FUNDRAISERS from a Grimsby charity have finished third in a nationwide recycling contest.

The Women's Aid Charity Shop, in Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, has won a £25 donation and a McVitie's goodie bag full of biscuits as part of McVitie's Wrappers To Riches competition.

A remarkable 7,139 used biscuit wrappers were collected by local residents during the three-month contest, which finished on April 30.

Manager Denise Farman, manager of North East Lincolnshire's Women's Aid, said: "We were thrilled to finish third. We would like to thank all the local people who continue to help with our collections and to spread the recycling message locally."

GET safe for summer by wising up to the dangers posed by open water at a fun-packed event at Grimsby Swimming Pool.

Lincs Inspire, which runs the borough's leisure services, is working with the Amateur Swimming Association to give families from North East Lincolnshire the chance to learn about how to stay safe in the water by hosting a series of events and activities both in the pool and on dry land.

Children aged eight to 15 years can take part in a rookie lifeguard session from 10am to noon tomorrow (Sunday).

They will learn how to rescue a casualty using throwing ropes and household items, as well as being taught various methods of keeping themselves safe around water during the fun two-hour session.

From noon to 2pm there will be a safety session for all the family, with activities taking place in the water and on dry land. Both of these sessions are free and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

From 2.15pm to 4pm, an inflatable fun activity session will take place in the pool for only £2 per person.

Throughout the day, visitors can also talk to representatives from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Humberside Fire And Rescue and Beach Safety as well as finding out about Lincs Inspire's swim schools, lifeguard training and club activities.

Other games and challenges are also taking place and casual swimming will be at the reduced rate of £2. However, due to the nature of the event, access will be restricted.

There's an optional spectators' charge and 25 per cent of all proceeds from the day will go towards the RNLI.

ASA chief executive David Sparkes, said: "The ability to recognise dangers and knowledge of water safety is just as important as being able to swim. Particularly important during the summer holidays, the ASA's Get Safe campaign is all about raising awareness that swimming in open water such as lakes, rivers, canals and the sea is very different from the pool. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the water but in a safe and sensible way."

Ian Portas, contract manager for Lincs Inspire, said: "This event is a chance for you to enjoy a host of fun games and activities in the pool, whilst at the same time learning about all the important things you need to know when in the water, be it a pool or when swimming in open water. Our qualified instructors will teach you how to spot any dangers and how to act in an emergency."

As part of the campaign, Lincs Inspire is also working with 12 local schools to deliver a free water safety package with students taking part in water safety sessions at their local pool and in the classroom.

Contact reception at Grimsby Pool to book on 01472 323500.

MARKET Rasen Racecourse gets a summer of horse racing and family entertainment during July and August underway with its annual Don Noble Bookmakers family barbecue day tomorrow.

Between now and the end of August there are no fewer than five fantastic racing days for visitors to the racecourse to enjoy.

Tomorrow includes the 'Kids Love The Races' roadshow together with other traditional children's entertainment.

With accompanied under-18s being given free admission, it makes for an affordable summer afternoon out for families.

Before the thoroughbred racing begins at 2.15pm, there are two pony races for youngsters.

Organised by the Pony Racing Authority, the races over seven furlongs and one mile two furlongs are designed to encourage the jockeys of the future.

The highlight of the racing season in Lincolnshire is the Betfred and Journal Ladies' Day on Saturday, July 19 when the races are worth well over £100,000 in prize-money.

So popular is the meeting that the County Enclosure is already a sell-out. The Betfred Summer Plate and Summer Hurdle always attract some of the best summer jumping horses in Britain.

Ladies' Day includes fashion shows and best dressed prizes as well as Marc Dillon singing live, and that is followed by the Claudia's Cause Celebration family fun day on Sunday, August 3.

The fun isn't over by any means, though, because the final two fixtures in August make up 'Rasen Rocks 2014'.

