Grantham Athletic Club’s team competed in very wet condtions in the second match of this season’s North of England League at Cleckheaton last Saturday.

They performed well to finish second on the day and retain their second place standing behind Longwood Harriers.

Twenty-three first places were achieved, and five personal best performances recorded.

Under-17 Jordan Stokes gained PBs in the 100m, 200m and 400m, competing against senior athletes.

Under-20 Chris Bainbridge threw a PB of 36.73m to win the hammer, and senior Michael Burr triumphed in the triple jump with a PB 12.00m.

The third match in the league will be at The Meres stadium on July 13.

Results: female, 100m - 3A A. Kettle 13.9s; 200m - 4A A. Kettle 28.4s, 1B N. Collier 28.5s; 400m - 1A N. Collier 61.7s; 800m - 1A N. Collier 2m 24.2s; 100m hurdles - 1A Z. Lucas 15.9s; long jump - 2A Z. Lucas 4.55m, 1B A. Kettle 9.33m; shot - 1A H. Gilbert 9.98m, 1B S. Garner 7.39m; discus - 2A H. Gilbert 24.47m, 3B S. Garner 17.28m; javelin - 2A H. Gilbert 31.17m, 1B S. Garner 16.28m; hammer - 1A H. Gilbert 38.66m, 1B S. Garner 28.52m.

Male, 100m - 2A D. Elba-Porter 11.7s, 2B J. Stokes 11.9s pb; 200m - 2A D. Elba-Porter 24.1s, 2B J. Stokes 24.1s pb; 400m - 2A K. Bumby 54.2s, 2B J. Stokes 54.2s pb; 800m - 1A J. Lord 2m 10.1s, 1B K. Bumby 2m 15.6s; 1500m - 1A J. Lord 4m 29.5s, 1B A. Short 5m 18.9s; 5,000m - 3A A. Short 18m 42.2s, 4B P. Hall 25m 12.0s; high jump - 1A M. Burr 1.80m, 1B R. Carley 1.60m; long jump - 2A R. Carley 5.98m, 1B M. Burr 5.72m; triple jump - 1A M. Burr 12.00m pb, 1B R. Carley 11.79m; shot - 3A P. Garner 8.12m, 2B C. Bainbridge 7.52m; discus - 3A C. Bainbridge 25.61m, 1B M. Burr 25.58m; javelin - 1A H. Richards 45.25m, 1B R. Carley 44.15m; hammer - 1A C. Bainbridge 36.73m pb, 1B P. Garner 35.25m; 4x100m - 3 Grantham AC 51.8s; 4x400m relay - 2 Grantham AC 3m 49.4s.

l Work commitments and exam preparations were to blame for a depleted Grantham AC turnout of under-17s and under-20s at the second Youth Development League meeting at Nuneaton.

But, with just 13 athletes, the team did well to finish fourth and retain third place overall.

Fourteen PBs were achieved, with Jordan Stokes gaining three in the under-17 sprints, Owen Penton-Voaks had three in throws, and Chris Bainbridge three in under-20 throws.

Kim Newell ran a PB in the under-17 300m and threw one in the javelin. The Payne twins gained one PB apiece, Hannah in 300m hurdles and Ruth in the hammer.

Club bests were set in the 4x100m relay in the under-20 women’s and men’s age group, breaking records that have stood since 1997 and 2002 respectively.

Results: female under-17, 100m - 7A A. Newell 15.1s; 300m - 3A K. Newell 46.8s pb; 800m - 2A K. Newell 2m 42.6s; 300m hurdles - 3A H. Payne 56.8s pb; long jump - 3A H. Payne 4.30m; triple jump - 3A H. Payne 8.94m; discus - 2A R. Payne 19.51m; javelin - 4A K. Newell 13.74m pb; hammer - 3A R. Payne 19.38m pb.

