• BCRC is delivered in partnership with Yorkshire-based charity, People United Against Crime and South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Humberside Police forces. BCRC is part financed by the European Union through the Yorkshire and Humber European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007-2013. Contact them on 0114 275 1283 or email info@bcrcuk.org for advice.

Having seen his brother Jonny released early from the remaining two years of his contract, Walker himself was dropped for the 40-10 home win over St Helens at the start of July.

Taking the decision on the chin, the 23-year-old returned to start and make an impact in KR's last two matches against Widnes and London.

Although he filled in admirably for the injured Mick Weyman, he could not prevent a 28-10 defeat at Widnes from denting the Robins' play-off hopes.

But as the first to admit he has fallen short of the standards he set when he was named Rovers' Young Player of the Year last season, Walker is now targeting a good run of form until the end of the campaign.

"It was Chris Chester's decision to drop me and I fully respect that. I needed a big game at Widnes," Walker told the Mail.

"We knew we would miss Mick and I wanted to make up for his loss.

"My performance still wasn't where I wanted it to be. But I do have a bit of time to get things back before we play Wigan next Thursday.

"I've not been distracted by what happened to my brother Jonny. He has moved on and settled in at Leigh Centurions now.

"I'm just focused on getting my form back for Rovers.

"We need to train hard as individuals and a group to get back to winning ways."

If Walker had his way, he and the rest of Rovers' squad would have moved the Wigan game to Monday this week.

The defeat at Widnes has left a bitter taste in the mouth and Walker wants to get back out on the pitch as soon as possible to right those wrongs.

With four games left to save their season, there is still plenty to play for, even if Walker knows their play-off hopes are out of their hands.

"It's all to play for between now and the end of the season," he added.

"We know we can still make the play-offs but we need a bit of luck from other teams.

"If we do make the play-offs, it would be a massive achievement for us.

"It was up to us before the Widnes game, but we let everyone down.

"I wish we had a match straight away rather than having this weekend without a game. I hate waiting for a game, especially after a loss like the one at Widnes.

"I can't wait to face Wigan and put things right."

Nancy Birtwhistle was delighted to be crowned "star baker" in the first episode of BBC One's The Great British Bake Off.

Nancy, 60, impressed judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood in the first episode of the popular programme.

Watching with her friends and family at her home in Barton, there were cheers of joy when, out of the 12 amateur bakers, Nancy scooped "star baker".

She said: "I was delighted to be crowned star baker in the first show. I was not expecting it at all.

"When I looked at everyone's cakes, I thought they all looked pretty good."

The show on Wednesday saw Nancy earn first place for her cherry cake as part of the programme's first technical challenge.

Nancy's skills were also put to the test when she had to make a Swiss roll as part of the show's signature challenge.

She said: "I had to make my Swiss roll twice, because the first one was undercooked.

"They said I seemed very calm about this.

"The one they showed on television was my second Swiss roll.

"I was a bit nervy, of course I was."

The grandmother-of-eight also impressed judges with her cake guillotine, which she took with her to the show to ensure her 36 mini cakes were all the same size for another challenge.

Nancy said: "My husband actually made that for me and it has proved to be quite a hit."

Nancy discovered a passion for baking when she retired seven years ago.

The former GP practice manager has described entering the competition as one of the best things she has done in her life.

"It is the best thing I've ever done," she said. "It was refreshing being among lots of young people and there was a lot of laughter.

"It is so tense and difficult, but great fun. Everyone involved is brilliant."

Nancy also admits that meeting judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood was a daunting prospect at first.

She said: "They walked into the tent after we had started baking and came round, chatting to us about the bakes.

"When they came to me I was so nervy. The nerves seemed to get everybody, though.

"Mary was lovely and is just what you see on the TV. She was so helpful, but so was Paul.

"There is this tough persona he has on camera, but he was really nice."

The next episode of The Great British Bake Off will air on BBC One on Wednesday at 8pm.

Police have launched an investigation after a man's body was discovered in water not far from the Humber Bridge.

