THE number of patients dying in the region's main hospitals has come under the spotlight in a national report.

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, is one of more than 170 trusts in England included in mortality figures published by healthcare information provider Dr Foster.

The data in the Dr Foster Hospital Guide looks at two measures of mortality for 2011-12, with varying outcomes in each.

The Dr Foster Hospital Standardised Mortality Ratio (HSMR), which compares the expected rate of death in a hospital with the actual rate of death, reveals 499 fewer patients died during the period compared with the previous 12 months.

But Summary-Level Hospital Mortality Index (SHMI) data, which compares the number of expected deaths with the actual number recorded within 30 days of the patients' discharge, shows 292 more deaths than expected for the year.

Yvette Oade, the trust's chief medical officer, said patient safety remains the top priority and death rates are taken "very seriously".

She said: "We know mortality statistics don't tell the full story.

"But we know they mean an awful lot to the public.

"We want the public to have confidence, when they come into the hospital, that they are coming somewhere that is safe."

According to the HSMR data, there were 2,599 deaths in the hospitals from April 2010 to March 2011, compared to 2,100 from April 2011 to March 2012 – a difference of 499.

Of the five patient groups included, four were "within the expected range" for mortality figures.

However, deaths after surgery, which was expected to see 84 deaths but actually saw 130, remains "higher than expected".

The SHMI figures show the number of expected deaths was 2,975 but the actual number recorded was 3,267.

Dr Oade said the trust was in the bottom 20 trusts for this data, as the figures were "higher than expected" for the year. But she said the number continues to fall.

The trust said the HSMR figure reflects major changes undertaken after it was named the second-worst trust in England for mortality rates two years ago.

Dr Oade said patient safety continues to be improved, including increasing the number of hours consultants spend in the acute assessment unit and accident and emergency department.

She said a respiratory ward has also been moved from Castle Hill Hospital to Hull Royal Infirmary to prevent seriously ill patients having to be transferred.

A director of patient safety has been appointed and any patients with the potentially fatal superbug Clostridium difficile (C difficile) are treated on one ward.

Dr Oade said end of life care has played a part in the HSMR reduction, with more palliative care consultants appointed and more patients choosing to spend their final days in Dove House Hospice in the first quarter of the year than the whole of last year.

The trust said the way patients and their illnesses are recorded has also been improved, while every death continues to be investigated.

Mrs Oade said: "Our doctors are committed to understanding, if the mortality rate is high, why it is high.

"They don't want there to be any avoidable deaths. They see that as a direct reflection on their clinical teams."

THERE are various measures of mortality.

The Dr Foster Hospital Standardised Mortality Ratio compares the expected rate of death in a hospital with the actual rate.

Dr Foster looks at patients with diagnoses that most commonly result in death.

For each group of patients, it can work out how often, on average, they survive their stay in hospital and how often they die.

This takes into account the age of the patient, the severity of their illness and other factors, such as whether they live in a deprived area. Dr Foster can then work out how many patients it would expect to die at each hospital and it is compared with the number of patients who actually die.

The Department of Health Summary-Level Hospital Mortality Index (SHMI) compares the number of expected deaths with the actual number recorded within 30 days of the patients' discharge.

If a patient dies from natural causes two weeks after they have been discharged from hospital, it will be counted as a hospital death under SHMI.

HULL FC will have a triple boost at training today as former Hull KR duo Shannon McDonnell and Ben Galea report for duty, alongside returning England Knights captain Danny Houghton.

McDonnell and Galea are seen as two key additions for 2013 by head coach Peter Gentle.

McDonnell, who was subject to continued links to the Black and Whites throughout the second half of last season, flew into the country last week and briefly met some of his new team-mates on Friday.

The ex-Robin has spent the past month training at his home in Sydney, and was today set for testing to gauge his fitness before being thrown in with his new side for a gruelling pre-season programme.

Having been without a specialist full-back last season following Wade McKinnon's decision to return home to Australia just months into his three-year deal, Gentle went after McDonnell to plug an important hole in his side.

Signed on a two-year contract, his arrival will see the two work together once again after Gentle oversaw the full-back's progression through to the first team at Wests Tigers.

Gentle will also be reacquainted with close friend Galea, another who he knows well from his days at the Tigers.

He, like McDonnell, was unable to agree terms over a new deal at Craven Park, and agreed to make the surprise switch across the city the day before his final game for the Robins last season.

With half-back Daniel Holdsworth not arriving until after Christmas, and fellow new recruit Gareth Ellis yet to report at the club, Gentle is eager to get the pair fully acclimatised at Hull ahead of the festive break and January camp.

HULL City assistant boss Steve Agnew believes the Tigers' steadfast team spirit can be the inspiration for a sustained promotion challenge.

The Tigers produced the perfect remedy to a week of frustration at the KC Stadium, bouncing back from a 1-0 loss to Burnley and a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace to win 2-1 at promotion rivals Nottingham Forest.

An 11th win of the season, courtesy of a Robert Koren penalty and a Paul McShane winner, maintained City's play-off place and lifted them above Millwall to fifth.

A testing month will continue with a tough trip to in-form Watford this weekend, but Agnew believes City have a togetherness that will serve them well.