Female under-20, 100m - 2A A. Kettle 13.4s;; 2A Z. Lucas 27.8s; 400m - 2A P. Atherton 79.8s; 800m - 3A P. Atherton 3m 3.2s; 100m hurdles - 2A Z. Lucas 15.5s; long jump - 2A A. Kettle 4.52m, 1B P. Atherton 2.70m; triple jump - 3A A. Kettle 9.58m; discus - 3A A. Newell 16.23m; javelin - 2A R. Payne 18.42m; 4x100m relay - 2 Grantham AC 57.0s cr.

Male under-17, 100m - 3A J. Stokes 11.5s pb; 200m - 3A J. Stokes 24.0s pb, 3B J. Munro 25.9s; 400m - 5A J. Munro 61.1s, 1B J. Stokes 54.1s pb; long jump - 3A W. Lumsdon 5.09m; triple jump - 4A J. Munro 10.37m; shot - 2A O. Penton-Voaks 8.23m pb; discus - 2A O. Penton-Voaks 27.87m pb; javelin - 1A W. Lumdson 42.66m; hammer - 2A O. Penton-Voaks 19.87m pb.

Male under-20, 2,000m steeplechase - 1A J. Lord 7m 0.9s pb; shot - 3A C. Bainbridge 9.31m pb; discus - 1A C. Bainbridge 28.70m; javelin - 2A C. Bainbridge 32.32m pb; hammer - 1A C. Bainbridge 41.45m pb; 4x100m relay - 5 Grantham AC 51.1s cr.

Rain failed to stop play at a successful Buckminster fete on Saturday.

Marquees were loaned by the Army and local pub, the Blue Dog, so the PTFA was prepared for all weather, including a proper British summer downpour.

Visitors could choose from craft stalls, Teddy Tombola, pinball challenge by local wizard John Bateson, hook a duck, to splat the rat.

Headmaster Jon Brown was confined to the stocks to be bombarded by a barrage of soggy sponges from a queue of

staff and pupils.

The dog show was a great draw, presided over by Helen Franklin of Oakham Vets. Top spots went to Ellie Ellingworth with Lincoln (Best Child Handler), Eva Bowen with Harley (Agility), and Jonty (Best in Show).

Thanks to Leeson’s Family Butchers in Oakham everyone was well fed at the BBQ and well watered thanks to the beer from Oldershaw Brewery.

For those with any energy left, feet tapping was led by band Ruff ’n’ Ready.

The event raised over £2000 which will be used to help the school achieve its next aim of attaining an overall outstanding rating in their next Ofsted inspection.

The PTFA would like to thank among others Costco and Sainsbury’s Melton superstore for donating raffle prizes.

The search is on to find the UK’s best high streets as a new report reveals increasing optimism among shoppers and the growing popularity of ‘click-and-collect’ services.

A national competition is being launched today (June 18) by High Streets minister Brandon Lewis, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has announced.

It comes as {https://www.atcm.org/policy_practice/towncentrefutures|new research} shows that the country’s high streets are rising to the challenge set by consumers who want increased convenience and flexibility, the department says.

The search is being run by the Future High Street Forum and the Association of Town Centre Managers.

There are six categories:

- City Centre

- Town Centre

- Market Town

- Coastal Community

- Village

- Parade of Shops

The DCLG says the Government’s long-term economic plan has supported local high streets with a billion pound package of investment.

Many high streets affected by the economy in 2008 are now thriving as a result of making changes to serve their communities in increasingly popular ways, it says.

Mr Lewis said he believes these efforts should be recognised.

He said: “Whether it is a market town, coastal village or city centre, there are so many high streets across Britain doing fantastic work and now every community will be able to get behind their home town’s bid to show how popular they are.

“This competition will discover where the Great British high streets are and celebrate their brilliance.

“I want the public to tell my panel of experts why their area should win. The most popular will get all the accolades that come with being named the best in Britain when we announce the winners in autumn.”

Further details can be found at {http://www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk|www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk}.

