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A MAN has been charged with attempting to rape a woman who was dragged off the street and sexually assaulted. The 22-year-old was pulled into bushes near Staples and American Golf, off Osborne Street, as she walked home at around 3.20am on July 18. After the attack, police released CCTV images of a man they wanted to speak to. Christopher Paul Byrne, 23, of St Paul's Drive, Wakefield, was arrested on Wednesday in West Yorkshire. He has today been charged with attempted rape, sexual assault and committing an offence with the intention of committing a relevant sexual offence. Mr Byrne is due to appear at Hull Magistrates' Court on August 15.

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Man, 23, charged with attempting to rape woman near Staples in Hull city centre

Martin Green has been unveiled as the new chief executive of Hull's City of Culture 2017 company. Angus Young meets the man who, as head of ceremonies, organised the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. Chief executives are not usually unveiled wearing a casual white shirt, jeans and sporting a pair of shiny black Dr Marten boots. But, then again, Martin Green isn't your typical company boss. The new man at the helm of Hull's UK City of Culture 2017 team ponders over his outfit as we meet while Mail photographer Jack Harland snaps away. "You know there's always a time in life when you wonder whether you are dressing a bit too young. Perhaps now is that time," he muses. Still on the same theme, the 42-year-old reflects on a recent show he produced in Budapest. "I was there surrounded by 500 skateboarding teenagers. It was another one of those moments." He's certainly packed a lot into his relatively short career. His impressive CV ranges from orchestrating events for the Mayor of London's office to producing the opening ceremony for this summer's Tour de France Grand Depart in Yorkshire. Inbetween there was the small matter of being head of ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and leading the team behind the torch relays for both events. He's now looking forward to his next challenge in delivering a year-long festival of culture in Hull. "First and foremost I'm very excited at the prospect of leading the 2017 team," says Mr Green. "Delivering big cultural events is what I do so on a professional level this is a dream job for me. "Although I have worked on some very big projects, I have also looked ahead to the next challenge and this fits the bill perfectly. When I got a call asking whether I would like to put my name forward I said 'yes' almost immediately because I felt it made sense. "I have always believed very passionately in the City of Culture concept, right back to when Liverpool and Glasgow were European Cities of Culture. When I heard Hull was bidding for 2017 I knew it was exactly the right place for the next one." His knowledge is Hull comes from friendships he struck up during a year studying for an MA at the University of Leeds. Those friends now live in Hull and he has visited them regularly over the years. He has also worked closely with East Yorkshire-based lighting designer Durham Marenghi on most of his recent major projects. "I have always had a great time when I've been to Hull so on a personal level it's also the right move for me," says Mr Green. "I'm going to move here and will be looking for a place to live." He will officially start his new £130,000-a-year job in October but admits he will deliberately keep a low profile for the first few months. "The good thing is that we are not coming at this from a standing start," he says. "Hull has already done a brilliant job at winning the City of Culture bid. The bid itself, including that wonderful film, was a masterclass in how to do it properly. "However, once I'm here permanently I want to go quiet for a little bit. It's probably not in my nature but it is exactly the right thing to do in terms of getting the right team together, looking at what we need to do and working out how we are going to achieve it. Once we get all that in place we can start talking about the fun things, but I really believe in getting the basics right from the start." Even so, he is expecting a roller-coaster ride over the next couple of years. "There will be highs and there will be lows as there is with anything on this scale," he says. "After the Olympics I took four months off just to try to understand and appreciate what had happened in the previous five years. "When you are in the middle of something like that you don't have the time to enjoy it because it's full-on work. "Hopefully with 2017 I can enjoy it a bit more while it's all going on. "The good thing is that we can learn from Derry's experience last year but also build on what Hull already does culturally which is pretty fantastic." He's looking forward to visiting Saturday's Humber Street Sesh festival and will return in September to soak up the atmosphere of the Freedom Festival for the first time. "Hull has already demonstrated that it is committed to culture," he said. "It's shown it's open to staging big public festivals. "My job now is to understand the city more, find out what excites people and make sure everyone gets something out of being the City of Culture."

New City of Culture chief Martin Green: 'My job is to understand Hull and find out what excites people'

Hull FC's Ben Crooks is at the centre of an RFL investigation into a breach of the dual-registration system. Whilst Crooks himself has done nothing wrong, it appears the Black and Whites centre may have played for Doncaster when actually ineligible under current rules. He is one of three players the RFL are looking at having launched an investigation into claims that Championship clubs could be guilty. Dewsbury's fielding of Sam Wood and Jacob Fairbank's outing for Batley are the two others being looked at. Under the current rules, clubs cannot play any player on dual-registration from now until the end of the season, unless they have played in three or more Championship games before the registration deadline of July 25. The RFL have not confirmed those three players and clubs are under investigation, but they all played last weekend having played less than the three required matches. If found guilty, clubs could be fined and/or handed a points deduction.

Hull FC: Ben Crooks involved in RFL investigation into dual-registration breaches

TOM Huddlestone's missed penalty proved to be crucial as Hull City could only draw 0-0 in their debut European clash against AS Trencin. Huddlestone had the chance to create history by becoming the first City player to score in a competitive game in Europe, but could only look on as his 60th-minute spot-kick was saved by Milos Volesak. To compound matters, the midfielder then blazed over the bar from just two yards out when it had looked easier to score.

Having failed to secure a crucial away goal in their third round qualifying clash, the Tigers must now win when they welcome the Slovakian side to the KC Stadium on Thursday. But it won't be an easy task as the home side looked to offer a few decent threats of their own in what was a hard-fought Europa League contest. Prior to Huddlestone's miss, City had started the second half slowly and were fortunate to see Patrik Misak fire wide from range and Moses Simon thwarted by a Huddlestone tackle. With 25 minutes to go, City threw on new signings Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass for their competitive debuts and they helped the Tigers to get forward and on the front foot. It paid off when Curtis Davies managed to get a header in from a set-piece, but it didn't ever really threaten to beat Volesak However, it was the impressive Misak who had the best chance to score again but he saw his effort blocked, this time by Liam Rosenior, as the home fans held their breath for what looked certain to be a goal. huddlestone2

Tom Huddlestone's penalty miss proved crucial.

