THERE is no question Grimsby Town seem to have the measure of their Conference rivals.

In five games against top-eight sides, the Mariners have picked up ten points from a possible 15 on offer.

And that return includes the 3-1 victory over Woking on Tuesday night.

But as the weekend approaches, a different kind of challenge awaits for Paul Hurst and his men.

Telford may be some way adrift at the bottom of the table, but there are signs that may be a false position.

Indeed, the Bucks even recorded victory on their visit to high-flying Woking midway through October.

With that in mind, the Mariners must be wary as they head into their latest Conference clash.

However, as Tuesday night showed, the Mariners have plenty going for them!

With striker Lenell John-Lewis in hot goalscoring form, and several other attacking options at his disposal, Town can really start to dominate sides lower down the table.

Six points currently separate Hurst and co from Barnet in top spot, and that could be cut to three by the end of play on Saturday.

Of course, even if Macclesfield manage to sting the Bees – and Town pick up a full quota at Telford – there is a still a long way to go.

However, it does show the Mariners are well and truly in the title hunt, despite what Garry Hill thinks!

Certainly, much will depend on Town's double meeting with Barnet – in the New Year – but they must keep racking up the wins to ensure those clashes are as mouthwatering as possible.

Liam Wood, Sports Writer

With companies large and small all announcing their plans for tomorrow's Black Friday shopping events, we dispatched reporter ALEX THORP to find out what the best local deals are and why it's all come about.

BLACK Friday.

The ominous name is enough to send shivers down your spine and makes it sound like a day that should be best spent in the comfort of your house, doors locked, fearing the worst.

And, for the shopping-phobic, that may well be a fairly accurate description as to what Black Friday actually entails.

To others, however, it is a day filled with anticipation and excitement as big name stores up and down the country slash the prices of their products.

Many high street chains and national supermarkets have used advertisement campaigns to announce that they are taking part in the event.

Supermarket giants Sainsbury's and Tesco have confirmed they will be taking part, as are Asda who will be stocking powerful quad bikes at half their normal price – a first for UK supermarkets.

But small local businesses in Grimsby and Cleethorpes are also fighting their corner by offering sweeping discounts on their stock.

Darren Spencer, owner of Jazz Clothing based in Abbeygate, Grimsby said it was necessary for small businesses to take part in Black Friday, despite having lower profit margins.

He said: "This year we are really giving Black Friday a big push.

"We did a few offers last year but this time around we are really going for it.

"A third of our stock will be reduced by 50 per cent and for the rest we will have a 10 per cent discount.

"We are also selling gift vouchers which double in value when spent in January.

He added: "We will not make anything on the vouchers sold but it increases our reputation and footfall in the store.

"In retail you have got to act on days like Black Friday in order to compete with the big boys.

"Our wholesalers haven't reduced their prices at all for Black Friday, which has made it a bit trickier but we are still determined to pull it off."

Cleethorpes clothing store Tillett's has also taken advantage of the craze.

Owner Melanie Tillett said: "Everyone is talking about Black Friday at the moment and there's a lot of hype over this year's in particular.

"We are going to put some special offers on and hopefully it can give us a bit of a boost."

Discount furniture store Ramsdens is another Grimsby-based business getting involved with Black Friday.

Managing director Dave Christy said the business has planned to reveal special discounts not only on Black Friday, but the following Saturday and Sunday as well.

He said: "In business you look to any opportunity to make some offers to your customers.

"Our margins will be cut down quite considerably because of Black Friday but we can afford to do this from time to time.

However not all independent businesses in Grimsby are in favour of the shopping phenomenon.

One clothing store owner, who asked not to be named, said: "We don't have the kind of profit margins to be able to afford doing these huge reductions.

"It's the lead up to Christmas, so it seems mad that businesses are reducing their prices at a time when they should be looking to gain maximum profit.

"It's all Americanised and we won't be taking part in it."

Grace Wilson is a merchandiser who travels to various supermarkets across the county.

She said that while Black Friday creates a buzz in the stores, it also makes her job and those of other members of staff in the shops much harder.

She said: "I do a lot of work in various Asda stores and they have brought in barriers for the anticipated queues.

"It's basically impossible to merchandise during Black Friday so I will probably have to go into the store before it opens in order to get my jobs done."

Whatever your opinion of Black Friday, there's no denying the sheer scale and appeal of it.

And come 8am Friday, you too may find yourself battling the queues.

COUNCILLORS cost taxpayers in North East Lincolnshire more than £500,000 in allowances and expenses last year.

The details are outlined on the council's website which makes clear what each councillor receives during each financial year.

In the tax year of April 2013 to April 2014, the 44 members who served claimed £520,405.34 – an average of £11,827 each.

