A YOUNG Grimsby Town fan met one of his footballing heroes as reward for his efforts in last year's Smileathon.

Thomas Portus, 11, of Grimsby, had his photo taken with Town star Greg Pearson and also received a £100 toy voucher from Ramsdens after winning a prize draw.

He was entered into a draw along with all the other youngsters who managed to raise at least £50 for the charity event which was held at Cleethorpes' Meridian Park in September.

As reported, the inaugural event raised more than £14,000 for eight local charities.

Thomas's mum Denise said: "It was a very nice Christmas present for him. He is spending it wisely and he is sharing it with his sister Ruth. He has bought Monopoly and a maths ability game, and Ruth has got some Little Mix posters.

"The big surprise was that Greg Pearson from Grimsby Town was there. Thomas is a big fan."

Thomas, who has autism, took part in the one-mile race for disabled people.

Denise added: "He loved the Smileathon, but it did take a lot of effort because he has got weak muscles.

"Thomas raised £50 and he got a lot of support from the Nunsthorpe community."

David Christy, managing director of Ramsdens, said: "We were more than happy to donate the voucher to support Smileathon. It is a great cause and all the money goes to local charities."

CLEETHORPES businesses were celebrating for two reasons on New Year's Day.

People flocked to the seaside town to enjoy shops, cafes, restaurants and amusement arcades – and takings were likened to those of a summer's day.

Owner of Kingsway Kiosks Andy McCluskey said his seafront amusements had a good start to 2013 by taking more money than last New Year's Day.

He said: "It was a tremendous day for sales and I was really pleased with the turn-out.

"It's been bad these past couple of weeks with the miserable weather – but as soon as the sun came out it was as popular as a summer's day.

"I think people wanted to get out with being couped up all Christmas and there's nothing better than to get some seaside fresh air.

"It has been a long holiday this year as well, so I think people had more time to go out as a family.

"It's really good for the resort to still be strong at this time of the year."

Another popular attraction was Jonny Donuts & Olivers on the promenade and they were packed out all day with people ordering treats from ice creams to Christmas dinners.

Marisa Sate, assistant manager, said: "We were stacked out from 10am till close.

"I think the weather made a huge difference because people were able to sit outside and enjoy food after a walk along the seafront. Boxing Day was also a busy day for us – but New Year's Day stood out the most.

"Customers were even still eating Christmas dinners and we also sold loads of donuts and ice creams."

The Beach Restaurant on the promenade was another popular eatery.

Owner Mohamed Kayall said: "We had a very good day and it was busier than normal.

"I think with it being New Year's Day people wanted to go out and celebrate – and also the weather helped."

And it's been a busy new year at the Pretty Woman lingerie shop in Sea View Street.

Owner Sharon Pratten said: "I've found customers are keen to spend during this period because they have money which they have received from Christmas. And I tend to delay my winter sale to start the day after New Year's Day, as trade between the Christmas and new year period remains busy and subsequently sales remain strong."

COME on down!

The biggest and best prize-winning game show will not only entertain you, but could leave you with pockets full of cash.

The Prices For Prizes Game Show at Grimsby Auditorium has a staggering £6,000 worth of prizes to be won on the night – with a top £500 cash prize to be won.

The interactive extravaganza is exclusively brought to you by the Grimsby Telegraph and it is a one-of-a-kind event that could see you walk away with amazing prizes, such as hotel breaks, flying lessons, theme park season tickets, designer clothes and so much more!

This competitive event will be hosted by Paul Wood of 100% Entertainments and Caroline Whelpton, head of events at the Grimsby Telegraph and it is bound to be a sell-out, which is why you need to book early.

Members of the audience will be picked at random to take part in entertaining games, such as Deal Or Don't Deal, Play Your Cards The Right Way, Red Or Blue, Family Fortunate, The Price Is Always Right and Generation X.

Caroline said: "At this time of year everyone is feeling the pinch from Christmas, so this a great chance to win some amazing top prizes.

"It will be packed full of entertainment and there will be plenty of fun to help clear the new year gloom."

The top three prizes on the night will be £500 cash, £500 in Ramsdens vouchers and a London weekend for two.

Caroline said: "This is something different for the area that has not been done before on such a grand scale and it is bound to be the best entertaining and prize-giveaway game show to be staged in North East Lincolnshire.

"Everyone loves game shows and we will be remaking popular ones that most have been entertained by over the years.

"And now members of the public will get the chance to participate in them – but they will have a twist.

"Anyone has got the chance to win fantastic prizes because members of the audience will be randomly picked."

Also to be won on the night will be TVs, cycles, teeth whitening, gym membership, champagne, a railway experience, karting day, oak furniture, a double-glazed door, bedroom furniture, jewellery and much more!

