CADWELL Park will celebrate all things vintage on Saturday, with the annual Vintage Festival.

Since 1934, the organising Vintage Sports-Car Club has provided the chance for incredible machinery from the early days of motorsport to be raced competitively.

And the Cadwell Park event has long been established as one of the most respected on their calendar.

A wide range of vintage machinery will take to the Lincolnshire track, including racing and sports cars.

Over 250 entries have been received for the packed schedule of 11 races on the day.

Among the fascinating machinery on display will be the ever-popular Morgan three- wheelers, while, the Bugatti Owners' Club will be holding their prestigious Williams Trophy Race featuring some extremely rare cars.

The traditional Shuttleworth, Nuffield and Len Thompson Memorial Trophies Race for pre-1961 front-engined racers is one of the highlights of the event, with 20 cars making up the field.

Cadwell Park will also go back to its roots with the Formula 3 race for the same 500cc cars that took part in early meetings at the venue.

One of the country's most picturesque circuits, Cadwell Park, just five miles from Louth, also provides a unique challenge to the cars and drivers with a mixture of tight corners and undulations.

It's also the perfect venue to sit on the bank and enjoy a picnic as the cars provide plenty of entertainment and recall a bygone age.

The intimate atmosphere at the circuit also offers the opportunity to see the vehicles up close in the paddock, and even speak to the drivers between races.

Tickets for the Vintage Festival at Cadwell Park are available for £14, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

For more information, call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.cadwellpark.co.uk.

For all the latest from the popular circuit, visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.

SALTFLEETBY Fisheries has been in fine form for both the pleasure and match angler.

The main lake has been producing good weights for pleasure anglers, with plenty of double-figured carp being caught and also some big perch and tench.

On the island lake, the match weights have been first class.

Market Rasen wizard Mark Critcher nearly conjured up 'a ton' in the open match.

He had an impressive 93.6lb from one of the most productive pegs on the pond, number 24.

I would expect that he was using his favourite method of catching carp – up in the water on the pole or pellet waggler.

He was 30lb up on the next angler, Grimsby's Mike Newman, who had 62.4lb. He was on peg one.

Then it was Louth veteran Alec Lovesay, who defies his age with good performances each week wherever he fishes. He finished with 52.3lb from peg nine.

Three days later, the popular Bryn Davies did the business off peg 24, with 76.4lb.

I do not know what it is about this peg, but it certainly produces nearly every match.

If you get a decent angler on that peg, then you are almost hoping for second place.

Next was Eric Thomas with 58.11lb off peg nine and third was Kris Adams with 51.3lb.

Both matches were very well attended so it is a must to pre-book.

Westlands AC were also in action on the island pond – and it was Paul Cartwright who emerged victorious.

He was on peg 13 right at the back of the island. Fishing in the margins with meat, he had 82.6lb.

Next in was a guest angler with 34lb from peg 20. Des Cox was third with 32lb from peg 17.

Pelham AC held the third in its series of club matches on their pond near Louth.

A few new faces turned up for this match and 16 anglers in total fished.

It was a hard match, as the silvers refused to feed.

The winner, Callum Cook, had four carp from peg seven – two from the margins and two on the pellet waggler.

It was his first time at the venue and he put in a brilliant performance – he is only 16. He weighed-in with 26lb 4oz for top spot.

Second was Gary Foster on peg 20 with 17lb 2oz .

Third place went to another new face at the venue, on peg 6, Dave Larder.

He had the biggest fish of the day, a 10lb 8oz common carp which put up a great fight and took 20 minutes to land.

A CAISTOR man is celebrating his 90th birthday by spending Saturday doing voluntary work for Caistor In Bloom.

This week is UK Volunteers' Week and Caistor In Bloom is using it to recognise the outstanding work of Harry Minns – who marked the milestone birthday on Thursday.

Chair Deborah Barker said: "It's Volunteers' Week, a national celebration of the hundreds of thousands of volunteers across Britain and as such Caistor would like to acknowledge the work of Harry Minns from Caistor In Bloom.

"He was the driving force behind the instigation of the BigTidyUp events in Caistor and helped turn litter-strewn car-parks, churchyards and many other areas in Caistor into green havens used by the whole community."

Harry has been a volunteer in Caistor for more than 50 years – long before David Cameron's Big Society was being talked about.

He served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and later worked as secretary at Caistor Grammar School.

He joined up with Caistor In Bloom at its inception in May 2009 and he has never missed a BigTidyUp since.

Louis King, Caistor Civic Society chairman, said: "Harry is an inspiration to us all. The BigTidyUps have ensured that Caistor is looking a brighter place.

