A couple left stranded in New York after the premature birth of their baby have thanked the public for supporting them.

They also revealed their relief after insurers finally confirmed their £130,000 medical bills would be covered.

"We are so, so grateful for the positive people that were there for us in our time of need," said 29-year-old Lee Johnston.

"Parents all around the world have gone out of their way supporting us."

Lee and his fiance Katie Amos, of Burgh-le-Marsh, are making daily trips to hospital to spend precious hours with tiny newborn Dax Lee Johnston, who arrived 11 weeks early on December 28, weighing just 3lbs.

He made his surprise appearance during the couple's break in the Big Apple, which meant they had no money for accommodation, clothes or food for a longer stay.

Ronald McDonald House, which helps families stay close to sick children, has stepped in to provide accommodation for the stranded pair.

"We are dining with people that are in medical situations the same as we were, or dealing with cancer. It is life-changing stuff and gives you a new perspective," Lee added.

While they are worrying about Dax as any new parents would, Lee said they are ecstatic to finally have their own bundle of joy. Their days are filled with trips to and from Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

"It is amazing, it is exciting," he said. "For us, it's now just trying to deal with the ordeal. So many things go through your mind all the time.

Their plight touched the hearts of parents across Lincolnshire – then the world.

Their story hit national headlines and a local fundraising page set up by friends went off the scale with donations from strangers.

Now, the couple can't wait to celebrate Dax's Lincolnshire homecoming – due in March – and are giving thanks for the public donations that have helped towards accommodation and other costs.

The couple still face problems – they have to find accommodation for three months and are already worrying about the flight home with little Dax. However, Lee said they are ignoring posts from Facebook "trolls", who have questioned why the couple needed fundraising help.

"Everyone has an opinion, and we leave them to that. We have got Dax to worry about," he said. "For us, we just focus on looking after Dax and there is nothing we can do.

"You will never change people's opinions. Me and Katie will carry on helping fundraising for Ronald McDonald House when we get back."

The couple set off from Burgh-le-Marsh on Boxing Day for their trip, but two days later, Katie went into labour during a sightseeing tour.

Lee is a self-employed personal trainer at New Era Gym in Skegness and new mum Katie, 30, runs fitness classes at the same gym.

As Dax's story spread across the globe this week, the couple received online support from ex-glamour model Katie Price, who gave birth to her son Jett two months early while on holiday in France in 2013.

She tweeted: "I hope their insurance company pay, my insurance company paid and were amazing when I had Jett in France."

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Police in Lincolnshire insist they will continue to battle legal highs after it was revealed the county's force dealt with the highest recorded number of incidents involving the substances out of 16 forces in England.

In three years there has been a rise of 11,614 per cent in the number of incidents involving legal highs dealt with by Lincolnshire Police.

And there has been a rise of 136 per cent in figures in in the last 12 months.

Devon and Cornwall Police is the only force out of the 16 which has seen a decline in incidents in 2014 with none recorded.

The figures have been released by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).

The body is calling for a robust response from the government, including new police powers to close shops that persist in selling legal highs.

Lincoln Community Policing Inspector Pat Coates said: "There are no two ways about it, legal highs are a problem.

"Lincolnshire Police, along with partner agencies, will continue to tackle this problem. We have work ongoing to police legal highs, which includes continually educating and raising awareness around the sale and use of them."

The CSJ also claim the UK has the highest number of legal highs users among young people in Europe.

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COUNCILLORS slammed Government officials for their austerity cuts as they approved in principle plans to increase council tax for residents for the next four years.

North East Lincolnshire Council's Cabinet yesterday passed its draft budget plans which included rate increases of 1.98 per cent, creating £2 million of extra cash.

Members also reluctantly passed a proposal to scrap a welfare support scheme set up by the council designed to help those in need.

Deputy council leader Mick Burnett told how the authority had been left with "meagre funds" with which to survive but accepted that "we are where we are".

The new two-year budget will go out to public consultation, before the full council meets to approve or reject it on February 26.

Mr Burnett said: "The financial status of this council is not the making of any of the 42 members. It's outside influences who are creating the problem."

