"INSANE".

That's how Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell has described proposals to scrap North East Lincolnshire's direct rail service to Manchester.

The veteran Labour representative, pictured, due to step down next year, said the area was the most neglected in the country when it comes to rail services.

He said: "TransPennine operate a very good service and we need it, it is well used. It is often overcrowded and people are forced to stand up all the way to Manchester.

"It is insane to say Grimsby people won't be able to use it.

"If the plans go ahead then TransPennine will lose their current trains and will have to replace them with smaller, less comfortable ones.

"It will only make it worse. I think George Osborne has a real cheek to announce new high-speed rail links to Leeds and Manchester when we are suffering.

"It is insulting for the government to brush us off like this."

The government's consultation document states that many passengers from our region are only travelling as far as Doncaster, before changing routes, and not travelling across the Pennines.

Passenger loadings are high between Manchester Airport and Doncaster, but low between Doncaster and Cleethorpes, it added.

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has also weighed in with his support, and says he will do all he can to resist the plans.

When the plans were announced, he said: "I am totally opposed to the proposals. TransPennine Express has done an excellent job in recent years building up patronage between Cleethorpes Grimsby and Doncaster stations.

"I will be challenging any proposal to revamp the service," he said.

The Hull and Humber Chamber is also backing the campaign to save the "vital commuter link".

Spokesman David Hooper said: "It's a vital commuter line linking Cleethorpes to Manchester and the East Coast Mainline, which is well used by business people and other passengers alike.

"It seems ironic when we have just had a lot of excitement about the improvement of rail links with HS3 from Manchester to Leeds and possibly Hull, that a few days later we are talking about the possible cut of an important service.

"We are also working hard, alongside Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers, to get a direct link to London reintroduced.

"This is going against the tide and it's not something we want to see."

A spokesperson for First TransPennine Express (FTPE) said: "The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for the specifications for rail franchises across the country.

"Our current franchise is due to finish on April 1, 2015, although we are in early stage discussions to continue operating the franchise until February 2016, after which, new franchises are due to commence.

"The DfT has indicated that it values two separate rail franchises for the north of England and has acknowledged the customer improvements made and inter-city services provided by FTPE in the last ten years of operation.

"Specifications for franchises after February 2016 are expected to be released by the summer and are expected to include details of the services intended to be operated for consultation.

"In the meantime, FTPE is committed to continuing to improve rail services across the north of England and into Scotland, building in the successful implementation of our new timetable that has followed the recent £60m investment in our services."

The consultation ends on August 18 and can be viewed at www.gov.uk/government/news/government-consults-on-the-future-of-rail-services-in-the-north.

We will send everything we receive onto those responsible for the consultation.

You can respond directly to them by e-mailing NorthernTPEconsultation2014@dft.gsi.gov.uk.

Alternatively, write to Northern TPE Consultation Co-Ordinator, 4/15 Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR.

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DON'T miss your chance to be one of the faces of Grimsby town centre's new bus super-stop.

The new facility officially opens on July 18, and council bosses want North East Lincolnshire residents to be part of it.

The Riverhead Exchange, which was named following a competition run in the Grimsby Telegraph, will provide an indoor waiting area with toilets, a cafe and real-time travel information for bus passengers.

It will be located in a vacant unit on the Riverhead and is part of the council's £6 million revamp of the town centre.

One of the interior walls of the building will be given over to a huge "selfie" montage made up of residents' transport-related photographs.

And the council is inviting everyone to send in their best selfie snaps.

The only conditions are that at least one of the people in the picture is a resident of North East Lincolnshire and that the overall theme of the photo is sustainable transport related.

For example, photos could be of:

A group of friends travelling to school on the bus.

A cyclist with a local landmark in the background.

A bus or taxi driver.

A pedestrian walking to work.

A family going on holiday waiting at a train station.

Among those to send in their snaps were 11-year-old twin sisters Paige-Rose and Jamie-Lee Camburn from Cleethorpes.

They were pictured together on the number 9 Stagecoach bus while travelling to a dance lesson at Mayfair Dance Academy.

Their mum, Louise McNaughton, of Lovett Street, said: "My twins love every opportunity there is to take a selfie and they said they would be super-excited and amazed to be on the selfie wall."

