JAMES McKeown believes Grimsby Town are better equipped for a promotion push than 12 months ago – both on and off the field.

The young goalkeeper preserved yet another clean sheet for his side with a superb second-half penalty save in the 2-0 win over Tamworth.

That result, combined with Newport's 3-2 defeat at Kidderminster, moved Town back to the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier table.

At the same point last season, the Mariners were sitting in 15th spot, after what the 23-year-old admits was a 'rubbish' start to the campaign.

Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's men did go on to enjoy a remarkable run of results that saw them climb to a height of sixth before ultimately falling out of the play-off picture.

Back then, McKeown felt as though Town were always playing catch-up – something that they do not have to worry about this time around.

He told the Telegraph: "It makes a massive difference being up near the top of the table and not having to play catch-up like we did last year.

"There are a few teams up there this year that are going to have a chance, so you don't want to be focusing on catching them up one at a time like we were last season.

"Our start was rubbish last year, it's as simple as that – we needed that good run to get us in contention.

"Our end of the season wasn't that bad but it was the start that killed us – but this time it's different.

"The point at Ebbsfleet last week wasn't a bad result this season, but if we'd have been playing catch-up it would have been.

"So being top of the league does take a bit of pressure off you in that respect – obviously you're there to be shot at and if gives your opposition a lift to come and play you. You put the pressure on yourself when you cross that white line – you've got to enjoy it.

"Say we got to the play-off final or the FA Trophy final – you've got to be able to deal with it and thrive under it. We've not got to the top of the league and then not just slid back down, so it shows that, as team, we enjoy that pressure and thrive under it."

Another contrast to last season that McKeown points to is the dressing room.

He admits the current squad does feel more close-knit and says that will play a big part in any success they are to have this season.

And he should know – the stopper was part of the Peterborough United squad that won two successive promotions between 2007 and 2009.

He added: "It's a brilliant dressing room at the minute. There's a lot of lads that are of a similar age and even the older ones like Dis (Craig Disley) are like kids which makes a big difference.

"Without being disrespectful of the team we had last year, it does feel better this time. When I was at Peterborough, we got promoted a few years on the spin and the dressing room does play a big part.

"People can underestimate it massively, but when you are together on the pitch, you do want to help your mate out more on it and I think that's been the key for us."

See more about Christmas events in Grimsby and northern Lincolnshire

ANOTHER council tax dodger has been jailed – this time for 29 days – after failing to pay more than £3,900 in council tax.

Grimsby Magistrates Court heard that Deborah Jacombe, 38, of Willingham Street, Grimsby, had been given repeated chance to pay, but locked her up after she failed to pay off her debt of £3,902, which she racked up during the period between November 1996 and March past year.

As reported, Jacombe's jailing is the latest in a clampdown on those who fail to pay their council tax, which has seen seven people jailed in the last year.

Among the latest cases are those of Paul Sharp, 46, of Brereton Avenue, Cleethorpes, who was jailed for 23 days last month after failing to stump up £1,300 in missed payments. And, in September, Grimsby Magistrates imposed an 84-day jail term on Julie Butler, 45, of Pamela Close, Immingham, who owed almost £3,000 in council tax debt.

In Jacombe's case, she had originally been told to appear in court in May 2005, but she failed to attend the hearing and a warrant was issued. She evaded the bailiffs who wanted to serve the warrant for four years. Eventually, Jacombe attended court in September 2009 when her debt totaled just under £2,500, on six liability orders. She was ordered to pay £50 a week, backed by a 45-day suspended sentence.

Jacombe failed to keep to the order and in June 2009 she was told to attend court again.

North East Lincolnshire Council adjourned her case four more times after she gave excuses not to attend, but she eventually appeared on August 18, 2010 after a warrant was issued.

A new order of £20 a week was later made, backed with a 50-day suspended sentence, while magistrates wiped out £850 of court fines to help her pay off the debt.

Once again, Jacombe failed to stick to the order and, on May 4 this year, it was revised to £40 per week, backed by a 33-day suspended sentence.

