COMMUNITY leaders in Immingham have their sights set on creating the town's first indoor play area for toddlers and children.

Designs have already been drawn up for a new facility – which is being spearheaded by Immingham One Voice community group.

Chairman Elaine Norton said hopes for the facility at the Margaret Street resource centre have been dashed. But the group has set out its mission to have one built within a year.

The group will meet for its annual general meeting on Tuesday, at Immingham Resource Centre at 6pm, and Elaine urged more people to get involved.

The group has had remarkable success since its inception four years ago.

Since then the group has built the popular skate park at Homestead Park, Immingham, and organised the Rock School gigs nurturing young musical talent.

The group leaders have also ensured youth groups and charities in the Immingham area have had a fair share of the proceeds from the funds raised at centenary celebrations of Immingham docks.

Associated British Ports chose One Voice to oversee distribution of the funds which were more than £120,000.

Elaine and her friends also orchestrate the annual I-Fest at Blossom Way Sports and Social Club, Immingham, which has been hugely successful over the past three years.

Hundreds of families enjoy live entertainment and stalls in support of local charities.

Elaine said: "I am passionate about Immingham. I hope there are more people in the town who are equally passionate and can come and join us.

"It would be great to have more community members taking an active role and make a difference to the town and the surrounding area. There is so much going on.

"When I started I never imagined that half the things I have done would have been achieved.

"When I started I was just a normal person, keen to get things done. We can all sit and moan about life or we can do something about it. We only need people who care about the town."

The meeting on Tuesday will elect a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer and nominate people to oversee elderly and young people roles.

The group also represents the villages of Habrough and Stallingborough.

The group meets monthly on the first Tuesday of each month at Immingham Resource Centre.

Anyone wishing to help Immingham people through One Voice can contact organisers at www.onevoicecommunity.com or e-mail contact@onevoicecommunity.com

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JUDGES were more than happy to say "I'm in" at Grimsby's own version of popular BBC show, Dragons' Den.

The event was part of youth organisation Enfuse's job fair at Grimsby Minister, which saw participants battle it out to grab £2,000 for a community project that will benefit youths in our area.

The fair today saw numerous organisations come together to offer information on college courses, apprenticeships and training to those aged 16-25.

It was organised by Enfuse – a group which aims to inspire young people across North East Lincolnshire – who were working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire's Young People's Support Services,

Enfuse community development worker, Sophie Wilson, said: "We've had dozens of organisations here today – employers, training and apprenticeship providers, as well as the community learning and national careers service.

"We also have the Enfuse team here, offering support and advice to those seeking work, as well as live music showcasing local musicians in the area.

"It's a great follow-up to our employment week in Freshney Place earlier this month."

Among those taking part were the Grimsby Institute and Franklin College, as well as Shoreline Housing Partnership. Also at the event were Centre4's work pairing scheme and the CERT training team. Strategic development manager Chris Dolman, from Hull Business Training Centre – which has offices in Grimsby – said: "Today we've helped three people find apprenticeships so far and we're always looking for more.

"We offer apprenticeships in customers services, business admin and IT, so we have something to suit everyone."

Emoke Kovacs, communications assistant at Franklin College, said: "I'm here today to tell people about the courses we offer, as well as our new distance learning and e-learning courses which are free to those on benefits and those between the ages of 16-18.

"It's really great to be able to help young people find work – especially in tough times like these."

Tracey Chaplin, from the Care Plus Employability Service, said: "We work with young people to help them find what's best for them and help them find the best career path.

"Events like this really show people what's on offer and the support available."

Charlotte Parkin, from the Community Learning Service, added: "Some people are really made for university but other people want to take a different route into work.

"Our Passport To Success scheme offers work experience and personalised traineeships."

Eighteen-year-old job seeker Eleanor Hugill said: "This event is very useful. I've just finished a course in childcare so it would be great to find something in that field."

ON THE WEB: For all the latest job vacancies, visit www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk/jobs

AN EXPECTANT father is gearing up to run his first full marathon for charity.

Zimbabwe-born Sydeny Mukuya, 34, will be taking on the 26-mile route in Mablethorpe on October 5 in memory of Grimsby girl Amy London, who sadly passed away recently.

