Rail services could still be cancelled or delayed through Grantham after a person was hit by a train on the East Coast line.

All lines between Doncaster and Retford are now open following the earlier disruption, but services between Doncaster and Grantham may still be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes while services return to normal.

Disruption is expected to continue until about 8pm.

Virgin Trains East Coast says passengers can CrossCountry services heading north from Doncaster to the North-East and Scotland to contine their journey, or Grand Central, Hull Trains, Northern and TransPennine Express on any reasonable route in order to allow them to make the required connections.

Tesco is currently accepting applications for its Bags of Help scheme where community projects in South Holland could receive grants of up to £4,000.

The scheme is run by community charity Groundwork and towns and villages throughout Lincolnshire can apply for £1,000. £2,000 and £4,000, with the grants awarded in each area every two months.

Groundwork is keen for as many community projects as possible to benefit from the funding and for more information, visit www.groundwork.org.uk/Sites/tescocommunityscheme/pages/Category/boh-grant-for-project-tes

Schools in South Holland and the Deepings can get involved in a carnival at the opening ceremony of the Lincolnshire School Games.

East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Arts Network (EMCCAN) and artsNK are running carnival workshops for this year’s Lincolnshire School Games in July.

Ten schools from across the county will be invited to take part in EMCCAN’s 2017 national tour, called “Taking Flight” after going through an all-encompassing workshop and performance programme.

Taking place in between June and July, the performance and costume making workshops will prepare students

for their performance in the spectacular county-wide Lincolnshire Games opening ceremony on Sunday, July 9.

Tara Lopez, Tour Manager for EMCCAN, said: “We are extremely excited to be returning to Lincolnshire this

summer for school workshops and the Lincolnshire School Games.

“Last year, we were thrilled to see so many schools taking part and performing at the event itself where hundreds of school children’s hard work and creativity came together in one space which was truly inspiring.

“This year we will return with a new theme “The Caribbean Sea” and we ca nnot wait to see how students take to the high energy and creative workshops we have planned for them.”

EMCCAN’s 2017 package will be offered to schools at a price of £350 and bookings will close on Friday, May 5.

The package, which would usually cost over £700, provides a unique chance for students of Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) and upwards to work with professional carnival organisers.

If you would like your school and students to be a part of this exciting project which is subsidised by Arts Council

England, please contact Tara Lopez at emccan.tara@aol.co.uk for more information on how to get involved in the tour.

Five friends successfully climbed the three peaks in memory of Martin Burton.

Grantham teenager Martin Burton died of a brain haemorrhage and some of his organs were donated after his death to save the lives of others.

His friends decided to raise money for the Donor Family Network which Martin’s parents are heavily involved in.

Martin’s friends - James Noon, Matt Booth, John Turner, Eddie Ballaam and Glenn O’Meara - all live locally and took on the three peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden in under 24 hours at the weekend.

The friends have raised almost £1,200 on their justgiving page and hope to raise at least £1,500. To donate go to www.justgiving.com

Matt said: “On April 21, it would have been Martin’s 30th birthday and as his close friends we wanted to use this occasion to not only celebrate his life but also how he was able to help so many others. Martin has been able to help so many others already and we wanted to use this opportunity to be able to give something back. Also hopefully to help encourage others in these awful situations to consider organ donation as it is helps save so many lives every day.

“We are therefore trying to raise as much money as possible for the charity Donor Family Network, who helped Martin’s family throughout the process of organ donation. The Donor Family Network aims to raise organ donations profile as much as possible and also to provide the highest quality support for every donor family. They are a really amazing charity which is run by the families of donors for donor families and is funded purely by donations.”

A book has just been released written by Cole Moreton, following the success of a feature on BBC Radio 4. It tells Martin’s story and reveals what happened after his organs were donated, including his heart to a boy called Marc. The book is called ‘The boy who gave his heart away’.

