Lincolnshire Police has issued an urgent warning after a man received a message on his mobile phone falsely claiming to be from the force.

The man told police the message stated that his phone was blocked because of a website featuring sexual content and he would have to pay £200 to have it unlocked.

The malicious software featured the Lincolnshire Police logo and alleged to be an official message from the force.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Lincolnshire Police would like to make clear that any communication of this kind is most definitely not a legitimate message from the Force, nor will we ever contact you in such a way.

"If you receive any messages of this kind please report them to us on the non-emergency number 101 and do not hand over any personal or financial details, or engage with them in any way."

Tributes have been paid to a former Grimsby Institute student killed in a crash in Sussex.

Thomas Drewery, 21, originally from Louth, died after his grey Ford Focus hit a tree and went into a field on Friday.

He had been living in Horsham, West Sussex.

His family said: "Thomas lived in Horsham but hails from Louth. Two years ago he came to Sussex to follow his dream of becoming a Michelin starred chef.

"Thomas worked in The Pass restaurant at South Lodge Hotel, a job he loved. He made so many friends. Thomas touched everyone's hearts and will be very much missed."

Paul Robinson, Curriculum Leader for Hospitality at the Grimsby Institute, said: "To find out that Tom had passed away on Friday was a huge blow and we are all devastated by the news as Tom had achieved so much in such a short space of time.

"Since leaving the Institute two years ago he went straight into working at a Michelin Starred restaurant and was recently promoted. Everyone that knew him was aware of his talent and passion for the industry and this was infectious, leading others to strive for what he had achieved.

"Tom even donated some of his time recently, coming back to the Institute in November to talk to current learners about his time here and what he had been doing since to help inspire others. He was one of the best learners I have ever had the pleasure to teach, to say he is a loss to the industry and to the people around him is a major understatement."

Mr Drewery was found dead in a car in a field off the B2110 near Truckers Ghyll, Handcross, at about 12.30am on Friday .

The incident was reported to police at 11.20am that day. No other vehicles are thought to have been involved.

You can pay your own tribute to him at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

THE TASK of clearing out a cannabis factory with more than 2,300 plants could take days, according to Humberside Police.

A cordon still remains around the two-storey building in King Edward Street, Grimsby, where fire crews discovered the cannabis factory when they responded to a 999 call at 5.30am on Tuesday.

Since then police officers have examined the scene for evidence and counted the plants.

It has been hailed as the biggest haul in the Humberside Force area with a total of 2,303 cannabis plants and associated equipment and fertilizer bags.

Elaborate hydroponic and ventilation systems had been installed and filled both floors of the warehouse – each of which measures around 30 square metres.

They were dismantled and taken away by staff from the North East Lincolnshire Community Pride team.

Humberside Police confirmed there had been no arrests since the discovery.

A spokeswoman said police investigations are ongoing and a number of lines of enquiry are being pursued.

She said it could take a number of days to clear.

Chief Inspector Mark Bishop, lead for operations for Humberside Police in Grimsby, said the discovery represented a significant disruption to the local supply chain.

He said: "It also supports our recent focus on targeting the supply of drugs which is known to have a knock-on effect on violent crime and other criminal activity.

"We are committed to continuing this work and encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact us."

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting log number 55 of Tuesday, January 27. Alternatively, calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

ON THE WEB: See a video of the clean-up operation at the cannabis factory by logging on to www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

PAUL Hurst is set to continue discussions with Mansfield boss Adam Murray today as he bids to tie Ollie Palmer down to a longer stay with Grimsby Town.

The Stags striker is currently on a one-month loan deal at Blundell Park, which expires after the trip to Forest Green a week on Saturday.

However, after already notching two goals in his five impressive appearances so far for the Mariners, Hurst is keen to see him stick around for longer and revealed after Tuesday night's victory over Eastleigh – in which Palmer was the match-winner – he was 'hopeful' a deal could be done.

The Telegraph understands that Hurst is set to continue discussions with Murray today, with sources close to the Nottinghamshire club suggesting that the Stags will be open to extending Palmer's stay with Town.

Speaking after that 1-0 victory over the Spitfires, the man himself said that, provided the deal suits all parties, he'd have no qualms about signing on for the run-in.

"I'm really enjoying myself here – the boys have been fantastic and the fans have been phenomenal so I've got no qualms about staying here – I'm looking forward to it," he said.

