There are now more companies based in Lincolnshire than ever before, according to new figures.

There were 5,879 new companies formed in the county in 2015 - bringing the total number to 39,944.

This is up 5.1% on 2014 where there were a total of 37,990 firms at the end of the year.

However, in terms of the number of companies formed in a single year, 2014 still holds the record with 6,262 registered.

The statistics were compiled by www.informdirect.co.uk, a provider of online company formations and secretarial software, using data available from Companies House and the Office of National Statistics.

Its report - The Inform Direct Review of UK Company Formations in 2015 - includes a league table of company formations county by county as well as statistics on firms registered and dissolved and percentage growth.

It has revealed that for the 12 months ended 31st December 2015, there were a record-breaking 612,565 firms formed across the United Kingdom - up from 586,784 the year before.

Henry Catchpole, managing director of Inform Direct said: “Our dynamic economy and business-friendly environment are the reasons there is a ‘Great’ in Great Britain.

“All around the world, governments are spending time and money to figure out the best way to foster an entrepreneurial culture that helps boost the economy.

“But here in the UK, our politicians can nurture this business mentality that has established itself organically.

“Of course London has always stormed ahead in business but our figures from 2015 demonstrate that the rest of the UK is also displaying a growing confidence in entrepreneurialism.

“Lincolnshire has had a very good year – although not quite as good as 2014.”

Of the new companies created last year in Lincolnshire, 883 were in North Kesteven, 867 in South Kesteven, 811 in North Lincolnshire, 757 in North East Lincolnshire and 686 in South Holland.

There were a further 531 companies registered in Lincoln, 502 in West Lindsey, 485 in East Lindsey and 357 in Boston.

Inform Direct used its software to identify not only start-ups, but also the number of UK companies dissolved in the same period.

This has created an accurate picture of firms now registered county by county in the UK.

The total figure for the UK at the start of 2016 stood at 3.76 million.

Police have warned people not to take ‘trophies’ from the dead whales.

The message comes after a picture was circulated on social media of a man allegedly ‘cutting teeth’ from one of the animals.

The person in question has since contacted this newspaper to say he did not remove anything.

Since the circulation of the picture, force lead for rural crime Chief Inspector Jim Tyner said: “It is not surprising that the sad deaths of these animals has generated considerable fascination and large numbers of people have been coming to Skegness to look at them. However, people need to be aware that touching the creatures is a risk to health and taking ‘trophies’ is against the law. Anyone removing teeth or other parts of the whales may be committing a serious offence, the penalty for which can be quite significant.”

Police said they were aware of the photographs. They said these will form part of their ongoing enquiry into the matter but we would ask anyone with further information to contact them on 101 - reference 368 of January 23.

Shock was also expressed on social media after graffiti appeared on the whales, believed to be a reference to the 2011 nuclear power station disaster in Japan.

The man who said he was responsible for writing ‘Fukishima RIP - man killed me’ wanted to ‘get people talking’.

He said: “I find it disrespectful people were taking selfies with them. I touched them with compassion and heartfelt sadness.”

A police spokesman said: “It’s a terrible thing for someone to do, but there wouldn’t be an actual criminal offence.

“Graffiti is normally criminal damage but the whales don’t belong to anyone so unless the graffiti was very offensive and constituted a public order offence, there would be no offences.”

A collision between a bus and a car is blocking the B1524 Lincoln Road in Market Deeping.

The crash happened at around 8.30am this morning (Tuesday, January 26) with motorists forced to take a detour around the road.

A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire Police said there did not appear to be any serious injuries and that the road was being cleared.

Anthony Delaine Smith, managing director of Delaine Buses, said there was no disruption to services.

He said: “One of our buses was involved in an RTA at Market Deeping. Thankfully there were no major injuries with one person appearing to have minor injuries.

“Everything is back to normal. The replacement bus was there in 25 minutes and the passenger and driver are okay to carry on.”

A teenager who was reported missing has been found.

Amina Smith was been seen at Bourne bus station at about 3.30pm yesterday (Monday, January 25). She was expected home but did not return.

Police today (Tuesday, January 26) confirmed she had been found safe and well.

Long Sutton captain Luke Jackson couldn’t have been happier as they beat his former club Spalding in the Mixed Trophy.

