last year, the trust gave out £5,500 to 16 young people, including 13 university students and three apprentices.

Chairman Brian Lingard said: "To help that many young people makes us feel very proud, and I am sure Sarah and Philip themselves would be proud to see it continue.

"All we want is continued improvement of the school for the pupils, because that is what we are here for."

On leaving the church, each pupil was handed a 5p coin by Mr Lingard.

Morgan Lawson, 11, and school pal Chloe Bates, 10, were among them.

Morgan said: "Today means a lot. We think Sarah and Philip were very nice people".

Chloe added: "It makes me feel impressed we are part of their school."

The celebration made Kimberly Measom, 8, and Ruby Watson, 7, very happy.

Kimberly said: "I enjoyed the singing and the viola playing."

ON THE WEB: Read more education news online at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

THE best of British was celebrated at a festival in Cleethorpes honouring folk music and cider.

The fifth annual Cleethorpes Festival Of Folk And Cider took place at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway from Saturday until yesterday.

Hundreds of people flocked to sample one of the 80 fruity ciders on offer and to listen to live music by 22 folk acts, including local favourites Merlin's Keep and Jabberwocky.

Event manager Adam Cowood said: "The festival is all about celebrating the best of British cider and folk music.

"There's a great, relaxed atmosphere and the fantastic weather certainly helped to make the event a success.

"People who like folk tend to like cider, so it's a winning combination."

Among the ciders on offer were well-known brands, such as Aspall and Westons, as well as varieties from independent micro breweries, such as the one at Skidbrooke.

As part of the festival, Grimsby Morris Men also performed a number of dances at locations throughout the resort, including Kingsway Kiosks and The Wellow.

Enjoying the sunshine and beverages were Mick and Louise Riley, of Laceby.

Engineer Mick, 50, said: "I'm a bit of a cider connoisseur, so I'm enjoying trying the different varieties. I'm doing my best to work my way through them all!"

Louise, 48, added: "I don't like cider, but it's nice being out in the sunshine and enjoying the atmosphere."

Making a family day out of the occasion were Danny and Sarah Corke and their three children, Jack, 8, Charlie, 5, and two-week-old Harry.

Danny, 35, said: "We've never been to the event before but we were in the resort visiting my parents and thought we'd come along as the weather was so good."

Sarah, 34, added: "I'm the cider drinker in the family and I enjoyed trying the mixed berry variety.

"There's been a really lovely atmosphere and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves."

ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to find out why scientists believe cider could be good for your health.

FAMILIES enjoyed fun in the sun at an event to promote everything that's great about Grimsby's Freshney ward.

Hundreds of people flocked to the second Duke Of York Gardens Community Day, organised by Friends Of The Freshney.

The festivities had to be scaled back this year after the group failed to secure a £2,500 grant to help run it.

But chairman Peter Barker said the setback didn't stop the day from being a great success.

He added: "It's been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves and we've been blessed with great weather."

Vice-chairman Keith Watkin added: "The event is a great way for local groups to promote what they have to offer and for residents to get involved in what's going on."

Among the attractions were donkey rides, a bouncy castle, a climbing wall, games and stalls.

Paul McCready, 37, of Haven Gardens, took his two sons along to the event, including firefighter-mad Jazz, 6, who dressed up for the occasion.

He said: "We live just around the corner and I think it's important to get involved in community events.

"It's great to have a free event to come to and Jazz has really enjoyed being able to meet the firefighters."

Izzy Jackson, 39, of Grimsby, headed to the community day with daughter, Katie Jackson, 8, who enjoyed scaling the climbing wall.

She said: "It's really nice for Katie to be able to try something like climbing because she wouldn't have experienced it otherwise."

Animal enthusiast Paul Hamilton, 59, of Corporation Road, took his barn owl along to meet visitors to the fair.

He said: "I often take my birds of prey along to events like this to meet people.

"It's really nice to see so many people out enjoying themselves and there's a really community spirit."

