IT IS hard to believe that any school would take the action of cancelling festive activities due to a need to study more at this time of the year.

So is there something more to the story on page one today?

However, it certainly raises the wider debate about whether, in general, children learn through play and education should be more fun. And at what age should it get really serious? For example, in some other European countries children do not start full-time schooling until they are much older than those in Britain. This would suggest that education chiefs in those countries believe that children will benefit more from being within a family environment for longer.

There has also been much criticism about the controversial SATs testing in our primary school, with some parents and teachers saying it puts too much pressure on students at too young an age.

On the other hand, children must be made to realise that life is not easy and to succeed in an increasingly competitive world, study, passing exams and concentration can be the key.

The trouble is there is no set rule as to the age at which that should begin. Push too early with some youngsters and you may well send them backwards, whereas some may benefit from a nudge or two in the right direction at a relatively early age.

What do you think, let us know by commenting on this story at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

IT couldn't have been more of a contrast from Grimsby Town's First Round FA Trophy encounter at Blundell Park.

Whereas the Mariners huffed and puffed that first afternoon against Buxton and couldn't find a way through, it took them just 90 seconds to make the breakthrough against the Hawks on Saturday.

Before ten minutes were up, the hosts were effectively home and dry after adding another.

Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's men can now watch today's draw for the last-16 with interest, knowing a league and Trophy double still remains a possibility.

Another home clash next month would be ideal, but Town's impressive away record this campaign and position near the top of the Conference means they will fear no one.

And rightly so after a thoroughly professional display eased them into the Third Round of the competition.

The big news before kick-off at Blundell Park was striker Ross Hannah's omission from the match-day squad. Greg Pearson came in for a rare start in place of the Bradford City man up front.

Fellow loanee Scott Neilson dropped to the bench to make way for Joe Colbeck, while Aswad Thomas' sore Achilles ruled him out completely.

Bradley Wood deputised at left-back, with Sam Hatton at full-back on the opposite flank.

And it was Hatton who set-up the opening goal in just the second minute.

His excellent set-piece delivery from the right was perfect for Shaun Pearson near the penalty spot, and the big centre-half rose above his marker to head the ball powerfully past Clarke Masters.

It was almost 2-0 in the fifth minute as Marcus Marshall fed Colbeck and his drive was parried up and away by Masters before Marshall flicked the rebound against the foot of the post.

Derek Niven forced the busy Masters into a low stop with a stinging 25-yarder, but the under-siege keeper was powerless to stop the second goal in the ninth minute.

Marshall's superb left-footed cross was met by Andy Cook at the far post with a header back across the stopper and into the corner.

It was not the start the visiting Hawks had dreamed up during their five-hour coach journey north.

But they responded and forced Nathan Pond and Shaun Pearson into last-ditch defensive headers from Chris Arthur free-kicks.

However, the hosts were well on top with Marshall and Colbeck having the freedom of the wide areas and Craig Disley and Niven bossing the middle of the park.

The Mariners almost scored again when Colbeck's cross from the left was flicked on by Greg Pearson and sailed wide of the far post.

Colbeck and Disley then linked up in the 20th minute, with the skipper forcing Masters into another decent low save.

Young left-back Dan Butler did well to deny Greg Pearson a tap-in from five yards after more good work by Cook along the inside left channel.

The Hawks were inches from earning a penalty in the 33rd minute as Christian Nanetti's feet were too quick for Marshall and the Town winger brought him down right on the edge of the box. The resulting free-kick came to nothing and the hosts were three-up shortly after.

Wood burst out from the back and played a well-weighted ball for Marshall to cross first-time, giving Greg Pearson the simple task of glancing the ball home at the near post.

It was the 40th minute when the away side finally registered their first effort on goal – Arthur's 30-yarder flying just over the bored James McKeown's bar.

And the Hawks followed that up with their first shot on target three minutes later as Sahr Kabba glided past two challenges and forced McKeown into a reflex block at his near post.

There was one minute of injury time to negotiate before the break – despite Ryan Woodford receiving more than three minutes of treatment for a bloody nose earlier in the half.

The Mariners had a reminder the game wasn't over two minutes into the second period when Kabba's cross was headed on target by strike partner Ollie Palmer.

But, as with so many occasions this season, McKeown was on hand to scramble across his goal and make a superb reaction save on the goal-line.

The visitors had started the half well and things got more uncomfortable for Town in the 58th minute when Colbeck's lunging challenge on Butler earned him a second yellow card.

However, within two minutes the Mariners were four ahead and any pressure evaporated.

Cook's excellent instant control on the chest and turn took him into the box, and the fine angled finish that followed shows how much the forward's confidence has grown in recent weeks.

Cook departed 20 minutes from time, to a rousing ovation from the home crowd, as Michael Rankine entered the fray.

And Thanoj – who had come on for Disley at the break – curled an effort narrowly over the bar after an enterprising run by Hatton as the Mariners went in search of a fifth.

The visitors battled away gamely in the closing stages despite the hopelessness of the situation.

Palmer volleyed over the Town bar and substitute Steve Ramsey fired another speculative shot well over, but the Mariners were heading through.

Attentions now turn to today's Third Round draw as a trip down Wembley Way remains on the horizon for Town and their supporters.

AN EARLY Christmas present was delivered to the life-saving crew at Cleethorpes RNLI in the shape of a new lifeboat.

The James Burgess II was launched for the first time from the Brighton Slipway station following a £40,000 donation to the charity by generous Ashley Burgess, in memory of his son, James.

