THREE generations of one family were among a team of cyclists who pedalled across the country to raise £4,500 for Grimsby's Pink Rose Suite.

Tony and Phill Booker first completed the Coast To Coast – or C2C – cycling challenge in memory of their mum Pam last year.

They raised enough money to purchase a new piece of equipment to help treat breast cancer patients using the unit at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

The ride was such a success that they decided to make it an annual event and were this year joined by 13 friends and colleagues, including their dad Peter, 61, who is manager of Grimsby's Hewitt's jewellers, and Tony's son Alex, 14.

Tony, of Humberston, said: "The journey from Whitehaven, in Cumbria, across the Pennines to Sunderland took us three days to complete.

"It was a particularly impressive achievement for Alex and his 16-year-old cousin Kieran Roche, who we nicknamed 'king of the hills'."

Phill added: "Strong winds made the ride even more arduous this year.

"It was a great achievement for all of us because we all had our own personal reasons for taking part."

As reported, Tony and Phill were prompted to complete the first ride because they wanted to thank staff at the Pink Rose Suite for helping their mum beat breast cancer in 2003.

Sadly, despite making a full recovery, she developed another cancer in 2010 which she was unable to fight.

Peter, who took part for the first time, added: "We would like to thank everyone who supported and sponsored this epic ride.

"In particular, I would like to thank the more experienced riders in the group for the help, advice and encouragement afforded to the two boys and myself and fellow 'oldie' Steve Barker, which undoubtedly helped us.

"The amount raised for the Pink Rose Suite, one of the leading breast care units in the country, is truly amazing.

"We are already talking about next year's ride, which may involve a different route that is even more challenging."

The family members were accompanied on the ride by Steve Barker, Warren Emslie, Lee Harris, Carl Holmes, Daz Jaines, Ashley Kershaw, Steve MacIntyre, Dieter Nelson, Tom North and Mike Redding.

Support vehicles were driven by Gaz Bolton and Alan Loftus.

The team would like to thank Blackrow Engineering, where Tony works, for providing one of the support vehicles.

WHEN I found out about Young Reporter in the Telegraph, through an English lesson at school, I was so excited – I'd always been a fan of writing, especially creatively, and it felt as though the opportunity could not have come at a better time for me.

There was only a little time left before the deadline, so I quickly filled in and posted my application form. A couple of weeks later I received an email telling me that I'd been picked as one of five young reporters, and as well as being completely over the moon, I was also extremely nervous because I didn't know what to expect. One of the most special things, though, was that I was in the first ever group of young reporters – so even though we were being 'guinea pigs' for the whole idea, it was really quite exciting!

We met at the town hall a few days later and, despite being the youngest of the group, everyone was so lovely and the whole thing was a lot more informal than I thought which was quite a relief.

Once we'd organised things, our group met weekly to write and discuss our articles. When the first piece I wrote was passed around so that everyone could discuss it, I felt as though what I'd written was really bad and I was worried what everyone would think. But the advice everyone gave really helped and I've learnt that sharing my work can really help to improve it. When you're writing, you often don't notice spelling mistakes or sentences that don't make sense, but when other people read this they can help improve this.

I really looked forward to the weekly sessions – we often had discussions about topics to write, and to brainstorm ideas, which was very interesting. It also led to lots more opportunities, such as interviewing important people, and in some cases being interviewed ourselves. The group was really friendly and we began to build a real trust between each other, and even though the experience was real and serious, it was also fun and entertaining.

The topics we wrote about were varied. Mine were about the cost of university, smoking, and public transport. Some of the others were about holidays, body image and crime. Even though we had to challenge the negative stereotype in each article, there was still a lot of freedom with what to write about.

Something quite fun about the experience was that I began to get noticed – one of my dinner ladies complimented me on my articles and told me that she always read them. My friends and family always bought the paper when I was in it and I've kept all the newspaper clippings. Since my school stopped offering work experience, I can use the articles as proof in my CV and it'll be useful if I ever go into journalism in the future.

I learnt a lot about writing during my time in the Young Reporters, and really improved my skills. I made new friends and met interesting people, and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's interested in writing, reporting, or just fancies trying something new.

Ben Staff, a Young Reporter, said: "I was inspired to apply to be a young reporter because I thought it would be a good experience. I feel that I have already learned a lot about myself, my writing style and how to interest an audience. Our weekly meetings made me feel more confident to express my views with others. It is liberating.

