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Beverley charity Jacob's Well sends £96K in emergency aid to Philippines

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ALMOST £100,000 of emergency aid has been sent to the typhoon-hit Philippines after a massive response to a Beverley charity's appeal.

Jacob's Well is now appealing for further donations of food, clothing, building and medical supplies for another cargo, after its Beverley warehouse was emptied of stock.

Reverend John Beynon, who is leading the charity's Philippines appeal, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the public's response.

"We organised collections at Tesco's in Beverley and people gave us more than 20 trolleys overflowing with rice, pasta and children's clothes.

"We estimate in that one day, we were given over £2,000 of rice, pasta and children's clothing, along with £800 cash, in the one store.

"We also collected £650 cash and about £1,000 of rice and pasta at Aldi's new store in Beverley, plus £475 cash and £200 of rice and pasta at Marks and Spencer."

Schools, including Longcroft at Beverley, also rallied round.

Rev Beynon said: "We have been able to add this to our own food supplies, which we collect throughout the year from individuals, schools, churches and voluntary groups.

"This helped make up a really large amount of emergency food supplies to send to the people who have lost everything over there.

"The local Filipino Society got involved with us and have sent people along to stand in the supermarkets and talk with people about the situation on the ground."

Yesterday, 20 staff at the David Lloyd Leisure Club in Kingswood backed the appeal by undertaking a sponsored rowing challenge, with Jacob's Well helper Sylvia Hood.

The charity's £96,000 aid cargo is heading to Hernani, one of the worst-hit areas, where a close friend of Rev Beynon is leading the relief operation after hardly any buildings were left standing.

Another container will follow in the coming weeks, filled with precious building material.

Rev Beynon said: "After the initial chaos dies down, the most urgent task will be to rebuild the homes of those who have lost everything.

"Local building firms have already responded generously.

"Barrass, one of Hull's leading manufacturers of sheet metal roofing, instantly donated metal sheets and plywood boards worth several thousands of pounds, while MKM, the Hull builders' merchant chain, donated 15kg of galvanised roofing nails."

Clothing, food and money can be donated at the Jacob's Well shop in Ladygate, Beverley, at the charity's office next to the new Aldi supermarket in Swinemoor Lane, Beverley, or by visiting www.jacobswellappeal.org.

Beverley charity Jacob's Well sends £96K in emergency aid to Philippines


Beverley to York railway line campaign lost as East Riding council rules out support

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A CAMPAIGN to reopen the railway between Beverley and York was all but lost today after a council said it could not support the bid. East Riding Council has not included the ambitious £220million scheme in its new 20-year local development plan - saying it could only back proposals which were "deliverable". The 34-mile line was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching Report cuts. George McManus, of the Minster Rail Campaign (MRC), said the decision was "devastating." Mr McManus said: "Unless the East Riding council champion the cause it cannot happen." John Craig, from the council's strategic planning team, said he thought it was unlikely the money to reopen the line could be found from public funds. He said: "The local plan must only include proposals which are deliverable. Given the scale of funding required to deliver this type of major transport investment proposal we don't see it as being deliverable in the current climate over the duration of the current local plan." The council's new development plan will also allow building to take place on the disused track bed.

Beverley to York railway line campaign lost as East Riding council rules out support

Four-vehicle accident on Hedon Road

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THERE has been a four-vehicle accident on Hedon Road in Hull this evening. (Wednesday)
The A1033 is partially blocked and there is queuing traffic in both directions between the Marfleet Avenue junction and the Century Road junction.
The police were unable to release any details.

VIDEO: Work on new Boothferry Estate skate park and playground begins

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WORK to create a new skate park and refurbish a playground on the Boothferry Estate has started.

Residents and ward councillors campaigned for some time to fund improvements to Gower Park, which has become dilapidated.

After a petition was set up, the campaign proved successful, with a £20,000 grant secured.

This means a new skate park will be created, while the playground will be renovated with new swings, a slide and a merry-go-round.

Work started at the end of last week and should be completed by the middle of the month.

The money has come from Hull City Council's local budget for Pickering ward.

Ward councillors collected more than 450 signatures and worked with people in the area to decide how best the money could be spent.

Resident Jo Gray, who has four children, is pleased the work is beginning.

She said: "I am delighted it is finally happening.

"It hasn't been a very good park for the children over the past few years.

"My two youngest often use the park, but there isn't a lot for them to do.

"The great thing is, the children chose what they wanted in the park and, hopefully, they will respect it and the amount of vandalism will be reduced.

"The skate park will give the older children something to do as well.

"The only other parks they could use are some distance away and involve crossing busy roads, so this is great news."

As part of the consultation, Councillor Claire Thomas met young people from the Boothferry Estate to hear about their ideas.

Cllr Thomas said: "This is the culmination of a campaign we ran to get improvements to the park.

"We ran a petition, gaining hundreds of signatures in support of improvements.

"We also spoke to children from a local primary school and young people in the area to find out what they wanted in the park.

"I am really pleased to see that the campaign for improvements to Gower Park has paid off.

"It's really important for children and young people to have somewhere nice to play.

"Young people in the local area have really been looking forward to the new skate park and it's great to see they will get the skate park they asked for.

"I'm pleased we will also be getting improvements to the play area for younger children."

