"I FEEL honoured to be in this position – but the Queen is a lot smaller than I imagined!"

These are the words of a 66-year-old who met Her Majesty after travelling to London to be appointed MBE for her services to education.

As reported, Doreen White, of Crosby Road, Grimsby, visited Buckingham Palace to receive her prestigious award.

Mrs White – who has had to take a step back from work to fight cancer of the throat – has enjoyed taking on various roles at Franklin College for more than 20 years.

She started as a cleaner, before taking on a more active role with students and working in the student welfare department.

However, a full-time caretaker role provided her with more hours, which she committed to until the age of 60.

Many people at this age would start to think about retirement, or even their pension, but not Mrs White.

Instead, she applied for a new job within the school – which she was successful in getting.

She said: "I worked from 10am to 4pm as a social area supervisor.

"I just made sure the children were okay and made myself available to them if they had any problems.

"In one way the students were more like my friends. They would come and ask me about anything and I would try to help them out as best I could.

"I would like to think they could confide in me."

The married mum-of-four, received a letter about her MBE earlier in the year, but recalls not taking it too seriously.

She said: "I thought it was a joke at first, but it had a header from St James's Palace.

"The news was very welcome as, at the time, I was going through treatment for my cancer.

"I am now in the recovery stage after an operation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I have loved working in the education field and was sad to have had to leave because of my illness at the beginning of the year.

"This kind of recognition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – visiting Buckingham Place was fantastic.

"The Queen was a very polite lady who asked me about my time at Franklin College.

"My husband Paul, 62, is very proud of me and keeps telling people about the award."

Share your stories

Have you or your loved ones got something to celebrate that you would like to share with our readers? If so, e-mail newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or call 01472 372213.

Family announcements can be read from page 26 of today's paper.

A QUICK-thinking hero dived into the sea to save a suicidal young woman who threw herself off the edge of a harbour.

Stephen George, 41, who grew up in Holton-le-Clay, had just finished a 12-hour shift as a coastguard when he saw the woman wearing pyjamas swaying by the side of the harbour in Weymouth, Dorset, at 7pm.

His colleagues watched with concern for a few minutes, but as soon as they went to their vehicles, the 20-year-oldwoman jumped off the side of the harbour and into the water – a 15ft drop as it was low tide.

Stephen said he "didn't even think about it" as he shed his jacket and dived into the 12C water after her – even though he works in the control room and is not trained to take part in rescues.

He swam to the woman, grabbed her, and dragged her to some concrete steps – usually used by tourists to get to rowing boats during the summer – and pulled her out of the water.

Stephen's colleagues in Weymouth, where he now works, who had seen him jump in, had already called an ambulance and he kept his arm around the girl to keep them warm until the ambulance arrived.

Stephen, who went to Tollbar school, said: "I knew that something was wrong by looking at her and when I saw her go in, it was just instinctive.

"The adrenaline got going straight away and I didn't really think about the cold – I was just focused on making sure that she was safe.

"It takes a while for the sea to lose its warmth after the summer so we were lucky it was this side of Christmas.

"She was panicking so I had to try to calm her down and get her to the steps so she didn't drag me under, too.

"Luckily, my colleagues saw me jump in and had already launched an operation as they would do with information from the public – but it was me in the water."

It later emerged that the woman had been drinking and she had jumped into the sea in an attempt to end her life.

Stephen said: "Apparently she had been having a really rough time of it lately and it is so sad that it could get to that point, particularly in someone of her age.

"I saw her face as she went in the water and she looked as though she changed her mind instantly and realised that this wasn't what she wanted to do.

"People in those circumstances often want to just put it behind them – which I can understand – but she actually came into the station to try to find me and say thanks but I wasn't there.

"It was very brave of her to come back and see me and I hope things pick up for her."

TWO "callous" burglars – one of which was high on a cocktail of M-cat and diazepam – have been locked up after they "ransacked" a man's home and "stripped" it of anything valuable.

They were both caught "practically red-handed" as they tried to flee from the back garden after the raid, a court heard.

Nathan Webster, 19, of Carnforth Crescent, Grimsby, and Aydn Faulder, 20, of Milton Road, Grimsby, admitted burglary on August 7.

Helen Wheatley, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that the occupier returned home to find police at his flat.

Two rear windows had been forced at the premises in Chester Walk, Grimsby, and every room had been searched. Clothes had been thrown out of a window and were strewn across the back garden.

A 42in television, games consoles and equipment, a mountain bike, a remote control, a bottle of aftershave and two mobile phones had been stolen.

