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HULL KR coach Craig Sandercock admits prop Justin Poore is in good spirits as he recovers from his knee injury in hospital. Poore broke his knee cap in Rovers' 37-24 defeat to Catalan Dragons in Perpignan on Easter Monday. He underwent surgery last Friday and Sandercock said both the club and player are remaining as positive as they can after the freak injury. "Justin is out of action indefinitely," Sandercock told the Mail. "He's still in hospital recovering from his operation. "He's been in hospital a week now and he has a long rehab ahead of him. "We are trying to keep positive and our thoughts are with him and his pregnant wife Cara. "We'll assess things after his rehab. "Justin is in a good frame of mind and the main thing is for him to make a full recovery. "It was one of those freakish incidents with the angle and velocity of the knee impacted on his knee cap which was very unlucky."

Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock says Justin Poore remains positive despite long recovery from knee injury

Parliament should debate the historic achievements of women in trousers as a rebuke to UKIP donor Demetri Marchessini, Hull North MP Diana Johnson joked today. Labour MP Ms Johnson said it was important for the Commons to highlight the importance of trouser-clad women, including pioneering Hull pilot Amy Johnson. In widely reported comments this week, Mr Marchessini proposed to Channel 4 News that women should be banned from wearing trousers to ensure men still wanted to have sex with them - highlighting the plan as vital to the salvation of the western world. Speaking in the Commons today, Ms Johnson said: "For the benefit of the UKIP donor who this week said women should be banned from wearing trousers, can we please have a debate on the historic contribution women in trousers have played in this country? "Including Amy Johnson, from Hull, who wore trousers as an aviator, the women's Land Army in the second world war and Princess Elizabeth who wore trousers as a mechanic, serving in the Second World War." Commons Leader Andrew Lansley replied: "Well, good for you - I can't promise a debate but I entirely endorse your sentiments."

@FeministPics As I just mentioned in the Commons, Princess Elizabeth was a mechanic in WW2. #womenintrousers pic.twitter.com/rf1NTTjgix
— Diana Johnson (@DianaJohnsonMP) May 1, 2014

Mr Marchessini donated £5,000 to UKIP in December, months after the party sought to distance itself from his claims that women wearing trousers amounted to "hostile behaviour". He had given £10,000 in two instalments earlier in the year. UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he was "sure the money was taken in good faith" but that he did not deal with the party's finances. Asked whether UKIP should accept donations from someone with such views, he said: "Possibly not, no. But ask the treasurer, I don't run everything."

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Diana Johnson rebukes UKIP donor Demetri Marchessini: 'Women in trousers helped shape history'

5pm UPDATE:Hull City say a small number of tickets for the FA Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley are likely to be available tomorrow (Friday) after hundreds of fans queued for hours at the KC Stadium today. The ticket office is open this evening until 8pm. A club spokesman said barring a late surge today, a small allocation of tickets will be available tomorrow. It is understood most of these tickets are in the £115 bracket. Check for updates via Hull City's official website and Twitter feed. This morning, Hull City put 5,500 tickets on general sale to fans who had attended the semi-final at Wembley. Supporters who had camped out since Wednesday lunchtime breathed a sigh of relief after getting their hands on the prized tickets. As the queue snaked around the stadium, the club initially warned those towards the back they might be disappointed and a sell-out was on the cards.

FA CUP FINAL TICKETS: Please note that the queue has reached such a length that those joining at the back are NOT guaranteed tickets #UTT
— Hull City Official (@hullcityteam) May 1, 2014

FA CUP FINAL TICKETS: Supporters are welcome to join the queue, but please note that you may be unsuccessful in obtaining a ticket #UTT
— Hull City Official (@hullcityteam) May 1, 2014

Richard Woods, 47, who had travelled down from Bedale in North Yorkshire, was among those who managed to get hold of a ticket. He said: "I was queuing since 1.30pm yesterday but it has been worth it. There was some really good craic as we waited. "There were already about 50 people here when I arrived. I feel sorry for those at the back because I don't think they have much of a chance." Club owners Assem and Ehab Allam arranged for food and hot drinks to be delivered to the hardy souls who camped out overnight.

Post by Hull City A.F.C.

Hull City fan Megan Sewell with her FA Cup final tickets.

Samantha Clayton, of Kirk Ella, said: "Somebody representing the Allams gave us free pizza and there were also teas and coffees which was very nice. "There were a few of us and we waited in shifts and did about five hours each. There was a good atmosphere and it was a big relief to get in the ticket office. "I have friends coming from America so it's great they'll get the chance to see the game."