Fellow Labour member Hazel Chase added: "We've got to remember that the cuts we're faced with are not the fault of this council. It's from central Government and the cuts are being forced on us and we have to adhere to them. It's not of our making."

The various council scrutiny committees will get an opportunity to quiz council bosses about the proposals – and suggest alternatives – in the coming weeks.

They include 1.98 per cent council tax hikes for the next four years, subject to future Government settlements.

Around £1.5 million will be allocated to an earmarked reserve to "facilitate and enable economic growth and regeneration within the borough".

The authority's total funding will reduce by just under £10 million next year and with projected revenue spending at £7 million more than total funding.

The council is proposing to plug this gap by using money from its earmarked reserves.

The Cabinet opted to end the Community Support Grants, a fund combining to support those needing help with their Council Tax payments, from April 1 due to funding cuts, as there is no legal requirement to operate a Local Welfare provision scheme. But the budget report admitted that the cut may put additional pressure on existing council services.

Councillor David Watson said: "It does highlight how the austerity measures are affecting us.

"None of us came into this job to cause harm on the vulnerable but this is the right thing to do."

Council leader Chris Shaw said it was "unfortunate" that such decisions had to be made.

He added: "We do have a hardship fund for people in dire need".

Councillor Peter Wheatley said estimations showed a nine per cent reduction in funding year on year in future years.

He added: "If you go to Tesco tomorrow with nine per cent less in your purse and expect to buy the same number of goods, you will find you have to shop somewhere different.

"We've had it time after time. It's going to be a very difficult target to meet."

A council spokesperson said that, by 2017 its revenue budget will have to be reduced by 40 per cent, equal to at least £76 million, since 2011.

Log onto our website to see a short animated video put together by North East Lincolnshire-based East Coast Pictures to encourage residents and businesses to have their say on the authority's budget challenges.

A HOMELESS man who made a nuisance of himself by begging for money in the street – despite warnings not to do so – had finally "turned over a new leaf", a court heard.

Jonathon Ellerington, 34, of Rutland Street, Grimsby, admitted two offences of breaching an antisocial behaviour order by begging on September 23.

Anthony Mowbray, prosecuting, told Grimsby magistrates that Ellerington was given an asbo by Hull Magistrates' Court on May 9 after he was caught begging on several occasions.

The ban applied to the whole Humberside area but he was twice spotted begging in Victoria Street, Grimsby, within a few hours. He made the "excuse" that he thought the ban applied only to Hull city centre.

Andrew Havery, mitigating, said it was a "good news story" because Ellerington had "turned over a new leaf" over the past few months.

He had been homeless for a short time after moving to Grimsby and was "spotted doing what he should not have done" by begging but he had since made good progress.

Unemployed Ellerington was fined £50 and was ordered to pay a Government-imposed £20 victims' surcharge.

"IT would be incredible to see hordes of Grimsby Town fans making their way to Wembley in March."

That's the image spurring on Carl Magnay, ahead of tomorrow's FA Trophy Second Round clash with former club Gateshead (3pm).

Magnay, 25, is expected to return to the starting XI at Blundell Park, after suffering injury in the derby reverse to Lincoln City.

He then missed the 2-1 defeat to Macclesfield on New Year's Day.

Having suffered Wembley heartache in 2013/2014 – during the Heed's unsuccessful Play-Off charge – the popular defender is now dreaming of a grand day out with the Mariners.

But Magnay says his current club won't find it easy against Gateshead, despite a 6-1 Conference demolition in August.

He told the Telegraph: "It's obviously my first season here, but it has seemed like the FA Trophy has been a bit of a hindrance to the fans.

"But we are taking it seriously – as we should.

"I was lucky enough to get to Wembley last season, and it's always a brilliant day out for the club and fans.

"Some of the lads here have been there before, and you always want to get back – we have a realistic opportunity in the Trophy.

"We would take a great following, and I've been really impressed with the fans since coming here this season."

On the potential threat from ex-club Gateshead, Magnay added: "They are a little bit different from other teams we face in the Conference.

"Gateshead are brave in possession and play out from the back, but sometimes when you play like that you set yourself up as a target.