Grantham Tennis Club’s ‘Road to Wimbledon’ winners have been decided

Joe Patton played some great tennis to get to the final and performed extremely well in the last match to win the internal event at Arnoldfield.

In the first round, he had a bye in the first of matches, whilst in the second round Joe beat his opponent Michael Hygate 6-0, 6-0. He met Ben Harrison in the thir round in which he was awarded a walkover.

In the quarter-finals he met Tom Horton, a very challenging opponent with vicious spin capabilities. However, spin was not enough to stop on-form Joe who triumphed 6-1, 6-1.

Joe then faced Adam Tapson in the semi-finals. The first set was a thrilling 7-6 win for Joe. He then went on to win the 2nd set 6-0, seeing Joe through to the final.

Joe finally came up against Marco Pierbattise who made his way to the final with some great wins and was a good contender for victory.

But Joe played extremely well and managed to take the first set 6-2 before clinching the second 6-0.

He will now go on to contest the Lincolnshire County Finals of the competition at Eastgate.

Madison Cook triumphed in the girls’ section of the ‘Road to Wimbledon’ competition.

She endured some tricky matches, but found herself in the final of the tournament and managed to win the event.

Madison received a bye in the first round which saw her move into the quarter-finals where she met Millie Kappen. Madison showed why she was seeded second and won 6-2, 6-1, to progress to the semi-finals.

She faced Cerys Jones, a very good hitter of the ball and a great challenge, and the first set was tied at 6-6, forcing a tie-break which Madison edged 7-5. The second set was not as close but the tennis was still of a high quality, Madison taking it 6-2.

Lydia Marshall was the final opponent for Madison to beat, another very good tennis player who moves well and strikes the ball well.

The first set was nail-biting and ended in a tie-break which Madison edged 7-4. The second set was just as exciting and also went to a tie-break which Madison clinched 7-2.

l The boys’ 16-and-under team played at home to a strong David Lloyd Burton Waters side. The team, consisting of Joe Patton, Thomas White, Aaron Jones and Lewis Picker, played some great tennis as they battled out their last match in their Aegon division.

After the first rubbers, the boys found themselves 6-0 down and went on to lose 12-0, which demoted them to third in the league.

l The men’s Aegon team played Louth at home. The team comprising of Darren Taxis, Richard Cragg, Richard Surtee, Andrew Isaac, Jonathan Cummins and Richard Smart defeated the reigning champions 6-3 to boost them up to fourth in the league.

l The ladies’ first team played away to a very strong Bourne side. The team of captain Lianne Tapson, Sally Walker, Mel Bloodworth, Charlotte Palul, Megan Jones and Jackie Wilson played some great tennis to claim victory.

Sally and Lianne won all of their matches, Mel and Charlotte, and Megan and Jackie both lost one but triumphed in the other two.

Grantham ladies’ second team played a strong Lady Bay side in their opening game of their summer season.

The team consisting of captain Janet Ibberson, Katherine Garment, Pam Aust, Liz Frobisher, Sue Edmonds and Jackie Wilson played some good tennis, ensuring they secured a great victory and a good start to their summer season, taking the match 11½-6½ on sets.

A world champion bobsledder visited a Welbourn school as part of the Sky Sports Leaders Programme.

Nicola Minichiello, who won gold and silver at two World Championships in 2005 and 2009 and also competed in three Winter Olympics, visited Sir William Robertson Academy. The former Olympian, who now works as head of performance for the Netherlands Olympic Bobsleigh team, treated key stage 3 pupils to a presentation in their assembly. Other year groups, including the sixth form, also enjoyed sessions with the ex-athlete.

Head of PE, Kerry Symmons, said: “It is wonderful for the pupils to hear first hand how successful sports personalities got started in their chosen sport and develop into a World Champion. The pupils found the whole day very inspirational.”

A D-Day war veteran paid his respects to fallen comrades by giving a presentation to the residents in his care home.

