Hull City's Ahmed Elmohamady included in Egypt squad for qualifiers
Lord Haskins: 'Move Government departments from Whitehall to the North'
GOVERNMENT departments must move out of London if the regions are to thrive, an East Yorkshire peer has said.
All the main party leaders have talked about strengthening the North, with better transport links and elected mayors being discussed.
But Lord Haskins, chairman of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership economic forum, would like to see a wholesale readjustment of the civil service.
He believes anything short of a radical shake-up will fail to challenge the capital's dominance.
The Labour peer said: "If you're going to get a real change, you've got to move big chunks of central power away and the Government can do that.
"We have a hugely over-centralised system and nobody seems to care.
"Moving part of the civil service away would make a difference."
Lord Haskins believes there is a lack of willpower.
He first suggested the change to Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson decades ago but it fell on deaf ears.
He said: "I've been arguing this for 40 years now.
"I first discussed it with Harold Wilson and my conclusion was politicians really liked the comfortable and cosmopolitan world London offered. Now they are regretting it.
"I wouldn't be hugely optimistic there's going to be a transformation in the next ten years."
As the election approaches, Labour and the Conservatives have unveiled eye-catching initiatives to woo northern voters.
Chancellor George Osborne has called for a high-speed rail link across the Pennines and Opposition leader Ed Miliband would like to transfer £30bn from Whitehall to the regions.
Lord Haskins doubts either of those options will be enough.
Part of the problem is London's corporate power as a global centre of finance, a problem to which he feels there is no political solution.
The peer said: "Twenty years ago, Reckitt, Smith and Nephew and others had their head offices here and I could talk to them – now they're all down south.
"National corporations have drifted towards London and we need to resolve that.
"There's nothing much government can do. There's a market forces factor where the south east will get so overcrowded and the Humber has a great attraction because we've got plenty of space."
Short of waiting for the climate to change, Lord Haskins does not believe there is a great deal to be done on that front.
However, he is a strong advocate of the north's importance and would like it to play a bigger role in economic policy.
He said: "I passionately believe the north of England is an under-used national asset and any discussion on rebalancing the economy is bound to make sense.
"On the Humber, we've got a strong chemical industry, we've got a strong presence in all forms of energy except nuclear, and we mustn't sell ourselves short."
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North Ferriby United beat Harrogate Town to stay top of Conference North
MANAGER Billy Heath saluted his North Ferriby United side after extending their lead at the top of Conference North table with a 1-0 win over Harrogate Town.
The victory, thanks to Tom Denton's 73rd-minute strike, was the Villagers' fourth in five games and maintains their unbeaten start.
"It was a solid performance," Heath said. "The weather spoilt the game and it was not very pretty to watch. It was more a war of attrition.
"But in games like this we have got to make sure we win and that's what we did.
"It's been a great weekend. It is always difficult for the players with so many games so close together.
"Despite the results so far, we will not be getting carried away.
"There are lots of difficult games to come but we're obviously pleased with the way we have started."
It was a game of two halves to some extent at the Eon Visual Media Stadium as a strong wind blew from east to west.
Overall, Ferriby made better use of the conditions and deserved their win in a hard-fought game.
Playing a long-ball game with on-loan Tigers striker Jonathan Margetts and Jamie Walshaw as their target men, Harrogate had the slightly better chances in a scrappy first half.
In contrast, Ferriby varied their approach with long balls aimed at Denton mixed with ground play through Danny Emerton.
After just two minutes, Margetts found himself in space and should have put Harrogate ahead but his shot was well saved by Ferriby keeper Adam Nicklin.
Ferriby responded with a low Emerton cross that was clawed away by Town keeper Phil Barnes ahead of the on-rushing Denton.
Immediately afterwards, Nathan Jarman fired wide from 18 yards.
After 10 minutes, Walshaw drew a fine low save from Nicklin but both sides found it difficult to create clear goal-scoring opportunities.
In the second half, Ferriby dominated and their passing allowed them to control the tempo to such an extent that Harrogate had only one goal-bound attempt.
Walshaw did well under pressure to turn and shoot but Nicklin comfortably held the ball.
