A PENSIONER who slipped and fell while she was in the bath had to be rescued by a fire crew – who climbed in through her first-floor bathroom window.

Rita Wrisdale, 75, could not get out of the bath after her tumble – and all she could do was desperately call out for help.

She could have been trapped in the bath for a long time if a quick-witted neighbour had not heard her cries for help.

Mrs Wrisdale, a widow, of Durham Road, Cleethorpes, said: "I was supposed to be having a shower. I had my non-slip mat in the bath and I also had some non-slip slippers that I use.

"I leaned forward to put my shampoo bottle back in the corner of the bath because I had just washed my hair.

"Everything just slipped and I just went down.

"I struggled for quite a while to try to get in a position where I could get up but I could not manage it.

"I thought to myself: 'What can I do but shout?' I had the window open to let steam out.

"I thought: 'There's nobody in the back. They won't hear me'. I started shouting for help, which was quite a while."

Luckily, a neighbour, wheelchair user Bill Redfern, 70, heard her shouts and telephoned for an ambulance.

"He could hear that it was me shouting for help," said Mrs Wrisdale.

The water for the shower was "pouring" but she managed to pick up her walking stick and use it to press the off button.

"I just couldn't get out of the bath," she said.

A fire crew from Peaks Lane, Grimsby, was called in by the police through the ambulance service just before 9am – but the doors and back gate were locked.

"They took the back gate off its hinges, put a ladder up to the shed roof and put another one from there up to the bathroom," she added.

"There I was – sprawled out in the bath. The fireman came in through the window with a blanket and covered me up.

"He came down and opened the door and let the ambulance man in. Between them, they lifted me out on to the edge of the bath.

"I wasn't damaged in any way apart from being bruised. The fireman kept hold of me while the ambulance man took my feet out of the bath.

"They gave me a sort of 'MoT' and got me downstairs.

"I can't thank them enough for what they did. They were really very good. I was on my own. It was just by pure chance that Bill picked up the sound of me shouting.

"He could hear me through the wall. The ambulance man got in touch with my daughter and she came up.

"He made me a cup of tea. I didn't feel as though I wanted to eat. I just needed liquid."

Mother-of-two Mrs Wrisdale, a retired shop assistant who has four grandchildren, did not have her mobile phone to hand at the time.

"It could have been nasty," she said.

"If I had been injured, it could have been worse still. I was very lucky I didn't break my pelvis.

"I would like to thank the firemen for getting in as quickly as they could and for looking after me the way that they did.

"I have had strict instructions from my daughter that I have got to keep my mobile phone with me – but what do you do with a mobile phone when you are in the bath?

"You have got to put it down somewhere. If Bill had not heard me, I could still be there.

"It was just that the non-slip stuff gave way under me and didn't grip."

Mr Redfern, who heard his neighbour's cries for help, said: "I didn't really know what was going on. I just heard her calling.

"First I thought it was somebody outside. I rang for an ambulance.

"At first I didn't know whether I was hearing things or whether it was somebody out at the back. I couldn't get in to the house to help her. It was locked. I am pleased to have helped."

Fire team crew manager Terry Molson said: "She didn't have the strength to lift herself out of the bath again. She was very apologetic. She was a lovely woman."

TWO sisters acted as "cheerleaders" for a serial offender when he confronted a vulnerable man at a cash machine.

The incident, involving notorious and "drug addled" thief Peter Finn, came just days after he was confronted by a feisty 88-year-old woman he had thought would be "easy pickings".

As reported, the plucky woman picked up her walking stick and told him in "colourful terms" she would give him something to make his eyes water, after he tricked his way into her home.

However, just days later, he targeted a new victim.

Ben Campbell, prosecuting, said that Craig Madin, 27, suffered from learning difficulties. He left his home after midnight on August 12 to go to a cashpoint machine in Grimsby.

He withdrew £130 but was approached by a group including Finn and sisters Tara Gray, 32, of Freeman Street, Grimsby, and Carla Hartley, 18, of Sorrel Road, Grimsby.

Finn asked for a £10 loan but, when he was refused, said he was going to take the money anyway.

Finn grabbed Mr Madin's jacket and shoved him to the ground, where he was kicked and punched in his head by several people.

Finn knelt on his back and another man went through his pockets.

Gray admitted she was in the queue at the machine with her sister and that she "did not get on with" Mr Madin.

She joined in with an argument and admitted being abusive and threatening.

