A FAMILY fun day was held at Cueworld in Grimsby to raise funds for the charity Oxfam.

Three local bands performed at the music festival, which also featured face painting and games for youngsters.

The Oxjam festival was organised by 11-year-old schoolgirl Chantelle Bennett, with the help of her friends and family.

Chantelle, of Barnetby, said: "I wanted to organise a charity gig and looked on the internet for a charity I would like to support.

"I saw that Oxjam events were happening all over the country and thought it would be a good idea to organise one in Grimsby.

"Oxfam fights poverty and helps children in third-world countries who are not as fortunate as we are."

The event was kicked off by a performance from circus entertainers the Earthbound Misfits, and also included games and face painting for the children as well as craft and jewellery stalls.

Chantelle added: "The Earthbound Misfits were really good and the audience really enjoyed it. The kids have been playing games – nobody has been shy and just sat in the corner – and lots of people have bought raffle tickets."

The evening featured live music from Muse tribute band bMUSEd, The Undecidables and Until Destruction. It was the debut gig for The Undecidables, a four-piece rock band whose members all study at the Grimsby Institute.

Bassist Josh Fawn, 16, of Cleethorpes, said: "We have performed once at the college, but this is our first gig proper. It's exciting.

"We play anything from Muse to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Script."

Among those helping Chantelle to make the day a success were her mum Anna, grandmother Eileen, who sold her homemade jewellery, and cousin Ella.

Ella, 9, of Grimsby, said: "I have been helping sell the jewellery on the stall. I have enjoyed it."

MORE than 600 children gathered to get a glimpse of Santa and claim a free present.

As reported, the Grimsby Telegraph teamed up with Ramsdens – the region's premier independent toy retailer – to give children in North East Lincolnshire the chance to see the man in red.

Children of all ages cut out three tokens that were printed in the paper and took them to the store in Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, on Saturday and Sunday to gain access to the festive grotto.

Store manager David Shutt said: "Coming to see Santa is very popular and we are expecting to have had at least 600 people over the weekend.

"We haven't had Father Christmas here for a number of years and it is good to see him back again.

"He is giving out presents to children of all ages and we are glad to have been able to work with the Grimsby Telegraph to make this happen.

"With having a big toy department we thought that we really needed a Santa.

"We have a wide range of presents available and they are already wrapped so they can go straight under the tree for the big day.

"For those who missed Santa this weekend, he will be back in store again every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm until December 23."

Children waited roughly half an hour to step into Santa's Grotto which was filled with lights and Christmas decorations.

Doll-lover Alice Smith, 4, of Humberston, said: "I have come to see Father Christmas and I am very excited.

"I can't wait for Christmas Day.

"I have asked Santa for a Gabriella Doll. I have been very good, so I hope he has one.

"The best bit about Christmas is decorating the tree."

Alice's grandma Christine Shaw of Queen Mary Avenue, Cleethorpes, said: "It is good to see Father Christmas in a proper grotto.

"I also think it is great that Ramsdens is giving away so many presents for the children.

"The store doesn't have to do this, which is why so many people have turned up.

"It really is a good way to start Advent."

GET back into the swing of the sixties!

If you like music by the Beatles, The Kinks, The Who and The Rolling Stones, then Cleethorpes Memorial Hall on Friday, December 14, is the place to be.

Organisers of Back To The Sixties, Alan Gladding and Greg Webb, are hoping for a groovy turnout at the event, which will be raising money for the Memorial Hall restoration fund.

Alan is part of the band The Marvinettes, who will be playing on the night and he is joined by Greg on the guitar, Day Burman on bass guitar and Kris Edwards on drums.

Alan, from Cleethorpes, said he last played at the venue in the sixties and he believes it is important to keep it going.

"It is the last building in the area for entertainment, with the Winter Gardens and The Leaking Boot gone," he said.

"It's such a lovely building and tickets so far for the show are selling fast – we have already sold 300."

Alan said back in the groovy era he used to have long red hair and flares.

He jokes: "If you remember the sixties then you weren't there!

"It was a fun, free time with a lot of love and I have lots of fond memories in Cleethorpes".