As reported, the 21-year-old was born with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a condition that causes agonising blisters both internally and externally.

Amy was not expected to make it past seven years of age but always lived life to the full.

Sydeny, a mental health nurse, was planning to run in aid of Debra – a national charity working with those with EB – before Amy's death but now he will also wear her name on his running vest.

On the day of the marathon he plans to have his partner Victoria cheering him on but he may also have a new number one fan in the crowd.

The Cleethorpes resident said: "My girlfriend and I are expecting our first baby together on September 14.

"If our daughter arrives on time, perhaps she can come and watch.

"I've done a few half marathons in the past but this will be a test; I'm slowly increasing my mileage in training, which has been going well and I'm aiming to finish in under four and a half hours.

"But I'm just looking to finish it to be honest.

"Who knows, if the weather is nice, I may go under four hours."

The link with Amy comes via her aunt Debbie Davies, who was Sydeny's first boss when he arrived in Grimsby in 2004.

He has lived in the area ever since, barring a stint where he served in the forces as a nurse.

He added: "I did meet Amy once and I am running in her memory but I had already decided to support Debra because it's a great cause."

The reggae fan didn't set himself an unattainable target and opted instead to raise a modest £150.

To help him along the way, donate online at www.justgiving.com/MarathonforDebra.

Alternatively you can donate to Debra in an envelope at the Grimsby Travel Agency in the town centre.

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SCREAMS of laughter and the exhilaration of gallons of cold water being poured over the latest victims of the Ice Bucket Challenge rang out at St Andrew's Hospice.

Nurse Jo Hubbard and hospice representative Lauren Alexander were dowsed in not just two buckets of water but four – two of them large builders' buckets.

They were showered with cold water by builders from Lindum Construction Lincoln who are building the £2.5 million redevelopment at the hospice on Peaks Lane, Grimsby.

The current viral phenomenon that has taken the online world by storm is raising funds and awareness for motor neurone disease, or ALS as it is known globally.

It sees people post videos of themselves being drenched with ice cold water on to social media sites.

They then nominate their family, friends, co-workers, bosses and even celebrities to take on the challenge.

The latest brave challengers brought smiles to many of the children and staff at the hospice as they raised money for St Andrew's Hospice, which treats people with motor neurone disease.

The redevelopment appeal will also be supported by the editor and deputy editor of the Grimsby Telegraph, Michelle Lalor and Michelle Hurst.

Although raising the profile of motor neurone disease internationally, the pair have volunteered to take the challenge to also help St Andrew's Hospice, which is the Telegraph's charity of the year.

They set readers a target of £500 for the challenge and within just a few days £510 was raised, with the latest donations including £100 from Terry Smith, managing director at Humberside Renault, and an anonymous envelope containing £10.

The buckets of cold water are due to be thrown over the brave duo on Tuesday – and you will be able to view the deed online at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Lauren said: "We have patients here at the hospice who have motor neurone disease, so we are doing our part to raise awareness of the condition."

Before taking the challenge, she added: "I am not very good with cold water so I think it is going to be a shock.

"People will see me without my make-up on for once. But I am happy to do it."

Nurse Jo said: "I was nominated by Lauren so had to do it. We look after people with MND. It is a horrific and debilitating disease so it is good to raise money for them.

"We have a great team here and we are always ready to go above and beyond."

It was then time for the brave girls to nominate the next "victims" ...

Jo said she wanted consultant Jason Boland and doctors Tony Salisbury and Fermin Blanco to undergo the challenge soon.

Lauren said she wanted ex-Hull City boss and former England player Nick Barmby to do it after he visited the hospice in Grimsby.

She also said BBC Look North presenter Peter Levy and Deputy Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Cliff Barber, should also do it.

Among the patients laughing loudly at the wet fun event was Sharissa Hubbal.

People can continue to support the hosice appeal by sending a text message to HERO 70004 and messages cost £3 in support of the appeal.

Jane Whenham-White, head of fundraising and marketing at the hospice, said: "They are brave and committed staff.

"Nothing is too much for the staff, such is their dedication to the care of everyone here and the cause."

