FLOWERS have their annual moment of glory at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show but their power to heal and boost wellbeing is less well recognised. Flower essence consultant Clare G Harvey tells GABRIELLE FAGAN about remedies for a range of ailments from hayfever to stress

FLOWERS have long been a source of pleasure and happiness and thousands of enthusiasts will flock to that highlight of the gardening calendar, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week.

But even skilled horticulturists and keen amateur gardeners who admire the blooms on display may be unaware of the important role of flowers in promoting harmony in the mind, body and spirit, according to Clare G Harvey, a world authority on flower essences.

"From the sensuous rose to the humble daisy, the delicate blooms adorning gardens, fields, hedgerows, mountainsides, woodlands and jungles possess special qualities," she says. "Flowers can ease emotional distress, boost self-confidence, lift energy levels, increase resilience to all kinds of illness and even enrich our relationships."

The concept of flower remedies as potent, but gentle, healers was first discovered by ancient peoples thousands of years ago, says Harvey.

"Years ago, people lived closer to the natural world than we do today, and discovered that when they sipped dew from the petals of flowers that had been warmed by the first rays of the morning sun, it had an incredible, uplifting effect on their spirits, calming their minds and cooling their emotions."

Flower essences, she says, are significantly different from other natural remedies. Essential oils, homeopathic medicines and herbal tinctures use a physical part of the flower or plant, while essences contain only the energetic patterning or imprint of the flower – its positive life-giving energy.

A third-generation healer, Harvey was trained by her grandmother, herself taught by the renowned Dr Edward Bach, a homeopath and creator of the famous Bach remedies.

There are many ways to administer remedies; internally, on the wrists, in the bath, via creams or oils or simply sprayed into the air and aura.

The traditional way of taking essences is a few drops sipped in water or dropped under the tongue.

To avoid consuming alcohol or when treating babies and children, flower remedies are equally effective gently rubbed on to the pulse points of the skin – the inner side of the wrists, forehead, or soles of the feet.

A remedy bath can be created with a few drops of the required flower remedies added to warm water and is, says Harvey, akin to being steeped in liquid energy. Relax and soak for at least 30 minutes.

THE father of a young man who died after being knocked off his motorcycle is urging drivers to be more aware of bikers.

Student mechanic Daniel Martin, 18, died in hospital after crashing into a car in Runny- mede Way, Kingswood.

Now, his taxi driver father Adie, is handing out awareness stickers to passengers, as well as his family and friends, asking them to display them in their own cars.

Adie, who is concerned at the number of bikers being killed on East Yorkshire roads despite hard-hitting campaigns by Safer Roads Humber, said: "If it makes one person think more about bikers, it will have been worth it.

"I just want motorists to be more aware of bikers."

Since last month, Adie, 46, who has been riding motorcycles for 31 years, has given out 60 stickers that state: "Careless drivers kill bikers" above Daniel's initials.

Adie, whose daughter Claire, 22, is also an experienced rider, said: "It's no good saying afterwards, 'Sorry, mate – I didn't see you.' It's too late then.

"When I was taught to drive a car, my instructor used to tell me to constantly look out for traffic when you're sitting at a junction.

"I was told you should be looking both ways all the time, as though you're watching a game of tennis. Unfortunately, you often see motorists take a very blasé approach."

Following the July 2011 tragedy, the driver of the car that hit Daniel was arrested and interviewed.

However, she was later released unconditionally. The inquest into Daniel's death, held last May, heard he may have been travelling faster than 59mph in a 30mph zone.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded, although Adie stresses his son was a skilled, very experienced and sensible biker.

Daniel was travelling north along the road from the Asda roundabout on his Kawasaki 400cc after a day out riding with friends.

Witnesses told the inquest they heard a bike "revving high" and changing through the gears as it sped along the 30mph stretch of road, less than half a mile from Daniel's home in Halecroft Park.

The Vauxhall Corsa he crashed into pulled out of Chevening Park to turn right across his path.

It is not known why the motorist failed to spot him, but the speed of the bike was a key factor.

The motorcycle, which had been de-restricted to increase the power by almost 50 per cent, crashed into the front of the car and Daniel was seen to slide along the ground on his back before hitting the hatchback.

Summing up the inquest, David Rosenberg, deputy coroner for Hull and the East Riding, said it was not clear why the motorcyclist failed to see Daniel.

EAST YORKS: Two teenage sailors had to be towed back to the beach as darkness fell on Saturday evening.

Bridlington's Inshore lifeboat Windsor Spirit was launched just after 8pm after members of the public had heard cries for help.

The lifeboat's three-man volunteer crew went to the aid of the two boys after they were unable to make any way with their sailing dinghy due to the light winds.

Grant Walkington, inshore lifeboat helmsman, said: "They had no radio, phone or oars but, luckily, they were able to make people ashore hear them."

The dinghy was towed safely to the beach.

HULL: A play that celebrates the much-loved comedian Tommy Copper, while also exploring the pressures and loneliness of fame, is coming to the city's Hull Truck Theatre.

Tom Green's Being Tommy Cooper will be at the Ferensway theatre on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31.

The main role will be played by Damian Williams, the presenter of Damian's Are You Smarter Than Your 10 Year Old? on Sky One.