Also playing will be Generations Apart which includes Alan Berry and Josh Scott. There will be lots of favourites from The Who, The Rolling Stones and, of course, The Beatles Greg, 61, who also owns Twelve Bar Music in Cleethorpes, has been following music since he was 17.

He said: "The sixties were the best years. I used to wear a smart suit with short hair.

"This event will be great for all those music lovers who are fans of all the great tunes we used to boogie to."

The event begins at 7.30pm and finishes at 11.30pm. Tickets are £5 and can be bought from Twelve Bar Music, Cleethorpes, Tourist Information Centre in the library or from Alan by calling 07867 657514.

In a special report following the publication of new mortality figures, Health Reporter KATIE BLACKBURN talks to key NHS bosses. She also speaks to concerned parents, who have filed an official complaint following the death of their 27-year-old daughter, saying: "As parents we could see her health deteriorating but it was frustrating no one was doing anything about it."

A SECOND report has named the trust that runs Grimsby's hospital as one of the worst in the country for its higher-than-average mortality figures.

The Dr Foster annual hospital guide, released yesterday, shows Northern Lincolnshire and Goole, United Lincolnshire and the Hull and East Yorkshire trusts were among 12 in England named as having higher than expected death rates among patients.

They were all "doing badly" in at least two of four key measures of mortality, the private research group said.

All three trusts said they had more work to do to improve rates.

The Dr Foster report uses four different measures, including deaths after surgery and among those with low-risk conditions, to help assess which hospitals are falling outside of what would be expected.

"These measures are to be used as a warning sign of a risk that poor quality care may be leading to a higher than expected mortality," the Dr Foster report said.

A spokesman for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust said: "Mortality is the trust's number one quality priority and patient safety is of the utmost importance to every member of staff.

"The trust's higher-than-expected mortality rates are an issue for the whole health community and we are working hard... to make sure that all possible factors are addressed."

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said local managers in those areas should investigate.

However, Karen Jackson, chief executive at NLAG, and other NHS officials, say they are currently working through recommendations of their own and that of a Transforming Health Ltd review, to improve upon this – actions which are already seeing better results.

As reported, a Summary Hospital Level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), used to calculate the number of expected deaths during a financial year, currently shows figures for the Trust, which according to health professionals, are out of date by at least six to 18 months.

Instead staff monitor their mortality rates on a monthly basis using a Risk Adjusted Mortality Index (RAMI). The aim with this indicator is for the Trust to achieve a score of 100 or below to be deemed on track with their mortality rates.

Latest figures for Grimsby's Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, show that between November 2011 and October 2012, the RAMI figure is at 95, an improvement from 123 at the same time last year.

Have your say

What's your experience of the hospital? Tell us the treatment you have received – have your say on this article on thisisgrimsby.co.uk or email newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

THE parents of a 27-year-old – who filed a complaint about the delayed treatment their daughter received in hospital prior to her death – have spoken out in the wake of damning mortality figures.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust is working hard to improve standards of its three hospitals in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole, after bosses openly admitted in September, that they were one of the worst across the UK for higher than average mortality rates, as reported.

Recent figures – which hospital bosses claim are not a clear representation of their current state as they are at least six to 18 months old – reveal 292 more deaths than expected occurred between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2012, according to the NHS Information Centre.

However this announcement comes as no surprise to the parents of Sarah Hayworth, who died in September 2010.

Sarah, who had Down's Syndrome, was admitted to Grimsby's Diana Princess of Wales Hospital on September 1, after being referred there by her GP with chest and breathing problems.

Her dad, Adrian Hayworth, recalls how his daughter was stabilised on antibiotics for two weeks, before a junior doctor examined her and requested that a cardiologist took a second look.

Apparently this was on Friday, September 10, 2010, but it took a whole week until someone from the cardiac unit eventually turned up, he claims.

Mr Hayworth, 58, said: "As parents we could see her health deteriorating but it was frustrating no one was doing anything about it.

"On Wednesday, September 15, I went to the cardiology unit myself to ask if someone was coming to see Sarah.

"She was born with a hole in her heart and in the past had suffered with pneumonia, so a red flag should have alerted medics as soon as she was admitted with breathing issues.

"I even requested for her to be transferred to Scunthorpe General Hospital because nothing was happening.

