A DANCE club which has been credited with preventing one of its members from being wheelchair-bound is celebrating 30 years in business.

Organiser Rebecca Webster runs Total Body – a series of dance and fitness classes from Cleethorpes Memorial Hall.

She was inspired to launch her own classes after the Cleethorpes-based gym she attended, Gateway To Health, closed.

Rebecca now holds a variety of classes at the hall, including Zumba, Bodyblast and Fitsteps.

She said: "I used to go to Gateway To Health and The Gym in Cleethorpes back in the 70s but, when they weren't around anymore, I met people like me who had no where to go.

"I just decided to start my own general keep fit classes and it has all grown from there.

"I absolutely love it. Most people have to drive to their local gym but most people who come here are able to walk here."

She added: "To see people benefiting from my classes is great. I have loved every minute and I am very lucky because I am doing something I enjoy."

Member-turned-dance instructor Samantha Jensen-Martin said she has lost six stone as a result of the dance classes that Rebecca has put on.

Samantha, 38, said: "I had been coming to the classes for five years as a customer during which time Rebecca helped me lose nearly six stone in weight.

"At that point in my life, I was probably at my lowest but she helped to change my life completely.

"I weighed 17 stone and I was having terrible problems with my back but that all changed when I came to the classes."

She added: "If it was not for this club, I could nearly have been in a wheelchair."

Samantha now helps to inspire others to lose weight and hosts Fitsteps – a high intensity fitness class which has been created by the people behind the hit BBC talent show Strictly Come Dancing.

She said: "I do stress that I am not a dancer but that is what makes it so comfortable here because I have been on their journey.

"They are losing weight and gaining confidence at the same time and it is really amazing and very rewarding .

"My message to anyone who is tempted to join the classes is: come along and join the fun."

Member Christine Williams said she has been coming to the classes for five years.

She said:"I have lost over three stone and I keep coming back – it is always friendly and fun."

Total Body hosts Bodyblast, Fitsteps, Pilates, Zumba and an Active Seniors class at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall.

A MAN who was brought up and worked in Grimsby has been recognised for his tireless work as a spearhead for what is said to be the remotest island in the world.

In the New Year 2015 Honours List, Chris Bates was awarded an MBE for services to Tristan da Cunha, a batch of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, where he has been acting as the official "voice" for more than the past seven years.

Chris was born in Spalding, in 1948, but moved with his family to Grimsby in 1955.

The 66-year-old, who now lives in Birmingham, attended Nunsthorpe Junior School until age 11, when he transferred to Grimsby Wintringham Boys' Grammar School, leaving at 16 to be a junior reporter on the Lincolnshire Standard weekly newspaper at Boston, later working in newspaper offices in Skegness, Barton-on-Humber and Brigg, before moving to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, in Blackburn, in 1967.

He also worked for the short-lived Sunday newspaper in Grimsby, called the Sunday Link – which only survived for five months.

After more than ten years as a producer, news reader and presenter, he then moved to the BBC TV studios in Birmingham, before transferring back to local radio at BBC Radio Humberside, in Hull.

In 1995, leaving the BBC as senior press and publicity officer in the West Midlands, he joined the staff of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London. Here, he had come to know several people on the world's most remote inhabited island, Tristan da Cunha – which lies roughly half-way between South Africa and South America.

He took on the unpaid job to act as the "voice" in the outside world of the 265 British citizens who call Tristan da Cunha home.

Chris said he was "delighted" to be bestowed with such an honour.

"I was asked if I would accept the honour, and immediately I said 'yes, I will!'," he said.

"I had heard rumours that the council was keen to get me the honour, but I thought I shouldn't let on – apart from telling my wife of course. But I managed to keep it quiet.

"It has been a real honour to be trusted with such an extraordinary community, which has taken me to places I have never dreamed of.

"I am very honoured indeed. I could not have done it without my family as well as the islanders, who have been extraordinary."

In between attending meetings with conservationists, politicians, Government Ministers, civil servants and business people.

He has represented Tristan at meetings across the world, including New Caledonia, Greenland, Ascension Island, Cayman Islands, Brussels, Corsica and the South of France, Isle of Man, The Netherlands and throughout the UK.

Duties have included locating new bus stops, a gravestone for the Tristan cemetery and organising vocational training for the islanders.

