Emergency services were called to Humberside Airport after a plane had to make a u-turn when it reported a fault with its landing gear.

The KLM flight to Schiphol in Amsterdam took off at approximately 5.30pm last night.

But after just 15 minutes into the flight, the crew on board asked to return to Humberside Airport after an issue with the retraction of the landing gear.

A spokesperson from Humberside Airport said: "At 5.45pm last night, a KLM aircraft received a technical alert which indicated that there was an issue with the retraction of the landing gear.

"A local standby was issued which meant Humberside Fire and Rescue and East Midlands Ambulance service attended as a precaution.

"The plane landed safely and the passengers were re-booked onto another flight."

Keep checking for updates. 

Police have confirmed that a man who died after being struck by a train near Littlefield Lane crossing was a 54-year-old from the Grimsby area.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the incident at approximately 8am yesterday morning, but could not save the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was struck by the 7.26am Cleethorpes to Manchester First Transpennine Express train at around 7.45am.

The name of the man has not been disclosed.

Residents in Cromwell Avenue, which runs parallel alongside the railway line between Littlefield Lane crossing and Boulevard Avenue, spoke of their shock and sadness over the incident. One woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "As soon as I saw the police on the track I knew what had happened. There has been similar things happen near Boulevard Avenue in the past. It's all very sad."

Another female resident said: "I live near the track and I have never known anything like this to happen here before. I was just trying to take my daughter to school and she pointed out the ambulance."

A statement issued by British Transport Police yesterday read: "Our officers were called to the line close to Littlefield Lane crossing, Grimsby, on Thursday, January 15 at 7.45am, after a report that a man had been struck by a train.

"Colleagues from Humberside Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The incident is not being treated as suspicious, but a file will be prepared for the coroner.

"The man is being identified and his family are being informed."

Keep checking for updates.

MI5 and Blue Peter, the BBC's long running children's programme, have teamed up to try to find potential 007s of the future.

As part of a unique competition, three lucky youngsters will be offered the chance to go on a very special mission behind the scenes at HM Secret Services, in London.

Their visit to MI5 headquarters will be filmed for the programme - the first time television cameras have ever been allowed into the top secret building at Thames House.

The decision by MI5 to open its doors to television cameras is a milestone in the history of the secret services. 

Viewers aged between the ages of eight and 14 will be invited to apply to 'Project Petra' – named after one of the show's earliest pets – through the Blue Peter website to see if they have what it takes to become a spy.

The top eight candidates will be invited to attend a special 'spy school' weekend, where they will be put through their paces in a rigorous selection procedure consisting of mental and physical challenges. Three will eventually be chosen to head to the secret base.

Bestselling author Anthony Horowitz, who has written the Alex Rider series of books about a teenage agent, is on the selection panel to find the three CBBC Intelligence Officers. 

If you have what it takes apply here

A deep freeze sweeping across most of the country could pose a risk to the young, old and ill as forecasters issue severe weather alerts for today and into the weekend.

The Met Office has issued a level three amber alert - the second highest - for the North East and the North West of England as well as Yorkshire and Humber, with average temperatures set to fall below 2C.

Public Health England is urging people to help vulnerable family and friends to keep warm and maintain indoor temperatures of at least 18C for the most at risk.

Dr Angie Bone of the Extreme Events team at Public Health England said: "Cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest. Most of our advice on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense, but it's important that we make the point that people should think about how cold can affect them.

"Our advice is that when indoors, have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm and try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over.

"This is also a good time to think about how the bad weather may affect your friends and family, particularly if they are older or very young or have pre-existing health conditions. These groups can be particularly vulnerable to the ill-effects of cold so think now what you could do to help.'

Top tips to prepare for colder weather:

• Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food, drinks and managing to heat their homes adequately
• Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over
• Stay tuned for weather forecasts, ensure you are stocked with food and medications in advance, have deliveries or ask a friend to help.
• Take weather into account when planning your activity over the following days
• Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold related illness or falls
• Discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of your house and public walkways nearby, if unable to do so yourself

OVER 500 applications were received for just 25 jobs at the new Skegness Aquarium.