"Finally a cardiology consultant turned up on Friday, September 17 and we could see immediately on his face he was worried."

Sarah was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she stayed for five days receiving treatment and was kept under close observation.

Mr Hayworth, of Grimsby, said: "We could not fault the staff here, they gave her constant one-on-one care.

"Unfortunately, Sarah's health continued to deteriorate and she was transferred to Leeds General Hospital.

"However, 48 hours later she died, on September 26, 2010."

Confused about what went so wrong, Sarah's parents filed a formal complaint to the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

Mr Hayworth has since had a meeting with the consultant and cardiologist who treated Sarah in Grimsby, but says he was given no clear answers so left the case open.

As reported, following a Transforming Health Ltd review into the higher than average mortality rates across the Trust, 40 recommendations were made in a bid to tackle the issue.

Mr Hayworth, said: "How have they come up with 40 recommendations? Are things really that bad?

"In my eyes five recommendations would be excessive, especially when it concerns a service that deals with life or death situations.

"Sarah went into hospital with chest and breathing problems, three weeks later she died unexpectedly, we just can not get our heads around it."

Sarah's mum Susan Hayworth, 56, described her daughter as a beautiful woman who never asked for much.

She said: "You always become a lot closer to a Down's Syndrome child because you do so much for them.

"I would wash, dress and look after Sarah constantly.

"You put your complete faith in a hospital believing it is a safe place to be. Here I really feel Sarah was let down."

Wendy Booth, director of clinical and quality assurance, said: "Mr Hayworth has made a formal complaint to the Trust, which has been subject to a thorough investigation.

"We responded to Mr Hayworth on completion of our investigation and we have also met with him to discuss his concerns."

FRIENDS of a brave 17-year-old who lost her two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer last month have organised a red-carpet ball in aid of her family.

As reported, when Shannon Davis, from Immingham, was diagnosed with tonsillitis in April 2010, a blood test revealed that she was suffering from acute myeloid leukaemia.

She beat the disease once thanks to a groundbreaking new drug called 'cloud' in July last year, however, the cancer returned this summer and doctors told the 17-year-old that it was terminal.

Shannon spent the last few months making the most of the time she had left and even celebrated her 18th birthday early with family and friends before she passed away on Wednesday, November 14, as reported.

However, her sister and friends are now holding a special red-carpet event to raise money for Shannon's family – on the day that she would have been 18 years old.

Sister Emma Norris, 29, said: "It was planned for when she was still alive but when she passed away, we thought it was still a good idea to raise some money and for all the people who loved her to remember her."

The money will go to Shannon's family, who will later decide where the money will go.

One of the causes that the family is supporting is Issabelle's Appeal, which people gave donations to at Shannon's funeral.

Issabelle is a seven-year-old girl that Shannon met in Sheffield Children's Hospital who needs treatment for a rare and aggressive form of cancer, which is likely to cost £250,000 to save her life. Emma is organising the event with her four friends Jennifer Foreman, Louise Hickson, Leanne Jolly and Viki Steward, who have known Shannon and the family for more than a decade. Jennifer, 29, of Wyber's Wood, said: "We all know the family and knew what they were going through but there is nothing you can say to make it any better, so we decided that this was something we could do.

Louise, 30, of Lydia Court, Immingham, said: "People have been really supportive of the event because many of them knew Shannon or the family and even if they didn't they sympathise with the situation – it's everyone's worst nightmare."

The red-carpet ball is a black tie and cocktail dress occasion at the Immingham Civic Centre in Pelham Road at 7.30pm on Friday, December 7. There will be live music from band the Finks, who play classic rock covers, and DJ Big Guy will be running the disco and karaoke, and a buffet by the Gallery Cafe, supplied by Anglia Woods.

Tickets are £5 and can be bought at the Bluestone Inn, Jane's Gems Florist, or by calling Emma Norris on 07769 267322, and you can find further details on facebook by searching 'charity ball for shannon'.

For more details, visit: https://www.facebook.com/CharityBallForShannonDavis

GRITTERS which will help keep roads in and around East Lindsey safe throughout the winter have been blessed at an annual ceremony.

Road safety prayers were led at highways depots across the district, including Manby and Horncastle.

