WORKSHOPS will be held to give carers the skills, knowledge and support they need to look after loved ones with dementia.

The Carers Support Programme for non-professional carers will start in June and will give them monthly workshops with useful advice from professionals.

The scheme will be run by mental health service Navigo with the Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Service, with workshops on specific issues such as incontinence.

Tilly Brock, admiral nurse clinical lead, said: "Most people never expect to find themselves in that position, so when they do, they may not have the knowledge and skills to give people the love and care they deserve.

"The aim of this workshop is to teach them and, ultimately, to reduce the stress and burden that many carers have to bear as it is a difficult and daunting job that many people do without pay."

Sandra Dawson, carers support worker for Navigo, believes that those who go may learn as much from others there as from health professionals.

She said: "Caring for someone with dementia can be very lonely and isolating as other friends and family members often don't know what to do and stop coming round.

"Sometimes, getting out of the house and speaking to someone who understands and is in the same situation can mean a lot to a carer.

"Talking and sharing has huge emotional benefits but it also helps teach people how to care – carers learn a great deal from each other."

Carers have been invited to a launch day at The Gardens Conservatory in the Konar Suite at Grimsby's Diana Princess Of Wales Hospital, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Tuesday, June 11, during National Carers Week (June 10-16).

This will be a chance to find out what's on offer and the first workshop will take place at Harrison House, Peaks Lane, Grimsby, on Friday, June 14, with details to be confirmed.

There will also be an open event for carers at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall on Monday, June 10, from 1pm to 7pm, offering all kinds of advice.

If you want to know more about the workshops, contact Sandra or Tilly on 01472 625982.

ON THE WEB: Find links to more information for carers at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

FREEMAN Street Market's management team and stall holders are 100 per cent committed to the regeneration of the street.

That is the message from market manager Steve Gotts as the latest reinvigoration of the street is set to begin.

The first phase of the regeneration scheme should be completed by December and Steve believes this latest plan to kick start the street back into action could be just what is needed to bring back the glory days.

Freeman Street was once the place to shop – hosting names such as Marks And Spencer and Woolworths. Steve said: "This could make a big difference. There have been plans and proposals before and they have faded to nothing, but there have been meetings and commitments have been made to this now.

"£125,000 has already been committed to refurbishing the shop fronts, which many stores have already signed up for.

"The first phase is already committed and the second will be soon as well.

"We have adequate parking provisions, which is key to bringing people in.

"Freeman street was once the high street of Grimsby and I believe there is still a need for what we have to offer.

"We are committed to serving the area, which we have shown by investing more than £1million into refurbishing and improving the market.

"The market caters for everybody with everything, including fresh produce and butchers and a range of other stalls.

"Using local businesses and local markets is key to keeping money in the local area.

"These stores generally use local wholesalers who employ local people and use local producers.

"It benefits the local area.

"I believe the regeneration will come to fruition and be a big step towards rejuvenating the street."

Some national chains remain in Freeman Street, such as Wilkinsons, Boyes and Iceland and Heron recently invested in a new store down there, having outgrown its home on the opposite side of the street.

ON THE WEB: Do you think Freeman Street can ever be restored to its former glory? Have your say by commenting online at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

VOLUNTEER lifesavers have reported a sharp increase in the number of emergencies they are attending.

Lives first responders have been called out to 4,732 incidents throughout Lincolnshire during the first quarter of this year.

That is 14 per cent up – or 545 more incidents – compared to the same period last year.

In addition, Lives – which stands for Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service – believes other health services have seen a similar increase in pressure.

Dr Yvonne Owen, pictured below right, clinical director for Lives, says the increase could be down to people seeking help sooner once they feel ill.

"I have seen a change in behaviour from patients in the 20 years that I have been a GP," she said.

"People are looking for help a lot quicker these days when they have health problems.

"For example, if they have chest pains, they are advised to call 999 or 111 straight away, so that could be a reason for the increase in calls.

"We tend to respond to lots of calls that are from people with acute breathing problems.

"I chair the urgent care network in the county and all the services are seeing a similar increase at the moment."

