It’s safe, it’s warm, but it’s hardly a five-star hotel.

West Yorkshire Probation Service’s ‘approved premises’ temporarily house offenders from all walks of criminal life, from those subject to community orders to others who have served long jail terms for serious violent crimes.

Tenants are given a bed for the night, two square meals a day and, to various extents, freedom to live their lives, but all under the watch of trained probation officers.

Janine Hines manages the premises in Dewsbury. She said: “We can’t stop people coming out of prison. Our role is risk management and at the core of that is public protection and giving people the means to stop offending.”

There are two approved premises in Kirklees – the other is in Cleckheaton – and two more elsewhere in West Yorkshire, including one for women only.

Daily life for the young men at the Dewsbury premises varies depending on individual circumstances,

All tenants will meet with their link worker at least once a week, or more often if they have just left custody, and also have meetings with their probation officer.

There are regular groups which tenants must attend, covering topics such as alcohol awareness and money management. Some residents have extra groups dealing specifically with their offences or personal issues.

The rest of the time, tenants are encouraged to spend time finding work or training, and accommodation so they are ready to move out of approved premises after 90 days.

They pay their own rent – £42 a week if they are working, £26 if not – do all their own washing, find their own lunch, keep their rooms tidy and stick to the approved premises rules, including any curfews they may have.

All tenants have to be in by 11pm, but others may have extra restrictions. If they are classed as high risk, they might have to report back every two hours.

When a curfew is missed, senior probation officers like Janine can inform the home office and police will be sent out to find the offender and put them back in prison.

“In my experience, it doesn’t take them that long to find them,” she said.

At the Dewsbury premises there is a canteen, a lounge and a pool room, but tenants can’t become couch potatoes.

There are beds for 24 residents, plus a bedroom for staff staying overnight and a spare room for if a tenant is ill and needs privacy.

Some tenants share bedrooms and all share bathrooms with around half a dozen others. All of the bedrooms have bare concrete walls, single beds and a small amount of cupboard space.

The average bed in an approved premises costs the taxpayer £19,400, compared with £45,000 for a prison bed, which is value for money as far as Janine is concerned.

She said: “It’s a safe environment, which is important. It’s an environment where staff support residents and engage them as part of their rehabilitation.

“These offenders are no different to you or I, in that if you build up positive relationships, you are more likely to succeed.”

AROUND 16 travellers have arrived at Dewsbury’s railway station car park today.

The five vans had been turned off a site in Leeds Road, Huddersfield, earlier in the day.

One of the travellers, a man named Jerry, said the group aimed to be in Dewsbury for ‘a day or so’ and was en route to Appleby horse fair in Cumbria.

He added that they were prepared to pay for being on the pay-to-park site. “We don’t want anything giving,” he said

SIX people are now being treated in hospital after an explosion at Fox’s Biscuits today.

Contractors were draining and cleaning three diesel tanks at the back of the Batley factory on Wednesday morning when a spark caused one to catch fire.

Eyewitnesses described how a burst of flames was seen coming from the site, followed by clouds of thick smoke.

Aneela Zaman, who lives opposite the yard, said she saw people running from the factory, screaming.

One man was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital with burns to his legs, and five other people were taken to Dewsbury and District Hospital as a precaution.

Keep checking this website for updates, and video footage of the aftermath of the explosion.

Check out this week’s Batley and Birstall News, out tomorrow, for the full story.

NEW manager Neil Warnock has already seen plenty to get stuck into as he aims to revive Leeds United’s fortunes following his appointment last weekend.

The Warnock era officially starts at Portsmouth on Saturday, although he could not resist the temptation to get his feelings across to the new players under his command at last Saturday’s Npower Championship game against Doncaster rovers.

The new manager’s half-time pep talk certainly had the desired effect as a fired up United hit back from two down to win 3-2 with goals from Andros Townsend, Adam Clayton and Luciano Becchio.

Warnock’s suggested tactical changes to give Robert Snodgrass a new role just behind front man Luciano Becchio also played a part while he has already said that he wants the Whites to play the ball up front earlier than they have been of late to suit Becchio’s style.