He has also played a central role in gaining international recognition for the bravery and hospitality of those involved in the rescue of the crew of the bulk carrier MS Oliva wrecked off Nightingale Island, Tristan, and 3,500 Northern Rockhopper penguins oiled by its leaking fuel.

The role has increasingly seen Chris representing Tristan at State Occasions, including the State Opening of Parliament, the Commonwealth Day Commemoration in Westminster Abbey, the funeral of Baroness Thatcher in St Paul's Cathedral and HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Chris' role with Tristan da Cunha will be taken over today by a new UK Representative.

AN APPEAL has been launched to find up to seven cats a new home after their owner sadly died.

Melvin Brambles, 63, lost his battle with a life-limiting illness on Boxing Day. He was well known along Manchester Street, where he lived in his Cleethorpes home with his litter of pets.

Melvin was affectionately known as "Catman" according to local resident and long-time friend Kim Harvey.

The pair knew each other for 30 years and Kim would visit him daily during his ill-health.

She said: "We've always been friends; he was taken ill over a year ago and was receiving treatment at Castlehill Hospital.

"I would make sure he had his breakfast in the morning and that his house was warm enough.

"He had cancer and his bladder was removed, he returned home but unfortunately it had spread to his spine.

"While he was ill I promised him that I would take care of his cats and make sure they had a happy home to go to.

"He lived for them, they were very special to him."

Kim, 53, recalls what a "lovely man" Melvin was and that everybody would notice cats following him down the road.

She added: "When I found out he had passed away, I was absolutely gutted.

"I was with him on Christmas Day but he took a turn for the worse in the afternoon and needed to go to hospital.

"He was in a lot of pain and thankfully he got his final wish to die at home surrounded by his cats."

A couple of the adult, non-pedigree and neutered, cats already have new owners after attempts to find them all temporary charitable refuge failed. Everyone and everywhere was full," said Kim, "We just need to keep them fed, healthy and find a home for them.

"They need to adjust to a new home but we don't want to them to just go to anyone, we're not desperate for them to go into a someone's family if they are not going to be cared for properly; people have got to know what they are doing.

"They are used to just having one person in the house so perhaps they wouldn't fair too well in a house with young children.

"One lady, a cat lover, wanted a docile indoor to keep her kitten company while the lady was at work so we're happy she has taken one."

All the remaining cats are a mixture of crossbreeds; some are black, some white, tortoiseshell and some tabby.

Some were selflessly taken in by Melvin once their initial owners had passed away.

Kind donations of cat food are also being accepted and appreciated.

If you are able to give a cat a home, please contact Kim on 07429 235075.

A FORMER fish dock worker who lived through two world wars said living off the land as a youngster was the key to his long life, as he toasted his 100th birthday.

Percy Smith, from Waltham, was joined by friends and family at the Grove Care Home, where he showed off his card from the Queen and handed out slices of cake to celebrate.

He also took part in a special bingo game with his fellow residents later that day.

Percy was born on December 30, 1914, in Grimsby – and went to school at Elliston Street in Cleethorpes, before leaving at the age of 14 to work for an ironmongers on the fish docks.

After this, he went on to work as a window cleaner for a number of years, before returning to the fish docks prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, where he was called up for National Service on June 6, 1940.

He served in the Pioneer Core building tank traps, then went on to Camberley Common to help build a camp for the French troops. He was then moved all over the country as well as abroad, helping out with fuel dumps among many other jobs.

"It's nice to see everyone come together for this day," Percy said.

"To be honest, I never thought I would make it this far, especially seeing as I lived through two wars.

"But I've loved my life, it's been a pleasure."

Percy said the reason he has lived so long is due to living off the land and eating the good food which he grew, along with the fish and game he caught.

Percy fell in love with a young lady back home, and they married in October 1942. They had three children: one boy and two girls. He was married for 40 years until his wife sadly died in 1982.

After the war he got his job back on the docks as a fish porter and checker, and continued in this role until his retirement at the age of 65. To make ends meet while the children were growing up, he had an allotment and a Sunday paper round alongside his job on the docks.

After his first wife died, he was lucky enough to meet another lady who had lost her husband – and they married in 1983. He had 27 years of happy marriage until she passed away in 2010.

