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Lucy Lyon reviews Barnum, at Hull New Theatre until Saturday. PT Barnum, the sideshow entertainer who was once the richest man in the USA, may have declared there is a sucker every minute but he knew what the crowds wanted – and gave it to them with a few added embellishments. Or humbug, as he liked to call the tall tales he used to sell his acts to his adoring public. And as the crowd leapt to their feet to give the cast of Barnum a rousing standing ovation at Hull New Theatre last night, it was clear the man behind The Greatest Show On Earth was still giving the audience what they want – and quite a bit more. Cameron Mackintosh's touring production, which was developed from the hit Chichester Festival Theatre 2013 production, is a spectacular show with Brian Conley in the titular role, carrying proceedings with a warmth and charisma that has the crowd eating out of his hands. It has to be said, however, that the 23-strong cast of theatre and circus performers gives great support in a colourful acrobatic show that also includes emotive light and shade, with the story of Barnum's love for his wife, threatened briefly by his infidelity with Swedish nightingale Jenny Lind.

The songs are rousing and get the crowd clapping along enthusiastically, and the whole ensemble seem to really relish their roles: the audience is won over before the show even starts with some fabulous audience interaction. A section dedicated to his attempts to forge a political career slows down the sheer energy and exuberance of the entire production but luckily Conley's natural charm pulls the audience through. At the end of the show, however, it does not really matter whether you are here for the music, the aerial work, circus tricks or the storyline; ultimately, this show oozes class and it is clear that no expense has been spared in the staging. As the crowd leapt to its feet to show its appreciation, it would have been impossible not to join in.• Barnum is at Hull New Theatre until Saturday October 25 (7.30pm). Tickets, priced from £19, are available from the box office on (01482) 300300. Matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

• Theatre news from the Hull Daily Mail

Review: Barnum with Brian Conley – a rousing show that oozes class

WITH his bags packed and cardboard boxes stacking up inside his Kingswood home, Rhys Lovegrove's seven-year love affair with Hull KR is drawing to a conclusion.

An impending move to London Broncos will bring to an end a link-up which first began in the summer of 2007.

Since then, the Aussie has become an integral part of the east Hull club and he admits being away from Rovers will feel strange.

Having arrived as a fresh-faced 20-year-old who was keen to make a name for himself in the game, he will head south as a player with bags of experience in his locker.

And Lovegrove is hoping to draw on that to play a pivotal role in the Broncos' rebirth next season, when they will aim to win promotion back to Super League at the first attempt.

In many ways, he is heading into a similar situation to the one he first found at Rovers. Back then, senior players like Mick Vella, Clint Newton and Ben Galea were vital to getting the Robins re-established as a top-flight side.

And after signing a two-year deal with the Broncos, Lovegrove hopes what he has seen and experienced at Rovers will stand him in good stead during his capital stay.

"I'm sad and excited about leaving, but it's a new chapter for me in my life," the 27-year-old told the Mail.

"I've been at Rovers a long while, but it's the right time to go.

"I'm approaching the move how I imagine Clint Newton, Ben Galea and Mick Vella will have when they joined Rovers.

"Justin Morgan signed them to create a certain culture he wanted and I hope I'm in the same position to help with that down there.

"If I can influence anything a little bit then that will be great. Hopefully, I can have the same amount of success those players did at Rovers."

For many Rovers fans, it won't look right seeing Lovegrove line up for another team, but they will have to get used to not having him there.

Initially signed as a centre, his own game has developed to the point where he's now a recognised forward who is equally adept at playing as a prop or back row.

Viewing his move to London as a fresh start, the switch will allow Lovegrove and his partner Libby to be closer to her family.

And with coach Chris Chester looking to take the Robins in a new direction for 2015, he does not want to outstay his welcome.

"Maybe I could have stayed at Rovers a bit longer but that wouldn't have been a good decision," he explained.

"The club has been in transition over the last 12 to 18 months and it's not quite the club I fell in love with back in 2007.

"It's different now and when I look back at my time at Rovers, I don't want my memories tarnished in any way.

"I want to make sure the memories I have are of Jim Gannon, Iain Morrison, Ben Fisher and James Webster – and having a laugh and having fun winning games.

"That's why I took the opportunity to leave when I did."

One thing Lovegrove is keen to do when he arrives at The Hive is make sure his young and inexperienced team-mates can approach him for advice.

"I remember what it was like when I was coming through," he added. "There were plenty of times senior players would walk past me and not offer help or advice because they were worried for their position in the team and I never understood why.

"I spoke to my Dad about it and he said they were looking after their job.

"What he meant is that if they helped you become a better player, you could push them out of the team.

"I swore then I would never do that and there's a part of me that wants to help the younger players come through."

Lovegrove has seen a lot of changes during his time at Rovers.

There have been many highlights, and a few lows too, but he is proud to have played in some memorable matches.

Having been part of the side which finished second bottom in 2007 and the one which ended up fourth in 2009, he admits life has "been amazing" at the Robins.

Wins over Leeds at Headingley, St Helens at Knowsley Road and Hull in the play-offs will all live long in the memory.

But even though he is moving over 200 miles away, Lovegrove will keep a close eye on how his former club get on in Chester's first full season.

"Rovers will be interesting to watch," he added.

"It's arguably the biggest transition since they won promotion.

"There have been player transitions before but never players, coach and culture all at the same time. It's a fresh start.

"Chris has some great ideas and he has a certain type of culture he wants at the club.

"Rovers are moving into a new chapter of their own and I'm very pleased to be a part of their last chapter.

"I'm looking forward to sitting back as a fan and watching that develop.

"Perhaps one day I'll come back and play against them. I'd love that."

