ALL of this weekend's football matches on the area's public pitches have been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, North East Lincolnshire Council have confirmed.

Matches at Bradley Community Stadium may still go ahead - at the discretion of the venue's operators.

See the Telegraph for more news on local sport this weekend.

BRADLEY Wood has certainly seen plenty of changes during his time at Grimsby Town.

After being promoted to the first team midway through the 2008/09 season, the former Youth team graduate has gone on to rack up more than a century of appearances, playing under three different permanent managers.

The 21-year-old is one of only three players to have played under previous boss Neil Woods and still remain with the Mariners, so there are few better placed to reflect on the changes at Blundell Park over recent years.

The Leicester lad believes that there has been a distinct shift in attitudes at the club, from simply 'stopping the rot' to now looking towards a bright future with confidence.

"I've been here a few years now and the main thing that has changed has been the mentality around the club," he told The Telegraph.

"It sort of feels like a different club from when I first came through.

"It feels like everyone is here to get promoted whereas before it was trying to stop the rot and stay in the division. Now that has turned round and it's totally focused on getting back into the Football League.

"We're now going into every game knowing that we can win and knowing that we've got good enough players to know that, if we are having a bit of blip, someone will come up with something clever to win us the game.

"We know we're solid at the back so, even if it's only the odd goal, we're confident in keeping teams out."

He continued: "With the gaffers, you know you have to train 100 per cent – how you would play on a match day – and I think that's the best way.

"You sometimes get players not doing well in training but then they produce it on a Saturday. But with these gaffers, you know that you have to train at your best every day so that you can produce it on a match day – that's how we're getting results and it shows in where we are in the league."

Wood has made 16 league appearances so far this season, with a further outing in the FA Trophy First Round replay at Buxton at the end of last month.

But, after having what he acknowledges was a 'bad game' in the 3-2 league defeat to Hyde, Wood lost out to Sam Hatton for last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Ebbsfleet.

He admits that he faces a battle with the former AFC Wimbledon man for the starting berth in the Mariners side, but says that competition in the squad can be no bad thing.

He said: "I've played most of the games so far but I know that, when I'm in the team, it's not going to be easy for me to keep my place because Sam's a good player – I know that if I have a bad game, like I did against Hyde, that I'm not going to be playing for a while.

"I'm not in the team at the minute, but Sam knows that I'm champing at the bit to get back in so it's going to be a good little battle, and whoever the managers put in, they know they can trust us to do a job and give 100 per cent.

"It's good to have that competition. While I wouldn't say that last season was easy for me, I knew that I was going to be playing most of the games, whereas this year, I know there is a decent player next to me ready to take my place.

"I obviously travelled down to Ebbsfleet and was on the bench for the game, it was disappointing but I know that I have to get my head down and work hard on the training pitch to get back in the first-team picture – hopefully I can play some part tomorrow.

"I think Tamworth will try and get a smash and grab against us tomorrow, but we've just got to keep calm and I think we can take three points."

Wood says a win over the Lambs tomorrow would set the Mariners up well as they prepare for the busy Festive period.

He believes that if they can come through that run of games still in the mix, they will be well-placed to make a Football League return that he has been striving for since being part of the side that fell through the trap door in 2010.

He said: "I got relegated with this club and I'm not pleased that that happened.

"I won't feel like my job will be done if I didn't play a part in getting the club back to where it belongs.

"As a player, I wouldn't be able to say that I had achieved anything with Grimsby Town unless I helped it get back into the Football League – hopefully we can do that this year.

"If we can get through Christmas well and still be around the top going into the New Year, I think we will give ourselves a really good chance."

THE iconic thatched roof at Stallingborough Grange Hotel has been replaced – helping to keep the traditional country craft of thatching alive.

An eight-week roof maintenance project at the venue – which will cost about £125,000 to complete – is now nearing completion.

Heather Dutton, who has been general manager at Stallingborough Grange for the last 23 years, said: "The thatching really enhances the building's appearance.

"It is always admired by our guests and they often say they find it quite a novelty staying somewhere with a thatched roof."

It is hoped that the historic charm of the hotel and restaurant, which is located on the A1173 just outside Stallingborough village, will be preserved with the continued use of thatching.