It was almost the perfect start for the man who took Sheffield United and QPR up from this division as his new team won to keep their play-off hopes alive yet were so poor in the first half that he saw for himself the problems he has inherited.

Defensive frailties, weak midfield play and a front line that lacked pace gave cause for concern in all the areas of the side and a lack of leadership was clear. But a much improved second half display, not for the first time this season, saw them through in the end and gave Warnock cause for optimism as well.

He knows he has plenty of work to do, but believes the Whites can still achieve their promotion aim this season if everyone pulls together.

He said: “There are areas we have to improve if we’re not to write this season off. I don’t want to write this season off, not just yet – even though the bookies aren’t giving us much opportunity.”

“It’s an opportunity now to put to bed these differences and the problems they’ve had over the past few months. Everyone get behind the team.

“We’ve only got 14 games left for heaven’s sake. Let’s put that all to bed and everyone be like they were on Saturday. It’s a great club when it’s like that.”

Warnock has made his first appointment with Mick Jones being named as his assistant. He is also looking to the loan market to bolster the playing squad at his disposal with former Whites midfielder Shaun Derry one of the potential targets.

But Fabian Delph will not be rejoining on loan after it was revealed today that his ankle injury is likely to keep him out of action for the rest of the season.

Victory over Doncaster left Leeds in tenth place in the table, but they have closed the gap a little on the teams in the play-off places and will see their next game as a winnable one as they travel to play a Portsmouth team with huge financial worries again, having gone into administration.

Pompey’s 10-point penalty has seen them drop into the bottom three, but they still have a strong first team with several players with Premiership experience even if their squad is a little thin.

Leeds will be looking to do the double over Portsmouth, having beaten them 1-0 in October and after their first week in training with their new manager the players will be keen to impress with all the shirts up for grabs.

Warnock will obviously have his own ideas on team selection with experienced midfielder Michael Brown expected to be recalled to the starting line-up for starters. Other changes will be harder for him to make so soon, although the likes of Andy O’Brien, Leigh Bromby and Lloyd Sam, who for one reason or another have not featured in recent weeks, could come into contention.

The Mayor of Kirklees will test his nerve when he leads the way during a sponsored abseil.

Coun Eric Firth and dozens of volunteers will abseil down the University of Huddersfield’s main building on March 8 to raise cash for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

Coun Firth (Lab, Dews East) said: “I said that this year I wanted to combine fundraising with fun. I think that’s the way to get more people involved.

“I’ve never abseiled before but I’m looking forward it.”

Among those stepping up for the eight-storey abseil is Mike Field, a partner at the West Riding pub in Dewsbury.

Mr Field said he did not hesitate when the mayor asked.

He said: “I took about two seconds to think about it. If I’d taken four, I would have said no!

“I had a head for heights when I was younger but I don’t know if I do now.”

Meanwhile, staff at the Reporter Series hope readers will get behind three of our own team.

Managing director Helen Oldham, editor Hannah Ridgeway and photographer Jake Oakley will all be taking part.

Coun Firth said: “We’ve got lots of volunteers and the intention is to raise lots and lots.

“If it does raise as much as I expect, it would be fantastic.”

To join in, contact the mayor’s office on 01484 221904.

ANCIENT gates and doors at one of Spen’s most historic churches have been restored.

Friends of Whitechapel Church have funded the work on the porch gates and doors at the Cleckheaton church.

Church Warden Tom Pinder said: “In 2007 we successfully completed the £250,000 restoration of the exterior of the church and we are now working and fundraising towards bringing the interior up to the same standard. We are grateful to our Friends for their early support.”

The main doors and vicar’s side door date back to when the church was built in 1821.

The porch gates were installed in 1976 and were donated by Pauline Simon, who died last August, and her sister Brenda Strickland, in memory of their parents FW and E Greenwood.

Mr Greenwood had a chemist’s shop in Cleckheaton for a number of years. The porch itself was built and paid for by public subscription as a memorial to all those who lost their lives during the First World War.

A Friends of Whitechapel Church leaflet is Whitechapel School’s website at www.whitechapelcofeprimary.org.uk.htm and can be downloaded from the Community Links tab.

KIRKLEES Council has published changes to its plans for creating thousands of homes and jobs over the next 20 years.