The attraction, on the former Panda's Palace site, is due to open in April and is recruiting for management, customer service and maintenance staff.

The original applicants have been whittled down to a shortlist of 150 and will be interviewed today.

The jobs are permanent and more seasonal staff will be sought in the summer months..

"People are brimming with excitement and enthusiasm for the new attraction and we can't wait to meet the applicants in anticipation of putting together our sought-after team that will represent Skegness's brand-new destination attraction," said Katrina Graham, the aquarium's financial director.

Tropical fish have been ordered for the attraction and some have already arrived from Denmark and are currently acclimatising.

VALUABLE police time has been wasted after computer blunders plagued new IT systems introduced at Lincolnshire Police Headquarters.

Lincolnshire Police's commercial partner G4S introduced new systems in April – but senior officers have been forced to step in after a series of problems. 

The situation go so serious that it led to a vote of no confidence in September from rank and file police officers.

Police representatives say officer rotas have been thrown into disarray – with bobbies left scrambling to sort childcare at short notice and sergeants have had to spend too much time on IT issues – rather than genuine police matters.

Now Lincolnshire Police has been forced to stress that the safety of the county has not been put at risk as a result.

Senior members of staff are meeting on a regular basis in an effort to keep on top of the situation. G4S signed a £200 million deal with the cash- strapped Lincolnshire Police in April 2012 to run back office services and save the force £28 million during the 10-year contract.

G4S insists no extra public money has been spent addressing the issues, but the force has confirmed the systems relate to police and support staff duties, annual leave, time-off, expenses and salaries.

Jon Hassall, chairman of Lincolnshire Police Federation, said: "Early on, it went down to two-and-a-half weeks' notice of rotas. Cops were left wondering when they were supposed to be working and it was causing problems with childcare.

"People were not getting paid for overtime or were being overpaid and the force was then having to claim money back from them. Sergeants were spending too much time looking at computers rather than supervising PCs."

He said there had been a lot of disruption – but frontline policing had not been at risk.

"It certainly affected anyone working shifts and there was uproar from the cops, but they continued to keep the county safe," he said. "But the chief officer group sorted it out and a senior officer and a couple of officers were appointed to work out rotas."

In an anonymous letter, a serving police officer revealed the IT problems have dogged around 700 colleagues. He said officers were not given enough notice of rotas, which he said had affected morale.

And he too raised fears about a possible waste of police time on issues they should not have to worry about.

"Duty management, instead of being fulfilled by G4S staff as contracted, is having to be reviewed and managed practically by police supervisors – taking up valuable officer time," he said.

Chief Constable Neil Rhodes said: "I convened an executive group to meet each week, track progress and ensure issues relating to the new systems were rectified.

"It continues to meet and has representation from across the force including the Police Federation, Unison and G4S.

"Members of the force have been kept informed through- out. The commercial partnership with G4S will continue to deliver the considerable financial savings which are essential to ensure Lincolnshire Police can balance its budget."

Accident and emergency waiting times at the trust which operates Grimsby's hospital have improved.

Figures released by NHS England showed the number of patients seen within four hours rose to 85.3 per cent for week ending January 11, for both Grimsby, pictured left, and Scunthorpe hospitals.

The previous week the figure was 80.8 per cent.

The national target is 95 per cent.

Dame Barbara Hakin, National Director of Commissioning Operations for NHS England, said: "We continue to see and treat the vast majority of patients in England within four hours, and performance improved this past week."

She added: "Although we have seen a slight easing in the number of attendances and emergency admissions to A&E, the NHS continues to face unprecedented pressures on its frontline services - particularly A&E, NHS 111 and ambulance services."

LINCOLNSHIRE Police are in attendance at minor road traffic collision on the A16.

No one was seriously injured in the crash which happened around 3:15pm and police are warning of traffic disruptions on the Louth Bypass near Couplands Caravans. 