Since then, he has lived on his own and cooked for himself until he became ill, moving in to the Grove Residential Home in Waltham three years ago. Here he regularly plays bingo and enjoys doing word searches and jigsaw puzzles with his pals.

Percy spent a period of time in hospital recently having suffered with a water infection and shingles.

Percy's son David, who joined in the celebrations on Tuesday, said: "It's lovely to get all the family together. It's been difficult though, and there were times where we didn't think he would make it.

"But he recovered in hospital and now he is feeling much better.

"I don't think there's any secret to his success, we're just hoping he can stick around for a while longer yet."

HORSE riding is the latest activity to be enjoyed by the pupils at a Grimsby school.

Hot on the heels of the launch of its golf academy, St James' School in Bargate has set up its own horse riding club.

The weekly 90 minute sessions take place after school at the Weelsby Riding School on Weelsby Road, where pupils learn the basics of riding and stable management.

The first eight-week course, which is suitable for both beginners and children with riding experience, started this term.

Around ten pupils aged between nine and 14 have signed up for the Monday afternoon session.

Another session, for children aged between five and nine, takes place on Wednesday afternoon.

History teacher Jane Price, who is in charge of the horse riding club, said: "The headmaster is trying to give the students as many different opportunities as possible.

"Many of the students are horse riders or expressed an interest in riding, so we got in touch with Weelsby Riding School and they have given us a great deal.

"They lend the pupils all the equipment. The only thing the children have to bring is a shoe with a little bit of a heel on it.

"The lessons teach them how to put the saddle on and tack up the horse and how to groom it, so they learn that horse riding is not just about the fun aspect and that animals need caring for too.

"They love it. They are all bubbling with excitement when they come here. They really enjoy it very much."

Mrs Price's daughter Ffion Price, 11, is among the pupils taking part.

She said: "I started when I was five but stopped doing it and came back to it again last year.

"I was riding at another riding school but it was too far away, so once they started the club here my mum and dad thought it would be better to come here.

"I like taking care of the horses and tacking. I like the riding and you learn new things every week."

Year Seven pupil Grace Middleton, 11, said: "I have been horse riding about six years. My friend did it, it looked fun and when you are four you love horses. I really like it. I like taking care if the horses and riding. It just feels very soothing.

"I stopped for about three years because my teacher fell poorly and when I saw there was a club here I really wanted to join.

"I don't have to travel so far and all my friends are doing it."

Her twin brother Reuben Middleton, 11, said: "I enjoy riding because it's really fun and you get to interact with the horses and it makes you feel like you are in another world.

"We are being taught about brushing the horses, cleaning the hooves and cleaning the stables out."

Lucy Kim, 15, moved with her family from South Korea two years ago.

She said: "I had a horse at home in South Korea and I haven't ridden since we moved two years ago.

"I like the exercise and I think the teachers are really kind."

Headmaster Dr John Price added: "I am delighted to have established a link with Weelsby Riding Centre to form a riding academy at St James' School, to add to our thriving golf and sailing academies.

"The centre has an excellent reputation, great instructors and fine facilities.

"The academy is open to all abilities and, as well as developing their horsemanship, the pupils will learn stable management that will lead to certification.

"We have a broad range of after-school clubs to which the children look forward and thoroughly enjoy.

"While realising academic potential and more is paramount here at St James', it is vitally important that pupils benefit from such great opportunities outside the classroom.

"This holistic approach leads to happy, confident children who love learning."

THE owner of a popular new furniture shop in Keelby is pining for success in the coming years.

Keelby Pine & Oak set up shop in the village in June, and has been gathering pace ever since.

The business started as Cleveland Pine And Oak as a small shop in Hull. The quality of products on offer and ongoing success meant the business expanded very quickly and in 2002, they moved into new premises in the north bank city.

In 2012, a shop was opened in Wetwang, near Driffield, before the Keelby shop was opened earlier this year.

Owner Kim Jones set up the business after her friend Sue Chilvers, co-owner of next door's Lilly's Tea Room, made her aware of the premises being available for rent.

Originally from Waltham, the 49-year-old also runs the Driffield furniture shop.

"Things have been going really well," she said. "Sue let me know the tea room was renting out this building here and I thought I would give it a go.