Rhys Lovegrove: I'll always cherish happy memories at Hull KR

Police are hunting three men after discovering a cannabis factory worth £175,000 in west Hull. Officers from Hull Community Reassurance Team and Wyke Neighbourhood Policing raided a property in Glasgow Street earlier today. Cannabis and cannabis plants were both discovered. Three men ran from the scene when officers arrived. They are described as of south-east Asian appearance. Sergeant Mick Stevenson, from the reassurance team, said: "This was clearly an organised and sophisticated set-up which appears to have been at the address for some considerable time. "There are real safety issues around such cannabis factories as they pose a very realistic danger to both the occupants and their neighbours. "We would appeal to the public to report any activity which leads them to believe drugs are being cultivated." Anyone with information about the three men is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Police hunt three men as £175,000 cannabis factory found in Glasgow Street, west Hull

City council leader Steve Brady says Hull and the Humber risks being left behind over moves to give regions more devolved powers. He spoke out after the region was left out of a new report published today highlighting 15 so-called "metro areas" where devolution could create new economic growth. The City Growth Commission's report says city-regions should be given greater powers to encourage more local public and private sector investment. Cllr Brady said the commission's support for the concept of combined bodies to deliver economic development should be the model for Hull and the Humber, despite little enthusiasm for the idea from the three other councils around the estuary. He said: "It's another report that fails to mention Hull and the Humber. We have been stressing the need for a combined authority, to be at the forefront of these issues, for two years with no progress. "From our perspective, the North cannot afford to leave Hull out as the area has so much to bring to the table. Before that can happen, we have to demonstrate as a city and as a region that we are ready to take on more power by operating at the right scale and showing that we are joined up. "It's absolutely critical that councils across the Hull and Humber region work together so that we are able to benefit from the powers that will come to the key Northern cities to help them thrive and complement London and the south-east." The 15 metro areas singled out in today's report were chosen on their respective populations and size of their built-up areas. Cllr Brady added: "At regional and national level we are working hard to ensure Hull's voice is heard but greater collaboration with our neighbours will be needed take it to the next level, unlocking the potential not just of Hull, but of the whole of the Humber. "If we can make this happen, the prize is greater powers, flexibility and devolved funding, which can be used to bring more investment and jobs to our region, but time is running out. "The three main political parties are united on the need for greater devolution to cities and we have only the next few months to ensure we don't miss out on this opportunity." A commission led by prominent city businessman Tom Martin, life president of safety firm Arco, is part of a team considering potential boundary changes and the option of one authority covering the entire region. Residents in the East Riding villages on the edge of Hull voted against an expansion of Hull's borders by 96 per cent last month. * Tomorrow's Mail features a full, in-depth report into the issue

Steve Brady: Hull and Humber risks being left behind in northern power race

A popular Princes Avenue pub has temporarily closed for a major refurbishment. The Linnet and Lark is under new management and will reopen on Saturday, November 8. It will remain a Marstons pub, and the brewery has confirmed it may reopen with a new name. The pub was well-known for hosting the Sesh live music night. However, after 12 years at the Linnet, the event moved to The Polar Bear last month.

• Business news for Hull and East Yorkshire

Name-change on cards for Linnet and Lark pub in Hull's Princes Avenue

RUNNING enthusiasts are racing to take part in next year's Hull marathon. Within a day of the Mail revealing the route of the Hull Marathon 2015, more than 100 people have already signed up to compete on September 13 next year. Members of local running clubs and key partners gathered at the official launch event this afternoon to celebrate this key milestone. Organisers estimate that over 75 per cent of people who have signed up so far are from the area's many running clubs but they hope to attract more first-time runners over the next few months. Organiser Phil Haskins said he has been blown away by the amount of people who have already registered their interest in taking part. He said: "It's been a very positive response at this stage and I feel a little overwhelmed with the amount of people who have already signed up. "But to make this work we need to show that we have enough runners and enough supporters and it looks like we're going to achieve that." The 2012 Hull marathon had 1,200 participants but Mr Haskins says the 2015 event will have at least 2,000 runners taking part. Karen Towner of White City running club said she expects next year's Hull Marathon to be an inspirational event for runners and non-runners alike. She said: "This is great news for the city's runners, we are really looking forward to it. "I think it will attract a lot of experienced runners from outside the area and it could also give a spur to local people who have never done it before." Ms Towner thinks that now is the right time to launch the marathon as it will give novice runners a chance to train up. She said: "A year is a comfortable amount of time for a completely new runner to train for a marathon, that's how long it took me to train when I first started running. Kev Robinson, a fellow White City runner, agreed that he expected to see more people take up running in the lead-up to the marathon. He said: "I think people will definitely want to take part because it's a really good experience and something that almost everyone is capable of with the right training. "The great thing about being part of a running club means you get the support you need from people who have run marathons before." Sam Barlow, founder of Cottingham-based Fitmums says it has already encouraged some of her group to work towards the 26.2 mile goal. She said: "It's really incentivised our runners to think seriously about completely a marathon. "Even our walkers are starting to think about if they will be able to complete the course within the six-mile limit. "There is also the chance for teams of four to take part in a relay so there really does seem to be something for everybody." Mr Haskins also he hopes to give something back to the people of Hull who will not be taking part in the marathon themselves. He said: "We want to create something that is good for runners and create a real spectacle for those watching at the sidelines. "If we are going to be messing around with people's normal Sundays we want it to be something that people can enjoy."