Councillors can claim allowances for attending meetings and extra responsibilities as either portfolio holders or chairs of committees or scrutiny panels.

They are each paid a flat rate of £7,500 as a basic allowance, with special rates for extra responsibilities, as well a telephone and travel allowance which tops that figure up.

As reported, members this month voted to maintain their current level of allowances. They voted in favour of a recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel that no further changes be made "at this time".

The current scheme was adopted in September last year and, at the same time, the council agreed that the panel should review it on an annual basis.

The highest claim made during the tax year was from Labour and council leader Councillor Chris Shaw, who received £29,255, while deputy leader Councillor Mick Burnett received £25,856. Mr Shaw was paid £21,500 for his role as leader and claimed a £255 telephone allowance but nothing for travel, while Mr Burnett was paid £18,000 for his deputy leader role as well as £255 telephone allowance and £101 for travel.

The highest travel allowance recipient was Councillor Iain Colquhoun, who claimed £5,577. Labour colleague Councillor David Bolton was second with £3,177 with Labour's Ray Oxby third with £2,778 and Conservative leader Philip Jackson fourth with £2,333.

Seventeen members claimed nothing for travel while Councillor Andrew de Freitas was the only member who served across the whole timeframe to collect nothing for his telephone allowance.

Mr Colquhoun said his mileage claim was down to a number of factors. He explained: "I represent a rural part of the borough and I have been nominated to attend various regulatory bodies – for example, the Drainage Board, the Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Local Access Forum, a venture with Lincolnshire County Council.

"Most meetings take place outside of the borough and that's why the mileage claim was high."

He added: "Most people from all the political groups join the council because of things they want to change and not for money. The allowance of £7,500 allows for increased bills and various expenses. It's not a vast sum."

Conservative leader Councillor Philip Jackson said: "It's always a balance between trying to attract the right people in terms of their skills but at the same time not wanting to make it a situation where people can make a huge amount of money out of it.

"The public always want good councillors and for the authority to be run properly but when there's a mention of allowances it seems to make councillors unpopular.

"We've probably got it about right at the moment."

Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Andrew de Freitas claimed £282.96 for travel and mileage.

He said: "If, for example, a representative from the council attends a meeting of the drainage board, which has meetings away from this area, then they are entitled to claim.

He added: "I think allowances are fair under the circumstances because local government has had to make massive cuts year on year. It's always been regarded that being a councillor is about serving your community. It can become a full-time job but it depends on the individual."

Council leader Chris Shaw said: "It's down to individual councillors what they claim. I believe you should get an allowance and that should be sufficient but paying for councillors' phones and broadband is right because people are using their own equipment at home for council work.

"Our expenses are set by in independent body and we recommended that any increase be linked to what the council staff get."

He added that he would like to see a new system of a base rate of allowance with an attendance allocation beyond that, but said that had previously been voted against.

He also said there were "too many" elected members but added "we are where we are and they earn what they earn".

GRIMSBY Town will head to Telford without any new additions – unless a special player becomes available.

That's according to Mariners boss Paul Hurst, who takes his side to the Conference's bottom club on Saturday.

Midfielder Harry Pell was recalled by parent club Wimbledon this week. But while that took away one option in the middle, Hurst insists a deadline day loan move is unlikely today.

He told the Telegraph: "It's a difficult one, and I will see what today brings.

"In a way, it will be nice when it's over, so we can all stop speculating about things.

"It's a strange period in our season, with so few games in December.

"There is certainly chance to have a little break, and recharge the batteries.

"But, at the same time, you then come back after Christmas and the games come up thick and fast.

"Once we get to January things open up again, and that's the main window we will be looking at.

"After the Dover game (January 4) there is an opportunity to start again, maybe something permanent or until the end of the season.

"In the meantime, if something really appeals to us, then we will have a look."

With Aswad Thomas expected to recover from illness, the Mariners again have a full squad at their disposal. In his absence, Danny Parslow deputised at left-back during Tuesday night's victory.

But while Telford are struggling at the bottom of the table, the Town manager says his side must now regain focus ahead of the weekend.

Hurst added: "We need to go away from home and try to pick up another result.

"Telford have shown signs recently they are picking up one or two good results.

"We have seen it before – there are no easy games. I don't care where they are in the table, it's about us going and trying to get another away win."

A MAN who died after a punch to the face did not receive professional medical attention for more than an hour – and was instead propped up 'like a rag doll' as his attacker threw water over him.

Hull Crown Court heard Nathan Newland, 27, of Midfield Road, Humberston, had taken cocaine and had been drinking when he floored his victim Darren Barton, pictured, knocking him unconscious.

He later admitted manslaughter and was jailed for five years.