Dr Owen says that the increase in calls is a positive development, although it is putting a strain on the service.

"It is a positive from our point of view as our volunteers don't want to be sitting at home looking at their phones," she said.

"They would rather be out there helping people.

"There are still some pockets of the county where we don't have a responder. We are looking for new recruits."

The charity believes it will cost £1 million to run the service this year. On average, it costs Lives £50 to attend an emergency. About 80 per cent of its funding comes from donations and the rest comes from local health commissioners.

The service plays a vital role in helping other 999 crews hit their response targets.

If Lives didn't exist, the organisation believes the ambulance service would need to be three times bigger to cope with the extra workload.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) spokesman Phil Morris said: "The support provided by Lives is very much appreciated.

"The increase in activity they are experiencing mirrors that of ambulance services across the UK and EMAS.

"For more than a decade, the number of 999 calls we receive has grown each year by around six per cent and it appears there are many reasons for this, including an increasing elderly population and members of the public now ringing 999 for less serious conditions.

"The 999 number should only be used for genuine emergencies."

THE business of beauty has turned ugly as international fraudsters scam consumers out of hundreds of pounds.

Trading Standards officers in North East Lincolnshire are warning people to beware of online criminals offering free samples of Dead Sea beauty kits and collagen serums.

The team has received complaints from some residents who have fallen prey to fraudulent websites and Facebook pages that offer the opportunity to sample the "ancient secrets of the Dead Sea".

Consumers who order free samples – but who must provide their bank details first – go on to receive unsolicited goods, and have hundreds of pounds removed from their accounts without their knowledge.

Investigations have revealed that the company does not have offices in London, as it claims, but appears to be working out of Israel and the USA.

The organisation is currently subject to extensive investigation by national authorities, and the local Trading Standards team has today issued a warning.

It comes during Scams Awareness Month, when people are being warned to be on guard against all sorts of unscrupulous cheats, fraudsters and swindlers.

In yesterday's Grimsby Telegraph, the team warned about the dangers of smuggled Jin Ling cigarettes, which are illegal in the UK because they do not comply with European Standards.

Neil Clark, the community protection manager at Trading Standards in Grimsby, said: "We know that three million consumers in the UK fall victim to scams every year, with criminal networks raking in more than £3.5 billion as a result.

"However, as it is estimated that only five per cent of victims ever report being scammed, this is more than likely just the tip of a very large iceberg."

Councillor Hazel Chase, portfolio holder for Safer And Stronger Communities at the council, added: "Times are tough for everyone at the moment, and freebies can be very tempting.

"I would urge local people to follow the advice given by our Trading Standards team and always check to make sure you know what you are signing up for when shopping online."

If you have been affected by a scam like this, report it to the Citizens' Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506.

ON THE WEB: Visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk for advice on how you can stay safer when shopping online.

THERE could be miscarriages of justice because of the Government's legal aid shake-up, a Grimsby solicitor has warned.

Michael Culshaw, pictured, of Michael Culshaw & Co, said: "What Chris Grayling is saying is that defendants should not have the right to choose a solicitor – so they would be prosecuted by the state and represented by the state.

"Everyone has the right to a fair trial.

"From next year though, the state will choose your lawyer for you, no matter what.

"You can choose your doctor, your dentist, your children's school but not your lawyer."

Mr Culshaw added: "Client choice ensures we, as lawyers, work to the best of our ability for you.

"Take it away and what incentive is there for the state-appointed lawyer?

"Miscarriages of justice will follow. How much will that cost the taxpayer?

"These proposals are an attempt by the Government to reduce legal aid spend.

"They aim to save £200-million a year, yet the taxpayer is owed about £450-billion from the bailed-out banks!

"How does that even compare? Wouldn't the taxpayer prefer this billion-pound debt to be paid first?

"Legal aid spend represents about one per cent of the Government's annual expenditure.

"Why are we being targeted? Money can easily be saved by scrapping taxpayers' money being used on idiotic call centres used to alert us to clients' arrests.

"Scrap them and have the police simply call us upon an arrest like they used to do.

"Now, call centres are used at massive costs. Why?