Both intruders tried to escape from the garden and a police officer tried to grab one of them. Faulder hurled a can of aerosol towards an officer, but he was chased and wrestled to the ground.

He had been taking diazepam and M-cat – adding yet more weight to the Grimsby Telegraph's campaign to highlight the dangers of the illegal drug, and the adverse psychological effects it can have on users.

Webster was detained in Digby Gardens. All the stolen property was recovered.

Judge David Tremberg told the pair: "You two worked as a team to force entry to the complainant's home. Once inside, it was ransacked.

"You showed callous contempt for his home, his property and his privacy. You acted as a team to strip the property of all items of value you could find, both big and small.

"You were caught practically red-handed. Your intention was to strip this man of practically everything that he owned."

Richard Hackfath, mitigating, said high value items were stolen during an untidy search but the burglars were not "organised criminals". A large number of diazepam tablets were found on Webster.

He had been in custody for 32 days and was already serving a custodial sentence. He started using diazepam after "hanging around" with old associates.

Craig Lowe, representing Faulder, said all the stolen items were recovered. Faulder made very early admissions, showed remorse and had spent 105 days in custody.

"Alcohol, in addition to drugs, played a big part in this offence," said Mr Lowe.

Webster, who also admitted possessing diazepam, was locked up for two years and three months.

Faulder, who had previously been given an anti-social behaviour order, was given 22 months' custody.

TIGHTER controls will be imposed on a regular troublemaker after a new antisocial behaviour order was made on him.

An original two-year Asbo made in December 2010 has been extended by two more years.

The order was made against Mark Stubbs, 25, who has previously lived in a Grimsby hostel.

The new tougher conditions were imposed at Hull Magistrates' Court.

After the hearing, Chief Inspector Will Jenkins, who is responsible for operations and neighbourhood policing within North East Lincolnshire, said: "Stubbs can get very aggressive and violent with police officers, police community support officers and those who try to catch and detain him in shops.

"He has recently been in prison for an offence of shop theft in Immingham and one in Hull.

"His record is appalling and he has breached his current Asbo several times in the two years that he has had it.

"The new Asbo has two exclusion zones that will far better protect shopkeepers and shoppers than before.

"Stubbs will remain in prison over the festive season, and he is due for release early in February.

"When he does come back, we will be ready for him and, at the slightest sign of him misbehaving, we will make sure that he is arrested and put back before the courts."

Conditions of the new Asbo include banning Stubbs from:

Remaining in any premises when asked to leave.

Acting, or inciting others to act, in an antisocial manner by causing harassment, alarm or distress.

Entering an exclusion zone area including St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes, and Grimsby town centre.

Being drunk in any public place.

RESIDENTS at a Grimsby apartment complex are enjoying their new colourful courtyard.

Cherry Blossom Court, Cambridge Road, is benefiting from a community grant from Longhurst And Havelok Homes to purchase plants and garden decorations.

Paul Whale, 54, has lived at the complex for 11 months, and applied for the grant to help spruce up the courtyard area.

He said: "We got a £500 grant from Longhurst And Havelok, which allowed us to start creating a nice garden for the other residents.

"A lot of the apartments look into the courtyard and it was very dreary.

"We spoke to Colin at Alford Garden centre who has been really helpful and gave us lots of plants and even a bird feeder.

"They put all the plants in pots and even delivered them for us.

"We are really grateful to him and all the staff.

"It has made a huge difference. But this is only the start. I really want to get some raised planters so the older residents can get gardening without having to bend over.

"We would really like a bench, or some outside seating for the summer."

Rachael Jones, of Longhurst And Havelok Homes, said: "The grant is part of our community chest fund.

"Anybody who is a Havelok resident can apply for up to £500 to improve where they live or any community group or club that they are a part of.

"To apply all you need to do is contact Havelok and you could be given the grant."

For further information, call 0800 1114013.

DON'T miss your chance to put a smile on the face of someone you know this Christmas.

The Grimsby Telegraph has teamed up with the Artie White Foundation to donate a festive hamper to worthy causes in the area.

Earlier this month, we launched our 12 Days of Christmas Campaign, appealing for readers to nominate worthy recipients of this festive giveaway.

The Artie White Foundation wants to donate six food hampers and six £100 toy vouchers to the most deserving people in our community.

And with this Friday's deadline for nominations fast approaching, this is your final chance to make someone's Christmas a brighter one this year – whether that is an elderly pensioner who lives alone or a family with young children struggling to buy presents.