A family statement following the case said: "To lose a child is every parent's nightmare and should never happen to any family. To lose our son in such a vicious, mindless and cowardly act for no reason is heartbreaking. We are totally devastated. We have to try and live with it. The whole family is affected and always will be. To sit by your son's bedside knowing there was no hope and watch him take his last breath was unbearable.

"We wish to say a sincere thank you to the police and the doctors and nurses who treated Darren and gave comfort and respect to our dearly-loved son and to us. We also want to thank Darren's barrister."

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, told the court Mr Barton, 46, went to the Rutland Arms at about 5.30pm on August 2. He seemed jovial and was playing pool with Newland. The two men did not know each other.

Mr Barton, of Scartho Top, had been drinking heavily and was asked to leave by landlady Alison Fitzgerald because he had sworn at her.

Outside the premises, Mr Barton put his hand out as if to shake Newland's hand. But Newland punched Mr Barton on the jaw and he fell, hitting his head on the ground. He was slumped unconscious but was later put on a plastic chair "like a rag doll" and was propped up. Newland later poured water over Mr Barton three times and tried to open his eyes.

"It was apparent to everybody that the situation was becoming more serious," said Mr Evans.

An ambulance was called at about 6.40pm. He was in a critical condition and had suffered a brain haemorrhag, dying four days later.

Newland was arrested at his home in Humberston on August 3. Nine cannabis plants were found.

Newland had convictions for 13 offences, including assault causing actual bodily harm in 2011. It was an almost identical incident in which he punched one man to the ground, knocking him out, in Cleethorpes.

Richard Butters, mitigating, said the attack was not planned and Newland had pleaded guilty at the earliest stage. Newland did not want to make excuses or "diminish the seriousness of that fatal blow.

"He can't believe that he has actually taken another man's life," said Mr Butters.

His actions had "shattered families" including his own. He had a son aged three-and-a-half, who would be one of the "innocent victims" of the case.

"He will have to live with that burden for the rest of his life," said Mr Butters.

Newland offered his "most sincere apology" to the family of Mr Barton.

"He wants to say that he is deeply sorry for what he has done," said Mr Butters. "He is devastated by what he has done.

"It was a day of complete madness where alcohol was imbibed along with drugs."

Judge Jeremy Richardson QC told the court: "The family have suffered terribly. One can only begin to imagine the heartache and agony that they went through, sitting as they did in that hospital for several days, knowing the inevitable was to happen and it was only a matter of time.

"It must have been simply appalling. Words scarcely describe the agony they must feel and I feel for them. I have enormous sympathy and understanding for them."

Speaking after the case, Detective Chief Inspector Wendy North, of Humberside Police, added: "This case demonstrates how a single punch can cause absolute devastation to so many lives.

"Our thoughts are with Darren's family who are naturally finding it very difficult to come to terms with their loss."

Missing Cleethorpes man George Scales has been found safe and well.

Mr Scales, 63, was found in London.

Concerns were raised after George Scales, of Clee Road, went missing on Tuesday, November 18 when he left his home address, where he lives in supported accommodation, with no explanation.

But Humberside Police said he was found in the capital yesterday "fit and well."

Stagecoach and Virgin have won the contract to run the East Coast mainline route from March next year.

The railway line, which stops by Doncaster and Lincoln and is regularly used by commuters in the area, has been re-privatised after being operated by the state since 2009.

The consortium, made up of companies Stagecoach and Virgin, has promised to invest £140m in the route over eight years, and will pay the government £3.3bn for the contract.

The RMT union called the return of the franchise to the private sector "a national disgrace".

Other companies bidding to win the franchise included FirstGroup and a joint venture between Eurostar and French firm Keolis.

The Stagecoach and Virgin consortium, named Inter City Railways, said plans included 23 new services from London, and 3,100 extra seats for the morning peak time by 2020.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "This is a fantastic deal for passengers and for staff on this vital route. It gives passengers more seats, more services and new trains.

"We are putting passengers at the heart of the service. I believe Stagecoach and Virgin will not only deliver for customers but also for the British taxpayer."

Martin Griffiths, chief executive of Stagecoach Group, said: "Passengers using the East Coast mainline will benefit from hundreds of millions of pounds of infrastructure investment and service improvements over the next decade."

An old fishing boat is beginning to sink in Grimsby docks.

The Gitte Liza GY389, which featured on Monday night's Skint programme, has started taking in water and most of the vessel is submerged.

A picture of the boat was posted on Facebook this morning and many have commented on it.

Terry Edmonds commented: "This is showing no Respect at all to the industry this great hard working boat and the men who worked her and all the dock area just laid to rot and forgotten . Disgusting !!!"

Alison Bateman-Peck said: "This is so sad, the boats, the dock are all been left to ruin, why are they letting Grimsby die slowly! It's such a shame! And so not right!"