And Rebecca Jackson, of Cleethorpes, sent in a snap of herself with family while travelling on the Whitby Steam Bus. She said: "I read in the Telegraph about the transport selfies and I remembered that we had been on the steam bus in Whitby which is the only one in the world.

"I think the selfie wall is a great idea. Everyone takes selfies nowadays and they bring smiles to other people's faces."

Councillor Chris Shaw, leader of the council, said: "The Riverhead Exchange will provide the travelling public with a fantastic new facility and we want residents to feel part of this development.

"The selfie wall will be a great way of celebrating sustainable transport in North East Lincolnshire and I'm looking forward to seeing how creative our residents can be."

Photographs can be submitted electronically to simon.faulkner@gsmg.co.uk, posted to Simon Faulkner, Editorial, Grimsby Telegraph, 80 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby DN31 3EH or handed in to the Grimsby Telegraph reception.

All entries must be received by Friday, July 4.

The grand opening of the Riverhead Exchange will take place on Friday, July 18, with an all-day event featuring a farmers market, entertainment and exhibitions.

Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for more details.

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A GRIMSBY man harassed his ex-girlfriend during a week-long campaign of persistent messages and threats, a court heard.

Karl Mabbitt, 30, of Elsenham Road, admitted a charge of harassment against Charlie Cole, who he had re-established communication with through a series of text messages.

David Godfrey, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court: "He had accepted that the relationship was over but suddenly his attitude changed," said Mr Godfrey.

"He became aggressive and made unwanted sexual suggestions."

Mabbitt accused her of sleeping with other men and demanded to know where she was.

He also started waiting outside her house and sending her messages asking where she was going when she left.

She changed her phone number to avoid his calls and messages but Mabbitt visited her home and left a note saying he would be back later.

She called the police, leading to Mabbitt shouting at her when he passed her in public.

The next day, Miss Cole was walking her children to school when Mabbitt again approached her.

He shouted that he would come to her house and yelled: "You're going to get it."

He later knocked on her door with a baseball bat and shouted at her again, and the following day, threatened her with a cosh. Simon Hirst, mitigating, said Mabbitt behaved appallingly but he had not caused any physical harm and had shown a great deal of remorse.

He was given a 10-month suspended prison sentence and a one-year restraining order, banning him from contacting Miss Cole or going to a named street in Grimsby.

ONE OF the Grimsby ice rink's great success stories has lent his support for the campaign to get it reopened.

As reported, a decision on the potential closure of the facility is likely to be made by North East Lincolnshire Council within a fortnight.

The rink was closed on June 6 following the discovery of a hole in a pipe.

And this week, Councillor Mick Burnett, portfolio holder for culture and sport at NELC, said the council was looking at a number of options for the rink's future – including closing it altogether.

Among those fighting to keep the rink open is world-class skater James Black, who grew up in Caistor and still has family in the area.

Now living in Florida, he has appeared in Disney On Ice and at the 2002 World Championships in Japan.

However, he has signed an online petition to show the council the level of support for the facility.

He said: "That ice rink is such a major part of the community and was a big part of my childhood – I've made a life out of the skills I learned there.

"I still think of it as a big part of my life even now. I met my wife there and it would be such a shame to lose it.

"I've got a lot of sympathy for the users as well as the coaches who will have been left out of work by the closure.

"It's bad timing because the council should be using the 2012 London Olympics and things like Dancing On Ice to its benefit.

"It's not just an ice rink but a place for kids to go, because things like that are really lacking in the area."

He added: "I think the amount of people who are getting behind the campaign shows the support for the rink. Grimsby is not a big place but its people are very passionate.

"I can only hope that next time I'm back in the area there will still be a rink there."

Councillor Burnett said the issue was "important" to NELC and that the council "wants to have an ice rink in the borough".

He said: "We are now looking into the best way to get the rink back into action and to get the best value for money.

"I can assure you it is a priority. We are very proud of our leisure facilities.

"But we did not anticipate failure of this scale.

"Just to make it clear, we will use every penny we can to get the ice rink prepared.

"I will guarantee that we will look at it if someone comes to us approved and can offer us their work at a reasonable price."

