LIGHT has been shed on the origins of the mysterious plane found by a jogger on Cleethorpes beach.

As reported, jogger Barry Freer spotted the remains at low tide and, despite doing his own research into the possible history of the wreckage, he was unable to pinpoint where it had come from.

Keen to solve the mystery, he appealed for the help of Grimsby Telegraph readers.

It transpires that the wreckage is that of a Bristol Beaufighter Mk X – serial number JM333 – which is known as the Torbeau by the fact that its main armament was a torpedo. North Coates Flying Club secretary Brian Stafford was able to reveal more details about the plane's final fateful flight on April 21, 1944.

He said: "It crash landed on what we know as Tetney High Sands or Haille Sands to the south of the fort.

"It was on the strength of No 254 squadron at North Coates and had taken off when both engines failed.

"The pilot was able to point the aircraft into wind before making a wheels-up landing on the sands. Both crew were unhurt and, in actual fact, walked back to the aerodrome.

"There was no armament on board and the aircraft was left to the incoming tide.

"The next day a recovery team decided the unstable sand wouldn't support heavy recovery equipment and the aircraft was abandoned."

The plane was eventually covered up by the sand bank, where it remained until the early 1960s when it became exposed after the sandbank shifted.

Brian continued: "The picture was taken at that time and an attempt to destroy it was made by the Navy bomb disposal team, based on a spurious report that a torpedo was on board.

"Over the years it has come to surface now and then and it has been exposed most of this summer.

He said: "The wreck is in a particularly dangerous location with quick sands and inlets that can catch the unwary by surprise when the tide comes in.

"More than one person has become stranded before now."

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FANCY drenching the Grimsby Telegraph editor with a bucket of freezing cold water?

Here's your chance to do exactly that. - and raise money for charity at the same time.

The Telegraph's editor Michelle Lalor has volunteered to be the latest "victim" of the ice bucket craze which has taken off in the past week.

And she will be joined by her deputy Michelle Hurst, who stepped in to offer moral support.

The social media craze is aimed at raising awareness and money for the neurodegenerative disease ALS, or motor neurone disease as it is known in the UK.

People are nominated by others who have successfully completed the challenge.

So far, victims have included sporting names such as David Beckham, Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as those from the world of politics, like former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling.

Grimsby Town's players even got in on the act at their Cheapside training ground on Friday.

Michelle was keen to join the craze and do her bit for the good cause.

She will also do the challenge in aid of the Grimsby Telegraph's 2014 charity of the year, St Andrew's Hospice, which is aiming to raise £2.5 million towards a huge redevelopment of its site in Peaks Lane, Grimsby.

But for Michelle to take the plunge we have set you, the reader, a target of donating £500 over the next week, with all proceeds going to the hospice.

Drop your donations into the Telegraph office in Cleethorpe Road, or make cheques payable to St Andrew's Hospice.

We will keep you updated on the fundraising total.

And don't worry. Should we reach the £500 target, our photographers will be on hand to capture the moment on video.

To let us know about your own ice bucket challenges – and send us your pictures and videos e-mail newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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CLEETHORPES welcomed the top fishmongers from all over the country over the Bank Holiday weekend as it hosted a prestigious seafood competition for the very first time.

For three days, crowds flocked to a marquee behind Cleethorpes Leisure Centre to witness the finely honed skills of the finest fish filleters in the land as entrants from across the UK vied for supremacy in the 2014 British Fish Craft Championships.

Prizes were awarded for excellence in a range of categories – from shellfish and Scottish salmon to trout and traditional fish of the sea – with competitors being awarded points presentation, general appearance, hygiene and performance.

And the title of British Fish Craft Champion – awarded to the entrant with the highest aggregate scores across a maximum of five competitions – went to Kevin Todd, pictured, of Cardiff-based Ashton's Fishmongers.

There was, however, success for entrants from North East Lincolnshire.