He was hit hard on Saturday, losing vice-captain Jess Hudson due to illness and partner Danny Sisson through injury.

However, Long Sutton battled though the game without any female subs and produced a fantastic team performance.

An early penalty stroke from Josh Fyson put Sutton ahead and Daniel Batten struck twice before Ashley Taylor fired home a short corner to make it 4-0.

Spalding pulled one back through Dan Needham before half-time and they scored again thanks to Stuart Cunnington.

Long Sutton ladies first team beat Cambridge City 3rd with the only goal coming from Leanne Woodhead.

The men’s first team lost 4-1 to Ipswich-East Suffolk despite taking a first-half lead through Fyson.

Cunnington fired a hat-trick as Spalding men’s first team completed the double over Wisbech in their hunt for promotion. Josh Rowbottom was also on target in the 4-3 victory.

The ladies first team went down 3-0 at home to Lindum.

RESULTS

Men’s Premier B: Long Sutton 1 I-ES 4, Cambridge Uni 2nd 5 CoP 2nd 4, Norwich City 5 Saffron Walden 4, Wisbech Town 3 Spalding 4, Felixstowe 1 Letchworth 4.

Men’s Division One: CoP 3rd 9 Chelmsford 2nd 1, East London 2 Old Southendian 2, Pelicans 2 Bishop’s Stortford 4, March Town 2 West Herts 2nd 8, Bourne Deeping 0 Wapping 2nd 0, Cambridge City 3rd 5 Ford 2.

Men’s Division Three North West: CoP 5th 4 St Ives 2nd 1, Cambridge South 3 Long Sutton 2nd 0, Louth 1 Cambridge Uni 3rd 4, Ely City 2 Cambridge City Vets 2, Horncastle 5 Bourne Deeping 2nd 3, St Neots 3 Wisbech Town 2nd 0.

Men’s Division Four North West: CoP 7th 0 Spalding 3rd 4, St Ives 3rd 4 CoP 6th 6, Spalding 2nd 5 Cambridge South 2nd 1, Wisbech Town 3rd 0 Leadenham 7, Bourne Deeping 3rd 5 Cambridge Nomads 2nd 1, Cambridge City 5th 8 Ely City 2nd 0.

Men’s Division Five North West: Long Sutton 3rd 6 St Ives 4th 1, Cambridge South 3rd 0 Alford & District 2, Spalding 4th 3 Cambridge South 4th 0, March Town 2nd 1 St Neots 2nd 5, Bourne Deeping 5th 1 Bourne Deeping 4th 5, Cambridge City 6th 6 Wisbech Town 4th 0.

Men’s Division Six North West (N): Alford & District 2nd 0 Leadenham 2nd 5, Bourne Deeping 6th 0 Long Sutton 4th 6, Grantham 4 Louth 2nd 0, Horncastle 2nd 4 Spalding 5th 2.

Women’s Division One North: Norwich City 1 Blueharts 1, Saffron Walden 2 Letchworth 0, Norwich Dragons 2nd 0 Cambridge City 2nd 2, Bedford 2nd 2 Wisbech Town 0, CoP 4 Royston 1, Spalding 0 Lindum 3.

Women’s Division Two North West: Alford & District 4 Pelicans 0, Cambridge City 3rd 0 Long Sutton 1, St Ives 2 Cambridge Uni 2nd 2, Lindum 2nd 1 Newmarket 3, Cambridge Nomads 1 CoP 2nd 0, Wisbech Town 2nd 1 St Neots 2.

Women’s Division Three North West: Huntingdon 0 Bourne Deeping 6, Ely City 2 Cambridge South 0, Spalding 2nd 2 St Ives 2nd 0, March Town 6 Newmarket 2nd 0, Cambridge Uni 3rd 3 CoP 3rd 0, Haverhill 5 Spalding 3rd 0.

Women’s Division Four North West (North): Louth 2nd 1 Horncastle 4, CoP 4th 5 Long Sutton 2nd 0, Skegness 4 Spilsby 3, Alford & District 2nd 1 Wisbech Town 3rd 3, Bourne Deeping 2nd 1 Woodhall Spa 0.

