A former Bourne man appeared in court accused of possessing a prohibited weapon, a brass handled firing mechanism, at his old North Street address in December.

Spalding magistrates on Thursday sent Robert Bulpin (45), now of Guyhirn, to Lincoln Crown Court for a hearing on May 30.

A homeless man with long standing drink problems tried to steal wine in Sainsbury’s by drinking it in the store.

Matthew Preece (39) was followed by a security guard at the supermarket on Holland Market, Spalding, on the morning of April 13, magistrates heard.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said Preece picked up a bottle of wine, placed it into a carrier bag and walked towards the cafe area.

A police community support officer was there at the time and Preece was stopped as he headed for the toilets.

Miss Stace said Preece was interviewed by police and admitted “his intention was to drink the bottle of wine while in the store”.

Preece, who now lives with his parents in Middle Marsh Road, Moulton Marsh, pleaded guilty to attempting to steal a bottle of wine worth £6.65 and breaching two conditional discharges by committing that offence.

He was fined £75 and must pay £40 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Preece told magistrates he had a long history of drink problems and was homeless and sleeping out at the time.

He said: “I was in desperation that day, asking for help.”

Preece said he hasn’t touched drink for four weeks, describing his parents’ home as “a secure, dry environment”.

Blood analysis by a forensic scientist proved a Pinchbeck man was driving under the influence of the banned substance ketamine.

Police stopped Joseph Pike in Bourne after a patrol car officer saw his Renault van swerving from the verge to the centre white line and then force another car to brake when he cut if off as he right turned into Cherry Holt Road.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said the officer believed Pike was “under the influence of something” after getting negative results from a breath-test and roadside screening test.

Pike was arrested and taken to the police station, where blood was taken.

Miss Stace said the analysis showed ketamine still in his system and “prior use of cocaine and ketamine”.

She said Pike was convicted of driving under the influence of drink or drugs in 2010.

Magistrates banned Pike from driving for three years, fined him £250 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Pike (25), of Rotten Row, admitted driving while unfit through drugs.

Solicitor Carrie Simson, mitigating, said Pike has used drugs since he was 15, but hasn’t used any since December 15 – the day after the offence – as he realised his life was “spiralling out of control”.

Mrs Simson said Pike works as an electrician and he will keep his job despite the ban.

A young woman stole a mobile phone from her friend’s home and used it to call family and friends.

Shelley-Anne Dooney (23), of Cranmore Lane, Holbeach, pleaded not guilty to the offence when she appeared in court in November last year and the case was set down for trial.

But she changed her plea to guilty and magistrates on Thursday adjourned sentence to May 23 for a probation report.

The phone belonged to Lincolnshire Field Products and was used by a driver, Geoffrey Blanchard, who kept it at home when not at work.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, told the court the phone was stolen in June last year and an analysis of the call log showed Dooney had made 53 telephone calls to people including her ex-partner and grandmother.

Miss Stace said there was an application for £127.44 compensation for the cost of the phone and the calls.

Solicitor Carrie Simson, mitigating, said Dooney admitted the theft was “a stupid mistake” and it happened at a very difficult time in her life.

Mrs Simson said Dooney was sorry for not speaking up sooner.

She told the court Dooney had kept out of trouble for a year.

“She has a very supportive family network around her,” Mrs Simson told magistrates. “I am going to ask you to go outside your guidelines and impose a conditional discharge for a period you see fit.”

UPDATE FRIDAY 1.30PM: Two youths arrested in connection with a serious attack on two men in Spalding have been bailed until the end of June.

Both male and aged 17 and 19 respectively, they were arrested shortly after two Lithuanian men were attacked in Double Street in the early hours of Sunday morning.

One of the men was treated for head injuries at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, after being transferred from Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.

Insp Jim Tyner, community policing inspector for Spalding, said: “This was a vicious attack on two young Lithuanian men who had been visiting a local nightclub.

“Thankfully, the condition of the victim with the head injury has improved and two local youths were arrested within minutes of this incident.

“The youths were interviewed and have been bailed until the end of June pending further enquiries.

“I would like to thank residents of Double Street for their patience while the road was closed and I know that it caused considerable inconvenience for a while.”

Police are still urging anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 58 of April 28.