"We all love the chance to write about the things we think are important rather than adults making all of the decisions. The comments on our columns show that they have started people thinking about the topics we raise, my parents have even started to understand how I think more."

Young people of all abilities are welcome to apply if they have a commitment and passion to write about things they think are important for young people. If you would like to try this email pippa.curtin@nelincs.gov.uk or phone YPSS on 01472 323298. Closing date for applications is September 17.

KINDHEARTED golfers chipped in to raise vital funds for charity during a busy month at Kenwick Park.

The popular course recently staged its 19th annual Charity Day, with a total of 36 teams of four golfers taking part in the 'AM AM' competition.

Oliver's Army – Gill, Steve and Dan Thompson and Alex Davies – carded a fantastic score of 86 points to win the competition and lift the Imperial Ford Trophy.

The Calendar Girls team, of Lesley Walmsley, Maria Brown, Lynda Cahalin and Linda Marwood, were runners-up with 85.

Ian Flockton, Sam Done, Billy Wright and Toby Draper, known as 'Flockies Young Guns', scored 84 to come third, while captain Colin Burkitt's team of lady captain Ann Walker, John Turner and Dermot Dreelan finished fourth.

The four winners of the nearest the pin were Jan Heath, Walker, Toby Barton and Malcolm Hoole.

The annual competition has raised more than £70,000 for local charities since its inception.

This year, five cheques for £1,000 each were presented to the local representatives of the Stroke Association, Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, Grimsby Disabled Supporters Club and Grimsby St Andrew's Children's Hospice.

Later that month, the sun was shining for Colin Burkitt's Captain's Weekend.

The men played a Stableford competition for the Captain's Cup with Ian Dickinson (9) scoring an excellent 43 points to win the trophy. His nearest rival was Martin Peters (27) with 38 ahead of Steve Ashby in third with 37.

A count-back on 36 declared Paul Wiseman (32) fourth ahead of Lewis Hackett (4) and Rob Houlton (17).

The following day's mixed am/am competition attracted another good turnout.

Steve and Mabel Blackburn, partnered by Robert Wilson and Rose Stevenson, won on a count-back with 73 points.

Second-placed Nick Fox playing with Sam Atkin and Graham and Sue Sykes got off to a dream start with two birdies and an eagle on their way towards 73 points.

Dermot Dreelan, Karen Archer, Peter Dickinson and Di Everitt were third, while Sam Done, Tom Gladwell, John Payne and Julie Harvey finished fourth on 72.

The nearest the pin prizes were taken by Sue Sykes, Peter Guilliatt, Val Pattinson and Peter Rogers.

The course also recently held its Ladies Invitation Day. A count-back on 42 points was needed to declare Waltham Windmill member's Allison Bottomley and Grace Morgan the winners with 42 points from runners-up Cheryl Gilliatt and Ann Fern and Julia Sales and Rachel Denton in third.

TWO suffering dogs were starved so badly that one of them died a "horrendous" death and the other was forced to eat part of his mother's dead body in a desperate attempt to survive.

The two neglected animals were pathetically emaciated when they were finally found after two weeks of starvation, a court heard.

The dog that was barely alive was "shockingly thin" and there was a "nauseating and overpowering" stench in the house, the court was told.

Katrina Plumridge, 31, of Hainton Avenue, Grimsby, admitted two offences of causing unnecessary suffering to the two dogs between March 22 and April 19.

Nigel Burn, prosecuting, told Grimsby magistrates that the degree of suffering was so serious that the female Staffordshire bull terrier died of starvation and the male dog, her son, was so badly emaciated that, in order to survive, he had started to eat the dead body of his mother around her jaw and neck area.

"The degree of suffering caused to both dogs was extreme and prolonged," said Mr Burn.

"It was as severe and extreme as it can get because death was caused by starvation."

A letting agent visited Plumridge's then home in Wellington Street, Grimsby, and saw dog mess on the steps and stairs.

There was a "nauseating and overpowering" stench and more dog mess was seen on an upstairs floor and bed.

A painfully thin dog ran out of a bathroom and jumped past him. Its ribs, spine and hip bones could all be seen and it was the thinnest dog he had ever seen.