• Link to high-res Hull Marathon 2015 route

• Link to the high-res Hull Marathon 2015 four stage relay route

• Register to take part at www.thehullmarathon.co.uk

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Hull Marathon 2015: Runners race to sign up

ABLE's plans for an offshore wind facility on the Humber took a major step forward tonight after Associated British Ports' petitions were thrown out by a parliamentary committee. The two companies had been locked in a dispute over proposals to build Able's Marine Energy Park (AMEP) on a contested stretch of quay in North Killingholme on the south side of the Humber. But a joint parliamentary committee of MPs and peers has thrown out port operator ABP's petitions against the project on the basis that they had failed to bring forward sufficient evidence. As the landowner, Hull-based ABP had filed two petitions to Parliament seeking a compromise on the energy park amid claims that Able had failed to demonstrate that the souuth bank Killingholme Triangle was necessary for the purposes of their project or in the national interest. ABP had submitted its own planning application to build a fuel terminal known as the Immingham Western Deepwater Jetty (IWDJ) on the contested land as part of a compromise deal. Speaking after the ruling, committee MP Craig Whittaker told the Grimsby Telegraph that members voted to reject ABP's petitions by five to one. Able executive chairman Peter Stephenson said: "Today's decision by the joint committee is a vindication of our faith in AMEP and the massive support we have received from so many organisations and individuals who recognise its importance – we are, of course very grateful for their on-going support." ABP said it was 'disappointed' with the decision, adding: "We will now consider our options."

Able UK given green light for huge Humber energy park after ABP protest rejected

HULL City vice chairman Ehab Allam has voiced his anger after learning the club's academy may have to wait until 2016 before undergoing an all-important audit. The Tigers have invested heavily in their youth development ranks over the last six months in an attempt to bring the club in line with Premier League rivals, including a summer move to Bishop Burton College. City had initially hoped a fresh assessment of their facilities and practices would be made in the Spring, paving the way for a step up from Category Three to Category Two status in time for the 2015-16 season. That would enable the club's under-18s and under-21s sides to test themselves in the Professional Development League, as opposed to the Youth Alliance and the Development League East against the likes of Mansfield, Hartlepool and Gateshead. However, City are now being warned an audit may not come for another 18 months and that potential set-back has infuriated Allam. "I'm extremely happy with what we've been able to achieve ourselves but unfortunately I do feel let down by the system and the way they're handling our request for a re-audit," Allam told the Mail. "Apparently we only missed on level two by two per cent. You have to achieve 5,000 points to achieve level two status and we missed out by 125 points. "We asked for them to reconsider with us only being two per cent off but they came back and said no, even though since the review we've appointed another 12 people. "We've now asked for another audit this year and they've said that may not come for another 18 months. "That wouldn't mean we stay at level three for this season but next season as well. "That's so disappointing when you've got the FA putting all this investment into a review of grassroots football and how you improve. Here you've got a club who's investing money and you don't allow us the dignity to play against the teams on our level, no wonder English football is struggling. "We're not promising to do things, we've actually done them." A decision over City's next audit lies with the FA's Professional Game Board and a chance to state their case will come next month. Belgian company Double Pass would then be tasked to carry out the process. Allam's frustration stems from the worry a sizeable investment may not be recognised until the 2016-17 season. Based at Bishop Burton having moved out of Ideal Standard in July, City now employ 23 full-time staff through the academy. They had hoped the only box left to be ticked would be sourcing an indoor facility to sit alongside their all-weather surface. "It's not just a change of location, it's a cultural change. We're changing the philosophy of the academy," said Allam. "The infrastructure, the facilities, the staffing has changed considerably. We're currently operating at Category Two standards although the status is still just Category Three. "We've had a lot of praise for the work we're doing at the academy. We had an email recently from one coach who felt compelled to congratulate us on the standards we've got here. "This individual goes around Premier League clubs on a regular basis every year and this was the first time he's felt compelled to write in like this. That speaks volumes for what we've been able to achieve in a relatively short period of time."

Ehab Allam furious after Hull City development squad told to stay in lower youth league

A "DANGEROUS" 23-year-old has been jailed for ten years for stabbing a man in a revenge attack – six years after attacking a stranger with a kitchen knife. Robert Hodgkinson was found guilty of wounding Tiago Magalhaes with intent, following a trial at Hull Crown Court. He stabbed the University of Hull student in the thigh with a "Rambo Army knife" because he had defended a woman whom Hodgkinson had been aggressive towards at a house party. Judge Mark Bury told him: "You are a dangerous offender and there is a significant risk of you causing serious harm to the public by committing future offences." Hodgkinson, of Sharp Street, west Hull, had already served three and a half years in prison for stabbing Ricky Wilson twice in the stomach in 2008 in Pearson Park, west Hull. He stabbed Mr Magalhaes in Exmouth Street, west Hull, at about 6.30am on August 17 this year, just two days before he began a three-and-a-half-year sentence for drug-dealing. Hodgkinson, who was with two unknown men, thrust the knife at Mr Magalhaes's stomach but missed and plunged it deep into this thigh. His accomplice kicked the victim in the arm, dislocating his shoulder. Mr Magalhaes told the court: "He was out of his mind. "You could see it was blood he was going for – nothing stopped him, he was a maniac. "He threw a knife at me and tried stabbing me in the belly. "I saw my life going backwards. I was scared but I kept defending myself, somehow. "The last thing I saw was my friend, who said: 'Get up. If you don't you are going to die here'. "There was blood everywhere." Mr Magalhaes had met Hodgkinson for the first time just hours earlier at a house party in Lambton Street, west Hull. When Hodgkinson was rude to a female guest, Thembi Mhlanga, Mr Magalhaes leapt to her defence. Hodgkinson then racially abused him and punched him the face. Hodgkinson, was "out of control" with anger and told Miss Mhlanga: "I will get my friends to come down and get Tiago." He climbed out of a bedroom window and left. Hodgkinson then called two friends for back-up, who came armed with the knife and a screwdriver. One was on a moped. Mr Magalhaes, Miss Mhlanga and two others went to buy some cigarettes, unaware Hodgkinson and his associates were waiting for them. Within seconds, Hodgkinson came at Mr Magalhaes and stabbed him. Mr Evans said: "Both ended up on the floor, this time the defendant had gained the advantage and was on top of the complainant and trying to stab him to the stomach with the knife." Mr Magalhaes managed to flee but soon collapsed in a pool of blood in the street. Sentencing Hodgkinson, Judge Bury said: "You approached him outside and there was no question of any talking, you went straight to him and you made to stab him in the stomach. "I am satisfied the injury to his leg was a result of him taking evasive action. "I am also satisfied there was an intention by you to commit more serious harm than was caused." Detective Constable Matt Dickinson, of Hull's critical investigation team, praised Mr Magalhaes. He said: "We are pleased with the success of this case in exposing Hodgkinson for the violent offender he is and that knife crime is taken seriously by the police, Crown Prosecution Service and courts. "We praise the witnesses and the victim, who acted gallantly throughout this long and complex investigation. "Furthermore, we are pleased the victim and witnesses now have closure and justice for the horrendous ordeal they bravely endured."

