CHURCH leaders have given a community group until the end of January to vacate St Martin's church hall after an unholy row broke out.

As reported, leaders of St Martin's demanded £140,000 of back-dated rental payments from Nunsthorpe Together, which currently uses the hall.

About 500 residents of the Nunsthorpe estate use the church hall each week for a host of activities, including bingo, dancing and games, all run by Nunsthorpe Together.

Despite its popularity, the clergy has set a deadline of January 28 for the site to be vacated.

Church leaders say they want to use the church hall for a new club offering "safe, high-quality Christian youth work".

In a statement, the Parochial Church Council of Grimsby said: "The PCC has been in legal negotiations for some time now with the board of Nunsthorpe Together to try to agree a formal lease, which would allow Nunsthorpe Together to continue to use St Martin's hall.

"These negotiations included addressing rental payments and the care of St Martin's Church and hall. As it became clear that Nunsthorpe Together was not able to meet the necessary provisions of a formal lease, the PCC is obliged to make other arrangements for the building.

"The parish is committed to providing safe, high-quality Christian youth work on our premises and in our buildings, and we are committed to engaging in constructive ways of serving the needs of the community and working with partners of good will who promote the welfare of our area."

Founder of Nunsthorpe Together, Steve Hill described the deadline for the club as "incredible".

He said the volunteers are continuing to negotiate with the church leaders in a bid to carry on with the project but he will no longer be involved and intends to leave the area.

Steve added: "I hope people realise that we have done amazing things with the money we had.

"When we received funding to set the project up back in 2007 we were grateful to the church because we understood the premises were being given freely for the benefit of young people.

"We truly believed it was a Christian thing to do. It had been empty for three years prior to that.

"Now there are more than 500 people using the church hall every week. It is giving kids something to do, taking them off the streets and giving them a chance to showcase their talents.

"It is safe and stops good kids turning into bad kids. I find it incredible the church wants to replace it.

"There isn't a project in North East Lincolnshire that has been as successful as The Funhouse."

As reported, the Respect Funhouse attracted more than £140,000 in funding when it was launched. A year after it started the then Bishop of Lincoln, Dr John Saxbee, visited the Respect Funhouse.

In a letter to organisers he said: "This is a truly remarkable venture and I cannot remember the last time I was so moved and encouraged in equal measure. It is clear many of the young people attending the project come from some of the more deprived backgrounds in the local community, yet they clearly value the project."

Bishop John, who was succeeded by the new Bishop of Lincoln, Richard Lowson, last year, added the volunteers were a credit to the group.

Mr Hill said he hopes the current Bishop of Lincoln will visit and follow in the footsteps of his predecessor.

"SCARTHO Baths has saved my life and I do not know what I would do if it went."

That is the plea to save the threatened facility of great-grandmother of eight, Violet Schulte, who has collected a 900-signature petition against the plans to close the centre.

Every day since quitting smoking 20 years ago, she has cycled to the swimming baths from her home of Weelsby Street to exercise and meet friends.

As reported, in January, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) announced its plans to build a replacement next to a refurbished Grimsby Leisure Centre, in Cromwell Road, as part of a £9-million revamp of leisure facilities.

A controversial three-week online consultation on leisure provision was launched by NELC on November 8 – which has been criticised by campaigners, as residents can not make comments. Violet also fears she would not be able to use the new centre if the plans went ahead.

She said: "How can I pedal all the way to The Willows? I would be petrified.

"Everything is there at Scartho Baths. It has made me healthy, helped keep my weight down and keeps me active. It is a shame they want to pull it down. They should do the necessary repairs.

"The Government health chiefs say it is important to keep the over 60s active. What else can I do to keep healthy?"

The campaigner stood outside Asda superstore in Grimsby and car boot sales at Pleasure Island to gather a total of 900 signatures.

Violet said: "Everyone is behind the campaign. There wasn't a single person for closing it.

"The facilities are superb. There is a sauna, steam room and a diving bay. It is kept very clean.

