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Illegal cigarettes and tobacco seized from hidden compartments in shops in Hull

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MORE than 10,000 illegal cigarettes and half a kilo of hand rolling tobacco were seized in Hull this week.
HM Revenue and Customs and Hull Trading Standards officers used sniffer dogs to detect hidden tobacco products during searches of five shops.
Among the finds, 1,160 illegal cigarettes were hidden inside a hollowed out door at a shop on Spring Bank, 3,560 illegal cigarettes and 10.35 grams of hand rolling tobacco were found inside crates at a shop on Spring Bank.
There were also 5,200 duty free cigarettes discovered in an under-floor compartment which was hidden by a false floor tile at a shop on Beverley Road.
Jo Tyler, assistant director, criminal investigation, HMRC, said: "Tobacco fraud is not a victimless crime and encourages otherwise honest people to trade with criminals.
"The gangs involved are unlicensed and unregulated and often sell counterfeit goods.
"The huge profit they reap from illegal cigarette sales is ploughed straight back into the criminal underworld, feeding activities like drug dealing and fraud."
Anyone with information about the storage or sale of illegal tobacco should call the Customs hotline on 0800 59 5000.

Illegal cigarettes and tobacco seized from hidden compartments in shops in Hull


50th anniversary of John F Kennedy's assassination: How the Mail reported it

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Fifty years on from the assassination of President John F Kennedy in Dallas, here is how the Hull Daily Mail reported the news that shocked the world. The shooting happened on November 22, but the first available edition of the paper was the following day - Saturday 23. By then, Lee Harvey Oswald had been charged with the murders of Kennedy and policeman J.D. Tippit. Describing Oswald as a "suspected communist sympathiser", the paper explains how the former Marine defected to the Soviet Union before returning to the United States. However, at this early stage of the investigation, the report asks whether the "assassin or assassins" might be professional killers hired to do the job. The infamous Warren Report into JFK's death later dismissed the idea there had been more than one gunman, but its conclusions have been challenged ever since. The Mail's front page carries the news that the Duke of Edinburgh was to represent the Queen at Kennedy's funeral. It also runs a piece on the so-called "curse" of the Kennedy family. Kennedy's death was being marked today with a solemn ceremony in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, through which the president's motorcade passed when shots rang out. Prime Minister David Cameron said the thoughts of Britain were with the American people. He said JFK represented "the very best of politics".

Download a hi-res version of the front page here

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50th anniversary of John F Kennedy's assassination: How the Mail reported it

Hull City v Crystal Palace: Team news

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Team news and likely line-ups for Hull City v Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, November 23, 2013. Join Brad Rial for interactive commentary from the KC Stadium from 3pm and read a match report at full-time. Influential pair Allan McGregor and Robbie Brady are both expected to be welcomed back to face Crystal Palace as Hull City's injury problems begin to ease ahead of a hectic finale to 2013. McGregor has not played since suffering a thigh muscle in the 2-1 defeat to Everton, while Brady has been troubled by the after-affects of a hernia operation six weeks ago. The international break has allowed McGregor and Brady to make good progress and manager Steve Bruce says both are under consideration for comebacks. Steve Harper and David Meyler appear in danger of losing their places from the side that lost 4-1 at Southampton a fortnight ago. The positive news about McGregor and Brady is offset somewhat by the loss of Stephen Quinn. A recurrence of a hamstring injury suffered in pre-season may rule Quinn out for the remainder of 2013. He joins Sone Aluko in the treatment room but it is hoped James Chester will soon be fit to return after eight weeks out with a hamstring injury. Bruce is expected to revert to a flat back four following the heavy loss to Southampton. A 4-4-1-1 system, with Robert Koren playing behind Yannick Sagbo, could be preferred.Crystal Palace have shrugged off another uncertain week at Selhurst Park to prepare under caretaker boss Keith Millen, meaning changes will be minimal from the side that held Everton to a 0-0 draw two weeks ago. The biggest injury headache surrounds wideman Jerome Thomas, who picked up a knock in training at the start of the week. The former West Brom and Charlton star is rated as doubtful but his potential absence could be eased by the return of Jonny Williams, who played 45 minutes for the development team in midweek. Injuries have hit the Eagles hard and they will again be missing key players. Last season's top goalscorer Glenn Murray will not play again until January after knee surgery at the end of last season, while Paddy McCarthy (groin), Jack Hunt (ankle) and Adlene Guedioura (broken ribs) are also out. Former City defender Damien Delaney has overcome a minor injury scare to travel and he is expected to line up alongside Danny Gabbidon in defence. A 4-2-3-1 shape has worked well of late and former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh will be the man tasked with leading the line.

Hull City v Crystal Palace: Team news

Hutton Cranswick Fisheries on fire

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A village fish and chip shop is on fire.
Firefighters are tackling the blaze at Hutton Cranswick Fisheries in Hutton Cranswick.
Residents in properties nearby the Main Street takeaway have been evacuated after a gas leak was discovered.
There are currently four fire appliances on scene and the gas board and YEDL are there isolating the electricity and gas.
The fire service received the call shortly after 4.30pm today (Friday).
A spokeswoman from the fire service said it was believed no-one had been injured.

Man Who Never Was: Second World War mystery of Hull sailor Tommy Martin can be solved by Government, says MP Karl Turner

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THE Government is coming under pressure to reveal details that could link Hull to one of the biggest mysteries of the Second World War. The "Man Who Never Was" is the name given to the body used in a spectacular plot to deceive the Germans over the invasion of Sicily in the Second World War.

But questions remain about the true identity of the man, who is credited with altering the course of the Second World War, with a growing belief that he could have hailed from Hull.

Hull East MP Karl Turner has set about trying to establish "beyond reasonable doubt" whether the "Man Who Never Was" was, in fact, Tommy Martin, whose home was in South Parade, Anlaby Road, Hull.

He said: "Many people in Hull want to know beyond reasonable doubt whether this man was Hull's Tommy Martin.

