CLEETHORPES MP Martin Vickers, pictured, has made a bid for the 2014 Tour de France to cross the Humber Bridge on its journey south.

He said the "iconic construction" would make a "fantastic advert" for the civil engineering skills of British industry.

The call comes after Yorkshire beat worldwide competition to bring the world's largest annual sporting event to the county.

The finalised route will be unveiled next month, but there has been speculation the world's best cyclists will cross the iconic landmark on the last leg of the Yorkshire Moors route back to Leeds.

Speaking in a parliamentary debate about the event, Mr Vickers said: "The ideal route to get out of Yorkshire is over the Humber Bridge."

After passing over the bridge, Mr Vickers said the riders could "then head to the winner of Britain In Bloom, and the east coast's premier resort, Cleethorpes.

"From there, the beauty of the Lincolnshire Wolds opens up – an area of outstanding natural beauty with magnificent landscapes."

Mr Vickers said the tour was also a "great opportunity to boost our local economies".

"I urge the Government to co-ordinate every possible agency to work on that, so that we can benefit the whole economy."

Responding for the Government, Sports Minister Hugh Robertson did not make a specific commitment on the route but said the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire was "a fantastic triumph".

THE family of a murdered Grimsby fisherman have been given "the best early Christmas present" they could wish for, after learning his killer will remain behind bars.

Neville Dunn, 44, died almost two years ago after a brutal attack while working as a fisherman in Cornwall on New Year's Eve 2007.

He was left severely brain damaged after being assaulted by fellow fisherman Brian Harrison, 31, who, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, had wrongly convinced himself Neville had raped his girlfriend.

His wounds were so severe, he was left in a semi-conscious coma and vegetative state for 22 months, before finally succumbing to his injuries in October 2009.

After initially being jailed indeterminately in August 2008 – with a minimum term of six years – when he was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm, Harrison was retried in March this year.

He was then found guilty of murder and ordered to serve another 12 years in prison.

Much to the distress of Neville's former partner Denise Johnson and his daughters Lindsay Johnson and Kirsty Dunn, Harrison appealed against the conviction.

However, after initially being told no decision would be made until the new year, this week Denise was informed his appeal had failed and he would remain behind bars for the duration of his sentence.

She said: "We are absolutely over the moon – ecstatic.

"That's it now. He can't appeal again.

"It's just what we wanted for Christmas."

The couple had split up, but remained "really, really close" during Neville's regular trips to Newlyn, near Penzance, after his work as a fisherman in Grimsby dried up.

They had even been discussing getting back together just days before the attack.

Instead, Denise was left to receive a devastating phone call from Humberside Police at 7pm on New Year's Eve, telling her Neville had been seriously hurt and it was not believed he would survive.

Denise added: "Knowing he had appealed opened all the old wounds again when we were finally getting back on track.

"Knowing that he's staying in prison is like having a weight lifted off my shoulders."

A PENSIONER who frequently gets blocked in his own driveway by "inconsiderate" drivers has called for them to be named and shamed.

Alan Ashton, 70, of Hardys Road, Cleethorpes, is living with the constant headache of parents of pupils at Signhills Academy parking across his driveway. His wife, Jean, 69, recently missed a doctor's appointment as a result.

Mr Ashton said: "I know we are not the only ones this is happening to, it is all around the area.

"It is so annoying but I doubt people will stop unless the problem is highlighted. They should be named and shamed."

Parking in front of a driveway is only illegal if there are double yellow lines, a drop kerb or the car is stopping the owner from getting into their driveway – therefore causing an obstruction on a public highway – but not if it is stopping them from getting out.

Mr Ashton does not blame the school, whose headteacher, Ken Thompson, has frequently asked parents to park on the nearby Haverstoe Park and walk the 100-yard distance. His staff also park on the roadside because there is not enough room in the car park.

He said: "Obviously parking around a school makes the road very busy at peak times. We are aware parents and staff parking in the road cause some difficulty for the local residents and we are trying our best to alleviate those problems, unfortunately there is no easy solution."

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: "If residents' driveways are being blocked, this can be addressed through normal enforcement procedures.

"Residents should contact parking services when this occurs on 01472 325851."

CASES of Norovirus have closed part of an admissions ward at Grimsby's Diana Princess of Wales Hospital.

The bug has been confirmed in the short stay area of the acute medical unit, where patients are taken while they are waiting to be admitted to a main ward. The assessment area of AMU is functioning as normal and Norovirus has not been confirmed there. Patients are currently being taken elsewhere following assessment to wait for admission.
There are also visiting restrictions across the whole hospital and the short stay wards, where the virus has been confirmed, are completely closed off to stop the spread of the disease.

Children are discouraged from attending the hospital and only two visitors per patient are allowed.

Ward C5 and two bays on ward B4 are also closed, although Norovirus has not been confirmed on those, but patients are suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting and visiting is restricted.

