THE UK is the seventh richest country in the world, yet many people struggle to afford even the most essential of goods – food.

Food prices have risen by more than 25 per cent in the last five years.

The cost of meat, vegetables and fruit in particular has risen dramatically because of a drought in the US and last year's UK summer wash out; both uncontrollable weather events which have affected the supply and quality of crops.

Many lower-income families are suffering from some form of food poverty, according to a survey by the Trussell Trust, a charity working to combat poverty.

Its data revealed that 21 per cent of the parents questioned reported struggling to feed their children.

Families told how they had cut their consumption of fruit and vegetables by nearly one-third to just over half of the five-a-day portions recommended for a healthy diet. The survey also found one in five people (20 per cent) in Yorkshire and the Humber have skipped meals, gone without food themselves to feed their family or have relied on family or friends for food in the last year.

It means cheap convenience food has become staple diet items for lower-income families, leading to a less healthy lifestyle.

Food banks have reported a rise in people using their services.

The Trussell Trust said cuts and changes to the welfare system are the most common reason for up to half of people on benefits turning to food banks as a direct result of having payments delayed, reduced or withdrawn altogether.

The UK is now thought to have more than 500,000 people reliant on food parcels.

It makes for alarming reading, and it doesn't get much better.

Crime figures by the British Retail Consortium have shown an increase in crimes by people "stealing to eat" – with the overall cost of retail crime soaring by 15.6 per cent in a year to £1.6 billion.

Charities and the police say that as living costs rise and incomes shrink, stealing to eat is increasing and the shoplifter demographic is widening.

Officers say food shoplifters can be mothers struggling to feed their children, or hungry pensioners.

In many cases they have no criminal record.

Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell said: "It's disastrous that this could happen in a so-called prosperous country.

"Everyone is being squeezed by the cuts on benefits and people have to prioritise what's most important to them – rent, fuel or food?

"A lot of the time, other things take priority more than where the next meal is coming from.

"Benefits just aren't enough to survive on anymore, especially Job Seekers Allowance.

"Living standards have dropped and people turn to junk food, which is often cheaper.

"This then leads to generations raised on unhealthy eating habits.

"It's distressing to see people turning to food banks, especially in this day and age.

"Food poverty will be the testament this generation leaves behind."

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers said: "There's no evidence that it's worse here than anywhere else in a time of recession.

"People are more squeezed; we need to target benefits at those who are in the greatest need.

"Charities and churches do some excellent work in feeding those who can't feed them themselves.

"People shouldn't be afraid to ask for help, especially when times are tough."

Sarah Taylor is general manager of Care, in Grimsby, which joined up with the Grimsby Telegraph earlier this year to launch the Ten Tonnes Of Tins campaign.

Care is distributing donated food to people in need.

Sarah said: "Food poverty is getting worse; not just here but everywhere.

"The use of food banks has risen massively in the past year.

"We used to average about 50 food parcels a month – now it's something close to 150.

"The Ten Tonnes Of Tins initiative has been a great help.

"We are still seeing huge donations coming in, but we have seen an increase of families using our services to feed their children, so we need more."

ON THE WEB: Share your stories of food poverty by visiting www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Anne Burgess, 75, of New Waltham:"I live alone, so I eat what I want when I want. I do live a cheaper lifestyle and use budget supermarkets more these days, but I have enough to survive on.

"I think everyone gets enough money to survive, it's up to them if they buy food or cigarettes.

"I do buy less luxury items and my shopping habits have really changed. I look at the prices much more these days when I buy things."

Shirley Hobday, 73, from Cleethorpes: "Prices certainly are going up; we've found items we used to buy have risen in price because we buy the same things we have always bought.

"Budget supermarkets offer the same quality of items that higher-priced supermarkets do, just at a lot cheaper prices.

"What with the bedroom tax, some people don't have enough to survive on these days. Lots of people are struggling to just eat.

"The government needs to do more to help."

Janet Barber, 50, from Grimsby's Willows estate:"Food prices are rising. I buy fewer luxury items like wine and cakes and I have to look if I really need it them or not.

"I shop around at budget supermarkets to find the best deals. The budget items are just as good as the branded ones.

