FORMER X-Factor judge, Gary Barlow caused a Twitter meltdown earlier this week after offering to perform at three lucky fans' weddings - but after extending it to five he's now chosen them all. Was your wedding one of the lucky few chosen. 

The singer sparked worldwide excitement online on Monday when he made the proposition, and said while he'll plan the whole thing - no-one will know who he's chosen until after the big day.

The former X Factor judge tweeted: "Ready for some fun?

"Every week I receive thousands of requests to sing at someone's wedding.

"In 2015 I want to sing at 3 weddings. The only deal is they have to be huge fans and all you have to do is stalk me on here.

"I won't publish on here which weddings till after the event.

After thousands applied, he extended it to five weddings but now after much deliberation the singer has now chosen them all.

That's it folks ! 5 Weddings to look forward to ! I need to buy some hats !!! Thank you for all the amazing and inspiring stories !

— Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) January 9, 2015

We're you one of the lucky ones.

Get in touch with us at www,newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk  

LOUTH-area golfer Ashton Turner is looking forward to the challenge he'll be facing as he prepares for the Costa Ballena International Quadrangular Tournament.

Turner, a member of Kenwick Park Golf Club, will be part of a six-strong England team from January 21-23 as they look to defend the title they won last year in Spain.

And the 18-year-old, who also represented England at Under-16 level, is relishing the chance to represent his country again.

"I've trained hard through the winter and really applied myself," said Turner. "Hopefully it'll all come together for the tournament.

"It means a lot to me. I've been representing my country for the last few years, but the feeling never changes, the pride of standing out there in the kit and doing my best for England."

Alongside Turner in the team will be Gloucestershire's Jamie Dick. The two were part of the GB&I team that triumphed over Europe in the Jacques Leglise Trophy in August.

"I've spent the last year with Jamie at Under-18 level, and it's always nice to have someone there who knows you better than most people do."

Also selected are Jamie Bower and Bobby Keeble, who were part of the winning England team last year, and Turner is keen to learn from them this time around.

"They know what it was like last year and they know the competition we're going to be coming up against," added Turner.

"It's good to have people who have got that experience so that we can look to them for advice."

The competition is played on a round robin basis against teams from Finland, Germany and hosts Spain – with each match comprising three foursomes and six singles.

There will be pressure on England to defend the title they won for the first time since 2006, but Turner believes the team will be able to put it out of their heads.

"There probably is a bit more pressure this year, but once it actually gets to the tournament stage, that all goes out of your mind.

"Obviously when you're playing with a partner, it's difficult to not get yourself too occupied with not messing up for them.

"But we've all got the games individually and that's why we're there, so we've just got to focus on that and trust ourselves."

Turner suffered from a leg injury at the back-end of 2014, which hampered his defence of the Telegraph BMW Junior Championship title.

But the 18-year-old feels that he's back to full fitness, and is confident the injury shouldn't flare up again.

"I laid off the strenuous training regimes to try and give my leg a bit of time to rest and it cleared up about a month ago, so I've been back to full training since then.

"Training is every single day now and I'm in the gym probably four times a week. I've been strengthening my leg as well to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Turner is looking to continue his great form in 2015, and hopes that he'll be playing alongside some of his heroes in the near future.

"Obviously I want to become a full pro, but the big aim is to get on the main tour, prove myself and pick up some big ranking points.

"Rory McIlroy's always been a figure I've admired, and most recently Matt Fitzpatrick as well. What he's done so fast is something anyone can look up to.

"One of my targets for this year is to get into the Walker Cup team in September, that's the big one this year, and I'd also like to win a couple of majors.

"The biggest tournaments I've got this year are probably the British Amateur Championship and the Lytham Trophy, so hopefully winning one of them is going to be on the cards."

RACHEL Stevens will replace Frankie Bridge as Kevin Clifton's celebrity partner for the 2015 Strictly Come Dancing live tour.

