DRUNKEN antics and fighting at a takeaway landed an "irate" man in hot water with Grimsby magistrates.

Dean Fairley, 28, of Taylor Street, Cleethorpes, admitted being drunk and disorderly on November 2.

Cathy Kioko-Gilligan, prosecuting, said police went to the Topkapi takeaway in High Street, Cleethorpes, after staff reported an abusive incident. There was a fight outside involving Fairley and another customer. Fairley swore and was cautioned but told police: "You think you're great and cocky. I know the law. I haven't done owt."

He was heavily drunk and was arrested.

Fairley told the court that the takeaway shop owner used to employ him and there was an argument with him over the time he used to work for him.

"I just got irate," he said. "I had had a drink. Two officers came in the shop and escorted me out. When the coppers grabbed hold of me, I was effing and blinding."

Unemployed Fairley was given a one-year conditional damage and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a Government- imposed £15 victims' surcharge.

ALMOST 300,000 shoppers a week are visiting Grimsby's Freshney Place shopping centre in the run-up to Christmas.

And its director, Amanda Austin, says that figure is likely to rise to 400,000 as Christmas gets closer.

Mrs Austin was speaking following the second night of late night shopping in the town centre on Thursday – when police had to be called to an "isolated" incident in Victoria Street West, outside Freshney Place itself.

It is reported that a female member of staff at Greggs bakery was assaulted by a boy.

A police spokesperson confirmed that officers attended the area for disorder at late night shopping, which involved one person being dealt with by means of community resolution.

Greggs were unavailable for comment, but a member of staff confirmed the female worker was fine.

Mrs Austin said: "We provide an enjoyable experience at Freshney Place Shopping Centre and work with our retailers in partnership with Humberside Police and local youth services to ensure a pleasant environment for our shoppers. We understand that this isolated incident took place in Victoria Street and can confirm it did not involve the shopping centre."

Eyewitness Gary Calder, who is part of North East Lincolnshire Council's Business Against Crime team, attended the shop, where he found the woman in a "distressed" manner.

He has called on parents to take a greater interest in where their children are and what they are doing in the evenings.

He said: "The girl is okay now but she was visibly distressed when I found her. She won't be working late-night shopping again.

"Most of the parents of the children involved were probably sitting at home and had no idea what their kids were getting up to.

"Where were your children at the time? Is this what we really want in our town? We are all responsible for the type of society we have.

"Do we want the stretched police force tied up at great cost to every taxpayer on a couple of spoiled brats?

"It's intolerable that shop staff going about their lawful business should have to put up with this behaviour in and outside their premises. Would you want your children or partners trying to earn a living being subject to this?"

Mr Calder added that a large crowd of youths were milling around McDonald's and down Victoria Street, where they were "crowding" police.

"Not all in the crowd were belligerent," he said. "But they remained part of the pressing throng.

"A persistent theme was a refusal to go away, which impeded officers going about their lawful duty and caused distress to others nearby.

"Only when the dog handler arrived did the situation really change. I made sure the young girl left safely with parents but she was still distressed and her young sister was visibly upset as she witnessed events whilst she waited with her parents outside."

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PAUL Hurst has vowed that Grimsby Town will stand by young keeper Callum Bastock as he recovers from his injury set-back.

The promising 17-year-old has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury – as well an associated fracture – and is set for a lengthy lay-off.

Bastock, son of former Boston United legend Paul, is set for an operation next month and Hurst insists the club will support him fully during his rehabilitation.

He said: "Callum did his cruciate and there's also a bit of an associated fracture in there as well so it's a bad injury and he's going to be out for a long time.

"He's due to have his operation on December 1, and we wish him well with that – the club will be here for him and stand by him during his recovery.

"I understand that he'll continue his education while he's with us and the club are looking into the possibility of suspending his time with us, so he'll still be given an opportunity to come back and train with us after his recovery.

"I certainly want that to happen because he had been doing extremely well – we've all been impressed with him."

Before his injury, Bastock was regularly involved in first-team training and impressed the boss and the senior professionals with his performances.

Hurst added: "The biggest compliment I can pay him was when we were in the training games, he never let himself down.

"I've certainly been at clubs in the past where, when the Youth team stopper comes over to join in, some of the senior players say 'Oh, we've got the young goalie in'.

"But that was never once said here – he did extremely well whenever he was with us.

"He's still very young but he was maturing as a keeper and it's a real shame for the lad, but the club will be here for him.

"Hopefully, once he's recovered, he'll be able to come back and try and earn that professional contract."