"I'm in a winning changing room and I want to stay in a winning changing room. We'll see how things go – there's a few parties involved so we'll have to see.

"Hopefully it can all be sorted out that I can stay – make no bones about it, I'm enjoying it and I want to be involved in the push."

There are delays at Humberside Airport after heavy snowfall overnight.

A number of departures are currently on hold at the airport.

Other flights, including to Amsterdam and Aberdeen, have departed late.

Keep checking back for updates.

A car crashed into a tanker in Stallingborough in the early hours of this morning.

Humberside Fire and Rescue were called to the incident at approximately 4.57am on Keelby Road in the village.

No one was trapped and both of the vehicles were made safe by disconnecting their batteries.

Debris were cleared from the road and the incident has now been passed over to the police.

GRIMSBY and Cleethorpes will get more bobbies on the beat when the restructure of Humberside Police takes effect in April.

That was the pledge from Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove who told a residents' group in Cleethorpes that the area had been "under-policed" for many years.

Although he did not specify numbers, Mr Grove said there would be a "substantial increase" in the number of police officers on patrol in the two towns.

Speaking at a meeting of the Haverstoe Community Forum at Signhills Academy, the commissioner explained how he believed the restructure would enable the force to deliver an improved service despite significant reductions in funding.

And he said the forum had been partly responsible for the changes - which will see more officers being deployed during the summer months, when demand for policing is at its highest.

Mr Grove said: "Last time I addressed your meeting, you gave me a bit of a haranguing. You said 'Matthew, how can it be that we have the same level of policing in the winter as we do in the summer?'

"Humberside Police is about to implement a huge restructuring of how it delivers policing, and you ladies and gentlemen, are partly responsible for the new force model.

"You quite rightly questioned why the resources are the same in the winter as they are in the summer, when your population increases massively."

Mr Grove told how a review of the way the Force operates revealed that its busiest month, August, was also the month when it had the fewest police officers available for duty.

He added that the same number of police officers were on duty at 7am as they were at 7pm, despite the latter being four times busier.

"If you were a supermarket would you have the same number of check-out staff on duty at 7am in the morning as you did at 7pm at night? No. It just doesn't make sense."

Mr Grove said police officers had been generally accepting of the changes, even though it will mean many of them working more unsociable hours.

"They will not be going on holiday in August with their family. They will not be working 9am to 5pm. They will be working late evenings and weekends, and I'm very conscious of the effect that will have on police officers and PCSOs.

"But the one thing I recognise in policing is that police officers and PCSOs have a vocation. They choose this career because they are determined to protect and serve their communities."

An amber weather warning for snow in Grimsby remains in place this morning.

The warning was issued by the Met Office and instructs residents to "be prepared" for adverse weather conditions.

It is anticipated that this warning will remain in place until 11am today, after which the Met Office warning will be downgraded to a yellow warning, which means "be aware".

This will stay in place for the rest of the day.

Forecasters predict sleet and snow will make another appearance tomorrow in Grimsby and the surrounding area.

Following Met Office warnings for strong winds and snow blizzards, Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for running the electricity network across the North East, Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire, has assured its customers that it is prepared should the weather affect its network.

A spokesperson for Northern Powergrid is closely monitoring the weather and says it has installed extra engineers  to restore power and repair any damage to power lines. 

The network operator also has additional advisors at its local 24 hour contact centre as well as teams in other locations around the business who are ready to offer customers support and advice.  

Send us your snow photos to newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

The latest national school league tables have revealed many schools across North East Lincolnshire, the Wolds and Louth have seen a drop in the number of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English.

Twelve of 17 secondary schools within the area have seen the number of students achieving this standard fall – some by as much as 20 per cent.

However, there have also been success stories, with five of the schools out performing last year's results.

As the Holy Family Catholic Academy was only formed in 2013, there is no data available to compare it with previous years.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of good news regarding A-level and vocational performance in the area. Among the strong performers were Franklin students, who carried on their success with their A-level results, after achieving the best set of results in its history in 2013.

GCSE

North East Lincolnshire

Healing School, a Science Academy

Healing was the best performing of North East Lincolnshire's schools in 2014, with 80 per cent of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English.