"When we went up there earlier in the season we got a great result, and combated the way they play.

"So we will be going about our business in a similar fashion.

"But I think Gateshead have become a little bit more savvy against teams that go and press them a little more.

"We know things aren't going to be the same, but our aim is to knock them out!"

Town head into tomorrow's crunch Trophy encounter having suffered back-to-back home defeats.

However, with the Mariners still fourth in the Conference table, Magnay insists there is plenty to shout about at Blundell Park.

He continued: "Aside from the Lincoln result, we had a really good December.

"But then with that, and another defeat, it felt like our hard work had been undone.

"We are still in a good position, and hope to be challenging at the end of the season."

Magnay has played 27 times since his summer switch to Cleethorpes, netting a solitary goal against Dartford.

And having been one of the star men so far this season, the ex-Chelsea man is keen to hit the ground running after injury.

Magnay said: "It was basically an impact injury, so the good news is there was no damage to ligaments.

"It's nothing to worry about and I should be fine tomorrow – and I can't wait to get back out there.

"I'm obviously delighted with the number of games I've played since coming to this club, but with an injury you obviously lose the rhythm, and get out of the groove.

"In the past I've found it takes a while to get back, but I don't want to do that – I want to hit the ground running."

A SHOP boss suffered a broken nose after he and one of his staff were repeatedly punched during a violent and bad-tempered confrontation in the street.

Their drink-fuelled attacker was "posturing and aggressive" and hurled a series of racial insults at them before threatening to burn the shop down or come back with a gun, a court heard.

David Oliver, 24, of Beverley Crescent, Grimsby, admitted assaulting Saman Abdlohb, causing actual bodily harm, and assaulting Hardi Dana on January 18.

His girlfriend, Katie Todd, 28, also of Beverley Crescent, admitted using threatening behaviour. All three offences were racially aggravated.

Robert Sandford, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Oliver and Todd had both been drinking when the trouble flared.

They walked past an international food store in Freeman Street, Grimsby, owned by Mr Abdlohb. Mr Dana worked there as a butcher.

Oliver picked up a tray of loose onions from outside the shop and tipped them on Todd before they both "jogged away" up the street.

Mr Abdlohb and Mr Dana followed them and there was a confrontation. The two men returned to the shop and Mr Abdlohb grabbed a sweeping brush, which he held behind him.

There was a scuffle between the shop workers and Oliver and the broom handle was broken during the confrontation. Todd was thought to have picked up part of it. Oliver was "posturing and aggressive" towards the two shop staff and Todd tried to restrain him.

"Oliver attacked Mr Abdlohb and then Mr Dana, repeatedly punching them in a flurry of blows," said Mr Sandford.

"Mr Dana fell to the floor. Todd joined in by striking out with the handle of the brush before kicking baskets towards Mr Abdlohb.

"Oliver was shouting towards the shop staff. Todd tried to pull him away. Both walked off down the street.

"Throughout all this, Oliver and Todd were shouting racial abuse. Oliver also shouted threats to have the premises burned down or to come back with a gun."

He warned the owner: "I'm going to come and burn your shop down."

Oliver was detained by police later after a violent struggle and he shouted racial abuse.

Mr Abdlohb was treated at hospital for a fractured nose and a 2cm laceration to his head. Mr Dana suffered a swollen lip and a painful nose.

Andrew Bailey, mitigating, said it was a "stupid drunken prank" but Oliver claimed that the shop workers were the first to use violence, leading to further trouble.

"It doesn't justify what the defendants did but it was that assault that caused him to lose his cool completely and act in the way he did," said Mr Bailey.

"He is ashamed of that. He also suffered fairly significant injuries himself."

Craig Lowe, representing Todd, said she initially acted as a peacemaker but saw her boyfriend being "overpowered" by the two men during violent scenes during which the broom was broken.

She helped to defend him and kicked a bin and baskets. She admitted she might have used racial abuse in the heat of the moment. Todd was pregnant with Oliver's baby and she was due to give birth in April. She had four children who were not his. He had two sons from an earlier relationship.

Oliver was jailed for a year and Todd was given a six-month suspended prison sentence and a one-year supervision order.