VIDEO: Work on new Boothferry Estate skate park and playground begins

Hull City fans caught up in M1 crash delays on way to Arsenal game

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HULL City fans faced a race of time to make the kick-off for Wednesday night's match against Arsenal after huge tailbacks on the M1 following an accident. Twenty six coaches had made the trip south to London for the Premier League clash. However, the M1 closure southbound between junctions 22 and 21a have led to delays of up to three hours. Some coaches arrived at the stadium after the 7.45pm kick-off. Alan Acklam, of Acklams Coaches in Beverley, which took 22 coaches to London for the game, said they set off from Hull at 12.15pm for London. Nineteen of the 22 coaches made it to the stadium in time for the kick-off. The remaining three were expected to be in by 8pm after taking diversions around the accident, a lorry which had struck the central reservation. The lorry driver was treated for what are thought to be minor injuries. Mr Acklam said: "Some of our coaches suffered delays of two-and-a-half to three hours because of the closure. Others, who got past before the accident, were in London by 5.30pm. "We've kept in contact with the drivers and the Met Police. "Once the coaches got past the closure the road was as clear as anything, but before then there were moments when some of the coaches took about 45 minutes to do a mile." Hull City players were unaffected by the accident having left Hull earlier. West Bromwich Albion delayed the kick-off to their game against Manchester City until 8.15pm because of heavy traffic however, Arsenal didn't delay the 7.45pm kick-off against City.

Hull City fans caught up in M1 crash delays on way to Arsenal game

VIDEO: Cinderella panto characters put smile on children's faces at Hull Royal Infirmary

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THEY'RE usually too busy being bossy to Cinderella to think of others. But the Ugly Sisters decided to show their rarely-seen nice side when they visited poorly children in hospital. The panto cast from Bridlington Spa – including Buttons and Ugly Sisters Nicola and Sharon Hardup – visited Hull Royal Infirmary to deliver Christmas selection boxes yesterday. Turning heads wherever they went in their outrageous costumes, the trio had both children and parents giggling away – proving laughter really is the best medicine. "I was a bit scared when they first came in but then I realised they were nice and it was okay," said five-year-old Shauna Smith. "They gave me a box of chocolates." The east Hull youngster is currently in hospital with suspected pneumonia or a chest infection and was sitting with mum Tina Crooks. Tina said: "I think it's a great idea they come in to do this –– it has cheered the children up loads." Two-year-old Amelia Hall from Anlaby was excited to open her selection box. She munched some chocolate buttons while chatting to Buttons, played by Simon Grant from CBBC. Amelia was admitted to hospital after suffering from convulsions but is now hoping to be home in time for Santa's visit. Her mum Leanne Phillips said: "She is really excited about Christmas and loves all the festivities. "When I was little, we used to go to the panto every year. I love the theatre." Beverley Grammar School student Elliott Keuning, 13, was one of the first children the cast visited. "I didn't know they were coming, it was a nice surprise," said Elliott, who is in hospital for tests. "I'm looking forward to Christmas and I'm hoping to get a few computer games." Theo Coles, 15, from Thorngumbald, is currently in hospital for treatment for a rare condition. He had sinusitis which then went into his brain. This led to abscesses on both sides of his brain, which affected his ability to walk and talk. His mum Linda said: "He is a different person to what he was last week, so we're now hoping to have him home in time for Christmas. "We're hoping he is only in here for about seven to 10 more days." Theo said it was nice to have a visit from the panto cast. He said: "I'm looking forward to getting home and sleeping in my own bed. "I'm hoping to get some PS3 games from my mum and dad for Christmas." Two of the youngest children to be given presents were two-year-old Cambell Cooper from north Hull and 11-month-old Frankie Waites from Withernsea. Both gleefully opened up their selection boxes, helped by their parents. The ward's play specialist Hannah Turner-Bone said: "Normally, Santa comes on Christmas Day morning and goes round all the children. "He chats to them all and spends time with them all. "We want to make it special for the families who unfortunately have to stay in over Christmas." Owen Barkworth, 11, from Melton and Olivia Codd, 14, from Hornsea, both suffered from burst appendix, but will thankfully be home in time for the festive season. Owen said: "It was a shock when they walked in – it was definitely something a bit different."
The Cinderella panto is at The Spa in Bridlington from December 12 to January 1. Visit www.thespabridlington.com or call 01262 678258 to book.

VIDEO: Cinderella panto characters put smile on children's faces at Hull Royal Infirmary

Hull KR star Travis Burns in best shape for years after chasing pigs around family farm

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TRAVIS Burns will go into his second season at Hull KR in the best shape he's been for years – thanks to a spot of farming. The 29-year-old is still a few weeks away from taking part in contact training as he continues to recover from a broken arm and shoulder surgery. But the stand-off has been busy in the off-season to make sure he's ready to play in the season opener against Leeds. "I chased a few pigs around my family's farm back home and that's helped me get in great shape," Burns told the Mail. "This is the best I've felt in years and I'm at my playing weight right now. "It was well documented that I was carrying a bit of extra weight when I first arrived at the club last year. "Obviously, I was suspended for the first four matches and that gave me the chance to lose a bit of the excess wait I had put on. "This year I went back to Australia and made a determined effort to return fit and in good shape." When he first arrived at Rovers just over a year ago, Burns weighed in at 15st 2lbs, but he's now training at 13st 10lbs after working hard back home in Australia. It's been a busy end of season for Burns as he recuperates from two big injuries. Whilst a broken arm in the 36-22 loss at Widnes ended his season prematurely, it did allow him to finally undergo shoulder surgery after playing with the injury for the best part of six months. Thanks to his efforts and those of the Robins' backroom staff, Burns believes he is in contention to start the season at Craven Park on Sunday, February 16. "I'm pretty sure I'll be fit for the first game of the season," he added. "I'm listening to the physios and doing what they tell me to do every day. "Paul Hatton and Brice Johnson have done a great job with me, but I'm not going to rush it because I want it to be right. "The shoulder injury was an injury I have been carrying for about six months. "I knew after I left the KC derby early that I needed surgery, but I managed the injury for the rest of the season. "I'm ahead of schedule at this stage of pre-season and I want to hit the ground running. "Hopefully, I should be able to do full contact training after Christmas and then be ready for the Leeds game."