"It gives the hotel that extra sparkle," added Heather.

"It is one of the few venues in the area that provides a real old-fashioned background, particularly for weddings and the photographs that come with them," she added.

The original 18th century building – which is connected to a modern wing housing the hotel's bedrooms – was a slate-roofed country house until the current owners chose to thatch it in 1980.

The property, which underwent major renovations in 1989 to become a family-run hotel with more than 40 bedrooms, is one of few buildings in Lincolnshire to have a newly-thatched roof.

Heather added: "Although the rethatching process takes time, it has lasted many years and is worth it to give our guests that extra wow factor when they arrive.

"This type of roofing is not very common in our area, which makes it quite special.

"Keeping the tradition of thatching alive is very important because it's a craft which we need to protect for future generations to enjoy.

"It would be really nice if we could continue to maintain our roof using thatching in the future; it really is quite unique."

SHOPPERS took some time out of their busy shopping schedule to watch the blessing of the crib in Freshney Place – and hear some festive tunes from local primary school children.

Reverend Mary Vickers held a service to bless the crib in Freshney Place shopping centre with hymns from St Mary's Catholic Primary Academy, in the midst of late night shopping.

A crowd gathered as the children sang Mary Had A Baby Boy, Away In A Manger, Little Donkey, and the lesser known Christmas Calypso to wave off the spectators with.

Rev Vickers, urban and industrial chaplain for North East Lincolnshire, said: "People say that Christmas is all about shopping now and we are in Freshney Place, but the number of people who stopped when they heard the children singing shows that it is much more than that.

"I think even people who aren't Christians like to see others singing about Christmas and celebrating their faith and that is why the service today drew such a big crowd."

St Mary's teaching assistant Annie Cook, who teaches the school's Glee Club, said: "It's been a fantastic service – the children worked really hard and have done a good job.

"They've been excited about singing in Freshney Place for weeks and they love anything to do with Christmas."

Donna Martin, 32, of Robson Road, went to watch her daughter perform.

She said: "It was lovely watching her sing and although we are not churchgoers, anything that makes the kids happy makes me happy."

One of the singers, Abbie Latta, 8, said: "I have been really excited for ages and it was so much fun."

See more about Christmas events in Grimsby and northern Lincolnshire

A WEST Marsh wonderful winter wonderland is spreading Christmas joy.

Staff and volunteers at the West Marsh Community Centre, Beeson Street, Grimsby, opened their doors to the biggest ever winter wonderland charity event in the area.

The three-day event, which finishes today, includes stalls of handmade crafts, a winter wonderland display and chance to meet Santa in his grotto.

Centre manager Neil Barber said: "This has been in the pipeline since April.

"Although the fundraising event for the centre is on for three days, the winter wonderland will be here until Sunday, December 23.

"It is great to do something like this for the community and we are expecting more than 600 people to come and see what we have created.

"Anyone is welcome to come along and join in with the Christmas spirit."

Many people attended the opening of the winter wonderland, including special guest St Nicholas from Konigswinter, Germany, who is on his annual visit to the area.

He said: "I am here on my traditional visit – I have been coming to the area since the 80s.

"This year I have brought German sweets and gingerbread.

"I will also be visiting primary schools and the elderly over the next few days. It is like coming home because I have a lot of friends in the area."

The mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Mike Burton, said: "It has taken a year for the co-ordinators to plan for this winter wonderland.

"A lot of effort and hard work has gone into this event.

"It brings Christmas spirit to an area where community is really important.

"The excellent facilities here have helped to bring friendly faces together over the festive period."

Many of the crafts on sale were made by residents in the area.

Knitter Rita Weare of Gilbey Road, Grimsby, said: "I have been visiting the centre for the past seven years and the people here are such good company, and I would encourage others like me who live alone to come along.

"People have worked really hard, and everyone, particularly the children, are so impressed with the event."

Retired resident Christine Hollowday added: "I have been visiting the centre for the past two years teaching t'ai chi.

"The organisers and volunteers have made such a huge effort to make this Christmas event the biggest we have had.

"I help run the local Over 50's Club, and we have been preparing the handmade crafts here on our stall since July."

