GRIMSBY Town boss Paul Hurst insists his side can be the first to succeed at fortress Macclesfield.

The Mariners head to Moss Rose today (3pm), as the race for Conference promotion continues.

John Askey's second-placed side are unbeaten at home in the league this season, taking 31 points from a possible 39.

But, pointing to his own team's pedigree on the road, Hurst is confident of getting the result he desires.

The Mariners have already beaten promotion rivals Torquay and have also enjoyed wins at Gateshead and Kidderminster.

He told the Telegraph: "It would be great to get three points and close the gap on Macclesfield.

"If we get the result we want, we would be the first team to go there this season and pick up three points.

"We have claimed some good scalps away from home, in some tough games.

"Macclesfield have done extremely well, and present us with two very tough games.

"I watched them at the weekend, and they were very clinical at Alfreton.

"We know it's going to be tough, but we are in good form ourselves."

On today's list of fixtures, Hurst added: "With the way the league has panned out, teams with play-off ambitions seem to be coming up against each other.

"There are some results to look out for, and our game today is certainly one of those."

For the first time in Hurst's reign at Blundell Park, there is no derby for Town to contend with on Boxing Day.

Instead, Lincoln City head to Cleethorpes on Sunday – for part two of the hectic festive schedule.

And on paper at least, that spells a tricky three days for the promotion-chasing Mariners.

Hurst continued: "We know it's going to be difficult for us. With us playing against Macclesfield again on New Year's Day, it would be nice to go there today and put a marker down."

A man accused of murdering his own nine-year-old grandson has been remanded in custody by magistrates.

Stewart James Greene, 64, of Danes Court, Grimoldby, near Louth, appeared in the dock alongside two security officers for the three minute hearing at Lincoln Magistrates' Court.

As previously reported, he was charged on Christmas Eve with the murder of his grandson Alex Robinson after police received details of a post-mortem examination.

Emergency services were called to the terraced house on Pennell Street, Lincoln, where the boy lived, just before midday on Tuesday.

Alex was rushed to Lincoln County Hospital by ambulance but died shortly afterwards.

The cause of his death has not been revealed.

Greene will appear before Lincoln Crown Court on Monday.

Friends and family paid tribute to the 9-year-old on Facebook.

His father John Robinson wrote: "My little boy up in heaven the brightest star shining ever xxx."

One of Mr Robinson's relatives, who uses the name Gen Robbo, wrote: "My beautiful nephew the brightest star in the sky."

And Jamie Bolam wrote on Mr Robinson's page: "Gutting is not the word John. I know how much your kids mean to you, life is so cruel and no words will make your loss better!! RIP Alex."

Neighbours in Lincoln also spoke of their shock.

Paula Smith, 43, said: "I feel so sorry for the family. I used to see the little boy going up and down the street on his scooter being followed by his little sister.

"I can't believe that this has happened. It's tragic and it's awful. He was such a pleasant little boy who always said hello."

GRIMSBY Town defender Toto Nsiala was booked in this afternoon's clash at Macclesfield, meaning he will be suspended for the next two games.

The Mariners won 1-0 at Moss Rose thanks to Jack Mackreth's early strike, but Nsiala's booking - his tenth of the season -  marred an otherwise great for the visitors.

Nsiala brought down Matthew Barnes-Homer on half-way and referee Ben Toner reached straight for a yellow card, meaning the Congolese defender will miss Sunday's derby with Lincoln City and the return clash with the Silkmen on New Year's Day.

One person has been arrested for serious assault following a family bust up at a house in Grimsby.

Humberside Police officers attended the property, whose location has not been disclosed, last night, along with one of the force's police dogs.

In a post on Twitter, the force's dog section wrote: "No festive good will in one Grimsby house last night. A family punch up results in a visit from PD Rocky & 1 arrested for serious assault!"

Humberside Police have so far been unable to provide any further details about the incident.

Keep checking here for updates.

GRIMSBY Town won 1-0 against Macclesfield Town in today's Boxing Day clash at Moss Rose.

The Mariners got off to the best possible start when former Macclesfield star man Jack Mackreth netted against his old club after just three minutes.

The rest of the half was fairly even with few real chances and the sides went in with Town 1-0 up at the break.

The home side came out pumped up in the second half – eager to preserve their unbeaten home record.

They put together sustained spells of pressure, but the Mariners held firm to claim an impressive away win against a side with high hopes of promotion.