If people have had diarrhoea and vomiting they are urged to not visit the hospital until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.

People are urged to contact the ward they want to visit before turning up at the hospital.

ANDY Liddle says his Cleethorpes Town side will not be taking struggling Askern Villa lightly tomorrow – if the game beats the weather.

Clee's home clash against the Doncaster-area side is in doubt after heavy rain throughout yesterday and another deluge expected tomorrow.

But if the weather Gods do show their fairer side, Liddle insists his men will not ease off in the Northern Counties East Division One clash.

Askern Villa have suffered team-raising problems in recent weeks, have lost several players and have changed managers.

They are third-bottom of the table and face an uncertain future.

But Liddle, pictured, knows they can still be a threat on their day.

"We won't be taking them lightly," he said.

"They have beaten some of the top sides in the league this season, including Athersley and Pontefract. But no disrespect to them, we see it as a good opportunity to get three points.

"We had a weekend off last week, but still maintained our position in the table which is pleasing.

"In our previous game we lost 3-2 against Shirebrook, which was probably the cruellest defeat I have been involved in.

"The lads did not deserve that. They worked their socks off and gave everything. Although we lost, we played very well so the defeat has not knocked our confidence."

WREXHAM are next on the list for Paul Hurst and Rob Scott as they bid to rid Grimsby Town of another unwanted record.

The Mariners have not yet beaten the Dragons under the joint bosses' stewardship and Hurst said that it's about time that record changed tonight.

The duo have already exorcised the Mariners' Tamworth and Braintree hoodoos during their time at Blundell Park, and have now set their sights on getting the Wrexham monkey off their back.

Hurst, below right, said: "Tonight against Wrexham is a big test for us – there's no doubt about it.

"Wrexham are an experienced side that, under our management, we haven't beaten as yet and we feel that it's time that record changed.

"We've put quite a few unwanted records to bed, like Tamworth and Braintree, so Wrexham is another one on our list.

"Ultimately, it's not a massive thing, but as managers, we like to tick things like that off the list and get them out of the way," he added.

Hurst is predicting a tight game at Blundell Park as his second-placed side take on the team directly below them in the table.

But he's the first to admit that he said the exactly same thing before the Mariners' 4-1 hammering of Luton Town this season.

"We were vying with Wrexham for the best defensive record in the league earlier in the season. We've kept that going a bit better than they have, but they're still not shipping goals.

"It will be tight tonight and if I were a betting man, I wouldn't be putting my money on lots of goals!

"But I said that before the Luton game and we went and won 4-1 so what do I know?!

"But in all seriousness, Wrexham are the bookies favourites for a reason and they've had a squad that's been together for a while and gone close for the last couple of seasons.

"They've certainly proved that they're one of the best teams in this league and it will be tough for us.

"We'll be halfway through the season after tonight's game and it's a great opportunity to start the second half of the year off well. We certainly want to put on a show."

Left-back Aswad Thomas, above, is set to return for Town after recovering from a sore Achilles.

Midfielder Frankie Artus is also in contention for a recall following a hernia op, but Joe Colbeck sits out a one-game suspension.

GRIMSBY Borough joint boss Nigel Fanthorpe goes into the festive period in upbeat mood after a great week for the club.

Borough fought out a 3-2 win against Yorkshire Amateur in their last game – and also strengthened their squad with the signing of two players of good calibre.

Current Grimsby Town youth goalkeeper Liam Higton and ex-Mariner Jammal Shahin both played well on their debuts – and Fanthorpe will be hoping for more of the same tomorrow – provided the game against Hallam gets the green light.

Hallam's ground is situated on the edge of the Peak District and features a sloping pitch, leaving it particularly susceptible to the elements.

Fanthorpe said: "We have beaten Hallam twice this season – in the league and cup – but they played well on both occasions.

"They drew with Teversal last week and may be tricky opponents.

"Our two new signings have settled in well, they have been spot-on.

"Liam played very well in goal. He has a long kick, his distribution is good and he is very agile.

"Jammal came on and did well. He is a bit rusty as he has not played for a few weeks, but he has quality on the ball.

"He created the winning goal with some trickery and a good cross from the wing.

"Those two have certainly strengthened our squad".

Borough's win against Yorkshire Amateur at the Bradley Community Stadium was the perfect tonic for Fanthorpe's men ahead of the festive period.

He said: "We got out of the traps well and got up and at 'em.

"Yorkshire Amateur are a good side, they played well.

"You have got to make sure you score when you are on top, and we did that".

After tomorrow's match against Hallam, Borough are then in action against local rivals Cleethorpes Town on Thursday, December 27.

HIGH-FLYING Webbonet have passed the century mark just halfway through the Roy Ling Mutual Grimsby & District Snooker Singles League.

