A COMMUNITY action day has been arranged next Saturday to help spruce up Sidney Park, in Cleethorpes, ahead of the summer season.

Sidney Park Friends voluntary group has been working with the council to arrange a working party for the day and are now looking for extra people to help.

Starting at 10am, volunteers will help with litter picking and park bench painting and generally sprucing up the park so that visitors and residents can enjoy the facilities.

Nicola Hocknell, the chairperson for the Friends Group, said: "We're only a small group, but with the help of other organisations and volunteers, we're making changes to the park so everyone can enjoy it.

"If you use the park or just pass through it and think you can spare half an hour, please come down and give us a hand.

"If it's a nice day, why not bring a picnic and enjoy the sun too?"

Councillor Ray Oxby, portfolio holder for environment and housing at NELC, said, "The park is now more than 100 years old, and it's good to see local residents taking pride in their area.

"We welcome community action, working with us to improve public spaces across the borough."

The volunteers have also been working on the Incredible Edible project in the park – turning a disused flower bed into vegetable and herb gardens with support from the ward councillors.

This project is designed to improve awareness of healthy eating as well as helping to develop the environment.

Once the food is ready in the beds, anyone will be free to pick and take home to use.

If you've any ideas on how the area can be transformed, why not visit the park next Saturday, or contact ward councillors or the Friends Group to get involved?

See your Grimsby Telegraph for coverage of the event.

A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl's artwork has gone on display at the Fishing Heritage Centre.

Keera Chambers, of Ormiston South Parade Primary Academy, is the latest artist to be included in North East Lincolnshire Council's art collection.

Her portrait of best friend Ebony Gilbertball caught the eye of arts development officer Rachel McWilliams and former art teacher and art collection volunteer Alf Ludlam.

The painting is part of a collection created by pupils from the school and is currently on display.

Alf said: "All the portraits are excellent, but Keera's really stood out.

"It was the sensitivity of the lines and the way the colours define the face.

"It is a really strong drawing."

Rachel added: "The picture will now be framed professionally and added to the council collection, where it will be displayed for future generations.

"This display is in connection with the latest selection of artwork from the council collection on the theme of restoration and new acquisitions. Adding Keera's work to the collection is very important, as her portrait will now become part of the heritage for future generations.

"We welcome everyone to come down and see the hard work of the pupils and the items on display from the collections upstairs."

Keera said she feels really proud to have her picture chosen for the collection.

"We did the portraits in class and it took about two days," she said.

"I took a picture of my best friend Ebony and used that to draw the picture.

"I am really proud of myself to have been chosen and Ebony is really chuffed.

"I think my next portrait will be the members of my favourite band, Pierce The Veil."

Year 5 class teacher Sara Langford said: "I told Keera in class she had been chosen and she was really excited.

"We see the work they do in school, but it is fantastic for the pupils to get praise from the public as well.

"We will be back later in the year with another display."

THE final curtain for Kimberly-Clark is about to fall – with the factory's equipment and machinery going up for auction.

The nappy-making factory in Barton closed in March this year with the loss of more than 500 jobs. The future of the site remains uncertain.

But now a series of auctions will see a huge holding of machinery parts, maintenance equipment and tools going under the hammer.

The company – which employed hundreds of staff from northern Lincolnshire – has instructed Scunthorpe-based industrial auctioneers CJM Asset Management to sell off machinery spares, stores and equipment that are now surplus to requirements.

The first auction, an online sale extending to more than 700 lots, is scheduled to close on Tuesday. A further two auctions are set to take place next month.

A spokeswoman for Kimberly-Clark said the closure was taken for commercial reasons that could not have been avoided.

"These decisions are not taken lightly and it is with great regret that we closed the Barton factory as part of our European operations," she said.

She would not be drawn on any future plans for the site.

CJM director Paul Cooper said there would be a variety of equipment for sale at the auction.

He said: "The manufacturing lines are being removed and relocated to other factories around the world but that still left a vast amount of high value equipment in the stores and on the site.

"When you are operating a 24-hour manufacturing process, which the factory did, you've got to carry the parts and spares to sort any problem that arises at any time – and we've got at least one of everything from bearings, motors and gearboxes down to shafts, nuts and bolts.

"We have also been sent tools of every size and shape imaginable, maintenance equipment and other kit. For example, we have a scaffold tower that is still in its crate."