Grimsby Town stay fourth in the table, but are now only a point behind the Silkmen, with a game in hand.

MARINERS: James McKeown; Danny Parslow, Toto Nsiala, Shaun Pearson, Aswad Thomas; Jack Mackreth, Craig Disley, Scott Brown, Nathan Arnold, Jon-Paul Pittman, Lenell John-Lewis. SUBS: Paul Bignot, Craig Clay, Paddy McLaughlin, Scott Neilson, Ross Hannah.

Pick up a copy of tomorrow's Telegraph for full report, pictures, player ratings, manager reaction and stats.

The first snow of 2014 is falling heavily in Lincolnshire tonight.

Several centimetres have come down in the Wolds in the last hour, leading to hazardous road conditions.

Drivers are being warned to take care as temperatures fall over night.

"Weather conditions aren't exactly great. Please slow down, increase your braking distances and be aware of poor grip," the Lincolnshire Police road policing unit has tweeted.

The yellow snow warning for Lincolnshire issued by the Met Office today will remain in place until 6am on Saturday.

Conditions are less severe in Grimsby, with temperatures of around 3 degrees Celsius expected overnight.

However, the rain which has set in this evening is set to continue into the night and throughout most of Saturday.

THE Mayor of Immingham, Councillor Malcolm Cullum has gone batty for the town's Table Tennis club.

On a visit to the club's Christmas fun evening, where members and volunteers dressed up, the Mayor said: "It is a very active club."

It meets each Wednesday evening from 5pm to train and have fun playing table tennis.

There are 38 young members and 12 adults – two of whom play in the area's league.

Immingham Table Tennis Club also boasts an under 11s team, as well as under 13s and under 15s sides.

The group first met at Oasis Academy in Immingham, but moved to the Christian Centre in Pelham Road earlier this year.

It is run by two coaches, Tim Smith and Stuart Pollard.

Tim, a level one coach, said he was grateful for the support the group has had from Immingham Town Council and from Immingham's One Voice community group.

They have given grants to enable the club to buy six table tennis tables.

BOC of Immingham and TopMarks have also both sponsored banners for the club.

Royal Mail worker Tim said:

"We are trying to get as many young people turning up each week as possible and do all we can to support them.

"There are many clubs which offer football or rugby or other team sports, but not all kids fit in with a team sport.

"Here you don't have to be brilliant at it. We want everyone to have fun playing table tennis and if they take it up as a hobby we will train and encourage them.

"Immingham Table Tennis Club was formed in November 2011 as a result of my young daughter taking an interest in the sport.

"I decided to take her and a few friends to coaching sessions held at Clee Sports Hall.

"However, it soon became apparent that there were a number of local children interested in the sport and, consequently, with support from Stuart Pollard – a Royal Mail work colleague – we decided to try to form a table tennis club for the benefit of the local children."

After successfully contacting the Immingham Oasis Academy for a venue, Immingham Table Tennis Club was formed.

He added: "We started with only about six to eight young people, with sessions lasting an hour, but it quickly became apparent that there was more of a demand to play the game and membership soon grew.

"Within a year, through hard work and dedication, the club had 16 junior members and six intermediate members. An evening session for adults was also made possible with the support from Oasis Academy Immingham.

"The formation of the club has provided an opportunity for local children, not only to play a sport, but to promote social development, enhance general skills and ensure there is progression in their development but, most of all, to enjoy themselves."

A dedicated team of around a dozen adults organise events.

Tim said: "Some of them are parents but everyone is a volunteer.

"Without them we would not be here. They all do a fantastic job and some double up as club secretary or coaches. With planning and fundraising throughout the year, the club is a labour of love and it would not be possible without these people, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who do a such fantastic job."

Councillor Cullum said: "The amount of work volunteers do here is marvellous. It is one of the things I have been trying to highlight during my year as Mayor. There are so many groups which are run by volunteers who put in hours and hours of their free time. They are Immingham's unsung heroes.

"Considering this group started out just a short time ago, it is doing very well and is very active."

At the club's Christmas fun evening, prizes were sponsored by Sainburys, Tesco, The Co-op and Farmfoods.

There were prizes for the best fancy dress costume on a boy and a girl.

Millie Smith, 10, who is in the under 11s team said: "The club brings people together. It keeps you fit and it is good fun."

