THERE was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for groups and organisations in Immingham after community group One Voice gave out shares of the much-coveted £121,500 Immingham 100 Fund.

The legacy fund was raised in 2012 by Associated British Ports (ABP) to celebrate 100 years of the Port Of Immingham, which was officially opened in 1912 by King George V, to celebrate the port and the town that grew up around it.

Money was raised with a series of activities celebrating the past, present and future of the port and the town, kicking off with a banquet for 100 Immingham pensioners and ending with a Christmas party for 100 local schoolchildren.

Other activities throughout the year included: Follow The Flame – a charity abseil following the Olympic flame down Grimsby Dock Tower; Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge; a port community 8-a-side soccer tournament; a 100-hole one-day golf challenge; a golf day; and a Port Open Day.

The funds raised were given to Oasis Academy Immingham, which invested its share in supporting literacy in the town and One Voice, which earmarked its £50,000 funds for a number of community projects and, since then, has been busy delivering cheques to help fund activities and projects throughout the town.

Elaine Norton, chairman of One Voice, said: "It has been great to support different community groups and projects financially. There is so much valuable work that goes on in Immingham and, as a community forum, we are very fortunate, thanks to ABP, to be able to support this work,

"Many groups struggle financially and the funding we have approved can make a real difference and support people to achieve their visions."

Some of those that were awarded funds have shown their gratitude towards One Voice.

Tim Smith, secretary for the Immingham Table Tennis Club said: "We have been running now for three years and we've been very fortunate to have had support from the One Voice Community Fund. Without that support we would not be in the place we are today. We have recently moved to Immingham Christian Centre and, in doing so, had to be self-supporting, which was only possible due to all the equipment we have been able to purchase using funding from One Voice.

"We now have two adult teams in the local league and have over 50 club members.

"We have had great success with the children, winning boys and girls under-11s local competitions, and, in 2013, four girls from the club reached the last 16 in the country in schools under-11 competitions. This is all possible thanks to the belief shown in the club by One Voice."

Simon Leach, chairman of Immingham Pilgrims AFC said: "We are very grateful to the One Voice Community Fund for their assistance in part-funding a new set of 9-a-side football goals at our new site at Roval Drive, Immingham. Without this funding the club would have had to look towards extensive fundraising.

"It is fantastic that the local area has such an association that can offer their services towards the local community, especially the youth, to work as a partner. We are all very appreciative of Elaine with her committee for funding together with their partnership with ongoing projects we have.

"A very big thank you."

PC Dave Hannath, neighbourhood beat manager in Immingham, said: "Safer Community Immingham and the Wolds Neighbourhood Policing Team approached One Voice seeking funding for a crime reduction project. We wanted to secure funds in order to purchase shed alarms so that we could automatically get these installed to provide swift assistance to all victims of crime in this area."

"Since the money has been granted we have been systematically using it to provide fitted shed alarms to these victims and eventually we will continue to use the money in a similar manner to target areas proactively.

"It has been good for the residents of Immingham to provide piece of mind and to help stop them becoming a repeat victim of crime."

Groups can still apply for a share of the fund up to £1,000 providing they can prove their projects will have a lasting impact on the future of the town.

To apply for a share of the remaining funds e-mail Elaine at chair@onevoicecommunity.com

ON THE WEB: To read more about community groups and projects in Immingham visit www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk

READING the Langthorne's story of the Mongolian blue spot reminded me of my grandson's blue spot 32 years ago.

My daughter-in-law took her baby to be weighed at the baby clinic only to be told she had to take him to hospital because of his 'bruise'.

There she was treated pretty badly by the staff. She was distraught and sent for me. I got in touch with the then head of child care Dr Hunter. When she saw baby she knew immediately what it was. She was furious that it hadn't been recorded when the baby had left the maternity home. It seems nothing has changed!

I send my best wishes to Mr and Mrs Langthorne and their beautiful baby Irah.

Jean Campbelml, full address supplied.

AROUND 100 people took part in a taster event at Grimsby Leisure Centre aimed at inspiring those with disabilities.