"I have enjoyed going all these years and hope future generations can get the benefits. The baths are for the kids as well.

"Exercise keeps the brain active. It is all relaxing and I have met some lovely lady friends.

"Being fit allows me to get out and meet other people and do shopping. I have to keep going and have to keep active."

Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for updates.

SHOCKED boyfriend Edward McInnes stormed round to confront his lover after he was sent "explicit photographs" of her with another man, Grimsby magistrates heard.

He believed the pictures meant she "must have been seeing another male behind his back", the court was told.

McInnes, 28, of Eskdale Way, Grimsby, admitted assaulting Sasha Birkett, on October 13.

Brendan Woodward, prosecuting, said McInnes turned up after a drinking session and became involved in an argument with Miss Birkett.

He lashed out to punch a kitchen cupboard but caught Miss Birkett in the face, causing swelling on her nose.

Lauren Fisher, mitigating, said McInnes received a telephone call to say that he had received some mail through his letter box.

He asked the other person to open the parcel – and was told that it contained "explicit photographs" of his girlfriend with another man.

"He was extremely concerned and upset and returned to have a look at the photographs himself and check the accuracy," said Miss Fisher.

The pictures were dated October 4 and he believed them to be very recent so he went round to his girlfriend's home to confront her and to ask for an explanation.

He had drunk a couple of cans of beer.

"He believed his girlfriend must have been seeing another male behind his back at the time of the relationship," said Miss Fisher.

The magistrates might be able to "empathise" with how McInnes would have been feeling, she added.

It transpired, however, that the pictures were apparently very old.

Unemployed McInnes was given a two-year supervision order, including a domestic abuse programme, and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a Government-imposed £60 victims' surcharge.

THE Owls secured a win over Clipstone Welfare – cheered on by the largest crowd of the day in Northern Counties East League Division One.

A bumper Bradley Community Stadium attendance of 214 – thanks partly to the free entry vouchers in last week's Telegraph – watched as Clee cemented second place in the table.

The next biggest crowd of the day came at Pontefract Collieries where 145 saw their defeat to leaders Athersley Recreation, who remain four points ahead of the Owls.

It was Andy Liddle's (left) hosts who got off to the better start, winning battles for possession and creating openings through good passing.

However the opening quarter of an hour failed to bring with it any spark, as neither side showed urgency going forward.

Cleethorpes had perhaps the best chance in the first 20 minutes when the ball was played through to Marc Cooper who was caught offside.

The home side drew first blood on 22 minutes. Passing was key as the ball found its way to Jack Debnam, who struck a vicious shot low down to the keeper's right.

Debnam then forced another save moments later following more good passing in the middle of the park.

After that the chances flowed and Cleethorpes should have been five or six goals to the good at half-time.

However, the score remained 1-0 to the Owls until just after the break. Clipstone's Adam Soames found himself in space, and his shot crept in at the far post to put the visitors on level terms.

Lee Tryner's side were boosted by the goal and pushed forward, giving them the edge in the early stages of the second period.

Clee made amends for their slow start, however.

Ricky Belding, below, slotted home on 53 minutes to restore the lead, after the ball sprang loose on the left of midfield.

It took the striker just four minutes to score again after being allowed too much time and space on the ball, which he squeezed in at the near post to make it 3-1.

Clee had looked solid at the start of the game, but as the clash wore on defensive lapses began to creep in. They paid for that on 65 minutes as Soames added his second for the visitors.

However, nine minutes later, and any hopes of a Clipstone comeback were extinguished as Debnam smashed in a fourth for the home side, sealing a well-earned victory in a tough and competitive fixture.

DARYL Clare said Louth Town are "getting better with every match" after watching his side storm to a 5-1 victory.

The White Wolves boss was delighted with his charges, as goals from Matt Kennedy (2), Elliott Broughton (2) and Andy Willoughby saw the hosts to a comfortable win.

The result leaves Louth fourth in the Northern Counties East League Division One table after 20 matches.

"Our defensive shape was excellent from front to back," said Clare. "On top of that we are finishing much better.