The event will be held on Thursday, January 31, from 7.30pm to 11pm. Tickets cost £6. To book tickets, call 01472 360360 or visit the Grimsby Telegraph reception, at 80 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby.

AN AUTISTIC Grimsby man has issued a desperate plea for his pet ferret to be returned.

Mark Goodacre, 27, was distraught when four-year-old Tin Tin went missing on New Year's Eve.

Mark went out to give his much-loved pet some water at about 4.30pm, only to find that his hutch was empty.

It appeared that vandals had climbed the wall into the backyard and broken into the hutch, which Mark and his support worker Ian Scott had spent months building.

Mark said: "I was just in complete shock. I was gutted.

"I just can't believe that someone would do this.

"At first I thought a fox had done it, but another support worker who was walking past said the door to the hutch had been forced open."

Mark bought the abandoned ferret four years ago from the Blue Cross animal hospital in Grimsby and enjoyed taking him out for walks.

He added: "My brother kept ferrets when I was younger so I was brought up with them. I am missing Tin Tin a lot.

"I just want him back."

Ian said that police officers attended the property an hour after the incident was reported.

He added that the pet was microchipped.

Ian said: "How low will people stoop? This is somebody's pet.

"Mark used to get a lot of pleasure out of taking him for a walk.

"We did everything we could to keep him safe. The gate to the yard is always locked and the cage had a padlock on it.

"He is no good to anybody for breeding because he has been neutered.

"No stealing is good but stealing a live animal is just low."

Anyone with information can call Humberside Police on 101.

Crime news for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire

AFTER a super 12 months, athlete Liz McTernan is targeting success at home and abroad in 2013.

The 47-year-old competes in paratriathlon – a type of triathlon for athletes with a physical disability.

McTernan, who is a member of Cleethorpes Athletic Club, was delighted with her performances in 2012 – which included a third-place finish in the Paratriathlon World Championships in New Zealand.

This year she will compete in at least six countries in a sport that has steadily grown in popularity.

The resident of Grimoldby, near Louth, has a spinal cord injury and took part in her first race in 2011. She has progressed a lot in a short space of time and is now one of the best around.

She explained: "I compete on the domestic paratriathlon calendar, but there are very few women who take part in the sport.

"This year I will be competing in France, Spain, Czech Republic, Italy and the Netherlands.

"Swimming is my strong point, I had a decent background in that before I started paratriathlon.

"I still have a lot to work on with the wheelchair racing element. There is a lot of technique involved".

Paratriathlon follows the same pattern as standard triathlon and is held over similar courses and distances.

For the 'bike' section, McTernan uses a handcycle whereby the competitor is laid almost right back in an aerodynamic position.

For the 'run' section, she uses a standard racing wheelchair.

There are variations on this depending on the type of disability an athlete has.

As well as her super showing in the World Championships, 2012 saw McTernan finish second female in the Great North Run wheelchair race in one hour, 28 minutes and 21 seconds.

However, she needs to hit a time of one hour 20 minutes to qualify for this year's London Marathon. McTernan hopes to nail that mark at the Silverstone Half Marathon in March.

She will also head to Austria to attempt an ironman triathlon (70.5-mile distance) in September.

"I have a busy schedule and I have got it all mapped out," she said.

"I do not tend to taper. I use a lot of races as training.

"Last year was a great year with many fantastic races – the world championships was the icing on the cake."

McTernan played a full part in the London Paralympics – and was involved on three fronts.

As an athlete, she took part in the swimming trials for Team GB, finishing seventh out of 12.

Strict selection criteria meant only those in the top two, and with a required qualifying time, made it to the Games.

She also volunteered as a Gamesmaker, spending four days helping the goal-ball competition run smoothly.

She capped off her Olympic experience by spending three days in the capital as a spectator.

"It was awesome," she said.

"To see full stadiums throughout the Paralympics was amazing.

"For the first time, I think people saw competitors as athletes first, not just people with disabilities taking part in athletics."

McTernan is currently in winter 'maintenance' training which comprises around four hours on the bike, three hours swimming and three hours in the racing wheelchair.

She will ramp up the volume and intensity as the year progresses, with what she calls "proper training" starting next month.

McTernan acknowledged the role of her club, Cleethorpes AC, in helping her to progress over the last 12 months.

"They are a great club and very supportive," she said.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the sport at Clee AC can contact Andrew Gristwood by email at andrew@gristwood22.plus.com

GRIMSBY anglers were to the fore at a series of competitions at Messingham Sands.

The fishery has been very busy and the ponds have been in good form.

Merrys Pool has been in great form throughout the season and did not disappoint over the festive break.