Activities ranged from trampolining, dance and cricket, to ice skating, adapted cycling and table tennis.

There were also arts and crafts on offer, with the centre's fitness gym and toning suite open for trial sessions.

The event was organised by Lincs Inspire, which operates leisure facilities in North East Lincolnshire, in partnership with the Care Plus group.

Ben Frary, the disability sports coordinator for Lincs Inspire, based at Grimsby Leisure Centre, said the taster sessions offer a great opportunity for disabled users to get involved in sport.

"We can cater for everyone at Grimsby Leisure Centre regardless of what disabilities people may have," he said.

"We are also lucky enough to have the ice rink, which is another favourite, not to mention swimming.

"We hold these taster sessions every three or four months where we host a number of different sports.

"We want to increase opportunities for disabled users and we also want to make the leisure centre fully inclusive.

"So I think these open days are absolutely brilliant. It gives disabled people a great opportunity to get out and take part in physical activities, as well as the social aspect of it as well. It means they're not just restricted to sitting at home."

Weekly disability sporting sessions are held every Wednesday at the venue, but Ben believes these open days encourage new people to go down and see what enjoyment they can get out of a whole range of sports and physical activity sessions.

Ben is working on a new project for Lincs Inspire called Inspiring Lives.

Lizzie Harrison, from Grimsby, took on a number of different sports during the open day.

The 36-year-old said: "I really enjoyed going on the trampoline. I've never done it before so it was good fun. I like how it bounces but it did make my legs feel a bit like jelly!"

One-to-one carer Tina Jackson joined Steven Rice on the open day.

"We have tried most of the different sports so it has been a really good day," she said.

"Steven has really enjoyed it. I think today has given him the opportunity to try things he never normally would in a safe environment which is accessible for all."

Log on to www.lincsinspire.com/enterprise/Grimsby_LC for more details.

ON THE WEB: For further stories on Lincs Inspire, visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

A NEW specialist nurse has been recruited at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital in a bid to improve patient care for those suffering with epilepsy.

Carol Ogden has been welcomed into her new role, which is the first of its kind in Grimsby.

Carol has stepped up to help increase the level of specialist service provided across North East Lincolnshire.

It is estimated that there are 600,000 people in the UK with epilepsy, but it is not necessarily a life-long diagnosis.

Carol's role has been funded by Epilepsy Action for one year and then North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has agreed to continue funding for the following three years.

With a background in general nursing and caring for learning disabled clients – many who had epilepsy – Carol's interest in this particular condition grew.

She said: "In 1999 I joined the epilepsy nursing service at Hull Royal Infirmary, working closely with the neurology team to improve the care of adults. I began working as an epilepsy nurse specialist at Grimsby hospital earlier this year. I currently provide outpatient clinics at the hospital alongside consultant clinics. I hope to start community clinics in three GP practices in the future so that patients will not have to travel far, especially as many cannot drive."

Speaking about the impact epilepsy has on individuals and their families, Carol added: "The impact can be immense. The aim of my post is to improve the care of people with the condition by offering advice, information, support and discussing lifestyle issues such as employment and family planning.

"I am very excited to have this opportunity to develop a service in Grimsby which I think has been needed for a long time."

Peri O'Connor, healthcare projects coordinator at Epilepsy Action, said: "We are delighted to be working with North East Lincolnshire CCG to create this post.

"This is a very positive step forward for epilepsy care in the area. We believe that appointing an epilepsy specialist nurse is the simplest and most effective step a health organisation can take to improve its epilepsy service. This new role will be vital in helping to meet the needs of people with epilepsy across the region."

HUMBERSIDE'S assistant chief constable has met with UKIP councillors concerned about the cutbacks the force faces.

Ukip councillor for Scartho, Councillor Ron Shepherd, said he was concerned about claims that South ward, Scartho and Waltham will be left with a single PCSO.

He said: "There are still some unanswered questions. There is concern if PCSOs were ever to be privatised.

"There have been no decisions, but there is a concern among residents if that did happen. PCSOs are an integral part of the Force."

Stuart Donald told the Telegraph before the closed meeting: "I am responsible on behalf of the chief constable for the change programme and have already met with all the MPs in our Force area, as well as chief executive of all the local authorities and council leaders.