Barry Meadows, a committee member of the Artie White Foundation, said: "Christmas is a special time of year, but it can also be a difficult time for many people.

"The Artie White Foundation has always supported local charities at Christmas, and this year we wanted to widen the range of possible recipients by allowing readers of the Grimsby Telegraph to tell us who they think deserves a gift this Christmas.

"I would urge people to nominate somebody because we have the funds available to brighten up their Christmas."

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

To nominate someone for a festive gift simply complete the form below.

THE Government has announced £1.7 million of local investment to improve childcare facilities and double the number of childcare places for the most disadvantaged children.

The Department For Education (DfE) has allocated £1,242,085 to North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) to pay for ten hours a week of early education to two-year-olds.

A further £487,609 will also be invested in the area to help build, extend or improve nurseries in the area.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "Good quality childcare gives children a head start even before they walk through the school gates for the first time.

"No child should miss out on this just because of the circumstances of their birth."

The childcare funding has been in place since 2009 to parents who are in receipt of one of five benefits and who tick two boxes on a list of criteria – the same as for free school meals.

There were previously 270 places – worth about £2,000 a year – available in North East Lincolnshire, equivalent to 10 per cent of families, but they were hugely oversubscribed, which meant a special panel would have to pick the children who most needed help.

This funding will double the number of places so that 20 per cent of families have access to the funding – and further funding is in place to fund childcare for 40 per cent from 2014.

Wendy Shelbourn, head of integrated family services for NELC, said that a steering group has already been established to develop an implementation plan for the additional places from September 2013.

Sharon Jarvis, senior deputy manager at Central Children's Centre on the East Marsh, one of the most deprived areas of the country, said: "I have taught children who could have really benefited from this but their parents can't afford it. There are children who do not have the same skills as others when they come to us at three-years-old and exposure to their peers can be a great help.

"They don't just come here to play – there are many social skills that they learn here that are essential for them in later life."

The £487,609 of capital funding will be available for childcare providers – including nurseries, seasonal playgroups and child-minders – to apply for and NELC will consult them on what it could be used for in 2013.

The Government's Childcare Minister Elizabeth Truss urged all local authorities to pass on the funding to the frontline as soon as possible, "so that providers are able to retain and recruit the top-quality staff that our youngsters deserve".

The Government said research in other countries showed that "early learning" for two-year-olds had tangible benefits for their development.

If parents have any queries about nursery funding, call NELC's Family Service on 0800 1830317.

This Grimsby lad is a true high-flier. Six years after he first applied, RAF engineer Dave Armstrong has been given his dream job with the Red Arrows. He talked to reporter James Dunn about being part of what many regard as the best aerobatic team in the world.

DAVE Armstrong grew up in Laceby and Wybers Wood and went to Healing Comprehensive School.

Like many young people, he did his A-levels at Franklin College, but never fancied taking the route that might land him a comfortable office job.

After working as a barman at the Oaklands Hotel, a shop assistant at TK Maxx and a factory worker at Young's, Dave signed up for an engineering course at Grimsby Institute and finally realised that the direction he wanted to go was up – so he joined the Royal Air Force.

Dave, 26, said: "I knew I didn't want a normal nine to five job and I'd been thinking about joining the RAF for some time. In the end, I think it was nightshifts working in a factory that made me take that leap of faith. I decided I would just do it and I'm glad I did."

When he joined in 2004, his grandparents gave him a gift – a framed photo of the Red Arrows flying over Grimsby Dock Tower. It gave Dave something to aim for and in 2005, he applied to join. Seven years later, his wish was finally granted and he joined the team in March 2012, working on the ground from RAF Scampton near Lincoln. However, this display season – which runs from February to October – he will be an even more integral part of the team and will even ride with the pilots.

Senior Aircraftman Dave Armstrong will become Circus 3, the engineer who is in charge of maintaining Flight Lieutenant Mike Lawson's Hawk T1 plane which will include everything from re-fuelling to fixing the aircraft if anything malfunctions. SAC Armstrong will travel with the Circus all over Europe and will ride with Mike Lawson – whose mother is also from Grimsby – in transit, but not during the displays.

He said: "We don't go with them for displays because what they're doing is so precise that they don't need any distractions at all. However, there are some long transits which could be quite boring and I think they are glad to have someone to talk to."

SAC Armstrong admits to being a little star struck when he first met the pilots.

"They are so good at what they do that I felt under pressure to meet their high standards. It was tough at first but I feel really confident at what I do now. There is still a lot of pressure because the Red Arrows are one of the best aerobatic teams in the world. If I don't do my job properly, the plane could potentially go down – but that is not going to happen.

