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A Hull woman is earning a living after embracing naturism and is now the editor of a national magazine based in the city.

Sam Hawcroft, who lives in the Avenues, says she was first introduced to the idea of stripping off in the sun on holiday in Greece.

She also began working on the publication Heath and Efficiency (H&E) Naturist and ended up taking it over after a publishing company in Goole decided to part ways with the magazine.

Sam, 35, said: "I found the idea of becoming a naturist quite interesting and very liberating.

"It's all about a sense of freedom.

"There isn't an intrinsic link between sex and naturism at all. It's a misconception and the last thing you think about.

"There are so many people who are repulsed by the human body and there's a culture of prudishness, which just baffles me.

"Being a naturist is about loving what's underneath your clothes."

H&E Naturist is now in its 114th year and is the oldest magazine in the world dedicated to the lifestyle.

Sam has produced ten copies with the help of freelancers and contributors from across the country and it is sold in about 160 stores nationwide, including WHSmith.

"Through running the magazine, I've learned that there's a real network of people and clubs all over the country," she said.

"There's even one in Wawne in the East Riding and people like to socialise together.

"I tend to stick to my back garden or take my clothes off on holiday, but I do get involved with the clubs from time to time.

"Younger people are obsessed with body image and this lifestyle makes you realise nobody is perfect.

"I've seen life scars and cesarian marks and it makes you feel happier in your own skin.

"My family are all fine with it and I've always been open- minded."

Articles in the magazine include first-hand experiences, travel and event reviews from clubs and even reports on legal issues facing those who are involved in the naturism lifestyle.

Although Sam said she uses models for some of the photographs, she likes to use more images of regular body shapes and sizes.

"Magazines such as Nuts and Zoo feature glamour shots, but we want people to see what real naked bodies look like," she said.

"The lifestyle gives people a more relaxed attitude to nudity and we're trying to introduce younger people to naturism.

"We're now on Facebook and Twitter and have a censored edition available as an app, which sold about 80,000 when it first went out.

"H&E is a niche publication and small-scale but there is a need for it and we even have subscribers in Norway and Sweden.

"It's a lot of work but it wouldn't exist without the help of contributors and I do need more."

Apart from a magazine produced by the British Naturism, there are no publications competing with H&E, which Sam says is good for its sustainability in Britain.

She said that even high court judges, police officers and people working in the health profession have been involved in the magazine.

"When people are naked, they actually judge each other less and don't try to figure out who they are by what they are wearing," she said.

"You could be 20st or 6st, nobody is really bothered."

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From Here To Maternity: A weekly column for the Hull Daily Mail by terrified mum-to-be Catherine Lea.

The lovely Kate has done it again. Stepping out in a Séraphine fuchsia dress for her first official family portrait with hubby Wills and the adorable George, the Duchess of Cambridge has proved that "the Kate effect" is still a powerful one.

Within 48 hours, the knotted front dress from the London-based maternity label had sold out – at least it had in a size 8, and retail pundits are predicting the "Kate effect" will result in a doubling of Séraphine's turnover.

The £46 dress can still be yours, but raging demand means orders will not be dispatched until mid September.

For the record, I picked up a remarkably similar knotted number in black from the Mamas & Papas' sale (£22), and wasn't paid to wear it but parted with my own hard-earned cash, although I can't imagine the "Lea effect" will have any impact on that retailer's turnover, not a positive one at least.

Nevertheless, Kate's ability to boost the sales of everything from suits to handbags will no doubt rile the less majestic Kim Kardashian (for those who are not in the Kardashian know-how, the reality TV "star" is becoming known for her tweets about beauty and post-pregnancy products).

But, while I'm sure the fuchsia Séraphine number will be discussed for at least the foreseeable future, I very much doubt it will have the kind of impact Demi Moore had after whipping off her kit mid-pregnancy for the front cover of Vanity Fair in 1991.

In the 22 years since that photograph was taken, the reaction to it has gone from "put your clothes on, woman" to "oooh, shall we get one of those done for the living room wall?"

What was originally met with comments such as "grotesque" and "obscene" (seriously) is now a multi-billion- pound industry that has seen everyone from celebs to Saturday checkout operators rushing to photographic studios to record their bump in all its blooming, naked glory.

And Demi's "outfit" not only cost far less than £46, it is something every woman has to hand without having to order it online (although I bet the amount spent on body oil, make-up and airbrushing applied to her birthday suit bumped up the zero price tag considerably).

Even better, a naked bod requires no ironing beforehand, though I can't be the only pregnant person who wouldn't mind ironing a few bits into submission.

I doubt I'll be going for a similar shoot, if only because my partner informed me my bellybutton was "weird" long before I was pregnant, and so putting up any such pictures in our living room is likely to "put people off their dinner", apparently.

But for those brave enough to bare all, I'd say, do like a Demi and get your bump out.

For those more reserved and with less cash to splash than the Duchess of Cambridge, head to Primark, where oversized vests are just £4 a pop.