She said £2.5 million is needed for the redevelopment of the hospice.

Michelle Hurst, who is a season ticket holder at Blundell Park in support of Grimsby Town FC, said: "We have volunteered to take the plunge to help raise the profile of motor neurone disease and money for St Andrew's Hospice – the Grimsby Telegraph's charity of the year.

"Both are very good causes and it will be worth going putting myself through this for them ... I think!

"I may have to slip into a wet suit but I will certainly be wearing my Grimsby Town scarf.

"It is a bit of fun with a serious message. I am happy to do my bit and take part. At least I think I am. I will let you know afterwards ..."

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TODAY, the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Alex Baxter, writes the first in a new column for the Grimsby Telegraph.

Mr Baxter, who took the chains of office in May, wants to give readers an insight into the historic role as he bids to promote everything that is good about North East Lincolnshire – both within and outside the borough.

Explaining his reasons for penning a regular column – which will appear regularly on the last Wednesday of the month – Mr Baxter said: "The profession of the first citizen needs to represent the desires of the people and on that basis it is right that I should not just visit places and say a few words but try to express the views of the people that I meet.

"It is right that people should know what we are doing and should have the opportunity to ask us why we are going to a particular place or event.

"I want to earn my crust, tell everybody what I am doing and show that there is a value in the role."

Mr Baxter said his first few months in the position had provided a "wake-up call" as to the talent and potential within North East Lincolnshire.

He said: "Everybody asks how I am enjoying it. I am absolutely over-the-moon. The opportunity to meet and greet and speak with so many people from the Brownies to CEOs is amazing – particularly in such a short period of time.

"You can promote the borough nationally, regionally and internationally, which I fully intend to do.

"It has given me a wake-up call to the talent and enthusiasm that there is in the borough, and if we can focus that talent in the right areas than that is what will drive the borough forward." Mr Baxter also revealed plans to introduce a Young Mayor of North East Lincolnshire in a bid to instigate civic pride among the area's schoolchildren.

"We have a couple of things in the pipeline at the moment.

"We are looking at involving the younger generation in the mayoral process and we will be contacting the schools to see which of them would be interested in being involved."

Read the mayor's first column below, and look out for its regular slot from September on the last Wednesday of every month.

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THERE have been mixed reactions to the new road layout at Town Hall Street, Grimsby.

As reported, traffic flow had previously been reversed, giving priority from Town Hall Street to Town Hall Square, but the council decided to look again at the junction following complaints from drivers.

A spokesman for North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) said the aim of the move was to allow traffic to flow from Town Hall Square to East Street more freely.

However, when the Grimsby Telegraph went out to see how motorists were coping with the new system, there were some hesitant drivers approaching the junction – and one attempting to go down Town Hall Street's one way system the wrong way.

But some pedestrians have welcomed the new Give Way junction, which they hope will make being in the Town Hall Square area safer.

The change to the flow of traffic, as announced on www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk on Wednesday has come five months after the £6 million transformation of the town centre was completed.

It created a new bus super-stop and new facilities for bus travellers. But some have questioned the wisdom of funneling all the buses along Town Hall Street.

Up to now they, and all the other vehicles exiting Town Hall Street, had right of way and traffic coming from town's Osborne Street had to stop just before the junction opposite the town hall.

But drivers complained that their visibility, looking left down Town Hall Street, was restricted.

Now traffic heading out of Town Hall Street must give way to vehicles coming from the right.

No traffic regulation orders were published in advance of the change of priorities. On Thursday, one woman driver tried to turn left from East Street into Town Hall Street but was faced with an on-coming bus. Other drivers continue to halt before the junction driving from Osborne Street to East Street.

A spokeswoman for NELC said: "We initially proposed a Give Way at the junction, but there were concerns that this could have impeded traffic flow from Town Hall Street to Town Hall Square. Having monitored the flows, we conclude that the implementation of a Give Way system would not cause significant delay to journeys, so have now put this in place."

She said no traffic orders were required because "the traffic management alteration is within the council's remit."

Orders only have to be published for major changes, for example change of direction of traffic, changes to speed limit and parking restrictions.

The council spokeswoman said the authority was not aware of any reported collisions at the junction.