The body was spotted in the water, yards from a popular pathway that runs between Hessle Foreshore and North Ferriby Foreshore on Wednesday evening.

Officers do not believe the death is suspicious but have so far been unable to identify the man.

Recent missing persons reports are now being studied.

A Humberside Police spokesman said: "We were called at 5.25pm on Wednesday, after reports of a body in the water at Hessle Foreshore.

"Police attended the scene and a cordon was put in place while the body of a man was recovered from the water.

"Enquiries are taking place to identify the man and how he may have entered the water.

"The death is not believed to have been suspicious."

It is believed the body was discovered by a passer-by using a path, which runs parallel with the rail track.

The picturesque two-mile path, which overlooks the estuary, is often used by runners, cyclists and dog walkers.

Simon Wade, 49, of North Ferriby, said: "It is a shock whenever you hear of any news like this.

"People were talking about it last night because there was a large police presence and the pathway was cordoned off.

"This is one of the real beauty spots, what with the bridge, the open water, pathway and greenery.

"A loss of life is always a huge shame, whatever the circumstances.

"My thoughts go out to his family and friends at what would obviously be a very sad time for them all."

Annabel Latus, 19, of North Ferriby, planned to run on the pathway at 8pm on Wednesday, when she was stopped by police.

She said: "We saw three police cars and a police van parked near a gate leading to the footpath to Hessle.

"It was a large police presence and you could tell it was a serious matter."

Another passer-by, who asked not to be named, said: "It is very unfortunate and it is quite shocking.

"I saw the police in a boat this morning and it was obvious something was up.

"I hope the man's family is all right."

A Hessle resident, who also did not want to be named, said: "It is not shocking because it does happen.

"We are often hearing of people found in the water or people attempting to jump from the bridge.

"I don't think people realise just how many bodies are found or not found after incidents, where people have jumped off the bridge.

"There is often police activity around here."

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Beverley has been shortlisted for a prestigious tourism award.

The town is one of three finalists battling it out for the Great Town Award, run by the London-based Academy of Urbanism.

The academy uses its annual awards to identify and promote places that have positively improved their economic, social and physical environment, particularly in the past ten to 20 years.

Beverley was nominated for the way it has adapted to change and managed housing growth while retaining its character and heritage and developing a vibrant town centre with independent retailers.

John Bird, chair of Beverley Renaissance Partnership, said: "We know Beverley is a great place to live and visit, but getting further recognition is always welcome.

"The partnership will be able to show the benefits of having a town plan, which is shaping the town's future, and how events, such as September's Georgian Festival, honour its rich history. "These things only happen by working together and partnership working has been the key to success."

A team of five assessors will visit a number of locations in and around the town centre on Monday and meet representatives from Beverley Renaissance Partnership, East Riding Council, Beverley Town Council, traders, developers and cultural and community groups.

They will see how areas such as Beckside and Eastgate have been transformed from industrial sites into new housing developments that enhance historical sites including the minster and Beverley Friary.

East Riding Councillor Jane Evison said: "We are pleased with this nomination and welcome the academy's assessors to Beverley.

"It is important to recognise just how much Beverley has changed, but still feels familiar and loved by residents and visitors.

"By working proactively with developers, we have achieved high-quality developments that have added to Beverley's character."

The assessors are also visiting the other two finalists, Bury and Aberystwyth. The overall winner will be announced at an event in London on November 14.

MOST girls about to turn 18 will be busy meticulously planning every last detail of their birthday celebrations.

But not Beth Fuller.

She suffers from fibromyalgia, which causes chronic, crippling pain and fatigue.

Beth's symptoms began when she was 12, around the same time her parents Steph Khan and Mark Fuller divorced.

Doctors say the condition can be triggered by a "physically or emotionally stressful event".

It is clear FMS has had a profound effect on Beth.

She said: "A lot of girls with their 18th coming up in December would be organising parties now.

"They'd be planning a big night out, with drinking and partying.

"But I won't be doing any of that because of the condition I have."