"Any player or manager will tell you that you need that team spirit and these lads have got it in abundance," said Agnew.

"They're a really tight group and, as you saw, they work really hard for each other. That's what can be the difference sometimes. We want to be challenging at the right end of the league and where we're sat right now is thoroughly deserved.

"We've had the odd blip and had performances that haven't been up to scratch, but they're a terrific group of players to work with. The manager and all the staff enjoy every day with them.

"When you enjoy working together, the success inevitably becomes more consistent. Let's hope, with us coming up to the Christmas period, that we can keep making the most of the chance we've given ourselves. With a little bit more consistency, who knows where that could take us?"

City's ranks are displaying heartening depth as the demanding Christmas period looms, but the services of midfielder David Meyler could be lost ahead of this weekend's trip to in-from Watford.

The Republic of Ireland international will hit the 28-day mark of his loan spell from Sunderland on Thursday and, as a result, could be recalled by the injury-hit Black Cats.

There has been no definitive answer from Sunderland as they attempt to cover the loss of captain Lee Cattermole to injury, but Agnew admitted Meyler could be recalled.

"There's a possibility of it, we'll just have to wait and see. I think Steve (Bruce) will make contact with Sunderland this week and see what the next few days brings us."

The potential loss of Meyler would be offset by the availability of Tom Cairney for this weekend's trip to Vicarage Road, while Paul McKenna and Seyi Olofinjana would also look to stake a claim.

Sone Aluko, who missed Saturday's win with a minor strain, will be another hopeful of a recall against Gianfranco Zola's sixth-placed Hornets.

"Fingers crossed, with a bit of treatment he'll have a chance of being involved next Saturday at Watford," Agnew said.

PAUL McShane is aiming to live out the peak years of his career with Hull City and finally banish the demons of a nightmare spell at the KC Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland international continued his brilliant run of form for Steve Bruce's side when scoring his first goal in City colours for almost four years to seal a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

A remarkable turnaround in fortunes has seen McShane transformed from a peripheral squad member to a new fans' favourite in two short months back in the first team.

The return to prominence is just reward for the 26-year-old's persistence after a miserable two-year period in City's wilderness, but McShane is setting his sights ambitiously on more.

"I'm really enjoying myself at the minute," he said. "The last two years have been the worst of my life.

"I'd only played a handful of games for Hull in that time but I always felt that I'd come to an age where I'm coming towards my peak.

"Your late twenties, early thirties, are probably when you're at your peak for a centre-half. I'd love to be here for that.

"I've always been willing to learn and I feel as though I've got some good experience behind me.

"I'm not Franco Baresi all of a sudden but I'm doing all right at the minute, I just want to keep that going and push for promotion."

After starting just 14 Championship games in the Tigers' previous two seasons and forced into loan moves with Barnsley and Crystal Palace, McShane has seized his opportunity under Bruce when lining up in 10 of the last 12 games.

A succession of whole-hearted performances have cemented a place in City's three-man defence and fully justified his decision to fight for a future in East Yorkshire.

"I did think my Hull career was over," he admitted. "I never wanted to leave Hull but I felt I might have been forced to.

"I've got a list of clubs the length of my arm now and I've never wanted that. It's just the way my football journey has worked out.

"Sometimes you do ask 'Am I going mad, here?'

"I always felt I should have had chances but, for whatever reason, they never came.

"I've just got to keep looking forward. I've spent too much time talking about me not playing because if you keep looking back, it can weigh you down."

McShane's new-found cult status was confirmed on Saturday as he pounced from close-range to earn a valuable victory over Forest. After Robert Koren's opener from the penalty spot was cancelled out by Billy Sharp's spot-kick, McShane bundled in the winner 21 minutes from time with his shoulder.

Although Forest appealed for handball, there was no denying McShane his first City goal since he memorably scored in a 2-2 draw at Liverpool in December 2008.

"It definitely wasn't a handball. I'd tell you if it was, it came off my chest and shoulder area," he added.

"It was a big game for us and we needed three points. We should be up there at the end of the season."

CITY have been drawn at home to Leyton Orient in the third round of the FA Cup.

ALMOST 300 motorists a week are being fined for parking illegally in the East Riding, the Mail can today reveal.

East Riding Council wardens took over responsibility for enforcing parking rules from Humberside Police 12 months ago.

Since then, there has been a huge rise in the number of motorists being fined.

In the past year, 15,259 tickets have been issued – more than the total number police officers handed out in three years.

Defending claims his team of wardens are overzealous, East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby said police had been too lenient on motorists in the past.

He said: "Police had not really been doing the service they should have been doing for a number of years."

But some traders claim the wardens scare off shoppers.

Philip Guest, of Guest and Philips Jewelers in Saturday Market, Beverley, said: "I think the wardens are extremely keen.

"I have seen them coming round at 5pm shining torches into windows to check they have got tickets.

"There have also been cases of them being overzealous.

"Primarily, they should be doing traffic management, not handing out tickets for minor infringements.

"There is a danger it will put people off coming to towns like Beverley."

From November last year to October, East Riding Council made £357,325 from parking fines.

John Skidmore, the local authority's head of streetscene services, said the majority of motorists park legally.