"I do own the other shop north of the river but I spend most of my time in Keelby until things get off the ground. All the local people in the village have been brilliant, we've seen a lot come in from the village.

"We also benefit hugely from having the tea room next door. We're getting to the point now where we are being recommended by people who have been in to see us and the word of mouth seems to be getting out there.

"But I'm well aware it's going to take a year to build up our profile, but things are looking promising."

Kim got involved in the furniture industry through an ex-partner, who had his own shop for 15 years.

The new shop in Keelby has an impressive display of solid pine and oak furniture, which is made at their factory in Hull by their fully-trained and experienced craftsmen.

The furniture comes in many different sizes, colours and finishes, from a hand-waxed rustic finish to a natural contemporary oiled finish.

Kim added: "We manufacture all our own furniture and we do anything, from our own kitchens, to children's stools and tables, and everything in between as well as home accessories.

"We try to get as much as we can into the shop, which is quite small – but we do have plans to expand.

"All timber comes from local yards and I think people prefer that personal touch. All items are handmade and we produce them to exactly how people want it.

"We also offer reasonable prices, which is something people always comment on. I think people are going back to local places rather than your big supermarkets and chains.

"There's nothing else really like what we offer around here and I think people prefer that personal touch."

The furniture, which is designed for life, is beautifully hand-crafted in the firm's factory, using traditional construction methods to create individual pieces to suit all tastes. Each piece of pine and oak furniture is designed and manufactured to the very highest of standards.

Hand waxed, oiled, lacquered and painted finishes are on offer, all of which come in a range of tasteful colours.

The shop, which is based in Yarborough Road in Lilly's Courtyard, is open from 10am to 5pm from Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm on Sunday and customers can come in by request on Monday and Tuesday.

For more information, call 01469 560700 or visit the website at www.keelbypine.co.uk

Alternatively, visit the Facebook page by searching Keelby Pine & Oak.

ON THE WEB: Go to www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk/business for more news on businesses in our area.

A SINGLE mother from Grimsby is hoping to roll out a "life-changing" programme to help socially disadvantaged and unemployed people.

Tracy Todd, who lives on Abbey Drive East, has worked abroad for more than 20 years in North Africa and the Middle East.

Returning to Grimsby in the midst of the economic downturn, she found it difficult finding work.

But now the author is also hoping to achieve success with her new Personal Destiny Map (PDM) Programme, which she has already tested among both children and adults.

"I know how people feel who are struggling to find work," she said.

"I believe every individual should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. To that aim, I did two things. The first was to redevelop a programme I used in Saudi Arabia for more than 200 unemployed youths so that it suited the western market, and the second was follow my own advice.

"The PDM Programme is pragmatic and guides an individual or group to become more self-aware, but also to understand how to plan, self-lead and be both passionate and determined to achieve the outcome they desire in life.

"As I am from Grimsby originally, I want this project to be piloted and tested here."

Tracy revealed her target markets next year are:

Individuals who have lost their way (whether in work or unemployed).

Individuals who are socially disadvantaged.

Individuals who want to reconsider their own life and path.

Children, prior to deciding courses and exams.

One-on-one coaching.

She added: "So far I have tested, or am currently testing, four of these markets and to date the programme has been highly successful.

"Now, I would like to test it on a larger group of disadvantaged youths and prove Grimsby has something unique to help young people, and prove the nation wrong.

"It is so annoying when I hear all the derogatory news items that this area is the worst place to live. My programme is one way to show a different face. If a person knows what they want from their life, they are determined, passionate and, once shown how, can plan to achieve it, independent of their current situation."

Tracy has also written her first book, entitled Unscanned, which can be bought from Amazon.

It looks at life from a child's perspective and how they react to things on a day-to-day basis, eventually turning into an exciting adventure story.

"I feel really happy with the first part of the programme, the progress has been great."

But regarding her personal development programme, Tracy says her Grimsby background gives her the desire and drive to succeed in life.

She added: "Now I want to try to get it into as many schools as possible. Although it is important to help adults who have lost direction, and I will continue to do that, it is vital in the long-term we tackle these problems from a young age.

"My programme can most certainly be life-changing for adults though. I look around at some of the different things that people have to put up with in Grimsby: with people saying there aren't any jobs, how they continue to struggle and how young people don't know what to do, and I think it's such a pity.