Independent fishmonger Jim Mellin, of Grimsby-based Jim Mellin Fish Sales, came second in the M&J Seafood MSC Championship, while Jaroslaw Palka and Godfrey, of Flatfish, both picked up certificates for excellence in the Tesco Fish Craft Challenge.

The former also received the Charlie Caisey Award for the most promising newcomer not to reach the final of the Fish Craft Challenge.

While Sunday was competition day, there was still plenty for the crowds to enjoy yesterday and Saturday, with a variety of fish filleting demonstrations.

Although North East Lincolnshire has waited 62 years to host the event, the competition will be returning to the borough again next year.

Organiser Gary Hooper, from the National Federation of Fishmongers, was pleased with how this year's event went, and believes interest will be even higher next time around.

He said: "I went to the World Seafood Congress in Canada and was asked if we could bring this competition to Grimsby.

"They are hosting the seafood congress in 2015 and they wanted to bring a number of seafood-related events to this area.

"It has been really good. The support we have had from North East Lincolnshire Council, Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, the Grimsby Fish Merchants Association and local businesses like Flatfish has been fantastic.

"We are back here next year and I am anticipating even more local businesses getting involved next year, now they have seen what this event is all about.

"It is to bring alive fish filleting and fish preparation and to educate the public.

"As an island nation only 18 per cent of the population regularly eats fish, and the more we can teach people about fish, the more they will buy it."

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THE chance to enjoy a first Mariners game with his son ended in disappointed for a Grimsby father.

Rob and his ten-year-old son Eli were among the crowd as Paul Hurst's men were held to a 0-0 draw against Nuneaton.

But what promised to be a memorable occasion turned sour when they were hit with a parking fine close to Blundell Park for parking more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway and not within a designated parking space.

Rob was one of several people, between Queen Mary Avenue and Elliston Avenue, that found themselves landed with a £70 fixed penalty.

Rob, who works away in the Armed Forces, said: "I loved taking my son to his first game, because now I can pass on the Mariners support baton to him.

"But the parking fine has left a bad taste in my mouth.

"It will not stop me from going to Blundell Park and cheering on my team, but it's expensive for me to get back with working away.

"I'm planning to appeal the fine and hope the ten or 15 other drivers do the same.

"The council needs to look at the space around the ground and, hopefully, common sense will prevail.

"If there are parking restrictions in the area, fans should be clearly noted with sign posts.

"In the area we park there seemed to be no such signs.

"On match days, all areas around the ground should be available for parking, and opened up for fans' use.

"I don't intentionally break the law, but this was just money-making on a scandalous level."

North East Lincolnshire Council confirmed 15 tickets were issued in that area on that evening for either parking in a restricted street during prescribed hours, parking adjacent a dropped footway or parking in a special enforcement area more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway and not within a designated parking space.

Councillor David Watson, portfolio holder for Environment and Housing at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "If a motorist feels that they have been issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) incorrectly, they should informally challenge their notice by e-mailing carparkingissues@nelincs.gov.uk or by writing to PO Box Number 493, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 1HU.

"This information is also provided on the reverse of the PCN where full details of how to challenge it are clearly given.

"When writing to Parking Services, motorists should ensure that they quote their PCN number, their vehicle registration number and contact details."

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UKIP'S prospective parliamentary candidate for Great Grimsby has called upon Ed Miliband to sack the aide accused of calling Northerners "backward" over their attitude to female candidates.

As reported, Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell claimed he was told by Anna Yearley that Labour activists in the North had blocked moves to promote more female MPs – and she was determined to make them toe the line.

Mr Mitchell, who had questioned the use of all-women shortlists to select candidates, said he was made to feel like "an educationally subnormal pensioner".

Ms Yearley denied making the remarks.

However, Ukip's Victoria Ayling, pictured, has now written an open letter to the Labour leader urging him to apologise to Mr Mitchell and sack Ms Yearley for the remarks.

She wrote: "I challenge you now to sack Ms Yearley and apologise to Austin Mitchell and Great Grimsby for her insult to Northerners.