However, this was a drop of two per cent compared to last year, while 91 per cent achieved this in 2012.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was also the highest in the region, with 92 per cent and 86 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed 38 per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Tollbar Academy

Staying in second place was Tollbar Academy, with 77 per cent of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English.

This was a drop of four per cent on last year, when 81 per cent of pupils achieved this, and 92 per cent in 2012.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 85 per cent and 82 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed 40 per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Humberston Academy

Despite being North East Lincolnshire's third best performing school, Humberstom Academy suffered a 15 per cent fall from last year.

A total of 65 per cent of pupils achieved five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English, down from 80 per cent last year.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 79 per cent and 72 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed 19 per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Havelock Academy

The school saw a one per cent drop in the number of students achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English, compared to last year.

A total of 58 per cent of pupils made the standard this year, but this figure was as low as 36 per cent in 2011.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 77 per cent and 76 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed eight per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Cleethorpes Academy

A total of 58 per cent of students at Cleethorpes Academy achieved five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English, up from 55 per cent last year.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 79 per cent and 67 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed eight per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

St James' School

St James' School pupils saw a disappointing drop from 59 per cent

of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English in 2013 dropping to 46 per cent.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was not published.

However, 23 per cent of students achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Oasis Academy Immingham

Pupils at Oasis Immingham Academy also saw a drop, with 55 per cent of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English in 2013 falling to 44 per cent.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 82 per cent and 48 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed 16 per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

John Whitgift Academy

John Whitgift Academy saw a fall of seven per cent in the number of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English

The number of pupils making the grade this year was 39 per cent, down from 46 per cent in 2013.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 60 per cent and 49 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed six per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Oasis Academy Wintringham

At Oasis Wintringham Academy, the number of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English, has risen by one per cent.

The number of pupils making the grade this year was 38 per cent, up from 37 per cent in 2013.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 37 per cent and 63 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed seven per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Holy Family Catholic Academy

Thirty-eight per cent of pupils achieved five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English.

However, as the academy was only formed in 2013, there is no data available for previous years.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 71 and 60 per cent respectively, a huge rise of 34 per cent and 43 per cent in 2013.

Ormiston Maritime Academy

Pupils saw a disappointing drop in figures, with just 26 per cent of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English, compared to 47 per cent in 2012.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 49 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed seven per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Louth/Wolds

Caistor Grammar

The best performing school in the Grimsby Telegraph circulation area was, once again, Caistor Grammar, where 99 per cent of pupils achieved at least five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 93 per cent and 94 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed 85 per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

King Edward VI Grammar, Louth

At King Edward 94 per cent of pupils achieved at least five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English, down from 96 per cent last year.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 84 per cent and 99 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed 83 per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

De Aston School, Market Rasen

De Aston saw a small improvement, where the number of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and England, rose by two per cent.

In 2012, a total of 70 per cent of students made the grade, compared to 56 in 2013 and 58 in 2014.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 75 per cent and 70 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed 40 per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Caistor Yarborough Academy

The school saw a drop of six per cent, with 51 per cent of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English, compared to 57 per cent last year.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 75 per cent and 48 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed 11 per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Cordeaux School, Louth

Results for Cordeaux pupils remained largely the same with 49 per cent of students achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English, a rise of one per cent from the previous year.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 77 per cent and 56 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed 12 per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Birkbeck School and Community Arts College

A total of 40 per cent of pupils achieved five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English, a fall of two per cent.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 78 per cent and 52 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed no pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

Monks' Dyke Tennyson College, Louth

The worst performing school in the Louth and Wolds region was Monks' Dyke Tennyson College, which saw a 31 per cent fall in the number of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English.

In 2013, 56 per cent of students achieved the feat, compared to 26 per cent in 2014.

The percentage of pupils achieving their expected progress in English and maths between Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six in junior school) and GCSE level was 47 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

The tables also revealed six per cent of pupils achieved an English Baccalaureate.

A-LEVEL & VOCATIONAL

Franklin College

For the second year running, 100 per cent of Franklin students gained at least one A level at A* to E.

Additionally, 89 per cent achieved at least two A-Levels and 64 per cent at least three.

In terms of vocational courses, the average grade achieved was a distinction, with 99 per cent of candidates achieving at least one qualification, 27 per cent at least two and five per cent at least three.

Grimsby Institute

Although the Institute no longer offers A-levels, it enjoyed good results with its vocational courses, achieving an average grade of merit plus.