By 9am, around 1,500 tickets had already been sold. David Herd was towards the back of the queue and said he didn't fancy his chances of getting a ticket for his wife. He said: "I am a season pass holder and me and my son already have tickets, but I am hoping to get my wife one as well. She's at work but I'm retired so I have no excuse. "My wife said to queue for a couple of hours but it is going to be a lot longer than that. My son is in a wheelchair so we didn't have to queue last time, so this is my penance." Tickets for the cup final have been sold in phases. In phases one and two, tickets were sold exclusively to season pass holders. Phase three, which began today and will continue tomorrow if any tickets remain, is a general sale to supporters who purchased tickets for the semi-final at Wembley. If tickets are available tomorrow, people will be able to purchase in person or over the phone. Any remaining tickets will go on sale in phase four, a general sale to all-comers, on Tuesday, May 6.

Hull City FA Cup final tickets set to sell out as fans queue through the night at KC Stadium

AN IMAM who was blinded by a single punch has returned to teaching at his mosque.

Imam Hafiz Salik has lost sight in one eye after he was attacked by a stranger who stopped his car.

Five months later, Mr Salik has returned to working part-time at Hull Mosque and Islamic Centre in Berkeley Street, west Hull.

Imam Salik, 60, said: "It is a great pleasure for me to be back. I have had a very difficult time in the past five months and have suffered a lot.

"It is good for me and good for the community to be back. I have started doing little jobs here because it is not just a mosque, it is the main hub for the community.

"It is my main job to bring peace to people, even though I wasn't given peace.

"I still have a lot of pain inside my eye and have headaches. It can be quite intensive."

Although he has returned to teaching some classes at the centre and leading midday prayers, Imam Salik has not returned to his full role.

He is expected to undergo a third operation later this month and still has 15 stitches inside and outside his eye.

He was attacked after two men and a woman stopped his car as he was driving along Spring Bank West, west Hull, with his wife and daughter in November last year.

One of the men opened his car door and punched him in the face.

No one has been arrested in connection with the assault, despite police releasing CCTV images and footage of three people they want to speak to.

Imam Salik said it is now down to the community to come forward with information about the attack.

He said: "Somebody knows about them and the community has to come up.

"The police are doing their utmost but they can't knock on every door. I know criminals are not always found but maybe if we are lucky, they will be."

After the attack, the centre's annual awards ceremony for pupils at its classes was postponed.

It will now take place on Sunday after Imam Salik's return to the centre.

He said: "It is a real pleasure for me to come back and do that and the community are very happy."

Imam Salik said he has received huge support from people across the city following the assault.

"There has been so much moral support and encouragement at this difficult time," he said.

"Every message I got from someone was a lift that made me feel alive. It has been very important to me. I know the people who did this to me do not represent the community as a whole."

Humberside Police said the investigation into the attack on Imam Salik is continuing.

Anyone with information should call the police on 101.

Fresh CCTV appeal

POLICE have made a fresh appeal for help to identify two men and a woman wanted in connection with the attack.

CCTV images show the three people walking along Princes Avenue on the night Imam Hafiz Salik was assaulted.

Despite several appeals, police have been unable to identify the members of the group.

Although only one man is believed to have attacked the imam, the offender was with a man and a woman at the time.

Detective Sergeant Craig Nicholson, of the public protection unit, said: "We do not know at this stage if they are connected in any way, however, we are keen to identify them as part of our investigation and eliminate them from our inquiries if appropriate."

The assailant is described as white, about 5ft 6in, with short, brown hair. He is well built and aged between 25 and 30. He was wearing a dark stone-coloured jacket, shirt and trousers.

Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101.

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Blinded Imam Hafiz Salik returns to teaching at Hull Mosque