Hull KR star Travis Burns in best shape for years after chasing pigs around family farm

Ian Midgley: The fear of spooky clowns is hysterical but understandable - they are creepy

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Whatever you do tonight, don't look out of your window.

My advice: Draw your curtains, turn off all your lights and huddle in the corner of the room in terrified silence with your family under a blanket. Just in case.

Why? Because there's a otherworldly killer clown on the loose just waiting to tap on your window and eat your soul.

It's going to be just like Stephen King's IT, only without the dreadful movie starring Tim Curry.

Obviously, that's a worst case scenario, but I reckon it's almost certainly going to happen.

At least, it will if you believe what's being said on t'internet.

Yes, after planking, where pillocks lay down on top of cupboards, Harlem Shaking, where pillocks don't lay down on top of cupboards, and owling, where pillocks pretend to be owls whether there's a cupboard in the room or not, we now have clowning.

This is essentially where pillocks dress up as clowns in a desperate bid to draw attention to themselves and give meaning to their otherwise pointless existences.

It's sort of like I'm A Celebrity but with bigger shoes.

As far as I can tell there are no cupboards involved.

It started in Northampton, where a bored student thought it would be a good idea to freak people out by wandering the streets of the dour Midlands town dressed like IT's psychotic Pennywise.

Of course, there's nothing illegal about dressing up as a clown, but the reaction to this colourful goof has been a tad extreme. I suspect this is mainly because, let's face it, clowns are creepy.

In response to the sightings, one jovial Northampton resident, called Korey, posted on one of the websites dedicated to the clown: "I would probably mug you or seriously hurt you. No hard feelings bro, but I've always wanted to hurt a clown."

Wow, Korey, you sound like great fun. Let's hang out sometime.

The police, who obviously have nothing better to do than deal with people's irrational coulrophobia – that's a fear of clowns to you and me folks – have even been dragged into it. A non-plussed PC Plod, who probably also dresses up in a funny hat and big shiny boots, released a statement saying: "We can confirm that we have neither arrested nor dealt with any crimes involving anyone dressed as a clown.

"However, we received three calls over the weekend relating to people being seen dressed as clowns."

From little acorns, great unfounded social hysteria grows.

Clowning has now spread to Lincoln, Burnley, Chesterfield, Mansfield and Doncaster – and if you believe Twitter there's even been one sad wannabe Pierrot spotted on the streets of Hull – spreading his malicious brand of mirth to the East Riding.

Baton down the hatches, we're all going to massacred by a lipstick wearing nutjob driving a mini collapsible car.

The last sound you ever hear will be "Honk Honk" as he custard pies you into submission. Probably.

Since writing about this online last week, the Mail's website has been inundated with thousands of worried circus-phobes and a number of comments saying there's definitely a creepy clown creeping about in Hull.

It must be true because Dave's friend's cousin's mate's dog saw one looking suspicious or handing out balloons in the street or something.

Or, it could all just be hysterical bandwagon-jumping nonsense.

My money's on the latter; people working themselves up into a lather over something that isn't happening at all, thanks to the lazy, sofa-based escalation of social media.

It's always worth remembering that 73 per cent of everything you read online is untrue, including made-up statistics.

I should know, according to Wikipedia I was the second unit director on The Empire Strikes Back and co-wrote The Birdie Song.

And yes, I know I'm adding to the delirium by writing about it here. So I'm a hypocrite, get over it.

But really people, don't caught up in a frenzy based on a whisper of a shadow of a lie.

If you do look out of your window tonight, Joseph Grimaldi isn't going to be standing there in his oversized trousers waiting to strangle you with a rubber chicken.

Or if he is, I suppose the upside is it would be an hilarious way to go.

Ian Midgley: The fear of spooky clowns is hysterical but understandable - they are creepy


Arsenal v Hull City - match report: Tigers outclassed by table-toppers in 2-0 defeat at the Emirates

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HULL City's hopes of being party-poopers for a second successive match came to a shuddering halt in a 2-0 defeat against an impressive Arsenal side tonight. Although City came into the clash on the back of a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Liverpool, a first-half header from Gunners striker Nicklas Bendtner after two minutes and a Mesut Ozil strike one minute after half-time put an end to any ideas of another upset against the league-leaders. Having gone behind to Bendtner's header early on, having seen him gain some space in between James Chester and Alex Bruce, Hull Citycontinued to be under pressure for the best part of the first half and it was to their credit that they did not concede again before the break. City did not really threaten enough in the opening period and only had a half chance from Yannick Sagbo to show for their efforts. And it got worse for Steve Bruce's side at the start of the second period when Ozil effectively wrapped up matters when put through on goal by a great reverse pass from the in-form Aaron Ramsey. Arsenal, who have now started to show really depth with the return of their injured players, sent Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere on for the last 17 minutes, replacing Bendtner and Tomas Rosicky. Bruce did throw on Liam Rosenior, George Boyd and Gedo in a bid to get something from the game, but Arsenal were still good enough to take their foot off the pedal and cruise to three points. And as the clock ran down, Bruce was involved in a few exchanges with the jubilant Arsenal fans behind the visitors' bench - most of which were taken in good spirits by the former Manchester United defender.