They star Wet Wet Wet on the evening of Saturday, August 16 and, exactly a fortnight later, James Arthur in concert.

Pip Kirkby, general manager of Market Rasen Racecourse, said: "The summer is the most exciting time of the year at the racecourse when there is truly something for everyone – from great horse racing, family entertainment through to superb music nights.

"It all starts tomorrow with our traditional Don Noble Bookmakers family barbecue day and goes all the way until the conclusion of 'Rasen Rocks 2014' with James Arthur."

Racing tomorrow starts at 2.15pm, with gates opening two hours before.

Adults pay: Family Enclosure £7.50; Tattersalls £14; County Enclosure £19. Students and senior citizens save up to £4 off admission. Call 0844 579 3009 to book general admission – advance purchase qualifies for discounts of up to 25 per cent. Accompanied under-18s are admitted free of charge. More information at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk

GRIMSBY Central Hall rolled out the red carpet for a brave four-year-old girl who is battling cancer.

Ebony Smith, 4, from Brigg, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in July last year and required ten months of chemotherapy.

She has just finished radiotherapy and will soon be undergoing tests and scans.

However, doctors say there is an 80 per cent chance that the cancer will return, and if that happens treatment will not be available on the NHS.

Therefore her family has set up an appeal to raise the money to pay for possible treatment abroad.

And after spotting her story on Facebook, local singer Michelle Palmer organised Ebony's Show, a star-studded concert and celebrity auction at Grimsby Central Hall.

Alongside Michelle on the bill were vocalists Colin Star, Gary Grace and Elton John tribute act Andy Crosbie, who were joined by actors Lucinda Rhodes, Marc Zammit, Gary Grant and Dean Maskell.

Michelle, 35, of Elsham, said: "I saw Ebony's Facebook page and got really upset because I have got a three-year-old and I thought I have got to try and do something for her. Because she comes from Brigg I felt a connection."

A fantastic £1,080 was raised on the night and there are still some items to be auctioned off.

Michelle added: "It was amazing. The atmosphere was electric and everybody really enjoyed it.

"I just found all these angels from all over the country. So many nice people came on the night to support Ebony."

She got in touch with her Facebook friend and actor Marc via the social networking site, while the venue's box office manager, Kimberley Spauls booked the other three via Twitter.

Also supporting the event was 26-year-old Grimsby woman Samantha Overend, a friend of Michelle's who is competing in the Miss British Empire beauty pageant.

Ebony's mum Tammy Smith, 26, said she was overwhelmed by the support shown for her daughter.

"It's all come about through Facebook really. If Ebony relapses she will have to go abroad for treatment. And there's an 80 per cent chance it will come back."

To donate to Ebony's cause visit www.gofundme.com/8a1174.

A GRIMSBY woman has become the first resident of her care home to celebrate her 100th birthday.

The Fairways Care Home, in Little Coates Road, has only been opened since 2012.

The home, which provides care for the elderly and those with dementia, is the former Littlecoates House, which closed in 2011 when North East Lincolnshire Council stopped commissioning care from the home.

Yesterday, they threw a fun-filled party to celebrate the 100th birthday of resident Clarissa Haunton, who has lived in the area all of her life.

Clarissa, who sadly has no living relatives, enjoyed a fun-packed party, which included live entertainment from a singer and keyboard player.

She said: "I have done everything I ever wanted to do, so I can't complain.

"I never thought I would reach 100 years, so it's quite a special day.

"It should be a good party and I'm looking forward to the entertainer. In all honesty I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all, I'm not used to all this attention.

"I've been spoilt really. I've got a lot of cards and a cake, even some bubbly. And it's great to get everyone together to celebrate with me."

To go along with the party, Clarissa also received a surprise when a telegram from the Queen came through the post.

That was organised by the care home's activity co-ordinator Ian Graham, who also helped put together the party.

"It's taken a lot of organising", he said. "But it's all been worth it, it's for a great cause.