Users of the facility have become frustrated and are worried the facility will never reopen – something he admitted was a possibility, but not the council's preferred option.

But, due to the age of the Cromwell Road site and the fact that a new £8.4 million leisure centre is planned, which does not include an ice rink, closure cannot be ruled out.

From January 2015, the cooling system will also become obsolete due to new European legislation.

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EVEN Manchester City fans are envious of Grimsby Town's new promo film – much to the delight of its co-director.

Starring our very own film star Thomas Turgoose, 'We Are Town' was shot at various locations around the area and also featured real-life supporters.

And, after being watched by thousands of supporters this week at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport and on the club's website, the video has been met with almost universal acclaim.

That is particularly satisfying for Matt Maude, who co-directed the film with Grimsby-born James Willis.

He told the Telegraph: "I'm told that a Manchester City fan was on social media, saying 'why can't we get a film like that?'

"When you hear a supporter of the Premier League champions wishing his club would do things like this, that feels pretty good!

"More importantly, it sounds like the film has real appreciation from the Town fans, which is so satisfying for us. It's great to show that kind of connection between the fans and the players.

"Hopefully, the players can watch it and feel that surge of support behind them – and appreciation of what they do as well."

Explaining how the one-minute film came about, Maude said: "Myself and James work at the same production company and have directed a fashion film together, which was also based in Grimsby.

"When Town asked us about doing a film, we worked on the script and then shot it together.

"The club's Jack Johnson came up with the original idea and set it in motion, which was extremely forward-thinking."

He continued: "It was all about coming up with a concept which could incite passion in the supporters, the players and the whole club.

"So we came up with the tag-line 'out of this league' which summarises all the qualities that you associate with Grimsby but also the team's quest to get promoted.

"James has been a Grimsby Town supporter his whole life, so he had a big affinity with the project.

"It was great to collaborate with someone who knows the town so well – and hopefully bring something to the table from an outsiders' perspective.

"We wanted it to be something enjoyed by the fans, but also appreciated by people from beyond Grimsby and the club.

"A lot of people now support a Premier League club and a team further down the leagues, so that was a factor."

On the production of the film – which also featured Town skipper Craig Disley and some familiar local faces – Maude commented: "It was shot on a very small scale.

"I shot it, James was directing alongside me and we had an assistant camera and someone styling the sets – with football shirts, boots, smoke machines and so on.

"Thomas Turgoose was an absolute pleasure to work with, and one of the nicest guys I've come across doing this.

"And the local people who helped us make the video happen were fantastic – they couldn't do enough to help us and help promote their club."

THE government's rail minister is to visit Cleethorpes as furious politicians from all sides rally against plans to scrap the direct express service to Manchester.

Today, the Grimsby Telegraph, supported by major organisations in North East Lincolnshire, launches a major campaign to get the public behind the local politicians in derailing this plan.

But we only have until August 18 when the consultation ends to make our voices heard.

We pledge to send any petitions, coupons and letters on your behalf to the government and those carrying out the consultation.

The campaign comes on the back of a North East Lincolnshire Council meeting when one councillor, Labour's Jane Hyldon-King, summed the situation up by saying: "I'm not sure if the public have quite grasped how serious it is."

On the other side of the political spectrum, Conservative MP for Cleethorpes, Martin Vickers vowed to fight the plan by saying: "I will be challenging any proposal to revamp the service."

The Department for Transport (DfT) launched a consultation last week on the Northern and TransPennine franchises, as ministers consider how best to use £1 billion of investment across the network.

The government is examining the option of terminating the TransPennine Express service from Manchester at Doncaster with a replacement Sheffield to Cleethorpes service being operated by Northern Rail, possibly as an extension of the existing hourly Northern Sheffield to Scunthorpe service.

The proposals are part of what Rail Minister Stephen Hammond describes as a "huge opportunity" to create a railway system fit for the 21st century.

And it has been revealed that he will visit North East Lincolnshire as part of the consultation process.

To make your voice heard on the issue, all you have to do is fill in the coupon on page 4 of today's paper and return it to us, or sign our petition online at the bottom of this article.

And if you have even more to say on the matter, then email viewpoint@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk, or comment on this story on our website.