Arsenal v Hull City - match report: Tigers outclassed by table-toppers in 2-0 defeat at the Emirates

Arsenal v Hull City - reaction: Steve Bruce laments impact of old friend Nicklas Bendtner in Emirates defeat

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STEVE Bruce was left to lament the impact of Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner after he returned to haunt his former manager in Hull City's 2-0 defeat at the Emirates. Having taken him on loan spells at Birmingham and then at Sunderland, the Denmark striker scored his first Arsenal goal since March 2011 as the Gunners maintained their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League. The 25-year-old was recalled to the starting XI to give leading forward Olivier Giroud a rest, and headed the hosts in front against Hull Cityinside two minutes. Mesut Ozil extended Arsenal's lead at the start of the second half, finishing off a fine passing exchange with Aaron Ramsey. Bendtner's last league start for Arsenal came three seasons ago and he almost left the club in the summer following several unsuccessful loan spells and hitting the headlines with his off-field behaviour. But Bruce knows what he can do more than most said: "He is a good football player for the size of him. I hope that sooner or later he really knuckles down and really makes a go of his career because he's a very, very good player, but the mentality of Nicklas is always what everybody questions. "He's a big, strong, powerful centre-forward who's good in the air and has good feet for the size of him. He's got the lot really, if he wants it - but there's always a 'but'. "Did we try to sign him in the summer? We were having a look, but the level of salary was always going to be a problem for us. "Nicklas is a good boy, he has always done well for me and it was Sod's Law he would do that against us today. "When was the last time he scored? It was for me (at Sunderland) wasn't it? Well, there you go."

Arsenal v Hull City - reaction: Steve Bruce laments impact of old friend Nicklas Bendtner in Emirates defeat

Government support for offshore wind is good news for Siemens investment in Hull

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THE Government last night boosted its support for offshore wind in a move that has been hailed "an extremely important step forward" in the campaign to secure the Siemens deal.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander announced the Government would cut support for onshore wind and solar energy but give more backing to offshore wind.

In his statement to Parliament, he unveiled a strike price for renewables, which is the amount the Government guarantees to pay per unit of electricity.

Under the new provision, the Government guarantees to pay offshore wind developers the difference between wholesale power prices and a fixed strike price of £140 per megawatt-hour (MWh) for the 2018-19 fiscal year – £5 more than its provisional subsidy figures in June.

The announcement gives clarity to investors, who can now calculate their guaranteed returns on renewable energy projects to the end of the decade.

Welcoming the announcement, Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson said: "This is an extremely important step forward in the quest to reassure the sector that there remains a consensus around the need for offshore wind so that those companies, such as Siemens, who are contemplating long-term investment can do so without fearing future change in government policy."

Hull North MP Diana Johnson said: "I hope the strike price announcement for offshore wind generation is enough to provide a further piece in the jigsaw that allows Siemens to make that final commitment to jobs for Hull.

"Green energy investors need to be reassured about the stability and long-term nature of UK Government backing for green energy – avoiding the mixed messages that we've seen over the past three years."

Hull East MP Karl Turner said: "I welcome any policy that will help to seal the deal with Siemens.

"This is welcome news for the offshore wind industry and very helpful for Green Port Hull."

The announcement came just days after Hull's three Labour MPs and Lord Haskins, chairman of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, met Energy Secretary Edward Davey to discuss plans to finalise investment in the Siemens £210m development at Alexandra Dock.

Government support for offshore wind is good news for Siemens investment in Hull

Spring Bank West in Hull closes December 17 as Network Rail starts railway bridge repairs 'after advice from Council'

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NETWORK Rail picked the run-up to Christmas to replace a railway bridge that crosses a main Hull road after taking advice by the council, it has emerged. Motorists and traders have suffered months of disruption as the company seeks to replace the structure in Spring Bank West in west Hull. In October, it was announced the road will be closed from December 17 through until the new year. Now, Network Rail – facing fresh criticism for the timing of the works – say they were advised by the local authority to carry out the work over "the Christmas period". A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "We have been in long dialogue with Hull City Council. "We recognise this work is going to be disruptive. "But they (the council) are the highways experts. We said we needed access, they agreed to work with us. "It was felt that the roads would be a lot quieter over Christmas." Asked by the Mail what action would have been taken had the council advised them to delay work until after the Christmas rush, the spokeswoman said: "We would have negotiated." In response, a Hull City Council spokeswoman confirmed its highways team had suggested the work is carried out over Christmas. However, she stressed the local authority did not provide Network Rail exact dates of when the work should be carried out. Peter Shipp, chairman and chief executive of bus firm EYMS, said: "It's a bit vague, but to me, the 'Christmas period' is Christmas Eve until the New Year. "Network Rail obviously has other ideas." Mr Shipp expects services to be delayed. He said: "These works are going to cause big delays. "It's unfortunate the work has to take place two weeks before Christmas when the roads are going to be busy. "EYMS tried to get the work moved, but were told this was not possible." Ian Blowman, who owns the Upholstery Designs furniture store close to the bridge, agreed that the road closure could not happen at a worse possible time. He said: "It's going to be an absolute nightmare and Network Rail and Hull City Council are just passing the buck. "Every customer who comes in through the door is talking the disruption caused by these works." Work to reinforce the abutments and replace the old railway bridge began earlier in the summer. Temporary traffic lights and road closures have already caused disruption for commuters, residents and businesses in the area. Work was put back by two water leaks during Hull Fair. As a result, Network Rail has allowed engineer Murphys extra time to replace the bridge. The Network Rail spokeswoman said: "We apologise for the disruption caused by the work, but at the end of it Hull will have a bridge that will be fit for 125 years. "It should not need any maintenance at all for the next 25 years. "There is never a good time to carry out this kind of work. We have to take the best advice available."