View the catalogue for Tuesday's auction at www.cjmasset.com

The sale, using BidSpotter, is scheduled to close at noon.

THIS talented bunch had a special effect on spectators at their end-of-year show.

The first intake of the Grimsby Institute's special effect makeup design for film, TV and theatre degree showcased their work in their last show before graduating.

With scarily realistic models of demons, shark-ravaged surfers and alien monsters, it was clear their three years of work has paid off.

One graduate, Samantha McCabe, 29, has landed a dream job as apprentice to Neil Gorton, who worked on the special effects team for Doctor Who, Being Human and Little Britain. Programme leader Tee Webb is proud of his eight students – 50 per cent of whom achieved first class honours for their practical examination.

He said: "It has been a fantastic success.

"They have worked incredibly hard.

"They have worked six days a week for 28 weeks and it has paid off.

"We have seen high realism, to fantasy pieces and they are geared up to be employed, which is what the course is all about."

Samantha, who has worked as Neil Gorton's apprentice for six months at Truro, Cornwall, showcased Incubus Demon, inspired by the common fears people share.

She said: "I am really pleased with how it came out.

"I put in a lot of effort in every single project I did, plus we did a module looking at CV writing and how to sell ourselves, which helped me get the job."

The course is one of four in the country, and the only one which is industry accredited.

Demi Wallwork, 21, exhibited a sculpted model of the head of conjoined babies.

She said: "It has been a really good three years; long and hard but worth it.

"It has given me the skills to be able to go out and do it for the industry."

Kirsty Batley, 25, showed her model of an alien made from vines, and plans to find work in Sydney, Australia.

She said: "I am happy with how it has gone.

"It is a pretty competitive industry to get into but ours was workshop-based, which has got us used to what a working day would be like.

"I feel prepared for the future."

FROM renewables to midwifery, a careers adviser answered questions from Grimsby Telegraph readers on all sorts of pathways as part of a high-profile campaign.

Darrell Collins, a careers adviser for Franklin College, spoke to readers about where they want to be and how to get there in a webchat on www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

The online debate was part of our Your Life: Your Future initiative, which aims to help people make informed choices about the kind of career they want to have.

The first question came from Katie, a 26-year-old mum who is expecting her second child in October.

Katie told Darrell that she was interested in midwifery – a course that has become popular since fees increased, as students are now looking for qualifications with a clearer link to a career.

However, Katie said she had "no idea where to even start".

Darrell, who described the career path as "very competitive", explained that you need GCSE and either A-levels or an access to higher education course to get a place at a university to study midwifery.

There are also, she said, nearby universities such as Hull and Lincoln that offer the course. Franklin offers GCSE evening classes and Grimsby Institute do access to higher education courses.

The next question came from a reader posting as Bladerunner.

He asked: "How ready is Franklin, and the town in general, for the offshore wind industry?"

Darrell answered: "I can't answer for the town in general but Franklin offer A-levels in maths, geology and the science subjects.

"If anyone was wanting to get onto an apprenticeship scheme or do a degree in engineering, a combination of these sorts of subjects would be invaluable."

Another question came from Laura, 28, who has qualifications in health and social care and worked as a senior support worker for ten years before leaving in January to work with adults with learning disabilities.

She asked: "What path can I take?"

Darrell replied: "There are various opportunities if you would like to study further. Student finance is now available for over-24s in part-time study.

"You can also have a look at www.nhscareers.nhs.uk which will tell you about various positions and routes into them."

Following the webchat, Darrell said: "It was a useful exercise and a good chance to direct people to more information on external websites.

"There is a lot of information out there but most people don't know where to fund it."

A SUPPORT group for people with a life-changing condition will fold by Christmas if they do not attract more members.

The Diabetes UK Grimsby And District Volunteer Group will not survive the new year as membership continues to dwindle.

The support and fundraising group has just 13 members, many of whom are elderly, after forming a decade ago.

Now they are appealing for new members so they can continue their valued work.

Recently, they donated £2,000 to Diabetes UK, made from public donations and small fundraising events.

Secretary David Knighton said: "Membership has dwindled and costs are too much. We do a raffle and a name card each meeting, but we are lucky if we break even.

It is such a shame because it is a chance for people who have been through the same thing to meet."