The cast also includes Morgan Deare (Rocket to the Moon – National Theatre), Halcro Johnston (Doctor Who, EastEnders) and Rebecca Thorn (The Devil's Disciple – National Theatre).

Tickets cost £15.50 or £12.50 for concessions.

Visit www.hulltruck.co.uk or call 01482 323638 for more information.

EAST YORKS: South Cave JFC Wildcats football team are celebrating having gone unbeaten in the 2012-13 season.

The under-16s team picked up four trophies along the way, winning the East Riding Girls Football Leagues Under 16s League Cup at the weekend. They beat Malet Lambert 3-2 at Bishop Burton College.

A spokesman from the team said: "Well done to the South Cave Wildcats on their fantastic achievements of this and other seasons."

The girls will be travelling to Gothenburg in Sweden in July to compete in the Youth World Cup Finals.

E YORKS: Wildlife and conservation at Tophill Low Nature Reserve is the topic of conversation at the next Hornsea Civic Society meeting.

Warden Richard Hampshire will speak tomorrow in the Town Hall in Newbegin, Hornsea, from 7.30pm.

Elizabeth Allen, press officer at the civic society, said: "The Tophill Low water extraction works on the River Hull, south of Driffield, have spawned a magnificent nature reserve."

Meetings are free to members and cost £2 for guests.

HEADTEACHERS are urging parents not to act rashly and pull their children out of schools after free transport was axed.

Schools with city-wide catchments will be the worst affected by the change in policy, which comes in from September next year.

Heads are fearful the change will see parents move their children to schools nearer their homes because of rising transport costs.

Angela Martinson, head- teacher of Newland School for Girls, which takes girls from across East Yorkshire, said: "We would say to parents, 'don't be rash'. If you are sending your daughter to Newland because that is your school of choice then we will do everything we can to make sure that transport is available and that it is reasonable and affordable."

Hull City Council's cabinet voted to only pay for journeys it is legally obliged to but there will be extended rights for low-income families.

The move has disappointed headteachers, who say they will now do everything they can to keep dedicated school services.

Mrs Martinson said: "Having this come in 2014 gives us a chance to plan and put our own transport in place.

"We must get our children to school."

One of the main concerns from parents in the consultation process would be the loss of a dedicated school bus service.

Mrs Martinson says the school is committed to carrying on that service.

She said: "We will work really hard to provide that.

"We will have to make some charge, we know that, but we would like to make that as low as possible."

A meeting has been set up today between staff at Newland and St Mary's College, which is around the corner in Cranbrook Avenue and also has a city-wide catchment.

The schools are looking at ways they may be able to work together to get both sets of pupils to school safely.

Ged Fitzpatrick, headteacher at St Mary's College, said: "We have now got to look at the implications of this.

"My fear is hard-working families who are just above the bread-line are going to be hit hard and that is greatly disappointing.

"We need to ask ourselves, as a city, having spent the past ten years at the bottom of the league tables, what are our plans for raising attainment?

"Having just had £400m investment from central government, to affect a saving of just a few hundred thousand is greatly disappointing.

"I understand the local authority is under pressure to make cutbacks, but my question is, where is the vision of education standards?

"I am determined parents won't be let down further."

10

POTENTIALLY deadly archery equipment is in the hands of criminals after a raid on a Scout headquarters.

Eight powerful bows and 60 aluminium-tipped arrows were stolen in the break-in at Humberside Scouts headquarters, in Raywell.

Police say in the wrong hands the equipment could potentially be very dangerous.

PC Richard Eglen said: "They are a dangerous thing. They've got aluminium ends.

"If you get hit by one, it's going to cause some damage. In the wrong hands they can be dangerous.

"The equipment is quite valuable, about £1,500.

"The bows are proper sporting equipment."

The scouting headquarters in Riplingham Road, Raywell, has now been made secure after being targeted some time between Sunday and Tuesday last week.

Humberside Scouts trustee Anthony Atkinson said volunteers have been working out exactly what has been taken.

Mr Atkinson said: "We've had the equipment for some time. It's used by various scout groups and schools.

"They can either borrow the equipment or use it on site."

Humberside Scouts is the blanket organisation organising scouting in the region. It oversees the different districts.

The charity is run by volunteers who give a huge amount of their spare time to introduce youngsters to outdoor activities.

Mr Atkinson said: "It's disheartening. It's the first time something like this has happened."

As well as having potentially dangerous consequences, the theft of the bows has left the charity out of pocket.

Police, who do a lot of work with community organisations such as the Scouts, say the crime will be hard for them to bear.

PC Eglen, who works as part of Brough Neighbourhood Team, said: "The word I'd use is 'despicable'.

"It's a remote location that's there for the kids to use.

"It's not known whether it was broken into for the archery equipment or not.

"But it takes a lot of time and effort for them to provide the equipment for the kids. It must be heartbreaking."

While Humberside Scouts come to terms with the cost of the raid, police are hoping they will be able to recover the archery equipment.

PC Eglen said: "We haven't had any incidents reported with bows and arrows.

"Any information people have about the crime, we'd be interested in receiving.