"We are, as a whole team, getting better with every match. We are making sure our last touch is good too.

"The spirit in the dressing room is great and we have some momentum now, which we want to take into our next game away to Emley.

"I nearly put myself on to start, but decided to go on the bench instead. I am glad to say I wasn't needed."

It didn't look promising for the hosts, though, with Hemsworth taking the lead in the first minute – Varley heading home from a corner.

Louth equalised less than a minute later with a fabulous goal by Kennedy after great work by Broughton.

Hemsworth's goalkeeper, Dale Walston, took a crack to the head attempting to prevent Louth's equaliser.

After receiving extensive treatment on the pitch, the stopper was taken to hospital and everyone at Louth wishes him a quick recovery.

The match resumed and Broughton gave Louth the lead in the 38th minute before Willoughby made it 3-1 four minutes later.

After the break, Jack Wightwick hit the woodwork with a shot as Louth went for a fourth. It came in the 59th minute from Broughton.

Kennedy also added his second to make the score 5-1. The Louth man dedicated his double to his grandfather who had died the previous night.

Hemsworth earned a penalty in the 69th minute, which Ian MacTaggart saved superbly to preserve the four-goal lead.

CAN you help us spread a bit of festive cheer this Christmas?

The Grimsby Telegraph has teamed up with the Artie White Foundation to donate 12 Christmas gifts to worthy causes in our area.

The charity will be giving away six food hampers and six £100 toy vouchers – and it wants your help to find the most deserving recipients.

As part of our 12 Days Of Christmas campaign we want to put a smile on the faces of some of the most underprivileged people in our community.

Whether it is an elderly pensioner who lives alone or a family with young children who are struggling to buy presents, you can help make their Christmas a brighter one this year.

You can nominate an individual or family to receive either a Christmas food hamper or £100 voucher.

You can nominate now by filling in the form below.

The nominations will be considered by the Artie White Foundation committee, who will pick the 12 most deserving, and each handover will be reported in the Grimsby Telegraph.

The Artie White Foundation was established in memory of the popular football player and manager, who died from a heart attack in 1996.

Since its formation in 1997, it has raised more than £450,000 for various good causes.

Dawn White, a committee member of the Artie White Foundation and one of Artie's daughters, said: "We would like to use the money that we have raised locally to help people who are less fortunate at Christmas time.

"We have been supporting local causes for 16 years now and understand that times are tough.

"Instead of looking forward to Christmas, many people will be worrying about how they will get through. Some maybe facing a Christmas on their own.

"I know this is something my dad would have loved. Since his death we have heard stories about him dropping off carrier bags of food at Christmas time to some of his friends who were struggling to ensure that their families had a great Christmas just like ours did. I like to think that with the 12 days of Christmas campaign we are following in his footsteps."

A FORMER nurse is worried that Louth could receive no ambulance cover if plans to change ambulance stations go ahead.

Jackie Featherstone, who is leading the Keep Calm And Save Louth Ambulance Station campaign, believes the town and its surrounding villages could end up with no cover at all.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) is currently consulting on proposed changes to the service, as reported.

Under current plans, both Grimsby's ambulance station, in Gilbey Way, and Louth's station, in Windsor Road, would close.

The organisation proposes to shut down many of its stations throughout the area because it claims they "are empty most of the time". Instead it plans to create 13 new "hubs" acting as garages or a base for paramedics across the East Midlands.

Grimsby's nearest hub would be in Elsham. For East Lindsey, this would be Skegness.

Alongside this, 131 standby points would be created – one located in each of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Louth to provide frontline services with hot drinks and toilets when waiting for calls to come in.

Jackie's husband, Roger, has illustrated a 15-mile radius of each proposed super hub, which shows the Louth and Horncastle area falling outside the cover area.

So far, signatures on both paper and online petitions total 1,650. "I spoke to Emas about the threat to Louth ambulance station," Jackie said. "I asked what will happen if an ambulance on its way to be in Louth reacted to a 999 call on the coast.