Figures published by Diabetes Health Intelligence and National Diabetes Information Service show in North East Lincolnshire, more people are diagnosed with both types of diabetes than the national average. Almost 8 per cent were diagnosed in 2012 and predicted figures show this could rise to 8.4 per cent in 2020 and 9.2 per cent by 2030.

However, facilities for diabetic patients continue to improve locally and now many surgeries have their own designated diabetes nurse.

Chairperson Pat Goodwin said: "It is very sad to see so few of us left. We treat it as more of a social get-together. We are all getting older and it is harder to keep it going."

Rose Lee-Gough, volunteer development officer for Diabetes UK, accepted their donation, which will go towards research and providing information and support to sufferers.

She said: "It is really sad to see this happen and it will leave a big hole. The group provides fantastic support."

Among those who have been helped are Roy and Irene Ellis, of Cleethorpes, after Roy was diagnosed 13 years ago.

He said: "It is a life-changing condition which would have been harder without this group. We don't want it to fold."

Find out more by phoning 01469 518688 or e-mailing david.knighton@ntlworld.com.

THEY got the moves like Jagger!

Up to 170 children danced the cha-cha, quick step, jive and the waltz in the annual Essentially Dance showcase.

Primary schools, including Old Clee, Elliston, Bursar, Thrunscoe, Coomb Briggs, Great Coates, Welholme, St Joseph's and Humberston Church Of England, danced to an audience of proud parents at the Grimsby Auditorium.

In its third year in North East Lincolnshire, it was organised through the Specialist Health Promotion Service, to get children active.

Two teachers from each school were selected and trained up, and then taught their moves to pupils during PE.

Co-ordinator Laura Peggs, 31, said: "This is about getting children active in a different way, instead of football or other competitive sports. This gives them the opportunity to do real, physical exercise in a fun, enjoyable way.

"It looks absolutely fabulous, the kids are beaming."

Before pupils took to the stage, the UK's top youth dance couple, Adam Godfrey, 18, and Olivia Oates, 16, performed ballroom and latin dances.

Director of Essentially Dance, Dale Bennett, added: "Dancing means constant movement and full participation of all children."

VETERAN angler Peter Kay found the carp to be super sport as he clinched a deserved victory in the Saturday match at North Thoresby.

Fishing on Clayton Ponds – which has recently been changed to a coarse venue – Kay weighed in with 22lbs to finish ahead of Rob James (19lbs) in second.

Johnny James ended the day in third as the anglers were treated to a well-stocked pond, featuring plenty of rudd and carp.

Yours truly fished at North Thoresby on Monday night, and I was amazed by the quality of fish coming out of the water.

With 24 pegs, the pond also has chub, roach and bream – owner Peter Clayton is hoping to organise some open events in the near future.

Meanwhile, Carr Lane AC were in action at Southfield Reserve near Doncaster. The going there was tough for most anglers, but feeder expert Matty Benwell caught well throughout the day and netted in excess of 25lbs.

Next in was Rob Thompson, who piled the bait on from the start – but fell well short of leader Benwell with a haul of 8.11lbs.

Andy Spall finished third (5.3lbs), while Chris Parker (4.8lbs) and Steve Croskill (3.14lbs) opted for the waggler, ending the day in fourth and fifth respectively.

CARL Pickard has been crowned as the new champion at Louth Golf Club.

The five-handicapper won both the Trevor Moody (best gross) and Gibson (best net) trophies with 144 (70+74 – level) and 134 (65+69 -10 below) respectively over 36 holes.

Lewis Campbell finished second in the gross category with a score of 152 (75+76) while Liam Jaines (156 -74+82) came third.

In the race for best net score, Paul Brown finished just behind Pickard with 144 (72+72), with Matt Branowsky third on 144 (70+74).

Meanwhile, Steve Carrick won the Freddie Frith competition, while Olly Lea took the Buick crown.

Dave Spence won the Becklands competition for a sixth time while Glen Hallam won the Keith West tankard event.

The club's Seniors section recently held their 2013 Championship event.

John Wallis was crowned as this year's champion with a net score of 69 points.

Howard Greenwood came second with 72, while Gary Reed finished in third place with a score of 73.

Ken Haddon (74), John Brader (76) and Peter Whitworth (77) completed the top six.

Bill Wright's score of 87 won the prize for the best gross score.

A THAI boxing star visited a Grimsby gym and gave an impressive masterclass of devastating moves.

Jompop Kiatphontip held a special seminar at the Primal Gym on Grimsby's Nunsthorpe estate.

