A DRIVER left a trail of destruction after crashing into seven cars and a garden wall.

Columbia Road, Grimsby, resident Martin Daly, says he had to leap over his own garden wall to escape the out-of-control Citroen Picasso.

It collided with a Fiat Punto parked in front of Mr Daly's Kia Ce'ed, which he was about to unlock when the crash happened.

The Bluestar Fibres site protection officer was heading to work at 6am yesterday when he saw the Picasso crash into the parked Punto, which lifted into the air on impact and came close to crushing Mr Daly.

His car was one of seven cars and a garden wall damaged in the trail of destruction in Weelsby Street and Columbia Road, Grimsby.

The 24-year-old driver fled the scene with his pregnant passenger, but was apprehended by a resident in Columbia Road after a struggle.

Mr Daly said: "I was standing at my car when it hit the car in front. I could hear it coming towards me because it had crashed into the wall just before.

"The crash bounced the car up as I was standing on the pavement, so I jumped the garden wall."

The resident joked: "Linford Christie has nothing on me. It could have been a lot worse."

Neighbour Mike Czuczman, 59, was heading to work at Phillips 66 when he saw the Picasso driver flee the scene.

His partner Leigh Southern was putting newspapers in her recycling bin and saw the driver run past their home.

She said: "Mike is a big lad and just jumped on him and got him on the floor. I called the police."

Mr Czuczman was assisted in apprehending the runaway driver by Weelsby Street resident Trevor Emmerson, 50.

He chased after the car when it reversed into his garden wall, causing extensive damage.

His wife Larraine, 41, said: "We are still in shock. When it hit the wall it sounded just like the earthquake we had a few years ago. We heard screeching tyres. When we got outside the wall was completely knocked down. Then the car shot off down Columbia Road."

Weelsby Street neighbour Julie Ballans, 52, said she saw the Picasso being driven towards Hardy's Recreation Ground.

She said: "I don't think the driver knew there are bollards preventing anyone getting onto the field. He reversed out of control, hit my husband's car and then went straight back into Larraine's wall."

She said her husband, Patrick, had to take time off from his building business to sort out his car. A neighbour's Mitsubishi Galant was also damaged.

Care worker Dawn Concarr 40, of Columbia Road, said her Fiat Punto was written off in the collision.

She said: "I have had to take the day off to sort all this out and I can't do any travelling. It has come at a bad time with Christmas coming up."

A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: "The driver of the vehicle, a 24-year -old-man, was arrested and taken into police custody.

"A female passenger from the Citroen was taken to hospital by paramedics as a precaution."

Ebbsfleet will be without central defender Paul Lorraine for the game against Blue Square Bet Premier leaders Grimsby.

Lorraine will commence a three-match ban for a sending-off against Hereford last weekend.

Defender Patrick Ada could be drafted into the starting XI as a replacement after sitting on the bench in recent games.

Striker Nathan Elder has been nursing a knock and will face a late fitness test for this game while winger Louis Soares has returned to Grimsby after his loan deal expired.

Fellow front man Matt Godden has shaken off a recent bout of illness and could again start while midfielder Liam Bellamy offers manager Liam Daish an alternative option.

Grimsby joint bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst will hand fitness tests to midfielder Scott Neilson and defender Nathan Pond.

Both players missed the 1-0 win against Buxton in midweek due to a groin injury and a knock respectively.

Striker Liam Hearn remains sidelined with an serious Achilles injury and is unlikely to feature before March next year.

Winger Louis Soares has returned from a loan spell at Ebbsfleet and could feature in the squad again after making a brief appearance as a substitute against Buxton.

Recent loan signing Michael Rankine could be handed his first league start. He will compete with Andy Cook and Ross Hannah for the chance to lead the Mariners attack.

LOUIE Soares could be Grimsby Town's 'spy in the camp' when they return to Conference action against Ebbsfleet United.

The Mariners winger has spent most of the last two months on loan with the Fleet, making nine appearances for the Kent side.

But, following his Town recall last week, the 27-year-old could line up against his former team-mates from down south at Stonebridge Road tomorrow.

An impressive 15-minute showing off the bench in Wednesday's FA Trophy victory at Buxton certainly won't have hurt Soares' chances.

And the Barbados international hopes that cameo could secure him a spot in Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's match-day squad.

"I've been thinking about the possibility of coming up against Ebbsfleet a lot, but obviously the important thing is to get picked in our squad first," Soares told the Telegraph.

"I would love to line up against them and there has been a bit of banter between me and the lads down there.

"The managers here haven't asked about Ebbsfleet yet, but I'm sure they will, and hopefully I can help out with some information about their key players and things like that.

"I mostly played on the wing at Ebbsfleet but also had a game up front. They played 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 while I was there.

"They were in the relegation places but they've been more solid over the last few games and have picked up a lot.

"It's all to do with confidence. They were really low at one point but have found some belief recently.