"It's weird really as we've never had someone reach 100 before, but we actually have another resident coming up to their 100th birthday later this year.

"Clarissa looks very good for her age, and she's very healthy aside from her hearing. But apparently she can hear a lot better than she lets on!"

Lisa Ellis, administrator at the care home, added: "She's been out this morning to see her friends which was nice for her. She's also had her hair cut at the hairdressers she's always used, and to top it all off she's having this nice party, too.

"As she said, she is a bit taken aback by it all. It's great for us though, as this is the first time we've ever celebrated a 100th birthday at the home.

"It's given us the chance to pull out all the stops, and it's been quite special. It's good to see everyone together as a lot of them don't often get the chance to leave their rooms, so in a way it's brought the whole care home together."

THE following people have been sentenced at Grimsby Magistrates' Court:

Michal Panisko, 32, of Brereton Avenue, Cleethorpes, admitted drink-driving and driving without due care and attention on the Kingsway on February 27. A blood test revealed he had 197mg of alcohol in 193ml of blood. The legal limit is 80mg. He was disqualified from driving for 20 months, fined £400 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £24 victims' surcharge.

Evan Jensen, 49, of Elsenham Road, Grimsby, admitted being drunk and disorderly in St James' Square on May 30, while subject to a six-month conditional discharge for attempted theft on May 30 and theft on December 12. He was fined £50 and ordered to pay a £20 victims' surcharge.

Lavinia Lawson,20, of Park View, Cleethorpes, admitted being in possession of a black handled kitchen knife in a public place on March 17 and assault by beating on March 14. She was given a six-month community order to participate in a specifically for woman activity for eight days, fined £25 and ordered to pay £50 compensation, £85 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Charlotte Bellamy, 21, of Torrington Street, Grimsby, admitted assault by beating on March 17. She was given a six-week community order, with a curfew to end July 30, 2014 and ordered to pay £50 compensation and £85 costs.

Lee Codd, 28, of Eleanor Street, Grimsby, found guilty of using threatening behaviour on February 24 and obstructing a police constable in the execution of his duty on February 14. He was fined £220 and ordered to pay £200 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Norman Brookbank, 38, of Aspen Court, Cleethorpes, admitted stealing cheese, valued at £40 belonging to Spar on April 12 and stealing socks, valued at £24, belonging to The Factory Shop on April 21. He was given a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £60 compensation.

David Easton, 37, of Highfield Avenue, Grimsby, admitted assault by beating on May 27. He was given a two-year community order, with a condition to participate in a building better relationship programme and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £65 victims' surcharge.

Craig Firth, 45, of Park Street, Grimsby, admitted speeding, exceeding 60mph on the A180 eastbound on September 24, 2013 and driving with an unsecured load on a trailer. He was disqualified from driving for six months, fined £375 and ordered to pay £40 costs and a £25 victims' surcharge.

Lee Marvell, 19, of Wintringham Road, Grimsby, admitted using threatening behaviour and being in possession of an offensive weapon on April 28. He was given a 12-month community order, with 100 hours' unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victims' surcharge.

Donna Taylor, 35, of Wellington Street, Grimsby, admitted being drunk and disorderly in Wellington Street, on June 4. She was fined £20 and ordered to pay £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Daniel Trafford, 31, of Mill Road, Cleethorpes, admitted stealing gift sets, deodorant and hair cream, valued at £11.06, belonging to Boyes on March 20. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £11.06 compensation and £85 costs.

Darren Beck, 45, of Evesham Avenue, Grimsby, admitted failing to send a child, of compulsory school age, regularly to Western Primary School between September 4, 2013 and December 20, 2013, and failing to send a child, of compulsory school age, regularly to Ormiston Maritime Academy between September 4, 2013 and November 25, 2013. He was given an absolute discharge.

GRIMSBY'S David Ross, the co-founder of Carphone Warehouse, is a leading candidate to become the next chairman of Ofsted, the education watchdog.