"If it was, then this man needs to be recognised and the role that he played in defending Britain properly commemorated.

"I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence asking for all information relating to this issue.

"I have asked for all documentation with regards to the investigation that was set up to establish the true identity of this man.

"If I think there is doubt, I will be urging the Government to reopen this investigation, to establish once and for all who this man was."

Tommy Martin was killed when a mystery explosion tore HMS Dasher apart in the Firth of Clyde on March 27, 1943, killing 379 of her crew, in what would be called one of the biggest catastrophes in British naval history. Although he was officially posted dead, his story may not have ended there.

For, 70 years after Dasher was lost, his name has been linked, by some researchers and historians, to one of the greatest deceptions ever carried out in wartime.

The "Man Who Never Was" was the popular name given to an operation, launched by British intelligence, to lead the Germans into believing that the Allies planned to invade Europe through Greece and Sardinia when, in fact, the real aim was to land in Sicily.

Officially code-named Operation Mincemeat, the plot to release a body from a submarine into the sea carrying "secret" documentation about the invasion fooled the Nazis and subsequently led to the saving of thousands of Allied lives, paving the way towards ending the war.

Ever since the body was put into the sea off Huelva, Southern Spain – the Germans were led to believe he was called Major William Martin – his identity has remained a matter of debate.

The most popular theory holds that Major Martin was a Welsh vagrant, Glyndwr Michael, 34, who had died after drinking rat poison.

But others maintain that, despite an official record released in 1998 naming "a Welsh tramp who had died in squalor", he was, in fact, Thomas J Martin, of Hull.

Tommy, as his family knew him, was the brother of Hazel Henrietta Condrun, who died in March this year in Scalby, near Scarborough.

Hazel's cousin, Jean Donkin, who lived with her husband John, 91, in Welland Road, Hull, died recently, the last surviving member of her family. Her husband John believes there is strong evidence to support the belief that the body washed up in Spain was that of Tommy Martin.

Mr Donkin said: "If the body was that of Tom Martin, then we in Hull should be proud of the fact and be prepared to honour him in some way."

Extract from Karl Turner's letter ...

You may be familiar with the question of the unresolved identity of a body that was used to deceive the Germans during the Second World War, during Operation Mincemeat.

Under Operation Mincemeat, the body was used to carry fake invasion plans and was set adrift off the coast of Spain, knowing the documents would fall into Nazi hands.

The true identity of this man has never been established beyond all doubt and I would like to ask for any documentation that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) holds on this issue.

I understand that an official document was released in 1998, naming the man as a welsh tramp who had died in squalor.

However, many people in Hull believe this man to be a sailor called Thomas J Martin, of Hull, known by his family as Tommy, who died in 1943, while serving on HMS Dasher.

I would request that you provide me with any documents relating to the investigation that was held to establish the true identity of this body.

Man Who Never Was: Second World War mystery of Hull sailor Tommy Martin can be solved by Government, says MP Karl Turner

Amputee soldier Craig Gadd's little girl: 'Can we go back to Afghanistan to get your leg, Daddy?'

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A Hull soldier who lost a leg has told how his little girl asked him: "Can we go back to Afghanistan to get your leg, Daddy?"

Sergeant Craig Gadd stepped on a hidden Taliban device in Helmand province in October 2010. Three months after the blast that cut short his six-month tour of duty and changed his life forever, partner Dolly Dalton gave birth to their daughter, Daisy, now two.

Sergeant Gadd, 41, who lives with his family in Beverley Road, Hull, has recently been fitted with a Genium Bionic prosthetic leg, said to be worth £37,500. But the "all-singing, all-dancing" leg, as he calls it, has not quite impressed his youngest daughter.

Sergeant Gadd said: "Daisy likes it but the other day she asked me, 'Do you think we can go back to Afghanistan to get your real leg, Daddy?'

"I just laughed. Moments like that spur me on and bring me back to reality. To her, I'm just the same as any other daddy – I just happen to have a 'little leg' and a 'big leg', as Daisy likes to call them."

Sergeant Gadd, who has another daughter Katie, nine, from a previous relationship, says the new prosthetic limb, which is the closest science has come to natural walking, is making a huge difference to his daily life.

"There's a much better range of movement with this prosthetic," he said. "It bends a lot more and makes climbing stairs easier."

However, it has been a long journey both mentally and physically and there have been plenty of setbacks for Sergeant Gadd.

"Eight weeks after I was blown up, I was up and walking," he said. "At the time, I thought I would be done and dusted in a matter of a few months.

"But I'm still undergoing treatment more than three years on.

"Nobody knows how long it will take to complete therapy – it varies a lot from person to person."

In February, Sergeant Gadd underwent a four-hour operation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to remove a growth from his stump, which made wearing a prosthetic limb uncomfortable.

"The surgeon was the same guy who first treated me at Camp Bastion's field hospital in Afghanistan," he said.

"He told me, 'You look better than you did last time I saw you. You won't recognise me, though. You were laid out on a table."

Sergeant Gadd, a member of TA Unit 299 (Parachute Squadron) Royal Engineers, expects to be medically discharged in the new year, just as British combat forces prepare to finally leave Afghanistan.

Despite having paid a heavy price for serving Queen and country, Sergeant Gadd, who also served in Iraq, displays no bitterness.

"No one ever expects it to happen to them," he said. "But what's happened has happened. You can't go back. I've no regrets."


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Amputee soldier Craig Gadd's little girl: 'Can we go back to Afghanistan to get your leg, Daddy?'

Dean Windass: Forget Hull City 'Tigers' name change for now - it's time to focus on the football

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Dean Windass says Assem Allam has been open about his plans to call Hull City 'Hull Tigers', but fans have every right to protest.

A LOT of people are unhappy with Assem Allam's decision to change the name of Hull City, but I think it's time to concentrate on what's happening on the field. The owner has come in and ploughed his money into the club, so he can do what he likes as far as I'm concerned.