"They're a good bunch of boys and there are some very good players, so we'll need to play well to get the job done."

Soares came to Cleethorpes in February with a big reputation after scoring 15 times in just 31 outings for Hayes & Yeading United in the first half of the season.

However, his opportunities at Town have been limited and after just one start this campaign, the former Reading trainee asked to go out on loan in September.

"Of course it's been frustrating for me this season but I've tried not to worry about it too much," he added.

"All I can do is concentrate on myself, work hard to stay fit and be ready for opportunities to make my mark when I get them, like on Wednesday night.

"I've stayed focused on doing my best and making sure I'm not a 'bad egg' within the squad – and tried to support the boys who are playing."

On his stay with Liam Daish's Ebbsfleet – who have lost once in their last six league encounters – he continued: "I really enjoyed it down there and did ok.

"It was great just to be playing again, but there was a lot of travelling backwards and forwards and that started to take its toll on me.

"I was getting really tired because I was travelling for fours hours in each direction every other day. I was spent after that!

"I was training up here on Monday and Tuesday, then travelling down there on Wednesday and training with them Thursday before staying at my mum's near Reading, an hour and a half away.

"It wasn't easy but it gave me what I needed, which was games."

Soares was pleased to make the most of his return to the Town set-up in Wednesday's First Round replay.

With the scores locked at 0-0 and extra-time looming, the midfielder swung in an inviting right-wing cross for Ian Miller to nod home and send the Mariners through.

He said: "I was delighted to be included in the squad, it was fantastic to be involved.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to the Mariners fans as well – they gave me some fantastic support when I came on and that gave me a massive lift.

"It was a great feeling and helped a lot, especially on such a cold night – it was freezing!

"I was happy with the way I performed and it was great to get the win.

"We dominated the whole second half and I definitely wanted to get a bit of the action, so to come on and set up the winning goal was great.

"We didn't want extra-time, but as a group we all had the feeling that we were going to do the job in 90 minutes – it was nice to get it done and dusted in normal time.

"There is so much confidence and belief in this squad and that's what makes it so hard to get a place in the team.

"The chance to go on a run in the Trophy and perhaps play at Wembley is a big thing for all the lads.

"A few of them have played there before and they've been telling us stories about their day, which just makes the rest of us want to play there even more."

With stiff competition for the Mariners' wide roles coming from Scott Neilson, Joe Colbeck and Marcus Marshall, Soares appreciates it will be a challenge to earn a place in the side.

But the winger is determined to make an impression upon his return – and help Town to promotion.

"Town are top of the league now, so obviously I want to impress the bosses and be involved in that," he said.

"I've always believed in myself and it would be great to really show what I can do for Grimsby Town.

"I would love to play my part in helping the club back into the Football League – that would be great for me personally and for the whole town."

IN JUST over a year, Hannah Dale's artistic creations have won her two highly-prized "Henries Awards" – the greeting card industry's Oscars.

Her work has also attracted prestigious customers, such as the National Trust, and her cards are now stocked by more than 300 outlets.

And with the festive season around the corner, it's a sure-fire bet that many people will be proudly displaying one of Hannah's quirky and enchanting Christmas Cards on their mantelpiece this yuletide.

"The designs have proved very popular and many shops placed repeat orders in the autumn," said the former Caistor Grammar School pupil, pictured.

"I've already begun designing for Christmas 2013, and I am working on a range based on the 12 days of Christmas."

It's all a world away from what the 30-year-old planned to be doing.

"And despite a long-standing passion for art, she says she pinches herself every day as demand for her cards grows and the orders roll in.

After receiving a first-class zoology degree from Cambridge, Hannah headed to London to pursue a career in investment banking.

"I had always been quite driven and ambitious and I got a lot of satisfaction from the job, but just before I started at Morgan Stanley I met my future husband Jack, who is also from Lincolnshire," she said.

"I don't think I was ever really cut out for city life and in 2008 I moved back to the county when we got married.

"After having the children, I went to work for an accountancy firm. This seemed to relate the most to what I had previously been doing. However, it was totally different from my earlier job and carrying on would have entailed taking more examinations and requalifying."

Wondering what to do next, and finding herself at a complete loss because of the lack of investment banking opportunities in northern Lincolnshire and being unqualified for anything else, Hannah decided the only thing to do was to start her own business.

"While I was at Cambridge, I did a lot of fieldwork and that gave me plenty of opportunities to observe and sketch the outdoors and wildlife," she said.

"I began selling my watercolour originals to friends with babies and shops in market towns also took orders. It is such a thrill when someone wants to spend their hard-earned money on your work."

With her creative juices flowing, Hannah threw her energies into designing five different ranges, with 15 designs in each. From the outset she intended supplying the trade but she started off on her home patch, taking cards out to retailers in towns such as Brigg and Barton.