The council has always policed its own car parks.

According to its statistics, 1.6 million pay and display parking tickets were bought in the past year and the number of fines handed out is lower than similar-sized towns and cities in England.

Latest available figures show in the 2009-2010 financial year, 20,865 penalty charge notices were issued in Hull.

Mr Skidmore said: "From the start, our aim was to support safe and sensible parking across the East Riding, as the vast majority of motorists park properly and pay for the time they use.

"We still get daily requests from our residents to tackle parking problems and send out enforcement officers who invariably find that it is another example of a badly-parked vehicle blocking someone's access."

Anyone given a penalty charge notice will be fined either £70 or £50, depending on the severity of the offence.

In both cases, a 50 per cent reduction is offered, bringing the fines down to £35 or £25, if the fine is paid within 14 days of issue. Not all traders were critical of the wardens.

Barry Gibson, of the Streamers gift shop in North Bar Within, Beverley, said: "The council has a commitment to enforce the law on parking.

"Initially, some wardens may have been overzealous and more in-house training was given to prevent this."

Mr Parnaby said: "Overall, there has been a small number of complaints, but no one likes getting a parking ticket."

One motorist – a 50-year-old man of Cottingham – who received a ticket earlier this year, said: "They sometimes seem ruthless and there is no negotiation."

Humberside Police failed to respond to the Mail's request for comment.

10

WOMEN criminals in Hull could avoid punishment if they agree to go on courses to change the error of their ways.

Police are introducing a "groundbreaking" trial that could see women who have committed minor crimes avoiding prosecution in an attempt to reduce reoffending.

Instead, they will be referred to the Together Women charity to address the reasons behind their offending.

The pilot scheme, which will run for between three and six months, is targeting women, as police believe they respond better to encouragement than men.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Cunningham said: "It is not a soft option, but it is more benevolent.

"It will be their chance and, if they don't take that chance and come into custody again, then they will be going through the criminal justice system.

"We are trying something a bit different, which ultimately is about reducing reoffending and protecting the public.

"We recognise female criminals can be a vulnerable group and can commit offences for perhaps different reasons and are more receptive to support than perhaps male criminals might be."

The project, known as the triage system, will see every woman taken into custody at Priory Road police station assessed by a support worker to examine why they have offended. Those who have committed minor crimes could be referred to Together Women instead of receiving a fixed penalty ticket, caution or being prosecuted.

Det Chief Insp Cunningham said: "If they are a first-time offender, or have a limited offending history, we will look at using the process as a disposal rather than giving them a caution, ticket, or being prosecuted.

"Those that deserve to be prosecuted still will be, they will just also be given the option of the TWP to help themselves and prevent further offending.

"It will only be used as a disposal where we think it will be more effective than putting them through the criminal justice system.

"The impact of a caution or fixed-penalty ticket may be limited but providing support can help stop these people offending.

"It also offers value for money as it avoids the significant costs of processing somebody through the criminal justice system."

The scheme is based on a similar project in Hull, which has dramatically reduced reoffending among child criminals.

More than 940 young offenders have been referred to the Hull Youth Justice Service for support instead of being prosecuted since the youth triage scheme was launched in July 2009.

Of those, 770 have stayed out of trouble.

Det Chief Insp Cunningham said: "It is quite radical, but we are looking at the youth scheme, which is tried and tested and has been hugely successful.

"Our intention is to build on that success and we will be evaluating the results closely over the trial."

Workers from the Youth Justice Service will assess women at the police station.

Nick Metcalfe, manager of the service, said: "If it works with children and young people, why won't it work with older people?

"There are plenty if people of all ages who get into trouble for the first time and we don't do much about that. This is just expanding what we have been doing with young people and looking at adults.

"There is a real opportunity here and it will be interesting to see the results."

At Together Women, they will be assigned a key worker and given one-to-one support to identify any issues causing them to commit crime.

The centre in George Street, city centre, offers support for drug and alcohol misuse, domestic abuse and financial and accommodation problems.

Deputy manager Nicola Lambe said: "It is not a soft option at all. We are making them look at their issues and that is not an easy thing to do. The thing causing them to be out of control could be deeply buried and it is not easy to look at that.

"If they are given a caution, or taken through court, they can forget about those issues and could be back in the police station the next week and again and again.

"It is about trying to stop them offending before it becomes too late. If we can do that, it will have a knock-on effect on the whole community."

• Crime news for Hull and East Yorkshire

SOME people will see a red envelope drop on their doormat, while others will hear the "beep beep" of their mobile phone.

While traditionalists have vowed to send out Christmas cards this year, others say they will favour a round-robin "Happy Christmas" text.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the first text message.

Marking the occasion, a survey by SecurEnvoy has shown 53 per cent of people would rather text or instant message their friends than pick up the phone or meet them in person.

The Mail took to the streets of Hull this weekend to ask our readers if they would prefer to send a Christmas card or text to loved ones.

Liz Harros, 41, of east Hull, says she is a traditionalist when it comes to the festive season, while her daughter Emily, 13, will be texting her friends.

Liz said: "I will send Christmas cards out to the people who are away.

"If it is someone I see in person, I would rather speak to them.