"We work efficiently and economically in a system that is ineffective and uneconomical."

PROPOSALS to ask solicitors to cover vast areas – and force defendants to be represented by out-of-area solicitors – could lead to "total chaos".

The warning comes from Grimsby solicitor Ernie Lidster, of EC Lidster & Co, who said: "We have always considered our country to have the best criminal justice system in the world, founded on the right to proper legal representation of choice.

"The Lord Chancellor suggests that ordinary members of the public are no longer capable of making that choice and are no longer to be in a position of being able to do so.

"Only the wealthy will have any choice of representation in the future if the current proposals go through.

"National bodies could end up being awarded contracts and there will be no freedom of choice available to any other than the wealthy.

"Quality of representation will decline. There will be no incentive for criminal defence lawyers to go that extra yard.

"Those that remain in existence will find that they have to cover a number of police stations and courts over large geographical areas 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the case of police stations.

"These proposals cannot work and it would be impossible for anybody operating a business to conclude that they could."

Mr Lidster added: "The majority of people arrested by the police are not later charged with criminal offences.

"Many of them are totally innocent of any wrongdoing whatsoever. Many others are vulnerable and weak.

"It is important that they retain the freedom of choice of representation by lawyers who they know and trust."

He said: "It is every individual's basic right while detained in police custody to have legal representation of their choice by professionals in whom they have confidence.

"Every individual should have the same right, regardless of their personal circumstances, whether they are wealthy, middle class, working class, unemployed or juvenile.

"Remember, false allegations are often made.

"The police and other prosecuting authorities often do get things wrong.

"Innocent people are often wrongly arrested, false allegations are often made against people.

"In the future, it could be you or a member of your family or close friend who is arrested for something you or they haven't done – and it may be then that for the first time in your life, you or that other person will require the services of a criminal defence lawyer.

"Who would you want? An independent solicitor of your choice in whom you have confidence – or a poorly-paid, state-appointed lackey?"

Mr Lidster claimed that, if the proposals went through, there was a "real danger" that a person could find himself suffering the following chain of events:

Arrested by the state (police).

Prosecuted by the state (Crown Prosecution Service).

Defended by the state (state-appointed national corporate contract holder or public defender system).

Imprisoned by the state.

Detained and controlled by the state while in prison.

Supervised by the state upon release from prison.

Recalled to prison if the state deemed it appropriate.

Mr Lidster added: "The proposals will not work. One only has to look at the difficulties occurring in the National Health Service and other state-run bodies.

"The problem with the current proposals is that, if they go through, everything could descend in to inevitable total chaos.

"The system of justice will grind to a halt and there will be no independent criminal defence lawyers left in existence to sort the mess out and get the wheels of justice rolling again.

"These proposals must be nipped in the bud now before it is too late."

Mr Lidster has been representing people at Grimsby Crown Court, Grimsby Magistrates' Court and police stations in the Grimsby area for 33 years.

Grimsby defendants could end up being represented by Hull solicitors who know nothing about them if controversial Government proposals over legal aid go ahead. Court Reporter Mark Naylor finds out more.

DEFENCE solicitors are warning that slashing the number of legal aid contracts could mean that Grimsby-area defendants might have to be represented by out-of-town solicitors who have never even met them before.

The proposals could mean that it would be a total lottery over which solicitor represents clients.

Grimsby defendants who have always asked for the same local solicitor could end up being allocated a Hull solicitor they have never heard of and who knows nothing about them, their background or their offending history.

The proposals are being vigorously opposed by Grimsby solicitors, including Nigel Sloane, pictured below right, Ernie Lidster, Michael Culshaw and Andrew Havery.

Mr Sloane, of Roy Foreman & Co, said that clients who had received a good service from their solicitor – and who would want to continue to use the same solicitor – would no longer be able to choose who they want to represent them.

"The solicitor will be appointed for them, like it or not," said Mr Sloane.

"Client choice in who represents them will be a thing of the past.

"The legal profession regards this as objectionable.

"Under the proposals, it could just as easily be a firm from Hull which is allocated to represent you – with no knowledge of the client or their history."