Hannah's cards, inspired by her love of nature and the countryside, now feature a wonderful range of creatures.

"Everything's taken off incredibly well and my sales are really exceeding expectations," she added. "They are now stocked by more than 300 outlets, thanks to a decision to start using an agent."

But her biggest thrill to date has been her success in her first attempt at The Henries Awards, where she scooped prizes for Most Promising Young Designer or Artist and Best Art Range.

Her business has also been supercharged by two brilliant deals – a contract from The National Trust to supply its 200 shops and the signing of a licensing agreement with Portmeirion, which will see Hannah's designs on products such as mugs and textiles.

To find out more, call 01652 680253 or visit www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk

DO YOU remember Lavender's Column?

It remains legendary within the Grimsby Telegraph and, indeed, among those who recall buying this newspaper simply to read about who had attended what dance, and which army officer was marrying a titled daughter.

The feature – which ran from December 1916 to 1969 – became the best read in the Grimsby paper's long history, and built a social ladder upon which the aspiring took a first step and the prosperous flourished.

The very private woman behind it was journalist Dorothy Clapham. She always wrote under the Lavender alias, having inherited the column, aged 30, from Australian Eugenia Doughty, the wife of Grimsby MP Sir George.

Miss Clapham went on to found most, if not all, of the women's organisations in the town.

Like all good gossip columnists, she realised the value of a title. In the 1920s and 1930s, all present at big social events would be listed.

Weddings, births, christenings and so on were all remarked upon as were the holiday arrangements of anyone prominent in the town.

Nowadays, the columns make vintage reading. Lavender harks back to an age of gentility, when chronicling the teal silk dress worn by Miss T Smith, of Grimsby, at an annual dinner was de rigeur.

Telegraph columnist Peter Chapman recalled: "She was a slight figure, eventually slightly stooping, her face pale with powdery make-up, always dressed in black, never without a hat.

"Apparently stern, she was the opposite. Her weakness (if it can be called so) was gin. At a dance she would occupy a solitary table near the door, an observer known to everyone yet alone save for a bottle of Gordon's – and ice and lemon – and not much tonic.

"When the last waltz was played the bottle was empty. But the notebook was full. Miss Clapham had gone. It was to be a long wait until her column confirmed her – and your – attendance.

"The 1960s were not, in truth, Miss Clapham's territory. The years of Gay Gordons and Congas and Dashing White Sergeants of tulle and organdie, of lace and taffeta, were forfeit to a new age. And the number of Generals and Canons and assorted big shots who had enlivened her paragraphs were dreadfully absent. Grimsby was changing."

Miss Clapham died in 1969, at the then undisclosed age of 83.

Peter added: "Here and far away, Grimsby people meet and yarn and reminisce to this day. And they still talk of Dorothy Clapham and Lavender's Column."

Today, we imagine Miss Lavender to be a mixture... part Kirstie and Nigella, with a dose of Beeny and, of course, the Duchess of Cambridge.

So, embracing that spirit, it is being resurrected – in a manner of which we hope Miss Clapham would wholly approve. We present to you Lavender, woman-about-town with her finger on the pulse, lover of all things vintage and retro, yet entirely modern.

She knows what's hot and what's not, and isn't afraid to speak her mind.

We'd like to thank Amy Woods, an illustrator in her third year on the BA Design course at the Grimsby Institute, for creating this wonderful image of Miss Lavender, peeping over her glasses, ready to report on all things lifestyle.

This is merely an introduction; you can meet Lavender in next month's Weekend.

STAR pupils shone inside Grimsby Town Hall as they stepped forward to accept well-deserved awards.

Students from John Whitgift Academy were joined by their family and staff at this year's Inaugural Annual Awards Ceremony.

The night aimed to recognise the pupils' hard work and dedication and saw numerous medals and plaques handed out.

With accolades for achievements in sports, to 100 per cent attendance and the principal's award, many students were left beaming with joy.

And none more so than 15-year-old Jodie Hogarth, who managed to scoop four awards from the event.

The Year 11 pupil was given a 100 per cent attendance medal, the subject award in English and German and the prestigious Principal's Award for Exceptional Talent.

Jodie said: "The shield is for my karate skills. I am going to Las Vegas next year to represent Great Britain in a worldwide competition.

"I am shocked to have been given so many high accolades within the academy.

"I do enjoy school. My favourite subject has to be English. Hopefully next year I will move on to Franklin College."

Jodie's dad Gary believes a ceremony encourages pupils to do well.

He said: "It gives children something to strive for and I think it is great that the school does this."

Presenting children with their awards was special guest Mark Webb, the managing director of e-Factor.

Picking up the best overall academic performance award was Zoe Harrington, who has just started her first year at Franklin College.

The 16-year-old said she never thought she would receive such a high honour, adding: "I also got the award for excellence in humanities.

"I loved my school years. The teachers made lessons interesting and supported you throughout."

