FOR some it meant sledges, snowmen and winter walks in the park – for others it was "snow" joke as the winter weather caused chaos on the roads.

Heavy snowfall started at lunchtime yesterday, as predicted by the Met Office, which had issued an amber warning for the area.

It caused huge build-ups of traffic on roads leading out of Grimsby in the late afternoon, with traffic over the Cleethorpe Road flyover reaching standstill at about 4.30pm as a lorry, unable to climb the incline, blocked one lane and a car the other.

An AA van was also struggling to make its way over, and other routes out of town – including Peaks Parkway and Bargate were also slow moving.

Drivers reportedly abandoned their cars on steep hills on the Lincolnshire Wolds and train services were disrupted between Lincoln and Grimsby stations.

There were problems between Grimsby and Lincoln after a track circuit failure at about 11.30am, and travellers were forced to use a replacement bus service.

School buses arrived at Caistor Yarborough Academy 45 minutes early in an attempt to get the pupils home before conditions worsened, and gritters were out in force across the whole area.

Jason Longhurst, head of development at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "The crews are continuing to treat the networks and are also ensuring that the secondary routes receive treatment prior to the arrival of the snow.

"We urge everyone to drive sensibly and to ensure that checks are made to ensure that vulnerable and elderly neighbours have everything that they need."

Lincolnshire Police warned people not to travel where possible, and East Midlands Ambulance Service also issued advice, as it usually receives more calls in such conditions.

Dr James Gray, EMAS' medical director, said: "The cold has an adverse affect on many long-term conditions and strenuous activities such as shovelling snow in freezing temperatures can increase the risk of heart attack for those who are already vulnerable.

"Keeping warm is key to keeping well. It's especially important that elderly people heat their homes and have hot meals as they're more vulnerable to the effects of the cold.

"Slips and trips on ice and snow, as well as road traffic accidents due to driving without due care in freezing conditions, account for a large number of calls during winter so be extra careful and not take risks.

"People can make a real difference to elderly neighbours by checking that they're well this winter and offering to help with shopping if it's hard for them to get outside."

But it wasn't all bad news – mum Alison Rodgers was having a great time with her son and daughter.

Alison, 41, of Nelson Way, Grimsby, said: "They have been waiting for the snow to come all winter and they absolutely love it – I love watching them play."

For information on North East Lincolnshire Council services, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk and click on the "winter weather" link.

POLICE executed two drugs warrants in Immingham this morning.
A 33-year-old woman was arrested at an address in Alden Close.
Police seized a quantity of what are believed to be Class A and Class B drugs from the address. The woman remains in custody at Grimsby Police Station.
A warrant was also executed at an address on Margaret Street, but no drugs were located and no arrests were made.
Anyone who may have information they wish to report to police can do so by calling 101.

A GRITTY performance helped Market Rasen & Louth RUFC to emerge from their own Battle of Bosworth with a long-awaited victory.

After 11 defeats on the bounce, the Red and Greens finally tasted that winning feeling by beating Market Bosworth 1sts, 13-6.

Rasen took to the field on a chilly afternoon with veteran forwards Dean Hutchinson and Dave Mawer among their ranks.

Their inclusion brought a wealth of experience that was to prove invaluable in a victory founded on stoic defending.

Market Bosworth made a bright start to and soon had Rasen deep in their own twenty-two.

After five minutes, the visitors looked to have prised open their opponents' defence as flanker Josh Devlin crossed the line to dot down under the posts – but an earlier infringement for crossing ruled out the score.

The Bosworth boys continued to maintain the pressure and were soon rewarded with a sequence of penalties in quick succession.

However, resolute defence kept them at bay and, after 20 minutes, Rasen had hardly ventured out of their own half.

That all changed as number eight Hutchinson rolled back the years and powered his way into Bosworth's territory with a devastating run.

The ball was then worked back and fly-half Jake Goodison, standing mid-way between halfway and the visiting twenty-two, launched a superb drop-goal that sailed between the uprights to give Rasen the lead.