The table-topping cuemen reached a formidable total of 105 points by winning 6-2 at Cue World.

Webbonet are now 17 points clear at the summit.

Jamie Green, Paul Metcalf and Nige Emmerson all won two frames for the leaders. Stu Swinburn bagged a double for the Cue World hosts.

Ray Edmonds A came away from West End A with five frames after Jamie Richardson and Alan Edmonds both won 2-0, and Lee Plant shared with John Parrott. Craig Rowbotham won the other two frames for WestEnders.

A three-man TR Carpets beat Willows Sea Foods 5-3. Ian Crosby and Chris Madsen both won 2-0, and Mark Graves shared with Jack Stinson.

MJ Decorators are rooted at the bottom after losing 7-1 at home against West End C. Martyn Shaw, Andy Barry and Daz Stansfield all won 2-0 for the visitors, with Dave Powell getting the single against slam-saver Frazer Jones. Nigel Cordy won both his frames for Clee Bowls X but Lee Blanchard did the same for Inspirations-Fireplaces as the teams drew four-apiece.

Mark Wilkinson won the opening frame for Cambridge H against Metshine Westlands, but that was their lot as a single from Pete Smith, and 2-0s from Tony Aisthorpe, Mick Thornton and Tim Gillin, gave Metshine a 7-1 victory.

A 2-0 from Mark Stevens and singles from Ian Sadler, Keith Southwell and Craig Taylor gave Don Noble Bookmakers a 5-3 against Blossom Way B. Scoring for the Blossoms were Paul Simpson, Albert Potterton and Steve Crane.

The top six teams all drew 4-4 in Section A.

Steve Austwick Garden Services were held at home by Clee Bowls A. Mick Chew and Dave Ashmore both won 2-0 for the visitors, in reply to 2-0s from Pete Mitchell and Lee Staveley.

Scott Gibbins won both his frames for Clee Cons B, but Pete Sandiford did the same for Standard A as they finished even.

All the players won and lost a frame as Nats A drew with Ray Edmonds J.

The last of the draws came when an opening 2-0 from Terry Burns was cancelled out with a 2-0 from Dennis Dannatt as Cromwell A shared the spoils with Grimsby Police.

Hainton B, Healing Mens and Hainton A all edged up the standings following 6-2 victories.

Chris Taylor and Neil Russell both won two for Hainton A at Carr Lane D, whilst George Bartlett and Dave Page shared with Steve and Mark Leggett.

Terry Lloyd and Drew Winship were the 2-0 winners for Healing Mens with Bill Altoft and Gary Wright hitting singles against TR Carpets A's Dave Morley and James Glistrupp.

Hainton B's six came from Paul Codd and Butch Reynolds, who both won 2-0, and Tony Storr and Ray Hammond – who shared with Matty Clayton and Phil Watts, of 1 None Golfer.

Healing Legion B swept into a four-frame lead in Section B when Ryan Milson and Rick Kirk both won 2-0 at Jammie Dodgers. Mathew McRae pulled a frame back for the home team when sharing with Alex Burnett before John Anderson grabbed another two for the Dodgers to restrict the leaders to five.

Cromwell Rat Pack also got five in their match at Blossom Way A. Dave Bass and Mick Greenhalgh were their 2-0 winners with Ryan Johnstone sharing with Andy Johnson. Myles Kennan won the other two for the Immingham lads.

GSN Westlands smashed seven past Rapid Frames when Dan and John Morton, and Craig Sidney all won 2-0 and Ted Foster shared with Tim Cattell.

A 2-0 from Stu Wilkinson and singles from Keith Board, Chris Yull and Wayne Webber gave Nats B a 5-3 at Clark Self Drive. Mark Rimmer, Mike Clark and Phil Neild won the frames for Clarks.

Linden Homes B beat Westlands Juniors 6-2 when Daz Braithwaite, John Dannatt and John Baker all won 2-0 in response to a 2-0 from Steve Neul. Neul was left gutted when missing an easy black in both his frames, the first when on 46 and the second after he knocked in 48.

Jase Reynolds and Roy Southwell both won 2-0 for Linden Snipers, but John Ford and Byron Hatfield did the same for Westlands A as the teams drew 4-4.

Another 4-4 draw saw Alan Wortley win 2-0 for South Bank Imo's, only to see Eric Buck win both his frames for Clee Bowls C.

An opening four frame salvo from Phil Marshall and Mike Caborn and singles from Garry Avison and Tony Pearce gave Grey N Balding a 6-2 against Clee Bowls D. Bob Barnes and Ray Charlton won the frames for the Bowlers.

Grimsby Police A, the leaders in Section C, still retain their one-point advantage over Ray Edmonds N after both the teams won 5-3. The Coppers entertained Cambridge D and after Kev Ferguson shared the opening two frames with Martin Dowling, Simon Gibbons and George Walters both won two to put them 5-1 up. They couldn't add to that however as Craig Kuzumczak won the last two frames for the visitors.