Mark Gray headed just over from an Emerton corner, before Barnes did well to block Jarman's shot.
Denton was denied by a last-ditch block by Matt Heath but the striker could not be denied in the end, firing home Nathan Peat's precise cross to the far post after 73 minutes.
As the game closed, Peat and Emerton again went close.
This was another disciplined performance by Ferriby, who showed they have the ability to really put pressure on sides from midfield.
Once again, their defence produced another solid performance and things are looking good for another promotion challenge.
• Tomorrow will see Ferriby host Ossett Albion in a friendly (7.30pm). Admission is free.
North Ferriby: Adam Nicklin, Danny Hone, Nathan Peat, Liam King, Matt Wilson, Mark Gray, Danny Emerton, Jon D'Laryea Tom Denton, Nathan Jarman, Russ Fry. Subs not used: Tom Corner, Josh Wilde, Antoni Pecora, Adam Bolder, Jamie Yates
Craig Murdock: My Hull FC v Hull KR derby prediction
DERBIES are notoriously difficult to predict. My usual theory is the team that you think is going to win and should win usually doesn't.
So, because I think Hull KR should win on Friday and are favourites, I feel FC will just sneak in because they've got home advantage.
The Black and Whites are five points off the top eight with only six points available to them and I think they've had it regardless of whether they win or not.
Hull have had a couple of 'up' displays, as well as a couple of down ones, but I believe the team owe it to Lee Radford to put in a good performance.
KR must win to have any chance of overtaking Widnes or Catalan.
They're at that stage where there are no second chances. If they lose, I think it will be time to put their cue on the rack as well.
For the first time in a long while, the game is not on TV so I believe there'll be a big turn-out to witness what will be a fantastic game.
I get the feeling it will be a couple of scores either way.
It will be very disappointing not to see either of the city's sides contesting the play-offs.
At the start of the season, both teams would have set finishing in the top eight as a minimum target.
But this season has shown Super League is getting more competitive, no team has a given right to be in the play-offs.
As a sport that's what we want to see, but as far as KR and FC are concerned I believe it's been a wake-up call.
They need to recruit better and recruit from within.
Look at Leeds, who won the Challenge Cup final at the weekend, the core of their team – Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow – has been together for 10 years.
That's what you need to be successful and KR and FC are now looking to get on that bandwagon.
Perhaps 2014 will prove a watershed, the last occasion both teams finished outside the eight and the time where both teams put greater emphasis on growing their own players.
Hopefully, we'll look back and think 2014 was the year they both finally realised what needed to be done.
Who will have the edge on Friday?
Well, look no further than how the Rhinos beat Castleford at Wembley.
I'm quite glad they won as it would have been harsh if the successful dynasty of Sinfield, Burrow and McGuire had not managed to win at Wembley, given what they have done for the sport and for Leeds.
It's not so much that Castleford lost it, it was the fact they were not allowed to play their natural game and had to rely on scraps.
I thought they did very well to keep it as close as they did and the Tigers will surely be better for the experience.
Rhinos were brilliant, stuck to their game plan and their big-game players stood up and played really well.
Leeds in general dictated the game and played the way they wanted to.
So it might sound boring, but on Friday whichever side does that, completes their sets, their kicks and takes their chances will come out on top.
There's no hidden agendas and no great secrets. It sounds so easy, but the mentality and atmosphere of a derby makes it much more difficult.
People talk about it being just another game, it's this, it's that, but we know it's not.
Hull City transfer talk: Harry Maguire back to Sheffield United, Jordan Rhodes transfer request, Luc Castaignos, Federico Fazio and Michael Dawson
From a 2lb 8oz baby to an excited four-year-old ready for school: Lexi-Leigh Harrison prepares for first day at Thoresby Primary School
BEAMING at the camera in her crisp new uniform, Lexi-Leigh Harrison from Hull cannot wait to start school.
For her mum, Stacie Harrion, it will be a day she thought she would never see.
Lexi, four, was born at 28 weeks, weighing just 2lb 8oz.
She spent her first weeks clinging to life in intensive care.