Blessings began ten years ago by the former Bishop Of Lincoln, the Rt Rev John Saxbee.

He retired last year but his successor, the Right Rev Christopher Lowson, pictured, decided to continue the tradition.

He said: "People all over Lincolnshire are enormously grateful for the hard work of those who salt the roads in all hours and in all weathers.

"With many communities some distance from their nearest towns, Lincolnshire roads are depended upon for work, medical appointments, shopping and for visiting family and friends.

"The annual blessing of the work of the gritting teams is an opportunity to thank them for their work, to pray for their safety, and to remind us all of our responsibility to drive carefully for the sake of our own safety and that of others."

William Webb, Lincolnshire County Council's executive member for highways and transport, added: "Our 43 gritters are in top condition and ready for Lincolnshire's roads this winter, so now it's time for the Bishop to give his blessing to them as we wish our teams well in the challenging weather that could lie ahead.

"If you see our gritters when you're out and about, wish them well. They do an outstanding job of gritting the roads and helping to make them safer. There are occasions when salt is not as effective as others, so we urge all motorists to always drive to the conditions."

The county council's Gritter Twitter account is @LincsCC_Winter. Details of salting routes are available at libraries and petrol stations, at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/grittingroutes or by calling 01522 782070.

YOUNG criminals are today giving something back to the communities they have hurt.

The Young Offenders Services (YOS) for North East Lincolnshire has offenders in New Waltham scrubbing off the graffiti scrawled inside the bus shelters of the village as punishment for offences they have committed.

It comes as the borough' s YOS takes a more "restorative" approach to young offenders by letting victims have their say on what should happen to people who have done them wrong.

A lot of community payback is carried out in Grimsby town centre, but it is thought that the fear of crime is greater in rural areas like Waltham, New Waltham and Humberston.

This has lead the YOS to venture to the villages, believing it the best way to alleviate residents' fear of crime.

Team leader Lynne MacPhearson said: "It is a really positive approach. A lot of the work we do is just in Grimsby or Cleethorpes so it is a good way of engaging with the rural community.

"It also dispels some of the fear of crime, which is often worse or as bad as the crime itself.

"Sometimes, older people or those who live in rural communities have a fear of young people or crime.

"This shows them young people are giving something back and are capable of doing something positive.

"Sometimes people see this as a soft touch, but in many ways it is the opposite. It is a lot harder for a young person to meet the victim of their crime.

"It isn't easy for them to see the person they burgled from or read the letter from them explaining how hard it has been for them since they committed their crime.

"With this approach there is nowhere for them to hide and no excuses they can make up."

The clean-up follows on from that of the green media boxes, which were tagged in white spray paint in New Waltham.

One young offender, known only as Lisa, said: "It's taught me to think before I act. I would like to work as a gardener in the future and this will help me get new skills. Its also helped my confidence.

"I think this approach works better because its helpful to the community to pay back, not to be just punished.

"The victim gets to know we've done this work and it shows them that we're really sorry for the offence."

It was organised after Lynne met parish councillor Lisa Gibson.

Lynne said: "We try to get them to go back into the area they either live in or have impacted in some way. The person who painted over the graffiti on the media boxes lived in the area, although hadn't done the graffiti themselves.

"By having them work in their own areas, it gives them a sense of responsibility to the place they live and they are much less likely to vandalise that area again because they have realised the cost and the damage it causes."

The YOS is also involved in a wide range of projects including a young people's allotment, renovating disused buildings, making bird and bat boxes and litter-picking.

A PETITION containing more than 370 names, opposing the development of a new football stadium, has been handed to the council.

As reported, Grimsby Town Football Club has teamed up with Simons Development Ltd to "investigate the viability" of using a 22.7-hectare plot of land off Peaks Parkway for a new stadium – which could also have community use – and a retail outlet.

The publicly-owned site sits between the Parkway and Weelsby Avenue. It is mainly green space, but also houses redundant council buildings and allotments, and is near to Oasis Academy Wintringham.

The petition – which included 379 names – was received at a North East Lincolnshire Cabinet meeting yesterday afternoon.

During the meeting, one of the petition organisers, Paula McAfee addressed the council.

