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FEARFUL residents have compared plans to build hundreds of homes in Cottingham to Hull's Bransholme estate. East Riding Council revealed the latest draft of its Local Plan at a public consultation meeting, which was met with outrage by residents from the village. Since the first draft earlier this year, planning officers have increased the original number of potential homes for land near Castle Road from 188 to 301. But residents say this will increase the number of cars in Cottingham's already traffic-choked roads and it will lose its "village identity". Castle Road resident Dr Peter Adman, 71, said: "They will be creating a second Bransholme right where we live. It will bring down the value of our homes by about £50,000 – who would want to live somewhere facing that estate?" Their worries are compounded by the imminent decision over Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust's plans to build 600 homes on the same area of land – although planning officers say this is too many homes for the area. They increased the number of homes in Castle Road because the plans now include land at Castle Hill Hospital, where the 600 homes would be built. They have also removed plans to relocate the playing field and will no longer build 100 homes in Abbots Walk because it is in a flood-risk zone.

Senior strategic planning officer at the council, Owen Robinson, hinted it was unlikely the NHS trust's application would be approved. He said: "We have determined 600 homes is too much for the area. We would only want a proportion of that, so this indicates it is not something we would support. This is a requirement by Government and a key part of it is making sure land is available for housing. If we don't provide it, we will struggle to refuse inappropriate developments." But residents are not reassured. Diana Sandy, who has lived in Hallgate for 40 years, said: "This is going to make traffic infinitely worse." Janet Chia, 49, of Castle Road, said: "We are all so worried, it is absolutely desperate." Dr John Coope, 70, of Castle Road, said: "We will be surrounded by houses. Lovely open spaces will be taken away and traffic will become much too heavy."

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Housing plan 'will create second Bransholme' in Cottingham

VANDALS who threw a brick through a train windscreen put passengers' lives in danger, police have said. The brick narrowly missed the driver after it was thrown at the train from the County Road North flyover, west Hull, smashing the windscreen. British Transport Police have increased patrols in the area after the near-miss. PC Mark Lambert, who is investigating the crime, said: "Fortunately, on this occasion, no one was injured as a result. However, the consequences could have been far worse. "This was an extremely foolish and dangerous act which put the driver and passengers on the train in danger. Patrols have now been stepped up in the area to catch and deter any vandals from carrying out this type of extremely dangerous crime." Police said the large object, believed to be a brick, was thrown at the train as it approached the flyover on September 9. It happened at around 4.20pm. The service was the 2.54pm train from Scarborough to Doncaster, which was terminated in Hull after the attack. The affected train was then out of service while the damage was repaired. Richard Allan, area director for Northern Rail, said: "An object striking the window of a train can cause serious shock and upset, as well as potential injury to members of our train crew. As a result, customers can suffer unnecessary delays and disruption to their journey. Luckily, on this occasion, no one was hurt but the damaged window meant the train had to be cancelled at Hull and taken out of service for repair. "Incidences such as these are putting the safety of our employees and passengers at risk. I would urge anyone with information on this to contact our colleagues at the British Transport Police immediately." The train arrived in Hull six minutes late after it was struck. Police said they believe those responsible may not realise the dangers of throwing objects at moving trains. PC Lambert said: "The train was approaching the flyover at around 4.20pm when a large object, possibly a brick or stone, was thrown at the train from the flyover. The object smashed through the train's windscreen narrowly missing the driver who fortunately was uninjured. If anyone knows who is responsible, or saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, then I would urge you to get in touch." Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by calling 0800 405040 or texting 61016 quoting log 371 of September 9. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.Children playing on tracks Police warned in July that children were risking their lives playing on the railway tracks near the County Road North bridge. This month, officers will be visiting schools whose pupils have been seen playing on the railway over the summer holidays. A group of up to five children, aged between six and seven, were seen on the tracks. Four children were also given police cautions after being caught trespassing on the railway close to County Road North. Every day, more than 110 passenger and freight trains travel along the line between Hull, Beverley and Bridlington at speeds of up to 70mph. Sergeant Simon Litchfield, of the British Transport Police in Hull, said: "The consequences can be absolutely tragic. If a child is killed, it can ruin families and devastate communities. It is incredibly dangerous. If a driver sees a kid crossing the line, they may not be able to stop in time and there is nothing they can do about it."

Brick thrown through train window from Hull flyover narrowly misses driver

A hitman who claims he was being paid £10,000 to kill Hull decorator Andrew Burr has been accused of making it up. Mikail Ward has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder. Lisa Fairpo and Darren Wilson deny the same charge and are on trial at Hull Crown Court.

THE hitman who claims he was offered £10,000 to murder a painter and decorator has been accused of seeking revenge on the man who allegedly hired him. Mikail Ward, 42, told Hull Crown Court he was hired by Darren Wilson to kill his lover Lisa Fairpo's husband Andrew Burr with a knife.

Ward told Hull Crown Court he was supposed to lure Mr Burr to an empty house on the pretext of asking him for a quote for a job, before stabbing him to death.

Ward told the jury: "Darren Wilson asked me to get rid of someone. He didn't say who, he didn't give names, just that it was someone he knew. I was to lure this person to an address and kill them with a knife.

"I said it would be easier with a gun because I'm ex-Forces and I know how to use a gun. I suggested a Browning 9mm but he was not very keen on the idea. It would make too much noise and he wanted to use a knife to make sure the man suffered.

"I agreed with him at the time to kill him because of the money that he was going to pay me. He said he would give me £10,000 and clear the debt I had with him.

"I was very nervous about it and I didn't want to go through with it. I called the police because I couldn't go through with it and someone was in danger. I figured if I didn't go through with it, someone else would."