Nationally, the Government is proposing to reduce the number of criminal defence firms holding legal aid contracts by 75 per cent – from 1,600 at the moment to just 400.

In Humberside, it is proposed to have just four firms covering a vast area that would include Hull, Beverley, Bridlington, Grimsby and Scunthorpe.

Work across the region would be shared between four firms through a strict call-centre-controlled system.

Grimsby firms who want to tender for contracts would be expected to be able to cover:

Five magistrates' courts – at Hull, Beverley, Bridlington, Grimsby and Scunthorpe.

Two Crown courts – in Hull and Grimsby.

Seven police stations – three in Hull and others at Beverley, Bridlington, Grimsby and Scunthorpe.

Mr Sloane said: "A firm that tenders has to be able to represent clients in all those police stations and all those courts.

"It will mean extra work for anybody who wants to do that. It is extremely unlikely that any small firm will be able to deliver the service expected by these proposals because the firms will simply not be big enough to cope."

He added that even the larger Grimsby firms would find it virtually impossible to do that.

This would be the case even if they contemplated opening new offices in Hull, with all the huge funding and staffing costs implications.

Some firms might be compelled to consider merging to set up larger firms but even these might not be viable because of the vast area to be covered.

Mr Sloane said that another factor would be a proposed "massive cut in payments" which he claimed were "strangling the profession".

The Government is expected to make a decision on the likely way forward after June 4, when a consultation period ends.

Mr Sloane said: "The public funds available for the work are to be dramatically slashed.

"The Government has reduced average costs by 17 per cent and told solicitors to bid under this to get the cheapest.

"Solicitors feel this will dramatically affect the quality of the service that the general public will get and fear that there will be miscarriages of justice as a result.

"Local solicitors view the proposals as unworkable and are calling for the government to abandon the plans.

"They feel there should be a full and proper review, which has not been undertaken.

"They would then engage with the Government to see what can be achieved sensibly in savings."

A WATER company has announced it will invest millions on reducing leaks – yet it took a whole week to repair a pipe in Eleanor Street which created a huge pool of leaked water.

Anglian Water has announced it will spend £70 million on "improving its sewer network, as well as reducing leakage and minimising the impact of future droughts" at no cost to customers.

However, Dan Scott, manager of Grimsby Tyres and Auto Centre, in Eleanor Street, Grimsby, wishes they'd invested in fixing the burst pipe outside his workshop sooner.

Yesterday, on the day of the announcement, engineers finally arrived and fixed the pipe which caused a huge pool of water to gather outside – a whole week after he first rang up to report the problem.

Mr Scott said: "You can't even measure how much water will have been wasted in the time between me reporting it and them bothering to fix it.

"I reported it last week and thought they might sort it out over the weekend to cause minimal disruption – but customers have had to drive and walk through it all week.

"The engineer came out once before, because it was pulling the tarmac up, but he just put a stick to the floor, listened to the ground, and then went off.

"The annoying thing is that they don't act when all that water is wasted, but they'll probably slap us with a hosepipe ban next week as they usually do when we've had one day of sunshine."

A spokesman for Anglian Water apologised for the delay and said that engineers visited the site and fixed the fault yesterday afternoon.

Obtaining the necessary permissions to work on the site had taken some time.

The spokesman added: "We investigate all reports of leaks as a priority, but with 40,000km of pipes to maintain, we do have to schedule repair jobs according to their severity, and this can sometimes mean a delay in repairing smaller leaks.

"We recognise that no leak can never be considered a good thing and that's why we have doubled what we spend on leakage, investing about £35-million each year on finding and fixing leaks.

"Our leakage rate is around half the national average, as a result, and while we're always looking to improve – we do lead the industry.

"None of this means we can rest on our laurels, and we're constantly striving to improve our position, and would therefore like to reiterate our apology to those customers who feel we have not acted quickly enough on this occasion."

If you spot a leak, you can report it by phoning Anglian Water on 0800 771881.

ANOTHER remembrance tree has been planted in a special garden for the bereaved.

Near And Near Funeral Directors is creating a unique place at the Vanson Centre, in Bradley.