Check here for further updates 

BARNET chief Martin Allen says the leaders won't be popping champagne corks in a hurry – ahead of his side's crunch TV clash at Grimsby Town.

The Bees head to Blundell Park tomorrow (12.45pm) with a six-point lead at the top of the Conference table.

But with second-placed Bristol Rovers in fine form, Allen knows Barnet will have to work hard to clinch the non-league title.

He told the Bees website: "There will be challenges from everybody throughout, right through until the end.

"We have just seen in the Premier League, Chelsea have lost an eight-point lead in just a few weeks.

"Crazy things can happen and it is just important we concentrate on how we play and how we train.

"We are never going to be patting ourselves on the back or popping champagne corks.

"And if it does not go right at certain times, we won't be banging our heads against the wall as if it's a disaster.

"There are loads of games to play and loads of challenges from other teams, and we know we are there to be shot at."

Victory for the Mariners could even propel them back into the ongoing hunt for the Conference crown.

With games in hand on the leaders, Paul Hurst's men can – with two wins against Barnet – close the gap just three points.

And while that will be a tough ask, Allen is wary of the threat Town can pose.

He added: "The players had last weekend off, but I went up to Grimsby to watch them play against Gateshead.

"And that was a nice Saturday of seven-and-a-half hours in the car!

"But there is no way I could just have sat at home. I was going to go to Eastleigh, but I thought it would be better to watch Grimsby.

"There are good side who play some good football. It wasn't that long ago they were in second place."

MARINERS boss Paul Hurst could freshen up his attack for tomorrow's meeting with Conference leaders Barnet.

As reported, only Scott Neilson – and the absent Aswad Thomas – are unavailable as Grimsby Town welcome the Bees to Blundell Park (12.45pm).

Town head into the clash on the back of two straight home league defeats.

But having been encouraged by the display in last week's FA Trophy draw against Gateshead, Hurst (pictured) wants his side to step it up another notch against Martin Allen's men.

He told the Telegraph: "Our energy is usually one of our strengths.

"We are very strong defensively, and also have players that can trouble the opposition.

"I know that we have a good blend in the team, and it's about showing that week-in, week-out.

"Credit to Barnet, because they have been the best team at doing that this season.

"After the defeats, I want us to have a bit more urgency and drive, because there were some good signs for us against Gateshead."

On potential changes to the team, after last week's FA Trophy draw with the Heed, Hurst added: "Defensively, we know where we are at.

"It's just ahead of that, more in the attacking decisions, where there are decisions to be made.

"One area is the centre forwards, but also the midfield players as well.

"We went with three in there last time out, and whether or not I stick to that may have an impact on other areas of the pitch.

"But whatever we go with, we will certainly have strength in depth on the bench too.

"We have Scott (Neilson) missing, and other than that is as we were.

"We will check on him today, but Scott hasn't trained for a little while now, and it would a tough ask to involve him.

"He's tried to train one or two times, and it's yet to feel right for him."

BEATING the Conference leaders live on TV will make other promotion rivals stand up and take notice of Grimsby Town.

That's according to Mariners stopper James McKeown, who is hoping to keep Barnet at bay in tomorrow's clash at Blundell Park (12.45pm).

John Akinde and co head to town with a six-point lead at the top of the table.

But with games in hand – and two clashes against the Bees to look forward to – Paul Hurst's side can re-ignite their title ambitions.

And while overhauling free-scoring Barnet may be a tough ask, McKeown wants the Mariners to put a marker down in front of the TV cameras.

He told the Telegraph: "It's probably one of the club's biggest games since I've been here.

"Our ultimate aim is to get promoted, but we have to be realistic – if Barnet beat us then we are not going to do that.

"For us to win the league, it's going to take a big effort, but it's still possible.

"If we beat them, it stops a little run of bad results at home.

"We can cement our position in the chasing pack, because lots of the play-off teams are beating each other at the minute.

