RYAN Bird has today left Portsmouth by mutual consent - potentially alerting Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst.

The striker, who was linked with the Mariners before going on loan to Cambridge last season, has taken the decision in a bid to secure regular football.

Hurst has gone on record as stating that he is in the market for a new striker, but could Bird fit the 'bill'?

Now a free agent, any possible 'swoop' for the frontman could be completed after tonight's 11pm deadline.

What do you think? Comment on this story below

A BUNGLING teenager left his footprints behind following an "amateurish" night-time burglary on a Grimsby home.

Prolific offender Connor Barker, 19, of no fixed address, was jailed at Grimsby Crown Court for the break-in at an address in Abbey Drive West on the morning of Thursday, May 29.

The court heard he went down the side of the semi-detached home and threw a paving slab through a uPVC patio door before going inside.

Barker came face to face with the homeowner who heard a "loud smash" and the sound of someone walking on glass – but quickly "scarpered" with two handbags.

Prosecuting, Jeremy Evans said: "It was nothing more than a ten-second confrontation.

"When the address was checked by police, glass samples were matched with footprints left on the carpet."

The two bags were found nearby, but were empty, and Barker had damaged sentimental ornaments and an anniversary clock, the court heard.

The homeowner was left to pay £150 to make the door safe and a further £500 to replace the glass.

Barker was arrested at 6am the same morning on other matters and gave a no comment interview when the burglary allegations were put to him.

He maintained his right to remain silent even when forensic evidence later confirmed his guilt.

The court heard Barker, who suffers from autism and ADHD, had a long line of previous convictions, including one for a dwelling burglary.

Defending, Tom Ledden said: "This man is still only 19 and it's disappointing to see such a young man with a record like this for acquisitive crimes.

"This was an opportunistic offence and was unsophisticated and amateurish given the noise he made. It was inevitable that he would be caught one way or another. The confrontation was for a matter of seconds and he did immediately retreat from the house.

"The items from the handbag were recovered, including personal papers."

Mr Ledden said Barker's actions were "of a man under the influence of valium and alcohol".

He had undertaken courses while on remand in prison and had a "clear understanding of the seriousness of what he did", Mr Ledden said.

He added that Barker had been "bullied physically" whilst behind bars and has a pregnant girlfriend.

Sentencing him to ten months in prison, Judge Paul Watson QC said: "Whatever it was that inspired you to commit this burglary it would have been obvious to you that you would not get away with it.

"The damage to the property was of relatively modest intrinsic value but the distress and upset that burglaries cause are untold.

"You have a long list of previous convictions from childhood. The next time you are convicted you will be looking at a long sentence."

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IF you thought that a pantomime was only for kids to enjoy – think again.

A show for all ages, that blends both traditional and modern aspects, is on its way to Cleethorpes this Christmas.

The Parkway Cinema, in Kings Road, will play host to Aladdin and tickets are already selling fast.

"Mark Two" – real name Kevin Baines – has written the show.

He will also direct the production and star as Aladdin's mother Widow Twankey.

Mark has been in 37 professional pantomimes before and cannot wait to perform in the comfortable and intimate setting by the seaside.

He said: "It's going to be fab. We're all about bringing traditional pantomimes to people but incorporating modern twists.

"There will be little references throughout to the local area and other shows like Frozen, so the little ones can get plenty of enjoyment out of it.

"For a lot of the youngsters that come to see a pantomine, very often it's their first experience of theatre and so we want to make the show as magical as possible."

But this panto is not just catering to the young impressionable theatre goers. Mums and dads can also get plenty out of it.

As well as the songs there is also lots of comedy, projections, illusions and ultra violet puppetry all thrown in for families' amusement.

Mark has been writing the show since February and 11 new "outrageous" costumes have been created for his character alone, all of which will make an appearance at some point during the panto.

He added: "The biggest challenge for me is keeping it fresh but I love doing it.

"Each time we do a show the experience is completely different, even if it's the same show and characters – each time it's exciting.

"The Parkway is such a nice venue because the audience can sit and relax in comfortable seats with their popcorn; we need to make the show to the highest possible standard so that people can feel inspired and keep coming back year after year.