"The bows and arrows will be fairly valuable, so they may try to sell them. We'd like to hear from anyone offered something like that for sale.

"The other problem is, are they going to lark around with them?"

Anyone with information about the break-in or anyone offered archery equipment for sale is asked to call Humberside Police on the non emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 1974335.

Officers praised for pulling woman from drain

HULL: Two police officers have been praised for rescuing a woman from Holderness drain.

PCSO Steve White and Sergeant Lauryn Landeg entered the water and pulled the 46-year-old to safety on Saturday near the Longhill estate at 4.50pm.

Mark Johansson, superintendent of operations in Hull, said: "I am extremely proud of our officers who worked together under testing circumstances to locate a woman who was in difficulty. The selfless and brave actions of our officers ultimately saved a life."

The woman was unhurt, but was taken to hospital for mental health treatment.

HULL: The site selling tickets for Luke Campbell's first professional fight crashed after huge demand.

The Olympic Gold medallist confirmed his first professional fight will be on Saturday, July 13, at Craven Park.

Tickets went on sale at 5pm last night but the clamour to see the Hull hero left fans frustrated.

Entitled The Homecoming, the fight will be the first time Campbell's fans will have the opportunity to see him box live after winning Olympic Gold last summer, with a crowd of more than 10,000 fans expected to attend.

Tickets cost £20 and are available from lukecampbellofficial.co.uk/tickets

HULL: The city has one of the highest number of neighbourhoods in the country where more than 30 per cent of people are claiming benefits.

There are 45 such neighbourhoods in Hull with only Liverpool (70) and Birmingham (49) with more. The likes of Manchester and Leeds have fewer struggling neighbourhoods.

The figures have been published this week in a report on "benefit ghettos" by the Centre for Social Justice.

THEY waited with bated breath ready to greet the plane flying over their school.

More than 700 pupils and staff from Bricknell Primary School began chattering excitedly when the hum of the aircraft could be heard through the trees.

Frantic waves and a loud cheer went up as the plane came into sight to take a unique school photograph of the west Hull primary.

The school in Bricknell Avenue was picked out for special attention during flights by the Mail over Hull and the East Riding for a special Aerial Views edition, which goes on sale today.

Our photographers captured dozens of images of landmarks, neighbourhoods and schools earlier this month.

But Bricknell was our first destination and the school was delighted to be singled out by our spy in the sky.

Tim Attwater, head at the school, said: "It has been great. We have 632 children in our school, so the chance to get them all out together to celebrate our school community is always a nice opportunity for us.

"It is especially nice to get everyone out on the field for such a shot, we have a great field and it is nice for the school to get everyone together.

"The children loved doing it.

"They were really excited and couldn't wait to see the plane flying over.

"We love to do anything which is a bit different, the children thrive on that."

In total, 21 classes from the school were out on the field alongside 80 staff.

Molly Nicholson, 11, said: "It was a good experience, it was something all the school could do together. It was fun coming out of the school to do.

"I wondered how big the plane was going to be. It was great for the school to do something together."

Holly Goodwin, 11, said: "It was really good because when we looked around there was the whole school around and it was a good chance for us to all get together. I looked forward to seeing the plane."

Tabitha Lyon, seven, said: "I thought it was really exciting. The plane was going around the field a lot and we were waving to it."

Teacher Victoria Jones said: "It was brilliant. It is something the children will never forget.

"We are definitely looking forward to seeing the picture.

"The children were very good, very well behaved. We had the older children in the middle and they were all working together really well.

"It was great to see them co-operating to help each other out and the timing was absolutely perfect.

"The aerial shots will be a view of Hull you will never get to see and it has been great to have our school part of it.

"It is not something that happens every day for the children and it has been a real community thing."

A MALFUNCTIONING swing bridge, which led to Hull 10k being cut short, wasn't working properly the day before the event.

Organisers were alerted just 30 minutes before the race, as more than 3,000 runners were delayed at the starting line of the Jane Tomlinson event on Sunday.

There was a 15-minute delay after those taking part were told the dock bridge near Hull Marina had stopped working.

Although the race went ahead, the route was cut to 9km, and some runners were left disappointed.

The bridge, near Wellington Street, is operated by British Waterways Marinas Ltd, with Hull City Council being responsible for repairs and maintenance.

A spokesman for British Waterways Marinas Ltd said: "I have been told there was a problem with the swing bridge on Saturday, which, despite best efforts, could not be fully fixed prior to the race.

"After discussions with the race marshals on Sunday morning, it was agreed to divert the race route.

"The bridge is the responsibility of Hull City Council but is operated on agreement by staff at Hull Marina.

"I understand Hull City Council are looking into the fault.

"We're very sorry that people were disappointed. It's fantastic that thousands of people turned out to support so many worthy causes and we'll be working with Hull City Council to make sure this doesn't happen again in future events."

Jane Tomlinson's widower, Mike Tomlinson, of event organiser For All Events, said they were not made aware of the problem until half an hour before the race and the issue was out of their hands.

They are now looking at options for next year and will soon be having talks with all parties involved, including British Waterways Marinas Ltd and Hull City Council.

Despite the grumbles from some runners about personal bests and the delay before the race, those who took part praised the organisers for coming up with a safe and quick alternative route.