The Weelsby Avenue resident said: "Weelsby Avenue and its side streets are residential areas largely removed from busy retail or industrial developments and together enjoy a semi-rural outlook provided by the retention of a restraint corridor and easy access to a country setting enjoyed by residents and non residents alike.

"Any development on this land will contribute to urban sprawl and ruin the desirable natural barrier zone between Grimsby and New Waltham.

"The proposed site in question encompasses three distinct fields, the allotments and a redundant council depot.

"The fields are in constant use for leisure purposes and the allotments have existed under a statutory classification for many decades.

"It is also next to a cemetery and crematorium which is in a packet of land given to people by a covenant of Lord Heneage specifically for its isolated nature and peaceful setting.

"The site also contains two areas of archaeological importance and has a diverse range of wildlife as outlined in previous feasibility studies which includes bats, crested newts, water voles, foxes and many birds which are entitled to legal protection.

As well as environmental issues, Mrs McAfee raised issues about the possibility of increased traffic.

She added: "Residents in the area are highly concerned about Weelsby Avenue becoming a main access route to a stadium and retail store which will entail around the clock traffic.

"The road itself already struggles to cope with school and crematorium traffic.

"Any retail store would be hugely unnecessary as there are already multiple supermarkets within a one or two mile radius of the proposed side.

"There is a concern for the nature of the area and the clear property devaluation that such a development will cause.

"How can the council justify the anxiety and distress caused to residents for a perceived profit?"

The council accepted the petition and will take it into consideration if plans to build a stadium go ahead.

Council leader Chris Shaw added: "At this time all we can do is make a note of the opposition. There has not been a decision made about it but when there is we will take the petition into consideration."

OUR forecast friends had an easy job of guessing the weather this week –it's going to rain a lot.

Every week, we get children from a local school to read the weather and put the video on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk.

This week, five young lads from Weelsby Primary Academy did the honours – and it's not good news.

However, the children, who generally hoped it would snow before Christmas, were not to disappointed.

In fact, despite their tender years, they already knew exactly what to expect from an English December.

Nathaneal Judd, 7, said: "I guessed what the weather would be like most of the days before checking – rain.

"I am usually quite good at guessing the weather and I tell my mum. My advice is to get your wellies on, wear warm clothes and bring a raincoat – I brought mine today."

Lewis Robinson, 10, said: "I was quite nervous to read the weather but it was really fun and I think the video was good.

"My dad will want to watch it."

If you are a teacher and think your students would like to take part in Forecast Friends, email education reporter James Dunn on james.dunn@gsmg.co.uk

Check out the video by searching Forecast Friends on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

SCORES of people attended an emotional memorial service held in the name of Laura McPhee.

As reported, the nine-year-old died on December 1, 2010, after suffering an asthma attack at her home in Humberston – prompting her mum Trace, dad Roy and brother Lewis to set up a charity in her name.

The Laura McPhee Memorial Fund raises money for life-saving equipment and the memorial service and carol concert held on Sunday afternoon was to remember lost loved ones and thank everyone that has donated to the cause.

The Reverend Steve Holt led the service, which included the carols Away In A Manger, Silent Night and O, Little Town Of Bethlehem.

He said: "I was contacted in September and asked if I would do the service and of course I agreed.

"The service was in memory of Laura, but it was also to give thanks to those who have donated to the charity in her name.

"The music for the service was chosen by the family and we invited people to light a candle in memory of Laura.

"It also helped raise awareness for the brilliant work the charity does."

During the service, Trace made a tearful speech about her daughter's death.

She said: "Two years ago we lost our precious daughter on the worst day of snow in years, it took the ambulance 40 minutes to get to us despite only living ten minutes away.

"With all the best efforts it was too late and our princess passed away from a severe asthma attack.

"From that day our lives have changed and we are tortured by what happened.

"The day is on rewind in our minds daily.

"We desperately love and miss her and our days won't be the same again without her.

"Just four weeks after Laura's precious life was taken away we decided to open The Laura McPhee Memorial Fund.

"We thought we would open it to help other babies and children with asthma and also carry on Laura's legacy.

"We have worked very hard every day to raise awareness and money for vital breathing units in our area and have raised over £30,000.

