FIVE pairs from Grange Park Golf Club at Messingham are through to the second round of the of the men's knock-out in the 2013 Telegraph Golf Challenge.

They include Andy Johnson and Steve Bolan who had the biggest first round win so far, beating David Hanley of Forest Pines and his partner James Marklew of Normanby Hall 7&5.

Two other members of Grange Park are also into the next round, partnering players from other clubs.

And there was almost glory for another pair from Grange Park in the first round of the seniors competition.

John Kitwood and Terry Neil fought back from four-down at the half way mark to have a putt on the final green to knock out reigning champions John Bayliss and Tony Danns of Cleethorpes.

But they could not sink it – and Bayliss and Danns went on to clinch victory on the first extra hole as darkness descended.

All first round matches in the men's section must be played by Sunday, June 9.

Arrangements are still being finalised for the two semi-finals in the ladies competition. Details will be announced shortly.

One will be held in the Grimsby area and the other in the Scunthorpe area.

Finals day for the 2013 Telegraph Golf Challenge is at Forest Pines on Thursday, September 26.

And this year the prizes are even bigger and better for the winners of the men's, seniors and ladies sections, with a round of golf at one of England's top courses – Wentworth, Woburn or The Belfry.

MEN: Richard Scales & Colin Deas (Waltham Windmill) beat Kerry Ling & Mark Adderley (Holme Hall) 2&1; John Cox & Mark Appleyard (Cleethorpes) beat Tim Barnby & Mick McHale (Ashby Decoy) 1 1up; Pete Bright & Darren Grainger (Grange Park) beat Pete Wilson & Phil Medley (Normanby Park) 3&2; Pete Holland & John Lewis (Grange Park) beat Boyd Mawer (Cleethorpes) & Gary Simpson (Grimsby) 2up; Mark Genney & Daniel Webber ((Laceby Manor) beat B Nerjup & Chris Nerjup (Waltham Windmill) 4&3; Neil Avison & Ian Ritchie (Grimsby) beat Graham Godson (Holme Hall) & Bohdan Krynyckyj (Normanby Hall) 6&4; Pep del Duca & Jon Bromley (Grange Park) beat Garry Kerr & Dean Martin (Immingham) 4&3; Andy Beale & Andy Crellin (Ashby Decoy) lost to Mick Lewis & Mick Carlile (Immingham) 3&1; Mike Thirde & John Holden (Elsham) beat Matt Smith & Steve Williams (Cleethorpes) 1 up; Lee Cockerill (Cleethorpes) & Adam Wainwright (Gainsborough) lost to Ian Strong &Cliff Byrne (Grange Park) 1down; David Childs & Keith Jensen (Waltham Windmill) beat Eric Wilkinson & Jamie Mitcheson (Grange Park); Mick Galvin & Nick Marsh (Holme Hall) beat John Staples & Robert Duncan (Cleethorpes) 2&1; David Heard & Craig Heard (Grimsby) beat John Carolan & John Meagher (Forest Pines) 1up; Ian Bonner & Steve Fitzpatrick (Ashby Decoy) beat Spencer Wressle & Phil Taylor (Grimsby) 4&2; Jim Waite & Neil Woods (Waltham Windmill) beat Steve Fenty & Neil Pearce (Grimsby) 2&1; Dave Keightley & Jim Martin (Holme Hall) beat Paul Fenty & Mark Warner (Grimsby) at the 20th hole; Keith Moody & John James (Ashby Decoy) beat Roger Lingard & Barry Portess (Elsham) 2&1; Steve Kelly (Grange Park) & Pete Stamp (Ashby Decoy) beat Nick Barker & Karl Finch (Laceby Manor) 1up; Dave Robinson & Paul Gray (Ashby Decoy) beat Malcolm Yates & Brian Mills (Forest Pines) 1up; Damien Gillen & Gareth Fox Ashby Decoy) beat John Fox & Keith Barker (Grange Park) 1up; Paul Gorman & Steve Irving lost to Mark Graham & S Hague (Ashby Decoy) 3&2; Jordan Campbell & Robert Campbell (Holme Hall) beat Tim Howard & Terry Steels (Immingham) 4&3; Ben Bembrick & Roy Ling (Laceby Manor) beat Andy Barker & Tony Freeman (Holme Hall) 2&1; Steve Bolan & Andrew Johnson (Grange Park) beat David Hanley (Forest Pines) & James Marklew (Normanby Hall) 7&5; Alan Boucher & Glyn Riley (Ashby Decoy) beat Tony Wood (Immingham) & Ian Stephenson (Cleethorpes) 5&4; Jim Bell & Keith Holness (Cleethorpes) lost to Andy Ecelson (Forest Pines) & Alan Robinson (Grange Park) 1down; Steve Unwin & Ian Penniston (Market Rasen) lost to Craig Brocklebank & Jon Tyson (Grimsby) 3&2.