Graham Hall, assistant head of service for transport and asset management, said: "We are reliant on staff at the marina to alert us if they are unable to rectify any fault.

"Regretfully, Hull City Council was not made aware of the fault on the day. When we were made aware on Monday morning, an engineer attended to look into why it was not working in time for Sunday's race.

"We, as a council, offer our support to the event organisers to ensure the event runs smoothly.

"This is a great annual event and attracts many people to Hull to see some fantastic sights and attractions as well as helping a worthy cause."

The bridge is operated by the British Waterways Marinas Ltd twice a day for high tide and to allow vessels pass.

Hull City Council has confirmed the bridge was fixed yesterday morning.

Organisers have not yet made a decision about the route for next year's Hull 10k. However, they have said those who took part in Sunday's event can enter next year's for a reduced fee of £10 instead of £28.

BRITAIN'S youngest war widow has vowed to ensure their baby daughter grows up knowing all about her soldier father, shot dead in Afghanistan.

Speaking days before the first anniversary of losing her childhood sweetheart, Sam Stone reveals she is comforted by the belief that part of Gregg lives on in five-month-old Grace.

Last week's inquest into the tragedy heard how Gregg, a 20-year-old private from Atwick, near Hornsea, was killed by the Taliban in jungle terrain, from just a few feet away, while on a rescue mission.

At 21, Sam is the youngest war widow of the conflict in Afghanistan, where 444 British lives have been lost since 2001.

She said: "I know Gregg would have been proud of us.

"Having Grace has helped. It's like we have a bit of Gregg back. I am going to make sure Grace knows all about her dad and how brave he was.

"We all still talk about Gregg in front of Grace. He would have been a great dad."

Cradling Grace, wearing a T-shirt bearing her dad's photograph above the words, "For your tomorrow, my daddy gave his today," the young mum revealed for the first time how she met the teenager who would become her soulmate in year 8 at Hornsea School.

"He was the class clown," said Sam, who grew up close to the school.

"We were 13 when we met. I was the sensible one and quite good at school. But Gregg just wanted to make everyone laugh."

Gregg found out he was to become a father days before he left for Afghanistan on his first operational tour of duty.

"He was nervous about going to Afghanistan – anyone going out there is nervous," said Sam. "But he hid it from his parents Bob and Angie because he didn't want to worry them.

"He was so pleased that he was going to be a dad. We'd decided on a name.

"He had been due home on his RnR in the July. We were going to prepare the nursery for Grace.

But at 7pm on June 3 last year, his patrol, sent to rescue an Afghan policeman, stumbled into his killers in the thick vegetation.

On Friday, Sam will set out to walk 274 miles from Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, in North Yorkshire. She will arrive at Battlesbury Barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire, where the couple lived in married quarters, on the anniversary of Gregg's death. Sam said: "I wanted to do something poignant to remember Gregg."

Sam will be joined on the walk by soldiers of her husband's 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (3 YORKS).

Private Lewis Murphy and Private Liam Fisher, who were both part of the mission in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province last summer.

She said: "Both places are very special.

"Gregg was very proud to be from Yorkshire, where he did his basic training, and we loved living in Warminster."

Sam will be joined on the last leg of her journey by her in-laws, as well as her own family.

She hopes to raise £5,000 for The Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Fund.

Since Gregg's death, Sam, as well as Gregg's parents, Bob and Angie, has supported the charity, holding fundraising events across East Yorkshire.

Sam said: "It will be a very emotional day for everyone who knew Gregg."

Donate at www.justgiving.com/274mile-journey-home

A DRUG addict put hundreds of lives at risk when he chopped up a door and started a bonfire to cook bacon and eggs.

Fire crews in breathing apparatus rushed to the 13th-storey flat, in Great Thornton Street, west Hull, after Malcolm Storey started the blaze on his balcony.

Storey, 48, had returned to the tower block – where 350 people live – with two friends and wanted a midnight fry-up.

Hull Crown Court heard that, drunk and high on drugs, unemployed Storey chopped up a bedroom door for firewood because his electricity meter had run out.

He piled the wood 2ft high on his balcony and set it alight. The blaze quickly spread to the balcony next door. Sentencing Storey to four months in prison after he pleaded guilty to a charge of arson and being reckless as to whether life was endangered, Judge John Dowse said: "It only takes a couple of minutes to think of the danger this could have caused to a block of flats."

The court heard resident Anya Gibbon looked down from her 14th-floor flat to see the fire well alight. She dialled 999.

"I heard a man crashing about on the balcony, chopping up wood," said Mrs Gibbon.

"After about 15 or 20 minutes, I saw smoke coming up from a fire."

Storey's girlfriend at the time, Kaylie Huntley, put the flames out as the firefighters arrived.

Miss Huntley, 22, said: "I was in bed when I heard the firemen coming into the flat.

"I said to Malcolm, 'What are you doing?' He said, 'To be honest, I didn't think'.

"All I thought of is, 'Was he was cooking drugs?' It was starting to spread to Colin's balcony next door and he would never have got out.

"I went out and grabbed a bucket of water and put it out."

Firefighters found a pan of bacon and eggs next to the burning embers.