Mark Smith was the inspirational skipper of Ray Edmonds N as he was the only 2-0 winner in the match at TR Carpets B. Ritchie Grant, Lee Singleton and Anthony Hepton shared the rest of the frames with Jamie Smith, Scott Jackson and Mark George.

Carr Lane E move up the table after a 7-1 victory at Birds Eye A. Mick Gollings, Stu Saddler and Terry Bird were their 2-0 winners with Lee Waterman sharing against slam-saver Roger Smith.

Laceby Legion B put six past Cambridge C when Jay Cowan and Lee Doughty both won 2-0 and Glen Glover and John Hindley shared with Andy Widgery and Craig Allerston.

Andy Stocks and Nick Masters both won two for Ray Edmonds S but Ian Singleton and John Mimmack did the same for Cabbies as the teams fought out a 4-4 draw.

Ray Edmonds Z found themselves 3-1 down at home against Laceby Legion A in Section D when M Robinson shared with Paul Brett Snr and Dave Chester won both his frames. They came back well however, as Craig Smith and Shane Newbold won the last four frames to give them a 5-3 victory.

Blossom Way All Stars took the shine off Cromwell Car Care when Daz Edwards, Brad Mowforth and Dono Want all won 2-0 and Ross Lowther shared with George Padley in a 7-1 thrashing.

Cue World Boys beat Road Runners 6-2 and their 2-0 winners were Lewis Sewell and Bradley Burrell. Mathew Lawton and Louis Kirk completed the scoring with a single apiece against Simon Timpson and Paul Salisbury.

Allotment Diggers also won 6-2 when Dwayne Kenyon, Craig Foster and Peter Robinson all won 2-0 in reply to a 2-0 from Ray Edmonds Jubilee's Terry Kerley.

Cromwell B and Cue World N had a fun night when all the players in the match won and lost a frame in a 4-4 draw.

Adrian Webster, Win Rose and Bernard Christy shared the first six frames with John Brocklesby, Pete Gibson and Mick Harrison before a last board 2-0 from George Emmitt gave Hasbeens a 5-3 victory against Standard B.

2-0 wins from Liam Cribb and Richard Jennings and a single from Wally Aisthorpe against Adam Board gave Power Rangers a 5-3 at Not Bottom. Phil Madin won the other two frames for the home team.

On behalf of the league, may I wish all our members a happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Just a reminder that on Saturday, December 29, a fun challenge night in aid of the Snooker Centenary will take place at the Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre. There will be all sorts of snooker and billiard games with a difference (time events, clear the colours, dodgy whites etc). For more details speak to Mick Chew, Alan Edmonds or Dave Webster. To assist the league with the centenary celebrations, we ask if any Club, Sponsor, Company or individual would kindly donate a bottle towards the prizes. This would be most appreciated.

Grimsby & District Snooker Singles League

Results

Premier Section: West End A 3 Ray Edmonds A 5; Cue World 2 Webbonet 6; Clee Bowls X 4 Inspiration-Fireplaces 4; Cambridge H 1 Metshine Westlands 7; TR Carpets 5 Willows Sea Foods 3; MJ Decorators 1 West End C 7; Don Noble Bookmakers 5 Blossom Way B 3.

Section A: Standard A 4 Clee Cons B 4; Carr Lane D 2 Hainton B 6; S Austwick Garden Services 4 Clee Bowls A 4; Nats A 4 Ray Edmonds J 4; Cromwell A 4 Grimsby Police 4; TR Carpets A 2 Healing Mens 6; Hainton A 6 1 None Golfer 2; bye – Clee Bowls Police.

Section B: Jammie Dodgers 3 Healing Legion B 5; Grey N Balding 6 Clee Bowls D 2; Linden Snipers 4 Westlands A 4; GSN Westlands 7 Rapid Frames 1; Blossom Way A 3 Cromwell Rat Pack 5; Clark Self Drive 3 Nats B 5; Westlands Juniors 2 Linden Homes B 6; Clee Bowls C 4 South Bank Imo's 4.

Section C: Ray Edmonds S 4 Cabbies 4; Laceby Legion B 6 Cambridge C 2; Grimsby Police A 5 Cambridge D 3; TR Carpets B 3 Ray Edmonds N 5; Birds Eye A 1 Carr Lane E 7; bye – South Bank B.

Section D: Hasbeens 5 Standard B 3; Cromwell B 4 Cue World N 4; Not Bottom 3 Power Rangers 5; Cue World Boys 6 Road Runners 2; Ray Edmonds Z 5 Laceby Legion A 3; Allotment Diggers 6 Ray Edmonds Jubilee 2; Blossom Way All Stars 7 Cromwell Car Care 1.