A SCHOOL dinner lady has swapped bangers and mash for something a bit more up-market after opening her own restaurant.

Michelle Hunter is running Da Vinci's Bistro Bar and Beer Garden in Princes Dock Street, Hull Marina.

Having worked in schools throughout the city for a number of years, she was looking for a new challenge.

The restaurant was formerly Port-Side, which closed last year after it flooded due to a faulty water pipe in the wall.

Michelle, who has worked at Kelvin Hall, Kingswood High School and Hedon Primary, decided to make a go of it by opening her own bistro.

"I left to have a baby and then worked in schools part-time but I needed to build my confidence up again," she said.

"I loved being a dinner lady and wanted to continue doing a job which involved working with people.

"My husband James is a builder and he helped to get everything sorted and I hired four other members of staff.

"We've been open for a few months and it's getting busier every day.

"Our customers have also given us some great feedback."

The bistro serves predominantly tapas and Italian food, with seafood and fish dishes.

The inspiration for the menu comes from the Mediterranean but the ingredients are from much closer to home – starting with fresh herbs from the bistro's beer garden.

Chef Louis Byron's green- fingered mum Rachel planted the garden, Michelle tends it and Louis cuts and cooks it.

"We've got tomatoes, chillis, chives, oregano and all sorts of other delights growing there," Louis said. "And I'm hoping to add some peppers.

"We source everything locally for freshness and to support local businesses and you can't get much closer than your own back garden."

And Michelle, 40, jokes that she doesn't have to try and persuade her customers to eat their vegetables.

The business is also disabled- friendly, with Michelle drawing inspiration from her parents, Pete and Sue Harker, who have turned their house into a residential home for people with special needs.

Michelle, who lives in Thorngumbald, said: "We've made sure the restaurant is accessible for people in wheelchairs, we've got a high-specification disabled toilet and having worked at Barnardo's for a while I can even do a bit of sign language.

"I feel really at home here and we want our customers to feel the same.

"It's a great part of the city and it's becoming known as an area for good food.

"The owners of Leonardo's restaurant nearby have been a great help to me, which I really appreciate because this is the first time I've done this."

The friendship with the team at Leonardo's inspired the name Da Vinci's and Michelle has developed the theme.

"The restaurant is bright and airy and we've decorated it by putting up sketches on the walls," she said.

"People have asked why I've opened a business during such difficult times but there will always be people who enjoy eating out.

"Hopefully, they will see that we are doing something a bit different here."

HULL'S biggest festival has been given a boost after five leading businesses in the city pledged their support.

Business partners the University of Hull and Keepmoat and sponsors ABP, The Deep and Compendium Living have all announced they are to support Freedom Festival, which takes place this weekend.

The five companies join initial supporters KC, the Wykeland Group, Hull College and Spencer Group.

Jenny Coombes, development manager of the festival, said Hull's City Of Culture shortlisting has bolstered support for the festival.

"There's definitely a massive buzz around Hull at the moment, and it feels like everyone in the city wants to do their bit toward the City Of Culture bid," she said.

"Support we've received for this year's festival has been fantastic and we're thrilled to have our sponsors on board.

"Yet we're already looking ahead to next year and a longer-term strategy.

"Freedom is a phenomenal event that is only set to grow, and we're excited about where we can take the festival in future years."

Freedom is funded by Hull City Council, Arts Council England and James Reckitt Library Trust, as well as private sector sponsorship.

Mark Knight, new build managing director for Keepmoat, said Freedom will celebrate 'everything that is great about Hull'.

He said: "The Freedom Festival will celebrate everything that is great about the city and the people who call Hull home.

We are delighted to be involved as Hull bids to become UK City Of Culture in 2017."

The line-up for this year's Freedom Festival include up-and-coming guitar band The 1975, Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, Pappy's, The Paper Cinema's Odyssey, a spectacular torchlight procession through the city's old town and a UK-exclusive from French theatre pioneers Transe Express.

Matt Jukes, port director of Hull, Goole and Humber Estuary Services, said the cultural fit of Hull's historic port and the festival which celebrates the city's heritage is an exciting opportunity.

"We're delighted to be working with Freedom for the first time this year," he said.

"It's an incredibly exciting opportunity for us to get involved in such a prestigious event, and to celebrate the city's cultural heritage, of which the port is such an important part, in this way.

"We're looking forward to what I hope will be a long and fruitful partnership."

A DRINK-driver injured a woman when he crashed his car into a taxi during a high-speed police chase.

John Royle, 35, was almost three times over the legal limit when he drove at speeds of up to 50mph through Hull, followed by police traffic officers, and smashed into a taxi.

He injured a female passenger, who had to have multiple stitches to her face and head as a result of her injuries.

Judge Jeremy Richardson QC has warned him he could face jail.

The judge told Royle: "There can be no question at all that you deserve to go to prison and that might well be the result. I want some time to consider what is to be done with you."