Hartley admitted she was loud and threatening but claimed she was not involved in violence and that she did not believe the incident would go as far as it did.

All three admitted affray.

Robert Underwood, mitigating, said Gray also had learning difficulties and had "never been able to maintain employment in any way, shape or form".

She had previous convictions and had been to prison for breaching a suspended sentence imposed for assault by committing an offence of disorderly behaviour.

"There has been no indication of any repeat behaviour," said Mr Underwood.

Richard Hackfath, representing Hartley, said the teenager had previous convictions but was only 17 at the time of the offence.

Gray was given a five-month suspended prison sentence, a one-year supervision order and a three-month 7pm to 7am curfew.

Hartley was given a two-year supervision order and a three-month 7pm to 7am curfew.

Finn was jailed for nine months for the affray, consecutive to three years for burglary, eight months consecutive for acquiring criminal property and one month consecutive for breaching a conditional discharge, making four-and-a-half years.

Judge David Tremberg told Gray and Hartley: "You were effectively acting as cheerleaders, encouraging this cowardly and disgraceful behaviour.

"There is no place for such behaviour in civilised society."

A GRIMSBY man who lost his leg after being stabbed by an M-Cat addict, has thanked his family for their support in getting him through his ordeal.

As reported, Kevin Adkins, 20, was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, when he was attacked by Rhys Stockton as he sat in his car after dropping off a friend nearby.

While still reeling from the attack, Kevin was struck a devastating blow when the wound became infected and doctors informed him they would have to remove his leg in order to save his life.

Now, after a two month hospital stay, he is beginning to rebuild his life and is keen to thank those who have been there to help him.

He said: "My family has given me strength. They have been supportive all the way."

He said the love and care of his family, including dad Mark, stepmum Beryl Grant, her son Michael, brothers Christopher and Zac and sisters Caroline and Natalie and his mum Tracy, had been invaluable.

He also spoke warmly of the care he had received from hospital staff in Hull Royal Infirmary and the kindness of a Grimsby Telegraph reader who had been so moved after reading his story in the paper, she had sent a cheque and well wishes.

Kevin said he had relied on an inner strength to go through the pain of sitting up in bed during his time in hospital.

He said: "It was painful, but to be able to sit up, even with all the aches, was a relief.

"I was then able to stand with the help of a walking frame. I felt so dizzy.

"A week or two after that I was able to sit up in a wheelchair. With that I was able to get around the ward. Then I was given crutches but I had no strength after being in bed for months."

Thanks to the care and support at the limb clinic in Hull, Kevin now has the chance of wearing a prosthetic leg.

Kevin said: "It was a bit strange, trying to get my balance and walking by holding on to bars."

"All I want to do is live a normal life again and get a job. I really want to get driving again. That is my independence. I'm not bothered where my friends and I go, I just want to drive. I will work as hard as I can to get used to a new leg."

Adjusting to his new life has also been a struggle for Kevin.

He had to give up his part-time job as a kitchen worker in Steels restaurant in Cleethorpes – a job he had enjoyed for four years.

Kevin said: "The people there are lovely. They came to see me in hospital and still come to see me and have been really supportive and the owner Ian Stead has been brilliant."

"I would love to go back to work. Work is the one thing I miss a lot."

The avid Chelsea fan was also thrilled when friends pushed him in his wheelchair from his home in Cleethorpes, along to The Wellow pub in Kings Road.

And now the aspiring teacher and musician is looking forward to performing once again.

Recalling some of his early live performances, including a concert at Lucarly's in which he performed Gary Jules hit song Mad World and The River Flows In You by South Korean pianist, Yiruma, Kevin said he is hoping to start a band.

He said: "I would rather perform with a band around me. It is something I have been thinking about."

FORMER Premier League star Benito Carbone was full of praise for Grimsby Borough – after making a special visit to Bradley Community Stadium.

The Blues held the visiting Leeds United Academy to a goalless draw on Saturday.

In front of over 200 fans, and Elland Road consultant Carbone, the players served up an exciting contest, even if they were unable to find the net.

The opening friendly of the campaign was marred only by an injury to one of the Leeds players.

But, after keeping the Championship young guns at bay, joint boss Nigel Fanthorpe was glad to set the ball rolling on another season.

He said: "They were all really impressed with the facilities and thanked us for a good workout.

"Of course they were very lively, and they had a lot of bright youngsters.

"It was energy-sapping, and they played two teams as well.