Now the youngster, four, is preparing to start Thoresby Primary School, in Thoresby Street, west Hull.
Stacie said: "When she was born, I didn't think this day would ever come.
"We think of ourselves as incredibly lucky and we are very thankful.
"It's going to be an emotional day. When she was born doctors only gave her a 25 per cent chance of survival.
"I'm so proud of her. She won't stop talking about school. She is really excited about making new friends and it's all we have heard about.
"She has been waiting for it for a very long time."
Stacie says she had no inkling Lexi would make an early appearance.
"I had a normal pregnancy up until I was 27 weeks," she said.
"I got a stomach ache and thought it was Braxton Hicks."
After the pain got worse she went to Hull Royal Infirmary where she was told things would be OK and to go home.
But Lexi had other ideas and before Stacie had chance to leave the hospital, Lexi was born, breech, after just a 15-minute labour.
Stacie said: "I had no idea anything was wrong. She was put in an incubator straight away. I was shocked it was happening and scared. I was only 17 at the time and I didn't know what was happening."
Lexi was taken to intensive care.
Stacie said: "After four weeks she deteriorated. She ended up having to have 11cm of her bowel removed as she had an infection. She was in surgery for four hours. I was so scared. When I got the call to say she was out it was a massive relief."
Lexi was fitted with a colostomy bag following the operation and recuperated well for the next four weeks, and doctors then decided she was well enough to go home.
Stacie said: "I was so nervous taking her home. I wondered how I would cope. She still had her colostomy bag.
"I had a lot of panic, I was bringing home a poorly baby. No one can reassure you enough, but I had the support of my friends and family. I could not have done it without them."
Lexi went from strength to strength and had her colostomy bag removed.
She says the support of her boyfriend, Alex Harding has been invaluable. Although not Lexi's father, he has been with Stacie since Lexi was tiny.
The couple now have daughter Skylar-Rose, two.
Stacie said: "You can see the difference in them. Skylar was not premature and you can see how she has come on faster than Lexi did."
Lexi, along with thousands of other youngsters, will start school next week.
Belgian police admit banned Lokeren supporters behind Hull City Europa League trouble
Belgian police have blamed banned Lokeren supporters for causing trouble as violence erupted after Hull City's Europa League match.
• UEFA: 'No case' over Lokeren trouble
City fans were pelted with glasses and bottles before they were "bottle-necked" by police when trouble broke out following the Tigers' Europa League defeat on Thursday night.
Supporters, including families with young children, returned to Hull over the weekend, and spoke of their shock at events in Belgium.
After the trouble broke out, three Hull City and two Lokeren fans were arrested for public order offences.
Now, police in Lokeren are looking for banned fans from the Belgian city who they say were heavily involved.
Commissaris Rudi De Clercq said: "There are 61 risk Lokeren supporters who are banned from the football stadium.
"We know that some of them were involved with the problems before and after the match outside the stadium.
"We are now collecting evidence.
"We will use this evidence in our reports, which will be sent to the Belgian Home Office.
"Like always, we make every effort so the persons who were involved will be punished."
Just hours before trouble broke out, City and Lokeren fans had been singing and drinking together.
However, Hull supporters came under fire as they were escorted by police from the stadium past De Mierennest pub – a known haunt of hardcore Lokeren fans – despite previously being told to stay away from there.
Hull City say they have spoken to police to try to establish what happened in Belgium and that their main priority was making sure fans returned home safely.
Meanwhile, one pensioner has told how she was pushed by Belgian police as the fans were escorted away from the ground.
Jean Dennett, 71, of Dunswell, said: "I was trying to get to my brother and sister-in- law when a police officer shoved a shield in my face.
"Luckily, one of the Lokeren supporters spoke to the officers and they let me through.
"It was an awful experience. I was petrified and it was very distressing.
"My father was a groundsman for Hull City and I have supported them for years.
"I've never experienced anything like this and I won't be going to another European away game."
"But I didn't see any Hull City fans cause any trouble."
From 33-stone to 'Mr Muscles' who got the girl: Mike Waudby writes 'Weight Loss Warrior' to share his slimming secrets
A Hull man who lost 18-stone has put pen to paper to share the secrets of his success.