As reported, Mr Ross set up the David Ross Education Trust, which runs 25 schools, including Grimsby's Havelock Academy, Edward Heneage Primary Academy and Humberston Academy.

His name is one of a number being considered for the role by Education Secretary Michael Gove, the Education Secretary.

However, if the long-term Tory party benefactor is appointed, it is feared it could spark a political row with Labour.

Mr Ross is principally known for his involvement in the creation of Carphone Warehouse, which he set up during the 1980s with Sir Charles Dunstone.

In recent years, he has also become a prominent figure in the education sector.

A spokesman for Mr Ross declined to comment. The Department for Education also delcined to comment.

THE following people have been dealt with by Grimsby magistrates:

Christopher Heafey, 30, of Pershore Avenue, Grimsby, admitted stealing beef, valued at £32.44, belonging to Aldi Store on March 3, 2014, while subject to a six-month conditional discharge for possession of drugs on November 1, 2013; stealing beef, valued at £52.68, belonging to Co-op on April 9, 2014; stealing baby clothes, valued at £90, belonging to Boyes on March 23, 2014, being in possession of mephedrone, a controlled drug class B on February 27, 2014; failed to comply with a community order made by Grimsby And Cleethorpes Magistrates on February 17, 2014. Original offences: stealing chocolate, valued at £30.62, belonging to Shell service station on February 17, 2014; entered Farmfoods on February 8, 2014 while prohibited by an anti-social behaviour order; stole jars of coffee, valued at £36.60, belonging to Co-op on February 3, 2014; stole coffee, valued at £66.30 belonging to Co-op on February 22, 2014. He was committed to prison for six months concurrent, suspended for 12 months, to have treatment for drug dependency at NELDAP, Queen Street, Grimsby, overall length of sentence six months .

Andrew Stephenson, 35, of Thorgam Court, Grimsby, admitted failing to comply with a community order made by Grimsby And Cleethorpes Magistrates on February 5, 2014. The community order was made more onerous to be under curfew for 28 days to end July 14, 2014.

FORTY-one jobs are to go at the council's Young People's Support Services, as part of ongoing budget cuts at the authority.

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesman confirmed that 12 compulsory redundancies are to be made in addition to 29 voluntary redundancies. A council spokesman said the 29 voluntary redundancies equate to 10.34 full-time positions.

A total of 135 employees were involved in a consultation aimed at saving £920,000 from the service's budget.

As reported, a consultation was launched earlier this year to look at the future of six youth centres across the borough, with the loss of up to 24 jobs at those centres, as part of a council drive to save £920,000.

Steve Kay, assistant director of early intervention at the council, said: "As previously reported by the Telegraph, there has been an extensive review of integrated youth support over the last year.

"We've been through a lengthy period of informal and formal consultation involving staff in the service, but unfortunately a small number of compulsory redundancies have had to be made."

Jean Mason, branch secretary of Unison in North East Lincolnshire, said: "It is very disappointing. The youth centres are well used so we feel that this will have a negative impact with implications for antisocial behaviour and we don't think that this has been properly thought through."

She criticised the council for making staff redundant before finding new providers to run the youth centres.

However, the council is hoping to have new providers in place for the start of the autumn term.

GRIMSBY Town's players will be put through double training sessions for up to two weeks as their preparations for the new campaign step up.

Following their return for pre-season on Tuesday, the Mariners have been putting the hard yards in with morning and afternoon sessions at Cheapside.

And boss Paul Hurst is satisfied with his players' efforts as Town gear up for their opening friendly – against Cleethorpes Town on Wednesday.

The manager remarked: "They've returned well, and all came back within their target weight and body fat percentage, so I was pleased with that.

"With the running, we've got no one who is struggling or falling behind. There are no injuries as yet either, which is a positive!

"It's very early days of course, but I'm pleased with their fitness.