To find out more about the Donor Family Network, go to www.donorfamilynetwork.co.uk

Local riders were out of luck in the annual Rutland-Melton Cicle Classic at the weekend.

With 180 riders including elite and professional teams from Holland, France, Spain and Ireland, it was always going to be a tough task, on a 188km course including numerous sections of farm tracks between Oakham and Melton, giving this road race a unique character.

Riding for the Giant Wattbike team, Steve Young was the first to drop back after 100km on the second lap of the Owston sector. Peter Cocker’s luck was really out as, having regained the bunch after puncturing at 125km, he slid out on a gravel-strewn corner and a service car close behind was unable to avoid running over his bike, ending his race.

After 135km, Karl Baillie was distanced from the bunch as the pressure went on at the front.

The race was finally won by Dan Fleeman of the local Metaltek Kuota team.

l Witham Wheelers have begun their sessions at RAF Barkston Heath, with coaching for all age groups on a safe, traffic-free circuit.

Sessions take place on alternate Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm, with the next one due on May 4.

Full details on the club website and Facebook page.

l An excellent set of times was recorded by Witham Wheelers on the Long Bennington-Gonerby Moor A1 course in the VTTA 10 on Saturday.

Veteran Dave Stickson was fastest Wheeler, rolling back the years in 22min 47sec.

Also riding were Patrick Cutmore 23:09, Tony Hardenberg 23.58 and Louise George 24:59 – a possible club veteran ladies’ record.

Quickest rider was Brett Harwood (Team Bottrill) in 19.31.

l Week three of the club 10TT league saw rider numbers drop as quickly as the temperature, with Arctic-like wind blowing in from the north.

Most riders were typically at least 30 seconds down on previous times, with John Pilgrim quickest in 22:43. Quickest lady Louise George in 29:18 with youngsters Eleanor Crawford second in 33.58 and Evangeline Searle clocking 39.54. Josh Kettle was fastest youth rider in 33.40.

Only two riders managed an improvement on the evening – Gavin Kettle by 14 seconds and comeback man Bill Harrison by one second.

Michael Smalley led the veterans, from Simon Cocker and Tony Hardenberg.

The fourth round of the series is on Tuesday evening with signing on at Grantham Cricket Club on Gorse Lane from 6pm. All welcome.

Results: 1 John Pilgrim 22:43, 2 Henry Gould 25:06, 3 Simon Cocker 25:22, 4 Michael Smalley 25:44, 5 Matthew Kingston-Lee 26:15, 6 Gary Tudbury 27:17, 7 Tony Hardenberg 27:18, 8 Wayne Hackett 27:39 PB, 9 Dave Miller 28:22, 10 Gavin Kettle 28:26 PB, 11 Wayne Searle 29:12, 12 Louise George 29:18, 13 Chris Crawford 29:33, 14 Bill Harrison 29:36 PB, 15 James Cox 30:01 PB, 16 Mick Smith 30:13, 17 Phil Smith 30:29, 18 Joshua Kettle 33:40, 19 Eleanor Crawford 33:58, 20 Evangeline Searle 39:54.

Eighteen young athletes from Grantham Athletic Club competed in the Youth Development League against five other clubs at The Meres on Saturday.

They formed part of a composite team with athletes from Bourne, Sleaford and Newark, competing under the name of Notts Lincs Alliance.

Track events began with U13 female athlete Megan Tremain competing for the first time at YDL and taking on the challenge of 70m hurdles, a new discipline for her. She put in fantastic effort to finish fourth with a time of 18sec.

Mazel Brown was next to compete in the 150m, coming home in 25.3sec for sixth. She also competed in the 1200m with Ffion Trundell. Both ran well with strong performances, Mazel winning in 4:29.8 and Ffion finishing first in the B race with 4:42.6.

Rachel Justice took on the 75m with Molly Scaum. Rachel came home second in 10.9 and Molly was first in the B race with 11.8. The 75m B race saw Erin Crook come home second in 12.7.