"If we can beat Barnet on TV, then people will start to look at us again – it's a really big opportunity for us."

On stopping Akinde – who the league's top scorer with 21 goals – McKeown added: "We have defended really well as a team this season.

"I've got to say, in most games I've only had a couple of saves to make.

"When John (Akinde) played for Alfreton last season, we drew 3-3 – so we obviously know first-hand what he is all about.

"He has scored plenty of goals, and of course he will be a threat.

"No matter who we play, you are always going to have something to do in a game.

"I don't want to be too busy tomorrow!

"I would like to think that, if we perform as well as we can defensively, then we have a very good chance of winning the game."

Tomorrow's crunch encounter at Blundell Park should mark McKeown's 201st appearance for the Mariners.

And the number one keeper was delighted to celebrate his recent milestone, against Gateshead, with another clean sheet.

McKeown continued: "It was a really proud moment for me.

"We kept a clean sheet, although I obviously didn't have that much to do.

"It doesn't happen too much these days, particularly at this level.

"Obviously me, Craig (Disley) and Shaun (Pearson) have been here for a long time.

"I've been lucky with injuries, and thankfully the gaffer has kept on picking me."

In tomorrow's game, Town are searching for their first league win since Boxing Day, when they overcame Macclesfield at Moss Rose.

McKeown said: "We have had a couple of bad results, but we need to take that with a pinch of salt and move on.

"We are still up there and in the cup, so a lot of teams would swap for our position."

A LOUTH County Hospital staff nurse has spoken of the changes she has seen in nearly three decades of service at the High Holme Road site.

Greta Brougham is among a group of NHS staff based in East Lindsey recognised for their long service at a special awards lunch.

She was among 56 Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust staff who have racked up 1,370 years of service between them.

They had served up to 40 years providing care or services within the NHS – and were honoured with certificates presented by Dr Don White, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust chairman.

Sister Brougham, who trained for three years at Lincoln County Hospital, joined the team at Louth 28 years ago.

She was a newly-qualified registered nurse and became a staff nurse in 1987.

"I joined the team at Louth and I've enjoyed every minute because my role has changed down the years," she said.

"There have been so many changes because we had 24-hour theatres and services seven days a week when I started.

"But the most amazing thing has been both the patients I have helped to care for and the colleagues I work with.

"It really is a lovely hospital and the staff here are all fantastic.

"I work in the urgent care centre, which used to be accident and emergency.

"Now I'm a nurse practitioner I see, treat and discharge all my own patients."

Tracy Lancaster, a Macmillan nurse in Mablethorpe, also chalked up 30 years' service.

And there were 20-year honours for Louth County Hospital staff Caroline Jackson and Richard Staines, Louth health visitor Emily Excell and Louth community nurse Sheena Smith.

Dr White said: "I would like to thank each of these individuals for the dedication they have shown to their professions.

"It's always very heartwarming to hear about their experiences of working in the NHS and particularly those who have spent their years with patients and families in Lincolnshire.

"It's a pleasure to be able to help them celebrate their loyal service."

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

A SELF-made poker millionaire jailed for fraud claims that justice has not been served and insists that he is the victim in the case – and not the criminal.

Darren Woods, changed nine of his pleas to guilty during his trial in October, after earlier denying 13 fraud offences between January 2007 and January 2012.

He spoke out about the case while awaiting sentence at Sheffield Crown Court.

He admitted he colluded with other players, which is prohibited on online poker sites, but said it was only because other players were doing the same.

And he said he opened a poker account in the name of his father, Morteza Gharoon, who later became his co-defendant, because his dad had given him permission to use his bank card.

He said he stood to lose more than £1.1 million spread over 50 online accounts, which he had built from £20 from playing at the age of 18, as well as various other monies that had been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

He added that he intended to leave the country after he had served his prison sentence because he no longer trusted the police.

His father, 56, pleaded guilty to a money laundering matter, involving not more than £230,000.