Councillor David Watson, portfolio holder for transportation, said: "Since the junction was changed earlier this year, we have been monitoring it to see how it was used.

"We have listened to the views of local residents and road-users and taken action to ensure that traffic flows smoothly in the town centre."

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PAUL Hurst insists there will be no room for complacency in the Grimsby Town camp this afternoon.

The Mariners head to Aldershot bursting with confidence, goals and self-belief after last weekend's 'double-thrashing.'

However, the boss has told his players, in no uncertain terms, that they need to maintain those high standards at the Recreation Ground.

He commented: "After the game today, if it's not the result we want then I hope that's not because of complacency.

"I don't think it will be – the lads are focused and know we're only five games in with a long way to go.

"We want to try to get another victory and we will only get that by putting in the hard work, which we've put in over the last two games.

"That hard work has forced mistakes from the opposition which has allowed us to create the chances."

On the team's preparations for the Conference clash, he continued: "The squad had a couple of days off that they had rightly earned – sometimes the rest is more important than working them.

"They were back on Thursday morning and trained with a good attitude, so I haven't felt the need to be on at them too much.

"I think they know it's two games and they've been and gone.

"Apart from the positive mood in the camp and the area, it's gone and they're very much focused on a tough trip to Aldershot now."

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CLEETHORPES-born television show producer Simon Welton is delighted his hit dating concept is winning rave reviews.

Sexy Beasts relies on Hollywood prosthetics to put personalities back in the picture, in a world increasingly dominated by image. And with a liberal dose of comedy and a gaggle of game contestants, the BBC3 show is proving popular.

Mr Welton, who has carved a career out of reality-based television, from Big Breakfast to Big Brother, and many shows in between, has also confirmed it is not based on any early dalliances in the resort, post his formative years at Lindsey School.

"It seems to be doing well, people seem to like it," the modest entertainment executive for Lion Television said. "I spend a lot of time on Twitter while it is on, and what has been nice is that virtually all the people love it. Normally Twitter isn't like that, yet 95 per cent of people love it, and 5 per cent are asking 'what is it', which is fair enough!

"I really like being online when it is on, it is a really interesting barometer of what people think."

What exactly the BBC think hasn't been revealed with a second series commission as yet to materialise, but through Lion owner All3Media, it is being syndicated across America, with a German version, Lithuanian and Australian emerging. "There is lots of interest from all over the place, and it is quite rare that happens on such a wide scale," said Mr Welton. "As for a second series, I have no idea, that's the BBC's decision. A difficulty we have is BBC3 is going online-only in autumn next year, which may have a budget implication, but any profile we can give it, and the more people watch it, then who knows? It is a lovely little show, I would love to do it again, but all you can do is make a good show and then you are in the lap of the gods really. It is no Dr Who, no X Factor or Bake Off, you are not going to get that sort of profile that keeps it in the public eye. It is a dating show, but it is comedy as well. It is scripted to be funny."

So definitely not based on a recollection of a night in Willy's, Smugglers or Baton Rouge back in the day?

"No, definitely not! It was a combination of two things. I had an idea about prosthetics and dating, making people look like other people, but there was a problem with doing human stuff. You can age people well, but we were trying to make a man look like a woman and vice versa, but it didn't look quite right.

"It struck me prosthetics needed to be for the weird, crazy stuff, and we struck on a geeky date show.

"Also, we live in an instant generation now.

"People have Tinder on their phone, take one look and swipe left or right if they like the look of another person or not. We're bringing personality back.

"That was one reason why people said they applied for it, particularly with Americans, we're taking looks out of the equation.

"The girls really like it, they also like putting the make-up on. Some of the lads embrace it, but some have been freaked out by it."

There's no surprise there, it is top drawer stuff, with the work done by Kristyan Mallett's eponymous company, with credits including World War Z, Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and a whole host of other stand-out credits. But it didn't begin that way.

"The BBC were interested in the idea and gave us a bit of money for a taster tape," said Mr Welton. "It is really expensive, so what we did initially was bought a witch's chin and nose, some green paint, and did our receptionist up, sat her down and got her talking!