Hull Crown Court heard Humberside Police had received a call from a concerned member of the public saying they had seen a drunk man getting into a car who could "hardly stand up".

It happened on July 5 at 11.30pm, when Royle got into his wife's Vauxhall Vectra.

Officers caught up with Royle in Southcoates Lane, east Hull, and saw him mount a kerb on the opposite side of the road.

He then nearly crashed into the Highland Laddie Pub.

The court heard the officers struggled to keep up with the car, which was being driven erratically. Royle struck the taxi in Preston Road.

The woman passenger was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary and needed seven stitches to her face and 12 stitches to her head.

She was forced to have her head shaved in order to have her stitches and also suffered pains to her chest from her seatbelt.

Royle, of Wingfield Road, east Hull, only had a provisional driving licence.

He told the police he could only recall travelling along the road and a car coming towards him and his airbag going off.

Royle told them: "I'm really sorry. I regret my actions."

He has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drink- driving and driving not in accordance with a licence.

Royle's alcohol reading was 98 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol.

His solicitor Ian Phillip told the court his client had suffered mental health difficulties and had not taken his medication for six days.

Mr Phillip said: "He has expressed remorse but it will be of little comfort to his victim. Although the offences are serious enough for a custodial sentence, it could be suspended."

Royle is due to be sentenced on Thursday.

HAIR today, gone tomorrow – but this woman's love for animals will last a lifetime.

Lizzy Giblin, 26, shaved off her waist-length locks to raise money for Hull Animal Welfare Trust, where she works as a volunteer.

Supporters watched in horror – and awe – as her long, brown hair fell to the ground at Sunnydene Animal Shelter in South Cave during its annual charity day for the trust.

Lizzy, of Cottingham, has only worked at the charity for one month, but has loved animals all her life and wanted to do her bit to help.

She said: "I heard we were having our open day and I just thought, 'what can I do to help?'

"I can't bake cakes, I can't run or anything like that, so the only thing I was left with was to shave my hair off.

"The thought just stuck with me. I was telling myself it was a daft idea, but I couldn't get rid of it, so I decided to go for it.

"I have always loved animals and I feel so privileged to work at the trust. I go there and I love every minute. It is fantastic getting stuck in and really seeing what difference we can make to an animal's life."

Lizzy's hair is in such good condition – having never dyed or straightened it – that she is able to donate it to The Little Princess Trust.

The charity provides real hair wigs for children who have suffered hair loss through illness or other reasons.

The idea she will have helped a child has made it easier for Lizzy to get used to her new look.

"I am coping by avoiding mirrors at the moment and wearing a lot of head scarves," she said.

"It is going to take a long time to get used to it. I keep feeling my head and wondering where it has all gone, but I know it has been worth it."

The shelter, where rescue dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs are looked after alongside the Hull Hedgehog Hospital, costs £120,000 a year in vet bills alone so donations are vital to its survival.

The day, which also included a dog show, bric-a-brac and games, raised £3,929, but donations for Lizzy's head shave are still being taken.

Sue Sewell, chairman of Hull Animal Welfare Trust, said: "She is very brave and we are all really proud of what she has done."

If you want to sponsor Lizzy, call her at the shelter on 01430 423986.

POLITICIANS have questioned whether thousands of council tax debts in Hull should be pursued through the courts.

The city council recently sent out final notices to 4,500 households who have lost the right to pay their council tax bills by instalments after defaulting more than once.

All those involved are facing having to make council tax payments for the first time after a shake-up in benefits rules.

However, some councillors believe the amounts involved are so small that taking action to recover the debts, including the use of bailiffs, would only plunge some households into much deeper debt.

Under the new rules, households on benefits who previously did not have to pay any council tax now have to pay a percentage of the normal annual bill.

Charges in the city range from £58.18 for single occupiers for the year to £77.58 for larger households.

Speaking at a scrutiny committee meeting, former council leader Councillor Colin Inglis said: "There is a moral argument to consider here because if we do use the full powers available to us to recover these debts, we are going to turn what is probably a single-figure debt into £200 or £300 by the end of the process because that is how the system works.

"That might not sound like a lot of money to some but for the people we are talking about here it's the sort of sum to push them into facing an unmanageable debt.

"I accept the argument they should have probably paid the original amount and prioritised but in the real world I suspect there are thousands of people out there who did not understand the consequences of not paying up front.

"For the sake of enforcing a political point being made by this Government which seems to think the poorest in society owe some sort of corporate debt to the community, the council risks causing horrendous problems by making the problem much worse in some cases."

Councillor Pete Allen said the council needed to review the charges levied by bailiffs, which were often added to any debt recovery costs sanctioned by a court.

"We should be telling them what we are prepared to pay them, not them coming to us with a sky-high charge," he said.

The final warning letters issued last month could be followed by a summons in cases where people are still not paying their bills.

The issuing of a summons will add additional costs to each amount due.