Just two years ago, Mike Waudby tipped the scales at 33st, suffered severe depression and drowned his sorrows each night in the alcohol he would order online.
Mike's story, which first featured in the Mail in October, attracted interest from across the globe as he told of how he transformed his life after purchasing a cross-trainer on the internet and exercising for three hours every day
He has now written his book, Weight Loss Warrior, revealing how he went from an obese recluse to global inspiration and co-founder of online weight-loss community The Weight Loss Warriors.
Mike, 31, said: "I was bombarded on Facebook with messages from people all over the world begging for help for some kind of secret formula many believed I possessed.
"I knew there wasn't one simple answer to help all and there were certainly no secret diets or fads but a combination of vital principles that I believed in, based around motivation and consistency."
The book is a heartfelt and brutally honest autobiographical story of what it really took emotionally, socially and physically to transform and save Mike's life.
The book has now been released as part of The Weight Loss Warriors, a new online community based around a revolutionary forum for those struggling to lose weight and seeking real life, experienced, genuine advice, motivation and support.
It provides regular video updates and tips on all topics, including training, nutrition and emotional support highlighting all the social stigmas associated with being overweight.
Mike said: "As well as writing my book, my dismay at the lack of understanding and support from my doctors and the NHS towards my physical, emotional and social problems has led me to believe my experience and ability to understand what it really takes to successfully fight back emotionally is vital for others who feel let down with no genuine help from our social services.
"Now, since losing my weight, I am excited to say I have fulfilled my ambition to really help people achieve their dreams and live the life they always wanted with ongoing support by offering them something I wished I had but never did, and that is a place to go to."
When we reported his story last year, Mike told how on one night out a girl had asked him to leave the bar he was in because he was "making her and her friends feel sick". It was the last time he went out in public, apart from to visit his doctor, for seven years. He suffered terrible pain and was scared to go to the gym because people pointed and laughed at him in the street. But after slimming down and toning up, Mike qualified as a personal trainer and met a girlfriend.Launched in partnership with his mentor, fitness coach, motivator and co-founder, Mike Pratt, The Weight Loss Warriors provides motivational advice and information on serious topics such as bullying, depression, food addiction and self-belief.
Mike said: "It's an honest, but very real place for those who want to make a change in their lives right now. I've been there and know exactly how it feels and what it takes.
"I want to motivate people by sharing how I felt at those times of despair and the fear of what seemed like an impossible task.
"I want to share how I overcame these hurdles and prove that it's not impossible.
"I will motivate people so they will believe they can do it too, the way I did it."
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105-tonne bridge beams lifted into place as new Beverley bypass crosses Hull-Scarborough railway line
A MAJOR milestone has been reached in the construction of Beverley's long-awaited £22m bypass.
Thanks to a complex feat of engineering carried out at night, five bridge beams have been lifted into place across the Hull to Scarborough railway line.
The bridge will carry bypass traffic over the railway line when the 1.8-mile route opens early next year.
Engineers carried out the precision task at night over several days to avoid disruption to trains on the busy railway line.
It is a significant milestone in the construction of the bypass, which is being built across the southern edge of Beverley, between the A164 Morrisons roundabout and the A1174 Hull Road.
The installation of the 105-tonne bridge beams means roadworks either side of the railway line can now be linked up.
Malcolm Smith, East Riding Council's project manager for the scheme, said: "The bridge is halfway along the route.
"The road is under construction either side of the bridge, so this is the link between the two halves.
"The installation was a complex operation, requiring detailed preparations and co-ordination with Network Rail to ensure the safety of the workforce and the Network Rail infrastructure, and to ensure there was no disruption for passengers using the trains."
A 1,000-tonne crane with a 72m boom was brought in by Balfour Beatty, the council's contractor, to manoeuvre the concrete beams into place.
Mr Smith said: "The 1,000-tonne crane is a big piece of kit, there are not many of those in the country. The precast concrete beams were big to manoeuvre into place, so it was a significant job.
"Work is now taking place to form the bridge deck."
