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.

Despite the overcast weather everyone had a smile on their face and enjoyed great atmosphere. Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Councillor Peggy Elliott said the event was "everything I had hoped for and more".

Waltham resident June Phillip said: "Look at the crowds, it's fantastic.

"It should never be cancelled, it should always stay."

Marketing Controller for Youngs, Marina Richardson said: "It has been a fantastic day.

"Everyone has enjoyed it.

"It has been amazing to see the crowds, there have been hundreds of people at every part!

"What a great atmosphere it has been."

RESIDENTS in the Market Rasen and Caistor area are being asked for their views today on money-saving ideas for their district council.

In an effort to save £3-million over the next three years without cutting frontline services, West Lindsey District Council is exploring smarter ways to work and wants residents to help make decisions.

The consultation event will take place in an informal group atmosphere at the Village Hall, Nettleton, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Light refreshments will be provided and attendees do not need any specific knowledge of the council to take part.

Councillor Tom Regis, chairman of the council's Policy And Resources Committee, said: "As people may be aware, due to continued austerity measures, changes in legislation and anticipated cost pressures, the council needs to find £3 million in savings over the next three years.

"Where possible, we want to find this by working differently and finding additional funding rather than cutting services."

Due to the scale of the challenge being faced – including a 10 per cent cut in Government funding to local councils – the council wants to discuss a range of options with residents around potential changes to some services and other approaches to "plugging the gap".

This feedback will inform the council's future decision making.

For more information call Katy Allen on 01427 675149.

A GROUP of children from Lincolnshire Montessori School in Caistor are celebrating after winning a county award.

The Eco Schools Committee – who have named themselves the Eco Friendlies – secured the Young Environmentalist trophy at the Lincolnshire Environment Awards.

Organised by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, the awards celebrate environmental awareness and action in the county with a special award for schools and junior entrants.

The five children, aged 7 to 10, who make up the group, have been working hard since September and have organised a recycled clothing pick-up with Bags2schools which raised £160.

They have decided to use this to buy bird box kits and make the boxes to attract birds to nest in the school grounds.

The group also organised for the school business manager to install a recycling bin for all cardboard, plastic, tins and glass.

Window monitors were assigned to check windows were closed to preserve energy and a litter pick was organised in the school grounds. Signs have been put up to encourage energy saving.

Other projects have included supporting Caistor In Bloom by planting more than 200 bulbs in the churchyard, installing composters for kitchen waste to use in the school allotment, and working with "friends of" the school to install a cartridge recycling point in the reception.

The group, who were thrilled with the result, were presented with the award by well-known botanist and presenter Dr David Bellamy.

Group member Max Johnson said: "We are really pleased. I really didn't think we had a chance – but we did it!"

Head Theresa Ellerby said: "We are thrilled for the children's work to be acknowledged in this way. It is a real springboard for future work on our Eco Schools plan."

THE new owners of Lindsey School have announced plans that could see residents move into Britain's first care home with a full street scene as early as May 2015.

Yorkare Homes Ltd has exchanged contracts with North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) – former owners of the Clee Road building – and have picked up the keys.

The sale is due to be officially completed on Friday, and development director Laurence Garton hopes that a planning application will be submitted in four to five months.

If accepted, Mr Garton hopes that building work could start next May and residents could move in a year later.

He said: "The main thing that mattered to people we talked to was that we maintain the old structure, which we are, so we hope that will be a positive in the process."

NELC put the building on the market with Scott's Property in June last year with a guide price of £750,000 to £1 million and 11 companies made bids.

Some included knocking the building down and replacing it with homes, but NELC chose Yorkare's plan for a £6 million care unit with 80 beds within the existing building – which will also create jobs.

The original school opened in 1925 and Yorkare will refurbish and retain it, but smaller buildings – that were added later on – will be demolished.

Mr Garton said that they plan to create a full street scene inside the gym and assembly hall, which will have a fully operational pub, cafe, cinema and games room, hairdressers and other stores.

He added: "Other companies have put shops inside care homes before but nothing on this scale – it will be Britain's first of this type.

"There will be fake grass, working shops and other shop fronts to stimulate memory for dementia sufferers.

"It will also give residents independence and somewhere to meet family members – all under cover in a safe environment.

"The money that the shops take will go into a residents' fund which will pay for trips out."

ON THE WEB: Read the background of this story at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

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."

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."

THE new owners of Lindsey School have announced plans that could see residents move into Britain's first care home with a full street scene as early as May 2015.

Yorkare Homes Ltd has exchanged contracts with North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) – former owners of the Clee Road building – and have picked up the keys.

The sale is due to be officially completed on Friday, and development director Laurence Garton hopes that a planning application will be submitted in four to five months.