He said: "Being in the Circus is definitely a step up. We have to do more training with the pilots because we are flying with them and some of that is a bit nerve-wracking. We train falling off diving boards and getting rid of our parachutes and into life rafts in the sea so that we know what do if we have to eject."

Despite the prestige surrounding the Red Arrow pilots, SAC Armstrong said that the atmosphere in the Circus is better than any he has known in the RAF before.

He said: "I was working in Afghanistan with Tornados beforehand. Ground staff and pilots stayed in separate buildings and only saw each other when they got into the planes. The planes weren't as reliable and it felt like as soon as we fixed something, another thing went wrong. With recent cuts to military personnel, we just didn't have the manpower to deal with all the repairs.

"The Red Arrows are a lot more reliable and the atmosphere here is much better. The pilots are actually really chatty and always ask how your weekend was and even come out for a beer with us occasionally. The team is really friendly and you spend a lot of time with the pilots so get to know each other quite well."

SAC Armstrong's season starts in February when the team flies over to Greece. They will then travel to Cyprus for training before beginning a hectic season of events every weekend until October – including the Cleethorpes Festival Of Flight if organisers manage to book the headline act again this year.

As reported, the first ever Festival Of Flight brought £7,000 and £3 million into the resort in June this year when the Red Arrows stole the show. Organisers have already announced next year's event – but SAC Armstrong will be on the ground at RAF Scampton.

He added: "I remember the Cleethorpes event this year and I was working on the ground when lots of my mates from home were out on the lash for the show and it will be the same this year. Cleethorpes is so close to RAF Scampton that we don't need to move the Circus so I will have to stay here."

However, his career in the RAF has already taken him to Arizona, the Czech Republic, Cyprus and Afghanistan, and this year, he will travel all around Europe with the Red Arrows.

"I'm so proud to be travelling with the reds. I remember a time when I felt like I was going nowhere and now I am part of one of the best aerobatic teams in the world," he added.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help or businesses looking to be a part of the Festival Of Flight can find out more by e-mailing info@cleethorpesairshow.co.uk

AN AVIATION author has released his latest book about unarmed planes which became fodder to German fighters in the First World War.

Lifelong aviation enthusiast Paul Hare, 64, of Itterby Crescent, Cleethorpes, has just released his sixth published book.

The book is about the SL5 which the British Government bought thousands of when they were built in 1914, then later adapted with weapons.

However, when the Germans introduced the Fokker in the summer of 1915 – their first purpose-built fighter plane – British and French planes were virtually defenceless.

It began the period known as "the Fokker Scourge', in which pilots referred to themselves as "Fokker fodder" – thus the title.

The crisis even led an MP to stand up in the House of Commons and accuse the British Government of murder.

"The crisis was very serious and eventually led to the introduction of the Royal Air Force so it really is a pivotal part of Britain's military history," said Mr Hare. The author has been researching the period for more than 40 years and first thought of writing the book more than a decade ago.

However, it wasn't until the former plumbing and heating engineer retired that he sat down to write it.

Mr Hare said: "Writing can take some time but not nearly as much as the research and it can be very engrossing.

"Everything else in my life can take a back seat when I start writing – even family life.

"This book was something I have wanted to write for so long that it wasn't until I retired that I thought I could give it the commitment that it deserved."

Mr Hare was brought up in London and believes his love for aviation was first discovered during a school trip to London Airport.

He later became a plumbing and heating engineer and first came to the area when he was awarded a three-month contract to design the heating system for Grimsby Leisure Centre in 1971 – and he never left.

It is his love of engineering that now fuels his interest.

"I think I was born an engineer – I have just always loved finding out how things work.

"These old planes were made of wood, wire and linen which sounds crude now, but it was amazing given the materials they had available to them."

Fokker Fodder: The Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c, is available to buy online at Amazon now and can be ordered at any bookseller.

The cover price is £18.99 – although many booksellers sell it at a discounted rate.

MUCH-loved "grandma to all" Brenda Dobbs has received a royal honour.

The shining star of Immingham's Bright Spot community group now proudly wears a brooch sent by The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla.

She also received a certificate signed by the royal couple to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Year.

They are to honour nearly 30 years of volunteering with the group which provides entertainment and activities for people with learning difficulties.

Little did she expect when she joined the club in 1983 that she would still be at the helm and providing fun for the members and respite for the Immingham-area families with young people with learning difficulties.