Spring Bank West in Hull closes December 17 as Network Rail starts railway bridge repairs 'after advice from Council'

Neighbour describes horror as Hull stonemason Dave Clyens dies in caravan infer

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A MAN has told how he watched helplessly as a caravan was engulfed in flames with his neighbour inside.

The body of a 62-year-old man, believed to be stonemason Dave Clyens, was found inside the burned-out static caravan at Clyens and Son monumental masons in east Hull.

The Mail understands Mr Clyens, who owned the stonemason firm, had been living in the caravan in the workyard for the past four or five years.

Firefighters were called to Crowle Street at about 9am but, even by the time they arrived just four minutes after the emergency 999 call, the caravan had been engulfed by an inferno.

The body of Mr Clyens was discovered inside after they brought the fire under control quickly and put out the flames. He was confirmed dead at the scene.

Jim Bell, who runs Jim Bell Coaches next to the stonemason's yard, told how he was helpless to save Mr Clyens from the blazing caravan.

He said: "There was smoke coming over the building.

"I didn't think anything of it at first because Mr Clyens has a wood-burning stove in his work shop.

"But I decided to go round and have a look and the caravan was ablaze.

"It was like an inferno and no one was getting in there.

"I had a good idea he was inside but we just couldn't do anything other than call the fire service.

"Firefighters arrived within just a few minutes but it was still too late.

"It was a real shock to come across that."

Mr Clyens had run his masonry business from the Crowle Street site, off Hedon Road, for about 17 years. His only employee arrived for work only to discover firefighters tackling the blaze.

Mr Bell paid tribute to his business neighbour.

He said: "We have been neighbours for about 15 years when we moved here. He was just a normal, nice guy who would often come in here for a chat.

"He was a good neighbour to us and, when he was living on site, he would also keep an eye on our premises for us.

"It is a real shame what has happened."

An investigation, involving Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and Humberside Police, to establish the cause of the fire has been launched.

The fire service's area manager Nick Granger confirmed the intensity of the blaze meant there was no chance of saving Mr Clyens.

He said: "Initial reports were that one individual was trapped inside the caravan. The fire was extinguished very rapidly.

"One individual was found to be inside the caravan and was confirmed dead at the scene.

"A joint fire investigation is taking place utilising fire and police staff and a cause will be established.

"The crews arrived on scene quickly and managed to save much of the external structure of the caravan but internal damage was severe."

Forensic teams remained on site for much of the day sifting through the caravan remains and the workshop.

Neighbour describes horror as Hull stonemason Dave Clyens dies in caravan infer

Man accused of murdering East Yorkshire antique dealer Peter Battle considered using acid to dispose of body

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A MAN accused of murder has admitted he considered pouring acid over the body of antiques dealer Peter Battle.

Graham Richardson claimed he kept quiet about Mr Battle's death to avoid "grassing" on an accomplice.

Richardson, 27, spent his second day in the witness box yesterday being cross-examined about his role in what happened.

He denies murdering the father-of- two, claiming he found the victim already dead after seeing four robbers flee the house.

He told the jury he was too shocked to do anything after the four hooded men came running from the cottage in Full Sutton with bags of loot.

He claimed he "panicked" and ran with the gang to their getaway car, parked in a nearby layby, where he was given one of the bags and told to say nothing.

However, he maintained he recognised the voice of one of the men as Darren Archer, having helped him target the antiques dealer in the first place.

Asked why he had not identified him to police, Richardson told Teesside Crown Court: "I did not really want to grass and give his name.

"I was scared after finding Peter's body of what they would do and thought the police would find out who did it."

While browsing the internet for a way of getting some blood spots off his trainers, he came across a reference to using acid to dissolve "flesh and bones".

He said: "It started a train of thought about whether I should cover it up.

"I kept thinking about what I should do. I did not do anything in the end, thinking the death would come out."

The court heard Richardson went back to the cottage on January 2, a few days after he claimed to have seen the gang leave the cottage.

Richardson claimed he thought Mr Battle, 56, must have gone away to recover from the robbery.

He said: "I intended to burgle Peter's house on my own, thinking he would be away for the week."

He came first during the afternoon, but "chickened out" and just drove past the house, only to return after dark, the court heard.

There was a light on in the house, but he could not really see through the porch. He tried the door handle, and it was unlocked, he claimed.

He said he found a sheet had been hung over the door as he pushed it open and went in.

He told the court: "I shouted out Peter's name. There was no reply. As I started walking through the property, I could see blood splatter on the walls and some items.

"I noticed a lump on the floor, which turned out to be Peter."

The body was covered in what he thought was a sheet. When he lifted one end up, he could see part of Mr Battle's head.

Richardson said: "I didn't know what to do. I was about to run off, but decided to check he was still alive.

"His feet were sticking out the bottom. I touched the back of my finger to his ankle, which was freezing cold.

"I just had to get out. I just ran."

He jumped in his car to drive back to Malton, but pulled over half way to smoke some heroin in a layby.

"All I could think of was it was because of the robbery – and I was partly to blame."

Earlier, he told the jury he had robbed another gold collector in York with two other men, one of whom was Darren Archer, he claimed.

He had been asked to supply names of other potential victims and subsequently agreed to set up Mr Battle.

It was alleged Mr Archer would handle the robbery and Mr Richardson would turn up later at the house, feigning sympathy to avoid any suspicion he had been involved.