Enjoying holding the owl was Connor Tucker, 17, of Lancaster Avenue, who attended with his mum, Tina, 42. She said: "Connor loves coming out and meeting new people and the owl has really taken a shine to him."

ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to view more photographs of the event.

"HERE'S to the next 20 years!"

That was the toast raised at Pleasure Island as the park's staff, owners and loyal customers celebrated it's 20th birthday.

The occasion was marked by children's favourite Peppa Pig, who officially opened the park's newest attraction, the Furry Friends Farm – and met some of her biggest fans.

The £500,000 new farm is home to Shetland ponies, pygmy goats, piglets and pigs, calves and cows and is already proving a "farm" favourite with visitors, as reported.

Introducing Pleasure Island's star guest, park owner Melanie Wood said: "Thank you for joining us for this very special day.

"It's our 20th anniversary today and to celebrate we have got a very important person joining us."

After cutting the ribbon and, like any good pig would, having a snuffle at the specially baked birthday cake, Peppa took the time to meet and greet her fans.

Among them was three-year-old Cleethorpes resident Alyssia Calvert, who is Peppa's self-proclaimed "biggest fan".

She was delighted to have her picture taken with the star and show-off her Peppa Pig jacket at the same time.

Her mum, Danielle Bilbe, said Alyssia had been up – and crying in anticipation – since 7am.

She said: "We have been here a few times, but the main attraction for us has been meeting Peppa Pig and seeing the animals."

And Alyssia wasn't the only one.

Before Peppa even put in an appearance, her fans were queuing up to meet her.

Becki Douglas, 8, of Cleethorpes, also said she was a big fan.

She said: "I come to Pleasure Island quite a lot in the summer holidays – sometimes I come about twice a week.

"I really like it here. There are so many rides it is hard to pick a favourite, but I think if I had to pick, I think I would say I like the Mini Mine Train the best.

"I really like the petting zoo too. I come here when it's feeding time.

"The guinea pigs are my favourite animals."

Later, Melanie said the whole event had proved to be a great success.

She said: "It's been a great day – well, a good weekend actually.

"We couldn't have ordered better weather and people seem to be really enjoying themselves."

She also said she wished to thank the park's loyal local fans, who keep coming back time after time.

She said: "Without the locals, I dare say that Pleasure Island wouldn't be here.

"We are very grateful for their support over the past 20 years and we hope we can provide them with a great destination for the next 20 years."

ON THE WEB: For more pictures, visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk where you can also find details of upcoming events at the park.

A POPULAR restaurant is set to reopen – after shocked diners watched helplessly as a car ploughed into the building.

The owners of the Halfway House, in North Thoresby, are today meeting with builders and their insurance company to asses the damage.

Matthew Durrant and his wife Angela say the building is currently structurally unsafe, but they hope to have this resolved and diners back in the restaurant by tomorrow night.

However, the required repairs will take several months to complete, and will cost thousands of pounds.

Mr Durrant said: "Visually, it is just a hole in the side of the building but to fix it, the entire wall will have to come down.

"I was not at the restaurant when the incident happened on Saturday night, but I was very quickly informed by my staff."

He recalls them telling him how a black Vauxhall Astra careered into the side of the building which faces the junction off the A16 and towards North Thoresby – where customers were eating at the time.

Apparently a table was taken from underneath one couple, who escaped the incident with minor injuries.

Matthew said: "It is very upsetting as we only took over the restaurant in January last year and refurbished it all.

"But I am just thankful no one was seriously injured.

"It is still unclear how the incident happened."

Restaurant manager Rachel Flello was working when the car hit the building.

She said: "I was behind the bar when I heard this huge bang.

"Our customers were screaming as about eight diners were near the wall that the car came through.

"We had a full house that night due to bank holiday weekend, it was just awful. The police and ambulance service were here almost immediately because they happened to be passing at the time.

"Some customers were treated for burns and others minor scrapes and scratches."

Dale Wright, head chef, was on a break outside and went to the car to help out.