"I got told, if an ambulance is on its way to Louth from Skegness the ambulance would go back to answer the 999 call and that is where it will stay for the day. This is a serious concern for the whole of Louth as it means the town will be without any cover."

Mrs Featherstone has also raised other concerns including the security of the tactical deployment points, the storage of drugs and the extra travel that will be required by ambulance staff to get to the super hub each morning.

Bob Walker, of EMAS's Being The Best consultation project team, said Louth currently has three ambulance crews and that there are no plans to reduce this level of provision.

He said: "If one of our crews responds to an incident in Skegness that then requires acute care at either Grimsby or Skegness hospitals, we adjust our other resources to ensure we have sufficient cover to meet community needs.

"This is no different from our current situation. There is never a 'no cover' situation; our trained staff make these resource judgements every day.

"The vast majority of calls will not be responded to from hubs but by crews situated at our community ambulance posts.

"Once vehicles are properly serviced and restocked by 24-hour 'make ready' staff at a hub they are taken to community ambulance posts in locations such as Louth. This saves crews the need to drive into Skegness to collect their ambulance vehicle."

The consultation period on the plan ends on Monday, December 17 – keep checking your Telegraph for updates.

AS THE end of 2012 draws closer, entries for this year's Telegraph On Tour competition continue to arrive.

From escapes to foreign climes to visits a little bit closer to home, you have taken a copy of your trusty Grimsby Telegraph on all manner of adventures.

Here are the latest selection of entries, and more will be published soon.

And there is still plenty of time to enter – all you have to do is grab your camera, a copy of the paper and strike a pose.

Submit your entry

Submit your entries to: Telegraph On Tour, Newsroom, Grimsby Telegraph, 80 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, DN31 3EH or e-mail newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk. To be eligible for the 2012 competition, entries must be received by December 31. Please include a full postal address and daytime telephone number.

STARLETS are getting ready for their drama school's last ever showcase performance.

Budding actors and actresses of Mason's Academy Of Performing Arts will perform in their End Of Year Showcase next week at Oasis Academy Wintringham.

It will be the last showcase ever before MAPA is merged with Duck Egg Theatre in April.

Academy principal Anna Mason-Pedder is excited about the merger, which she believes will open up new opportunities for the students.

She said: "It will mean we can secure better funding for theatre and education projects, which is great for the older kids who want to get into professional acting.

"Both companies set up at the same time and have come together for various projects over the past three years. We have built a strong relationship and have helped each other get our names out there."

The students have been working on their performances for 12 weeks and are ready to take to the stage.

The six to ten-year-olds have been tasked with writing, directing and acting their take on Christmas – Who's kidnapped Santa Claus; the 11 to 13-year-olds have had to come up with a different ending to the Wizard Of Oz, while the 14 to 18-year-olds will perform to the theme of I Don't Like Mondays.

Anna said: "It has been difficult, but this project always is. They have all been responsible for writing, directing and performing the themes in just 12 weeks.

"There has been a lot to do in a short space of time and they have all given it a really good go."

Among the performers is Emilia Evison, 7, of Stallingborough. She said: "It has been really good. I have done two shows in front of people and I love being on stage, so I am looking forward to the end of show performance. I want to be an actress one day."

Bradley Braithwaite, 7, will play Santa in the production.

He said: "I can't wait to get on stage.

"I have performed lots of times and I am ready for it."

Find out more

The End Of Year Showcase will take place on Saturday and tickets are free, but seating must be booked in advance. For more information, call Anna on 07512 982792.

A PARISH councillor has vowed to remember the names of the fallen – including his uncle – etched in stone in a Laceby church, which could soon to be converted into six homes.

As reported, Laceby Methodist Church, in Chapel Lane, held its final service in August last year and was sold to private owners George Walker and Geoff Standley.

The new owners have confirmed that they plan to convert the main chapel into a four-bedroom house and four flats which they plan to submit a planning application for in the next few weeks.

Mr Standley and Mr Walker have already applied to North East Lincolnshire Council for planning permission to convert the building at the back into a two-bedroom home.