Dan Fishwick, 15, said: "It is all good fun. I have met some good friends. They are all nice people. There are lots of things for people to do."

Tim added: "Immingham Table Tennis Club has been very lucky and through the success of the young people and hard work of everyone, we've been able to secure funding every year since its formation enabling the continued success of the club. We now have 38 young members and 16 adult members and we're growing every week."

A PACKED festive crowd witnessed some fine racing at yesterday's traditional Boxing Day meeting at Market Rasen.

Feature race was the £6,400 Clugston Lincolnshire National Handicap Chase, with seven runners going to post in the testing three mile, three furlong stayers marathon.

Local interest was centred on Brigg trainer Nick Kent's Around a Pound.

The stamina-sapping conditions proved too much in the end for the nine-year-old and he was well distant when the impressive Carli King passed the winning post.

Trained by Caroline Bailey, the winner was given a cracking ride by Adam Pogson in the saddle.

It was the first time Carli King (11/2) had raced over three miles.

Petit Ecuyer, a 20/1 shot, was second without being able to mount a real challenge.

There was some local money in the next race, the fifth on the card, for The Society Man – who always seems to run gallantly at his local track.

It seems trainer and Grimsby Town director Michael Chapman only has to bring him across Willingham Road from his Woodland Stables for him to find inspiration.

However, in the 'Happy 40th Birthday Chris Marriott Handicap Chase', he again left it late. For once, he only managed to finish in fourth, and out of the places.

He ran well for third earlier this month and Chapman then sent him to the splendour of Cheltenham, where he finished a creditable third under jockey Joe Cornwall.

Cornwall was on board again back at Market Rasen and, after looking spent rounding the final bend, he ran on well behind Chestnut Ben, an 8/1 shot, who had amateur rider Mr R Winks on board.

In truth, the winner was never really challenged after barely touching a twig on the way round.

Ten ran in the first race, a selling hurdle.

The 11/2 shot King's Road, with Joanna Mason on board, took the lead going to the final flight and soon went clear.

It's Oscar (3/1f) won the second race – the appropriately named 'Whatever the Weather Novices Handicap Hurdle' – by four and a half lengths, with Nick Kent's Ivans Back in third.

The latter is a bit erratic, but this was a positive effort from the nine-year old, who had Michael Lineham on board. He was certainly worth a place bet at 16/1.

Benevolent is now at Chris Bealby's yard but, despite recent promise, has something to do to match the form showed in his early career when he was an Irish Hurdle winner.

Tom Messenger was on board as the 7/1 shot defied some recent poor form for a one-and-a-quarter length win in the third race, the Garthwest Novices Limited Handicap Chase.

There was a local winner in the final race. Scamblesby trainer Steve Gollings saddled the six-year-old Make me a Fortune, who won here earlier in the month.

Still reasonably well in with the handicapper, he was sent off the 7/4 favourite and repeated that success.

A FAREWELL party was thrown for staff at Laceby Library, who have left their posts following the closure of the venue.

As reported, it is one of six libraries in North East Lincolnshire which the council says it can no longer afford to run because of budget cuts.

A number of the other libraries have been taken on by voluntary groups, but the future of Laceby Library, and the Stanford Centre building in which it is located, remains uncertain.

A council spokesman said negotiations were still ongoing with interested parties – which are understood to include Laceby Parish Council – and that no date had been set for when the building will reopen.

The party was an emotional occasion for library assistants Sue Thompson and Sue Lawrence.

Caretaker Rachel Petyt, who organised the event, said: "I really wanted to give an opportunity to everybody to come to say goodbye.

"The centre has been here for 40 years and a lot of people have used it as children and then adults. It's an integral part of the community."

Sue Lawrence, who has worked at the library for the past two years, is now beginning her retirement.

She has worked for the library service for 18 years, mostly at Humberston.

She said: "I have enjoyed it. I would like to see a future for the library and I'm sure there will be. I think it is vital out here with the community being remote."

Her colleague Sue Thompson has worked at Laceby Library for almost two-and-a-half years, and is moving to Cleethorpes Library in the new year.

She said: "I have really enjoyed being here. It's a lovely community and it's a very nice, pleasant library to work in. I'm just sorry to see it close.

"I'm sorry to leave Laceby but I'm pleased to be going to Cleethorpes."

Library user Mary Cormack, of Elm Lane, said: "I have been using the library ever since we moved to the village 19 years ago.