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FROM paying for shopping, to opening doors, two-year-old Connor can do it all.

The black Labrador cross Retriever has been a lifeline for Wendy Robson, who suffers from muscular dystrophy.

The disability has affected all the 53-year-old's limbs – she has to use a wheelchair and has limited movement in her arms.

But thanks to the Canine Partners, she still has her independence and can live her life without having to rely on her partner Pete.

"I don't think anyone can really understand how much of an impact Connor has had on my life," she said.

"He is adorable and we connected straight away.

"At home he does all sorts for me from finding my slippers and the remote for the TV, to pulling the washing basket outside and emptying the washing machine.

"When I go shopping I give him my purse to hand over to the person on the till and he takes the receipt for me.

"On a night he puts my legs in bed and sometimes he helps me get undressed."

However, weighing 37kg and being quite a strong dog, sometimes he can be a bit eager with his picking up and passing of items.

"He can be a bit tough when he picks things up," said Wendy, of Kingswood. "He picked up my Kindle once and when it reached me the screen had been cracked.

"When he is paying for my shopping I make sure he doesn't hand my cards over otherwise they would come back with teeth marks through them.

"He is amazing though and the effect he has had on my life has been unbelievable."

As well as the tasks around the home, Connor also has a role to play at work with Wendy, who is a social worker for Hull City Council.

"He has his own folder which he takes to one of my colleagues," she said.

"He also jumps up to open doors for me.

"Connor also comes on visits with me. He puts his head on the knee of older people. As long as there is a fuss and he sees the other person's face light up then he is happy."

The Canine Partners charity trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities.

The aim is for people with disabilities to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life, by providing specially trained assistance dogs.

The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on public donations.

Wendy said: "What Canine Partners does is amazing.

"I feel safe in the house when I am on my own if Connor is there.

"The things Connor can do is amazing. It has changed my life.

"I couldn't be without him."

A spokesman from the charity said: "These life-transforming dogs also provide practical, physiological and social benefits including increased independence and confidence as well as increased motivation and self-esteem.

"A canine partner also brings companionship, a sense of security and increases social interaction."

Visit www.caninepartners. org.uk for more information.

A MAN was left with a broken nose after being headbutted by a stranger on a train travelling to Hull.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the 51-year-old man from Goole, was attacked on the 7.47pm York to Hull service on Saturday, August 24.

Passengers who witnessed the assault are being asked by police to come forward with any information.

PC Stewart Rankin is leading the investigation into the attack.

He said: "The victim, a 51-year-old man from the Goole area, was travelling with his wife on the train.

"As the train approached Howden station, they both got up and stood at the rear doors in the front carriage ready to depart.

"A man then approached the victim and without any warning or provocation he headbutted him a number of times in the face and head.

"The victim sustained cuts to his face, severe bruising and a suspected broken nose.

"The train then arrived into the station and the attacker left the service, climbed in to a silver Range Rover and drove away from the station."

The man wanted by police is described as white, about 30 years old, 5ft 9in, of medium build and with mousey brown hair. He was wearing a black jacket, pale pink shirt and black trousers and shoes.

PC Rankin said: "It is likely that there were a lot of passengers on the train when this incident took place and I would ask anyone who witnessed what happened to come forward.

"Your information could be vital to the investigation.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who may recognise the man and vehicle from the description."

PC Rankin is reminding train passengers that attacks like the one on the Hull train are very rare.

He said: "We believe this is an isolated incident but need the public's help to trace the man in question."

Anyone with informationshould call British Transport Police on 0800 405040, quoting background reference B12/NEA of 28/08/2013. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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Hull KR hooker Josh Hodgson says he and Rovers' other senior players must ensure they bounce back from their 36-22 defeat at Widnes with a win against London Broncos.

The defeat leaves Rovers almost certain to finish the season eighth – and facing a trip to either Hull or St Helens in the play-offs.

Sunday could see the London arrive at MS3 Craven Park looking for a win to avoid this season's wooden spoon, whilst Rovers need the win to gain some momentum before the knockout rugby starts.

"The senior players are going to have a big role to play this week," Hodgson told the Mail.

"I'd love to know how we can beat Leeds and then lose to Widnes the next game.

"That's the most frustrating thing to see how well we played against Leeds when we do the things right, but on the flip side we play badly when we don't. Now, more than ever, it's important for the senior players, myself included, to be at our best.

"When you lose a game, heads are down but we'll try and get past it right up to the next game. It does play on your mind but that might just be me personally, it plays on my mind a lot."

Rovers will go into that game without stand-off Travis Burns, who broke his right arm when tackling Gareth Hock.

Michael Dobson is also a doubt to face London due to an ankle injury picked up at Widnes.

Hodgson knows this will see the character of Rovers squad tested once again.

"Losing Travis is a massive blow for us. He's a senior player for us and he has been hitting a bit of form too," he said. "He's one of our senior players, but we've had injuries all season long and I'm sure we'll sort that too.