NEWS that Grimsby Town discussed signing convicted rapist Ched Evans has had a mixed reaction from fans.

We broke the story yesterday that one of the club's financial backers had offered to underpin the costs of signing him.

But following discussions, director John Fenty, manager Paul Hurst and board members unanimously agreed it would be too high a risk for the club's reputation.

Evans was said to be close to a move to Oldham Athletic, the League One side, but the club yesterday called off the move over alleged threats made to club officials and their families.

Here is a selection of the comments posted on our website and on Facebook:

Marinermad86: "Well done Town – nice to see a proper family football club take a stand.

"John Fenty and co deserve a lot of credit for not being tempted to sign a clearly talented, but convicted rapist footballer.

"I, for one, would be tearing up my season ticket had we signed him."

Will Farrell: "Should have signed him. Everybody deserves a second chance in life. He only wants to go back to work."

Karl Sandford: "This guy should never ever play football again. The FA should intervene and tell the player he should not be able to play ever again. If one of us in the real world got convicted of rape and did time for it we wouldn't be allowed to work for some time. I think it's disgraceful."

Rob: "Should have signed him."

Luke OHara: "Idiots. I can't believe they'd not sign him. He'd have never come but he's exactly what we need (on the pitch)."

Ami Illingworth: "Why would he show remorse for a crime he is adamant he didn't commit? And if he did do it he's served his sentence so should be allowed to continue his life."

Stephen Blyth: "Might have got us promoted."

Patricia Watson: "Well done Grimsby Town, a wise decision."

Jamie Grant: "Would have got us out the conference. Probably would have stayed with us for his whole career as well."

Iron54: "Some clubs have no morals, pleased to see Town didn't stoop so low, and for the record to the do-gooders, he hasn't served his time, he's out on licence."

Evans, 26, was released from prison last October having served half of a five-year sentence for the rape of a 19-year-old woman in a hotel.

As reported, Mr Fenty said the club was approached by a financial backer who asked if the Mariners would be prepared to sign Evans.

He explained: "They kindly offered to underpin the cost of signing him if we were interested.

"We had a meeting to discuss this involving myself, manager Paul Hurst and the board. Some would say that justice has been done and he has served his time.

"There is also the fact that he is still appealing against the conviction.

"I understand those views, but the potential fall-out from signing Ched Evans would have been too great.

"We were unanimous in our decision.

"The long-term impact on our fan base – and possibly on our sponsors – could have been massive.

"The big concern was the damage to the football club and its reputation.

"The offer we had from the sponsor would have helped to cover his wages and associated costs until the end of the season.

"But it was a move simply too high risk to consider."

Evans still protests his innocence and is currently appealing his conviction.

Tesco has confirmed that no decision has been made on whether to proceed with its proposed store in Bargate, Grimsby.

The Grimsby Telegraph understood that the Tesco Express was one of 49 proposed stores nationwide to have been shelved by the supermarket giant in the midst of plummeting profits - along with the recently completed Immingham store.

The planned Mablethorpe supermarket has also been axed.

However, spokesman Mark Thomas has today told the Telegraph that the controversial Bargate proposal  was not among those included in yesterday's announcement.

In November, the developer Bargate Assets withdrew an application for consent to change the use of the vacant former Great Grimsby Conservative Association building into a retail store without the need to submit a full planning application.

Mr Thomas said the company was still considering whether to pursue the development and submit a full planning application.

He said: "We are still reviewing our options with regards to Bargate after withdrawing the application. That has not changed."

As previously reported, the devastating news for Immingham and surrounding villages came as part of a trading update delivered yesterday.

It means the centrepiece of the town's major regeneration project will not now be occupied, with the prospect of hundreds of new jobs put on ice as a new occupier or use is sought.

Council leader Chris Shaw said the decision not to proceed with the Immingham store was extremely disappointing. He said: "While I appreciate this is a difficult business decision for Tesco to take and that 48 other areas will also be affected, we will be requesting an urgent meeting with senior officials at the company to press our case and discuss a way forward.