Inside the last ten minutes, manager Steve Bruce opted to throw on Nikica Jelavic for the hard-working Shane Long, despite the Croatian striker not returning for pre-season training until Monday. However, it was Trencin substitute Karol Mondek who had the best late chance when he saw his shot blocked and turned away for a corner as the home side looked to press for a winner late on. In the first half, City started well and could have gone ahead through a David Meyler header if it hadn't been directed over after a decent delivery from a free-kick. Another header from Long again saw the Tigers come close just before the half hour mark, but he could only turn Rosenior's cross over the angle of the post and bar. Aluko's low shot then caused the first real problem for goalkeeper Volesak, but he managed to gather at the second attempt. Having weathered a few half chances, Trencin finally found a foothold in the game inside the final 15 minutes when they started gain more possession, with Simon looking particularly dangerous when given too much time to run at City's defence. It was Simon who saw two efforts blocked in quick succession after 35 minutes, first from an Alex Bruce tackle and then a Davies block which diverted the ball for a corner. But although the Slovakian side finished strongly and posed a few questions, Tigers keeper Allan McGregor was not really seriously tested.

AS Trencin 0 Hull City 0 - match report: Tom Huddlestone's penalty proves crucial as Tigers can only draw on European debut

Hull City midfielder Tom Huddlestone has apologised for his penalty miss after the Tigers could only draw their Europa League qualifier against AS Trencin 0-0. Having seen Shane Long upended to win a spot-kick, the £5m midfielder stepped up and saw his effort well saved by home goalkeeper Milos Volesak before blasting the rebound over from two yards out after clipping the crossbar. It was the best chance to come City's way in a European tie which highlighted the fact they had only returned to pre-season training two weeks ago. And before flying home tonight, Huddlestone has said sorry to fans for fluffing his lines. "Can only apologise to everyone for a lapse in concentration and thinking I had scored the rebound before I had. Ridiculous on my behalf," he said on Twitter. "On a positive note, the lads worked hard and defended well throughout deserved our clean-sheet. All to play for next week" City must now beat Trencin in what is likely to be a sell-out return leg at the KC Stadium next Thursday if they want to advance. Tigers boss Steve Bruce refused to blame his star man for the miss and thanked the 600 or so fans who made the 1,200-mile trip to Slovakia. On the penalty, he said: "We've all missed penalties and made mistakes. You don't intentionally do it." Paying tribute to the travelling supporters, he added: "Fair play to them. Some have been to four different countries on trains to get here. "It would have been nice to come back with a victory, which I thought we edged, but overall it's been a wonderful experience for us all. "We're at home next week and we'll be better physically. We've had a bit of competition now and we'll put some work in when we get home and look forward to the second leg."

Hull City: Tom Huddlestone apologises for penalty miss in 0-0 with AS Trencin

Gangs of thieves preying on residents of a Hull housing estate by offering to cut their grass have been labelled "scum of the earth".

Groups of men are tricking Bransholme people into thinking they will cut their lawns before making off with expensive items such as laptops and jewellery. Elderly and vulnerable people are among those being targeted, a local councillor says.

The men, in their late 20s and early 30s, work in pairs and after knocking on residents' doors, offer to cut their grass for £10.

As one of them distracts the homeowner for several minutes, the other sneaks into the house on the hunt for items they can easily run away with.

They then tell the resident they will return to do the job – whether it be a community grass area or private lawn – but are never seen again.

It comes following several articles in the Mail about residents' anger at community grass areas not being cut by Hull City Council.

Bransholme East councillor Anita Harrison said: "These thieves are scum of the earth and they make me sick. I would stick them in a corner and have them shot. It is that serious.

"The elderly and disabled are being targeted and how dare they do that.

"These are good community people who are in the twilight of their lives. They have contributed to the economy and to the local community for so many years and now they are being treated like dirt by scumbags and opportunists.

"The victims are proud people who want their grass, whether it is their own, or patches outside their homes, looking neat and tidy. They are gullible and these men take advantage.

"My message to the thieves would be, what if this was your mum, or your grandma being targeted?

"I am sick with anger."

There have been "floods" of reports to estate councillors about the problem over the past month.

It is understood one of the gangs is the same one notorious for a similar operation on the estate last summer.

Councillor Harrison, who is also Deputy Lord Mayor of Hull, fears the problem could now spread city wide.

"We have experienced problems with grass cutting across the city and I am worried the gangs may start spreading out to other parts of Hull," she said.

"We need to stop them before that happens."

The council has had to slash the frequency of grass cuts because it is having to make substantial savings from its budget.

North Bransholme resident Teresa Davis, 60, said: "I was targeted a few weeks ago.

"One man came to my door and there were some more in a van outside. I am not sure if there was anyone else ready to pounce anywhere else. But it didn't feel right and I felt intimidated.

"They didn't have any identification. It was a pathetic attempt to get in my house, I am sure, and so I told them to buzz off.

"I have heard a lot of people have been affected by this. They have to be strong and say 'no' to these crooks."

Carl Mitchell, assistant director of operations, at social housing provider Riverside, said: "We would urge all our tenants and residents to report any suspicious behaviour or theft to the police immediately.

"If anyone is suspicious of visitors, always check their identification. If you are still concerned, do not let them in your home."

Another North Bransholme resident, 72, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I lost some jewellery after a man came to the door. It was taken from my kitchen.

"It wasn't worth an awful lot but it had sentimental value.

"There is word going about the estate that these men are doing this and hopefully they will stop doing it or get caught in the act.

"We just want to live a normal life without worrying about who is going to knock on the door next."