He claimed he never dreamed Mr Battle would be harmed during the robbery because he thought only threats would be needed.

He admitted returning twice more to the unlocked cottage to steal.

When he finally locked the door behind him and threw the key away, Mr Battle had been dead for three- and-a-half weeks.

But, still, he did not inform the police, saying he felt "guilty" over what had happened, even though he was not the killer.

He told the jury: "I was just taking too much heroin at the time.

"I wish I had done now."

Richardson, of Riverside View, Norton, denies murder.

The trial continues.

Man accused of murdering East Yorkshire antique dealer Peter Battle considered using acid to dispose of body

Undercover police blitz on Hull shoplifters during Christmas 'thieves paradise'

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POLICE are targeting thieves who steal from Christmas shoppers and stores during the festive season. Officers are carrying out extra patrols as thousands of shoppers flood into the city centre to buy their presents. Undercover officers will also be out to target known shoplifters who try to take advantage of the busy period. Inspector Craig Mattinson, who heads up the Riverside policing team covering the city centre, said: "It's our busiest time of the year and it could be a thieves paradise, mainly because of the footfall coming into the city centre. "With that brings opportunities for thieves to commit crime. There are lots of people around and, what we are trying to do is increase our visibility to reassure people. "We want people to enjoy Christmas, enjoy doing their shopping, and keep themselves and their possessions safe." Extra officers have been drafted into the city centre as part of Humberside Police's annual Operation Yuletide, which aims to cut Christmas crime. Insp Mattinson said the main issues for police in the city centre are shoplifting and thieves stealing from cars. "People are leaving themselves vulnerable to the opportunistic thief by doing their shopping, leaving it on the back seats of their car, then doing some more shopping," he said. "Not only could it mean they lose the Christmas presents they have bought, but they will also have the inconvenience of having to get their vehicle repaired. "It is a double whammy and it's not a nice position to be in. "We are asking people to think about crime and, if they do have presents in their cars, to make sure their car is locked and their presents are in the boot. It is just about being sensible." Police have seen huge rises in shoplifting this year, with a notable increase in people stealing for the first time as they struggle to make ends meet. To combat the thieves, officers will be using uniformed and undercover officers to patrol the busiest shopping areas. Known thieves could be stopped and searched and drunken troublemakers could be banned from the city centre for up to 48 hours. "We will be having those dedicated officers around the stores that are most vulnerable and generally targeted by thieves," said Insp Mattinson. "We are also working closely with the shops to help them secure their stock. "The officers will also be stopping known shoplifters and searching them. If they are under the influence of alcohol, we can use the section 27 red cards to ban them from the city centre. "We do have quite a lot of street drinkers who go out committing crime. This is a way of removing them from the streets so people can do their shopping without the fear of crime." Insp Mattinson is also warning people not to fall foul of burglars who are looking to steal presents. He said: "People want to have their Christmas trees on display, so they will leave the curtains open and lights on. "For the opportunistic thief, this means they can see any presents that are under the tree. "They will then try the door and, if it is unlocked, will go in and destroy somebody's Christmas in seconds. "If people are putting presents under the tree, it is really important they keep their doors and windows locked, even when they are in the house. "We are not trying to be glum, we just want people to be sensible and hopefully have a crime-free festive season." Anyone who wishes to contact their neighbourhood policing team can visit www.humberside.police.uk or call 101.

Undercover police blitz on Hull shoplifters during Christmas 'thieves paradise'


Man kicked out of Globe Inn in Bridlington 'got into car and drove straight at pub'

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A LANDLORD has spoken of the moment he dragged a man out of a vehicle after a car crashed into his pub.

A 43-year-old is said to have driven a Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 into the Globe Inn in Bridlington just minutes after being thrown out of one of the oldest pubs in the town.

Stuart Thornton, landlord of the High Street, Westgate, venue, said it was lucky no one was seriously injured on Tuesday evening.

"The man started getting abusive to other customers and I asked him to leave," he said.

"He came back in twice more and then we ejected him from the pub."

The next thing Mr Thornton knew was when he heard the vehicle crash into the venue, shortly before 10.30pm on Tuesday.

"Fortunately, there were no customers sitting on the seat near the front window but, if there had been, there would have been some serious injuries," he said.

"The man then reversed and tried it again. I managed to drag him out of the car and, with the assistance of a friend, held the man down until the police came. I sat on him."

Melissa Rice, 27, who lives in High Street, Bridlington, was walking past as it happened.

"We heard the landlord tell this man to go home and sober up," she said. "The man went away and got into his car before driving it straight at the pub, damaging the wall.

"Luckily, his car wasn't far away, so it wasn't going that fast.

"It looked like he was going to try to hit the pub with his car again but the landlord and another person managed to stop him."

Ms Rice said the outcome could have been serious.

"There were a lot of people in the pub at the time and I dread to think what might have happened if he had managed to hit it again," she said.

"It was very dramatic and scary, as we only live down the road."

Both the police and fire service attended the scene.

A 43-year-old man was arrested at the scene for driving over the prescribed limit, driving dangerously and for criminal damage.

A police spokesman said: "A structural engineer attended the scene.

"There was superficial damage to the pub, the car suffered minor damage and the man was not injured."

The man arrested at the scene remains in custody.

Man kicked out of  Globe Inn in Bridlington 'got into car and drove straight at pub'

Hull City boss Steve Bruce admits tiredness caught up with Tigers at Arsenal

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STEVE Bruce was forced to accept the onset of fatigue finally caught up with his Hull City side as they were soundly beaten 2-0 at Premier League leaders Arsenal last night.