She was made aware that this would be her final chance to pay and failure to do so would mean that the suspended sentence would be activated and she would be jailed.

At the most recent hearing – her 17th since 2005 – the court heard that she had paid £430 since her last appearance – but she should have paid £1,200.

Clint Chambers, mitigating, said Jacombe now realised the severity of her situation and asked that she be given one last chance to make payments to the order.

However, deputy district judge Helen Cousins told Jacombe that she had been given many chances over the years and that the gravity of the situation would have been explained to her on more than one occasion – yet she had still failed to make payments.

After the hearing, Councillor Darren Billard, portfolio holder for finance, governance and support services at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "This is the seventh case in the past 12 months where someone has been jailed for not paying their council tax.

"The defendant was given every opportunity to pay her way but failed time and again to keep to the reasonable arrangements we made with her through the court.

"We do what we can to help anybody who can't pay and take action against those who won't. It's not fair that other law-abiding council tax payers are footing the bill while others shirk their responsibilities and we'll take a firm stance against anyone who continually refuses to pay."

Crime news for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire

A TERRIFIED young woman was strangled with a dog chain – and was forced to eat dog biscuits – after being kept prisoner during sadistic "gang" torture by three menacing bullies.

She was "petrified" during the chilling ordeal and desperately begged to be released, but was threatened that she would be "hunted down" and murdered if she dared to tell the police, a court heard.

She had been "lured in to a trap" before the "ugly, humiliating, abusive, frightening" incident.

Sabrina Tate, 34, who now lives at Wold View Caravan Park, Binbrook, and Emma Winterbottom, 19, formerly of Lydford Road, Immingham, admitted assaulting Gemma Freeman, causing actual bodily harm, in Grimsby on June 8 last year.

Tate's husband, John Tate, 31, also of Wold View Caravan Park, admitted affray and Winterbottom also admitted perverting the course of justice in Cleethorpes between June 8 and October 7 last year.

Mark Kendall, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Sabrina Tate assaulted Miss Freeman, now 24, after going round to her flat.

Miss Freeman begged to be allowed to go home but John Tate warned her: "You'd better not tell the cops about anything that's happened here tonight or I'll hunt you down – and I mean murder."

She was shaking with fear but Sabrina Tate told her: "I haven't finished with you yet."

Winterbottom pulled her into the kitchen, shoved a dog chain around her neck and squeezed tighter and tighter.

Winterbottom told her: "Get on your knees" and showed her dog biscuits and a bowl. She told Miss Freeman: "Eat the biscuits or I'll stick your head in the mop bucket."

She ordered her to put a dog biscuit in her mouth and she did so but quickly spat it out. Miss Freeman was "petrified" but Sabrina Tate grabbed hold of her and pinned her against a wall.

She warned her: "If you tell the police, I will come and find you."

Miss Freeman, who has learning difficulties, was allowed to leave after an ordeal lasting more than an hour and told her parents what had happened.

Winterbottom later asked a potential witness, Donna Major: "Will you lie for me?" She gave her a piece of paper and told her: "If the police get in touch with you, tell them this. Just do it for me." She later telephoned and texted her, asking to meet her.

Recorder Taryn Turner told the trio: "This was deliberate targeting of a vulnerable victim. It was gang violence really.

"What you did to this young woman that night was quite breathtakingly despicable."

Miss Freeman was contacted by Sabrina Tate and thought she was going to have a "girlie night".

"When she got to your flat, the atmosphere changed very markedly," said Recorder Turner. "She was effectively imprisoned in that flat while you meted out that punishment on her.

"She was begging to be set free.

"It was a most ugly, humiliating, abusive, frightening incident. She was the victim of a serious, unpleasant and sustained assault upon her."

Miss Freeman suffered injuries to her face and neck.

Sabrina Tate was jailed for 18 months and John Tate, formerly of Elsenham Road, Grimsby, was locked up for a year. Winterbottom, now living in Gainsborough, was given a one-year suspended custodial sentence and an 18-month supervision order.