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Gangs of 'grass-cutting' thieves target homes on Hull's Bransholme estate

One of Hull's most famous culinary delights will take centre stage next week as a major sponsor of the city's Yum! Festival of Food and Drink.

American Chip Spice, which was created in Hull 25 years ago, will celebrate its homecoming by sponsoring a United States-themed cookery and entertainment evening as part of the festival.

The eagerly anticipated Yum! Festival takes place over King Edward Street and Queen Victoria Square from Thursday until Saturday, bring together cuisine from across the globe.

Current boss at American Chip Spice, Edward Wilson, will return to his home- town to prepare for the event and will bring his official American Chip Spice van. Cheerleaders will perform next to the van during the evening.

Kathryn Shillito, event organiser and Hull Bid city centre manager, said: "Chip spice is a real Hull success story – a brand which is instantly recognisable and hugely popular.

"As the organisers of the Yum! Festival we are really grateful to Edward for sponsoring the American-themed night which, like the British and Indian nights, features cooking demonstrations backed by live entertainment, with free entry to all the festival events."

Among the new attractions at this year's event are three themed nights in the festival marquee.

There will be a British night presented by Thieving Harry's on the Thursday, American specialities from Stanley's Brasserie on the Friday and an Indian evening with Tapasya restaurant on the Saturday.

Mr Wilson chose to sponsor the American-themed night to underline the historic links of American Chip Spice with the city.

The original recipe dates back to the 1980s. Mr Wilson's parents managed Spice Blenders in Hull and created chip spice after visiting the United States on a research trip.

Mr Wilson said: "Back in 2000 we were manufacturing between 20,000 and 30,000 pots every year but now we produce about 200,000, as well as between 50 and 60 tonnes in bulk.

"It has built up a lot over the past year as we have promoted American Chip Spice at catering shows and trade events and the Yum! Festival is part of the expansion – it is our first major sponsorship.

"We are now selling about ten times more chip spice than in 2000 – you can even get American Chip Spice T-shirts from TopShop ."

Judy Newlove, owner of Sugar 'n' Spice, will badge cupcakes with the City of Culture logo when she holds a special stall at the Yum! festival.

Mrs Newlove said: "City of Culture is all about celebration and creativity and that is at the heart of what we do.

"We are experts at making and decorating cakes for special occasions."

Mrs Newlove opened her first shop in Cottingham five years ago. She opened a second shop in Paragon Street, Hull, two years ago.

Mrs Newlove said: "We concentrated on cupcakes last year and we sold a lot more than expected, so this year we are taking more products, such as maracoons, brownies and cake pops."

Visit yumfestival.co.uk or follow @YumFoodFest on Twitter for details of the event.

American Chip Spice to bring Cheerleaders and US cooking to Hull's Yum! Festival

Hull City will open the south stand for Thursday night's Europa League clash with AS Trencin after reporting strong demand for tickets. The club says tickets for the east stand and west stand lower-tier have almost sold out after "flying out of the door". Tickets for the south stand, and those remaining for other parts of the stadium, including the north stand, can be bought online or from Tiger Leisure stores, priced £10 adults and £5 concessions. City go into the second leg of the third qualifying round knowing they must beat Trencin after failing to secure an away goal in the 0-0 draw in Slovakia last Thursday. And the Tigers are hoping a big crowd at the KC will inspire them to victory. Ahmed Elmohamady said: "Hopefully our fans will come and fill the stadium. That would be good for us. It is a big first for Hull City - our first home game in Europe and I'm sure the fans will want to be a part of that. "Hopefully we can get the result that will make the city happy."

Hull City say tickets 'flying' for Europa League match against AS Trencin at KC Stadium

AN MP has voiced concern over the awarding of an £8.25m NHS contract to treat patients in Hull to a private firm.

Healthshare Ltd, based in Kent, has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract to provide physiotherapy to patients in Hull after an NHS service lost out.

Campaigners fear the decision by Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to give the five-year contract to private company HealthShare, in West Malling, Kent, signals the start of the privatisation of the NHS.

Karl Turner, MP for Hull East, said: "This is the reality of the Health and Social Care Act.

"It is privatisation of the NHS by the back door.

"We should be using the NHS to run the NHS, it shouldn't be the private sector.

"The Labour Party fought against this bill in the House of Commons and we lost.

"But a new Labour Government, if we are elected, will repeal the Health and Social Care Act on day one."

From October, patients with muscle, bone and joint problems in Hull will be moved from the care of NHS staff to the private firm

Hull CCG, which has a budget of £362m to buy hospital, community and mental health care on behalf of Hull's population, said the five-year musculoskeletal (MSK) contract was awarded to HealthShare after an "extensive" tendering process.

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the PhysioHull service with Humber Foundation Trust, also bid for the contract but lost out to the private firm.

PhysioHull has been run by Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust and Humber Foundation Trust since 2011. Staff treat patients at health centres across the city – Highlands Health Centre, the Orchard Centre and Kingswood Surgery to the north, Hull Royal Infirmary, Elliott Chappell Health Centre and Westbourne NHS Centre in the west and Morrill Street Health Centre, Marfleet Primary Healthcare Centre, the Freedom Centre and East Park Health Centre in the east.