"I think more people are sending text messages rather than picking up the phone these days because it saves time."

Emily said: "I always send text messages rather than cards – it's quicker."

The SecurEnvoy survey of 1,000 people found women, who have traditionally had a reputation for spending hours chatting on the phone to friends, are the worst offenders for texting rather than calling.

Almost six in ten women admit they prefer to text or instant message their friends, compared with less than half of men.

Men, on the other hand, show they are more sociable, with one in four saying they would pick up the phone to their mates.

Richard Oberg, 37, of Beverley, says he would rather send Christmas cards than texts.

The NHS worker said: "In my workplace we like to send donations to charity rather than Christmas cards to each other.

"I would always rather call than text.

"I don't text very often – I don't have a smartphone and it often takes me a long time to text.

"I'm sometimes in the middle of texting and then just decide to call instead."

East Hull resident Sarah Barrett, 39, says Christmas cards are more personal.

She said: "Christmas cards are definitely more personal – it is tradition.

"I do text more than I call though, which is why I make the effort to send cards at Christmas."

According to the survey, if you live in the Yorkshire and Humber region, you are more likely than anywhere else in the UK to prefer to meet your friends in person than send a text, with one in four claiming they do so.

Andy Kemshall, of SecurEnvoy, said: "This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first text message and it is amazing how fundamental the technology has become in our lives.

"This survey shows just how texts and instant messages are changing how people interact – if we believe the results, perhaps everyone will be sitting at home on New Year's Eve just messaging their friends rather than being out celebrating with them."

A MULTI-MILLION pound recycling facility could be built in east Hull.

Recycling and renewable energy company FCC Environment want to develop the existing waste management site at Wilmington, off Stoneferry Road.

The proposal would see a new state-of-the-art materials recycling facility to sort recyclable material on site before being transported to manufacturers in East Yorkshire who can use it to make new products.

At present, all the recyclable rubbish collected in the city's blue bins, such as plastics, metals and cardboard, are sent long distances by road for recycling in Manchester and north Wales.

Senior planning and estates manager at FCC Environment Chris Ratcliffe said: "We already have a waste transfer station at the site but we have to transport the material to be sorted.

"This facility will not change the amount of waste or recyclables coming to the site, only that the material will be sorted for recycling on site rather than being transported long distances.

"This facility will create five jobs to run it and more to maintain it.

"But it will also provide investment back into Hull and benefit the economy."

FCC Environment, which employs 2,400 people and operates more than 200 facilities across England, Scotland and Wales, held a public exhibition on Friday to show nearby residents the plans and receive feedback before a planning application is submitted.

People could view the plans at the Club House in Elm Avenue, Garden Village.

Mr Ratcliffe said: "We're keen to involve local communities in the planning process.

"We wanted to hear their views before we submit any planning application.

"We had a number of people attend the exhibition and the feedback has been good.

"Quite a few said they are all for it. But there have been some concerns about noise, air quality and traffic.

"There will be no increase in traffic as the same amount of rubbish will arrive and leave on site.

"Also, we are only dealing with dry goods. There will be no food items and the material will not be treated with chemicals. It will simply be sorted mechanically."

The proposed facility will be housed within a new building on the same site and will separate up to 60,000 tonnes of mixed dry recyclable material per year, the majority of which is already delivered to the site by Hull City and East Riding councils.

An application is likely to go before Hull City Council's planning committee before Christmas and, if the plans are given the go ahead, the facility should be up and running by April 2014.

WHEN a gold medal was placed around his neck, Olympic boxer Luke Campbell thought life could not get any better.

But the arrival of his second son this weekend has cemented 2012 as the best year ever for Hull's champion.

Luke's fiancée Lynsey Kraanen gave birth to Lincoln Campbell at 12.30am on Saturday.

He is a baby brother for two- year-old Leo.

"It's going to be hard to top this year," Luke said. "I couldn't have asked for a better year.

"I feel so lucky to be in the position I am, to be the Olympic champion and now this.

"I am such a happy man. Creating a life is a marvellous feeling and a big responsibility for the rest of my life."

Lincoln, who weighed 6lb 12oz, was born just hours after Luke switched on Beverley's Christmas lights on Friday night.

Luke, 24, missed the birth of his first son while at a training camp in France.

After jumping on a flight back home when he found out Lynsey was in labour, Luke arrived minutes after Leo was born.

"I am so glad I was home for this one," he said.

"I am feeling great and mother and baby are both doing really well.

"He is beautiful, but it is a bit of a shock getting used to a new baby again.

"Leo absolutely loves him.

"We are all feeling really good and really happy."

Luke said he chose the name of his new baby.

"It's not a very common name," he said.

"I didn't choose it for any reason other than I just really liked it."

The birth of Lincoln has topped off a golden year for Luke, who became the Olympic bantamweight boxing champion in August.

Luke's mum Jill Campbell said: "It just seems like everything has happened for us in 2012.

"It has been a fantastic year and this is the icing on the cake, getting another grandson just before Christmas.

"I am really excited and so proud to have another grandson.

"I already had two grandsons and a granddaughter before Lincoln came along and I have another one due in January, so they are coming thick and fast.