Grimsby angler Gary Hansford won two matches on this pond, with excellent nets of carp from 1lb to 5lbs.

He fished 8mm pellet on the straight lead to win on Boxing Day with 97lbs, finishing with 9lbs to spare over travelling companion Andy Bryant.

Putting the experience gained in this match to good use, he went on to win the Sunday Open with 112lbs by using the same method.

The Pairs event saw something of a walkover for Ken Pacey, who caught small carp on a waggler from peg 26 on the Swan pond for 36lbs and maximum points.

His team-mate Simon Drayton finished second on the Islands Lake with 27lbs of silver fish on pole-fished maggots.

It gave them an impressive total of three points, which was five ahead of nearest rivals Nobby Winters and Craig Williams.

Individually, Scunthorpe angler Jack Turner finished top with 56lbs of carp, fishing small cubes of meat on a method feeder on Islands Lake, peg 4.

Don Hudson landed an excellent 15lb 6ozs ghost carp from the Islands Lake.

Grimsby angler Keith Easton topped the list in the Silverfish Open.

Drawn on peg 52 on the Swan Pond, he swapped between 4mm soft pellet on the long pole and maggots at 6m, to finish with around 20lbs of skimmers and 10lbs of roach.

Saltfleetby Fisheries was full – it seems that many anglers had seen these reports in the paper and decided to go.

I of course got the blame for so many anglers turning up. Then, to make it worse, I drew the flyer.

I went on to fish quite badly and lost several fish due to breaking the hook length or, for some unknown reason, the hook coming off.

Other anglers were starting to catch. Rob Thompson had some decent fish down at the edge, but when there was any traffic along the roadside it seemed to kill his peg.

Nathan Underwood caught a double-figured fish early on and managed to catch silverfish and carp to grab third place with 23.12lb.

Thompson was second with 26lb.

Grimsby angler Lee Popham was fishing at the tip of the island and was getting fish down at the edge but lost them in the last hour.

I just managed to keep in front and landed a few fish in the second half of the match – but on the whole I did not fish well at all. My total weight was 28.3lb.

If you are going tomorrow, make sure that you book in with the fishery.

At Wold View Fishery, Claxby, Norman Hewliss won a match on the bronze lake with 29lb from peg 19, ahead of Simon Piggott and Chris Smith.

On silver lake, Chris Mack was top man with 23lb from peg 35, ahead of Neil Spence and Dave Mountford.

Cleethorpes Country Park is producing decent bags of bream.

Matty Benwell had ten bream on New Year's Day.

There are also some decent pike coming out and even some big carp.

The beck at Cleethorpes is fishing well for roach, either on bread punch or maggot.

COULD you provide a loving home to a dog for many years to come? If not, don't get one.

That's the tough message from dog wardens following a significant increase in the number of dogs being abandoned in the East Lindsey area.

Walkers Kennels, at Grainthorpe, near Louth, is almost at capacity, with both dogs and puppies needing new homes.

While it is important that these dogs are found caring and loving homes as soon as possible, potential owners are asked to make sure they are fully committed to looking after a dog.

East Lindsey District Council collects about 250 stray dogs each year, and houses them at Walkers.

Officers are expecting an increase in the number of animals during January, once the festive period is over.

Dog warden Becky Gravett said: "We always have lots of lovely dogs needing good homes and it's important when deciding to take on the responsibility of a dog that you take into account it is for the rest of its life – which could be 15 years or more.

"Potential owners need to be committed enough for the time, training and expense your dog will need for its lifetime.

"These dogs have already been let down at least once, so it's important we find them permanent, loving homes."

Bill Walker, who owns the kennels, added: "People dumping and leaving their dogs dramatically increased in the last months of 2012.

"We only have a few empty pens left so it is vital that these dogs are rehomed as soon as possible."

If you can offer a dog a good home, call Sue Garland on 01507 613550.

EVEN youngsters are going self-sustainable – by planting herb and vegetable gardens at their school.

Pupils at Oasis Academy Wintringham have planted a garden full of baby plants – including spring onions, pak choi, turnips, broccoli and broad beans – as part of the Dig For The Future project, which aims to get them learning more about organic vegetables.

In the next few weeks, project sponsors Sodexo, which provides the school's catering, and national firm Rocket Gardens will deliver soft fruit bushes, canes and plants in the next stage of the scheme.

The school has already cultivated the autumn/winter garden, and it was hailed a big success.

Janet Giles, the alternative learning provision manager at the academy, said: "The Dig for The Future project will greatly increase the chances of our students growing and eating their own produce."