If accepted, Mr Garton hopes that building work could start next May and residents could move in a year later.

He said: "The main thing that mattered to people we talked to was that we maintain the old structure, which we are, so we hope that will be a positive in the process."

NELC put the building on the market with Scott's Property in June last year with a guide price of £750,000 to £1 million and 11 companies made bids.

Some included knocking the building down and replacing it with homes, but NELC chose Yorkare's plan for a £6 million care unit with 80 beds within the existing building – which will also create jobs.

The original school opened in 1925 and Yorkare will refurbish and retain it, but smaller buildings – that were added later on – will be demolished.

Mr Garton said that they plan to create a full street scene inside the gym and assembly hall, which will have a fully operational pub, cafe, cinema and games room, hairdressers and other stores.

He added: "Other companies have put shops inside care homes before but nothing on this scale – it will be Britain's first of this type.

"There will be fake grass, working shops and other shop fronts to stimulate memory for dementia sufferers.

"It will also give residents independence and somewhere to meet family members – all under cover in a safe environment.

"The money that the shops take will go into a residents' fund which will pay for trips out."

A SEX offender who tried to hide behind a "super-injunction" can today be unmasked after a judge refused to make a gagging order.

David Redbond – who was caught with child pornography and images of bestiality – wanted to remain anonymous and to be treated differently from all other defendants.

But a judge at Grimsby Crown Court ruled that it would be an affront to the idea of open justice to treat Redbond differently from everybody else.

Redbond, 65, of Chester Place, Cleethorpes, had successfully obtained a gagging order from Grimsby magistrates.

His solicitor, Roy Foreman, had claimed that day that Redbond should not be named, apparently because of a supposed need to protect his relatives.

But recorder Euan Duff strongly criticised the move and told the higher court: "It's a complete mystery why this defendant should not be identified."

He agreed with a Grimsby Telegraph application that Redbond should not be allowed to hide behind a cloak of anonymity.

"The starting point in courts is that we have open justice and proper reporting of all matters that can be reported," said recorder Duff.

"It's fundamental to open justice. It's a matter of public importance."

It could be "counter-productive" to make such gagging applications because "it attracts more attention".

The Telegraph was supported by prosecutor Jeremy Evans who said: "This is the equivalent of a super-injunction and it's miraculous how he has managed to get anonymity in the magistrates' court."

It appeared that Redbond wanted anonymity because of his "name itself" and because it "stands out".

He added: "That's no reason. It forms no grounds. This case is no different from anybody else. The starting point is open justice and justice must be seen to be done."

A MOTHER has accused a school of being "underhand" after it excluded her daughter for using a legal high – then encouraged her to join a sister academy.

Four pupils were given temporary exclusions from Cleethorpes Academy last month after they smoked a legal high at school, as reported.

The three boys and one girl – who told the Telegraph that the moment of madness had "ruined her life" – have since been permanently excluded.

However, the mother of the girl – who wants to remain anonymous – feels her daughter has been treated unfairly.

She also claims that the four students were encouraged to join sister school Tollbar Academy, which has exactly the same drugs policy as Cleethorpes.

She said: "They told me that it wouldn't be an exclusion if she went to Tollbar. I don't know exactly why but it seems very underhand to me.

"She is not a victim and knows what she did was wrong, but she did not supply the drug and she has been treated as harshly as the boys who did.

"I think they are making an example of her because she went to the paper and it embarrassed them."

The 14-year-old girl has now gone to Havelock Academy, where she is now much happier after falling into a deep depression following the exclusion.

However, she fears that her relationship with her father – who is vehemently anti-drugs – has been irrevocably damaged.

The girl's mother had planned to appeal the exclusion decision but said the process lacks teeth as it cannot force the school to reinstate her.

It would also mean that her daughter would have to go to a pupil referral unit – such as Park House – in the meantime, rather than a mainstream school.

She said: "I was stuck between a rock and a hard place."

Cleethorpes Academy principal Martin Brown has defended the school.

He said: "Cleethorpes Academy takes part in the local authority's Behaviour and Attendance Collaborative to try and support students at risk of permanent exclusion and offer them places at alternative schools.

"This would include Tollbar as, although it is in the Tollbar Family of Academies, it is still a separate school and offers students a fresh start.

"Both academies have accepted students via this process and have also made referrals to the body on occasions.

"The collaborative means that schools can work together, in the best interests of students, to avoid permanent exclusions.

"This supports individual students whilst still maintaining effective discipline policies in schools."

CLEETHORPES buzzed with atmosphere as thousands flocked to the resort for the carnival.

There were no glum faces despite the overcast weather and the light drizzle.