The former S Club 7 star will step in for Frankie, who is pregnant and has reluctantly withdrawn on the advice of her doctor.

The Saturdays star is expecting her second child, but has a condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which can effect the early months of pregnancy.

She was due to partner Waltham's Kevin once again for the live shows, which start on January 16, in Birmingham, after the duo made it all the way to Strictly Come Dancing's 2014 final in December.

Rachel is no stranger to Strictly. She was runner-up in the 2008 BBC1 series and went on to dance around the country in the 2009 Strictly tour and more recently appeared in the 2014 Christmas Special, alongside Kevin's sister Joanne Clifton.

Rachel said: "I'm really happy for Frankie and Wayne (Bridge) – it's great news to start the new year with! I know she's disappointed not to be doing the tour – I was supporting Team Frankie during the show and she was fantastic, but I'm happy to be able to step in for her.

"It's no secret that I loved my time in Strictly and that I'm a big fan of the dances, so I'm excited to be back and to get my dancing shoes on again.

"I got straight into rehearsals on Friday, learning the routines and meeting the guys and next week we'll be on tour seeing fans across the country – I can't wait."

Rachel 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 line-up as host. Kevin and Frankie made the final of the latest Strictly series, the second consecutive year the Waltham dancer has reached that particular feat.

Frankie sent this message to her supporters after making the announcement that she wouldn't be appearing: "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 CHARITY which supports elderly people in Grimsby is hoping to hold a special event for the older residents of the town's East Marsh following its appearance in the controversial Skint TV programme.

Organisers at North East Lincolnshire's branch of Age UK, situated in Osborne Street, are planning on holding the event which will see up to 70 elderly residents from the East Marsh area receive a free two-course meal, benefits and pensions advice and take part in an afternoon of activities.

It is hoped that the event will take place on February 6, with a shuttle minibus service collecting and dropping off residents free of charge.

Helen Kirk, chief officer at North East Lincolnshire's branch of Age UK, said the idea came after the perceived negative representation East Marsh received on Channel 4's Skint programme.

But in order for the event to take place, Helen said she needs sponsorship from organisations within the East Marsh area.

She said: "The programme showed a lot of negativity in certain areas of the town and I felt it would be beneficial to show the older residents in the areas mentioned in the programme that there are places to go, activities to take part in, transport available, new friends to make and people and organisations that are genuinely interested in the health and wellbeing of the older residents, especially those who are vulnerable and isolated.

"I will not be charging residents for the day, hence why I am appealing for help from sponsors to fund it."

Helen is hoping to receive funding from five organisations, to the tune of about £100 each.

If you can help, call Helen on 01472 252929.

MARINERS boss Paul Hurst says a move for two Football League players – who have been linked to the club – remains unlikely.

Scunthorpe United defender David Mirfin, who has yet to feature so far this season, is rumoured to be available for loan from the Iron.

Meanwhile, free agent Raffaele De Vita is also available for transfer, following his release from Cheltenham Town.

But while both players are on the hunt for a new challenge, a move to Cleethorpes has all-but been ruled out by the boss.

Hurst told the Telegraph: "You never say never, but it's easy to come up with names like Raffaele.

"We can all pick a wonderful team, but we have to take into account situations of players and clubs.

"Some of these players might not be achievable, for whatever reason, so we are not looking at them for now.

"From the form David was in before the injury, I don't think he would be looking at Conference football.

"And realistically, in terms of the centre halves we have got, we are more than happy with the options we have."

On the club's ongoing search for new players, Hurst added: "We have got to be a bit careful, with having three loan players in.

"I don't think we will be filling that up quota quickly, as we may need something further down the line.

"We are looking, and I'm not saying permanent deals aren't out of the question either.

"But that's not the usual way at this time in the season."

IT WILL be all work and plenty of play for children at Scartho Infants' School thanks to a new playground.

The play area, which cost around £40,000 and came directly out of the school's budget, was completed in November after four weeks of work.