Bouyed by that score, the Red and Greens tore into their opponents again and were soon back within sight of the Bosworth line, courtesy of a 'touch-kicked' penalty.

The throw didn't go to plan as the intended jumper was missed, but Rasen still retained possession and began their push for the line.

A series of drives took the play infield as the forwards moved towards the line before scrum-half Jack Noquet, inset, spied an opening and sniped over.

Hooker Tom Alldridge strode up to take the kick and bisected the posts with precision to increase Rasen's lead.

Market Bosworth restored some calm with a 33rd minute penalty from Harding to open their account for the afternoon.

The half finished with Rasen soaking up pressure, but still retaining their 10-3 advantage.

It was 21 minutes after the restart before Harding scored with a penalty to push Bosworth three points closer, but Alldridge cancelled this out three minutes later with his second successful kick of the game.

Despite a high penalty count, Rasen withstood everything that was thrown at them.

However, with five minutes remaining, all their good work was put at risk when a home scrum put-in was converted into a Bosworth penalty. The visitors opted for the touch kick, but Rasen continued to defend well from the line-out and drove Bosworth back, forcing them to concede a scrum from a knock-on.

Rasen finished with a flourish as centre Adam Dearden made a break that took Rasen deep into Bosworth territory.

The pack continued to drive the ball up the pitch. They were only thwarted when Market Bosworth conceded a penalty, and, with time up, Rasen were delighted to secure a long-awaited win.

On Saturday, Rasen have another re-arranged home fixture, this time against Spalding, as they look to continue their upturn in fortunes.

With Louth Town in the frame for promotion, boss Daryl Clare reflects on his first campaign in the Park Avenue dugout so far.

Q In your first season as manager, Louth Town have been mixing it up at the higher end of the Northern Counties East League Division One. How happy are you with the team's progress?

A We've had a relatively successful season so far. We're chasing the leaders. There's no real pressure on us to get promotion this season – that's more of a dream than a 'must'. We've got a few of the top teams this month so we'll be have a better idea at the end of it as to whether we've realistically got a chance or not.

QThis is your first managerial position. How has it been, moving into the dugout?

A Football management is 24/7, whatever level you're playing at. It's a glorified baby-sitting job really. I've been baby-sitting 30 men and trying to keep them all happy, and work them all out. It's enjoyable but pretty full-on!

Q Which areas of Louth's game do you feel you need to improve going forward, and what parts of the team have impressed you so far this season?

A Attacking-wise, we have been scoring quite a few – but we've also been conceding too. We need to defend better as a team, and as a unit. Apart from Matt Kennedy, who is scoring all our goals, the underlying togetherness and team spirit has probably won us a few plaudits along the way, and has certainly won us a few points.

Q It's still fairly tight at the top of the table. Do you feel it's a fairly open battle for promotion?

A Definitely. There are six or seven teams that are probably capable of achieving promotion. We class ourselves as one of those sides. But we've got to make sure no-one starts to run away with it. We need to put a winning run together as soon as possible. It's been tough over Christmas – we had four postponements and that disrupted our form. Now we're looking to get back on it and string a few wins together.

QNewly-promoted Cleethorpes Town are up there challenging as well. Do you agree that adds a bit of local spice at the top of the table?

A Yes it does. But credit to both clubs – I think we've forged a good relationship. They are having a fantastic run and are probably one of the best in-form sides – we'll be trying to hang on to their tails.

QYou've made a couple of appearances for Louth yourself this season, scoring two goals (a penalty in a 3-2 defeat at Knaresborough, and an 88th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Teversal). Have you enjoyed lacing up your boots and getting out there again?

A They were unintentional appearances! I did say when I took the job that I didn't want to play. But we've had circumstances where we've been struggling with player availability, so I've had to step in. It's been interesting! There's a little bit of rust but nothing I've been used to dealing with in the pro game. It's a little bit no-holds barred at this level, though, I have to say!

WHEN it comes to firing clubs to promotion into the Football League, few are as experienced as former Grimsby Town striker Daryl Clare.

And the 34-year-old is backing the Mariners to strike it rich by bagging Blue Square Bet Premier title glory this year.