Allam knows what he is doing, and he's not done badly in his own business – he's certainly earned a few quid or two!

Fair play to him for coming out this week and offering a refund to fans who are not happy. Not many owners would do that or want to be in Allam's shoes right now, but at least he is being honest with supporters.

It would be quite sad if there are fans out there who would want to boycott their beloved club, just because of a name change.

There will be fans who will have been going longer than me that will be upset at what the owner is doing to their club.

A lot of anger has been vented on social media and there is a big online 'No To Hull Tigers' campaign.

I'm not one to judge anybody as it's their decision to protest at the end of the day.

But for the sake of football, I think we should get behind the team and put this issue behind us.

People should come to watch Hull City to watch football, not to argue over a name.

Fans will still sing 'City 'till I die', regardless of what the club is officially called, and the large majority of the 20,000 fans who turn up to every match at the KC will not be fussed by the name change.

Allam has made his decision to press on with it, and I feel it's time to now focus on football.

I've watched City since I was a little kid, and I remember going to Boothferry Park as a young lad to watch the Tigers.

City are my hometown club, they will always be Hull City in my eyes, and that will never change. I will always have many fond memories of playing for City.

Allam wants Hull City to be more popular with the international fans. For me, there is no harm done by adding Tigers onto the official club name.

Let's not forget, it has been a fantastic week for Hull, having been named City of Culture 2017 on Wednesday.

Looking on my phone, I saw a text from my missus saying I'd been named as one of the top 50 things about Hull.

I'm not sure about that, but I'm happy to see that City are included in there as a club, as well as the other sporting teams in the city.

I hope many supporters can accept the owner's decision, but I know some will fight until the bitter end.

Ultimately, I can't see City's attendance slipping just because of a name change.

We have yet to see the real impact of the change, but from next year I expect we will see a big re-brand at the club.

Even so, City fans should still get behind the side this afternoon in a crucial match against Crystal Palace, one they have to win.

Dean Windass: Forget Hull City 'Tigers' name change for now - it's time to focus on the football

Dean Windass: Why I want Scunthorpe United manager's job

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Hull City legend Dean Windass explains why he has applied for the vacant manager's job at Scunthorpe United following the departure of Brian Laws.

IT'S no secret now that I have applied for the Scunthorpe United job after Brian Laws was sacked during the week. Management is something I have wanted to get into for a long time, and when an opportunity like this arises, it would be daft of me not to go for it.

I am in a good place myself now, I'm feeling fit and I'm raring to go.

I'm not going to lie, I would love to get involved with Hull City at some point.

It's always been a dream of mine to get back into management at somewhere like the Tigers.

But I'm not here to tell someone above me how to do their job. If I'm right for the job then great, if I'm not then I move on.

My luck has got to change at some point, but I've been close to becoming manager at a few clubs since I retired.

I nearly had the Bradford City and Rotherham United manager jobs, and I learned a lot during my time at Darlington as a player and assistant manager.

During my playing days, I was always intrigued as to what went on behind the scenes, and would always ask my manager what his planning would be and get a few tips from anybody I could.

There are a lot of top candidates for the Scunthorpe position, including my good friend Andy Dawson, who has been linked recently.

David O'Leary is another one, as is Gary Megson. Those two in particular are proven top-flight managers.

Life is good for me right now, I'm getting married next year and I am knuckling down.

It would be fantastic for me if I got the Scunthorpe position, but I'll have to wait and see to find out.

Dean Windass: Why I want Scunthorpe United manager's job


Hull City losing Sone Aluko in January would be a massive blow - Dean Windass

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Hull City boss Steve Bruce has come out and said striker Sone Aluko is not for sale in January, but I know that money talks in football, writes Dean Windass.

Aluko is currently injured with an Achilles problem, and will not be fit to play until February. That has prompted a lot of paper talk that City may look to cash in on Aluko in the transfer window.

There is no doubt about it that losing such a key player would be a massive blow for City. He is the cog in their machine and he makes them tick.

If he wants to sit out and wait to move on a free, then Bruce's hands are tied. But I'd want to see Aluko look at City and think "I can do great things for this great club".

Having said that, football is not about one man, and the manager will adjust if Aluko leaves. The most important thing now is to get him signed up.

Hull City losing Sone Aluko in January would be a massive blow - Dean Windass

Hull man whose Achilles heel barred him from Army wins Prince's Trust award and now hopes to join police

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He was shattered after discovering his walking problems were a barrier to joining the Army - but with help from the Prince's Trust and its Get Into Retail scheme, Tom Kinsley turned his life around. James Burton finds out how.

HE HAS struggled all his life with a condition forcing him to walk on tiptoes. Born with short Achilles tendons, Tom Kinsley cheerfully bore years of treatment and dreamt of joining the Army. But when the condition proved a barrier to that as well, things started to spiral out of control.

Tom, 20, was only able to get his life back on track with the support of charity The Prince's Trust – and he has now been honoured with an award celebrating his progress.

"I'm naturally a very positive and happy person, but I couldn't believe it," he said. "The Army had given me structure and focus. It was everything I'd ever wanted, and then, suddenly, it was gone."

When Tom, of Hull, started to walk, his parents noticed he was on his tiptoes.

Doctors discovered he had been born with short Achilles tendons.

To stretch them out, his feet were placed in plaster 23 times in 15 years, each for a period of six weeks.

His condition meant Tom missed out on a normal childhood and teenage life.

But he put up with it, knowing he would eventually be able to walk normally and fulfil a lifetime ambition to serve his country.

When Tom enrolled on an 18-month Preparing for the Forces course, his legs were better, although he occasionally still walked on tiptoes out of habit.

Tom attended the course every day and completed all the physical requirements.

On the final day, his tutors noticed his unusual gait.

They pulled up his medical records and had to reject his application.

Tom found the end of his dream hard to cope with and, for six months, he drifted aimlessly.