"Everything will be really well-rehearsed. People think panto is easy and that we're just messing about or having a laugh but we work very hard to make the show as enjoyable as it can be.

"I love the interaction with the audience. I've been in the business for many years but panto is my drug.

"I hope everyone enjoys this year's show."

Also featured in the show will be local magician Dave Burns, in the role of the Chinese Policeman and dancers from the Pat Yarborough Theatre Dance School.

Producer Tony Peers said: "This show is in keeping with the best traditional pantomimes, with lots of family fun.

"We're very mindful of it being an exciting and memorable experience for anyone."

Aladdin runs from Saturday, December 13, to Wednesday, December 31.

For tickets and more information contact 01472 290100.

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THREE teenagers viciously attacked a man during a violent drink-fuelled confrontation in which he was punched and kicked, Grimsby magistrates heard.

Steven Moore, 18, of Cheshire Walk, Grimsby, and accomplices Joe Pountney, 19, of Welholme Road, Grimsby, and Joshua Sewell, 18, of Henry Street, Grimsby, admitted assaulting Peter Stainton on June 7.

The court heard that there was a confrontation in Victoria Street, Grimsby, at about 3am and Moore punched Mr Stainton.

Sewell punched the victim and kneed him in the head before kicking him in the head. Pountney threw a punch, which missed, but later thumped him, with the blow landing.

Gemma Greetham, mitigating, said Moore and Pountney made full admissions and had shown genuine remorse.

Moore worked at a bakery and Pountney was on the books of an agency but had no work.

Ed Bates, representing Sewell, said it was an isolated incident.

Sewell was starting a training apprenticeship but had put his future in jeopardy. He had shown remorse and acted out of character.

All three were given a 12-week suspended custodial sentence, 120 hours' unpaid work and were ordered to pay £85 costs and a Government-imposed £80 victims' surcharge.

FORMER Grimsby Town target Ryan Bird "wanted to sign for Cambridge United ahead of any other club."

As reported, the striker left Portsmouth and joined the U's on Monday's transfer deadline day.

The 26-year-old, pictured, penned a one-year deal at the Abbey Stadium following his successful loan spell with Richard Money's Conference play-off winners last season.

United's director of football Jez George told the Cambridge News: "We found out on Friday that Ryan had agreed to terminate his contact with Portsmouth by mutual consent.

"He has then shown an unbelievable desire to join the club.

"I know it is often said, but this really was a case of the player wanting to sign for Cambridge United ahead of any other club.

"We are really happy to welcome him back.

"We know him, he knows us and therefore both parties were keen to make it happen."

"You can't have too many centre-forwards capable of scoring goals in your squad and he will add competition for places and options for Richard Money in that crucial area of the team."

Speaking to the Telegraph earlier this year, Bird revealed that the Mariners enquired about him in January.

"One of my pals at Portsmouth said that someone had rung and asked whether I would be interested in going there," he said at the time.

"But Grimsby is a million miles away for me, and Cambridge came in as well, so I was more inclined to go there. It wasn't really an option even though they'd had a look at me.

"From memory, my agent might have mentioned it as well – but nothing ever materialised from it.

"So it was an easy decision, just because of the distances involved."

RAIL minister Claire Perry was sympathetic towards our area's MPs when they lobbied her to keep the Cleethorpes to Manchester direct rail line – agreeing that the Cleethorpes line should be electrified.

Ms Perry listened to the MPs who were joined by the chief executive of the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ian Kelly, as they campaigned to keep the rail link to safeguard jobs and investment.

The meeting at Westminster came after representatives spoke at the Transport Select Committee on Monday. The MPs told her it was vital for the local economy and the growing renewables industry.

Part of the Government's consultation proposals recommend a possible termination of the TransPennine Express service from Manchester to Cleethorpes at Doncaster. Nearly 7,000 signatories have backed a petition to retain the direct line.

Austin Mitchell, MP for Grimsby, said: "We put our case for keeping the direct rail line to the minister. She did not commit herself, but I think she was supportive of the campaign. We got our point over that it is going to be damaging for us."

He said the minister was "sympathetic".

She also supported the MPs in their call for more improved rolling stock to be used, which will be more disabled-friendly.