"They were quick, sharp and kept possession well.

"But we played a 5-3-2 formation and kept it solid, and they didn't work our keepers much.

"There were 220 people in there and they enjoyed it.

"It was superb to see Benito Carbone – he is certainly the biggest name to have come to Bradley.

"He was at Napoli and Inter Milan, before coming over to England and having success.

"It was great to see him, and the compliments he paid to our club was fantastic."

Italian ace Carbone was joined in the Bradley dugout by another familiar face from the Premier League's bygone years.

Neil Redfearn – the Academy boss – played for and captained Barnsley between 1991 and 1998, and enjoyed a spell at Crystal Palace among others.

Non-League blogger of the year 'Too Good To Go Down' reflects on the Mariners' Conference fixture list...

THE 2014/15 season takes a step closer this week as Grimsby Town kick-off their pre-season matches with a game against Cleethorpes.

The fixture must be subject to a quiz question somewhere, with Cleethorpes playing in Grimsby and the Mariners playing their home games in Cleethorpes!

There are nine pre-season matches before the season kicks off for real and now we know where the season will begin – with a trip to Bristol Rovers.

The Pirates were relegated out of the Football League last season but are currently the bookies' favourites for an immediate return.

It's about as tricky a test as Paul Hurst's side could have asked for. But Town will relish the opportunity to put down a marker against one of their promotion rivals, even if Scott Neilson, Shaun Pearson and Toto Nsiala will all miss the game through suspension.

Town follow up their first day away game with two home matches, giving them a great opportunity to get points on the board early.

However, it's a real shame the Mariners won't be able to continue their dominance over Lincoln City in the annual festive double header.

For the last couple of seasons Town have headed to Sincil Bank on Boxing Day with the Mariners hosting the return on New Year's Day.

It's also given Town the opportunity to pick up points galore as the Imps have failed to beat Grimsby for several years.

However, the fixture computer has spoiled the tradition and Town will have to travel to Macclesfield on Boxing Day instead.

The reason, according to the Lincolnshire Echo, is that Lincoln City chiefs 'fancied a change' from playing the Mariners.

"We felt it was time to refresh the fixture list and decided to not request Grimsby Town on Boxing Day," Imps general manager John Vickers told the Echo.

This is a shame for several reasons – the bigger Christmas gates would have helped the coffers of both sides and it's highly unlikely that Alfreton will bring more than a fraction of the support Grimsby would have done on Boxing Day.

Likewise, Macclesfield will probably bring fewer fans than the few hundred the Imps muster when they travel up on New Year's Day.

I can see why Vickers fancies a change in the fixture list, though – it must be depressing losing at home on Boxing Day in your team's biggest match of the season.

It's just a pity the change will deny Town a guaranteed Christmas present in the shape of three points gift wrapped by our friends down the A15.

This time next week we'll have seen a couple of pre-season games and maybe even a new signing in the building. Saturday, August 9 can't come soon enough!

THERE'S no doubting Alex Rodman would be a fantastic 're-signing' for Grimsby Town – but how would you fit him, Scott Neilson and Jack Mackreth into the same side?

The winger who spent last season at Blundell Park appears to have seen his proposed move to Hibernian scuppered by managerial changes – perhaps opening the door for a Town return.

However, since his departure, the Mariners have re-signed Neilson, and Mackreth has also been added to the squad.

Rodman's addition would make for a fascinating three-way battle for the two wide attacking berths – or, more likely, force Paul Hurst into a reshuffle.

The boss has hinted that Mackreth could add some pace to his frontline, while Neilson can play behind a striker – or two – in more of a free role.

I'd prefer to see the latter option, with Rodman and Mackreth offering some pace and directness on the flanks, while Neilson floats behind the forward, finding pockets of space around the edge of the box.

Either way, it's an exciting prospect for Mariners fans – and hopefully a selection headache Hurst will have to deal with soon.

Lee Jones, Deputy Sports Editor

More importantly, what do you think? Join the debate at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport by posting a comment on this story.

GRIMSBY Town's opening pre-season friendly may primarily be a fitness exercise – but, as always, Ross Hannah is on the look-out for goals.

The Mariners make the short trip to Bradley Community Stadium tomorrow evening to face Cleethorpes Town (7pm).

Striker Hannah and his team-mates are only likely to play 45 minutes apiece against the Northern Counties East League part-timers after returning to training a week ago.