However, not everyone has had an easy time.

Liam Farrow, 13, openly admitted he did not enjoy school a few years ago but has taken a big leap since and at the ceremony received the award for determination and perseverance.

He said: "I realised I needed to work hard in order to achieve anything."

Principal Mark Rushby said: "We believe every child deserves a decent education. We will do what it takes to ensure that every student achieves the best outcomes possible in the examinations and is prepared for the next stage of their lives."

THIS couple love Cleethorpes and Cleethorpes loves them!

And this is why they have become the first nominees for the Grimsby Telegraph-backed campaign, Improving Cleethorpes Together, organised by resident action group, Cleethorpes South Forward.

Teresa, 53 and Graeme Bassett, 52, have been nominated by their neighbour Pam Harrison for their tireless efforts in tidying up the resort.

Both are members of action groups in Cleethorpes and Grimsby and spend hours of their spare time doing their bit – from planting flowers to helping out at public events.

When part-time office worker Teresa isn't behind her desk, she is out and about for Cleethorpes In Bloom, Cleethorpes Town Team and Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society.

She was thrilled to be nominated and vowed to show off her Improving Cleethorpes Together window sticker with pride.

She said: "It feels great our work has been recognised.

"There are a lot of people doing great things that don't get noticed and it feels nice that we have. Everyone who does their bit does it because they enjoy it and they love Cleethorpes."

Since the campaign – the first of its kind in the country – launched earlier this month, nominations have been coming in thick and fast.

South Forward's aim is for lines of homes to sport the award window sticker and for the town to be a tidier, happier place to live and visit.

Teresa added: "Anyone can do something good, they can do it on their own, in a group or with a neighbour."

You can nominate candidates by filling in the form printed here, or by e-mailing kbrown1417@gmail.com or beryl.reessmith@btinternet.com, cleesouthforward@groups. facebook.com, or pop into Cleethorpes Library and St Aidan's Church office.

Send completed forms to Faye Preston, 80 Telegraph House, Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby, NE Lincs, DN31 3EH, or to the e-mail addresses above.

STRAPPED for cash this Christmas? Fancy the chance of winning £100 each day?

From Monday, through to Wednesday, December 19, your Grimsby Telegraph is giving away £1,500 in our Cash For Christmas text competition.

Each day a different question will feature in the paper – and all readers have to do is text in with the correct answer for a chance of winning £100 that night.

Chloe Redford, of Grimsby, says money like this would really help her out.

The 18-year-old said: "Money does not go far these days but a bonus like this would be great, especially over Christmas.

"It will certainly help buy another present for my daughter. I would enter into the competition, someone has to win."

Jenny Holt, promotions co-ordinator for Grimsby Telegraph, said: "At this time of year, it can be really expensive.

"The Grimsby Telegraph want to give you a little something extra to spend on the festivities, whether you spend your £100 on presents for your family, on a feast for Christmas Day or simply treating yourself to a new outfit.

"We hope that this giveaway will enable 15 lucky readers to splash out on a fantastic Christmas."

The competition closes each night at 23.59pm and there's nothing to say that you cannot enter every day – so there are plenty of chances to win.

The winner will be drawn the following day, contacted and asked to collect their winnings from reception.

People are asked to keep in mind that Friday and Saturday competition winners will be drawn on Monday.

Make sure you pick up your paper on Monday for your first chance to win.

THE FOUNDER of a village campaign is appealing to residents to help clean up the streets.

On Monday, a road sweeper will be passing through the leafy Lincolnshire village of Keelby to remove fallen leaves.

However, the machine from West Lindsey District Council will only be able to cover certain areas of the village. With this in mind, the organiser of the Brightening Keelby Campaign John Hodson wants residents to come forward armed with brushes to help clear the footpaths. The 64-year-old, of Rowan Close, Keelby, said: "I walk around the village and try to look to see what needs doing to improve it.

"I want to unite Keelby and get it cleaned up.

"The winter weather has made a lot of leaves fall which have stuck to the roads and pavements.

"This has made walking on them dangerous so I want to do something about it. If we can get some volunteers together to do a big clean-up it would really help.

"All people need to do is spend half an hour sweeping the leaves off the path outside their homes.

"There is a road sweeper coming on Monday so I think if we can all get it done on the same day it will make a big difference. Anyone is welcome to come and help and we will be meeting at The Manor in Manor Street at 9am on Monday."

Read John Hodson's First Person in Monday's Telegraph.

THIS summer, well we'll all just agree that the weather wasn't all that summery, so what can people do in the summer to enjoy themselves?

Walk the streets searching for trouble? Getting drunk for no particular reason? Or just plain staying in bed?

Well personally that wasn't the kind of summer that I envisaged when that last day of term rolled around.

I wanted to relax, but while still doing something that helped me better myself or was at least a tiny bit productive.