Breaks

Steve Neul 48, 46; Martyn Shaw 48; Lee Blanchard 45, 34; Andy Barry 45; Steve Crane 41, 36; Tony Aisthorpe 40, 34; Mark Leggett 37; Mark Wilkinson 36, 31; Mark Graves 36; Daz Stansfield 34; Alan Edmonds 32; Bradley Burrell 32; Phil Marshall 31, 30; Craig Taylor 30; Gary Wright 30; Nige Emmerson 30; Ted Foster 30.

THE commanding officer of a Royal Navy minehunter has been awarded a special honour from the Queen for his courage and leadership.

Barton-born Commander Jim Byron, 40, received the Distinguished Service Cross for his courage and leadership in patrols of the coastline of Libya during the final months of Colonel Gadaffi's regime.

He was part of the Royal Navy's contribution to NATO's Operation Ellemy in April 2011 and was tasked to hunt out mines that were stopping aid ships from reaching the country.

While sweeping the seas, HMS Brocklesby – the ship he captained – sighted a huge mine that had been laid by pro-regime special forces in a bid to disrupt outside help.

Using an underwater robot that can search out and destroy mines, the ship's company detonated the device, which was packed with explosives to the equivalent of 190kg of TNT.

It was the first time a live operation on a mine has been carried out by the Royal Navy since 2003.

Commander Byron said: "It was quite astonishing.

"It is not just for me, it is for all the members of my ship's company during the Libyan conflict.

"There was a job that needed doing and we just got on and did it."

Commander Byron said he was very nervous when he met the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

He said: "It was terrifying and I was very nervous.

"It was marvellous and it is probably going to be the highlight of my life."

While in Libya, the ship was part of a NATO-led operation in which its role was to keep shipping lanes into the strategically vital city of Misrata clear so that humanitarian aid could reach civilians.

The ship was under constant threat from shore-based artillery and missiles, coming within a few hundred yards of the shore at Misrata, as well as the sea mines used by pro-Gaddafi forces.

He will be taking up a new position in April as the squadron commander for the First Mine Counter Measures, based in Clyde Faslane, in Scotland, and in January 2014, he will be deployed with his staff to the Gulf.

PUTTING unwanted belongings under the hammer has raised £4,000 for disabled children and adults.

The Tuesday Club netted £2,000 for the Hydrotherapy Pool Appeal, based at Humberston Park Special School, and another £2,000 for Sense in Louth by holding a weekly auction at the Mayflower Hotel, in Immingham. The cash will help swell the funds of the charitable organisations who care for people with physical and mental disabilities and sight and hearing impairment.

Alma Fenwick began the Tuesday Club 20 years ago with the help of her husband Arthur, because her daughter Kari, 25, has a disability.

She went to Humberston Park Special School and now lives in accommodation run by Sense.

Alma said: "We see first-hand where the money goes and we know how every little helps. Both organisations have helped Kari. We are grateful for everyone's support."

Betty Marsh and her husband Brian founded the Hydrotherapy Pool Appeal, and have raised more than £1 million for the facility.

"We have been raising money this way for years. It feels great to be able to help," said Betty.

"We would like to thank every member of the Tuesday Club for all their help and support, and the people who have donated all these gifts. It really makes a difference."

The money will be spent on running the pool and the sensory room at Sense, in Monks Dyke Road, Louth, and Sylv Bailey, 76, who has been part of the Tuesday Club for 20 years, said: " We feel we are doing our bit for charity. That is why we come.

"Plus, we have a laugh while we're here.

"The amount raised this year is brilliant, especially as there aren't many of us.

"We are more like a family than a club."

Fellow member Karren Brewster, 62, added: "I have made a lot of friends through the Tuesday Club and the causes we support are very worthy."

THIS family has a real Toy Story for Christmas thanks to the Artie White Foundation.

Grandmother Sidonie Winterton and her family have received one of the charity's 12 Days Of Christmas gifts.

The 61-year-old, of Brookenby, was nominated for the treat by her son-in-law, Matthew Slawson, 28.

He is married to Sidonie's daughter, Zara, 31, who suffers from epileptic seizures, so her children go to her mum's house each day.

Matthew said: "Sidonie is a wonderful, loving person. She has got a heart of gold – she will help anybody with children.

"She walks to her home, helps clean and tidy the house, helps with the children.

"The lady deserves something special. She lives on only £90 per week and is a truly loveable lady who is so special."

Delighted Sidonie was presented with a £100 voucher by Terry Donovan, of the foundation, surrounded by her grandchildren, Kieran 7, George, 4 and Tanisha, 9.

She said: "I am pleased I have got a voucher to spend on the kids.

"The children have given me their lists of toys they would like – all four pages of them.

"I am always there for them and we all help each other out. I love them all to bits."

She told of her joy at being able to see them every day. She picks them up if mum Zara is not able to take them to school.

After school and at weekends they go for walks around the former airbase in the village.