Another milestone in the project has seen the switch of traffic onto a newly constructed roundabout at the eastern end of the scheme, connecting with the A1174 Hull Road.
Mr Smith said: "The alignment of the route is now clearly visible.
"At Figham, the new roundabout adjacent to the A1174 has been partially opened to traffic travelling from Hull towards Beverley, while southbound traffic travelling from Beverley towards Hull continues to use the A1174.
"This has opened up new work areas, allowing drainage and earthworks to be undertaken in previously trafficked areas.
"Further earthworks, drainage, kerbing and carriageway surfacing works will now take place before southbound traffic is diverted onto the new roundabout."
At the western end of the route, a new roundabout to link Lincoln Way to the bypass is now well advanced.
Along the route surfacing works have been taking place to the main carriageway. Construction of an adjacent footpath/cycleway has also started.
East Riding Council leader Councillor Stephen Parnaby has visited the site and is delighted with progress.
He said: "Despite the recent weather the work is on track time-wise and budget-wise.
"There have been no real problems and we are looking forward to seeing it open early next year.
"It will reduce heavy through-traffic in Beverley tremendously.
"When the route is open to traffic, it will also give a totally new aspect of Beverley and the minster for people travelling down the along the road.
"I look forward to seeing the progress over the coming months and especially the huge impact it will have when open on improving traffic flows in Beverley.
"We will continue to keep residents informed of progress throughout construction as we and our contractors continue to work on this essential new artery for Beverley."
The bypass, which will carry an average of 12,600 vehicles per day, will reduce the amount of traffic that travels past Beverley Minster by two thirds.
The bypass is part of the Beverley Integrated Transport Plan, which is designed reduce through-traffic in the historic town and improve transport links around the town and the wider area.
In order to manage traffic flows in Swinemoor Lane and Hull Road, the transport plan includes significant changes to the town's Grovehill roundabout.
The roundabout is being made bigger and a computerised signal management system will be installed to sense traffic flow and speed.
East Riding College students learning tradeCONSTRUCTION students have been learning their trade helping to build Beverley's £22m bypass.
East Riding College students have been developing new skills by tackling practical lessons on site.
Classroom elements of the work have been delivered in the Balfour Beatty site office and at college's Beverley campus.
A number of students have already received job offers as a result of their work on the scheme.
Tutor Dave Symonds said: "It's so valuable for them to be learning their skills on a real construction site and also to see how a major project takes shape over time."
The students were given access to the course through a partnership between the college and Jobcentre Plus and a link-up with main contractor Balfour Beatty.
Neil Beck, operations director for Balfour Beatty, said: "During the bid stage for the Beverley Integrated Transport Plan, we created a detailed Employment and Skills Plan with East Riding College to ensure we maximised the opportunities for learners throughout the project."
Susie Walmsley, provision manager from Jobcentre Plus, said: "Civil engineering and general construction operatives are two of the projected growth areas within the construction industry over the next five years and we are thrilled that our customers are able to access this excellent opportunity.
"Feedback has been really positive and hopefully this will be just the help they need to start them off on a long career in the industry."
Student Chris Long, 28, of Driffield, said: "I had basic labouring experience and this course has taught me a lot more in depth and in different subject fields."
• Transport news from the Hull Daily Mail
Six-year plan to bring Super League football to Hull
IT WOULD be an achievement not too dissimilar to their male counterparts.
Ten years ago this year, Hull City achieved promotion from the fourth tier and now play in the country's top league.
Now, Hull Tigers Ladies have revealed their own plan to bring top-level women's football to the city.
In six years, they hope to be competing in the Women's Super League.
Leading the charge is Hull's manager Rachel Gay, who says it is exciting times to be part of the club.
"There is a really good structure in place and a lot of people are approaching us wanting to play for Hull Tigers Ladies – even a girl travelling from Sheffield," she said.
"It's very exciting times and with the new structure in place, I think the six-year plan for Super League football is achievable."
The team have soon picked themselves up after narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League North – drawing their last league game against Barnsley 1-1 when a victory was needed.