Between now and the end of the consultation, we will be looking at every aspect of the proposals - and the potential impact it could have on the local area.

Councillor Chris Shaw, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said maintaining the TransPennine Express service was vital for the area's tourism and investment future.

"We have around three million visitors to the area each year and giving them decent trains to get here is an absolute must,'' he said.

"This service also makes travelling to and from Manchester airport and London from the area attractive – Cleethorpes and Grimsby to London currently takes three hours because the connections through Doncaster are good and the TransPennine Express service is efficient. This is particularly important for potential investors in the area, as well as providing decent rail links for our residents wanting to travel further afield. The whole Humber energy estuary is gathering momentum and we must do everything to support that going forward to brings jobs and investment into the sub-region.

"The Council has commissioned a study to look at the impacts of the potential changes, but it seems if we don't take action as an area, we're in danger of being cut off from future rail investment. As others have said, this is a cross- party and cross community issue and is so important for the whole area that I would urge everyone to sign the petition and help us fight to keep, or even improve, the current service.

"We will be doing all we can to take the case to Government on behalf of the area and getting as many names as possible on this petition will help that immeasurably.''

David Moore, assistant director of economy at North East Lincolnshire Council, told a council meeting this week: "Clearly this is a serious issue. We are concerned as a council and we are now looking at pulling some pieces together as part of a study.

"We also need to rationalise some figures and lobby the government, which should be helped by the visit of Stephen Hammond."

And Councillor Jane Hyldon-King (Lab, Yarborough) told the meeting: "I think it's really important to have this debate, as I'm not sure if the public have quite grasped how serious it is.

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JAMES McKeown has hailed Grimsby Town's summer signings as being among the Conference's very best players.

The Mariners stopper is excited about the prospect of lining up alongside new acquisitions Scott Brown, Toto Nsiala and Jack Mackreth next season.

Rather than signing players 'on their way down', McKeown believes boss Paul Hurst has brought in three players at the very peak of their powers.

"If you look at it on paper, we've made some really impressive signings this summer," he told the Telegraph.

"All the fans seem to be quite positive about the new season and lads at the club that I've spoken to know just how good the signings are.

"You look at the three lads that we've brought in and we've signed players who were all the best players at their clubs.

"That will stand us in good stead because we're not getting players who are on their way down, just looking for another pay day.

"You can only hope that they're going to progress us further."

McKeown will meet his new team-mates for the first time on Tuesday, when the Town squad returns to pre-season training.

The stopper says that he is itching to get back into the thick of the action, but admits he isn't relishing the prospect of what it sure to be a punishing pre- season regime.

He continued: "I went down to the ground this week and had a bit of a look around and I thought to myself 'I can't wait to get back' now.

"As nice as it is to spend time at home with your family over the summer, in the last couple of weeks – especially with the World Cup being on – you start thinking how much you want to be back out there.

"I'm raring to get back, but as soon as all the pre-season running starts, I'll want to be back at home!

"I won't lie, from my point of view as a keeper; I can't stand all the running! I know you have do it and it's important, but I hate it!

"But I am looking forward to being back and seeing all the lads and the gaffer again and meeting those new lads for the first time."

PRO boxing coach Sean Wood hopes Grimsby ABC will continue to be a "treasure for the town."

It comes after the popular amateur club – which was established in 1972 – moved its base to the Old Scouts Hut, on Ainslie Street.

And with it the area's top young fighters now have the facilities to match their talent with the gloves.

Wood, who is one of the sponsors at Grimsby ABC, told the Telegraph: "The club has been called different names and had different locations.

"It's now run by Dave Raworth and Kevin Blackett, who are both excellent coaches that do a great job without looking for the fame.

"With those coaches, the quality of club and the new location, there is a bright future – hopefully we can build on the history.

"It's close to the estates – so kids from the area can come and get involved for just £1 a session.

"Grimsby ABC prides itself on low subs, and the money they do make goes straight back in to help the fighters.

"It's a family-orientated club, and the best thing about it is that it's run as a 100 per cent non-profit organisation.

"Businessmen and pro sportsmen go to the club when they visit the area, because it's a quality club.

"The club has been a real treasure for this town," he added.

Founded by Terry Baker and Charles 'Chuck' Wood, Grimsby ABC has a reputation for churning out high-quality amateur fighters.