And the grow-your-own fun doesn't stop there for pupils. After Easter, a spring/summer garden will be planted, producing crops of lettuce, spinach, carrots, leeks, tomatoes, runner and green beans, courgettes, cabbages and potatoes.

The project is the brainchild of Rocket Gardens, which promotes a "muddy boots" approach to learning.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "With a simple and structured approach, children can become involved on all levels from planning, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting and cooking.

"You can use grow bags, flower pots, borders, window boxes, raised beds or even your sports field. A 10 to 20 square metre area is wonderful – but not necessary.

"In a partnership with the charity Christian Aid, we did a vegetable garden using old coke cans to show how communities can provide food with limited space and very limited water!

"Success completely depends on each school and how they will look after the plants. The most important thing to remember for everyone thinking of doing this is that this sort of thing is not rocket science – so long as you label your plants, all they need is soil, water, food and some care."

ARE you looking to scale a new challenge during 2013?

If you've always wanted to learn how to hit all the right notes, then group singing lessons in Grimsby and Louth could provide the perfect new year hobby for you.

You Can Sing Vocal Academy, run by professional performer and singing teacher Angela Pearson, was founded in August 2010.

The Glee-style classes launched in Grimsby and then extended to Louth last year.

Angela, who lives in Tetney, said: "The idea behind the classes is to bring together experienced performers and those who have never sung before. All of the songs we perform are done as a group and then if people want to sing a solo they can. We start every session with a vocal warm-up and then rehearse songs and simple dance routines for our next show."

Both the Louth and Grimsby groups, which start back next week, will be working towards a show called Ticket To The Movies.

The performances will take place on April 13 at Louth's Riverhead Theatre and on June 1 at Grimsby Central Hall.

Angela added: "We try to stage three or four shows each year and cover a wide variety of songs. We're always on the lookout for new members."

You Can Sing classes in Louth take place on Monday evenings at St Michael's and All Angels Church. Kids attend from 5pm to 6pm and adults from 6pm to 7pm.

Grimsby classes are held at Old Clee Church Hall on Tuesdays, from 7pm to 8pm for kids and from 8pm to 9pm for adults. Dance classes for adults also take place from 7pm to 8pm. Admission costs £3.50 for singing sessions and £2 for dance.

For more information, call Angela on 07960 582207 or e-mail angela_pearson@hotmail.co.uk

Entertainment news – page 29.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help plant almost 20,000 trees in North East Lincolnshire to mark last year's historic Diamond Jubilee.

Over the coming months, three sites in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham will begin their transformation into woodlands as part of the Woodland Trust's countrywide Jubilee Woods project.

A number of community tree- planting days will encourage residents to play their part in creating more than 25 hectares of new woodland in the borough.

The events will take place on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm at:

The Saltings, in Westward Ho, Grimsby, on January 19 and January, 26.

Coomb Briggs, in Habrough Road, Immingham, on February 2 and February 9.

Cleethorpes Country Park on February 16 and February 23.

In total, five areas of woodland are being created in the area.

A patch in Spring Street, Immingham, has been partially planted following a number of community tree-planting days and school planting events.

The final woodland to be planted will be Freshney Park, Grimsby.

Councillor Mick Burnett, portfolio holder for tourism and culture and deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "Everyone is welcome to be an amateur gardener for the day and take part in creating an area of woodland that will be a lasting tribute to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

"Planting the saplings may be a muddy job but extremely rewarding. Volunteers will be able to watch these woodlands mature over the years.

"We are looking forward to seeing everyone there; families are welcome as are community groups. You don't need to register your interest, just turn up. I guarantee each of these community events will be a fun day and a memorable one."

Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. Volunteers will need to wear suitable footwear and warm, waterproof clothing. Volunteers are asked to bring a spade if they have one.

For further information about the Woodland's Trust's project, visit jubileewoods.org.uk

A CHARITY champion who refuses to retire from a cause that has helped hundreds of people has been given a car to continue his good work.

Ron Kitching, the founder of the Grimsby And District Healthcare Charity, has raised more than £380,000 for equipment at the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital in the past 16 years.

In September, the 80-year-old decided to step down from his responsibilities, including running the organisation's shop in Freeman Street.

However, the quadruple heart bypass survivor simply can't give up entirely. He's now back raising money and overseeing the operation on a part-time basis, and to honour his dedication, Ron has once again been given a silver Fiat from Stoneacre Motor Group for charity use.

"This is the second car kindly donated to us and we are so grateful," he said.

"It really does make a lot of difference to how the charity runs every day. Without the car we wouldn't be able to get to half of the functions we attend.

"The car is also great for advertising; everywhere we go people can see our logo.

"We would like to raise £500,000 by September as part of our Big Red Heart Appeal, which is for local heart patients, and we need all the help we can get.