Pre-season matches have included an 8-1 victory against former Super League team Leeds United.
Rachel said: "It was a low point. I think we went to the game thinking we had already won it as we had beaten them earlier in the month.
"It was a learning curve, but I believe the standard has been improved immensely.
"Anyone who came down to the Leeds game will have been blown away by the standard.
"We have started this season really motivated."
The turning point to the club's fortunes came four years ago, when the team made it to the final of the League Cup against Sheffield United.
While their opposition arrived on a coach and matching track suits, the story was somewhat different for Hull.
"We turned up in cars and different track suits," she said.
"The team we were playing against turned up on a big team bus, all dressed the same, it was a big psychological factor."
Hull went on to lose the game 4-1.
"I thought this isn't where we want to be," she said.
"I approached Dr Allam and asked him about the club and he has taken a huge interest and this is the third year he has contributed as a sponsor.
"He said he definitely wanted to be involved and wanted to back us all the way."
Now the team has the same tracksuits, travel together, before the game they have a team breakfast and now the players do not have to pay to play – something which in the past could have cost as much as £150.
"It would cost quite a bit, with our current furthest trip to Whitley Bay. We used to have to pay for our own petrol," she said.
"Now we're not just playing for ourselves, but we are playing for the name of the club. It's not for fun, but we're playing because we want to win.
"We have new coaching staff and a development team and a bigger squad.
"When I took over, I was really a one man band. Now we have a coach Danny Johnson, who played semi professional football in Ireland. We also have a new chairman David Batte and are looking at getting more sponsors.
"We even have mascots, who are meeting the players before the game.
"Now, with this structure in place, I can focus on picking a winning team."
With everything falling into place, the next step is to bring younger players through.
"Women's football is one the fastest growing sports and we want to attract more girls to play for Hull Tigers Ladies," she said.
"In the past, a lot of young players were going to Lincoln and Doncaster, which was killing us, but that is changing with the new structure in place."
The women are all amateurs, fitting matches and training around work or college, so they get no money for playing.
The club are three promotions away from Super League football.
Rachel said: "Super League football would have a huge impact on females in particular in this year. It would create some role models for girls in the city."
The team kicks off their league campaign against Whitley Bay on Sunday at 2pm, at the University of Hull.
Rachel said: "We'd love to see more people down here and to come along to see what it is all about.
"I know from watching Team GB recently I preferred watching the women's game to the men's.
"Come down and experience watching one of our games.
"A few new supporters came last season and now they are coming every week – even to away games."
• Visit tigerlink.co.uk or follow the club on Twitter @HullCityLadies.
Jason Chan: Hull KR can gun down Widnes to reach Super League play-offs
Jason Chan believes Hull KR can take advantage of Widnes' loss of form by beating Hull FC to give their play-off hopes a shot in the arm.
The Vikings are just two points clear of the Robins with three matches left to play, but have lost three of their last four games.
That included a deflating Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by Castleford, which has caused Denis Betts' side to stutter on their return to the league and a tricky test against Wigan awaits on Friday.
But having impressed in a 14-14 draw with Wigan, Chan believes Rovers can overhaul Widnes if they play the same way against Hull FC in Friday's clash at the KC.
"We are taking things one game at a time," Chan told the Mail.
"Widnes are catchable and with the squad we have I think we can overtake them.
"We have some very good structures in place and we have to stick to them against Hull, Catalan and Wakefield.
"They are all winnable games for us between now and the end of the season."
Chan will experience his first Hull derby on Friday when Rovers make the short trip from east to west for the third and final one of the season.
Rovers hold the upper hand with two wins from the previous two competitive meetings and will be chasing an historic first.
No club has completed a clean sweep of derby wins in a Super League season, but Chan is determined to make that happen to send the KR fans home happy.
"I always enjoy night games," said the on-loan Huddersfield forward, who will return to Australia at the end of the campaign.
"Between now and the end of the season I want to play all the remaining games.
"I want to stay injury free and play my part in getting Rovers to the play-offs.
"I'm determined to leave this club on a good note and hopefully I can do that.
"This club is clearly on the rise with very good foundations and a successful under-19s side this season.