SUNDAY 2PM: Two youths have been arrested in connection with an assault in Spalding today where a man suffered serious injuries.

Police were called to Double Street at about 3am where a man, whose age is as yet unknown, was found injured.

He was taken to Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, before being transferred to Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, where he is being treated for head injuries.

A 17 and 19-year-old youth were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and are being questioned by police.

The road has been closed off by police while investigations continue and and anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 58 of April 28.

You can also call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

A shortage of tulip heads means the 55th and final Spalding Flower Parade will have an entirely new look as float decorators get crafty with a range of fresh materials.

Float headers are working with just 200 bags of tulips compared to their usual 1,000, but parade manager Kathleen Codd said the colour palette will be extended as they are using fabrics, ribbons, cork, foil and feathers.

She said: “To be perfectly honest, I think it will look better because we are not restricted with colour – with tulips you have got a very limited palette, pinks, reds, yellows, a little bit of purple and a little bit of white.”

Gold foil and cork will be put to good use on the float A Bit of Fizz, which features a Champagne bottle some 15ft high and 18ft long.

Kathleen said: “I think the parade is going to be something quite spectacular, well worth the trip for all of the people coming to see it.”

Although tulips are in short supply, the headers are working with flowers for the yellows as daffs will plug the gap.

The parade will leave Springfields at 2pm on Saturday with Flower Queen Inca Honnor (18) on the lead float, followed by Free Press Prince and Princess Ellis Newton (10) and Millie Weller (9).

Popular viewing sites include High Bridge, Market Place, Hall Place, New Road and Winfrey Avenue.

nFor an in-depth look at the final flower parade and the route map, you can buy the official £2 programme from the Lincolnshire Free Press office in The Crescent, Spalding, or from local news agents. It’s a wonderful souvenir.

In a night of surprises, no party managed to secure a majority in the Lincolnshire County Council elections, with UKIP making huge gains across the region.

Seventy-seven seats were up for grabs with every one contested in the Lincolnshire Free Press area.

Here is the full list of results and we will be bringing you reaction throughout the morning:

BOSTON RURAL

MICHAEL BROOKES, 45.6 % (1163) - Conservative Up 10.7% HELD

JODIE SUTTON, 41.2 % (1050) - UK Independence Party Up 19.1%

NORMAN HART, 13.2 % (336) - Labour Up 5.2%

Electorate: 9142

Turnout: 2549 (27%)

BOSTON SOUTH

ALISON AUSTIN, 42.8 % (889) - Lincolnshire Independents Up 42.8% GAIN

DON RANSOME, 37.8 % (786) - UK Independence Party Up 15.9%

PAUL SKINNER, 14.9 % (310) - Conservative Down 21.8%

JAN FINCH, J. 4.4 % (92) - Labour Down 2.8%

Electorate: 6269

Turnout: 2077 (33%)

CROWLAND

NIGEL PEPPER, 43.6 % (883) - Conservative Down 23.1% HELD

MARK WHARTON, 34.6 % (701) - UK Independence Party Up 34.6%

STEPHEN CLARKE, 10.2 % (206) - Labour Down 1.6%

JIM ASTILL, 8.8 % (178) - Independent Up 8.8%

GLYN MAYLEY, G 2.8 % (57) - Liberal Democrat Down 18.7%

Electorate: 7053

Turnout: 2025 (28%)

DEEPING ST JAMES

PHIL DILKS, F.D.P 53.9 % (862) - Labour Up 53.9% GAIN

PAUL COSHIM, 31.9 % (511) - Conservative Down 12.5%

MICHAEL BOSSINGHAM, M.E 8.5 % (136) - Green Party Down 15.8%

PHILIP HAMMERSLEY, P.E. 5.7 % (91) - Liberal Democrat Down 25.6%

Electorate: 5716

Turnout: 1600 (27%)

MARKET AND WEST DEEPING

PETER ROBINSON, 44.4 % (868) - Conservative Down 14.3% HELD

ASHLEY BAXTER, 43.6 % (851) - Lincolnshire Independents Up 43.6%

ELIZABETH EYRE, E.M 10.5 % (205) - Labour Up 10.5%

CHRISTINE BROUGH, C.N 1.5 % (30) - Liberal Democrat Down 8.3%

Electorate: 6704

Turnout: 1954 (29%)