"Lincoln is absolutely beautiful. He looks just like his brother.

"I think Leo will be really protective of him."

Hours after giving birth, Lynsey posted on her Twitter page: "Welcome to the world Lincoln, all healthy and well. Feel like I'm in a dream."

Dozens of fans and friends also took to the social networking site to congratulate the couple.

Hull KR player Craig Hall, a friend of Luke's, wrote on his Twitter page: "Congratulations @lynseykraanen and @luke11 campbell on the birth of Lincoln!!"

Fan Kenny Marsden said: "Congratulations to @luke11 campbell and @lynseykraanen on the birth of their son and little bro to Leo! x!"

Luke said: "I have had amazing support from the people of Hull.

"I am proud of my city and proud of the people in it.

"It is really overwhelming for me and I am so grateful for that.

"The support from people in Hull was one of the reasons I won gold at the Games, because they gave me the confidence and belief that I could do it.

"I will keep doing my best for the people of this city."

NORTH Ferriby manager Billy Heath pointed the finger of blame for his side's 3-2 defeat to Hednesford at referee Chris Akers.

The Midlands side twice equalised from the spot as Akers became the focal point during the match at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium.

Akers sent Heath to the stand moments after Elliott Durrell's second penalty made it 2-2 with six minutes remaining.

Ferriby's two-goal hero Anthony Wilson also saw red in the closing stages as they chased an equaliser that would have seen the gap between the two sides remain at six points.

Having seen his side's 16-match unbeaten run come to an end, Heath was angry with the manner of it.

"I'm aggrieved and disappointed," he told the Mail.

"I thought we deserved to win the game because the lads played well enough and when we went 2-1 in front I thought we had enough to see the game out.

"Obviously, the referee had different thoughts about that.

"Goals and decisions change games. You want the players to change games, but this time it was the referee's decisions that changed the game.

"It will probably sound like sour grapes but he definitely changed the game on its head because the second penalty is the most dubious I have ever seen.

"Our run was always going to come to an end but we didn't want it to come to an end in this fashion.

"We wanted a team to do the work, not the referee but we'll pick ourselves up as we have another big game this Saturday against Rushall."

The defeat closed the gap between the two sides to three points, but Hednesford have two games in hand on the Villagers and showed great character to win after conceding the first goal for the sixth time this season.

After Ryan Kendall had struck the bar with a first-half header, on-loan Anthony Wilson gave the Villagers a deserved lead.

But Durrell levelled from the spot six minutes later after Ferriby keeper Adam Nicklin fouled Neil Harvey.

Ferriby regained their lead when Wilson powered a header past Dan Crane with 10 minutes to play.

But Elliott kept his cool from the spot to make it 2-2 in the 86th minute and there was more drama to come.

Heath was sent to the stand for disputing the penalty decision and saw his side go 3-2 down when Aaron Rey directed a header past Nicklin, who had earlier pulled off several good saves.

Referee Akers' last act was to send Wilson off for two yellow cards, awarded at the same time, as Akers spoke to him and Jamey Osborne in the final moment. Wilson's astonishment as he walked off the pitch was matched by Ferriby's supporters.

NFU: Adam Nicklin, Dean Lisles Nathan Peat, Liam King, Gregg Anderson, Mark Gray, Danny Clarke , Chris Bolder (c), Anthony Wilson, Ryan Kendall (Ben Hunter 81), Ryan Williams (Russell Fry 63) Non-playing subs: Jack Muldoon, Paul Foot, Antoni Pecora

HULL'S leading specialist engineering firm Spencer Group today pledged its support for the new City Plan.

Hull City Council unveiled the vision of how the economy might look in 2023 last week.

Its key aim is to create 7,500 new jobs – half of them being taken by people currently claiming Jobseekers' Allowance.

If all goes to plan, including the arrival of German wind turbine manufacturer Siemens, Hull will become known as Britain's Energy City.

Charlie Spencer, chief executive of specialist engineering and energy business Spencer Group, said it is crucial businesses back the local authority.

He said: "The plan is ambitious and exciting and we're delighted to endorse it.

"The city and wider region have fantastic potential for investment, economic grow- th and job creation from green energy and it's great to see this is at the heart of the city's long-term planning."

Mr Spencer is a member of the Green City group, which is working on plans to make Hull one of Europe's greenest cities.

He believes the new Energy City banner is a powerful message that the city's business community could rally behind.

Mr Spencer said the plan recognises the economic impact of renewable energy developments such as Energy Works, a £100m-plus energy recovery facility that Spencer Group plans to build on the east bank of the River Hull.

"I was impressed by the work that has been done to map out the various activities and initiatives that form part of the City Plan," said Mr Spencer.

"This means that, for perhaps the first time, we can ensure all this good work is joined up and co-ordinated.

"The plan looks ten years ahead and it is important we have a longer-term perspective while taking action now to address the city's challenges and fulfil its potential."

A revamped City Leadership Board will oversee the plan's delivery, with its members being drawn from all walks of life.

Mr Spencer said City Plan represents an opportunity not to be missed for the region.

He said: "Looking even further into the future, if we get this right, we can work together to create employment and opportunities for generations to come."