Ward has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder. Mrs Fairpo and Mr Wilson are both on trial at Hull Crown Court accused of conspiracy to commit murder. They deny the charge.

• Wife 'hired hitman to kill husband', court hears

The court heard Ward had been running a cannabis factory in his flat in Duesbury Street, west Hull, and was due to be paid £4,000 by Mr Wilson and his brother Dean Armstrong when it was harvested. However, he told the jury someone broke in and stole all his plants.

Barrister John Thackray has accused Ward of making the conspiracy up as revenge against his client Mr Wilson because he believed the brothers had stolen his cannabis factory. Ward has also been accused by Mr Thackray of being responsible for petrol bombing a house in Grove Road, west Hull, allegedly on Mr Armstrong and Mr Wilson's orders.

It is alleged the brothers paid someone to firebomb the house to scare the tenants into leaving so they could use it to grow cannabis. The jury was shown CCTV footage of Ward and Mr Armstrong buying a phone card used to send a threatening text message to the family who were targeted in the arson in a bid to make them leave their home.

In cross-examination, Mr Thackray put it to Ward: "You were in that arson up to your neck and you were worried when you go back to the police station, they would charge you with arson and that's why you came up with this elaborate plot about someone being killed.

"You thought if I go to the police about an elaborate plot for murder, that will get me off the arson. But you didn't realise when you said that to the police, simply agreeing to kill someone would get you into trouble.

"At the same time, it allowed you to get revenge on Mr Armstrong and Mr Wilson because you believed that when that cannabis was stolen and you lost your £4,000 profit, you believed they had taken it."

Ward denied he was acting out of revenge.

He told the court: "It is not about getting revenge. It was about my concern about what I was involved in and concern about that man."

The trial continues.

'Nervous' hitman called police over '£10k contract to murder painter'

A WIFE and her criminal lover hired a hitman to kill her husband for his £750,000 life insurance payout, a court heard. Lisa Fairpo, 36, is accused of plotting with her former lover Darren Wilson to murder her husband Andrew Burr by paying a hitman £10,000. It is alleged she was taking revenge on him for allegedly blinding her in one eye, as well as for financial gain. In April, she offered to pay a £71-a-month life insurance premium for Mr Burr. She gave her husband a number to ring and he jokingly told the broker: "I think my wife is trying to bump me off". Mrs Fairpo, of Hollym, married Mr Burr, a painter and decorator, in 2005 and the pair had been together 13 years. They had borrowed money from 46-year-old Mr Wilson, a rogue debt collector, Hull Crown Court heard. The couple had £24,000 in debts due to Mrs Fairpo's addiction to shopping and were close to bankruptcy. Hitman Mikail Ward has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder Mr Burr and claimed he was paid £10,000 to stab him. He walked into a police station in London and told officers he had been paid to kill someone by Mr Wilson. The court heard Ward, 42, of Dewsbury Court, west Hull, owed Mr Wilson £1,500 in debts and £750 in interest and could not afford to pay him. Prosecutor Mark McKone said: "Mr Wilson offered him £10,000 to kill a painter and decorator with a knife. Mr Ward had suggested a gun would be better but Mr Wilson said he wanted the victim to suffer." Mrs Fairpo was arrested and told the police: "I could never hurt him". She claimed her husband had punched her and blinded her but was "pleased" because it meant she got £2,500 a month in benefits, the court heard. Mrs Fairpo and Mr Wilson both deny a charge of conspiracy to commit murder between January and April. Mr Wilson and his brother Dean Armstrong were running a multi-million pound cannabis operation across the area at the time, the court heard. The prosecution allege Mr Wilson and Mr Armstrong, 39, got people to commit serious crimes on their behalf. They ran "profitable" cannabis factories in large houses across Hull obtained through GC Lettings agency, which Mr Armstrong worked for, the court heard. Mr Wilson is also accused of conspiracy to commit arson. It is alleged he arranged for someone to petrol bomb a three-storey four-bedroomed house in Grove Street, west Hull, on New Year's Eve, to force the occupants out of their home so he could use it to grow cannabis. His brother has pleaded guilty to the arson charge. Mr Armstrong helped the family board the house up afterwards and offered to find them a new home but they refused to move. In the weeks after the attack, occupant Donna Nagi was sent messages allegedly from the brothers saying "still alive but not for long". Another mistress of Mr Wilson's, Pauline Jackson, who he also loaned money to, claimed Mr Wilson had confessed to her about conspiring to murder Mr Burr and to having the Grove Street property fire bombed so he could scare the tenants and use it to produce cannabis. Mr McKone said: "In April, Mr Wilson told Pauline that he and Dean were getting someone 'done in' over an insurance claim. He was to get £30,000 and Mickey Ward £10,000." Mr McKone said: "In January, Mr Wilson asked Pauline if she had seen the Hull Daily Mail about the petrol bombing. Mr Wilson said the house got petrol bombed as he and Dean thought it was ideal for growing cannabis as it was large and in a good location. Mr Wilson said he thought it would scare the tenant out." Mr Wilson, of Appin Close, Bransholme, and Mr Armstrong, of Coltman Street, west Hull, have both pleaded guilty to growing cannabis in factories across Hull.The trial continues.