"You, David Cameron and the metropolitan political elite are all peas in a pod. For you, 'the North' means no more than Islington and Notting Hill. That is why Great Grimsby will elect a Ukip MP next May.

"Grimsby needs a strong MP to fight for it in Westminster. Ukip chose me on merit alone for my experience, strength and conviction."

AFTER hammering Gateshead 6-1 on Saturday, Grimsby Town hit a magnificent seven as they dispatched rock-bottom Alfreton in stunning fashion.

The Mariners ran out impressive 7-0 winners, thanks to braces from Lenell John-Lewis and Craig Clay and further goals from Jon-Paul Pittman, Scott Brown and Scott Neilson.

Unsurprisingly, Paul Hurst stuck with the same side that hammered the Tynesiders on Saturday– after all, why change a winning side?

Neilson went into the book for a clumsy challenge on Paul Clayton with less than a minute on the clock, and after the visitors won a corner from the resulting free-kick, Jordan Keane planted a free header over James McKeown's crossbar.

But two minutes later, Town had a corner of their own after a mix-up in the Reds' back–line and Shaun Pearson was inches away from connecting with Brown's delivery before Paddy McLaughlin drove wide of goal from the edge of the box.

Town were at it again with eight minutes gone when a superb ball from Brown set Town on a break, which eventually finished with the midfielder driving straight at Cameron Dawson.

But it wasn't long before the hosts broke the deadlock, as John-Lewis picked up from where he left off at Gateshead.

The powerful frontman got on the end of a perfect ball through the Reds' back-line and fired unerringly into the bottom corner for his third goal in as many days.

Neilson almost got in on the act with less than 15 minutes on the clock when he danced through the challenge of three defenders on the edge of the box, before seeing his 'dinked' effort clawed over by Dawson.

The Mariners were firmly on top, but after they had won their third corner in the space of two minutes, Alfreton broke and Nathan Hicks brought the best out of McKeown when the Town stopper parried away his curling effort from the edge of the box.

Nsiala then stretched for a tackle and brought down Thomas Shaw as he broke down the left and Anthony Howell sliced wide from the edge of Town's box after the free-kick had been played short.

But after their visitors had enjoyed their best spell of the game, John-Lewis doubled his and Town's advantage when he finished off a move of real quality.

Craig Clay won an important interception in the middle of the park, allowing Carl Magnay to play Pittman into the left-hand channel.

His first-time cross was superb, and John-Lewis planted a header off the bottom of the far post and in. The final touch perhaps came off the prostrate Dawson, but there was no doubt who was claiming it!

And the frontman, who had put in an outstanding first-half performance, then turned provider just before the break as Pittman made it three.

Neilson intercepted Bradley Wood's attempted pass from the back and found John-Lewis, who after turning his man, stretched to set Pittman one-on-one.

And the American-born striker kept a cool head to round Dawson and tap into the empty net to see Town into the break with a healthy lead.

Lee Stevenson came on at the break for the visitors, but it didn't stem the tide as Town added another within a minute of the restart.

John-Lewis turned his man and played in Clay, who, after breaking from midfield poked past Dawson and the ball rebounded in off the post as Town made it four.

John-Lewis should have had a hat-trick when he was set through on goal again, but after the under-fire Reds' stopper made an initial save, the striker ballooned over his volley on the rebound.

The Mariners were bursting with confidence, not least Neilson, who attempted a cheeky lob over Dawson before John-Lewis and then McLaughlin missed decent chances to extend the lead even further.

A fairly even-tempered game then boiled over as Alfreton let their frustrations get the better of them. Howell went in two-footed on Brown, sending the midfielder flying and sparking an unsightly 20-man melee.

Howell was promptly given his marching orders with a straight red card, while Magnay was shown a yellow for his part in the scuffle afterwards.

Neilson, fresh from tangling with Dan Bradley during those handbags, then stung the palms of Dawson with a rasping drive as the impressive Pittman made way for Jack Mackreth, while minutes later, Caine Winfarrah came on for Magnay.