‘He wanted blood’: Robert Hodgkinson jailed for 10 years after stabbing party-goer who bravely leapt to woman’s defence

FLY-TIPPING hotspots are being targeted as part of a crackdown on littering across the Avenues in Hull.

Environmental Neighbourhood Nuisance Officers have so far carried out patrols in Suffolk Street and Sharp Street, off Newland Avenue, following a rise in complaints about dog fouling and fly-tipping.

Now councillors are urging residents to report cases of littering in the tenfoots and are in discussions with landlords about preventing fly-tipping near their properties.

Newland ward Councillor Mike Ross said: "This is a number one issue for the streets off Newland Avenue and the ward and we are doing all we can to get these cleaned up.

"We are also looking to work with landlords in the area on taking this matter forward and we are appealing for everyone's help in getting information that can be used to gather evidence about who is causing these problems in the first place.

"This is an issue that has got worse over the last year.

"While it is by no means a new thing, it is certainly increasing."

Councillors are using part of their local ward fund to pay for the clean-ups.

More dog fouling warning signs and stickers have been placed in the area and there were letter drops along litter-strewn streets warning residents who have waste in their ten-foots.

Absent landlords will meet with councillors because often their tenants will dump unwanted belongings in the street.

Cllr Ross said: "It has been noticed there has been more of a problem lately with bulky items.

"In terms of landlords, that is for a more long-term solution.

"We want to work with landlords on ideas of how to stop this in the first place.

"We have now come together to decide which idea works best."

Hull City Council is able to fine offenders but gathering strong enough evidence for conviction can prove difficult.

Now, Cllr Ross wants residents to keep a lookout and report offending.

He said: "The council will go through fly-tipped rubbish to find that evidence but if they don't find it, they cannot take action.

"From my point of view, this is less about punishment and more about stopping it from happening in the first place."

Visit www.hullcc.gov.uk, email hull.citysafe@hullcc. gov.uk or call 01482 300300 to report littering.

Email Cllr Ross to volunteer your help at councillor. ross@hullcc.gov.uk or call 01482 613631.

Poop patrols and fly-tipping tours to clean up Avenues in Hull

A SERIAL fraudster toured supermarkets in the region and tricked them into refunding cash for expensive wine he had not bought.

Jeffrey Hall, 42, was jailed for six months after admitting seven charges of fraud at Hull Crown Court.

Hall, of Buttermere Close, west Hull, conned Morrisons, Marks & Spencer and Tesco staff into refunding £500 of wine and cake.

He would telephone the stores to say he wanted a refund for wine he had purchased.

In fact, he would enter the shop empty-handed and take wine from the shelves before taking it to the tills to ask for his money back.

Prosecutor Nicola Quinney said: "All these frauds were committed in a similar way.

"The defendant would usually contact the supermarkets beforehand to say he wanted to return wine, which he said was not fit for drinking.

"Then, he would enter the store without the wine, go to the wine aisle, collect an item and then go to the till, claiming he had bought it earlier."

On March 12, he conned Tesco in Grimsby out of £140. He later tricked staff at the Tesco store in Cleethorpes out of £154 by claiming to need a refund on wine.

Two days later, he went to Morrisons in Holderness Road, east Hull, claiming to have bought £60 of cake.

On March 15, he went to Marks & Spencer in Beverley and picked up £161 of wine.

The following day, he went to the Morrisons store in Anlaby and claimed to need a refund on wine.

His crimes came to light when he went into the Morrisons store in Goodhart Road, Bransholme, to return some wine, but staff there had already been alerted to a possible scam.

He was seen on CCTV entering the store empty-handed.

When he attempted to trick the staff, they challenged him and detained him in the store.

He was arrested but denied making calls to the supermarket before- hand and was released on bail.

On May 27, he used the same method in an Asda store in Durham but fled when he was told the manager was needed to authorise the refund.

Miss Quinney said his record was "littered" with similar previous offences, dating back to 2000. He was jailed in 2012 for fraud and shop theft.

In mitigation, Richard Thompson said Hall was now a carer for his partner who suffers with multiple sclerosis. He claimed Hall was expecting a share of £300,000 inheritance from his father in the West Indies, so would no longer have to commit fraud for cash.

He said: "Clearly, financial issues have lead to this offending, due to his lack of employment and so on."

Sentencing Hall to six months in prison, Judge Michael Mettyear said: "You are a systematically dishonest man and you have been for a long, long time.