He had denied being jointly concerned with Woods in four of the alleged frauds and the charge of money laundering, through credit billings, on behalf of Woods.

Not guilty verdicts were entered on four other charges.

The court was told Woods used other people's identities to gain commissions above what he would have been allowed to do if he had been using just his own name.

In July 2011, he won a world series of poker games in Las Vegas, scooping winnings of 213,000 dollars. He had been made bankrupt in 2006.

Speaking before his sentencing, Woods told how he felt he had been "the victim of theft" and said he had lost his livelihood.

He claimed officers had seized £2,000 in cash of his grandfather's money from the family home, which had been saved for his funeral.

He said it was only given back six months later, after the grandfather had died. He said his mother was interviewed "under duress" in November 2011 and claimed the reputations of both himself and his father had been tarnished.

He admitted: "It will be difficult for me to get a job (after sentencing). Who is going to employ someone with a criminal record for fraud?"

The criminal investigation began in late 2011 and was led by Humberside Police's economic crime unit, with the help and co-operation of many well-known gambling companies.

Woods and Gharoon were arrested from their home in Healing on November 16, 2011 and a restraint order was served on them both a month later, freezing all their assets.

A HIGH-ACHIEVING student from a Grimsby school has been awarded a staggering $250,000 grant which will enable him to study at an American university.

Joshua Hunt, 17, is currently completing his A-levels at Franklin College and has won a place and the financial aid package over four years to study at Bates College, in Maine.

Joshua, who is predicted to achieve an A* and three A grades, will leave for the States in August in time for the start of the new term in September.

Last summer, Joshua was one of 175 students selected for a summer school in Yale, in the US.

He competed with 2,200 applicants to win one of the places, which involved him spending a week living on the campus and taking part in a number of activities.

The aim of the US programme is to encourage academically talented, low and middle income British students to consider studying at American universities.

Joshua added: "A little less than a year ago, studying in the US was firmly just a dream that I thought could never be an actual reality.

"Fast forward ten months, a week at Yale, a four-hour entry exam, making the most wonderful friends, several application essays and many late nights later – and I'm beyond excited to say I have been admitted to a prestigious liberal arts school in Maine.

"My friends were all excited for me when I first told them about it, but then they realised I was going to be leaving them for quite a while!

"It will be a great experience for me though, I can't wait."

Joshua was able to apply for an American university as part of his involvement in the Sutton Trust's US programme, run in partnership with the US-UK Fullbright Commission.

Over the past 15 years, Franklin students have participated in Sutton Trust programmes which have inspired them to go on and study at high ranking UK universities – but this is the very first time a pupil has gone on to successfully apply for a college in the US.

Joshua added: "What attracted me to higher education in the US is the liberal arts philosophy that means you have the chance to take several classes in several subjects until you decide on your eventual major in your second year.

"This means you don't have to choose your degree until you're completely happy with your choice.

"It's going to be an unreal four years in the States, and I can't deny that I am nervous – but the excitement is easily enough to dilute this. I can't wait."

Franklin's deputy principal Sue Wallis added: "I think this is absolutely fantastic news. I'm proud of all our students, but especially Joshua who I know has wanted to do this for a long time.

"Josh has worked ever so hard and he's had to jump through hoops to get this far."

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

A SUPER slimmer has been recognised for her fine work in growing a successful branch of the health group Slimming World.

Hayley Sutcliffe, 39, trained as a weight loss consultant for the franchise and launched her Stallingborough group a year ago.

Now the weight loss expert, from Healing, has won a company award for her work in helping others to shed or reduce any unwanted weight.

Hayley started with fewer than 30 new members but her "warm and friendly" group now boasts up to 70 and it is her high retention of slimmers that has seen her scoop the accolade as a fitting tribute to her efforts in helping to improve health in the local area. To celebrate her success, she was invited down to the glitzy Ritz Hotel in London.

And the proof is very much in the pudding for Hayley as she followed the diet herself previously – losing three stone.