Every candidate achieved at least one qualification, 74 per cent at least two and 32 per cent at least three.

Havelock Academy

At Havelock, 97 per cent of pupils got at least one A level at A* to E.

Additionally, 66 per cent achieved at least two A-levels at this grade and 34 per cent at least three.

In terms of vocational courses, the average grade achieved was a merit plus, with 100 per cent of candidates achieving at least one qualification, 74 per cent at least two and 32 per cent at least three.

Oasis Immingham Academy

A total of 100 per cent of Oasis Immingham pupils achieved at least one A level at A* to E.

However, no pupil achieved at least two A-levels at this grade.

In terms of vocational courses, the average grade achieved was a distinction+, with 100 per cent of candidates achieving at least one qualification, 92 per cent at least two and 51 per cent at least three.

Tollbar Academy

At Tollbar, 95 per cent of students got at least three A levels at A* to E.

All pupils gained at least two A levels at A* to E level.

Caistor Grammar

The grammar school was, unsurprisingly, again one of the best performing in the area, with 100 per cent of students getting at least three A-levels of A* to E grade.

Cordeaux School, Louth

Fifty per cent of students gained at least two A levels at A* to E grade.

The school also enjoyed good results with its vocational courses, achieving an average grade of merit.

Every candidate achieved at least one qualification, 36 per cent at least two and five per cent at least three.

De Aston School, Market Rasen

Every pupil at the school achieved at least one A level at A* to E, with 91 per cent getting at least two and 71 per cent getting at least three.

In terms of vocational courses, the average grade achieved was a distinction*, with 100 per cent of candidates achieving at least one qualification, 38 per cent at least two and 17 per cent at least three.

King Edward VI Grammar School, Louth

The grammar school was one of the best performing in the area, with 100 per cent of students getting at least three A-levels 1t A* to E grade.

It does not offer vocational courses.

Monk's Dyke Tennyson College, Louth

A total of 98 per cent of pupils at the school achieved at least one A level at A* to E, with 90 per cent getting at least two and 63 per cent getting at least three.

In terms of vocational courses, the average grade achieved was a distinction-, with 100 per cent of candidates achieving at least one qualification, 69 per cent at least two and 41 per cent at least three.

THE GAUNTLET has been thrown down to see if Grimsby's fish merchants do really know their salmon from their sole.

Colin Lamming said he had tired of hearing his friends who work in the fishing industry talking about their vast knowledge of fish.

So he challenged ten of them to take on a blind taste test involving eight to ten cooked fish portions at the Captain's Table, in Cleethorpes, on taste and appearance alone.

The event tomorrow will see fish merchants and fish mongers tuck into a range of different species to see if they really can identify them.

Captain's Table owner John Hancock has agreed to host the event.

Each portion will be skinless, and entrants will only have the look and taste to go on.

Colin said he suspected the entrants will come unstuck when it matters.

"In the club where I drink, the majority are fish merchants and fish mongers and they always talk about fish," he said.

"I'm fed up of it and I want to see if they are all as good as they say that are."

He added: "They say they can tell what fish it is just by tasting it or holding it in their hands. I want to see if they can.

"There's a few of them that are a bit worried now, particularly because John knows his fish.

"It's purely for fun though. It's a quiet time of year for the fish merchants so it was a good time to hold it.

"I intend to publish the results and put them on the wall in the Kingsway Club afterwards."

John said he had been busy identifying a huge range of different fish in readiness for the event dubbed the Fish Merchants' Challenge.

"We will do anything to promote eating fish so we were glad to get involved," he said.

"We're just in the process of sourcing all the fish now.

"The chef will be bringing out different dishes with numbers and they will have to decide what species it is.

"Anyone in the fishing industry worth their salt will now what a specific fish is when it is raw but when it's cooked it will be a lot more difficult."

He said he hoped the event would promote fish as a food source.

"Fish is very good for your health," he said.

"We are a fishing town and want to promote the use of fish and the different species as a sustainable food.

"People often just eat cod and haddock but all the fish we serve here is caught in the UK.

"We're looking forward to the event as we want to promote the restaurant and the fishing industry."

He joked: "I'm looking forward to embarrassing all those fish merchants who think they know it all!"

The event takes place from 5pm on Friday, but the Captain's Table restaurant will remain open as normal.