"We have already begun the changes and part of the next stage is briefing people.

"A number of meetings for the public and political groups have been held and we will get round as many as we can to share our plans for the future.

"Coming to a meeting of Ukip councillors is not a political motive. These are local councillors like all the others we will meet. It is all about local policing for the future and I have no allegiances towards Ukip whatsoever. This is to explain the changes."

He added: "The Force is facing one of its biggest challenges which is as a direct result of the financial settlement we receive as a public service. That is the challenge we are working to."

Superintendent David Hall, who was also at the meeting, said: "My responsibility is about operations and delivery of the service in north Lincolnshire and I am pleased to come and answer questions."

Humberside Police chiefs will meet with members of the public to explain the changes to the Force as it attempts to save £31 million.

As reported, the control room at Grimsby Police Station will be closed and all calls will be centralised in Hessle, near Hull.

It is one of a series of measures aimed at cutting hundreds of jobs from the Force.

A series of public meetings will be hosted by a panel including a chief officer, a representative from the Office Of The Police And Crime Commissioner, local police commanders and community officers.

A presentation explaining the Force's new operating model will be delivered and the public will have the chance to quiz senior officers on the changes.

The meeting in Grimsby will be held on November 13, from 7pm to 9pm, at Grimsby Town Hall.

A GAMING company was fooled and did not "suspect anything" when a world poker star allegedly used false details to open an online account, a court heard.

The company would have frozen, investigated and closed the bogus account if it had realised during identity checks that it was being duped, the court was told.

Darren Woods, 29, of Stallingborough Road, Healing, denies 13 fraud offences between January 2007 and January 2012.

His father, Morteza Gharoon, 56, of the same address, denies being jointly concerned with Woods in four of those alleged frauds and another charge of money laundering, through credit billings, on behalf of Woods.

The prosecution at Sheffield Crown Court claims that Woods allegedly made improper use of internet poker sites by pretending to gaming companies that he was somebody else.

He allegedly used other people's identities to gain commissions above what he would have been allowed to do if he had been using just his own name.

In July 2011, he won a world series of poker games in Las Vegas, scooping winnings of 213,000 dollars. He was made bankrupt in 2006.

His father, an Iranian national, was a successful property investor, with a large portfolio of properties in the Grimsby area.

Woods and Gharoon allegedly used the names and details of real people to open accounts with gaming companies and money bookers for online poker games.

Woods allegedly bought a number of private networks to disguise his online identity and bought different computers in a bid to "fool the systems".

Andrew McCabe, representing a security checking firm that works on behalf of online gaming companies, told the court that gambling laws meant that companies had to check on the identities of people wanting to open internet accounts.

Names, dates of birth, addresses and sometimes occupation details were requested.

If there was no response to security check questions within 72 hours, the account would be frozen.

Prosecutor Alasdair Campbell asked what would have happened if Boylesports, one of the companies used by Woods, had realised at the time that false details were being used to open an account.

Mr McCabe replied that the account would have been investigated.

But he added, in connection with the false application allegedly made to Boylesports by Woods: "I don't believe they suspected anything."

He could not say why the gaming company did not investigate in this case.

Mr McCabe said that if the online company had known that false details in someone else's name had been used to open an account, it would have frozen the account, investigated and possibly closed it before filing the details in case the person tried to log in again.

Woods applied to open an account in the name Lloyd Bond in August 2011, the court heard. This was a reference to Lloyd Stockley-Bond, a real person who had known Woods for about 13 years and who knew he was a gambler.

Woods also applied to open accounts in the name of his father, Morteza Gharoon, in March 2011.

The gaming company would have frozen the accounts if it had realised that someone else had used Mr Gharoon's details.

But Mr McCabe agreed with a claim from defence barrister Gordon Stables, representing Woods, that it was not uncommon for a player to open an account in someone else's name if that person was not computer literate.

This regularly happened once a month, claimed Mr Stables.

Mr McCabe agreed that Boylesports did not detect any unusual practices during the time the accounts were active.