Another Facebook user,Michael Barry Cooper said: " ..very sad, ..but how did it happen ?...Someone has to be at fault somewhere along the line."

THE cricket world is in shock today following the death of Australia Test batsman Phillip Hughes, who died aged 25 after being struck in the neck by a ball during a match two days ago.

Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said he passed away in hospital, never regaining consciousness.

Hughes, who also played for Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire, was hit by a delivery from bowler Sean Abbott.

"It's an understatement to say we're completely devastated," Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland told the BBC.

"The word tragedy gets used too often in sport, but this freak accident is a real life tragedy."

HUMBERSIDE Police needs to provide more consistent in its service and deal with investigations better.

That was the conclusion of an assessment by inspectors of constabularies.

They said the plan to cut hundreds of officers and restructure the Force to save £32 million by 2019 had to be implemented to secure financial.

They ranked the Force as good in some respects, such as tackling anti-social behaviour, but they criticised its response to reducing crime and preventing offending.

Inspectors said it required improvement in the way its officers investigate offending. Inspectors also had concerns about Humberside's approach to domestic abuse.

HM Inspector of Constabulary for the Northern Region, Michael Cunningham said: "Humberside Police does not provide a consistent level of service to victims of crime, investigations are not always effectively supervised and victims of domestic abuse may not have received the level of support they needed

"The Force has introduced a new leadership style and the culture of the organisation is now more able to support the level of change resulting from a reduction in the workforce, and while progress has been made with plans for a new affordable structure being well underway, the force has not yet found the required recurring savings.

The force also needs to improve the accuracy of its crime recording."

He added: "I have been concerned that there are signs of the rate of reduction in crime slowing down, with some crime types currently showing an increase above the national average and also in comparison with similar forces.

"I am also concerned by inconsistent practices in the different policing areas. As the force recognises, there is more to be done to instil a common policing model across the force area."

In response Deputy Chief Constable David Griffin, said: "Despite highlighting that improvement is required in the areas of reducing crime, preventing offending and investigating offending, the report acknowledges that, "The introduction of 'One Force' will present an opportunity for Humberside Police to address areas for improvement highlighted in this report."

"The report has given Humberside Police a "good" rating with regard to tackling antisocial behaviour. It recognises the strong partnerships we have built and the fact that we play a pivotal role in uniting our partners across the Humberside Policing area. It also recognises the public are less likely to be victims of antisocial behaviour here than in other parts of the country.

"HMIC recognise that crime has fallen significantly in the Humberside Policing area over the last decade and that, "The effort to reduce crime and prevent known offenders committing further offences in Humberside is characterised by strong partnership activity at local level including, for example, the probation service, health, local authorities and charity groups.

"By introducing a corporate approach to policing across the Humberside Policing area we can ensure that the "pockets of excellence" HMIC has identified can be rolled out to all of our communities. Our new model is built on the principal of continuous improvement.

"We have taken the comments of HMIC on board. Many of the recommendations have already been identified by the force and built into our new operating model which will be implemented in April 2015.

"We have communicated our plans for reshaping and modernising the Force extensively with strategic partners and the public over the last 12 months. The Chief Constable and her Chief Officer Team has written to and held face-to-face briefings with all local authorities, fellow emergency services and other key partners.

"The recent inspection into crime data integrity at Humberside Police made positive findings on the force's commitment to accurate recording of crime and in particular, a good record in relation to accurately recording the most serious crimes such as rape. Victims are put at the heart of our service and HMIC gave positive feedback, referring to the helpful, courteous and professional attitude of our staff.

"HMIC have also published their update on the force's progress in relation to the national inspection on police integrity. Whilst not given a grading, it is particularly pleasing to see that our strong leadership on integrity issues has been recognised and our good progress has been praised across the spectrum of integrity related issues. Police integrity lies at the heart of building public confidence."

Humberside's Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove said: "Upon election I found a Force that had achieved much in reducing crime but was not performing as effectively as it could nor should.

"This was not due to any lack of commitment or professionalism by its officers and staff, but as a result of the way it was structured with leadership and management devolved within a divisional system."

He added: "On appointing the Chief Constable I tasked her with redesigning the delivery of policing to better protect the residents of East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire and ensure they have the best possible policing service that their money could provide.

"I am confident that the implementation of the new 'One Force' model, which is now beginning, will address many of the issues already identified, and confirmed by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary's findings in the report.

"I appreciate the length of time taken, however, to introduce the changes necessary to modernise the Force to cope with the changes required whilst at the same time coping with significant financial reductions could not be rushed. The new Humberside Police 'One Force' structure will ensure a Force fit for the 21st century and able to properly protect and serve the public."