But the new playground, which includes a climbing frame, bikes, artificial grass and coloured bricks, has now been officially opened by Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Alex Baxter, who is also a governor at the school.

Head teacher Andrea Todd said that despite the expense, the new playground will be worth every penny.

She said: "I think it looks absolutely fantastic. Before this we just had a great big sail, which was really old fashioned and we recognised that things had moved on since then.

"So what we have got now will be a lot safer, more colourful and has designated areas for the children to play in. There's also the artificial grass which looks nicer and won't get muddy.

"The staff and kids all love it, and although it was quite expensive, it was worth every penny. The money has come directly out of our budget as our main improvement for the year.

"So it is a major investment, but things like this are so important to the children's development in the early years.

"It's also a pleasure to have the Mayor come down to officially open the area."

Mr Baxter said it was an investment worth making from the school to ensure the children's safety.

"I am absolutely delighted to open this wonderful facility at what is one of the best performing schools in the borough," he added.

"A big investment has gone into this to ensure that the play area is totally safe and that the children will not suffer any knocks or bumps.

"So this has ticked all the boxes really, particularly for the reception classes as this plays part of their introduction to education.

"I am delighted to see the play area progress so well and I think it has been a really good investment for the school."

Nursery pupil Taylor, aged three, said: "I really like the new playground, the bikes are a lot of fun to use."

Nathan, also three, added: "I feel really safe in the new play area and I love coming out here to play."

CLEETHORPES MP Martin Vickers said Tesco's "name is mud" in Immingham after it shelved its long-awaited new store in the town.

Mr Vickers spoke with Tesco property chief Steve Rigby in the wake of the retailer's shock announcement.

He said the company had pledged to do all it can to find a new tenant for the recently-completed Kennedy Way store.

The MP, whose constituency includes Immingham, said: "He tells me the bus service to the firm's other store in Grimsby will continue and they will provide the bus service for as long as people use it.

"They said they will do all they can to work to find a new tenant, even if that means handing it over to a rival supermarket such as Asda or Morrisons. That would not stop them. They will work with all parties as soon as possible. They are tied into an agreement and have a 15-year lease, so it is in their interest to find someone quickly.

"Tesco recognise their name is mud, after I pointed it out to them. But they are genuine in wanting to do all they can. They are committed to the site for 15 years, so there is pressure on them to find a new tenant."

Meanwhile, residents have continued to give their reaction to the news.

Mary Clark said: "They have messed the people of Immingham about. I think with Poundstretcher, B&M plus Aldi's, Immingham will have a good shopping outlet. It is a shame Tesco could not see the Immingham shop as an asset but people will vote with their feet."

Moira Dobbs said: "It's disgusting. I will personally never set foot in a Tesco store again."

Elizabeth Jobling said: "I for one will boycott Tesco. Immingham has had a raw deal."

Sharon French said: "If Tesco are paying rates on the building they are going to lose more money. Surely it's better to cut their losses and hand it to the community."

BOTH Grimsby's hospital operator and ambulance service provider have failed to hit key targets as pressure on the NHS increases.

Figures released yesterday showed Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust failed to hit a target of seeing 95 per cent of A&E patients within four hours at both Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals.

The trust scored 80.8 per cent for the week ending January 4, during which 1,112 people attended Grimsby's A&E department.

Accident and emergency units in England saw 86.7 per cent of patients within four hours in the same period.

Several hospital trusts have declared major incidents in recent days and the public are being asked to call 999 and attend A&E only in life-threatening emergencies.

Meanwhile, the ambulance service operator for North East Lincolnshire failed to hit its response targets for the most life-threatening 999 calls.

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.

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

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

Yesterday we reported how 91-year-old war veteran Jim Enser was left waiting more than an hour-and-a-half for an ambulance after falling from his bike in freezing weather in Waltham.

The ambulance was eventually cancelled after members of the public took the pensioner to hospital using their own transport.