"You wanted money and you regarded this as an easy way of getting it, so you fell back into your old ways.

"It was a well-tried path by you that needed a degree of planning, preparation and thought."

Corked wine con earned Jeffrey Hall hundreds from Tesco and M&S supermarkets

HULL FC will have to start pre-season on November 1 without new signing Steve Michaels.

The 26-year-old centre has had his application to enter the country held up due to the lack of games played last season in the NRL.

There are no issues with Michaels' visa application however, with the former Gold Coast Titans player told he can start his contract at Hull at the end of the second week of November.

Michaels has agreed a one-year deal at Hull and is eager to make an impression.

He has started his training in Australia and will miss just the first two weeks of pre-season, alongside England international Joe Westerman, who is also absent because of his Four Nations involvement Down Under.

Michaels and Westerman will be Hull's only absentees, with fellow new signing from Australia Curtis Naughton already in the country and Aussie Mark Minichiello expected to arrive next week.

Hull coach Lee Radford had wanted his entire squad to start pre-season training together on November 1, but won't be concerned at having only two of his 34-man squad absent.

Michaels has been booked on the earliest possible flight out of Australia and is understood to have been given an individual programme which will ensure he is up to speed when he arrives at the end of the second week of pre-season training.

New Hull FC signing Steve Michaels'move delayed until mid-November

HULL KR coach Chris Chester believes Sonny Esslemont will return to Rovers a better player as a result of playing in the European Championship.

Esslemont started at loose-forward for Scotland in their 42-18 win over Wales to get their tournament up and running with a resounding victory.

The 20-year-old, who spent most of the season helping Gateshead qualify for their first ever play-offs, is likely to keep his place in the side as they face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday in a game which could determine who plays against England, New Zealand and Australia in the 2016 Four Nations.

A win for Scotland will put them in pole position ahead of their third and final game against France at Netherdale, Galashiels.

Ireland go into Saturday's crunch match having beaten pre-tournament favourites France 22-12.

Chester, a former assistant coach for the Scotland national side, knows Esslemont is playing against top players in the tournament which will serve him well at Rovers next season.

"Sonny will get a lot out of this tournament. He is playing in a good Scotland team against quality players," Chester told the Mail.

"Gateshead play in a good competitive league, but it's not as strong or as good as playing international rugby.

"His confidence will definitely grow with this tournament and that will only benefit us next year.

"He will come back to pre-season training a much better player without any doubt. Sonny will toughen up playing against the calibre of players he is.

"There is a lot riding on the outcome of this tournament with a place in the Four Nations at stake."

Chester is delighted Esslemont has been rewarded for the hard work he has put in over the last couple of seasons.

Esslemont has only played once for Rovers, coming off the bench in the 32-14 home defeat to Catalans Dragons at the start of September – so to start for Scotland before starting a game for his club is something Chester says he can be proud of.

"I was very pleased with his performance in the win over Wales," Chester said.

"I spoke to Dave Rotherham who was just as happy with how he did on his international debut.

"Sonny has worked very hard over the last season or so.

"It will be a massive job for him to force his way into my 17-man squad every week because of the quality players we have at the club.

"I hope he is ready to fight for his place after representing his country.

"He has been one of our stand-out performers in the academy in recent years.

"There was nobody happier than me when he earned his first professional contract.

"What happens next is up to Sonny."

Hull KR's Sonny Esslemont will benefit from Scotland games, say club

KARIM Rossi believes there's still plenty of room for improvement in his displays for Hull City's development squad, despite being on the losing side only once so far this season. The Swiss-Moroccan striker headed his side's winner in the latter stages at Hillsborough in the 1-0 Premier League Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday earlier this week. Joining the Tigers in the off-season following three years at Premier League rivals Stoke City, Rossi promises there's more to come following his second goal of the 2014-15 campaign. "I had a great three years at Stoke but maybe it was time for a bit of fresh scenery. I'm very grateful that the club took me on and gave me the opportunity and now it's time for me to do my best," he told the Mail. "It's like a big family here. Tony (Pennock, reserves manager) and the lads are great and I've settled in really well. "Since I've joined I've been very happy with my own form. It's been good so far. "The club has been great with me and training has been fantastic up at Bishop Burton. I've got to keep going and push on and score my goals. That's what I have to keep doing. "I've been working on my finishing because in the past few games I've had a few chances which I could've done better with, and it's paid off by scoring the goal at Sheffield." Rossi praised the work of his team-mates, including £2.5m defender Harry Maguire – who provided the teasing assist from the flanks for the winner on Monday night. "It's a very good goal for me. Harry's done the hard work with a ball like that and all I can do is put the ball in the back of the net," he added. "It was a great experience for the lads to play at a ground like Hillsborough. Everybody worked hard and to come away with the win was pleasing. "We're now looking forward to finding out who we will play in the next round." Rossi will hope to further his goal-scoring exploits when the Tigers return to Final Third Development League East Division action at North Ferriby United on Tuesday night, with Doncaster Rovers the visitors. Kick-off is 7pm.

Young Hull City striker Karim Rossi rising to new challenge after switch from Stoke City

A RADIO DJ who smashed a baseball bat so hard over a bailiff's van he broke it in two narrowly avoided jail after refusing to complete his community service.

Darren Duckworth, of Market Weighton, had been ordered to complete 150 hours' unpaid work after he was convicted by a jury of criminal damage and affray in April last year.

Duckworth threatened to smash into a bailiff's van, who had arrived at his house to take away his girlfriend's car for unpaid court costs.

He then threatened him with the bat, hitting it so hard on to the van that it split in two.