He said: "To my amazement, the male and female in the Astra were unhurt and got out of the car.

"They were both young; I would say in their early 20s."

The exact circumstances of the incident are unknown.

Lincolnshire Police have been unavailable for comment.

Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for updates.

ON THE WEB: Read the thoughts of one diner who also sent in pictures from the scene to the Grimsby Telegraph at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

THIRTY-FIVE years after they passed through the school gates for the final time, a group of former classmates were reunited in Cleethorpes.

Back when the Havelock School pupils were heading out into the big wide world in 1978, Grease was still the word in cinemas and Boney M spent five weeks at number one with Rivers Of Babylon.

Fast-forward to 2013 and 60 former Havelock pupils headed to The Punchbowl, on the North Promenade.

Organisers Jasmine Best and Chris Duncan even dressed as Pink Ladies from Grease to commemorate their favourite film.

Jasmine, 51, from Scartho, a care support worker, said: "Chris and I met at school and we've been friends ever since.

"We used to go to the Northern Soul nights at the Winter Gardens every Saturday together when we were at school.

"We've had one class reunion before, back in 2000, and we thought that enough time had passed now to make it worth having another one."

Chris, 51, of Tetney, who is a support worker, added: "It's fantastic meeting up with people who you haven't seen for years and seeing what they've been up to.

"I have very happy memories of school. It was a happy time and we were all very well behaved – honest!"

The former classmates enjoyed a buffet before dancing to 1970s hits from artists such as Abba and The Bee Gees.

One person who still has close links to the school is Jayne Humphries, 51, of Cleethorpes.

She is a kitchen assistant at Havelock Academy, as it is now known.

She said: "I started working at the school about eight years ago and it's a very different place now.

"I've worked in both the old building and the new building and I've got to say the facilities are much better now than they were when I was there.

"School wasn't really for me and I can't say I enjoyed it that much but I did manage to stay out of trouble.

"It's nice being able to catch up with old friends and see what they've been doing since."

Sales adviser Tracy Fenwick, 50, travelled from Leeds for the reunion.

She said: "I loved school and had a great time, so I have many happy memories of my time there. I think the fact that so many people have come to the reunion after 35 years shows that we all got on"

Karen Wilson, 50, of New Waltham, works as a staff nurse at Grimsby's St Hugh's Hospital.

She said: "I didn't come to the last reunion, so this is the first time I've seen everyone since we left.

"I was worried I wouldn't recognise anyone, but nobody has changed that much – we are all just a bit older."

A HORRIFIED witness watched in terror as a drunken thug, with a history of violence, brutally attacked another man in the street.

The "sustained" and "relentless" revenge beating left the victim powerless to defend himself as he lay slumped on the ground while vicious punches rained down, a court heard.

Peter Fairbanks, 38, of Beechwood Avenue, Grimsby, admitted assaulting Andrew Buley, causing actual bodily harm, on May 25.

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Fairbanks had already been drinking heavily at a house in Beechwood Avenue when Mr Buley arrived to visit a friend.

Fairbanks became aggressive, his behaviour became erratic and his attitude changed. He accused Mr Buley of previously branding him a "nonce".

Mr Buley left the house but Fairbanks later attacked him in a car park area. The attack was "sustained" and "relentless" and Fairbanks also screamed abuse at him.

Mr Buley got to his feet, but Fairbanks knocked him down again and rained more blows on him while he was helpless on the ground.

There was blood on Mr Buley's face and he was powerless to defend himself, said Mr Evans. A horrified witness believed Mr Buley had been knocked unconscious.

His head was seen hitting the ground after Fairbanks punched him. He lost two teeth in the attack as well as suffering bruises, grazes and cuts around his eyes.

Fairbanks had convictions for 24 previous offences, including for assault, burglary and dishonesty matters. He had been jailed for four-and-a-half years at the same court in 1998 for wounding with intent.