And while the crew were thrilled to receive the new inshore lifeboat, its arrival signalled the end of an era for the station as it will replace the iconic D-618 Blue Peter VI, which has been saving lives in Cleethorpes for almost 20 years.

Operations manager for Cleethorpes RNLI, Jack Barlow, said: "It is a brilliant boat, it goes far better than the old one and we are so grateful for Mr Burgess' kind donation.

"I am sure it will be just as successful as Blue Peter VI, which was sad to say goodbye to. It served us and the people of Cleethorpes well so it felt a little nostalgic when it went."

Blue Peter VI was one of seven boats to be funded by the children's television programme's Pieces Of Eight appeal, which raised money for RNLI stations around the country.

The original arrived in 1994 but was replaced ten years later due to general wear and tear. In that time she has been launched 480 times and rescued hundreds of people.

Mr Barlow continued: "The old boat was getting tired; it went out every week on rescue jobs as well as general training. We got some good use out of it."

Mr Burgess, from Malton, in North Yorkshire, is a private person and does not want personal publicity for his donation to the station, which was made in memory of his son.

He did not attend the launch, but is expected to visit the boat in January and an official naming ceremony will be held in April.

It is the second inshore lifeboat he has funded. The first was called James Burgess, an Atlantic class lifeboat and was given to a station in Walmer, Kent, in 1993.

The RNLI is dependent on donations and by having the boat bought in one lump sum, it frees up money for vital training and exercises to enhance the crew's lifesaving skills.

Crew member Kelly Blackburn said: "We were so pleased to receive the new boat. We rely entirely on donations so this will allow us to spend money on training and equipment. It is such a generous thing to do.

"The Blue Peter is an iconic boat. As a kid growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Blue Peter was huge and I remember the appeal and how much it meant.

"It is sad to say goodbye to the boat, but then I am very sentimental. She had a good innings and we are looking forward to using James Burgess II."

Cleethorpes RNLI station chairman Andrew Dalrymple added: "The James Burgess II will continue this lifesaving work, manned by the dedicated volunteer crew."

GRIMSBY Town joint boss Rob Scott has shed some light on the decision to leave on-loan duo Ross Hannah and Scott Neilson out of FA Trophy action.

Crawley Town winger Neilson was an unused sub in Saturday's victory over Havant & Waterlooville, while Bradford City striker Hannah wasn't included in the match-day squad.

Both players will end their three-month loan spells after Friday's Blue Square Bet Premier clash against Wrexham.

And, regardless of any permanent deal or loan extension, neither will be available to play for Grimsby Town over the Christmas period.

However, Scott insists there was nothing sinister about the pair's omissions.

He said: "We left a few out because Friday is coming up and, if anybody was there from Wrexham, we didn't want to highlight too much.

"Also, we have to look at the bigger picture – Ross is not here over the Christmas period.

"So we have to make a decision whether it's going to be Dayle Southwell, Greg Pearson or Michael Rankine who comes in.

"We have to decide on that so we gave certain members of the squad that haven't had a run-out some game-time.

"We felt Saturday was a good opportunity to do that. It could have come back to bite us but they're the decisions you make when you've got a squad.

"That was the situation with Ross and the same with Scott. We wanted to give Joe Colbeck minutes on the pitch for him."

The joint boss confirmed that the | Mariners are continuing their pursuit of the two Town favourites on longer deals.

"We'll speak to Scott today and have a chat with him. Hopefully we can conclude something one way or the other," he added. "Obviously we think they should sign for Grimsby, of course we do.

"Ross does want to sign for Grimsby, but his club want a fee for him and that will dictate what happens. He is desperate to come and carry on what he's been doing – he's enjoying it here.

"Scott wants to play, he's enjoying it, but location-wise it's a long way for him.

"There are other clubs interested in the best players in this league. Scott is certainly one of those and Ross is one of the best goal-scorers in this league.

"People want the best players. We'll do our utmost to keep them, but we have to bear in mind what we've already got in at the club without going to extremes and shattering the goodwill between the players we've got."

A 71-YEAR-OLD paedophile convicted of raping a young child has been jailed for 14 years – and is "likely to die in prison".

Ambrose Clifton denied charges of rape, sexual assault, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, making an indecent photograph of a child and taking an indecent photograph but was convicted on all counts at Lincoln Crown Court earlier this year.

Sentencing was delayed after the pensioner fell ill with what was believed to be pneumonia, and spent time in intensive care at Grimsby's hospital.

But he was arrested on his release and remanded in custody to await a court hearing.

During the trial, held earlier this year, the jury heard that Clifton committed offences against the child and then warned the youngster and their mother would both die if anything was revealed about what happened.

But the child immediately told their mother, and Clifton was arrested in October 2010.

The victim, who suffered from extreme trauma as a result of the attack, did not make any formal witness statement.

Instead, the prosecution's case was heavily based on circumstantial and "hearsay" evidence, as well as evidence and indecent photographs of the victim found on Clifton's computer.

Recorder Gareth Evans QC, passing sentence, told Clifton, who lives in South Reston, near Louth: "You have been convicted on what I believe was overwhelming evidence. It is quite clear that you had no answer to an awful lot of the prosecution case against you.

"You threatened the child. That was a dreadful thing to do. You know the outcome is going to be a long custodial sentence."

Timothy Spencer, QC, defending, said Clifton suffers from serious health problems and is likely to die in prison.