Crime news for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire

THIS inspirational youngster may not be able to write his own name yet – but he knew what to do when his mum collapsed.

Little Jack Hazell, 3, has been dubbed "mummy's little hero" after dialling 999 when his mum Becky Fursman was taken ill.

Becky, 28, of Columbia Road, Grimsby, said she had begun to feel unwell towards the end of last week.

The single mum thought nothing of it until Thursday night, when she could not stop shivering in bed. She recalls feeling sick and spaced-out, so she got up to go downstairs to the toilet.

However, before she could reach it, she collapsed to the floor.

What happened next remains unclear, though she said she did remember seeing Jack next to her at one point.

She said: "I heard him talking in the background – I did not know who to at the time, but now I know he was on the phone. He said 'is this the doctor? My mummy needs a doctor,' then I heard 'please don't take her away – I have to go now, bye'."

"At the time I was not really registering it all and just thought he was talking to himself."

She started to come round and Jack told her to go back to bed, which she did after putting Jack back to bed.

She added: "I was unsteady on my feet but I knew I could not leave Jack on his own, so I put him back to bed and told him things were fine.

"Next thing there was a knock on the door and Jack was up quickly to answer it.

"It was the police, they had traced his message to the house.

"Jack managed to let them in – how I really do not know, as my door is tough for me to open – and they came upstairs.

"My parents were also contacted and looked after Jack while paramedics treated me.

"I was taken into hospital with a temperature reading 44 degrees and stayed in overnight."

Becky was told she had a severe case of the flu and her high temperature is what caused her to collapse.

She is still recovering at home but wants to congratulate her son for his brave actions. She said: "He was a such a star to have done what he did.

"Seeing your parent ill for any child is daunting but I have always told Jack what number to call if there is an emergency and no one else is around.

"You don't think at such a young age they take much on board, but Jack listens to everything.

"He is my all, I love him to pieces. He turns four on Sunday and deserves a special treat."

Jack is also pleased his mum is getting better.

He said: "My mummy was poorly and needed help. I like to help her."

Paramedic Steve Pratten, of East Midlands Ambulance Service, also praised the 3-year-old, adding: "This is such a great thing to hear.

"I would encourage all parents to teach their children from an early age about the emergency services and the number to call at the right time.

"As a service we go into schools and educate children about what we do.

"It is nice to see this little boy has acted sensibly and got in touch by dialling 999."

ANOTHER nasty criminal who is blaming M-Cat for his violence against innocent home owners.

There is no doubt that this now illegal drug can have devastating and disturbing consequences to those who become addicted to it – our campaign earlier this year highlighted the quite horrible impact it is having locally.

But all of a sudden, in the last few months, we have printed court case after court case citing M-Cat as a reason for thugs undertaking criminal behaviour.

If this is true, and not an excuse for such behaviour, then it is about time the Government or someone in authority sat up and took more notice of this drug than it appears they are doing.

For nationally, it does not seem to be that high on the health agenda – despite such horrific cases emerging out of our court rooms and those across Britain!

Comment on this at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

LEADERS Clee Cons B were held to a draw after a thrilling top-flight tussle in the Roy Ling Mutual Grimsby Snooker Doubles League.

Visiting Linden Homes B – third in the standings – got off the mark when Scott Templeman and Anthony Jagger won the opening frame.

But the Cons host hit back through Mike Bridge and Steve Donner, who knocked in an impressive 50 clearance.

Gaz Horsfall and Daz Evans put Linden ahead again, but Mark Goss, with a break of 49, and partner Lee Pawson once again evened things up.

Brian Bridge and Jon Steel then won the penultimate frame to put the leaders in front for the first time.

But they couldn't bag the points – a final-frame win from Chris Madsen and John Leggett earned Linden a share of the spoils.

Taylor Made Carpets racked up five frame wins at Healing Legion A.

Fred Parker, Mark Stevens, Ian Sadler and Keith Southwell all won 2-0, and Craig Taylor and Keith Tomlinson shared with Rog Cropp and Paul Stringer.