"We need more companies like Stoneacre to come forward and help us with donations and holding events because everything we raise goes towards lifesaving equipment for the hospital.

"Everyone at the charity is extremely grateful for the generous donation of the car because it also saves us a lot of money that can now be used to help save lives."

Stoneacre's regional manager, Russ Sorsby, said: "Stoneacre is a family-owned business for local people and that is why we are helping.

"Our staff and customers are all from the area and that is why it is so important for us to support a charity that really helps.

"Ron does such a great job but needed help with transport. He constantly attends functions and charity events as well as the shop and also the stall which is based at Grimsby's hospital."

Get involved

If you wish to get involved in the Grimsby And District Healthcare Charity, call 01472 372236 or e-mail dan.russell@gsmg.co.uk

WE'VE seen it happen so many times before, it's almost predictable.

Grimsby Town go on a good run, attract a bumper crowd and then fail to deliver.

The extra 3,000 who flocked to the Lincoln derby to take their first look at the table-topping Mariners will think twice about returning.

After shelling out their £16-£18 quid and expecting a good time they'd be wondering what all the hype was about, so poor was the performance.

What a missed opportunity for the club. What a shame, because this was not the Town side that had risen to the Conference summit with a string of impressive, thrilling displays.

What went wrong? Credit Lincoln. Despite having played an extra game they still looked fresher. They went for it, seemed to want it more and should have won comfortably.

You can blame this mystery, below-par display on the departure of two influential loanees (a third, equally crucial to the team's success, goes after tomorrow's game). You can say that strange results happen, look at Chelsea.

But it was only Grimsby's resilience; the woodwork and poor officiating that gained them a point.

Regular fans may feel a little uneasy at how Town were so easily subdued and wonder if they can make up for the loss of three key players.

The Mariners will never have a better chance to escape from this league. It's critical that no stone is left unturned in the quest for promotion.

There should be no regrets at the end of this season.

The recent news that Scartho Baths is to close has touched hearts across the borough, but none more so than two dedicated women who have spent many years working at the pool. In an exclusive interview Katie Blackburn dived into these ladies memories to seek out their background and hear their thoughts on the current situation. We also trawled through the Telegraph's picture archive for some magic moments at the pool.

BY THE time many reach their 70s, the thought of still working is unimaginable – unless you are like Evelyn Broadbent who, at the age of 73, has no intentions of giving up the career she has committed her life to.

The proud team member of Scartho Baths jokes about being part of the furniture after applying for her job when the venue first opened in December 1962.

Fifty years on and Evelyn has no thoughts of throwing in the towel just yet, as staff and customers are like her extended family.

However, the pool does not only remind her of a long-standing career, it also has personal memories, too.

Evelyn explained: "I was a lifeguard at first for 27 years and loved every minute of it.

"What made it even better was meeting the love of my life on the pool side.

"My late husband Ken was also a lifeguard and romance blossomed over time.

"He was part of the diving team at the pool and I have some lovely photos of him to look back on.

"We were married for 43 years before he died about 11 years ago from a heart attack.

"We had a son, Craig, and at just three months old I took him for the first time to Scartho Baths.

"I would carry him on the number six bus in a sling across my body.

"Now I enjoy watching my two grandchildren come and use the pool."

During her dedicated service at the baths, Evelyn has worked in the fitness studio, laundry room, as a swimming instructor and now runs diving lessons.

However, as time moved on, it brought changes.

"When I first started working here, swimming was all about progressing. Now it is all tailored towards competing and diving for that next badge or award," she said.

"Health and safety rules were a lot less restrictive 30 years ago, now you have to be very careful.

"The pool used to organise an annual pantomime aqua show to mark the end of each year, but that stopped a while ago.

"It is not at all like it was 20 years ago.

"I think the industry is all about making money now, but I suppose it is the same with every business."

Evelyn has many highlights of working at the pool, but her least favourite moment has to be the latest news that the pool on Scartho Road will close and a new £8.4 million leisure centre built in Cromwell Road, Grimsby.

She said: "The best part about working here so long is that I have seen generations of families come through the doors.

"Grandmas will come up to me and tell me that I taught them to swim – it does make you feel old but it's a nice feeling as well.

"Hearing that the pool is to close is very upsetting, particularly for me with my personal memories attached.

"It is in a perfect location here, central to a lot of people. I think the other one will lose the loyal customers this one has.

"It is the end of an era, but I have no plans to give up working yet."

Meanwhile, the pool is a second home for a mother and son who between them have devoted 47 years to it.

Sandra Shotton, of Cleethorpes, has been a swimming instructor at the venue for the past 25 years – alongside her son Kevin, who has been a lifeguard for 22 years.