FIXTURES

Men’s Premier B: Waltham Forest v Wisbech Town, Letchworth v Harleston Magpies 2nd,CoP 2nd v Felixstowe, I-ES v Cambridge Uni 2nd, Saffron Walden v Long Sutton, Spalding v Norwich City.

Men’s Division One: Wapping 2nd v March Town, Ford v Bourne Deeping, Old Southendian v Cambridge City 3rd, Chelmsford 2nd v East London, Bishop’s Stortford v CoP 3rd, West Herts 2nd v Pelicans.

Men’s Division Three North West: Bourne Deeping 2nd v Ely City, Wisbech Town 2nd v Horncastle, Long Sutton 2nd v St Neots, St Ives 2nd v Cambridge South, Cambridge Uni 3rd v CoP 5th, Cambridge City Vets v Louth.

Men’s Division Four North West: Cambridge Nomads 2nd v Wisbech Town 3rd, Ely City 2nd v Bourne Deeping 3rd, CoP 6th v Cambridge City 5th, Spalding 3rd v St Ives 3rd, Cambridge South 2nd v CoP 7th, Leadenham v Spalding 2nd.

Men’s Division Five North West: Bourne Deeping 4th v March Town 2nd, Wisbech Town 4th v Bourne Deeping 5th, Alford & District v Cambridge City 6th, St Ives 4th v Cambridge South 3rd, Cambridge South 4th v Long Sutton 3rd, St Neots 2nd v Spalding 4th.

Men’s Division Six North West (N): Leadenham 2nd v Horncastle 2nd, Long Sutton 4th v Alford & District 2nd, Louth 2nd v Bourne Deeping 6th, Spalding 5th v Grantham.

Women’s Division One North: Royston v Bedford 2nd, Lindum v CoP, Letchworth v Spalding, Blueharts v Saffron Walden, Cambridge City 2nd v Norwich City, Wisbech Town v Norwich Dragons 2nd.

Women’s Division Two North West: CoP 2nd v Lindum 2nd, St Neots v Cambridge Nomads, Long Sutton v Wisbech Town 2nd, Pelicans v Cambridge City 3rd, Cambridge Uni 2nd v Alford & District, Newmarket v St Ives.

Women’s Division Three North West: Newmarket 2nd v St Ives 2nd, Cambridge South v Spalding 2nd, Bourne Deeping v Ely City, Haverhill v March Town, Spalding 3rd v Cambridge Uni 3rd, CoP 3rd v Leadenham.

Women’s Division Four North West (North): Woodhall Spa v Alford & District 2nd, Long Sutton 2nd v Bourne Deeping 2nd, Horncastle v CoP 4th, Spilsby v Louth 2nd, Wisbech Town 3rd v Skegness.

Last year was another successful racing season for Cowbit-based Marc Kemp who became overall winner in the Honda Vtec Challenge in his ex-BTCC Honda Civic.

For 2016 he has signed with Austrian-based car manufacturer KTM for a full international race season in the KTM XBow Battle.

The season starts in the Czech Republic in May and ends in Italy in October with Kemp competing against drivers from all over the world, although he is the only UK representative.

Kemp managed to get two races in with KTM last year in Hungary and Croatia where he put in a strong performance.

Kemp is undergoing a strict fitness and diet regime with the help of Spalding sponsor Pro Bodies Gym.

When not working for his family courier company GMK Panic Link, Kemp is a race driving instructor for BMW at Oulton Park as well as development driver for a German suspension manufacturer.

Police are advising the public that interfering with the carcasses of the sperm whales, which washed up on the Lincolnshire Coast, may constitute a criminal offence.

Sperm whales are a species protected under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.

The regulations state that being in possession of any part of the animal, alive or dead, or selling or exchanging any such part, is an offence punishable by six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Force lead for rural crime, Chief Inspector Jim Tyner. said: “It is not surprising that the sad deaths of these animals has generated considerable fascination and large numbers of people have been coming to Skegness to look at them.

“However, people need to be aware that touching the creatures is a risk to health and taking ‘trophies’ is against the law. Anyone removing teeth or other parts of the whales may be committing a serious offence, the penalty for which can be quite significant”.