"We have worked long and hard with the company, developers and colleagues in Immingham to press forward with the proposal and we'll continue to do all we can to investigate all possible alternatives for the site.''

Cleethorpes and Immingham MP Martin Vickers also sought assurances about the future of the site from chief executive David Lewis in Westminster.

In a statement, Mr Lewis said: "It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing that we are unable to proceed with 49 planned new store developments across the UK, including our planned store in Immingham.

"Our performance as a business has fallen significantly short of where we would want it to be and my absolute imperative has to be to protect the future of our business for the circa 300,000 colleagues we employ in communities all over the UK. I know that this news will be a real disappointment to many people in the local community and we're extremely grateful for the support we've received for our plans. I am very aware of the importance of the site to the area and I am determined that we will work closely with the council to find the right solution for the local community."

Other measures announced included closing a staff pension scheme and cuts of £250 million, aimed at reducing overheads within the business by 30 per cent. The Hertfordshire head office, in Cheshunt, is also going.

Shares rose by nearly 10 per cent as announcements were welcomed in the City, despite a decision not to pay dividends as part of the package.

Mr Vickers was keen to find out the detail of the lease Tesco has signed with the site developer, fearing the agreement could be a barrier to filling the void until the break point in the agreement, whereby Tesco could then walk away.

He said: "It is incredibly disappointing and on the face of it does appear Tesco have dug themselves into a deep hole with the agreement they have for the lease with the agents for the Immingham property. I am sure questions will need to be asked as to why they have got themselves into this position. For the local community it is desperately disappointing and I will work with the local authority, the town council and anyone who can help attract another tenant."

Lorraine Alexander, partnership and employer manager for JobCentre Plus in North East Lincolnshire, confirmed recruitment hadn't begun for the store, with no discussions having taken place.

Highlighting opportunities, she said: "We are eagerly anticipating the opening of the new Aldi store due at Easter in Immingham. Home Bargains is currently recruiting in Grimsby for staff for their new store, too."

Other stores in North East Lincolnshire include the store at Cleethorpes, which saw a huge investment last year, and the Grimsby supermarket it opened – ironically, in similar circumstances when Big W pulled out post-construction in 2005. Tesco also has outlets in Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes and Market Hotel roundabout, Grimsby. A list of the unprofitable stores has not been made available, and assurances would not be given about specific locations.

The land acquisition for the wider development of which Tesco was seen to anchor in Immingham was not without controversy, with the town's leisure centre making way for it.

Aldi is currently converting the former Co-operative in neighbouring Washdyke Lane, due to open for Easter.

Councillor David Watson, who represents Immingham and is the portfolio holder for environment and housing, said: "As a ward member and a resident of Immingham I find it very frustrating that Tesco has pulled its planned new store.

"Their investment would have helped bolster the local jobs market and inject money into the local supply chain.

"Shoppers in the town will be left feeling let down and my fellow ward members and I will push for a meeting for other options to be considered."

For more reaction to Tesco's shock announcement see tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph.

A 91-YEAR-OLD Second World War veteran was left in severe pain for an hour-and-a-half, after falling off his bike and waiting for an ambulance in the freezing cold.

In the end Jim Enser, 91, was taken to hospital by concerned passers-by in Waltham after the ambulance never arrived – the former RAF serviceman had a dislocated and fractured shoulder.

Today, bosses at East Midlands Ambulance Service stressed that Jim's call was one of a huge amount of calls they received during the recent cold snap, 5,448 more than the same period last year, putting "incredible pressure on the whole health system". They apologised to Jim.

Jim, who is 92 later this month, came off his bike while riding back from the shops, he had slipped on the ice when putting his foot down on the pavement.

The villager said he was now worried about other elderly patients facing similar delays.

He said: "I've never complained about anything like this before. I'm not blaming the paramedics but I am blaming the way it is run. I've got every admiration for them but it's the system. I was shivering.

"EMAS has been good to me before and they are doing their best, but the point is that I don't want other people to have to stay by the roadside."

French-born Jim said he had pulled himself up on a metal gate after falling from his bike, despite his severe pain. Passers-by helped comfort him with blankets and called for the ambulance.