"More should be done to help people on benefits – politicians should take a pay cut to help."

Diane East, 48, a lab assistant from Grimsby: "I've moved to the budget supermarkets as prices in the higher-priced supermarkets are going through the roof.

"I've cut back on luxury items and even our holidays are in Britain these days.

"Wages are not going up with food prices, so everyone is having to cut back on items they used to buy.

"My husband and I both work and we're feeling the pinch so it must be difficult for those on benefits."

FILMING on Pleasure Island, the feature film set being filmed in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, is still going well.

Scores of local extras have been involved in the shooting at various locations across the area – including in high-rise flats off Freeman Street, Cleethorpes beach, The Bank pub, Scartho Nursery School, Pleasure Island, and at the stunning Gunby Hall, near Skegness.

Yesterday, the crew even had a helicopter near Meridian Park in Cleethorpes.

The film, produced by Grimsby-born Matt Kennard, is about Dean, a mysterious man, who returns to his home- town of Grimsby after many years abroad in the Army.

His arrival is met with animosity, particularly from his father, an avid pigeon racer. Dean is drawn back to confront his demons, and confess a secret to a childhood friend, Jess, only to discover she has been struggling since the untimely death of her husband. While attempting to raise her child and battling a crumbling economy and dearth of opportunities, she is pulled into a harsh underworld. Dean must help her, throw her a lifeline, but the situation only darkens. When their lives are threatened he will do all it takes to make sure she is safe.

Jess is played by Made In Dagenham, The Wedding Video and Being Human star Gina Bramhill, and Dean is played by Ian Sharp. Both are from Scunthorpe, and Ian owns Achillies Entertainment with his wife Rebecca Joerin Sharp – the company behind the feature.

The team has its headquarters at Grimsby Central Hall, and the cast and crew are all staying in the local area, and being fed by local business Arc Catering.

For Matt, 31, who has lived and worked in London for ten years, it's a refreshing change.

He said: "It's been such a great experience so far making this film here.

"We are doing really well, and are still on schedule to wrap on Tuesday.

"This weekend, we will be shooting a party scene which involves a lot of local children, and we had a great day at Gunby Hall on Thursday with people from across the county, including Grimsby and Cleethorpes, taking part as extras.

"We have worked with some great local people, it's been a real pleasure."

It is hoped a premiere will be held locally.

"We will certainly be back and recommending the area as a location to other production companies," said Matt.

ON THE WEB: See a video of the film being shot at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

POLICE have reassured residents mindless acts of vandalism will not be tolerated as a gang of youths continue to "terrorise" a rural village.

Lincolnshire Police say there is no "quick-fix" to combat antisocial behaviour and vandalism by a gang of youths in Marshchapel.

It comes as a young boy was arrested in the village on Sunday.

Villagers reported seeing him lying in the middle of the main road, Sea Dyke Way, although this has not been confirmed by the police.

Meanwhile, younger children, who fear the gang, have reportedly begged their parents to ground them so they do not have to go out to play.

Sergeant Lee Willoughby said: "We have been doing a lot of work with families and other youths in the area. Ultimately we want to, and will stop this behaviour.

"There isn't a quick-fix, we want to stop it long-term and that may take time. But boredom is no excuse for criminal and antisocial behaviour acts and we will deal with those who engage in it."

Residents have called for action following an "unprecedented" number of crimes in the village – including smashing an elderly woman's window as she cared for her terminally-ill husband, and smashing up children's garden toys.

Since their appeal, the door of another elderly woman's house in Littlefield Lane has been damaged and her rubbish bins thrown over her garden.

At the latest parish council meeting, it was said there were just two officers each night covering Skegness to Marshchapel, however, Sgt Willoughby confirmed there are more than that – but would not disclose how many.

He continued: "We have been working with outside agencies, East Lindsey District Council and youth support workers, to try to build up long-term measures that will stop this.

"Marshchapel is a very safe place and generally we don't get calls to go out there but at the moment there are a core few youths that have caused problems."

The boy has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Meanwhile, it continues to be the talk of the village, and while residents sympathise with the police, they don't with the parents of the youths causing trouble.