TWO men have been jailed for almost four years for taking part in a terrifying attack in which a man had boiling water poured over his head. Rodney Kray was attacked by three men after being lured to Ian Parkin's flat in Woodbine Close, west Hull, to be interrogated about a stolen TV. He was scalded with water from a boiled kettle, twice knocked unconscious, and may also have been cut with a knife during his terrifying ordeal on October 20 last year. Parkin, 49, who lived in the flat below Mr Kray, had asked him to come downstairs. When he got to the hallway he was punched from behind by Karl Larkin, 30, and knocked out. When Mr Kray came round he was in Parkin's flat, where Larkin, Mark Macnamara, 38, and another man repeatedly attacked him and made threats against his girlfriend, Lee-Izara Bentley, who was in the flat upstairs. One of the men took photographs of the helpless Mr Kray, which later formed part of the evidence against them. Larkin, of Dover Street, west Hull – who has convictions for violence dating back to the age of 11 – poured the boiling water over Mr Kray, causing excruciating pain and burns to his face, neck and back. He admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 20 months. John Thackray, defending Larkin at a joint sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court, said: "He hasn't sought to minimise his role. "He's pleaded guilty, he knows it was disgraceful behaviour." Macnamara, of Anlaby Road, west Hull, who also has convictions for violence, was on bail for other offences when he took part in the attack. He and Parkin were arrested on October 11 last year after they were seen acting suspiciously and "staggering" around Hull city centre. Macnamara was searched and found to be in possession of a silver Stanley knife. He claimed this was for cutting carpet tiles for Parkin, but the court heard it was for disabling car alarms. Macnamara was also in possession of three 10mg tablets of diazepam, a Class C drug. He admitted possession of a bladed article, possession of drugs, and one count of theft, which related to three watches, worth £200, that were stolen from Timpsons after being taken in for repair. Macnamara denied assault causing actual bodily harm relating to the attack on Mr Kray but was convicted by a jury after a trial and was jailed for a total of 25 months. Parkin also admitted stealing the watches and a further count of theft after he was found in possession of a fake Nokia smartphone. Parkin was also accused of taking part in the attack on Mr Kray but was acquitted. He was sentenced to four weeks in jail for the thefts but walked free because of the time he had already spent on remand. Recorder Jonathan Carroll said: "This was a premeditated incident involving Larkin, Macnamara and another, that brought Kray into the flat for the purpose of accusing him in relation to an alleged theft, with a willingness and ability to both threaten and use violence. Each of you share responsibility." Mr Kray changed his name in honour of the London gangsters, the Kray twins, and the Only Fools and Horses character Rodney Trotter.

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Karl Larkin and Mark Macnamara jailed over Rodney Kray boiling water attack

TWO East Riding councillors have had their appeals against being deselected upheld. It means Lena Slater and Geraldine Mathieson are now back on an approved list of would-be Conservative candidates for next year's council elections.

The duo were originally deselected in their absence by a panel from their Haltemprice and Howden Conservative Association.

They had refused to attend, claiming the selection process being followed by the association had been flawed.

Now their appeals against deselection have been upheld by regional Conservative party officials after a special hearing.

Councillor Mathieson, who represents Cottingham North on East Riding Council, said: "I believe the people who heard our appeal decided to make sure that a wrong was put right.

"It was very clear to me from the facial expressions in the room that the majority of people present agreed with the decision to uphold the appeal.

"The reaction to the result really spoke volumes but there were a very small number of people who found it very difficult to conceal their hatred towards us.

"I am now looking forward to the selection process effectively starting all over again."

Both councillors left the ruling Tory group at County Hall last month after their deselection.

Cllr Mathieson said she had now joined the Independent group on the council although she remained a member of the Conservative Party.

Cllr Slater, who represents Cottingham South, said: "I am delighted, although I fully expected to win my appeal.

"I feel as if we have both been exonerated.

"I am just hoping to let the dust settle on all of this now and move on with things.

"It's unfortunate that it all ended up in a situation where we had no option but to make our opinions very clear on the selection process in the way we did.

"I certainly don't have any regrets over what we did because we had to make a stand."

Both councillors claimed officials from the Tory group at County Hall had tried to influence the outcome of the original selection process by making allegations against them.

They subsequently received support from deputy police and crime commissioner Paul Robinson who was a member of the association's selection panel.

In an email to association chairman David Whincup, he said: "Overall, I feel that the process was flawed and would not stand up to serious scrutiny."

The two Cottingham councillors will now go back on a shortlist of Conservative election candidates for the four available seats in the village.

A final decision is expected to be made by the Haltemprice and Howden Association's Cottingham branch.

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Deselected Conservative councillors Lena Slater and Geraldine Mathieson win appeals

The fire service is urging people not to make unnecessary 999 calls as a weekend of industrial action begins today.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is expecting a number of staff members to strike today, from noon to 5pm, tomorrow from 2pm to 2am and on Sunday, from 10am to 3pm.

The service will be providing a reduced emergency response during these times and is asking for members of the public to help.

Dene Sanders, chief fire officer, said: "While the industrial action is taking place we will still respond to 999 calls. A level of service is in place but we are asking people to only call 999 if they really do need a fire engine.

"Our priority will be to respond to those calls where lives are at risk."