Andrew Howarth, mitigating, said Fairbanks claimed he could not remember the incident. It was a "sustained, repeated assault" but, although Fairbanks had a bad record, he had been out of trouble since 2004.

Judge David Tremberg told Fairbanks: "You set about him in what can only be described as a sustained attack and you caused him injuries that were quite serious.

"There is a real risk that serious injury, sometimes fatal injury, can result. You caused him more harm than was necessary and you caused that harm when the complainant was vulnerable because he was prone on the ground."

Fairbanks had shown little remorse and originally denied the offence, said Judge Tremberg.

"There really is no alternative but immediate custody," he said.

Fairbanks was jailed for a year.

CONCERNS that Holton-le-Clay could be engulfed by "urban sprawl" were raised at a drop-in session to consider future development in the village.

Dozens of residents headed to the village hall, in Pinfold Lane, to have their say on the formation of the next Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Parish councillors are already putting together a plan, which includes potential locations in the village where 282 new homes could be built over the next 15 years.

It includes sites off Louth Road, Church Lane, Tetney Road and Magnolia Drive.

Jacqueline Avison, of Louth Road, has lived in the village for 37 years and fears the additional development could turn it into a town.

She said: "When we moved here, it was out in the countryside and we were surrounded by fields.

"A housing estate has already been built at the back of our house and now they want to build one opposite, too.

"It would ruin the character of the village and I really don't think there is the need for all those extra homes.

"We already have a lot of properties in the village that are standing empty and haven't sold."

John Block, 81, has lived in Church Lane for 15 years and one of the sites that is earmarked for development is behind his home.

He said: "I don't actually think the new homes will have a detrimental impact on the village.

"I am more concerned about the type of properties that are built. I wouldn't like to see these large, four-bedroom detached properties behind my house, but bungalows would be OK.

"Building 282 new houses does seem too many though because there aren't enough jobs for all those extra people to do."

Members of the Holton-le-Clay and Tetney Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group say they have started to produce a plan to ensure that proposals for growth set out in the East Lindsey Core Strategy have a positive impact.

The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment carried out by East Lindsey District Council showed the potential for 869 new homes to be developed in the village – but residents have been reassured that 282 is the maximum that will be included in the 15-year plan.

Parish council chairman Clive Blacklock said: "We are holding a number of drop-in sessions to give everyone within the community the chance to come and talk to us about the Neighbourhood Development Plan.

"I think it's important to keep having updates with residents as we go along.

"People are concerned about the 282 homes being built but it is over a 15-year period and equates to 19 a year, which is the same numbers being built in the village at present."

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GRIMSBY'S Muslim community has pledged to continue worshipping as usual, despite fearing somebody could have been killed during a vicious petrol bomb attack on the town's mosque.

Three petrol bombs were thrown at the Islamic Cultural Centre on Sunday night as dozens of people – including young children – were leaving after evening prayers, as reported on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

Bricks had been thrown through the windows of the Weelsby Road building just three days earlier following the murder of solider Lee Rigby in Woolwich, London, on Wednesday.

Yesterday, as almost 300 people took part in a march from Grimsby to Cleethorpes in memory of Drummer Rigby – passing by the mosque – Imam Dr Ahmad M Sabik has pledged that the Muslim community will not be beaten by the attack.

He said: "Somebody could have been seriously injured or even possibly even killed by the petrol bombs.

"This attack has made us worried about our families and our children who come to the mosque.

"It is a place of love and worship where we teach people to respect one another and it is hard to believe that anybody would try to damage a site like this.

"We will continue to pray and use the centre as usual because we refuse to be frightened away from our place of worship."

It is believed that members of the Muslim community have stayed at the premises around the clock since the attacks in a bid to protect it.

Dr Sabik said once the furore surrounding the attacks has disappeared, the Muslim community will invite people into the mosque to help them understand more about the religion.

He added: "We have no option but to invite people to come and visit us and to look around the mosque and to help them to understand what goes on here.

"It is important that we show the reality of Islam in Grimsby and build bridges with the wider community.