See more about Christmas events in Grimsby and northern Lincolnshire

IT WAS a great show with some blooming brilliant vocal performances.

And the Cleethorpes In Bloom Christmas Concert raised hundreds of pounds for the dedicated group to keep the resort looking its best, in all its floral glory.

Chairman Bob Callison described the concert as "a fitting end to a fantastic year", in which Cleethorpes won a gold award in the Champion of Champions competition, judged alongside the best towns in the country.

"Despite numerous other events, late night shopping and the terrible weather on Thursday, people still came out to support us and we can't thank them enough," he said.

The evening featured headliners Amore Voce – classical singers Leroy Vickers and Martin Jackson – and the Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes Band, both acts returning after performing at the group's first concert, last year. Also, appearing for the first time were the Louth Male Voice Choir – who, interestingly, opened with a New Zealand haka – and 17-year-old soprano Jodie Watson, who brought the house down with some classic Etta James and big crowd-pleaser, Andrea Bocelli's Time To Say Goodbye.

Bob added: "The guys we had last year are true professionals and they were fantastic but it was really good to bring something new to this year's event and they all performed brilliantly."

There was a near disaster as tenor Leroy Vickers fell on his face while entering the stage for the finalé.

However he was good humoured about the embarrassment, as was compere Richard Lyon when he was forced into performing "the most requested classical song in history" with Amore Voce – the Go Compare theme tune.

Mr Vickers said: "It all adds to the fun of it and things like that make the show very relaxed and funny – I just had to laugh about it."

Singing partner Martin Jackson said: "It was a really relaxed night and enjoyable for everyone, including us."

Super-fan Rose Donaldson-Newman, 74, of Philip Grove had a great time – as she does at all the Leroy Vickers' concerts she has attended all around the country.

"I've followed him since day one and he was as fantastic tonight as he always is.

"He has a fantastic voice and a big heart, too."

Alan Clift, 78, of Doughty Road, Grimsby, said: "Not only does he have a great voice but he's got a good sense of humour too.

"All the performers were great and we have had a really good time – as we did when we came last year."

See more about Christmas events in Grimsby and northern Lincolnshire

THE Minster provided shelter for all the Christmas carollers to make merry in the warm.

As reported, the annual Carols By Candlelight service in St James' Square on Thursday, was organised in association with the Grimsby Minster, Grimsby In Bloom and the Grimsby Telegraph.

The stage was set, the speakers were raring to go and lights set up outside were shining like a guiding star – but the rain was coming down hard and the cold was getting to the congregation.

However, organisers saved the day at the last minute, bringing the service inside the beautiful Grimsby Minster so everyone could sing and be merry in the warm – for the second year running.

A huge crowd bundled inside with their hymn sheets – printed in the Grimsby Telegraph – and lit up candles provided by Grimsby In Bloom, then sung Christmas classics, from Come On Ye Faithful to Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.

And after a great festive sing-song, Reverend Canon Andrew Dodd wished a very merry Christmas to "each and every one of you".

After the service, he said: "It was cold outside, but everyone came into the warmth and we are lucky to be able to accommodate such a large congregation in the Minster.

"People stood in groups and gathered together around the band, which was nice, as we didn't want it to be a formal service like any other – that's why we hoped to hold it in St James' Square.

"It wasn't a normal church-going crowd, but there is something about Christmas that reminds people of their faith and brings them back to church at this time of year."

Jane Tomlinson, 36, of Scartho, went with her two sons Oliver, 5, and Lewis, 2.

She said: "It is good that they had a plan B and I thought getting everyone together in this lovely church worked really well.

"We come to the service every year and the boys love having a sing and even a bit of a dance."

Dan Holland, 23, of Littlefield Lane, went with his wife Karen and two sons, Jacob, 3, and Lewis, 2.

"We don't go to church every week, but it is always nice to sing some carols at this time of year.

"It is a great experience for the boys and they really enjoyed it."

Jacob said: "My favourite song was Jingle Bells."

Elaine Atkinson, chairman of Carols By Candlelight partners Grimsby In Bloom, said: "It was a brilliant night and it was nice to see how many people turned up from all different generations."

See more about Christmas events in Grimsby and northern Lincolnshire

MOTORISTS claim controversial speed bumps are causing severe damage to their cars.