But last season's Town top goalscorer wants to get straight back on the scoresheet in the first of his side's nine pre-season encounters.

He told the Telegraph: "We've got a busy pre-season schedule to look forward to and we'll use that to hone our fitness and, for me, score as many goals as I can.

"I'm always looking to hit the back of the net – whether it's training, friendlies or competitive matches.

"It's not the end of the world if you lose some of your pre-season games, but it's always nice to win matches as well – friendly or not – and score a few goals along the way."

The 28-year-old continued: "It also allows us to work on the team shape, and eventually the tactics we can take into the season.

"Winning all your friendly matches doesn't always mean you're going to take that into the start of the season, does it?

"But we go into every game looking to win – that certainly doesn't do you any harm."

Town follow the clash with the Owls with trips to Scarborough and Harrogate, before Hannah returns to former club Matlock on Friday, July 18.

The forward netted more than 100 goals for the Gladiators during a prolific three-year spell at Causeway Lane.

"I was pretty pleased when I saw we were heading to Matlock," he added. "I've been back there since I left, with Bradford, so it's not going to be the first time.

"I'll treat like it like any other game, but it will be nice to see some old friends because it's a good little club."

FANS shouldn't expect to see any trialists in Grimsby Town's squad when they kick-off their pre- season campaign against Cleethorpes Town tomorrow evening.

Bradley Community Stadium is again the scene for the Mariners' first friendly of the summer.

But, unlike the past two years at the ground, manager Paul Hurst says there won't be any trialists on show for Town.

Twelve months ago, Chris Doig and keeper Tom Turner got their chance to impress in the fixture, with the centre-half going on to earn a deal.

With Hurst still requiring four or five players to complete his squad, he could be forgiven for going down a similar route.

However, the boss believes the clash with the Owls isn't the ideal time to look at new faces – and is remaining patient in his search for signings.

Hurst told the Telegraph: "If we're going to look at some trialists I would prefer it to be in games where we're a bit more advanced in our preparations and against opposition who are more our kind of level.

"That would enable us to make a better judgement on any player."

He continued: "Patience is key. You can't allow yourself to get edgy and think 'we're back in training, I've got to get someone in.'

"We've got 16 players, which isn't a bad foundation. I'm looking at bringing four or five more in.

"Looking back to last season, Clayton McDonald, Paul Bignot, Alex Rodman and one or two others were not here on the first day back.

"They all turned out to do very well for us at certain points, and some are still with us. So there's no panic on my part."

Last season's clash between the sides ended in a 2-0 victory for the full-timers, and Hurst has warned Mariners supporters not to worry too much about the result again this time around.

"With the early pre-season games, a lot of it is just about fitness and getting used to being back out on the pitch," he said.

"It will just be a case of trying to give all the players match-time, and some of the Youth team will most likely be involved.

"We'll look to give most of them 45 minutes each, just to ease them back into the action."

CLEETHORPES MP Martin Vickers says local businesses need to "take up arms" to ensure we don't lose direct trains to Manchester.

He was speaking while handing out coupons to users of the service to sign as part of the Grimsby Telegraph's Keep On Track campaign.

It comes after several traders warned the proposed scrapping of the service would have a detrimental effect on their business.

He said: "The document talks about the economic impact, so we need businesses to take up arms.

"I am doing all I can to alert people to the issue, but we are not going to win the argument by just saying losing the service will be an inconvenience.

"We need to argue our case. I know Stephen Hammond has said he will visit the area, but I am not sure if that will be during the consultation period. But I, and my neighbouring MPs, will be meeting with him.

"We are also meeting the Prime Minister about flooding, but I do intend to push this issue while I have his time."

Along with Mr Vickers, Austin Mitchell, North East Lincolnshire Council and local traders – 3,626 of you have signed our petition to keep the service.

As reported, the Department for Transport (DfT) began a consultation 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, which could stop at Doncaster, being operated by Northern Rail, possibly as an extension of the existing hourly Sheffield to Scunthorpe service.

Gill Tinker, 58, from Waltham, uses the service several times a year to travel to Lancaster.

She said: "I'm not sure how many times I use it a year but I know it's quite often. I use it for shopping at Manchester and to get to Lancaster as well. So scrapping it would definitely affect me."

Jeremy Bedian, 30, from Grimsby, added: "I use the train to go straight to Manchester for a number of courses I attend every month.

"It would make a big difference to me, it would just be a pain."

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.