"We're working them quite hard – they've done a bit of running and then some ball-work just to get their legs back. Then a bit of passing and some bit more intensive passing as well.

"It will be morning and afternoon sessions for the next couple of weeks, until we get into the games and look for more quality."

While new signings could 'dodge' some of the pre-season graft, Hurst believes the existing squad will have a valuable headstart over those arrivals.

"For me, those lads have got the advantage and are in the driving seat, having started the early days of training.

"It's not a long pre-season and we're quickly into the games, and I used to hate missing any days of pre-season – as hard as some of them were – because you feel like you're always playing catch-up.

"Our players could see it negatively when someone new walks through the door, who has missed a week's training.

"But I would tell them to concentrate on themselves, and that they've given themselves a headstart."

The boss is also pleased with the signings he has made – Scott Brown, Jack Mackreth and Toto Nsiala (pictured) – and their integration into the squad.

He said: "The new lads seem fine – certainly, Jack and Scott look like they're in good shape. Toto is a little bit behind them in terms of the type of running we're doing.

"But I've no qualms with that – everyone has returned in good shape, so it's tough to judge at the moment.

"In terms of the group, I don't think any of them are particularly shy.

"Toto has got a place over here and the other two have somewhere sorted as well, so I don't envisage any issues with that."

GRIMSBY bus company Stagecoach has announced a £4 million investment in new buses for North East Lincolnshire.

The company will be rolling out 28 new vehicles to the town's bus network at the end of November.

The investment is the biggest spend on new vehicles for the area in nearly a decade and will replace half the Stagecoach fleet in operation in the area.

Five of the new buses will be double-deckers used on the route between Grimsby and Louth. The other 23 single-decker buses will be used in the town and surrounding areas.

All the state-of-the-art vehicles will be fully accessible for disabled passengers and use low-sulphur diesel. Stagecoach say the five buses for the Grimsby to Louth route will have high-back luxury seats and wi-fi.

The investment will support the ongoing multi-million-pound development by North East Lincolnshire Council to transform the heart of Grimsby.

The council's £6 million project includes the creation of a new pedestrian and cycle link from Grimsby Town railway station to Victoria Street and a redevelopment of the town's bus station to include the Riverhead Exchange public transport hub.

New bus stops and shelters have also been built and these will incorporate "real-time" travel information displays.

Stagecoach plans to rebrand the buses with the new tagline Easi, along with colour-coded bus routes and a London Undergound-style route map – all designed, they say, to make the bus network easier to understand and use.

The company now plans to go out to the community to find out what changes residents believe should be made to routes and timetables. An extensive consultation process will begin later this month.

Michelle Hargreaves, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: "We are absolutely delighted to announce this significant investment in Stagecoach's operation in and around Grimsby.

"This investment, in conjunction with the plans already announced by the council, represents a huge and exciting development of public transport in the area.

"But we are also absolutely committed to ensuring we put our passengers and the residents at the heart of our plans, so we will be embarking on a wide-ranging consultation.

"Our creation of the Easi brand isn't just about a new logo. It's about creating a 21st century bus network that really is easy to follow and convenient to use. We aim to make our buses the first choice for value for money, comfort and convenience."

Councillor Chris Shaw, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the investment in the borough, adding: "Grimsby's town centre is undergoing a rapid transformation and it's great news that Stagecoach is putting so much money into the borough's public transport.

"It comes on top of more than £80 million that's currently being invested in the borough – £23 million of it in Grimsby town centre with our Riverhead redevelopment, the Freshney Place multiplex plan and the planned new Cartergate office block.

"Private sector confidence in the borough is growing all the time and, as a result, North East Lincolnshire is becoming a better place to live, work and invest.

"Good quality public transport is a prime consideration for employers when deciding where to locate their businesses, so Stagecoach's investment will have benefits for all."

THE fixtures computer couldn't have churned out a much tougher start to Grimsby Town's 2014/15 Conference Premier campaign.