"The bell-ringing team and the Parish Church enjoy his wealth of experience and he has been a stalwart for Christian Aid fundraising in Caistor to name only a few of his many talents.

"Caistor has truly benefited from his enthusiasm and attention to detail.

"We thought Volunteers' Week would be the perfect time to recognise his huge contribution to the community and to the charity he holds so close to his heart."

Caistor In Bloom started in May 2009, earning an impressive Silver Award after just eight weeks.

Narrowly missing Silver Gilt in 2010, the group achieved the coveted Gold award in 2011, repeating both this and winning their category in 2012 gaining 182 points – the highest in all categories within the East Midlands region.

THE face of the Wolds' landscape could change dramatically in the future with an expansion in new homes on the cards.

But first, residents in the Wolds and right across central Lincolnshire are encouraged to have their say on where they think new homes, jobs and community facilities should go over the next 20 years.

By highlighting areas they think are ripe to satisfy housing or employment need, and specifying sites for both protection and planning consideration, householders will make meaningful contributions to the way land is allocated for future use.

It is recognised that if the places where we live, work and shop are to continue meeting our needs and the needs of future generations, they need to grow and be well served by a network of roads, transport options, services, healthcare and other infrastructure.

To ensure this growth happens in the right place, at the right pace and to the right level, West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council are collaborating on a joint approach to direct the forward planning of the area through to 2031.

An essential part of that is the allocation of land and a call has gone out to all residents across West Lindsey to consider what they think is needed in the way of homes, jobs, schools, shops, roads and other infrastructure; specify how much potential for growth they think their local area has; and identify any areas within their neighbourhood where they think it could be accommodated to best serve the wider community.

The window for public input in identifying local community need is from now, through to September16.

During this time, a simple questionnaire – where you can win £100 in High Street shopping vouchers – can be picked up at all West Lindsey offices in the area, including parish, town, district, city and county councils, every library, including mobile units, and downloaded at www.central- lincs.org.uk

Both Jossals Tourist Information Centre in Market Rasen and Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre Library have the questionnaires. A series of public events have also been arranged across the central Lincolnshire area to broaden awareness of the process. Maps of every area are available at local parish town and district council offices and information will also be available at council stands at the Lincolnshire Show on June 19 and 20.

A CLEETHORPES restaurant hopes foodies from across the globe will take note of its international award.

The Captain's Table, on Kingsway, has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate Of Excellence for the second year running.

The world's largest travel site attracts millions of potential tourists everyday and has awarded them the accolade for consistently getting "outstanding" reviews from diners.

Having been open just two-and-a-half years, owner John Hancock described the award as a "huge achievement".

Mr Hancock, 55, said: "We put it down to the fact we strive to be consistent in everything we do. We offer good food, good service and we are always looking at how we can improve.

"It is good this has happened to a Cleethorpes business. We want to attract the more discerning diner and show people we are not just a little seaside town, but a resort offering great food all year round."

The restaurant serves fresh fish straight from trawlers caught by John's other business, Carisma (UK) Ltd.

The award came just days after The Captain's Table was named Restaurant Of The Year by the Fisherman's Mission at a glitzy ceremony in London.

It was for the venue's fundraising effort in raising money for the cause, which is close to John's heart, after being a trawler skipper for 30 years.

Staff have also raised money for St Andrew's Hospice, the Humber RNLI and the Grimsby And Cleethorpes Sea Cadets – totalling £15,000.

Tomorrow, the venue is hosting a wine-tasting Fisherman's Mission's Fundraising event, with The House Of Townsend.

John added: "We have lots of decent restaurants in Cleethorpes – Valeries, Figs, Kingsway Hotel – but there is a gap in the market for a lot more. There just aren't enough top food places and we need to attract more.

"We are bringing something different to Cleethorpes because we are a dedicated food restaurant.

"I was very pleased to get the Restaurant Of The Year Award because there were only eight awards all for different things and we were the only restaurant to win.

"Going down to London to pick up the award was a privilege."

For head chef Mike Hambling, 29, both accolades are something of which he is proud.

He said: "It is a great achievement. We have had some really good reviews and we love getting feedback. This isn't just about what happens in the kitchen, but front of house, too. A lot of this is down to the service diners receive.

"We take a simple approach to seafood and try and execute it the best we can."

ON THE WEB: Visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk to see more travel reviews of Cleethorpes.

CAMPAIGNERS in East Lindsey have called for community groups to join forces against what they are describing as "the wind farm invasion".

Marsh Wind Farm Action Group (MWAG) raised the issue at a meeting at Grimoldby Village Hall, which was aimed at showing communities likely to be effected by proposed wind farms that there is help and advice available.