West End A won 4-2 at Linden Homes A. After Paul King and Dave Dixon's opening 2-0, Martyn Shaw, Sandy Young, Euan Hunter and Paul Smith bagged singles against Mel Pratt, Daz Braithwaite, John Baker and Chris Brown.

Healing Legion B also won 4-2, at New Street Lads. Dave Lainchbury and M Cheeseman won the last two frames for them. Earlier, Barry Pearce, Craig Brocklebank, Gary Wright and John Horne had shared with Dave Morley, Rick Gilliatt Rob Collins and Paul Searle.

Pete and Dave Cullum won the first two frames for Clee Bowls C – but Kev Johnson and Kev Gowing won the last two for Blossom Way B as the teams drew three-apiece. In between, Neil Batts and Colin Grey shared with Myles Kennan and Stuart Gibbs.

Despite being on the receiving end of a slam, Clee Bowls B can count themselves unlucky after their defeat to Section A leaders Nats.

Two of the Bowlers pairings lost a frame on the black, while another game was lost on the pink.

Dave Burton, Steve Austin, Terry Blanchard, Mick Goodwin, Danny Hargrave and Ryan Johnstone were all victorious for Nats.

Dads & Lads beat a four-man Blossom Way A 5-1. Pete and Alfie East shared with Michael Carmo and Brad Mowforth, and Jase and Mathew Lawton won both their frames.

West End B swept into a five-frame lead at home against Standard A when Walt Simpson, Mike Needham, Dave Page and Peter Needham all won 2-0, and Dave Sargent and Michael Boulton won their first frame.

They couldn't complete the slam, however, as Adam Boyington and Pete Gibson won the last frame for the visitors on the black.

At Healing Mens, Dean Austwick, Dave Leen, Dennis and Jamie Wallis, and Andy Stanley and Bill Childs shared with Cromwell B's Daz Roche, Cliff Rigby, Ray Revell, Art McDougal, Daz Burrows and Adie Richardson in a 3-3 draw.

CLEETHORPES Town go into the busy Christmas period in decent form – despite losing 3-2 at Shirebrook on Saturday.

It was a first defeat in seven league matches for Andy Liddle's men, who face Askern Villa this weekend.

The home side's pressing style of play proved too much for the Owls who were on the back foot from the start.

However, it was the visitors who created the first chance of the game when Marc Cooper's effort was saved.

Jonathan Oglesby's half-chance failed to hit the target before Jason Flint laid the ball off to Cooper again, who was denied by another save.

The home side drew first blood thanks to a long ball up field from deep inside their own half. The ball found their forward, who nodded home.

After a couple of half chances themselves, the Owls conceded again. This time the ball was headed in from a well delivered corner.

After the interval, Cooper was well positioned and found himself through on goal, but his effort went wide.

Clee's efforts were finally rewarded as Darren Hanslip's, pictured, effort proved too much for the hosts.

Lawrence Heward then had a shot saved before Flint failed to connect with Mitchell's chipped cross.

Scott Drury was called into action to save bravely at the feet of a Shirebrook attacker. However, the goalkeeping heroics weren't to last as the home side broke through and restored their two-goal lead.

The Owls pulled one back after Flint's darting run into the box saw him upended and a penalty given. Tim Lowe reduced the deficit.

Cleethorpes were unable to find the equaliser, though, and the result sees them remain third.

DRUNKEN pub customer Nicholas Cox viciously punched a man in the face in a nasty, unprovoked attack after believing the other man was staring at him, a court heard.

The victim was watching cricket on a television in a bar but Cox menacingly accused him of looking at him, Grimsby magistrates were told.

Cox, 31, of Sanctuary Way, Grimsby, admitted assaulting Christian Prestedge, causing actual bodily harm, on September 23.

The court heard that Mr Prestedge, 38, a port worker, was watching cricket at the Jubilee public house, Grimsby, but Cox thought he was staring at him.

Mr Prestedge had gone to the pub with friends for a quiz and was watching sport in the bar.

Cox asked him: "What are you looking at?" Mr Prestedge told him: "I'm looking at the cricket."