The industrial action is part of a long-running dispute over pensions. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said the strikes could be halted immediately if the Government made a revised pensions offer that "takes the evidence into account". Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: "It is purely the failure of the Government to present revised proposals that has led to these strikes. Now the Government is walking away from talks. It is utterly irresponsible. "The FBU has never walked away from discussion and our members have been patient and measured in their approach, but we will not simply stand by while Government imposes a pension scheme that is totally unworkable, unaffordable, unsustainable and unfair." The union said firefighters are having to pay higher pension contributions, face working into their late 50s before retiring and could be sacked because their fitness declines as they get older. A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "It was the union executive's decision to call this strike that effectively ended its discussions with the Government. This shows the executive is not serious about finding a resolution for its members. "The Government is clear that further change can be made through constructive engagement, but not under the shadow of industrial action, which only serves to damage firefighters' standing with the public. "The deal on the table gives firefighters one of the most generous pension schemes in all the public sector, and the proposals protect the earned rights of a higher proportion of members than any other public sector scheme. "Nearly three-quarters will see no change in their pension age in 2015. "Under the new scheme, a firefighter who earns £29,000 will still be able to retire after a full career aged 60, get a £19,000 a year pension, rising to £26,000 with the state pension. "An equivalent private pension pot would be worth over half a million pounds and require firefighters to contribute twice as much. "This weekend public safety is our prime concern and robust contingency plans are in place to keep people protected."

• Visit humbersidefire.gov.uk.

Firefighters' strike: Humberside Fire and Rescue Service in 999 plea

THE two remaining tower blocks on Hull's Orchard Park estate are to be demolished after a U-turn by city councillors.

Two years ago, cabinet councillors agreed to retain the high-rise Gorthorpe and Kinthorpe flats and include them in a new £15.3m housing investment programme for the area.

At the time, the plan was to fully modernise the last of the 1960s tower blocks, which once dominated the estate's skyline.

But now councillors have given the go-ahead for their demolition after deciding refurbishing the flats would be too costly.

Gary Rumkee, 54, has lived in the shadow of the flats in Gorthorpe since he was six years old.

He said: "I remember when they were being built.

"Getting rid of them once and for all is the best thing that could happen to this place.

"I know they were talking about refurbishing them but that would have just been a waste of money.

"The area has had its ups and downs over the years and it's not great at the minute, but this will help.

"The bushes around the flats attract kids, who make dens in them. It's not a safe place to go past at times."

Stanley Brown, 71, also watched the Gorthorpe flats being built.

"Things started going downhill when they began putting druggies in there," he said.

"You would get someone throwing a brick from one of the windows and then others would join in.

"At one time they used to have security guards in there, but when they went it was everyone for themselves. They might be empty now, but I can't wait to see the back of them.

"There are a lot of parking problems around here, so maybe they can create a bit more space when the flats have gone."

Councillor John Black, cabinet portfolio for housing, said the decision to demolish the two blocks had been taken after a review of revised estimated costs associated with their refurbishment.

He said: "The original idea was to refurbish the flats, but since that decision was taken there have been significant changes to the proposed way we were going to fund the work.

"Some of the money was going to come from feed-in energy tariffs but then the Government stopped that funding.

"We were also going to use receipts from right-to-buy sales but that money can now only be used for new-build projects, not refurbishments.

"The same applied to funding from the Government's New Homes Bonus scheme, which, again, only allows us to fund new build.

"In the end, the cost between refurbishment and going for a different option of new-build was not even close.

"There was such a significant difference that going for refurbishment was just not financially feasible."

The flats will be replaced with 94 one and two-bedroom council houses.

Laura Carr, the council's neighbourhood and housing manager, said: "With the wider regeneration of Orchard Park and the many benefits of building new energy-efficient properties, coupled with the cost to refurbish the towers, a decision has been made to demolish Kinthorpe and Gorthorpe and build 94 new one and two-bedroomed council homes to replace them, in partnership with the Riverside housing group.

"Building new homes will complement the ongoing development and regeneration of this priority area, which includes the development of up to 300 new homes, thermal efficiency improvements to existing properties and the development of a vibrant new shopping area."

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Orchard Park's Gorthorpe and Kinthorpe tower blocks to be demolished after Hull City Council U-turn

Thieves have stolen £1,000-worth of toothpaste, toothbrushes and hairspray from a garage in east Hull. The theft happened between 1am and 8am on Wednesday, at a garage belonging to a wholesaler towards the Holderness Road end of Marfleet Lane. The garage was forced open and a large amount of toiletries were stolen. The thieves used a wheelie bin to remove the items. Humberside Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area. Officers would also like to speak to anyone who has been offered toothpaste, toothbrushes and hairspray door-to-door. Anyone with information should call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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£1,000 of toothpaste and hairspray stolen in east Hull

FORMER Hull professional boxer Sonny Pollard will go toe-to-toe with ring legend Steve Collins in the name of charity.