"I like reading for pleasure and for hobbies like gardening and cooking.

"I'm very sad that it's closing. We are hoping that we will get some kind of library service in the village.

"If we don't I guess I would have to go somewhere else. I'm fortunate as I can drive but there are some people in the village who don't have their own transport.

"We have got quite a large elderly population in the village and I think some of them use the library not just for books but for the social aspect too.

"The two ladies have been fabulous. We will miss them, not just for their friendly faces, but for the guidance they have given."

Vicki Wright, 53, of Seedclose Lane, has been using the library since she moved to the village in 1976.

She is an avid reader of books, particularly crime fiction.

"I'm gutted to be honest. The two Sues are very knowledgeable about what they do and are very helpful and friendly.

"If it doesn't reopen I would have to go into town. I don't have a car so I would have to get the bus."

Councillor Martin Greenbeck, chairman of Laceby Parish Council, said he was trying to arrange a meeting with NELC and the Stanford Trust, the charity which owns the building, as soon as possible.

He said the parish council was keen to take over the library, but would be unable to manage the whole building.

"Perhaps the parish council could rent the library from the Stanford Centre.

"What we don't want is a wholesale transfer of the building. The cost of that would be astronomical."

As children across North East Lincolnshire headed back to school after the summer break, older residents were also leaping into action. Protests took place against plans to convert an historic building into a new Tesco store and information from members of the public helped to bring criminals to justice. Reporter Simon Faulkner looked back.

SEPTEMBER 1: Residents mobilised in a bid to stop a historic building in Grimsby being turned into a Tesco Express.

Around 200 people signed a petition objecting to the plan to convert the vacant Great Grimsby Conservative Association building on Bargate.

SEPTEMBER 2: An inferno ripped through a recycling plant in Louth.

A warehouse at GBM UK, in Bolingbroke Road, Fairfield Industrial Estate, was destroyed by the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of the morning.

SEPTEMBER 5: Onlookers said it was lucky nobody was seriously hurt when a car ploughed into a hairdressers in Holton-le-Clay.

A black Vauxhall Omega crashed into Oasis, in Louth Road, dislodging a supporting beam and damaging the front window and front door of the premises.

SEPTEMBER 8: The wife of a well-known charity fundraiser, who collapsed – and later died – while hiking in the Lake District, thanked all those who had tried to save her husband's life.

Passers-by, mountain rescuers, air ambulances and the Royal Navy were involved in the dramatic attempt to save Keith Ramsden, 62, of Waltham, after he collapsed at the summit of Helvellyn.

SEPTEMBER 10: Plans were unveiled for a major redevelopment of Grimsby's famous Ramsdens superstore.

The Cleethorpe Road Retail Park would provide 64,000 square feet of retail space and create around 200 new jobs.

SEPTEMBER 11: Heartless thieves stole two collection tins from the Pink Rose Suite at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital.

The theft, which saw around £200 taken, was slammed as "despicable" by breast cancer patients.

September 13: North East Lincolnshire Council announced it would be putting Humberston Fitties on the market.

Council leader Chris Shaw said Fitties leaseholders had nothing to fear from a change in ownership.

SEPTEMBER 20: Councillors voted to increase the speed limit to 40mph on Grimsby's Peaks Parkway.

It followed public outrage at the glut of fines being issued to motorists for exceeding the 30mph limit following the introduction of average speed cameras the previous October.

SEPTEMBER 22: Grimsby Telegraph readers were thanked for helping to reunite treasured stolen motorcycles with their owner and identifying a fly-tipper dumping toxic waste.

Both crimes had been reported in the Grimsby Telegraph, prompting members of the public to come forward with important information.

SEPTEMBER 25: There was shock at the news that Grimsby Central Hall would close in April – unless someone stepped forward to take it over.

The Central Hall Trust, which had run the venue for 22 years, said it could no longer continue to run the facility.

September 30: Motorists and businesses were bracing themselves for up to six months of misery on one of Grimsby's busiest routes.

North East Lincolnshire Council began works on the A180 aimed at cutting congestion and reducing emissions.

FESTIVE cheer filled a corner of Freeman Street Market as users of a care and support service gathered for a Christmas party.

Service users of Ace Homecare came together with their carers and tucked into mince pies, a yuletide buffet and listened to Christmas songs.

The party was held at The Vine Cafe in Freeman Street Market, whose staff provided their catering facilities free of charge.