Clare, twice a Conference Golden Boot winner, helped two clubs net the league's automatic promotion spot after leaving Blundell Park.

The former Town Supporters' Young Player of the Year, who came through the club's Youth ranks, was part of the Alan Buckley-led side that won promotion to Division One and lifted the Auto Windscreens Shield in 1997/98.

Town have the chance to replicate that promotion and cup-winning double this season.

Now taking his first steps on the managerial ladder with Louth Town, Clare is full of praise for the work of Town joint bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst.

He said: "Town have been fabulous and are doing really well this season.

"The management duo in charge have been successful wherever they've been so I'm not surprised that they are doing such a good job at Blundell Park.

"It has been sad to see the club stagnate and slip down the leagues in recent years. Grimsby is a passionate footballing town.

"It's well-publicised that the Conference is a terrible league to get out of. There's only one promotion place on offer and so many former Football League teams are down there.

"But things are looking good – I think it could be their year."

Clare, a Town Youth graduate who made 100 first-team appearances for the club, scored 24 league goals to fire Boston United to the Conference title in 2001/02.

The Jersey-born forward netted 29 goals as Chester City bagged top spot two seasons later.

And in light of Town's recent capture of strikers Ross Hannah and Richard Brodie, Clare is upbeat about the club's firepower.

He said: "Liam Hearn (who scored 27 league goals last season) is a top-quality striker and it was a massive blow to lose him to injury so early in the season. But the other strikers have stepped up to the mark and have been scoring.

"It's exciting times for a footballer to be involved in a promotion push. There's certainly goals in the team – hopefully enough to see the club promoted."

Although Clare tasted success in the play-offs with the Mariners in 1998, he experienced disappointment ten years later during his time at Burton Albion in the Conference.

He said: "The form book goes out the window in the play-offs.

"It's often down to which team turns up with the better mentality on the day. The play-offs are not the ideal route to secure promotion, but they are certainly exciting to be involved in.

"Grimsby are well-placed to avoid that drama. Let's hope they get the automatic promotion their good form deserves."

THE Gas Man racked up a victory slam to move top of the Express Appliances Intermediate Snooker League.

With long-time leaders Icing Cabin being held to a draw by in-form Birds Eye, The Gas Man took full advantage as they pummelled Carr Lane Social A and achieved the 6-0 whitewash they needed to climb to the Section A summit.

Scott Templeman and Rick Gilliatt got them off to a perfect start at Carr Lane, before Ashley Wright (pictured below) with a break of 46, and Kev North repeated the trick to make it 4-0.

There was no letting up as Scott Long and Dan Mumby also won 2-0 to secure the slam.

Icing Cabin looked on track at the Cromwell Club when they opened up a 2-0 lead against Birds Eye, through Jamie Barrett and Lewis Singleton on one table, and Tony Aisthorpe and Scott Gibbons on the other.

But Birds Eye drew level with comfortable wins as Gary Avison, Gary Camburn, Chris Madsen and Tony Ward took the honours.

Paul Leggett and Tony Jagger won the next frame to give Birds Eye the lead, but Cabin veteran captain Steve Singleton took the last frame, alongside John Parker, to salvage a draw.

Ray Edmonds B drew level with Hainton B after beating them 4-2 – Alan Edmonds and Tony Miller's 2-0 was the difference between the teams.

Jase Reynolds and Tom Leeley put Clee Cons A 2-0 up at home to Webbonet and, after the next two frames were shared, Dave Webster and Ken Payne bagged a double of their own to make it 3-3.

In the Edmonds derby, it was a bragging time for the A team as they took out the S team, 4-2, courtesy of a 2-0 from Paul Clark and Andy Aisthorpe.

On the next table, Locate Supplies kept their title challenge well and truly alive as they beat Clee Home Guard 5-1. Mark Franks, Wayne Webber, Ian Crosby and Steve Fisher were the 2-0 winners.

West End B enjoyed a rare win as they travelled to Westlands D and triumphed 4-2.

In Section B, Cambridge F continued their relentless march to promotion and they picked up another win at the expense of No Idea.