He said: "The prospect of him coming out of prison before he dies is limited. The day he was released from hospital was his last day on this earth at liberty."

He told that Clifton's home was repossessed for failing to keep up with mortgage payments. The pensioner now faces bankruptcy as he is being pursued for the outstanding debt on the house.

Following the case, the victim's family said it was "satisfied" with the jail term.

"This has been every parent's worst nightmare but we now hope to put it behind us and move forward," they said in a statement.

Detective Constable David Moxham, of Lincolnshire Police, added: "This has been one of the most distressing cases I have dealt with.

"Ambrose Clifton has showed no remorse and continues to deny the offences in the face of the compelling evidence that convinced the jury of his guilt."

Drink and drug driving is a major concern for Humberside Police and nationally accounts for 14 per cent of deaths on the road. At Christmas, the temptation to drink and drive may increase. That is why an ongoing campaign to stop motorists who get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs is upping a gear. Reporter Faye Preston was given exclusive access to a night with Humberside Police and saw first-hand how motorists would be foolish to think they will get away with it ...

YOU are putting people's lives at risk and you will get caught.

That is the no-nonsense warning to motorists who decide to drink or take drugs and drive this Christmas from Humberside Police.

As part of an initiative funded by Safer Roads Humber, police constables will be out in force manning the roads of North East Lincolnshire to catch drink-drivers who think they are above the law.

On a busy Saturday night, the Grimsby Telegraph joined PC John Rickells and PC Phil Humberstone during one of their weekly drink-driving operations.

PC Humberstone said: "Drink-driving is a major problem for us all the way through the year and it is one of our core offenses we are committed to tackling.

"One of the main ways we can do this is through operations such as this, when we go out onto the roads, increase our high-visibility presence and breathalyse as many motorists as possible. We may catch a lot, we may only catch one, but knowing we have removed one drink-driver off the road makes it worth it.

"It tells other motorists that they will be stopped, they will be breathalysed and if they are drunk, they will get caught."

Armed with a batch of breathalysers, they station themselves along Norwich Avenue, off Laceby Road, in Grimsby – a busy road not far from the Bradley Inn.

It is one night in hundreds that these PCs have ensured the safety of others by removing drink and drug drivers off the roads.

Last year, the force carried out 11,450 breathalyser tests, of which 947 tested positive – equating to almost 10 per cent of drivers.

Key signs that the driver is drunk or on drugs include erratic driving, swerving, or accidents – every driver is routinely breath tested after a crash – but PC Humberstone and Rickells also look for minor motoring offences, including driving with fog lights on and having a headlamp out.

A driver who has committed any of these offences will instantly be breathalysed at the scene.

If they have a reading of more than 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath they will be arrested and taken to the cells before they give blood and urine samples for an accurate figure on their alcohol intake.

But PC Humberstone explains as alcohol tolerance can vary dramatically from person to person and can be affected by a number of factors such as size and alcohol experience, that the safest approach is to not drink and drive at all.

He said: "My advice every time would be to not drink any alcohol before driving. It simply isn't worth it. The reading can be altered by so many things from what that person had to eat before drinking to their body weight. Every person is different.

"By drinking or taking drugs and then driving, they are putting not only their own lives, but other people's lives at risk."

Within minutes of pulling up on Norwich Avenue, PC Rickells stops a man driving a Honda CR-V with his fog lights on.

After checking his licence and insurance, he is asked to blow continuously into the white tube.

Within seconds the man tests negative and after a stern word, he is allowed on his way – a scenario that will be repeated numerous times throughout the evening.

Seconds later a young man driving his friends around in a Ford Focus is stopped for the same reason – an apparent fashion trend among young, male drivers.

He also tests negative and narrowly avoids the £30 fine.

Mr Humberstone continues: "Tackling the issue this way can be like a needle in a haystack sometimes. Tonight we know there will be people drink-driving in Grimsby and Cleethorpes and unfortunately we will not catch them all.

"There have been nights where we have been out until after midnight and the first person we catch is at 11.30pm. It isn't easy and it isn't the only approach we take. Another way is responding to calls from the public. If they ring in to report a car driving erratically we will make our best effort to find that driver.

"While this approach can be a little hit and miss at times, that gives us a clear direction and we will end the night knowing there is one less drink-driver on the roads for us to worry about."

Ten cars later – from speeding drivers to headlamp failures and no positive readings – the operation is expanded to Cleethorpes and we head to the car park near the Boating Lake, in Kings Road.

It is the main road out of the main clubbing and pubbing areas in the resort and there is, unfortunately, a good chance there will be a drink or drugged driver.

Twenty minutes into the operation, a man driving a BMW is pulled over and gets a reading of 18 mcg on the breathalyser – not enough for him to be arrested but enough to receive a word of warning from PC Humberstone.

The man claims he had drank a pint shortly before but felt fine to drive. He tells PC Humberstone that being pulled over is enough to make him think twice about doing it again.

Not long after a woman driving a black Vauxhall Vectra is stopped for undertaking a car who she thought was turning right. She has a reading of five micrograms. But it would appear the numerous anti-drink and drug-driving campaigns led by Humberside Police – and backed by the Grimsby Telegraph's name and shame campaign last year – has resonated with drivers tonight as none of the further ten pulled over in Cleethorpes tested positive.

It is a comfort to the police, and to the people they have stopped.

Terry Allenby, a fish and chip shop owner from Cleethorpes, was among those breathalysed on Saturday night. As a teetotal, he wants to see more police drink-driving checks.