She wishes to talk publicly about the little understood condition in a bid to raise awareness

Beth said: "FMS makes you feel really isolated. You feel alone.

"I can't do anything for myself."

Beth lives with her mum, her sister, Emily, 16, and her brother Charlie, 21 months, on the Boothferry estate in west Hull.

She said: "Some days, when my mum has to work, I am in the bedroom from 8am to 7pm.

"I do get down because of the pain I am in. It is constant.

"If me and my family go out for the day, my sister has to stay close by to help me on my crutches. It's not fair on them all.

"Sometimes I think about trying to find somewhere else to live, on my own.

"But I know I wouldn't be able to manage."

Beth must travel to Sheffield to attend pain clinics, because none are available to her in Hull.

"They're apparently not available to under-18s in Hull," she said. "It seems ridiculous."

As well as attending the clinics and taking a daily concoction of 15 painkillers, Beth hopes to soon begin cognitive behavioural therapy, which is often labelled "talking therapy" to help tackle depression caused by the condition.

Beth has a boyfriend, but says the condition puts a strain on their relationship.

"He is really supportive," she said, "But it is really hard on him.

"I suffer a lot of anxiety attacks and sometimes end up fainting.

"We can sometimes go for meals out, but we can't do normal things like go for walks together."

Despite suffering constant pain from head to toe, Beth manages to complete a few hours' work each week at Gap in Kingston Retail Park.

The cash she earns, together with employment and support allowances, helps her make ends meet.

Ms Khan, 40, a pharmacy assistant, believes the condition was brought on by her divorce from Beth's father, Mark Fuller, 40.

"The doctors seem to think it is brought on by emotional or physical trauma," she said.

"The only trauma I can think of that Beth suffered while growing up was our divorce, which happened when she 12 – around the same time Beth's symptoms started showing.

"Beth's sister, Emily, has always been able to show and talk about her emotions, but Beth has really struggled with that."

Ms Khan praised her daughter's resilience.

"I am really proud of the way Beth copes with FMS and continues to work," she said. "It's very difficult for her."

The family has yet to decide how they will help Beth celebrate her milestone birthday.

Ms Khan said: "We are hoping to get her a car to help get her some independence, but it's difficult, financially."

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

According to the NHS Choices website, as well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also have:

• Increased sensitivity to pain

• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

• Muscle stiffness

• Difficulty sleeping

• Problems with mental processes such as problems with memory and concentration

• Headaches

• Irritable bowel syndrome – a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating

Treatment is available to ease some symptoms, but they are unlikely to disappear completely.

It is still not known exactly what causes FMS. In many cases, the condition appears to be triggered by a physically or emotionally stressful event.

Anyone can develop FMS, although it affects around seven times as many women as men.

The condition typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50.

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A TEENAGE girl has told of her battle with a condition that leaves her in constant physical pain, which she believes was brought on her parents' divorce.

Beth Fuller, 17, began suffering severe aches and pains when she was 12, although countless blood tests and MRI scans failed to diagnose her debilitating ailment, which is so bad she is sometimes forced to use a wheelchair.

She was finally found to be suffering with fibromyalgia (FMS) by rheumatologists at Hull Royal Infirmary last August. Its cause remains a medical mystery, although in many cases it appears to be triggered by "a physically or emotionally stressful event".

Beth's parents, pharmacy assistant Steph Khan and soldier Mark Fuller, both 40, divorced when she was 12, although both have been supportive and helped their daughter battle the chronic condition.

Beth said: "They say fibromyalgia is caused by emotional trauma. It was actually my mum who came out and said that she thought the divorce had caused it.

"It was the only emotional trauma that was happening in my life at that time."

Beth, who lives on the Boothferry estate in west Hull, with her mother, her sister, Emily, 16, and brother, Charlie, 21 months, takes 15 painkillers a day to help her cope with the "horrendous" pain.

She said: "I am in constant pain. It's worse in my knees, pelvis, back and neck. "The condition also causes extreme tiredness. I can't do anything for myself.