Zara said: "I am happy because mum deserves the gift. She helps look after the kids and helps clean up.

"Words can't express our gratitude to her.

"I can't get out much because of the seizures, but mum is always there for all of us."

The foundation's chairman, Barry Meadows, said: "We have picked some of the most deserving families to receive the gifts at Christmas.

"We want to give to a mix of people old and young.

"It is a good thing to give as it gives them a lift and gives us a cheer because it is good to give."

OLDER people who are facing Christmas alone gathered with friends at a festive party in their honour.

Friendship At Home, in Cleethorpes, held its first Christmas party at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall.

More than 150 elderly people joined together for traditional dinner, dancing and entertainment.

For many, it was their chance to celebrate with company as many do not have family around.

The organisation's manager, Julie Rigby, said: "It has gone so well. Everyone is really enjoying themselves, which is great to see.

"It is really important to these people. A lot of their families live away and they will be on their own on Christmas Day. Here they can sit, chat and socialise.

"We try to do as much as we can in the lead-up to Christmas so if they are spending it on their own, they have had the chance to celebrate like this.

"We hope we have given them something nice to look back on – and hope it will happen again next year."

Sidney Sussex Ward Community First Panel donated £500 towards the party, allowing organisers to pull out all the stops and hire singer Peter Crookes and sequence dancers.

Brenda, 72, and Bill Messingham, 77, have been attending Friendship At Home for seven years.

Brenda, who cannot walk very far, said: "This time of year can be quite difficult for us because we can't get out like we used to. I don't walk very well so if the weather is bad we are housebound.

"The party has been lovely, it has been great to see everyone."

Margaret Clayton, 67, joined the organisation six months ago.

She said: "The club has helped me so much. It provides everything – I have met so many people.

"They have done a great job, the meal was piping hot and have everything you could want. I am feeling very festive now."

Get in touch

Friendship At Home is based in Hart Street, Cleethorpes. Call 01472 602500.

A 100-YEAR-OLD man who was injured on D-Day says working hard is the key to a long life.

William Lazell, of Queensway, in Grimsby, received a card from the Queen wishing him a happy 100th birthday.

And he told the Grimsby Telegraph that "hard work and staying active" was the secret to his long years, having spent his whole life living in North East Lincolnshire.

"I've never been out of a job and always worked hard so it's kept my body moving," he said.

"It's just the way I was brought up and I'm pretty handy as a result, so it's served me well."

William, or Bill as he is known, was born in Thesiger Street to fisherman Harry and Emma Lazell, who worked on the docks brading fishnets.

He had four brothers, Charly, Harry, Jim and Dick, and first started work in a saw mill at just 14 years old.

He fought in the artillery during the Second World War and was injured on D-Day when a nearby gun ran over a land mine which blew him off his motorbike, breaking his arm and leaving him with shrapnel in his leg.

He recovered in a military hospital in Manchester and fought again in Germany.

After the war, Mr Lazelle worked at Watmough's, which became Kemp's, for 32 years, working his way up to foreman by the time he was made redundant.

He then went to Laportes, working in the brickyard then on the gardens for another 13 years before retiring.

In 1952, he married Kathleen, who died in 2007, and he has fond memories of celebrating their diamond anniversary in 2002.

The couple had one son, Paul, who is now 65, and they have two granddaughters, Suzanne and Claire, and two great granddaughters, Georgia and Ephraim, born to Claire.

Mr Lazelle was also a keen gardener, having kept an allotment for most of his life, and he a rode motorcycle for most of his life.

He said: "If you want to do something, you should just do it," he said.

"I never expected to get to 100 but it has eventually crept up on me and it was lovely to get my letter from the Queen.

"I have arthritis in my legs my I'm still very sharp and enjoy life so I'm lucky."

What are you celebrating?

Share your family news with the Grimsby Telegraph by phoning 01472 372236 or by e-mailing newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Family announcements begin on page 26.

IT'S a time for giving – and that is what schoolchildren did to brighten up Christmas for seafaring folk from all over the world.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy made 100 boxes of gifts for seafarers stopping in Immingham this Christmas, often thousands of miles away from home and their families.

It is the third year that Immingham Port chaplain Father Colum Kelly has been involved in the project, which went from just 100 boxes in 2010, to 200 in 2011 and a massive 1,100 this year.

Mr Kelly said: "We wanted to give them a bit of luxury or they might not even know it's Christmas – and I don't think they get anything from the shipping companies.

Various Catholic churches and primary schools have helped put the boxes together, as well as the port community of Immingham.

They will be handed out during the Christmas period and into the middle of next year as the Russian seafarers celebrate Christmas on January 7.

Every student brought £2 worth of goods from a list which includes biscuits and toiletries.

Head teacher Sarah Pollard said: "I'm really proud of how much the children and parents got behind this."