Brenda was one of 4,573 nominees and representatives of 249 charity groups involved in the Grimsby Telegraph-backed Diamond Champions Awards.

Judges picked 60 entries, including Brenda, from each region to be presented with a specially-designed Diamond Champions badge and certificate signed by the Royal couple.

The 77-year-old was nominated by club secretary Lynne Gregory, who put her name forward for the acknowledgement by the WRVS.

Brenda said: "I did not know a thing about it. I was invited to go to York to receive it but due to a hospital appointment I wasn't able to go along."

She added: "I was very pleased to receive it as next year will be 30 years of being with the group. Bright Spot is my life. They won't let me retire.

"I am very pleased to have got as far as I have."

She told how she began as a Brown Owl with Grimsby Brownies before she and husband Geoff moved to Immingham.

Initially she joined the bellringers at St Andrew's Church in Immingham and was invited to join Bright Spot.

Within a year she was appointed leader and has kept the group alive ever since. In its time, the club has moved from the WRVS based at Craikhill, to the Margaret Street Resource Centre. When it closed, the club moved to the Bert Boyden Centre in Carver Road.

There the volunteers provide activities and craft evenings, and crafts and stage quizzes every Friday between 7pm and 9pm.

The royal brooch is the latest in a series of awards including a trip to Buckingham Palace in 2005 when she shook hands with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

She also won the Grimsby Telegraph's Volunteer Of The Year award in 2009 for her dedication to Bright Spot.

The devoted Grimsby Town fan has cared for generations of members.

Gemma Bolton, 29, who has been with the group since she was 12 years, said: "She is grandma to us all. We always go to her when we need to and she is always there for us to help cheer us up. We would not be without Brenda.

Lindsay Austin, 32, who has been a member for 20 years said: "She is like a grandma. She is my B.F.F. – my best friend forever."

THEY'RE behind you!

The Cinderella cast have landed in town and are preparing to transport you into a magical world as they rehearse for the Christmas pantomime at the Grimsby Auditorium.

Amongst those rehearsing for this year's festive extravaganza is TV's How Clean Is Your House? star "Queen of Clean" Kim Woodburn.

Kim, who is currently staying at the Humber Royal Hotel in Grimsby, will transform into the Wicked Stepmother for the first show on Friday, December 7.

The star has been going over her script at home with her husband, and she describes her role as a "nasty piece of work."

"I'm very excited about this character and it's very different and strange for me to have a script because I'm used to TV work," Kim said.

"I have been laughing so much at rehearsals and the atmosphere has been great between the cast. I think we have enough days to rehearse the play in time, and I can't wait to have an audience at the Auditorium because that's when it will come alive."

The cast will be trying out their outfits next week for the show and Kim hopes for a really big dress.

"I can't wait to see my outfit– I want a really big dress," she said.

"And I can't wait to get on stage and flirt with all the men!"

Mark Pearce, is director and also plays Buttons in the show, and he said the cast had a very warm welcome to the town.

"The Christmas light switch on at the Go To Town event was great and we were given a very warm welcome," he said.

"We also went into a bar in Cleethorpes and we were handed a guitar to have a singsong to some of the songs we will be performing in the show."

"There will be lots of pop songs in the show, such as the Sugababes and Olly Murs.

"There will also be two miniature palomino ponies pulling the carriage which are really cute.

"People can expect a lot of fun, and laughter and during the Christmas Eve performance there might be a special appearance from Father Christmas!"

The Pantomime will take place from Friday, December 7 until Wednesday, December 26 at various times.

Tickets cost £16 for adults and £12.50 for children and concessions. To book, call 0844 871 3016 or visit www.atgtickets.com/grimsbyauditori um.co.uk

TETNEY star Ella Henderson is on the front cover of a national magazine this week.

She tweeted a picture of herself in Covent Garden, London, holding a copy of LOOK magazine, which shows her on the front cover wearing a backless dress and sporting luscious locks.

In the weekly magazine, she speaks about her relationship with Union J – and it seems that George Shelley isn't her main crush in the boyband.

As reported, it was thought that the pair were dating after they were spotted holding hands while walking around London recently.

But she revealed, in actual fact, she has a bit of a soft spot for Josh Cuthbert. The 16-year-old told the magazine: "Let me explain it like this. George is my best friend. Jaymi is like my big brother, JJ is hilarious and, yeah, like..."

Ella revealed that she and Josh are "very close" and hoping to spend more time together when X Factor finishes.

She added: "At the moment it's hard to say. He's still in the competition. As soon as we're both out of it, it's going to go boom.