"I'm not sure how bad Michael's injury is but we just have to get on with things because there is only one match left before the play-offs.

"We'll take on London and try and get the best result possible as we need to hit the ground running the following week."

PETER Gentle says he's confident his Hull FC squad will be refreshed for the play-offs after taking the opportunity to freshen up his side.

Gentle handed a first appearance of the season to Liam Kent in Friday's win over Wigan, while welcoming back Paul Johnson and Josh Bowden after lengthy absences.

The trio were joined by experienced Richard Horne, who made a timely return after more than three months out with an ankle injury.

With Aaron Heremaia available to face St Helens after a one-game suspension and Ben Crooks also pushing to return, Gentle is hoping to have options again in his squad selection.

The Aussie is hoping the win at Wigan has helped towards his side getting their Wembley disappointment out of their system.

"Liam Kent and Josh Bowden haven't played for two or three months, Paul Johnson hasn't played for around six weeks and then we had Richard Horne coming back," explained Gentle.

"It was good to get some game time into the guys going into the semi-finals because we'll need them at some stage.

"We gave the players the weekend to freshen up as we've got a tough week and the players are aware of that."

Friday's match against Saints at the KC is now a shoot-out for fifth, with victory for Hull setting up a first-round play-off tie against KR.

Defeat would mean a tie with Catalan at the KC, unless the French side beat Warrington in their final game, which would result in a third trip of the year to Perpignan.

Hull are unlikely to risk injured Gareth Ellis, while Andy Lynch is certainly ruled out.

Mark O'Meley, who is retiring at the end of the season, is set to learn today if his career is over after seeing a specialist regarding his ankle injury picked up at Wembley.

A WOMAN who stabbed her pet dog to death because it would not sit with her has been jailed.

Linda Glen, also known as Linda King, plunged a 9in kitchen knife into German shepherd Hatton's stomach.

Despite her husband trying to stem the bleeding with a tea towel, the dog died in his arms.

Glen, 43, has now been jailed for four and a half months and banned from keeping animals for life.

District Judge Frederick Rutherford, sitting at Hull Magistrates' Court, said: "This was an act of unbelievable, alcohol-induced, catastrophic violence against the family pet.

"In my mind, it was an act of incredible cruelty. The level of violence shown to the animal was appalling, culminating in its death."

Glen ran from her home in Tweed Grove, east Hull, after stabbing Hatton on July 26.

She later assaulted and threatened police after she was arrested.

Her solicitor Geoff Ellis said she was suffering from depression and had been drinking heavily on the day of the attack.

"This is an offence she is extremely distressed about," he said. "She has little recollection of what she has done and has been unable to assist about the reasons behind it."

At a previous hearing at Hull Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Heather Levitt said: "She called the dog into the kitchen. She tried to get him to sit next to her but he wouldn't.

"She started tugging him by the scruff of the neck and pulled out a large silver kitchen knife and sat on the floor and held it against the dog's throat."

When the dog tried to get away she held a knife to its throat and said "Do you want me to?"

She then placed the knife on top of the dog's head so the blade was touching him before her husband grabbed the knife and pulled the dog to safety.

As he was stroking Hatton he heard a yelp and realised she had grabbed the knife and stabbed the dog in the abdomen.

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A HULL takeaway owner faces jail for his role in a £9m heroin smuggling plot. Father-of-one Usman Bari, 33, is known for running the Mamma Mia Takeaway in Longhill, east Hull.

However, his role in one of the city's biggest drug smuggling operations – for which two other Hull men, Paul Cahalin and Alan Riley, are currently serving time – has now been revealed.

Bari, of Middleton Court, off Spring Bank, has been found guilty by a jury at Leeds Crown Court of conspiracy to import class A drugs, conspiracy to supply and conspiracy to launder the proceeds. He will be sentenced this month.

His role in the plot was uncovered by Regional Organised Crime Unit officers during Operation Yates, a "follow on" investigation into other suspects linked to Cahalin and Riley, who were prosecuted by UK Border Agency and sentenced to a total of 20 years last year.

A former friend and Longhill resident spoke of the community's shock at discovering Bari's involvement in the drugs smuggling.

"I am shocked. I couldn't even imagine him doing something like this," said the woman, who did not wish to be named.

"As far as I was concerned he was a family man who ran his own business. I can't believe he would be involved in something like that."

Bari, who is also thought to run a Hull salvage company, was one of five men – including long-time acquaintance and operation ringleader, Khalid Mahmood, of Bradford – to face the courts over the plot which saw £8.9 of heroin smuggled into the UK in bottles of baby powder sent through the post.

The trial lasted ten weeks, during which the prosecution, represented by Jonathan Sandiford, described how parcels were originally sent from post offices in Bradford to Pakistan using a recorded or tracked service.

Once they arrived, accomplices replaced the contents with partially emptied plastic bottles of baby powder and inserted packages of heroin inside before sending them back to Hull and Manchester, marked "undelivered – return to sender".