The MPs for the area were delighted when the minister agreed to include the Cleethorpes line in the study for enhancing the rail links with electrification.

Mr Mitchell said officials are carrying out a study into the benefits of electrifying the rail line to Hull. That study will now include the benefits of electrification of the line from Doncaster to Cleethorpes to include the port of Immingham.

Mr Mitchell said: "It was a good meeting. The working party for electrification will now include a study on the Cleethorpes line as well. She agreed it was a good idea as Immingham is growing as a port."

The MPs reminded the minister that the Humber is the fourth largest trading estuary in Europe and increasing amounts of cargo are being landed at Immingham Docks.

They said the region needed improved transport links if it was to help spread the economic benefits recently experienced by local businesses to the population at large, with a direct link from Cleethorpes to London as part of that wider vision.

Dr Kelly repeated what he told the select committee the day before that if direct train services to Manchester Airport were axed, the area would go "backwards".

He said: "It would be a failure of, dare I say, government policy and the rail industry in general."

Rail North has agreed that services to the area needed to be improved and expanded, generally. However, the group was itself under fire for its perceived bias towards northern cities for putting forward the interests of the so-called "core cities" to the detriment of smaller areas.

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers said: "I am staggered that we have a local representative called Rail North that hasn't even responded to the consultation on our behalf."

He said: "It shows utter contempt for the peripheral areas. It's quite clear that they are there to promote the interests of the five city regions and that's got to change."

The Telegraph launched a campaign back in June, Keep On Track, to derail the plans, and a 6,600-strong petition has now been sent off to those running the consultation, which closed on August 18.

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GRIMSBY Town have confirmed that Toto Nsiala was not booked during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Aldershot.

It had been thought that the big defender was shown a yellow card by match referee Rob Whitton, who had earlier sent off Lenell John-Lewis for two bookable offences - meaning the frontman will serve a one-match ban.

However, on their official website, the Mariners posted: "There is some confusion regarding Aristote Nsiala being booked at Aldershot on Saturday.

"We can confirm that the Town defender was not booked by match referee Rob Whitton. He and Shaun Pearson were called to the match official and Shaun was shown a yellow card, while Toto was only spoken to by Mr Whitton."

EVER heard the expression "as dry as Gandhi's flip flops?"

The Magic Fairies shop in Cambridge Street, Cleethorpes, has secured the exclusive contract to stock a unique brand of flip flops which have already proved to be a big hit in Europe – and with A-list celebrities.

The flip flops are provided by Gandys, which is a company founded by brothers Rob and Paul Forkan, who were left orphaned in 2004 following a tsunami in Sri Lanka.

Ten per cent of their profit goes towards the Gandys Foundation, along with other charitable causes across the globe who help under-privileged and orphaned children.

Brett Hemsley, owner of the shop, said after seeing the brothers' story on national news he knew he had to get involved.

He said: "When I saw the chance to take on the contract for the whole of the resort I couldn't let that opportunity pass. Charities are very close to my heart and when I heard about this company on the news I knew I had to get involved.

"I did a bit of research and found out what these two amazing brothers had been through, so I thought it would be fantastic to have the flip flops in my shop."

Rob and Paul recently returned to Sri Lanka for the first time since the tsunami in order to visit the various projects and children's homes.

Prime Minister David Cameron also visited to see the progress of their projects, which include setting up a children's home in India.

The brand has proved so popular it has received public support from the likes of Sir Richard Branson, both Prince Harry and Prince William, One Direction and Jessica Alba.

Brett added: "They've only been on sale since Friday but I've already sold quite a few pairs. As soon as I advertised it on Facebook it just went crazy.

"You'd think they wouldn't do that well at this time of the year seeing summer has finished, but they seem to be doing really well.

"But even then, I should see an upsurge in sales before summer 2015. It makes good sense for us to get the exclusive contract for Cleethorpes, which means we are the only business that is able to stock them."

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SCUNTHORPE United's decision to recall Andrew Boyce from his loan spell with Grimsby Town could yet prove to be a blessing.

As reported at grimsbytelegraph.co.uk yesterday, the centre-half has been summoned back to Glanford Park, just days after extending his Mariners loan stay for a second month.