"The future looks good."
Brought in midway through the season by coach Chris Chester, the 30-year-old Papua New Guinea native has further strengthened the club's links with his home nation.
He is the fourth Kumul to represent Rovers in the Super League era after Makali Aizue, Stanley Gene and current squad member Neville Costigan and is honoured to be part of that link between club and country.
"When I got the call to come here, Stanley made the transition very easy for me," he added. "There is a good alliance between PNG and Rovers and it helps having Neville in the team too.
"PNG is rugby mad and it's great to have their support. I'll be aiming to do my best for them while I'm here."
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Lucy Beaumont plans sitcom after We Can Twerk This Out nominated for Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award
COMEDIAN Lucy Beaumont has been nominated for one of the country's most prestigious comedy awards.
The Hull comic made it to the final six in the best newcomer category at the Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2014.
She said: "I've been to Edinburgh twice before, but this was my first solo show, so I was really chuffed to bits to be nominated.
"The panel of judges see more than 600 shows and then whittle down the list, so even just to be in the running was a big surprise."
Her stand-up show, We Can Twerk This Out, lost to eventual winner Alex Edelman but Lucy still thinks the nomination will open a lot of doors.
"It's an industry award, so even just being on the shortlist will make a big difference, it puts you on the map."
As a lover of sitcoms, Lucy is eager to turn her hand to writing her own TV comedy show.
"My dream is to have my own sitcom on telly one day. I really like writing as much as I like performing.
"I've started with a radio pilot about my life in Hull that was on Radio Two and there is a good chance it will be picked up by Radio Four."
To Hull And Back stars Lucy and another native of the city, Maureen Lipman, as her mother.
Although the comedian now lives in London, Lucy has strong ties in her home city and credits all her success to growing up in Hull.
"My whole career has been based on being from Hull, I wouldn't be doing this if I hadn't grown up in a humorous city.
"Going out for a drink in Hull – you have a much funnier night out than where I live now."
In September, Lucy will return to her home city to give back to a place that meant a lot to her when she was young.
She will run a series of comedy workshops and confidence-building sessions with vulnerable youngsters at The Warren.
Lucy said: "I was absolutely devastated when I heard they might be closing the centre.
"I grew up at The Warren and I had a lot of friends who went there because they were bullied or didn't fit in.
"It's been a lifeline for so many young people for more than 30 years."
After finishing her Edinburgh run, Lucy will take her show on tour to London, Selby and Pocklington.
However, she is looking forward to spending more time at home with family and friends.
"Stand-up is a really lonely job," she said.
"You might be performing to 300 people every night but then you go to a hotel room on your own.
"What I'm really hoping for is my own sitcom – then I can plot a way of coming back to Hull for good."
Ice bucket challenge: Can you beat our man in a scuba mask to win £100?
The best entries so farCraig Allen, who is working in Iraq, says it was hard to get the ice cubes. Good work on the National Anthem though, Craig!David Walsh took the ice bucket challenge in a Pamela Anderson Baywatch suit. The blonde wig looks a right picture after the soaking. James Deighton looks soaked to the bone after jumping into a wheelie bin. Here's Tony Robinson's naked ice bucket challenge. Well done Tony for keeping your hands in the crucial place when the freezing water hits! (Warning - contains swearing).Bethany Edge, 19, from Hull, had a You've Been Framed moment when the water knocked her backwards into a paddling pool. Hull actor Jon Campling dressed in his wife's clothes. Nice slow-mo, Jon! Here's George Kirkpatrick, from Goole (on left), shaking his butt for MIND wearing his mum's underwear! Destynie Monkman, five, and Carter-Jay Monkman, four, wanted to take the challenge after watching grandad Alex Harris do it. Here's Wayne Mason, manager of the Sugarmill in Hull, taking the challenge. Thanks to Victoria Mason, who says she would like to see Wayne recognised for his regular charity efforts, for sending in the video. (Warning - contains swearing).Craig Robinson downsizes the bucket in his challenge. He says: "I was made to redo it, don't you worry."
Drivers on A63 and M62 warned as four weeks of road closures start
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