Defending Storey – who has 97 previous convictions – John Thackray said: "It was a stupid decision to have a barbecue.

"It was quickly put out. He was high on something.

"He has been taking drugs for 20 years."

Judge Dowse said he expected to see Storey before the courts again.

The judge told him: "You are a man with 97 previous convictions, who has had opportunities in the past and never taken them.

"It is quite likely we will see you back before the courts in the not-too-distant future."

Following the court hearing, Storey was released because of the time he had spent in custody since his arrest.

HULL FC vice-captain Danny Houghton says his side are gunning for revenge in Saturday's derby.

Houghton admits Hull "owe Hull KR one" after losing last year's Magic Weekend game in controversial circumstances to their bitter rivals.

Despite leading by 14 points with only 12 minutes to play at the Etihad Stadium, Hull saw their hopes of a first derby win at the Magic event evaporate as three late tries, including a controversial forward pass for Michael Dobson's score, handed the Robins victory.

Having already tasted defeat to Rovers this season at the KC Stadium, Houghton says the agony of defeat is providing a major driving force this week at training.

"It's never nice to lose a derby and there is a sense of us owing them one," Houghton told the Mail.

"We'll concentrate this week on getting things right, look at their strengths and hopefully that will take us a long way to getting the win.

"We do owe them. We enjoyed the Warrington win, but knuckled down again yesterday to get the hard work done. It will be another tough game against our arch enemies in a big derby. Form goes out of the window and it's another we have to win."

Hull will hope form does count for something as they head to Manchester with seven wins from their last eight games.

A run sparked by the disappointment of the Good Friday derby defeat at the KC, Hull's form has taken them to sixth in the table and three points off the top four.

The Robins remain poised to pounce just two points behind and, despite their encouraging run of form, Hull are aware the importance of victory on Saturday.

Buoyed by their first win of the season against one of the current top four, Houghton says it was important to silence the critics who had pointed to the fact the Black and Whites were yet to beat one of the so-called big boys.

"It was just what we needed," he said. "We have started to play some decent rugby in the last six or seven weeks, but people had started to say we'd not beaten a big team.

"So to go there against a very good Warrington side shows how much we've come on in recent weeks.

"We've got a great group and everyone digs in, works really hard and we're working hard at training and we're reaping the rewards now.

"Everyone is buying into what we want to do, working hard from Monday to Friday and busting a gut to help the team out.

"I'm enjoying my rugby. Our style of play is starting to suit me and hopefully I can keep improving."

BRITAIN'S youngest war widow has vowed to ensure their baby daughter grows up knowing all about her soldier father, shot dead in Afghanistan.

Speaking days before the first anniversary of losing her childhood sweetheart, Sam Stone reveals she is comforted by the belief that part of Gregg lives on in five-month-old Grace.

Last week's inquest into the tragedy heard how Gregg, a 20-year-old private from Atwick, near Hornsea, was killed by the Taliban in jungle terrain, from just a few feet away, while on a rescue mission.

At 21, Sam is the youngest war widow of the conflict in Afghanistan, where 444 British lives have been lost since 2001.

She said: "I know Gregg would have been proud of us.

"Having Grace has helped. It's like we have a bit of Gregg back. I am going to make sure Grace knows all about her dad and how brave he was.

"We all still talk about Gregg in front of Grace. He would have been a great dad."

Cradling Grace, wearing a T-shirt bearing her dad's photograph above the words, "For your tomorrow, my daddy gave his today," the young mum revealed for the first time how she met the teenager who would become her soulmate in year 8 at Hornsea School.

"He was the class clown," said Sam, who grew up close to the school.

"We were 13 when we met. I was the sensible one and quite good at school. But Gregg just wanted to make everyone laugh."

Gregg found out he was to become a father days before he left for Afghanistan on his first operational tour of duty.

"He was nervous about going to Afghanistan – anyone going out there is nervous," said Sam. "But he hid it from his parents Bob and Angie because he didn't want to worry them.

"He was so pleased that he was going to be a dad. We'd decided on a name.

"He had been due home on his RnR in the July. We were going to prepare the nursery for Grace.

But at 7pm on June 3 last year, his patrol, sent to rescue an Afghan policeman, stumbled into his killers in the thick vegetation.

On Friday, Sam will set out to walk 274 miles from Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, in North Yorkshire. She will arrive at Battlesbury Barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire, where the couple lived in married quarters, on the anniversary of Gregg's death. Sam said: "I wanted to do something poignant to remember Gregg."

Sam will be joined on the walk by soldiers of her husband's 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (3 YORKS).

Private Lewis Murphy and Private Liam Fisher, who were both part of the mission in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province last summer.

She said: "Both places are very special.

"Gregg was very proud to be from Yorkshire, where he did his basic training, and we loved living in Warminster."

Sam will be joined on the last leg of her journey by her in-laws, as well as her own family.

She hopes to raise £5,000 for The Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Fund.

Since Gregg's death, Sam, as well as Gregg's parents, Bob and Angie, has supported the charity, holding fundraising events across East Yorkshire.

Sam said: "It will be a very emotional day for everyone who knew Gregg."

Donate at www.justgiving.com/274mile-journey-home

THEY were just hours from being taken away with the rubbish.