DONINGTON RURAL

SUE WRAY, 8.7 % (770) - Conservative Down 33.1% HELD

TERRY DAVIS, 37.2 % (741) - UK Independence Party Up 37.2%

JANE KING, 15.1 % (301) - Lincolnshire Independents Up 15.1%

SHEENA ROSS, 7.4 % (147) - Labour Down 3.1%

TERRYY BISNAUTHSING, T 1.6 % (32) - Liberal Democrat Down 16.1%

Electorate: 6924

Turnout: 1991 (28%)

HOLBEACH

NICK WORTH, 44.8 % (979) - Conservative Down 18.6% HELD

PAUL FOYSTER, 42 % (918) - UK Independence Party Up 42%

DANIEL MAYHEW, D. 9.2 % (200) - Labour Up 0.8%

ROBERT WEST, 4 % (88) - British National Party Down 12.6%

Electorate: 7610

Turnout: 2185 (28%)

HOLBEACH RURAL

WILLIAM WEBB, 41.4 % (984) - Conservative Down 30.8% HELD

EMILY BATES, E. 36.3 % (861) - UK Independence Party Up 36.3%

VAL GEMELL, 13.1 % (310) - Lincolnshire Independents Up 13.1%

DAVID WARD, 7.1 % (169) - Labour Up 7.1%

KATHLEEN TANNER, K.M 2.1 % (50) - Liberal Democrat Down 25.7%

Electorate: 7759

Turnout: 2374 (30%)

SPALDING EAST AND MOULTON

RICHARD FAIRMAN, 38.5 % (923) - UK Independence Party Up 38.5% GAIN

EDDY POLL, 36.3 % (870) - Conservative Down 20.4%

PHIL SCARLETT, 11.8 % (283) - Lincolnshire Independents Up 11.8%

MELISSA WEBB, 9.5 % (228) - Labour Up 9.5%

ANTHONY WILLIAMS, 3.9 % (94) - British National Party Down 16.6%

Electorate: 9213

Turnout: 2398 (26%)

SPALDING ELLOE

ELIZABETH SNEATH, 43.5 % (1013) - Conservative Down 12.9% HELD

GEOFF GARNER, 39.3 % (914) - UK Independence Party Up 39.3%

JOSEPH LARRINGTON, 9.5 % (220) - Lincolnshire Independents Up 9.5%

SIMON LEYTON, 7.7 % (180) - Labour Up 7.7%

Electorate: 8220

Turnout: 2327 (28%)

SPALDING SOUTH

ALAN JESSON, 36.6 % (728) - UK Independence Party Up 36.6% GAIN

GRAHAM DARK, 26.9 % (535) - Independent Down 13.9%

ROGER GAMBBA-JONES, 6 % (517) - Conservative Down 9.1%

MATTHEW MAHABADI, 7 % (139) - Labour Down 1.5%

ROBERT WEST, 3.4 % (68) - Independent 2 Down 12.2%

Electorate: 8293

Turnout: 1987 (23%)

SPALDING WEST

ANGELA NEWTON, 36.9 % (866) - Lincolnshire Independents Up 36.9% GAIN

JIM SHEFFIELD, 33.3 % (782) - UK Independence Party Up 33.3%

HOWARD JOHNSON, 21.5 % (506) - Conservative Down 23.9%

KATHLEEN OSBORN, 6.5 % (153) - Labour Down 1.6%

Electorate: 8488

Turnout: 2349 (27%)

SUTTON ELLOE

CHRIS BREWIS, 48.3 % (1100) - Lincolnshire Independents Down 20.4% HELD

JACK TYRRELL, 25.8 % (587) - Conservative Down 2.1%

JOAN WOOLARD, 20.6 % (468) - UK Independence Party Up 20.6%

LESLEY HOUGH, 5.4 % (122)

Labour Up 5.4%

Electorate: 7803

Turnout: 2277 (29%)

BOURNE ABBEY

SUE WOOLLEY, 41.3 % (969) - Conservative Down 4.9% HELD

RON DAVISON, 26.4 % (621) - UK Independence Party Up 26.4%

JANE KINGMAN, 17.8 % (418) - Independent Down 9.3%

PETER MORRIS, 3.1 % (72) - Liberal Democrat Down 7.2%

IAN SELBY, 0 % (0) - Labour & Co-op Down 0%

Electorate: 9065

Turnout: 2348 (25%)