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Turner: Healthshare's Hull contract 'is NHS privatisation by the back door'

BAILIFFS and police have led anti-fracking protesters away from the Crawberry Hill camp in East Yorkshire today after twice warning them they would be arrested if they failed to leave. The protesters sang Yellow Submarine and Give Peace A Chance moments before police moved in to lead them away. Humberside Police confirmed six arrests have been made. Rathlin Energy UK successfully applied at the High Court for a possession order this week to claim back land the protesters had occupied at Crawberry Hill, near Walkington, and West Newton in Holderness. A tower built by the protesters at Crawberry Hill has been taken down by bailiffs. The protesters took over the entrance to the oil and gas exploration site in May to block and monitor Rathlin's operation. Humberside Police have closed Walkington Heads, where the camp is based. Walkington campaigner Jonathan Mager, a former director of education and children's services at East Riding Council, said he was disappointed to see the site being dismantled. "There are a mixture of local people and protectors here," he said. "The bailiffs have finished demolishing the wooden construction that was across the gateway. The bailiffs have a waste lorry but, at the moment, people are peacefully holding hands, singing and chanting across the gateway. "We are trying to explain this is a peaceful protest. We expected this to happen after the court ruling, but it is very disappointing." A police spokesman said: "Our officers are currently assisting bailiffs and protesters in a bid to facilitate a peaceful protest while the site is being cleared at Crawberry Hill as per the High Court Injunction which was granted on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. "There have been a number of protesters who have been arrested at the site and they have been taken to a police station where they will be processed. "An operation of this nature requires a fluid policing response as officers strive to keep everyone safe whilst minimising the disruption caused to the local community. "In line with the policies of Humberside Police, any offences allegedly committed will be dealt with proportionately, taking into account the severity of the incident and other operational demands." Rathlin has always maintained it has no intention of fracking – a way of breaking up shale rock to release natural gas – at Crawberry Hill or in West Newton. A text alert was sent out by protesters shortly before 10am which read: "ALERT!!!! BALIFFS AT CRAWBERRY WITH POLICE PRESENCE ATTEND NOW!!!!!!!!!! URGENT URGENT URGENT!!!!!!!!" The Humberside Police command centre later tweeted: "Due to an ongoing police incident, road closures have been put in place at the following junctions. Wold Road and Walkington Heads. "Also Dale Gate and Walkington Heads near Crawberry Hill in the East Riding. Motorists should avoid area until closures are lifted."The protesters have been broadcasting live from the Crawberry Hill site. Watch the video feed below, or via this link.

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$Bailiffs arrive to evict anti-fracking protesters from Crawberry Hill, Walkington$

Huge crowds have flocked to a Humber Street Sesh described as "the best yet" today, despite outbreaks of heavy rain and thunderstorms. The one-day event on the Fruit Market features 180 musicians, as well as theatre groups, dancers and comedians, across 11 stages. And the festival, which for the first time this year charged a small entry fee of £3, looks set to attract even more than the 40,000 people who attended in beautiful weather in 2013, according to Humberside Police. Sharon Worsnop, 52, of Gilberdyke, said she felt emotional seeing how many people had turned out to support the festival. She said: "I am Hull born and bred and this is absolutely brilliant. It makes me emotional to see it and think about it. "It is bringing everybody together and I think the people of Hull should be proud of what they have got." Street artist Neil "Posto" Deanes was painting a mural of organiser Mark Page on to a warehouse in Humber Street. posto

'THANK YOU': Posto creating his mural of Mark Page.

He said: "It is to say thank you for doing this event and having me back three years on the trot. "It is amazing and it is putting Hull on the map. It gets bigger and better every year." Luke Chambers performed on the Spiders from Mars stage under his stage name Nineties Boy and introduced bands throughout the day. He said: "It is absolutely amazing. I thought the rain might put people off, but it hasn't at all, it is packed. "The whole event is a testament to the city and a celebration of the music and culture that we have here. "It's the best one so far; the people of Hull have come out to celebrate their city." yarnbomb

HULL AND PROUD: Yarn bombing at the Humber Street Sesh.

Humberside Police said, despite the numbers of people, the festival had been largely trouble-free. Sergeant Ian Goode, event supervisor, said: "I think it is easily going to exceed the 40,000 people that came to last year's event. "There is a real mix of clientele and visitors and all of them seem to be enjoying themselves. It is a really family-friendly and family-orientated event." The festival is due to continue until midnight.

• This evening's stage-by-stage line-up

Humber Street Sesh 2014: Huge crowds brave pouring rain for Fruit Market festival

NEVILLE Costigan has epitomised the spirit Hull KR need to finish the season with if they're to reach the play-offs.

The PNG international has been battered from pillar to post in his first season at the Robins, but he has always come back for more.

A head injury could have ended his game at Leeds last month early, but he returned to come close to scoring a second try that would have set up an exciting finish.

With five games to play, Costigan is asking his team-mates to put their bodies on the line to make the play-offs.

"I'm lucky because I've got a coconut head," he told the Mail.

"I'm feeling pretty good, though, and I've been lucky at times with my injuries.

"I try and get past it and do my best for the team in every game. This is a good group of players and I don't want to let them down.

"When I do get a knock, I try to forget about it and carry on.

"I said to Leeds hooker Paul Aiton that I always get a head knock when I play at Leeds, because I got another head knock playing there in the World Cup.

"That's the spirit we need to show between now and the end of the season. It's not going to be easy because we have a tough run-in.

"When we do play we have to put out bodies on the line for those around us in the changing room."

Costigan admits he treats every game like it is a State of Origin match. The 29-year-old helped Queensland to victory over New South Wales in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

He will treat tomorrow's clash at Widnes the same way, hoping it helps Rovers claim the two points which will take them a step closer to the knockout phases.

"You can compare this to State of Origin in the sense that mentally you know it's a big game," he added.

"The hype surrounding the Origin games gets you pumped up automatically.

"It's not difficult preparing for those big games because the crowd play their part.

"I try and keep calm and think about my role in the game. I try and do that every week and not worry about the fancy stuff."

Costigan is no stranger to do-or-die matches and describes tomorrow's game as that. Results have gone KR's way in recent weeks to keep alive their play-off hopes, and Costigan wants his side to take advantage.

"Widnes is a do-or-die game for us," admitted Costigan.

"Every game from now is a play-off game for us. We can't sit back and wait on other results. We have to do our best, especially on their turf.

"We can't worry about other results going our way but we can control our own destiny."

Victory tomorrow should see Costigan and the rest of the players given next weekend off as the Challenge Cup semi-finals take centre stage.

But first, they have to take care of business tomorrow against the fancied Vikings.

"We could do with a few days off because it has been a long season," Costigan said.

"If we win, we'll be in the top eight and we can come back to training after next weekend ready to keep going for the play-offs."