We are aware that photographs have been circulating on social media of a person apparently removing teeth from the whale. These photographs will form part of our ongoing enquiry into the matter but we would ask anyone with further information to contact us on 101.

Carriageway maintenance works are due to start on Monday, February 15 on the B1397 Clough Road, Gosberton Clough. The works are expected to last for approximately five days.

A road closure will be in place between the Beach Lane and Beck Bank junctions with a signed diversion route in place. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained although minor delays may be possible and motorists should allow extra time for their journey.

Residents and businesses have already been notified by letter, and signs giving advance notification to drivers will be in place before the scheme starts.

Andy Wharff, area highways manager, said, “These works are part of our continued investment in the local road network and will extend the life of the road by several years.”

For more information, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/roadworks or follow @LincsCC_roads on Twitter.

A police community support officer from Holbeach allegedly masturbated as he drove in St Albans where he was stationed, “fixated” at the time on a teenage girl who was walking towards him.

Kelvin Mackenzie (49) was on his way home to Holbeach when a shocked St Albans cyclist saw through an open passenger window what the motorist was doing as drove slowly along Faircross Way, St Albans, a Crown Court jury was told.

Mackenzie, of Cowfield Gould, Holbeach, has pleaded not guilty to committing an act which outrages public decency on July 30, 2014.

Prosecutor Alex Rooke, opening the trial, said cyclist Adam Barnes saw a middle-aged man masturbating behind the wheel of a red Renault Megane about 4.50pm.

“There was a young girl, about 16, in the vicinity. Mr Barnes says this man appeared to be fixed on the girl walking along,” said Mr Rooke.

It was discovered after the alleged incident was reported to police that the registration number given for the vehicle belonged to PCSO Mackenzie. In fact, the vehicle was in St Alban’s police station car park when the officer traced it through the database, jurors were told.

Mr Barnes, who grew up in Faircross Way and was visiting his father’s house to go on a bike ride together, told the court he was “a bit shocked” by what he witnessed and added “it took me aback”.

He said he noticed the car because it was driving slowly as he sat on his cycle on the drive waiting for his father. The Megane was on his side of the road.

He continued: “When he drew level I could see that he was struggling. I assumed he was trying to put his seat belt in but as I looked in the window I could see what he was doing.

“He was looking straight ahead. There was a girl walking along on my side of the pavement, about 16-17, slim, wearing a skirt. She looked as if she could have been a school leaver. She was walking towards the car.”

Mackenzie, when interviewed by police, said the Sandpit Lane area was part of his patrol beat. He said he was driving home to Spalding at that time – a journey of two and a half hours – and that no-one else used his car at the time.

In relation to the alleged act, he told officers: “I was certainly not doing that.”

The prosecutor told the jury of eight men and four women they would have to decide whether the motorist was Mackenzie, and whether “masturbating in public outrages public decency”.

He added that, legally, two people have to be “capable of seeing it” to make it an offence though they do not necessarily have to see the act, merely be capable of seeing it.

The trial continues.

Ollie Maltby’s hat-trick extended the unbeaten run of Premier Division leaders Moulton Harrox.

They remain three points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand over second-placed Whittlesey Athletic.

Harrox beat Holbeach United Reserves 3-1 with an own-goal by Bobby Patterson being the Tigers’ reply at Broad Lane.

Whittlesey hit Deeping Rangers Reserves for six to maintain their challenge.

Crowland Town claimed their third league win of the season with a 3-2 scoreline at Thorney.

Langtoft United edged out Leverington Sports 2-1 with goals from Joe Dobson and Nathan Fryar.

Moulton Harrox Reserves took a point at second-placed Stamford Lions in Division One thanks to Declan Earth and Martin Sandall.

Jake Farrell was on target for Spalding United Reserves in a 1-1 draw away to Stamford Belvedere.

Top against bottom saw a 3-0 home win for Wisbech Town Reserves over Langtoft Reserves.

Long Sutton Athletic were 2-0 up at the break but drew with Kings Cliffe.

Baston went down 4-3 at home to Oundle Town as Troy Waters (2) and substitute Daniel Pick found the net.

Spalding Town lost 2-1 at Peterborough Polonia in Division Two.