Jim said they called again on more than one occasion to find out where the ambulance was before calling A&E at Grimsby's hospital and asking if they could take him directly.

He was discharged later that evening after undergoing x-rays and was asked to return for a follow-up appointment.

He praised hospital staff for their "excellent" care.

Jim served at RAF Waltham and was among the Allied invasion force which liberated western Europe in 1944, landing in Normandy on June 16.

He spent much of the rest of his life working in development for British Airways.

He said he felt anxious while waiting for paramedics but thanked the Good Samaritans who came to his aid.

Peter Ripley, from East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We haven't been approached by the patient about the response to the 999 call. However the delay experienced clearly fell short of the high standard our patients should expect, and we are very sorry about that."

EMAS added: "Patient safety and wellbeing is at the forefront of what we do and we have been working very hard behind the scenes to manage the increase in demand and expectations on our service."

It was confirmed that the first 999 call about Jim was made at 2.03pm on Sunday, January 4, and that the request for an ambulance was cancelled at 3.26pm.

Despite his age, Jim rides his bicycle three or four times a week and said he will not be perturbed by his fall. He said both he and his wife Jean, 87, were fiercely independent.

"At my age sometimes you don't want to go out but we're very independent," he said.

"I want to try to stay active. I don't think I should stop doing things like riding my bike."

See page 6 for coverage of Jeremy Kyle's latest TV show, in which he joins paramedics on a night shift in Grimsby.

ON THE WEB: Have your say on this story on our website, www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

MANAGER Paul Hurst isn't feeling the pressure at Grimsby Town – and is focused on keeping the club's FA Trophy dream alive.

The Mariners welcome Conference rivals Gateshead tomorrow (3pm) for the crunch Second Round clash.

But while Town have suffered back-to-back home defeats, Hurst still has full confidence in his – and his team's – ability.

He told the Telegraph: "I have to concentrate on the job at hand.

"We've lost two games, of course, but other teams have had struggles as well and we're still in a good position.

"We're still fourth in the league, and people can always look at the grass being a little greener elsewhere.

"But I'm enjoying working with the players, and long may that continue.

"We want to experience the joy of winning the cup, and turning out at Wembley.

"It was a good privilege to have been there, and it would be great if we could go one better this season."

Town head into the Trophy clash having suffered five defeats at home this season.

However, while Lincoln City and Macclesfield conquered in Cleethorpes, Hurst insists only combined form matters.

He added: "I would like to feel that I will be judged on what we do in the league and cup, and if that's not good enough then so be it.

"As a club it would be nice if we were winning our home games, but our form away has been good.

"The stats include away games as well, but for me the only thing that matters is how we are doing overall.

"It would be good to have it both ways, but that's very rare and just part and parcel of football.

"I've read somewhere that we've had an abysmal start to the year, but we have only lost one game since the turn of the year."

Are you feeling lucky? Tonight many people will be hoping to hit the Euromillions jackpot and kick January off with a bumper bank balance.

Tonight there is a jackpot of £24 million and one guaranteed UK Millionaire Maker winner of £1 million.

Ticket sales close around 7.30pm with the draw shortly after.

Keep checking our website for a run-down of the results.

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New Year, New Home! Find dozens of properties for sale and to rent in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and northern Lincolnshire at grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/property

The Saturday's singer Frankie Bridge will no longer be performing on this year's Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour. 

The news come after the star revealed she was pregnant with her second child yesterday. 

So excited to tell you that Wayne & I are expecting another baby later this year. We cant wait for Parker to have a little brother or sister

— Francesca Bridge (@FrankieTheSats) January 8, 2015

The baby will be Frankie and Wayne Bridge's second child together, after the pair had Parker in October 2013.

However the singer has reluctantly had to step down from performing in the 2015 Strictly Come Dancing UK tour, on the advice of her doctor.

She is suffering from a condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which can effect the early months of pregnancy and cause severe morning sickness. 

Frankie sent this message to her fans and supporters: "Wayne and I are delighted to announce that we are expecting our second baby. It is very early days, but we couldn't be happier and Parker will make a wonderful big brother. Although this is such an incredible time for us as a family, due to health reasons I am sadly unable to go on the Strictly tour as planned. I'm devastated that I'm missing out, as I loved Strictly so much and was so looking forward to joining everyone again in all those fabulous arenas. Thanks for the warm messages I've already received, they are really appreciated."