Rachel Justice won the shot put with 6.32m and Molly Scaum jumped 3.20m in the long jump for fourth place.

Mary Justice took part in four U15 events in both track and field. First she ran the 200m in 29.8 for fifth place, 100m saw her run 14.2 for fifth, and her last event before the relay was shot in which she threw 6.22m for fifth again.

Amy Crook ran the 200m and gained fourth place with a time of 34.8 in the B race and then took on the 800m in which she ran 3:02.4.

Erin Disdel ran the 100m in a non-scoring race against U13 boys and came home in 13.9 s which would have gained her fourth in the A race. She finished her day fourth in the long jump with 4.33m.

Sophie Hamilton threw 22.32m in the discus, gained second place in the 800m B race with a time of 2:55.2, and threw 22.37m for fourth place in the javelin.

Helen Braybrook ran a comfortable 800m to win in 2:30.8, and just missed on first in the 300m with 46.6.

Harry Denton triumphed in the U15 80m hurdles in 15.4, not one of his events, and then went on to compete in the 200m with a time of 29.5 for fourth. Discuss saw him throw 13.85m for third.

Newcomer Tom Glendinning had a great debut, throwing 23.48m in the discus to win the competition comfortably. He then won the 200m B race in time of 26.7 and the 100m B in 13.0.

Ewan Rodell began the day with second place in the 800m, finishing in 2:27.2, just ahead of Peter Braybrook in 2:27.8. Ewan finished third in 100m in 14.2 and then threw 6.77m in the javelin.

Peter was third in javelin with a respectable 11.42m and ran 48.7 in the 300m for fourth.

Rori Rodell tackled the 1500m and shot, winning the B race in 4:51.7, which was third overall, and throwing 5.93m for third in the field event.

Two U13 boys, Alex Cole and George Scaum, competed for the first time and did themselves proud despite their nerves. Alex Cole threw the javelin 16.07m for second spot, whilst George finished sixth in the 100m m with 16.9. He was runner-up in the shot with a throw of 4.97m.

The 4x100m U13 girls’ team consisted of Molly Scaum, Rachel Justice, Megan Tremain and Erin Crook who ran their hearts out for fourth place in a time of 64.6. The U15 girls’ 4x100m team saw Grantham athlete Amy Crook joined by Molly Peel, Eleanor Peel and Grace Tidman from Bourne, with a time of 63.6 giving them sixth place.

Sophie Hamilton, Mary Justice and Helen Braybrook where joined by Elin James from Bourne in the U15 girls’ 4x300 relay in which they finished second with 3:25.0.

Ewan Rodell was joined by three Bourne athletes Connor Ely, Max James and Mathew Colman for 4x100 relay, but they were unfortunately disqualified.

The 4x300m relay was the last race of the day and saw Harry Denton, Peter Braybrook and Tom Glendinning, joined by Alex Evans from Newark, win in 3:07.0.

Notts Lincs Alliance where delighted at the end of the match to discover that they had won the competition, beating teams from Burton AC, Derby AC, Mansfield Harriers, Sutton-in-Ashfield Harriers AC and Worksop Harriers AC, and are looking forward to competing again next month.

l If you are interested in athletics, join the club at The Meres for training on Wednesday evenings. Further details can be found at www.granthamac.com

Lincolnshire Police have issued a fresh appeal for help in finding a Grantham man missing since the first week of April.

Ian Moore, aged 40, went missing from Grantham on April 6. He is described as 6ft tall, of a slim build, has dark brown hair and a fresh complexion. Anyone who has seen Mr Moore or may know where he is should call the police on 101.

A Ladies’ Day of pool is being held at Grantham Billiard Club on Sunday.

Starting at 4pm, a mixed doubles competition is £5 to enter, which allows free entry into the ladies’ singles event.

Players wanting to contest just the singles pay only £3.