NEW signing Hamish Watson isn't guaranteed a place in Grimsby Town's squad to face Kidderminster today (3pm).

That's according to boss Paul Hurst, who is yet to decide whether or not to throw the frontman straight into the action, after handing him a short-term deal following a protracted trial.

While impressed with the 21-year-old's attitude and application in training, Hurst wonders if today's visit of the Harriers might be too soon to include him in the squad of 16.

He said: "Obviously there has been a bit of a hold-up in getting the clearance to bring Hamish in, but we're pleased to finally have him on board.

"He's good off either foot and can certainly finish – he's shown that from day one really.

"Any time we've had an 11v11 game in training, he's always got on the scoresheet. I'm not saying he's the finished article yet, but it's not a bad habit to have for a striker.

"He played in a training ground game against Corby and got himself a hat-trick.

"Okay, they weren't the highest standard of opposition, but his goals didn't come about because of the standard we were playing against – they were just good finishes.

"He's quite a big lad, holds the ball up well and is intelligent. I've been impressed enough to offer him a short-term deal initially and we'll see how it goes.

"He's a little bit different to what we've already got and hopefully now that he knows he's got another opportunity to get that first-team shirt on, hopefully he'll kick on."

He added: "While he's done well since he's been here, we're not going to get carried away and think that he's going to score loads of goals right from the off.

"Today might be a little too soon for him and it might be that he doesn't make the first-team squad for a while until he gets fully up to speed – we'll have to wait and see.

"On the other hand, he might be one that I do have to just throw in there and see how he gets on to get a better judgement of where he's at – I'll have to assess that."

A VILLAGE has been left in shock after a 90-year-old resident died while walking home from visiting his wife at a nearby care home.

The man, named locally as Len Thompson, was walking outside the Bradley House Care Home at around 6.10pm on Thursday when he was in collision with a silver Volvo S40 being driven by a 70-year-old Grimsby man.

The victim was said to have been visiting his wife Joyce, who is a resident at the care home and suffers with dementia.

The Volvo was travelling from Waltham towards Grimsby when the collision took place.

Mr Thompson was taken by ambulance to the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital where he died a short time later. The driver of the Volvo was not injured.

The road was closed until 1am.

Mel Kingham, manager at the care home, said Len visited his wife at least once a day, but regularly made two visits.

"He was such a pleasant gentleman," she said. "He's going to be dearly missed. Most of the time he'd visit Joyce twice a day, he was quite devoted to her.

"Although Joyce has dementia, she does have some insight into what happened. She's just been left in shock.

"It's a difficult time for us all at the moment."

Surinder Khurana, proprietor of the Bradley House Care Home, said Len was like a family member among the residents.

"He was planning on spending Christmas here and everything," he added.

"I do feel like something should be done about the road, but what can you do? It was a difficult night for all involved."

Gillian Poppleton, a parish councillor in Bradley, rushed outside when she saw the flashing lights of emergency vehicles.

She lived a few houses down from Len in Church Lane.

"I was about to leave for a Parish Council meeting", she said. "My neighbour then came running down and said Len had been involved in an incident, but that's all we knew.

"Len was very frail but he was a lovely gentleman. He was visiting his wife in the care home, who isn't doing particularly well. She's had a couple of strokes recently.

"I've known him for 16 or 17 years, and as far as I know he's lived in Bradley for most of his life – he's incredibly well known. We always saw him pottering down to the care home."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said he will be "sorely missed".

"He was a really lovely man," she said. "It's all a bit much for us all at the moment.

"I've known him for the best part of 15 years – it's just so sad."

Valerie Turner, chair of Bradley Parish Council, added: "We are all feeling a bit shocked to be honest. We always used to see him in the village going to see his wife, he's been doing it for ages."

Valerie added that Len hasn't been feeling well for a while.

Tributes have also flooded in for Len on our Facebook page.

Victoria Hull posted: "RIP Len, you're a bright star now looking down on us all."

Emma Poulter said: "Thoughts to all involved. His poor wife will be devastated no doubt. Feel sorry for the driver, too, as nobody wants that on their conscience.

"Accidents happen and sometimes can't be avoided, but so sad that they sometimes end like this."

Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision and are seeking witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Humberside Police on the non-emergency number 101 referring to log 521 of 20 November 2014.

GRIMSBY Town face Kidderminster Harriers at Blundell Park this afternoon after a difficult few weeks for the Aggborough outfit.

The cash-strapped club have been forced to offload a number of their key players in order to balance the books.