Widnes Vikings v Hull KR: Costigan puts body on line in final push for play-offs

After Tom Huddlestone's notorious miss, Brad Rial would like to see Robbie Brady back to take the penalties, and says despite a typically solid defensive performance against AS Trencin, Hull City are still struggling for fluency in the final third.Huddlestone should stick to long-range efforts It was the standout moment of Hull City's maiden game in European football. After missing his penalty, Tom Huddlestone somehow conspired to smash the rebound against the bar from all of two yards. The more you watch it, the worse it looks.

After all, Huddlestone is a player capable of pinging a ball seventy yards straight into the feet of a teammate. You have to admire his honesty though – he came out straight away and apologised for his lapse in concentration.

Can only apologise to every for a lapse in concentration and thinking I had scored the rebound before I had. Ridiculous on my behalf
— Tom Huddlestone (@Huddz8) July 31, 2014

Huddlestone isn't one for scrappy goals and it would be interesting to see how many he has actually scored from inside the area. For the time being, he may be better off restricting himself to letting fly from a minimum of 25 yards out. City have now missed their last three penalties (Huddlestone on Thursday, Nikica Jelavic against West Brom and Sone Aluko against Sunderland) which raises the obvious question of who should be taking them? Once Robbie Brady returns to the starting XI you'd expect him to be first choice as he has an excellent record from the spot. In the meantime, Shane Long looks like City's best bet from 12 yards. He has taken penalties in the past and proved in the recent friendly against North Ferriby that he can put them away.Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass will have to earn their places Steve Bruce opted to leave new signings Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass on the bench on Thursday. By doing so, he stuck with the side that finished off last season. These are the players who got City into the Europa League in the first place and it's no surprise to see Bruce remaining loyal to them. Nevertheless, it must have been tempting to throw in Ince and/or Snodgrass from the start, but the decision to introduce them from the bench was a shrewd one on Bruce's part. This City squad is tight-knit group and if the new signings had waltzed straight in, it may have upset the balance. Alex Bruce says his dad wanted to ease them in gently, and having shown glimpses of promise on Thursday, Snodgrass and Ince may well push for starting places in the must-win return leg. Their introduction from the bench certainly lifted City and Ince came close to breaking the deadlock when he was unlucky to see Long block his goal-bound effort. One or both may well feature from the off at the KC on Thursday, especially if Bruce opts to ditch the extra defender in favour of a more attacking approach. City must find fluency upfront Speaking of an attacking approach, although they were typically solid at the back on Thursday, a rusty Tigers side struggled for fluency in the final third. Sone Aluko came close to opening the scoring when his low shot almost beat the Trencin 'keeper, and the hard-working Long won the penalty, but neither was able to approach top gear. Despite being just one game into the season, the odd question is already being asked about whether City will have enough going forward this season. But with Nikica Jelavic easing his way back after the World Cup, and Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass offering new attacking options, it's far too early to be fretting, and with competition for starting places upfront, there's plenty of incentive for the likes of Aluko and Yannick Sagbo to grab a few goals and climb the pecking order. A few goals in the return leg on Thursday should allay any concerns, but whatever the score, it wouldn't surprise me to see City being linked with one or two strikers as the clock counts down towards transfer deadline day.Alex Bruce still has an important role to play Although they were unable to grab that important away goal, City finished the game in Zilina with a valuable clean sheet and at the heart of their defensive effort was Alex Bruce. Bruce picked up as he left off in the FA Cup final with a typically committed and disciplined performance at the centre of the back three to once again remind his critics that he starts games because he is a very capable defender – not because his dad is the manager. He has been linked with a move away from the club, but although City have brought in Harry Maguire and are likely to sign another centre-back before the close of the transfer window, his services will surely be called upon as the Tigers deal with the rigours of competing on four fronts. There are no easy games in Europe As clichéd as it may sound, Thursday night's match against an organised and technically proficient Trencin side proved, if anyone doubted it, that there are unlikely to be any easy games in Europe this season. Let's be honest, nobody connected with City – be it the fans, players or coaching staff – would've been able to name a single Trencin player prior to the draw being made. But as Steve Bruce alluded to post-match, they must have something about them if they finished second in the Slovakian First Division. Trencin have already started their league campaign and that showed as they met a City side still getting up to pace. That leaves City's first ever European home game finely poised and, while we should have enough quality to progress, it promises to be an exciting night in front of a big crowd at the KC.

Five things we learned from Hull City’s Europa League tie against AS Trencin

SHE WAS bullied in her school years for towering above her classmates.

Now, Willerby woman Jessica McCubbin has had the last laugh, after shining in the Miss Beauty Curve finals in London.

Jessica, 22, finished in the top ten at the pageant for plus-size women.

She was also crowned Miss Publicity and Miss Top Model.

"There were 30 girls in the final from across the country – some came from as far as Glasgow – so I was really happy to finish in the top ten," Jessica said. "Throughout the whole competition, I have just wanted to prove to people it is about having body confidence and accepting that everyone is different and beautiful in their own way.

"I was bullied terribly at secondary school because of my height. I was 6ft 2in, which I suppose was not normal for someone my age.

"People were always telling me I would never get far in life but I feel that I have now proved them wrong."

The bullying became so bad, Jessica decided to move away from her home town of Northampton and ended up in Hull, where she met boyfriend Peter Goldthorpe and enrolled at the University of Hull to study biomedical science.

The Miss Beauty Curve pageant for plus-size women saw 30 contestants – ranging from a size 14 to a 26 – flaunt their figures in everything from evening gowns to swimsuits on Sunday evening.

A dance number opened the show, when the girls burst onto the stage to Chris Brown's Beautiful People.

Jessica was delighted to take the crown of Miss Publicity and Miss Top Model at the awards, held at The Lost Theatre in London, on Sunday evening.

She said: "I have had a lot of support from the local press as I have arranged a number of charity events, which they have supported by giving me publicity.