POLICE officers in Lincolnshire must make improvements in their crime investigations, according to inspectors of the Force.

They rated the Force as good in its effectiveness.

In an assessment of its performance inspectors said over the past 12 months the Lincolnshire Force had demonstrated good practice at reducing crime and preventing offending, and is good at tackling anti-social behaviour.

The money-saving deal with private firm G4S which carries out many of the back room duties and civilian roles within Lincolnshire Police was described as "outstanding."

The Force has 1,100 police officers and 149 PCSOs.

HM Inspector of Constabulary for the Eastern Region, Zoë Billingham said:

"I have been impressed with the way that Lincolnshire Police works with its communities and partners, such as local councils, to understand local priorities in its endeavours to prevent and to cut crime. The force has a positive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and it provides tailored support to meet the needs of many victims. It also works well to keep victims of domestic abuse safe.

"I am also impressed that the force's crime recording practices are highly accurate.

"The force has taken decisive action to meet its funding challenge, achieving substantial savings in extremely difficult circumstances."

She added: "Being a relatively small, low-cost force, Lincolnshire Police has had a far more difficult challenge than most and it has demonstrated an outstanding response in achieving efficiency.

"Despite this positive response, I am concerned that Lincolnshire Police's options to achieve future savings in this continuing era of austerity, while maintaining its current level of service to the communities of Lincolnshire beyond 2016, are extremely limited."

She said: "I also have concerns about weaknesses in the quality of some of the force's crime investigations.

"Delays in investigations are compromising the force's ability to investigate crimes well, provide an effective service to some victims and bring offenders to justice swiftly."

In response Chief Constable Neil Rhodes said: "This report is a powerful endorsement of the force's current performance despite our difficult financial circumstances. We are recognised as "Good" in terms of our effectiveness at reducing crime and preventing offending. HMIC have also rated Lincolnshire Police as "Good" at tackling anti-social behaviour. In the area of investigation the Inspectorate have suggested we should improve and we already working hard to do that."

He said he was proud of how the Force continues to innovate and make the best of the money we have.

He added: "But we have the lowest levels of overall funding in the country. Further cuts will undoubtedly mean we cannot maintain our current service beyond 2016. It is essential that the government acts now if we are to avoid the public being put at greater risk in the future. The Police and Crime Commissioner and I are committed to working with the Home Secretary to develop an approach to funding that will give a fairer deal to Lincolnshire."

He highlighted the need for improvement in terms of the supervision of crime investigation

He also recognised the need to improve victim satisfaction and maintain effective contact with victims.

In the last four years Lincolnshire has reduced its budget by £20 million.

There has been collaboration with other forces in the East Midlands and also outsourced a number of back office support services to G4S.

Mr Rhodes said: "The Force is committed to continuing to innovate and make the best use of all our resources and assets but further cuts would see our ability to maintain our current service beyond 2016 severely compromised. In order to achieve the potential savings required, the only option available would be to reduce the workforce further. This would significantly affect public safety, officer safety and the provision of service generally. The Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner are therefore committed to fighting for a fairer deal for Lincolnshire."

WOKING manager Garry Hill insists Grimsby Town have "no chance" of lifting the Conference title this season.

Goals from Craig Disley and Lenell John-Lewis (2) earned the Mariners a 3-1 victory over Hill's side on Tuesday night.

And while Town closed the gap on Barnet to six points, the Cards boss says pressure is mounting on Paul Hurst.

Hill told BBC Surrey: "I have seen enough teams in this league, and Barnet will walk it – there is no doubt about that.

"They are by far better than anyone else, and will win the league at a canter.

"We have to just turn around and hang in there and get as many points as we can.

"It was a bad night for us, against a poor Grimsby side.

"It was the poorest Grimsby team I've seen up here, and I really mean it.

"They were there to be taken – but we didn't do that and that's disappointing.

"It would have been a great point but it wasn't to be – they punished us for our mistakes.

"But overall I can understand why the manager is under pressure, with the way the team are playing."

Woking travelled to Blundell Park in third place, but defeat on the coast means they are now four points adrift of the Mariners.

Disley set Town on their way with a header after 14 minutes, before John-Lewis made it 2-0 shortly after the break.

Dean Morgan brought the Cards back in sight with a superb finish, but John-Lewis sealed the points just moments from time.

On the 3-1 defeat, Hill added: "We were disappointed – there is no doubt about that.

"Whatever way you look at it, we conceded poor goals given our form.

"They scored with their first real attack, just a ball into the box.

"And in the first half really there was nothing in it.

"In the second half we started brighter, there is no doubt about that, but we gave another cheap goal away.

"We then had a go for 25 minutes, and were all over them really.

"We got a great goal through Dean Morgan, and then Josh Payne hit the post – it was all one way traffic.