It means that boss Gary Whild will have a depleted squad at his disposal this afternoon, as the Harriers try to avoid their second defeat to Town this season.

Don't worry if you can't make it to Blundell Park, you can follow the action with our live and interactive text coverage from 3pm.

Live Blog Grimsby Town v Kidderminster - Live & Interactive

GRIMSBY Town boss Paul Hurst has handed Scott Brown a start for this afternoon's visit of Kidderminster (3pm).

The combative midfielder will partner Harry Pell and Danny Parslow in midfield, with Craig Disley dropping to the bench.

That trio will be behind a front three of Lenell John-Lewis, Scott Neilson and Nathan Arnold.

As expected, there is no place in the matchday squad for new signing Hamish Watson.

Town: McKeown, Magnay, Pearson, Nsiala, Thomas, Arnold, Pell, Parslow, Brown, Neilson, John-Lewis. Subs: Mackreth, Disley, Hannah, Clay, Pittman.

A total of eleven unions representing NHS workers in England have announced they will hold a week of industrial action from Monday because of a row over pay.

Nine of the unions representing the majority of NHS staff will stage a four-hour stoppage between 7am and 11am on Monday November 24.

Workers will be working to rule for the rest of the week until Sunday November 30.

Christina McAnea, chair of the NHS trade unions, said:

"This industrial action is set to be even stronger as more unions have joined it.

"Unions are committed to ensuring patient safety remains paramount by only having a four-hour stoppage. But the Government has no such concern and even seem to want this dispute to escalate.

"We have given them every opportunity to find a resolution. But Jeremy Hunt is still refusing to negotiate with the trade unions, leaving staff no option but to take this action.

"The NHS depends on the goodwill and commitment of the workforce and this is now at breaking point.

"This dispute is not going away. We are asking for fair pay and the recognition that some NHS workers are facing genuine hardship as a result of the Government unfair pay policy."

The trade unions taking part in the action are:

UNISON

Royal College of Midwives

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

Society of Radiographers

British Association of Occupational Therapists

GMB

Unite the union

Managers in Partnership

Prison Officers Association

Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association

British Dietetic Association

Last weekend's seaside special at the Blackpool Tower ballroom was viewed by many as the highlight of this current series so far. 

So with the Strictly stars returning to the BBC studios for tonight's show, the question on everyone's lips is: can the same level of high standard be maintained?

Grimsby's Kevin Clifton and his dance partner Frankie Bridge will certainly be hoping so.

They scored an impressive total of 37 points after dancing a Quickstep to A Town Called Malice.

Kevin's fiancé Karen Haur danced a Charleston to We No Speak Americano – scoring nines across the board in the process.

The show may well have a slightly emotional tone to it tonight as Claudia Winkleman returns to presenting duties alongside Tess Daly.

Claudia had been absent from the show after her eight-year-old daughter was involved in a freak Halloween fire accident.

Kevin and Frankie will be dancing the Viennese Waltz to Tom Jones' What's new Pussycat?

While Karen and Mark will perform the Tango to OneRepublic's 'Love Runs Out'.

Tune in tonight at 7pm on BBC One to see how they get on.

For live updates throughout the evening, follow @GrimbyTel on Twitter.

GRIMSBY Town's unbeaten run came to a crashing end with a desperate 2-0 home defeat to Kidderminster Harriers this afternoon.

Marvin Johnson put the visitors ahead with less than two minutes on the clock after Town were hit on the break from their own attack and, less than five minutes after the restart, Jack Byrne glanced home from another corner to seal a fine victory for the under-strength Harriers.

Town huffed and puffed but fell far below their form of late and saw their nine-game unbeaten run come to a disappointing end.

See Monday's Grimsby Telegraph for all the reaction, including 'The Verdict' and the thoughts of boss Paul Hurst. 

For most, Black Friday gives consumers the chance to pick up some stocking fillers at reduced prices ahead of the festive shopping frenzy.

But in a UK first for supermarkets, Asda has gone one step further by announcing that it will be selling quad bikes in store next Friday.

The Coleman 400 ATV 4x4 Quad Bike, which comes with a fuel injected motorsports engine and a 15 litre tank, will be available to pick up along with your pint of milk and loaf of bread for £3,500 – a discount of nearly 50% from its original price tag of £6,500.

The vehicle is also fitted with a 393cc engine, as well as forward and reverse gears.

There is even a winch included to help pull yourself out of muddy spots – or maybe to tow loved ones away from the anticipated anarchy with which Black Friday brings.