Melvin Grosvenor, of MWAG, said: "When the developers come to small villages and communities, many people can be left baffled by the documents and information they show to prove the positives of having a wind farm.

"I want to help any and all communities – be they parish councils or resident groups – to understand the jargon and get to know both the sides of the story.

"My opinion on turbines is clear and I make no attempt to hide it.

"This organisation staunchly opposes all wind turbines.

"However, I will not demand action from any group.

"I want to work with them and help them see what is the best solution for their area, whether they have a wind farm or not."

He also appealed for community leaders to alert the group to news of new applications.

He said: "There are so many being proposed that we can't always know where they are.

"This is where community groups can contact us regarding any proposed site to find out more information.

"We want to encourage informed debate and not leave people to fathom very complicated reports from the companies by themselves.

"These companies have a lot of financial backing and some expert legal teams.

"There are many groups opposing single developments, but to really make a difference we must stand together and be a collective force.

"I will happily work with anybody who is concerned."

Peter Robert, vice-chairman of Grimoldby and Manby Parish Council, said that before the meeting he had not heard of MWAG, but will consider consulting the group in future.

He said: "We will always take on board the concerns of our residents regarding any proposed wind turbine.

"After hearing from Melvin, we will consider speaking to him and his organisation if we feel the need.

"We agree that to oppose wind turbines we must present a united front and stand together."

For more information about MWAG, e-mail melvin.mwag@hotmail.co.uk

ON THE WEB: For more on local applications, visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

A GRIEVING mum and 120 of her family and friends have raised more than £3,400 for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.

Mother-of-three Kelly Roberts, 30, from Barton, organised the pyjama walk across the Humber Bridge after her son Archie was delivered stillborn last August.

Following her loss, she threw herself into organising a fundraising event and husband Gareth and two of their children joined her in their pyjamas.

The result was a cheque for £3,487, which she has handed over to Scunthorpe General Hospital.

Kelly, who was 29 weeks pregnant when she realised something was not right, said: "I remember not being able to feel Archie and thought something was wrong, so we went to Scunthorpe General Hospital.

"Staff could not find a heartbeat and when our little boy was stillborn, we were put in contact with Sands.

"They gave us a box which had teddy bears, blankets and other items to remind us of him.

"The box is something we can keep forever and the support given to us by Sands has been incredible.

"If you take every emotion and times it by one million, it still doesn't show how I felt.

"I wanted to organise an event to raise awareness of Sands and raise money for the charity."

Imagine struggling to communicate on a day-to-day basis, and then imagine that you were a small child. Health reporter Katie Blackburn discovers how one five-year-old is being supported

BEING able to communicate our wishes and desires, our most basic needs such as what we'd like to eat or drink, is something we all take for granted.

For five-year-old Callum Jefferson, of New Waltham, struggling to communicate these needs to his family was a reality.

But now, thanks to a special device called a voice output communication aid (Voca), his voice is being heard.

Callum has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which can cause speech and communication difficulties and means he spends most of his time in a wheelchair.

He's one of just of a handful of children in North East Lincolnshire who rely on a communications aid to interact with the world around them.

The Voca, which has been fitted to his wheelchair for ease of use, has 84 buttons and works by the user selecting images on the screen to create a sequence, which produces sentences. So if Callum wants to talk about nature he presses the tree button, if he wants to talk about activities it's the dice image.

The device can store frequently used phrases and even photos; so when he presses the button with a picture of his teacher, Miss Hubbard, on it the device says "good morning Miss Hubbard".

Callum has had the device since February 2011, and mum Helen said it has made a huge difference to their lives.

She said: "Callum was able to say basic words, but couldn't string a sentence together; it was very frustrating for him.

"He is very bright, but he couldn't show it, he couldn't show his understanding.

"The device has helped him so much; he can now express himself, he can now tell me what his opinions are, what he wants to do. He has a sense of humour and that really shines through now."

Every Monday morning at school, Callum has a session with his speech and language therapist Kimberly Ward.

They talk about what he's done at the weekend and work on some of the things he'll be doing in the classroom in the week ahead.

Kimberly says as well as giving him a voice, the device is also helping to progress his speech.

She said: "He's come along a lot with the help of the aid. Before he could say some words, but now he is linking sentences together and his speech is coming on really well; he has a spoken vocabulary of about 20 words."

Before getting the aid, Callum went to an assessment day to find the device best for him.

Kimberly continued: "When we chose the aid for Callum we picked one that should last him right through to high school.

"He's very intelligent and his understanding of language is developing ahead of where we would expect him to be for his age.