• Hitman accused of seeking revenge on man who 'hired him' because of 'stolen cannabis factory'

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Wife 'hired hitman to kill her husband'

Our daily blog with the latest news, transfer rumours and gossip about Hull City in the Premier League. Today, Yannick Sagbo is outshone by Nick Proschwitz, and Matty Fryatt needs games. Hull City's Yannick Sagbo is in contention to start at Newcastle United, a month after a moment of madness ended his home debut against Norwich, but looks likely to start on the bench after a smooth return to action for the reserves last night. A 59-minute run-out against Rotherham United was primarily designed to be a fitness exercise and in that respect the night was a success. But if a first game in 25 days also represented a last chance to nudge Danny Graham out of the starting XI at St James Park, Sagbo failed to give Steve Bruce a jolt in the ribs. On an evening that saw Nick Proschwitz run riot with four goals against an inexperienced Rotherham defence, in contrast the £1.6m signing from Evian was largely anonymous. A forgiving assessment would account for his lack of sharpness but the enthusiasm seen on a bright debut against Chelsea was absent. One chance did fall his way in the closing minutes of the first half, thanks to the poor handling of Tony Thompson, only for Sagbo to hit the stranded opponent with the goal gaping. His night was cut short on 59 minutes with one eye on the trip to Tyneside. However, the only forward who left his mark on this contest was the much-maligned Proschwitz. So, should Proschwitz now feature when Hull City travel to Newcastle? Vote in our Pick the Team poll.Fryatt fails to make a case Hull City are moving on at pace and as Autumn takes hold, Matty Fryatt's stock is falling with the leaves. After missing the majority of last season with a cruel Achilles injury, the challenge of working his way back into contention is proving a tall order for the one time focal point of City's attacking line. A long-awaited Premier League debut is yet to come and, on the evidence of his performance against Rotherham last night, the wait will surely go on. A fall into the reserve team brought an unfamiliar role; playing deep off the front two of Nick Proschwitz and Yannick Sagbo, Fryatt's fortunes were mixed. That proven intelligence and awareness were there but the telling contribution was not. A lack of match action was also noticeable as he lacked the sharp turn of pace that once lit up the Championship. Fryatt is in need of a change. Whether that be a short-term loan to drag him back up to speed or a permanent move for the good of his career, a place in City's shadows is doing him no favours. A reluctance to move to either Barnsley or Nottingham Forest will have its reasons but Fryatt's talents deserve a better stage than this.Powell confident Cameron Stewart can resurrect career at Charlton Hull City winger Cameron Stewart has been tipped to re-ignite his stalled career after making a stunning impression on his Charlton Athletic debut this week. Stewart needed just 11 minutes to announce his arrival on loan with the Addicks when emerging off the bench to score a magnificent long-range goal at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday. The 22-year-old's strike was not enough to prevent Charlton falling to a 2-1 loss at the John Smith's Stadium but it is hoped a first goal since January 2012 can be the catalyst for an overdue return to form. A four-month loan spell in South London will provide Stewart with first-team opportunities unlikely to come at the KC Stadium, and Charlton boss Chris Powell hopes he can be the beneficiary. "He's someone I've kept an eye on for quite a while," said Powell. "He came to my attention a couple of years back and then we noticed he didn't play too much for Hull last year. "I made the phone calls in the summer but then he got injured. I wanted to add another wide player, a bit of pace, a bit of skill. It was a perfect opportunity to bring him here for a few months. "He's been lively and buoyant. He's got some talent and, if we can harness that in the right way, we may have a player there. He made his mark on Tuesday and let's see where it leads to." Stewart produced a moment of magic at Huddersfield that has so often proved beyond him during the last 18 months. Collecting the ball on the right edge of the penalty area, he cut inside and unleashed a terrific drive that cannoned in off the underside of the bar. Not since scoring in the Tigers' 3-1 FA Cup win over Ipswich on January 9, 2012 has the rookie been on the scoresheet, a time that has included frustrations at the KC and with loan clubs Burnley and Blackburn. Stewart, now in the final year of his City deal, still appears unlikely to feature again for the Tigers but Powell is unsure what the future will hold beyond the expiry of his current loan in January. "I think he sees this as a fresh start and an opportunity to impress me and a new set of supporters and players," he added. "So far, so good but there's a while to go yet, he's here until January. But if he carries on like he did on Tuesday, he'll make a case for staying longer."Harper's grand testimonial raises £300,000 Steve Harper's testimonial raised £300,000 for north-east charities. A host of former Newcastle and AC Milan stars turned out for the game at St James' Park last week, which was attended by a crowd of almost 51,000, to mark 38-year-old Harper's 20 years of service to the Magpies. The proceeds will benefit match organisers the Newcastle United Foundation and two other principal beneficiaries, the Great North Children's Hospital and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Harper, due to return to Tyneside with Hull City on Saturday, said: "It was an incredible night. I'd like to say thank you to everyone who came along to St James' Park to be a part of it and for making it so special. "It was a privilege to be on the same pitch as some of the greatest players to have ever played the game and, more importantly, the match raised money for charities which are very close to my heart. I'm delighted that those funds will enhance the amazing work they continue to do for people right across the north-east."• Former Hull City striker Marlon King has signed for Sheffield United.

• Hull City paper talk September 18

Hull City paper talk, September 19: Sagbo anonymous, Fryatt goes deep

Hull City captain Robert Koren is out of the trip to Newcastle United and will miss four to five weeks with a fractured foot, the club said today. As reported this morning Koren, went for scans after playing through pain for several weeks. Now, X-rays have revealed a hairline fracture on a bone in his foot. Today, manager Steve Bruce said the injury was a "bitter blow" to the Tigers. But he suggested both Stephen Quinn and George Boyd were ready to step into the breach. "He did it a couple of weeks ago and to be fair he's played with it," said Bruce. "But last Saturday it was worse and so we scanned it and X-rayed it and those have revealed a hairline fracture to one of the bones in his foot." Koren has enjoyed a strong start to the Premier League season, playing in all four games and earning praise for performances marked by an energy and aggression sometimes missing last season. Now, Bruce expects another member of his squad to seize their chance. "When somebody is out injured, somebody else is going to get a chance – that is how football works," he told Hull City's official website. "There's a few that have been champing at the bit with the likes of George Boyd and Stephen Quinn in particular, so one of them will step into the breach."• Who should start against Newcastle? Vote in our Pick the Team poll.