Collette Cunningham, general manager for unplanned care at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Staff across the Trust are working exceptionally hard despite the pressures faced and I want to thank them all for their continuous efforts in making sure patient care doesn't falter.

"Our four-hour A&E waiting time targets have dipped below the national target of 95 per cent but we are still doing well in light of the pressures on NHS services across the region.

"For the week ending January 4, Grimsby hospital's A&E waiting time target was 75.54 per cent. Many factors contributed to this dip not only within the emergency department but through the whole health and social care system including the hospital. We were affected with outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting which led to several wards, bays and a unit closing to new admissions and staff being off sick. A neighbouring Trust also declared major incidents around this time which had a knock-on effect to us with patients being brought to the NLaG sites.

"We continue to ask the public to think about alternative options that are suitable for minor ailments before choosing to come to the Scunthorpe or Grimsby A&Es, such as their GP, pharmacist, and NHS 111. This allows the emergency care team to focus on acutely ill patients and emergencies, and helps us manage the patient flow though the hospital."

EMAS did not respond directly to the latest figures but a recent statement outlined the pressures being faced by paramedics in recent weeks and months.

Pete Ripley, associate director of operations, said: "Our colleagues and volunteers are working incredibly hard and we are proud of their continued commitment to provide the best possible care during this challenging time; many from all areas of the service working over their shift hours or coming in for extra shifts to help us give the best possible patient care.

"Patients who really do need our help are treated as a priority, and people who are not in an emergency, will be further down the priority list as other life-threatening emergencies come in.

KIWI striker Hamish Watson may be loaned out this January to prove his worth to Grimsby Town.

As reported, the 21-year-old currently has a short-term deal at Blundell Park – with boss Paul Hurst looking to prolong that stay.

Watson (pictured) has featured just twice – from the bench – for the first team since arriving at the club from New Zealand.

And while Hurst wants to keep hold of the big forward, he admits game time could be crucial to his Mariners future.

Hurst told the Telegraph: "We would like to keep Hamish at the club, and hope that he will stay with us.

"But we have an eye on getting him out on loan maybe, and then getting him some game time.

"Hamish is a very young man, and it will do him the world of good to get out there and get some games.

"If we do, it's ideal that we get him out as high as possible really, as it would be a more realistic test for him.

"But if Hamish has to go to the league below to play, then ultimately that will benefit him and us.

"We want to assess him and, if the opportunity arose to go and watch him play, that's great because he certainly has got something."

With the January transfer window in full swing, Hurst is currently on the lookout to bolster the Town ranks.

Loan striker Ollie Palmer has already arrived on a one-month deal from Mansfield, and is expected to push for a starting place.

Meanwhile, the Mariners have also extended Danny Parslow's loan until the end of the season.

But while other players are on his radar, Hurst won't be making changes for the sake of it this month.

Ahead of today's FA Trophy clash with Gateshead, he added: "We have obviously been looking to bring people in.

"But, sometimes, you have to take a step back and appreciate what we do have.

"You see them day in, day out as a manager, and I know what the players we have at the club can do.

"Despite the last two games, I think we have done well.

"We don't want to pretend those two games didn't happen, but they are a distant memory in terms of the little break we've had.

"We are looking forward to today's game, and hopefully we can get the positive result that we want."

A CLEETHORPES mum suffering from cancer has said a heartfelt thanks to Grimsby Telegraph readers.

They have raised around £15,000 through charity events for Amy Jackson and her family to enjoy their first holiday abroad and family outings.

Amy, 27, of Sussex Street, will undergo an operation at the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital next month.

It is her latest treatment for breast cancer, which was diagnosed three years ago.

She had already undergone a mastectomy, prior to the spread of the illness.

Grimsby Telegraph readers responded with a host of fund raising events including a wig walk in Cleethorpes, a sponsored walk up Mount Snowdon and disco nights.