"We made sure Callum got a higher level and more high-tech device, because we wanted to give him the best chance."

Helen said the device is a vital part of his school day and that the teachers at New Waltham Academy have been very supportive; they've even had special training on the device.

Callum's teacher Louise Hubbard said: "We'd never seen or heard of anything like it before. Callum is very good with it and in fact he's shown us a lot and we've learnt a lot just by playing with it.

"It means that in class he can talk and take part in the discussions with his peers.

"The other children in the class have really taken to the device. They all crowd around Callum when he is using it; they listen to stories on it and play games on it."

The device can even be connected up to the computers at the school and used as a keyboard and mouse so Callum can take part in the ICT lessons.

Callum's communication aid cost £7,000 and an additional £1,000 to fit it to the wheelchair. It was funded jointly by the Trust and the local council.

Kimberley is part of a local specialist and award-winning Communication Aids Referral Team (CART) which works across North and North East Lincolnshire.

Bryony Simpson, clinical director of community and therapy services at the trust, said: "Locally, we have developed and trained a group of staff from health (NHS) and education (council) in the skilled assessment of and support for communication aids.

"This has led to an all-round improvement in the provision and use of alternative and augmentative means of communication.

"A key factor in the success of the project was the professionalism, expertise and support provided by the ACE Centre Oldham, which has made all this possible and means that people no longer have to travel across the country to get a service."

ON THE WEB: The ACE centre promotes and supports effective uses of augmentative and Alternative Communication. Find out more at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

CLEETHORPES has been given the distinction of having three pubs featured in a new book – more than any other town in the country.

Pub, real ale and railway enthusiast Bob Barton realised there wasn't a book combining his passions.

Five years, quite a few pints and thousands of miles by train later, he has produced the lavishly illustrated Unusual Railway Pubs, Refreshment Rooms and Ale Trains.

The resort's pubs featured in the new publication are the smallest pub in the world, the Signal Box Inn, at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, and the Number One and Number Two Refreshment Rooms on the station.

Only the city of London has more entries.

"Cleethorpes is one of my favourite seaside resorts for a pub-crawl and three of them are in unique railway buildings," said Bob, who lives in West London.

"Others in the book range from bars in a vintage wooden carriage to palatial Edwardian waiting rooms.

"This is more than a guide to pubs on existing and former railway stations in Britain, although that fills a big chunk of the 144 pages.

"Synergies between rail and ale extend much further than public houses. Also featured are railway-themed ales, breweries in railway buildings, a calendar of beer festivals in engine sheds and goods yards, and the phenomenon of steam-hauled ale trains on heritage railways.

"And the history of the subject includes the decline of coaching inns, the birth of new types of refreshment places for rail travellers and how the 'iron horse' transformed the brewing industry.

"Even London's St Pancras station once housed a massive beer cellar. The title will be popular both with readers who want to sample some eclectic drinking places – most of which can still be reached by train – or indulge in nostalgic armchair excursions infused with hops and steam."

The book has been published by Halsgrove Publishing, costing £16.99 in hardback. It is available from booksellers.

ON THE WEB: Where are your favourite watering holes in Lincolnshire? Share your hot spots by posting a comment at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Entertainment news begins on page 25, and you can read more online at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/entertainment

BARRELS of laughs were had at a home-made raft and duck race in Tetney.

Scores of spectators lined the lock to cheer on teams as they set sail on barrels, crates and pallets held together with string.

Competition was fierce, as 11 teams prayed their makeshift creations would last the 500 metre race, which was organised by the Grimsby Havelock Rotary Club, to raise money for 1st Cleethorpes Sea Scouts.

For the water shy, there was a duck race, which saw dozens of rubber ducks released into the lock and taken under the bridge by the current. Rotary Club member Adele Ward organised the event, which looks set to become an annual highlight.

She said: "It has been absolutely fantastic. We had a go ourselves but we capsized three times! I got absolutely soaked – I am still shivering now.

"It is a great event and everyone has made a real effort in making their rafts.

"People have been very competitive and we have had some really good teams take part."

The winning raft team took home the coveted trophy, while the owners of the winning ducks won £50, £20 for second and £5 for third place.

Among the teams were Grimsby Kwik Fit, who crossed the finish line in two minutes 41 seconds.

Joshua Barber, 18, said: "We got a bit wet but it was a lot of fun. Our raft was faultless. It was well built by qualified technicians.

"It was great to take part."

Teammate Marcus Lord, 41, added: "We thought it would be fun to build a raft and join in. We love a good competition."

Joining them was the WFPA (Win, Fail, Plenty of Ale) Warriors, a pool team from the Honest Lawyer in Grimsby.