Dumped in a box next to a wheelie bin, the odds were stacked against these three kittens.

But after their cries were heard by a member of the public, three-week-old Barbara, Beryl and Basil were saved and are now in the care of the RSPCA.

Their mother, Betty, was found close to the box in Boothferry Road, west Hull.

The bins were due to be collected the day after the cats were discovered.

Inspector Hannah Bryer said: "These kittens were lucky to be found before the bins were collected the following day.

"Abandoning animals in circumstances like this shows a complete disregard for their future welfare.

"Pet ownership is fulfilling in many ways but with ownership comes responsibility.

"It is simply not good enough to regard animals as a throwaway commodity."

The RSPCA has begun an investigation and, if the owner of the cats is found, they could be prosecuted.

Miss Bryer said: "The kittens were found in a cardboard box by a member of public who was putting their bins out.

"The box was next to the bins and it was collection day the next day. Inside the box were three kittens, which were very young and needed to be with their mother.

"They called the RSPCA and I went to collect them shortly afterwards. I noticed a tortoiseshell-and-white female cat in the area, who was calling out. It was obvious this cat was the mother.

"I put the kittens closer to her and she began to mother them. They were all taken to Hull RSPCA, where they are being cared for while an investigation is ongoing. They will be rehomed when the kittens are old enough.

"Due to the mother cat being in the area, we think the owner either lives locally or dumped her at the same time as the kittens."

Beryl, Barbara and Basil are now making good progress at the city's branch of the RSPCA in Clough Road.

Sarah Clarkin, of the branch, said: "They are doing really, really well now. The mother is with them and they are feeding from her."

The day after the three kittens were discovered, five more were found dumped in a box in a park in east Hull.

The charity says it has having to take in an increasing number of kittens

Miss Bryer said: "The RSPCA is constantly battling to find space for abandoned, neglected and unwanted cats but there is not enough room for them all.

"The RSPCA, other animal charities and some vets, offer financial assistance for neutering of cats to prevent unwanted litters, but year after year we still see far too many cases of animals abandoned on the streets."

Anyone with information about the kittens or their owner is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for Inspector Bryer.

FIRE chiefs insist £5m of cuts to be made to the fire service will not put people at risk despite an "inevitable" reduction in engines and staff.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has put forward 26 proposals to make savings.

Proposals include removing a fire engine from stations, replacing full time crews with retained officers or reducing crews from five to four.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dene Sanders said: "It is inevitable the number of fire engines and staff will change as a result of the funding cuts but we have come up with a plan to maintain the level of standards people currently enjoy for the foreseeable future.

"The £5m cuts we made last time round didn't affect standards. Our response standards are high and it is our firm belief these have to be maintained.

"The options have been formulated with this in mind."

The service revealed the plans during a presentation yesterday which will be put out as part of an engagement process at the start of June before a formal consultation process begins.

In each geographical area, only one proposal can be implemented and Mr Sanders insists job losses are unlikely although the number of posts will be reduced.

He said: "Compulsory redundancies would be an absolute last resort. We have started the process early to allow staff who can retire to exit and bring in the efficiencies behind that.

"We don't want anyone to lose their jobs but posts will be reduced."

Mr Sanders has not given up hope that the Government may change its mind.

He said: "The Government is being lobbied constantly by the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) and the Chief Fire Officers' Association but, at the moment, we are not seeing any change."

The public are being urged to have their say.

Mr Sanders said: "We are not at the consultation stage at the moment. We are simply engaging with staff, community groups and stakeholders.

"We accept this is a very complex picture but this is due to the diverse nature of the area we cover.

"There is a lot of slicing and dicing but we want to provide all the options."

Chairman of the FBU Rob Vaux believes the cuts will lead to public safety concerns.

He said: "We have already seen a reduction in 220 firefighters over the past few years.

"We need to keep attendance times down and these cuts will make that very difficult.

"They will increase the risk to the local community.

"This isn't about protecting the jobs of firefighters but about the risk to the communities in which we live.

"These are savage cutbacks leading to the potential removal of engines or staff."

Despite his concerns, Mr Vaux has ruled out any strike action at this stage.

He said: "It is not necessary for industrial action. The best thing is for the public to get involved and put pressure on the Government.

"Normally, the public wouldn't get involved in this but I can't stress how important it is for them to have their say."

The maximum savings for the proposals only adds up to £4m, which means further savings will need to be made from support services and community safety.

The engagement process will last for eight weeks before the information collected will be put before a special Fire Authority meeting in September.

At the meeting, members will decide on what options to take forward for formal consultation starts.

None of the cuts will be implemented before April next year.

HULL KR coach Craig Sandercock says his senior stars must be leaders on and off the field if they are to claim a second derby win of the season.

The Robins head to the Magic Weekend on Saturday looking to claim the city bragging rights over Hull FC once again following their 23-10 win at the KC Stadium on Good Friday.

On that day, Rovers were the side to settle into the derby intensity first, allowing them to take control and boss the contest.

And ahead of the return clash at the Etihad Stadium for the Magic Weekend on Saturday, Sandercock says winning comes down to more than just playing well. They also have to be ready both mentally and physically.