Peter Woodhall, a resident at Avery Lodge Care Home in Grantham, wanted to pay his respects to all the brave people who lost their lives 70 years ago in the D-Day landings. Along with his son-in-law, Peter gave a presentation to the residents in the home and showed off his medals, such as a 1939-1945 Star Battle of Britain award, and photographs as well as speaking about his experiences of D-Day.

Mr Woodhall was 22-years-old and worked on a merchant ship looking after the radar department. His job was to make sure there was no fault in the system when they were at sea, making sure his job produced first class results. Peter made his way across to France from Southampton. He said that he had no trouble from the Germans but it “all went off” as they went back to Portsmouth and many of their boats were attacked.

Golfers have presented a Grantham hospice with a cheque for £4,500 following their charity day.

Members of Belton Park Golf Club raised the money on their 26th Charity Day which was organised in conjunction with St Barnabas Hospice Grantham. The proceeds were presented to Janie McCormick and Tina Dingley of the hospice.

A record 48 teams took part on the day. Tina said the hospice was “extremely grateful” to the club for the fundraiser.

Pictured are Janie McCormick, left, and Tina Dingley, right, of St Barnabas Hospice with members of the golf club, from left, Alan Ebb, David Mahoney and Nick Maltby. Photo: 0224A

Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice visited Charles Read Academy in Corby Glen today and took a tour which included a spot of ping-pong, a chat with an Olympic athlete and a history lesson on the Royal Family.

The sixth in line to the throne was greeted by crowds of cheering children and staff from the Academy, as well as other nearby schools who had come especially for the occasion.

Speaking exclusively to the Journal, Princess Beatrice said: “It is great to come to the Academy and see some of the excellent work that they do. I think the Academy system has had a really positive impact on children’s education.”

The Queen’s grand-daughter was accompanied by David Ross, head of the David Ross Education Trust which sponsors several academies including Charles Read, and said: “This is a day the kids will remember for a long time.”

After taking time to chat to many of the excited youngsters, the Princess was taken on a tour of the school starting with a display of some of the children’s artwork.

Her Royal Highness then moved on to the sports hall where she displayed a talent for ping-pong, before meeting Olympic 200m runner Christian Malcolm who was also visiting the Academy to give an athletics masterclass to pupils.

Back inside the Princess visited the recently created library and gave advice to children on their reading, and she was also able to help students in another classroom working on a topic she knows a little bit about - the Royal Family.

The penultimate stop on the tour was a greenhouse complete with red carpet, set up by the school for pupils to grow their own produce and plants, a selection of which were presented as a gift to the Princess.

A Royal greeting was also enjoyed by the Academy’s furry residents, with the Princess petting a large grey rabbit called Graham and a couple of guinea pigs.

The visit concluded with an assembly during which acting Principal Robert Sloan and David Ross thanked Her Royal Highness for her time and interest in the Academy, before the Princess added her own thanks and unveiled a plaque officially marking the day.

Mr Sloan added: “One of the great things that we’ve been celebrating today is the number of talented students that we’ve got here.”

Also focusing on the pupils in her speech, Princess Beatrice said: “I have met so many of you and I am so thrilled that this great school can be here for you to write and learn and care for your animals and play your music.

“As somebody that went through school and struggled with my reading and struggled to find my way I am so thankful that there are places like this in the community where you can have your solid base.”

More photos and video to follow.

Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice visited Charles Read Academy in Corby Glen today and took a tour which included a spot of ping-pong, a chat with an Olympic athlete and a history lesson on the Royal Family.

The sixth in line to the throne was greeted by crowds of cheering children and staff from the Academy, as well as other nearby schools who had come especially for the occasion.

Speaking exclusively to the Journal, Princess Beatrice said: “It is great to come to the Academy and see some of the excellent work that they do. I think the Academy system has had a really positive impact on children’s education.”

The Queen’s grand-daughter was accompanied by David Ross, head of the David Ross Education Trust which sponsors several academies including Charles Read, and said: “This is a day the kids will remember for a long time.”