They made their raft from a scaffolding frame and water bottles.

Team spokesman, Michael Pitts, 40, said: "We were just happy to finish because we weren't sure we would. It was hard work and we looked a lot slower than the others, but at least our raft didn't collapse. We didn't even get that wet!"

Spectators also enjoyed a beer festival, barbecue, craft fair, children's entertainment and live music at the nearby Crown and Anchor.

Tetney man, Greg Crabtree, 48, of team voyager, rewarded his efforts with a pint of ale.

He said: "It has been great to get the community together while raising money for a good cause."

Cheering team Voyager on were John Zielinski, 25, of Waltham and friend, Lindsey Lonsdale, 32, of Holton-le-Clay.

Lindsey said: "We have had a great day. We have been cheering for Greg and we have bought our ducks for the duck race.

"It is a really good event, and a great way to get out and about. I hope they do it next year."

John added: "The sun is out, beers are out and friends are out. We've had a great day."

ON THE WEB: View a video and more pictures of the raft and duck race online at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

MEMORIES of loved ones who lost their lives to cancer will blossom in a "field of hope".

Grimsby and Cleethorpes' Marie Curie fundraising group has teamed up with the Grimsby Institute to offer families a unique way to support the charity.

The institute has donated a plot of land in front of its premises which will be used to plant daffodil bulbs – the flower the charity has adopted as its symbol.

The aim is that people donate a minimum of £5 towards the cause in exchange for a handful of bulbs.

In addition, a plaque will also stand amongst the flowers, which will have the names of the loved ones represented by each daffodil written on it.

Ann Walker, North East Lincolnshire volunteer and community ambassador for Marie Curie, said: "As a group we came up with the name 'field of hope' for the land used.

"It is a great opportunity for people to have a life-long memory of their loved one.

"Daffodils bloom each spring so this is something people can cherish forever."

The charity hopes planting will start in August and will be done by students at Grimsby Institute.

Julie Saunders, a volunteer for the local Marie Curie group, said: "We are very grateful to the Institute. I approached them to ask about this and they were more than happy to offer their land.

"Where the daffodils will blossom is a very prominent place, so lots of people driving into town will see them.

"We are looking for any businesses or individuals to donate bulbs to us to plant in the field of hope.

"This is just another way for people to recognise the valuable work and continuous efforts of this charity."

Anyone interested in buying bulbs, can call Ann on 07889 319937

ON THE WEB: For more on the charity, visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

A DEVOTED brother, who says his emotions are still raw a decade on from his sister's death, has raised £1,200 in her memory.

Kyle Young, 25, completed the Rat Race Dirty Weekend – a 13-mile obstacle course which took him over walls, up ramps, through cold water and mud – in aid of the road safety charity Brake.

His sister Kayla was killed, aged 13, along with her friend, Amy Jones, by a drink driver on the A46.

The charity not only helped Kyle's mum to cope with her grief, but helped his younger siblings to understand their sister's death through memory books.

The girls were hit by James Hill's car on May 18, 2003.

He was almost three times over the drink-drive limit while racing against another driver, David Priestley.

Hill was jailed for eight years for causing their deaths, as well as 12 months for perverting the course of justice, and banned from driving for five years.

The Rat Race Dirty Weekend was one of the hardest things Kyle has ever done, but it has not put him off doing something similar again.

He said: "It was a complete test of endurance and really pushed me to my limit.

"There were 150 obstacles to tackle along the way and the further along the course I got the more difficult they became as I was so tired.

"I did the event with some friends and, apart from one of them, we completed it together in about four hours."

Kyle, a trainee accountant at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, said there was a time during the race when Kayla's memory really pushed him on.

"It was during the last mile of the event", he said.

"My family were in sight and my little brother ran along side me.

"I was shattered and I started to become really emotional – as this year is the 10th anniversary of Kayla's death, I wanted to do something special."

Kyle raised money through his just giving web page but only set himself a target of £250.

The support he has received has exceeded his expectations and he has a clear message for everyone.

He said: "I just what to say a huge thanks. People's generosity has been brilliant.

"This is the first event I have done like this, but I would love to do it again.

"I would like to think Kayla would have been proud of what I have done.

"She was a year younger than me, so even though we squabbled like ordinary brother and sister, we were really close.

"We all miss her and even after ten years I still find it hard emotionally. I think about what happened.

"The accident has made me wary, especially with my younger siblings, I am more protective of them when they are out and about."

CLEETHORPES residents were given a unique way of ensuring issues in their area are mapped out.

Those living in Sidney Sussex and Croft Baker wards were invited along to a family fun day designed to gather local views on how £1 million of Big Local funding should be spent in North Cleethorpes.