SENIORS: Paul Newman (Waltham Windmill) & John Peacock (Cleethorpes) lost to v's MD Gray & J Bowring (Holme Hall) 4&2; Nick Robey (Market Rasen) & Ted Heath (Grimsby) beat Andrew Davey & Stephen Wood (Waltham Windmill); John Kitwood & Terry Neall (Grange Park) lost to John Bayliss & Tony Dann (Cleethorpes) at the 19th hole; Rod Gamble & John Drust (Holme Hall) beat Phil Welby & Roger Holt (Cleethorpes) at the 19th hole; Frank Foster & John Martin (Holme Hall) beat Ian Legg & Brian Topham (Grimsby) 2&1; John Abraham & Ray Mayfield (Waltham Windmill) beat Arthur McUrich & Graham Foulton (Humberston) 3&2; Archie Welsh & David Laing (Grimsby) beat Jim Herbert & Alan Brown (Grange Park) 2&1; Roger Goldsmith & Graham Ward (KenwicK Park) beat Tony Shephardson & Bob Steels (Grange Park) 2up; Richard Blakey & Allan Rogers (Laceby Manor) lost to Royston Matthews & John Walker (Holme Hall) 3&1.

HOLIDAYMAKERS have jetted off from Humberside Airport to two new sunshine destinations.

New weekly flights to Alicante, in Spain, and Palma, in Majorca, took off for the first time yesterday.

Airport bosses say the new flights, which are being provided through travel company JetXtra.com, have been introduced to meet local demand.

And passengers boarding the 10.15am to Alicante were certainly delighted at having flights to the Spanish sunshine right on their doorstep.

Muriel Needham, of North Somercotes, was flying to Spain to celebrate her 80th birthday. She visits friends in Alicante between four and five times a year, normally flying from either Doncaster or East Midlands.

She said: "I fly as much as I can from Humberside. It is a real joy and so convenient. I came to the airport by taxi and it took about 30 minutes, whereas to Doncaster it is and hour and a half, and to East Midlands two hours, so that is a big saving for me.

"I go to stay with Spanish friends in Alicante. The city is beautiful."

By contrast, Immingham couple Peter and Christine Thacker were jetting off to Benidorm for the first time.

Looking forward to two weeks in the Spanish sun, Christine, 71, said: "We like to go from Humberside because it's so convenient. We got a lift and it only takes ten minutes, which is ideal."

Wayne Swales, 29, of Hainton Avenue, Grimsby, was taking his six-year-old daughter Angel for a one-week break.

He said: "We went to Alicante when she was younger from another airport. Flying from here is so much easier."

The flights, which are operating every Tuesday throughout the summer season depart for Alicante at 10.15am and for Palma at 4pm, on a 125-seat capacity Boeing 717 operated by Spanish airline Volotea.

Amanda George, business manager at Humberside Airport, said: "We are extremely pleased to welcome jetXtra to Humberside and look forward to continuing our close cooperation and increasing the number of destinations we offer to local people out of the airport.

"These two new destinations will cater for almost 5,000 passengers over the summer months which is great news for the airport."

JetXtra.com director Daniel Reilly said: "It is an incredibly competitive market, but the response to these new flights has been very positive.

"The new flight services for East Riding and Lincolnshire will offer more choice to those who want real value for money flights and holidays but with no hidden fees."

A GRANDFATHER has died just three days after been diagnosed with cancer.

John Shearsmith, 57, is described by his daughter as "the best ever" who "would give to everyone and take nothing".

John, who lived with his wife Diane and two of his five grandchildren on the Willows estate, in Grimsby, had suffered from ill health for the past nine years.

He had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which left him hooked to an oxygen tank 24 hours a day.

However, it was eventually cancer in his liver, bowel, stomach and kidney which caused his death.

Daughter Lisa Harding, 34, said: "Dad loved life and was everyone's friend.