One man, who did not want to be named, said: "It is all down to bad parenting if you ask me. When I was a kid, if I had been brought home by the police, my dad would have told them to take me away.

I don't know what the solution is, but one is better parenting.

"Sooner or later someone is going to be arrested, but it won't be any of the youths, it will be a resident.

"People have had enough."

Marshchapel Parish Council is aware of the problem and will meet with PCSO Angela Cave to survey the playing field and discuss how it can be improved to reduce crime.

ON THE WEB: What do you think? Tell us at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Obviously it is very difficult for the police to patrol such a wide area and we as residents must all make sure we can support them as best we can by ensuring that all incidents are reported to them, however small, because that is what they want us to do.

This will make sure evidence is there if it is needed.

As I understand it, matters have been dealt with and I hope that we can now move into a time, coming up to the summer holidays, where parents are vigilant and aware of where their children are – inside and outside of the village – so we can enjoy the summer weather without interuption from naughty boys.

I would always say that generally, we live in a safe place, but we all need to be aware that there are people about who can cause aggresive, antisocial behaviour, and this is becoming more and more evident.

By and large, the majority of people in Marshchapel are law abiding and I wouldn't want the wider area to think we are any worse or better than anywhere else.

Generally, Marshchapel is a very happy, safe place to live, and I am sure it will continue to be.

STUDENTS at Humberston Academy have been learning the lessons of life.

They took part in the Academy's eighth PSCHRE Theme Day.

PSCHRE stands for Personal, Social, Citizenship, Health and Relationship Education.

Students were involved in a variety of challenging and fun activities promoting vital learning and "lessons for life", which the Academy believes to be essential preparation for students for life beyond the Academy.

The activities gave the students a chance to face new and exciting challenges, to engage in team work and to work with outside agencies such as the Army Outreach Team, St John's Ambulance, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.

Year 10 students' theme for the day was Thinking About The Future and they considered the importance of health and exercise in their future life during a session with the Grimsby Institute as well as issues of confidence and self-esteem in the session led by Rob Powlesland.

Year 7 students took part in activities that delivered very important messages about road and fire safety, alcohol education, first aid and electrical safety.

Year 9 students were involved in sessions with themes related to relationships, alcohol, drugs and sex education, working with the Tip Of The Iceberg Theatre Group.

The students watched two productions, and being actively involved in workshops, all students learnt about making moral decisions and the right choices in life.

Organiser Ellen Fish said: "The theme days are a vital part of our students' learning and personal development. Having a day to engage in different activities which are addressing moral issues not only enriches the students' learning experience but promotes the right choices.

Year Nine student Olivia Stuart said: "The Tip Of The Iceberg company was great.

"They showed real-life situations, and it really showed us we need to think before we act.

"We learnt that people have been through the same situations we have, telling us we're not alone and how to make sensible choices."

Year Ten student Daisy Allman said: "I enjoyed working with the Army Outreach Team and found it useful joining in the team challenges. I think theme days are interesting and teach me life lessons."

ON THE WEB: More stories from local schools at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/education

ONE of Britain's best-loved actors praised students for reaching the peak of their school careers at an awards ceremony.

Warwick Davis, who played Ewok Wicket in the Star Wars series, Professor Flitwick in Harry Potter and other roles in Willow and The Leprechaun, handed out prizes at Monks' Dyke Tennyson College prize-giving at Louth's Nichol Hill Methodist Church.

He said he hoped to have time on his visit to Lincolnshire to visit Cleethorpes' Ten Pin Bowling Centre with his family.

His wife Samantha is a former pupil of the school and the couple regularly visit relatives in her home town of Louth.

Warwick, who completed a series with Karl Pilkington in An Idiot Abroad, told how he loved playing the sport with his wife and children, Annabelle, 16 and Harrison, 10.

He said: "I have my own bowling ball. It has special holes so I can get my fingers in it. When I think about it, it looks just like Karl's head."

Warwick joked: "I don't have much time for it as we are busy at our new home doing DIY. I mainly leave it to the experts but I am good at painting the skirting boards."

In his speech to the college students, staff and parents, he was pleased to celebrate the pupils' achievements.

He said: "My wife was a pupil. She has achieved great things since she left – she married me.