So when I heard about camp nanowrimo ( that's national novel writing month for the majority of you, who I assume don't have any idea) I was ecstatic that finally something I could do was available that would help me further my skill in writing over the summer for fun!

But then when you read the overall goal of the "30 days of literary abandon" it seems all consuming.

Writing 50,000 words in one month? Impossible you say?

Well, tens of thousands of people all around the world sign up for it every summer, and even more in the regular nanowrimo in November, and most of them actually complete the goal!

Personally, I think that it's a massive achievement to even get a couple of hundred words of your dream novel down on paper, so when I found out about all these people writing so many words in only 30 days, I was anxious to get started myself. But then I started to doubt my ability. I told myself that I couldn't do it and that it was too many words.

But that's where my back-up came in. With the online community "go teen writers" that I have joined, I was never lacking any support during camp nanowrimo.

And, one word at a time, me and so many others wrote 1,666 words a day.

Yes, it got really difficult. There were times when my characters wouldn't stop trying to make their own decisions when the story needed them to do what I wanted.

There were days when I struggled to drag myself from my bed in order to get my words down. But I told myself that I could do this, that I was going to do whatever it took it finish that goal.

And it felt so good when my little word counter toppled over to 50,000 words on only day 28.

I had written 50,000 words, and my novel wasn't even finished yet. It was by far the biggest achievement that I have ever done myself.

So much better, in my opinion, than lying in bed or generally wasting your time.

And the best part is, I got to share that experience with so many people around the world.

From go teen writers and nanowrimo I have made friends who live in places like North Carolina, Canada and Wisconsin to name a few.

All those aren't even in Europe and yet I can safely call these people, who I have never met before in my life, my friends.

With communities (even online communities) like this, it is amazing to have someone to talk to you about what you're interested in – particularly because I've never met another person who has taken part in nanowrimo, and so non-writers don't understand some of the things that my online writer friends do.

Like how we can scream at characters when they are figments of our over-active imagination, or how we can't just make a plot go the way we want it, just because we want it to, or how sometimes inspiration comes at the strangest of times, about the strangest of things.

There I feel comfortable that I can say anything I want, and it won't be judged in the slightest. They are my second family.

So should everyone spend their summer in what I would say is a very productive manner, or is slouching around for the whole summer really the best bet?

ANTI-WIND FARM campaigners have accused developers of "underhand tactics" in their bid to build two major wind farms in the Marsh villages.

Both ASC and Partnership For Renewables have employed environmentalist campaigners to gather support for their applications to East Lindsey District Council from people in Louth.

This involves pro-wind farm campaigners stopping people in the streets and asking them to sign in favour of the applications – ASC's 8 x 115 metre turbines on land at Newton Marsh, Tetney and Partnership For Renewables' 3 x 113 metre high turbines at Louth Canal, North Thoresby.

But members of the newly- formed Marsh Windfarm Action Group (MWAG) say the tactics are "desperate".

They claim the hundreds of signatures in support of the applications should not influence a decision because they are not from local people and they will not be impacted by the wind farms if East Lindsey District Council give them the go-ahead.

MWAG frontman Melvin Grosvenor said: "Employing these tactics shows a distinct lack of confidence in what they are doing, to the point they have to pay lobbyists to go around Louth to convince people the scheme should go ahead. It smacks of desperation.

"The wind farm will be nowhere near people in Louth and to include their support in the application is misleading."

The Louth Canal application has 600 signed letters in support of the application and over the past three days, environmentalist campaigners Alliance 4 Wind (A4W) have collected 400 signatures in support of the ASC project.

A4W – who are being paid by ASC – argue people "have a duty" to look after the environment and are within their rights to gather support from people in Louth.

Environmentalist Jonathan Lincoln said: "The people who oppose the Newton Marsh wind farm have been very small in numbers. We all have a duty of care for the environment and by opposing wind farms they are denying their duty. Climate change is the biggest threat we face and we have to be held accountable.

"We are in Louth because ELDC is the planning authority and this is its main town. The people living here have a right to their opinion. We are giving the planners the benefit of the bigger picture."

At the time of going to press, Partnership For Renewables had not responded, but operations manager for ASC, Mike Denny, said: "Louth was chosen as the location for the campaign as it's one of the largest population centres in the vicinity of the planned wind farm and ELDC and is representative of people who live, work and visit this part of Lincolnshire.

"While we've not yet analysed the letters in any detail as the campaign is on-going, it's clear there has been an excellent response from a wide range of addresses across the local region saying yes to wind."

See Monday's Grimsby Telegraph for coverage of Saturday's Marsh Wind farm Action Group meeting.

A MAN who was imprisoned for an arson attack could be about to meet the Prince Of Wales at a ceremony to recognise the transformation in young people's lives.

Danny Smith, 25, received The Prince's Trust "Breakthrough Award" at a ceremony in Leeds.