But the court heard that a gaming company e-mail began with the greeting "Hi Morteza" – a clear indication, claims the prosecution, that Boylesports thought it was dealing with Gharoon.

The trial continues.

FESTIVE magic will come to Grimsby when reindeer parade through the town at our Big Christmas Event.

Riggmoor Reindeer, based in North Yorkshire, will be "flying" into town to join the grand parade which includes Santa Claus and the mayor, as well as the lucky Local Hero who will be switching on the Christmas Lights.

As reported, the extravaganza named the Big Christmas Event 2014, will take over Grimsby's Top Town on November 13 and 14.

The reindeer can be seen in their pen and petting area at Grimsby's Riverhead between 4pm and 5.30pm and then between 6pm and 7pm on November 13.

The parade will start at 5.30pm with the Elements Marching Band leading the parade with Santa, the mayor and our Local Hero in the sleigh, followed by the Senior Lantern Parade, the Stiltwalking Aristocrats and Granny Turismo, then the Pantomime Stars.

The route will start at the Riverhead then follow down George Street and turn into Osborne Street to meet with the Junior Lantern Parade at Abbeygate. It will then complete its journey to St James' Square where the Lincs FM stage is situated and where the band will take centre stage followed by more live entertainment up to 7pm – when the lights will be switched on.

TV favourites Ben and Holly will also be there to entertain the little ones.

The popular pair – who are watched by millions of youngsters on Nick Jr and Milkshake every day – will be giving children a taste of their Little Kingdom in St James' Square.

You can join in the fun and find out all about their adventures and the latest magical mishaps befalling them and their friends and family at the event on Thursday, November 13.

They will be appearing for 40 minute periods every hour from 3pm to 7pm.

And, while the kids are kept happy, why not see if you could win an extra £500 to help the whole family's day go with a bang?

As part of the event, organised by the Grimsby Telegraph, Cofely, North East Lincolnshire Council, The Culture House and other associates, there will be a £500 giveaway.

Jenny Holt, promotions manager for the Grimsby Telegraph, which is donating the money, said: "One lucky winner will certainly have a Christmas to remember this year by entering their details into the prize draw at The Big Christmas Event 2014.

"The money could contribute towards Christmas presents, a Christmas Day feast or even some new clothes for the festive season.

"Whatever you spend £500 on, it will go a long way towards helping with the finances this festive season!"

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is look out for the entry forms in your Grimsby Telegraph between now and November.

Simply fill in your details and drop the coupon into the Grimsby Telegraph tent, in St James' Square, between 3pm on November 13 and 3.30pm on November 14.

The competition will be drawn at 3.45pm on November 14 and the the winner will be announced on Lincs/Compass FM.

Make sure you include your contact number on the entry form in case you're not present when the draw takes place.

Other attractions will include carol singing, street theatre, a food fair, a craft market and live entertainment. Keep reading your Grimsby Telegraph for further details.

Don't miss out! If your business is interested in having a stand at this year's Christmas Event please contact Liza on 01472 372204.

PETER Hickman is eyeing a top-ten finish in the overall standings when the British Superbike Championship (BSB) reaches its thrilling climax this weekend.

It's the final round of this year's BSB battle, and the Louth speedster wants to finish his season in style at Brands Hatch.

After two ninth place results in the penultimate round at Silverstone, 'Hicky' is just six points behind John Hopkins, the tenth placed rider in the standings.

And, with three races at the Kent circuit this weekend, the RAF Reserves Honda has every chance of capping off a fine season – after only joining Lee Hardy's line-up in June.

Reflecting on his results last time out, the 27-year-old said: "If I had started the first race from the second or third row, as expected, I could have finished the race within the top-six.

"But coming from so far back on the grid to ninth was a fair result.

"My bike is lacking on top speed but I can usually make up time on the faster lads on cornering. Once the tyre begins to wear that is not always possible, so I lost ground towards the end of the second race."

TESCO bosses say they are excited about welcoming shoppers to their new Immingham store next year.

The £10 million transformation of the former Kennedy Way precinct will include a Poundstretcher and a B&M store creating a total of 200 jobs.