Substitute Dean Grummitt looked to have earned a draw but Jordan Clow was sent off for a second bookable offence and the home side grabbed a winner with two minutes to go.

Tydd St Mary were beaten by the same scoreline away to Farcet United in Division Three. Tim Lowe was on the scoresheet.

The norovirus outbreak at Lincoln County Hospital has now been officially declared as over.

Although the outbreak is now over, norovirus continues to circulate in the community and the hospital is still experiencing a number of cases of patients admitted to the hospital who are incubating the infection.

Michelle Rhodes, director of nursing for ULHT, said: “It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff that we are able to declare this outbreak over. Many of them have gone above and beyond what is normally required of them to ensure disruption to the hospital is minimised and ensuring patient safety and care is not compromised.

“I’d like to thank the public, too. In staying away from our wards and A&E they have helped us cope and keep disruptions to a minimum. But we still need their support. Visiting restrictions remain in place in order to limit the spread of the virus and to protect our vulnerable patients and our staff.”

The number of visitors per patient will be limited to a maximum of two per bed space, in all but exceptional circumstances. Children aged five years and under should not visit the hospital.

If you have norovirus symptoms or have had them in the past 72 hours, please do not attend A&E or visit the hospital. If you have symptoms, the best things you can do are rest and take plenty of non-caffeinated drinks to avoid dehydration.

People worried about prolonged symptoms should contact NHS 111 or ring their GP, not visit their surgery. They will be able to provide advice for people who are at greater risk from dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting, such as young children or the elderly.

A young dog and her pup saved from death by a charity are enjoying life to the full in forever homes.

Nobody knew last May when German Shepherd Dog Destiny was critically injured in a road accident that she was in the early stages of pregnancy.

Destiny, then only about eight months old, was taken to a vet and left to be put to sleep.

She had a broken pelvis, dislocated hips and soft tissue injuries to her groin.

But the vet in North Hykeham called Quadring-based Central German Shepherd Rescue (CGSR), who picked up the bill for her medical care, and Destiny’s life was saved.

The young dog went to a foster home in Donington to be cared for by volunteer Anne Kozak, who fell in love with her young charge and is now Destiny’s full-time “mum”.

Anne patiently taught Destiny how to walk again, and says: “You can’t stop her now. She’s a bundle of energy.”

As Destiny recovered from the accident and the effects of extensive treatment, she went into labour and was rushed to Sutterton Veterinary Centre where she had a Caesearian section.

Three puppies were delivered on July 6 but only one, Remo, was alive.

He was hand reared by the charity’s volunteers and, true to a name that means The Strong One in Greek, pulled through.

Remo was adopted into his forever home by a Sheffield couple on December 30.

Volunteer Mark Aspden, whose wife Marlene is a CGSR trustee, said the couple spotted Remo on the charity’s website and underwent a thorough vetting process to check both they and their home were suitable for the young dog before they could meet him.

“He’s now helping them redecorate,” said Mark. “He’s chewing off their wallpaper. It’s the sort of thing you expect from a playful puppy.”

Marlene, who runs Highfield Kennels at Pinchbeck, said the charity’s rehoming work is non-stop.

“We look after some in kennels,” she said. “We also have dogs in foster homes that are waiting for new owners – and we have some that are waiting in their own homes to come to us because their owners can no longer look after them.”

In the last year, CGSR has rehomed around 50 dogs taken in from a big chunk of central England but it’s costly work with bills of around £1,500 a month, which surge much higher if a dog like Destiny needs extensive veterinary treatment.

The charity is holding a big fundraiser on Saturday, March 12 when The Rockits, resident 50s/60s band at Liverpool’s world famous Cavern Club, appear at The Castle Sports Complex, in Spalding. There will be a supporting disco on the night.

Tickets are £12.50 but our readers can win four tickets – worth a total of £50 – by answering this simple question.

How is Remo helping his new family to re-decorate?

Please write your answer on a postcard and send it to Lynne Harrison, Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian, Priory House, The Crescent, Spalding PE11 1AB. Entries must arrive by midday on Friday, February 5.

• You can also buy tickets on 01775 761313/762178, from the sports centre or online from www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

Previously ...

Destiny’s child can be strong by name

They have played a key role in British social life since the 16th century but now new research has shown what those who enjoy a tipple in their local already know - living near a pub makes you happier.