BOURNE CASTLE

HELEN POWELL, 45 % (948) - Lincolnshire Independents Up 5.2% GAIN

CHARLOTTE FARQUHARSON, 41.3 % (871) - Conservative Down 10%

PAUL JACKLIN, 10.1 % (214) - Labour Up 1.2%

JANINE MORRIS, 3.6 % (76) - Liberal Democrat Up 3.6%

Electorate: 6790

Turnout: 2109 (31%)

HUNGATE ROVERS U12S 0 HOLBEACH UNITED U12S 10: Holbeach secured the Division Three title with a comfortable devastating win to add to their Division Four crown from last season.

The young Tigers were soon ahead when Harry Collishaw pounced on a poor clearance – and he then turned provider as Liam Sandall scored a quick brace to allow Holbeach to take full control of the game.

Hungate created few chances and the defence of Tom Tyler, Fenn Storey and Harry Machin dealt with most attacks, but substitute keeper Tom Coley was alert to save from a free kick.

The midfield of Scales and Lewis Turner were then able to release Ryan Cook for his first of the match and, soon after, he prodded home when Hungate failed to clear a corner to give Holbeach a 5-0 lead.

Holbeach continued to press at the start of the second half and Harry Machin headed in from a corner to further extend the lead, soon followed by a cross from Turner that Jordan Olive prodded home.

Scales, who bossed the midfield, was able to add two more to his tally before Turner rounded off the scoring with a fine individual goal.

Holbeach can now look forward to the cup final with the title firmly under their belts.

GLINTON U13S 4

SPALDING UNITED U13S 3

A slow start cost the young Tulips dear as they were edged out in a seven-goal thriller on Saturday.

It was soon 2-0 to hosts Glinton, but a great goal from Keegan Waters brought Spalding back into the game.

However, Glinton went on to score two more before half time to give themselves a 4-1 advantage.

The second half was better from the Tulips, with two cracking goals from Jake Hollis to bring it back to 4-3.

The last five minutes then saw Spalding desperately try to snatch the draw, but despite their efforts they did could not get the goal they needed.

DEEPING CLARET U13S 0

SPALDING UNITED U13S 3

It was a different story for Spalding’s young guns at Deeping 24 hours later on Sunday.

The young Tulips learned from Saturday’s mistakes and started the derby well.

They were awarded a penalty early on in the match, which Liam Slayven duly dispatched. They then went on to score a second when, after some great passing, Sandijs Jonans slotted the ball past the keeper.

In the second half Spalding kept up the good work and never let Deeping in the game.

Brandon Hall scored the third goal to seal the victory and take the points.

PINCHBECK UNITED U13S 7

DEEPING RANGERS U13S 0

Pinchbeck set up a title-shoot out with Eye and Hampton in their final two games after thrashing Deeping.

Layton Maddison fired a sweet 18-yard opener in off the post to get the ball rolling, before Jack Brown tapped home number two. Brown then turned provider for Joe Mckue to make it 3-0, before slotting home his second.

That man Brown soon had his hat-trick when he was first to react to slot home from the edge of the box. Jacko Withers was next to get on the scoresheet with a header from Maddison’s corner, leaving Tom Hebblewhite to complete the scoring.

A spree of fast times were clocked as 37 riders from Spalding Cycling Club took on round three of their ten-mile time trial league.

With the conditions excellent for racing at Pode Hole, it was no surprise that a number of members set personal best (PB) times too.

First and second were Neil Palmer and Chris Ward, in 22.54mins and 23.14mins respectively, while Aimee Stocker was first lady again.

She improved with a time of 25.50mins, which is over a minute quicker than the previous week’s effort.

• Round two was also won by Palmer (23.54mins), who finished three seconds clear of Ward. Chris Pratt took third place (25.01mins), with Harry Bellars the first under-18 home (25.32).

• Spalding riders were in action in the LRRA two-man team time trial, with Neil Palmer and Chris Ward missing top spot by just ten seconds after finishing in 35.32mins.

Harry Bellars and Andrew Gurney put in a great performance to finish fourth with 37.49mins, while Gary and Sarah Bentley knocked three minutes of their PB on the same course from last year, recording 45.21mins.