Hull City's Robert Koren out for 'four to five weeks' with foot injury

Nearly 500 council tenants in Hull have fallen into arrears since the so-called 'bedroom tax' was introduced. A total of 2,420 tenants out of 3,935 are in arrears, representing 61 per cent, with 494 falling behind since April 1. In the East Riding 261 council tenants have fallen into arrears since the Government introduced the spare room subsidy, with a total of 50 per cent now behind with their rent. The figures have been published by the TUC-backed False Economy campaign using freedom of information requests. Nationwide, the subsidy has tipped nearly one in three council tenants into rent arrears and campaigners have renewed calls for the benefit cut to be scrapped. Since the reform was introduced in April, 50,000 households in 114 local council areas can no longer afford to pay for their accommodation - 31 per cent of those affected, the False Economy group claim. A separate study, by the National Housing Federation (NHF), showed a quarter of those in housing association properties affected by the policy had been pushed into rent arrears since the change. Under the welfare reform, social tenants deemed to have more bedrooms than they need have had their housing benefit reduced. Ministers say private sector renters do not get spare rooms for free, and argue the change will save around £500 million annually. It has sparked protests across the country with opponents claiming it is forcing families into poverty and will increase the benefits bill by pushing people into the private sector. False Economy's campaign manager Clifford Singer said: "Together with the raft of other benefits cuts the Government has forced through both this year and previously, the bedroom tax is driving tenants and families who were just making ends meet into arrears, and pushing those who were already struggling with the cost of living into a full-blown crisis. The worst part is that these figures have been collated while councils' emergency Discretionary Housing Payments are still available; they are being used up at record speed and when they run out, these figures will only get worse." Barrow, where three quarters of tenants have fallen into arrears since April, was the worst-affected area, according to today's report. Other places where the proportion was at least half were Clackmannanshire (67 per cent), Tamworth (52 per cent), South Kesteven in Lincolnshire (51 per cent) and Rotherham (50 per cent).

'Bedroom tax' pushing East Yorkshire tenants into rent arrears, report claims

Rapid Solicitors Hull Stingrays face Edinburgh Capitals at Hull Arena on Saturday, September 21, at 6.30pm. Cathy Wigham previews the Elite League clash.

HULL Stingrays' Matty Davies must think coach Sylvain Cloutier has delivered an early Christmas present this year. The 23-year-old forward provides the jam in the middle of a fine looking sandwich of Jereme Tendler and Guillaume Doucet.

Tendler needs no introduction to Rapid Solicitors Stingrays fans, having racked up nearly 200 points since his arrival in 2010.

On the other wing is new signing Doucet, who has already netted five points in his first four league and cup matches.

Together the trio have already suggested they have enough in their armoury to trouble the Elite League's best.

And that suits Hull-born Davies, now in his fifth season with the club, down to the ground.

He said: "I felt good coming into this season and I like the team Sylvain has put together.

"It's a little different to the teams in the past.

"It's a little bit more skilled and faster up front which suits me, that's my type of game.

"I'm all for that type of hockey and I have worked hard to come into this season ready and hopefully I can have a good year.

"Guillaume is looking like a very good player.

"Tendz is Tendz, Derek Campbell and Jason Silverthorn are clicking together again like they did before, that's good for the team and hopefully those two can keep going.

"Things are looking good with three good lines, we just have to get those results."

Davies set a new career high of 39 points in 52 League games last season and, alongside Messrs Tendler and Doucet, has every chance of exceeding that tally.

Ask him what his points-scoring target is this season, and Davies is adamant there isn't one, he has bigger fish to fry.

"My aim is to win the Gardiner Conference and I'll be doing all I can to help the team," said Davies.

"We just missed out last year but I felt we had a good year really, we only just missed out.

"Our away form let us down in the end, but our team is stronger this year."

Stingrays have already opened their Gardiner Conference account with a cracking 5-2 win over the side that topped the standings last season – Braehead Clan.

Tonight's visitors are the team who finished bottom – Edinburgh Capitals.

Ironically, in the overall Elite League standings the Capitals finished ahead of all the Gardiner teams, thanks to their points garnered from games against the Erhardt Conference outfits.

"It's a must-win tonight, as all our Conference home games are, that's why it was so important we beat Braehead," said Davies.

"The Challenge Cup is nice but at the end of the day although it's important, there's no two ways about it, we have to win our Conference matches."

While Davies is adamant tonight is vital, tomorrow is equally so.

Lose against Coventry to make it no points from four games and Stingrays chances of reaching the cup quarter-finals will be minimal.

"We know it will be tough, as it always is down there," said Davies.

"Coventry is always a battle, there's lots of history between the two teams, and it's always interesting when we go there.

"We did alright there last year and it's encouraging to know we can do that and compete with those teams."