"Drink-driving is appalling and it is reassuring to see the police doing these checks," he said.

"I want to see this happening more often but I know that with less money that is unlikely to happen soon."

A father-of-two who was pulled over off Laceby Road, Grimsby, agreed.

He did not want to be named, but after testing negative on the breathalyser test, said: "It wasn't great getting pulled over but it is good to see the police doing something to stop it.

"It will stop people getting injured or worse killed and make people think twice about drinking or taking drugs and then driving."

FROM goblins on Harry Potter to wax works at Madame Tussauds – we all wonder how these fascinating works come to life. Reporter Lucy Greensmith finds out more about how special effects makeup works.

GAUGING scars, bulging veins and severed fingers – most of us don't think twice during a movie when you see these disgusting ailments, but a lot of hard work goes into that blood!

I went to the Grimsby Institute to join special effects makeup students who were learning how to make their models so gruesome and life-like ... what do they use to gain the effect?

To gain the full experience, I was the model (to my surprise) and tutor Dan Tuck and students decided on a beauty and the beast theme.

Dan has been in the industry for 15 years and reeled off a list of prestigious TV shows and films he has worked on, such the Saw films, Lord Of The Rings, Asylum, Dr Who,and Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban.

After he told me what sets he has worked on, I couldn't wait to see the end result.

To start, I took off all my makeup and a barrier mousse was applied so the foam half-face prosthetic wouldn't be stuck on permanently! A glue was added round the prosthetic, which covered an eye. The prosthetic was soft and white and didn't look anything special at the moment – but Dan assured me it would come to life within an hour and a half.

Dan said: "When I first got interested in special effects makeup, there weren't any courses for me to take, so I taught myself.

"I took books out of the library and practiced and practiced by recreating images. For a zombie look I got my mum's facemask peel and lipstick."

While my glue was drying I asked Dan what he had worked on and it's not just films.

"I've worked on films such as Lord Of The Rings in a Leeds studio creating hobbits, but I also do local theatre stuff for The Caxtons," he said.

Once the glue was dried with a final blast of a hair dryer, colour was added to blend the white prosthetic to my skin.

Student Jess Shipley dusted the prosthetic before makeup was added to make sure glue didn't show up.

Then student Laura Cook began the "beauty" side of my face by blending smokey eyes, mascara and red lipstick.

However, the other side of my face was looking a lot worse ... veins began to bulge, I had a gauging, sore neck and an infected eye – gross!

And to make my eye and neck look even more disgusting, simple Vaseline was added to give it a gooey look.

I asked Dan what it takes to become a special effects makeup artist. He said: "I think dedication and enthusiasm is essential – you're the first one there and the last one to leave the set because you have to put on the makeup and take it off.

"I have sometimes worked till 3am on a set – it's long hours and not all about meeting celebrities.

"I even take students on jobs with me so they can gain real-life experience, and they realise how much hard work it really is."

Dan said many students who he has taught have gone on to work for big movies such as the latest James Bond film Skyfall and even working on sets in the US.

Once my beauty and the beast look was completed, I couldn't believe the detail and realistic colouring.

The foam prosthetic was comfy, but it was strange closing my eye underneath it for two hours, but if I was an actor it would be on me for a day of filming.

Once the mask was on, it was time for it to come off and it took half an hour – it hurt a little with the prosthetic being glued onto my face, but the students did an excellent job using an orange smelling liquid which loosened it.

It was great to have my eye back, however it was fun having such a gruesome face.

Dan said he sells some of his prosthetics online and gets about £50 for them.

I then asked the students their thoughts on the course.

First year student Yaz Tyson, 20, from Cleethorpes said she did a short course in London, and then got hooked.

She said: "I loved doing the course in London and decided this is what I really want to do.

"So far I have enjoyed the casualty techniques, and we have been creating wounds from animal attacks to a hand in a lawnmower."

First year student Jade Cambell-Wilson, 23, also enjoys the gruesome techniques.

"I love the severed hand look, sores and slit throats," she said.

"I want to get into theatre makeup art after my course."

I wanted to learn more about what they do on the course and Tee Webb, programme leader for special effects makeup design at the Institute, told me more.

He said: "The programme is designed to turn out all-round special effects makeup artists, who have gained skills to become a freelance practitioner.

"The students enjoy the casualty side of special effects, and in their final years they will be able to recreate dead bodies, and all kinds of prosthetics."

He has been in the industry for 13 years and began in London.

He added: "Over the years I have worked on all sorts and one of my highlights was working on models for Madame Tussauds."

FANS of Tetney's own X Factor starlet Ella Henderson have been congratulating her today, following news she has landed a lucrative recording contract with Sony.
The 16-year-old made the announcement at The Saturday Night Show and confirmed the news via Twitter, posting: "Thank u for your kind messages! X It's all of you who help to inspire my music!! I cannot wait for 2013"
Within an hour of the post, the hashtag #EllaSignedToSONY was the number one trend worldwide.
See tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph for more details.
If you would like your message of congratulations to be included in the story, please post them here.

PARENTS have branded a Christian primary school as "Scrooge Academy" – because it is not hosting a nativity, Christmas party or carol concert for its pupils.

Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe says the festivities would interrupt pupil learning as it strives to improve achievements in maths, English and, specifically, reading.

But upset parents have interpreted this as cancelling Christmas until their children do better.

A statement released to parents on the school's Facebook page has prompted them to post outraged comments.

Their anger comes just days after the school – prior to its academy conversion – was ranked last out of 44 in North East Lincolnshire in Department of Education Key Stage 2 rankings.