Danny, who was sentenced to two years in prison for an arson attack in Immingham, in December, 2010, was one of three young adults from the Yorkshire and Humber region who were shortlisted for the award.

And, as the Yorkshire and Humber winner of the Breakthrough Award, Danny is now waiting to hear if he has been shortlisted to attend the National Prince's Trust Celebrate Success Awards, which will be held in London, in March, 2013.

He joined the Prince's Trust Programme in February, 2012, after making a decision to turn his life around and move on from the breakdown of his relationship with his partner.

Two years ago he turned to alcohol and substance misuse at the prospect of not seeing his daughter and his addictions spiralled out of control.

He lost his bricklaying job, began to accumulate debts and became increasingly depressed and, at times, suicidal.

Events came to a devastating peak when, at his lowest ebb, he set fire to his flat, in Washdyke Lane, Immingham, resulting in extensive damage to the block, while residents fled for their lives.

The cost of the damage was estimated at £90,000.

Danny surrendered himself to the police and received a two-year custodial sentence at Grimsby Crown Court in March last year.

With time to reflect, Danny made the decision to turn his life around and on his release from prison he enrolled on The Prince's Trust Team programme.

The scheme is aimed at providing young people with the confidence and skills to improve their employment prospects and, over the 12-week course, Danny's self-esteem and confidence increased.

Danny said: "The Prince's Trust is the best thing that could have happened to me. I have no doubt my struggle with drugs and alcohol would have continued without their intervention."

He said he has rebuilt relationships with his family and is seeking employment.

Danny's success on the scheme has also led to an invitation to return as a mentor on the next programme.

Taking the opportunity to further enhance his leadership ability, Danny jumped at the chance to help others and is now a team mentor.

Jamie Morris, Prince's Trust team leader for Humberside Fire and Rescue, said: "Danny is a highly valued team member and a role model for others on the scheme. Danny has dealt with some difficult times in his life, I am really proud his achievements and the commitment he has shown."

Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for updates.

APPLEBY'S Coach Tour Holidays will be relaunched by a family-run North Lincolnshire travel firm that has bought the naming rights to the defunct Conisholme-based company.

Radley Coach Travel of Brigg and Barton will use the iconic Appleby's brand to market its range of coach holidays to customers in the Grimsby and Louth area.

The company, which has a travel office in Brigg, will continue trading under the Radley name in the Scunthorpe area, where it has built up a solid client base since being established by husband and wife team Kevin and Joanne Radley in 1991.

Mr Radley said the next addition to the company's fleet would carry the distinctive Appleby's cream livery, and that he planned to open an Appleby's travel office in the Grimsby and Louth area.

A new Appleby's holiday brochure will be released next week.

As reported, Appleby's Coach Tour Holidays ceased trading last month after its parent company Bowen Travel Group went into administration, with the loss of about 150 jobs.

Mr Radley said: "Since Appleby's went into administration we have been increasingly busy and we have taken on a good number of former Appleby's customers.

"We could have expanded without buying the name but I am a traditionalist and I wanted to carry on the Appleby's name which is very well-known and respected in the Grimsby and Louth area.

"Radley is a strong brand in Scunthorpe and I see this as our chance to break into the Grimsby and Louth area.

"This is an incredibly exciting time. We are celebrating our 21st year in business and next year will be Appleby's 100th."

Meanwhile, Robert McQuillan, owner of Appleby's Ices, said he intends to press ahead with plans to set up a new coach travel company on the defunct company's old premises in Conisholme, next to the ice cream business.

As reported, Mr McQuillan, who leased premises to the coach company and has since bought the office equipment from the administrators, expressed his desire to reunite the two Appleby's businesses in time for the 100th anniversary.

But his plan to use the Appleby's name for his proposed new venture has been thrown into doubt by the announcement by Radley.

He said: "We could have bought the naming rights, but there was no way I was prepared to do that when Appleby's Coach Holidays owed me £10,000 in unpaid rent.

"We will not be able to use exactly the same name but I would like to have Appleby's in the title.

"We have taken legal advice and we will have to see what name we can register with Companies House.

"Even if we can't use the Appleby's name we are determined to have a holiday company attached to Appleby's Ices."

Asked about the prospect of having two rival coach operators both trading under the Appleby's name, Mr McQuillan added: "It would be a strange situation, but that's business. I suppose the strongest will survive."

TRIBUTES have been paid to the former secretary of the dominos league who died after a short battle with lung cancer.

The family of Fred Ashby have described him as a "special man who was loved by all".

Fred died on November 1, aged 82, after fighting lung cancer, which he was diagnosed with in December 2011.

He married for a second time in 1976, and was devoted to his wife Jean Ashby, taking in her five children as though they were his own.

His family recall him loving the simple things in life such as a meal out or a drink in the local pub.

But none of these compared to his passion for dominos.