"We are all hopeful that there are bright days ahead."

Dr Sabik thanked the mosque's neighbours and members of the local Inter Faith Zone for the support they have shown since the attacks.

Canon Peter Mullins, team rector of West Grimsby Team Ministry, said local Church of England representatives utterly condemn the actions of those who carried out the attacks.

"I don't think there will be many of the churches in this area yesterday that were not praying for Lee Rigby and for those who might be unfairly blamed for his death," he said.

"There isn't a hair's breadth of difference between seeking to murder an off-duty soldier in the street and seeking to murder those inside a place of worship with a petrol bomb.

"The CofE clergy have had good relations with those seeking to open this mosque and we were shown around together in the days when it was being converted.

"We have been wishing well any minority group that seeks to find a place here for peaceful worship."

Two people are currently in police custody for the suspected arson attack, which happened at about 10am on Sunday, while eleven were arrested after the incident on Thursday.

Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for the latest.

AUSTRALIAN paceman Joel Hamilton thinks the current crop of Grimsby Town CC young guns can fire the club to glory this season.

The talented 24-year-old Queenslander, who arrived at Augusta Street ahead of the 2013 campaign, has enjoyed a successful start to life in the town.

Despite falling to a losing draw against Bracebridge Heath at the weekend, Grimsby still top the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League table.

And Hamilton has been a crucial part of that rise – taking 11 wickets in six matches, at an average of 22.

The Aussie has also shown his class with the bat, striking a useful 43 not out during the victory against Lindum last month.

But he is not the only one in good form – youngsters Harry Clewett, Steven Crossley and Harry Warwick have all instigated Grimsby triumphs.

Hamilton told the Telegraph: "Grimsby is a nice place and I have settled in very well. It's obviously not as busy as Brisbane, but everyone is really making me feel welcome.

"We have a bit of momentum and have to keep that going. We need to keep the hunger up and, if the top order can fire, we can do really well.

"There are lots of good players in this league, but it's probably not quite what I am used to with it being a small area. And there are some very good young players here as well.

"We have a great backbone to this club – there are lots of good blokes coming through. If I can help them in any way possible, that is what I will look to do.

"If the likes of Crosser (Steven Crossley) and the two Harrys (Warwick and Clewett) can keep going, they are in with a shout of being called up for Lincolnshire.

"That will only help Grimsby. Hopefully they can help us rack up another three or four wins on the spin, and extend our lead at the top."

While Hamilton has enjoyed a promising first month at Grimsby, he is aware of the changes he will need to make to his game.

Hoping to eventually push for first-class selection in his native country, the tall seamer is hoping to develop his all-round skills in England.

Hamilton added: "The pitches are much slower and lower over here, so I have had to adapt to that pretty quickly.

"It's much hotter in Brisbane, so you get a lot more pace and bounce from the decks.

"English conditions force you to bowl a little bit fuller, but at the same time that will hopefully allow me to swing the ball a bit more.

"That challenge will only help improve me as a cricketer. It is great for me to work on those things.

"I would love to play first- class cricket, but it's very tough to get in the set-up in Queensland. They only give out 20 contracts each year, and there are lots of good fast bowlers."

Hamilton and Grimsby will be looking to strengthen their title aspirations when they entertain strugglers Haxey, at Augusta Street on Saturday.

ADRIAN Cieslewicz has not ruled out leaving Wrexham this summer – despite having a year left on his contract at the Racecourse Ground.

The 22-year-old starred off the bench in the Dragons' FA Trophy final victory over Grimsby Town last season.

And the winger, pictured, also netted six goals as Andy Morrell's men reached the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final, before losing to Newport County.

Cieslewicz is rumoured to be attracting interest from a number of suitors, and although he admits to being settled in Wales, he is keeping his options open.

He told The Leader: "I signed in December and I have got another year (on my contract).

"There are another six weeks in the summer basically to just see what happens.

"For now I am under contract with Wrexham. It's a long summer and we will see what happens.