Ally McMahon, joint owner, said: "It was fantastic to be able to welcome Jompop to the gym.

"He is a Thai boxing champion and for him to deliver a session to our members was a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from a real master.

"He came down to increase our fighters' ability in the 'science of the eight limbs' and it was really useful for them to be able to train with someone of his calibre.

"With his help, they picked up some excellent, devastating techniques that they will be able to use in their fights in the coming weeks.

"We look forward to working with Jompop in the future – he was excellent.

"We have got a growing stable of promising fighters in both Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and K1 competitions."

Kiatphontip has been fighting since the age of nine. He built up an exceptional reputation as a junior and attracted the eye of talent scouts.

He then went on to make his career in Bangkok.

He shared the ring with some of Thailand's biggest names before retiring from fighting at the age of 23 to further his education by completing his Degree in Law.

He has since built up his own Kiatphontip Gym.

For more information on Grimsby's Primal Gym, get online and visit www.primalgy.com.

WHEN peace, serenity and prosperity in our society takes an unexpected turn, and our kindred civilisation detours from its road to a utopia with a safe, fulfilling and free social surrounding, we all jump to blame the perceived culprit.

The communists blame the bourgeoisie and their capitalist greed. The capitalist blames the softy socialists and their rapid and ill-educated social change and the ignorant blame immigration.

Although with great epistemological scepticism on my behalf, I am told that many anti-immigration followers are neither white supremacists nor racists, despite the English Defence League's recent displays.

But in fact many are just confused, being misled by shoddy economic values, false promises and the repeated scapegoating of the rabble-rousing right wing media.

I would like to go straight onto the anti-immigration economic arguments. However, in light of recent events, it seems appropriate to lay out my deontological framework and moral feelings to why this summer I am ashamed to be a white British citizen, and to why I feel sick in my stomach, at seeing a large rise in support for the brutish, barbaric, vicious and manipulative nationalist in England.

To me, pro-immigration starts with a fundamental absolute and this is that all humans are born equal and it's our own actions which differs us from one another. As humans, whether Greek, Polish, English or Palestinian, we have certain unalienable rights described in a doctrine by Locke as rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness something which is statute and universally accepted in our western lives.

Yet, the nationalist have set ontological pre-conditions of their own, their mind set is that, through religion or incompetence that British flesh and blood makes them more superior to anybody else and British people and only British people, have the right the pursuit of happiness, because you are born here and "deserve" the grandeur, luxury and fruits of the UK compared to other "non-British" human beings.

The claim put forward by these "political parties" tends to be "they took our jobs".

For me if you can be challenged so heavily for work, then compete. You have no sovereign rights over anyone else.

If somebody can come out of the depths of economic despair and has a greater passion and drive for work, fulfillment and personal prosperity than you, so be it, be challenged in your workplace.

Do not waver to forms of feudalistic nepotism and meritocracy and force corrupt, immoral borders to entry and deprive someone of their human rights.

Now to bin the endlessly recycled garbage that is the anti-immigration "economic" arguments. Not enough housing, not enough jobs, strains on services and the claim that people come here and live on benefits without contributing to the country's economy.

Firstly, according to research by the university college London, EU migrants pay at least 30 per cent more in taxes than they take out in benefits.

Secondly, jobs are not fixed. Use your common sense, they alter to aggregate demand and scarcity of labour. Adding to this point, there, in fact, will be a lot more jobs if there was greater immigration. The burgess land use model shows those cities develop and grow from the centre. Greater immigration grows the city faster. Ensuring growth and the creation jobs all across the board; for primary, secondary and tertiary sectors.

The market alters and gets more confident; it can then successfully grow and invest till a new equilibrium is met. Boosting the UK's economy, international competiveness and of course increasing tax revenue.

The final comment made, is the strain on services such as the national health services. Now, to pay for immigrants in the UK to have free health care, it cost £1 billion, a lot it may seem. Quoted by the right wing as a "huge burden". But let's look at some other statistics. The NHS spends £2 billion a year on alcohol-related patients and £5 billion, five times the amount spent on migrants on smoking-related patients.

So shall we start prohibition again, outlaw smoking or even start petrol bombing off licences? You know what, I'm starting the anti-beer, baccy and crumpet party, bloody burdens!

HEAVYWEIGHT boxing legend Frank Bruno will make a guest appearance in Grimsby next month.