As well as offering a setting to enjoy food and drink pubs also play an integral role in offering a place where people can meet and make friends and mix with people from their communities - something researchers found is increasingly important in a world where people often communicate from afar using social media.

Regulars with a local pub nearby were found to be “significantly” happier, have more friends, improved social skills, better life satisfaction, and actually drink in more moderation. The report, for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), highlights the importance of face-to-face interaction.

Professor Robin Dunbar of Oxford University, said: “Friendship and community are probably the two most important factors influencing our health and wellbeing.

“Making and maintaining friendships, however, is something that has to be done face-to-face. The digital world is simply no substitute.

“Given the increasing tendency for our social life to be online rather than face-to-face, having relaxed accessible venues where people can meet old friends and make new ones becomes ever more necessary,” he added.

The study was carried out by researchers at Oxford University.

Tim Page, chief executive of CAMRA, said of the report: “Whilst we are delighted that such robust research highlights some of the many benefits of visiting a pub, I hardly expect the findings will be a great surprise to CAMRA members.

“Pubs offer a social environment to enjoy a drink with friends in a responsible, supervised community setting,” he added.

However Mr Page cautioned that the last few years have been tricky for pubs with many landlords forced to close their doors during the economic crash.

“The closing decades of the 20th century have witnessed major changes in both the style of public houses and their numbers,” he said.

“In 1951, there were 73,421 pubs in England and Wales - within 20 years, this had fallen to 64,0873.

“Closures continued apace through the ensuing decades, with as many as 2,365 pubs closing in 2009 and a further 1,300 pubs in 2010.

“As of 2014, the number of pubs had declined to 51,9004, with pubs continuing to close at an average rate of 29 a week.”

The future of a long-running Spalding choir has been secured thanks to funding from South Holland councillors.

Voices Unplugged, a popular community choir based at Broad Street Methodist Church, recently received a much-needed donation of £800.

Six councillors – Gary Taylor, Jane King, Robert Clark, Elizabeth Sneath, Jack McLean and George Aley – used their designated ward budgets to stump up the funds.

Kate Dickens, secretary of Voices Unplugged, said: “We are always in need of funding simply to survive and in recent years it has become more and more difficult for arts groups to get by.

“We are thrilled to get this donation and extremely grateful to the councillors for offering to help us, it’s a wonderful gesture.

“The donation means we can continue to meet regularly and perform concerts over the next year or so. We have over 40 members from different backgrounds and they are delighted with the news.”

Coun Taylor said: “We were aware of the choir and their excellent reputation locally so when we heard they were in need of support, we were happy to help out.

“I hope that the donation enables them to continue their fantastic work.”

South Holland councillors regularly use their designated ward budgets to help community groups and worthy causes across the district.

For more information and to find your local councillor visit www.sholland.gov.uk

Voices Unplugged is always on the lookout for new members. For further details about the group contact Kate Dickens on 01775 420953.

Previously...

Turkey producer’s big cash giveaway to community groups

Heart-and-feet-warming songs in Spalding

Police say they have received numerous reports of hare coursing in the Suttons area and also towards Boston this morning (Wednesday).

The vehicles involved include a Subaru Forester, Green Jeep Cherokee, Grey 4x4 similar to a Freelander and also a Red Citreon Xantia.

Any sightings please contact Lincolnshire Police as soon as possible on 101.

Pop icon Elton John is due to perform in Lincolnshire this summer.

The special summer date is at Lincolnshire Showground on Friday, June 10.

The star has announced a string of dates in the UK this summer and when he performs in Lincoln it will be the first time with his band in the county since 1973, when he played Boston’s Starlight Rooms.

See ticket prices at ticketmaster.co.uk or ring the credit card hotline 0844 847 2441 or 08448 24 48 24.

This is your chance to watch the old cine films gathering dust in the attic.

Take them along to Ayscoughfee Hall Museum in Spalding on Saturday (11.30am to 3.30pm) and you can watch them while enjoying tea and cake.

Musicians Chris Ellis, Dave Sturt and Theo Travis are appealing for home movies,old photographs and reminiscences for a project they are working on, called Past Lives.