Despite a visible improvement from their visitors, Town were still firmly on top and they made it five in fine style with just over ten minutes remaining.

Brown won the ball back in the middle and after settling himself, unleashed a 30-yard drive that flew past Dawson and nestled in the bottom corner.

Almost immediately, Town nearly plundered a sixth when McLaughlin waltzed his way through the Reds' sorry defence before seeing his shot deflected wide.

Clay would have grabbed his second of the game with nine minutes to go, were it not for Wood's fine block from yards out.

However, the midfielder wasn't to be denied and he compounded Alfreton's misery – to the delight of the Town fans – when he swept home a sixth with a composed finish from just inside the box.

Incredibly, it got even better for Hurst's side as they made it 13 goals in one Bank Holiday weekend when Neilson dissected the Reds' defence before rounding Dawson and tapping into the gaping goal to cap a quite incredible afternoon at Blundell Park.

Replay our live and interactive coverage of the game below:

Live Blog Grimsby Town v Alfreton - Live & Interactive

A TEENAGER suffering terrible spinal and leg problems has thanked the doctors whose pioneering treatment has finally helped her to walk – and are now supporting her brother through his own illness.

Sophie Lewis, 18, of Stallingborough Road, Healing, wanted to raise money for Sheffield Children's Hospital, where she has been treated since she was just 18 months old for scoliosis and having one leg shorter than the other.

She was later diagnosed with complex lumbosacral congenital abnormality. Her pelvis is deformed in several places, causing the leg-length problem and curvature of the spine.

Sophie's condition is incurable but she believes that the specialised consultants at the hospital have done everything possible to help reduce her pain and improve her quality of life.

To thank them, she hosted a charity football match at Bradley Pitches between coaches and parents of players at Grimsby Borough Football Club.

Her brother, Matthew, 14, who has his own health problems, suffering from Crohn's disease, was also there for the match. He is captain of the under 15s youth side and was linesman for the second half of the match.

Sophie said: "The surgeons set out to make my life better and to help find ways of reducing pain and pressure on my body.

"I had a spinal fusion and then I had pioneering surgery using a new magnetic rod to lengthen my shorter leg.

"This means I will no longer walk on my tiptoes and I hope it will relieve pressure in the pelvis and ribs.

"I am still having this treatment and, eventually, the rod will be removed. There may be another spinal surgery in the pipeline, depending on what my surgeons see best.

"After being under the care of the children's hospital since I was 18 months old – and now that my brother is also being treated there for Crohn's disease, it is a cause very close to our family and in our hearts.

"We have received the best possible care anyone could ever wish for and we want to give back to the hospital in any way we can.

"I would never have come this far without the care the hospital staff have given me. They have literally stopped at nothing to improve my life and I know other people feel the same way.

"Every time I have gone there, they make me feel so welcome and strive to do their best in my case.

"Whatever they have done, they have always done at the best level."

Sophie added that she was currently waiting to see a spinal surgeon over continuing backbone problems. She may face possible spinal surgery and more leg surgery.

"I am back in October to see when it will be but I imagine that it will be next year now," she said.

"They are looking at removing the rod in my leg and either putting a new one in or leaving it without a rod in. It will depend on my bone growth."

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PAUL Hurst feels as though Grimsby Town's season is finally up and running after watching his side go goal crazy for the second time in a bumper Bank Holiday weekend.

After hammering Gateshead 6-1 on Saturday, the Mariners went one better and ran in seven unanswered goals against Alfreton at Blundell Park yesterday.

Braces from Lenell John-Lewis and Craig Clay, allied with strikes from Jon-Paul Pittman, Scott Brown and Scott Neilson, saw the Mariners take their tally for the weekend to an incredible 13 goals.

After having only previously found the net once in their frustrating first three games – while he isn't getting carried away – the Town boss has said that the season starts now.

Following a stunning afternoon at Blundell Park, he told the Telegraph: "I'm delighted with what I've seen over these last two games – it's been very pleasing.