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) believes Bari, although not a main player, was the link between each drug gang in Hull and Bradford.

Their plot was foiled in 2011 when staff at Royal Mail Citadel Park office became suspicious at the number of such parcels arriving there and alerted the UK Border Agency. Five parcels containing £473,000 of heroin were intercepted in March.

From records, police identified a further 94 packages had already been delivered, which, with a similar content, meant a total street value of £8.93m. They had been posted originally from 12 different post offices in Bradford.

Cahalin, formerly of Halliwell Close, east Hull and Riley, formerly of Cranswick Grove, east Hull, who arranged the drop addresses for the packages in the city and transported them to Bradford, were convicted last year for smuggling £13m of heroin.

Following Cahalin and Riley's arrest, a major, complex investigation got underway, and discovered telephone links between Bari and Cahalin.

However, Bari and the other four defendants can only be linked to £9m of drugs.

Head of the CPS Complex Casework Unit, Peter Mann, said: "Operation Yates was an incredibly complex prosecution. It involved evidence from a number of crime agencies and a huge amount of complicated telephone evidence.

"The Regional Crime Unit conducted a follow on investigation into other suspects linked to Cahalin and Riley, including Bari, who provided the link between Bradford and Hull."

Bari had been bailed following his arrest but is now remanded in custody before sentencing. It is believed he has since sold Mamma Mia's.

Along with Bari, the jury also unanimously found Khalid Mahmood, 30, of Low Lane, Clayton, Bradford, guilty of conspiracy to import class A drugs, conspiracy to supply and conspiracy to launder the proceeds.

Faisal Khan, 30 of Burnett Avenue, Marshfields, Bradford, Yasser Uddin, 31 of Clifton Villas, Manningham, Bradford, and Fiaz Ahmed, 31 of Cambridge Street, Oldham, were each found guilty of the same offences the previous week, when another man was cleared of conspiracy to supply and conspiracy to launder proceeds. Two other men were acquitted on other charges.

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After gaining permission from the Baggies early yesterday evening, Long flew in to Yorkshire from the Republic of Ireland's training camp. He underwent a medical and agreed personal terms.

The former Reading striker has been a Premier League regular during his two years with West Brom and finished last season with 11 goals to his name.

Long also concluded the season on a high when scoring in the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with England at Wembley.

Although he had started all three of West Brom's Premier League games this season, stalled contract talks over a new deal invited the Tigers in to pounce.

Bruce, who had stressed as recently as the weekend that funds would be limited, was alerted to Long's availability yesterday morning. As a striker he felt could "make a difference" Bruce then convinced owner Assem Allam to act.

A £5m bid was quickly accepted by West Brom and paved the way for Long to leave the Republic of Ireland's training base in Malahide, near Dublin, and fly back into England. Upon his arrival he underwent a medical before arriving at City's Cottingham base at 10.30pm to sign off the paperwork.

The Tigers' move for Gedo was equally tense. Within hours of Al-Ahly declaring the forward would not be leaving, an extended deal with the Egyptian giants facilitated a fresh loan move to the KC.

Gedo was a key figure in City's promotion last season, scoring five goals in 12 games for the Tigers. A foot injury, which the Tigers' medical team aided in the rehabilitation, initially drew a question mark under a second move but he has since made a full recovery to convince Bruce.

Although a move to Nottingham Forest or Middlesbrough was touted for Matty Fryatt, City's only players to leave yesterday were Cameron Stewart, who will spend the rest of 2013 with Charlton, and rookie defender Conor Townsend, who joined League One strugglers Carlisle on loan for the next month. Fryatt's future is still likely to be away from the KC Stadium before his contract expires at the end of the season and could leave when the Football League's emergency loan window opens next week.

• Hull City's summer signings in profile

As Steve Bruce worked into the final hours of the summer transfer window last night, Hull City's ambitions to remain in the Premier League were made crystal clear. Not content with an outlay of £12.9m on 10 new arrivals following promotion out of the Championship, one last push was made to sharpen the Tigers' cutting edge on deadline day.

A £5m move for West Brom striker Shane Long would have been the icing on a gratifying cake for Bruce - until Baggies boss Steve Clarke broke fans' hearts with his last-minute U-turn. A season-long loan agreement for Egypt international Gedo at least meant City did not end deadline day empty handed.

Although the wage bill has almost doubled over the last four months, City have worked hard to find value in an increasingly strained market. Until last night, only the £5.25m move for Tom Huddlestone from Spurs made more than a ripple on the national sports in a summer that has seen Cardiff, Swansea, Norwich and Southampton all spend twice that on one player.

Judge a transfer window in its entirety rather than its manic last hours and Bruce can be a satisfied man. Signing 11 new players represents a dramatic overhaul under any circumstances, albeit three (Ahmed Elmohamady, George Boyd and Gedo) had already been here on loan.