"I had to help myself, or I'd go crazy," he said.

The answer came from Get Into Retail, a Prince's Trust programme helping unemployed young people learn skills to find work in the retail industry.

Throwing himself into the programme, he learned everything from customer service to health and safety and stock control.

He enjoyed the experience and was assigned a mentor by the charity when the programme ended.

He also became a Young Ambassador and was later offered a 12-month apprenticeship in customer services with a recruitment agency.

Feeling positive again, Tom is now training to become a police officer – or if his condition prevents it, he is obtaining a plumbing qualification.

"As long as I have a skill and a trade and a practical job that's full of activity, I'll be happy," he said.

The icing on the cake came when he was one of three people from across Yorkshire to be shortlisted for Young Achiever of the Year at The Prince's Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success Awards.

Tom was named runner-up during a ceremony at the Howard Assembly Rooms in Leeds.

The awards recognise young people who have struggled through difficulties to transform their lives.

Their stories are used to inspire others to strive for success.

Andy Griffiths, managing director of Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, said: "Huge congratulations to all of the young people recognised at today's award ceremony for proving that it is possible to succeed against the odds.

"On behalf of all at Samsung, I would like to congratulate Tom for being honoured in this way and for inspiring other young people to seek the help they need to get their lives back on track."

The awards honour the achievements of disadvantaged young people supported by the trust who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on the community.

They are now supported by a partnership with Samsung.

Now in its second year, it is seeing the phone company work with the trust to introduce technology initiatives.

Their centre in Kennington is to feature a Samsung Digital Classroom aimed at enhancing the learning environment for young people.

The trust gives disadvantaged young people the skills and confidence to find a job.

Three in four young people it helps move into work, training or education.

For Tom, it was the perfect boost, pulling him back on track and making him realise there were still second chances.

"The Prince's Trust has helped me define my future," he said.

Hull man whose Achilles heel barred him from Army wins Prince's Trust award and now hopes to join police

H&M and Zizzi sign up for Flemingate development near Beverley Minster

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GLOBAL fashion retailer H&M and restaurant chain Zizzi are the latest big names to sign up for the £120m Flemingate regeneration site near Beverley Minster.

H&M is one of the best-known names on the high street and its commitment to Flemingate is a considered a major coup, set to create scores of new jobs. Zizzi, part of the Gondola Restaurant Group, will be taking the first restaurant unit at the former factory and museum site.

Work is expected to start in the spring on the commercial and leisure complex at the site, which will create more than 1,000 jobs. Hull-based Wykeland Group is developing the complex with London-based Quintain Estates and Development.

A Wykeland Group spokesman said: "The decision by the H&M board to open a new store in Beverley is terrific news for the Flemingate development and a resounding endorsement for Beverley as a retail destination. The company's commitment to our scheme is another major step forward and there will be further announcements in the coming weeks."

The regeneration scheme has already attracted top names including Debenhams, which will be the anchor retailer.

Premier Inn will have an 80-bed hotel and Cleethorpes-based Parkway Cinemas will operate a multi-screen cinema complex.

The project will create about 700 permanent jobs, with a further 320 during construction.

It is expected to generate additional income for Beverley of more than £30m a year.

East Riding Council leader Councillor Stephen Parnaby welcomed the latest coup for the site.

He said: "It's great news for Beverley, considering what the retail market is going through nationally.It just shows what a big draw Beverley is for these major retailers.

"It will create more jobs and bring more money into the town.

"It will attract more people to Beverley and now that Hull is the 2017 City of Culture even more people will visit Beverley, it's all gelling together."

Beverley's chamber of trade chairman Julian Minshall said: "We will have a good mixture of old and new in Beverley.

"I think the new development will attract more visitors and it's close enough to the centre to ensure there will be connections for shoppers.

"It can only be good for Beverley in the long run."

Ward councillor Kerri Harold said: "It's a major coup for Beverley to get these companies here.

"I don't think it will detract from the town centre, which is very quaint with some fantastic shops. "This will be an added boost."

East Riding College is to relocate its Beverley campus to the site.

Principal Derek Branton said: "It is pleasing to see the wider project moving forward and we are delighted to be a part of it.

"We are currently working with the developer of our existing campus at Gallows Lane and are planning to open our new Flemingate campus in September 2015."

Business news for Hull and East Yorkshire

H&M and Zizzi sign up for Flemingate development near Beverley Minster

Couple who planned to sell house and leave Hull decide to stay after all - thanks to City of Culture win

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A WEST Hull couple who were planning to sell up and bid goodbye to the area have decided to stay put after the UK City of Culture 2017 win. Linda Duncan, 53 and her husband, Graham 54, will still be selling their home, as Linda's back problems mean they need to live in a bungalow, but have now decided to buy another home in the area instead of moving away.

Linda, who has lived in Hull for 27 years, says she and her husband, who was born and bred in the city, never hated the city but felt that it was time for a change of scenery.

Now though, their love affair with the area has been reignited. Linda said: "I love Hull and I love the fact that, at last, Hull is being recognised as a place of culture, not that it will be a place, but that it always has been.

"The architecture, the history, the people, the music, everything about Hull – when I say the people, I mean the famous and influential people but I also mean everyone else, the normal people who live in Hull.

"The fact is that it is just such a wonderful place. If you walk around Hull and look up at the architecture or go and see the fountains in the Avenues, you can't help but feel uplifted."

Couple who planned to sell house and leave Hull decide to stay after all - thanks to City of Culture win

Carl Watson funeral: Galloping Hull FC horses, laughter and happy memories

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Up to 400 mourners attended the funeral of Carl Watson from Bransholme, following his death from cancer at the age of 22. Emma Wright reports.

IT STARTED with galloping horses and throughout was peppered with laughter and happy memories.

Carl Watson was never a person to do the expected and was always bright and bubbly, something his funeral yesterday more than honoured.