The Mariners head to relegated Bristol Rovers on the opening day for a clash between two of the title favourites.

Town skipper Craig Disley returns to his former club for the opening encounter at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday, August 9.

The other big news is that the Mariners won't be facing local rivals Lincoln City for a festive double-header this season.

Instead, Town travel to Macclesfield on Boxing Day before welcoming the Silkmen to Blundell Park for the reverse fixture on New Year's Day.

Paul Hurst's men complete their campaign with a home clash against Aldershot Town on Saturday, April 25.

PAUL Hurst has defended Grimsby Town's policy of snapping up new signings on one-year contracts.

The Mariners have added three of the Conference's most sought-after players to their squad this summer – in the shape of Scott Brown, Jack Mackreth and Toto Nsiala.

The trio have all penned 12-month deals at Blundell Park, leading some fans to ask why the club aren't looking to secure top talent for longer.

Town's boss says longer deals will be offered in certain circumstances, but insists his strategy is for the good of the club.

"It's not particularly a club policy, but in general one-year deals are what I'll be looking at," Hurst told the Telegraph.

"If it was right to offer a longer contract then that's a possibility, but ultimately they're the right deals for the players I've brought in.

"That's not saying they're not going to be as good as someone who comes in on a longer deal, but I don't think you have to stretch yourself.

"I've seen some clubs in the league below us offering two-year deals like they're going out of fashion.

"It amazes me, and then clubs end up in trouble and wonder why. It's quite obvious why – they're overstretching themselves.

"So I'll just do what I feel is right for this football club and this squad."

On the Mariners' chase for another four or five new faces, Hurst reiterated that a wideman and striker remain his priorities.

"I'm not going to put any limitations on myself, but it would be nice to get a winger and centre-forward in as soon as possible.

"We're not close on anything currently. I've said I think we need another defensive player in there and perhaps a midfielder as well.

"I have got Scott Brown, Craig Disley and Paddy McLaughlin who can certainly play central, so it's not as much a priority as one or two other positions.

"Again, if something drops and it's right then I'll act on it."

AN ANGRY motorist slapped a parking ticket on the back of a traffic warden's head after being handed a fine outside a Grimsby school.

Robert Croucher, 27, was dropping his children at Welholme Community Primary School when he was given a ticket for parking on the zigzag lines.

The office worker then saw red and took the ticket off his vehicle before trying to stick it to the back of civil enforcement officer James Parker's head.

Martin Howard, prosecuting at Grimsby Magistrates' Court, said that Croucher shouted "nice one d**k head" at Mr Parker when he spotted the ticket.

He added: "Mr Parker was standing with his back to the defendant when he felt what he described as pain to the head and stumbled forward.

"His colleague later described what had happened. He said the defendant took the ticket off the windscreen of his vehicle, put it on his palm and attempted to stick it to Mr Parker's head.

"The defendant then told them to 'get a real job' before driving away."

When he was arrested, Croucher said he was running late and wasn't aware of the parking restriction.

He admitted one count of assault by beating and one of using threatening and abusive words and behaviour.

The court heard how Croucher, of Grainsby Lane, Grainsby, works part-time in an office and is studying for a degree in business management and accounts.

Nick Furman, mitigating, said Croucher takes his two children to school and then has to rush to get to lectures on time.

Mr Furman added: "In retrospect he fully accepts that he shouldn't have reacted in the way that he did.

"It was a very unfortunate incident and once which is extremely out of character.

"He is embarrassed by his actions and has offered his apologies.

"He stuck the parking ticket on the back of the warden's head and it was in no way meant to be a violent attack."

The court was told that Croucher had never troubled the courts before and was unlikely to do so again.

He was ordered to do 120 hours' unpaid work and made to pay £50 compensation to the victim, £85 costs and a £60 victims' surcharge.