Ex-world super-middleweight champion Collins, famous for victories over Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn in the 1990s, will trade leather with Pollard at the KC Stadium on Saturday, May 31.

All proceeds will go to Hull toddler Phoebe Shakesby, who is fighting cancer.

The Mail reported in January how two-year-old Phoebe was battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Her parents, Mark and Kerry, were told the devastating news by doctors in November last year.

Now, hard-hitting Pollard is raising funds for Phoebe's family.

He said: "The story of Phoebe Shakesby touched everybody.

" It is very sad and I really wanted to do something to raise as much money as possible for her and her family.

"Hopefully, we can get 400 boxing fans in and they can enjoy the show and help us with our mission."

Ireland's Collins, dubbed the Celtic Warrior, enjoyed a glittering career.

He retired as WBO champion in 1997 after 36 wins in 39 career bouts.

Pollard won eight of his 11 professional fights but is the fresher man, having retired in 2009.

He said: "It is for charity but it certainly will not be a game of tiddlywinks.

"I will be going in there to beat him and he will be looking to beat me.

"We are both taking it very seriously and I have been training really hard.

"Steve Collins was my boyhood hero and it is a dream come true to get in the same ring and compete against him.

"I remember watching him beat the legends like Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn.

"It is a real coup that he is coming to Hull."

There will be a full bill of boxing on the night as organisers look to fill one of the function rooms at the stadium for the fight.

Seven fights are scheduled, with Pollard versus Collins as the main event.

Carl Froch's world title defence against bitter rival George Groves is on the same night and will be screened live at the KC.

Pollard said: "I am sure it's going to be a great show for boxing fans to enjoy.

"I want to raise as much money as possible for Phoebe and this is what I do best. I'm really looking forward to it."

Tickets cost £35 to £75. To book tickets, or for further details, call Pollard on 07793 003616.

Boxing legend Steve Collins to fight Sonny Pollard in aid of Hull toddler Phoebe Shakesby

Two people and a toddler escaped a house fire which police believe was started by cannabis-growing equipment. Emergency services were called to the home in Falkland Road, east Hull, just before 4am. A man, 32, a woman, 26, and a 16-month-old girl were in the house when the fire started but escaped unhurt. Investigations suggested the fire started because of an electrical fault caused by equipment used in a cannabis factory. A 32-year-old man has been arrested and is in police custody. A Humberside Police spokesman warned people of the dangers of growing cannabis in residential properties. He said: "We would warn those setting up cultivation equipment that, not only could this lead to criminal investigation, but also risk the lives of occupants and neighbouring properties. "Often the buildings themselves are tampered with, resulting in damage to the walls, floors and ceilings (and) the electrics. "We would also urge landlords to thoroughly check who they are leasing their houses to before handing over the keys."

Three escape east Hull house fire blamed on cannabis-growing equipment

HULL RUFC are looking for a new coach after parting company with Kerry Wood. Wood left Hull Ionians at the end of last season to take his first coaching role at Hull. But the season turned into a battle to avoid relegation from National League Two North. A league double against Sheffield meant it was the South Yorkshire side who were relegated as Hull finished eight points clear of the relegation places. However, a return of nine wins from their 30 league games wasn't enough for player/coach Wood to be kept on as coach for next season.

Hull RUFC part company with Kerry Wood as search for new coach begins

A charity auction of two Hull City FA Cup final tickets aims to raise hundreds of pounds for the Hull Children's University.

FA Cup final tickets update | HDM Sport on Facebook

The tickets, bought for £131, are for seats behind the goal. They will go to the highest bidder by 3pm on Friday, May 9.

In the event of a tie, the joint-highest bidders will be notified and given a chance to continue bidding to win the tickets. Call 01482 466045 to submit a bid.