"I can't do the normal things 17-year-old girls do, like go out and have fun with their friends. I have to rely on my mum and sister to do even simple stuff like helping me wash my hair."

Just like sufferers of the debilitating disease ME, dismissed as "yuppie flu" when it emerged in the 1980s, Beth says she is often made to feel awkward because she appears healthy.

She said: "People stare at me and give me dirty looks because they see me using crutches but my legs are not in plaster or out of shape.

"From the outside, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with me.

"People think that I am making it all up.

"But on bad days I can't even move and I have no choice but to lay in bed all day."

Beth attended Hessle High School, but was forced to leave in Year 10 when she was aged 14.

"I kept getting panic attacks," she said. "No one seemed to understand the amount of pain I was in every day."

Beth transferred to Sirius Academy in west Hull but the anxiety attacks continued.

"It wasn't any better at Sirius," she said. "I left before taking my GCSEs. I didn't know anyone. I had no friends."

Beth, with help from her parents, began teaching herself.

"I realised I could study between the attacks and when the pain was less severe," said Beth. "I taught myself. I didn't have a tutor."

Beth had to travel to Whitby to sit her exams.

Despite the lack of formal education, she achieved passes in English literature, English language, science, history and German.

She refuses to give up her life's dream.

"At the moment I am working eight hours a week at Gap in Kingston Retail Park," she said. "I would happily work full-time if I could.

"The store manager has been great and understands that I need time off because of my condition.

"But I would love to enter law. That's my dream. That's what I really want to do, but there's not a chance in hell of being able to do that until I get this condition under control."

Ms Khan said she is proud of her tenacious daughter for wanting to boost awareness about the condition.

She said: "I am very proud of Beth.

"It is very difficult for the whole family. She was only diagnosed with FMS last August after years of tests.

"It's brilliant that she wants to raise awareness. Not enough people know about, or understand the condition and how it affects people.

"People do not believe how much pain she is in. They just think she is milking it."

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People are moving house without taking their family pets with them, an animal rescue charity says.

Amy Bryan, manager of Sunnydene Animal Shelter in South Cave, believes tough economic conditions are forcing some families to move.

She said: "We're seeing a lot of cases where cats and dogs are being left behind when their owners have to move.

"Sometimes they have to move from private to rented accommodation, where pets are not allowed."

But Ms Bryan says there is never an acceptable excuse for abandoning an animal.

"I realise a lot of animal rescue charities are stretched and it's difficult to rehouse a pet," she said.

"But it's disgraceful just leaving a pet to fend for itself."

Some of the pets in need of a home can be viewed during an open afternoon, which will be held at the centre from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, September 7.

Highlights will include a fun dog show, bric-a-brac stalls and a tombola.

The shelter is run by Hull Animal Welfare Trust.

Visit hullanimalwelfare.co.uk for further information about adopting a pet.

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When her underwear started going missing, little did she know it would signal the start of two years of hell.

Because what could have been dismissed as a slight annoyance, was actually the work of forces beyond this world and one of many paranormal pranks that would ruin Pauline Hickson's life.

The 58-year-old says she was forced to move home seven times in two years because she has been followed around by two ghosts, who would steal her bras, take her jewellery and even use the shower.

But now, after a so-called "hypno-exorcism'"– a little-known ghost busting technique – she says she is free of the mischievous spirits and finally living her life.

"I thought I was going crazy," said Pauline, of Essex Street, west Hull.

"I didn't know why it was happening to me, it was like living through hell and I had no one to turn to."

The spooky happenings started two years ago, after she moved into a bungalow in Endike Lane, north Hull.

Within a few weeks of living there, Pauline felt a presence she could not explain and strange things would happen while she was out of the house.

Pictures started slipping off the walls, the shower room was being used and there were scratches left up and down the doors.

She would come in from a day out and be greeted by the mess left behind by the ghosts, who she says would also rifle through her belongings, send the temperature either soaring or plummeting in her home and even leave her a cup and spoon out ready for a hot drink.