She said: "I am delighted to have received the award on behalf of the Stallingborough group.

"I feel passionately about helping people to transform their lives by losing weight in the same way I did when I lost three stone with Slimming World."

She continued: "I managed to reach my targets and I appreciate the journey. Once I started having children I made some changes as I wasn't happy with my weight and I just began being more sensible with my nutrition and all-round health.

"I really enjoy meeting new people as part of this job and the work manages to fit in around my home life.

"Losing weight made me feel happier and healthier and gave me so much more confidence. I became a consultant because I wanted to share that feeling and help other people to achieve the same success I had myself.

"Seeing the members in my group: mums, dads, grandmas and young people reach their target weight is so rewarding and receiving this award is just the icing on the cake."

She has dedicated the award to the Stallingborough group members, saying they are the ones who make the group "the success that it is".

After starting a family, she was concerned about her own kids eating healthy food so now she cooks everything from scratch and uses her knowledge to devise healthy eating recipes.

She established her group at Stalingborough Village Hall as there was no other such service in the area and members now travel from Keelby, Immingham and Great Coates to be a part of it.

There are now two sessions on a Tuesday – the regular group at 7pm and now a newer group at 5pm. Each session lasts around one hour.

You can either pop along or give Hayley a call on 07976 716861. Alternatively, you can e-mail her at hayley.sutcliffe@talk21.com

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

LABOUR'S election battle bus will roll into North East Lincolnshire today in a bid to share the party's vision with voters across the borough.

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Rachel Reeves and Labour election campaign co-ordinator Jonathan Ashworth will be among the coach load of campaigners who will be knocking on doors in the Cleethorpes and Great Grimsby constituencies. They will be arriving at Cleethorpes Pier to meet parliamentary candidates Peter Keith and Melanie Onn and Labour supporters, before dispersing into teams to speak to residents about Labour's plans for the country.

A key part of the message will be to underline the party's pledge to abolish the so-called Bedroom Tax – which has hit 1,298 households in North East Lincolnshire – if it wins the General Election in May.

Speaking ahead of today's visit, Ms Reeves, the MP for Leeds West, said: "Some of the most vulnerable people across North East Lincolnshire have been hit by David Cameron's hated Bedroom Tax, forcing many into debt and to rely on food banks. It's a cruel, unfair and costly tax with two thirds of those affected disabled. Labour will scrap the Bedroom Tax and get rid of this failing policy which is leading to more Tory welfare waste.

"I can't wait to get onto the doorsteps across Grimsby and Cleethorpes to share our messages on scrapping the Bedroom Tax, introducing a compulsory jobs guarantee to tackle unemployment and our plans to rebuild a high-skilled, high-pay economy."

Mr Ashworth, the MP for Leicester South, said: "I'm really looking forward to spending the day meeting voters, discussing how Labour can change the country and build an economy that works for everyone, not just a few millionaires in the city of London.

"The size of the team we'll have out with us across the two constituencies demonstrates how important Labour regards North East Lincolnshire as a battleground area in the election.

"We're determined to get the fantastic Melanie Onn elected to fill the big shoes being vacated by Austin Mitchell, and have every confidence that Peter Keith can see the back of Cleethorpes' Tory MP and once more give local people an MP who will put them first."

Look out for coverage of the visit in your Grimsby Telegraph.

ON THE WEB: Have you been affected by the bedroom tax? Have your say at www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk

CHARITIES are bracing themselves for extra workload with the closure of two of North East Lincolnshire's day care centres.

Councillors were told two out of the four day centres will close in the latest round of council cutbacks.

The Curzon Centre, in Cleethorpes, Bert Boyden Centre, in Immingham, and the Queen Street and Cromwell Road centres, in Grimsby, are under review with two of them due to close.

But charities warned the impact of the closure will be felt by the most vulnerable in our community and could lead to increased admissions to hospitals and care homes.

As reported, the council will receive £12.5 million less in Government grants.

That means councillors will have to decide which ones, of all the residents who are in need of council services, are the most in need.