Those in Southfield Avenue, Scartho, and surrounding streets talk of expensive repair bills – and one driver claims he had to replace all four suspension springs in just a year.

The speed bumps were put in by North East Lincolnshire Council in 2001 to stop the road being used as a rat-run between Louth Road and Waltham Road.

Speed limits were also reduced to 20mph and road-narrowing gates used.

But while initially the speed restrictions were welcomed by residents, upon completion in 2001, they then noticed damage to cars' suspension.

Council figures also show that between 2005 and 2011, more than £3,550 has been spent repairing and replacing damaged speed bumps.

As reported, a petition signed by more than 50 residents, calling for the removal of the speed bumps, will be presented to the council's portfolio holder for environment Peter Wheatley at a meeting at Grimsby Town Hall, on Tuesday.

Eastfield Avenue resident Doug Tamtlin thinks the speed bumps are too severe.

He said: "We are not against having the speed bumps and the restrictions. They are needed.

"But these are too severe. You're supposed to be able to drive over them at 20mph, but if you do you will break your car.

"These bumps are unique, there is nothing else like them in Grimsby.

"I have been told by a council worker that to remove the bumps would cost £10,000 for each one."

Doug also claims there are no warning signs for either the speed restrictions or the speed bumps.

He said: "You see a 20mph sign at the end of the street but there are no other signs, so people forget that's the speed limit.

"There are no warning signs for the bumps either. The cost of repairing the bumps must be astronomical. I have never known speed bumps needing as much fixing as these."

Fellow resident Doug Robinson claims the bumps are too high.

He said: "The maximum height for a speed bump is 75mm above the road surface and they are clearly higher.

"When they were originally planning where to place the bumps they wanted to put one right outside my house.

"The bump would have stopped me being able to take my caravan off my drive. When I started to fight against the placement, a lot of residents came forward to say they hadn't received any information on the speed reduction proposals."

Ward councillor for Scartho, Ron Shephard, said: "The bumps are constantly being broken and repaired. The approach is too high and this is causing cars to bottom out.

"I think as well that, towing hitches on caravans and trailers are hitting the bumps, which is breaking the bricks.

"I would like to see something done about them. If not removed, then have them altered."

However, not all residents are behind the campaign.

In a letter to the Grimsby Telegraph, Sid of Scartho said: "I have not been approached for a view on this matter and, being a resident, I think I should have been.

"Before their introduction, cars speeding down Southfield Road had to brake dramatically if unseen traffic was approaching from the other direction."

A spokesman for the council said: "There are currently no plans to remove or alter the speed calming measures."

CALLS to repair a "dangerous" pothole-littered shop car park before the winter is out have been made.

Following a one-woman campaign fronted by Humberston resident Dee Breckon, 560 people signed a petition calling for improvements to be made on the road and paths outside the shops of Fieldhouse Road.

This was handed over to parish and Humberston and New Waltham ward councillors yesterday, who also fear there will be a serious or even fatal accident if it isn't resurfaced soon.

And while Highways at North East Lincolnshire Council have said work will be carried out in the spring, campaigners fear the expected snow and freezing weather will make the surface worse and have urged them to do it before spring starts.

Mrs Breckon, 71, spent three days outside the shop collecting signatures for her petition, which was passed to Humberston ward councillors Steve Norton and John Fenty who will forward it to NELC officers.

She said: "Although I am very happy with the progress so far, the work needs to be done sooner rather than later. All it will take is another bad winter and it will be in a worse state than it is now.

"People will not be able to see the potholes if it snows, which means people could trip and hurt themselves. It is a dreadful situation and a disgrace for the people of Humberston. We deserve better than this."

Humberston Parish Council has wanted improvements to be made for five years, but NELC said they would not be able to because the land is privately-owned and they did not know who the owner was.

As the petition was launched, ward councillors tracked down the owners – of which there are several – and Highways have now written to them asking them to make urgent repairs to the parking area outside the shops – a bill the landowners will have to foot.

Mr Norton said: "We have tracked the owners down and we have written to them but what we are saying is, yes, that is progress but we shouldn't have to wait until spring before something is done about it. We want the work to start now, even if it is just remedial or temporary so people are protected for the winter.