It helped nurture history-maker Andrew Blackett, who remains the only fighter from the town to reach an ABA championship final.

He lost to Dan Guthrie in the 75kg showpiece, ten years ago.

The coaching team now consists of Kevin Blackett, Raworth, Alan French, Albert Call, Jeff Tresham, Dave Morgan and Gaz Houghton.

Aside from Andrew Blackett, Grimsby ABC was the breeding ground for Kevin Hooper, below, and brothers Kye and Nathan French – among others.

And it should be only a matter of time before promising A Class trio Levi Giles (35 fights), Tom Staples (55 fights) and Josh Hilton (26 fights) make their mark.

Wood added: "Andrew is the only man to get to the ABA finals, and that was on the BBC.

"You never really hear about the titles the club picks up, because they are not the sort to brag.

"We all want a world champion and a big talent to come through the door.

"But Dave (Raworth) and the team are not like that – he always tries to help the weaker ones.

"He pulls them aside to help them and give them his extra time – that's the type of gentleman he is and has been since he joined in 1979.

"I'm proud to say that I boxed for the club, and proud to say I'm involved.

"You can achieve so much as an amateur fighter, whether that is at the ABA championships, or going on to represent the UK or being at the Olympics."

Get involved

Grimsby ABC run 'boxing and circuit' sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (6-7.30pm), which cost just £2 each. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the club host kids beginners classes (£1), which can lead to squad training on a daily basis.

YOUNG musicians are still walking their way to the performance area and showing off their skills before an the adjudicator at the Cleethorpes Festivals Of Music And Words.

As reported the focus of the competition has now switched to playing instruments and the Grimsby Telegraph managed to catch a glimpse of some impressive violin playing.

In a violin solo class for competitors eight years old and under, the Cooper Plaque was at stake as Ruth Mathews and Zara Grace Worsley, both 8, took it in turns to play Hunting The Hare by EH Jones.

Zara, of St James' School, came first and said: "I was a bit nervous but I did a lot of practice at home.

"I enjoy playing the violin and have been learning for two years."

Ruth, also of St James' School, said: "I enjoyed it. I like playing and I practise a lot in front of my cousins."

Some slightly older musicians also played their violins with Isaac Cornell, 9, of Caistor Primary School, receiving the Ena Thomas Cup.

He said: "I wasn't too worried because I play at home every night."

Pearl McCann, 9, who came in second, said: "I really enjoyed it, I've been playing for about two years and I practise all the time in my room."

Adjudicator Steven Roberts, who has travelled to the seaside from near Leeds, said: "I've seen some really good and encouraging performances since I've been here – in particular, some very lovely cello playing.

"Considering how young some of these musicians are, for them to have that connection with their instruments and being able to reach such a beautiful tone is great.

"What's also very pleasing is the comradery between the musicians and the fact that friends and family are here to support them because it's not always easy to play in front of people you don't know.

"I'm just here to give a fresh opinion on their skills, not judging what's right or wrong but I aim to find ways of encouraging them."

Mr Roberts, who has combined a career in education with his work as a conductor, added: "Festivals like this are taking place all over the country but it's nice to be beside the seaside.

"This is just a platform for the young musicians to build their confidence and other transferable skills."

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SECOND star to the right and straight on till dawn will be the journey for some lucky young actors – who are currently in The Madhouse.

Duckegg Theatre Company will be hosting open days and be on the lookout for rising talent ahead of a new tour with Peter Pan.

Standing in for Tinkerbell is Anna Pedder, the company's voice and acting coach.

She has organised an open day on Monday for budding young actors aged 12 to 19 years

There will be music theatre from 5pm to 7pm and action from 7pm to 9pm.

Juniors aged seven to 11 years will have the chance to experience life on stage on Friday, July 4, with action from 5pm to 6.30pm and music theatre from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Duckegg Theatre Company is branching out in Grimsby following its success in Barton, Brigg and Scunthorpe.

Anna said: "We hope to attract new members from Caistor, Market Rasen and Louth, as well as Grimsby, Immingham and Cleethorpes to add to our 350 members."