The former sportsman will attend the annual meeting of Navigo Health and Social Care – North East Lincolnshire's specialist mental health service – on Wednesday, July 10, at Tukes, in Brighowgate.

Frank, who has bipolar disorder, will attend the annual event to discuss his own experiences of mental health issues including suffering from depression.

In 2003, the star was taken from his home in Essex by medical staff assisted by police officers, under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983.

He was taken to hospital in Ilford, where he underwent psychological and psychiatric tests.

Those who will be able to attend the meeting will be notified by invitation.

Kevin Bond, chief executive of Navigo Health and Social Care, said: "We are very excited to have Frank Bruno as the keynote speaker for our meeting this year.

"Frank has a history as a sufferer of serious mental health problems and has had varied experience of mental health services."

Last year Navigo had former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips as its guest speaker, which coincided with its one year anniversary.

The Daily Mirror columnist spoke of her experiences of Alzheimer's disease after both her parents died as a result of the illness.

To secure another high-profile person to speak at the meeting is something Mr Bond is thrilled with.

He said: "We are looking forward to it immensely after the wonderful conversations previous meeting speakers have begun."

On the day there will also be three free seminars from 10am to noon for guests to take part in.

The first will be hosted by professor Ann Mortimer, who will talk about Trans-cranial magnetic stimulation.

This will be followed by Dr Zaffer Iqbal, speaking about personality disorders, and Janine Smith will discuss memory services.

Mr Bond hopes that Frank's appearance in the afternoon will help to also lift the taboo that surrounds mental health issues across North East Lincolnshire.

"The struggles Frank has gone through have made him an advocate for better mental health care nationally," he said.

"Having such a high-profile beacon of positive mental health as our guest speaker will help reduce stigma towards those affected by mental health conditions.

"It shows that people have things to contribute despite difficulties."

"BE ON your guard."

That's the message from a group of residents on Daubney Street, Cleethorpes, after their sheds and back gardens were broken into.

Power tools, machinery and bikes have been stolen and police are warning people to remain vigilant.

Amanda Rudland, a committee member of Daubney Street Neighbourhood Watch group, was heartbroken to discover her husband's electric bike, worth £500, was stolen earlier this month.

She said it happened in the early hours of the morning and even her dog was not disturbed.

She said: "More than anything it is heartbreaking that someone has forced their way onto my property and helped themselves to my possession.

"Whoever stole the bike also caused damage to the shed and gate. I have reported it to the police but the bike has not been found yet."

Amanda is not the only victim. Last week Inga Anderson, of Daubney Street, reported her bike had been stolen, too.

She said: "I don't have a shed, but my bike was in the back garden.

"Someone has managed to break through locked gates and gain access.

"My bike was worth about £100 and I had recently had it repaired. This is very upsetting."

The ladies, together with other Neighbourhood Watch members and residents are now speaking out to make others aware.

Amanda said: "We are warning other people to be on guard and to notify police if they see any suspicious behaviour.

"What is more alarming is that thieves are gaining access through locked metal gates.

"Since my bike was stolen I have had a representative from Safer Homes Service visit me and help out. They have given me two sensor alarms for my house and one for my shed."

North East Lincolnshire Councillor Hazel Chase, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "Anyone who has been a victim of burglary should get in touch with the Safer Homes Service.

"They will book an appointment with you and come out. Anyone who turns up at your door trying to sell you home safety equipment, but has not made an appointment, ignore them and don't let them in.

"It is not acceptable for someone to feel they can access another person's property and take their possessions.

"I want everyone to be aware this is happening."

A spokesman from Humberside Police said they are aware of the burglaries reported, but added: "We would ask residents to be vigilant and to report suspicious activity by calling 101."

A RESPECTED hospital consultant behind the creation of a Grimsby Telegraph-backed campaign has been awarded an MBE.

Henry Pearson, consultant colorectal surgeon at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital and the founder of the successful Bottom's Up Appeal is to be honoured for his services within the NHS as part of the Queen's birthday honours list.

For the past 25 years, Mr Pearson has dedicated his time and commitment to making sure his patients have access to the best possible services.

The Bottom's Up Appeal has gone from strength to strength, with many people setting up events over the years to help boost funds.

As reported, Mr Pearson, together with committee members, used the appeal in 2009 to pay for a counselling and treatment suite and bay – which is home to six high-observation beds and monitors – within the hospital.