After taking time to chat to many of the excited youngsters, the Princess was taken on a tour of the school starting with a display of some of the children’s artwork.

Her Royal Highness then moved on to the sports hall where she displayed a talent for ping-pong.

More photos and video to follow.

SATURDAY (June 21)

Cricket

South Lincs & Border League

Premier Division – Bourne 2nd v Belton Park, Grantham v Lindum 2nd.

Division One – Billingborough 2nd v Woodlands, Cavaliers v Grantham 2nd.

Division Two – Grantham 3rd v Burgh & District, Moulton Harrox 2nd v Claypole, Pinchbeck v Belton Park 2nd, Welby 2nd v Timberlands.

South Notts League

Division B – Belvoir v Clifton Village 2nd, Bottesford v Southwell.

Division E – Eastwood Town 2nd v Belvoir 2nd, Calverton 2nd v Whatton & Aslockton.

Division G – Bingham v West Bridgford Legion, Kimberley Institute 3rd v Bottesford 2nd.

Division L – Kinoulton 2nd v Belvoir 3rd.

Division M – Whatton & Aslockton 2nd v Ruddington 2nd.

Divsion N – Fiskerton 2nd v Bingham 2nd.

SUNDAY

Cricket

Grantham & Melton Association

Divsion One – Barkby United v Grantham, Belton Park v Woolsthorpe by Belvoir, Belvoir v Bottesford, Sileby Town v Buckminster.

Division Two – Queniborough v Bingham, Rothley Park v Croxton Kerrial, Welby v Frisby Hoby & Rotherby.

Division Three – Barkston & Syston v Thorpe Arnold, Colsterworth v Barrowby, Grantham 2nd v Harlaxton, Whissendine v Skillington.

TUESDAY

Cricket

Burrough & District League

Division One – Stamford v Belvoir.

A charity fund raising football match between AFC Harrowby and HMP Stocken Guards will raise money for Help for Heroes.

The match will take place at Harrowby United’s Environcom Stadium in Dickens Road on Sunday, August 10. Kick-off will be 2pm and admission is free.

The Arrows’ social club and bar will be open, and there will be a burger van, ice cream van and raffle.

Grantham youngster Adam Harrison has been called up to represent England at the European Youth Championships in Italy next month.

Adam will be part of the Junior Boys’ team which also comprises Helshan Weerasinghe, Danny Lawrence and Sam Mabey.

The selection policy was based on tough criteria, with a high performance standard required to be successful at an event of this stature. As a result, only athletes with top-eight potential were considered.

Simon Mills, head of coaching and performance at Table Tennis England, said: “We’re very excited about the players we are taking because we believe they are capable of performing at the highest level in Europe.

“While we have selected a small squad on this occasion, we are committed to helping talented young players to develop to reach this standard in the future and compete successfully for England on the European and world stage.”

The championships take place in Riva Del Garda, Italy, from July 11 to 20.

Several care homes around Grantham will open their doors tomorrow as part of National Care Home Open Day.

Newton House on Barrowby Road will open from 10am to 4pm on Friday with activities including a magician and balloon modelling in the morning and jazz in the afternoon, plus flower arranging and cake decorating.

Refreshments will be available during the day.

At Apple Trees in Springfield Road there will be refreshments in the cafe from 10am to 4pm, along with a Dementia Friends information session at 10.30am.

Gregory House in Welby Gardens has Carousel, performing the Best of British at 11am, in addition to hosting a wine and cheese sampling.

Avery Lodge in Beacon Lane is open from 10am to 5pm, and visitors can join residents to enjoy live entertainment at 11am.

There will also be tours of the home and food and refreshments will be available.

An array of attractions has been entertaining crowds at this year’s Lincolnshire Show.

An aerial display from the RAF Falcons and spectacular stunts from the Broke FMX motocross bike team have been among the thrills for visitors.