"He was known by almost everyone on the estate.

"He brought me and my stepbrother Andrew up brilliantly, and he adored his grandchildren.

"Dad really began to change when his health deteriorated and over the past few years he had lost the majority of his confidence."

John's family describe him as a "handy-man" as he put his hand to most things.

Lisa said: "He has had several jobs during his life, from a HGV driver to an undertaker.

"His favourite job though was driving disabled children around to various places they needed to be. The children loved him and he was so kind and patient with them all.

"That was dad's personality, though, always putting others before himself."

When he did have any spare time, John took pride in his garden and enjoyed tidying it up and making it look smart.

He had also just got used to using a laptop and his family are still receiving items that he bought online.

His funeral was held at Grimsby Crematorium and his ashes have been shared between his wife and daughter.

Lisa said: "We are getting tribute jewellery made as well so Dad will be with us forever.

"For the funeral we planned that any donations made would be sent to Ward B4 at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital. Staff on there took good care of my dad and he was happy."

AN OUTSTANDING Grimsby teacher has won national recognition.

Rachel Revell, the head of English at Oasis Academy Wintringham, was awarded a distinction by the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards after coming runner-up in the Midlands section of the nationwide contest.

She was nominated by a former student at the academy for her hard work and determination to help every student.

This year, more than 24,000 teachers from throughout the country were nominated.

Rachel, who has been English teacher for nine years, said: "It's a great honour and was a total surprise.

"It's so nice to know that I am making such a big impact on my students' lives.

"The student who nominated me has said that he now wants to go into teaching because of me.

"I went into teaching because of one of my teachers, so it's really nice to be the encouragement for him.

"I love my job and I love what I do. I am so proud to be chosen and I want to thank everyone that had such kind comments to say about me."

After being nominated, judges visited teachers at their school to observe them.

The judges then spoke to groups of students and their parents, as well as staff and the heads of schools to build up an idea of the teacher's character and impact on the school.

One of Rachel's current students, Harry Dixon, 16, said: "She has a unique way of teaching.

"She can explain things in different ways so everybody can understand."

And Simeon Bentley, 16, said: "You are never bored in her classes or confused.

"She makes everything easy to understand for everybody.

"She has the balance between being strict and being easy with the students that a lot of teachers don't get."

Principal Jane Bowman said: "This nomination and the award is a tremendous accolade for Rachel.

"It is great recognition for a teacher who gives so much.

"To have a student leave the school but feel the need to come back and state how great her teaching was is tremendous.

"We are all enormously proud of her. This reflect very highly on Rachel and on the school.

"The judges asked students, parents and other staff members about Rachel and they got phenomenal feedback."

ON THE WEB: Share your successes by posting online at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

A HOSPITAL newsletter is moving away from print and now will now appear online instead.

The traditional paper format will be ousted and a web version – which members of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) can access – will be sent out via e-mail.

Members of the trust receive two newsletters a year from the organisation, providing them with an update of what has been happening with service developments, new appointments and general governor and member news.

Now, staff have decided to make the newsletter more interactive, filled with more information, news and developments from across the trust.

Alison Hurley, membership manager, said: "More and more people have access to e-mails these days, either on a home computer or a smartphone, so we decided to go digital with our members' newsletter which also helps towards the Trust's Cost Improvement Programme and in ensuring our funds are directed towards providing quality patient care wherever possible.

"It is, therefore, imperative that we have the e-mail addresses of our members.

"If a member has not already provided us with an e-mail address, they can call 01724 387946 or e-mail nlg-tr.foundationtrust office@nhs.net to do so.

"Members don't want to miss out on our first bumper digital newsletter."

The members' newsletter will also be available to view on the trust website at www.nlg.nhs.uk

THE trust which provides ambulance care to the people of North East Lincolnshire does not have enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people's needs, according to a new report.

The Care Quality Commission published its report into East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) provision last week following a routine inspection made in March 2013.

The report's findings showed that the trust was failing to meet the expected standard in three out of six areas, including care and welfare of people who use services, staffing and supporting workers.

The news came days after EMAS was hit with a £3.5-million fine after it missed a target for responding to emergency calls for the third year in a row.

Ambulances are supposed to arrive at 95 per cent of all life-threatening emergencies within 19 minutes.

But EMAS missed this target by three per cent despite meeting the target of attending 75 per cent of life threatening emergencies within eight minutes.