Surgical equipment has also been purchased to benefit bowel patients and those with other conditions.

Honoured to be receiving this prestigious award, Mr Pearson, 62, said: "I was shocked when the letter came through.

"I never expected to get anything like this – I just go about my everyday work which I love.

"I work with an excellent team of doctors and nurses and I know many other people who would be just as worthy of this award.

"I have to thank the brilliant support of my wife Cherry Ann Pearson and my secretary Jill Doyle."

The Queen's honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.

They usually have made life better for other people or be outstanding at what they do.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour but they are asked not to tell the individual in case they are unsuccessful in receiving it.

Mr Pearson, who now works part-time at the hospital, has seen hundreds of thousands of pounds raised over the years for the appeal.

He said: "When I retire I will hand over my key responsibilities of the Bottom's Up Appeal, but I will remain fond and supportive of the cause.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated towards the charity so far."

The lists of who's received honours are published at New Year and on the Queen's official birthday in June.

Another person who provides a service within North East Lincolnshire has been honoured, too.

Michele Mary Hargreaves, executive officer, operations for the Department for Work and Pensions, will receive an MBE for her services to welfare and the local community in Grimsby.

No dates have been released as to when their awards will be given but keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for updates.

A NOTORIOUS troublemaker has been given an antisocial behaviour order – and another has had his extended – to stop the misery they have been causing.

One of them "smashed up" the cars of residents in "outrageous" incidents and the other was a prolific shoplifter.

Shane Tilling, 23, of Barnard Walk, Immingham, was given a two-year Asbo when he was sentenced at Grimsby Magistrates' Court for a series of criminal damage incidents.

The offences took place in Somerton Road, Immingham, on September 22.

Tilling, who was with a friend and co-defendant for the first offence, used a stick and bricks to attack a local resident's car.

The resident challenged the pair and an argument took place.

Tilling, who had been drinking, later attacked two more cars.

During a previous incident, also in Somerton Road, on July 16 last year, Tilling was shouting, swearing and being generally abusive.

He was told to calm down and leave the area but did not do so. He later admitted drinking two litres of vodka.

District judge Daniel Curtis gave Tilling a six-month supervision order and a 56-day 7pm and 7am curfew. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Inspector Neil Pattison, who is responsible for the neighbourhood policing team for Immingham, said: "Shane Tilling's behaviour when he damaged a number of cars belonging to Shoreline residents was, quite simply, outrageous.

"While under the influence of alcohol, he systematically smashed cars up and put a lot of people in fear."

The Asbo was imposed after good work from Shoreline's antisocial behaviour team, which provided high levels of support for residents who suffered because of Tilling's actions.

Residents provided valuable information about his activities, which was included in the Asbo application.

Close work between the police, the community and other agencies is seen as essential in successfully obtaining Asbos.

Conditions of the Asbo ban Tilling from using abusive, insulting, threatening or intimidating language or behaviour and from entering an area including Somerton Road, Immingham.

Another regular troublemaker, Brian Copplestone, 45, of Bowers Avenue, Grimsby, had his Asbo varied in his absence. He declined to attend court. His Asbo was extended for a further two years.

Conditions now include a number of stores which he cannot visit, including any Tesco or Asda supermarkets in North East Lincolnshire.

The variation is designed to provide extra protection for residents of Cyril Cooper Court, Grimsby, where Copplestone causes problems.

HUMBERSIDE Airport has apologised to passengers who endured a "horrific" 21-hour delay while flying home from Alicante.

Holidaymakers were left outraged and exhausted – and one Grimsby woman was left needing hospital treatment for dehydration – after spending a sleepless night in a Spanish airport with limited food and drink, when a strike by French air traffic controllers caused havoc to flights across Europe.

Paul Litten, Humberside Airport's commercial director, said that while both the airport and Spanish airline Volotea were "extremely sorry" for the disruption, they had been left "powerless" by the actions of the French unions.

Passengers booked on Tuesday afternoon's flight from Alicante were due to take off at 2.30pm local time and land at Humberside at 4pm. But after being told there would be a "slight delay", passengers did not board the plane until around 9pm, after it had been held up at Humberside waiting for French airspace to be reopened.

And when they finally took off, they had to make a detour to Palma Airport in Majorca for a crew change, as the long delay meant that the original crew were nearing the end of their legally permitted working hours.