He tried to go into the kitchen but it was blocked from the inside by the dead body of the mother dog, called Ronnie.

"Every single bone in its frame was visible and the stomach was curved in," said Mr Burn.

"The empty dog bowls were bone dry."

The agent felt sick at the sight and called in the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals, which brought the prosecution.

A decorator said the stench made him feel physically sick and the dead dog was like a skeleton. The younger dog, called Scrappy, had been so driven by hunger that he had been ripping at the neck of his dead mother. He had eaten his mother's lips, cheeks and neck.

The dog was so "shockingly thin" that the decorator was surprised that he was still alive.

A veterinary surgeon later estimated that the dogs would have been suffering from starvation for at least two weeks.

Plumridge moved out of the house on March 28 but the dogs were not found until April 19.

Unemployed Plumridge was given an 18-week suspended prison sentence, 180 hours' unpaid work and was ordered to pay £500 costs. Another £180 costs will be paid out of central funds.

She was banned from owning, keeping or being involved with the care of animals until further notice under the Animal Welfare Act.

She will have to serve a minimum ban of one year before she can apply to a court to have the ban lifted.

Presiding magistrate Tony Miller told Plumridge that it was a "prolonged neglect" of her duty to check on the dogs every day, even after she believed a friend was looking after them or rehoming them. She should have continued to check on them to ensure they were in safe keeping, he said.

Food not left out due to 'decorating work'

THE woman who callously left two dogs to starve without checking on them claimed she thought a mystery friend was supposed to be finding new homes for them, a court heard.

But her story was treated with scepticism by the RSPCA because she did not even know his full name, could not provide a telephone number for him and did not even check that he was actually looking after them.

She even claimed she could not leave bowls of food or water for the dogs "because decorating was going on", Grimsby magistrates heard.

Ed Bates, mitigating, said Plumridge admitted that they were "horrendous" offences and that they led to "very sad circumstances".

Plumridge claimed that the dogs were looked after "okay" but she admitted that no bowls were left for them "because decorating was going on" at the house where she had been living until moving out.

Concern had been raised by visitors because the dogs seemed to be hungry but "these were dogs that were always hungry and they would eat anything that was put down," said Mr Bates.

One of the dogs had pinched some of the decorator's sandwiches but "they always acted that way and it was not because they were not being fed properly," claimed Mr Bates.

"This was a very stupid, ill-advised, negligent thing she has done."

Plumridge claimed that she got talking to an old school friend – whose surname she did not even know – and thought he had offered to rehome them for her.

"She foolishly took him at his word and handed him the key," claimed Mr Bates.

Probation officer Graham Marshall said Plumridge had been unemployed for about two years but, before that, had worked as a sales assistant for seven years until the business closed. She claimed she was three or four months' pregnant – but prosecutor Nigel Burn said Plumridge had told the RSPCA during interview that she could not have children.

She had said in the interview: "They were my dogs. I don't have kids. I can't have kids. They were my babies."

After the hearing, Plumridge declined to comment.

THE weekend is here – and it means only one thing ... the Smileathon is descending on Cleethorpes seafront.

Tomorrow, scores of kind-hearted fundraisers are donning running shoes and fancy dress to complete a route along the seafront in the biggest single fundraiser ever for charities in our area.

As reported, Smileathon is the first ever sponsored run in our area where all the money raised will go to eight local charities.

It is hoped tens of thousands of pounds will be raised, with not a penny of the cash going out of the local area.

And there is still time to sign up – you can just turn up to Meridian Park tomorrow and register.

No matter what the weather is, you can hop, skip, jump, walk or run the route on Cleethorpes seafront, and all money raised will go to: Cleethorpes RNLI; Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital Macmillan Ward and A1 Trust Fund; The Ark Animal Rescue and Retirement Home; North East Lincolnshire Women's Aid; The Laura McPhee Memorial Fund; North East Lincolnshire Disability Sports Forum; Harbour Place Day Centre; Friendship at Home Scheme.

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has now decided to join in the fun.

He is determined to get recognition for the great work of all the local charities benefiting from the Smileathon, which is backed by major sponsor Millennium Chemicals.

He said: "I am very aware of the hard work all these good causes do for the area, which is why I want to add my support to the Smileathon.

"There is always a risk that the small local charities can be overlooked with the prominence of the bigger national charities.