"I was really happy to take the title of Miss Publicity, but even more so to take the title of Miss Top Model as the judges chose the person they thought is most likely to succeed in the modelling industry.

"I have since been accepted to appear at Liverpool Fashion Week modelling for a plus-size collection.

"I really cannot wait to do that as I believe some of the clothes are being made especially for the models and we might get to keep them."

The biomedical science student is now organising a further two beauty pageants of her own following the success of her Dream Street East Yorkshire pageant at Swanland Village Hall in June.

Jessica, who is now looking forward to modelling for a plus-size collection at Liverpool Fashion Week in October, said: "Events like this can give women a lot of confidence – I know from personal experience.

"I was constantly teased for being taller than everyone else, but now I have learnt to live with my height and celebrate it.

"I want young people, who perhaps are going through a difficult time or being bullied themselves, to know that it does get better and you can do anything when you put your mind to it."

Bullied at school for being tall, now Jessica McCubbin is a Miss Beauty Curve hit

A YOUNG East Yorkshire boy who underwent a life-saving liver transplant when he was just eight months old is to compete in the Transplant Games.

Seven-year-old Joseph Walton is looking forward to the experience of a lifetime when he competes in the running, obstacle and badminton events at the games held in Bolton from August 7.

Joseph was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition Kabuki syndrome, which affects one in 32,000 babies.

The condition led to him needing a liver transplant when he was eight months old.

Joseph's adoptive mother, Diane, said: "When he was born, Joseph had a lot of trouble with his liver and various other problems.

"It was literally by chance that his doctor had been reading about Kabuki syndrome and recognised some of the symptoms Joseph was showing.

"She really stuck her neck out and said she thought Joseph had Kabuki syndrome, and following various tests, it was confirmed."

Joseph had his life-saving liver transplant and responded well to his treatment.

He was adopted by Diane and her husband Neil when he was three years old.

However, just two months later, the couple, of Aldbrough, faced the prospect of losing Joseph, when his body started to reject his liver.

Diane said: "It was an absolutely terrible time for us all.

"We had only just got him and then we were faced with the prospect of losing him.

"He was in and out of hospital for about a year, until doctors managed to get his liver functioning properly."

Although Kabuki syndrome means Joseph has some development delay, he leads a relatively normal life.

"He is so full of beans – it is fantastic," Diane said.

"This is the first year he has been well enough to go to the Transplant Games.

"Any transplant patient is more susceptible to infections and in previous years Joseph hasn't been well, so now he is even more excited."

The British Transplant Games will be held in Bolton from August 7–10. First held in 1978, the games are staged annually and celebrate competitors and supporters who have been directly affected by organ transplantation.

Joseph's dream of taking part in the games has been made possible thanks to the charity Leeds Little Livers, which raises money for children who have undergone life-saving operations, to take part in sporting events.

Diane said: "The games are self-funded, so as a team we are constantly organising events to raise money

"It takes about £60,000 per year to fund the Little Livers Team, so every penny and bit of publicity we can get is greatly appreciated."

As well as raising money by hosting various coffee mornings and charity football matches, the Aldbrough Carnival will return this month after a 17-year absence to raise money for Leeds Little Livers.

The carnival will take place on Monday, August 25, and will feature a host of attractions.

Diane said: "It will be a fantastic day and a great opportunity to say thank you to everyone who helped send Joseph to the games."

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Liver transplant boy Joseph Walton to go for gold in British Transplant Games

A MOTHER and her son's girlfriend punched their Russian neighbour in the face and pulled out chunks of her hair after a night of binge drinking. Frances Connell, 49, her son Adam, 25, and his seven-month pregnant girlfriend Lindsey Carter, 22, admitted affray after a row broke out.

Hull Crown Court heard Adam Connell smashed the wing mirror of Karina Skripka's car in Adderbury Grove, west Hull, following a drunken argument with his mother.

When Ms Skripka, her partner Alexanders Uschovs and his father, Gennady Uskovs, confronted Adam Connell, Carter and Frances Connell pinned her to the car and punched her in the face while screaming "f****** Polish" at her.

At the same time, Adam Connell came running at his terrified neighbours, shouting and brandishing two kitchen knives.

Prosecuting, Claire Holmes, said: "As Ms Skripka was on the telephone to the police, Frances Connell told her to stop phoning and threw herself at her to prevent the call. She was trying to knock the phone out of her hand.

"Lindsey Carter then joined in, running up to Ms Skripka and grabbing her by her hair. Alexanders Uskovs dragged Lindsey Carter off his partner but was unable to prevent Frances Connell holding her up against the car and hitting her with one hand while holding her with the other. Ms Skripka suffered three punches to the face."

Desperate to fend off her attackers, who had been drinking vodka after a friend in Manchester was murdered, Ms Skripka punched Carter and bit Frances Connell on the arm.

She suffered scratches on her forehead and neck and her hair was pulled out, while Mr Uskovs senior came away with a split lip.

SUSPENDED JAIL TERMS: Frances Connell (left) and Lindsey Carter.

Both families went back to their houses, which are just three doors apart, and the defendants called the police, claiming they were the victims. But when officers arrived at their house, the Connells and Carter were arrested.

Ms Holmes said: "Adam Connell was compliant but Lindsey Carter was extremely abusive. She was pulled to the bed to be cuffed. She resisted and had to be restrained. As she was taken to the police van she shouted, 'You wait 'til I get out, you're going to get it'.

"Frances Connell tried to get to the bedroom where officers were dealing with the other defendants and officers pulled her arm to force her back. She became violent and verbally abusive."

In their police interviews, all three defendants said it was the Russian family who had been aggressive, although Adam Connell admitted damaging the car. They then pleaded guilty on the day of the trial in June.

In mitigation for Carter and Adam Connell, John Thackray, described the attack as "impulsive", and said it had been fuelled by drink.

He said: "The defendants' conduct was committed while under the influence of drink.