Pauline, who was living with her nephew at the time, said: "One day me and my sister came back from the shops and the kitchen looked like someone had wiped it down with dirt and then freeze-dried it. There were scratches up the walls to."

It was the final straw for Pauline, who packed up her belongings and moved to Cambridge – but she was followed and the same spooky pranks started happening again.

Within a few months she returned to Hull, this time to Orchard Park, with her niece, but it was not long before her clothes, including her bras, went missing again.

Then, an old doctor's note in her name from when she lived in the bungalow was placed mysteriously on the table.

Terrified, she moved into a hostel and then into Redbourne Street, off Hessle Road, but there was no escaping the ghostly presence.

"All the way through, the exact same things were happening. I ended up staying in hotels because I was too scared to go home," she said.

"I thought my family were doing it to me. I didn't believe anyone and I started to lose people from my life. I would spend all day just wandering around the streets, trying to stay out of the house."

She moved into her current home in Essex Street but when things started going awry again, she sought help from medium Anita Gordon, who led her to Hull's well-known ghostbuster Steve Kneeshaw.

He put her under hypnosis, which he combined with an exorcism, and the results were instant.

He reported feeling a "blast of cold air" and then saw an old, large man and a 14-year-old boy, fly past him.

Since then, Pauline has not experienced a hint of paranormal activity in her home.

She suspects the ghosts are associated with an old dressing table she bought before she moved into the bungalow, in which she found a ruby wedding anniversary card and other personal items.

Now she feels she has had a spiritual awakening and is looking to move out of Hull and start a ghost-free life.

She said: "If Steve hadn't come along, I would have been gone. It was taking my soul and spirit away. It was like I was dead inside, but now, my eyes are sparkling, my spirit is back, I look around and all I see is colour."

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Patties: Hull's very own taste of culinary heaven. A mix of mashed potato blended with sage and, occasionally, onion, which is covered in batter and then deep fried.

Variations include meat (usually corned beef) and cheese with added onion.

A pattie butty outranks any burger you care to name.

Scraps: Who needs caviar when you can have a bag of scraps?

Tipping bits of leftover batter into your mouth without spilling any down your front is one of life's great unspoken pleasures.

Just don't think about what might be in the batter when you're eating it.

Chip spice: Restaurant owner John Science is credited with introducing Hull, and eventually the rest of the UK, to chip spice at his Yankee Burger fast food diner in Jameson Street.

Opened in 1979, the burger joint was way ahead of its time.

The paprika-laced flavouring was supplied by Hull family firm Spice Blenders before Mr Science added his own never-to-be-revealed top secret ingredients.

The current American Chip Spice company is headed by Hull-born Edward Wilson from the same family behind Spice Blenders.

Breadcakes: In other part of the country they are known as rolls, baps or buns.

But in Hull, breadcakes are the name of the game. So much so that a shop in Beverley Road once traded under the name Totally Breadcakes.

Even today in Hessle Road you can buy hot ones straight from the oven at Breadcakes Galore before most people have woken up.

Finny Haddock: Another local peculiarity as the rest of the UK prefers to call it smoked haddock.

Some suggest the name comes from the Scottish fishing village of Findon, where haddock were originally smoked over peat fires.

During its fishing heyday, Hull had more fish smokehouses than anywhere else in the country.

Traditionally served with tinned tomato, a fried egg and buttered bread.

Pikelets: Yet another Hull oddity.

Despite being clearly labelled as crumpets on every packet, we prefer to call them pikelets.

Brandy snap: A seasonal dish only consumed during the first full week of October.

Usually served with a side order of candy floss and a toffee apple.

Occasionally kept in a dark room before being produced as a Christmas present.

Pork: Searching for a genuinely authentic taste of East Yorkshire?

Look no further than a spit-roast suckling pig.

Archaeologists who have carried out extensive excavations at an Iron Age burial plot near Wetwang believe young pigs were the popular local dish of the day back in 300BC.

Spanish/kaylie: Generations of Hull children grew up spending their pocket money on hard sticks of liquorice called Spanish, which they licked and then dipped into tubes of sherbet called kaylie.