"These local charities have a specifically local emphasis helping people in the area.

"I am very happy to get involved and support these charities as best as I can. I will strive to get as much sponsorship as possible."

Mr Vickers believes his time at Parliament has prepared him for the event.

"I walk miles and miles every day to and from the House of Commons. There are a lot stairs," he said.

"A four-mile walk shouldn't be a problem!

"The Olympics has obviously encouraged a lot of people to take part in more sports and exercise so why not come and join in?

"I would encourage everyone to come down and join up; there's still plenty of time to get involved."

There is something for everyone at the Smileathon, which has been kindly backed by major sponsor Millennium Chemicals, which is providing medals and goodies for participants.

For people with disabilities – if you have been inspired by Paralympics 2012 to get fit and active, why not take part in Smileathon.

There is the chance to complete a one-mile lap at 11am within the Meridian Park arena. Go on – give it a go!

It is hoped between £10,000 and £50,000 will be raised from the £5 entry fee and sponsorship.

Get involved

It's not too late to join in the Smileathon. Simply turn up to Meridian Park on the day and pay £5 for an entry pack, but make sure you are there in plenty of time before the event at 11am. Disabled participants are also welcome, and will have a route marked out.

BOTH may have earned them valuable points, but Grimsby Town's last two away performances couldn't have been more different.

At Hereford United last Saturday, the Mariners put in a comfortable and composed performance to record a fine 2-0 victory.

But little over 72 hours later on Tuesday evening, Town were laboured and had to dig deep to salvage a point after trailing 2-0 at winless AFC Barrow.

Only a remarkable second-half revival, led by two-goal hero Anthony Elding, ensured they left Holker Street with anything to show for their 400-mile round trip to the Lake District.

After the game, joint boss Rob Scott described his side's first half showing as "leggy" – understandable after the number of miles they've clocked up from their last two fixtures.

The ball was given away too cheaply and too often against the Bluebirds, denying the Mariners the platform to build from that they had enjoyed throughout the match at Edgar Street.

In Herefordshire, Town showed impressive tempo and composure to quickly move the ball well in tight areas, yet it was the home side who did so impressively in spells at Barrow.

And, while, the ball was worked forward with patience and purpose last Saturday, days later, the service to the pairing of Dayle Southwell and Andy Cook was poor, meaning the frustrated forwards were left to feed off scraps.

To their credit, in the second-half, the Mariners rallied and were markedly improved, with substitutes Louie Soares, Andi Thanoj, pictured, and Elding all making an impact from the bench.

In the end it was a point – a good one at that – and one that had looked highly improbable just half an hour earlier.

It had been an impressive fightback from Town, and one that showed character and resilience – many of the Town fans who travelled to Holker Street would have seen their side lose that game in seasons gone by.

It's not realistic, or for that matter fair, to expect any side to perform at their best every game, week-in, week-out – especially when playing two games in the space of four days.

But, as Scott said in his post-match interview, Town had slipped below the high standards set by their showings on the road against Hereford, and before that, Wrexham.

Let's hope they can recapture that, and the form that saw them win so convincingly at home to Mansfield, when they welcome top-of-the-league Forest Green Rovers this afternoon.

THIS is one last call for you all to take a trip down to Cleethorpes seafront tomorrow morning, enjoy the sunshine and raise some much-needed money for eight really good local charities.

Many runners and walkers have already signed up to Smileathon and raised plenty of sponsorship.

But there is still time, people can turn up on the day, as long as it is before 11am, and sign up, donating £5 and £2.50 (for children) to the charities before taking a run or stroll along the seafront from Meridian Park to the Pier – and back!

It is set to be a lovely morning and will be made all the better if thousands of pounds can be raised for a variety of good causes.

Providing this year's event is a success, the committee will be asking for nominated local charities next year, to make sure that as many organisations as possible benefit.

One thing is for sure, all the money raised is going to the charities – an important point at a time when it is hard for everyone and so much could be taken away in administration and organising.

It is thanks to the committee and all the companies and organisations, with particular mention to Millennium Chemicals, who have made sure that every penny can indeed go where it is needed.

So come on, join in the fun, get some fresh air – and raise the cash!

KEELBY Parish Council believes the answer to the village's recent flooding issues is to prepare with "revolutionary" sandbags.

On two occasions in August, the village was flooded due to heavy rainfall.