They will edit the material contributed into a film, to be shown at South Holland Centre in Spalding on April 30, and will produce a music soundtrack to accompany it, assisted by students from University Academy Holbeach.

Local memories will also be turned into a DVD.

South Lincs Competitive Swimming Club members made the trip to Grantham for their first competition of 2016 on the opening weekend of the Lincolnshire ASA County Championships.

The racing kicked off in great style with Mollie Briggs, Hannah Willis, Dusty Saines, Ellisha Cookson and Amelia Fovargue all setting personal bests in the women’s 200m freestyle.

Then it was the boys’ turn with Luke Blanchard achieving a PB and securing his second Midland Qualifying Time in the 200m breaststroke.

With the 200m events over, the 100m and 50m races remained and South Lincs had 22 representatives with 13 progressions to finals.

In the ladies 100m IM both Cookson and Willis took the bronze medals in their respective age groups, 
Atticus Strickland won silver and Luke Elliott got bronze in the men’s 100m butterfly.

Elliott’s fly time was a big PB and improves his national rankings to 15th for this event.

Cheryl Wilson and Willis both took the gold in the 50m backstroke events.

Wilson also won the Senior Championship in this event.

In session two Strickland, Colin O’Reilly and Blanchard all recorded new PBs in the men’s 200m freestyle with Cookson and Georgia Roberts achieving PBs in the women’s 200m breaststroke.

In the shorter events there was a huge number of PBs with Calvin Wilson and William Swain attaining Midland Qualifying Times in tne 50m backstroke.

Seven swimmers progressed through to the finals – Blanchard in the 100m IM improving his heats time, Briggs, Cookson and Wilson all contending the 100m butterfly with Wilson improving again from her heats time.

Blanchard, Elliott and Wilson all progressed to the men’s 50m backstroke finals with Elliott taking gold and the Senior Championship Trophy.

Session three saw a smaller contingent of South Lincs swimmers contest the 400m freestyle and 400m IM events.

Eleven swimmers contested 13 races with six of those leading to new PBs and two further season best times for Elliott and Alice Gowing.

Willis, Briggs, Cookson and Saines led the charge – all hitting best times in the 400m free with Briggs and Willis taking the gold and silver in the 10/11 years age group too.

Elliott contested the men’s 400m freestyle and recorded a solid swim to win the Championship Trophy.

In the 400m IM Events Gowing notched up a season best performance to secure her Midland Standard.

Blanchard smashed his PB to secure yet another Midland Standard and taking silver in the 15 years age group.

Ryan Horrocks also broke his PB and made it under the five-minute mark to secure his Midland Standard.

Elliott was back in the water with a season best time to take silver in the 17 and over age group.

Head coach Callum Lawson said: “This was another weekend where swimmers delivered their skills and got the rewards for all the hours of hard work.”

Briggs swam superbly at the City Of Derby Level One open meet at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, to win gold in the 200m butterfly.

She reached the finals of the girls’ 200m individual medley and also achieved a personal best time in the 100m freestyle.

Marianne Nixey will be demonstrating a snow scene using acrylic based mixed media at Spalding Arts & Crafts Society’s meeting next week.

It’s at at Pinchbeck Village Hall on Tuesday (7.30pm).

Entry £4.50 for guests.

Bookmark of Spalding has selected A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson as its book of the week.

Back in America after 20 years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine.

The trail offers an astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes and to a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings.

For a start there’s the gloriously out-of-shape Stephen Katz, a buddy from Iowa along for the walk. Despite Katz’s overwhelming desire to find cozy restaurants, he and Bryson eventually settle into their stride, and while on the trail they meet a bizarre assortment of hilarious characters.

But A Walk in the Woods is more than just a laugh-out-loud hike. Bryson’s acute eye is a wise witness to this beautiful but fragile trail, and as he tells its fascinating history, he makes a moving plea for the conservation of America’s last great wilderness. An adventure, a comedy, and a celebration, A Walk in the Woods has become a modern classic of travel literature. It is now a major motion picture starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte showing at South Holland Centre in Spalding on February 17 and 18.

A Walk in the Woods retails for £8.99 but there is a 20 per cent discount voucher in the Spalding Guardian of January 28.