Cox said: "You're watching cricket, are you?" He accused Mr Prestedge of taking the mickey out of him and hit him in the face three times.

Blood "went everywhere" and the victim was taken to hospital for treatment to his nose and a swollen eye.

Mr Prestedge could not remember anything about the attack and did not see the blows, the court heard. He needed eight days off work.

Cox later admitted he had drunk 10 to 12 pints of beer in Cleethorpes, as well as shots, and on a scale of drunkenness rated himself at eight out 10. He later drank three or four more pints of lager, as well as more shots.

Cox had a history of violence after drinking, the court was told.

Clint Chambers, mitigating, said Cox had been out celebrating the fact that he and his partner had bought a new house.

He could not offer any real explanation as to why the incident happened, but had shown remorse.

He had been jailed in 2003 but was released in 2005 and had made good progress since then.

Cox was given a one-year supervision order, a five-week 8pm to 6am curfew and was ordered to pay £250 compensation and £85 costs.

Crime news for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire

AN ORGANISATION that helps people with learning disabilities has opened a new shop in the heart of Grimsby.

Local not-for-profit group the Rock Foundation continued its rapid growth as it opened a new shop in a store on Freeman Street that previously sold furniture, opposite The Wine Pipe pub.

People with learning disabilities – who the charity helps – will get the chance to sell the things they have made and work in the shop for experience.

It also sells second-hand goods.

Pam Hodge, who set up the charity four years ago, said: "We have had so many donations from people who support us that we have wanted to open another shop for a while – this was the perfect place."

Pam, who has a disabled son, started the charity four years ago in the Ice House, Victor Street, to provide training opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities.

By 2011, it had grown so much that they moved to the former Holme Hill School on William Street when the council moved out, as reported.

That base has a Victorian sweet shop and tea shop to raise money, workshops for people to make crafts and outdoor furniture, and is used to train people in IT, life skills and needlework.

However, the Rock Foundation wants to expand further and earlier this year, they asked the council to give them the Lindsey Lower School building so they could expand their services – although the bid was unsuccessful.

Pam added: "Before I set the charity up, I had been wondering what my disabled son would do after he finished school, as there seemed to be nothing for him.

"I think he – and others like him – deserve a future and the same opportunities as other children, so set up the charity.

"The woodwork, needlework, crafts and everything else we do teaches them valuable skills but also hugely builds their confidence.

"We have had young people and adults who barely spoke before they came but have become extremely chatty and started to really enjoy life."

Jennifer Mawer, who has been involved with the charity since Pam set it up, said it was amazing how far they had come in four years.

She added: "I thought at the time that it would be very hard work and it has been – but it was worth it. The number of people who use and benefit from the service shows just how much need there is for it in this area.

"It makes such a difference to the people who use the foundation and I have seen people really blossom."

If you would like to volunteer for the Rock Foundation, call Pam on 01472 488026 or 07712850466. Donations can be dropped off at the store.

HELP a child in need this Christmas by placing a present in the Santa Sack at the Rose And Crown pub.

The Ember Inns watering hole, in Louth Road, Scartho, is a drop-off point for the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Lions Club's appeal for toys for children staying at the women's refuge in North East Lincolnshire.

It is appealing for gifts suitable for children aged between three months and 15 years.

All you need to do is buy a toy, or find a good-quality second hand one, and wrap it with the age labelled, then place it in the festive sack in the pub's reception.

Manager Lisa Thompson, said they have chosen to support the small charity because it is low on donations.

She said: "We haven't done anything like this before and we are hoping it will take off.

"It is such a good cause and women and their children leave with nothing and a small gift could make a difference.

"It's good to give something back at this time of year and it is really important that we play our part in charity and get as many presents as possible in the sack."

Lisa said not to worry if you have run out of wrapping paper, the pub will even wrap it for you.

As reported, Women's Aid co-ordinator Gina Smith said donations of toys have dropped to such an extent, they were recently unable to provide for a child in need.