"I didn't achieve much at school but I did try a lot. One school report said I was 'trying'. Trying is an achievement in itself.

"I didn't enjoy sports. Doing the high jump was a challenge. I couldn't even jump on to the crash mat and in the long jump I never made it to the sand.

"The hurdles was more like a game of limbo and in football, the strip was black and white so I was always being mistaken for the ball.

"I was excited to take part in my first game of cricket but they wouldn't let me play because I was shorter than the wicket.

"So they stuck me in the scoring hut. It was all numbers to me. But for some reason my team did really well after I became the scorer."

The actor told how he took a whole term to build a pair of stilts in woodwork class.

His wife of 22 years, Samantha told the Grimsby Telegraph she fondly remember her "great schooldays".

She said: "My dad (Peter Burroughs) was in the film Labyrinth with Warwick. I didn't much like him at that stage, but when we met again in panto with Marti Caine in Cambridge 25 years ago, I knew he was the right one for me."

She told how people always want to stop and have photos with Warwick and get autographs.

She said: "A trip to the supermarket takes about three hours."

She told how the couple love taking their children to Cleethorpes when they visit Lincolnshire and they share a passion for camping.

Winner of the college's top drama award, Ashley Standland, said he was thrilled to meet Warwick.

He said he hoped to gain a place at university to study music and then into teaching or musical theatre in London.

Ashley, 18, of Louth, said: "It has been very good for me at Monks' Dyke. They taught me a lot."

The Grimsby Telegraph award for media studies was presented by Warwick to Emily Marrows, 18, of Louth.

She said she hoped to study English at university and later work in design.

For her A-level course Emily created a flyer from Louth-based Samsung Honda motor racing team.

She said: "They were really happy with it as it was to promote our local team."

The prize-giving was the last of 14 awards evenings led by college principal Dr Chris Rolph.

He starts his new role as principal of Oasis Academy Wintringham, in Grimsby, in September.

After giving pupils an inspiring speech about endeavour to reach their peak of achievement, he told the Grimsby Telegraph he was sad to leave the school – read his full interview in the paper next week.

Chairman of Governors Rachel Tickhill thanked Dr Rolph for his years of dedication to the school and wished him well for his new role.

The audience was also entertained by talented performers Ashley Standland and Ellie Stocks, who sang On My Own from Les Miserables.

KT Tunstall's hit Black Horse And A Cherry Tree was performed brilliantly by Megan Johnson and trio Tom Williams, Jordan Dowswell and Abbie Hopwood sang James Arthur's Impossible.

CARNIVAL day is finally on us – and you won't miss a moment of it with the Grimsby Telegraph.

The Cleethorpes Carnival parade is back, despite fears that last year's event would be the last after more than 30 years as the highlight of the resort's events calendar.

It will set off from Sidney Park today at 3pm and more than 75 floats – the highest number in many years – will embark on the 4.5 mile route down to the seafront, ending at Meridian Park.

Thousands are expected to line the streets on what it is hoped will be another glorious day in the midst of the biggest British heatwave in seven years – albeit slightly cooler.

And the Grimsby Telegraph will be covering all the action in full – so check the website and paper to see if you get a mention or get snapped by our photographer. A reporter and a photographer will be in Sidney Park getting a feel for the atmosphere during the build-up to the carnival, so visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk for video footage and pictures from 1pm today.

The new-look website will be updated all the time with stories about people taking part.

You can also follow us on Twitter @GrimsbyTel and we will be regularly tweeting pictures and quotes from people enjoying the fun from the day.

And if you want to tweet about the carnival, use #CleethorpesCarnival to share with other twitter users.

But if you prefer good old-fashioned print, we'll be doing a full round-up in Monday's paper.

"MEET the family. God Bless them all."

That was the praise given to the volunteers of The Goodwill Motorists who make friends with the infirm, housebound and disabled and give them a "second life".

Co-founder of the charity Dora Beales was cheered for her leadership of the group, which has provided a lifeline to hundreds of people thanks to the dedication of its members. The volunteers were thanked for giving a total of 288 years – with some giving more than 30 – to needy people in the community.