The updated Local Development Framework (LDF) policies have been published on the council’s website ahead of an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday March 6.

During the meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall, councillors will vote on whether to formally adopt the plan.

The key principles were agreed back in November, but a working party has been looking at issues where further discussion was needed.

Click on the link to the right of the story to read the new document.

Anyone wishing to speak at council meeting must register by Friday March 2.

Deputations will be limited to five minutes and new issues which have arisen since the November meeting.

Email andrea.woodside@kirklees.gov.uk or phone 01484 221715 to register.

THREE people have been injured in an explosion at Fox’s Biscuits in Batley.

Emergency services were called to the Wellington Street factory this morning, after reports there had been an explosion involving a storage tanker in a yard.

Two of the three people injured were described as ‘walking wounded’ by a fire service spokesman.

The Health and Safety Executive has sent a team to the site to begin enquiries.

No-one from Fox’s Biscuits has been available to comment so far.

Keep checking back for updates and see tomorrow’s News for the full story.

- Did you see the incident? Call the newsroom on 01924 472121 or email batleyeditorial@ywng.co.uk.

The organisers of the Brits have apologised to Adele after she was unceremoniously forced to cut short her acceptance speech for the top gong at this year’s awards.

The record-breaking singer landed two trophies at the glitzy event when she collected the best British female award as well as the big title of the night, best album, for 21.

But a rambling acceptance speech by earlier outstanding contribution award winner Damon Albarn of Blur meant she was barely able to deliver a speech and she gestured with her middle finger in frustration on-stage. Adele, 23, said the insult was aimed at “the suits”, after show host James Corden interrupted her to wind up her words.

Following the ceremony at London’s O2 area, the show’s organisers released a statement saying: “We regret this happened and we send our deepest apologies to Adele that her big moment was cut short due to the live show over running.

“We don’t want this to undermine her incredible achievement in winning our night’s biggest award, that tops off what’s been an incredible year for her.”

Adele’s success followed a colossal win at the Grammys a little over a week ago when she was the toast of the music world with six trophies.

As she collected the best album prize for 21 - which has sold almost four million copies in the UK - the breathless star gushed: “Nothing makes me prouder, yeah, than coming home with six Grammys, then coming to the Brits and winning album of the year.

“I am so so proud to be British and to be flying the flag and to be in the same room as all of you.”

But seconds later Corden had to apologise as he forced her triumphant speech to end in a whimper. The star - who made a show-stopping comeback performance with hit Rolling In The Deep earlier in the show - then made her rude gesture.

Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2012, All Rights Reserved.

]]> 1.4271954 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:08:56 +0000 http://www.spenboroughguardian.co.uk/award_winning_musical_1_4259747

Broadway’s longest running show The Phantom of the Opera is heading to Leeds in August.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical – which has won over 60 major theatre awards including, seven Tonys on Broadway and three Olivier Awards in the West End – will hit the Leeds Grand Theatre stage from August 8 to September 15.

The lead will be performed by John Owen-Jones, who has played the role in the West End, and Christine is taken by Katie Hall who was a contestant on BBC1 talent show I’d Do Anything.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said “I’m delighted to announce that the spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical will be in Leeds this summer. With an exciting new design and staging, retaining Maria Björnson’s amazing costumes, we expect audiences to fall in love with Phantom all over again.”

Leeds Grand Theatre’s general manager Ian Sime added: “I believe our beautiful auditorium is just perfect for this production – with that and the new staging it will be a wonderful night out for our audiences“.

For tickets, which went on sale earlier this month and are priced from £19-£55, www.leedsgrandtheatre.com or call the box office on 0844 8482705.

l The Mercure Holland House and Spa, Redcliffe Hill, has rooms from £60 per night. Ring 01179 689900 or go to www.mercure.com for the latest deals.

l CrossCountry trains began operating in November 2007 and is the most extensive franchise in the UK. For more information on services log on to www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk, or download the free mobile app from the website.

l Family admission to the ss Great Britain (two adults plus up to three children) costs £33.50 and includes free return visits for one year.

l Entry to M Shed is free; admission to the Norman Parkinson exhibition is £5 (£4 concessions), visit www.mshed.org.

l Other attractions include Bristol Aquarium and At-Bristol, a family friendly interactive museum two minutes from the aquarium.

l For more ideas and all you need to know about the city, go to http://visitbristol.co.uk/.