"It didn't help losing our goalkeeper, and top scorer, in the first 25 minutes.

"It would have put ourselves in a very good position had we got the result, but at the end of the day we didn't help ourselves."

Woking are now fifth in the Conference table, but do have two games in hand on Town.

The countdown to Christmas starts on Monday with your Grimsby Telegraph and a huge Advent Calendar of giveaways through our Facebook page!

You have the chance to win with 24 days of prizes up for grabs, from the Top 10 toys this Christmas and Disney Frozen goodies, an XBox One console and luxury hamper to a Kindle Fire and a Samsung Blu-ray home theatre system.

And all you have to do is click go to our Facebook page (click here to go to our Facebook page or simply search Grimsby Telegraph and like us!) then click on the Advent Calendar app.

Click on the date and you will be shown that day's prize and the click on the enter button and follow the instructions.

Once you have entered, a share prompt allows you to share with friends for additional entries.

And the app updates at midnight each night, so you can enter every single day from December 1 to December 24 to increase your chances.

Other prizes up for grabs include a Samsung laptop, Teksta TRex, a Roberts DAB radio, Beats Dr Dre Solo headphones, Fuji camera, Dolce Gusto coffee machine, Ultimate iScoot X10 Black Adult City Push Kick Scooter and Amazon vouchers.

A new report into the standards of every UK Police force have been published by HM Inspectorate of Constabularies (HMIC) – which has highlighted issues for officers both in Humberside and Lincolnshire. Crime reporter Peter Craig has been taking a more indepth look at the findings.

DOMESTIC abuse is a priority for Humberside Police but victims may not be getting the support they need, according to a new report.

This was the chief finding of a new HMIC report – echoing those of a similar report into the force from the inspecting body published in March.

In that report, it found there was a "fragmented and inconsistent approach" in the Humberside service to victims.

As reported, domestic abuse accounts for 12 per cent of calls to the Force for assistance. Of these, 15 per cent were from repeat victims and domestic abuse accounts for 6 per cent of all recorded crime.

The Force also recorded 6,209 assaults with injury, of which 1,585 were domestic abuse related.

This is 26 per cent of all assaults with injury recorded for the 12 months to end of August 2013.

For every 100 domestic abuse crimes recorded, there were 62 arrests in Humberside – for most forces the number is between 45 and 90.

In this latest report, published yesterday, HM Inspector of Constabulary for the Northern Region, Michael Cunningham said: "Humberside Police does not provide a consistent level of service to victims of crime, investigations are not always effectively supervised and victims of domestic abuse may not have received the level of support they needed.

He also criticised its response to reducing crime and preventing offending and said it required improvement in the way its officers investigate offending.

The report added the plan to cut hundreds of officers and restructure the Force to save £32 million by 2019 had to be implemented to achieve the financial savings required.

However, Humberside was as good in some respects, such as tackling antisocial behaviour.

Mr Cunningham added: "The Force has introduced a new leadership style and the culture of the organisation is now more able to support the level of change resulting from a reduction in the workforce, and while progress has been made with plans for a new affordable structure being well underway, the force has not yet found the required recurring savings.

The Force also needs to improve the accuracy of its crime recording."

"I have been concerned that there are signs of the rate of reduction in crime slowing down, with some crime types currently showing an increase above the national average and also in comparison with similar forces.

"I am also concerned by inconsistent practices in the different policing areas. As the force recognises, there is more to be done to instil a common policing model across the force area."

In response, Deputy Chief Constable David Griffin said: "Despite highlighting that improvement is required in the areas of reducing crime, preventing offending and investigating offending, the report acknowledges that, the introduction of 'One Force' will present an opportunity for Humberside Police to address areas for improvement highlighted in this report.

"The report has given Humberside Police a 'good' rating with regard to tackling antisocial behaviour.

"It recognises the strong partnerships we have built and the fact that we play a pivotal role in uniting our partners across the Humberside Policing area. It also recognises the public are less likely to be victims of antisocial behaviour here than in other parts of the country.

"HMIC recognise that crime has fallen significantly in the Humberside Policing area over the last decade and that the effort to reduce crime and prevent known offenders committing further offences in Humberside is characterised by strong partnership activity at local level including, for example, the probation service, health, local authorities and charity groups.

"By introducing a corporate approach to policing across the Humberside Policing area we can ensure that the 'pockets of excellence' HMIC has identified can be rolled out to all of our communities. Our new model is built on the principal of continuous improvement.

"We have taken the comments of HMIC on board. Many of the recommendations have already been identified by the Force and built into our new operating model which will be implemented in April 2015.

"We have communicated our plans for reshaping and modernising the Force extensively with strategic partners and the public over the last 12 months.