Waltham resident June Phillip said: "Look at the crowds, it's fantastic!

"It should never be cancelled, it should always stay.

"I used to take part in the floats, I loved getting dressed up.

"It was always so much fun."

The Barney family of Grimsby said the day had been fantastic.

Sienna Barney, 9, said: "It was brilliant, my favourite float was the pirate one and the dinosaur was great, too."

Sienna's sister Beau, 4, said: "I really like the big wrestlers and the pirate ship."

Diane Aubrey, her husband and two boys from Kendall, in the Lake District, said: "We have come here on holiday and to see the parade as well has been great.

"We have really enjoyed the floats and the dancing, it has been superb!"

Marketing controller for Young's, Marina Richardson said: "It has been a fantastic day.

"Everyone has enjoyed it.

"Our carnival princess Becky has been great, too.

"It shows just how important it is to keep the carnival going in Cleethorpes, everyone has really got behind it.

"It has been amazing to see the crowds, there have been hundreds of people at every part!

"What a great atmosphere it has been, it's been buzzing."

More pictures will appear in tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph.

IT may have ended Grimsby Town's unbeaten pre-season record, but there were encouraging signs in the Lincs Senior Cup quarter-final defeat.

While few would argue that the better team won, most would agree that the scoreline flattered the Iron, who for large parts of the game were well-matched by Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's side.

The manner in which the goals were conceded – and the number of genuine chances created at the other end – will be of slight concern for the joint bosses.

But their side's composure and ability to keep the ball against virtually the host's first-choice XI would have heartened the duo – and the 768-strong clan that made the short journey down the M180.

Paul Bignot played his first game for the Mariners since joining the club on trial earlier this month.

Another player who is hoping to earn a deal at Blundell Park – Chris Doig – was also included in the starting line-up.

But it was his undercooked back-pass that almost gifted Matt Godden an early chance, however, James McKeown was quick off his line to smother.

At the other end, Paddy McLaughlin started and almost finished Town's first real attack of note. His clever through-ball set Liam Hearn racing clear, before the frontman laid the ball back for Joe Colbeck to cross.

When the ball eventually fell to the Northern Irishman, he crashed a half volley that deflected just wide of Sam Slocombe's goal.

But as half-time approached, the Iron began to assert themselves on the game, and, after winning a corner with less than ten minutes to go, they broke the deadlock.

Centre-half David Mirfin rose highest to power a header at goal, as McLaughlin tried in vain to keep it out on the line.

The midfielder could have put the Mariners back on terms within seconds of the restart, but his stooping header from Hearn's cross flew just wide, with Slocombe rooted to the spot.

After that chance, there were few opportunities for Town as their hosts finished stronger.

Nevertheless, they began brightly after the restart – first Colbeck hammered high and wide before Alex Rodman drove a tame effort on target in a largely uneventful 20 minutes.

But then the Iron hit the woodwork when a wayward cross looped onto McKeown's bar, while, minutes later, sub Deon Burton's header bounced across goal with no-one in a claret and blue shirt there to tap home.

And the improving hosts thought they had their second when Godden steered a cross from Terry Hawkridge towards goal.

However, Doig was on hand to hack off the line and the referee waved play on, despite the appeals of the home crowd.

At the other end, an unmarked Ross Hannah tapped home Aswad Thomas' low cross, but the frontman was denied by the offside flag.

The home side upped the pressure in the final ten minutes.

And they sealed their win with another goal from a set-piece when Sam Winnall headed home from a Hawkridge free-kick, before adding a flattering gloss to the score-line with a bizarre third.

Straight after the restart, sub Sam Hatton looked to be fouled and Town's players thought play was about to be stopped.

However, the whistle wasn't forthcoming, and Burton clipped an opportunist 45-yard lob that sailed over a stranded McKeown.

While the bosses would have been disappointed with the eventual result, there was still plenty to build on ahead of tomorrow night's visit of Bradford City.

TRAVELLERS became "aggressive" with Pleasure Island staff who blocked them in to their car park on carnival day after they illegally settled there and refused to leave.

The travellers pulled up on the car park of Kingsway at around 9pm on Friday night, as reported on www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

When staff arrived at work on Saturday morning – the day of Cleethorpes Carnival Parade – there was a car boot sale being held, so they could not block off the entrance immediately.

Staff asked the travellers – who had parked there illegally – to leave and when they refused, blocked off all exits and entrances – which caused tensions to rise.

The travellers complained that, unable to leave, they were being "treated like dogs" and that "there are nothing but racists in this town".

However, general manager Neil Ireland said: "The travellers say it's their home and their right to be there and they should come and go as they please.