Fred's step-daughter Lesley Redgrift, of Grimsby, said: "He played in a league for 40 years, in pubs across North East Lincolnshire.

"He was a regular in a lot of pubs because of this beloved hobby and everyone had a good word to say about him.

"He was the type of person who would chat to anyone, such a friendly character."

Fred also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and lots of great-grandchildren.

Lesley said: "He was a very private man and kept family close to his heart. He had nicknames for all the grandchildren, they adored him.

"Apart from his dominos, he had a passion for football and was glued to the previous World Cup games, wearing his England hat with pride. I think his proudest moment in life was receiving a plaque for his many years service to the domino league."

North East Lincolnshire councillor Cliff Barber knew Fred for around 20 years and describes him as a true friend, who will be truly missed.

He said: "I first met Fred when working as the landlord at the Valiant Pub, on the Willows estate.

"He would come in every Saturday for a drink and every Tuesday night as part of his domino league.

"He was very keen player and even taught my wife and I how to play."

Councillor Barber recalls Fred's dry and witty humour.

He continued: "At times I could not tell if he was pulling my leg or being serious – that was his character.

"The majority of people in the pub knew him, he was always a nice person to get along with.

"He will be missed by many and I can imagine he will be remembered highly by his domino friends."

More local tributes

Log on to www.thisisannouncements.co.uk for more local tributes. Family announcements can also be read from page 27 of today's paper.

NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch groups are the way to help fight crime on our streets.

That was the view of Humberside's Police And Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove – as he held his first surgery inside Freshney Place Shopping Centre, Grimsby.

He was "delighted" with the questions posed to him during his debut meeting and said he had a lot to go back and work on.

Tom Norris, of Grimsby, was eager to ask Mr Grove about the lack of officers on the streets and discussed crime near his home.

The 67-year-old told Mr Grove he felt there are no police officers around when you actually need them.

Mr Grove said: "I understand why people feel frustrated and want to see more police presence on the streets.

"I certainly want to ensure people that we have the maximum number of police out there, but remember not all crimes can be deterred by their presence.

"My job is about looking at how best I can free up officers to do what they signed up for."

Talking about Mr Norris' particular concerns with crime around his street and home, he added: "If communities believe that the way we win the war over criminals is to leave it to the police, then we won't.

"Neighbourhood Watch is the key to success, we need communities coming together to tackle crime.

"If you put yourself up as a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, I believe you become an automatic target to criminals.

"I find his words very encouraging and I am glad to see him approaching the public."

Daniel Stewart, of Humberston, raised concerns over speeding in Grimsby and Humberston Road.

The 71-year-old said: "It is a 30mph road and people exceed this everyday."

Although Mr Grove could not give an answer about the particular location, he did have concerns himself.

He said: "My concern is that road safety is dealt with by Safer Roads Humber and road policing is carried out by Humberside Police.

"One of my priorities is to try to arrange a review of them both together.

"I am worried that we have all become over reliant on speed cameras. These will not catch the drink driver or those on drugs – that will be done by having highly trained officers out on the roads.

"I will be looking into this over the coming years."

He said: "I am really pleased with how this first surgery went and the nature of the questions asked.

"Grimsby is a significant town and I expect I will be here regularly.

"If people see me and want to talk about the police, then I am more than happy to listen.

"I have no exact dates set yet for another surgery in Grimsby but I know there will be plenty planned next year."

Get in touch

To contact Matthew Grove, visit www.matthewgrove.org.uk

THE family of meningitis victim Lexus-Rose Hall-Yull donated more than £2,000 to St Andrew's Children's Hospice in memory of the much-loved infant.

She died after contracting the disease on November 9, as reported.

She laid in rest at St Andrew's Hospice where her mum Sita Yull and other relatives were able to visit her.

The grieving mum told how much of a comfort the staff were as she visited several times a day for ten days after Lexus-Rose's death at the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, Grimsby.

She was able to wash and clothe her baby and play nursery rhymes and paint her nails. A special room is dedicated to the care of the bereaved who have access to an adjoining room where their loved one is laid in rest.

To thank hospice staff for their care and to help raise money for a horse and carriage at Lexus-Rose's funeral, supporters gathered for a fundraising event held at The Nunsthorpe Tavern.

As reported more than £3,000 was raised.

Sita, 26, of Winchester Avenue, Grimsby, presented £2,000 to hospice community fundraiser Lynne Lemon.

Sita said: "It is so peaceful and comfortable here. We had nursery rhymes playing and her grandparents, uncles and aunt were able to visit.

"Her brothers Kade, Billy and Bobby were also allowed to visit and we could all come whenever we wanted.

"I can't praise the staff enough. I hope this money will help other children and their families."

She told how she was given lots of support by hospice staff as she dressed Lexus-Rose in a tutu and sat cuddling her.

Sita said: "The main thing was being able to spend time, sitting and holding her."