"So I think it would be good for the town to have a programme like this which can prevent that. It may sound ambitious, but my eventual desire is for the Government to notice what is happening here and think, 'oh, look what is happening in Grimsby'."

For more information, visit www.attreeconsulting.com

MORE than half of all local two-year-olds are eligible for up to 15 hours' free early education and childcare.

Eligible two-year-olds can access their funded place with one of the 68 providers; including day nurseries, pre-schools, children's centres and approved child minders.

Funding starts the term after the child's second birthday.

Children born between:

April 1 and August 31 can apply from April 1 and access a place from September.

September 1 and December 31 can apply from 1 September and access a place from January.

January 1 to March 31 can apply from January 1 and access a place from April.

From September 2014 the eligibility criteria was extended and now includes:

Income Support/ Income based Jobseekers' Allowance

Income-related employment and support allowance

Support under the VI of Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The guarantee element of state pension credit

Child tax credit, (annual income – as assessed by HMRC – that does not exceed £16,190)

Working Tax Credits (including the four-week period immediately after employment ceases, or start to work fewer than 16 hours per week) with a household income of less than £16,190 as assessed by HMRC.

Or if a child is:

Looked after by the Local Authority;

Left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order;

Current in a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan;

In receipt of the Disability Living Allowance accessing the Early Years Support Pathway.

If you think your child is eligible you can apply by:

Calling the Family Information Service on 01472 326293 option 4.

Apply online at www.nelincsfis .co.uk

Visiting your local children's centre or childcare provider who can support in completing an application form

A FORMER student of a school in Immingham is hoping to bring the Olympic legacy to the town when he takes a group of pupils on an educational trip to ancient Olympia in Greece.

Tom Horton, 21, and a group of 14 current students from the Oasis Academy in Immingham will go on the trip in order to learn about Olympic values.

The expedition will cost about £15,000 – half of which has already been donated by local businesses.

And now Tom, who is organising the trip, is appealing for more donations to help fund it.

The fundraising efforts come after a survey conducted by the Oasis Academy found that around 80 per cent of residents in Immingham said they only took part in sport rarely or not at all.

Tom said: "I think everyone here in Immingham would like to see more sporting opportunities.

"I think many were surprised with the results after we did the survey back in November.

"This trip is a really useful way of engaging people in sport and it is about telling people that sport is also about friendship rather than competition. Huge crowds came to Immingham over two years ago when we had the Olympic Torch relay.

"I think that most residents thought that this was fantastic for the town, but not so many think that the 2012 games managed to inspire a generation, as promised."

It is hoped the trip will take place during spring this year.

The pupils will spend some time living in ancient Olympia, where they will be asked to develop their own projects and initiatives which could help provide more sporting opportunities in Immingham.

The students who will embark on the trip have not been announced but have been selected after demonstrating "Olympic values" at school, such as good behaviour and attendance.

Tom said that when the students return to Immingham, they will play the role as "ambassadors of Olympic values".

He added: "The trip has four main objectives: to increase sporting opportunities in the community, to increase cultural opportunities, to raise global awareness and to make people aware of the true Olympic values.

"The real hard work begins when we come back after the trip and I hope the visit will instil a passion and knowledge of the Olympics."

Tom decided to organise the event after he was invited to attend a conference in Athens to learn more about the initiative organised by Imagine Peace – an educational programme ran by the International Olympic Truce Centre.

Imagine Peace was set up back in 2011 to inform, educate and engage future generations in the concept of the Olympic Truce.

Any businesses or individuals who would like to donate money to help fund the trip can get in contact with Tom by calling the Oasis Academy on 01469 576599 or by e-mailing him on thomas.horton@oasisimmingham.org

VIOLENCE erupted when a man repeatedly punched another person after taking offence over him pushing a woman who spat at him, Grimsby magistrates heard.

Micky Richards, 20, of Dolphin Street, Cleethorpes, and Aisa Riley, 21, of Wellington Street, Grimsby, admitted assaulting Ashley Wallis on June 27.

Brendan Woodward, prose- cuting, said Mr Wallis was in Riby Square, Grimsby, when he was approached by Riley, his cousin. She had fallen out with Mr Wallis the previous weekend.