They were honoured at an awards ceremony at Welholme Community Primary School to mark 51 years of the charity. Dora said: "They all fill a niche and fulfil a need. We could not do without them.

"They are fantastic.

"They are so helpful and kind to those less fortunate than themselves.

"They look after the housebound, infirm and bring joy.

"God bless them all."

Certificates of long-service were presented by The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Peggy Elliott.

She said: "It is remarkable. It is all due to Dora.

"She has wonderful volunteers, some with more than 30 years service. That goes well beyond the call of duty.

"These people change lives. They go into people's homes and look after those who can't get out.

"They go into their homes and give them a second life."

Among those honoured were Marlene Allman, who has given 19 years of service.

Edna Codd was praised for her 28 years of "all round reliability" to the charity.

Gordon Green and Jack Hinchcliffe, with 25 years service, were applauded for their contribution.

Michael Holmes was hailed a "great helper".

Both Audrey Kerr and Karen King have dedicated ten years with the charity and Margaret Lord and David Phillips have given years of service.

Angela Wilson was congratulated for being "helpful in any emergency".

Among the longest-serving members, whose years of charitable work were announced, were Kenneth Sykes, 24 years, John Shelston, 18 years, Terry Thurogood, 35 years, Robert Ward, 18 years, Elsa Dixon, 24 years and Carole Wilson with ten years.

Dora also congratulated Norman Viving for completing eight years with the group.

Dora thanked Daniel Stewart for nominating her for a volunteer of the year award.

The 87-year-old chairman of

Goodwill Motorists won the older volunteer of the year award last year.

Volunteers were entertained by music and dance from primary school pupils.

ON THE WEB: Let us know how you have been helped by the charity by visiting www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

THIS really is your very last chance!

We have teamed up with the Big Lottery Fund to offer local groups and organisations the chance of a slice of £250,000 of funding.

Applications must be received in Monday's post, so if you need some new equipment, or you've come up with a great new project for your group, but just need the cash to make it reality, then what are you waiting for – apply today!

Grants of between £10,000 and £30,000 are available.

Examples of groups that can apply include community groups, not-for-profit organisations, parish or town councils, health bodies and schools.

You do not have to be a registered charity to be eligible, but your group must have a bank account requiring at least two people to sign each cheque or withdrawal. You must also be in a position to use the grant within a year.

Full guidelines are available with the application form.

A shortlist of the best ideas will be published in the Telegraph and readers will have the chance to vote for the projects they would like to see get a grant. The projects with the highest number of votes will be awarded the funding until all £250,000 of the Big Lottery Fund money has been spent.

Winners will be announced at the end of September.

Keep reading your Grimsby Telegraph for more coverage of this amazing giveaway – and page 24 today.

ON THE WEB: For full details and an application form, visit www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk

TRADITIONAL gaff-rigged sailing boats congregated in Grimsby's Alexandra Dock as guests of the Grimsby And Cleethorpes Yacht Club (GCYC).

A total of 15 visiting boats, including several from Holland, called in as part of a circumnavigation of Britain to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Old Gaffers Association (OGA).

Those attending boasted a variety of types, from elegant yachts with varnished woodwork and polished brass, to sturdy ex-working boats, some very old, some quite new – but all with a spirit of tradition in common.

Visitors joined local GCYC club members in barbecues, shanty singing, local fish and chips, racing out on the Humber and water activities in the dock with the 1st Cleethorpes Sea Scouts.

The event was enhanced by the glorious summer weather.

Given their particular interest, many of the participants visited the Fishing Heritage Centre in the dock and even these salty old sea dogs were impressed.

The oldest boat to visit Grimsby was Bonita, a Morecambe Bay prawner built in 1888.

It set off in April from the Thames estuary so she is not too far from completing her circumnavigation.

Like many others, she intends to carry on round to Cowes, Isle of Wight where the Old Gaffers have their big Jubilee Festival in August. More than 200 traditional sailing boats are expected there.

During their Round Britain odyssey participants have endured everything that you might expect to have thrown at you when sailing the British coastline: fog in Lyme Bay, storms in Devon, northerlies in the Irish Sea, southerlies on the east coast, fishing lines round the propeller, fouled anchors, blocked loos, engine trouble, arduous trips home for work, enforced long passages, night passages, shortage of crew.