The Tesco store is expected to be opened by April next year.

Tesco spokesperson Mark Thomas told the Telegraph: "We regret the delay to our store opening but we're excited about welcoming customers next year.

"Our store forms part of a major regeneration scheme, creating hundreds of jobs.

"Our colleagues are paid the leading rate of all the major retailers, with great benefits including a discount card and share scheme.

"We're looking forward to providing a wide range of fantastic quality and great value products and a high standard of service to the Immingham community."

GRIMSBY Town will be glad to have Steve Marsella back in their camp this season – rather than trying to poach their star players!

As reported, the 47-year-old has been appointed as the Mariners' new goalkeeper coach on a part-time basis to work with James McKeown as well as the club's younger stoppers.

His move to Blundell Park – where he also worked during Nicky Law's reign as manager – came about after bumping into boss Paul Hurst last season – when Marsella was a scout for Scottish side Hibernian.

Back then, his job was to identify talent to take over the border to the then-Scottish Premier League outfit, but now he's got an altogether different remit.

He told the Telegraph: "I came to Blundell Park a couple of times last season to watch some of the Grimsby players and I got to know Paul a bit then.

"But then I met up with him again recently at one of the games we were both watching – I think it was Sheffield United v Sheffield Wednesday Under-21s.

"We got chatting and Paul explained that they didn't have a goalkeeper coach here, and I mentioned that I was available again if he was interested in having a look at me.

"We spoke on the phone a couple of times after that and he invited me to come down, so it's come from there.

"It's brilliant to be back involved again," he added.

"It's a nice atmosphere here and it's a good bunch of lads – everyone has made me feel welcome."

Despite only being in his new role for a matter of days, Marsella – who has been coaching for over 20 years – says he has been bowled over by the professionalism of McKeown – currently the Mariners' sole senior goalkeeper.

"I've been so impressed with Macca," he continued.

"It's been difficult for him because – no disrespect to the younger lads, they're still learning the game – he hasn't had a senior keeper pushing him and competing against him, so credit to him for keeping his standards up.

"Whenever a keeper has been successful, he's always had another keeper on the bench pushing him all the way for his spot in the team every day.

"At this present time, there's no-one really doing that for Macca, but he's going out there and putting in the work every day – he's so motivated and for his new coach, that's excellent.

"For example, on Thursday, he did a day's training and then came back in the evening to do some coaching – credit to him because his commitment is brilliant.

"I've been lucky enough to work for the last 20-odd seasons as a goalkeeper coach," he added.

"There's still a bit of that old- fashioned mentality of 'let's just stick the goalkeepers in the corner and call them over when we need them', but it's so specialised.

"The work we do is so intense – the keepers have got to keep working and working and working because if they make a mistake, more often than not, it costs a goal whereas an outfield player can make ten a game.

"The concentration level that's needed is immense and hopefully I can help Macca and the other keepers maintain that.

"I know he's been going over to Hull to work with Steve Croudson and that's been great for him.

"But he can now work with me at his own club and he knows, as I'm sure he did with Steve, that he can pick up the phone to me at any time and have a chat.

"He's the sort of keeper who you don't have to go into at half-time and tell him what he's done right or wrong – he knows that himself.

"But it always helps to have someone to chat with at the end of games – just to give him that support."

While Marsella has been brought in as a keeper coach, his part-time schedule with Town means that he can still keep his hand in as a scout.

And his extensive contacts book – which features no less than 400 agents – could be of benefit to his new employers.

"I'm primarily a keeper coach, but I was chief scout at Inverness and took 27 players up there," he said.

"At one time, nine of their first eleven had been brought from the Conference Premier and North and South – so I know this level well.

"The boys that I brought up there are still doing well in the SPL and I still get calls from Scottish clubs about players.

"But at this moment in time, I've been brought in here as a goalkeeper coach – although on Saturday I am going to watch Guiseley ahead of the FA Cup game next weekend!

"If Paul ever asks me about players, then by all means I'll have that chat with him.

"I've got about 400 agents' numbers on my phone – some good and some that aren't perhaps so good, but they've got to make a living and get their clients playing.