"It was amazing how quickly people forgot they were looking at a witch, and were having a really normal conversation. In a way the make-up doesn't need to be as good, but part of the 'geek appeal' comes from me, I loved my Star Wars, my sci-fi, when I was growing up."

The former Signhills pupil has nothing but praise for the prosthetics, but the humour is injected at a pace akin to a botox surgeon offering "buy one get one free" at a Californian care home.

"They are an amazing crew," he said of the Mallett team. "On a film set, they have time to make sure everything is perfect. They do some filming and come back again. With us, they have three hours to get it on and then it is a long day. Those who are made up film with us for about ten hours – that make up has to last a long time!

They do like the fact we approached them and said 'go crazy with it'. Quite often they will be working to a very specific brief."

It all began this time last year, with pilots made and aired close to Valentine's Day, ahead of the six full episodes now showing, with the final one to come at 10pm on Tuesday, and the first five still on iPlayer. For the uninitiated, the show is based on either a man or woman being cast as decision-maker, with three contenders seeking to secure a date with a bottle of bubbly. All are masked, and first there is a speed date, then after one is dumped, the two remaining go on a longer activity-based date, ranging from pizza-making to pottery, off-road driving to mini-golf. Selections are made and identities finally revealed, before both decide whether or not to attend, with mixed results.

"About half the time people turn up. There are a few of them who have seen each other again," said Mr Welton, who has yet to receive a wedding invite, or be asked to be a god parent.

However, he is equally happy entertaining his own children through his career medium, having began in the business in 1996 when he was one of four taken from more than 2,000 applicants to join Planet 24's graduate production trainee scheme.

He is currently working on a third season of CBBC's Officially Amazing, a Guinness World Records-based show. "It is my absolute favourite," he said. "I love making kids TV, you can have so much fun, and my kids really like it, which is great as kids can be a harsh audience.

"With this we get to travel around the world meeting people doing incredible things."

What other incredible ideas have yet to be conceived, we await with interest …

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THE chances of Grimsby Town going goal crazy again this afternoon, are "slim" – according to Paul Hurst.

After hammering Gateshead 6-1 and Alfreton 7-0 over the Bank Holiday weekend, Mariners fans could be hoping for eight goals in Hampshire!

But Hurst believes Andy Scott's Aldershot – who have lost only once this season – will be a completely different proposition.

"I'd take any win right now – if it was 1-0 and a horrible game I'd take that," the manager told the Telegraph.

"We'd like to put in another good performance, and we've shown that if we do that, we're capable of winning games.

"I've seen, and had reports on, Aldershot. They've started the season pretty well and with the game they did lose at Eastleigh, they were extremely unlucky.

"If anyone looked like they were going to win that game in the final 20 minutes, it was Aldershot.

"We know we're in for a tough game. But it's a really good pitch down there, so we'll look to get it down and play again as we have done in the last couple of games."

With three goals to his name already this campaign, former Rotherham United and Northampton Town striker Brett Williams will be one for the Mariners' miserly defence to watch closely.

"The obvious dangerman is Williams in terms of his goals – he was favourite to finish top goalscorer in this league," confirmed Hurst.

"He was playing higher a few seasons ago and I thought he would stay in the league.

"It didn't happen for whatever reason and he's obviously found somewhere where he's playing regular football and putting good performances in.

"He'll be trying everything he can for Aldershot, but I'm sure he'll be looking at the Football League again in the future.

"He looks dangerous and has a good partnership with Josh Scott up front – they give the team a real base to play from."

On some of the Shots' other key players, Hurst added: "Chris Barker missed their game the other day but is also vastly experienced, and Glenn Wilson, who they took from Salisbury, is a good player as well.

"They've added one or two to what was a decent squad already.

"The issue they had then was fighting the points deduction, and for them to get anywhere near the play-offs, they would have had to gone on a unbelievable run all the way through.

"They started reasonably well, had a bit of dip and then finished quite strongly again.

"So we'll take nothing for granted. While confidence is high from our performances, it means nothing.

"That's forgotten and we look forwards now rather than backwards, having given ourselves a pat on the back."

THANKS to you, this little boy is off to meet Mickey Mouse in Disney World.