MORE than 300 people have signed a petition urging the council to include diving boards in Grimsby's new £8.4 million swimming pool.

As previously reported, North East Lincolnshire will be left without a public diving facility when Scartho Baths closes for good later this year.

The design for the new pool in Cromwell Road, which will replace it, does not include a diving board.

The council did float the idea of building an aquatic sports centre – complete with diving boards – as part of a second phase of development at the Cromwell Road site.

But it concluded that there would be no capital funding available for such a project until at least 2017.

However, the petitioners hope they can persuade the authority to reconsider.

The petition has been led by Dawn Newton, Helen Jacques and Heidi Knudson, whose children attend Grimsby Alexandra's and Dolphins' Diving Club which meets at Scartho Baths.

Dawn, 40, of Bradford Avenue, Cleethorpes, said her nine-year-old son Finlay had been attending the club for about a year.

"It will be really disappointing for him if the new pool doesn't have diving boards. Given the distances that we would need to travel to get to similar facilities, he wouldn't be able to do it as regularly as he does now.

"I think diving generates interest from people who might not necessarily go to the pool to swim."

Helen, 38, whose 10-year-old son Isaac also attends the club, said: "He would be so disappointed if there are no diving boards at the new pool. He thoroughly enjoys going every week and it would be so sad to lose it.

"We have been really pleased with the response to the petition. No one we spoke to could quite believe that the new pool is not going to have diving boards.

"Hopefully this petition is going to get the issue back on the agenda and back in the limelight. We feel we can't just sit back and do nothing."

The petition was presented to members of the Conservative group on North East Lincolnshire Council, and will be passed on to the council chief executive Rob Walsh, who is expected to refer it to the relevant portfolio holder for consideration.

Councillor John Fenty (Humberston and New Waltham), who has been a vocal campaigner for the inclusion of diving boards in the new pool, said: "We are all saddened by the fact it doesn't have diving boards and we would like to try to make that happen in phase two.

"There is still strong public demand for diving boards and we would like the council to review our capital programme and look at asset disposal to raise the funding to make sure this deep water facility comes to fruition."

Mr Fenty added that such a facility could act as a training centre for divers working in the growing offshore wind sector.

Councillor Philip Jackson (Waltham), the Conservative group leader, said: "The important thing is that this matter gets put back on the agenda again.

"We are all aware of the financial constraints that the authority is under, but there could be opportunities to secure additional funding from other sources, and not necessarily the council's coffers."

Concerns raised after a Sea King rescue helicopter was spotted flying over Cleethorpes have been dismissed as a training operation.

The rescue helicopter was seen flying close to the Haile Sand Fort in the Humber estuary this morning.

However, a Humberside coastguard said the helicopter was flying as part of a training operation.

Did you see the rescue helicopter? Let us know below.

Tesco has urged customers not to consume one of its own-brand squash drinks after concerns it might smell.

Customers have reported a odour from both the 750ml and 1.5L bottles of the ouble strength apple and blackcurrant drink.

The company confirmed the recall via social media and has withdrawn the product from its online shop - with a message on Tesco's website saying "sorry, this product is currently not available".

Tesco is advising customers to return any bottles to their local Customer Service desk, whether you have a receipt or not, where a full refund will be issued.

On Facebook Tesco posted: "Yes, we are currently recalling the apple and blackcurrant squash, if you have recently bought any please return it to the store for a refund.

"This has not affected any of our other products. Apologies for any inconvenience caused."

Another message posted on the supermarket chain's Facebook page, from a member of the chain's customer care team, said: "We have investigated with our supplier complaints about Tesco no added sugar double concentrate apple and blackcurrant 750ml and 1.5l.

"As a precautionary measure Tesco are withdrawing the above products as our supplier has identified an unacceptable aroma in limited batch codes.

"If you have purchased one of these products please do not consume it and return it to store for a full refund.

"This taste issue only affects no added sugar double concentrate apple and blackcurrant squash with a limited amount of batch codes."

MORE than £20 million has been spent on using costly temporary staff to plug gaps at councils in Lincolnshire in the past five years.

The total bill of £21.3m has been used to bring in workers when demand for services surges, to fill in on bank holidays and to cover staff sickness and maternity absences.

Now questions have been raised about a rise in the bill at Lincolnshire County Council, our biggest council.