Ayaz Alam, senior director of general merchandise at Asda, said: "Last year we were the first major retailer to bring Black Friday to the UK.

"This year, we've stepped it up a gear again and by working closely with Walmart – the godfather of Black Friday – we'll be bringing an even bigger and better sale to the UK than ever before.

"By jointly sourcing products with Walmart, who have led the way in Black Friday for over a decade now, we've been able to bring products like Quad Bikes to our stores and offer them at unbeatably low prices."

Customers over 18 years-old will be able to order the quad bike online or in store on Black Friday, for home delivery within four weeks.

Asda will also be offering free driving courses and advice for anyone wishing to buy one.

Visit Asda.com from next Thursday to see the full line-up of products on sale across Black Friday.

LINCOLN City are now also investigating a tweet sent by midfielder Kegan Everington which is already the subject of a Football Association probe.

As reported the teenager, pictured, sparked fury on social media website Twitter when he published a message on his account during Monday night's airing of Skint on Channel 4.

The tweet called Grimsby a "s*** town" and went on to use abusive language about the people who live here. Though the teenager's account is private, a screengrab of the tweet was taken and posted onto Twitter by other users of the site.

A spokesperson for Lincoln City, the Mariners' Conference rivals, said: "The club is aware of an alleged tweet from a member of our playing squad and is currently investigating the matter."

One Mariners supporter said he was "deeply shocked" by the nature of the tweet.

The midfielder is now under scrutiny from the FA which confirmed it was investigating the matter.

Everington signed his first professional contract in the summer having progressed through the youth ranks at Sincil Bank.

He made his first team debut on New Year's Day this year as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against the Mariners at Blundell Park.

AN EXCITED little girl is to switch on the Christmas lights in Louth – just weeks after having open heart surgery.

All eyes will be on Millie Betteridge as she steps forward with the mayor for the biggest date in the town's calendar.

With the throw of a switch tonight, she'll transform the town centre into a glittering display of light ready to usher in her favourite time of the year.

Louth Town Partnership has organised a Family Gala from 2pm to 8pm today featuring Peppa Pig.

There will be fairground rides and swing boats, face-painting, singing and entertainment on stage, circus tricks and displays from the ever-popular Earthbound Misfits.

The climax will be the switch-on of the town lights at 6pm by Millie.

The eight-year-old Lacey Gardens Junior School pupil has the congenital condition Tetralogy of Fallot and had an operation last month to help make her heart work normally.

Millie, who is a huge fan of singer Bruno Mars, first had surgery at the tender age of eight months.

Regular check-ups followed over the years, which gave little cause for concern.

But with this summer came the discovery of a problem affecting the blood supply to her lungs to pick up oxygen, which could ultimately prove fatal if not treated.

Millie's mum Lindsey Betteridge, 30, of Blenheim Close, Louth, said: "The condition has not fazed her at all. She enjoys all the things girls of her age do and she loves school and is mad about Bruno Mars.

"Christmas is Millie's favourite time of the year.

"She saw Santa when she was at Leeds General Infirmary in October and she asked him to make sure he comes back to give presents to the other children who will be there at Christmas.

"I just e-mailed the mayor's office about the possibility of Millie switching the lights on and I didn't seriously think they'd say yes. It's fabulous that they've agreed!

"If she hadn't had the surgery in October, she would die because eventually her heart would struggle too much and her organs would shut down.

"Now she'll have check-ups every six months to make sure her heart is recovering like it's supposed to.

"When she was eight months old the doctors said that she wouldn't make it to two without the operation."

Millie has a brother Zack, 7, and sister Courtney, 12.

Heather Sandy, head teacher of Lacey Gardens School, said: "We are very proud that one of our children is taking such a prestigious role in this community event and we will be there to support and encourage her.

"She is amazingly resilient. When she had her procedure the staff at the school sent her a bracelet and the children sent cards."

FRESH off the slopes Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards paid a flying visit to a Round Table event at the Humber Royal Hotel.

The event, organised by members of the Grimsby 70 Round Table, aimed to raise as much money as possible for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Eddie, famous for becoming the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping in 1988, came to speak to the 140 Round Table members and local businesses about his life and his career as the plucky underdog, who represents the British bulldog spirit.

Eddie – who recently won ITV diving show Splash by performing a synchro dive with another Olympian, Tom Daley – said: "It's a good cause and groups like the Round Table are great at organising events that benefit the entire community.

"It's great to see so many people here tonight eager to help and I'm happy to help them raise money for such a worthy cause."