"I applaud Dee and the residents who signed the petition, it shows that people power is strong in Humberston and it matters."

At the heart of the campaign was the fear that an elderly person will fall – when walking to the Post Office and Lloyds Pharmacy.

Chairman of the parish council, Harry Hall, added: "We are extremely worried that once the snow and ice comes, there is a danger someone is going to fall and cause serious injury, or worse, a fatality.

"And if this happens, who is going to be held responsible?"

And it isn't just health at risk, but the pockets of drivers, who claim their cars have been damaged by the potholes – and are now shopping elsewhere.

Laura Hill, 19, said: "The damage it could cause to vehicles would pinch the pocket at this time of year.

"I now avoid parking in the car park for this reason, which means I either walk to the shops, or go elsewhere where parking facilities are safer.

"If something isn't done soon, an accident or severe damage will be done, and the businesses will lose out. These are vital services and local people need proper access to them."

THE search for missing Holton-le-Clay man Scott Ogden is planned to continue today, but freezing temperatures and treacherous winds are hampering the mission.

As day three of the search for the 27-year-old, who was last seen at 4am on Thursday, gets underway, police have made an urgent appeal for information surrounding his whereabouts.

Both Humber and Yarmouth Coastguards have now pulled out of the search following orders from Lincolnshire Police, who continued their own search on foot last night.

Scott's devastated family, were too distraught to talk to the Grimsby Telegraph, but one family member, Craig Ogden, posted the appeal for information we had made on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk on his Facebook wall.

On it, he wrote: "Scott! You have made the news! If you read this, please let someone or anyone know you are okay. No one will be angry!"

It is understood that Scott, who lived with a lodger in Tetney Lane, Holton-le-Clay, had moved to the village from North Cotes six months earlier.

He is described as 5ft 11in tall, with fair hair and glasses and was last seen wearing combat gear.

His car was discovered abandoned at Horseshoe Point on Thursday afternoon.

Specialist police search units and Louth Search And Rescue Dogs originally scoured Horseshoe Point, between Marshchapel and North Cotes, and a two-mile radius of the fields and banks.

Yesterday they extended their search to North Coates Airfield, which backs onto the beach, but were forced to scale it down as night fell and temperatures plummeted.

A police spokesman said: "We have serious concerns about the missing man and there are ongoing searches in the area and we are making other inquiries into his background.

"The search will go on over the weekend if needed, but it is blowing icy winds. We have to contend with freezing temperatures and, especially because of the terrain of this area, that makes the search very difficult."

As well as searching the area, police officers are also talking to Scott's closest friends and family and have made a direct appeal to anyone who may know where Scott is to come forward.

The spokesman added: "As well as searching physically, we are making enquiries with his family and friends and visiting his usual haunts.

"We want anyone who knows where he is or where he might be to come forward, or indeed Scott, if he is reading this, to let us know he is okay.

"We just need to know he is safe and well and if he is reading this, to get in touch."

Can you help?

If you have any information, contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 or call the emergency number on 999.

SHOULD schools that do not get pupils to read up to required standards be named in the Telegraph?

North East Lincolnshire Council does have the figures, but has, following a challenge by the Grimsby Telegraph, decided not to go public with them – and that is in line with the Government, which also refuses to release them.

As reported, nearly half of all Year One pupils (five and six-year-olds) in North East Lincolnshire have failed to reach expected levels in phonics reading tests.

The Department for Education figures show that only 50.84 per cent of them mastered the mechanics of reading for their age. They were not broken down into school level by the DfE because a public consultation concluded that it would be counter-productive.

The Telegraph sent a Freedom Of Information request to North East Lincolnshire Council asking for a breakdown but it said it would not release it under Section 36 (2) (c) of the Freedom of Information Act.

Paul Ellis, from the council's Informatics and Research Team, said: "In this case we determine that the balance of public interest is for the withholding of the information. This position is informed by the public consultation undertaken, in which respondents argued that making the information available 'could place pressure on young children taking this assessment and could narrow the curriculum. Therefore publishing school level data would change the nature of this assessment, and could disrupt its administration in schools, meaning that the intended benefits of this policy are not realised'."

Some councillors believe the information is in the public interest and parents have a right to know how each school is performing.