• Jake Norton and Matt Ellis were both in action at the National Youth Series race in London.

Norton finished ninth in the under-12 race at the Under Hog Hill circuit after launching a series of attacks.

Ellis wasn’t so fortunate, however, having got himself caught at the rear of the bunch. He had to chase hard throughout the race to finish in 46th position.

• Spalding’s Tom Neale managed to get a place as a guest rider with a Belgian team in the Cicleclassic Road Race at Oakham – an annual international event featuring domestic and continental elite category riders.

From the start it was a fast and difficult race with 28 miles covered in the first hour. It was also marred by punctures and crashes, meaning that many riders were eliminated – with Neale among those tangled up among the chaos.

Spalding 3rd (110) lost to Claypole (111-6) by 4 wickets: Spalding’s youthful third side were far from outclassed as they suffered a battling defeat against promotion-chasing Claypole in South Lincs and Border League Division Two on Saturday.

Having been put into bat first, Jazz Tott (33) and captain Jimmy Clarke (20) top scored in Town’s total of 110 at Spalding Grammar School.

Sanj Tott (4-52) and Joe Lyon (2-20) did their best with the ball as Claypole looked doomed on 48-6, but got over the line in the 21st over to hand Spalding a first loss in Division Two.

Skipper Clarke said: “It’s always hard to lose from a position like we had Claypole in, but I have full praise for the lads for battling throughout the game against opponents that are looking at securing promotion this year.

“But the youngsters will have learnt so much from the match and that is the purpose of the development squad

“Hopefully we can put in another good performance this week against Timberlands.”

As always at this stage of the season, the toss was key. Sadly for Spalding Clarke lost – and his side were duly put into bat. Town lost their first wicket in the opening over with Keith De Keyser going for a second-ball duck.

But Tom Wilson (17), on his first game back for the club after six years, and Jake Morton (13) batted with great composure to steady the ship before both eventually fell to Ben Ryder (4-26).

Wickets fell quickly with Will Holmes (0), Lewis Martin (1) and Richard Gilbert (5) all dismissed to leave Spalding on 46-6.

However, Jazz Tott (33) was joined by his skipper Clarke (24) and they cautiously edged the total towards respectability. Tott was once again the aggressor, despatching anything that was hittable while Clarke played another stubborn innings.

The tail wagged a little too, as Spalding reached a defendable 110 when they were bowled out in 43.4 overs.

Claypole started their reply at a good rate as they reached 22 before Sanj Tott trapped Rob Pealing LBW.

He and Lyon troubled the visiting top order considerably, as they picked up wickets at an incredible rate.

Andrew Attewell was next to go for five, thanks largely to a top diving catch from Clarke, while four more batsmen fell to leave Town seemingly in command.

But big hitting from Luke Endley (37) – who smashed two sixes – and Ryder(29) saw runs come at a rapid rate and Claypole cruised past their target.

Next up for Spalding 3rd is a home clash with Timberlands on Saturday (1.30pm).

Moulton Harrox 2nd (129) lost to Spalding 2nd (130-3) by 7 wickets: Simon Juckes smashed an unbeaten 66 to guide Spalding to a Division One derby triumph over Moulton 2nd on Sunday.

Town skipper Steve Norris won the toss and elected to bowl first at Broad Lane – and it proved the right call.

Jamie Juckes (1-23) struck early to remove Mark Woodhall (8), but Harrox skipper Chris Beale (26) and Cornwall (17) dug in well to take the score to 50, despite Luke Barwick (3) falling to Tom Dale.

A top spell from Jack Barratt (4-16) then triggered a Moulton collapse, but Matt Barnett (30 not out) joined his skipper at the crease to stop Spalding’s wicket spree.

A valuable knock from Alex Sowerby (12) down the order then took Harrox to 129, but Dale (3-23) and Barratt returned to clean up the tail.

In reply Henry Lavery (3-43) and Louis Greetham bowled very well, with the former removing Tim Norris (8) and then Ansar Hussain first ball to leave Town on 11-2.

But Joe Broomfield (19) and a match winning innings from Simon Juckes (66) steadied the ship. Both played controlled innings’, finding the gaps and showing fine running between the wickets to help Town keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Broomfield eventually departed, but Campbell Light (29n0) helped Juckes guide Spalding home.