Popular former England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart has also been on hand to give school pupils a lesson in cricket skills.

Photos by: David Dawson.

More than 400 livestock and 200 equine classes were open for competitors ahead of this year’s Lincolnshire Show.

At last year’s event, there was in excess of 2,400 entries across the two categories.

This gallery brings together some of the animals on show at this year’s event.

Photos by: David Dawson.

Grantham Angling Association’s junior Challenge Cup match took place on Queen Elizabeth Park pond last Saturday.

The match, sponsored by Grantham MoT Centre, Alma Park, was won by Nathan Clark with a netful weighing in at 45lb 14oz.

Runner-up was Thomas clark with 10.12 and William Conway 5.15 was third.

The next match for GAA juniors will be at the pond on Saturday, June 28, from 1.30pm till 5pm.

l GAA Senior Citizens’ latest match was fished at Fulbeck airfield.

Results: 1 D. Foster 8.15.00, 2 C. Campbell 4.06.00, 3 C. Hardingham 3.03.00, 4 B. Cross 2.13.00.

l Bottesford and District AA’s second Friday sweepstake took place on Grantham Canal at Woolsthorpe.

Results: 1 D. Hicklin 7.05.08, 2 J. Brockway 7.00.04, 3 B. Baines 5.08.00, 4 J. Davies 5.05.04.

The next match will be at Wellow Dam on Sunday, June 29, with a 9am draw.

Early entry is advisable as peg numbers are limited.

Police are warning motorists to avoid the A1 northbound near Skillington because of an overturned lorry.

Photos posted by the Lincolnshire Road Policing unit on Twitter show the lorry on its side and spilling out rubbish, with a police spokeswoman confirming that 15 tons of waste had fallen from the vehicle.

They added that the recovery and clean-up of the accident site situated between the A1’s junctions with the A606 and A151 will take a while, and so are asking drivers to avoid the area.

One lane on the northbound carriageway is currently closed and traffic queues of approximately an hour are being reported.

Normal conditions are expected to resume by 5pm.

The spokeswoman also said that the lorry was the only vehicle involved and there were no reports of any injuries.

Grantham and District Darts League presentation night and finals night was held at the Westgate Club last Friday night.

Trophies were presented by former world’s strongest man Geoff Capes.

MC for the evening was Dave Pearson, and the Danny Walsh Memorial Cup was presented by Jackie Sentance to Men’s A League winners Royal Queen A.

Competition results: Ladies’ A League Singles – 1 M. Yates (Three Gables), 2 W. Short (Westgate); Men’s A and B League Singles – 1 J. Baker (Royal Queen), 2 N. Rouse (Billiard Club); Ladies’ B League Singles – 1 M. Clarke (Blue Pig), 2 S. Reddish (Blue Pig); Men’s C and D League Singles – 1 B. Thorpe (Green Man), 2 M. Boertlew (Blue Pig); Ladies’ A League Doubles – 1 A. Emms and A. Hardy (Three Gables), 2 P. Leadenham and C. Munton (Railway Club); Ladies’ B League Doubles – 1 M. Kirby and M. Berridge (Electric Club), 2 R. Brocklesby and S. Mycluk (Three Gables); Mixed Pairs – 1 C. Munton and A. Beck (Railway Club), 2 M. Kirby and M. Berridge (Electric Club); Men’s A and B League Doubles – 1 A. Beck and D. Marriott (Kings Arms/Railway Club), 2 K. Leadenham and G. Smith (Railway Club); Men’s C and D League Doubles – 1 K. Mowatt and K. Telenga (Electric Club), 2 B. Thorpe and R. Parrish (Green Man).

Highest score in a final: ladies – 140 Sam Reddish (Blue Pig); men – 180 Johnny Baker (Royal Queen A).