But they were made to work for the spoils – an opening 2-0 from John and Keith Phillipson proved decisive in a 4-2 win.

Ray Edmonds D jumped to second spot as they hammered Express Appliances 5-1.

Westlands C had a great trip to Carr Lane Social B. After Dave Rudrum and Bill Maudsen shared with Pete McIntyre and Roger Lockwood, it was one-way traffic as Rob Wraith, Googie Withers, Tommy Watson and Pete Wraith went on to complete a 5-1 triumph.

At the Cambridge Club, a 2-0 from Dave Bartlett and Ray Hammond was cancelled out by a 2-0 from the Graduates star pairing of Terry Robinson and Dave Richardson. George Bartlett and Yan de Gruchy then won their frames giving Hainton a 4-2 win.

Terry Anglin and Peter Needham put West End C 2-0 up against Clee Bowls Juniors after an uncharacteristic slip by Steve Neul. Frank Brookes and Bill Smith kept up the momentum as West End went into a 4-0 lead. Lee Neul and Tony Eglin then saved the day for the Juniors as they won 2-0.

It was a frame-all-round as West End D drew with Westlands Heating.

Results

Section A: Locate Supplies 5 Clee Home Guard 1; Hainton B 2 Ray Edmonds B 4; Westlands D 2 West End B 4; The Gas Man 6 Carr Lane Social A 0; Clee Cons A 3 Webbonet 3; Icing Cabin 3 Birds Eye 3; Ray Edmonds S 2 Ray Edmonds A 4.

Section B: No Idea 2 Cambridge F 4; Carr Lane Social B 1 Westlands C 5; West End D 3 Westlands Heating 3; West End C 2 Clee Bowls Juniors 4; Cambridge Graduates 2 Hainton A 4; Ray Edmonds D 5 Express Appliances 1; bye – Grimsby Police B.

BREAKS

Ashley Wright 46 20; Mark Franks 35 23; Rob Baker 30; Paul Clark 29; Lee Blanchard 29 24; Paul Smith 26; Nige Emmerson 24 20; Rick Gilliatt 23; Steve Fisher 22; Phil Marshall 22; Dave Colley 22; Jase Reynolds 22; Ian Crosby 21; Nathan Clook 21; Jamie Richardson 20; Scott Long 20.

More supermarkets cleared their burger shelves yesterday following the horse meat scandal. Asda and Co-op took the "precautionary measure" because they use the same supplier. The Food Standards Agency has launched an investigation after it emerged that supermarkets, such as Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, Aldi and Iceland are selling burgers containing horse meat. In one sample of a Tesco Everyday Value beefburgers, 29 per cent of the "beef" content was actually horse meat. The products were produced by Liffey Meats and Silvercrest Foods, in Ireland, and one UK plant, Dalepak Hambleton. European suppliers are suspected to be the source. Richard York asked local shoppers what they thought

Mrs Fawcett, of Grimsby, said: "It's disgusting. I know it's probably hygienic, but we are English and we don't eat horse. I don't eat burgers, but people buy them for their children, they just don't know what's in them. You trust the larger stores, but now you just don't know."

Linda Haynes, of Scartho, said: "It's not good. But what you don't know doesn't hurt you. It's not very often I buy burgers but I don't like the idea of it. It would definitely make me more cautious when buying meat. It could be a way for the companies to save money as the horse meat is cheaper."

Former lorry driver, Allan Ferguson, of Grimsby, said: "It's a bit disgusting. Would you want to eat a dog chopped up in a burger? I've recently stopped buying burgers, but if I hadn't I certainly would have now. If something like this can slip by what's next? If it's not on the ingredients it shouldn't be in there. Horse meat is cheaper than beef so it could be used to save money."

Parent, Julie Clark, of North Somercotes, said: "I'm very concerned. You never expect to find horse meat in beef burgers. I do buy burgers for my son but I buy the better quality ones, I hope they are less likely to be affected by this. It's not changed my mind about shopping at these stores."