"The Chief Constable and her Chief Officer Team has written to and held face-to-face briefings with all local authorities, fellow emergency services and other key partners.

"The recent inspection into crime data integrity at Humberside Police made positive findings on the Force's commitment to accurate recording of crime and, in particular, a good record in relation to accurately recording the most serious crimes such as rape. Victims are put at the heart of our service and HMIC gave positive feedback, referring to the helpful, courteous and professional attitude of our staff.

"HMIC has also published its update on the Force's progress in relation to the national inspection on police integrity. Whilst not given a grading, it is particularly pleasing to see that our strong leadership on integrity issues has been recognised and our good progress has been praised across the spectrum of integrity related issues. Police integrity lies at the heart of building public confidence."

IT MAY not be cold enough yet to Build A Snowman – but that hasn't stopped this Grimsby woman from giving her home a festive Frozen makeover.

As the festive season nears, fairy lights, holly wreaths and Christmas candles are beginning to sprout up at homes across the region.

But Suzanne Sylvester, of Patrick Street, has gone a step further by creating her own Frozen-inspired mural.

Suzanne has handpainted her front window with a scene from the popular Disney film – while her front door now sports a pair of cheerful Smurfs.

This is no Fixer-Upper.

The window design includes all the film's favourites, from Elsa and Anna to Christoph and his troll family and, of course, Olaf, the snowman who loves warm hugs.

It is not the first time she has used her artistic talents to brighten up the street over the festive season.

Suzanne, 53, has been decorating her front window every Christmas time with characters from Disney films for the past 20 years.

And the decorations always cause a stir amongst her neighbours.

She said: "We have had people gathering outside of our house to look at it and we get the odd pip of the horn when someone drives past.

"Everyone has said how much they like it.

"I chose Frozen this year because it is all anyone's talking about and it's a really popular film."

Suzanne first started painting her windows at Christmas time for her daughter.

And her efforts have also seen her feature in the pages of the Grimsby Telegraph before.

Our news team first picked up on Suzanne and her talents with a paintbrush back in 1995, after she had created a scene from the Teletubbies on her window.

Suzanne, who stays at home to care for her autistic son, said her neighbours always know when she is about to produce a new festive creation.

She said: "I draw the outline of the characters on a piece of paper and then stick it on the outside of the window and paint it from the inside.

"I always put black paper over the design to hide it from people outside so it is a surprise.

"I get a few people asking if I've been broken into!"

This year's painting took around two weeks to complete and the picture has been created using acryllic paint.

In addition to the Frozen characters, Suzanne has also painted characters from The Smurfs and Winnie The Pooh.

She added: "I did art at school and I love doing it.

"I have always done it for the children.

"My daughter is 25 going on five and is a big fan of Frozen.

"I'd maybe start a business doing it if it wasn't so time consuming!"

Suzanne's daughter, Gemma Sylvester, said she notices a lot of people stopping outisde the house to check out her mum's designs.

She said: "I love this year's painting – I am a big fan of Frozen anyway.

"My mum is very talented and it's something different from the traditional Christmas decorations.

"The children always love it every year whenever they walk past."

Have you put up your Christmas decorations yet? Maybe you have done something a little more unusual. Send us photos of your efforts via our website, www.grimsbytele graph.co.uk , e-mail newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or call our reporters on 01472 372213.

SKINT being filmed in Grimsby has really got residents' interest.

Since, and including, Monday, when the first episode aired on Channel 4, there have been 33,839 visitors to Skint-related stories on our website.

The online debate, hosted by the Grimsby Telegraph editor Michelle Lalor, had 978 clicks on the night and has since had another 4,213 people look at it. Some 146 comments were sent to us.

Over the past month in the run-up to the series launch, there were 70,927 visitors to Skint-related articles on the site.

The most viewed stories were:

Grimsby's first taste of Skint as preview airs, which attracted 10,202 visitors.

Skint in Grimsby: Date revealed for Channel 4 series launch featuring East Marsh, which had 8,101 visitors.

Skint in Grimsby: Britain has turned its back on the fishermen, with 7,977.

Skint in Grimsby: What did you think of last night's first episode? That article had 7,814 visitors.

Skint: Family of contributor to show known as Kayleigh appeal for her to be cut out, which attracted 6,295 readers.

Skint in Grimsby: Our town's name includes Great for a reason, attracted 5,601 hits.

Thousands of you have logged onto all of our Skint stories – including more than 5,500 who viewed our gallery of pictures from the first episode.

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the oldest ladies in Grimsby, who has died at the age of 103.

Marjory Fawcett passed away peacefully at Homefield House care home in Welholme Road.

She had moved there in May last year after suffering a fall at Abbeyfield retirement home in Pelham Road, where she had spent eight-and-a-half happy years.