"At the moment (we are just) very close and good friends, but after the competition, I'd love to see him. I do want to spend time with him. Only time will tell."

A ROAD safety officer has called for the A18 to have its speed limit cut to 50mph.

The call came after an inquest into the death of mother-of-three Kay Wells, whose car lost control on a bend and collided with a number of trees near Ashby Top.

Although there was no evidence the 30-year-old, of Wheatfield Drive, Waltham, was driving at excessive speed, Pc Barry Gardner, casualty reduction officer for Humberside Police, said the fatal crash was more evidence of the need to curb speed on the notorious route.

North East Lincolnshire Council is currently consulting over the proposed reduction in speed.

There have been 20 collisions on the road in the past three years.

Ten of those were at junctions.

Pc Gardner said reducing the speed to 50mph from 60mph would add less than a minute to the journey time for motorists on the A18.

He said: "It is a high-speed road. Fifty miles an hour is not an unreasonable limit and is what we are looking at."

He said the route could be monitored with speed cameras to measure average speed of motorists along the length of the route which links the A16 to the A180.

He added: "I would urge care when driving on the A18 as I would on all roads."

The inquest heard that Mrs Wells' silver Daewoo Tacuma was spotted on a bend between the B1203 Ashby Hill and the Waltham turn-off by passer-by Graham Marshall, of Louth, who was returning home from work as a company director for a Killingholme construction firm.

He said he found the mother slumped at the wheel of the car with her daughter Lilly, 4, injured in a booster seat in the back.

The girl was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary following the crash at about 6pm on April 3.

She suffered a broken arm, a neck injury and bruising to her face. The inquest heard both the driver and passenger were wearing seatbelts.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, North Lincolnshire and Grimsby coroner Paul Kelly said there was no evidence of excess speed, nor a medical emergency or sudden catastrophic defect with the car.

Nor was the condition or surface of the road to blame, he added.

Mr Kelly said: "Excluding all the possibilities, we are left with a moment of transient distraction which could have led to the loss of control."

A post mortem examination revealed the driver suffered a head injury in the crash as the car spun round, first clockwise and then anti-clockwise as it collided with trees.

Crash investigator Ian Charlton said due to a lack of evidence and witnesses the only possibility remaining was that the mother may have been temporarily distracted by her daughter at a critical time.

There was no evidence she had been using her phone, he said.

Mr Marshall told how he rang 999 after stopping at the crash scene. He said the crashed car was visible despite slipping down a two-metre embankment.

He told how emergency services were on the scene quickly.

The regular user of the A18 said: "The road is challenging at times."

Following the inquest Pc Andy Widgery, of Humberside Police traffic unit, praised the public spirit of Mr Marshall.

The officer said: "His actions, while not of any help to Kay, were certainly extremely important in the care that was needed for Lilly. She was in need of immediate care."

After recovering from the crash, the four-year-old was able to tell relatives that her only memory of what happened was feeling the car suddenly go out of control and the damage caused to the windscreen.

In tribute, Mrs Kay's mother Wendy Cammack, of Brian Avenue, Waltham, said: "She was a fantastic, caring mother to three children, who were her life. They meant everything to her.

"She was also a wonderful, loving daughter and sister. This accident has left us devastated and we miss her terribly every day."

She told how Kay had picked her up to go to Cleethorpes Leisure Centre with her three children.

The two older children, Ethan and Jasmine, were dropped off at their father's home in Stainton Drive, Grimsby, before Kay drove her mum back to Waltham.

The mother said she was surprised her daughter drove in the direction of the A18 and not towards her home in Wheatfield Drive.

She said she assumed she was going to buy some tea for her daughter. She said her daughter was an experienced and safe driver and recalled seeing Lilly securely strapped to her booster seat.

She told how relatives sat by Lilly's bed for several days until she was able to be told her mother had died in the crash.

Mrs Cammack said: "As a family, however devastated we were, we tried to keep things together for Lilly. It was several days before we were able to tell Lilly her mum had died."

She said the family were giving as much "stability and support" to the three children.

Lilly's father Keith, a serving Grenadier Guard, was flown home from Afghanistan to care for his daughter.

Kay had helped raise money for Help For Heroes two years ago by hosting a charity night at The Jubilee Inn on Wybers Wood, Grimsby.

TWENTY years after the last direct train left Cleethorpes heading for London, North East Lincolnshire's two MPs are working on a business case to bring it back.