Darryl Stephenson, the council's interim chief executive, revealed the plan at a breakfast meeting of the Hull and East Yorkshire Bondholders.

He urged city leaders to work together to make it a reality.

Mr Stephenson said: "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to attract investment and jobs into the city.

"Our City Plan will ensure all our efforts move in one direction, towards one goal. We must act now or we will get left behind."

Civil and business leaders hope Hull can capitalise on renewable energy in the same way as Aberdeen jumped on the North Sea oil boom in the 1970s.

Besides Siemens, the board will be looking at smaller- scale projects such as developing more cycle networks and park-and-ride sites.

STEVE Bruce must have walked away from the City Ground a very happy man – as this match indicated how far his side has come since the start of the season.

The Tigers may have had a bit of fortune to claim their 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest, as the home side certainly appeared to have a case for handball over Paul McShane's winner. But overall, City were fully deserving of the three points, and it was clear Forest had been worried about facing the Tigers.

Forest boss Sean O'Driscoll admitted in midweek he was concerned about the way City play the game, the way they control sides through their five man midfield, and how they dominate possession in most games.

And when it came to Saturday's clash, Forest had clearly spent more time focusing on how to try and stop the Tigers, than on their own game.

Forest are a quality footballing side, and the fact that they were so concerned about facing City is a huge compliment to Bruce's side and the way they are playing.

In all honesty, it was something which came back to shoot Forest in the foot, as they never really looked comfortable against the Tigers.

That is probably because it isn't as simple as matching City for numbers in the middle.

All of the five in midfield are clever players, and they don't stick rigidly to their positions.

Captain Robert Koren is able to drift around in a free role, whilst both wide men, Ahmed Elmohamady and Robbie Brady, are happy coming inside to look for the ball.

Then, both Corry Evans and Stephen Quinn are busy in the centre, and buzzing around, making it very difficult to pick them up.

I really can't see any side being able to focus purely on trying to stop the Tigers this season, as the players are too good, and they are 100 per cent comfortable with the system.

That all comes back to Bruce, who quickly identified the system early in the season as being one which best suited his side.

It is one he has not used for years as a manager, but having assessed his players, he has clearly found a system they like to play.

This is a big change to what we have seen at City in recent times, where players have been forced to play formations they have not been comfortable with, and managers have put square pegs in round holes.

Bruce has found this system, brought in players like Elmohamady and Brady who can slip straight into it, and then let the players go out and express themselves.

They have done just that, and while Bruce takes credit for his approach, the players must be applauded for the quality of football they've produced.

Much of their play can't be coached, it is all natural ability and reading of the game.

City are obviously playing with confidence at the moment, and although they dropped points at home to Burnley and Crystal Palace, they were fully confident at Forest.

It was great to see Paul McShane on the scoresheet, especially as I backed up what I'd said in midweek and put my money on him to find the net again, as he had done at Liverpool in the Premier League days. That lad never lets me down.

He is a prime example of a player benefiting from Bruce's leadership.

Out in the cold for the past two years, he has been given his chance by Bruce and taken it with both hands.

That clean slate for all players, and rewarding those who play well, has clearly developed a great team spirit in the camp.

AN IT expert from Hull has run 63 miles for a little boy who underwent successful treatment for cancer.

Russ Kemp is usually sitting behind a computer screen but on Sunday, he pulled on his trainers to run from Sheffield to Hull for the Charlie Hook Appeal.

Russ, 33, of west Hull, set off on his challenge at about 6am, arriving in Hull at 7.30pm.

He said: "On Monday, I felt like I was walking on hot coals. I was half-tempted to go to work in fluffy slippers.

"I was waddling round like a penguin because my feet and legs are so sore but, thankfully, I haven't got any blisters."

Russ was running in weather hovering around the freezing mark and into the minuses on Sunday.

His trail covered lots of fields, so dew and frost often settled on his arms.

He said: "I've only ever done marathons before so 63 miles was a long way.

"When I got past my first marathon mark, I was really pleased.

"I was stopping every 13 miles for food and drink but, as soon as I stopped, it was freezing so I tried to keep going as much as possible."

Russ estimated his challenge at the weekend will have raised more than £8,000 for the charity.

The Charlie Hook Appeal was set up for Charlie, six, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma – an aggressive form of childhood cancer.

Although he underwent successful treatment in Leeds, he still faces an 80 per cent chance of relapse.

The appeal was set up to help take Charlie to the US for treatment if he relapses.

Russ said: "There was one point, when I was about 15 miles from the end, I really started to feel my legs. I had slowed my pace right down and I was so tired."

But despite feeling the burn and suffering for his cause, Russ said one thought kept him going throughout the challenge.

He said: "I kept thinking of Charlie and everyone who had pledged money to support me.

"I would have crawled the last bit if I'd had to rather than let people down."

Russ's challenge saw him set off from the Hallam FM studio in Sheffield at about 6am. He then crossed the region to head to the Viking FM studio in Hull.

His course took him through Rotherham, Doncaster, Winterton, Barton, the Humber Bridge and Hessle.

He said: "I'm over the moon with how it went. My support team and the people who sponsored me were all fantastic."

All the money Russ raises this year will go to the Charlie Hook Appeal.