Passengers became increasingly irate when they were then informed that their flight had missed its slot to take off and would be delayed until around 1am.

After initially being told that they would have to stay on the plane, the passengers were eventually allowed into the terminal building, where at around midnight they were told there would be a further delay until 4am.

It was at this point that they were given a voucher for six euros to spend in the airport – the first time during their wait they had been offered any food and drink.

After being told of a further delay to 8.25am, their plane eventually took off at around 11.15am, landing at Humberside at around 1.15pm – 21 hours after it was due to arrive.

Carol Wright, 48, of the Willows Estate, said it was the worst flying experience she had ever endured.

Her daughter Elle Stokes, who was travelling with her, ended up receiving hospital treatment for dehydration hours after landing.

Carol said: "There was a lack of information and we were offered only limited food and drink. It was absolutely appalling. I would not use that airline again."

Mr Litten said: "Clearly it was a horrific experience for passengers and we are very sorry. We can understand why people blame the airline but to a great extent it was out of their hands."

LIKE many, Grimsby Town's Craig Disley has been impressed with the Mariners' transfer business so far this summer.

The skipper believes the signings of Scott Neilson and Scott Kerr represent a real statement of intent from Rob Scott and Paul Hurst.

And Disley feels both 'Scotts' will prove to be "massive" acquisitions ahead of the Conference's big kick-off in just over eight weeks' time.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "You have to say, the signings so far have been top drawer.

"You look at the impact Scotty Neilson had when he came here last season and he was different class to be fair. When he left, we definitely missed him.

"I think he'll be a massive signing for us this season and I'm looking forward to seeing him again because he's a cracking lad and a big part of the dressing room.

"I know Scotty Kerr well from playing against him over the years.

"As he's said, we've always had some good battles during our carEers and it's good to have him on our side now.

"He's a very good footballer and likes to get on the ball and play a pass.

"I think he's going to be great addition to the squad. I think he's a similar age to me, he might be a bit older, but I'll have to check on that!

"But in all seriousness it will be nice to have that bit more experience in the squad because I think that's really going to help us next season.

"We'll have to adapt our games to each others, but we're both experienced lads and been around the box a few times, but I'm sure that we'll quickly jell because he's a very good footballer and it's easy to jell with good footballers."

Following the additions of Kerr and Neilson, the joint bosses have been working behind the scenes to bring more new faces into Blundell Park.

And having skippered last season's squad to the club's best finish in recent years, Disley is looking forward to seeing who else will be onboard for the Mariners' next assault on the Conference title.

He continued: "It's exciting times for the club and I can't wait to see what ideas the managers have. I'm looking forward to seeing them implemented and cracking on next season.

"I'm just like a fan at the end of the day, I'm always looking forward to see who the next new signing will be.

"I'm under no illusions as to the quality of player that the gaffers are looking to bring in.

"We are a few bodies short of where they want us to be so I'm sure they'll be working hard to get them in."

GRIMSBY Town fans who received football banning orders after hundreds of fans stormed the pitch at Burton Albion in 2010 have been told they can only return to Blundell Park if they buy a season ticket.

As reported, in the wake of the trouble that followed the Mariners' 3-0 defeat and relegation from the Football League, 49 fans were convicted and football banning orders totalling almost 200 years were imposed.

However, they are now coming to an end and, while the club is looking forward to welcoming the majority of the supporters back to the fold, it has taken the step to ensure all fans' safety in the future.

Grimsby Town director John Fenty said: "It is club policy that people coming off Burton Albion bans require a season ticket for this season.

"While not everyone is a bad sort, and there are those who were treated reasonably harshly considering they had not done that much, the club has to be seen to put a policy in place."

He added that by ensuring all those caught up in the trouble had season tickets, not only would the club know where they were sitting, but it would also ensure they could not simply pick and choose matches to attend in order to cause trouble.

Mr Fenty said: "There are a number of people coming off Burton bans who I am pleased to know personally and we are looking forward to welcoming them back and allowing them to continue supporting the club they love.

"It is a catch-all, but, unfortunately, among the true supporters there are some troublemakers and if they behave badly, they will be banned."

However, Chris Parker, chairman of the Mariners' Trust supporters' club, said while he understood the club wishing to monitor some of those involved in the trouble, he did not believe a "one-size-fits-all" approach was fair.

He said: "There was some overzealous crowd management on the day and there were varying degrees of misbehaviour.