The next point-to-point meeting at Garthorpe on Saturday (April 29) when the Quorn will be the hosts for the day.

It looks set to be a great meeting, with excellent entries for the seven-race card, a set of trade stands of which Burghley Horse Trials would be proud, and food and drink galore for all the family.

If you are planning to go, you will find Garthorpe on the B676, five miles east of Melton Mowbray. The postcode for satnavs is LE14 2RS and the gates open at 11am.

After racing there will be music in the bar area for those wishing to make a night of it.

Tickets are £10 on the gate with under-16s being admitted free of charge. If you buy your ticket in advance online, you will be entitled to a free racecard on entry, which would normally be £3. Visit www.midlandspointing.com/shop

Midlands League 2

East (North)

Kesteven 12

Southwell 47

Saturday’s match at Woodnook had a distinct end of season feel about it with the result having no bearing on league positions.

Kesteven were again hit by injuries which affected the back division and the problems got worse after five minutes when James Goodrich left the field with a broken finger, which led to Tony Woolerton being moved from the pack to centre and Dave Tweddle coming on.

The Kesteven pack gave a strong performance, pushing the vsiting pack back several times. The visitors however were able to take chances and after 15 minutes ran in their first try when their strong running fly half broke clear to run in under the posts. They followed this up with a second try 10 minutes later.

Kesteven kept working hard and the pack created and scored the opening try. Ed Bloodworth won a line-out 15 metres out and the pack gathered in support and forced the Southwell pack over the line for Dave Tweddle to score an impressive try.

They were unable to capitalise on this, though, as Southwell added a third try just before the break to make the half time score 21-5 to the visitors.

Southwell won the ball after the restart and added a fourth try just after the break to effectively kill the match, this despite having a man sen to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle.

Kesteven continued to work hard but were unable to prevent the visitors adding two more tries. They did have success when Olly Wood broke from a scrum and found Dan Turner on his shoulder to go over for the try.

Southwell had the last word when they ran the length of the field on the last play to score the final try of the league season to run out worthy winners.

Kesteven: Lines, Warden, Windsor, Goodrich, Cox, Dingley, Wood, Pert, Sheardown, Purvis, Bloodworth, Hanson, Armstrong, Woolerton, Turner. Reps: Tweddle, Sayle.

Kesteven wind down their season this Sunday with the annual president’s match which starts at 2.30pm at Woodnook.

King’s School Sixth Form student Harry Brewin and Head of Cricket Mr Richardson took part in a nets session with England’s all-time leading run scorer and ex-captain Alastair Cook at Lords cricket ground.

Harry enjoyed an hour bowling and batting with Alistair. Monty Panesar, another familiar face, also dropped in to the session.

Alistair also talked about his incredible career and told numerous stories about his fellow and ex-team mates. He also gave a tour of Lords including the home dressing room and the pavilion.

To top the day off, the students were escorted by Alastair from the cricket ground to a nearby restaurant where they enjoyed a meal.

Harry said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be in the same company with such a successful and humble sportsman, and it is an experience that I will never forget”.

Mr Richardson received an invitation to meet Alastair following a cancer charity auction for a tour of Lords. He was invited to take along one student.

More people in crisis are being helped by Grantham Foodbank, and the trend is set to continue, says a report.

Twenty-six tonnes of food were distributed to more than 2,300 adults and children in the area in 2016, according to latest figures.

This is an increase on the previous year, when 24.3 tonnes was distributed by the foodbank.

The statistics are revealed in the charity’s annual report, which says that although demand for its services is growing, it is in good shape and is grateful for generous donations and committed volunteers.

The charity is anxious to expand its services.

The report estimates that about 7,000 poeople are living on the edge of poverty in the area.

It says: “The ongoing changes in the benefits system and the continuing financial squeeze are likely to require the need for a foodbank during the coming years.”

The charity, which was set up in 2011, also supplies quality used clothes and houshold essentials to clients.