The company is working in partnership with Green Futures to create a garden of remembrance by planting cherry trees.

And more than 100 people turned up to watch the second tree blessed and dedicated to the lives of people cared for by Near and Near in 2012.

The first tree was planted last year and organiser hope to continue the tradition for years to come.

Director Steven Near said: "The planting of the tree marks a new beginning for people.

"We have dedicated this tree to the people we have cared for in 2012 and will be planting another next year to remember those we help in 2013.

"Alongside the tree, we are placing a casket which contains messages of love to the dearly departed from well-wishers so that they will always be connected to this tree.

"This tree represents a place where people who have lost loved ones can come and spend time contemplating in a peaceful and personal setting.

"We have chosen to plant the trees in May as a symbol of growth and new beginnings that spring brings.

"People associate remembrance with cold days and we want them to see it in a brighter way and to lift people during a difficult time.

"The placing of this tree allows people to have somewhere personal they can come to spend time with loved ones.

"We have had a lot of support from families from last year and wish to continue this tradition for years to come.

"We are the oldest independent company in the town and we always like to do something different for the community."

Pete Allen, development officer at Green Futures, said: "I used to be an undertaker myself, working with Steve Near.

"This is a great place for people to come and spend time contemplating.

"We have already seen since the planting of the first tree a sporadic number of people coming out to spend time here.

"People are always welcome to spend time here in solitude, just come, sign in, and spend as long as you want in the peace of the cherry trees.

"We hope to continue to plant these trees in remembrance and are very proud to be a part of this project.

Green Futures is based at the Vanson Centre, in Bradley, and is open weekdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

This tree and last year's are focal points for folk to come to.

They can spend a peaceful time here contemplating the lives of those that have passed.

The cherry tree will become a symbol to all and when ever they see one it will bring fond memories and thoughts of loved ones.

It has a Celtic feel to it all, like being at one with nature and all of God's gifts.

This private yet open setting will also bring the possibility of mourners meeting different people and being able to share their memories with one another.

The tree will grow and so will this garden as more trees are planted each year.

A GRIMSBY insurance worker who used his office as a base from which to deal cocaine has been jailed for 18 months.

Grimsby Crown Court heard 25-year-old Robert Wishart, of Bulwick Avenue, admitted using Swinton Insurance offices to supply class A drugs from December 2011 to May 2012.

Stephen Welch, prosecuting, revealed Wishart had been dealing drugs for Waltham Road man Aaron Cook, 24, who was himself jailed for three years in January after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine.

He said Wishart's involvement came to light in May last year, when Cook was found to be in possession of bags of white powder and cash after being stopped by police.

He said: "Also recovered was a mobile phone and from that police derived a large amount of messages received and sent from that phone. They were able to identify this defendant and the recipient of a large number of messages and responding to them.

"There was evidence he was working for Swinton Insurance and using this as his base from which to supply and arranged for people who wished to purchase drugs to come to the office and supply them from there.

"From the texts between the two the quantities being sold could be up to three ounces, worth several hundred pounds, per day."

Andrew Bailey, mitigating, said drugs had ruined Wishart's life and that he had stopped working as Mr Cook's "runner" of his own volition in May 2012.

He said: "This is a man with a good work record and is of good character.

"He began to use cocaine when his marriage went sour in 2011.

"He was able to buy the drugs himself and he was spending £100 a weekend on cocaine. This was before his drug habit overtook him.

"Drugs have ruined his life and he started working for his supplier.

"He was giving him drugs for free and was paid the odd bit of cash."

Mr Bailey added Wishart had taken steps himself to make sure this will not happen again and that he had been drug free for four months.

Recorder Robin Mairs said: "Your pre-sentence report makes for very sad reading.

"You are still a young man capable of hard work and you led a good life.

"I accept you will not be back at this court and have taken steps to rid yourself of your drug addiction, but those who deal class A drugs for their financial reward have to go to prison."

A spokesman for Swinton Insurance said: "Swinton Insurance has co-operated fully with the police throughout this enquiry and we confirm the person in question is no longer an employee."