Pete Doyle, of Corporation Road, Grimsby said: "I don't buy burgers, but when it says it's beef it should be beef. I don't have a problem with horse meat, it's not a health hazard – at the end of the day there's nothing wrong with it. It's just a money saving scheme."

Susan Crow, of Scartho said: "It's very concerning. The mind boggles how this could happen. If they put in horse meat it makes you wonder what else are they putting in the meat. It's the suppliers, not the stores."

Mrs McNaughton, of Corporation Road, Grimsby said: "It's disgusting. It's not the shops' fault though, they put the order in and trust what the factories are giving them."

A HARD-fought bonus losing point was Cleethorpes' only reward from their emotionally-charged display in a 13-6 defeat at Ashfield.

Before kick-off, a minute's silence was held in memory of Lynne Dring, the wife of club coach Chris, who was tragically killed in an accident on Hewitts Circus in Cleethorpes last week.

The Meggies started brightly and were unlucky not to get on the scoreboard in the first ten minutes.

But it was the hosts who took the lead when their inside centre skipped through a string of attempted tackles to score under the posts, with the resulting try being converted.

Clee were first on the score board after the restart, with winger Lee McGregor slotting over a penalty from out wide.

However, Ashfield responded with two quick penalties of their own to take the score to 13-3.

From a line-out in their own half, Clee set up the maul, and, powered on by scrum-half Craig Knight, pushed Ashfield back almost 50 metres.

The drive was only stopped by an infringement.

McGregor stepped up to convert the penalty and set up a frantic final ten minutes.

Ashfield missed a last-minute penalty that would have cruelly prevented Cleethorpes taking anything from the clash.

However, when the ball landed with Meggies captain Pete Southwell, he put it out of play to secure a hard-fought losing bonus point for his side.

A BOOK of poetry has been created from people's own experiences to comfort others who are grieving.

Kettles Funeral Directors' A Time To Reflect has been created by more than 20 contributors, sharing their personal stories.

Kettles administrator Denise Rudd said writers were expressing private feelings to the rest of the world.

She said: "We wanted an alternative from Gideons Bible for grievers to be comforted.

"The poetry book is more up-to-date and has a personal touch because the writers had the same emotions the grievers are feeling. They are very touching and we have some very talented people in North East Lincolnshire who have helped create this."

Poem writer Hazel Horrocks, from Cleethorpes, wrote When Time Allows and Perpetuity – inspired by her late sister Sheila Cole, who passed away five years ago from lung cancer.

Hazel said: "I was inspired from my life experiences of grieving and I want to help others going through the same process by reading my poems.

"My poems aren't religious and Perpetuity is about a life cycle.

"I have written poems for more than 20 years and I used to write them with my sister and it is the first time I have written them since she has passed away."

Marie Riley, from Grimsby, has a passion for writing poems and she hopes the book will help others.

She said: "I have penned two poems, Cry Not For Me and Missing You, and they have been written through my experience of losing my sister and father.

"My passion for writing began at Wintringham Grammar School and it is a very nice to think my poems will comfort people."

Dave and Julie Evardson, known for their folk singing, have also contributed.

Dave wrote Jimmy Lowe and Julie created That's Where I'll Be.

Julie said: "I woke up one morning with a rhythm and words and that was the beginning of the poem. It was pretty much instant.

"It's about my friend Heather, who I used to perform at folk clubs with and we sang at The Royal Oak, in Holton-le-Clay, and the Black Swan, in Victoria Street.

"It's about the nice things in life and that spirits are not in the graveyard but in a bright, open space."

PUT ON your best Forties frock or zoot suit and dancing shoes to be transported back in time.

The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire's Classic 1940s Dance is bound to be a ball, in aid of the Grimsby branch of the NSPCC and the Armed Forces Day.

There will also be some fantastic raffle prizes at the event on Saturday, February 2, including a mini cruise to Zeebrugge or Rotterdam for two people and a driver training day at Cleethorpes Light Coast Railway.

Mayor Councillor Mike Burton said: "Even in this economic climate, £10 a ticket is still affordable for a worthwhile evening.