She added: "We are fortunate to have a residency at The Madhouse in Markham Hall in St James' School, which is becoming a focal point for the arts locally. It is a great up-and-coming venue.

"We have moved in and are hoping to run projects."

She said the theatre group has a proven track record in providing the platform from training to the chance of professional work in the acting industry.

The group has enlisted the writing skills of Hayley Cox, who had renowned success with her show Leave Hitler To Me, Lad, which attracted superb reviews.

Members of the theatre group are getting the chance to audition for the show, which will be going on tour.

Anna said: "The talent we have is great. There has to be more out there that would welcome the opportunity to get that springboard to opportunities in the industry."

She said two members, Mollie Whitehouse, 16 and Alero Etuwewe, 11, will be appearing at The Edinburgh Fringe.

Membership also provides access to all workshops, discount to some productions held at venues where Duckegg teach, Lamda tuition and audition opportunities for professional work in touring and a chance to be on stage at the world greatest festival, the Edinburgh Fringe.

Anna said: "We are the only accredited youth theatre in the area with links to the National Theatre and Royal Court Studio with the aim of bringing the creation of high quality theatrical work to Lincolnshire. We are recommended through DramaUK's courses and class listings."

Members learn skills in street theatre and studio practice.

The work with the National Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse has given members the chance to work with directors and writers, including Duncan Sheik, Steven Satar and Samuel Adamson.

Details on acting school, summer projects and touring theatre opportunities are available by logging on to www.duckegg.org.uk and book a free taster by e-mailing hayley@duckegg.org.uk on 07723 371833.

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HOW highly do you rate your first impression?

The Business Telegraph has teamed up with Grimsby-based Executive And Secretarial Personnel Ltd to find the Receptionist Of The Year.

And as well as the kudos of having customer service recognition for a company, there are some fabulous prizes lined up for the lucky winner.

Fiona Bellamy, managing director of ESP Ltd, said: "We firmly believe that the receptionist or 'front of house person' is one of the most important factors in promoting a professional and polished appearance for a company or business.

"It is often something that is overlooked and many companies side step the importance of having the right person in place as it can be perceived as 'somebody to answer the phone'.

"We have provided countless candidates to a varied range of placements from blue chip companies through to local businesses and have vast experience of realising the skills and personality requirements needed for such a role.

"In a way we see these people as 'unsung heroes' as a good receptionist will not only promote the business but be able to smile under pressure, as they often have to deal with challenging circumstances.

"Furthermore, a good receptionist will be a good gatekeeper and deflect unnecessary callers from busy managers – generally being willing to help and the attitude of "the customer is always right" goes a very long way."

ESP Ltd, based at Alexandra Dock Business Centre, is celebrating 16 years of successfully placing candidates, and the competition was seen as a great way to celebrate that, while encouraging a focus on a business' front-of-house activity.

"We are proud to have achieved this longevity given that many recruitment companies have struggled through the recession, as often it is the staffing that is the first cutback during such times," Fiona said.

"We pride ourselves on our highly professional service, concentrating on providing a full range of office personnel – executive, management, specialist, accountancy and secretarial – as well as the vital role of the receptionist.

The winner will receive a marvellous prize package brought together by local businesses, featuring: A £250 cash prize courtesy of ESP Ltd; a meal for two with wine at Petit Delight in Cleethorpes; a Nomination bracelet from In The Pink and beauty treatments and Clarins products worth more than £150 from Beauty By Louise.

Judges will base a decision on the entry and a "cold call" to see the person in action, looking for a good positive attitude, enthusiastic and friendly manner, smart appearance and a good "can do" way of thinking.

An entry form is printed in today's (Friday) paper. The closing date for entries is July 31.

Standard Local World promotion rules apply. See www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/houserules

LOUTH'S redundant malt kiln will be gone by the New Year.

That was the promise from supermarket giant Aldi as bosses renewed their commitment to build a new store in the town.

It will create up to 40 new jobs.

The 150ft redundant malt kiln, dubbed Louth's blot on the landscape, will be demolished from the inside, according to planners.

Demolition work will start in October.

Mark Taylor, property director from Aldi confirmed that there had been some delays due to seeking agreement with the Lincolnshire County Council on road closures, which has now been resolved.