"We don't want any family going through what we do on a daily basis.

"Without Roy, Lewis and our committee friends as well as the public and the Grimsby Telegraph the charity wouldn't be what it is today, so I want to say a massive thank you to each of you."

Friends, family and members of the public lit candles and placed tags on a Christmas tree to remember loved ones.

Family friend Dianne Lee-Smith of North Sea Lane, Cleethorpes, said: "We wanted to come and show our support for the brilliant work that the charity does which has come out of a great tragedy.

"When Laura died I couldn't believe it. To lose a child is truly awful.

"Although the charity does a lot of good it is still very sad."

JOE Colbeck believes stiff competition for places on his return from injury will drive him on to improve.

The Grimsby Town winger is back after a three-week lay-off caused by a knee injury.

He was a second-half substitute during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Ebbsfleet and is fit for the trip to Gateshead tonight.

But with on-loan Aldershot wide-man Scott Neilson having recovered from a groin strain, and Bury loanee Marcus Marshall fresh from scoring his first Town goal, Colbeck may have to bide his time for a return to the starting-XI.

That prospect doesn't faze the former Oldham Athletic player, however.

He said: "The competition (for places) doesn't bother me. If anything, it helps, and it's good for the team.

"It makes you strive and want to play better, and I will always back my ability.

"I've been out for a few weeks and coming back has been great – you miss training every day.

"Everyone's good friends and it's a good atmosphere around the place.

"We're doing well and are up where we want to be in the table.

"We've got to make sure we're still there after Christmas – then we'll be in a strong position to build from.

"It was a disappointing result to come back to on Saturday, but we'll take a point away from home at a tricky place.

"To be honest it was a bit tricky coming on as a substitute. The match was end-to-end and was tough work, but I was delighted to back."

Colbeck is enjoying being part of a squad battling at the top of the league table after his experience of being relegated with Hereford United.

He said: "In the past I've felt like I've had to do things purely as an individual to try to benefit the team.

"But here, it's a team effort.

"We're all good players but we're a good team and one that's exciting to play for.

"I'm enjoying that we're going into games expecting to win, wanting to win and confident that we can win.

"No disrespect to Hereford, but last year it was tough – we were going to places thinking, 'God, is it going to be another loss – let's just try and get something'.

"But in this team it's a totally different mentality."

The 26-year-old feels the Mariners are poised to battle for a Football League return this campaign.

"I've played in the League and I know this team is good enough," said Colbeck.

"No matter who you are, you want to play at the highest level possible.

"If anything, there are players here that are better than ones I've played with when I've been at League teams."

"WOULD you like ice with that?"

Eight out of 12 pubs in the area so far have failed spot checks by North East Lincolnshire's food health team for contaminated ice during the run-up to the festive season – with results even showing faecal contamination at two of the venues.

In both these cases, traces of bacteria were found in ice buckets behind the bar and it's likely that it was caused by staff failing to wash their hands after using the toilet.

Council bosses have refused to name the venues involved.

Food health inspectors gave warnings and advice to the eight pubs where traces of contamination were found and the premises will be visited again to check that poor hygiene is not putting customers at risk.

They are checking that staff are washing their hands properly, cleaning ice making machines frequently and effectively, cleaning and storing ice scoops correctly and storing and handling ice safely.

Ice cubes can be a potential source of contamination from germs including E-Coli if they are not made, stored or handled correctly.

People can check that the basic precautions listed below are being followed to ensure ice is properly handled when ordering drinks in a pub or bar:

Check that ice buckets are in a clean area of the bar, away from sources of contamination.

Customers should not be able to serve their own ice as this increases the risk of contamination with potentially harmful bacteria.

Serving staff should use a scoop with a handle to serve ice (not a glass or other similar receptacle).

The scoop should be stored in a container alongside the ice bucket rather than in the ice bucket, where it may fall in and bacteria from the handle may contaminate the ice.

Councillor Dave Bolton, portfolio holder for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "Nobody wants to spend Christmas with an upset stomach or worse because they've had a drink made with dodgy ice cubes.

"It's simply not acceptable for premises serving drinks to be putting their customers at risk by not taking sensible hygiene precautions.