In 11 days time, three-year-old Brody Croft will be jetting off to Florida for the once-in-a-lifetime holiday his family feared he would never get to see.

As reported, on Christmas Eve last year doctors told them the devastating news that Brody had gone blind in one eye and may eventually lose his vision altogether.

Desperate for him to witness some memorable sights before he goes completely blind, they launched an appeal to pay for a trip to Disney World.

And after the Grimsby Telegraph featured his heartbreaking story, the donations from generous readers came pouring in.

His family also arranged a series of fundraising events, including a football match, a sponsored head shave and a Hollywood-themed black tie dinner supported by Cleethorpes actress Julie Peasgood.

And now, less than nine months after they launched the appeal, they have not only reached – but exceeded – their £10,000 target.

A total of just under £11,750 has been raised, with the excess money being donated to When You Wish Upon A Star and Guide Dogs. It means that the youngster – who was diagnosed at birth with optic nerve hypoplasia, a condition which saw him suffer double vision in his left eye – will be landing in the States the day after his fourth birthday.

His mum Jade, who will be jetting off to Florida with Brody, his two-year-old brother Riley, and his nannie Karen, said:

"It's fantastic, absolutely fantastic. It just shows you the generosity of people. There are some amazing people out there that are willing to help.

"Brody is so excited. He wants to go to Disney World now!"

In a heartfelt message to all the people who have supported Brody's appeal – most of them complete strangers – Jade, of Revesby Avenue, Grimsby, said: "All I want to do is give each and every single one of them a hug. People out there have got their own problems but they haven't let that get in the way of helping Brody. We are really humbled and touched.

"And if it wasn't for the Telegraph then not a lot of people would have know about the appeal."

She said her son was continuing to have regular check-ups on his eyes, and that there had been a slight deterioration in the vision in his right eye.

"He is getting more accident prone and he is saying his eye is starting to hurt, which is what happened in his left eye.

"We are a bit worried but we are trying not to think the worst. We are trying to think of the positives and this is what this trip is all about."

Brody's auntie Hollie Croft, 23, who has played a leading role in the fundraising appeal, said: "We reached about £7,000 and it got to a point where we wondered if we were going to do it, so to get this total is absolutely incredible.

"Throughout this we have had people organising their own events and even knocking on the door, asking if this was where the little boy that's been in the paper lives, because they would like to donate something.

"People have pulled together for a little boy they don't even know, which makes it even more overwhelming.

"We thank everyone for their support and kindness but would just like to give special thanks to Amy Fancourt, Julie Keen, Kelly Harrison, Joyce Davies and Andy Cawte, but most of all to The Grimsby Telegraph.

"They have followed our journey and backed us all the way and if it wasn't for them our story would never have been heard and Brody would not be going to Disneyworld."

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ANDREW BOYCE has hailed Grimsby Town as 'a joy to watch' – especially from his privileged view at the heart of the back four.

As reported, the defender has agreed a month-long extension to his current loan deal with Town, saying that he couldn't walk away from the buzz around the club.

After a slow start to the campaign, Boyce – who also spent a loan spell at Blundell Park last season – says the Mariners are now flying after comprehensive back-to-back victories over Gateshead and then Alfreton.

And ahead of this afternoon's trip to Aldershot (3pm), the 24-year-old says it's a great time to be a defender in the Town squad.

He told the Telegraph: "There is a real buzz about the place and it's great to be a part of that.

"Scotty Neilson has come back into the side and he's absolutely flying, as are Jon-Paul Pittman and Lenell John-Lewis, who have both been unplayable in the last couple of games.

"From a defensive point of view, I think we've been all right in the last few games, but those lads up front have been superb so it's a joy to watch from back there at the moment – I didn't want to pass up on the opportunity to stay for longer.

"The new deal work for both parties – if things hadn't gone as well as they have, the option might not have been there for me to stay for longer.

"But it was nice to feel wanted and I didn't really have to think about re-signing to be honest – it was an easy decision to make because I've really enjoyed my time back here again.

"We'll have a look at the situation again when this month's up and see what's best for both parties – just like before, but I'm certainly happy to be here and long may it continue.