"The NSPCC is my chosen charity; because every child should have a loving up-bringing. We hope that this event will raise as much money as possible.

"I am really looking forward to enjoying the pie and peas supper, too."

Fellow councillor and deputy leader at NELC Mick Burnett said: "I always support the mayor's charity and the NSPCC is a particularly good cause.

"It will be a time to have some fun and to enjoy 1940s-themed music and dress."

The dance will also raise funds for this year's Armed Forces Day, which will be held over one day this year instead of two.

Organiser Councillor Alex Baxter said: "We are really looking forward to the event and we hope there will be a good group of people supporting us – young and old.

"Part of the money raised will go towards the Armed Forces Day, which is planned for 29 June.

"It will be a full day of entertainment and the funds will support war veterans and their families."

The Classic 1940s Dance will take place at the TA Centre, at the Westward Ho Barracks, in Grimsby, from 7pm.

Tickets, costing £10, are available from Grimsby Town Hall, Cleethorpes Tourist Information Centre, the RAF Association and the RN Association, in Cleethorpes.

A DECISION on whether to grant planning permission for seven new homes at Mushroom Farm in Brigsley has been delayed because of concerns over flooding.

North East Lincolnshire's planning committee was due to determine the application at its meeting yesterday.

However, the decision was deferred to allow members of the panel to conduct a site visit and to seek clarification from Anglian Water about the impact the proposed development will have on the area's drainage.

It came following an ill-tempered meeting which started with committee chairman Councillor Alex Wallace, pictured, getting involved in a stand-off with residents over how many of them would be allowed to address the panel.

Councillor Wallace later suspended the meeting when residents opposed to the development kept interrupting Ross Davy, the agent speaking on behalf of the applicant Paul Mason.

As reported, planning officer Ian Trowsdale had recommended that the development be approved, saying it would help meet local housing need, was in a sustainable location and would enhance the character of the area.

However, he told the committee that the council had not received a clear response from Anglian Water as to whether the development would increase drainage problems in the area.

He said: "We have had an e-mail to say that provided surface water isn't part of the system, they don't see any difficulties. We have not had that formally in writing from Anglian Water."

Resident Darren Winfield told the meeting that the design and layout of the proposed development "bore no relationship" to its surroundings and that "not one person in the immediate area" wanted it to happen.

He also accused planning officers of being in a "rush to play the numbers game" in order to meet house-building targets.

Mr Davy told the committee that planning policy had changed since 2003, when a previous application to develop the site was rejected.

But when he said that no drainage problems had been reported to Anglian Water he was angrily accused of telling "lies" by residents, one of whom claimed his property had been flooded 22 times since 2007.

After several interruptions from the public gallery, Councillor Wallace declared: "This meeting is suspended for 15 minutes.

"You can do what you like. I'm going to go for a fag."

HELP name this future star of the dressage world and you could gallop away with some top prizes!

Amy Woodhead, 20, who represents Great Britain in young riders' dressage competitions, has imported a 17hh dark bay gelding from Holland.

The three-year-old horse has been nicknamed Steve, because his sire is called Spielberg, but is now in need of a proper name.

So Amy, who is based at Grimsby's Weelsby Park Riding School, is appealing to Grimsby Telegraph readers to help her.

She said: "His show name is DHI Dreamworks and his father is called Spielberg, so something with a movie theme could be a good idea.

"He's a very handsome horse and has a very promising future so it needs to be something fitting. I'd also prefer a one-word name."

The Dutch warmblood was hand-picked by Amy's father, Ian, an international dressage trainer.

Steve will train to replace her current dressage horse, Pardon, who is currently competing at Grand Prix level.

Amy, who joined Pony Club when she was just four and first represented the country when she was 13, added: "Fashions change in the dressage world and the current trend is for tall, elegant, leggy horses, so he should do well.

"I had hoped to start competing with Steve earlier but Pardon and I are representing Great Britain in France at the start of March so his debut will have to be delayed."

If you can think of a suitable name for Steve then you could win a tour of the stables at Weelsby Park Riding School with Amy and a free riding lesson.