It also offers benefits advice and help for job-seekers.

It has been providing a limited number of clients with advice on debt handling and is looking at ways to expand this service.

Chairman The Rev Ian Worrall, minister in charge of Harrowby Lane Methodist Church says in his report: “A massive thank you to all our donors and volunteers, whose contributions make life-changing differences within our community.

“However, if we thought that after five and more years the heartbreaking well of those in need would have run dry, then we have been sorely disappointed.

“As a charity we are currently in good shape, but that doesn’t mean we don’t look ahead and wonder where the next volunteer or funds are coming from.”

About 60 volunteers currently work with the foodbank based in Greyfriars, Grantham.

Clients can collect three days of food supplies in exchange for vouchers issued in 2016 by more than 40 agencies, including GPs, health visitors and social workers.

Foodbank co-ordinator Brian Hanbury told the Journal this week: “We are already well into this year’s figures and still need help to alleviate pain in the lives of our neighbours .

“ Each client sent to us has to go through an in depth assessment with one our many front line agencies.

“The food is never treated as a handout but as a hand up. Along with the food support we have a professional advisor and a clothing project and an internet centre and thousands of blessings are released into our community. We hope this year with your help to build a free at the point of need a Community Money advice debt centre.”

A comedy night in Grantham will raise money for the local Victim Support charity.

The Big Bash Comedy Club, in conjunction with Funhouse Comedy Club, is hosting the comedy night on May 19 at Grantham Guildhall Ballroom with all profits going to the local branch of Victim Support.

Victim Support, a free and confidential service, works to support those who have experienced any sort of crime including domestic abuse and sexual abuse.

Acts including Wez Zaharuk, Barry Dodds, and English Comedian of the year 2016 Josh Pugh will be on stage.

Russell Marriott from the Big Bash Comedy Club said: “This is the first of a series of comedy events right across the country working with top name comedians to help local charities and will be a fabulous night out so please come and support a local worthwhile cause.”

Olwen Edwards from Victim Support said: “Victim Support Lincolnshire provides specialist and tailored support to victims of crime, helping them to move beyond crime and get their lives back on track.”

Tickets now are online through the Guildhall Arts Centre website. Go to www.guildhallartscentre.com

Students at a Grantham school have been treated to a virtual reality experience by Google.

Google Expeditions hosted the virtual reality experience at The West Grantham Academy, St Hugh’s, last week.

Primary students from St Johns and Sir Isaac Newton joined the St Hugh’s students to enjoy the experience.

The London Google team provided training and the virtual reality software to students for them to explore the world from their very own classroom.

The students explored The Amazon Rainforest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Great Wall of China and much more. Students were able, with virtual reality headsets, to have a 360 degree view of the environments and enjoy an immersive experience.

Students also looked at the human body. GCSE science students particularly enjoyed exploring the arteries as it reinforced their revision in the lead-up to their GCSE exams.

Students were asked to comment on their day. The feedback was positive and they found a real passion for the virtual reality technology. A spokesman for the school said St Hugh’s has a forward thinking attitude to technology and the virtual reality experience reinforced this passion and drive.

At the end of their experience, students were asked to comment on their experience:

Remarks included: “I felt like I was there in the ocean with the sharks, it was amazing.”

“I have always wanted to go to Paris, and today I did.”

“I enjoyed every second.”

“Without a doubt, the sharks were the best, they were looking right at me.”

“I arrived at St Hugh’s and travelled the world!”

Grantham’s Amy-Jayne Saggers took part in her first marathon and ultra marathon in the Longhorn Ultra at Thoresby Hall on Sunday.

Twenty-five-year-old Amy finished in a little over seven hours, completing 33 miles in the heat – the furthest she has ever ran.

Thoresby Hall is a place close to Amy and her family’s heart as her late grandfather fell in love with her grandmother at the venue, so she jumped at the opportunity to take part in such a challenging event, and did so with ease.