Prosecuting, Cathy Kioko said: "The defendant came out of the address and went towards the complainant with a clenched fist.

"He said 'move your van or I will knock seven bells of s*** out of you'.

"The defendant got into the Corsa and began reversing it towards the complainant's van as he tried to get inside.

"Each time he tried to get into the van, he reversed at speed.

"As the complainant was on the phone to police, the defendant came out of the house holding a wooden baseball bat.

"He moved towards the complainant's van and tried to open the doors but he had locked himself inside.

"The complainant then started to reverse away from the defendant, who started to hit the van with the baseball bat.

"Before the complainant could leave the area, he hit the van with such force the baseball bat split in two."

Since June, the Vixen 101 community radio DJ has managed just 29 hours of unpaid work.

When challenged by Judge Mark Bury at Hull Crown Court about the breach, Duckworth told him he did not have time to do it.

Representing himself, he told Judge Bury: "I didn't know I was committing affray, I thought I was perfectly within my rights to chase a man away from my house who was threatening my wife and child.

"I am not prepared to do it, I can't fit it in, I just don't have time for it. No one is going to die if I don't do this community work, so I am not going to do it."

Judge Bury said: "I have to tell you, your attitude has put you in a situation whereby I am considering sending you to prison."

Duckworth said: "I have had enough, it has already cost me so much of my life that I can't be bothered any more.

"It has destroyed me."

In the middle of proceedings, Duckworth's mobile phone rang and he apologised, saying: "Sorry, I am on the school run."

He also asked for his travel expenses to be covered if he were to complete the unpaid work, to which Judge Bury replied: "No, you will be taken there in a van."

Judge Bury said: "You have to do this work, it is as simple as that.

"I am trying to keep you out of prison but as hard as I am trying to keep you out, you seem to be trying hard to get in."

Duckworth said: "I have just had enough of this life, there is nothing to offer me any more.

"I am not suicidal but I have lost the respect I had in Market Weighton for being an idiot with a baseball bat."

A probation officer then informed the court he could do unpaid work on a Sunday, which Duckworth agreed to.

Increasing the unpaid work order by ten hours, Judge Bury said: "Be under no illusion if you do not complete this work, there will be a custodial sentence."

Car attack DJ Darren Duckworth refuses to complete community service – because his family comes first

PIERS MORGAN branded him Britain's worst singer.

But five years after first auditioning for Britain's Got Talent, Dave Watson, 57, is determined to prove him wrong.

The west Hull factory worker will audition for the show for the second time next month.

Although Piers is no longer on the judging panel, Dave can still remember his words.

"After I had finished singing I knew I had done really bad," he said.

"There's three reasons why I did bad.

"Firstly, I had a bad chest infection. Secondly, I was left to wait several hours in the holding room to perform and thirdly my nerves just got the best of me.

"I know I can do better this time."

As Dave sang The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens, judges Piers Morgan, Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden all pressed their buzzers to bring his performance to an end.

Simon was the first judge to comment, saying: "No competition, that was so awful it was beyond description."

Amanda added: "Basically, David, it was rubbish."

Piers completed the criticism by saying: "I think you might be the worst singer in Britain."

All three then voted him out of the competition.

Dave, of Walton Street, said he chose to sing The Lion Sleeps Tonight because he had heard it was a favourite of head judge, Simon Cowell.

He said: "I knew Simon liked the song and that is why I chose it, but things didn't go to plan and it wasn't as good as it should have been."

Dave is determined to impress new judges David Walliams and Alesha Dixon, who have joined Amanda and Simon on the panel, when he auditions for the talent show at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.

He would not reveal to the Mail what song he is going to sing.

Mr Watson said: "I am setting out to prove everyone wrong.

"I will knock them dead with my performance or, failing that, I will be thrown out of the competition.

"Some people, when they hear me sing, say I sound amazing.

"Everyone has their own opinion at the end of the day, but I know I can and will do better this time."

Dave started singing when he was 43 and says his favourite artists are the Lighthouse Family and Scissor Sisters.

He said: "I had always wanted to sing.

"One night I had quite a few drinks and did some karaoke with my friend.

"The next day, when I was sober, I sang the songs again and thought I sounded quite good.

"Now I really study the songs I sing and love it.

"I am going to make everyone proud this time."

Staff at The New Griffin pub in Anlaby Road, west Hull, have been helping him get more experience performing on stage, ahead of his big audition on Saturday, November 1.

The landlord Paul Metcalfe has asked Dave, a regular at the pub, to perform a special set on Tuesday, October 28.

He said: "Dave decided to enter Britain's Got Talent again this year to prove to the judges he can sing.

"He wanted somewhere where he could perform on stage in front of an audience, so we invited him to help us here with a special charity night."

As part of the event, which will raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Dave will take part in a special sing-along-bingo.

Mr Metcalfe said: "Dave has chosen 81 songs for the evening.

"People will pick a number at random and he will then sing the song for that particular number.

"For every song he sings we are asking people to donate £1 for charity."

So far the pub has raised £3,600 for Guide Dogs for the Blind, but Mr Metcalfe is hoping to take the total to £5,000.

Mr Metcalfe said: "The charity has said that if we raise £5,000, then we can name one of the guide dogs Griffin after the pub, which would be absolutely fantastic."

Return of the ‘World’s Worst Singer’: Dave Watson back on Britain’s Got Talent – after a helping hand from Hull’s New Griffin pub

THE Hull Daily Mail is today appealing to all politicians across the four Humber regions to join together and deliver a better future for everyone.

And we hope people from across our proud region will back this call.

Why are we doing this? Because central Government has made it quite plain in recent months that this area will miss out on huge public investment unless we speak with one voice.