Relatives and friends have described her as a strong, clever and generous lady who was always there for others.

Born in Grimsby in 1911, Marjory grew up in Weelsby Avenue and attended Wintringham School.

With a good head for figures, she joined Midland Bank (now HSBC) and stayed there until taking early retirement at the age of 55.

She lived for most of her life in Welholme Road, and attended St James' Church.

One of her neighbours and fellow churchgoers was Sybil Jackson, and the pair became good friends.

Sybil, 86, of Southfield Road, Scartho, said: "I knew her for around 60 years and she was a lovely person. She was very clever with a very good brain and was a good friend to many people."

Marjory later bought a house in the same street which was converted into two flats, residing upstairs while renting out the downstairs.

One of her lodgers, Dennis Westcott, lived with her for 13 years and came to refer to her affectionately as Auntie Maj.

Dennis, 70, of Curzon Avenue, Cleethorpes, said: "She became part of the family, even though she wasn't a relative.

"Everybody who knew her would tell you she was just a wonderful lady. She was always there for anybody and she was very active.

"She broke her hip twice, but she said she didn't feel any pain – she just bounced back and got on with life."

Marjory was a keen knitter and baker, played golf and was in a bridge club. She enjoyed many holidays abroad with her friends and sisters, including a trip on Concorde.

For the past 75 years, Marjory was the only member of her family still living in Grimsby. She never married, did not have children, and her sisters Gladys and Joan had moved away from the area.

Joan's daughter, and Marjory's niece, Margot Lumbis, 57, of Derby, said: "She was a very strong lady and knew what she wanted. She was firm but fair, very witty and sharp. She was a very generous lady both to the family and outside of the family."

Marjory's funeral will be held at Grimsby Crematorium at 12.20pm on Wednesday, December 3.

ON THE WEB: Pay your own tributes to Marjory by logging on to www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

ASSISTANT boss Chris Doig believes people get 'too hung up' on formations and systems – insisting it's the players chosen that matter.

The Mariners were deployed in a 4-4-2 formation for the midweek victory over Woking, having previously enjoyed success with the 4-5-1 and, more recently, the 4-3-3 systems.

It has been a hot-topic on fan forums, message boards and on social media throughout the week, but speaking ahead of tomorrow's trip to Telford, Doig says people can often look too much into the issue.

He said: "The system that we chose is dictated by the players who are available to us and the opposition that we face.

"I think we've played 4-3-3 quite a few times this season and for the majority of times that we've used it, it's been pretty successful.

"We reverted to a 4-4-2 the other night and in terms of the result, it was successful.

"What I would say is that I think it's pleasing for the manager to have players that can adapt and play different systems.

"But I do think people get too hung up on different formations and systems.

"If you analyse one system and tweak players' positions by a few yards here and there and you're playing a completely different formation.

"We can all get obsessed about different formations, but ultimately it's about the players that go out on the park and their performances.

"They're the ones who dictate whether we're going to play well and if we get the result."

THIS Grimsby teenager beat off 2,000 other applicants to land a job at a top TV production company.

Nineteen-year-old former Level 3 TV & Film Production learner Bryony Smith learned her trade at the Grimsby Institute, which is backing our We're Not Skint campaign, highlighting the area's assets and achievements in the wake of the TV documentary Skint.

Former Healing School student Bryony went through the long application process and attended an interview at Channel 4's headquarters in London.

She started her new career in Shepherd's Bush in October as a trainee production co-ordinator.

Bryony said: "I'll be going through training with a company called Think Bigger while working with Endemol. I actually had three interviews with three separate companies but I thought the Endemol interview was my worst out of the three. I cried when they rang me to tell me that I'd got the job.

"I'll probably start off doing running and production secretary work on location, in the studio and in the offices doing pre-production.

"Being at the Institute has prepared me because it does everything from pre-production to post-production and it's very practical.

"I'd done a Film Studies course somewhere else but it was more theory based, and could never prepare you for a training scheme like this course has."

Endemol UK are responsible for some of the most popular TV programmes including Big Brother, Benidorm, 8 Out of 10 Cats and 10 O'Clock Live.

Grimsby Institute's curriculum leader for Level 3 TV & Film, Dan Nelson, added: "Successes like this are rare from a Level 3 course as normally a learner would go on to university, so for Bryony to go and find this position is a testament to her and to vocational education and what it can do for young people.

"Bryony has had the opportunity to work on shoots, work with Estuary TV and on film productions and it's this which has ultimately made the difference."

Bryony, who hopes to one day become a film producer, continued: "I think Endemol were looking to give me a chance and I think they wanted a trainee that they could mould into what they wanted. Because they're such a big company, they have said they will give me experience in as many formats as possible, which means I'll be able to decide what I like working on."