Amy fulfilled one of her ambitions to marry Scott Jackson and she is looking forward to their first anniversary in April.

Their honeymoon was in Majorca in September, which was their first family holiday abroad.

The couple also took their children and friends to Disney On Ice at Sheffield Arena in November.

The arena owners had read the story of Amy's battle with cancer and gave them free tickets.

There, the children, Kacey, 7, Declan, 6, and Connor, 3, met Mickey Mouse and the other stars.

Amy said: "It was a great night and we are all really grateful to Disney On Ice and the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield.

"The kids all loved it. It was so good we have booked to go again at Leeds later this year when it will have the theme of Frozen. The children are already planning what outfits to wear and Kacey wants to be a princess."

She thanked The Spider's Web, Casablanca club, Jack O'Clubs, Birds Eye club, The Wine Pipe and The Empire pubs for hosting charity events.

Connor's nursery Whizz Kids, in Freeman Street, also held a pyjama day and sold cakes in aid of Amy's fund.

She said most of the money donated by readers had gone to pay for the couple's wedding at the Oaklands and the honeymoon in Majorca.

The family has also visited Legoland, Cadbury's World and Center Parcs and travelled on The Polar Express.

She also treasures the photos of her birthday party at The Coach House, in Humberston, where friend Becky arranged for a special birthday cake.

Amy said: "Everyone has been more than generous. I can't thank them enough. Without their support we would not have had the holiday or outings. They have been special family times and created a lot of memories."

She added: "The support from my family and friends has been brilliant."

She thanked her mother-in-law Debbie Jackson and friend Becky Mussell. She said: "Scott has been a diamond throughout all this."

Amy is also looking forward to taking her some of her family and friends to see One Direction in October.

POPULAR defender Carl Magnay may have "a soft spot" for Gateshead – but that won't stop him from plotting their FA Trophy downfall.

As reported, the 25-year-old is expected to return to the Grimsby Town starting XI for today's Second Round clash at Blundell Park (3pm).

But while Magnay was missing from the defeat to Macclesfield through injury, he wants to keep up his impressive run of form.

He said: "I want to pick up where I left off.

"My first aim when I first came here was to get in the team, because there is so much competition.

"But I'm delighted to have got in there and have played well – I want to hit the form I've been showing."

On the potential threat of Gary Mills' side, Magnay added: "I've obviously got a soft spot for them, but I think they were a little bit naive at the start of the season.

"Gary always likes his teams to play through teams, and have been successful, but they are stretching the pitch more.

"They are a lot more dimensional now than when we beat them, and it will be a tough task."

TESCO is facing calls to make a decision over its proposed store in Grimsby's Bargate.

As reported on www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk yesterday, the supermarket giant confirmed it is still reviewing its options over the controversial plan to transform the derelict former Great Grimsby Conservative Association building into a Tesco Express, pictured right.

It had been understood that the Bargate development was one of 49 planned stores nationwide that were being pulled by the retailer – along with those in Immingham and Mablethorpe.

But Tesco spokesman Mark Thomas told the Grimsby Telegraph that Bargate was not included in Thursday's announcement – which was made in the midst of plummeting profits for the supermarket chain.

However, Mr Thomas could not give any indication as to when the company would make a decision whether or not to proceed with the development.

And this has prompted calls from a leading campaigner against the development for Tesco to clarify their plans for the site.

Chris Swale, a spokesman for the residents' group which was set up to fight the controversial proposal, claimed that metal panelling recently installed over the windows of the red-bricked Victorian building had turned it into a derelict-looking building.

He said: "It's looking in the worst state it has ever looked. Tesco need to come to the community and say they are going to put in a planning application to develop it or they are going to put it on the market for somebody else to do something with it.

"Before it was at least presentable and looked like a building that was still in use, but with these badly fitted corrugated fittings in the windows, it sticks out like a sore thumb as a building that looks derelict. It looks like a bit of a shell.