The town's Westminster representatives are uniting to establish a need for the connection – which would dramatically enhance the attractiveness of inward development on the South Bank.

It is a twin-track approach, as discussions are being held within the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership with regard to rail strategy, with the local authority pushing for it to be included in the City Deal request to Government in the new year.

Working with Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce – successful a decade ago in bringing a direct link to Hull, a city which now has seven daily trains – a survey has been launched, with the support of Grimsby & Scunthorpe Media Group.

In a joint statement, Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers and Grimsby's Austin Mitchell said: "We're working to get the direct train service from Cleethorpes to London restored.

"British Rail ran such a service, but in 1992 this was taken off. British Rail claimed that it was unprofitable. Assuming that business from North East Lincolnshire would have increased in the way it has on all other services to London, our view is that a direct service would now be profitable.

"We certainly need one to encourage development and make the area more attractive to incoming businesses.

"We suggest that the Chamber, local businesses and North East Lincolnshire Council help develop that case by providing the evidence that there is a need and will be sufficient customers for one or two trains each day, overnighting in Cleethorpes.

"We need to put this case as soon as possible to show that the service will be both sustainable and profitable. We are sure it will be, but have to prove it."

There are two options and both are being pursued at present. The first would be an open access model such as that used by Hull Trains.

As previously reported, there is operator interest from Grand Central, or Alliance Rail as it was known, subject to carrying a study of the market and Government approval. It is understood a service – picking up between Cleethorpes and Doncaster before a non-stop journey to King's Cross, could be in place by 2014.

A second option would involve provision in the new East Coast contract for an extension of the Lincoln service, via Market Rasen. This would, however, miss out Scunthorpe – and further demand potential.

The MPs have met with Rail Minister Simon Burns, who was said to accept there was a strong case.

This month also marks the 50th year since the last steam passenger train, with diesel engines introduced on the line.

GRIMSBY Town are set to be without Scott Neilson and Nathan Pond for tonight's FA Trophy replay at Buxton (7.45pm).

The on-loan duo will be rested for the trip to Derbyshire to give both a chance to recover from niggling injuries ahead of a packed schedule of games.

After tonight's tie, the Mariners face a long journey to Ebbsfleet on Saturday before an equally gruelling trip up north to face Gateshead on Tuesday evening.

And speaking ahead of tonight's replay, joint boss Rob Scott said that changes will be made to cope with that rigourous run of games.

He said: "We've got a few out for tonight – Scott Neilson is injured, he's got a sore groin which he's had for a little bit so we'll take the opportunity to rest him.

"Nathan Pond has had a knock that he's carried for a while as well so we'll let that settle down because he could do with a bit longer.

"Obviously Frankie Artus and Joe Colbeck are still out as well so there are a few important members of the squad who aren't available to us tonight.

"I think we'll be changing it around a bit tonight anyway because the fact of the matter is that we've got a lot of games coming up.

"Tonight means that we're going to have played Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Tuesday, and that will take its toll.

"We play Buxton tonight and then we've got a long journey to Ebbsfleet on Saturday and then back up all the way to Gateshead on Tuesday – it's a lot of travelling.

"People might say 'they're footballers, it's what they're paid for, they're too pampered', but it's not quite like that at this level.

"It was always the intention to build a squad that could cope for situations like this.

"When we started the season, we still didn't feel that we had a full quota but we knew we'd have to strengthen as things went on.

"We now feel that we've got a really strong squad and we don't feel that any changes we make to the starting 11 weaken it."

If the Mariners beat the Bucks at the second time of asking tonight, they will set up a Second Round home tie with either Braintree or Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday, December 15.

And Scott says that as well as the opposition, his side will also have to battle with what are expected to be difficult conditions in Derbyshire.

He continued: "It will be another tough game tonight – especially when you look at the conditions. It's not going to be an easy night.

"With the weather as it has been, the condition of the pitch remains to be seen.

"But we've got ourselves into this position and now we've got to do something about it.

"The players have been excellent up to this point in the season. We had a bit of a blip on Saturday but we'll be looking to put that right tonight.

"It will be a tough game but it's one in which we're going to have to stand up and be counted."

CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to appeal to a local government watchdog after the council refused to take action over complaints about the Scartho Baths consultation process.

Pete Winchester, president of the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) for Grimsby and Cleethorpes, has also challenged claims made by councillors that the relevant sporting bodies have been consulted.

As reported, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) announced in January that it would close Scartho swimming pool and build a replacement next to a refurbished Grimsby Leisure Centre, in Cromwell Road, as part of a £9 million revamp of leisure facilities.