However, it seems the pleasures have been far greater than the hardships, with some great sailing in some stunning locations – and the fleet has been warmly welcomed by the different areas of the OGA which they have visited – the newly-reformed OGA North East Area being no exception.

Associated British Ports are sponsoring the Round Britain Challenge as well as the OGA Jubilee Festival at Cowes.

ON THE WEB: More pictures at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

THIS diamond pair's love will continue to shine on as a "beacon of marriage" for other couples.

Talented Patrick Laanchbury, 85, built a five foot lighthouse for his wife Iris, 89, in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary.

A real labour of love, it stands as a symbol for marriage in their Humber Terrace garden in Grimsby – and Patrick hopes other couples will be inspired by its message.

He said: "This is not only an anniversary gift for Iris, it is a beacon of hope for all married couples.

"Marriage is an institution that isn't upheld as much anymore. The lighthouse is for everyone who is married."

The lighthouse joins a number of sculptures, furniture and paintings lovingly crafted by art school graduate Patrick – including a scaled-down model of the Holmehill School clock and Grimsby Dock Tower, displayed at the National Heritage Fishing Centre.

The pair met after the Second World War in Romford, London, at Hoovers, where Iris – who had fled the city after her house was bombed in the blitz – worked and Patrick visited as an accounts clerk.

He had recently returned home from war, serving in the Royal Air Force (RAF) for six years – including three years in Hong Kong.

Almost instantly his eyes met hers across the office, and at the staff Christmas party, he grabbed his opportunity and invited Iris to dance the first of many dances with him.

They married in June, 1953, and moved back to London where Patrick worked for the British School of Motoring teaching driving instructors.

They had three children, Karen, Paul and David – who lives in Great Coates – before moving up to Lincolnshire because Patrick's mother, who they lived with, wanted to return to the place she was born.

In 1989 they moved into their Humber Terrace home, where the lighthouse will soon be fitted with a lightbulb, providing light as the cultured couple sip wine beneath it on their garden patio.

Iris continued: "I was amazed when I saw my lighthouse. I knew he was up to something, but I thought he was making me a pot for my plants.

"I didn't know how clever he was when I married him and now our house is filled with all the things he makes."

Patrick added: "We have had our ups and downs but we have our own interests and hobbies. I have my art and Iris has her pen pals.

"After this length of marriage, a lot of people go on about their age, that they are old. Age isn't relevant, you are as young as you feel.

"Presenting Iris with the lighthouse was a wonderful feeling. Nowadays women marry men who can't even wire a plug. They should marry someone who is practical and can do things."

Iris added: "A good sense of humour is also important."

A BRIGHT future is in store for Cleethorpes Pier – but it needs YOU to make it a success.

The lease on the iconic landmark has been taken on by local businessman Bryan Huxford – chair of Eastern Airways – in a groundbreaking deal he hopes will secure its future for years to come.

But the long-term plan will see the historical venue run and managed by the community – with every penny made pumped back into the Pier and the wider community.

Mr Huxford said: "This has the potential to be very exciting and could create jobs, boost skills and give people across North East Lincolnshire a venue to be really proud of.

"But we're not getting ahead of ourselves at this stage, because we know the Pier will only truly survive and thrive with the support of local people."

Mr Huxford has taken on the £80,000 annual lease from owner Bryn Ilsley after the sale of the venue fell through earlier this year.

He is one of seven local business people who together form The Pier Group, and will steer the project to ensure it is brought back to its former glory.

For the first year, it will be run commercially as a traditional entertainment venue – rather than the tried and failed nightclub – including ideas for a dance and concert hall, tearooms, craft markets and wedding receptions.

All profits made will go towards the Pier's running and maintenance costs in order to restore it to its former glory.

The Pier Group will also attract additional funding and search for local people to take on both paid and voluntary roles as a "community initiative group".

Mr Huxford – who wants the venue open as quickly as possible – will then buy it and hand over the management of it to that group.

A borough-wide public consultation will be launched next week to find out what the people of North East Lincolnshire want the Pier to be used for.