"All those agents knows that they can phone me and I'll always take the call.

"Being part-time here means that I can still work to help clubs in Scotland get players from elsewhere – Paul understands that and is fine with that.

"I'd never help other clubs in the Conference, because I'm with Grimsby Town and I enjoy working here, but if Paul needs me for anything other than coaching, he only has to ask."

He added: "I've scouted a few Grimsby Town players in the past before so I'm on the other side of things now.

"There's a few Conference clubs that won't welcome me back because I've taken players off them in the past to take them over the border, so a few won't be too pleased to see my name on the guest-list this season!"

A RESCUE dog which was on the verge of being put down after being neglected has won a prestigious dog grooming award.

Owner Adrian Long won the Purebred Scissor category at this year's British Dog Grooming Championships with Bentley, a Bouvier Des Flandres breed.

Mr Long, 53, of Covenham St Mary near Louth, rescued Bentley after he heard from his breeders that he was being neglected.

Bentley was subsequently taken down to London by the Bouvier club to be looked after.

But Mr Long, who has worked as a professional dog groomer for over a year, got in touch with the club and arranged to pick up Bentley.

He has since entered Bentley into four major dog grooming competitions – winning three of them.

He said: "I've had Bentley's sister since she was a pup and kept in touch with the breeders.

"I heard he was being neglected so I made contact with the club and said I'd have him.

"So I went down to collect him – at one point there was talk of having him put down.

"He's a perfect, lovely dog."

Mr Long and Bentley won the Purebred Scissor competition at the Stoneleigh Park event space in Birmingham.

The owner was given two-and-a-half hours to make Bentley as well groomed as possible using only scissors for most of the grooming.

He said: "We were allowed to use electrical clippers to make sure the hair at the top of Bentley's head was completely flat, as well as behind the ears.

"I'm not sure how many people were there but I was told it was packed.

"I become completely oblivious to everyone watching and I rarely get nervous when I'm with my dog. I could walk through Wembley Stadium and it wouldn't bother me."

Mr Long has travelled around the country entering Bentley into major dog grooming competitions, including in London and Durham.

Bentley's breed, Bouvier Des Flandres, originates from Flanders in Belgium.

It is reported that the breed was almost wiped out during the First and Second World Wars when the dogs were used to pull military equipment in the field of battle.

Mr Long previously worked in construction but decided to set up his own dog grooming business – A&M Dog Grooming – from his home in Covenham St Mary.

He said: "It's the best thing I've ever done.

"The construction work started to dry up and for some reason I set my own dog grooming business up.

"Business was a little slow at the beginning but it has picked up now and it's great being able to do something you love."

A NEW Kenwick Park leisure centre that is "brighter, bigger and better" will rise from the ashes.

That was the pledge from owner Stuart Flynn after he counted the cost of the devastating fire which destroyed the leisure complex earlier this week.

The destruction and reconstruction of a new complex is expected to cost "several million" pounds, Mr Flynn said.

He told the Grimsby Telegraph an electrical fault had sparked the fire which swept through the leisure centre at around 3am on Monday.

Within days, the owner started the process of building a new leisure centre and had held talks with East Lindsey District Council planners and insurers.

New homes have already been found for some of the facilities at the leisure complex.

Yoga and Pilates classes will begin in new accommodation next week and the beauty salon will be in a new chalet facility overlooking the 10th fairway of the neighbouring golf course.

It will have three shower rooms along with all the other facilities offered in the former salon.

There are also new facilities for the fitness suite, spinning exercise bikes and other classes.

After speaking with around 100 of his staff who work at the hotel and leisure facility, Mr Flynn said: "There is no time to lose. We will be progressing the new leisure centre as quickly as possible."

He added: "We are very positive. It is 20 years since I built this one. Things have changed in the industry and the new one will be brighter, bigger, better and more up-to-date."

The owner said he expected it to be completed within a year.

With his daughter Gemma having had a baby boy and on maternity leave, Mr Flynn joked: "I am going to need somewhere for swimming lessons pretty quick."