Amanda Markey, whose child attends the school, said: "They have stolen Christmas from the children.

"It should be called the Scrooge Academy. Where is the fun?

"They can take children out of class for assemblies but they can't find the time to organise a play? To say they cannot have Christmas until their grades improve is really unfair.

"Surely getting the students to learn a script for a festive play would aid learning, and the performance would build confidence.

"How can that not be of benefit to their education? The children are really disappointed; it has really affected them.

"Why can't they have a bit of fun on the last days of school?"

Helen Merriman-Sellars, 38, whose daughter Bethanie, 6, attends the school, said Christmas could have been incorporated into the children's lessons.

She said: "While I agree that the school needs to focus on education, with a bit of planning they could easily have incorporated things like a nativity into lessons. It's educational for the children to learn about things like that and it's also an important part of their childhood.

"They are not at secondary school level, they are just primary school children.

"There's also been a lot of bad feeling because the school left it so late in the day to tell us. If they were going to do this, they should have communicated it earlier to save as much upset."

Ms Markey claimed pupils had been told to call the tree a "Winter Tree", but this was refuted by the academy.

A spokesperson from Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe said: "The academy realises that some parents are disappointed that we're not putting on a Christmas play this year.

"This is because such plays take many weeks of rehearsal time and, given the current context at Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe with very low standards of attainment (especially in reading), the academy needs to prioritise and focus rigorously on raising standards in English and maths for all our students.

"To do this, our students need to focus on their school work throughout the term. However, this far from means that we're not having any other Christmas activities and celebrations at the academy and these include a visiting theatre company, special Christmas assemblies, a Christmas fair, carols around the tree and a Christmas dinner for students and their parents to attend.

"In the future, when education standards have been notably raised at the academy, there will be an opportunity to re-introduce termly music and drama productions without compromising the students' entitlement to success and progress in key areas such and reading, writing and maths."

And a spokesperson from the Oasis group, which runs the academy, said: "There is a certain irony to the situation, in that people would think a Christian organisation would try to cancel Christmas.

"Christmas has not been cancelled and there have been other festive events put on instead of a nativity play.

"We understand that might upset some parents but we are trying to do what is best for the students."

• Telegraph opinion: Is the school right?

DALES Poultry & Game have joined the Louth Billiards & Snooker League title race after a splendid 7-5 away win at the now joint leaders Harness & Cooper Joiners.

Dave Mayfield gave the visitors a great start only to see Pat O'Reilly draw the hosts level and, just when the match looked to be heading for stalemate, up popped Paul Jacklin to leave his side three points behind their rivals.

Sharing the top spot are Castaline, who bounced back from last week's loss to beat Sibjon Builders 7-5. Gary Brown and Stephen Kemplay both won for the hosts to send them top as Sid Bett replied for the mid-table away outfit.

Seymour & Castle are ready to pounce on the top pair after their fine 7-5 away success at Don Noble Bookmaker leaves them a single point behind.

It didn't start too well for the title challengers when Keith Lewington put the home team in front, but order was restored by both Sean Fieldsend and Simon Overton who knocked in the week's best break of 33.

The encounter between two sides desperate for a win to keep in touch with the frontrunners saw J Melton Painters edge past Kitchen Solutions 7-5.

It was mainly draws all the way in this one, but it was the hosts who had the lone two-frame winner in Graham Evison – and that was enough to take the honours.

Louth Travel Centre and Louth Building Supplies cancelled each other out to draw 6-6.

Henry McSpadden's early strike looked to have given the visitors victory, but Lee Willoughby proved a fair cop for the hosts.

NT Shaw Citroen's rise up the table continues after Craig Dixon and John Blythe both steered their side to a good 8-4 away win at bottom-placed GRS Electrical Services.

Castaline have moved menacingly into second spot in the Louth Billiards League after thrashing the team they have replaced in that position, Naulls & Dales 3-0.

Sam Mountain, Gary Brown and Dan Blythe bagged the lot for the hosts while the leaders, MA Stephenson Autos, won 2-1 at ABC Riding Wear.

LIAM Hearn believes there is plenty of talent in Grimsby Town's Youth team – and has called on the area's businesses to do all they can to support it.

Last season's top-scorer has urged local firms to sign up to the Century Club – launched by the Grimsby Telegraph, in partnership with the Mariners to help bring through the next generation of Town stars.

The initiative calls on 100 businesses to pledge £200 each to sustain and grow the set-up, which is now led by former YT Alan Lamb and Youth team boss Adam Smith.

Since it's launch, the Century Club has been a huge success, with companies from far and wide pledging their support for the Mighty Mariners.

And speaking to the Telegraph, Hearn described the campaign as a great idea and called on even more firms to sign up and help secure a set-up that he feels will help to "keep the club afloat" in the future.

The 27-year-old, who is currently on the comeback trail after rupturing his Achilles in August, said: "I think the Century Club is a great idea and I'm definitely in support of it.

"With Grimsby, it's crucial that you keep the youth involved.

"Since I've been injured, I've been doing a lot of work with Dave Smith and various other people at the club, to get out and engage with the community to help people understand that the youth system is what will keep Grimsby Town afloat.

"Any good club has a strong youth set-up – just look at clubs like Manchester United; their success comes from their youth.

"If you haven't got your youth coming through, it's hard to be successful in the long-run.