The mum-of-two classes her job as a passion and not something she sees as work.

However, it has not always been this way as 30 years ago Sandra could not swim even a width of the pool.

She said: "I decided to take my two children to swimming lessons at Scartho Baths before they were ten – they are now in their 30s.

"Seeing them have fun and enjoying the sport inspired me to get into the pool.

"I began having lessons and soon enough I was progressing and have never looked back. I love being able to share my enthusiasm for swimming with others and helping children to learn."

Sandra believes her job is rewarding and thanks management for allowing her to pursue what she loves the most.

She is deeply saddened that Scartho Baths is to close and believes a historical facility in Grimsby will be lost.

She said: "It is sad that it has had to come down to closing the venue, which is used by so many people.

"Generations of families have used the pool over the years and we have various clubs and activities that go on here.

"For my son and I, Scartho Baths is a second home, we have close friends and regular customers to chat to.

"For those like Evelyn and me, the new venue will not be the same. We have too many personal memories attached to Scartho Baths."

General manager Craig Henton said: "These ladies are inspirational and really highlight what being a committed team member is all about.

"Not only have they taught old school-style swimming, but they have also been able to adapt to modern ways, too.

"Staff at Scartho Baths recently celebrated the venue's 50th anniversary, together with staff at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre who raised a glass to their venue's 30th year.

"With dedicated staff like Evelyn and Sandra, they make customers feel welcome and wanting to come back again."

AN INDEPENDENT stationers has invested £30,000 to move into the world of retail, creating three to five jobs.

Office Friends will be opening a retail section at its premises on King Edward Street, Grimsby, on Saturday, January 26 – on the back of nationwide chain Staples announcing the closure of its Grimsby store.

The independently owned business plans to have two staff in the shop at any time, and directors Rob Mearns and Helen Horder plan to approach Staples staff to tell them about the opportunity.

The business has spent £30,000 on converting the downstairs showroom, something they wouldn't have done in this economic climate but for Staples' demise.

Mrs Horder said: "We have always thought there was not much competition for the retail market but it was the closure of Staples that convinced us to invest in expansion.

"There is always opportunity for businesses if you are willing to take the risk and have a punt but we wouldn't have done so without the closure.

"There is money to be made because we can offer the same products and service but do not have the overheads of Staples, which had such a huge building."

And if the retail side is successful, the company has space to expand the unit into their warehouse next door.

"We are testing the water here but we have already considered how we will build the retail side if it is successful," said fellow director Mr Mearns.

Mr Mearns and Mrs Horder formed Office Friends after their employers B and E Office Equipment, on Spencer Street, went into administration nine years ago – and they bought it.

Five years ago, they also acquired Rapid Office Equipment on King Edward Street, effectively merging the two and moving their operations into the new premises.

However, selling stationery to businesses and running a retail outlet is surprisingly different so the company has employed consultants to help them make the transition.

Mr Mearns said: "We will have two people in the unit at all times as people won't want to wait and when you deal with businesses, you spend a long time with one person as they are often making large orders – or it is done over the phone from a catalogue.

"We've also learned a lot about what to stock as the items that we sell the most of with our current business aren't necessarily what people would want to pick up from a retail outlet."

Mr Mearns added that the vacancies will be open to anyone. For more information, phone Office Friend on 01472 341493.

MERIDIAN Point will say 'hasta la vista baby' to its movie-themed diner but 'buongiorno' to a brand new Italian restaurant.

Movie-themed American grill the Director's Cut ceased trading on December 23 – less than a year after it opened in March – following a £140,000 investment from businessman Alan Milburn , who also owns La Vive gym and Magic Castle on the same block.

It will reopen as Elmo's Italian Restaurant on Saturday, January 12.

The eatery will serve Mediterranean food such as pasta and pizzas – and workmen are already bringing about a transformation inside the building.

It is not clear who is behind the new restaurant and Mr Milburn was not available for comment.

Director's Cut was part of a huge investment of up to £250,000 which included a £60,000 to £70,000 refurbishment of what used to be Play Towers, which he renamed the Magic Castle when it reopened in January last year, as reported.

The Magic Castle, which is thought to have one of the largest climbing frames in Europe, proved a great success and Mr Milburn went along with plans to open the Director's Cut. As reported, the restaurant opened on March 14 – which created 35 jobs – with a Hollywood-style ceremony including red carpets and staff bursting into song.

Mr Milburn promised to use local suppliers and said customers would be able to book their movie tickets on iPads from their tables.

Classic movies played on 60-inch TV screens, the walls were adorned with famous faces of film stars old and new and the name of every dish on the menu had a Hollywood twist.