It is estimated up to 400 people turned out to say their goodbyes to the 22-year-old, making it one of the largest services seen at the chapel in Chanterlands Crematorium in the past few years.

As the funeral procession headed into the crematorium grounds, his sister Nicki Stork ran ahead of the white Hull FC-clad horses, clutching a picture of her brother, and followed by an entourage of sports cars – nods to Carl's passion for rugby and cars.

Just as Carl had wanted, the cortege was fast-paced, as he always remarked that funerals were "too slow" and the horses galloped up the pathway, rather than walked.

The humanist service was also full of uplifting moments, and civil celebrant Alastair Devine told mourners not to be afraid to laugh and smile.

"A fantastic, lovely person has been lost," he said in the service, which saw people standing in the aisles and at the back in the entranceway.

"I am sure Carl wouldn't want you to grieve in hurt and pain, but to grieve with the joy he has given, he received and shared with you all.

"Don't forget one very very important thing – it's OK to smile when you remember Carl today.

"Be grateful that Carl was part of all your lives."

Carl was just 22 when he died from Hodgkin's Lymphoma earlier this month.

He was told in 2011 that his condition was incurable and he only had months to live.

But Carl was determined to prove otherwise and fought the cancer battle for another two years.

During this time, the Bransholme resident was heavily involved in promoting the services of the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Castle Hill Hospital, where he was treated, and helped raise thousands for the charity.

Before his diagnosis, Carl was an avid rugby player and two rugby ball balloons were placed at the front of the chapel for his service.

Alistair said: "He loved rugby, but this wasn't always the case.

"He started playing at the age of six and didn't like it.

"His mum Debbie told me they wanted to send him to rugby to toughen up.

"His try-scoring definitely improved when he learned he would be getting £1 for every try he scored.

"He certainly enjoyed the social aspect of rugby playing and it certainly helped when it came to pulling the girls."

Carl was known by everyone as someone who loved to laugh, even smiling through his countless visits to hospital for treatment.

He insisted he did not need appointments as he was a VIP and had all the doctors and nurses laughing along with him during his stays.

"He loved to laugh and he always had a lovely smile on his face," said Alastair.

"He loved his DVDs and would always rewind it to the funny bit and watch it over and over again.

"His sisters would say 'it wasn't that funny' but Carl thought it was."

His humour could also be quite dark, and he once gave his mum a scare. After his father passed away from lung and bowel cancer a few years ago, Carl phoned his mother using his dad's mobile phone.

"It gave his mother a fright," said Alastair.

Although Carl was a bubbly young man, he also liked his own space and never wanted to talk about his cancer, especially when doctors told him it was terminal.

Instead, he lived each day as it came and told people not to treat him any differently.

"He decided very early on that he wanted to live one day at a time," said Alastair.

"His family meant the world to Carl.

"He'd often complain about his sister's music but he loved them and his extended family so much.

"He also loved Barney the dog.

"But Carl being Carl, he loved it when he blew his nose and Barney would lick it.

"He would be killing himself laughing."

Songs played for Carl's service were selected for their special meaning to his family.

The congregation of mourners walked into the chapel as Daniel Bedingfield's If You're Not The One was playing, the song Carl listened to in the car home and in his bedroom when he was given his diagnosis.

The Guns 'N' Roses track November Rain was played during the service, as it was the song that reminded his loved ones of when he would bounce young nephew CJ on his knee.

M People's Just For You was played especially for Carl's mum Debbie, as he would often sing it her, and mourners walked out to the poignantly named Kings of Leon song The End.

Civil celebrant Alastair said: "Even though his life was much much shorter than it should have been, Carl definitely enjoyed his life and he packed so much in.

"He lived life on the edge and lived one day at a time.

"He was determined to go when he decided and even after being given between 24 and 48 hours, he lived another ten weeks.

"Try to remember Carl with a smile. He was such a big-hearted person.

"He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and inspirational friend to all of you gathered here.

"You all have treasured memories, and through that, Carl will always be with you all."

Carl Watson trophy for Hull College students

A TROPHY named after Carl will now be given out to students at Hull College.

His former tutor Jane Quinn spoke to civil celebrant Alastair Devine and in his service said how special Carl was to the college.

He said: "Jane was suffering from some form of illness and had anxiety and found it difficult to leave the house.

"Even though his days were so precious to him, Carl was always thinking of others. Carl was the main factor in helping her to recover."

The trophy will be awarded annually to students who have coped through bad times.

Carl Watson funeral: Galloping Hull FC horses, laughter and happy memories

Death of Hull teenager Daisy Holmes, 16: Search for answers amid bullying claims

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THE family of a Hull teenager who apparently killed herself are asking her friends if they knew whether she was a victim of bullying. Daisy Holmes, 16, was pronounced dead at Hull Royal Infirmary after the emergency services attended an address in Rosmead Street, east Hull.

A police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is now under way. Although her family say they do not feel the former Newland School for Girls was ever bullied, they have issued an appeal for information after several friends used social media sites to post claims Daisy had been a victim.

In a statement, the family said: "If anyone can offer any concrete information in relation to Daisy being bullied then we urge them to contact Humberside Police by calling 101 and referring to log 647 16/11/13.

"Daisy was a bubbly and much-loved child who gave us so much joy. She will be very dearly missed by her family and friends.

"As we are still coming to terms with Daisy's passing away, we would ask that our privacy is respected at this very sad and difficult time."

As well the investigation by Humberside Police, Daisy's death is also being reviewed by a multi-agency team led by Hull City Council.

Jon Plant, the council's children safeguarding manager, said: "This is tragic news involving a young person and we extend our deepest sympathy to Daisy's family and friends at this sad time.

"When a child dies unexpectedly, as in this case, a rapid response team, made up of relevant agencies, examines the circumstances and at this early stage this process is still under way."

Police say emergency services attended a property in Rosmead Street shortly before 9.30pm last Saturday after receiving a call reporting concerns for the safety of a member of the public at the address.