Amy’s exercise regime includes gym work at Anytime Fitness most mornings, with distance running in the evenings with Matt Taylor.

Her next challenge is a 24-hour event called Endure24 in Reading where she intends to run 40 miles.

Amy raises money for Motor Neurone Disease Association and her Just Giving page is www.justgiving.com/AmySaggersMND

Grantham Tennis Club’s Disability programme has been recognised by the Lawn Tennis Association.

The charity that runs the club has built on last year’s success at the Lincolnshire Sports Awards by winning the LTA Regional Disability Award. The club has also been shortlisted for the national prize.

Richard Edgley, head of Disability Tennis at Grantham said: “ I think we have got this prestigious award for our sincere belief that tennis truly is a sport for everyone.”

Weekly coaching groups take place for players with a learning disability as well as wheelchair tennis. Four wheelchair players are part of the coaching team.

The club has players ranging from the elite to absolute beginners. Richard said: “At one level we have national champions, world ranked players working towards the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020, and players going to the Special Olympics. Meanwhile, Beth and Holly have just joined the club after coming to a taster session with Sandon School. They are having great fun getting to grips with the basic elements of the game.”

l If you would like to have a go or wish to know more, just call Grantham Tennis Club on 01476 591391.

The parents of a three-year-old boy have met the heroes who saved their son’s life after he suffered a serious fit at their home.

Martin and Jess Barnett met the two volunteer RAF responders and the ambulance paramedic and technician who were at the house in minutes to save Max.

The Barnett family, of Becketts Close, Grantham, thanked RAF Wittering responders James Roper and Dave Kerr who were on shift in Grantham on Sunday, March 5, and Oakham-based paramedic Colin Maddams and technician James Crichton who responded to the call in their ambulance.

Max suffered two fits that afternoon in the living room as the responders and ambulancemen tried to stabilise him.

Jess, 33, said: “He started shaking violently. His eyes were open and he was throthing at the mouth. We called 999 straight away and in less than two minutes the responders were with us. They were absolutely brilliant.”

The responders took Max’s clothes off because he had a very high temperature and made sure the area around him was safe so that he did not injure himself while fitting. While waiting for the ambulance, Max suffered a second more aggressive fit.

Responder James, a police officer in Peterborough and former RAF policeman, said: “Max was just this little bundle on the floor. My heart sank when I saw him because I thought this is a little kid who is seriously ill with a seizure. There is not a lot you can do but let it run its course.”

Dave, a senior aircraftsman at RAF Wittering, said: “Max was so hot it was like putting your hand on an iron.”

When the ambulance arrived 20 minutes later, Max was quickly transferred to the vehicle which was at the house for only three minutes before taking him to Peterborough City Hospital.

Max was given drugs in the ambulance to stop his seizure. The two ambulancemen were able to sit in the back with him and Jess while RAF responder James drove the vehicle. Being a policeman he is cleared to drive with blue lights.

Colin said: “That was a major bonus because to have been on my own in the back with Max would have been awful.”

Technician James said: “This was one of the most satisfying jobs I have ever done in terms of the care we were able to give Max.”

Once at Peterborough Hospital, Max was put into an induced coma for almost 24 hours before being transferred to the Children’s Hospital at Leicester Royal Infirmary for a further two days. He was diagnosed with a chest infection that had turned septic along with influenza. Without the timely response and quick thinking of the responders Max could have suffered a serious brain injury or lost his life.

Max’s dad Martin, 38, said of the responders: “When you realise they already have full-time jobs and then they volunteer to go and support the ambulance service, it is very humbling. I am in awe of them. They are amazing.”

Jess was also grateful to ambulancemen James and Colin who explained what they were doing with Max as he was taken to hospital. Jess said: “They explained everything to me along the way and that reassured me. I was numb because it had escalated so quickly but all I could think was these guys are taking such good care of Max and he was in the best possible hands.”