"We blocked them in to give them no choice but to get off the land for good – and they were very aggressive towards our staff."

Frustrated, Mr Ireland added: "Customers don't want to see them there and it's affecting us at our prime time of business."

As thousands of people lined the streets to see the parade march its way to Meridian Park, police were in attendance just up the road.

One woman, who did not want to be named, told the Telegraph that she witnessed a traveller child throw a glass bottle and a block of wood over the fence at a staff member.

She said that another child mounted the roof of a Pleasure Island vehicle and rode through the gates on its top, forcing members of staff to remove him from the premises.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "There were police whizzing past and it was really kicking off outside."

She also expressed concern over what would happen later on in the day as thousands were expected to come to the theme park, which ran a £5 ticket promotion in the Telegraph for carnival day.

However, the travellers unexpectedly left the site in the early evening. It is not yet known where they have moved to.

Melanie Wood, pictured, owner of Pleasure Island, had vowed that the traveller stand-off would not affect business early on Saturday.

And the numbers prove that it didn't, with the park enjoying bumper numbers – despite the overcast weather.

She said: "It was great day and we had a really good evening at the park with more than 1,500 people through the gates – despite the problems that we had earlier.

"It wasn't sunny but it wasn't cold either and the £5 offer was a good one that many people took advantage of. Hopefully they'll come back.

"I'm slightly relieved because I wondered if it might take a lot longer to sort the situation out."

A NUMBER of locations in Grimsby were cordoned off following what is believed to be a stabbing.

One man has been arrested in connection with the incident, which left a 28-year-old man with serious injuries.

Police said several areas in the town were sealed off after they were called to Kingsgate just after 9.30am on Saturday.

The 28-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries, which police say are "serious".

East Midlands Ambulance Service operations manager Steve Pratten said they were called after reports of a stabbing in the street.

He confirmed that the man was still in hospital and said his injuries are "serious but not life-threatening".

A 34-year-old man was arrested in connection with the assault after attending Grimsby Police Station just before 2.30pm on Saturday.

Police believe that the suspect was known to the victim.

A Humberside Police spokesman said: "Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and a number of areas are cordoned off by crime scene investigators."

Anyone with information should contact Humberside Police on 101.

Updates will appear at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

A MENACING knifeman who threatened to kill police while he was on the roof of Immingham Civic Centre has been jailed to protect the public – and given an Antisocial Behaviour Order.

He became abusive and aggressive and threatened to slit people's throats during a tense siege lasting four-and-a-half hours, a court heard.

Daniel Whewell, 21, of Hainton Avenue, Grimsby, admitted affray, possessing a knife, breaching an Asbo and causing criminal damage on January 4.

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Whewell dialled 999 at 8.45pm and told police: "I've got a knife. I'm going to kill somebody. I'll kill someone if you don't come and get me."

He was on top of a flat roof at the civic centre in Kennedy Way, Immingham, and shouted at police.

He became more abusive and aggressive, made threats and told them: "You'd better make sure they pay you double. I'm not coming down for the next two hours."

He yelled: "I'll slit your throats" and was carrying a large kitchen knife.

A firearms unit, ambulance and fire engine were called in. Whewell threatened to stab a police officer but later threw down the knife at about 10.15pm.

He hurled TV aerials down towards police and made threats that, if anyone came up, he would attack them with a knife.

He climbed down from the roof at 1.15am following a siege of four-and-a-half hours.

Whewell also admitted other offences of affray and breaching his Asbo on November 18.

The incident involved a disturbance at the County Hotel, Immingham, in which he became aggressive and hit Nicholas Lord in the face.

He threw a bottle at him and it smashed on a wall behind him. He waved a knife around and lunged with it towards Mr Lord.

The knife caught Mr Lord on the wrist, causing a scratch.

Andrew Bailey, mitigating, said both incidents involving knives were serious but the rooftop incident was a "cry for help" from Whewell.

"He accepts a great deal of inconvenience was caused, great concern was caused and nasty threats were made," said Mr Bailey.

Whewell had been struggling with the symptoms of serious drug taking and drinking. His mental health had been affected.

Judge David Tremberg said Whewell was a "young man of violence" who had shown "entrenched antisocial traits" including the use of knives.

"It's necessary to protect the public from you and to pass sentences that may deter you from behaving in this way in the future."

The siege incident showed paranoid, dangerous and irrational behaviour from Whewell, said Judge Tremberg.

The "precious resources" of the police were diverted from their duties and a "chilling feature" was that, if someone had made a wrong move, they could have ended up being caused serious harm.

Whewell, in custody since January, was jailed for three-and-a-half years and was given a three-year Asbo and a three-year restraining order.