A MAN who changed the lives of many through the medical equipment he helped raise funds for has died aged 80.

Ron Kitching's legacy will be the people who have been given a second chance in life thanks to his continuous fundraising through the Grimsby and District Health Care Charity, which he founded in 1997, and his family.

On Sunday, May 26, the man behind the Big Red Heart Appeal died peacefully in his sleep at home in Cleethorpes.

Ron's family have today expressed their sadness at losing someone who was "their hero".

His daughter Susanne, 58, described her father as "her best friend who was truly amazing".

She said: "He always taught my brother Ian, who died in 2008, and I that we could be, and achieve, anything we wanted.

"He was very supportive and was always there for us both.

"Even up to the day he died, a conversation would always end with 'I love you'.

"As sad as I am, my heart is at peace because there was nothing left unsaid. My childhood was idyllic."

Over the past 16 years, Ron has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for medical equipment that will aid cardiac patients at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital (DPOW).

In 1990, Ron had a heart attack himself and a year later underwent major surgery that included a quadruple heart bypass.

This inspired him to begin his fundraising journey as he wanted to provide life-saving equipment locally to help those like himself.

Susanne said all the family are proud of his efforts and achievements over the years.

She added: "I am really pleased he gave the last 20 years of his life in such a compassionate way.

"A lot of people will call my dad a hero and that is nice, but he was no more a hero to anyone than his family."

Ron's wife Janet, 73, will remember him as always putting on a brave face even though he was struggling with his health.

She said: "He would never want to let anyone down and was passionate about his charity work.

"We were together 22 years and shared many laughs together. Our best time was the holidays we took. Overall, we went on seven cruises, including three to the Caribbean."

Ron leaves behind five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Three of his grandchildren Lynsey, Anastasia and Kimberley have shared their best memories of Ron.

Lynsey, who was executive director of the Grimsby and District Health Care Charity for two years, said: "He was more like a dad to us than a grandad.

"We could tell him anything and he would understand.

"He always had the answer and if not he certainly knew someone who did."

Anastasia chose a medical career and says her grandad helped her along the way.

She said: "He arranged work experience for me in the hospital and really encouraged me to succeed."

Kimberley, 31, said: "When we were children my two sisters and I stayed at our grandparents' during one particular summer.

"It was the best as he lived on a farm in South Ferriby at the time and he had all kinds of animals, which we helped look after.

"There was also an orchard so we could just be kids and climb trees."

Since Ron launched the Big Red Heart Appeal in 2010, £94,500 has been raised towards a new heart unit at DPOW.

Diane Fixter, the coronary care ward manager at DPOW, knew Ron for 18 years. She said: "It is a sad time and it is upsetting to think he will not be here to see the new cardiology services at the hospital that he so wanted to be part of.

"Ron headed up the Big Red Heart Appeal, which was set up to raise funds for the new cardiology services planned for the hospital, including a new angiogram suite and a new coronary care unit.

"He organised so many things to raise money, he was always thinking of what to do next.

"He never really stopped and put so much energy and effort into it.

"He had a brilliant sense of humour and kept going even when we all knew he was poorly at times, even when we used to say slow down, take a rest he wouldn't – his strength of character was immense but he was a fighter even until the end, he never wanted to give up.

"I would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Ron's family who must be so proud of all he has achieved."

Steve Wilson has been a trustee of the Grimsby and District Health Care Charity for the past ten years.

He said: "Ron will be sadly missed. He was an exceptional character who was passionate about the charity and put in 100 per cent.

"Even during the last two years when he was really ill, he carried on arranging events and collecting donations."

Ron's funeral will take place at Grimsby Crematorium, on Wednesday, June 12, at 2.20pm.

The family would like anyone who wishes to pay their respects to Ron to attend the service.

ON THE WEB: For more local tributes, visit www.thisisannoucements.co.uk

HOW does the Queen keep her skin looking so good?

That was the question the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Peggy Elliott, was asking after attending a prestigious garden party at Buckingham Palace.

She managed to squeeze through the crowds of dignitaries and party guests to stand just two yards away from Britain's favourite royal.