Sylvain Cloutier previews Stingrays v Edinburgh TONIGHT is a must-win game for us against Edinburgh as we want a really good home record in our Gardiner Conference. Last year we had that, and you saw how important that was at the end of the season with all five teams separated by two or three points from top to bottom. All the Conference teams were good at home, so we need to get those points against Edinburgh, particularly when you look at next month's fixtures. It will be a big month for us. The first weekend, for instance, we've got Dundee Stars back to back and they've made a great start. Once we get tonight out of the way we'll start to focus on our Challenge Cup tie at Coventry tomorrow. We've got five group games left to get the six points I think we'll need to book our place in the quarter-finals. True, three of those matches are at home, but it will be a tough task to beat Nottingham, Sheffield and Coventry, so we really need to sneak something on the road. Once again we've got to make sure we take our chances when they come along and improve our defensive zone. In past seasons our guys have tended to shoot from anywhere, but this year they're probably more experienced and pick their shots more. We've got Derek Campbell, Jason Silverthorn, Carl Lauzon and Matty Davies, although Matty could shoot more, plus Jereme Tendler and Guillaume Doucet. These guys can bury any good chances, so we've got a lot of different options. Teams can't think about just shutting down Tendz any more, there's now three or four guys to look out for. We wanted that this year, hopefully it will help us win our Conference.

Stingrays v Edinburgh Capitals preview: Ice hockey Elite League clash at Hull Arena (6.30pm)

VISITOR numbers for Freedom Festival were even higher than first recorded, organisers say. More than 80,000 people were said to have been at the main festival sites in the Fruit Market and Queens Gardens, exceeding last year's 75,000.

But final numbers for this year are expected to be even higher than the 80,127 recorded, with thousands more enjoying "pop-up" festival attractions in high traffic areas including Queen Victoria Square and the city's Paragon Interchange.

A date has now been penned in for next year's event, just weeks after some of the country's best talent came to the city for the celebration. It will be held from Friday, September 5, to Sunday, September 7.

Graham Chesters, chairman of the Freedom Festival Board, said: "The feedback we've received on Freedom Festival – both during and after the weekend – through direct contact, via social media channels and anecdotally, has been overwhelming. We've been absolutely thrilled by the support and encouragement in the board's first year of organising Freedom Festival. It is clear the weekend was a phenomenal success, but we're already thinking ahead to next year.

"We've heard from so many people who were massively disappointed that they couldn't make the event this year due to prior commitments and have been asking us when 2014 dates will be confirmed.

"We've decided to waste no time in confirming the dates so people can have the festival fixed in their diaries 12 months in advance."

Mr Chesters said planning for what will be another "unforgettable weekend" has already begun.

The family-friendly, three-day event is thought to have significantly boosted Hull's bid to be UK City of Culture 2017, which will be submitted on Monday, September 30.

The festival showcased 100 local acts and featured almost 200 performances in total from local, national and international artists, including French theatre group Transe Express and chart-topping indie band The 1975.

They were joined by 2Faced Dance, acrobatic troupe The Black Eagles, Dan Croll, Theme Park and Mobo award winner Akala.

The festival's opening night also saw almost 1,000 local residents taking part in a torchlight procession from the city's statue of Hull MP William Wilberforce through the Old Town.

It culminated in a "spine-tingling" recital of Martin Luther King's famous "I have a dream" speech by renowned author and poet Lemn Sissay MBE.

This year's event was the first to be programmed by festival directors Walk The Plank, who worked with local contributors to deliver the event, led by the newly-created independent board.

Dozens of locals also performed on a number of stages in and around Humber Street.

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Freedom Festival 2014 date set

The Old Town burst into life as musicians took to the stage for Hull Trinity Festival, which sees live performances throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Acts today included The Tennents, Young Jack, Tayala, Patrick Joseph Tobin and The Black Delta Movement. Folk-pop star King Charles headlined the event this evening at 6pm. A classically-trained musician, King Charles beat thousands of other hopefuls to win the International Songwriting Competition in Nashville, Tennessee, with his song, Love Lust. Live music events were also being held at fringe venues including Fruit, Garbo's, Jack & Danny's, Jaz Bar, Kingston Hotel, Oscars Bar, Rumours, William Wilberforce and Ye Olde Corn Exchange. The festival continues on Sunday with nineties stars Dodgy (7pm), best-known for their hits Good Enough and Staying Out For The Summer, and a staple of the festival circuit since reforming in 2008. Music will start on the main stage in Trinity Square on Sunday from 1pm with bands including The Debutants , Streaming Lights, The Quicksilver Kings and many more.

Hull Trinity Festival bursts into life

Follow live coverage of the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Hull City at St James's Park on Saturday, September 21, 2013 (kick-off 3pm). Philp Buckingham and Brad Rial are at the ground. Match report and reaction at full-time.

Newcastle United v Hull City live: Updates and teams from St James's Park

Steve Bruce says defender James Chester could be out for up to six weeks after injuring his hamstring in Hull City's 3-2 win at Newcastle United. Chester hobbled off in the closing stages of today's Premier League clash. Speaking after the match, Bruce said: "He stretched in the last minute to make a block and unfortunately his hamstring's popped. He'll be out a long time, I would have thought. It may be four, six weeks." With Hull City already missing captain Robert Koren and defender Maynor Figueroa, the injury to another of Bruce's key players takes a little of the gloss off a remarkable win that saw the Tigers twice come from behind at St James's Park. "He's just getting his teeth into playing in the Premier League and that's a big loss to us," said Bruce. "That's the one thing we can't afford. We've had two or three (out injured) today. We hope that's as much as it gets." Bruce could now turn to the veteran Abdoulaye Faye to face his former club West Ham United at the KC Stadium next weekend. Faye was on the bench today for the first time this season.