"I know one guy who wants to turn it into short-term accommodation for contractors, but at the moment, the building is just sitting there derelict and no-one can do anything with it."

Mr Swale said he had also contacted Tesco and the developer Bargate Assets expressing his concern over the state of the building and overgrown trees on the site, which is located within a conservation area.

He added: "They need to be good stewards of the building and good neighbours."

In response, Tesco spokesman Mr Thomas said: "We are very conscious of our responsibilities as a neighbour.

"The panelling was installed because in the period of time that the building has been unoccupied there have been attempted break-ins, broken windows, small fires started and evidence of drug-taking, and we wanted to address that with a secure solution. We appreciated that it may not be as attractive as people would like, but in terms of securing the building, it is the most effective option.

"With regards to the trees, that is something we will definitely take on board and we are looking at what we can do. We appreciate all comments and views and we want to engage with people."

A WOMAN from Grimsby will be hoping to grab herself a dream date tonight on a popular TV dating show.

Customer service worker Jade Headland, 23, who is starring in the latest series of ITV's Take Me Out, narrowly missed out on a trip to the famed Isle of Fernando's with a male contestant who caught her eye last week.

Jade was whittled down to the final two girls by male hopeful Scott, from Newcastle.

But unfortunately for her she was snubbed at the last hurdle, after Scott decided to go for Kat instead.

Take Me Out is in its seventh series, which saw new features including "love at first light" – where male hopefuls are asked at the start of the show which girl they would most like to go on a date with.

Speaking about her time on the show, Jade said: "It has been the best experience of my life so far and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about applying to go on the programme.

"I have made some friends for life because you spend so much time with each other.

"The runners, back- ground staff and the make-up artists are all so nice and look after you well."

Take Me Out returns to our screens at 8.05pm tonight on ITV 1.

Tune in to see if Jade is lucky in love this time around.

A FURIOUS husband who caught his wife "in a compromising position with another man" allegedly threatened to kill her before assaulting her while he was "really, really mad".

He was "acting really, really crazy" and asked "how long he would get for murder" before threatening to slit the other man's throat, a court heard.

David Chanturia, 39, of Tunnard Street, Grimsby, denied two offences of assaulting Salome Chanturia and others of threatening to kill her and Ejaz Baig on July 17.

He was convicted by a jury of one of the assault offences but cleared of the other charges.

Robert Stevenson, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Chanturia went looking for his wife at an Indian spice shop.

"He asked the people there where his wife was and saw her in a compromising position with another man," Mr Stevenson told the court.

"He believed she was cheating on him with this other man.

"He made threats to them both how he had stabbed someone before and he would kill them both."

He was with his friend, Ashley Wallis, 20, who told the court: "He just started acting all hysterical."

Chanturia believed that his wife was performing a sex act on the other man, Mr Baig.

"The male was pulling up his pants," said Mr Wallis.

"The man was making the excuse that he was putting cream on a spot."

Mr Wallis said of Chanturia: "He was acting really, really crazy.

"He was saying: 'I'm going to kill Sally. I'm going to kill him and Sally'.

"He was on about slitting his throat. I had to persuade David to come out. I didn't want anything to happen.

"The man came outside and tried to resolve things. David was really, really mad. He was 100 per cent sure he was going to kill Sally.

"He asked how long he would get for murder. I said 30 years on average. Think about your kids. Your kids will need you."

"His reply was: 'Social services will take care of my kids'.

"He and Sally both started arguing. They were really going at each other. David spat in her face and got a bottle of energy drink and literally poured it all over Sally.

"He said to her face: 'I am going to kill you'. I was under the impression he was definitely going to do it."

Defence barrister Richard Butters told Mr Wallis: "The defendant says he made no threats to kill and either you are mistaken or you are simply not telling the truth."

Chanturia also denied assaulting his wife. The jury convicted him of the assault involving pouring the energy drink over her.