In a statement, the police said: "Emergency services attended the address on Rosmead Street, from where a 16-year-old-girl was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary by ambulance.

"Sadly, the girl was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the girl's death and a file will now be prepared for reference to the coroner."

It is believed Daisy left Newland School for Girls last summer.

Since her death, several friends have posted tributes on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, saying Daisy took her own life.

On Twitter, one friend posted: "RIP Daisy Holmes. Sure you will be missed by many people. Fly high sweet."

Another Twitter tribute said: "You are in a better place now. You'll always be in our hearts."

However, several also claimed Daisy had been a victim of bullying.

One said: "Your life has ended, I hope your pain has ended, too. You've brought tears to my eyes with this news, I hope there will be no more tears in your eyes now.

"I'm grateful to be in some part of your life. It's been a pleasure meeting you. You're in much safer place now."


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Death of Hull teenager Daisy Holmes, 16: Search for answers amid bullying claims

Should Hull's Paragon Station be renamed 'Hullture Station' to celebrate City of Culture success?

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Hull's Paragon Station could be renamed "Hullture Station" in light of the city winning the UK City of Culture 2017 title. First Transpennine Express, which owns the station, said it hoped to put up new signs as soon as possible. The company must first secure planning permission for changes to the Grade II listed building, which was named after the nearby street and opened in 1848. Station manager David Hatfield said: "We are delighted for Hull to have gained recognition, steeped in history and with so many fantastic plans for future developments, the city truly does have so much to offer. We are happy to be able to provide a service that will allow people from far and wide to visit Hull and experience it for themselves." Transpennine said it also wanted to publish the new name on timetables and station boards.Hull was named UK City of Culture 2017 on Wednesday after beating rival bids from Dundee, Swansea and Leicester. Some businesses were already seeing a boost today - a stall on a pop-up market outside the Prospect Centre was doing a roaring trade in Hull merchandise including "chip spice" T-shirts, 'Ull mugs and guides to our dialect. Meanwhile, Hull City fans at the KC Stadium invented a new chant, singing to Crystal Palace fans: "You're only here for the culture!"
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Should Hull's Paragon Station be renamed 'Hullture Station' to celebrate City of Culture success?


Hull City v Crystal Palace LIVE: Commentary and teams from the KC Stadium

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Replay interactive coverage of the Premier League match between Hull City and Crystal Palace at the KC Stadium on Saturday, November 23, 2013.Match report: Hull City 0 Crystal Palace 1.Hull City starting XI: Allan McGregor; Maynor Figueroa, Ahmed Elmohamady, Curtis Davies, Paul McShane; Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore, George Boyd, Robbie Brady, Robert Koren; Yannick Sagbo.

Hull City v Crystal Palace LIVE: Commentary and teams from the KC Stadium

'Disorganised crime': A reign of terror across Hull, but notorious Darren Wilson and Dean Armstrong LOST money, lawyers claim

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THE criminal empire ran by a pair of notorious Hull brothers was more "disorganised than organised crime", according to their defence lawyers. Darren Wilson, 46, and Dean Armstrong, 40, who is now a born-again Christian, will be sentenced next Thursday for running a reign of terror across Hull, which involved conspiring to murder, arson, loan sharking and drugs.

But defence lawyer for Wilson, John Thackray, said he had actually ended up losing money from his crimes.

"This is disorganised, not organised crime," he said. "Armstrong was driving around in an old secondhand car and Wilson was living in Bransholme in a house with no carpets. Financially, Mr Wilson has gained absolutely nothing and lost a lot of money."

Loan shark Wilson was convicted for conspiracy to murder his friend's husband, Andrew Burr, 37, as part of a £750,000 life insurance plot in September and, in June, he pleaded guilty to seven counts of money laundering.

His brother, who worked for GC Lettings, in Hull, admitted arson and the production of cannabis, which Wilson denied, but was convicted by the jury.

Opening the prosecution case, Mark McKone said: "Wilson was an unofficial money lender and Armstrong worked for GC Lettings agency, controlling rents from tenants. They got other people to agree to commit serious crimes on their behalf. They also ran profitable cannabis factories in big houses, often obtained through Armstrong's letting agency."

The thug brothers arranged for cancer sufferer Donna Nagi's Grove Street four-bedroom home in Hull to be petrol-bombed twice in January, in a bid to force her out so they could grow cannabis there.

Weeks before the arson, Wilson had been arrested for loan sharking, totalling 461 loans worth £209,160.

Prosecuting for England Illegal Money Lending Team, Simon Mortimer said: "There was £2,500 a month of loans going out. How much interest was paid seemed to vary from person to person, varying from 50 per to 100 per cent."

Prosecution are requesting a serious organised crime order is made when they are sentenced.

But John Thackray, defending Wilson, said: "There is no evidence Mr Wilson was making substantial sums of money. In fact, he has done nothing but lose money because of his involvement in crime."

Stephen Robinson, for Armstrong, said he had discovered his faith and was remorseful.

He said: "He is calmer and more in control and shows no animosity to the police."

Jackson Nagee, 37, and Michael Reid, 45, will also be sentenced on Thursday for growing cannabis in Harley Street, Hull, for the brothers.