"Our inspectors are making unannounced visits to the area's pubs and bars and giving advice and warnings to premises where improvements could be made."

If you have concerns that a bar or pub is putting its customers health at risk, you can speak to the bar manager yourself or report it to the council's food health team on 01472 324770.

A SON high on M-Cat headbutted his mother and threatened her with a carving knife, Grimsby Crown Court heard.

David Dowling, 20, of Selbourne Road, Grimsby admitted affray on September 22 against Sharon Dowling and Richard Siddons.

He also admitted attempted theft of a 40-inch TV which he tried to cycle away with after the violence in the home.

Dowling was also in breach of a previous community order by failing to attend sessions with Humberside Probation Service.

Judge David Tremberg sentenced him to a total of 15 months in prison – one month for the breach, 12 months for affray and two months for attempted theft of the TV.

The judge told Dowling: "The level of offending is escalating in a worrying way.

"It is the experience of this court that when angry people arm themselves and start waving them about unchoreographed, someone gets hurt."

Dowling and his partner were living at his mother's home at the time of the domestic violence.

Prosecuting, Gordon Stables said the violence flared after Dowling strongly refuted accusations from his mother that he had stolen a Freeview box from under her bed.

Sharon Dowling received a series of threatening texts from her son on her mobile phone when he was at another address.

He also threatened Mr Siddons. Despite pleas to Dowling not to return home, he charged into the Selbourne Road property and punched his mother.

She shouted at him to leave because his young daughter and her cousin were in the house.

But he grabbed her by the throat and pushed her over. He stormed out of the room into the kitchen and returned with a carving knife, shouting that he was going to kill both the adults.

A struggle took place between the son and his mother and she was headbutted. The knife was dropped and Dowling began attacking Mr Siddons.

Mr Stables told how Dowling then grabbed the 40 inch TV set and walked out of the home and tried to cycle away with it under his arm.

He was pursued by his mum and Mr Siddons, who retrieved the TV despite having the bicycle thrown at them.

They suffered facial injuries, the court heard, but the mother declined to submit a victim impact statement against her son.

Mr Stables said: "The mother was torn about making a statement, but because of her son's behaviour she felt compelled to do so."

For Dowling, Bernard Gateshill said his client's life had been out of control due to cannabis and M-Cat abuse.

He admitted taking the Freeview box in order to purchase drugs.

On his client's behalf, he said he accepted he abused his mother's hospitality and had behaved wrongly.

He said he did not remember making the threats.

LETTERS asking parents to be 'vigilant' when driving outside Tollbar Academy have been sent out by the school following the tragic death of a young biker.

As reported, the 27-year-old man – named locally as Daniel Eastwood – suffered fatal injuries after a silver Vauxhall Corsa, driven by a parent of a student, was in collision with his Kawasaki 750 motorbike outside the school on Friday.

Station Road in New Waltham is "notorious" for traffic as parents pick up and drop off their children at the school each morning and evening.

The letters were sent out as heartbreaking floral tributes to Daniel were left by his family and friends at the scene and a smiling photograph of him has been posted on a nearby lamp post.

His mother wrote: "My beautiful son. I will love you always."

While his brother Liam said: "My big brother Dan, I will always love you, your little brother."

The collision happened just before 9am during heavy rushhour traffic and police investigating the incident have made an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Officers have not given any indication as to the cause, but as reported, the school successfully campaigned to reduce the speed limit along Station Road from 40 miles per hour to 30mph last year.

Principal Stephen Moon expressed his condolences to Daniel's family during the academy's annual presentation evening on Friday night and letters have been sent out to every parent reminding them to be careful.

He said: "Parents must be vigilant when dropping off and picking their children up in the morning and the evening.

"We want everyone travelling on this road to take extra care. It is a notoriously difficult stretch of road which we have campaigned about for years, but tragically, accidents are still happening there.

"Our thoughts are with the young man's family."

Daniel was a security guard at Asda in Holles Street, Grimsby and a doorman at popular Cleethorpes nightclub, Amishi, which is owned by his step-father, Graham Franklin.

The driver, a 41-year-old woman from Cleethorpes, was questioned by police on Friday and released on bail until the beginning of March.

Any witnesses should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 128 of November 30.