She said: "We are struggling for items, especially children's toys, because of the recession and high unemployment.

"It's hard for me when I can't supply items for women and their children. I have to say we haven't got the items available.

"I think we are a forgotten charity – so please remember us and donate."

For more information call the pub on 01472 278517.

A COURAGEOUS mum has been given a helping hand this Christmas after a fire tore through her home.

The Grimsby Telegraph has teamed up with the Artie White Foundation for the charity's 12 Days of Christmas Campaign, which will see food hampers or toy vouchers being donated to deserving people across the area.

Joanne Mayben, of Grimsby, was surprised to hear she was one of them.

The mum-of-six is beginning to build her family's life back up after a blaze in November swept through her Glenfield Road, Grimsby, home.

The 30-year-old said: "The support we have had from family and friends since the fire has been amazing.

"I cannot thank people enough for their generosity.

"My children attend Queensway Children's Centre, and Tracey Kirk who works there nominated me for this hamper.

"She knows what I have been through and her support has been very much appreciated.

"I think the charity is doing a wonderful thing.

"They have put a much-needed smile on our faces and the children are enjoying some extra festive treats."

Grimsby Telegraph readers can still nominate someone to receive a hamper by filling in the form on this page.

It could be someone who always goes that extra mile for others, a young family struggling to buy presents, or an elderly person spending Christmas alone.

The people will be chosen by committee members of the Artie White Foundation, and each presentation will be reported in the paper.

Barry Meadows, chairman of the Artie White Foundation, said: "Christmas is a special time of year, but it can also be a difficult time for many people.

"I was delighted to have been able give Joanne this special hamper.

"The Artie White Foundation has supported local charities for the past 16 years.

"This year we wanted readers of the Grimsby Telegraph to tell us who they think deserves a gift. Every little helps during the festive period."

Make a nomination

To nominate someone you believe deserves a Christmas treat, fill in the form below:

THE final secondary school in North East Lincolnshire to be converted to an academy has been given the go-ahead to do so.

The Department For Education has approved the proposal put forward by the Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service to sponsor St Andrew's College, in Cleethorpes, as a Catholic Academy.

St Andrew's Catholic Academy will be operational from September next year, and will continue to welcome pupils from all communities, whether Catholic or not, and will offer a unique Catholic education in a smaller environment.

Principal Louise Wilson said: "I am delighted with the news that the proposal for St Andrew's College to become a sponsored Catholic academy has been approved.

"This decision affirms the strong improvement that has already begun at St Andrew's and secures a positive future for the college.

"I look forward to continuing to work with, and for the pupils and wider community of St Andrew's College, as the principal, as we embark on the next stage of our journey towards becoming an outstanding provider of faith-based education."

The college was inspected in September by Her Majesty's Inspector Jan Bennett, whose report recognised that the college was making rapid progress.

She wrote: "Leaders and managers are driving improvement at a quick and well-judged pace. They set ambitious and challenging targets that are raising the aspirations of both students and staff.

"Leaders do not shy away from tackling under-performance and have brought about considerable improvements in achievement, teaching, attendance, behaviour and safety.

"A comprehensive and targeted programme of professional development has led to widespread improvement in the quality of teaching and learning.

"Pupils say that teaching has improved dramatically – they also report that behaviour in lessons has improved enabling them to learn more effectively. Lesson observation evidence supports their views."

Gail Neill, director of education at the Diocesan Education Service, said: "Working in partnership with the service, St Andrew's Catholic Academy will continue this rapid improvement journey to become a 'good' and then 'outstanding' academy offering an inclusive, personal approach to the education of its students.

"Pupils at St Andrew's are members of a caring, disciplined and supportive community based on warm relationships and clearly understood values.

"At St Andrew's Catholic Academy every child will be known and valued as an individual and will be given every opportunity to achieve to their full potential."

A CHARITY set up by the bereaved parents of a little girl, who died because of asthma, will hit the £50,000 mark before its second birthday in January.

As reported, Humberston schoolgirl Laura McPhee sadly died of an asthma attack on December 4, 2010, leaving her parents Roy and Trace devastated.