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'Disorganised crime': A reign of terror across Hull, but notorious Darren Wilson and Dean Armstrong LOST money, lawyers claim

England 18 New Zealand 20: Kiwis in World Cup final as last-minute winner breaks home team's hearts at Wembley

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Shaun Johnson scored with the last play of a pulsating semi-final to put holders New Zealand into the World Cup final and break English hearts with a 20-18 victory at Wembley. England looked to have done enough to dethrone the world champions after coming from 14-8 down to lead 18-14 with a 67th-minute try from man of the match Sam Burgess but the Kiwis had the last say. Twenty-year-old wing sensation Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had earlier scored two tries, taking his total for the tournament to eight, to give the Kiwis a six-point lead but England displayed exceptional character to put themselves in a winning position. England were hoping to make it third time lucky when they met New Zealand in the first World Cup semi-final at Wembley. The Kiwis ended England's run at the last-four stage in both 2000 and 2008 and were favourites to inflict more heartache on their hosts, who went into the game with a brand new half-back pairing. England coach Steve McNamara gave a first start of the tournament to Halifax-born NRL player Gareth Widdop after axing Rangi Chase from the team that beat France in last Saturday's quarter-final. Widdop partnered skipper Kevin Sinfield in the halves, while second rower Brett Ferres was restored to the starting line-up and Leeds duo Rob Burrow and Carl Ablett were recalled to the bench at the expense of Wigan's Liam Farrell and Michael McIlorum. New Zealand had winger Jason Nightingale and back-row forward Elijah Taylor replacing injured duo Manu Vatuvei and Frank Pritchard, with second-rower Alex Glen coming in on the bench for only his third appearance of the tournament. England found themselves under pressure from the start and had a narrow escape when full-back Sam Tomkins got his boot to the ball just in time to prevent New Zealand hooker Issac Luke touching down his own grubber kick on the last tackle. Sonny Bill Williams showed some early touches of class while England had to scramble to keep out both wingers Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Nightingale. There was a worrying moment when Sam Burgess was hurt by a flying arm from Kiwis prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and another moment of alarm when winger Josh Charnley dropped Kieran Foran's high kick. Somehow England's defence survived and they struck on the counter-attack to open the scoring on 15 minutes. Burgess took a short pass from his fellow front rower James Graham and got loose forward Sean O'Loughlin over for his third try in 11 Tests. Sinfield added the conversion to put his side into a 6-0 lead. Having watched his side fall behind for the first time in the tournament, New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney's response was to introduce a trio of front row forwards from the bench midway through the first half. England boss Steve McNamara not surprisingly persisted with Burgess and Graham after their impressive start and it was from another strong burst from the South Sydney forward that England extended their lead on 24 minutes. Widdop was tackled off the ball as he looked to support a half-break by Burgess and Sinfield kicked the resultant penalty to make it 8-0. The Kiwis' response was to produce a sublime moment that got them right back in the game. Nightingale palmed Foran's kick back from the left-hand corner and the New Zealanders moved the ball across the full width of the pitch. Luke looked to have ruined the move with a wild pass that was sailing into touch but centre Dean Whare brilliantly kept the ball in play for Tuivasa-Sheck to claim his seventh try of the World Cup. Shaun Johnson kicked the conversion and levelled the scores just before the break with a penalty, awarded for an obstruction by substitute George Burgess. England found themselves under pressure at the start of the second half after conceding a string of penalties and they soon fell behind for the first time. Johnson and Locke combined to get the ever-dangerous Tuivasa-Sheck into space and he produced a devastating finish for his second try. Johnson was wide with the conversion attempt but made it 14-8 on 52 minutes with a penalty awarded for an obstruction by Widdop on Locke. Referee Ben Cummins awarded five penalties against England in the first 15 minutes of the second half but when they finally got their hands on the ball they immediately scored their second try. Graham once more demonstrated his slick ball-playing skills and combined with Sinfield to get centre Kallum Watkins slicking through a gap in the New Zealand defence. Sinfield was off target for the first time with the boot to leave his side trailing 14-12 on the hour. The try breathed fresh confidence into England as the crowd came to life. O'Loughlin dropped Graham's pass short of the line and left winger Ryan Hall looked certain to score when put into a one-on-one situation but he lost his footing on the surface. With Widdop, Sinfield and Tomkins growing into the game, England suddenly looked full of invention and it was no surprise when they regained the lead on 66 minutes. Sinfield's pass to Burgess was timed to perfection to get the former Bradford man into a gap and he charged over for England's third try. Sinfield's third goal put his side into a four-point lead and they almost scored again when second rower Ben Westwood found a gap and stretched out for the line only to lose his grip on the ball. It proved a costly miss as the Kiwis piled on the pressure in the last 10 minutes. England looked to have done enough to hold on for a famous victory when, in the last play of the pulsating match, Johnson went past Sinfield as he rushed to close down the play and went through a yawning gap to score the Kiwis' third try. That tied the scores and Johnson kept his composure to land the match-winning conversion.

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England 18 New Zealand 20: Kiwis in World Cup final as last-minute winner breaks home team's hearts at Wembley

England coach Steve McNamara unsure about future after New Zealand end World Cup dream