"I'm from Nottingham and if you look at Nottingham Forest, they sold a lot of their younger players like Michael Dawson, Jermaine Jenas, Tom Huddlestone and you look at them, if they'd have kept them you wonder where they would be now.

"It's important for our youth team to be as strong as it can and if businesses want to come on board to support that then I think it's great – it will be beneficial to the club in the long run."

During his recuperation from injury, Hearn has seen plenty of the club's Youth team players and says there is bags of potential within Adam Smith's side.

He added: "There are some really promising players in the Youth team at the minute.

"I've seen a few of them and there is some talent there.

"Young Lewis Smith is a great player and I like the look of him.

"People may be worried about his height but I don't agree with that – there are a lot of great players who aren't tall who put themselves about.

"I know with Lewis, he's always in the gym and working hard.

There is also Will Peers, Blaize Kerr, Rob Bryant – it's good to see that talent is there.

"The attitude and the mentality of the youth team has changed this year as week. It was quite laid back, but this year but Adam has come in and really worked them hard – they're in the gym grafting every day and Adam is getting a lot out of them.

"He's preparing them well for what our gaffers expect and that is work-rate and desire, which is good because if these lads do get their opportunity in the first team, they need to hold their own in what is a tough, physical league.

"Adam has taken that on board and he's getting the best out of the kids at the club, hopefully that will give them a shot this year and we'll see more of them next year when they get a pro contract."

To sign up to The Century Club, call Dave Smith on 01472 608007.

THERE were contrasting fortunes for the two Clee Cons teams in the Premier Section of the Roy Ling Mutual Grimsby Snooker Doubles League

Clee Cons B won their match 4-2 at Hainton B, while the A team went down at home by the same score to Hainton A.

The leaders started slowly as Craig Waddingham, Mike Bridge, Steve Donner and Mark Goss had to settle for 1-1 draws with Andy McArthur, Mick Dobson, Keith Atmore and Ray Hammond.

Jon Steel and Brian Bridge won the last two frames to give them the victory.

Jimmy Yates and Paul Beasley won two frames for the Cons A team, but that was all they could manage as Dan Frosdick, James Wooton, Dave Bartlett and Dave Cox all won 2-0 for Hainton A.

Taylor Made Carpets lost the first two frames to Geoff Ford and Jim McLachlan of Clee Bowls C, but try as they might, they couldn't pull it back as Colin Grey, Gil Clark, and Dave and Pete Cullum all won a single for the Bowlers against Keith Tomlinson, Craig Taylor, Mark Stevens and Fred Parker in a surprise 4-2 victory.

Blossom Way B thrashed New Street Lads 5-1 when Andy Johnson, Dave Robertson, Myles Kennan and John Rowson all won 2-0, before Rob Collins and Danny Smith saved the slam for the Westlands lads with a single against Kev Johnson and Brian O'Bee.

West End A lost 4-2 at home against Linden Homes B.

Dads & Lads closed the gap on Nats to just a point after beating Healing Men's 5-1 in Section A.

Played at Cue World, Pete and Alfie East shared the first two frames with Dave Leen and Brian Woods, but from then on it was all the home team as Ivan Harvey, Brad Burrell, and Jase and Mathew Lawton won the rest of the frames.

Nats scored four in their home game against West End B when Danny Hargrave and Steve Drinkell both won 2-0 and Dave Burton, Steve Austin, Ryan Johnstone and Mick Goodwin shared with Paul Stiff, Walt Simpson, Mike Needham and Michael Boulton.

Adam Boyington and Pete Gibson won the first frame for Standard A at Cromwell B but that was their lot as Daz Roche and Phil Revell levelled things up before Art McDougal, Ray Revell, Dave Telfer and Jim Litchfield all won two in a 5-1 victory.

A four-man Blossom Way A beat Clee Bowls B 4-2 when Dave Erdman, Brad Mowforth, Ross Lowther and Albert Potterton won all the frames played.

GRIMSBY Borough's new boys helped them to their first win in five games with a 3-2 victory over Yorkshire Amateur.

Former Grimsby Town young first-teamer Jammal Shahin and current Youth goalkeeper Liam Higton – who has joined the Wilderness Boys on a season-long loan – both played their parts in a win for Nigel Fanthorpe and Steve Newby's men.

Midfielder Shahin started on the bench, but would later have a telling impact, while Higton took his place in goal and was later named man of the match for his performance.

After surviving an early pitch inspection, the game got off to a flying start when Borough's Steve Davies got on the end of Higton's huge clearance to fire home after only 20 seconds.

It was the quickest goal ever scored at the Bradley Community Stadium and got the hosts off to the best possible start.

Despite the early set-back the visitors' responded well with Craig Heard causing Borough's defence problems with his pace.

Luke Fanthorpe picked out Davies with a diagonal ball over the back four and the striker cut inside but was closed down for a corner, from which Gary Deakins should have done better.

He had another great chance to double his side's advantage when he scuffed his shot wide at the far post.

Borough were made to rue those missed opportunities when Amateur equalised five minutes before the break.

The pacey Dom Noteman played the ball to Heard who was allowed to turn and find Kaydon Fishley, who gave Higton no chance from ten yards.

But Borough responded and were back in front inside a minute.

Deakins found Josh Fuller and the winger pushed the ball past Daniels before sprinting to the by line to deliver a low cross to Fanthorpe, who hammered home to give his side a lead at the break.

After being on the wrong end of a heavy tackle from Billali, Fanthorpe was forced off after only five minutes of the restart and was replaced by Shahin.