The service has lost £11 million in fines for missing the emergency response target in the last three years. It was fined £5 million for missing the target in 2010-11 and £2.5 million for missing the target in 2011-12.

Christine Talbot, from the health scrutiny committee at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "It is absolutely appalling that East Midlands Ambulance Service has been fined such a substantial sum of money. This is for the third year running – so we come to expect it. It is a massive amount of money.

"EMAS bosses keep assuring us that they are meeting the all important response times in Lincolnshire but this just proves they are not.

"Yet again, it is worrying news."

The failure over the target follows criticism over plans to replace 65 ambulance stations across the region with nine "superhubs", 19 stations and more than 100 community points over the next five years.

East Midlands clinical commissioning groups, which now oversee the performance of EMAS, have reassured patients action will be taken to improve the service's performance. Doctor Yvonne Owen, GP and locality lead for Lincolnshire East Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "It's vital that patients in the East Midlands receive high quality care as swiftly as possible and clearly there is still work to do to ensure that EMAS achieve the response standards required. All of our patients can be assured that we have acted and invested to significantly uplift performance."

SMALL businesses that were trying to survive in "difficult times" could ill-afford to have their premises targeted for crime or "ransacked" by burglars, a court heard.

Luke Lond, 23, of Milton Road, Grimsby, admitted burglary on April 21.

James Byatt, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Lond and another man raided the premises of John Wilson Motors in St Giles Avenue, Scartho.

Police were alerted and Lond and the other man, Jason Gladding, were seen in an alleyway.

At least one of them climbed onto the roof of the nearby premises of Vets For Pets.

The police helicopter was called in. Lond later gave himself up, with his hands raised, but Gladding was not detained at the scene.

The burglars had made a 6ft hole in a wire fence and had broken a window before entering a workshop containing four cars which were there for maintenance.

A filing cabinet was forced open. Tools, valued at £1,300, were found near a hole in the fence.

Damage estimated at £300 was caused.

A button from Lond's top was found at the scene.

Gladding was later jailed for 16 weeks for two commercial burglaries.

Lond had breached a previous supervision order imposed at the same court on March 1 for possessing cannabis with intent to supply and possessing cocaine.

Simon Hirst, mitigating, said Lond had shown a "degree of perception" about his offending and had written a letter to the court.

He had a wife and a child, with another on the way, the court heard.

Recorder Robin Mairs told Lond: "These are difficult times for small businesses and they can do without people like you who break in and ransack and cause damage."

Lond was given a ten-month suspended prison sentence, a one-year supervision order, six months' drug rehabilitation and a three-month 7pm to 6am curfew.

THE man who brought the "big screen" to film buffs in North East Lincolnshire has finally been awarded his MBE.

Gerald Parkes, 68, the founder of Parkway Cinema in Louth and Cleethorpes, was presented his prestigious award by Tony Worth, Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire.

Unfortunately Gerald is currently unwell but is happy to let people know he is receiving care and treatment at St Andrew's Hospice in Grimsby.

This is where his MBE was handed over, in front of his wife and sons who had kept the date of the presentation from him as a surprise.

Gerald said: "I was deeply moved by the whole event and was not expecting any of it.

"I found out about the MBE when my name was on this year's New Year's Honours List.

"The Queen was honouring me for my long service to the cinema industry."

Gerald first began working in the industry in 1960 as a rewind boy at Wakefield's ABC Regal.

He began to change our cinema experience in 1996 when he opened the Playhouse in Louth.

But his passion continued and he went on to build the Parkway Cinema multiplex cinema in Cleethorpes in 2004.

"I have been very fortunate as I have worked all my life in a job that I love", he said.

"I feel honoured to have received such an award. Despite me being in the hospice receiving respite, my family pulled out all the stops to make this presentation a wonderful occasion."

Parkway Entertainment is one of the most successful independent cinema operations in the country, with cinemas in Louth, Barnsley and Cleethorpes, and plans in place to develop a new multiplex in Beverley.

The Parkway in Cleethorpes was also named Best New UK Cinema in 2011.

Gerald said: "In a market dominated by very large multinational cinema operators, establishing a modern, thriving cinema business is no mean feat.

"This recognition of a lifetime of hard work is very gratefully received and we look forward to a bright future for Parkway Entertainment."