As reported, residents were canoeing and children splashing about in the streets of the village, where manhole covers raised by the volume of water posed a danger.

It happed twice, and the fire service attended on both occasions to pump out those affected.

Now, the council has ordered 50 Aqua-Sacs, costing about £250. After five minutes in the water, the devices absorb about 13 litres of water to become an inflated "sandbag".

Stuart Davis, clerk to the parish council, said: "We bought 50 Aqua-Sacs previously and they were very efficient with making a difference and consequently they have all been used up.

"We are also in the process of creating a Parish Emergency Plan, which will assist with all types of emergencies including flooding.

"It will be made up of villagers' contact details and skills."

Flooding issues will also be discussed at a special meeting organised by Keelby Parish Council on Wednesday, September 23.

It will start at 6.30pm in the village hall. Numerous agencies and council representatives will be in attendance and questions from the public are welcomed.

As reported, North East Lincolnshire was badly affected by heavy rainfall earlier this summer. Schools were shut and roads were impassable by short but heavy bursts of rain.

Some schoolchildren were even sent for lessons at other buildings.

GET your green fingers on a camera to enter a competition to find some blooming lovely photographs.

Grimsby In Bloom has launched its annual photography competition to find some great images of the best outdoor spots in North East Lincolnshire.

This year's theme is Horticulture and Gardening in North East Lincolnshire, and organiser Trevor Harrison is hoping that it will be even more popular than previous years.

Committee member Mr Harrison, 64, said: "Not everyone is a gardener, but anyone can take a photo if they see something nice – even small children.

"There are some beautiful spots in North East Lincolnshire and we want people to get out there and capture them so they can be shared with others.

"It is a chance for us as a group to bridge the gap between the people who are into gardening and the rest of the public."

This year, Freshney Place has sponsored the prizes and provided shopping centre vouchers worth £30, £20 and £15 for first, second and third place.

A short list of entries will be displayed in the shopping centre on Wednesday, September 26 and Thursday, September 27, and the public can vote for their favourite.

Mr Harrison added: "They don't have to be professional shots – sometimes very simple photos work really well.

"Last year, one of the winners was a basic picture of a wooden hut in an allotment – and it looked lovely.

"We like the idea that the public will get to decide on the best photo and that they will be on display for all to see.

"It's a great place to display photos."

The winner will be announced at the beginning of October and presented with a trophy at the Grimsby In Bloom award ceremony at Grimsby Town Hall, later that month.

If you want to enter, all you have to do is take a photo and submit it by Saturday, September 22.

The picture must have a title and location, relate to gardening or horticulture and be taken within North East Lincolnshire.

The competition is open to all ages but entrants are limited to one entry per person.

You can submit your In Bloom photograph by visiting www.grimsbyinbloom.co.uk or by sending an A4-sized print to 231 Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby, DN34 5BY.

HOW community-minded are you?

The first ever celebration of community action groups, The Forum of Forums, was held yesterday at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall.

It was organised to help people within the community find out more about setting up new groups.

Councillor Dave Bolton, North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhoods, opened the busy conference.

"It is about community," he said.

"North East Lincolnshire Council is here to support everything community groups do.

"The council wanted to put on an event like this but we wanted the local groups to do it and that is what has happened.

"The first conference has been a great success and there have been many residents coming to look and hopefully this will be an annual event."

Interactive workshops were held on a variety of subjects, including communication, social media and funding.

Alan Burley, the secretary of The Forum of Forums, said: "In North East Lincolnshire, we have ten neighbourhood forums and others emerging.

"The event is a celebration about what the community can achieve.

"By standing together, we can work to resolve community issues.

"This event is a rallying call for community groups to come forward and get involved.

"We are painting a picture of what is out there."

Representatives from many community groups in the area attended the event.

The chairman of the West Marsh Forward group, Darren Billard, said: "We want to provide activities for the people in our area.

"We can do an awful lot and meetings like this help raise our profile.

"Raising awareness is fundamental to what we do as a group. People have to know we are here to get involved."

Get involved in your community

If reading this has inspired you to set up a group or do something good for the community, find out more by contacting Mr Burley on 07862 277435 or by e-mailing alan.burley1@ntlworld.com

"WE HAVE got the two banks of the Humber covered to stop Lord Two Jags John Prescott."