The chairman of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel scrutiny panel Mathew Brown (Lab) declined to comment, but councillor Iain Colquhoun (Con) said: "Personally, I think that this information should be in the public domain. The administration is more secretive than in the past.

"We publish A-level and GCSE results by school, so why not these?

"In some ways these results are more fundamental. Prospective parents should know how schools are performing."

Liberal Democrat Anne Darby, who also sits on the panel, added: "I feel that parents do have the right to this information.

"Having access to the figures can help people make informed choices for their children."

The Grimsby Telegraph has now contacted the Information Commissioner's Office for an independent review on the matter.

Let us know what you think – comment on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk or e-mail viewpoint@grimsby telegraph.co.uk

THE scrutiny panel heard from petitioners in two areas of Grimsby set to lose their residents-only parking schemes in January.

Councillor Andrew De Freitas (Lib Dem, Park), told the panel that residents in his ward wanted to keep their parking schemes but felt that the new price was "outrageous".

He said he was convinced that the collapse of the schemes would have a "detrimental impact" on income in the council's town centre car parks.

And he argued that the income generated in fines by enforcing the schemes should be taken into account when setting the price of a permit.

Earl Street resident Joyce Attia said: "It is going to be a mess. We have had experience of this before we had residents parking and we can remember coming home and not being able to find a parking space. People can't afford to pay £80."

Councillor Peter Wheatley, the portfolio holder for regeneration and environment, said that figures of £25 and £40 had been "picked out of thin air" without any statistical justification, adding that £80 was the sum needed to cover administration and enforcement costs.

He said that the council could not use income from parking fines to cover the cost of the residents-only parking schemes – a claim which was disputed by Councillor De Freitas, who said he was assured by officers that this was not the case.

NEW facilities have been officially opened at Grimsby Crematorium following a £1.3 million refurbishment.

The facility now has a new book of remembrance room, vase room, waiting area – which the building did not have previously – toilet facilities, two new cremators and updated offices.

As reported, the cremators were replaced as a result of Government legislation that imposes a duty to limit mercury emissions – found in tooth fillings – by the end of this year.

And North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) decided to use the opportunity to update other facilities, too.

NELC's portfolio holder for regeneration and environment Peter Wheatley said: "A refurbishment has been required for some time now and we took this opportunity to do two jobs at the same time and limit disruption to services.

"The waiting room, in particular, is a huge improvement and will mean, particularly in the winter, that friends and families won't have to wait in the cold and wet during what is already a very difficult time."

The refurbishment started in the summer, which is usually a quieter period for the crematorium, and was funded from the beautification fund which friends and loved ones donate to after services, for the upkeep of the grounds.

During the refurbishment, the number of services halved from 12 to six a day and the waiting period grew to up to two weeks for a period of just under a month. However, the waiting list was already down to nothing by the time the normal number of services resumed at the beginning of October.

Lisa Logan, registrar of cemeteries and crematoriums for NELC, said: "I'm really pleased with the result of this refurbishment.

"I think it will make a real improvement to the experience of people who come here for services.

"It will mean people can wait in comfort and talk to friends and family that they may not have seen in a long time before paying their respects to someone they love."

Jane Turner, of the Friends of Grimsby And Cleethorpes Cemeteries And Crematorium, also welcomed the improvements.

Mrs Turner said: "I've been to large services here and some people have had to wait outside before, which is not a good start.

"This is something that we have needed for quite a long time and I think that the new rooms are great.

"The outside of the building doesn't look any different but they have added a whole new area – although it looks like it has always been here."

RED tape is preventing these two Second World War heroes from collecting medals for their bravery.

Alf Duncan, 86, a former Royal Naval seaman, from Humberston, and Neville Boden, 86, a former Merchant Navy Officer, from Immingham, served in some of the most treacherous seas as part of the Arctic Convoys that delivered desperately needed supplies to the Russian army in 1943.

They overcame dreadful icy conditions whilst under constant threat from both aircraft and submarine attacks.

Winston Churchill described the convoys as "the worst journey in the world", which saw nearly 3,000 seamen killed and many more needing amputations for severe frostbite.