In September, new manager Mark Broadley took over and the restaurant produced a slightly smaller menu with simpler names – although still made with locally-sourced produce and meat.

Mr Broadley also introduced a challenge to customers – to eat six two-ounce burgers and a super-size portion of fries in less than half an hour, which proved popular.

The restaurant also held a special Halloween fundraiser for St Andrew's Hospice.

Keep checking your Telegraph for updates.

GRIMSBY Town are already more than a halfway through their Blue Square Bet Premier campaign – and what a fantastic five months it's been.

Since the season began all the way back on August 11, Mariners fans have been treated to some great entertainment.

Not only have they seen their side hit top spot, but they've also witnessed some fantastic goals – both home and away.

New Years Day's 1-1 draw with Lincoln featured yet another spectacular strike when centre half Ian Miller produced a fine volley worthy of a seasoned striker to hand the Mariners what could yet prove to be a priceless point.

Earlier in the season, we held the first instalment of our 'Goal of the Season... So Far' poll, with Ross Hannah coming out on top for his fine strike against Gateshead.

Since then, there have been a further 31 goals to celebrate, and here, Football Writer Matt Dannatt and Deputy Sports Editor Lee Jones have whittled those down to their top eight.

Below, they've given our thoughts on each goal – but we all know that it's your opinion that really matters.

So send in your vote for your favourite before 1pm on Wednesday and we'll let you know the most popular choice in the Telegraph next week.

You can vote for your favourite Mariners goal in the poll on the right-hand side of this page.

ALFRETON TOWN 0 GRIMSBY TOWN 2

Tuesday, October 9

A drab first half at the Impact Arena was brought to life when winger Scott Neilson broke the deadlock with a stunning strike.

Joe Colbeck cut the ball back to the edge of the box and the on-loan wideman planted a magnificent finish into the top left corner.

Lee Jones: "It was a rare moment of quality, but well worth the 90-minute drive to Derbyshire – and sent Town on the way to a vital three points in their title pursuit."

GRIMSBY TOWN 2 KIDDERMINSTER 4

Saturday, October 20

With the Mariners 3-0 down in the FA Cup after less than 20 minutes, they needed a moment of inspiration.

Tenacious midfielder Derek Niven was, perhaps, the unlikely man to step forward, hammering a right-foot drive home from 20 yards out.

Lee Jones: "Niven isn't known for his shooting ability, but proved he can strike a ball with the best of them with this rip-snorter."

GRIMSBY TOWN 5 WOKING 1

Saturday, November 10

Craig Disley set the Mariners on the way to victory when Andy Cook's reverse pass beat Woking's high line and sent the skipper through.

He took the chance early and side-footed past the goalkeeper, before celebrating with the Town bench.

Matt Dannatt: "Disley could have taken the ball on, but instead caught the keeper out by taking the shot early, and brilliantly shaped the ball into the bottom corner."

GRIMSBY TOWN 5 WOKING 1

Saturday, November 10

Full-back Sam Hatton had already scored one free-kick in the game against Woking but, if that was good, his second was even better.

With a short run up, Hatton struck an unstoppable drive that rocketed into the top right-hand corner, giving the keeper no chance.

Matt Dannatt says: "It was a strike to grace any level of football, let alone the Conference – an absolutely superb free-kick."

EBBSFLEET UNITED 1 GRIMSBY TOWN 1

Saturday, December 1

This clash was less than three minutes old when Ross Hannah set Marcus Marshall free down the left, allowing him to cut inside and curl a right-footer into the far corner.

Home keeper Preston Edwards got a touch on it, but the shot was in all the way and the Town fans behind that goal knew it.

Lee Jones: "This goal epitomises Marshall's rising confidence levels since joining the Mariners."

GRIMSBY TOWN 1 WREXHAM 0

Friday, December 21

Ross Hannah finished off a fine Mariners move to hand them what could prove to be three crucial points.

When Craig Disley found the advancing Aswad Thomas with a cross-field ball, the full-back's superb first-touch saw him to burst past his marker. The defender flashed in a superb cross to find Hannah, who had timed his far post run superbly to tap home.

Matt Dannatt says: "Thomas' work on the left flank was superb. His cross was perfect, allowing Hannah to do what he does best."

GRIMSBY TOWN 4 LINCOLN CITY 1

Wednesday, December 26

After Lincoln had scored to get back into the derby, the next goal was always going to be crucial.

Joe Colbeck nodded a cross back to Andy Cook, but the young frontman's header rebounded off the bar and it looked as though the chance had gone.

However, the ball dropped back to Disley, whose scissor-kick crashed in off the bar.