Harrox visit Market Deeping 2nd on Sunday (1.30pm), while Spalding visit Thomas Cook (1.30pm).

Moulton Harrox could be toasting a remarkable treble over the coming days.

The Peterborough Premier Division leaders, who have already won the Lincs Junior Cup, take on Peterborough ICA Sports in the PFA Cup final tomorrow night (7.45pm).

Peterborough United’s London Road ground plays host to the league’s top final, which Harrox are hot favourites to win.

Sixth-placed Sports are some 35 points behind Paul Kent’s charges in the table – and Moulton can seal the title with a win over Leverington Sports at Broad Lane on Tuesday (6.30pm).

• Harrox are running a bus service to the final, leaving at 5.15pm.

Call Paul Kent on 07929 746225 to book your place on a first come, first served basis.

Up to 30 places are likely to available for fans, but there will be a cost for anybody wanting to use the service.

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick faced questions about his plans to recruit volunteers for the force at a meeting in Weston.

Mr Hardwick and Spalding community policing inspector Jim Tyner were the guests of Spalding East Rural Community Policing Panel at Park Road Community Hall last Monday.

There was praise for area PCSO Bev Robinson and people were reassured about her role, despite plans for volunteer PCSOs to be recruited.

But a panel spokesman said: “People came away with a view very much against the idea of volunteering for the police and that it could leave things open for a less than satisfactorily performing police force in Lincolnshire.”

Conservatives in south Lincolnshire were licking their wounds this morning but looking to the future in the aftermath of the Lincolnshire County Council elections.

In a night of surprises, no party managed to secure a majority, with UKIP making huge gains across the region.

But in spite of losing votes, the Tories still hold eight of the 15 seats across the Lincolnshire Free Press area.

Nick Worth was one of the first to hear he had held on to his seat in Holbeach with 979 votes, in spite of being down 18.6 per cent.

Coun Worth said: “Obviously I am delighted to be voted back in and will continue to give my all for Holbeach and the villages.

“This vote was all about national politics, which is disappointing when you have put in so much work locally, but that is what happens when your party is in government.

“The scale of support for UkIP is far more than just a protest vote and the coalition government and David Cameron need to wake up and smell the coffee.

“Key national issues from the electorate were pensions, Europe and immigration. The government needs to act on these now, not make vague promises for the future.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all my loyal supporters for sticking with me and congratulate Paul Foyster (Ukip) for running a good, friendly campaign. I can assure everyone that I will continue to work hard for them whatever their political persuation over the next four years.”

A shock result for the Conservatives was its deputy leader Eddy Poll being ousted from his seat in Spalding East and Moulton to UKIP’s Richard Fairman.

Mr Poll took 870 votes and was down 20.4 per cent. He said afterwards: “The upsurge in support for UKIP was a bit surprising and it’s a shame people decided to vote on national issues rather than what happens locally.

“As for me, I’ve really enjoyed my time with the County Council and I hope my contribution to life in Lincolnshire has been positive. You know that old saying as one door closes, another opens.”

Coun Gary Porter, leader of the Conservatives on South Holland District Council, was at the count and was disappointed by the turnout of voters.

He said: “I’m a bit shell-shocked. Historically it was always us and the Independents but it was hoped more people would vote with there being such a variety of parties standing.

“Only 24 to 31 per cent of the electorate turned out, which is disappointing. But UKIP did well - we’d predicted they might pick up some votes but they are now the second largest group at the county council

“All of the parties are going to have to take something from this - including us, we are going to have to fix it before the district elections.”

However, for Lincolnshire Independent Angela Newton, today was the start of a new challenge. Mrs Newton won Spalding West with 866 votes from Conservative Howard Johnson (506).

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted voters chose a Lincolnshire Independent candidate. A lot of people told me they were going to make a UKIP protest vote.

“I’m now looking forward to getting some sleep and then getting on with the job.”

We are hoping to bring more reaction during the day and for the full round-up see Tuesday’s Lincolnshire Free Press.

Approaching retirement can be a daunting time, with rafts of paperwork arriving from pension companies asking you to make choices about the future income you will receive for the rest of your life. 
These decisions are of huge importance as once made, they can rarely be undone in the future.