Visit www.challengeruss.co.uk for more details and to sponsor him.

BEVERLEY Racecourse staff are delighted with the reaction to their first pre-Christmas ticket sale.

After being inundated with requests for racecourse vouchers so people could give them as presents, the course started its sale early.

Lines opened at 9am yesterday. By 3pm more than 1,200 of the 1,600 premier enclosure tickets available for Mail News & Media Ladies' Day had been sold.

It looked likely the last few would be sold this morning.

Sally Iggulden, chief executive at the award-winning course, confirmed Ladies' Day – the only all-ticket event held at the Westwood course – had been by far the biggest seller.

She said: "The phones have been red-hot and, pretty much without exception, it's all been for Ladies' Day.

"I am surprised at how quickly they have been selling, even though we put them out earlier."

Last year's Ladies' Day rain did not seem to have put people off getting tickets for what is the biggest event on Beverley's social calendar.

Miss Iggulden said: "Most people I spoke to said they had been to Ladies' Day before.

"They said the Dunkirk spirit from last year meant they enjoyed it more than ever. Some of them were saying, after last year's rain, we must be due a good one this year."

Ticket prices at the course have been frozen at the same level as 2012.

Miss Iggulden said: "With the economic climate as it is, we didn't think we could pass on any of our costs to racegoers.

"Last season was fairly lousy weather-wise and we lost a couple of meetings but we have a good, loyal local following who will turn out whatever the weather.

"It's something we are very grateful for."

Next summer's Mail News & Media Ladies' Day, on Wednesday, August 14, will be the highlight of the racing calendar at Beverley.

Following the success of previous Ladies' Day fixtures, the main enclosures are now all-ticket and capacity is restricted to 13,000 to prevent overcrowding.

Events such as Ladies' Day have helped Beverley Racecourse win national recognition.

They are also a boost for the pubs, hotels and guest houses of the town.

For more information about events or tickets at Beverley Racecourse, visit www.beverley-racecourse. co.uk or call 01482 867488.

A MAN diagnosed with an incurable disease says he is "positive" about the future.

Alan Wheeldon was due to collect test results yesterday, which would give him more information about his condition – known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

The lung disease has no known cure but a transplant could buy Alan some more time.

The father-of-three said: "We went to the appointment hoping to have the results but, unfortunately, they hadn't been sent.

"They give priority to cancer patients, so my results have been pushed back.

"But the specialist had spoken to the person who looked at my tests, and there was no indication of what caused my IPF.

"But it is still IPF, and not any other disorder, and I can now have a referral for an appointment with the transplant people."

Alan, who lives on the Bransholme estate with his wife Joanna and their children Ellie, Alan and Courtney, will be sent to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

There, Alan will have more tests done to get on the transplant register.

Alan, 46, said: "They will test my heart and check it is strong enough to accept a transplant.

"Then there will be other tests like bone scans and blood tests."

Although there is no indication Alan will ever find out the cause of his disease, he says he is more positive now he can go to Newcastle.

He said: "I always knew the results wouldn't change anything but I am just glad we are moving on to the next stage now.

"Of course, I might not be a suitable patient for a transplant, but it is a step in the right direction.

"I'm basically looking to the future and getting on with my treatment."

However, Joanna, 36, says she has found it hard to accept what is happening to her husband, whom she married in August.

She said: "I'm just a little bit numb about it at the moment.

"I was hoping we'd go to the hospital today and the results would come back and say it was all a mistake and they'd got it wrong.

"I find it hard seeing this happen to Alan, but I know together we can be strong."

Joanna and Alan are both urging Mail readers to sign an e-petition, calling for better services for people suffering from IPF.

The petition to the Department of Health says: "We want the Government to ensure that all patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are assessed for the lung transplant within the first year after diagnosis.

"Too many patients are dying waiting for a transplant."

The petition was started by Malcolm Weallans, who is a member of the Facebook group Pulmonary Fibrosis UK.

As the Mail went to press, it had 525 signatures, but 100,000 are needed for it to be debated in Parliament.

Visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/39490 to sign the petition.

POLICE in Hull say there has been a significant drop in recorded crime, despite savage budget cuts.

Humberside Police figures show there has been a 16 per cent drop in overall crime in the city during the first half of this year.

The force has to find £30m of budget cuts before 2015. More than 200 officers have left the force in the past two years, with a further 200 due to go.

But new figures show there have been 2,966 fewer crimes between April and October this year compared with same period last year.

Detective Superintendent Scott Young, head of crime management in Hull, said: "This is an incredible performance at a time when we are going through a period of austerity and change and with the challenges we face as a police service.

"These are significant and outstanding reductions in crime in Hull."

The figures show falls in every category of crime.

House burglary has seen one of the biggest drops, from 1,260 offences to 881 – a fall of 30 per cent.

Theft from cars has also fallen dramatically, from 1,045 thefts last year to 760.

Det Supt Young said: "This type of performance doesn't happen by chance.

"It is about incredible hard work. These figures give me confidence that the programme of change undertaken by Humberside Police is positive.

"It shows we can become more efficient and effective as a service.

"The strategies we are employing are paying dividends and this demonstrates to the public that it is making a difference.