The county council spent £4.47m on agency workers in 2013/14 – up from £4.16m the year before.

The total is almost 3 per cent of all staffing costs – but the cash-strapped authority says the workers are needed to plug gaps.

Opposition Labour leader John Hough said: "It's always a concern when lots of money is spent on outside staff, and I'm sure there is some justification when employing experts, but it's a real worry when employing short-time staff for full-time roles.

"There are questions to be asked as to where the money is going."

The figures were released in the aftermath of a Freedom of Information request by the Times newspaper, which said the council had spent £5.51m in five years on agency staff.

Debbie Barnes, the county council's executive director for HR, said: "Agency workers only represent 2.9 per cent of our spending on staffing, and tend to be used for short-term roles – for example, to cover an absence or fixed-term project work.

"They are also used to provide cover for a permanent role, such as a children's social worker, when the post holder has left and we plan to recruit someone else.

"The need for these workers is often immediate, and there is sometimes insufficient time to recruit alternative staff – our standard recruitment process can take up to ten weeks.

"Agency workers are a cost-effective way of giving us the flexibility we need to deliver services to local people."

The county council has been forced to outsource services and axe 1,000 jobs in recent years and still needs to make extra cuts of £90m a year to balance its books.

East Lindsey District Council has spent a total of £2.92m in five years and its 2014/15 bill so far is £365,592.

That is 2.5 per cent of a total bill of £14.19m, down from £630,165 in 2013/14.

Spokeswoman Marie Williamson said: "Agency staff are only taken on when essential and when it is the most cost effective and practical option, such as to cover periods of short-term illness or when additional support is needed, for example, in our cleansing teams over busy bank holiday weekends.

"No members of staff have been re-employed by the council following redundancy."

START adjusting your body clock for a late one as it's almost time for the Super Bowl 2015. 

Sunday night sees the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks in a bid to lift the Lombardi trophy and claim the title of being the best in the world.

After a long season of wild shootouts, fourth quarter rallies, dramatic comebacks and deflated footballs, it all comes down to one last game.

The Super Bowl is still one of the most-watched events on the sporting calenders - and a host of Brits will be staying up late to watch the famed game.

This year, Seattle will be hoping to be the first team in a decade to lift the trophy in consecutive years. Coincidentally, the last team to reach that feat was the Patriots.

Whether you're a seasoned bleary-eyed watcher or an American football rookie, here's our guide to all you need to know about the 49th Super Bowl.

What is the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl is the final game of the NFL season. It pits the winner of the AFC Conference against the winner of the NFC Conference.

The winner walks away with the prestigious Lombardi trophy, named after legendary coach Vince Lombardi who coached the Green Bay Packers to the first ever Super Bowl title in 1966.

When is it?

This year's Super Bowl will take place in the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on February 1.

Last year saw the Seahawks face Denver in Metlife Stadium, a contest which saw Seattle stampede all over the Broncos on the way to a famous win.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be broadcast on both terrestrial and satellite platforms.

Kick off will be around 23:30 on Sunday February 1 and you can catch live coverage from Arizona on both Sky Sports 1 HD and Channel 4.

Channel 4 get underway at 10:30pm, with Sky kicking things off slightly earlier on SS1 at 10pm.

Who's playing this year?

This year the New England Patriots won the AFC title, after seeing off Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts last weekend. They will play the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks who beat the Green Bay Packers in a stone cold classic on Sunday.

Who is the half time entertainment? 

The Super Bowl halftime show is legendary. Madonna, the Black Eyed Peas and Beyonce to name but a few have played in recent years.

This year Katy Perry is set for the spotlight and will be joined by Lenny Kravitz as well as a number of other surprise guests.

American singer songwriter Idina Menzel will sing the pre-match national anthem.

A total of 20 different speed cameras found up and down the country have been identified.

Everything from cameras which catch offenders speeding, to those which help gather important information for experts are dotted throughout the country. But do you know what each one does?

Below are five of the most common and some information on what they do.

Gatso

One of the most common varieties of speed cameras. These rear-facing devices use radar to record a vehicle's speed. A radio signal is sent from the machine to the vehicle, which is then reflected back by the vehicle.

The time between the signal being sent and being passed back is timed.

A second signal is sent out and comes back, and is also timed. The difference enables the Gatso to establish how quickly the vehicle has travelled between the two points.