However, the main chapel contains a list of the names of men who died in the First World War which parish councillor Dave Marshall, whose uncle, Thomas William Marshall is on the list, has vowed to return to the community.

"This is a very personal task and I feel that is absolutely essential that these men, who gave their lives, are remembered," he said.

The new owners unlocked the building on Remembrance Day so that Mr Marshall and fellow councillor Sue Turner could lay wreaths by the list for what he believes is the first time since he became a parish councillor 36 years ago.

Mr Marshall plans to stand down as a councillor in April, but has vowed to return the stone to "its rightful place" in Laceby Cemetery before he does – and the new owners have promised to help.

Electrician Geoff Standley, 29, of Scartho, served in the Royal Artillery for five years, before he worked for local firm McCann's Street Lighting.

Mr Standley said: "We will do everything we can to help, but I think it is important that we find the right location for it because it can't just go into storage – something like that should be seen.

Joiner Mr Walker, 26, who watched the parade on Remembrance Day, said: "We want to see the plaque put somewhere in the village where people can see it and we're happy to help take it out and secure it in its new home."

Mr Walker and Mr Standley plan to submit an application for their plans for the chapel in the next few weeks.

Mr Standley added: "The outside will remain mainly unchanged although we hope to restore it to how it used to look.

"We believe that putting these buildings back into use as homes is the best way to secure the buildings for the future.

"We have spoken to some of the neighbours who don't seem to have any objections to our plans."

MORE than £700 was raised for a charity that helps people to walk themselves well.

The Old Clee Social Club And Institute held a fundraiser for North East Lincolnshire's Walkwell Scheme, which holds walks across the borough to get people more active to improve their health.

The fundraiser was organised by club chairman, Dave Morris, who is also a member of the health group, and saw a raffle, tombola, auction and buffet.

Mr Morris said: "We are very pleased with how much we raised. It will make a lot of difference, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes in WalkWell and it needs money to survive.

"It was an absolutely excellent night, it was great to see everyone together.

"WalkWell means a lot to people, it helps get people out, especially people who live on their own. It is more than a way to get fit, it is a place to make friends, too."

The night was so successful they will hold another fundraiser in April.

The Old Clee Social Club And Institute's Christmas fish and chips supper will take place on Saturday, December 15.

There will be a quiz, raffle and bingo and all proceeds will go into the club's social fund.

A SOCIAL group that helps people deal with arthritis celebrated a 25-year milestone of service to our community.

Members of the Arthritis Care Grimsby and Cleethorpes branch gathered to reminisce and look forward to many more years to come at a thanksgiving service at the Grimsby Minster.

The group has 60 members – with many joining to ease the pain and isolation that is related with the disease – which causes painful inflammation of the joints.

Chairman Irene Mercer, from Grimsby, has been part of the group since day one. She said: "We hold social meetings and outings once a month so sufferers can forget about their pain.

"I think it's fantastic the group has been running for a quarter of a century and it's because of our determination and commitment.

"I suffer with arthritis and it is so painful and horrendous – it can cause isolation."

Irene said she has lots of fond memories of her time with the group, including many outings.

The Reverend Steve Holt, assistant curate, said he was honoured to hold the service, adding it was an opportunity for the group to look ahead to many more years to come.

"It's a chance for people to get together and give thanks for the group which has played a part in our community by helping others," he said.

"Members can renew their commitment and say prayers and I think it's fantastic they have been successfully helping people for so many years."

Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Mike Burton, said society would be a poorer place if groups like this don't keep going.

"The arthritis care group has an important role to play in the community and it's great that this can be recognised at the service," he said.

"The group is obviously doing something right to be still going strong after all these years."

Cleethorpes MP, Martin Vickers also attended. He said: "It's a pleasure to attend a service like this where a charity has pulled together to help others."

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Brian Marsh, also celebrated the milestone. He said: "It's fantastic to see the group recognise their efforts at the service.

"This group is a lifeline for those who have to deal with arthritis on a daily basis."