The vast majority of people retiring today opt for an annuity to start to receive their pension income and there are two main types of lifetime annuity available:

Conventional annuities: The pensioner’s money purchase pension pot (less any tax free lump sum taken) is used to buy an annuity contract from an insurance company. This annuity contract provides a pension income that will be paid for the rest of the pensioner’s life. The pensioner can choose to have various options built into the annuity contract.

The amount of pension paid from the annuity contract will depend on the size of the pension pot, the health of the annuitant, the pension options chosen and market conditions when the annuity is bought.

Advantages: Simplicity and security. Disadvantages: Lack of flexibility and current poor annuity rates

Investment linked annuities (including with-profits annuities): The pensioner chooses which funds the contract is invested in and this means that the pension income can go up or down depending on the investment performance of the units in the pensioner’s chosen funds. 
All investment linked annuities therefore carry some degree of investment risk, but have the potential for rising income over the retirement years.

Advantages: Flexibility over initial pension level and growth potential. Disadvantages: Investment risk and pension income can go down.

History and science were brought to life at William Stukeley Primary School, Holbeach, with a dressing-up day on the theme of Under the Sea.

Pupils eagerly wore a range of pirate and mermaid costumes as part of the school’s Enrichment Day to launch a series of lessons for the term.

Other activities lined up for pupils included arts and craft, pirate-themed songs and even cooking pirate-based biscuits.

School administrator Jo West said: “They thoroughly enjoyed the day.” Photo (TIM WILSON): SG220413-122TW.

MP John Hayes was out in his constituency visiting flower festivals hours after seeing two of his closest colleagues lose their Conservative seats.

Mr Hayes said he was deeply saddened Eddy Poll in Spalding East and Moulton and Howard Johnson in Spalding West would no longer represent his constituents at the county council.

He said: “I am losing two good colleagues and friends here – it was not the best of nights.”

However, he said overall, across South Holland and the Deepings, the picture for the Tories, although now peppered with purple after the UKIP success, was not as bad as in other parts of the country.

In spite of losing two seats, the Tories still held eight of the 15 in South Lincolnshire. Mr Hayes said: “We have to learn lessons from this and listen to what people are wanting.

“Nationally it is clear people are worried about immigration and the vote shows this. But the election must also be disappointing for Labour because mid-term you would think we ought to be losing votes to them.

“Democracy is never predictable but I have never been complacent. That is why I am now going out visiting the flower festivals and seeing my constituents.

“My work as an MP has always been about fighting for the people I serve – and it will continue to be.”

A man stole razors and blades worth £50 from Boots in Spalding just ten minutes after he was discovered trying to steal a kettle from Homebase.

Jobless Mantas Kizevicius (23) hoped to sell the items to fund his heroin addiction, Spalding magistrates heard.

Kizevicius went into Homebase in Westlode Street at 3pm on April 11, picked up a £49.99 kettle and took it out of its box before placing it in his bag.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said store staff challenged him and he put the kettle back.

Kizevicius was asked to go the office, but he refused to do so and walked out of the store.

Ten minutes later he went into Boots in Hall Place, picked up razors and blades and hid them about his person.

Miss Stace said when staff approached, Kizevicius said he had nothing on him but he was detained as he left by Sgt Stuart Hurst.

She said his only previous convictions were for driving matters last year.

Solicitor Carrie Simson, mitigating, said Kizevicius had a broken leg at the time, wasn’t working and had problems with heroin.

He hoped to sell the items to fund his addiction and acted out of desperation.

Mrs Simson said Kizevicius has since sought help and has been given a prescription for the heroin substitute, methadone.

She said the prescription had worked successfully for the past week.

“That might not sound like much but for him seven days are a long time,” Mrs Simson said.

Kizevicius, of Heron Way, Spalding, pleaded guilty to attempted theft and theft and was fined £80 on each offence. He must also pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

A company is seeking consent to build homes that could be almost in the shadow of a planned £300million biomass power station at Wingland.

The plan from Circle Investments London Ltd came before Sutton Bridge Parish Council for comment. Parish councillors said the district should tell the developers about the proposed power station before it builds a pair of semi-detached houses in Chalk Lane.

Police are warning residents to lock up their lawn mowers following two raids.

A ride-on mower was stolen from Tydd Gote on Wednesday night, six days after a Kubota mower was taken from Long Sutton.