As reported, the Big Local scheme is being run by the Local Trust, working with a range of partners to distribute £200 million of Big Lottery funding, as well as providing expert advice and support.

And while the youngsters were enjoying the fun and games filling Sidney Sussex Recreation Ground, their parents and other residents were encouraged to place cards on a 3D scale map of the ward, highlighting areas where they feel there are issues which need to be addressed.

They were also given the opportunity to speak to those behind the scheme and their ward councillors.

Lisa Gibson, from Planning For Real, led the team behind the map.

She said: "It is a visual way for residents to come and express their thoughts and opinions on their neighbourhood.

"This board allows them to literally put their issues on the map.

"It has taken two weeks to produce, with help from various groups and, because it can be broken up, we can take it to different places to ensure everyone gets to express their thoughts.

Local resident and chairman of Big Local, Darren Linford, said: "We need local people to tell us what we should do with this money. We need you, people who live, work or visit on a regular basis to tell us what needs doing and where it needs doing. We hope to get the map out to as many resident as possible and get people, young and old to come have a say about their community."

Sidney Sussex councillor Alec Wallace said the day was a great success: "We need to hold an event like this every year to get a feel for the views of the residents. We hold meetings but many people don't come for various reasons.

"It is encouraging to see young and old coming to have a say about their community."

Croft Baker councillor Matthew Brown took turns with fellow councillor Terry Thurogood in the stocks at the fun day.

He said: "Today is about being here for the community and showing the public they can approach us and speak to us.

"It is very important for the councillors to be here with the community. Some may have a chip on their shoulder against some councillors but as their elected representatives it is important to take their criticisms.

Community meetings with the councillors are held on the first Thursday of every month at Poplar Road fire station from 6pm.

To get involved, visit www.cleethorpes.inandaround.org.uk or call 01472 315437.

IT'S 10.30am on a grey and chilly weekday morning and Freeman Street is looking even more desolate than normal.

Without the buzz of market day the street's shortcomings are thrown into even sharper focus – as long lines of shop shutters stare out onto the deserted pavements opposite.

There is at least one business, however, that appears to be doing a roaring trade. The Corporation Arms, on the corner of Nelson Street, is already filling up quite nicely.

Given the time of day, it would be easy to assume that most of those inside do not work for a living.

But the man smoking a cigarette outside does.

Aged around late 40s, he has just clocked off from his shift at Aquila Processing on the North Wall of Grimsby Docks.

But as I prepare to ask him what he as a working man feels about more than half of his fellow East Marsh residents claiming out-of-work benefits, he reveals that he actually lives on the Willows estate.

In fact, it turns out very few of his colleagues actually live in the East Marsh.

"Most of them live in Waltham," he says.

Also popping out for a cigarette is 46-year-old Wayne Lane. He does live in the neighbourhood, in one of the high-rise tower blocks nearby.

Having previously lived in Scartho, Wayne describes the East Marsh as "a different way of life".

He estimates that about three-quarters of fellow regulars at the Corporation Arms are, like him, out of work.

Due to a heart condition and mental health problems, the former factory worker hasn't had a job for about 15 years.

He receives incapacity benefit, which he says leaves him with a little bit of disposable income at the end of the week.

And although he accepts that "there are people worse-off than me", he insists he would be better off working.

"It is not good money, whether you are disabled or not.

"I have been refused disability allowance four times and things are far worse today than they were five years ago. They are definitely cutting back on support for mentally-ill people, which is not good."

Walking over the zebra crossing to the other side of Freeman Street, I approach a grey-haired man, aged in his early sixties, striding briskly along the pavement with a white carrier bag in his hand.

When told about the East Marsh's high proportion of benefit claimants, he remarks: "I'm not surprised. It's because of all the foreigners."

When asked if he worked, he replies: "I'm too old to work. I'm retired," before continuing on his way.

Walking further up the street, close to the Post Office, is 42-year-old Barry Newbold, of Comber Place.

Asked what he thinks of his neighbourhood being labelled a "benefit ghetto", he says: "I don't think that's a fair reflection."

An epilepsy sufferer who lost his last job at a sandwich factory when a seizure resulted in him falling onto the production line, he becomes visibly upset, almost tearful, when describing the reaction that he gets when he tells people he is on benefits.

"People just look at you differently, and wonder why you don't go out and get a job, but when you have got epilepsy, a lot of employers don't want to take a risk.

"I suppose there are some people who don't want to work, and if you have been on bene- fits for a long time it might become a habit.

"I would love to get a job. It's just finding an employer that will take me on."