City fell to a fourth consecutive away defeat in the league when goals from Nicklas Bendtner and Mesut Ozil handed a stylish Arsenal side all three points at the Emirates.

Just three days after a gutsy performance had inspired a 3-1 win over Liverpool at the KC Stadium, City never looked capable of pulling off another shock victory after falling behind to Bendtner's goal inside two minutes.

Bruce was full of praise for his side's application as Arsenal's attacking edge was curbed, but the Tigers boss believed the weekend exertions against Liverpool had taken their toll.

"It was always going to be a big ask for us," said Bruce, who saw his side fall to 12th in the Premier League.

"Were we going to be a bit leggy? You need the intensity and after Sunday, of course, we can't make five or six changes. But they stuck at it.

"We've killed ourselves twice, the last thing you need when you're coming to Arsenal is to concede after two minutes.

"They're a very good side to play, because of their quality. It could have been one of those nights where you embarrass yourself.

"We set out to do exactly what we did on Sunday but I think that's four times we've conceded away from home in the first minutes. When you go 1-0 down to this lot you could be in for a real awful evening but we stuck at it."

Only the efforts of Allan McGregor, who twice denied man of the moment Aaron Ramsey, kept the scoreline decent in a fixture that rarely saw the Tigers threaten Arsenal's dominance.

Ozil's goal three minutes after half-time effectively killed off their challenge following a strong finish to the first period from City, but Bruce bemoaned the impact made by his former striker Bendtner.

In the Dane's first Premier League start for the Gunners since March 2011, a one-time servant at Birmingham and Sunderland returned to haunt his former boss.

Bruce admitted he had made a play for Bendtner in the summer and said: "We were having a look, but the level of salary's always going to be a problem for us. He's a good boy. It was Sod's Law he would do that.

"He did really well for me, twice, did Nicklas. As a football player, for someone of the size of him and what he's got, I hope sooner or later he knuckles down and makes a go of his career. He reminds us all of that, on nights like this."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was suitably content as his side's sixth consecutive home win maintained a four-point lead at the summit.

He said: "We had a good control of the game. Overall it was a very convincing performance."

Hull City boss Steve Bruce admits tiredness caught up with Tigers at Arsenal

Hull FC stars enjoy go-karting to sharpen competitive edge for new season

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Hull FC players made a pit-stop from pre-season as they took to the wheels in a thrilling go-karting day.

Organised by coach Lee Radford, the idea was to bring the squad closer together at PCS Go-Karting on Sutton Fields as part of a relaxing week for Hull.

Thirty players and coaching staff members took part, and there were nerves and banter aplenty as everyone pulled on their uniforms and jumped into their karts.

Emerging victorious at the end of the session was Jay Pitts, who was quickest out of the blocks, ending the day with the fastest lap time of 13.65 seconds – only secured on his penultimate lap.

FC academy prospect Reece Dean came second with a speedy time of 13.98 seconds.

And showing the beginners how it is done was FC football manager Motu Tony, who ended up third in 14.08 seconds.

But finishing dead last was Hull assistant Andy Last, in homage to his surname.

First up saw Joe Westerman fly around the track and set the pace for his team-mates.

Danny Houghton won the second race, and the highlight was seeing Josh Bowden bounce Jacob Miller out of sight.

The next race saw Pitts giving Jason Crookes plenty of stick after he broke down, lapping and laughing at him in the process.

Poor old Jordan Thompson was true to his word when he said his driving was all over the place – but put his loss down to the kart.

Tony then took the spoils as the old-timers and coaching staff got their turn on the track.

Dean put Tom Lineham and Jamie Shaul to shame as he beat the FC stars in under 14 seconds.

Last but not least, Richard Whiting won the final race of the day with a safe 14.12 seconds.

Pitts was surprised to be fastest out of the blocks, beating his team-mates with ease.

"It's been really nice to get out of training and do something different," Pitts told the Mail.

"It felt really good to beat the boys, but I had to wait a long time for it to be confirmed. I didn't expect it but it's nice to be on top.

"The banter has been spot on, but no-one dare say they were better than anyone as they would probably have been shown up.

"But we are all competitive because we are rugby players, and we're just as competitive here as we are on the field.

"Training has been really tough so far and we've worked really hard.

"But it has been nice to get the rewards from it now, and this is an example of what we are getting.

"We have training sessions at the end of the week, but Radders has let us have a bit of down-time after a tough few weeks.

"We've also got plans to go to for a few meals together, and it's obviously brought all of the boys together a bit more.

"It's really hard getting through pre-season, but when it comes to February, you've just got to make sure that all your hard work has been worth it."

Some players already had experience of putting the pedal to the metal.

Richard Horne revealed he had some practice years ago, but refused to share his track tips.

"I've done it before with the Great Britain squad back when we were based in Manchester," Horne said.

"It's such a laugh and brings all the boys together for a day.

"It's been great doing it with the Hull lads."

Coach Radford thanked the go-karting staff and said: "It's always good to do something like this for a bit of team bonding.

"The lads have worked really hard over the last few weeks, so we have let them have a bit of time for them to relax.

"I didn't have chance to breathe though, as the rest of the coaching staff were up my backside all race.

"It's been great for the players and this is a reward they have deserved."

Hull FC stars enjoy go-karting to sharpen competitive edge for new season

Analyisis: Hull City simply out-gunned as table-toppers Arsenal show Premier League class

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Hull City writer Philip Buckingham makes the long trip back from the Emirates still upbeat about Monday's trip to Swansea

FOR all he has become a figure of derision in recent years, Steve Bruce's heart will have sunk at the sight of Nicklas Bendtner making his first Premier League start in 32 months.