He added: "We aim to have treatments available from the end of the month. We have the demand so we aim to meet it. There will be new equipment and that is going to help members and jobs."

The owner added: "Members are still in shock and upset and asking how quickly services will be back and the leisure centre rebuilt.

"We have been supporting staff and talking to them to keep them fully informed. We will do right by them."

He said a number could be laid off "in the short term for a while".

Mr Flynn is due to speak to senior members and officials of East Lindsey District Council following the release of a statement by the council on the same day as the fire.

It offered reduced membership fees to the council's Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth.

Mr Flynn said: "It has upset a lot of members and staff and upset people who are not members who were disgusted by it. It is unprofessional."

In response, a spokesman for East Lindsey District Council said: "First and foremost, the council appreciates this week has been extremely difficult for the team at Kenwick Park Hotel And Leisure and we sincerely hope they are able to return their operation to normality as quickly as possible for the benefit of both employees and members alike. We have already written directly to Mr Flynn to offer our support and are meeting with him shortly.

"In respect of the promotional offer at the Meridian Leisure Centre – this was a planned campaign that we brought forward as a direct reaction to the sheer volume of enquiries received.

"On Monday alone we were contacted by over 100 people who wanted to know more about our facilities following the fire at Kenwick. As such, we thought it would be helpful to offer the discounted rate immediately and to promote its availability.

"In addition to the offer, we have made a change to the existing membership policy which means that anyone joining the Meridian Leisure Centre from now on can do so on a short contract basis and terminate their membership at any time afterwards rather than having to be a member for a long contract term.

"We have introduced this flexibility to enable anyone who joins as a direct result of what has happened at Kenwick Park leisure complex to return, should they wish to do so, once the operation there is back to normal."

Meridian Leisure Centre had more than 330,000 visitors last year. Since April this year, there have been 182,389 visitors and the centre has 1,541 fitness members.

FASHION footwear retailer Office will open its new store in Grimsby's Freshney Place next month.

The high street firm will open at 45-47 Friargate, the former Republic clothing store in the shopping centre, pictured, on Thursday, November 6.

The company said it presents the newest trends first; own label designs offer affordable yet directional fashion reflecting the massive legacy of a company founded on London style.

Office stocks exclusive styles from global brands such as Nike, Converse, Vans, Timberland and many more, according to a spokesperson.

Amanda Austin, centre director at Freshney Place, said: "We're thrilled that Office has chosen Freshney Place as the location for its new store.

"The type of products and brands that Office offers will be a huge hit with our shoppers and we're sure they will be very popular in the lead up to Christmas and into the new year."

THIS afternoon's clash at Torquay will almost certainly be Danny Parslow's final game for Grimsby Town.

The defender's loan spell from York City comes to an end next week, but Mariners boss Paul Hurst isn't expecting the Welshman to be available for next Saturday's FA Cup tie with Guiseley.

Instead, Hurst expects Parslow – who has shone in his six appearances for Town – to return to Bootham Crescent to be assessed by new Minstermen boss Russ Wilcox.

However, the Town boss is more hopeful of hanging on to teenage striker Rhys Oates, whose loan deal from Barnsley is coming to an end.

Ahead of this afternoon's clash at Plainmoor (3pm), Hurst said: "I've still to speak with Russ about Danny's availability for the Guiseley game, but I'd envisage that he won't be available to us.

"I'll be speaking to both York and Barnsley – and the players themselves – to see where we're at, but certainly in Danny's case, I'd be very surprised if he didn't go back to York after today's game.

"If you're a new manager going in somewhere, you generally want to have a good look at your players and that's what I'd expect Russ to do with Danny.

"He's done very well for us – the fact he plays three different positions shows that it was a 'no-brainer' to bring him here.

"He came in, settled us down and since he's been in, we haven't conceded many goals at all.

"I've been very impressed with his attitude, which I always knew was going to be spot on.

"He's a great pro and he's worked extremely hard during his time here – he's been a credit to himself.

"I might look to replace him – it's something that I'll be monitoring.

"It all depends on injuries within the squad and how we are at the time, but down the line you never know."