And she was amazed at how "beautiful" the 87-year-old's complexion is – comparing it to a "powdery peach".

Mrs Elliott even sacrificed her tea and cucumber sandwiches to make sure she got a good spot.

She said: "She is beautiful. It was the first time I had seen her that close and I couldn't get over her skin. It has got a powdery look, it seemed soft like a peach. There were very few lines, I don't know how she does it."

The Queen wore a sugar pink hat with matching coat and braved the downpour to meet her subjects.

And the Mayor, who is just two weeks into her reign, described the day as a "wonderful way to start the year".

Wearing her mayoral chains with immense pride, she rubbed shoulders with Olympic and Paralympic medallists and politician Anne Widdecombe.

Prince Phillip, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice were also at the party.

She even dared to have her picture subtly taken within the grounds – which is a no-no – after seeing everyone else striking poses.

She and her consort, Steve Elliott, were chauffered down to London in the mayor's car, making the pair feel like royalty themselves – even though it was just for a day.

She continued: "It was fabulous. I felt so proud as we walked through the gates with their beautifully handpainted gold leaf trim.

"The Queen arrived down the main steps and the guards made an area around her to walk down. As she came up, everyone clapped.

"She looked absolutely beautiful.

"The trick was to get to the front of the queue. We figured we could have a cup of tea any day of the week but how often do you get to see the Queen in person? We got a great position.

"It was an absolutely wonderful way to start off my term."

Guests were also treated to an insight into the monarch's sense of humour as she departed from the grounds to the James Bond soundtrack – a humorous reference to her debut role in the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

The Mayor went back home to Grimsby on the same night, but she is still flying high from her visit.

She added: "I don't necessarily agree with housing the royals that are further down the line in this day and age, but I believe the Queen and her immediate family are worth every penny.

"It was a whirlwind and I loved every second."

ON THE WEB: Visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk for more photographs of the Queen's Buckingham Palace garden party.

GRIMSBY Institute staff have been told that a consultation on redundancies will begin on Monday.

Staff received the letter yesterday, telling them a meeting will be held about a reorganisation as the Institute tries to plug a £2-million funding gap due to Government cuts.

The college previously said it would offer voluntary redundancies and job shares in order to avoid compulsory job losses for its 1,300 staff – which includes those at other campuses.

A spokesperson for the Grimsby Institute Group said: "A number of staff have today been informed of group consultation meetings on Monday and Tuesday, June 3 and 4.

"These meetings are being held to discuss the proposed reorganisations of some curriculum areas and one business support area.

"All the meetings will contain information about proposed changes and, for those staff affected, about the support they can access.

"If any staff have any questions a list of useful contacts will be provided."

A spokesperson for the University and College Union said: "The Government's punitive cuts agenda is causing problems for colleges across the country but we don't believe knee-jerk cuts are the answer.

"It is hugely important in tough economic times that people have access to education."

AS THE summer finally arrives and invites to barbecues and weddings come flooding in, police will be cracking down on motorists who think it's acceptable to drink and drive.

Anyone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be targeted by both Humberside and Lincolnshire police forces during campaigns being launched this weekend.

During the 2012 summer drink drive campaign in Humberside, officers administered 3,014 breath tests, with 192 – or six per cent – of those testing positive.

A total of 629 tests were administered to under 25s, with 40 being positive, and 2,385 to over 25s, with 152 testing positive.

Police will be carrying out random checks at all times of the day and night, including early in the morning to encourage drivers to think twice about getting behind the wheel after a heavy night.

Humberside roads policing Inspector Mick Dring said: "Year after year, police encounter numerous people who think it is acceptable to have a few drinks and get behind the wheel of a vehicle to drive.

"What they are not considering is that it is not just their lives they put at risk, but also those innocent people who are also using the roads.

"Driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs can significantly impair the ability of any driver, which can often result in severe consequences.

"The role of police officers across Humberside this summer is to continue to educate drivers and change the attitudes of those who think it is ok to use the road after drinking or taking drugs.