Taken on loan both at Birmingham City and Sunderland, the Danish striker was once a trusted member of Bruce's attack.

Such is the long-standing admiration, the Hull City boss even tried and failed to engineer a third spell with Bendtner during the final throes of summer, offering an escape route to the KC Stadium.

Dutiful to football's quirks of fate, Arsene Wenger handed Bendtner a first start since March 2011 last night and predictably the fallen star needed just 90 seconds to ensure the Tigers' visit to the Emirates would be a fruitless one.

Bendtner and his Arsenal team-mates were simply too good for City, doing everything with the ball but make it talk.

Mesut Ozil, the £42m signing from Real Madrid this summer, effectively killed off the contest early in the second period with the Gunners' second, and only two excellent saves prevented a respectable loss becoming a much heavier beating.

Sunday's momentous victory over Liverpool had pushed City beyond their physical limits and it showed on a night when Bruce's side were always second best. Their fatigue was preyed upon at every turn.

There would be no repeat of September 2008, a game City famously won here 2-1 thanks to goals from Geovanni and Daniel Cousin. Nor would there be another shock to rival the weekend win over Liverpool.

Four days after toppling the Reds with a performance overflowing with vim and vigour, a repeat of those heroics proved beyond the Tigers against the undeniable quality of Arsenal.

There was no disgrace in a far more predictable fate at the hands of the Premier League leaders. Greater sides than City have lost here this term and others are destined to follow. The title credentials of this Arsenal side grow stronger by the week.

City's win over Liverpool had pricked Arsenal ears and among the admirers was Wenger. Calling his visitors "fantastic and dynamic" in his gushing programme notes, there was a notable wariness ahead of welcoming Bruce's side.

Not that it was clear in Wenger's team selection. Handing starts to Bendtner, Tomas Rosicky and Nacho Monreal, the Gunners' boss was still not afraid to take a calculated gamble against a visitor that included nine of the starting XI that had conquered Liverpool.

Only the suspended Curtis Davies and Robert Koren missed out, replaced by James Chester and Danny Graham.

City travelled in good numbers but several hundred will have missed their side being on level terms when arriving late after delays on the M1. That honour lasted just 90 seconds.

Before the Tigers had barely touched the ball they were behind.

An outstanding move down the right flank cut the visitors to ribbons with Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey combining to set right-back Carl Jenkinson clear down the right. His cross was perfect and Bendtner nodded smartly past Allan McGregor. City's nightmare start could have been much worse.

Per Mertesacker's header was spilled by McGregor before being scrambled clear, while the Scot was also relieved not to see a further lapse punished.

A mess was made of Ozil's low shot and Bendtner, slightly off balance, should have profited inside the six-yard box.

The Tigers belatedly caught a collective breath and found their feet, but the feel of the contest was markedly different to Sunday's success story.

Where Tom Huddlestone, captain for the night, Jake Livermore and David Meyler had harassed Liverpool into submission, Arsenal's incisive passing game was too much to subdue. Shadows were chased, as well as tails.

With City's two-pronged attack of Graham and Yannick Sagbo hopelessly isolated, Arsenal's domination was near total inside the opening half-hour.

Ramsey, who had already bagged 13 goals from the Gunners' midfield this season, was only denied by a stunning save from McGregor, diving full stretch to his left to keep out the Wales skipper.

City's best chance of the opening period eventually came nine minutes before the break. Huddlestone's advances down the left ended with a low centre across the face of the goal, yet inexplicably neither Graham nor Sagbo had gambled with the necessary burst.

If nothing else, though, the half chance gave the visitors a platform to finish the half well.

City will have emerged with a chance they perhaps were fortunate to hold on the balance of play, but that was soon snatched away.

After needing less than two minutes to open the scoring, the Gunners needed less than three minutes of the second half to double their lead.

Slack play on the left, with two players appealing for a throw-in, allowed Ozil to move away into space and when he collected a wonderful blind pass from Ramsey, the German was allowed to roll a simple finish past McGrgeor.

Arsenal sensed blood and pressed for a third. Ramsey was denied at the end of a flowing move by the block of McGregor, while Bendtner's header from the resultant corner was cleared off the line by Robbie Brady.

City still fought manfully, Livermore shooting at the midriff of Wojciech Szczesny and substitute George Boyd nodding wide, but a fourth consecutive away defeat was written in the stars long before.

A more realistic chance for points will come with a trip to Swansea on Monday and after the week that was, Michael Laudrup's men will bring something close to respite.

WEATHER UPDATES: M62 west of Hull closed after lorry crashes on Ouse Bridge

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THE M62 motorway west of Hull was closed in both directions after a lorry overturned on the Ouse Bridge near Howden as high winds battered East Yorkshire. Delays were reported in both directions between Junction 36, A164 (Goole), and Junction 37, A614 (Howden), as police set up diversions. Drivers were being asked to follow triangle symbols westbound and a solid square symbol eastbound. Emergency services attended but it is not thought the driver was seriously injured. Earlier the same motorway was closed near Castleford by a four-vehicle crash. The accident involved two lorries, a car and a transit van. The 5.20am smash closed the motorway between Junction 30 Rothwell and Junction 31 Castleford eastbound and Junction 32 Castleford and Junction 31 westbound. Police later re-opened two lanes to allow traffic to flow. Updated: 3.20pm

WEATHER UPDATES: M62 west of Hull closed after lorry crashes on Ouse Bridge

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