However, on November 8, councillors gave it a stay of execution, voting to hold a three-week public consultation after receiving a petition against the closure with more than 7,000 signatures.

As reported, campaigner Alan Barratt launched an official complaint claiming the consultation questions NELC is asking are framed so that people can't suggest the refurbishment – rather than demolition – of the pool.

NELC has now confirmed that it has received a "small number of complaints" but will not amend the questions.

Mr Barratt said: "It is both disappointing and concerning as a local taxpayer that the council will not explore people's views on the refurbishment of Scartho Baths.

"This would cost just £1.6 million – and could be cheaper as the architects costs of £600,000 seem extortionate – and should be considered, particularly in these time of austerity.

"The group and the wider public do not feel that the council is acting in a open and democratic manner in framing these questions to suit their own objectives, so we have no choice but to take this matter to the Local Government Ombudsman."

The authority also states is has "worked closely with aquatics clubs, disability clubs and current operators SLM Ltd to develop a new facility that meets 21st century standards and is fully inclusive for all ages and abilities."

However, Mr Winchester has denied that the ASA was ever consulted and slammed the decision not to take action on complaints about the consultation.

He said: "I strongly challenge these wild statements, because this is not so with the swimming fraternity. Neither myself or any of the swimming clubs under the Grimsby and Cleethorpes ASA banner have been consulted on this very serious matter.

"We, the action group, feel that narrow-minded councilors are ill advised in their attitude to people who are obviously more switched on than they appear to be.

"We know what more than 7,000 people of this town want, but our chosen leaders will not listen to us."

North East Lincolnshire Council's Sue Wells, head of cultural services, disputed claims that the questions are unfair and confirmed that a complaint to the ombudsman would not change the council's stance on the matter.

The deadline to give feedback online is this Friday. Visit www.nelincs.gov.uk

MOTORISTS set to be banned from parking outside their homes after a "knee-jerk" decision to restrict parking along Grimsby Road are urging others to oppose the plans.

As reported, new parking restrictions will be imposed in Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, to prevent parked cars for sale clogging up the highway.

But "fuming" residents claim it will force them to park in the already congested side streets and will just push the selling of cars into other areas.

Now they are calling on others to show their outrage by logging objections to the order made by North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for environment, Councillor Peter Wheatley (Lab, Yarborough), before December 6 in an attempt to overturn the decision.

Andrew Restall, 42, of Grimsby Road, said: "Why are we getting penalised because people cannot sell their cars?

"They haven't thought this through at all.

"Yes, the cars for sale do pose a problem, but they are not half as bad as it used to be and this isn't going to fix it anyway.

"If they impose these restrictions, the car sellers are just going to move to a different area."

The restrictions will see on-street parking bays along the full length of Grimsby Road subject to a two-hour waiting restriction, with no return allowed within two hours between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday.

The order was recommended by Highways bosses and agreed by Councillor Wheatley after a petition was presented to them on behalf of residents by Councillor Hazel Chase (Lab, Sidney Sussex), who claims she has seen 12 cars for sale along Grimsby Road at once.

But residents against the restrictions claim they did not know of any petition until they received a letter telling them of the order last week.

Residents speculate officials want the order "pushed through quickly" to gain revenue through fines.

Grimsby Road resident, Alistair Smith, said: "People sell cars illegally on a main road and their solution is to penalise tax paying residents.

"The council needs to raise its game and go after the bad guys for a change."

Another angry resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I cannot believe the council is even considering implementing this.

"It will make no difference, but cause absolute chaos for the rest of us.

"The person who has started this campaign must think again and so should the council. I cannot see how on earth this will improve anything."

If objections are made, the order will be discussed again at the next portfolio holder meeting on Tuesday, December 11, when there will be a chance the order will be overthrown – news that has been welcomed by Councillor Philip Jackson (Cons, Waltham) who predicted an "onslaught of objections" by residents at the council's regeneration, housing and environment scrutiny panel and described the measure as like using a "sledgehammer to crack a nut".

He said: "I have got great concerns that the residents who quite legitimately park their vehicles there now will not be able to park there for more than two hours.

"I did think about calling the decision in, but then I thought 'why should I?'. Let's just wait for the onslaught from residents."

Councillor Wheatley said: "We continually try to respond proactively to concerns raised by our residents. The proposed scheme was agreed as an urgent way of dealing with this issue.

Log your objections or support to Marc Cole Ref DSH/10579, Municiple Offices, Town Hall Square, Grimsby or online at www.nelincs.gov.uk