A photographer also supplied photos of Lexus and footprints and hand prints of the infant as well as casts of her hands and feet.

Sita said: "The hospice staff were brilliant. I wish to thank them all – particularly Pam and Tina – as well as all those who supported the appeal.

She also thanked her family.

Sita said: "My family have been my rock."

Grieving grandmother Janet Yull said: "She was our first granddaughter. We want to thank everybody that helped with the fundraising and everyone at the hospice for everything they have done. They were brilliant."

Lexus-Rose's dad, Jimmy Macdougal (Hall), attended the fundraising event at The Nunsthorpe Tavern, along with other relatives.

Uncle Ben Yull has tattoos of all his nephews and his tattoo to his first niece, Lexus, had flowers and her dates of birth and death.

He said: "She was special. She was my first niece."

Medical advice

Further advice about meningitis is available by contacting NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or the National Meningitis Trust helpline on 0800 02818.

THE Mariners Trust needs you – and so does Grimsby Town!

Club director John Fenty this week confirmed his commitment to having a fans' presence on the Town board, not just once, but twice.

Speaking at the Fans Forum on Tuesday and again at the AGM just two days later, he "welcomed the day when we have the opportunity to make this happen."

Fenty expects the board to convene in the next 4-6 weeks to rubber-stamp a place for a designated member of the Trust. However, there are two conditions that have to be met first.

In order to prove its credibility, the Trust needs to have a minimum of 750 members and provide an annual income of £30,000.

The second part of this criteria should be simple enough thanks to the organisation's regular fundraisers and control of the bars around Blundell Park (not including McMenemy's).

But it's the first requirement that the Trust needs your assistance with.

Currently boasting around 550 members, the supporters' group requires more Mariners fans to join up over the coming weeks to ensure that Town's followers have their say.

The chance to have an input into your local football club is a rare one, and an opportunity that shouldn't be ignored.

The Trust already has a 13 per cent shareholding in Grimsby Town and could have a voice where it matters, on the board, influencing how the club is run in the future.

Dozens of other clubs across the country have supporters' involvement, while some – admittedly not an aim of the Trust's – are entirely under fans' control.

Barcelona are one club managed under a fan-ownership model and it doesn't seem to have done them any harm!

But on a more serious note, the example that Pompey Supporters' Trust has set in its quest to assume control of Portsmouth FC shows just what can be achieved when fans work together.

Supporters of today's opponents Ebbsfleet United even have the opportunity to vote on issues including transfers, budgets and ticket prices.

So instead of having a moan about the way 'your' club is run – like we all do as football fans – why not shell out a quid a month to help do something about it?

It's just £12 a year to join up (£5 for OAPs), and as the Trust's flyer says "the greater the members, the greater the influence."

Visit www.marinerstrust.co.uk or pick up one of the Trust's forms around Blundell Park to get involved.

A FRAUDSTER cynically conned restaurants out of money by not paying his bill after calmly tucking into meals and enjoying drinks including glasses of wine.

Grimsby magistrates heard he claimed he had no money on him, gave a dodgy address and offered to come back with cash at one restaurant after he was asked to pay.

The court even had doubts about a hostel address he gave.

Ian Jordison, 52, who claimed to be living at a Grimsby hostel, admitted falsely obtaining a meal and glasses of wine, valued at £22.40, from Steel's Fish Restaurant, Cleethorpes, on November 24.

He also admitted obtaining a meal and drinks, valued at £37.70, from the Golden Regency Chinese Restaurant, Grimsby, on November 25.

He asked for other offences to be considered, including obtaining another meal from Steel's, a meal from China Delights, in Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, a meal from the Meze restaurant, in High Street, Cleethorpes, a meal from La Bella, in Market Street, Cleethorpes, and obtaining a taxi journey.

Brendan Woodward, prosecuting, said the offences came to light when Jordison went to the Golden Regency Restaurant, in Old Market Street, Grimsby, and ordered a two-course meal. He also drank lager and cola, but later said he had no money to pay the £37.70 bill.

He asked if he could come back – and gave an address where it turned out he had not lived.

The police were called in and it was discovered that he had been to Steel's restaurant the previous day. He had just walked out from there after having a meal and drinking glasses of wine.

Jordison told the court he had suffered a lot of problems with his benefit and he had not been receiving the cash he had been expecting.

His sick note had run out and he claimed it took the benefit authorities "the best part of eight weeks" to sort his payment problems out.

He claimed: "I have every intention of going down and paying all the money I owe to people."

But the court heard that there were considerable doubts about where Jordison was actually living.

There seemed to be no official confirmation that he had actually been living in the hostel that he claimed to be, the court was told.

Jordison, who was in custody and had previous convictions, was given a one-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £97.49 compensation, made up of individual sums of £22.40, £22.35, £25.09, £15 and £12.65.

He must also pay £85 costs and a Government-imposed £15 victims' surcharge.