"Our senior players have to lead by example," Sandercock told the Mail at the official launch for the Magic Weekend in Manchester

"As well as having good games on the park they need to be vocal and make sure they calm the boys off the park, on the bus trip down, all those little things.

"It is important the likes of Michael Dobson and Travis Burns, really put their hand up and lead by example for us, as they did last week.

"All those little one per cent things that everyone talks about are going to be massively important.

"As well as that, it comes down to how well we execute our game plan.

"The bottom line is, if we turn up with the right attitude, we like to think we will be competitive."

Sandercock admits his side will be facing a Hull outfit in superb form, with five wins from their last six Super League games, including Friday's excellent victory at Warrington, re-igniting the Black and Whites' season.

The Robins also enter the contest with confidence high following an impressive 44-18 win over Wakefield on Sunday.

Sandercock hopes his side take confidence from their second-half display in particular, in which they scored 28 unanswered points.

And he also says they can draw upon last year's Magic clash, when Dave Hodgson's last-gasp try secured a dramatic win, should they find themselves behind.

"We are going to have to play a bit differently this week as Hull have got all their big name players back. We are coming up with a game plan now that we are going to take into the game and hopefully the players can aim up and do the best they can," he said.

"I was really happy with the second half on Sunday and I thought we did some things well.

"When you play those top sides it is important to compete for 80 minutes and if we do that then you never know."

Asked about the drama of last year, he added: "If you go behind, you can take spirit from the late response last year. It would be nice if history would repeat itself on Saturday.

"The key thing for us is to have the belief that we can win the game, whether that be in the first minute or the 79th.

"While there is time on the clock and while we are in striking distance, we'd like to think we can take some confidence out of that and we can score in the last minute if need be."

NICK Proschwitz has no wish to engineer a move away from Hull City this summer, despite enduring a difficult first season with the Tigers.

The German striker, signed for £2.6m from SC Paderborn last July, failed to live up to expectations during his debut campaign in English football.

Although five league starts were supplemented by 22 substitute appearances, a final tally of three goals in the Championship was a disappointing return on City's heavy investment in Proschwitz.

The shortcomings of City's attacking line last term make new additions a priority this summer and, following on from promotion to the Premier League, a host of strikers have already been linked with moves to the KC Stadium.

West Brom outcast Peter Odemwingie, Charlie Austin of Burnley and Blackburn's Jordan Rhodes are just three reported to be on Steve Bruce's radar.

The inevitable arrival of new attacking blood promises to further harm Proschwitz's chances of regular first-team football but, with a further two years to run on his Tigers' deal, he is keen to stick around for the Premier League adventure.

Proschwitz's agent Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten said: "Nick enjoys England very much. He is happy with his contract with Hull and wants to play in the Premier League.

"That was his target when he moved to England and now that has happened.

"It has always been his ambition to play in the Premier League and he wants to play there with Hull.

"It was not an easy first year but it was a new culture and a new way to play.

"He has learned a lot about the English game and very much wants to stay."

Although fleeting, there were moments of quality during Proschwitz's first season.

As well as a dramatic brace that inspired a 2-1 win over Ipswich Town at the KC Stadium in October, he won the club's Goal of the Season prize for a superb strike in the FA Cup third round replay at Leyton Orient.

A 2-2 draw against Cardiff City on the final day of the season was not without incident, either.

Although he came off the bench to score the equaliser that initially stoked the Tigers' fight-back, Proschwitz missed a stoppage time penalty that paved the way for Cardiff to snatch a stomach-churning leveller.

Only Watford's loss at home to Leeds ensured the damage was minimal.

With Jay Simpson and Mark Cullen released, Gedo returning to parent club Al-Ahly and Aaron Mclean available for transfer, City's attacking options have been stripped back since promotion was secured at the start of the month.

It leaves only Sone Aluko, Matty Fryatt and Proschwitz as recognised attacking options for 2013-14, though loan signing George Boyd will join the party when completing a free transfer from Peterborough next month.

Boyd missed out on an international swansong to his season yesterday when left out of Gordon Strachan's 28-man Scotland squad to face Croatia next month.

Strachan cited Boyd's imminent wedding as the reason for his omission.

GARETH Ellis says Hull FC are a far cry from the side that gave what he labels an 'embarrassing' performance against Hull KR earlier this season.

And the Hull captain believes with confidence rising in camp that they can beat anyone in Super League, Rovers task will be made all the harder.

Hull head to the Magic Weekend looking for only their second win at the event in seven attempts, and a first victory over the Robins.

A 23-10 loss at the KC Stadium earlier in the campaign, a game Ellis missed through injury, stands out as a low point of the campaign for the Black and Whites.

But seven wins from eight games since has seen Peter Gentle's side turn things around.

"We've come a long way since we played Hull KR last time around," Ellis told the Mail.

"That was the lowest point of the season and it was almost embarrassing at times in that game.

"We have started to turn things around though and it has made it a lot easier coming back into a winning team for me."

Hull are unbeaten in the three games Ellis has featured in since making a long overdue debut following a broken foot.

Having been forced to watch from the sidelines during a poor display in the last derby, the England international is eager to make his first derby appearance.