Kay Readman has been a care worker for the past three years after deciding to volunteer her time and said she thoroughly enjoys her work.

She said: "It is a lovely job and I can't think of another job that I would rather do, actually.

"It is an essential service for the ones who don't have family and who never have the opportunity to leave the house. It is very important and I can't imagine having to stay alone."

Dorothy Lumbard, 83, from Scartho, has been a customer of Ace Homecare for the past five years and said the Christmas party was a good opportunity for older and more vulnerable people to get together.

She said: "I have someone come round every morning to help me get ready for the day ahead. We all have a laugh here and it is always nice to get together."

Ace Homecare was set up nearly 11 years ago by Jacki Armstrong and Amanda Belton and provides care and support to the most vulnerable members of society.

The company is based in Grimsby and Lincoln, with some 60 carers based at both sites.

Speaking at the Christmas party, Jacki said: "We have both worked on home care since 1996 and we decided to set up our own business. It is our 11th anniversary in January.

"I don't think the business has changed that much in the last decade. Service users now have more choice than ever – it is now more about personal care for the most vulnerable."

She added: "There are around 150 service users in Grimsby and that number is always increasing."

Josie Wardle, 73, volunteer, said: "It is important that they get out and about. I left work at the age of 65 and thought what can I do now? It is a lovely job and I like caring for people – the people here are so nice. We have all become friends and I love the social side of it all."

GRIMSBY'S first ever police dog handler has recalled the vital emerging role the dog section played in fighting crime in the 1960s.

Len Rayner looked back fondly over his six years as a dog handler with the Grimsby Borough Police.

He has created a lasting memory of both his own and his father's experiences of policing in North East Lincolnshire which he intends to be displayed at Grimsby Town Hall. It features badges and pictures from their time served, as well as Len's actual police handcuffs and whistle.

Len, now 83, told how he began to patrol Grimsby with Alsatian Grimpol Tex, or Tex for short, in 1961. The pair became inseparable and together they were named as the top handler and dog in Britain five years later.

Len recalled how his motto became: "Always trust your dog." On numerous occasions, Tex assisted in finding criminals and tracking down vulnerable missing people.

Len said he had recently met with Humberside Police's top dog section officer who had listened keenly to his stories. He was later invited to open a new training school for dog handlers.

Len, now of New Waltham, had followed in his father Percy's footsteps when he joined the police in 1953. He served as an officer until 1961 when the then Chief Constable decided to invest in a dog section.

Having been paired with Tex, Len became British Police Dog Handling champion in 1966 and appeared on Blue Peter on the BBC – and still has his Blue Peter Badge.

Tex went on to serve until 1967 when a broken leg forced his retirement. He died in 1972 having spent his final years as a treasured family pet.

Len said it had been difficult in the early days for the dog handling to become a trusted method of fighting crime.

He said: "The old type police officer didn't want to accept dogs but we went on to have a lot of success."

He recalled: "We tracked down an elderly patient with dementia that had escaped from the Springfield Isolation Hospital. We found him two miles away in a ditch and we got him to hospital.

"Two hours later the heavens opened and he would almost certainly have died. I still have great satisfaction from that."

He recalled another occasion when he and Tex investigated the scene of an apparent robbery of a young girl in Grimsby's Lord Street.

He said a senior officer scoffed when told that the dog had found little matter of interest at the scene.

It emerged that the robbery had been a fake, and that the girl's injuries were self-inflicted. But it was only Tex's lack of a trail at the scene that led police to that conclusion.

Len said: "The dogs have progressed considerably since then and I think they now play a very important part in policing.

"Our force dispensed with the horse section but I think horses were very much a status symbol. The dogs have a vital role to play in fighting crime.

He told how the small team of dog handlers in Grimsby would visit schools to speak to schoolchildren. He added that those he spoke to often remember him when they pass in the street, and thank him for the visits.

Len thanked Grimsby firm Total Signs, and director Kerry Tully for helping to put his display together free of charge.

He said: "I'm hoping eventually to get in touch with the Town Hall and have it on permanent display.

"The Grimsby Police were an efficient force and it was sad to see its demise when we amalgamated. We were very proud of the fact that we had the opportunity to serve in that force."

AN EARLY winner from Jack Mackreth led Grimsby Town to a superb narrow victory over promotion rivals Macclesfield.