• Steve Bruce: Sone Aluko will remember THAT goal for a very long time

• Pictures from Hull City's stunning win at Newcastle United

Hull City's James Chester 'out for up to six weeks' after injuring hamstring in Newcastle win

Read Philip Buckingham's match report of the Premier League game between Newcastle United and Hull City at St James's Park on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Goals from Robbie Brady, Ahmed Elmohamady and Sone Aluko secured a 3-2 victory for the Tigers. A MOMENT of pure magic from Sone Aluko earned Hull City their first away win in the Premier League since March 2009 as they twice came from behind to beat Newcastle United 3-2 at St James' Park. Despite conceding two first-half goals from the clinical Loic Remy, the Tigers refused to surrender in a fantastic show of character. Robbie Brady's sweet low strike was sandwiched between Remy's brace before Ahmed Elmohamady's glancing header made it 2-2 early in the second half. The stage was then set for Aluko, who duly stole the show with a left-foot volley high into the top corner, to snatch a dramatic win 13 minutes from time. Not since beating Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage on March 4, 2009 had City won away in the top-flight – a run of 26 games – and the 3,000 travelling fans were able to salute the end of a long and painful wait in style. Against a revived Newcastle side chasing its third consecutive win, the incline of City's mission was quick to steepen from the outset of an end-to-end game. Reshuffled by the absence of Robert Koren and Maynor Figueroa, the pair replaced by Stephen Quinn and Liam Rosenior, the Tigers were behind after just 11 minutes. A deep cross from the right evaded the questionable defending of Elmohamady and allowed Papiss Cisse to shoot. The ball bounced down into the ground and perfectly up for Remy to finish ahead of James Chester. The early blow threatened a long afternoon but City were gradually able to find their feet. Jake Livermore twice had shots blocked inside the penalty area before the visitors silenced St James' Park midway through the half. Newcastle initially felt they had escaped when Graham's header was kept out by the acrobatics of Tim Krul. As well as keeping out the initially effort from point blank range, he scrambled the loose ball clear. Within a mad minute, though, City were on level terms. Sone Aluko's vision spotted Brady in space to his left and the Irishman drilled a low drive through Krul. It was Newcastle's turn to wobble as City noticeably grew in confidence. Tom Huddlestone's excellent ball over the top carved open a shabby defence and a better first touch from Graham could have teed up an excellent opening. The twin threat of Brady and Aluko was another thorn the Magpies' side. Just when they appeared to be cantering to the break, though, City were behind for a second time. Yohan Cabaye's shot from the edge of the box was deflected by the outstretched leg of Chester but straight into the path of Remy. Before City could react, the Frenchman had dispatched a cool finish across Allan McGregor and into the bottom corner. If that represented the proverbial sucker punch, City barely flinched. Within three minutes of the break Brady's free-kick was attacked by Elmohamady in space and his downward header beat Krul off the post. An absorbing game was there for both sides to win. The Tigers, unwilling to settle for a point, sensed a first away victory since their top-flight return, while Newcastle were implored to find the game's decisive fifth goal by an increasingly anxious crowd. It came for City, with 13 minutes remaining, from a moment of sheer brilliance. George Boyd, on as a second-half substitute, picked out Aluko on the edge of the box and he fired a picture-book volley into the top corner. The goal of the game, Aluko's first since last November, took the breath away. Remy had a chance for his hat-trick in stoppage time but his shot wide was the last notable act of an epic contest. Newcastle: Tim Krul, Mathieu Bebuchy (Cheik Tiote 86), Fabricio Coloccini, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Davide Santon, Vurnon Anita, Moussa Sissoko, Yohan Cabaye (Yoan Gouffran 62), Papiss Cisse (Sylvain Marveaux 73), Hatem Ben Arfa, Loic Remy. Subs: Rob Elliot, Mike Williamson, Sammy Ameobi, Paul DummettHull City: Allan McGregor, Ahmed Elmohamady, James Chester, Curtis Davies, Liam Rosenior, Stephen Quinn (George Boyd 64), Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore, Robbie Brady (David Meyler 74), Sone Aluko, Danny Graham (for Yannick Sagbo 84). Subs: Steve Harper, Alex Bruce, Abdoulaye Faye, Nick ProschwitzAttendance: 51,523 (3,000 away).

• Steve Bruce: Sone Aluko will remember THAT goal for a very long time

• Pictures from Hull City's stunning win at Newcastle United

• Hull City's James Chester facing up to six weeks out with hamstring injury

Newcastle 2 Hull City 3 - match report: Aluko wonder goal seals comeback win

Steve Bruce praised Sone Aluko's "wonderful" goal as Hull City beat Newcastle United at St James's Park. On the day his sister Eniola scored for England, Aluko struck a masterful 76th-minute volley from 18 yards out to secure a 3-2 win for the Tigers. "It was some goal that Sone scored to win us the game," said Bruce. "It's a really, really wonderful goal. Sone will remember it for a long time. "For (George) Boyd, and Aluko, one was fifty grand from Peterborough and the other's one's a free transfer, I'm delighted for them to come on the big stage and show what they've got. Victory on Tyneside saw Geordie Bruce exorcise the ghost of his blackest day in football as City twice came from behind. On his last visit to St James's Park as Sunderland manager in October 2010, he had left on the wrong end of a 5-1 scoreline. Bruce said: "That was certainly the darkest Sunday afternoon I have had in football. It was the worst result I could probably ever think of. It's taken a long time to come back, but we have come back and dusted ourselves down, and it's always nice to win here. "As you know, I'm a Geordie and it's always nice to come back, especially if we can get a result." City were behind with just 11 minutes gone when Loic Remy, making his first home start for Newcastle in front of owner Mike Ashley and director of football Joe Kinnear, headed home from close range. But the lead lasted just 15 minutes as the Magpies' fragility at the back returned to haunt them and Robbie Brady levelled from Aluko's through-ball. Remy restored the home side's advantage a minute before the break, but Ahmed Elmohamady headed home Brady's 48th-minute free-kick to put the resilient Tigers back on level terms. However, it was Aluko who claimed the headlines when he spectacularly volleyed home substitute Boyd's cross, although Remy might have completed a hat-trick and snatched a point at the death, only to prod wide from close range. Bruce said: "What has pleased me more than anything is the manner in which we have played. We have been to Chelsea and we got a bit of a doing in the first half-hour, but we are a little bit bold. We play two strikers and we are a little bit different and at the end of the day, it doesn't surprise me that we can come up here and win because we have got some good players. "I hope they can keep their feet on the ground and keep enjoying it the way they are. The big thing for me is can we stay injury-free with the big players we have got?" An injury to defender James Chester took some of the gloss off the win. He is now facing four to six weeks out after damaging his hamstring. Magpies boss Alan Pardew paid tribute to Hull City after Bruce's side twice came from behind to run out winners at St James's Park. Pardew said: "Hull, I'll be the first to pay tribute to them because they played very well, I must say that, but for us, it was a really disappointing day. Our selection of passing wasn't as great as it has been in the last two or three games and we had a day at the office which we are going to have to forget quite quickly and move on."