Tony Worth said: "It was a pleasure in rewarding the efforts of this family-owned business, particularly as it brings cinema closer to local communities that might not otherwise be served."

Scott Marshall, of Parkway Cinema, said: "Gerald has such a passion for the cinema industry and quite often attends meetings all around the country to ensure that his views are heard.

"He always says 'as soon as a customer walks through the door, our aim is to offer the very best experience'. We are all very proud of him and his MBE award, he truly deserves it."

ANYONE frustrated by the number of loan players at Blundell Park last season, look away now.

Grimsby Town's bosses used the market to their advantage then and appear poised to rely it on even more next term.

The co-managers were able to bring the likes of Tom Naylor, Nathan Pond and Scott Neilson to the club on short-term deals for a fraction of their contracted wages.

Other loan rangers to make an impact included Ross Hannah, before returning on a permanent basis, and Marcus Marshall.

Between them, that group played a huge part in firing the Mariners to a top-five finish and a Wembley final.

Not all of their forays into this market were a massive success, though, as I'm sure the joint bosses will readily admit.

The likes of Michael Rankine, Cleveland Taylor and Dougie Wilson hardly played a game, while returning hero Jamie Devitt never lived up to expectations.

It all turned a bit sour for Richard Brodie, meanwhile, after his Wembley penalty miss and rapid return to Crawley. But that's the chance you take with loanees, who need to hit the ground running and bring an instant reward – or head straight out again.

With budget cuts – combined with the bosses' stated aim to put quality above quantity – that reliance on the loan market looks set to increase next season.

Rob Scott and Paul Hurst have said that a reduced, 18-man squad will be the platform to build on for the 2013/14 campaign – four or five players light of the numbers they were carrying for much of last term.

Picking up the slack when injuries or suspensions hit will invariably be more loanees.

And ensuring these temporary additions can not only deputise, but also improve on what is already here, will again be the managers' aim.

Speaking to the Telegraph earlier this month, Scott admitted that loan rangers could be more important than ever when the new season begins on August 10.

He said: "Tom Naylor is on very, very good wages at a Championship club and we got him at 75 per cent less than he was earning there.

"That's where the loan market is good. People question it, but you can pick up players for a lot less than they're on at their parent club.

"What we could afford to pay is probably less than half of what he is on at Derby.

"That's where you have to manipulate the financial restraints by going out and seeing what is out there.

"That's something we'll have to look into a little bit deeper again next season."

In an ideal world, we would all love to have a squad made up of permanent signings who live locally and 'care deeply' about the club.

But football has changed and the Mariners have to adapt to that if they are to claw their way out of the Conference.

With finances stretched, a small squad supplemented by clever loan acquisitions seems to be the way forward for everyone.

And if Scott and Hurst can pull some more rabbits – or Naylors, Ponds and Neilsons – out of the hat next season, then I'm all for it.

THIS father and son have launched a new market aimed at keeping a beloved area of Cleethorpes alive for years to come.

Michael and David Miller – the son-in-law and grandson of Wonderland founder Dudley Bowers – are behind a new market in the building adjacent to Wonderland, bringing back all the best features of the once-popular venue.

As reported, Wonderland owners Town And Country Markets sold the historic building earlier this year, leaving the market traders nowhere else to go.

However, amusement caterers Michael and David have now teamed up with the owners of the neighbouring arcade building to bring back the facility – much to the relief of the traders.

David, 32, said: "We wanted to do this to keep this area of the prom alive. It was dying after Wonderland closed down.

"We had a word with the traders. They all used to know me and my dad from when he used to run Wonderland.

"The new market is full – there are about 20 stalls in all – selling everything from toys to tools and crafts to fashion. We also have a cafe.

"Nearly all the traders we have are people who used to be at Wonderland, but there are no duplicates. Every stall is different.

"We were hearing complaints from visitors that the old market had closed, so we have brought the best of it back to a new venue."

And the stall holders are equally delighted to be back.

Veteran trader John Malik of J R Leather Goods had been working out of Wonderland market since 1980 until it closed down.

He is over the moon to be "back home" on the seafront and looking forward to welcoming customers new and old.

He said: "I have worked here every Sunday and bank holiday since then, so coming here is automatic for me.

"This new venue is great. It's nice and clean and there is plenty to see. Come and have a look."

Gill Thornes, who has run her fashion outlet Labels in Wonderland for 25 years said it was a "real relief" the new venue was now up and running.