On the prospect of keeping Oates, he added: "Rhys' situation is slightly different, but I'll have to speak with Barnsley to see where we are.

"I would have thought there's more chance of holding on to him. Barnsley are going well and have a few strikers that are ahead of him.

"He's done well for us and is working hard, so we'll see how we go with that one."

STOP IT or face official FA action.

Grimsby Town fans using smoke bombs at matches could land the club in hot water with the Football Association.

A blog post from the Mariners Trust, the supporters' group, demanded: "this has to stop now" and claimed the club was "under scrutiny from the FA" and "on the verge of receiving punishment" due to the actions of some fans at away matches.

A smoke bomb was deployed at last week's 1-0 victory at Wrexham, and they were also used at September's defeat at Lincoln City and May's play-off semi-final second leg defeat at Gateshead. With the Mariners due to be backed by a large contingent at Torquay United this afternoon, fans are being warned that using the smoke bombs could cause serious injury to fellow supporters and damage the club in the long-run.

The Mariners Trust blog post said the trend "has to stop now".

Chairman Chris Parker said: "We have had people come to us across a huge age range from younger people to much older supporters saying it's causing them big difficulties.

"When fellow fans are suffering and who knows what the potential issues are, it has to stop. Nobody wants to dampen any enthusiasm or support for the team but this is going a little bit too far."

He said he had been told by the club that FA punishments were looming.

He told fans heading to Torquay: "Please go and make noise and support the team, but leave the smoke bombs out of it."

Blundell Park stadium manager Nick Dale confirmed that all clubs were under constant scrutiny from the FA.

He added: "We have had a greater frequency than a lot of clubs in terms of pyrotechnics so it puts us more in the spotlight but we are under no greater scrutiny than any other club.

"I wouldn't say there's a problem but there is an issue of education in terms of understanding because there's an assumption that there's not as severe a heat discharge with smoke bombs compared to flares, but they burn up to 400 degrees."

He said the bombs caused "alarm and distress" especially for people with breathing difficulties and respiratory conditions.

"We've had alarm and distress caused at Wrexham," he added.

He said: "We back the Mariners Trust statement because there's no place in sport for smoke bombs.

"If anybody wants further clarification or wants to do some work with us in terms of raising awareness then I'm more than happy to facilitate that."

An FA fact sheet on pyrotechnics said any fan caught with pyrotechnics "faces a real risk of going to prison".

The FA said being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match, or attempting to bring a pyrotechnic device into a football stadium, is a criminal offence under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985. Any person committing such an offence faces arrest and can expect a Football Banning Order.

It added that, although a firework or flare may be seen as more dangerous than a smoke bomb, the courts do not distinguish between them.

Fans have been sentenced to three months in prison just for carrying a smoke bomb.

GRIMSBY Town are on the south coast this afternoon for the return clash with Torquay United at Plainmoor (3pm).

Boss Paul Hurst has called for a major improvement on his side's display in last month's clash with the Gulls, which the Mariners lost 2-0.

Hurst insists it was one of this season's rare occasions when his players 'let themselves down', and he'll be expecting a response this afternoon.

Town go into the game on the back of last Saturday's win over Wrexham and fresh from lifting the Lincolnshire Senior Cup in midweek following their 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Lincoln City.

Not making the long journey down to Devon today? Don't worry, follow the action live using our interactive Big Match Live coverage below from 3pm.

Live Blog Torquay United v Grimsby Town - Live & Interactive

A NEW £5m BAE Systems National Training Academy is to be built at Humberside Airport.

As reported last night on www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk, the new centre will provide up to 60 apprentice opportunities every year resulting in more than 150 new jobs over three years.

Once qualified, the apprentices will become part of the BAE Systems team, working alongside the RAF in supporting the fast-jet fleets at RAF bases.

The development is a joint venture between British multinational defence organisation BAE Systems, Humberside Airport, Resource Group's Aviation Technical Training Division and North Lincolnshire Council.

The new academy will incorporate a hanger, training aircraft, classrooms and practical training workshops.

BAE Systems will take on up to four cohorts of 15 apprentices (60 in total) each year, including one cohort directly from the Humber University Technical College.