• Newcastle United 2 Hull City 3: Match report

• Pictures from Hull City's stunning win at Newcastle United

• Injury blow for Hull City's James Chester

Hull City's Bruce: Sone Aluko will remember THAT goal at Newcastle for a very long time

A FORMER Hull barmaid is to star in a major theatre production alongside household names including Kerry Katona.

Hayley Jane Brown, 32, of Bransholme, always dreamed of being an actress, despite leaving school with no GCSEs and working in various roles, including a waitress and factory worker.

Despite this, Hayley has remained determined throughout and has finally got what she hopes will be her breakthrough role.

She said: "I knew I had to go and make my dream come true. Something inside just kept telling me to keep pushing, even after all the knockbacks I had."

After featuring as an extra in various television programmes, including Hollyoaks, Hayley was trawling through the Spotlight casting directory for the latest auditions when she saw an advertisement for the role of Marilyn Monroe in the production, Norma Jean The Musical.

After auditioning for the part, Hayley received the news she had hoped for and got a second call back.

She said: "I was given only lyrics to a song called I Am Miss Marilyn Monroe.

"There was no backing track and I had a week to come up with something creative."

Weeks later, after not hearing anything, Hayley was on Twitter and discovered Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona had been given the role for which she had applied.

A day or two later, Hayley was on Facebook and noticed she had a message from Karen Struel-White, the producer of the show and part of the audition panel, asking if she wanted to join the cast of the new show.

Hayley said: "I am absolutely thrilled and it just goes to show how much my determination has paid off."

Rehearsals for the show have already begun in London in preparation for its opening.

From Bransholme barmaid to Kerry Katona's co-star in Norma Jean The Musical

THEY were among the most unpopular council properties in Hull for years. Built in the early 1970s, dozens of first-floor bedsits were designed to link rows of terrace council homes on a number of estates across the city.

But their cramped surroundings proved to be a turn-off for tenants and many became almost impossible to let.

However, recent housing benefit changes following the introduction of the so-called "bedroom tax" have suddenly made the link bedsits popular.

As a result, Hull City Council is now letting 58 recently refurbished and extended bedsits as one-bedroom flats.

The conversion programme followed an initial pilot scheme in 2011, involving four properties to test demand.

Councillor John Black, portfolio holder for council infrastructure, said breathing new life into the empty bedsits was part of a wider drive to bring neglected properties back into use.

He said: "The council is committed to bringing as many empty properties across the city back into use as quickly as possible.

"These bedsits had been boarded up, not fit for purpose and were very difficult to let.

"By converting these properties, we have been able increase the number of one-bedroom flats, which is good news for people who are looking for this type of home.

"These conversions benefit the neighbours and local communities as it reduces antisocial behaviour, improves the look of the local area and increases property values."

Among the new tenants is Ricky Woodhall, who was previously homeless.

He said: "I recently moved into one of the bedsits after spending time in the local hostel. It is the best thing to happen to me. I now have a real home for the first time and feel part of the community."

The conversion work on the link bedsits has been carried out by Kingston Work Limited (KWL), the council's wholly- owned building services company.

Kevin Redmore, business leader at KWL, said: "We were pleased to be actively involved in all stages of this project to transform these properties into one-bedroom flats.

"We returned the flats as programmed, in budget, to a very high quality standard that future residents and surrounding communities will be able to enjoy in the coming years."

Work on the recent conversions started last September.

The final completed flats are now going through the council's letting process.

The properties have received a full refurbishment, including new plastering and a new kitchen and bathroom.

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1970s bedsits brought back on Hull council estates in 'bedroom tax' move

Police have released CCTV images of a man and woman wanted in connection with a theft from the Asda Living Store in Anlaby. Staff noticed a male acting suspiciously in the store just before it was due to close at 8pm last Saturday.

The man picked up a pair of new jeans from the store and put them on. When challenged by staff, he took off the jeans and put his old ones back on.

He then ran out the shop leaving another carrier bag containing property not paid for, belonging to Asda. The man ran across the car park to Nandike Close leading on to Dawney Drive in Anlaby.

Anyone with information or who can identify the man and woman captured on CCTV should call PC Andy White on 01482 307213.

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Jeans antics of Asda Living theft suspect: Do you know him?

A man is in hospital this morning after being stabbed in Hull. Police were called to reports of a disturbance in Appleton Road, off Bricknell Avenue, west Hull, on Friday evening. A man was found with stab wounds and taken to hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. A 49-year-old man is in police custody. Anyone with information should call police on 101 referring to log 683 of September 20.