Of the 13 players to have started City's opening three Premier League games, seven played no part in the club's promotion. A ruthless broom has swept the old guard clean away and given City a far greater sense of belonging at the highest level.

Importantly, key areas across the side have been addressed. In signing Maynor Figuroa and Curtis Davies experience has been added to the defensive ranks, while Allan McGregor already appears every inch the recognised number one City have sought since Boaz Myhill's exit in 2010. Steve Harper, the wise old head from Newcastle, is there to land an experienced hand.

City's central midfield has also undergone a revolution. Signing Huddlestone for £5.25m and Jake Livermore on loan from Tottenham, the Tigers have added guile, presence and authority. With the continued presence of David Meyler, Stephen Quinn and Robert Koren also keeping meat on the bones, City's midfield has the type of strength in depth that would have been unthinkable last term.

So too their attack. Where promotion was won through the hard work of Jay Simpson, Gedo and Boyd, the arrival of Yannick Sagbo and Danny Graham has brought raw potential and a proven pedigree to the front line. That Bruce spent much of yesterday at City's Cottingham training ground with managing director Nick Thompson, club secretary Matt Wild and, trusted ally of owner Assem Allam, Peter Chapman, told a story of minor malcontent. With time still left, it was not a gathering for self-congratulation. There, at the club's nerve centre, the day had begun with little expectation of business. A loan move for Gedo and a deal for free agent Carlton Cole were mooted as possible contingency plans once the interest in Fulham's Hugo Rodallega and Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner were doomed to failure. The surprising news of Long's availability changed the course of the day midway through the afternoon and, alongside Al-Ahly's acceptance of a season-long loan deal for Gedo, set the stage for a dramatic finale to the window. In the end, City fans will be left with mixed emotions this morning after the hope, excitement and ultimate disappointment of the dying hours of the transfer window. But that should not detract from an astute summer at the KC. Bruce has assembled a side capable of competing in the Premier League. Just ask Manchester City.

• Hull City's summer signings in profile

If the success of any transfer window is judged by retention as well as recruitment, Steve Bruce can afford to be content as he assesses the Hull City squad at his disposal for the remainder of 2013.

The squad that won promotion during his first season in charge may have been streamlined by the departure of a dozen senior players, but each one has been on Bruce's terms.

After eight first-team squad members were predictably released during the weeks that followed promotion in May, a raft of further players have been allowed to move on for the supposed good of their careers.

There is the prospect of a return for young goalkeeper Mark Oxley from his loan at Oldham Athletic, likewise midfielder Tom Cairney from his five-month stint at Blackburn Rovers and young left-back Conor Townsend who joined Carlisle on loan until Sept 29.

But Jack Hobbs' season-long loan move to Nottingham Forest means his time at the KC is over.

Corry Evans, meanwhile, recouped City a fee that could rise to £800,000 when following Cairney with a permanent switch to Ewood Park.

Those outgoings were met with varying degrees of disappointment amongst City supporters but, tellingly, few long for their returns.

Where Hobbs' exit was initially greeted with dismay, the form of summer signing Curtis Davies has begun to erase the departed defender from memory.

The same sentiment extends to Evans and Cairney. Bruce accepted supporters could fear he was losing his mind when sanctioning those deals a fortnight before the new season, but the arrival of Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore has placed that business in context.

Late last night Cameron Stewart also departed on loan until January 2 to Championship side Charlton.

Aaron Mclean, who has been free to find a new club for the last six months, is on the exit list, while Nick Proschwitz also had no takers.

GEORGE BOYD

Peterborough United, free transfer

Signed: May 28

The playmaker's initial loan deal in February included provisions for a two-year deal and that clause was exploited to make Boyd City's first signing after promotion was secured.

Although the original move came at a cost of £200,000 with an additional sum triggered once Premier League football was secured, the addition of Boyd on a "free" transfer brought a steady start to the window.

Boyd has made his first appearances in the top flight when coming off the bench in all three league games so far and while his top-flight pedigree is unproven, the Scotland international offers creativity and flair to Steve Bruce's squad.

MAYNOR FIGUEROA

Wigan Athletic, free transfer

Signed: June 17

City's best piece of business and too easily forgotten as the money splashed around the Premier League yesterday.

Figueroa has been at home in the Premier League since 2008 and once commanded bids in excess of £6m.

Wigan's loss in the wake of relegation to the Championship has been the Tigers' huge gain.

Even with Figueroa joining City's highest earners on a two-year deal, landing a player of his experience without dipping into the transfer kitty provided Steve Bruce with a huge lift. City's new number three has made his role at left-back appear effortless in the first weeks of the season.

CURTIS DAVIES

Birmingham City, £2.25m

Signed: June 25

Eyebrows were raised when Steve Bruce saw fit to spend the first chunk of his Premier League windfall on a centre-half, but Davies has quickly proved his worth to the Tigers.

Nudging ahead of Paul McShane and Alex Bruce in the defensive queue, not to mention pushing Jack Hobbs out of the door to Nottingham Forest, Davies is forming a promising partnership with James Chester in City's back four.