She said: "It's back to what we know again and business is already beginning to pick up.

"It is a lot more pleasant here – it's cleaner and nicer.

"We just need to let more people know we are here and still trading on Cleethorpes seafront."

MOTORCYCLE racer Guy Martin roars into his ninth Isle of Man TT this week insisting "I'm as well prepared as I've ever been."

The Kirmington speedster has 13 podium finishes to his name at the most famous road racing event of them all.

But that precious first ever win on the island still eludes him – although you wouldn't know it from the lorry mechanic and part-time television personality's demeanour.

Ahead of another tilt at glory, the 31-year-old told the Telegraph: "It's not been a bad start to the season and obviously I want to win one at the TT but you can only do what you can do.

"I'm as well prepared as I've ever been and I'm probably fitter than I've ever been.

"So we'll see, but you can never be too confident can you? There's so much that could go wrong in this game.

"I race push-bikes more than motorbikes now and that makes me fitter for the motorbike racing.

"You don't need to be especially fit to race motorbikes – you're just sitting there really – but it can't do any harm, can it?"

Practice for the prestigious event began on Monday on the island ahead of Martin's first shot at ending his duck on Saturday, in the Dainese Superbike contest.

That race over six laps of the famous 37-mile circuit is followed by four more opportunities next week.

And after recording victories at the Ian Watson Spring Cup and Cookstown 100 events this season, Martin is in confident mood – despite a wash-out at the North West 200 this month.

He added: "The North West was bad for everyone because you get a load of spectators over there to watch it, but then the rain comes and it's not really anyone's fault is it?

"If anything, it helped my preparations for the TT though – we had a fair bit of time on the bikes practicing.

"We had a few little issues and it's better off sorting them out at the North West than it would have been at the TT.

"We've come across a new tyre combination and we like that a bit better, and we've made a few changes to the Supersport bike as well.

"So we didn't race but it was still definitely worth going and we're in decent shape ahead of the big one."

Keep track of Guy Martin's quest for TT glory at thisisgrimsby.co.uk/sport

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 30-year-old who died after his van collided with a tree.

Stuart Carter, of Sand Lane, Osgodby, was officially named by Lincolnshire Police yesterday, following the fatal collision on Friday.

It is still not known what caused the accident, which saw his Astra van leave the B1434 at Owersby Moor, Holton-le-Moor, near Market Rasen, at about 11.05pm.

However, it is believed the van was the only vehicle involved.

An inquest into Mr Carter's death is due to be opened and resumed on Thursday.

At the time of going to press, Mr Carter's family were said by the police to be too upset to speak publicly.

However, among the floral tributes left at the scene was a framed picture of Mr Carter, a National Hot Rod driver, who was well-known on the circuit as the driver of car 85.

Staff at Nationalhotrod.com posted on its website: "National Hot Rod #85 Stu Carter tragically lost his life in a car crash.

"Stu and his family are all long time oval racing fans, Stu having raced in various Hot Rod classes across most tracks, as well as being famous for campaigning a Focus, 206, Tigra and SLK very successfully in the elite class for National Hot Rods for many seasons.

"Our heartfelt condolences to Peter, Scott and all of Stu's family and many friends."

And further tributes from the Hot Rod community have been pouring in to the popular driver via Twitter.

Danielle Coe posted: "Heaven has gained a very great angel. Rest in peace Stuart Carter. You will never be forgotten."

The Stock Car Twitter account added: "Another one from the stock car 'family' taken too soon. Thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of Stu Carter NHR 85."

Andy Latham said: "Just heard awful news about Stu Carter national hot rod #85 RIP", and while Alan Wenden wrote: "RIP NHR 85, Stu Carter. Your family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time."

A further tribute was paid by David Anderson who said: "Sad to hear about the death of Stu Carter, Oval racing has lost another legend."

Friends also left messages of condolence at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

Ruderov69 posted: "RIP my friend. We will miss you more than you could ever think."

GRIMSBY Town's bosses are working around the clock in their bid to bring new players to Blundell park.

However, Rob Scott believes there will be only one or two new signings before Grimsby Town's players return for pre-season training on June 27.

So far, Scott Neilson has been the Mariners' only signing of the close-season, with the former loanee joining on a one-year-deal.