Hull City FA Cup final tickets auctioned for Children's University

Our daily blog with the latest news, transfer rumours and gossip about Hull City in the Premier League. ONE man who seems to be in the dark about his future at the Tigers is Robert Koren. Without a Premier League start since a 1-0 defeat to Norwich on January 18, the Slovenian's lack of game-time in the top-flight has alerted clubs in lower divisions, namely Brighton and Millwall. But the latter's boss, Ian Holloway, has dismissed suggestions the Tigers midfielder is one of the Lions' transfer targets. Holloway said: "He is about as far as I would want as anyone could be. "He plays beautiful passing football but would be much better suited to just about any other club. "I cannot see him coming to us. I have already had half an eye on what we do in the summer and will do so again on Monday, but Koren is not on our list of targets." Should Koren be kept on at the Tigers? Let us know in the comments section below.Leeds assured over Stewart signingLeeds United boss Brian McDermott says they are committed to buying winger Cameron Stewart from the Tigers in the summer. The winger has been on loan at Elland Road since January but has struggled to hold down a regular place in the side and he has played just eleven times since arriving on loan in January. Stewart hasn't featured in any of the last four games. His last start was against Doncaster Rovers in March, but McDermott has reiterated that Leeds are committed to the three-year deal with the 23-year-old winger. "Cameron will be signed in the summer. We are committed to the signing," McDermott told his weekly press conference.Gabby could be the key Ahead of tomorrow's clash at Villa Park, rival boss Paul Lambert believes Gabby Agbonlahor could be a key asset in seeing a Tigers defeat due to his undeniable pace and power. Lambert is a firm admirer of Agbonlahor and thinks the long-serving forward has what it takes to help tame the Tigers. "I thought on Saturday, especially in the first half, that Gabby was excellent," Lambert said in his pre-match conference. "His work-rate and the way he performed was excellent. He was a handful. His goal was well deserved too. "We have lost two main players, two strikers – (Libor) Kozak and (Christian) Benteke. We are asking Gabby to do a role now – I know he has done it before – but he's a different type from Kozak and Benteke. "But his performance was excellent on Saturday. We are hoping he goes on that little run of goals now. That's what Gabby can do. "When he's on form, he's very hard to stop with his pace and power."Merson predicts a point for Tigers survivalSky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes all of the pressure is on Aston Villa tomorrow in their clash against the Tigers. Predicting a 1-1 draw – enough to see City seal their safety in the top flight – Mers says Villa will be hoping other teams below them can avoid victories to make their survival push smoother. "If Fulham had held on to their lead against Hull last week then I'd have been really worried about Aston Villa and this would have been a completely different game," Merson said. "However, that result means Villa will probably have too much because the teams below them need to win two games out of two. "Villa can't afford to lose this game and I can see it being a draw - and then they'll hoping teams below them like Fulham don't win both their matches, which would be a big ask. "This is a big football match in other ways, though, because if they lose it then you might find a few fans don't renew their season tickets for next season."Vote for your Player of the Year The Club will be holding its annual Player of the Year Awards Evening next Wednesday and who takes the main prize on the night is up to you. Voting is now open for your Player of the Year and you can have your say at vote.hulltigers.com with one lucky supporter being selected at random to win a replica shirt signed by the Tigers' class of 2013/14. Voting closes at midnight on Monday.Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Hull City paper talk, May 2: Millwall scorn Robert Koren link, Leeds United assured over Cameron Stewart deal and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson predicts Villa draw

A specialist recruitment firm is being paid £60,000 by Hull City Council to headhunt candidates for key posts at a new company being set up to oversee the UK City of Culture 2017 programme.

Documents released by the council show London-based executive recruitment firm Odgers Berndtson was chosen without the authority entering a formal competitive tendering process.

In the report, the council's town clerk Ian Anderson said the move was justified because of the need to set up the new company as quickly as possible.

"The proposed contract is significantly below the level at which the European Union procurement directives require a full tender process and only marginally above the level at which three quotes are required.

"Given the need to establish the City of Culture company quickly to progress the programme, it is accepted there is a need for progression of a contract.

"The proposed contract is accepted as being value for money."

Odgers Berndtson, which includes Sheriff of Hull Baroness Bottomley on its board, will be involved in the recruitment of the new company's chief executive and programme director as well as its chairman.

The appointments are expected to be made later this summer.

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Headhunters get £60k to find Hull City of Culture 2017 boss

Safer Roads Humber operates fixed and mobile cameras at 85 sites in Hull, the East Riding and North Lincolnshire. Here are all the locations of speed cameras in East Yorkshire between Saturday, May 3, and Friday, May 9, 2014. Mobile cameras will be in the following locations across Hull and the East Riding from May 3-9:Saturday, May 3: Safety camera enforcement officers will be visiting sites across the regionSunday, 4: Safety camera enforcement officers will be visiting sites across the regionMonday, 5: Safety camera enforcement officers will be visiting sites across the regionTuesday, 6: A1079 Bishop BurtonWednesday, 7: A163 Holme on Spalding Moor.Thursday, 8: A165 ConistonFriday, 9: B1230 Gilberdyke The partnership can use mobile camera units at the following locations in Hull:A1079 Beverley Road/Desmond AvenueGreenwood AvenueHall RoadPriory RoadSpring Bank WestBoothferry RoadA63 Daltry Street flyoverA165 Freetown WayA165 Holderness RoadMarfleet LaneLeads RoadWawne RoadJohn Newton WayBricknell Avenue Safer Roads Humber has 13 fixed cameras along the A1079. The partnership has seven fixed Truvelo cameras on Beverley bypass, from Killingwoldgraves roundabout, near Bishop Burton, to Dunswell roundabout. A further six are in place at Arras Hill, Market Weighton and along the town's bypass.