"I have had the opportunity to play for Wrexham for four years now and it has been great.

"If I get any interest from any clubs – which is always good – we will see what happens over the next few weeks.

"It is flattering, especially if the clubs are higher up. There are fans' rumours but until I hear something myself – which I haven't yet – for now I am still a player for Wrexham."

The former Manchester City youngster added: "I am definitely not unsettled. I have got a house and my girlfriend in the area – I have been at Wrexham for four years and everyone has been amazing to me.

"But if you get an opportunity in life to go somewhere higher up, you have got to take it.

"In four years I have played over 150 games which is great for a 22-year-old.

"It is something that people forget that I am still only 22 because I have been at the club for four years.

"But at the moment nothing has been said anywhere and I am still a Wrexham player."

ALAN Power insists "there are not many clubs at this level who can rival Lincoln's size and stature" after the midfielder signed a new deal at Sincil Bank.

The Irishman has penned a two-year contract, ending speculation about his future having been able to leave the club on a free transfer.

Power, pictured, is thrilled to remain with the Imps, and admits to being impressed by a host of summer signings by Imps boss Gary Simpson.

Waide Fairhurst, Sean Newton, Danny Rowe, Jon Nolan, Adi Yussuf and Todd Jordan have joined City since the end of the last campaign.

"It would have taken a lot for somebody to entice me away from Lincoln," he said.

"There was a couple of sniffs, but you realise there are not many clubs at this level who can rival Lincoln's size and stature.

"I am settled here and I like the city as a place – it's a beautiful place to live.

"Not only that, we've made some good signings and while last season was a bit rough, the only way is up now.

"I cannot wait to get started."

Simpson believes Power's decision and his raft of new signings are a clear indication of his and the club's ambitions.

"People talk and have taken notice of the players that we have brought in," he said.

"I've had a couple of chats with people and they have said, 'you've picked up a good couple of lads already'.

"It goes to show that people have their eye on us and are seeing us as a progressive club that is moving forward."

"BEING injured for so long has made me realise that life's too short to keep dwelling on things and being too hard on yourself."

Grimsby Town striker Liam Hearn has tasted the highs and lows of professional football since joining the club in the summer of 2011 from Alfreton.

After netting 29 goals in his first season at Blundell Park, the forward made one substitute appearance last term before rupturing his Achilles in training and missing seven months of action.

The 'Hitman' returned for the final stages of the Mariners' bid for promotion, scoring his solitary goal on the last day of the regular season.

But, as the 27-year-old readily admits, he was a long way from rediscovering his top form.

"It did me a lot good coming back for the end of the season," Hearn told the Telegraph.

"In terms of fitness, I felt all right. I played 90 minutes and didn't really feel it until about the 80-mark which was really pleasing.

"But in terms of general sharpness and being lively around the box, I didn't feel up to my usual self. I knew that would come back but I was running out of games.

"What it has done is enable me to use that as a learning curve and hopefully I can implement that next season and have a massively better campaign.

"That spurs me on, of course it does. Sometimes in previous years I've doubted myself and been my own worst enemy.

"Being injured for so long has made me realise that life's too short to keep dwelling on things and being too hard on yourself.

"I need to enjoy it more and appreciate what I have.

"Next season you'll see that more from me and hopefully I'll put in some good performances."

Watching Hearn trudge across the pitch, through hundreds of Newport fans, after the Mariners' play-off defeat was one of the enduring images of last season.

But after their support had helped his rehabilitation from the worst injury of his career, the striker was determined to thank the travelling Town faithful in person.

"The general response from the fans has been really heart-warming, and I used that to guide my through some of the games when my Achilles was hurting and I needed help getting through that," he explained.

"Or maybe I was getting a bit tired and the Town fans gave me that extra ten per cent to push me on. I can never thank them enough for that and it's important to pay them back

"I was warned that when the scar tissue was breaking down I would feel some discomfort but not to worry about it.