Send your name suggestions, along with your name, address and contact number, to Laura Stuart-Cook, 80 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 3EH or e-mail the details to laura.stuart-cook@gsmg.co.uk with "Horse competition" in the subject bar. The closing date for entries is midnight on Friday, February 1.

Keep reading your Telegraph to discover who the winner is.

THIS blooming marvellous figurehead loves Cleethorpes!

The chairman of Cleethorpes In Bloom Bob Callison has enjoyed brightening up the resort – and that is the reason for his nomination for the Grimsby Telegraph-backed campaign Improving Cleethorpes Together.

The former publican moved to Cleethorpes 25 years ago and, with his wife Pamela, took over the Adelaide guesthouse, in Isaac's Hill.

In 1998, Cleethorpes In Bloom was founded by Bob, Jeff Blanchard, Mike Sleight and Alan Fletcher, and the annual effort has attracted dozens of accolades, including the Britain In Bloom Champion of Champions title.

Bob said: "It is so nice that someone has nominated me for this award – I am quite speechless.

"I have got such a passion for Cleethorpes and I love it.

"We have recently been working on the sustainability of roundabouts and planting trees.

"But no matter where I live I want to do my best by making it a clean, safe and beautiful environment."

Cleethorpes In Bloom began with little funding – but Bob knew it would be a success.

"We had no money, but it didn't stop us from having grand plans.

"We started out by smartening up the town hall by introducing black and gold window boxes and it took off from there.

"We soon gained support from the Grimsby Telegraph and in 2000 we entered the Yorkshire In Bloom contest and received a highly commended award."

Improving Cleethorpes Together is organised by residential action group Cleethorpes South Forward.

It aims to encourage others to spruce up Cleethorpes by rewarding and recognising those who already do.

You can nominate candidates by filling in the form printed here. Alternatively, e-mail kbrown1417@gmail.com or beryl.reessmith@btinternet.com, cleesouthforward@groups. facebook.com, or pop into Cleethorpes Library or the St Aidan's Church office.

Send completed forms to: Faye Preston, 80 Telegraph House, Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby, DN31 3EH, or to the e-mail addresses above.

"THERE are people alive today in our area who owe their lives to his skills".

The words of a Grimsby air ambulance volunteer in tribute to the pilot killed in yesterday's helicopter tragedy in London.

Captain Pete Barnes, 50, flew the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance which came to the rescue of countless patients in emergencies.

The commercial helicopter he was flying yesterday collided with a crane on St George Wharf Tower, in Vauxhall, south-west London, just before 8am and plummeted into queuing traffic, killing another person on the ground, and injuring several more.

He was the only one on board the Augusta helicopter, which exploded into flames as it hit the ground and smashed into two cars.

It was revealed Captain Barnes' helicopter had been diverted and was due to land in Battersea due to bad weather. It is thought he could not see the crane in the conditions.

Today, tributes were paid by friends at Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire air Ambulance.

Graham Dawson, the finance manager of the Trust which runs the charity, said: "Peter Barnes was a highly experienced freelance pilot who worked with many organisations, one of those organisations was Medical Aviation Services who provide the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust with our aircraft and pilots.

"Peter Barnes has flown with the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance in the past but not within the last two years."

Grimsby volunteer for the charity, Sandra Phipps, said: "It is such a tragedy. He gave several years' dedicated service.

"He will have flown on many of the 1,000 missions we fly each year and there will be people alive today in our area who owe their lives to his skills."

Captain Barnes was renowned as one of the country's foremost aviators, having flown 10,000 hours.

He served with Medical Aviation Services Ltd based at Staverton in Gloucestershire, and had flown a number of celebrities, including F1 star Lewis Hamilton.

He was born in Nottingham in 1962 and was working freelance for Rotormotion, which is based at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey, and describes itself as offering executive helicopter chartering.

Colleagues described him as having a "relaxed and charming manner" and "one of the most experienced Augusta helicopter pilots in the country."

He has also flown helicopters in TV programmes, films and adverts, including James Bond movie Die Another Day, Saving Private Ryan and Tomb Raider II.