Find out more

The group meets at the Corpus Christi Church every first Wednesday of the month, from 7pm to 9pm. For more information, call Irene on 01472 230891.

THE smog and smoke from Immingham factories will be lifted thanks to the planting of thousands of trees.

Volunteers came out in force to plant 5,000 trees on land off Spring Street over the weekend as part of the Jubilee Woods Project.

Once grown, it will transform the field into a woodland locals can be proud of and will become home to hundreds of different types of wildlife.

Ecology officer for North East Lincolnshire Council, Mike Sleight, said: "It is going to give Immingham something similar to Bradley Woods, and they don't have anything like at the moment. It will become lovely woodland which in the future will contribute to the air quality, which is an issue here. It will also enhance the wildlife.

"It is the perfect place for them."

It was the first of a series of community tree-planting days, organised by the Woodland Trust and North East Lincolnshire Council, which will see a total of 20,000 trees planted on the site by December 7.

And while they have their work cut out for them, the hardy bunch managed to plant 2,500 scotts pine and broadleaf trees in just half an hour.

The local In Bloom groups are each lending a hand during the various planting days.

Chairman of Cleethorpes In Bloom, Bob Callison, said: "Immingham is an industrial port town. These trees will help clear the air of dust and smog from the factories so whatever they are taking out of the environment we are helping put back in.

"Nature is a wonderful thing and if you look after it, it will look after you."

Tens of kindhearted volunteers lent a hand but organisers want to see more next Saturday when they return to the site for another morning of tree planting.

One volunteer, Keith Knox, 64, of Lundy Court, Immingham, said: "It is great for the community and while I probably won't live to see them grown, it is great to know I was a part of it. It is great for wildlife and brings fresh air to the town."

Natalie Parry, 14, of Grimsby, helped plant the trees in a bid to complete her Duke of Edinburgh award.

She said: "It has been a great experience and something to do for the morning. It will look really good when they are all grown and when I see it I can think, 'I did that'. It is a great idea."

THE Parkway Cinema in Cleethorpes is hosting a festive musical spectacular with all the trimmings.

It's Bloomin' Christmas Again, the second annual Cleethorpes In Bloom Christmas Concert is taking place on Thursday, December 6.

The show will include performances of classic songs from the big West End musicals as well as rousing renditions of Christmas carols.

After the success of last year's inaugural event, the In Bloom committee is hoping for another 300-seat sellout, and tickets are disappearing fast.

Returning for this year's show are classical singers Leroy Vickers and Martin Jackson, and the Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes Band, while appearing for the first time are the Louth Male Voice Choir and 17-year-old soprano Jodie Watson.

Compere for the evening will be Compass FM presenter Richard Lyon.

Bob Callison, chairman of Cleethorpes In Bloom, said: "The first concert last year was such a success that we have decided to do it again, but this time with a slight twist.

"There will be songs from the big shows like Oklahoma, and then, in the second half, we are going to have the Christmas carols and there will be a chance for the audience to participate in the grand finale.

"The Kingsway Printers did a fantastic job last year and I'm delighted that the Louth Male Voice Choir will also be performing this year. This really is a show not to be missed."

Once again, proceeds from the event will go towards the Cleethorpes In Bloom campaign, which faces another busy year in 2013.

In addition to organising its own local gardening competition, Cleethorpes will be competing in the both the East Midlands and Britain In Bloom competition, as well as hosting the prestigious national awards ceremony for the first time.

Mr Callison said: "We are no different from any other charity and we are feeling the pinch in light of what is happening with the economy.

"We do need as much help as we can get because we have things like certificates to buy for the local competitions and we've got the big national competition coming to Cleethorpes, which will be a wonderful opportunity to market the resort to the whole country."

Get tickets

Tickets for It's Bloomin' Christmas Again are £12.50 and £11.50 for concessions, and are available online at www.parkwaycinemas.co.uk, by calling on 01472 290100 or in person from the Parkway Cinema in Kings Road, Cleethorpes.

STUDENT joiners will fit in valuable work experience to impress potential employers.