The visitors were looking the more likely of the two sides to nick the next goal but they were reduced to ten men when James Law received a straight red for raising his hands in an altercation.

After Higton had pulled off a superb save to deny Heard, the Ammas eventually got on terms when Adam Shaw equalised in the final ten minutes.

Borough reshuffled and brought on Matty Hall and Will Sinclair for James Archer and Shaun Baker, with Shahin switching to the right wing.

Hall picked him out with a good ball and the debutant skipped around Daniels to cross to an unmarked Sinclair, who looped a header over Carlisle to give Borough the lead with just five minutes left.

Shaw was shown a second yellow after an over the top challenge on Davis which reduced the visitors to nine men, and Borough duly saw the game out.

After the game, joint boss Nigel Fanthorpe said: "We came through a tough game with a great three points.

"Again, the league proved how tough it is and this game showed that no team can ever be taken for granted."

COVETED top-three places were at stake when runners contested the last Lincolnshire Cross Country League meeting of the 2012 season.

The fourth and final event in the series took place at Caythorpe Court, near Sleaford.

With athletes' best three results from four races to count towards the final standings, it was all to play for.

A smaller than usual contingent of local runners were in action – but there was some success on the day.

Louth AC's Elizabeth Hardcastle was second in the Under-15 girls' race, Cleethorpes AC's Olivia Evans was fourth in the Under-13 girls' event and Grimsby Harrier Lauren Bell was fourth in the Under-17 women's contest.

The combined senior, veteran and Under-20 women's race was won by Lincoln Wellington's Sophie Cowper while Louth's Helen Cladingbowl and Nicola Moss were fourth and fifth respectively.

The senior and veteran men's race was dominated by Nene Valley Harriers, who occupied each of the first three places – with Edgar Sumskis taking the win.

Bill Ward and Maurice Foxon were in action for Wolds Vets and Steve Hunt, Keith Vickers, Pete Crow and Colin Creasey took part for Louth AC.

After results of the four events had been collated and calculated it emerged that Clee AC's Under-13s, both boys and girls, won the silver team medals.

The boys' team featured Ben Plumpton, James Hodgson, Bradley Mortlock and Matthew Church, while the girls comprised Olivia Evans, Katie Hodgson, Megan Davies, Charlotte Redmond and Olivia Redmond.

Evans was also took the overall second-placed individual award and Hodgson was third.

Louth's Elizabeth Hardcastle took first place in the overall Under-15 girls' category, while Clee AC's Beth Barley took the bronze.

Clee AC's Under-15 boys took gold team medals.

Luke Nuttall, Jamie Kirkham, Tom Nuttall, Oliver Myers, Will Portlock and Callum Ely did the business for the blue and golds.

Nutall also won overall individual bronze.

Grimsby Harriers also celebrated some overall league success in the series.

Lauren Bell was second in the Under-17 ladies' league placings, while Jake O'Sullivan came third in the Under-13 boys' competition.

The overall winner of the senior men's showdown was Nene Valley Harriers' Mike Chapman, while his club-mate Nick Grimer took the overall veteran honours.

Ladies series winner was Sophie Cowper, of Lincoln Wellington, ahead of Louth's Helen Cladingbowl. The Ladies veteran champ was Nene Valley's Nicky Morgan, ahead of Louth's Alison McCoy.

Here, as part of the Roy Ling Mutual Grimsby Snooker League centenary celebrations, Mick Chew and Dave Webster reflect on one of the league's heroes – Ken Meech Snr.

WAY back in the sixties, Ken Meech organised a mini tournament involving the town's top six players who would compete against each other in a round-robin format.

By obtaining sponsorship for the event, the winner received the Gerry Steels Trophy.

In the first year, Ray Edmonds was the winner after he, Ron Barnes, Ron Handley and Sid Hood all tied in top spot and needed a play-off.

This was the beginning of Ken's dedication – not just to the local snooker scene; he also got involved in the professional game.

He re-kindled the Billy Hill Snooker Knockout and brought some of the top players of the day to the area, namely Steve Davis, Willie Thorne, Tony Knowles and Tony Meo among others.

On the completion of the Humber Bridge, Ken had the foresight to start the Humberside League, which in turn led to radio reports.

When Arthur Galloway, of Kingfisher Windows first thought of the Kingfisher 50, he asked Ken to organise the event, which featured any player who had made a break of 50 or over in match-play.

This event started in 1980 but, in 1982, his final year, Ken really demonstrated his organising skills when, from his hospital bed, not only did he organise the draw, but in order to attend the two-day event, he recruited Mick Chew to take him there in an ambulance.

Little did he know at the time that this involved Mick having a crash-course in all the duties required by an ambulance driver, including getting a wheelchair in and out of the ambulance.

Sadly, a week later, Ken passed away and in his memory, the Ken Meech Open Knockout was born.

To demonstrate the regard in which Ken was held, this event regularly attracted an entry in excess of 100 players.

His organising skills were further recognised by the World Professional body and, although he wasn't a qualified referee, he acted as recorder at the World Championships.

Ken was also a very good player, making breaks of 100-plus at both snooker and billiards, and was a member of many title-winning teams. He was also twice runner-up in the Grimsby Senior Billiards and once in the Senior Snooker, as well as runner-up in the Lincolnshire Senior Championship.

WITH Christmas coming and the goose getting fat, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is wishing families a safe festive break.

Amid all the fun and festivities it's easy to forget that there are more fire hazards in the home at Christmas than at any other time of year.