"Yes, we want to encourage more and more families to come along to games and no-one wants their child to be seated next to someone who is likely to be violent.

"That said, when Grimsby Town dropped out of the league, some of the people who got banning orders did so because they were emotional and maybe kicked out at an advertising board in frustration.

"Yes, they have done wrong, but there are degrees and each case should be looked at individually."

He added the trust had not been consulted before the measure had been introduced, adding: "I have not heard of any other clubs taking steps like this.

"In this country, when you do wrong, you are punished and when you have served your punishment, that's it."

A SCHOOL is in mourning after staff and pupils were told of the "tragic death" of a 32-year-old science teacher.

Ian Bruno, 32, was a science and maths teacher at Tollbar Academy – one of sixteen Canadian teachers who came to the New Waltham school to teach in September 2012, as reported.

However, on Thursday, pupils were informed that Mr Bruno had passed away.

It is believed the alarm was raised when he did not turn up for work and he was later found dead in his home.

The details of Mr Bruno's death are not yet known, but it is believed it was due to natural causes.

The coroner's office has confirmed that an inquest has not yet been opened.

Tollbar principal Stephen Moon said: "Mr Bruno was a valuable member of the teaching staff and we are very sorry to hear about his tragic death.

"The thoughts and condolences from all the staff and students go to his family and friends at this very sad time."

Rumours have circulated the school that Mr Bruno was in an accident but Tollbar has assured the Grimsby Telegraph that there is no truth behind them.

Messages of condolences have also flooded social networking sites, with pupils posting "RIP Mr Bruno" and offering sympathies to his family.

One pupil wrote on Twitter: "RIP Mr Bruno, the cutest Canadian teacher that ever existed."

Another posted: "He was a lovely teacher and will be missed."

One student wrote: "He was the happiest teacher ever."

On Facebook, a former pupil wrote: "Although we only had you as a cover teacher, the memories will stay.

"You were really calm, funny and had a dry sense of humour."

Before his death, Mr Bruno had posted on Facebook that he had "said goodbye to a lot of Year 11s with a bunch of handshakes".

He had only been in Europe since September – but had made the most of what turned out to be the last few months of his life.

Mr Bruno had posted pictures of a trip to Amsterdam in May and Nottingham in April, where he posed next to a statue of Robin Hood with a friend.

Earlier in April, the rock music fan went to Liverpool to do "a load of Beatles stuff".

In March, his parents had visited and they had gone to a family wedding in Crewe.

Mr Bruno went to Scotland in February, seeing the sights, including Edinburgh Castle, posting "drank Scotch in Scotland – another tick off the to do list."

DUE diligence on Grimsby Town's signings has to be more thorough than ever – and Rob Scott insists: "We don't want any mistakes this year."

The Mariners bosses readily admit that new faces don't always pan-out as they – and the fans – might hope.

But they remain proud of their record in the transfer market since arriving at Blundell Park, and are determined to build on that success this summer.

And, with a reduced squad to work with next season, their dealings will have to be more precise than ever.

"We're patient and happy to be patient in getting the right player at the right cost to us," Scott told the Telegraph.

"We've got to make the right decisions. We don't want to make any mistakes this year although there's always the ones that come up and surprise you – in good ways and bad.

"We'll sit tight, continue to do our due diligence on players and hopefully get the right ones.

"It's very quiet at all levels at the moment, even at the top level.

"The game has changed, even from five or ten years ago when everything was moving pretty quickly.

"The number of players out there dictates that and that's driving the market down a bit, which is good news for us."

So far, only Scott Neilson and Scott Kerr have arrived after a total of 13 players – including five loanees – exited the club at the end of last season.

But with almost two months until the new campaign kicks off, patience remains the watchword for the co-managers.

Scott said: "We have to be brave and keep our cards close to our chests. We don't want to do too much too early in case we get offered some names that we didn't think we could get.

"What we're certainly doing this season is looking at bringing more quality in and hopefully taking it to the next level.

"A lot of people have asked why there was such a 'culling' of the squad, but we have to accept that players were looking to move on, or looking for certain deals.

"What we did have last year was a really good squad – the lads were all honest and hard-working – but we just felt that we could add a little more quality.

"We utilised the loan market well, but we obviously lost those lads and other lads didn't fit into our plans for the upcoming season.

"That's just the way things work in football – things change season upon season."