"They were trying to console themselves having had some very bad news that an ex-partner's girlfriend had been murdered in Manchester. They were struggling to come to terms with that."

Christopher Dunn, for Frances Connell, who claimed she is housebound due to agoraphobia, said she got involved through "misguided loyalty" to her son and then panicked when she was outside.

Mr Dunn said: "She didn't want to be outside, or drawn into this situation, or go to the police station.

"Frances Connell is in a prison already. She is virtually housebound, incapable of crossing the road without the help and support of someone next to her.

"A sentence of imprisonment would have an impact wholly beyond what would be normal for an ordinary defendant."

Carter was sentenced to six months, suspended for 12 months with a two-month curfew, and Frances Connell to four months, suspended for 12 months, with a six-week curfew.

Despite this, Carter sobbed as her boyfriend, who has already served 15 months for robbery, was sent down for ten months and shouted "It's a bunch of lies" as she left the court.

Sentencing the trio, Judge Jacqueline Davies, said: "You deserve to go to custody today. The only thing that saves you, Lindsey Carter is the fact you are having a baby in the next couple of months.

"This was an unprovoked piece of violence. It was appalling, offensive and had a racist element."

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Drunken mum and her son's girlfriend pinned Russian neighbour to car and punched her while screaming 'f***** Polish', Hull Crown Court hears

A MOTHER has told how her baby was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition while he was still in the womb.

Cassidy Burnham, 29, discovered her son had heart problems during a scan at Hull Women and Children's Hospital when she was 30 weeks' pregnant.

She was referred to Leeds General Hospital and when her son Sebastian was born, he was whisked away into the care of the paediatric specialist team as he battled for life.

For four days, he clung to life while specialists carried out a battery of tests and round-the-clock monitoring, warning his mother he might not pull through.

But his condition improved and now, seven months on, his mother has been told he is doing well. Ms Burnham, a teacher in design and technology at Kelvin Hall School, said: "At one stage, I'd convinced myself he was going to die.

"But he's just got better and better. He will probably need to be seen by heart specialists until he's eight but he's brilliant."

Ms Burnham, of east Hull, went for a scan at 30 weeks because previous scans had been unable to check her baby's heart because of the position of his arms across his chest.

Specialists told Ms Burnham it was possible her baby was suffering from aortic coarctation or a kink in his aorta, the body's biggest artery leading to the heart. About five babies in every 10,000 are born with the condition.

What doctors could not tell her was how it would affect him once he was born and had to breathe for himself.

Sebastian was born by emergency Caesarean section in January and spent the day in the special care baby unit at Leeds General Hospital before he was moved onto the children's heart unit which had been under threat of closure over its mortality rates before it was given a reprieve.

Two days later, doctors warned Ms Burnham her baby was becoming breathless and his prognosis was not good.

"It was the worst day of my life," she said. "I was convinced he was going to die because it was so bad."

Ms Burnham had been expressing breast milk to feed her son but as she held him to feed him the next night, she realised her son was pulling through.

"His breathing got better. I don't know if it was because I had started feeding him myself but he just got better."

A week after he was born, Sebastian was allowed to go home with his mother but has undergone fortnightly check- ups at Hull Women and Children's Hospital ever since.

Now, specialists have said Sebastian does not have to come back for a check-up until October because he has made such progress.

Ms Burnham said: "I can't thank the staff at Leeds General and Hull Women and Children's Hospital enough. They were absolutely fantastic. Everyone gave us so much support."

Dad will cut off 'Rod Stewart' locks for unit zackpurkis

To show her gratitude, Ms Burnham is aiming to raise £2,000 for the ward to buy specialist equipment, toys and home comforts to help patients and their families.

Her father Zack Purkis, 58, who has often been compared to singer Rod Stewart, is shaving off his locks with an auction when people can bid money to wield the scissors.

Ms Burnham said: "His hair has always been the same, even on his wedding day, but he wants to shave it off to help the hospital as a way of thanking them for all they've done."

A fundraising night will be held at the Barham Pub in east Hull, on Friday. Local businesses have donated prices to help the family reach their target, including a £150 voucher for Savoy Tyres, a meal at the Apollo Pub and a dog grooming session at Oakwood.

Ms Burnham said: "The local community has done us proud and I hope people will come along and support us on the night. The hospital and its staff were a huge help to us. They were always there for us."

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'I convinced myself he was going to die': Baby Sebastian's four-day fight for life after being born with rare heart condition

GETTING a teenager out of bed in the morning is hard enough – ask any parent.

But Marisa Haines faces the task of encouraging her 16-year-old daughter Molly up the side of a volcano that erupted just four years ago.

The mother and daughter will trek across lava fields on Eyjafjallajökull – the volcano that erupted in 2010, causing widespread disruption to flights across Europe – in memory of Marisa's father Harvey.

Mr Haines died after a battle with cancer in 2011. As retail manager at Dove House Hospice, Marisa has personal experience of the crucial work done by the hospice to help patients and their loved ones cope with serious illness.

Marisa, 51, said: "I like a challenge, but this will be the most challenging, especially trekking with a teenager. Some serious mother/daughter bonding will be taking place."

The mother and daughter have set a target of raising £6,000 for the trek and have raised £1,500 so far, thanks to family and friends and people in their home town of Market Weighton, who supported a fundraising tombola.

Marisa said: "Unfortunately, with my dad living in Northallerton, he didn't have access to the services like ones provided by Dove House, so he died in a general hospital between visiting hours.

"No family should have to have that guilt, thinking he died alone, and I don't think it's the right place for some- one in the last few hours of their life.

"Since my dad's death, I have wanted to do something in his memory. I have worked for Dove House Hospice for 14 years and I've seen firsthand what a supportive place the hospice is.

"I decided I wanted to do some fundraising, but I wanted it to be dramatic.

"When I saw the information about the Iceland Trek, I knew this is what I needed to do. "

Molly volunteered to join her mum when she heard about the trip.