That was the battle cry from MEP Godfrey Bloom, the UK Independence Party candidate in the election for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.

He announced his candidacy for the job on a visit to Grimsby and unveiled his running mate, Mike Speakman, the former deputy Chief Constable for Humberside.

They were joined by UKIP leader Nigel Farage, who predicted a "huge upset" in the election, which he claimed was a race between other candidate John Prescott and Mr Bloom.

Mr Speakman lives on the south bank of the Humber, while Mr Bloom lives on the north bank.

He claimed the election in November was a "two-horse-race" between him and Lord Prescott for Labour.

"My team has got both banks of the Humber covered so we can stop Two Jags Prescott," said Mr Bloom.

He told how he would resign as MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire if he were elected as commissioner in November.

And he had plenty of praise for Chief Constable Tim Hollis for the progress made in tackling crime in the region.

But he added his tours of Grimsby had highlighted work which still needed to be done.

Driving to his launch at Millfields Hotel, in Bargate, Mr Bloom said he was appalled to see a marked police car on the A46 Laceby Road monitoring speeds at the end of a road which has clearly marked signs for a 50mph limit, then 40mph, then 30mph.

He said: "Instead of sitting in his car, he should be out dealing with the troubles on a Friday and Saturday night in the town centre and dealing with those taking drugs.

"I shall be asking Tim (Chief Constable Tim Hollis) 'Why?' a lot."

Mr Bloom added that he would campaign, along with other Police and Crime Commissioners, for stiffer sentences for burglars.

He said UKIP was the real party of law and order, adding: "With Mike, the voters will see a team with broad experience and, equally important, in policing".

Mr Speakman, who served as deputy chief constable for five years, said: "Godfrey has the right ideas and I want to help get him elected. I do not know anybody who wants Lord Prescott, and the Tories have no credibility on law and order.

"They are the party savagely cutting the police budget and the pay of policemen and women. They do not value the police."

Find out more

The Telegraph is running profiles of those up for election as candidacies are announced. Grimsby Institute students have taken part in a debate with the candidates – see Monday's Grimsby Telegraph for coverage.

ROBBIE Stockdale says Grimsby Town's current crop of young guns can go on to make their mark in the Mariners' first team.

The former Youth boss began work at Premier League Sunderland this week following his departure from Blundell Park.

And after passing the baton on to Academy manager Adam Smith, Stockdale insists he will be watching his young charges' progress with great interest.

He said: "Their performances have been great and there's no reason why that shouldn't continue.

"I've told them to give it their all because it's a fantastic opportunity for the kids throughout the system to play for their local team and hopefully progress into the first team.

"That should still be the aim and I've no doubt that there are players in the system who can do that.

"There have been difficult times, which have been well documented, but I see no reason why the youth system can't go from strength to strength.

"I'll be looking out every week to see how they get on and I'm sure I'll keep in touch with the guys as well.

"I'll certainly still be around – the boys have all got my numbers, so if they have any problems they can give me a bell."

Alan Buckley brought the Scotland international full-back to the club from Tranmere Rovers in 2008.

And, despite persistent injury problems eventually forcing his retirement from the game, Stockdale will take away some fond memories of his time in Cleethorpes.

"As a player, it was frustrating," he added. "I came from a club where I played every minute of every game but I got injuries here, which just kept cutting me back.

"As a coach, it's been a huge learning curve and I perhaps didn't realise how hard it would be.

"It's a 24/7 job, and with the set-up's funding issues it's been tough, but also a great grounding for me – I've learnt a hell of a lot.

"There are some very good people at Grimsby Town who go above and beyond what their job roles actually are.

"I've had some of the best people I've ever met alongside me – Adam Smith, Ollie Cowling, Nathan Collins, people like that are absolute gems and without them I wouldn't be moving on. I've had that grounding of a proper football club with proper people.

"Hopefully I'm leaving the system on a bit of a high – we've still got our School of Excellence, the games programme, and the PPAG (Parents Partnership Action Group) have been fantastic.

"There have been some tough times but that only makes you stronger – if you get through them it makes you a better person."

THE family of murdered Scartho man Adam Vincent have thanked the "generous people of Grimsby" for helping them to finally lay him to rest.

As reported, donations in memory of the popular 33-year-old were collected to help meet the cost of his funeral and purchasing a proper headstone.