Barry, who was working as a window cleaner when he first started having seizures in 2006, says he has also felt the impact of the Government's "clampdown" on benefits.

He was receiving Disability Living Allowance until two years ago when he went to see a doctor for a check-up.

"He turned round and said that because I could stand up and turn round in a chair they were stopping my disability allowance."

Because of that, Barry lost £250 of his monthly income. Now he gets by on his fortnightly Job Seeker's Allowance of £180.

He says that if he wasn't staying at his mum's house, making ends meet would be a real struggle.

"JSA is not a lot, especially if you are looking after your own property. There aren't a lot of jobs out there at the moment and because of my epilepsy I'm very limited as to what I can do."

Walking back south down Freeman Street towards the market, I notice the crowd of smokers gathered outside the Corporation Arms has now swelled to four.

It is around 11am now and there are a few more people about.

However, 42-year-old Deborah Westhead cuts a lonely figure as she stands against the market hall shutters.

She is waiting to meet a friend when I approach and ask her what she thinks about the East Marsh's high unemployment rate.

"It doesn't surprise me. There are no shops open," she declares, glancing at the row of empty retail units nearby.

Deborah, of Cleethorpe Road, has been out of work for the past 20 years, mainly because she was bringing up her children, but she insists: "I'm one of those that wants a job."

She tells me that her Job Seeker's Allowance has been "sanctioned" – in other words stopped – because the Jobcentre doesn't think she has applied for enough jobs.

She pulls a piece of paper out of her pocket, on which she has written the names of the employers she has applied to.

"You have got to put 16 down a fortnight. I have applied for 12 but I haven't got any letters back and they think I haven't been looking."

Deborah is remarkably upbeat as she explains how she will not be able to claim JSA again until June 27, and is instead having to get by on a weekly £43 hardship payment.

"It's difficult and I have to borrow money from my mate for gas and electric."

She scoffs at the suggestion that the benefits system is too generous.

"No it's not. I got £142 a fortnight in Job Seeker's Allowance. If I got a job I would be a lot better off."

Deborah did a four-week voluntary placement at the Grimsby and District Healthcare Charity Shop on Freeman Street to give her the experience to help her get back into work.

"I'm looking for anything. Factory work, cleaning, anything. But there's not much out there at the moment."

LINCOLNSHIRE racer Guy Martin just missed out on a podium place in his opening race of this year's Isle of Man TT.

The Kirmington speed demon came fourth in the six-lap Dainese Superbike race yesterday afternoon.

This year's TT curtain-raiser was won by Honda's Michael Dunlop in a total time of 1:45:29 – with an average speed of 128.747mph.

Cameron Donald was second in 1:46:10, which equated to an average speed of 127.920mph.

Next was TT legend John McGuinness (1:46:51/ 127.102mph)

Tyco Suzuki rider Martin was fourth in 1:46:58 (126.964mph).

Martin was second at the end of lap one, but had dropped to third by the end of the second lap.

He then dropped to fourth, but battled his way back to third again on the fifth lap.

However, a strong sixth lap from McGuinness earned him the final podium spot.

TRAVELLERS who have set up camp in Cleethorpes will be evicted, council leaders have pledged.

Residents said they were worried after around five caravans appeared on the former Lindsey School playing fields off Taylor's Avenue.

It would appear the gate to the field has been forced open and those living nearby are concerned more travellers may yet arrive.

The group arrived on the North East Lincolnshire Council-owned land on Saturday, but because its legal department does not work weekends, an eviction notice will be served today or tomorrow.

Speaking from a 1940s party in Brighouse, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Mick Burnett told the Telegraph: "We will serve an eviction order as soon as we can. When we return on Monday we will get the wheels in motion.

"We understand residents are concerned, but we have to go through the legal procedure to evict them. We did the same when travellers set up near the Boating Lake and we will do the same now."

The camp is in front of BMXing spot The Trails, which attracts dozens of children every day.

In April, travellers set up camp in the Boating Lake car park, but left after NELC imposed fines and issued 48 hour eviction orders.

Some travellers pitched up close to Cleethorpes Light Railway – seemingly unaware the land belongs to leader of NELC, Councillor Chris Shaw.

Councillor Keith Brookes (Cons, Haverstoe) fears more travellers will arrive if action is not taken soon.

He said: "I was surprised to see them on that playing field because the entrance is gated. It must have been forced open.

"There are four caravans, but normally the traditional practice is a forwarding party set up camp and prepare the way for a further ten caravans or more."

Mr Brookes added: "They were removed off the land near to the Cleethorpes Light Railway by whatever influence very quickly and I hope the same influence can be brought to enact the same response and remove them from the playing field.