Mackreth – returning to his old club for the first time since his summer move to Cleethorpes – stabbed home the only goal after four minutes at Moss Rose.

Town survived a long spell of pressure in the second half, as Matthew Barnes-Homer missed a golden chance for the Silkmen.

But ultimately the Mariners held on to become the first side this season to record a win on Macclesfield's home patch.

Ahead of kick-off, boss Paul Hurst was forced into making one change from the pre-Christmas victory over Forest Green.

But with Carl Magnay ruled out of the starting XI through illness, the returning Aswad Thomas was a natural fit at left-back.

Town again lined-up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Jon-Paul Pittman and Lenell John-Lewis partnered in attack for the fifth game running.

Magnay's withdrawal allowed Paddy McLaughlin a route back into the matchday squad, but he had to settle for a place on the subs' bench.

Paul Turnbull headed wide in the opening minute, but it was the Mariners – and former Macclesfield winger Mackreth – that were soon celebrating.

Nathan Arnold raced clear of his marker on the left-hand side, and stopper Rhys Taylor could only push his strike into the path of Mackreth.

The in-form wideman made no mistake, sliding home into an empty net to send a vocal travelling support into overdrive.

Mackreth's early opener did little to settle either side down, as two of the Conference's promotion chasers served up a frantic start.

And while a fierce battle in the middle continued, the next effort of note came on 20 minutes, from Adriano Moke.

But after picking the ball up 40 yards from goal – and running at the Town back four – he was unable to test James McKeown with a dipping, right-footed strike.

Arnold sent in two tempting deliveries in quick succession, but Taylor in the Macclesfield net was in full command of his area.

On the second occasion, though, he relied on an element of fortune as Pittman's header was deflected into his reach.

As expected, two of the meanest defences in the league restricted each other to only a few chances in the first half.

But as the opening 45 minutes drew to a close, Arnold seemed most likely for Town as he tormented Silkmen right-back Andy Halls.

There was still time for Toto Nsiala to be booked – which means he's suspended for the next two games – but Hurst was able to welcome his side in for the break with a 1-0 advantage.

Similarly to the start of the first half, it was Macclesfield – through skipper Turnbull – who fired an early warning, after the sides had returned to the Moss Rose surface.

He lined-up a free-kick 25 yards from McKeown's goal, but his well-struck effort dipped just too late to threaten to the visiting stopper.

Minutes later, referee Ben Toner was called into action – as claims for a Silkmen penalty were quickly waved away.

Despite loud cries from members of the home faithful, Danny Parslow was deemed to have played the ball by Toner – the only man whose opinion mattered.

Conditions had worsened since the break, and Macclesfield began to show why they had yet to be beaten on their own turf this season.

Scott Barrow made a rare charge forward, but the usually clinical Barnes-Homer could only head a golden chance into the ground.

It was a let-off for Town, who had defended superbly all afternoon, and they had to rely on another slice of luck moment later.

Danny Whitaker found space on edge of the Mariners' area, and his effort looked to be heading towards the bottom right-hand corner.

But thankfully for McKeown, a deflection took the strike wide, and away for a corner.

With 25 minutes to go, there was another hairy moment for the visitors – but McKeown timed his charge well, and mopped up the impending danger.

Hurst responded to a nervy spell from his side by sacrificing Pittman, replacing him with an extra midfield man in Craig Clay.

Initially, the change to did little to quell the sustained Macclesfield onslaught.

But after Moke flashed a dangerous centre across goal, the Mariners did regain some control in the middle of the park.

McLaughlin was sent on in place of Brown, and with seven minutes to go, Town almost snatched a second.

Arnold made better use of his delivery this time around – and only a late intervention stopped Shaun Pearson from sneaking in at the back post.

Town hadn't carved out a genuine chance since Mackreth's opener, but it mattered very little as they held on to claim three memorable points.

Barnes-Homer probed around the penalty area, though a flurry of late deliveries were all dealt with by Hurst's visitors.

Edging ever closer to the second-placed Silkmen, the Mariners now look forward to the small matter of tomorrow's derby day against Lincoln City.

POLICE are being urged to clamp down on illegal cycling in Grimsby town centre – after no fines were issued for the offence in a whole year.

Cycling was banned in the pedestrianised area taking in Victoria Street, the Riverhead, Silver Street, the Old Market Place, Brewery Street, East St Mary's Gate and Bull Ring Lane in September 2008.