After previous spells in the top flight with West Brom and Aston Villa, a move from Birmingham has pushed him back into the spotlight. Hungry to impress, the Tigers can be the content beneficiaries.

AHMED ELMOHAMADY

Sunderland, £2m

Signed: June 28

Player of the Season during the Tigers' march to promotion, the formality of a £2m permanent switch from Sunderland was completed a week before City returned to pre-season training.

International commitments slowed the move but the eagerness of both Elmohamady and Steve Bruce to be reunited ensured the deal was never in any doubt.

A £2m fee was set in stone as part of the original loan deal that gave City first refusal and made the Egyptian a tidy piece of business.

Elmohamady has started every game to date as a right-back this season but offers the attacking versatility for Bruce to change.

ALLAN MCGREGOR

Besiktas, £1.8m

Signed: July 2

Top of Steve Bruce's summer shopping list was a goalkeeper to call his own.

Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel was the subject of rejected bids but Allan McGregor soon put a smile on the manager's face.

After attempting to sign the Scotland international 12 months earlier when he was released from Rangers, Bruce returned with the offer of Premier League football.

McGregor gratefully accepted and is relishing the chance to prove himself in English football.

Each of City's three league games have seen him contribute with key saves and is capable of solving the Tigers' long-standing goalkeeping riddle.

STEVE HARPER

Newcastle United, free transfer

Signed: July 15

After biding his time for a new number one, Steve Bruce only had to wait a fortnight to secure a fresh understudy.

Harper, released by Newcastle after 20 years of service, was signed up on a free transfer, not only to provide competition for Allan McGregor but also to bring a wise old head to the City dressing room.

Shunting the unconvincing Eldin Jakupovic down to third spot in the pecking order, Harper has been an ever-present on the bench for the Tigers' first three league games.

A City debut came in the Capital Cup win at Leyton Orient and he showed just the composure expected from him.

DANNY GRAHAM

Sunderland, season-long loan

Signed: July 19

The collapse of Charlie Austin's move from Burnley after a failed medical forced Steve Bruce to look elsewhere and all roads led back to former club Sunderland.

On the eve of City's trip to Portugal Bruce was given the green light to speak to Graham and quickly convinced him to end a miserable stint at the Stadium of Light, just six months after leaving Swansea in a £5.5m deal.

While Graham is yet to open his account leading the City attack, he can point towards success at this level in his past. A fee has already been agreed for next summer if the loan proves successful and City can tap into a player keen to prove a point.

YANNICK SAGBO

Evian, £1.6m

Signed: July 26

Few were familiar with Sagbo when he was plucked from Evian in late July but Steve Bruce is quietly confident he has found a rough diamond to lead the City line.

Strong, powerful and quick, the Ivory Coast international is seen to have all the attributes to settle into the English game.

Signs of his potential were seen during pre-season and on the opening day at Chelsea, but a moment of madness when sent off against Norwich leaves him with making up to do.

Sagbo will be back for the trip to Newcastle United later this month and Bruce remains confident that the striker's worth will eventually become clear.

TOM HUDDLESTONE

Tottenham, £5.25m

Signed: August 14

The marquee signing of City's summer had supporters purring with delight last month.

Trumping Sunderland's interest with a £5.25m offer accepted by Tottenham, Steve Bruce forced the Premier League to sit up and take notice of the Tigers when convincing Tom Huddlestone to move to the KC Stadium.

Capped by England as recently as November, only injury problems have prevented the midfielder from establishing himself amongst the best in the division.

City have already been given a demonstration of his talents this season and, provided he can stay injury-free, their new record signing can be pivotal to their survival hopes.

JAKE LIVERMORE

Tottenham, season-long loan

Signed: August 14

A club record deal for Tom Huddlestone ensured Jake Livermore's season-long loan was overshadowed on the same day, but the Tottenham midfielder has quickly made noises of his own in the City engine-room.

A department short on top-flight experience has been boosted significantly by his presence and his ambition to climb back on to the international stage with England can only benefit the Tigers.

Finding the money to buy Livermore during this window was never likely but a £3.5m move has been proposed for next summer.

If the first two starts are a guide, City will be desperate to make his loan permanent if relegation can be dodged.

A HULL man has been fined £840 for dumping waste in the garden of his previous address. Bradley Train, 38, of Helmsley Grove, was prosecuted by Hull City Council on August 2.

Train was seen taking items to his previous address on Stirling Street. Despite attempts to contact him, council officers were unable to get his co-operation. He was fined £400, costs of £400 and a £40 victim surcharge.

Councillor John Hewitt, Hull City Council's portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, said: "As with all neighbourhood nuisances, fly tipping can affect the environmental quality of this city and is an eyesore for residents. I hope this latest prosecution reassured people the council can and will take action where necessary."

To report an environmental nuisance in your area call 01482 300300.