After three years, the community initiative group can use profits and funding to buy the Pier from Mr Huxford – for the same price he pays for it in 12 months' time.

"We will be opening consultations very soon and hope lots of people will choose to get involved in deciding the future of this great, regional landmark," Mr Huxford added.

Long-term plans also include profits from the Pier being used to pay for regeneration projects elsewhere in the borough.

A spokesperson for the Pier Group said: "Mr Huxford and the other members of the Group have absolutely no financial gain from this. All of them are local people who have done very well out of the town and made a good living, and who feel that it is really important to have pride in the area."

The news has been welcomed by the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Chris Shaw, and Friends of Cleethorpes Heritage (FCH) members.

Mr Shaw said: "It is now down to the community to step up to the mark. This is the way forward for the Pier. It has given this iconic feature of the resort a secure future."

Chair of FCH, Ann Reavey, added: "I couldn't be more thrilled. This is fantastic news and, of course, our group would be very interested in getting involved."

HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think the Pier should be used for? Tell us by posting a comment.

A COMPLAINT that Grimsby's proposed new £8.4 million swimming pool does not represent good value for taxpayer's money is no longer being pursued by the council's external auditor.

John Prentice, engagement lead at KPMG, the private firm contracted by the Audit Commission to inspect the accounts of local authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber region, confirmed in April that he was looking into the matter after being contacted by Laceby resident Richard Macklam.

Mr Macklam, a member of the Save Scartho Baths campaign, e-mailed Mr Prentice, claiming that the work could be done for around £2 million less than the quoted price tag.

In his correspondence he included quotations provided by a professional builder stating that his company could design and build a 25 metre pool – the same size as the proposed new facility at Cromwell Road – for between £5.5 and £6 million, and a 50 metre international standard pool for around £7.5 million.

But Mr Prentice has now informed North East Lincolnshire Council that he does not plan to take any further action over the matter, after being satisfied by its responses to his enquiries.

Council chief executive Tony Hunter said: "It is not unusual for people to contact our external auditor on issues of potential concern. The auditor then brings such matters to our attention for explanation to his satisfaction.

"In this case, the council has been informed that there are no plans to take any further action."

Mr Macklam said he was disappointed to hear that his complaint would not be taken further, adding that he had not yet received a formal response from Mr Prentice.

He said: "We feel that spending £8.4 million would be a misuse of public funds when you could refurbish Scartho Baths for much less.

"I would love to go out and buy a new Mercedes but I can't afford one. I get my car serviced and keep it going."

However, campaigners say they have not given up on the fight to save the Scartho Road pool. It is set to close when the proposed new facility on Cromwell Road is up and running, expected to be in 2015.

Campaigner Byron Miller said: "We haven't given up yet. We are awaiting the outcome of the planning application and are just hoping that common sense will prevail."

HAVE YOUR SAY: Are you in favour of the Scartho Baths demolition? Post a comment here.

A GRIMSBY man has been jailed for 24 years for committing a string of sexual assaults against three girls.

Steven Williams, 60, of Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, was found guilty of a total of 17 offences by a jury following a trial at Grimsby Crown Court.

The offences all took place within a seven- and-a-half year period between August 2005 and January this year, and involved three girls, now aged 16, 13 and 13, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Williams was convicted on six counts of rape against one girl, three counts of sexual activity and one of assault by penetration against the second, and two counts of rape, four of assault by penetration and one of causing a child to engage in sexual activity against the third.

He was found not guilty of six other offences involving the three girls and a boy, after the jury delivered not guilty verdicts on three, and were unable to reach a majority verdict on three others.

Before sentence was passed, defence barrister Simon Hirst asked Recorder Anton Lodge QC to take into consideration it being Williams' first custodial sentence and his age.

Recorder Lodge described Williams as a "clever man" who had used his cleverness to manipulate and control others for "criminally immoral ends."

He said: "It can be safely said that you have damaged each of the three girls."

Williams was also made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and disqualified from working with children.

When the sentence was passed, relatives of the victims let out a jubilant cry of "yes" from the public gallery.

By contrast, Williams, who was wearing a turquoise green cardigan and white shirt, showed no emotion as he was told of his fate.

Minutes earlier he had appeared in a relaxed mood, and was seen laughing and joking with the court guards.