Rosiegh Giblin, 10, said: "I wanted to give them presents because I wouldn't want to be away from my family at Christmas.

"My brother Harrison bought a present as well but I can't believe how many shoe boxes there are."

IT might be a little early to be making New Year's resolutions, but Greg Pearson already knows exactly what he wants 2013 to bring.

The 27-year-old's wish is to earn the opportunities to kick-start his Grimsby Town career.

After notching an impressive brace in the Mariners' 4-1 win over Mansfield in August, Pearson then picked up niggling groin and knee injuries.

That enforced layoff – combined with the good form of the club's other strikers – has seen the former Burton Albion man restricted to only ten appearances so far this season.

Now fully fit and raring to go, he hopes the start of the busy Christmas period will provide the chances he needs to work his way back into the Mariners side.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "I'd like to think that my injury problems are behind me now.

"The injuries that I had came at a bad time for me because I was just getting going and doing well, but that's football.

"But I'm fit and raring to go now – I have been for a couple of weeks, but because of how well the team has been doing, I've had to wait for my chance.

"That's what I'm doing – I'm working hard and doing extra work with the managers and that's paying off.

"I'm training and working hard, without being impatient, and hopefully that will pay off for me in the games over Christmas.

"The gaffers know that I'm ready and eager to play," he added.

Pearson will be hoping to get an opportunity this evening, as the Mariners entertain Wrexham – the side he describes as the best he has seen so far this season.

Tonight's clash with the Dragons signals the start of what Pearson believes could be an important period in Town's season as they look to set up a New Year promotion push.

He said: "It's a big game tonight for us. Wrexham have got some good, experienced players who have been around the block a fair few times.

"So they're a real contender to win the league and a real threat to us and the rest of the teams who are up there.

"For me, Wrexham are the best team that we've played this season and I like the way that they try to get the ball down and play with purpose," he added.

"They're a good team but, saying that, so are we. I think it will be a great match and hopefully one in which we can come out on top.

"It is a big game, but it all boils down to the fact that there are still three points on offer to us, like in any other match.

"A win would get us three points closer to where we want to be and it's always good to beat the teams around you and pull away from them, but it's just another three points.

"Some good results over Christmas would be a nice present for the fans and for us as well.

"If we can pick up a few points over the Christmas period then it sets us up well for the New Year.

"Personally, in the New Year, I want to play games – that's the main thing for me. If I'm playing, then I'm confident I'll score goals; that's what I've done throughout my career.

"So if I'm playing games and getting back up to the levels of fitness that I had for the Mansfield game, before the injuries, then it will click.

"I feel I'm a good player at this level and the league above so I know that if I'm playing, I can be a useful player for Grimsby Town."

A CORONER has called for carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted in all homes.

Concluding the inquest into the tragic death of ski instructor and mountaineer Graham Beesley, coroner Stuart Fisher also said gas appliances must be checked by registered professionals regularly if more deaths are to be averted.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Fisher said the North Cotes homeowner's multi-fuel burner was blocked.

Despite Mr Beesley having his chimney swept regularly, internal flues in the burner were 80 per cent blocked, the inquest heard.

The 59-year-old former human resources manager at the Grimsby Telegraph was found dead on September 26.

A post mortem examination revealed he died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Mr Beesley had encountered problems the first time he lit his Parkray 99G burner, the inquest heard.

Neighbour Andrew Hemmings told how he saw him opening doors and windows to get rid of the smoke which had filled the cottage as he lit the burner for the first time for the autumn on September 25.

Due to the leak of smoke, Mr Beesley swapped the wood for a smokeless fuel, the inquest heard.

He went to bed and was found dead the following day after concerns were raised about his absence at a family gathering.

Summing up, Mr Fisher said: "There was no problem with the chimney, but the internal flues were 80 per cent blocked causing carbon monoxide to be emitted into the living room and then, via the open plan staircase to the bedroom upstairs."

He said no carbon monoxide detector was fitted.

Mr Fisher said: "Multi-fuel stoves such as this should be maintained in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations.

"If anyone is in doubt they should call a professional heating engineer.

"Carbon monoxide detectors should be fitted in all properties. Had one been fitted, it would almost certainly have averted the death of an otherwise perfectly healthy individual."

In a statement read at the inquest, Mr Beesley's cousin Stephen George said: "He was extremely fit for his age. He was a ski instructor and mountaineer."

The hearing was told Mr Beesley had lived in the cottage, in Chapel Row, for 24 years and regularly had his chimney swept.

After the inquest, Ian Robinson, a family friend spoke of the impact of the tragedy.

Referring to the campaign in the Grimsby Telegraph to have alarms fitted in every home through special deals and giveaways, he said: "The Grimsby Telegraph is doing a tremendous job making people aware.

"We fully support what the coroner said.