Demolition will take around four months with a break for Christmas, the road closure will take place for a short period after the Christmas break.

Mr Taylor said he hoped there will be minimal disruption to local residents.

He said: "As soon as demolition works are complete, we will start building the new store straight away with a view to opening in the summer or autumn of 2015. While we were hoping to start on site sooner, we have never under estimated the scale of this project and remain committed to the site and to bringing a new food store to Louth."

TWO years after being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing gruelling treatment, a mum-of-two from Grimsby is preparing to run her first half marathon.

Claire Pearson Bokta, 29, will complete the Humber Bridge Half Marathon this weekend to raise funds for the Macmillan Cancer Support nurses who helped her through her illness.

Lacing up her trainers for the race is a far cry from when Claire, of Legsby Avenue, recieved the devastating news that she had cancer and was forced to put her life on hold while she underwent a mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

While she will be on breast cancer drug Tamoxifen for the next few years, Claire is feeling better than she could have imagined, after finishing her treatment in August.

"Last summer I felt so tired," she said. "After the operation I couldn't pick my children up. It was an incredibly hard time.

"I'm really quite a strong person and thought more about how my family and friends felt.

"It was a huge shock for everybody when I was diagnosed, but I wanted to make sure they were all OK and understood what was going on."

Claire's maternity leave had just run out after having daughter Ziya, 2, when she noticed a lump in her breast.

She said: "I went to the gym quite a lot and wore a sports bra, but my breast ached and the pain didn't stop.

"I had a lump, which I'd noticed a few months earlier, and one day I just decided I was going to get it checked."

She was referred to Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, and was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in November 2012.

Claire underwent surgery to remove her breast and affected lymph nodes, and her partner Moynul Bokta, 34, looked after the baby and their other daughter, Aaliyah, 4, while she recuperated.

At Christmas 2012, Claire made the decision to sign up for the half marathon.

"I was thinking of things I wanted to do, and running the Humber Bridge Half Marathon was one of them, as Mo had run it several times," she said.

"I had never previously run more than three or four miles, so this has been a big challenge. Since I started training I have now hit 11 miles, so I know I can run that far at least!

"I'm really excited and nervous about the race but I am determined to do it, and I'm really pleased to be raising money for Macmillan."

Claire is hoping to collect £300 for the cancer charity after being supported by Macmillan nurse, Annie, throughout her treatment.

Runners still have time to register for the event this Sunday by registering online at www.humber-half.org.uk, until Thursday.

Entries can also be made between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, at the Humber Bridge car park.

To register on the day itself, there will be a slightly increased charge of £25 per person.

To sponsor Claire, visit www.justgiving.com/clairebokta

VIEW PICTURE GALLERIES www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/pictures

EVER dreamed of having your picture taken with 'the' FA Cup? Well, here's your chance!

Immingham Pilgrims AFC has pulled off a real coup, arranging for the famous trophy to come to the area on Saturday, July 19.

As part of the town's upcoming 'Showcase' celebrations, the cup will be at Oasis Academy Immingham from 10am-3pm.

And football fans will have a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to have a professional photo taken with the silverware.

Simon Leach, chairman of Immingham Pilgrims AFC, says the whole club – and town – is excited by the visit.

He told the Telegraph: "I may be wrong, but I'm not sure that the FA Cup has ever come to this area – maybe members of the public know better, though?

"We asked if it was possible to have it for the day, with the assistance of Lincolnshire FA, and they've managed to secure it for us, which is fantastic.

"I told people at the club that this was happening at the end of our recent AGM, and they just could not believe it!

"If the adults can't believe it, then the kids are going to be staggered.

"How many opportunities do you have in your lifetime to stand next to the actual FA Cup and have your picture taken with it? For most people, none.

"About four years ago, we had a team that actually went and played at Wembley in a McDonalds event, which was a fantastic day for those ten kids.

"And it's important to inspire youngsters in this way because junior football needs a boost. We have to pay for it to come – the transport, security and insurance – so we're selling photographs to help cover those costs.

"Hopefully, we can even make a small profit for club funds, so come down!"

Images will be available to download online. Prices: One picture – £5, Two pictures – £8, Three pictures – £10. Special thanks to Immingham Motors for their sponsorship of the event.