That leaves Scott and co-manager Paul Hurst with a squad of 13 as it stands – around five players shy of their desired number for the new campaign

However, the joint bosses insist that, even if only one or two more players arrive before that squad reports back, they won't be too concerned.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Scott said: "It's still very early days in terms of bringing anyone in. Players from the Football League are still contracted until the end of June – even if they've been released, they are going to leave their options open until their contracts run down.

"As we stand, we've got 13 players coming back for pre-season.

"Although that doesn't sound a lot, it's a good nucleus and we're quite happy with what we've got so far.

"Even if we come back for pre-season with what we've got, that's okay with us.

"We would then have six weeks before the start of the season to bring players in – there's plenty of time yet."

Outwardly things may look quiet on the transfer front, but Scott insists there are irons in the fire.

He continued: "We've spoken to plenty of players – you speak to a lot because you're not going to narrow your market down by only speaking to one or two players.

"Everyone knows that we've got a reduced budget and that we're going to go with a smaller squad – albeit with more quality.

"The only sticking point is that the quality costs more money because we're going to have a reduced budget.

"We want to bring that quality in and the gulf between the highest and the lowest earners in the squad will probably be bigger than it was last season.

"We're going to have to get a few players in that are genuine squad players, who can't command as high of a wage because they're unproven.

"But, as we've also said, we want to bring in experience as well so it's a bit of a catch-22 situation, and that's why we're waiting a bit."

CHRISTIAN faith leaders have today come together to condemn the "horrific" petrol bomb attack on a Grimsby mosque as two fathers – both ex-soldiers, one of whom had served in Iraq – were accused of arson.

Grimsby men Stuart Harness, 33, and Gavin Humphries, 37, are charged with arson with intent to endanger the lives of others on May 26.

Their high-profile appearance before Grimsby magistrates attracted national television coverage – and during the hearing, four local men draped England and union flags on railings outside the court.

As police confirmed they will continue to patrol the area around the mosque, in Weelsby Road, Christian groups in North East and Northern Lincolnshire came together to say: "We are appalled and deeply saddened by the horrific and foolish act against a peaceful worshipping community.

"While no one, thankfully, was physically hurt in this attack, the effect will be felt very deeply not only by the members of the mosque, but by the wider community of Grimsby.

"All are entitled to worship peacefully, and to enjoy and be enriched by, the community of their place of worship without fear.

"After our horror at the events in Woolwich and this attack in Grimsby, we pray for, and encourage, friendship, and not violence, as the first response to a crisis.

"Our thoughts, prayers and support are with the Muslim community of Grimsby and around the country."

The accused men, both of the same address in Dixon Avenue, Grimsby, appeared in custody before the magistrates – who were told they would both be "vigorously denying" the allegations.

The hearing was told how Harness was born in New Holland and had served in the Army for 13 years, including in Iraq, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.

He had children and worked as a radiographer for a Stallingborough engineering company, said Mr Foreman. Humphries, a father of two, had served in the Army but was now unemployed, and his family live in Grimsby.

The mother of Harness was among those in the public gallery for the hearing and they briefly spoke to each other through a small gap in the secure dock.

Prosecuting, Brendan Woodward gave details of the alleged offences to the court and asked for both defendants to be remanded in custody.

The cases were sent to Grimsby Crown Court under a fast-track system for more serious cases.

Defence solicitors Richard Hackfath, representing Humphries, and Roy Foreman, for Harness, asked for both defendants to be allowed bail.

The magistrates refused the request after lengthy deliberations and both men were further remanded in custody.

Both defence solicitors indicated that the men would be vigorously denying the allegations, and no formal pleas were taken.

Humphries and Harness are due to appear before the higher court on June 7.

The case attracted several television reporters and camera crews.

The four Grimsby-area men who turned up outside the court and draped flags on railings, told the Grimsby Telegraph they did not represent any particular group, but were concerned for the future of their country.

One said: "We want our country back. We are not racist but we want our country back."

Police have today said they will continue to patrol the mosque, and keep in touch with the community there.

As reported, there was a separate incident at the mosque last Thursday, when 11 teenagers were arrested after smashing windows and damaging cars.

Police said those arrested had been drinking at a nearby house party and were seemingly left to their own devices, which resulted in the party getting out of hand and a group of teenagers causing a lot of damage and distress for residents in the area.

Following early investigations, six of those people have been released without charge.

Four 16-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy have been released on bail until the end of June.