"We have been targeting the offenders who are the most prolific and managing their behaviour, which has had a big impact on the overall numbers of crime.

"Coupled with work we have done around prevention, particularly on young first-time offenders, means we are dealing with all ends of the spectrum."

Alcohol-related violent crime – typically in the city centre, which was recently awarded the Purple Flag for safe nightlife – has also fallen by 40 offences, from 474 to 434.

Det Supt Young said the reductions were the result of working closely with other agencies and communities across the city.

He said: "The Purple Flag award shows the city centre is improving and we are making it a safer place.

"We have been working with our partners, such as the local authority and probation service, but also with members of the public.

"This performance would not have been possible without them."

10

AN HISTORIC pub forced to close its doors after a licensing glitch in the summer will reopen in time for Christmas.

The Minerva Pub in Nelson Street on Hull Marina shut last month after facing problems during Freedom Festival weekend.

But it has now been snapped up by experienced landlord Lee Kirman who will welcome old and new customers on Friday.

Lee said the business venture will be something of a family affair, with his father, step-mother and partner working at the iconic venue.

He said: "It is a pub I have fancied taking on for years. We are looking forward to reopening it.

"I am not sure what happened to the staff who worked there before it closed but one girl will be helping us out.

"We will be serving home-cooked food and hope it will be busy over the Christmas period."

The Minerva was previously run by landlord Phil Daly. He missed out on making between £25,000 and £40,000 when visitors flocked to Hull Marina for the Freedom Festival after licensing officers found its premises licence had expired. Mr Daly claimed the money would have helped the business survive winter.

New landlord Lee hopes to build the business back up.

He also runs Oscars in the Old Town and The Kingston Hotel in Trinity House Lane in the city, while his father Stan runs Ruscadors in Queen Street.

Lee said: "The building belongs to Hull City Council and there were quite a few fighting for the position.

"They wanted someone quickly.

"I have now moved in with my partner Charlotte.

"We have spent about £6,000 redecorating and cleaning the place and it is looking great.

"The old brewery room is also going to be used for functions and private parties."

Lee is set to meet with a licensing officer today to discuss the pub's future.

He says he will not be missing out on Freedom Festival next year.

"We will not be making the same mistake," he said. "And although this area has struggled during the winter, there are plenty of people about and it is picking up.

"There is a lot going on down Humber Street bringing people to this part of the city.

"We have two events planned already for next year.

"I am thinking of hosting a craft beer festival. I also want to set up a mini-marquee outside so even if the weather is horrid, it will pull people in."

Lee's step-mother Christine will be taking over kitchen duties at the pub, serving everything from crusty home-made pies to scotch eggs.

Stewart Campbell, an activist for Camra (Campaign For Real Ale) in Hull, said he had no doubt there would be a lot of interest in the pub once word got out that it had closed.

He said: "It is a venue everyone has heard of. It was a real shame to see it close.

"It is a good time to open just before Christmas.

"Lee has had a number of pubs in the area. He will also be selling real ale, which is always a bonus."

A MAN was badly hurt when he was attacked with a machete moments after winning £1,000 on a slot machine.

David Michael Green, 22, and Paul Snowley, 21, attacked Dillman Masar as he left William Hill bookmakers in Holderness Road, east Hull.

Snowley had watched Mr Masar win £1,000 on the machine and told Green, who then armed himself with a machete.

The pair approached Mr Masar as he left. Green swung at Mr Masar with the machete, who held up his hands to protect himself.

The blows caused serious cuts to his hands.

The pair demanded he hand over his winnings but Mr Masar refused and they made off.

He was left with a 4cm wound to his wrist and was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary for treatment following the attack, at about 9.30pm on October 24.

In a victim impact statement read to Hull Crown Court, Mr Masar said: "I don't know if I will get full use of my hand again. I get waves of pain through my hand.

"I have had difficulty sleeping. The attack has had a huge impact on me.

"I am unable to do the simplest of tasks, such as shaving or eating a meal. I would not wish this on anyone."

The pair pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.

The Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, Judge Michael Mettyear has jailed Green, of no fixed address, for four years and Snowley, of Mersey Street, east Hull, for 18 months.

Green has 39 previous convictions, including for dishonesty and affray.

His barrister Richard Thompson said: "He started taking drugs and found himself in debt and committed these offences.

"The incident did not involve a significant degree if planning, it was opportunistic to a degree but he ultimately accepts having possessing of the weapon."

Snowley has committed eight previous offences for violent behaviour and destroying property.

Judge Mettyear told them: "Green, you were the prime mover. You were the one who accepted carrying out the attempted robbery on this poor, unfortunate man who no doubt thought he was lucky to win some money.

"This good luck disappeared when you attacked him so vigorously and mercilessly.

"He got this horrific injury and bled so badly and his suffering continues. It was an awful attack. He did not deserve it.

"It was, to an extent, planned because you believed he had a large sum of money.

"You obtained a weapon and attacked him.This was a bad attack in my judgment.

"Snowley, your part was serious too.

"You set it up and gave Green the information to him to act in the way that he did."

Green was ordered to pay a £120 victims' surcharge and Snowley was ordered to pay £100.

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