As a way of coming to terms with their loss, the couple set up the Laura McPhee Memorial Fund to raise money for asthma equipment so other parents would not have to go through the same thing.

The group has already raised £47,000 and with money still due to come in from sponsored events completed, the charity committee expects to raise more than £50,000 before its second birthday on January 11.

Numerous events have been held in her memory – from sponsored sleepwalks to charity race nights.

The fund has also attracted the support of more than 25 celebrities, including Peter Andre and Gordon Ramsay.

Mum Trace thanked everyone in the community who has supported the charity, without which she said she "couldn't have coped" through what have been the hardest two years of her life.

"When I lost Laura I was numb for a year, so in some ways this last year has been even harder, and at times, I just wanted to end it and be with her," said Trace.

"I would think of the charity and how we can help children with asthma so that other parents don't have to suffer like we have and it has got me through."

The charity has bought 18 machines which monitor oxygen levels in the blood and has another eight on order, amounting to well over £20,000.

Daniel was bought a saturation machine by the charity.

His mum Linda said: "My son has cerebral palsy. He can catch pneumonia easily so we have to keep an eye on his oxygen levels so we can spot problems earlier and get him to the hospital.

"Daniel has had to carry a machine the size of two bricks around with him. It is heavy and can't get wet, so every time we go out for the day or even just to the shops, it can make things very difficult.

"Recently, the Laura McPhee Memorial Fund brought us a portable machine which is much smaller and lighter – and it has changed our lives.

"He goes to Humberston Park School and I know one of the committee members, Debbie, who is also a parent there.

"When they heard about Daniel they wanted to help. It is fantastic what they are doing."

Within the first year, doctors at Grimsby's Diana Princess of Wales Hospital said that equipment the charity bought had already saved three lives.

Last Christmas, Trace bought more than £2,000 worth of toys for the children's A&E ward at the Grimsby hospital.

And next year, the group will focus on raising awareness about the dangers of the condition, as well as funds for equipment.

"People say 'it is only asthma' – but asthma took our daughter so people need to be aware of how serious it is," she said.

Debbie Taylor, committee member, said: "We want to go into schools so that people are aware of the symptoms, so that they can get treated, as those few extra minutes you get from knowing what to do could save a life."

Trace and Roy have visited Laura's grave every day since she died.

They have a son Lewis, 19, who is hoping to join the forces next year.

Trace added: "It's so nice to see that he is achieving something with his life, despite everything that he has been through – although I worry that I will lose him, too.

"Moving on with your life is something Laura never got to do and I don't think I ever will but Lewis and her were really close and it is what she would have wanted."

If you can help the Laura McPhee Memorial Fund, call Trace on 07983436643, or visit www.lauramcpheememorial.webs.com

TRIBUTES have been paid to "keen cyclist" Graeme Walton, 64, who died following a collision with a lorry on the A18 on Saturday.

As reported, the accident happened at around 9.40am on the A18 Barton Street in Barnoldby-le-Beck. As yet, the circumstances of the incident are not known.

The lorry driver, a 48-year-old local man, was uninjured.

Today, Mr Walton's long-term partner Gill Renney, who shared his home in Melton Ross, has paid tribute to him on behalf of his two grown-up children, Jennifer and Harry, adding they are all "devastated by this untimely loss".

She said: "Graeme was originally from Bedford, had lived in various places around the country and had settled in Lincolnshire a decade ago.

"He was newly retired, having worked hard all his life, firstly as an engineer and then a project manager for a telecommunications company. He had looked forward to and was enjoying his retirement."

She revealed that he was a keen traveller – who had taken trips to destinations across the globe – and they had recently invested in a caravan, touring around the country together.

He also enjoyed spending time with his family, researching his genealogy and walking in the countryside.

Gill added: "He was a very keen cyclist for the last few years and was very fit and safety conscious. He had covered all the roads in Lincolnshire many times over, biking long distances up to five times a week."

Any witnesses to the crash are asked to call Humberside Police on 101, quoting log number 230.