As Williams was led from the dock, his victims' relatives gave him a sarcastic round of applause, with one saying: "Has justice been done? Yes, it has."

Recorder Lodge commended Detective Constable Nicola Mackenzie and Detective Sergeant Phil Booker from Humberside Police for their hard work on the case.

His remarks echoed the words of prosecutor Richard Woolfall, who said the two officers deserved a commendation for the "professional way" in which they had conducted the inquiry.

Recorder Lodge also praised defence barrister Simon Hirst for the sensitive way in which he had cross-examined the child victims, describing it as being in "the highest tradition of the profession".

EMPLOYEES at Grimsby's hospital are crying out for more staff as a way to help improve services for patients.

It comes in the wake of a £450,000 investment programme started by Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) – which was this week put into special measures following the Keogh Review – to recruit more nurses and healthcare assistants.

One staff member who works on ward B1 at the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital (DPOW) – the gynaecology and breast ward – expressed her concerns following the damming report released at the beginning of the week.

Taking her views to www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk under the name tina170564, she said: "Nursing staff do more writing up now than they ever have done.

"They are so stacked out and bogged down with paperwork they do not have the time to wash, dress, counsel and care for patients.

"Staff at DPOW are at breaking point.

"Nurses and carers cutting short their breaks or having none at all, staying late, way after their shift is finished – without being paid.

"The majority of the doctors, nurses and carers at DPOW work their butts off and they are all genuinely hurt by the media attention it has attracted.

"A message to the government: HELP US! WE NEED MORE STAFF!

"I work on B1 ladies.

"We are a great team who really do our absolute best for every patient that comes through the door."

A total of 13.76 whole time equivalent staff nurses and 14.18 healthcare assistants will be recruited as part of the investment.

Dr Karen Dunderdale, chief nurse at NLAG, said: "People being admitted to hospital are more acutely ill and this requires more intensive nursing support.

"We have started the recruitment process and are already putting people into posts.

"I want to ensure we have the right staff in place to provide the best quality care possible for our patients.

"In the last 18 months we have additionally recruited 140 highly skilled nurses."

Touching on the need for doctors, Neil Pease, director of organisational and workforce development at NLAG, said: "There is a national shortage of doctors in some specialities; this is not something that is unique to our area.

"We are taking steps to address this, including advertising both nationally and internationally.

"Our main priority is to always ensure we continue to provide safe and quality services for our patients."

"WE ARE being treated like animals!"

These are the words of a scaffolder at Total Lindsey Oil Refinery who is one of many who have apparently walked off site after a dispute over the supply of water during the hot weather.

A protest meeting was held yesterday morning with their union GMB/Unite discussing how to resolve the problem of water supply. Drinking stations were decommissioned six months ago due to vandalism, and alleged incidents of workers urinating in them.

The contractors at the North Killingholme site believe there are 150 other workers protesting. The contractors are being supplied with bottled water from their employers, but say this is not enough.

"We are working in really hot temperatures in over 50 degrees heat and wear a hard hat, harness and big fire proof overalls," said a scaffolder at the protest.

"They treat us like we're the little man and I think it's because they don't want us to have a break to get water."

Another worker described it as "prison".

He said: "We have to stay on site for four hours and work really hard.

"We only have a small bottle of water – it is not enough to last.

"We're sweating beyond belief and the water has been off for six months.

"But this extremely hot weather has really escalated the situation and made it feel ten times hotter."

A 27-year-old scaffolder from Grimsby added: "I have been working here for two months now and in this weather it has been really bad because there isn't enough water.

"They won't switch the water fountains on because they are worried about contamination apparently.

"It is boiling working on the refinery with all your gear on and we need more water."

The protest has not affected production at the refinery.

Head of HR at Total, Bob Emmerson, said: "We've changed the way the water is provided, the stations have been decommissioned due to vandalism.

"We don't know who vandalised the water fountains.

"Workers now bring in personal flasks and they are supplied bottles from contractors.

"If they want more bottles then it will be allowed.

"The issue is with a small number of workers who don't like the new system.

"A worker has put one of the fountains back on."

Nobody from the union was available for comment.