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Man stabbed on Appleton Road in Hull

A THUG who repeatedly punched an anti-fascist protester in front of children during an EDL march in Hull city centre has walked free from court. John Claydon, 46, was caught on CCTV punching David Harding, who was part of a small group of men and women taking part in a counter-protest.

Yesterday, Recorder Michael Smith sentenced Claydon – who has convictions for violence from 1999, 2001 and 2007 – to an 18-month community order and 100 hours' unpaid work.

HGV driver Clayon, 46, of Dronfield, Derbyshire, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Stephen Welch told Hull Crown Court: "On Saturday, August 17, the EDL held a march within Hull city centre. There was a heavy police presence, with some 300 people on the march, as it passed along Ferensway, past St Stephen's shopping centre.

"At approximately 2.20pm, it became clear that there were six to eight people who were protesting against the EDL. The complainant had been holding a banner stating that Hull is multicultural."

Mr Welch said the protesters – members of the group United Against Fascism – had been holding a "silent protest".

CCTV captured the moment two men, identified as Claydon and Melvyn Parker, broke away from the main EDL group.

Mr Welch said: "Mr Parker grabbed the banner that Mr Harding had been holding and tried to push it away.

"He then pushed a female who approached him. That concluded his involvement.

"Mr Claydon then punched Mr Harding repeatedly in the face. Mr Claydon continued to punch him while Mr Harding was on the floor.

"It did not cease until he was hauled off Mr Harding by PCSOs."

The attack happened in full view of children, said Mr Welch.

Mr Harding suffered a cut to his forehead, which required ten stitches, and two black eyes, and was off work for a week.

Following the attack, he had trouble sleeping and is psychologically scarred, said Mr Welch.

Claydon admitted having attended previous EDL meetings, where he claimed to have been attacked, physically and verbally, by anti-fascist protesters.

During an earlier hearing, Claydon had refuted the prosecution's case that he had punched Mr Harding up to six times.

Richard Thompson, defending, said his client claimed to have heard members of the rival group shouting insults at soldiers.

Mr Welch strongly denied this suggestion.

Mr Thompson said: "Mr Claydon accepts that he allowed his emotions to get the better of him.

"The assault was over within ten seconds. This was not a sustained attack."

Sentencing, Recorder Smith said it was a sensitive case, but told Claydon the politics of the march was "of no concern" to him.

He said: "I am sentencing you purely and simply for the act of violence in a public place."

As part of his punishment, Claydon must complete an anger management course and pay Mr Harding – who was not present in court – £500 compensation.

Parker, 46, of Mansfield, Nottingham, was made to pay £265 costs at a hearing at Hull Magistrates' Court on September 1.

EDL thug spared jail for violent attack on anti-fascist protester

A COUPLE mourning the deaths of two of soldier Gregg Stone and his sister Jennie have suffered further agony after their eldest son was injured in a crash. Jamie Stone, 32, was rushed to hospital with a broken shoulder and a broken nose after his family's Ford Focus skidded and crashed into a ditch near Hornsea during a storm.

His partner, Carla, 36, and children Emily, four months and Tayer, ten, escaped with cuts and bruises.

Jamie's mother Angie, who lives with husband Bob in Atwick, near Hornsea, said: "It feels like we have been cursed. It was like déjà vu when I had the phone call from Bob telling me Jamie had been involved in a car crash."

Bob and Angie's daughter, Jennie, 28, died in a car crash at Fraisthorpe, near Bridlington, in February. Only eight months before, in June last year, their soldier son, Private Gregg Stone, 20, was shot dead during a rescue mission in Afghanistan.

Paramedics were called to the crash in Seaton Road, Hornsea, shortly after 8pm on Friday by a passerby. No other vehicle was involved.

Angie said: "Jamie and Carla had gone to collect Tayer, who is his daughter from a previous relationship, from her home in Hornsea. They were going back to Leeds, where they live, when the car hit some water and aquaplaned, before ending up nose-down in a ditch."

Former soldier Jamie suffered a shoulder injury and a broken nose but managed to scramble out of the wreckage to free Carla and the children, said Angie, a manager at a Hornsea bookmakers.

She said her son had battled to keep the car on the road after it hit water during a torrential downpour.

She said: "It all happened so quickly, but Jamie told me he had remembered his dad's advice about what to do if your car ever starts to aquaplane. So he didn't jam on the brakes, but steered into the skid, it seemed to work but then a split-second later, the car hit more water and the back of the car spun round, before ending up in the ditch.

"It is a miracle none of them were killed."

Paramedics gave Jamie gas and air and were able to "pop" the shoulder, which was dislocated, back into place.

He was taken by ambulance to Hull Royal Infirmary with Tayer.

An X-ray later showed the shoulder bone was broken.

Carla and baby Emily were taken to the same hospital in another ambulance.

Angie said: "Jamie's first call was to his dad – he said he knew Dad would know what to do.

"Another driver had rang for an ambulance. Bob called me and went straight out there. He came home soaked through."

Jamie and his family were discharged from hospital early on Saturday and are now recovering at home.

"Doctors at Leeds General Infirmary have told him they cannot operate until next Thursday," said Angie.

"They are going to have to pin and plate the shoulder bone."

Jamie, who spent three years in The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire, had hoped to join other family members at his brother Kallum's pass-out parade at Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, in North Yorkshire.

Kallum, 19, intends to follow in his brothers' footsteps and join The Yorkshire Regiment, an infantry unit.

It is unlikely Jamie will be able to attend.

Bob said: "Painful as the injury is for Jamie, it doesn't compare to not being able to see his brother pass out.

"It's just sheer relief. We thank God he has not taken any of them this time. It's hard enough coping with our losses."

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Now Gregg Stone's brother in car crash as mum says 'I feel like our family is cursed'