Well established firm Newby Leisure, on Bradleys Corner, Wilton Road Industrial Estate, Humberston, has teamed up with the Grimsby Institute for a year, giving 60 students an insight into their desired career.

The brand new partnership reiterates the message behind the Grimsby Telegraph's Your Life: Your Future campaign.

As reported, the initiative is encouraging employers to give young people work experience, so they can go on to paid employment.

Newby Leisure, which manufactures and installs playground equipment across the country, is a family business that has been running for the past decade.

Brothers and directors of the company, Alastair and Neil Newby, believe their company is now big enough to move forward in this way.

Alastair said: "We know it is hard out there for young people to get jobs, so as a growing company we feel in a position to try to help.

"It is the first time we have done anything like this. Each student will be with us for at least a week.

"The Institute is providing us with a mixture of first, second and third year students – our aim is to find future employees out of it.

"We both agree that work experience is vital, not only for the individuals but for ourselves. For them it teaches time management, work ethics and dealing with responsibility.

"For us, it is an opportunity to asses and develop their skills."

The brothers are satisfied to be giving young people the chance of work as soon as they have left education.

Peter Mitchell, 16, was eager to take up the work experience offer. The first year Grimsby Institute student, said: "I wanted to challenge myself to see if joinery really is the career for me.

"You can learn plenty in a classroom but it is very different from actually working in the industry.

"It has been my first chance to obtain any work experience in a place where I would like to start a career."

Jordan Grant is in his second year at Grimsby Institute studying joinery and carpentry.

The 17-year-old said: "I think it is great that we can take opportunities up like this.

"Any work experience will look good on my CV but especially something that is within the field of work I want to do.

"Hopefully what I learn during my placement I can take back to the classroom to advance my studies."

Staff at Grimsby Institute are grateful to Newby Leisure for being prepared to accept young learners.

Dave Potts, Institute team leader in carpentry and joinery, said: "I think the confidence of employers taking on young learners is at an all time low, what we are doing now is very encouraging partnership work.

"It gives students that boost to know there are employers willing to give their time to them."

"RAISING literacy in young people is key to raising attainment in all areas."

This was the message from Clare Glaves, the assistant principal of John Whitgift Academy, as the school became the first to introduce an interactive reading system aimed at improving literacy standards.

Particularly focused on years Seven, Eight and Nine, the launch of the scheme follows news that nearly half of children in North East Lincolnshire are failing to meet the required reading standards in their first year of primary school, as reported.

Mrs Glaves added: "Young people have a lot of distractions today, such as computer games and movies, but we want to try to develop a culture of reading and a love for books, because literacy has an impact on attainment in every single subject."

The new department has books marked with varying reading levels and each book has a code which students can use to access an interactive quiz.

If the student scores full marks on the quiz, it would indicate that they are reading at a comfortable level or could choose a more challenging book.

However, if the quiz shows a lack of understanding, the child may be encouraged to pick a slightly easier book next time.

Students in years Seven to Nine have already been tested and have been allocated a book according to their reading level.

Sally Smith, who manages the department with Rebecca Smith, said: "If young people pick up a book that they don't understand, it can really put them off, but this provides a clear guide so that they can pick something they will enjoy."

Children in years Seven to Nine have one literacy lesson a week but the department will also be open at lunch and break times.

Parents have also been invited into the school to be given an introduction to the system and how to encourage reading at home.

Rebecca Smith said: "We are open any time for people who want to read more or need a little extra help.

"We will also be selecting pupils in years Ten and Eleven who could benefit from extra support."

Principal Mark Rushby said: "We are very passionate about raising literacy standards.

"A recent study showed that one in seven adults do not read at a sufficient level to properly understand a newspaper or even instructions on the back of a bottle of medicine.

"It also shows these people's children are more likely to have poor literacy skills, so it can become an endless cycle – unless we do something to address it."

Councillor Peggy Elliott (Lab, Freshney) said: "Literacy is everything and yet again, John Whitgift is leading the way in taking measures to improve it."