Passing sentence, presiding magistrate Trevor Moss told him: "This court doesn't take this lightly. I think it is appalling that someone doing their job trying to keep children outside a school safe should be abused in this way.

"On top of that, you drove away from the school area in what could be described as a dangerous manner.

"And to say you didn't think the lines were there to stop people parking, we don't accept. Your behaviour was unacceptable."

COULD you help to transform this derelict building into a new community hub?

The Rock Foundation – which for the past five years has helped those with learning disabilities and other disadvantages to build a better life – has bought its first permanent home.

They hope to convert the former council building, in Heneage Road, into a purpose-made centre, with larger classrooms, "flats" to help teach service users how to live independently, kitchen facilities, craft workshops, IT rooms and much more.

Doing so will enable them to double the amount of young adults they can help, from 83 to 160 – and maybe even more in the future.

However, vandals and thieves have left the team with a great deal of work to do before they are able to move in – which they plan to do at the beginning of September.

The building has been standing empty since October and, since then, electrics, copper piping and kitchen units have been torn out and other fixtures and fittings have been damaged.

And now the team is calling on you to help them restore it to its former glory.

Director Ken Smith said: "The structure is perfect for us, but there is a lot needs doing to it. It is in pretty poor condition.

"I will need work parties here every day for the next eight weeks.

"As well as asking people to give their time and, dare I say it, make a financial contribution, we are also appealing for local firms to donate materials and fittings."

The charity's founder Pam Hodge added: "We are a Grimsby charity and we are calling on North East Lincolnshire people and North East Lincolnshire businesses to get alongside us to help give us our own permanent building for our service users and the community alike.

"All the classrooms are larger, which will be better for us and the additional room will allow us to provide a bigger and better service for the community.

"It's not just for adults with learning difficulties. It's a really exciting project."

As well as expanding on the current services on offer at Holme Hill, among the planned facilities the charity aims to offer to the wider community are:

A food bank

Advice centre for single parents

A meeting place for the elderly and isolated

Evening sessions for both service users and members of the public.

Ken added: "The space is fantastic. We plan to divide the kitchen area into four, so that we can have three students and a support worker working in each kitchen at once.

"We really will need a lot of help now. We have got a little bit of funding, but the majority of our funds went on buying the building, so we have nowhere near what we are going to need to do the work."

If you can help the team, please contact Pam on 01472 488026 or 07712850466.

THE Rock Foundation are appealing for the following:

Financial donations

Skips

Painters

Carpet fitters

Joiners

Plasterers

Electricians

Cleaners

Window fitters

Stainless steel kitchen equipment

Plumbers

Bathroom fittings

A JAGUAR dealership is among scores of exhibitors revving up for this year's Grimsby Motor Show.

This year marks Hull-based Hatfields Jaguar's first appearance at the Grimsby Telegraph-backed show, which is being held at the Linden Sports And Social Club, in Clee Road, on Sunday, July 13, from 10am to 4pm.

They will be showcasing some of their newest models, while they will have members from their sales team on hand to answer any questions.

It comes as final preparations are being made for the 2014 show, which gives the chance for manufacturers to showcase their finest vehicles from around the world.

Also attending will be: Astle BMW and MINI, Westgate Honda, Seat and Skoda, Humberside Renault and Dacia, Imperial Commercials with Ford Commercial Vehicles, Read Hyundai and Suzuki, Immingham Motors with Ford, Stoneacre Kia, Fiat and Volvo, Copart Auctions and John Roe Toyota.

Iain Towler, Hatfields Jaguar general manager, said: "It's an extremely exciting time to be representing Jaguar and we're delighted to be attending the Grimsby Motor Show for the very first time.

"We will be presenting an exciting array of Jaguars on our stand, which will include no fewer than two XF models, the 2.2-litre (200PS) R Sport and the top-of-the-range 3.0-litre (175PS) XF Portfolio, which comes packed with equipment.