A total of 30 fixed penalty notices were handed out to people for cycling on the footway in the pedestrianised area in the first 12 months of the restriction being in place.

That number rose to 113 the following year, but has dwindled massively since then, dropping to just seven in 2010/11, four in 2011/12, two in 2012/13 and zero in 2013/14.

The figures have appalled pedestrians who say illegal cycling in the town centre remains a serious problem.

When Grimsby Telegraph photographer Rick Byrne went to Victoria Street to take a picture, he spotted no fewer than six cyclists, see pictures, riding through the precinct in the space of just 20 minutes.

Ernie Brown, 52, of Roundway, Grimsby, said the fact no fines had been issued in 12 months was "disgraceful".

As reported, the keen cyclist wrote to Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove back in August expressing his concern about the danger.

It came after he was nearly knocked over by a rider while walking with his wife down Victoria Street.

Ernie said he had resorted to "taking back ownership" of the precinct by challenging illegal cyclists himself.

"I think it's people power that can stop this. When I walk up and down Victoria Street shouting at people to get off their bikes, I get half a dozen people saying 'well done, somebody needed to say something.'"

Just weeks after Ernie's close shave, three-year-old Benjamin Chester was hit by a cyclist in the precinct.

His mum Kelly Chester, 43, of Victor Street, Grimsby, says the lack of fines handed out to cyclists is "disgusting".

She said: "Two days after my son was hit I told two lads to get off their bikes. They just said 'what's it got to do with you?'"

Police figures show just three recorded collisions involving cyclists in the pedestrianised area between September 2008 and September 2014.

However, Kelly said that many incidents, including the one involving her son, were not reported to police.

"I think they need to monitor that area. The police have got special constables. They just need to be utilised a bit better."

A Humberside Police spokeswoman said officers regularly engaged with cyclists and took an "educational approach in the first instance" for failure to comply with the signs.

However, Grimsby resident Barry Fisher believes a zero-tolerance approach should be adopted.

Barry, 66, of Abbey Drive East, said: "My eyes tell me of the considerable amount of illegal cycling occurring so the zero figure can only be the result of lack of enforcement. Talking or 'education' will only be sneered at. A period of policing with firm application of law will send a far more effective message and may see a considerable drop in figures for offending."

Barry had made a formal complaint to North East Lincolnshire Council about what he deemed to be a lack of adequate signage about the restrictions.

In response, traffic engineer Dave Poucher acknowledged that some of the "pedestrian zone" signs had been removed during the recent town centre redevelopment, which he said "may have resulted in the police not being able to enforce the restrictions".

Councillor David Watson, portfolio holder for Environment and Housing at the council, confirmed the signs will be replaced, but insisted that sufficient signs were currently in place for enforcement to be carried out.

"I'M going to fight this for mum and dad."

Those were the determined words of brave 12-year-old Leon Bateson who suffered 19 broken bones after being struck by two cars in Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes.

Leon was left with severe injuries, including a broken sternum, back and a punctured lung from the devastating accident, which has meant he could be in a neck brace for the next two years.

As reported, the young lad sustained the serious injuries after stepping out into Grimsby Road from Blundell Avenue while he was on his way to McDonald's restaurant with his cousin.

Recalling the incident, Leon said: "The last thing I remember was walking to McDonald's.

"I stepped out into the road and the next thing I know I was in the ambulance and some bloke was talking to me."

Following the accident, Leon was rushed to the Diana, Princess Of Wales hospital, before being transferred to Sheffield Children's Hospital, where he spent ten days on a high dependency ward.

Leon's mum Mandalyn, 38, vividly remembers the events which unfolded that November 14 night.

She said: "I got a phone call saying that Leon had been involved in an accident and at first I just thought it was some of the kids messing about.

"I raced down there and got there before the ambulance did.

"When I got there he was still under the second car – I just couldn't believe that was my kid lying there and I still can't now.

"When I got to the scene I was just standing there in a daze and I was just in a state of shock.

"I can't tell you what was going through my mind because I was so shocked."

Although his injuries are significant, Leon is beginning to "make good progress" but the speed of his recovery will depend on how quickly his bones heal.

He currently wears a brace to support his upper body.

Leon's father Kelvin, 37, said he feared the worst when he first saw his son lying in the middle of the road.

He said: "To be honest I didn't think he was going to make it and we all just assumed the worst was going to happen.