We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas, but accidents can easily happen. With a little care and forward planning they can be avoided.

People are reminded to extinguish candles before going to bed and to never leave them burning unattended or on/near a Christmas tree, curtains or soft furnishings.

Essential tips include buying enough batteries to fit in new toys and other Christmas gifts to avoid the temptation of removing batteries from a smoke alarm and checking up on older relatives and neighbours, who may be at greater risk of a fire.

Candles sparked about 1,000 UK house fires, resulting in 9 deaths and 388 casualties, in 2011/12.

Fairy lights went up in smoke, causing 20 fires, while Christmas trees, decorations and cards were also a fire risk and responsible for 47 house fires, which led to 20 non-fatal casualties.

Decorations can burn easily, so don't attach them to lights or heaters. Check your fairy lights carry the British Safety standard logo and remember to unplug them before you go to bed. Sockets should never be overloaded.

The majority of house fires start in the kitchen, so make sure your cooker is clean and clear of items like tea towels – and no matter how busy you are, never leave your cooking unattended.

A CANCER survivor has praised her colleagues for peddling up funds for the charity which helped save her life.

When Lynne Bowser received the shocking news that she had cancer of the womb, she vowed to beat the disease.

It was this same "can-do" attitude that saw her return to work as a shelf stacker at Grimsby's Tesco Extra just six weeks after major surgery to remove the cancer and a full hysterectomy – and this was despite undergoing a gruelling course of vital chemotherapy.

So when her colleagues at the store – who helped her through the diagnosis and treatment – decided to pedal the 3,000-mile distance to Lapland on an exercise bike for the supermarket's chosen charity, Cancer Research UK, she was behind them all the way – and even had a go herself.

Lynne, 64, of Haycroft Street, Grimsby, said: "They have all done really well and have raised a lot of money for Cancer Research UK, which is fantastic.

"Everyone really helped me through it. They all understood if anything happened and I couldn't come in and were really helpful if I needed anything.

"I think they expected me to have more time off, but being at work helped me.

"At home I was more likely to get down about things and I found myself thinking and wishing I was at work.

"I was very lucky throughout my treatment. I felt fine most of the time, but I know it can be awful for some people."

A grand total of £1,000 was raised at the Grimsby store alone, but with all Tesco stores nationwide invited to take part, the final sum will be much higher.

Lynne was diagnosed with the disease last year after she visited the doctors complaining of "period pain" and bleeding.

Following numerous tests, cancer was confirmed, but thankfully it was in the early stages.

"It was scary, but I don't remember feeling bothered by it," said Lynne.

"Sometimes I would get upset, but that was because I didn't want people worrying or feeling sorry for me.

"My advice to anyone is at the first sign of abnormal bleeding they should go to their doctors – no matter what their age.

"If I had been 40 I could have mistaken it, but being my age meant I was lucky in a way. I knew it was strange."

Lynne has been given the all-clear and is now planning for retirement, although she will find it difficult to stay away from Tesco.

She has previously held a variety of jobs, from factory manager to bus driver, barmaid to shop manager.

She took part in Cleethorpes' Race For Life just two weeks after finishing her chemotherapy and has plans to raise further cash for Cancer Research UK by climbing to the base camp of Mount Everest.

She added: "I am one of these people who can turn their hand to anything and believe there is no such thing as can't. Believing this helped me to beat cancer."

WITAJ w Immingham... or welcome to Immingham!

This was the Polish greeting from one mayor to another as they shook hands at the town's civic centre.

Mayor of Immingham Neil Castle met his counterpart Kazimierz Fudala from the Polish town of Rzepiennik Strzyzewski, in what could be the first step towards building closer links between the two communities.

The meeting was arranged by Mr Fudala's son Grzegorz, who lives in Immingham, and whose wife has just given birth to a boy.

Grzegorz, 33, of Ferndown Drive, a lorry driver for McCann European Transport, said: "Having worked and resided in Immingham with my wife since 2009, I cannot imagine living in another community. It is very quiet and nice and the people are very friendly.

"I thought that a meeting would allow for the exchange of information on the work of local government in the UK and Poland, as well as the history, culture and traditional customs of the area of Immingham."

His father was making his second visit to England, following his first four years ago.

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph through a translator, Kazimierz said: "First of all I have come to see my son and my new-born grandson, but on this occasion I also wanted to meet the mayor of Immingham.

"The first thing that struck me about the town is the huge factories and the oil refineries. The other buildings, I find them ordinary."

Asked about how the role of Immingham's mayor compares to that of his own, he said: "It is a totally different system. Here the mayor's function is unpaid and part-time, whereas my job is more like that of the town clerk. I am responsible for anything that goes on. I am the mayor and I also occupy a clerical position."

Immingham mayor Neil Castle, who presented his visitor with a shield bearing the crest of Immingham, said: "His council is similar to ours in that it has a main council above it just like we have North East Lincs. But he is directly elected as mayor by the people and he has a paid position.

"His town has a population of about 7,000 and he is responsible for the roads and many other things. It is the first time I have welcomed a mayor from another country and it was a pleasure to meet him."

Grzergorz first came to Britain about five years ago. He worked as an industrial paint sprayer – the job he did in his homeland – in Scotland, before moving to Grimsby where he worked at Young's.

In 2009 he moved to Immingham.

Asked if he missed Poland, he said: "Only my family. My mother, my sister and brother are in Poland.

"I came to England for a better life. My hometown in Poland is very small and there are no factories, so to go to work you have to drive about 15km."