Why are we doing it now? Another report was released yesterday discussing growth issues for northern cities and once again Hull and its satellite areas do not feature as a priority.

What are we asking? That politicians from Hull, the East Riding, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire agree to talk with one voice and stop bickering between themselves when it comes to gaining Government investment on key economic infrastructure projects, such as road and rail transport and devolved spending powers.

This does not entail a return to the dark days of a combined Humberside authority and it does not mean that these regions lose their independence.

It does mean that Hull – as the regional city – will take the lead, as stipulated by the Government. However, talks can happen behind the scenes beforehand and agreement reached.

Hull and the Humber has been a northern powerhouse before in its history and it can be again, led by public sector co-operation aligned to working together with bodies such as the Local Enterprise Partnership, not trying to derail it.

If we dither and argue over parochial or historical local political issues, we will miss out.

All other major city regions now speak with one voice a voice speaking on behalf its citizens, in conjunction with a strong private sector link.

It simplifies the process, encourages joined-up thinking and cuts down time spent on decision-making. This gives confidence to those private companies seeking to invest in an area.

Projects such as One North or Northern Gateway are well advanced on creating a northern powerhouse that will bring better transport, more jobs and the chance of a brighter future for our children, as well as the current working population. The aim is to draw in investment by simplifying how that can be done.

Cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle have been talking as a single entity for some times – leading the charge for their own regions and for each other.

Hull – and by definition – the other three authorities occasionally get an honourable mention but we are not a member of this exclusive club because of our fragmented approach.

And that means everyone living in this area is being deprived of further investment and opportunity because of the refusal to unite – for the benefit of us all – and to allow Hull to be the "spokesman" for the group, as requested.

This does not mean that East Riding, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire have to give up their own identities or independent status. They don't and proof of that can be seen by the combined authorities of the likes of Liverpool and Manchester.

It just means the four authorities must get together; agree on issues affecting the people they often forget they represent and then provide a single vision, in conjunction with the local and regional business community.

This all sounds very simple but remember, this is a region where the bid to gain central money under the City Deal process was handicapped by the refusal of some politicians to accept the name of Hull being included in the name of the bid. A City Deal bid without the name of the city in it? Beggars belief.

And it is this old-fashioned paranoia (or arrogance and self- aggrandisement) that needs to stop before its paralysing effect means we miss out for evermore.

All areas north and south of the river need investment if we are to thrive in the future – especially if it helps raise the aspiration and opportunities for our youngsters. Local authorities arguing among themselves is not helpful.

The Government (and it will be the same if that colour changes next year) has made it quite clear that they will only deal with a single point of contact for each areas on these particular investment priorities. Other major cities have echoed that call.

This area has had investment in recent months and for that we are grateful to a good number of local politicians and officers working behind the scenes as well as private bodies such as the LEP. But local authorities must never become self-satisfied or, worse still, allow personal political agendas to deprive the population of a better life.

Belief and ambition alone are not enough. We need cash.

Failure to act together to the detriment to the future of ordinary people should leave those not prepared to work together wholly ashamed.

'Together we can deliver a brighter future for Hull and Humber'

Peter Swan looks ahead with confidence to Hull City's clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

I DON'T think there has ever been a better time for Hull City to go to Anfield to face Liverpool.

The Reds have shown their weaknesses in Premier League matches recently, and I think Steve Bruce's side can come away with a point at least.

Harry Redknapp will still be scratching his head wondering why his side lost 3-2 to Liverpool when everyone admitted afterwards his side deserved a draw at the very least.

The performance of Brendan Rodgers' side will give City hope and that's before the small matter of Liverpool's Champions League clash with Real Madrid last night which they lost 3-0.

That will have taken its toll on the players who will have to back it up on Saturday in the league.

We might see Rodgers rest a few of his players like Raheem Sterling, who must be absolutely shattered at this stage of the season.

But Liverpool have a big enough squad to be able to chop and change from one game to the next.

If that wasn't enough to give City fans confidence going to Anfield, the performance at the Emirates in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Saturday should.

Had it not been for Danny Welbeck's late equaliser, City would have claimed another famous 2-1 win at the Emirates.

The Tigers made life difficult for the Gunners last Saturday and they will have to do the same against Liverpool.

Liverpool were simply shocking at Loftus Road last Sunday and I'm sure Steve Bruce's eyes lit up when he saw how Rangers went toe-to-toe with them.

Rodgers will want a response from his players after that game and if he doesn't get it, Liverpool could be in trouble.

Crosses seemed to be a major problem for them and that will be one area of the game City will be keen to exploit.

In Ahmed Elmohamady and Andy Robertson, they have two players who can deliver deadly crosses into the heart of any defence.

The Tigers' wide players are definitely one of the side's strengths and they must utilise that as much as they can.

Elmohamady and Robertson are two very important players for City in any game, but against the so-called better sides, their role becomes even more important.

City didn't have a lot of possession at Arsenal, but they still did well.

At Anfield, City need to make sure they get more possession and feed these two as often as they can so they can get the ball into the box and hope to force an error.

With Martin Skrtel, anything is possible.

Remember his nightmare at the KC Stadium last season when he could have been credited with two own goals?

Last weekend, we saw four own goals and four penalties scored so anything is possible.

I wouldn't go all out against Liverpool because they have enough quality to hurt you on the break, especially if Steven Gerrard is on top form.

His role has changed now he is moving towards the end of his career.

He is staying further back rather than charging forward as we saw in his early Liverpool days.

From City's point of view, I'd rather have him further forward so he can't dictate the pace of the game.

Liverpool threw him forward against QPR, but it didn't work out too well, but with Mario Balotelli ahead of him, maybe that was why.