And now, following a private family ceremony held on Sunday, September 2, Adam is in his final resting place in the cemetery at St Giles' Church, Scartho.

The interment followed a moving service at the village church, held on Wednesday, August 29, when friends and family gathered to celebrate his life.

Up to his interment, his father Keith had kept Adam's remains with him at his home, adding that "leaving him behind" after the service had been "very hard".

However, he said he was glad Adam had finally been laid to rest and thanked all those who had contributed towards it.

He said: " I would like to thank Steve at Memorial Memories in Waltham. The headstone looks wonderful.

"I must also thank my mum Violet and all the people of Grimsby who contributed."

The simple inscription reads: "Adam Lee Vincent. 22-06-1977 – 28-02-2011. Beloved son, brother, uncle and grandson. Now resting in the arms of the angels."

Keith also said he wished to thank Father Edward Martin at St Giles', who had provided the plot for Adam's resting place in the shade of one of the cemetery's trees.

He said: "I can't thank Father Edwards enough. He's been absolutely fantastic.

"It's lovely here – nice and quiet.

"I will come to see Adam every Sunday and whenever I am feeling well enough to on top of that."

As reported, Adam was killed by Lee Griffiths, his sons Thomas and Luke Griffiths and his step-son Mark Jackson, who were all jailed for his murder. A fifth man, Matthew Frow, was also jailed after being cleared of murder, but found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and perverting the course of justice.

THE brother of war hero Jimmy Major was left unconscious after being beaten up in a Cleethorpes street.

As reported, Guardsman Jimmy Major, 18, was one of five soldiers killed when a rogue Afghan policeman opened fire on the unarmed men at a checkpoint in November 2009.

He was murdered alongside fellow Guardsman Matthew Telford, 37, of Scartho, at Checkpoint Blue 25, Shin Kalay, in Helmand province.

And now his younger brother Daniel, 18, has been left with a broken jaw, following the unprovoked attack, which has left him struggling to eat, sleep or talk.

He has also been unable to ride his motorbike or meet up with his friends at Sidney Park, Cleethorpes, to play football.

Today, their father Adrian Major said those responsible should be sent out to Afghanistan to teach them a lesson.

Comforting his son at home in Saltfleet, near Louth, Adrian said: "Is this what my son went to Afghanistan to fight and die for? So scum like that can walk the streets beating people up? It is disgusting."

"Whenever they find these people, they should ship them out to Afghanistan rather than give them supervision.

"Then we would find out how hard they really are."

He told how his son can only consume soup through a straw because of the pain in his jaw.

The attack happened on Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, outside the pet show Fangs and Fin, near the junction with Poplar Road.

Daniel and two of his friends went to buy cigarettes at a garage around 11.30pm on Saturday, September 1.

As they walked back towards Cleethorpes, two men approached Daniel and demanded a cigarette but, after he handed one over to one of the men, he was punched in the face and fell to the floor.

The two men then walked towards Grimsby.

After spending the night at his friend's house in Cleethorpes, Daniel returned home to Saltfleet. His mum took him to Louth County Hospital that day and doctors told him his jaw was broken.

Speaking through the pain, Daniel said: "It is annoying. It is very painful. I have not been able to work or do anything."

He described the attacker as aged between 25 and 30, around 6ft tall and wearing a pale T-shirt.

A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: "The group of three friends were approached by two unknown men, who are alleged to have asked them for a cigarette, which the 18-year- old handed over.

"As the men walked away one of them is alleged to have turned back towards the 18-year-old and assaulted him."

Can you help?

The police spokesman appealed to anyone with information, to contact Humberside Police by calling101 and quoting crime reference 1928617.

Grimsby Town ensured Forest Green Rovers suffered their first defeat of the season with a 1-0 win at Blundell Park.

Nathan Pond scored the only goal of the game to give the Mariners a third win in four games.

Town lost Andy Cook and Bradley Wood to injury in a quiet first half of very few chances.

But it was the home side who secured the points, scoring the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute.

Frankie Artus' free-kick delivery was headed home by Fleetwood loanee striker Pond.

Rovers pressed for an equaliser and Matty Taylor's 85th-minute effort flew just wide of the post.

James Norwood came closest to preserving their unbeaten record but his stoppage-time shot was well held by James McKeown in the Mariners goal.