He added: "We made a slow start, but we're really picking up now and we've given ourselves a really solid start to build on with the last two results.

"I think we've done okay – but you can always do better. I think we should have definitely got more than we did out of those first three games.

"The draw at Bristol was well- deserved and a good point in the circumstances, but we should have won the other two, so we've got to make sure we go down to Aldershot today and get the job done."

A FATHER has escaped jail after he grew almost £6,000 worth of cannabis to fund IVF treatment so he could have a child with his partner, a court heard.

Police stumbled upon 20 plants of up to 2ft in height at the home of Brett Winterton, 37, in Park Street, Cleethorpes, after going to the house to arrest another man.

Winterton pleaded guilty to being concerned in the cultivation of cannabis at Grimsby Magistrates' Court in June.

Grimsby Crown Court heard Winterton wanted to raise the cash to pay for IVF treatment with his partner, after the couple were told they were not eligible for NHS funding as he already has an 18-year-old daughter.

Police arrested Winterton after making the discovery of the plants and cultivating equipment in an upstairs bedroom at the property in February.

Prosecuting, Gordon Stables said police were satisfied Winterton had the knowledge to cultivate and engineer the cannabis.

"This defendant disclosed (to police) that the plants were his and that he was raising cash for IVF treatment for his partner," he said.

There was an estimated yield of 45g of cannabis per plant, and a total of 900g.

The small factory would yield three crops a year, the court heard.

Winterton was hoping to make between £4,000 and £6,000 from it, Mr Stables said.

"He said he had spent £250 on equipment but would not say where he got it from," Mr Stables added.

"He said nobody else was involved in it."

Defending, Richard Butters said the case was not one of "greed", and would not have funded luxury items.

"It was an act of desperation," he said.

"The couple had been trying for a child for a long time.

"They went to the hospital and have now been told on three occasions that they are not eligible for funding.

"He made completely the wrong decision.

"He never did in fact get to sell the cannabis – although he would have done.

"He is of no risk to anybody. It was a one-off. He is of previous good character.

"He is extremely hard-working and he is genuinely remorseful.

"He is not a greedy man. He was doing it for the right reasons but made the wrong decision."

Recorder David Bradshaw said of Winterton: "You found yourself in a position where the state could not or would not assist you and you thought up this scheme to try to alleviate the matter.

"You, I suspect, know better than anybody what a foolish decision that was."

Recorder Bradshaw said he had "no doubt" that the case crossed the custody threshold but resisted handing down an immediate custodial term – instead handing Winterton an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for a year.

He must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work as part of a one-year supervision order.

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Louth town councillors have voiced their concerns on what people might say about them on social media now meetings can be broadcast online.

Residents at this week's meeting were for the first time able to record and post updates from Sessions House.

Councillors had agreed that posting things online would help them get instant feedback on the agenda and find out what people think. But they warned that any derogatory online posts would be dealt with through the courts.

Talking about Facebook posts which he had already seen, Mayor Cllr Andrew Leonard said at the previous meeting: "There will be repercussions of people saying bad things about me online. Watch this space.

"If derogatory posts are made then it will be taken to the court of law. If you incorrectly report what's happened, you are liable."

A law to allow the filming and reporting of council meetings over social media by the public came into force on August 6.

Councillors raised concerns of the implications of people reporting the meetings as they happened and over the possibility of people adding their own commentary and sound bites to videos.

Town council members agreed to run their own Facebook and Twitter accounts to post unedited recordings over social media to keep a true record.

Cllr Leonard proposed that the town council bought recording equipment to keep the official version "to make everyone accountable" and put aside £500 to do this.

Cllr Eileen Ballard said: "Recording it ourselves is the only way. I cannot believe how I am described already on Facebook – I say come see me collectively to tell me."

Welcoming the new law, Cllr Laura Stephenson said it would be great to have people Facebooking and Tweeting from meetings, adding: "It's good we're letting people in, because it'll show that people do care about what we say."

Cllr George Horton was more wary of the change and claimed it would discourage people from attending as they would watch online later and said: "It's a backwards step. They'll stay at home and wait till the next day. If they cared they'd come and air their views in the public forum."