"You're always going to have problems or aches when you're recovering from any serious injury – it's not going to be pain-free for a while and I'm learning that now.

"It's important now to take those performances and the confidence I got from those games into pre-season."

And having worked so hard to make his Town return before the end of last season, Hearn is now facing a battle to sit still over the summer.

He added: "It's hard for any footballer but I know I need to rest up, be patient and it won't be long before I'm back out there.

"I'm not doing any serious running because I'll do that when pre-season begins.

"But I'm still working hard on general rehabilitation and core stability, things like that.

"I've been doing quite a bit and should be in pretty good shape when I get back.

"Then I'll look to progress with the endurance work that the gaffers will put us through, along with the short and sharp stuff, which should ensure I'm completely ready for the start of the season.

"It's all about keeping yourself topped up over the summer and maintaining your base fitness, so I've been keeping myself ticking over.

"It's also important to rest up, have a bit of family time and I've been spending plenty of time with my little girl, which has been great."

LIAM Hearn was sad to see eight of his Grimsby Town team-mates depart this month – but insists that some of them "never showed their true potential."

The 'Hitman' is one of 13 players on the Mariners' books after joint bosses Paul Hurst and Rob Scott wielded the axe at the end of the last campaign.

Greg Fleming, Ian Miller, Bradley Wood, Derek Niven, Frankie Artus, Simon Ford, Louie Soares and Greg Pearson all moved on as their contracts ran out.

And Hearn, who has a year left on his current deal, believes that Mariners fans never saw the best from some of that list.

"I was sad to see the lads go because we're all good mates, but I've learnt that's just football," Hearn told the Telegraph.

"The gaffers want to create a side that's going to challenge for the league title, and if they feel that people aren't going to help us progress, then that's a decision they have to make.

"As harsh as that sounds, that's just the reality of football.

"For one club you can be the next best thing, but you can go to another club and things just don't work out. I feel that some people for us just never really showed their true potential in games, and unfortunately that's led to them not getting new deals."

Since the departure of those eight players, Town's co-managers have dipped their toes in the market just once, to bring winger Scott Neilson back to Blundell Park on a permanent basis.

"Scott's return is a massive boost for us all," added Hearn, who missed much of last season with a ruptured Achilles.

"I was disappointed when he left last year before I came back from injury because I could see he is a great player and creates a lot of goals.

"Signing him is obviously beneficial to us as a club because he can be a match-winner on his day.

"Any additions to the side that will help us improve are always welcome."

"There is a lot to build on and I know the gaffers will be looking to bring players in who they feel can get us promotion.

"That's what they're here for, and I know, as a people, they won't settle for anything less.

"I've got complete faith that they will do the right thing and sign some good players to put us up there again next season."

A SINGLE mum who challenged the Prime Minister to live in Immingham on benefits in protest at welfare reforms has revealed she is facing eviction after refusing to pay the bedroom tax – and she's not the only one.

Deborah Kirk already owes £160 in missed top-up payments, which she says she has no intention of paying, and claims she has been told she will be evicted if she does not settle the bill.

She also claims she knows of 15 other households in her area alone who are also facing eviction from Shoreline Housing Association properties as they, too, are refusing to pay the tax – although none of them wished to come forward.

She spoke out as protesters came together at Grimsby's Riverhead against the reform in North East Lincolnshire, where the cuts amount to a loss of £1.7-million per year.

As reported, Mrs Kirk and her two-year-old son Kneale were left under-occupying her three-bedroom property in Immingham, where she has lived for 46 years, when her eldest son Jordan, 22, moved out.

Having a "spare" room left her with the choice of paying an additional £20 per week to stay in the house or moving away from the area, her family and all her friends, to a smaller property.

With a monthly income of £480, after her council tax and housing benefit has been paid, to feed and clothe herself and her son – and pay all the bills – this is a sum she says she simply cannot afford.

And, although Shoreline has also offered to move her into smaller properties in Grimsby, where the bedroom tax will no longer apply, she does not want to.