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Coach Steve McNamara was not interested in playing the blame game after watching his England side suffer World Cup semi-final heartbreak against New Zealand at Wembley. An Old Trafford final beckoned with 21 seconds left as England led the defending champions 18-14, but in the blink of an eye their hopes were crushed as Shaun Johnson skipped through a gap to score next to the posts. He still needed to slot the extras but did so with such coolness that he celebrated before the posts were split, practically dancing around the England players who were strewn on the turf as they comprehended a 20-18 loss. Few could take in the moment which ended a classic encounter but glances at the replays showed a penalty given away by George Burgess - not England's first indiscretion - and a missed tackle from captain Kevin Sinfield which paved the way for Johnson's crowning moment. But on an afternoon which had looked set to be the defining moment for English rugby league in the modern era, few - McNamara included - were interested in pointing fingers. "I don't think he (Sinfield) has got anything to blame himself for, he worked his socks off. It would be very cruel to blame anyone for anything after that result," he said. "I'm not sure what the answer is. You have to move on, there are worse things in life. We are all feeling as though we are as low as we can be, but in reality it's not. Worse things happen and we should be privileged we've been part of such a brilliant game. I'm sure we will soon get a reality check and realise we have to move on." There was no denying it was a cruel end for McNamara, who is now technically at the end of his contract. It had been thought he would leave the post if England were unsuccessful - a suggestion which was given greater credibility owing to the amount of disciplinary and selection issues he has faced during the tournament. In a perverse way, though, this loss could well prove to be the making of McNamara and a side with an average age in the mid-20s, with England bowing out in credit rather than in the meek manner they have in recent years. "I'm not sure at this stage, it's too early," McNamara said of his prospects of staying in the job. "I have been focused on giving us the best opportunity (at the World Cup). It's been a pleasure putting this programme together, I have a brilliant staff and great players and it's something I am proud of and not something I want to give up easily." With barnstorming players such as man of the match Sam Burgess and New Zealand-bound full-back Sam Tomkins at his disposal, McNamara could be forgiven for getting excited about the prospect of taking England Down Under for the 2014 Four Nations. He knows he cannot look too far ahead at the moment, though, and is concentrating on making sure his charges recover from this loss. "We are distraught but great credit to New Zealand. This is high-level sport and high-level sport can be cruel. It was for us," McNamara said. "I'm not going to try and pick them up yet. They've used every ounce of energy they've got. It's raw and we had a brief chat of how tough we've been. "All of them, every single one, have put their hands up, have prepared brilliantly. They have attacked this tournament. We have dealt with things, maybe other teams haven't. That's what this England team is all about and we've come through the other side and produced a brilliant performance." Johnson's late show means the Kiwis will live to fight another day and will be able to try and defend their trophy in Manchester. Coach Stephen Kearney admitted he had not been able to watch the try and subsequent goal and, while acknowledging his side were recipients of good fortune, felt they were rewarded for doing it tough in the face of some severe England pressure. "I was under the desk so I don't know," he said when asked how he dealt with the late drama. "I was always confident of what we could do if we had a minute to go, had the footy and were down by four. It was the 79 minutes before which were pretty hard. "We gave ourselves a chance with half a minute to go. If you're good enough, you're good enough. If you're under pressure like we were but don't open the floodgates, you have a chance."

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England coach Steve McNamara unsure about future after New Zealand end World Cup dream

Hull City 0 Crystal Palace 1 - match report: 10-man Eagles end unbeaten home record

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Hull City surrendered their unbeaten home record with a whimper as Barry Bannan's 81st minute goal earned 10-man Crystal Palace a 1-0 win at the KC Stadium. Despite seeing Yannick Bolasie sent off 11 minutes from time, the struggling Eagles gave new boss Tony Pulis a priceless first away win when Bannan converted Cameron Jerome's cross to finally break City's resistance at the KC Stadium. City had their chances, with Yannick Sagbo denied by Julian Speroni and Liam Rosenior striking a post at the death, but there was to be no masking a poor performance from Steve Bruce's men. Losing at the KC Stadium for the first time since the start of April, a fourth defeat in five Premier League games brought a fall to 13th in the table ahead of facing high-flying Liverpool next weekend. A damaging defeat, against a Palace side that had failed to pick up a single point on their travels, leaves Bruce with much to ponder. A fortnight on from a humbling 4-1 loss at Southampton, a home game against the Premier League's bottom club appeared to offer an inviting chance to get back to winning ways. Bruce's response was to recall Allan McGregor, Robbie Brady and Robert Koren to form an attack-minded formation but there was little fluency to the Tigers' play in a disjointed opening half. With Palace being watched from the stands by new manager Pulis, appointed two hours earlier, there was a determination to the visitors' play. That was enough to contain a City attack short on ideas and dependent largely on the threat from set-pieces. A lifeless encounter saw Palace threaten occasionally on the counter attack with Yannick Bolasie shooting wide, while boyhood Eagles fan George Boyd's deflected effort was comfortably handled by Julian Speroni for City's best chance. At times there was more drama to be found off the pitch. Attempts to parade a campaign banner that read "We are Hull City" were blocked by stewards at the front of the East Stand, a move that almost spilled over into a regrettable incident. Owner Assem Allam, the man pushing for a name change to Hull Tigers, was shown on TV cameras looking on. The game finally found signs of life after the break inside a dramatic 53rd minute. At one end Boyd played in Yannick Sagbo only to be denied by the onrushing Speroni, before Palace countered at pace. Bolasie's ball across goal found Dwight Gayle but Ahmed Elmohamady's last-ditch challenge prevented a clean shot on McGregor's goal. Increasingly apparent that a goal would be enough to win it, Palace were the side showing greatest intent. Both Bolasie and Cameron Jerome fired narrowly wide of goal, the first chance coming after sloppy play in midfield from George Boyd. City had their best chance soon after but it perhaps fell to the wrong man. Once Boyd's corner kick fell kindly to Curtis Davies, the centre-half could not get his legs in order to capitalise. The Tigers were given a numerical advantage for the second home game running when Bolasie was sent off for a crude challenge on Jake Livermore, but it was Palace who finally broke the deadlock nine minutes from the end. The dangerous Jerome was allowed to advance to the byline and pulling back across goal, Bannan arrived ahead of Liam Rosenior to roll in a well-worked goal. City huffed and puffed for an equaliser but they were denied an equaliser at the death. After Palace cleared off the line, Rosenior's well-struck drive from distance hit the upright in stoppage time. Hull City: Allan McGregor, Ahmed Elmohamady, Paul McShane (Liam Rosenior 59), Curtis Davies, Maynor Figueroa, Robert Koren (Gedo 77), Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore, George Boyd, Robbie Brady (Danny Graham 46), Yannick Sagbo. Subs: Steve Harper, Alex Bruce, David Meyler, Abdoulaye FayeCrystal Palace: Julian Speroni, Joel Ward, Damien Delaney, Danny Gabbidon, Dean Moxey, Kagisho Dikgacoi (Stuart O'Keefe 75), Mile Jedinak, Yannick Bolasie, Barry Bannan, Dwight Gayle, Morouane Chamakh (Cameron Jerome 36). Subs: Subs: Neil Alexander, Adrian Mariappa, Kevin Phillips, Jason Puncheon, Jonny Williams.Attendance: 23,043 (921 away).

Hull City 0 Crystal Palace 1 - match report: 10-man Eagles end unbeaten home record

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