Martin and Jess, who run confectionery company The Treat Kitchen, were reunited with the emergency staff at Grantham ambulance station on Monday. Max, who attends Beacon Lane day nursery, was given a tour of the station and was able to sit in one of the ambulances and set off the sirens.

Annabelle Knight is a relationships expert and former student at KGGS in Grantham. She can regularly be seen on TV talking about relationships. Now she has published her first novel called ‘The Endless Autumn’.

How long did you live in Grantham and what are your best memories of growing up here?

I went to school at KGGS from 11 years old until I was 18 so did most of my growing up in Grantham. I have fond memories of the town centre, especially the benches by the Sir Isaac Newton statue. Many lunchtimes my friends and I would sit there with our lunch, chat about school and watch the world go by. My best friend Kate and I would walk into town from school most lunchtimes and I always enjoyed the walk up Stonebridge Road, especially on sunny days. That walk always happened at the start of the one hour lunch break so for me went hand in hand with a certain sense of freedom. I always loved when the fair came to town as well, the excitement and buzz that it brought was always electric to me. There’s also a great mix of people in Grantham and you always got to experience that mix when the fair was on, the whole event really brought people together and I loved that.

How did you become a relationships expert and what do you love about your job?

I became a dating and relationship expert after years of study. I’m a certified couples counsellor and have qualifications in psychology as well. I love the feeling I get when I help a couple overcome a problem, it’s definitely the best part of my job. Ultimately giving a couple their happiness back and the tools to deal with future issues really gives me a sense of fulfilment. Because my job is so multifaceted it’s really hard to pick just one element. I loved typing ‘The End’ when I finished my novel, I really look forward to experiencing that feeling again when the next one’s done.

Why did you write the book? What kind of reception has the book had?

I’ve had the story of Autumn and her adventures bubbling in my head for a while now. The very initial idea came after a dream I had one night. I wrote it down thinking it’d make a fabulous story, then kind of sat on it for a very long time. It sat in a dark, abandoned folder on my laptop for longer that I’d like to admit. Then Fifty Shades of Grey came out and all of a sudden it seemed that not only was erotic fiction more acceptable, it was downright loved. So I began penning the rest of the story, all in all it took almost a year to write the whole thing. I was very busy with various TV and radio work and write for lots of magazines as well so barely had any free time. It was only when a publisher became involved that I really knuckled down. I took a month off work and wrote solidly from eight in the morning until eight at night every day, it’s the most committed I’ve ever been to any project and took every ounce of drive and ambition that I had to get it finished. But finish it I did and now it’s out to buy. It’s had great reviews, Katie Price read it, loved it and allowed me to put a quote on the back page of the book, for which I am hugely grateful. It’s got five star reviews on 
Amazon and in Waterstones and sold out completely in the first fortnight of it’s release. Thankfully it’s back in stock now though.

Will you write more books in the future?

Absolutely! I’m just finishing the planning stages on my second book. It’s not a sequel to The Endless Autumn, however at some point I will add more to Autumn’s story and write book number two. I loved the entire writing process and feel that, even though it was certainly a learning curve, it’s something I have passion and talent for. They say everyone has at least one book in them, well I’m hoping that I’ve got loads in me.

What aims or ambitions do you have for the future?

I’d love to get a best seller under my belt. The world of literature is a tough one, with the ability to self publish, e-books and online fiction there are millions of books out there, so making yours stand out is an almost impossible task. I have a TV appearance on Loose Women booked for May and am doing the radio rounds at the moment so hopefully if enough people feel like giving it a go it’ll do well. To be recognised as a storyteller and have people like my work is my ultimate goal.

If you want any background on Annabelle her website can be found at www.annabelleknight.com

Notts Youth League

Saturday Division Three

Under-15

Bottesford FC 3

Toton Tigers 1

Bottesford ended the season on a high with a fine display of football at home to Toton.