She said: "My mum came home from work and said she wanted to go, so I thought I would go along, too.

"I was really close to my gran- dad and it would be nice to help people in a similar situation to what he was in.

"I am a bit nervous. I've no idea what it's going to be like, but I thought it would be a good thing to do. My friends think I'm stupid."

Marisa and Molly have started training for the trek by going on long walks and will step it up a gear in the autumn by joining a gym and going running to build up their strength and stamina.

They are also planning a series of fundraising events to help them reach their £6,000 target.

Molly loves fashion and sells clothes at market stalls and is organizing a fashion show with her mum on Friday, August 29, at Kardomah 94 in Alfred Gelder Street, Hull.

X Factor performer Ryan Mathie, The Melodies and comedian Dave Smith will be performing on the night, which starts at 7pm. Tickets cost £12 and can be bought by emailing fun draising@dovehouse.org.uk or by calling 01482 785743.

An indoor market selling fashion will also be open at the venue, from 6pm, with free entry

When they reach the top of the volcano, Marisa and Molly will take out an MP3 player.

"My dad loved ragtime, so we'll be blasting out Scott Joplin, just for him, when we get to the top," said Marisa.

To donate and help them reach their fundraising target, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/marisamollyiceland or www.justgiving. com/MarisaHainesMollyColeman

Mum and daughter to climb infamous Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull for Dove House Hospice in Hull

Our daily blog with the latest news, transfer rumours and gossip about Hull City in the Premier League.Like HDM Sport on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. HULL City have joined Sunderland in the race to sign Austria captain Christian Fuchs, according to the Sunday People. The left-back is under contract with Schalke until next year. The 28-year-old has spent three seasons with the Bundesliga side, but recently lost his first-team place. Bordeaux are also keen on the £3m-rated defender, while Palermo have cooled their interest. Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt said: "We have had three concrete offers."Tigers target Cameron content after Stoke openerGEOFF Cameron says he was pleased to get his first taste of pre-season action during Stoke City's goalless draw at League Two outfit Burton Albion. The American international – linked late last week with a £4m move to Hull City – captained the Potters before being withdrawn alongside Peter Odemwingie at the break. The 29-year-old told Stoke's official website: "I've had three weeks off but I'm still fit so it's just a case of trying to get my playing sharpness back. "It was good to be out there and get 45 minutes under my belt to slowly build up for the first game of the season. "There is now even more competition for places so it's looking good to help push ourselves even further to get as many points as we can to challenge our record from last year and push higher up the league." Was Brian Flynn at Bloomfield Road on behalf of Hull City? BRIAN Flynn, the manager Blackpool almost appointed at the beginning of the summer, was present at Bloomfield Road during the side's 1-0 defeat by Burnley yesterday. Flynn was spotted making notes and taking in the action from a seat in the West Stand, sparking suggestions he may be in line for a senior role with Blackpool. When approached by Sportsmail, Flynn insisted he was 'just watching' and denied he has any involvement with Blackpool or indeed any other club. However, a senior Blackpool member of staff later told Sportsmail Flynn was there in a scouting capacity at the request of Hull City. More trouble for former Tigers target Lescott NOW you see him, now you don't ... former Hull City transfer target Joleon Lescott's start at West Brom has been less than auspicious. Having turned down the Tigers to join the Baggies, a month later Lescott appeared restless at the lack of transfer business at the Hawthorns. Yesterday he managed just 35 minutes of his first public appearance against Nottingham Forest after recovering from a calf injury. West Brom manager Alan Irvine revealed the centre-back had been taken off with a knee problem. "I've just spoken to Joleon and he feels okay," Irvine said. "He just felt something on the outside of his knee. He felt it when he was warming up and when he cleared from the corner of the pitch he felt it go. "He says it has settled down now. He was a little bit worried about it at the time but it has settled so hopefully it's nothing too bad." Forest won thanks to a 25th-minute goal from former Tiger Matty Fryatt.Arry will follow Brucey's blueprint at QPR BOSS of Hull City's opening-day opponents Harry Redknapp believes QPR should follow the blueprint set by the Tigers, reports the Daily Star Sunday. The Hoops are back in the Premier League after scraping a 1-0 victory over Derby in the Championship play-off final. And Redknapp is under no illusions about the difficulty of the task ahead. "There's no point in me saying 'We are going to finish in the top half' "We have to stay in the Premier League and build. "You have to consolidate and that's not easy. "Hull came up last year and did fantastically well. "That has allowed Steve Bruce to strengthen his squad with four or five new players. "They are improving year on year and that's the way to do it. "The key is staying up in your first year. "Once you do that it becomes easier. Not easy – but easier."

Hull City transfer talk: Tigers move for Christian Fuchs?

ORGANISERS of Humber Street Sesh have said heavy rain and thunderstorms did not dampen spirits at the festival - despite the main stage being struck by lightning. Thousands of people danced through the downpours at Saturday's festival, held in the former Fruit Market area of Hull city centre. During the storm, the Spiders from Mars stage was struck by lightning. Organiser Mark Page said, despite the difficulties, everyone was in high spirits. "There were people looking like drowned rats with massive grins on their faces," he said. "They didn't care, they were just having the time of their lives. "It was a marina full of smiles, everyone was so happy. That is very humbling." Performances had to be halted while the storm passed, leading to some sets being cut short. Mr Page said: "The control centre was flooded out by the rain and the stage was hit, which caused us some problems," he said. "We had to halt things on the main stage, which led to us being delayed by about two hours and having to cut some bands' sets short but we were back on track by about 8pm. "We expected rain, but we didn't expect anything like the downpour that we had. "I don't think it dampened anyone's spirits though. We are made of tough stuff here in Hull and, if anything, I think it made the event more memorable. "People certainly won't forget about it." It is estimated around 30,000 people attended the third annual festival, which included 180 musicians across 11 stages. There were also performances from dancers, artists and comedians.

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Humber Street Sesh: Rain didn't dampen event, despite stage being struck by lightning