She said: "I am not doing either. They are forcing me now. They are making me leave.

"They have told me it will go to court and what I owe in rent will keep going up and up.

"I am not paying it."

A Shoreline spokeswoman said there had been an increase in the number of notices served on tenants since the introduction of the reforms, but it was not yet known how many were as a direct result of the bedroom tax.

However, she added most were making arrangements to pay and considering their options and 18 of 25 Band 1 (priority) applicants into smaller homes.

Shoreline chief executive Tony Bramley said: "The government's changes to the benefits system are having a big impact on both social landlords and tenants.

"We didn't bring in these measures; in fact we warned of the probable human consequences – some of which we are now seeing.

"We know the bedroom tax is putting many tenants in a difficult financial position. This is our biggest concern but if tenants refuse to pay then we – as the area's largest provider of affordable housing – may start to struggle financially as well.

"Evicting residents is the very last thing we want to do – it's terrible for them and it's bad for us. We've been working for months to identify residents who are at risk of the bedroom tax, helping them move home where possible, or helping with their budget in preparation of the changes.

"We have and will continue to work with residents to ensure they have a suitable, affordable place to live but it would be unfair to the majority of our rent-paying tenants to continue tenancies with people who do not take responsibility and are unwilling to make payments."

HUNDREDS of people took part in a march from Grimsby to Cleethorpes in memory of murdered soldier Lee Rigby.

The walk was the brainchild of former soldier Liam Ladds, 25, who said it was "unbelievable" that Drummer Rigby could survive war in Afghanistan and then be murdered on home soil, in Woolwich.

Almost 300 people gathered at the Cenotaph, in Nuns Corner, Grimsby, yesterday before walking to the war memorial outside St Peter's Church, in Cleethorpes.

Despite Humberside Police attempting to direct walkers away from the mosque, in Weelsby Road, a contingent of English Defence League members who decided to lead the march headed past the building.

Although police dogs and riot vehicles followed the procession, there was no trouble.

Liam, of Grimsby, who served in 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglican Regiment from 2005 to 2010, said it was important to him that the march was peaceful.

He said: "This has nothing to do with race or religion – it is about paying tribute to Lee Rigby and everybody else who is serving in the Forces.

"The fact that Lee was murdered at home in a supposedly safe country hit me and many other people hard and I wanted everybody to come together to pay tribute.

"I'm pleased that so many people have turned out to pay their respects in a peaceful way."

Alison Crossley, 44, of Cleethorpes, has nieces and nephews serving in the Army and said the attack could easily have been on one of them.

The catering assistant said: "My niece is serving in London and it scares me to think that this could have happened to her.

"I've come to pay my respects to everybody who serves in the Forces.

"I laid flowers at the Cenotaph in Grimsby and I have a cross to place in Cleethorpes."

Eddie Gibbs, 34, of Scartho, who served in 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment from 1996 to 2003, played the bugle to commence a moment's silence at Grimsby Cenotaph.

He said: "Nobody is here for trouble. As an ex-squaddie myself, it is about a show of solidarity by the people of Grimsby and Cleethorpes for those serving in the Armed Forces."

Another former serviceman taking part in the march was carer Chris Grant, of Grimsby, who served in 2nd Battalion the Grenadier Guards from 1979 to 1983.

"I'm here to show my support for all of our heroes after what happened in Woolwich," he said.

"I'm one of the lucky ones. I lost a lot of friends in the Falklands and it's hard to think that something like this could happen in a supposedly peaceful country."

Placing a large cross adorned with poppies on Grimsby Cenotaph were Jill Gill, 41, of Grimsby, and her daughters, Laura, 19, and Jemma, 17.

Jill said: "A young solider shouldn't have lost his life and we are here to pay our respects and say thanks for the Armed Forces."

Laura added: "We all need to show our support for the men and women who risk their lives for us."

And Gemma said: "Taking five hours to make the cross is nothing compared to what people in the Armed Forces do for us every day."