Fixed cameras are at the following locations in Hull:A1079 Beverley Road, near Mizzen Road (40mph)Spring Bank West (30mph)Clough Road (30mph)Stoneferry Road (30mph)A15 The partnership is newly enforcing the national speed limit on the A15 towards the Humber Bridge. Motorists caught travelling over the designated speed limit will be sent a fixed penalty notice (speeding ticket), which results in a £100 fine and three points on their licence. Motorists detected at certain speeds may be offered a speed awareness course instead of a fixed penalty notice, as long as the driver has not attended a speed awareness course within the past three years. The course fee is £95 and is instead of a fine and penalty points. Motorists should be aware the above locations and dates represent the minimum speed enforcement undertaken and that officers can visit any of the other sites on any day of the week, including evenings and weekends. Humberside Police can enforce the speed limit, on any road, at any time. Drivers exceeding the speed limit risk prosecution.

Bank Holiday driving: Speed camera locations in Hull and East Yorkshire, May 3-9, 2014

Plans to convert the upper floors of well-known Spring Bank pub into self-contained flats are to go before Hull city councillors later this month. The facelift scheme earmarked for the Spring Bank Tavern also includes proposals to create two self-contained flats and an office unit in a neighbouring former fire station. The Grade II-listed fire station in Hall Street dates from 1887 and although the interior of the building has been largely gutted, its main doorways retain original carvings of the Victorian volunteer captains who worked there along with their horses. Council planning officers are recommending conditional approval when the application goes before the authority's planning committee on May 7.

Flats plan for Spring Bank Tavern pub in Hull set to be approved

An East Yorkshire woman's belly button "erupted" on a holiday flight after a tummy tuck was allegedly botched. Patricia Jackson, 68, from Bridlington, was on a plane home from a week's holiday in Portugal when her belly button burst and began leaking foul-smelling fluid, causing another passenger to complain. Mrs Jackson, the manager of a residential care home, has now received more than £20,000 in compensation after suffering "years of pain and embarrassment" as a result of cosmetic surgery. She underwent the tummy tuck operation in 2005, when she was 60, because she was unhappy with the way she looked. She had lost weight and was self-conscious about saggy skin and fat on her stomach. The abdominoplasty was performed at a private hospital in the Midlands. Surgeons removed extra skin and fat and tightened the muscles in the abdominal wall, but they did not create a new belly button because there was not enough material left over, a common occurrence in this type of surgery. But solicitors claimed doctors failed to realise Mrs Jackson's old belly button had been left inside her, despite numerous scans and hospital investigations. Mrs Jackson said: "For the first year after the operation, everything was fine and I went to work as normal. "However, I was due for a yearly check-up and it was during this time that the surgeon was concerned about the scarring because it looked quite bad. It didn't really bother me but he admitted me to hospital overnight." An ultrasound scan allegedly revealed an infection under the scar, which was treated with antibiotics. The wound was dressed and drained and Mrs Jackson was then discharged from hospital. After returning home, Mrs Jackson said she began to experience pain and an unexplained foul-smelling discharge from her abdomen, which left her feeling self-conscious. She was referred to several specialists at the Scarborough and Bridlington & District hospitals. However, solicitors said the cause of the discharge was incorrectly blamed on an infected stitch. In 2011, Mrs Jackson felt confident enough to go on holiday to Portugal. Before catching the return flight, she noticed blisters where her old belly button would have been. After she boarded the plane, her belly button unexpectedly burst and the area around it began to leak, causing the passenger next to her to complain about the smell. An air stewardess dressed the wound but Mrs Jackson was left feeling tearful and embarrassed. When the plane landed, she called her brother to take her immediately to Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax, where the wound was treated. She declined the offer of returning to the hospital where she had the surgery, instead choosing Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham. There, it was discovered that her old belly button was still inside her and had broken down, causing the pain and leaking. After undergoing reconstructive surgery, Mrs Jackson was given a new belly button. In January this year, she was awarded £22,500 in compensation. She says she has come forward now to raise awareness of the potential risks of having cosmetic surgery. Jeanette Aspinall, head of medical negligence at Fletchers Solicitors, said: "This case highlights how easy it is for an everyday cosmetic surgery procedure, like a tummy tuck, to go wrong, both with the surgery itself and if the proper after-care is not administered. "Mrs Jackson had the operation to gain confidence, and instead was subjected to years of pain and embarrassment. "While Mrs Jackson is happy with the final result of the case after years of anger, she is now understandably fearful of undergoing any further surgery, should she need it in the future. "She is now keen to put this incident behind her and highlight to others the problems of not receiving the proper after-care after cosmetic surgery." Mrs Jackson said: "I was angry when I first contacted Fletchers Solicitors because I felt that I had been neglected by the hospital and the surgeon, and it wasn't fair. "I was extremely pleased with the compensation. "The result of my case means that awareness has been raised and it can hopefully change patient care in the future."