"I look forward to seeing the same action by Tuesday or Wednesday."

Meanwhile, the travellers' presence has unnerved residents living near the playing field.

One, who did not want to be named, said: "It looks like they have snapped the padlock on the gates and then fastened their own chain and padlock.

"Residents round here are worried."

Another resident, who also wanted to remain anonymous, added: "I don't want them here. I hope they get moved on."

At the time of going to press, no one from the police was available for comment.

A FATHER of five and his ten-year-old daughter have been hailed heroes by firefighters after they rescued an elderly man from his smoke engulfed home.

Peaks Lane firefighters said if it wasn't for the quick-thinking actions of Andrew Fox, 29, and daughter Danielle, of Thrunscoe Road, Cleethorpes, their 86-year-old neighbour might have died – proving ignoring a ringing fire alarm could have fatal consequences.

The drama unfolded as Andrew, a factory worker at Morrison's WM on the Europarc, got his children ready to go out for ice-cream and Danielle rushed to tell him their neighbour's fire alarm was going off.

Andrew saw his neighbour, known only as Mr Morley, in his doorway, then watched in horror as he turned round and walked back inside the smoke filled house. Instinct kicked in and Andrew ran after him through thick, black smoke and into his bedroom, followed by an unknown 17-year-old boy, whose friend was ringing the fire service and ambulance from outside.

Andrew said: "I saw him come out of the house coughing and spluttering but then he went back in.

"I ran straight in to get him. I didn't really think about it.

"I just saw thick, black smoke coming through the door."

It appears Mr Morley, who was described as "frail" by firefighters, had left his chip pan on the stove and forgotten about it.

On seeing the smoke, he tried to get to his bedroom to put some trousers on so he could leave the house.

But Andrew knew there wasn't enough time and his neighbour was in serious danger.

After reassuring him, he wrapped him in a blanket and pulled him out of the house and onto the street.

They were met by Andrew's wife Laura, 28, a carer, who comforted Mr Morley until the firefighters arrived moments later.

Andrew continued: "Even though he was an old bloke, I didn't want him to lose his dignity. He was struggling to breathe and I knew we needed to get him out.

"Later on that night, I was thinking 'what would have happened if we had just got in the car and gone for ice-cream?'.

"A crew member told me if it had a few minutes later, he could have died. If I had stood there and thought about what I was going to do, I could have been pulling out a dead body. It doesn't bare thinking about."

Mr Morley was taken to Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital where he was kept in for a night and treated for severe smoke inhalation.

He is currently being cared for by his son Craig Morley.

Danielle is proud of her dad and hopes it might make more people look out for their neighbours.

She said: "At first I wondered what was happening because I heard the beeping. I told my dad straight away and he went running in. I think he is very brave."

Crew manager at Peaks Lane Station, Neil Night, said: "Mr Fox braved against the smoke to rescue Mr Morley. This could have been a lot worse if it wasn't for the little girl raising the alarm and her dad running in.

"If he had been in there any longer he could have died.

"Unlike burglar alarms, when fire alarms go off, it generally means a person is in danger. It is important to react to them, like this little girl did. A sounding smoke alarm means someone is in trouble and shouldn't be ignored."

GRIMSBY Town director John Fenty believes the Mariners' summer transfer activity is an indication of the club's intent next season.

As revealed in the Grimsby Telegraph on Saturday, Town have confirmed the signing of former York City midfielder Scott Kerr on a one-year deal, following the capture of Scott Neilson last month.

Those acquisitions followed on from the re-signing of captain Craig Disley, who has extended his stay at Blundell Park for another year.

And speaking to the Telegraph, Fenty believes that business serves to underline Town's commitment to mounting a serious promotion charge in the coming season.

He also revealed that his personal financial commitment is higher than the past two years, insisting that the focus is now on improving the squad even further.

"With the re-signing of captain Craig Disley, bringing back Scott Neilson and the signing of Scott Kerr, we now have a cracking nucleus to add to," he said.

"It's now a case of further strengthening in all departments.

"There's no baggage this season, unlike past seasons, where part of the playing budget has been used to pay players off.

"My personal financial commitment will be higher than the last two years, and we want to build on an excellent season last time around.

"We had a great campaign, although it did fizzle out at the end somewhat and maybe that showed that we do need that little more strength in certain areas and we will be looking to address that."

He continued: "As a club, we are in great shape – we will have a good-sized squad, similar to last season – and added to that, we will have a fit Liam Hearn – who wouldn't want that? He will be like a new signing for us.

"I'm very confident about the coming season. I hope everyone will get behind the managers and the players once again.

"I'm really positive about the future and can't wait to get the season started to be honest."