The home side took an early lead when man-of-the-match Aidan Smith’s cross was turned into the net by a Toton player.

Bottesford started getting on top, playing some neat football, and limited Toton to just a couple of attempts.

Bottesford doubled their advantage when Sam Murray got on the end of Smith’s cross and bundled the ball over the line.

The second half saw Bottesford carry on their neat passing game, but Tigers got back into the game with a quick break and scored to make for a tense final 20 minutes.

But with 10 minutes remaining, Matt Cox ran from halfway, beating a couple of Toton players, and drilled his shot past the Tigers keeper.

Bottesford ended the season as runners-up to gain promotion to Division Two.

The team expressed big thanks to manager Daz Wilson for a great job, and he praised his players

Mid Lincs Youth League

Under-14

Great Ponton 5

HBW 1

The game started as expected with Great Ponton pushing forward and forcing some great saves from the HBW Keeper.

HBW defended well and frustration was starting to show from striker Barry Harrison, but he persevered.

However, the first goal came from the visitors when a handball in the Ponton area went unseen by the referee but caused Ponton to stop play – and HBW scored.

Ponton were undeterred and pushed on, firing their own attacks. Callum Parrish was pushed over in the HBW area, giving Ponton a penalty. Jaydon Devine stepped up and pelted the ball superbly into the back of the net, bringing the scoreline even at half time.

HBW came out fighting in the second half and played with a third striker, but Owen Devine put the home side ahead with an easy tap-in as the ball came across the face of the goal.

Striker Ayden O’Brien was the next to score when some great play up the left wing by man-of-the-match Ted Sweeney-Biffen got the ball to him and he finished with class.

HBW threw another player up front, putting extra pressure on the Ponton defence, but this was dealt with by the strong back four and the ball was played forward for Ponton each time.

Sweeney-Biffen, who had so far had a game of missed chances, proved that he could find the net with a run through on his own. When the HBW keeper came too far out of his box, the Ponton skipper lobbed the ball over his head, giving him no chance to save it.

Great Ponton: K. Hodgkinson, Raitt, Harvey, Wing, McDonald, O. Devine, C. Hodgkinson, J. Devine, Sweeney-Biffen (c), O’Brien, Harrison, Bilton, Simmonds, Tilbury, Parrish.

Two brothers are planning to put their fitness to the test with a near 200-mile cycle challenge.

Gavin and Wayne Clark will be riding 190 miles unsupported from Kendal in Cumbria to South Shields in Northumberland, following national cycle route 72, which heads north up the Cumbrian coast before heading eastwards along the route of Hadrian’s Wall.

Gavin said: “My brother and I have decided like so many other people that it’s time we put our fitness to the test.”

They are tackling the cycle challenge on Thursday July 27 and Friday July 28, completing approximately 100 miles up the Cumbrian coast on the first day to Silloth, where they will camp overnight before completing their journey on day two.

Through their efforts they are hoping to raise £1,500, to be divided between Macmillan Cancer Support and Colsterworth Methodist Pre-School.

“Many people don’t realise and appreciate the support Macmillan provides until they need it,” said Graham.

“This is a charity close to our hearts as it has been for many in the past and sadly will be in the future.”

He added: “For many years my family have lived in a small village and with this in mind we are going to split the donations received with Colsterworth Methodist Pre-School. With outstanding Ofsted reports it is a great community pre-school and we would like to provide them with some new equipment to help them continue their great work.

“All money raised will be split equally. The trip will be funded by Wayne and I.”

If you would like to support Gavin and Wayne, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Gavin-Wayne-Clark

Founded in 1911, Macmillan is the UK’s leading cancer support charity, helping hundreds of thousands of people affected by cancer each year.

Colsterworth Methodist Pre-School is a thriving group that caters for young children from Colsterworth and surrounding villages. It was established in 1973 and has been running successfully and continually since then. The pre-school is a committee-run not-for-profit organisation.