Matt Dannatt says: "It was a superb, acrobatic effort from the skipper that the Lincoln keeper could do nothing about."

GRIMSBY TOWN 1 LINCOLN CITY 1

Tuesday, January 1

The Mariners might have been below their best when Lincoln visited, but there was no questioning the quality of Ian Miller's equaliser.

Joe Colbeck whipped in a free-kick from the left and, after it was touched on, Miller nailed a first-time volley to silence the Imps.

Lee Jones: "Any striker would have been pleased with Miller's shot."

A CLEETHORPES clearance firm has lost its appeal against a conviction for fly-tipping.

As revealed in the Grimsby Telegraph last June, Marshall's Removals And Clearances was ordered to pay £6,000 by Skegness Magistrates Court after being found guilty of illegally dumping a whole kitchen at the side of a road in Alford.

Following the verdict, owner of the Fuller Street firm Andrew Marshall maintained his innocence.

However, the conviction and £3,000 fine has now been upheld by Lincoln Crown Court following an appeal.

Although the judge did not increase the fine imposed on the company, he increased the costs Mr Marshall will have to pay from £3,075.42 to £5,748.

Now Mr Marshall, who was taken to hospital with a suspected heart attack shortly after the hearing, intends to go to the Court Of Appeal in a bid to clear his name.

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph from the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, where he was last night waiting to see a cardiologist, Mr Marshall said: "I am very disappointed that the judge has not upheld our appeal.

"I was very optimistic given that the key witness had changed his story and I thought that would have created sufficient doubt in the judge's mind.

"We are seeking legal advice and we are going to the Court Of Appeal to try to clear our name."

The case was brought against Mr Marshall and his firm by East Lindsey District Council after a witness spotted the kitchen units and even an integral cooker being dumped in Well, near Alford, on July 10, 2011.

Following the guilty verdict in June last year, Mr Marshall was fined £1,000, and the firm, which faced a separate charge, was fined £2,000.

The court also ordered him to personally pay £1,500 in costs to ELDC and the company to pay a further £1,575.42.

A petition and Facebook campaign were launched in support of Mr Marshall by satisfied customers, but their efforts were to no avail.

Mr Marshall said that the company would continue to operate as normal, albeit with his wife Faye at the helm while he recovered in hospital.

In a statement posted on the company's Facebook page, she thanked customers for their messages of support and said: "We are going to consider what to do next, but at this time I am more interested in getting my husband back home and well again.

"We haven't finished fighting just yet but Andy is my main priority."

Councillor Tony Bridges, portfolio holder for the environment at ELDC, said: "Fly-tipping is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in East Lindsey. We will take action against anyone caught fly-tipping and the outcome of this case sends a strong message to those who do fly-tip that if caught it'll be costly."

Enforcement officer at the council Kristina West said: "Anyone with information on fly-tipping should contact the council so we can bring those responsible to justice. East Lindsey is a beautiful District and no one should be allowed to spoil that."

POLICE in North East Lincolnshire have issued the area's first Drink Banning Order.

Andrew Brennan, 27, pictured, is banned from entering any pub, club or bar in the Cleethorpes High Street area between 8pm and 4am.

He must also leave any licensed premises in North East Lincolnshire when asked to.

The order, known as a DBO, is in place for nine months and was imposed by magistrates after Brennan was found guilty of assaulting a police officer and a public order offence.

Today, Humberside Police has reiterated its commitment to keeping people safe at night – and this DBO is expected to be the first of more being issued to deal with troublemakers.

Brennan, of Edward Street, in Grimsby, was arrested in November. At court, he was also handed a community order and £85 costs, was ordered to pay £100 in compensation and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

The DBO does allow him to use licensed restaurants within the Cleethorpes High Street area, but if he breaks any terms of the order, he will be arrested.

Inspector Neil Pattison, of Humberside Police, said: "We continue to work hard with our partner agencies to ensure that the night time economy in both Grimsby and Cleethorpes, is one that is trouble free for both those who frequent it and those who work to keep it safe.

"The first DBO to be issued in North East Lincolnshire is a real step in the right direction for the police, local authority, the licensees and the door staff who work in the area.

"It shows those people, who are in the minority, that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and that those people will now be subject to a banning order which prevents them from spoiling a night out for other people.

"I would like to again remind people that we do take offences related to drink and drugs very seriously in North East Lincolnshire and if you are intent on causing issues in and around the pubs in Grimsby and Cleethorpes you will be dealt with accordingly."

DBOs were first made available to the police and courts in August 2009, and are similar to Antisocial Behaviour Orders.

They are civil orders, and are used to address an individual's alcohol misuse behaviour, and to protect others and their property from such behaviour by imposing any prohibition which is necessary.