Competition presentation: Mixed Fours – 1 Three Gables (Marie Jones, E. Prince, Johnny Baker, Dan Warrington), 2 Railway Club (P. Leadenham, H. Makin, A. Stafford, G. Green); Mixed Sixes – 1 Three Gables (Marie Jones, L. Jones, E. Prine, R. Taylor, Dan Warrington, Johnny Baker), 2 Westgate Club (L. Jackson, D. Jackson, S. Newcombe, D. Virden, H. Slight, W. Short); Ladies’ A League Team Knockout – 1 Railway Club B, 2 Three Gables A; Ladies’ B League Team Knockout – 1 Electric Club, 2 Green Man A; Men’s A and B Team Knockout – 1 Royal Queen B, 2 Gonerby Club A; Men’s C and D League Team Knockout – 1 Railway Inn, 2 Castlegate B.

180 winners: Ladies’ A League – J. Smith (Billiard Club B), A. Kirk (Billiard Club B), K. Brown (Five Bells), R. Turner (Three Gables A); Ladies’ B League – M. Clarke (Blue Pig), M. Miller (Blue Pig); Men’s A League – K. Bristow (Railway Club C), L. Humphries (Railway Club C), 2 G. Green (Railway Club B); Men’s B League – 3 S. Cox (Lord Harrowby); Men’s C League – B. Thorpe (Green Man B), R. Parrish (Green Man B), A. Smith (Green Man A), L. Beck (Kings Hotel), I. Beck (Gonerby B); Men’s D League – 2 I. Howlett (Electric Club E).

League presentations: Men’s A League – 1 Royal Queen A, 2 Royal Queen B; Men’s B League – 1 The Stag, 2 Five Bells; Men’s C League – 1 Gonerby Club B, 2 Railway Inn; Men’s D League – 1 Black Dog B, 2 White Lion C; Ladies’ A League – 1 Three Gables A, 2 Three Gables C; Ladies’ B League – 1 Stagger Inn, 2 Hunters B.

Highest finishes: Ladies’ A League – 146 M. Patterson (Three Gables D); Ladies’ B League – 103 M. Berridge (Electric Club); Men’s A League – 164 I. McKinnon (Beehive); Men’s B League – 148 G. Barrow (White Swan); Men’s C League – 141 K. Doll (Railway Inn); Men’s D League – 158 J. Nichols (Royal Queen C).

A pair of talented young Grantham film-makers are appealing for help from Journal readers to make their dream come true.

Anthony Aitman and Adam Sandy have entered a short film they made for a competition offering valuable film equipment as a prize.

They want Journal readers to take a look at their movie, and vote for it if they are impressed.

The amusing film, called Wonders of the Wild, is subtitled “a wildlife documentary showing one of our most loved pets” and, suffice to say, is not all as it first appears.

It is up against other short films from around the world in the My RØDE Reel 2014 contest, supported by Rode microphones.

Anthony and Adam have also made a behind-the-scenes guide to the making of their film, which can also be viewed.

Anthony, 27, from Caythorpe, studied graphic design at Grantham College and animation at university. He now runs a clothing business.

He said: “The competition is worldwide and is to win a load of great filming gear worth around $70,000, which could progress our dreams of being film-makers.”

Adam Sandy, 21, lives in Alma Park and also went to Grantham College, to study computing, and then visual effects at university.

He owns a website design and video production business, and employs his fellow film-maker as a freelancer.

To see the film and vote, go to http://www.rodemic.com/myrodereel/watch/1057

The last day for voting in the people’s choice category is Sunday.

Suzannah Elliott took on an epic 100km challenge from London to Brighton in aid of Rainbows Children’s Hospice.

Walking non-stop for 28 and a half hours, including through heavy rain, the 31-year-old from Barrack Square has so far raised £1441.50 on her Just Giving page

Suzannah who has previously taken on other fundraising feats like Race for Life, said: “This is probably the hardest challenge I have ever undertaken, but it is nothing compared to the challenges that children in the hospice face. Rainbows help these children and their families through the difficult times.”

You can still donate at www.justgiving.com/Suzannah-Elliott