A spokesperson for Stage Entertainment and Phil McIntyre Entertainments, producers of the Strictly tour, said: "We completely respect Frankie's decision, a safe pregnancy is the priority. On behalf of the whole cast and crew, we send Frankie our love and very best wishes - we will miss her."

The producers will announce the name of a new celebrity performing in the arena tour. They will join 2014 Strictly champion Caroline Flack, fellow finalists Simon Webbe and Mark Wright, together with Scott Mills, Alison Hammond and Thom Evans. The new judging panel features the 2008 Strictly winners Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup, who join TV judge Craig Revel Horwood. Zoe Ball completes the fab-u-lous line-up as host.

HUMBERSIDE Airport is launching an exclusive season of luxury weekend breaks to some of Europe's most desirable cities, taking in one of the most glamorous global sporting events.

The Kirmington team will offer a choice of convenient, direct weekend ventures to Nice, Barcelona and Venice on 50-seat jets, in May and June.

Leisure travellers can explore Nice on the Cote d'Azur in the south of France or experience the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix.

Barcelona is Spain's stunning Catalonian capital and also plays host to the Spanish Grand Prix. A romantic weekend in Venice, the city of love, is also an attractive destination.

As part of these specific weekends of luxury travel from Humberside Airport, customers will have exclusive private check-in, complimentary car parking at the airport, a champagne breakfast and a "private jet experience" on the Embraer jet, part of airport-owning resident airline Eastern Airways' fleet.

Prices will start from £300.

Paul Litten, Humberside Airport's commercial director, said: "We're offering customers the choice of visiting three luxurious weekend break European destinations direct from Humberside Airport. Two of the weekend departures to Nice and Barcelona have also been specifically planned around the high octane and thrilling Monaco and Spanish Grand Prix. These breaks, which include Venice, really are weekends to remember and can be packaged with high quality accommodation through Humberside Airport Travel or booked as flight only."

Packages including flights and accommodation are bookable through Humberside Airport Travel on 01652 682000 or via local travel agents. Flights can also be booked at www.easternairways. com

The ambulance service operator for North East Lincolnshire failed to hit its response targets for the most life-threatening 999 calls in figures released today.

NHS England statistics showed East Midlands Ambulance Service attended 72.8 per cent of its most serious Red 1 calls within eight minutes, below the 75 per cent target.

But it scored above a number of other service providers.

The latest figures are for November 2014.

EMAS hit 71.5 per cent of its Red 2 calls within eight minutes, below the 75 per cent target.

The service attended 93.7 per cent of category A Red 1 calls within 19 minutes.

RESTORING faith in humanity, high street business Timpson have placed signs in all of their dry cleaners offering free outfit cleaning for unemployed people going to job interviews.

The signs read: "If you are unemployed and need an outfit cleaned for an interview we will clean it for free! When times are tough, we will help you look your best."

The free service is available in all of the Timpson branches that offer dry cleaning, such as the one Hewitts Circus Retail Park near Tesco. 

James Timpson, the chief executive of the company: tweeted this: 

Our way of helping out a little pic.twitter.com/BDvGVjp7fj

— James Timpson (@JamesTCobbler) January 1, 2015

He told the Mirror: "Some people can't afford to look smart. We want to help those people. It doesn't matter where they're being interviewed by us or somewhere else, it's about helping people get back on their feet."

He commented that "it goes against the grain, it's not about earning every penny".

The move has proved quite popular on Twitter

@JamesTCobbler#Outstanding

— Pate Punk (@RufusCarter) January 1, 2015

I love this company and this is one reason why pic.twitter.com/e2D7DhkNjG

— ian leslie (@mrianleslie) January 8, 2015

@JamesTCobbler Mr.Timpson, I will use your shop now even if I don't need to b/c kindness should ALWAYS be rewarded :-)

— WhatKatyDid (@byron9164) January 8, 2015

What do you think of the gesture?