"He was being sick in his oxygen mask and was in a very bad way.

"The most important thing was that he was still breathing."

"There was a strange atmosphere that night because everybody was speculating as to what had happened."

He added: "When we saw him again in hospital he told me and his mum that he loved us and he said 'I'm going to fight this for mum and dad.'

"Mind you, he hasn't said that since he's been back home!"

"It's going to be a good Christmas after all. I don't think we would have been celebrating if the worst happened."

A keen footballer, Leon played in central midfield for Clee Comm DFDS Seaways before the accident.

Grimsby Town defender Toto Nisala visited the brave youngster at home and presented him with a Christmas goody bag.

Dale Ladson, press officer at Grimsby Town FC, said: "Several members of Leon's family got in touch with us and asked us whether we would be able to do something for him.

"He seems to be in great spirits and we wish him all the best for the future."

Police have warned that plans are in place to ensure troublemakers do not spoil Sunday's Lincolnshire Derby for everyone else.

Humberside Police have issued a statement prior to the Grimsby Town vs Lincoln Conference Premier clash at Blundell Park, which kicks off at 3pm.

It is believed that around 6,000 fans will be attended so supporters are being urged to allow good time for their journey.

A police spokesperson said: "Parking is available at the ground and in nearby streets but due to expected numbers attending, those making their own way to the ground are encouraged to allow themselves plenty of time to make the journey and locate a safe parking place.

"Tickets will still be available on the day to purchase at the turnstiles.

"Working in partnership with both football clubs and Lincolnshire Police, Humberside Police will work hard to minimise disruption in the area and ensure the event passes off peacefully."

Superintendent Dave Hall, match commander for the game said: "It is Christmas time and this fixture should be a really fun occasion for everyone.

"We will be working closely with our colleagues in Lincolnshire Police to ensure the safety of all those attending the game, both the home and the away supporters.

"I hope everyone who comes to the match will enjoy the experience and that there will be minimal disruption for all concerned."

The A46 was closed following a crash near Claxby in "terrible" conditions on Boxing Day night.

Police said the road was closed at around 7.30pm as snow began to fall on the Lincolnshire Wolds.

A fire service statement revealed one person had to be cut out of a car following the two-vehicle collision, with firefighters from both Caistor and Market Rasen attending.

LIVES doctor David Cookson took to Twitter to describe "terrible" road conditions driving to and from the incident, and urged other road users to take extra care.

A heartbroken grandmother has left a poignant tribute to her grandson Alex Robinson who died in Lincoln.

The handwritten note, attached to a bunch of flowers, was signed off as 'Nannie' and described Alex as "an angel", according to reports.

According to the reports, the tribute read: "My dear Grandson Alex r.i.p Love Nannie x x x An angel now in heaven x x."

But tonight, flowers, teddy bears and a toy train bearing the name Alex sit covered in snow outside the house on Pennell Street where police were called on December 23.

The youngster was taken to Lincoln County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Alex's dad John Robinson previously paid tribute to his son on Facebook, writing: ""My little boy up in heaven the brightest star shining ever xxx".

Stewart Greene, Alex's grandfather, appeared before Lincoln Magistrates' Court on Boxing Day charged with his murder.

The 64-year-old, from Grimoldby near Louth, was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court on December 29.

Police have made a number of arrests following an aggravated burglary which left an elderly couple seriously injured.

Neighbours in Elm Grove spoke of their shock after the man aged 90 and woman in her late 80s were attacked by an intruder on Tuesday (December 23) afternoon.

The man was taken to Grimsby's hospital for treatment.

The couple were found critically injured by police after a neighbour raised the alarm at 5.20pm on Tuesday after seeing a man run from the couple's house.

As reported, it is understood the couple were assaulted during a burglary attempt. It is not known whether anything was stolen.

A statement issued by Humberside Police tonight says: "At around 5.30pm today (Friday, December 26), a warrant was executed under the Theft Act at an address in Brigg and a man and woman were arrested.

"The 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and a 27-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

"Both are in custody at Scunthorpe Police Station and are assisting police with their enquiries.

"Meanwhile, the 36-year-old man who was arrested early on December 24 in connection with the offence has now been released on police bail.

"The elderly couple injured in the aggravated burglary remain in hospital and are both described as being stable."

The man is being treated in Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital for a throat injury.

The woman is being treated at Scunthorpe General Hospital for head injuries.