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'My belly button exploded on holiday flight' – Bridlington woman Patricia Jackson

Mail columnist Angus Young on the runners and riders in the race to the Guildhall.

And they're off! The tape is up and the runners and riders in this year's city council elections are hurtling down the starting straight heading towards Becher's Brook.

As ever, the race for the Guildhall features several course and distance winners, a couple of decent each-way bets and a sprinkling of novices.

In the latter category is Johnny Pat, legendary Hull musician and now unlikely UKIP candidate in Drypool ward.

Johnny told me he was a late entry, joining the field as a favour to his old clubland pal Ken Hordon, who just happens to be a UKIP activist in Hull.

"I don't expect to win," Johnny told me. "If I get more than ten votes I'll buy you a pint."

Another UKIP candidate Sergi Singh is better known as one of Hull's most hard-working corner shop bosses.

He was getting a bit carried away with all the excitement last week when the list of candidates was officially published.

"I'm throwing my hat into the ring!" said the turban-wearing Sikh.

Meanwhile, Simon Kelsey's decision to stand as an Independent has put an interesting slant on the contest in St Andrew's ward.

TV property makeover addicts might recognise him as the man behind an ambitious on-going facelift of a grand old house in Coltman Street that recently featured on BBC2's Restoration Home series presented by Caroline Quentin.

Talking to him about his chances, he mentioned having previously stood as a paper candidate for Labour.

For those not in the know, paper candidates are usually there to make up in the opposition numbers in seats regarded as generally unwinnable.

Quick as a flash, he was being given a bashing on the Mail's website's comments section.

"Charming for Mr Kelsey to say he was a paper candidate for Labour years ago. He didn't say that when I was leafleting for him," posted someone under the title of Hesslelabour.

Elsewhere on social media, Labour city councillor Chris Sumpton was getting stuck into Jackie Dad, the Lib Dem candidate in Holderness ward, and her leaflet claiming she had helped secure funding for a new path in Peppleton Close and the revamp of a park in Cullen Close.

"Complete lies," he fumed on Twitter.

"Must be paying for a path and a soft play park herself."

All this and there's still three weeks to go until polling day.

Surprise candidates spicing up Hull election 2014 – Angus Young

2pm UPDATE:Hull City say tickets remain available for the FA Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley. A spokesman for the club said queues at the KC Stadium are minimal but phone lines are "red hot". City have received an extra allocation from the FA, but have not revealed how many tickets this involves. However, a minimal number of £45 and a larger number of £115 tickets remain. It is not clear at this point whether any tickets will be available for general sale to all-comers on Tuesday. Tickets are on sale today to supporters who purchased a ticket for the semi-final against Sheffield United and are available in person at the ticket office or over the phone, on a first come, first served basis.

FA CUP TICKETS: We have a very limited number of tickets remaining for the #FACup Final vs @Arsenal on Saturday 17th May #UTT
— Hull City Official (@hullcityteam) May 1, 2014

The club put 5,500 tickets on sale yesterday and initially expected to sell out by the end of the day as hundreds of fans queued around the KC Stadium. However, City confirmed yesterday evening that a small number remain for sale today. Any unsold tickets are due to go on general sale to all-comers on Tuesday. The club said: "We have a limited number of tickets remaining for the FA Cup Final. These will be made available to supporters who purchased tickets for our FA Cup semi-final (one ticket per semi-final ticket bought) from 8am on Friday. "Tickets will be available in person with an allocation also held for telephone sales (01482 505600). In both cases, tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis."

Hull City FA Cup final tickets: 'Limited number' on sale on Friday May 2