Eddie signed an authentic pair of skis from the 80s that will be sold off to raise even more money for the charity.

He said: "I've been to Grimsby before. It's a great place to get fish and chips and, while I'm here, I aim to try each and every one of them that the town has to offer!"

Eddie also recently attended the Harbour Place VIP night to help raise funds for the homeless charity, alongside snooker player Dennis Taylor.

He said: "I had a great time there as well.

"I stayed at the Kingway Hotel and really enjoyed it.

"It's always nice to visit the area – I seem to have fun every time and I do my best to help charity while I'm here."

Chairman of the Grimsby 70 Round Table Cris Drant said: "A close family friend had motor neurone disease, so it's a cause very close to my heart.

"I saw the heartache and suffering it caused a young family and I really wanted to do something to help.

"It's a disease that doesn't get much coverage and many people aren't aware how bad it is.

"A night like this will raise awareness and money for a worthy cause and we think Eddie can help with that."

Treasurer Mike Searle added: "We're having a raffle, pub-style games and an auction and we aim to raise about £3,000 for the association.

"We're even looking to recruit a few new members."

If you want to join the Grimsby 70 Round Table and you're between the ages of 25 to 40, call Mike on 07968 826697.

A SCARTHO butcher's shop took home an incredible 14 awards after making the final cut at a prestigious Lincolnshire awards ceremony.

The popular Brown's Butchers, based in Louth Road, was recognised for a number of its products, including its Lincolnshire sausages, speciality sausages and bacon at the Lincolnshire Poacher Competition, which was held at the Lincolnshire Showground on November 6.

Of those 14 awards, one was gold – for their gluten-free pork and apple cider sausage – nine were silver and four were bronze.

Graham Brown, who owns the shop with his wife Karen, said it was fantastic to be recognised.

"There was a lot of competition, so we were really pleased with how we did," he said. "Around 40 butchers entered and we were the only ones from Grimsby, but there were shops from all over the county.

"It is also the first time we have entered, so to do so well on our first time is brilliant and hopefully it will help get our name out there.

"I'm not sure what our secret is. It's probably just hard work and down to our good team.

"We offer a wide range of different, high quality products as well, a lot of which you can't find elsewhere."

The awards were presented by well-known butcher Neil Curtis, who is also chairman of Lincolnshire County Foods.

The shop's haul also coincided with their one-year anniversary in August.

Graham and Karen, who were both born and bred in Scartho, relocated their business to the village having previously worked in Scunthorpe.

Graham, who has been working as a butcher for 34 years, added: "It's fantastic to receive these awards so soon after having our recent anniversary, it's like a double celebration.

"Our customers have been fantastic and they have been very supportive.

"We've had people coming in with cards and bottles of wine and things like that, it's been amazing."

FOR The First Time In Forever, Cleethorpes' Parkway Cinema is bringing back Disney's hit musical Frozen for hours of special sing-a-long showings this festive season.

The cinema will be asking Do You Want To Build A Snowman all over again as they bring the worldwide phenomenon and cult sensation back to cinema screens once more.

And, to sing us into December, the cinema will be inviting special guests Queen Elsa and Princess Anna to attend the cinema's first screening on Sunday, November 30, at 11am.

The pair from Delush Spa will be greeting and taking pictures with the children, many of whom are expected to dress up as their favourite characters themselves.

Tickets for the first screening sold out in a matter of hours but the cinema – not wanting to Let It Go – has put on another week's worth of showings that will run throughout the festive season.

Hannah Johnson, team leader and events organiser at Parkway, said: "The attention Frozen has gained since its release last year has been phenomenal. We just knew we had to again offer the experience on the big screen but this time the whole auditorium will be singing along, with the words along the bottom of the screen.

"With lots of characters to pick your favourite from, Frozen really is a popular choice for families to get into the Christmas spirit!"

Frozen, released last year, brought Disney its first Animated Oscar win and the film took another for best original song with Idina Menzel's Let It Go.

Mum-of-two, Teela Smith, who will be attending the showing on Sunday with her son, Robert, said: "Robert is really excited to see the film again and sing-a-long to his favourite songs.

"Last time we went he sang along anyway, but this time he's allowed to!"

"He's really excited to meet the characters and he will be wearing his favourite Olaf T-shirt on the day.

"It's nice that the film is still popular a year on. It's a bit different to other Disney films and shows sisters doing it for themselves rather than being the typical damsels in distress."

Robert, 3, said: "Olaf and Sven the reindeer are my favourite characters and I like the song Let it Go best."