Riley spat in his face and he pushed her away. Richards got involved because he did not like to see "lads hit lasses" and he grabbed Mr Wallis by his coat before punching him several times.

Mr Wallis grabbed hold of him by his shirt and tried to keep him at arm's length.

Richards later admitted he "lost control" and added: "I wanted to get him on the floor so I could stamp on his head." He did not actually do this, however.

Ian Durant, mitigating, said unemployed Richards acted completely out of character and lost control in the heat of the moment.

He had said: "It's not fair that lads hit lasses." He over-reacted when he saw Mr Wallis push Riley.

Suleman Baig, representing Riley, said she "let her emotions get the better of her" and became angry and frustrated. She claimed she did not want to assault her cousin physically.

She worked as a seafront cashier but hoped to join the Army, said Mr Baig.

Shortly before she was sentenced, Riley started arguing with presiding magistrate Stephanie Scott, who told her not to argue.

Riley suddenly stormed out of the courtroom, saying she was going to get angry.

She was brought back in to court and apologised – but with a smirk on her face.

Mrs Scott told her to apologise again but to do so without smiling.

Richards and Riley were each given a six-month conditional discharge and were both ordered to pay £85 costs.

He was told to pay £200 compensation and £50 costs.

THE Scartho oil refinery worker accused of battering his ex-wife to death has been described to the jury as "a congenital liar".

Prosecution barrister Peter Joyce QC, in his closing speech to the jury at Lincoln Crown Court, said that Wai Hong Tsang had "lied and lied and lied".

Tsang is alleged to have driven to the western outskirts of Lincoln and then cycled into the city where the prosecution say he lay in wait for his former wife Mingzi Yang, 29.

Tsang is then alleged to have attacked her inside her terraced home in Sincil Bank moments after she returned from taking their son to school.

Mr Joyce told the jury: "What you know is that whoever attacked Mingzi Yang did it immediately when she got back into her house. Whoever did it was lying in wait. She was killed by someone who set out to do it.

"She was killed for a reason. The only person who had a reason and a motive to kill her was him (Tsang). This wasn't a random killing."

He said the killer afterwards attempted to make it appear as if a burglary had taken place at the property before cycling away back through the city.

Mr Joyce said that Tsang was left devastated after an earlier court hearing led to the couple sharing custody of their little boy and just days before the murder he had received a solicitor's letter telling him that Ms Yang was seeking for their son to spend more time with her.

The prosecutor told the jury that Tsang lied to police when he was initially interviewed as a witness, telling them that on the day of the killing he drove to Sherwood Forest and went mountain biking. Later, Tsang admitted that he stopped off in a layby near Lincoln on the way for two-and-a-half hours telling police he went to sleep in his car.

He also admitted that although he went to Sherwood Forest and changed into his cycling gear he only visited the café before setting off back to Grimsby.

Mr Joyce said "We are not talking about little white lies. We are talking about a complete scheme of lies. He was telling whopping lies.

"He doesn't tell little lies. He is a congenital liar. He lied and he lied and he lied."

Wai Hong Tsang, 33, of Bluebell Road, Scartho, Grimsby, denies the murder of Mingzi Yang on June 17 this year.

A RAFT of clubs, charities and organisations have been handed timely financial boosts by the John Ross MBE Community Trust Fund.

The trust, created in honour of the late John Ross, has seen more than £50,000 handed to scores of worthy causes in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham – along with the villages in North East Lincolnshire since it launched in 2011.

The trust was set up following the fishing industry legend's death in May 2011, by his son, Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross, in the hope of allowing his passion for the local area to live on.

Mr Ross' widow Gill helped to form a board of local members to oversee the charity, which – through the Grimsby Telegraph – now invites organisations and charities in need of financial help to apply for grants between £250 and £1,000.

She said: "It is a pleasure to be able to help groups and organisations in the local community.

"An amazing amount of work goes on in this borough but people are still desperately in need of some extra cash.

"That's why we are here to help out, and hopefully we can make a bit of a difference."

David Ross added: "Speaking on behalf of the foundation, and the trustees, we are very much enjoying making a contribution to the local community."

Reporter Matt Scrafton went to find out what difference the grants will mean to each group.

YOUNGSTERS looking to complete their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award will benefit from a £500 grant.