"I told the players in the dressing room after yesterday's game that our season starts now.

"We'd have liked to have picked up a few more points from those first few games, but if you'd have said we'd be unbeaten after the first five games, having scored the number of goals we have, of course I would have taken it.

"We've won a home game emphatically now and that gets that little early-season monkey off our back and so we've got to kick on from here.

"It's been two excellent performances back-to-back, with a clean sheet yesterday and I can't really ask for much more to be honest.

"In saying that, we could have had even more yesterday, but I guess I would be being greedy if I was asking for more after a 7-0 win!"

Hurst also paid tribute to his players' attitudes and has challenged them to maintain the feel-good factor for as long as possible.

He continued: "After the last two games, the lads are high on confidence and are really hungry. We've now got to try and keep that feeling going for as long as possible.

"I've been delighted with the players' attitudes and their performance levels over the last two games.

"I've always said that I've got a good group of players and they're showing that.

"Now they've got to produce those levels on a regular basis to give us a chance."

RESIDENTS in the Park ward of Grimsby have called for a greater police presence after a spate of incidents over the Bank Holiday weekend.

A PCSO was reportedly knocked off their bike after attending a job close to the junction of Farebrother Street and Patrick Street on Sunday night, while staff at the nearby Spar shop in Legsby Avenue had to lock the door to keep a gang of aggressive youths at bay.

Earlier the same evening, it is said police were called to an incident of domestic violence in Farebrother Street, where it is alleged an elderly resident was attacked just a few days previously.

Residents told the Grimsby Telegraph that gangs of violent and foul-mouthed youths were making their lives a misery.

And they called on the police to increase patrols in the neighbourhood in a bid to stamp out the trouble. A Farebrother Street resident alleges that at around 6pm on Sunday she witnessed a man emerge from a house, grab a woman who had just pulled up in a car by the hair and pull her inside. The police arrived shortly afterwards.

Several other people described seeing a large police presence at around 9pm – with many hearing reports that a PCSO had been attacked and knocked off their bike.

A worker at the Todays Extra shop in Farebrother Street, said: "There were police everywhere. They should be round here more often. The kids are horrible. They are out of control."

Stuart Shephard, the manager of the Spar Shop in Legsby Avenue, said he saw two PSCOs on bikes chasing a gang of youths as he was closing up for the night at around 9pm.

Earlier the same evening, staff in the shop had locked the door after a group of teenagers tried to force their way in with their bikes.

He said: "It all started at about 6.20pm. Somebody came in and stole some Pringles and ran out of the shop. Then at about 8.20pm they came back – there was a group of about six – and we told them to get out of the shop.

"One of them wanted to ride his bike into the shop so we shut the front door and locked it. He gave it a few kicks and then they all disappeared into the park.

"You often get gangs of kids running up and down. The age varies. The youngest are about 12 and then you get some as old as 22. It's a big problem. I feel sorry for the PCSOs because they can't do anything. They do have a good presence here but they do need a bit of back up."

A Patrick Street resident, who did not wish to be named, said she was not surprised to hear about the attack on the PCSO.

"It's no wonder we never see the police around here if they are getting attacked. I know one of the older residents who lives around here was attacked by a bunch of kids a few days ago. They are getting worse. They go up and down on scooters and there are lots of children around. I'm sick of it.

"They have got no respect. I went out a few weeks ago to ask if they would mind being quiet and I just got a tirade of abuse."

A Farebrother Street resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: "It used to be bad around here, then it went quiet, but it's starting to get quite rough again, with gangs, drinking, fighting and thefts."

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GRIMSBY Town hit an astonishing 13 goals in two games over the Bank Holiday weekend - but which one was your favourite?

After hammering Gateshead 6-1 on Saturday, three days later the Mariners went one better and thumped Alfreton 7-0.

All thirteen goals were memorable for their own reasons, but which one was the best?

Share your views by voting in the poll to the right!