Around £2 million will be saved from the adult social care budget in the closure proposal, members of North East Lincolnshire health scrutiny panel were told.

NELC chief executive Rob Walsh said: "The cost of providing adult social care is the biggest challenge facing local government."

In a report to councillors, he said: "The impact of the reduction in funding has been, and will continue to be, tackled by reductions in management and overhead costs and through, for example, our approach to sharing services with other local authorities, most notably North Lincolnshire Council.

"That will continue, but a twin-tracked approach is also needed to make the required savings while also radically reviewing and changing where necessary, our support in, and for, our communities. In short, the council needs to determine what its core service offer is and is not."

Members were told day care provision and community transport will be the hardest hit.

Councillor Ray Sutton (Freshney Lab), said: "Day care centres are a lifeline to vulnerable people in our communities."

He added: "I deplore we have been put in this situation by a government that makes us reliant on volunteers."

He added: "We will do our best to protect vulnerable people through that."

He said the council grant from Government had been cut by 40 per cent.

He told how adults with disabilities in Sheffield are no longer going to have day trips provided and will end up being "couped up in their homes".

Councillor Peter Wheatley portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care warned there could be even more pressures on the council's adult social care budget when the new Care Act comes into being in April.

He said the implications were as yet unknown.

Councillor Jane Hyldon-King, chairman of the scrutiny panel, said: "We know we have to make the savings but there are huge concerns, huge implications and huge worries for a lot of people."

After the meeting, chief executive of Care Plus Group, Lance Gardner, who manages around 270 volunteers in North East Lincolnshire warned there will be extra pressure on the volunteer sector.

He said: "The council has been open and frank about the implications. No decisions have been taken and we will continue to work with the council."

He added: "The proposals will have significant impact on our services and transport but we will do our best to get it right for people in need and our citizens."

Jo Barnes, managing director of Care4All charity which provides a meals service for around 600 people per week, said: "Many of those are reliant on our services for their daily living.

"The consequences could mean increased hospital admissions and to care homes."

ON THE WEB: Have your say at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

SHE is a rising female star of pop music, not only in the UK but around the world.

Tetney's Ella Henderson capped off a superb 2014 with a series of TV performances including The X Factor final, where she became the only former hopeful to be asked back to duet with a current show contestant in the programme's ten-year history.

Add that to her success in the singles chart with debut track Ghost and the fact that her first record Chapter One rocketed to the top of the national album charts, last year was a pretty sweet baptism into the industry.

But if you thought that she would allow herself some respite to assume a comfortable position on her well-deserved, and no doubt cosy laurels, you'd be wrong.

Ella is hitting the promo trail hard and is currently stateside gearing up for an appearance on the famous chat show hosted by David Letterman tonight.

She will also be embarking on a tour supporting pop giants Take That this year.

Yesterday, the singer, who has celebrated her birthday this week, tweeted: "Can't wait to perform on @Letterman tomorrow night. He's a legend! #ChapterOne E x."

And her rapid journey to the domestic pop summit seems to be mirrored across the pond with Chapter One currently sitting in the top five on iTunes in the US, with Ghost being certified Gold in the states.

Last year she attracted floods of messages on social media, not merely from fans but also from musical stalwarts such as Gary Barlow, Pharrell Williams and label boss Simon Cowell. The chart topper, 19, sent a message to her fans, home and away, saying: "I can't tell you all how far we have come. Two Brit nominations! What!

"Thanks to everyone who has ever supported me and my music."

And the virtual love keeps coming, with rapper and musician Professor Green posting: "Well done u! @EllaHenderson."

As reported, Ella has being nominated in the British female solo artist category alongside FKA Twigs, Jessie Ware, Lily Allen and Paloma Faith.

Also, Ghost will go up against songs in the British single catergory from the likes of DJ Calvin Harris, Ed Sheeran, George Ezra and Sam Smith.

The stars will all be at the ceremony at the O2 in London on February 25.

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