The Drive For Grimsby charity underpins the delivery of the DofE award scheme in North East Lincolnshire.

The scheme is open to all youngsters, irrespective of their backgrounds, including those with disabilities, between the ages of 14 and 25 and enjoys national recognition for its excellence.

Committee member Barry Howells said: "Evidence of the award on a young person's CV holds significant importance in the eyes of people in industry and commerce.

"To obtain the gold and silver awards, there is a requirement to successfully complete expeditions, which cost more than £100.

"It is increasingly evident that for youngsters from the more deprived areas of the community that these costs are difficult to meet and often impossible. We always want more funds and there's always bits and bobs that come up and need paying for.

"This sort of money will go a long way, and this sort of support is terrific. It will be sensibly used and not wasted at all."

THERE'S nothing fishy about a popular children's angling club receiving £500.

The Pilgrims Angling Club was set up in 2008 for the children of Immingham.

The money will be spent on buying new equipment for the children to use, such as whips, poles, fishing boxes and new landing nets and handles – as their current equipment is ready for replacement.

The club are also in the middle of transforming a portacabin into a classroom, which they use during the winter when it is not suitable to take the children on to the pond side.

They would also like to put three of their children through their Level 1 fishing coaching course.

Karen Hagyard, Level 1 fishing coach, fundraising and event co-ordinator, said: "To receive this money is absolutely fantastic. Right now we really need to replace some of our equipment which has gradually worn away over the years.

"The £500 will really come in handy and we were really excited when we found out about it. It has definitely come at a good time for us."

A COMMUNITY group that offers hot, freshly cooked meals will provide its volunteers with new uniforms thanks to a grant of £685.

Fresh Start Meals and Care provides volunteer- ing roles for a minimum of 19 people, offering training and opportunities for employment and qualifications.

Between them they make it possible for vulnerable people and those most in need to have a hot, freshly cooked meal daily, and to see a friendly face as well, which essentially lies at the heart of this project.

Their drivers take the catering assistants from home to home delivering the meals, often staying to make a hot drink for their clients or even to hang their washing out.

Centre manager Sandra Mason said: "This money is really important to us. It will enable us to buy uniforms for our staff.

"We have an amazing team who work for us, the bulk of which are unemployed, so we can't tell them what to buy.

"But they need to look presentable so people know who we are."

EVERY week, come rain or shine, the Grimsby Food Kitchen dishes out hot food to more than 70 people.

Many are homeless and have addictions.

Christian partners Cath and Ken Homewood run the kitchen, which hands out meals to the homeless at the Mind Centre, which is based in the East Marsh area of the town.

They have also benefited from a £500 grant.

The soup kitchen was born out of a desire to help those less fortunate than themselves and helps scores of needy people every Sunday.

The money went towards providing cups and cutlery for the Christmas buffet, as well as breakfast tickets from the Sonya & Shelly's café in Freeman Street.

Cath said: "I'm absolutely ecstatic – it's a fantastic Christmas present!

"It was a huge relief when we found out we had been successful and it should be enough to take us into the New Year. What better way to start 2015?"

A DONATION of £500 could help produce the next cricketing star of the future here in Grimsby.

Grimsby Town Cricket Club, based in Augusta Street, organises junior coaching for 30 to 40 youngsters every Friday evening between April and September, with ages ranging between seven and 16.

Their grant of £500 will be used to assist with the cost of training new coaches and buying new equipment.

At the moment they currently have to employ coaches from outside the club, but in future would like to use their own youngsters.

David Evans, secretary of the club's youth section, said cricket is a great way to improve self-esteem in youngsters.

"We are very grateful, and the money will be more than useful," he said.

"Hopefully this will help us become self-sufficient. And who knows, it might help us produce some stars of the future?

"We have close links with local schools but we would like to develop this further and increase the number of youngsters attending our sessions. New equipment would help those youngsters who are unable to afford their own kit. Cricket gear can be very expensive and as a community club in the heart of Grimsby, we look to make the game accessible to all."

THERE were no long faces at a horse racing event after it raised £700 for a Grimsby and Cleethorpes naval group.

The Grimsby and Cleethorpes branch of the Royal Naval Association raised the money from a virtual horse racing event, during which club members were able to bet on eight separate races.