Chanturia was jailed for three months but, because he had been in custody, he was expected to be released very shortly.

GRIMSBY Town can put one foot in the Wembley door with victory at Blundell Park today (3pm).

That's according to boss Paul Hurst, who welcomes Gateshead to Cleethorpes in the FA Trophy Second Round.

With several Conference sides falling at the first hurdle, Town and the Heed are among the favourites for the cup competition this season.

The Mariners demolished today's opponents 6-1 back in August, but Hurst says his side are in for a tough afternoon.

And the rewards are clear for both teams – with the winner just three stages away from a Wembley showdown.

Hurst told the Telegraph: "Of course the league is the most important thing to us, without any shadow of doubt.

"But we want to do well in this competition – and have almost felt the joy of winning the cup.

"We took almost 20,000 fans to the final two seasons ago, and I'm sure they would turn out in numbers again.

"Our aim is to get through to the next round, as some of the bigger teams have been knocked out already.

"Both ourselves, and Gateshead, have a good chance of winning the game and the competition."

On the significance of getting past Gateshead, Hurst added: "I saw they made three targets at the start of the season.

"They wanted to get to the Third Round of the FA Cup, get promotion and then win the FA Trophy.

"Unless anything has changed, they will be coming here today to knock us out – and we want to do the same to them.

"Gateshead are a very good team, who play very good football and can cause problems – so it should be an interesting game.

"There are no second prizes – we would like to finish the game off on the day."

Unlike the First Round tie against Nuneaton, a draw in today's Trophy encounter will result in a replay.

If that happens, both sides will face off once again at the International Stadium on Tuesday.

RADIO DJ Stephanie Hirst received thousands of messages of support when she announced that she had undergone gender reassignment.

She had entertained thousands of North East Lincolnshire listeners hosting breakfast show Hirsty's Morning Glory and Hirsty's Daily Dose on Galaxy FM as Simon Hirst.

But late last year, after taking a break from an 11-year stint at Capital FM, Stephanie was introduced to the world, and the well-wishes came flooding in, despite her expectations of a barrage of abuse.

According to the NHS, trans and transgender are terms that are used to describe people who don't conform to the traditional division of male and female.

Trans embraces many different types of people and lifestyles, including:

People who cross-dress (transvestite). These people sometimes wear the clothing of the opposite sex, but don't want to live full-time as a member of the opposite sex.

People who feel that they're both male and female, or neither male nor female.

Drag queens, drag kings and other people who don't appear conventionally masculine or feminine.

Transsexual people. These are people who have a strong and constant desire to live and be accepted as a member of the opposite sex. Many transsexual people have gender reassignment treatment to make their appearance more consistent with their preferred gender. This often involves hormone therapy and surgery.

Trans people often have complex gender identities, and their gender identity may change over time. For example, a man may begin by cross-dressing occasionally, then decide later in life that he wants to live full-time as a woman, which is called transitioning.

Some people who live full-time as the opposite gender prefer not to use the term "trans" at all. For example, a trans man – someone who has transitioned from female to male – may simply prefer to be called a man.

Trans people's general health needs are the same as anyone else's.

Being trans refers to a person's gender identity – it is not an illness.

Trans people and their families do, however, have certain additional health and wellbeing needs.

Feeling uncomfortable or confused about your identity can affect your mental wellbeing in many ways. Trans people often feel isolated, and find it difficult to talk to others about how they feel.

Trans people can face discrimination and harassment. This can affect their personal relationships, their ability to obtain housing and healthcare, their employment opportunities and their safety.

Wayne Reece-Gorman is the chairman of Grimsby Pride and has been involved with the charity for almost four years.

He said: "Since the Transgender Recognition Act 2004 came into law, the subject of gender re-assignment has come to the forefront.

"I think there has been a significant movement locally over recent years of community togetherness and cohesiveness which embraces all people from all backgrounds.