"There's a lot going on with Jaguar right now. The current range continues to sell strongly around the world and the beautiful two-seater Jaguar F-Type roadster is bringing conquest sales to brand, with many owners choosing a Jaguar over other prestige marques for the very first time."

Hatfields Jaguar are taking orders for September delivery, while more exciting new models will be arriving over the next few years.

Iain added: "Members of our sales team will be on hand to answer any questions that you may have and they will be delighted to take your details to arrange test drives at a later date.

"Be sure to visit our stand, I think that you'll find it to be amongst the most exciting on the day."

Peter Taylor, organiser of the show and regional motors manager for Local World, said: "We are all really looking forward to this year's show, which is lining up to be yet another great event.

"A big mention should go to Linden Sports And Social Club for hosting the show. Along with the motors, there will also be a bouncy castle, fairground rides, a barbecue, and the bar will be open as usual throughout the day."

A GRIMSBY carpet business is on a roll as it prepares to relocate into larger premises.

Grimsby Carpet Warehouse is moving down Freeman Street, from its current shop on the corner of Kent Street to the former IMS Flooring premises between Albert Street West and Church Street.

The new shop, which is due to open on Friday, boasts 16,000 sq ft of flooring space, wider aisles for wheelchair access, and free customer parking at the rear of the premises with a loading bay.

Owner Ivor Shaw said the new shop would be the largest flooring store in Lincolnshire.

The family-run company is celebrating its 70th year in business, and has been trading in the Freeman Street area throughout its existence.

It first opened in 1945, and moved to its current location in 2006, five years after fire gutted its previous premises in Nelson Street.

As reported, Mr Shaw cited the lack of investment in the north end of Freeman Street as one of the reasons for deciding to relocate.

He believes that moving towards the centre of the street, which has undergone a major refurbishment, will provide a more welcoming environment for customers.

He added: "Our new store has had a full renovation to showcase the huge range of products available.

"The enlarged area of 16000 sq ft has increased our stock holding capacity which allows us to buy in bulk and pass the savings directly to our customers.

"We're so excited – this store really has the wow factor."

A FORMER soldier has raised more than £1,000 after taking on the gruelling three peaks challenge in the Himalayas.

Matt Zwart, 36, took on the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon.

It is a challenge that follows a trail starting from the Everest Base Camp at 17,598ft and finishes at Namche Bazaar, in North East Nepal, at 11,306ft.

The measured distance of the course is 26.2 miles over rough mountain terrain.

He ran the marathon on May 12 in aid of The Colonel's Fund, a charity which raises money for servicemen and ex-serviceman of the Grenadier Guards, who Matt served for.

Matt was joined on the challenge by his friend John Pomfret, who has taken on several of these challenges in the past.

"We had some horrendous weather conditions while we were at Everest", he said. "And we had to be evacuated from the base camp along with about 200 other people, so it was quite eventful.

"The snow and ice was ridiculous, it was horrendous conditions to run in. And then it just turned into rivers of water and slush.

"I don't think it's something I could ever do again.

"John is trying to get me to do some more events but I can't see it happening.

"But it was an amazing experience, and a great feeling when it was all over and done with."

Matt left the Army in 2002, after serving for just over five years.

Gearing up for the challenge he sourced out Rob Moses, owner and head coach at the CrossFit Gym, in Humberston, to provide him with personal training.

Rob has also served in the Armed Forces, having left the Royal Navy at the end of February.

Matt added: "It was quite sad when we had to leave and quite emotional, too. It is a beautiful place.

"It was quite strange as I celebrated my 36th birthday while I was there as well. It was a terrible day but I did get to have a hot chocolate, which was nice.

"It's amazing to raise so much as well. I said from the start I would be happy with anything we could get."

Matt plans to hand over the cheque during a fundraising evening with Graham Taylor, at the Beachcomber on Saturday, July 26.

To donate to Matt's cause, go to his Facebook page by searching Matt Zwart.