At first glance, it appears to be a big blow. Boyce has played every game for Town so far this season, and been among the side's most consistent performers.

However, if there is one position where Paul Hurst can afford to lose a player, it's centre-back.

Only last week, his assistant Chris Doig was raving about the squad's defensive options – insisting they are good enough for League Two.

And it's hard to disagree with the Scot.

Shaun Pearson is the definition of consistency – despite a rare error on Saturday at Aldershot – while Toto Nsiala appears far more comfortable at centre-half than the right-back role he has been playing in recently.

The former Everton man was a sensation at the heart of Southport's back four in the second half of the last campaign.

And a settled run in the middle alongside Pearson should only benefit him, and the Mariners' promotion hopes.

Paul Bignot has never let Town down, and can step in at right-back.

With Carl Magnay able to play in the middle as well, and Doig waiting in the wings, the heart of the Town defence shouldn't be an issue this season.

THERE are only around 250 tickets remaining for Grimsby Town's trip to Lincoln City next Tuesday.

The club had originally been allocated 1,795 tickets for the Sincil Bank clash and fans have been quick to reserve their seats.

Town fans will be housed in the Stacey West Stand and it is a strictly all-ticket match.

The prices are as follows: £16 adults, £12 concessions (60+/disabled), £6 juniors, under-18's and students under 22.

The remaining tickets are available on general sale from the Blundell Park ticket office.

For more information, log on to gtfc.co.uk

WOULD you be willing to spend a penny – or even 20 or 30 pennies – to use public toilets in North East Lincolnshire?

That's one proposal being looked at by councillors who are faced with the task of saving £120,000 a year from their public toilets budget.

The Public Toilets Select Committee was set up earlier this year after the council opted to suspend the planned closures of Garibaldi Street and Market Hall toilets, in Grimsby, to see if any money- saving alternatives can be found.

Committee chairman Jon-Paul Howarth (Lab) said members had been on a fact-finding tour of the borough's toilets and found a handful were "sub-standard".

The meeting heard that, using current footfall figures, a 20p charge would generate around £285,000 per year, £65,000 more than the current spend.

A 30p charge would raise some £420,000.

The chairman said: "The public already pay for these toilets.

"They are not the council's toilets, they are their toilets and it comes from their council tax."

But he warmed to the idea that raising a surplus would see existing toilets improved, new toilets possibly being built, and even doomed toilets like Grant Street being saved.

Other ideas mooted including asking businesses to open their toilets to the public and farming existing facilities out to private companies, both of which received only lukewarm responses.

Councillor James Cairns (Ukip), suggested advertising space within toilets could be sold, adding that it was "common sense" that toilets generate revenue.

Councillor John Fenty (Con) said: "We've talked about charging and it's quite clear that people are prepared to pay for good facilities.

"There's a genuine business case to look at managing the facilities we have got with a more business-like footing.

"Even if you reduce it (footfall) by half and we make a capital investment you will still see more savings than our budget requires."

Councillor Jane Hyldon-King (Lab), warned that a 20p charge could add up to an unwelcome extra cost for families.

But Mr Howarth said that "A-star toilets" would be something people would be willing to pay for. We've got members of the public asking us for more toilets," he said.

"If we're not losing vast amounts of money from toilet provision we can look at making a better provision just for an extra 10p – but let's look at 20p for a start."

Council leader Chris Shaw (Lab), pictured, said it would be easy for the toilets issue to become a "political hot potato" – but said he had "no issue" with charging toilet users.

He also stated that providing free public toilets were not a statutory responsibility of the authority – and even suggested they should be provided by Public Health rather than councils.

He added that a 50p charge, which he said is used in many larger towns and cities, would be more sustainable than 20p.

But he warned: "My biggest worry is that if there's turnstiles and they get damaged we may have to close toilets for three or four days during the summer season."

And he questioned the validity of the footfall figures, adding: "The figures for Garibaldi Street on Bank Holiday Monday are the same as Cleethorpes seafront. I can't see how that can be right."

Mr Howarth added: "We don't want to see any toilets closing and this could see us open more."

The committee voted to explore the possibility of charging and to hold off on planned closures of toilets – as well as to hold off on the demolition of the already-closed Grant Street facility.

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