Screenings for the show kick off on Sunday and run throughout the week, with more shows to be added later. To book tickets, call Parkway on 01472 290100.

AFTER watching the television programme Skint this week, I saw no resemblance to the Parish I knew.

As you may know I was vicar in the Parish for 15 years, living and working there.

The majority of the people were extremely nice, hard working good people, although there were a handful of difficult people as you would expect anywhere.

I thought the programme was a disgrace and did not represent the truth about Grimsby. I am disgusted with Channel 4's so-called documentary.

I think it ought to be taken off the air as it gives people the wrong impression about Grimsby - The Reverend Wendy Isam, former vicar of St Andrew's, St Luke's and All Saints.

THE FIRST episode of Skint ended with massive drama.

A swearing fest was turned into and ending with death and life-threatening injuries.

It ran the whole gamut of the emotions with some humour and jobless desolation.

I suppose such events are taking place, to a lesser of greater degree in most parts of the country. More especially in the North. - Rob Hudd, New George Street, Hull (ex-Grimsby).

IT IS not enough for commentators to label Channel 4's Skint as 'Poverty Porn' or some modern version of 'Bedlam'. That is much too easy.

These streets in Grimsby exist. The environment where human beings are being asked to live, is real. The situations seen although cleverly edited, are happening.

My conclusion? Our politicians of all colours, local and national should be utterly ashamed.

Our so called business leaders, many who have done so well out of our Great Town, without putting anything back, should hang their heads and weep.

'Poverty Porn'? No. More like 'Heartbreaking Reality'. - T Michael, Haigh Street, Cleethorpes.

The Telegraph says: These letters speak for themselves. We do have bad in the town, but also much good. It is about the community and its people, from all walks of life, pulling together to make a difference to North East Lincolnshire. If that happens, then we stand a chance of optimism and hope.

ST MARTIN'S Preparatory School has entered the realms of the elite after shooting to twentieth place in the Sunday Times Parent Power League.

The school in Bargate, Grimsby, has risen four places since 2013 and students, staff and parents couldn't be happier.

The Sunday Times Parent Power League ranks schools using the latest results from public examinations and is considered "the last word" on academic performance.

St Martin's headmaster Stephen Thompson said the school's new ranking has made it the best performing school in Lincolnshire and without equal for close to 100 miles.

He said: "It's a wonderful result for the school and it's a testament to the hard work that the teachers, parents and – most importantly – the children have put in over a consistent period of time.

"It is extremely satisfying to see ourselves ranked above many highly respected schools which charge many times more than we do, something which proves that the best education can be within reach of almost everyone."

With the maximum fee being £1,940 per term, this means that St Martin's has eclipsed schools nationwide making it one of the best value educations in the country.

Stephen continued: "There are about 2,000 prep schools in the country, so it's a great achievement to be ranked so highly among them all.

"At the school we have happy children and high expectations and the small classes and quality education we deliver make us stand out from other schools."

Students at the school had a lot to say about its new position in the league.

William Benton, 10, said: I'm very happy. It's great that we're now 20th. I think we've moved up because we have small classes and you always get attention and help from the teacher.

Year Six student Fareedah Salawu, 11, added: "We moved up because of the work put in by the teachers and students and the students doing what they're asked. Everyone's very well behaved and that's another thing that's pushed us up the rankings.

Thinojh Munisegaran, nine, whose favourite subject is numeracy, said: "We all get help when we need it and the teachers are all good at their jobs."

Teachers, too, were proud of the school's new ranking in the league.

Year Two teacher and RE co-ordinator, Diane Crookes said: "I'm really delighted and proud of the children and it just goes to show how fantastic St Martin's is.

"The school offers an excellent education. We have a mixture of traditional and modern teaching methods and all the children are well behaved and eager to learn.

"The school has a lovely family atmosphere and I think that really contributed to our position this year."

Year Three teacher, Chris Burman said: "It reflects the hard work put in by the parents – who all help with homework – the students and staff.

"The small classes, family atmosphere, excellent standards of education and the good pastoral care have really made the school shine.

"I've worked in all kinds of schools but St Martin's is just a nice place to be."

Parent and midwife, Melanie Searle said: "It's fabulous and it's great to know my son's getting the best education he possibly can.

Business owner, Kirran Nijjar, 30 who has three girls at the school added: "I'm so pleased and proud of the school's new rank. Their dad used to go here, so it's great to see the school getting better and better.

"All my girls are happy here and all the students know each other. The school is just one close-knit family."