"Here was a fit, healthy and sensible person who has died from it, so it can happen to anybody. We have to take a lesson from what happened to Graham in his memory. I know lots of people who have had alarms fitted since his death.

"Thanks to the Telegraph campaign there could be thousands of people who have got their appliances checked and had detectors fitted."

A WARD at Grimsby's hospital has been closed due to the winter vomiting bug Norovirus – and 17 staff are thought to be off sick with it.

Health bosses are warning people with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting to stay away and have put visiting restrictions in place across the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital to stop it spreading. Children are being discouraged from visiting at all.

Norovirus has been confirmed on the Acute Medical Unit's short stay ward – where patients are assessed before being moved to other wards.

The short stay area has been closed to new patients, Ward C5 is closed to visitors and two bays are closed on Ward B4 following a further suspected outbreak.

Twenty patients and 17 staff have been tested, but results have not yet been confirmed. Staff are now trying to stop further outbreaks and are keeping a close eye on infection control. Visitors to Grimsby wards are urged to ring in advance to avoid wasted journeys.

The Family Services unit – which includes maternity services – is running as normal.

If you are affected by diarrhoea and vomiting, which has also affected schools across the borough:

Follow good hygiene measures, including thorough hand-washing, particularly after visiting the toilet.

Where possible, stay away from school or work until 48 hours after symptoms have ceased.

Drink plenty of fluids and rest.

Make sure that any surface contaminated by vomit or faeces is thoroughly disinfected after an episode of illness.

If symptoms worsen or persist for more than 48 hours, contact your family doctor or take advice from NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Delay any visits to hospitals, care or nursing homes or schools until fully recovered and don't visit people who are especially vulnerable to infection, such as elderly relatives.

If visiting someone in hospital, even if you are well, obey the signs for hand-washing before entering and after leaving wards.

Any updates will appear on ww.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

THE bond between these brothers is even stronger than before – after one gave the other the gift of life this Christmas.

Frank Robbins feels "glad to be alive" after his brother donated bone marrow for a transplant to treat his leukaemia.

Having had only a one-in-four-chance of finding a match in his family, Frank was amazed to discover that all three of his brothers were.

Younger sibling Robert – who recently moved from his home in Grimsby to Scunthorpe to be closer to Frank – stepped forward, and now the Robbins family is celebrating the news that the leukaemia is in remission.

Frank, 51, said: "It is a Christmas miracle and it is a miracle to find three matches in one family. I am just glad to be alive.

"It was the best Christmas present I could have received. Something like this makes you realise that things like bills aren't worth worrying about; you have to live every day as if it's your last."

Robert, 42, said he jumped at the chance to help save his brother's life.

"I am just glad that I could help him. There was a worry he might not make it," he said.

"I was never scared – I just wanted to help."

Rose, their 71-year-old mum, told of her upset at the initial diagnosis.

She said: "I was devastated and it really upset me when he got really ill. But you never give up hope."

Frank had previously undergone four rounds of chemotherapy and said he was told he could not have any more. But earlier this year and six months after Frank was diagnosed, Robert travelled to Jimmy's Teaching Hospital in Leeds, where he had injections to increase his blood stem cells.

Robert had to have the same injections for two days, in a process which involved him staying still and holding up both of his arms for five hours, while his bone marrow was transferred.

The operation, which took place at Nottingham City Hospital, replaced damaged and destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

He will need a top-up of bone marrow, as he only has 88 per cent of Robert's in his body.

But for now, one of Frank's main goals is to return to his job working at the Tata Steel plant, and he has encouraged people to sign up to the bone marrow register.

For more information, visit www.nhsbt. nhs.uk/bonemarrow/

DRUG dealer Joshua Thompson has been locked up for a year at Grimsby Crown Court after supplying M-Cat to friends and others.

Thompson, 20, of Elm Road, Cleethorpes, admitted supplying M-Cat between November 1 last year and February 20 this year and possessing the drug with intent to supply on February 20.

The court heard that Thompson was stopped in a car in Cromwell Road, Grimsby, and M-Cat was found in a deodorant can.

Other items containing the drug were found in a bag and more drugs were discovered in the boot.

Thompson claimed he supplied M-Cat – also called mephedrone – mainly to friends but other people were put in contact with him by friends.

He had shown remorse and was disgusted with his behaviour, the court heard. He had been a heavy M-Cat user himself.

As reported, the Grimsby Telegraph launched an awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of M-Cat and to alert families of the toll it takes on young people.

Since June, the M-Cat: Do You Know Enough? campaign has attracted widespread support, reported on a number of court cases, and has highlighted the experiences of former users and dealers about the devastating effects of this easy-to-get-hold-of drug.

As reported, seven out of the ten secondary schools in the area said they are "aware" of pupils using the drug, which costs sometimes just £4.50 a gram.

We are currently talking to politicians about the campaign – keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for updates.