Balotelli is like a circus and anything can happen with him in close proximity.

With Daniel Sturridge missing, there is nothing for City to be scared of at Anfield.

'Hull City have nothing to fear from misfiring Liverpool'

An update of people convicted and sentenced in the courts in Hull and the East Riding.Shane Key, 31, of Arthur Street, west Hull, was ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work for assaulting a woman and for damaging a door belonging to Dorr-Step housing. He was ordered to pay £85 costs, £75 compensation and a £60 victim surcharge.Fiona McDonagh, 32, of Hilston Grove, east Hull, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, for stealing a jacket and a leg of lamb worth £25 from Asda while serving a community order. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.David Owston, 38, of no fixed abode, was jailed for two months for entering Hull city centre, which he was banned from doing by an anti-social behaviour order. He was ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.Gary Cooper, 47, of New Village Road, Cottingham, was ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work for using abusive and threatening words or behaviour which was likely to cause Brian Larrad to believe violence would be used and for driving without reasonable consideration for others. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.David Pearce, 34, of Ash Grove, west Hull, was sentenced to five months in jail, suspended for 12 months, for being in possession of amphetamines, stealing £10 of chocolate bars from Nisa Stores and for failing to surrender to Hull Magistrates' Court and Clough Road Police Station while on bail. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.Jamie Anderson, 23, of St Georges Road, west Hull, was jailed for 12 weeks for assaulting a woman by beating her, for using violence to get into a house on Alliance Avenue and for damaging a television and electric socket which did not belong to him.Mark Brown, 36, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, for assaulting a woman, occasioning her actual bodily harm. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation, £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Hull court listings: Find out who has been sentenced (October 23, 2014)

CITY council leaders say it is time for their counterparts across the Humber region to unite to help boost the economy. The call, backed by the Mail, comes after the region was left out of a major report proposing new devolved powers to 15 so-called "metro area"' across the country. With English devolution now high on the political agenda following the Scottish independence debate, senior Guildhall figures believe the Hull and Humber region could miss out on future government funding to other city-led combined bodies. They fear that would stifle economic growth and see new jobs and investment going elsewhere. The city's push for a combined body overseeing economic development and transport issues has so far failed to win the support of East Riding Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council. Hull chief executive Darryl Stephenson said: "The city council has been proposing it for the best part of two years now but without the co-operation of our neighbours it has not been possible to make any progress. "Our concern is that this has been down to petty parochial politics driven by God knows what. "Whatever the reasons, it has created divisions between Hull and the East Riding and the South Bank councils, which are entirely unnecessary. "What we are saying is let's see what we can do together to maximise the economic advantages of the area and how we can deliver new jobs and more prosperity for now and for our children. "This should not just be focusing on residents in deprived parts of the city. There are plenty of deprived areas in places like Bridlington, Goole, Driffield and even Beverley. It should be about helping the whole area." Mr Stephenson said a number of previous cross-Humber agreements and initiatives involving the four councils around the estuary had all failed to deliver. "For a variety of reasons, none of them have really worked," he said. "The truth is, the area has been very good at policy but not very good at implementation. "Things have been done on a piecemeal basis because there has been a lack of communal interest and, I believe, a lack of strong local authority leadership. "I also believe there has been and still is a lack of appreciation of how far the area is being left behind." The urgency, as Hull sees it, is the apparent gathering political momentum for the transfer of decision-making powers and funding from Whitehall to combined authorities. Mr Stephenson said: "We are not decrying the efforts that went into attracting a company like Siemens to the area. "However, what we are asking is how are we going to attract more new jobs like that? "The city council put £5m of its own money into the Siemens deal. "With the kind of reductions councils are seeing in central government funding probably continuing for several years, there might well come a point when another potential investment on the scale of Siemens comes along and another £5m worth of support will simply be unaffordable. "National politicians of all colours have made it clear this is the way to go in terms of economic development. "We recognise where the other (Humber) councils are on this but we need to take them with us because Hull is the economic driver of the region. "If we don't go down the combined route everyone will miss out. "I hear what Steve Parnaby is saying about leaving things alone if they aren't broke but our viewpoint is that the existing system is broken. "It's all very well talking about new development at Melton but the reality is that most firms in Hull cannot expand because of a lack of land. "So what happens is they move out of the city and into the East Riding. "That's not real economic growth, it's just like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. "The fact is that as a region we need to be creating 25,000 new jobs just to get up to the national average. "What we want is to get round the table and start talking to the other councils. Personally I think there is case for all four authorities to be included. "However, just talking about it would a first step." City council leader Councillor Steve Brady said: "This is not about changing boundaries. It is not about losing the individual identities of places like Cleethorpes, Grimsby or anywhere in the East Riding. "It is about using the combined power for the benefit of one million people. "When you start talking about that kind of number, then the Government starts to take notice. "At the moment things are too loose and that is not acceptable to the Government. "We need to be able to speak to national politicians with one voice. "That's what they want and we are not able to do that at the moment. "I get frustrated with the parochialism because you don't get it anywhere else in the North, just here on the Humber." The leader of North East Lincolnshire Council said he does not see the value in a new combined body to help boost the Humber's fortunes. Councillor Chris Shaw said: "We already have a joint Humber committee working successfully with the other three councils to drive forward the investment and other agendas on behalf of the whole sub-region and currently I see no reason to change those arrangements." However, Cllr Brady said the joint committee had only met twice in the past two years. He said its powers were limited because each council was able to trigger an opt-out clause on key decisions, making it difficult to secure required unanimous votes from all four authorities.

'Join up across Humber or risk falling further behind': Call for councils to unite to give region one voice in race for investment