"I would also like to continue to ask for the public to help support the police in our attempt to crack down on those who drink drive, by reporting offenders to police.

"Each year people come forward and pass on information which enables officers to catch those who break the law, quickly and efficiently."

In the Lincolnshire Police area, as well as breathalyser checks, Field Impairment Checks will be carried out on those drivers suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership said: "We would like to remind everyone they have a responsibility when behind the wheel to ensure they are fit to do so.

"Impairment through drink or drugs carries severe penalties for those convicted and those who refuse testing will suffer the same penalties through the courts.

"When people are enjoying the summer barbecues, we ask them to make provision to travel by nominating a designated driver or pre-arranging a taxi home.

In the past year in Lincolnshire, five people have died following more than 80 drink-related collisions and more than 120 have been injured.

SCOTT Kerr is ready to start an exciting new chapter in his career after today being confirmed as Grimsby Town's second signing of the summer.

The 31-year-old has signed a one-year deal at Blundell Park after being released by York City at the end of last season.

An experienced midfielder, with over 400 senior games under his belt, Kerr was an integral part of the Minstermen's FA Trophy and promotion-winning side of 2011/12.

And the Yorkshireman believes that 'nous' can help his new side to emulate those achievements next season.

"I'm over the moon to have joined Grimsby Town," he told the Telegraph.

"I left York at the end of the season and I spoke to a few clubs over the summer.

"But as soon as I spoke to the gaffers here, I knew what I wanted to do, and I'm now looking forward to the start of the season.

"The club did well last year, but were unlucky in the Trophy and the play-offs.

"The managers have kept a good nucleus of that squad together and I feel my quality and experience can add to that, along with whoever else the managers decide to bring in."

He continued: "I've played the majority of my career in League Two but I did drop down into the Conference to play for York and helped them to get back into the League.

"I had a really successful time there, winning the Trophy and the play-offs and I'm looking forward to doing that again here.

"This club wants promotion, it wants to be back in the League and that's obvious.

"The gaffers want to win the League this time around and they weren't satisfied with last season, despite it being a successful campaign – it's now a matter of kicking on this year and finishing the job off."

Explaining what he feels he can bring to the Mariners, Kerr added: "I like to keep possession, play some nice football and work hard.

"I've played over 400 games, so I'm hoping that experience, including winning promotion with York, will add to the squad."

"I've got that nous of getting out of this league, and hopefully I can pass that on to some of the younger lads.

"It's exciting times.

"From my perspective, it's a new chapter in my life and I'm looking forward to starting that with Grimsby Town."

A FATHER whose daughter was "robbed of her future" by a drink driver is asking YOU not to touch a drop of alcohol before getting behind the wheel this summer.

As both Humberside and Lincolnshire police forces launch their seasonal clampdowns on drink and drug driving this weekend, Martin Rowntree has appealed to Grimsby Telegraph readers to never drink alcohol and drive.

The 60-year-old has no way of knowing whether he would have been walking daughter Donna down the aisle this summer or even playing with his grandchildren, because she was tragically killed in April 2005, aged just 21.

The man responsible, Dean Stepan, was almost twice the drink-drive limit when his Ford Escort ploughed into the Citroen Xantia, which Donna was travelling in, at the junction of Heneage Road and Granville Street, Grimsby.

Martin said: "The message is very simple – just don't drink and drive.

"I know first-hand how devastating the consequences can be if you do. My daughter was robbed of her future.

"People, particularly younger people, don't seem to think anything will happen to them if they do drink and drive, but it will."

Stepan, of Pelham Road, Immingham, was sentenced to seven years in prison and banned from driving for 10 years after Donna's death but shockingly he ignored the disqualification and got back behind the wheel – leading to a court appearance in January this year.

He has now been disqualified from driving for life.

Former Bluecrest worker, Martin, added: "It's eight years and six weeks since Donna died and I still think of her every day and take flowers to her grave every few weeks.

"You learn how to handle the grief, but you never forget.

"I often wonder what she would have been doing now and the kind of woman she would have become.

"She could have been married or had children but that was taken away from her."

To report somebody you suspect of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, call your local police force on 101.