"In the main, I believe our community in North East Lincolnshire has a strong commitment to the equality and diversity agenda.

"The area which needs to be addressed more is the issue of homophobia or transphobia of young people in education, this often leads to tragic unnecessary losses.

"This is something which is being attempted to be addressed nationally, I am not aware of any specific issues locally. However, prevention is healthier and more constructive than reaction."

A WEST Marsh teenager undergoing a sex change has spoken about how she is overcoming years of bullying and mental torment to finally become who she feels she really is.

Nicole Henley is undergoing gender re-assignment surgery and is now finally on a path to becoming who she feels she really is.

Born Daniel Freeman, the 19-year-old today tells her story in the hope that it will encourage those who have called her all the names under the sun to understand her situation.

She told the Grimsby Telegraph: "Since the age of eight I have known deep down that I wasn't who the world saw me as, and I wanted to tell people but didn't.

"It was a very confusing time for me, I would wear wigs and makeup because I knew I wanted to be a girl.

"There were always those who told me I was quite feminine, telling me this is who I should be."

She added: "People in Grimsby know me, so I'm used to the comments they make but this didn't used to happen when I lived in a larger city.

"In a small town, you can get ganged up on.

"Because of the bullying I would stay in all the time which was quite depressing; now I just feel that I should be who I want to be, as people should respect others for who they are.

Eventually she plucked up the courage to see a doctor, and she was referred to a counsellor in 2011 in what she says was a "positive" experience.

She began wearing female clothing in public and holding her head up, ignoring any taunts.

In her situation, following an initial appointment with a GP you are referred to, and receive an assessment at, a Gender Identity Clinic (GIC).

The patient then receives a provisional diagnosis of gender dysphoria from the GIC, which refers to the distress that is caused by a discrepancy between a person's gender identity and that person's sex assigned at birth.

Discussions then take place on life options and treatment possibilities.

Now Nicole is now undergoing gender re-assignment, meaning she will have full surgery which she is "excited" about.

She will receive ongoing counselling and psychotherapy, as well as hormone therapy, treatment for facial hair removal, speech therapy and eventually, undergo surgical procedures.

She is set to begin hormone treatment later this month at King's College in London.

She has previously spoken on social media about how people in Grimsby and Cleethorpes have "hurt" her, but that she wants to make people understand what it is to be transgender.

In her online posting, Nicole wrote: "I'm transgender, meaning the gender that was assigned to me at birth doesn't match the gender I identify with.

"For most of my life, I couldn't articulate this feeling in a coherent way; I started struggling when puberty hit around age 12.

"I watched as my body turned into what felt to me grotesquely masculine and my mind began to feel like a petrol car someone had tried to fuel with diesel – it wasn't meant to run on testosterone.

"I wish I could be like any other girl."

She bravely and honestly revealed how she sank into depression and tried all kinds of therapy and medication to bring herself out of it.

She recalled how looking in the mirror, prior to shaving, was a "painful experience" and that she felt a strong sense of disassociation with her reflected image.

Nicole told the Telegraph: "I don't want to live as the person I used to be; who I am now feels normal.

"My family now accept me for who I am and the world is slowly moving on from what it used to be like.

"I just want to be successful in life, achieving what I want and I would like to help people with mental health issues in the future."

ALTHOUGH the Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Yorkshire and the Humber, after forecasting heavy rain and snow for the region, North East Lincolnshire is unlikely to be hit.

It may be windy out there, but the forecasting chiefs have said our coastal region will escape the worst of the weekend's weather.

Locally, gusts of up to 28mph are predicted and, this afternoon, it is due to brighten up, with sunshine between 1pm and 3pm.

However, it will still be cold, with temperatures steadily falling from around 13°C at 8am to just 3°C by 7pm.

Tomorrow, will have a cold and sunny start with a few wintry showers still around. More general cloud and rain, preceded by a short period of snow, will move in during the day.

Maximum temperature 6°C.