They have now been offered the Russian Silver Ushakov medal for bravery, but British veterans have not been allowed to accept them due to bureaucratic regulations which state that too much time has passed since the conflict, and that British medal, the Atlantic Star, was extended from a different conflict to include the Arctic Convoys.

Neville served on the tanker, M.V. Marathon which carried aircraft fuel.

He said: "It's great that Putin has decided to reward the sailors for their efforts. The Russians didn't have to give us this medal and certainly not after all this time.

"I think the Government is being ridiculous. The American, Australian and Canadian governments have all allowed their veterans to receive this medal.

"I suppose the Government believes that since we already have a medal we don't need another one.

"I have got the Atlantic Star, but that medal was for a different conflict. It was extended to include the Arctic Convoys."

Alf served on the Destroyer HMS Scourge, which accompanied the merchant vessels during one of the longest naval campaigns in history.

He said: "I think the British Government is bitter at the Russians.

"The Normandy veterans were given the Legion of Honour medal by the French decades after the landings, so why is it too long for the convoys?

"To wear the medal would be a great way to show our appreciation.

"It's beyond me. I don't see why they can't let us have the medals. It's an insult to the Russians.

"All the other nations who fought alongside us have received their medals, yet we don't accept them, it's humiliating."

Neville said that simply sailing along the sub-zero routes was difficult enough without the addition of attacking aircraft and U-boats.

He said: "We got stuck in the ice and would have to break the ship free. When the ships were stuck we would still be constantly attacked.

"The conditions were dreadful. It was horrendous.

"We would be attacked day and night. It would take 12 days to sail to Russia and when you got there the ports were under constant attack.

"We became stranded there in 1943 because the Nazis blockaded the ports, we were known as the forgotten convoy because we couldn't be rescued.

"Churchill could not get enough ships to fight through and save us until 1944.

"We had no food or fuel, but the Russian people were so nice and helpful.

"It feels like an insult to them that we cannot accept this medal."

A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We very much appreciate the Russian Government's wish to recognise the brave and valuable service given by veterans of the Arctic Convoys.

"However, the rules on the acceptance of foreign awards clearly state that in order for permission to be given for an award to be accepted, there has to have been specific service to the country concerned and that service should have taken place within the previous five years.

"Additionally, permission cannot be granted if they have received, or are expected to receive, a UK award for the same services."

IT'S easy to guess what's at the top of most Grimsby Town fans' wish lists this Christmas.

No, not a 2012 calendar from the clubs shop's bargain bin, but to hold on to as many of the Mariners' loan stars as possible.

Since their arrival in Cleethorpes, Nathan Pond, Ross Hannah, Scott Neilson and Marcus Marshall have added real quality to what was an already competitive squad.

With them in the side, the Mariners look like genuine promotion contenders this season and the Blundell Park faithful must be hoping that they stick around to help them live up to that tag in the new year.

Fellow loanee Michael Rankine has also added a physical presence to the Mariners front-line, although it's fair to say the jury is still out on the powerful Aldershot man.

This week, it's been revealed that both Ross Hannah and Scott Neilson can both leave their respective clubs – Bradford City and Crawley Town – in January.

However, Town will have to stump up a fee to keep hold of Hannah while joint-boss Paul Hurst acknowledged that there are also 'issues' to be overcome in order for any deal for Neilson to happen.

Nathan Pond's parent club, Fleetwood Town, have only just appointed a new manager in Graham Alexander and so it remains to be seen if the centre half is in the new boss' plans.

For his part, Marcus Marshall has said he wouldn't be against extending his stay with the Mariners from Bury – so it would appear that deals for all four could be possible.

Personally, I think that the signatures of Town's loan rangers could be key to the Mariners' success this season.

Hannah is easily one of the deadliest finishers in the division, and is therefore unsurprisingly the club's top scorer with seven goals.

Marshall and Neilson give the Mariners verve and guile on the flanks, and, when they drift in from wide areas, can offer a goal threat.

Pond has been an integral part of the foundations on which Town have built their solid start to the season, after forging a formidable partnership at the heart of a miserly back four alongside Shaun Pearson.

If Town can pull off deals for all four, it would be a huge boost going into the New Year – one that could prove pivotal in helping the club to achieve its promotion aims this season.