"I'm really looking forward to this one," he said.

"It's great to play against Hull KR and the whole atmosphere that comes with that, but I'm a big fan of the whole Magic Weekend and everything that goes with it too.

"It has an atmosphere like a final, in a big stadium and it feels like we are going to a Grand Final or a Challenge Cup final.

"It will probably feel like that when we run out on Saturday."

While Saturday's derby may have a cup final feel to it for Ellis, any talk of being back in Manchester in October for the Grand Final has been banished from the Hull training ground.

Having blown their own trumpet too hard early in the season with talk of their ambitions, Hull are taking a more quiet approach.

Victories like Friday's at Warrington will only help Hull's chances of a top-four finish however, and buoyed by the result, Ellis says it is now important for his side to learn to play to that standard week after week.

"We believe now we can beat teams in the top four," he added.

"We showed it against Wigan, where we were nearly there. But against Warrington we got over the winning line.

"We need to do that week in and week out now and that's the challenge from hereon in.

"It's about not getting carried away with beating Warrington, knuckling down and doing it every week like the champion sides do."

THE deal for Siemens to build an offshore wind turbine assembly plant in Hull has moved another step closer.

As the waiting continues over a final decision by the German engineering giant, East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby insists everything is now in place at a local level for it to happen.

It is just over 12 months since Hull City Council gave planning approval for the £210m redevelopment at Alexandra Dock.

Company officials are due in Hull next week for more talks with the city council and port operator Associated British Ports.

Yesterday, senior politicians at East Riding Council slotted another piece of the complex land assembly jigsaw surrounding the possible Siemens investment in place by agreeing to a local development order (LDO) covering a 200-acre site between Saltend and Paull.

Eventually, up to 2,500 jobs could be created there.

Subject to Government approval, it removes the need for planning permission to redevelop what is mostly arable land into industrial use linked to renewable energy.

The land is expected to be used by firms supplying key components for the Siemens turbines.

East Riding Council leader Councillor Parnaby said: "I am fairly certain nothing more can be done at a local level on this.

"Siemens fully understands that both ourselves and Hull City Council have done all we possibly can to make it happen.

"As I understand it, if there are any remaining obstacles, it is at national level regarding issues such as feed-in tariffs. All we can do now as a council is wait."

Alan Menzies, the council's direct of planning and economic regeneration, said the land to the east of Hedon Haven had been allocated for industrial use for at least 20 years.

It is owned by Associated British Ports and lies next to a deep water channel in the Humber.

Mr Menzies said: "Attracting a manufacturing base for the renewables sector at the Paull site is a critically important economic development opportunity.

"The provision of an LDO for the Paull site will help secure this investment by providing a clear planning framework with the certainty that the site can be developed quickly without any significant planning constraints."

The development order also maps out likely road access to the site while improved flood defence work will give additional protection to both Hedon and Paull as well as the development site itself.

Councillor Symon Fraser, cabinet portfolio holder for planning, said the specific allocation for renewable energy use would, hopefully, allay any concerns the site could one day be used for a large waste facility or even a nuclear plant.

"Hopefully, this will open up the door by laying down clear guidance to potential developers about what is required at this site.

"I don't think there can be a clearer statement than this to say that Hull and the East Riding is open for business."

ELDERLY people are being warned to take care at home after a deaf and blind pensioner was burgled in broad daylight.

The 93-year-old woman was asleep in a chair at her home in Bishop Burton when a thief entered through an unlocked front door.

The criminal stole a handbag from the house, along with several hundred pounds in cash.

Charity Age UK urged the elderly to take steps to avoid being targeted.

Zina Jamilova, the charity's East Riding information and advice co-ordinator, said: "We have home security systems we can advise people to look at, such as lifeline pendants, which are personal alarms you wear and can activate in an emergency.

"Some people also have key safes so only certain people can enter the premises.

"We also promote a life book, where you can include relatives' details in case of any emergencies."

The woman targeted in Bishop Burton only realised what had happened when she awoke and could not find her bag.

The next day, her wallet was discovered in the front garden by a carer.

Ms Jamilova said burglaries like this were a national problem.

She said elderly people were often seen as easy targets.

In the past, unlocked student houses have also been raided.

In February, there was a sudden spike of burglaries in Beverley Road, with police recording ten thefts in a single fortnight.

Speaking at the time, Detective Inspector Simon Henrickson, of Hull's priority crime team, said: "People are trying front doors and walking into premises.

"Our message is 'if you're home, lock your door'.

"Just because you're in your home doesn't mean someone won't walk into it."

Police have recommended a number of other steps people can take to avoid becoming victims.

All doors and windows should be closed and locked before owners leave.

Windows should be fitted with good locks, and valuables should not be left close to them.

Families are also advised not to leave house keys in or near the front door, as they can be removed through a letterbox by criminals.

Burglar alarms can help reduce the risk of theft and door chimes allow owners to keep track of who is going in and out.

The pensioner's home in Pudding Gate, Bishop Burton, was raided on Thursday between 1.15pm and 5pm.

Police officers are investigating and urge anyone with information to call them on 101, quoting log 295 of May 16. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Visit www.immobilise.com to register items and improve the chances of getting them back if they are stolen.