Around 70 people attended the fundraising event.

Branch secretary Mark Trainor said: "The time, effort and hard work put into this event was most definitely worth it as I do believe that a great time was had by all who attended after listening to the lovely comments made to me by some RNA members and guests alike."

The event was sponsored by a variety of businesses, including Cleethorpes Cars, Barnets and Stevenson Motors.

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CANCER charity supporters will be flocking to Louth for a sponsored walk.

The annual Round Louth Walk in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will take place from 10am on Sunday with the starting point at the Halfpenny Lane entrance to Hubbard's Hills.

Walkers can take part in a two, six or 14-mile routes.

They can enjoy a well-earned break at Brackenborough Hall, thanks to the kindness of owners Flora and Paul Bennett.

They will provide refreshments and toilet facilities for walkers.

The supporters regularly raise more than £2,000 for charity. The event is family-friendly and walkers can take dogs.

It will be the 16th Louth Round Walk, which has raised more than £23,000 for a variety of charities.

It was taken over by Macmillan fundraisers from long-serving volunteers David Bolland, Mike Preen and Jenny Crooks, who stood down as organisers after outstanding efforts since the walk started in Millennium year.

Macmillan fundraising manager Jamie Davenport said: "It is a fun event and brings people together. We hope as many people as possible will register between 10am and 11am on Sunday."

Registration is £5. Sponsor forms are available from Linda Judd or Jamie Davenport on 07595 091384 or by e-mail to jdavenport@macmillan.org.uk

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council has apologised for a backlog in waste collections over the festive season.

Previously advertised revised collection of waste bins and recycling boxes across North East Lincolnshire over the festive period is currently running behind schedule.

The freezing temperatures have made it difficult for crews to make collections due to slippery roads and footways.

Crews will be working today as planned and tomorrow to help catch up with outstanding collections.

If your bin or boxes have not been collected, present them each morning from today.

The council apologises for any inconvenience.

A CHARITY seeking to change the lives of young people is on the crest of a wave.

CatZero is seeking crew members as it sails into 2015 with big plans for the young people of North East Lincolnshire.

Sean Cahill, project manager for the South Bank, which includes Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham and Scunthorpe areas, said the charity is looking for a permanent base to support more young people with training programmes in 2015.

He said: "2013 was the year we really got established and hosted more programmes in Grimsby and Immingham than we did in Hull.

"Last year we had three of the four programmes based in Grimsby.

"The highlight was the trip to our twin town of Bremerhaven in Germany. We sailed on the yacht over the North Sea to the port and the young people had the chance to see the impact of the renewable energy industry and how it can rejuvenate an area.

"The young people could see how an area like ours could be rejuvenated in the same way as Bremerhaven."

He told how the young people met with representatives of "Werkstattschule" – the equivalent to CatZero in Germany.

The crew of 12, all aged between 16 and 24, had the chance to go inside a wind turbine and appreciate the scale of the engineering involved in their manufacture and installation.

Sean said the population of young people who are not engaged in education, employment or training (NEETS) costs the nation £72 billion each year.

He estimated each person who is in this category costs in benefits around £52,000 per year.

He added statistics showed they are three times more likely to start offending than those young people who have got jobs or training.

Around one in seven succumbs to drug abuse and tragically, many commit suicide.

Sean said CatZero provides support and has a 65 per cent success rate in steering young people into employment.

Crew members are referred by schools in North East Lincolnshire.

Sean said: "We run programmes to re-engage with young people, motivate them and inspire them and aim to open their eyes to the opportunities around them.

"This area is going to boom with the growing renewable energy sector and 2015 will see a great change in opportunities.

"We want the jobs to go to all our young people and ensure they take up the opportunities instead of them going to outsiders."

Each programme lasts about 12 weeks and includes an introduction to those young people who have completed programmes with CatZero in previous years.

They also get the chance to meet business people in the community.

Long-term unemployed people aged between 16 and 25 years can also be referred through JobCentre Plus.

CatZero is funded through the NHS, JobCentre Plus, local businesses, North East Lincolnshire Council and private donors.

The charity is currently based in the Freeman Street Business And Digital Hub at the rear of Freeman Street Market.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the charity can contact Sean on 01482 333303 or his mobile 07879 775193.

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