If the vehicle is going above the speed limit, the camera takes several pictures. White lines on the road are markers to show how fast the vehicle has travelled.

Newer cameras record images digitally, and beam them to the enforcement office.

Locations: All over the country, particularly near accident black-spots.

SpeedSpike

Uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition, and the 1,000 cameras currently being used can be linked so as to monitor a motorist's whole journey on main roads across the country.

Locations: Currently on trial in Hursley, Hampshire.

SPECS

Able to monitor four lanes simultaneously, sets of these cameras are mounted on gantries. These are equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and photograph every vehicle that passes beneath them.

The data is then sent to another set of cameras further down the road (a minimum of 200m away).

Mobile camera

Operated by police officers — these devices are hand-held or mounted in vans that are normally parked in lay-bys.

The cameras either use laser or radar technology.

Locations: Could surprise you anywhere in the UK.

SpeedCurb

Uses sensors embedded in the road to trigger a camera to take a photo if a vehicle has passed over them too quickly.

In addition, markings on the side of the road also provide photographic evidence of how quickly a car has been travelling between the markings.

Locations: Everywhere.

Mobile cameras will be in the following locations across northern Lincolnshire in the week commencing February 2.

Safer Roads Humber operates fixed and mobile cameras at 85 sites in northern Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.

Motorists should be aware these locations and dates represent the minimum speed enforcement undertaken and that officers can visit any of the other sites on any day of the week, including evenings and weekends.

Tuesday, February 3: Louth Road, Grimsby

Friday, February 6: A46 Weelsby Road, Grimsby

THE following people have been dealt with by Grimsby magistrates for not having a TV licence:

Alicia Hawkins, 20, of Kirkstead Crescent, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Emma Herriot, 34, of Balmoral Road, Cleethorpes, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Samantha Hollingsworth, 23, of Blundell Avenue, Cleethorpes, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Paula Holroyd, 26, of Patrick Street, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Jo Johnstone, 31, of Thornhill Gardens, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Jade Kershaw, 20, of Wintringham Road, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Richard Klein, 29, of Crosby Road, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

David Lake, 48, of Winchester Avenue, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Ashley Lamb, 28, of Caistor Drive, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Philip Long, 52, of Caistor Drive, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Tracey Manders, 49, of Eskdale Way, Grimsby, fined £400 with £80 costs and a £40 victims' surcharge.

Sandra Mann, 44, of Fairmont Road, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Karen McGinlay, 39, of Sussex Street, Grimsby, fined £45 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Bobbie McIver, 20, of Willingham Street, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Lindsey McIver, 25, of Highfield Avenue, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Grimsby's Guy Martin has spoken of the complications of 'Delhi belly' he faced while filming in India.

His latest documentary, Our Guy In India, will be shown on Channel 4 at 9pm this Sunday.

The two-part programme will feature Guy riding alongside a biker gang, as well as sleeping rough with rats on the streets.

Famed for his love of tea, the Grimsby adrenaline junkie gets the chance to enjoy a well-earned brew at a historic 250-year-old tea plantation.

Our Guy In India comes after he starred in his well-received programme Speed.

Speed saw Guy attempt to break the speed record for various vehicles, including a hovercraft.

Watch a video from Our Guy In India by following this link: www.channel4.com/programmes/our-guy-in-india

A Star Wars collector has paid £18,000 at auction for a rare figurine which went on sale 35 years ago for just £1.50.

The unopened Boba Fett character, a bounty hunter from the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back, was one of 85 figures put on sale by Star Wars super-fan Craig Stevens.

The 'extremely rare' figurine was bought by an anonymous internet bidder, Boba Fett became a 'huge cult figure' despite three minutes' of film time. 

The figure was one of only a handful still in 'factory fresh condition' and attracted bids from around the world.

Following the sale, Mr Stevens told the Daily Mail: "I hope it will go to a good collector who will look after it and cherish it like I have.

"I'm amazed at the price. The money is going to go towards a house for me and my wife."

Mr Stevens added: "Star Wars had a tremendous effect on me. I began collecting everything I could get my hands on."

It was tough for him to part with the figure, as he was 'one of the children who queued up to see Star Wars when it was first released in 1977'.

He added: "I began collecting everything that I could get my hands on connected to Star Wars and I have kept going right up to the present day."