As a result, most of them are now wearing dentures.

HDM Sport on Facebook BRENTFORD manager Mark Warburton believes Hull City striker Nick Proschwitz will bring "outstanding quality" to his Bees squad. Tigers have dumped Proschwitz after he failed to impress following his £2.6m move from SC Paderborn in 2012. He scored seven goals in 37 appearances, but has now penned an initial 12-month contract, with the Bees having an option for a further two years. Happy to seal the free transfer deal, Warburton told Brentford's official website: "We have had a long search to find the right striker that offers us quality and a variety of weaponry. "Nick is a very experienced player. "He put in some fantastic performances in Germany before his move to Hull. "He went on loan to Barnsley at the end of last season and scored four in eight. "He is an aerial threat and has very good technical ability. "We think he will bring outstanding quality to the squad. "We are delighted to secure him and look forward to him playing an important part this season."Watford's Troy Deeney not on City's radar STEVE Bruce insists the departure of Nick Proschwitz to Brentford does not mean Hull City will renew their interest in Watford's Troy Deeney. The Hornets' hitman is being chased by a host of clubs including all three promoted clubs, plus Swansea. Leicester have already had two bids turned down. There are suggestions that the Foxes could increase their £7.5m offer, but Watford are believed to be holding out for nearer £10m. While the Tigers did ponder a move for Deeney last season, there are currently no plans to push for a deal in this transfer window. Asked about the Deeney speculation, Bruce told Radio Humberside: "It's not true, I can say this time it's definitely not true. "We enquired about Troy Deeney on deadline day last year. "Before we signed Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic, we had a little nibble then, but that's all it was. "This year, no, not interested."Tigers target Lenihan will be leaving Cork soon CORK City manager John Caulfield has accepted Hull City target Brian Lenihan will be leaving the club in the coming weeks. A posse of Premier League scouts has been trailing the defender, while Bournemouth, Celtic and Huddersfield are also said to be keen. Lenihan was reportedly the subject of a failed £130k bid from Crystal Palace, while the Tigers hvae also made a bid for his services. "Everyone knows who has watched him. Arsenal have watched him, Hull have," said Caulfield, according to HITC Sport. "We've realised that Manchester United have watched him, Tottenham, Everton and Villa have watched him. They've all had direct club employees to look at him. "The official situation is that we received two bids and both have been rejected. "One of the clubs has come back to us and we're in negotiations with them but there's still quite a bit of work to do. There's a lot of talking to be done. "Do I think that he'll be gone across channel in the next couple of weeks? "I believe that he will, and we have to make sure that we get the proper deal and Brian does too."Townsend: I'm playing for my future HULL City's Conor Townsend admits he's playing for his future at Dundee United. The 21-year-old has headed to Tannadice on a year-long loan after Andrew Robertson headed in the opposite direction to the KC Stadium. "My contract is up at the end of this season, so, for me, I'm playing for my future wherever it may be," he told the Dundee Evening Telegraph. "I'm going to do the best I can to show whoever wants to sign me next year, whether it's Hull, United or someone else, that I'm a good player." And he is convinced starting the season at a club he knows he'll be remaining at for the whole campaign will prove a big help. "The last three seasons I've been on loan, so I had to get out again and keep playing. It would have been no good if I'd sat in the reserves at Hull," he added. "When the chance came up to come here, I saw it as a great opportunity to show how good I am, so I jumped at it. "I've never been out on loan this early so, hopefully, I can get a full season and take things from there."£5m flop Graham in line for Middlesbrough move SUNDERLAND'S £5m flop Danny Graham is wanted by Middlesbrough, according to the Daily Mirror. Graham who scored just one goal while on loan to Hull City last season, finished the campaign at the Riverside where he added two more to his tally. However, the miserly strike rate has not put off the Championship side. Sunderland are ready to dump their drought-hit front man and could make him available for £1m. Boro boss Aitor Karanka said: "One of the players we still need to bring in should be another striker. Could it be Graham? I don't know. "We are speaking about him. He is a player who could be possible for us."