MORE couples are getting married at council register offices as figures show its registrars have been getting busier every year.

In 2009/10, 530 couples got married in a council register office. That rose to 540 couples in 2010/11. This year looks set to be busier still, as 438 couples were married by a Kirklees registrar between April and December 2011.

Clare Moorhouse, owner of To Have And To Hold bridal shop in Mirfield, said: “This year seems to be a busy year. Maybe with the economic downturn people want a bit of good news, and weddings are always something to look forward to.”

Kirklees registrars are also conducting more and more weddings at ‘approved venues’ not owned by the council, such as hotels or public halls.

In 2009/10 there were 382 Kirklees weddings in such venues, 430 in 2010/11, then 400 between April and December last year.

Civil partnerships are getting more common, with Kirklees registrars conducting 19 ceremonies in 2009/10, 24 the year after, and 39 between April and December last year.

In April, Dave Housecroft married long-term partner Lynn Hood at Dewsbury Register Office. He said: “We had both married before but this marriage was the most special and most important simply because we had been together 10 years.”

Mr Housecroft thinks more couples are getting married because they are rushing into it, which means higher divorce rates and more second marriages.

He said: “Back in the day people wanted to get married on next to nothing and start from scratch, whereas these days a lot of people get married for a lot of different reasons.

“It’s easier to get in to a marriage and it’s easier to get out of it, whereas before people would have stayed together.”

A FAMILY has spoken out about care for elderly patients at Dewsbury and District Hospital after a loved one was treated like a ‘lump of meat’.

George Wallace said his 93-year-old father was let down by staff at the hospital in the weeks leading up to his death. And the Birkenshaw man fears his father’s is not an isolated case.

Now the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust is investigating his complaint.

Mr Wallace, 53, of Lynwood Close, said: “My father had short term memory issues but was treated like a lump of meat by certain staff.

“The needs of the elderly especially those who are disinclined to complain about their treatment are not being met at this hospital.”

His father, George Wallace Sr, also of Birkenshaw, went into hospital for several weeks but was only moved to the appropriate medical ward two days before he died on January 4.

He contracted a chest infection while in hospital which turned into pneumonia. On one day, Mr Wallace found his father shivering beside his bed wearing only a pyjama top and small blanket.

Mr Wallace said a physiotherapist refused to discharge his father until he was mobile, despite the family explaining he had had the same mobility problems for years.

He said that on the day of his father’s death, the family raised concerns about his breathing. At noon they were told the antibiotics ordered would not arrive until 10pm.

At 8pm, when they raised further concerns, they were told there was only one doctor that evening and Mr Wallace would be seen as soon as possible.

The trust’s associate nursing director Moya Emery said its priority was giving the best possible care to patients.

She said ward standards were regularly reviewed to improve services.

She said: “This includes checking that we meet key dignity standards which are an essential part of providing a positive patient experience. “Anything less is not good enough and I would like to apologise to Mr Wallace.”

A MAN from Hull has been fined £100 for dropping litter in Dewsbury.

Mike Erno, of Spring Bank, was no more than two metres from a litter bin when he was seen dropping a wrapper in Foundry Street on August 31.

He did not pay a £75 fixed penalty notice so he was prosecuted by Kirklees Council using environmental legislation.

Kirklees magistrates found him guilty in his absence last Thursday and fined him £100 with £15 victim surcharge and £175 costs.

IF you’re mad for all things fashion related and want some work experience, then a new project may be for you.

Passion 4 Fashion Kirklees aims to help unemployed people gain skills, from clothing design and sewing to budgeting and teamwork, to help them find jobs or further training.

From Monday up to 80 people will start working with local designers to create their own catwalk outfit from recyled clothes on a budget of £20 per outfit.

Advisers from Jobcentre Plus, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and the Citizens Advice Bureau will also be there offering advice.

The project will culminate in a fantastic fashion show at Huddersfield Town Hall on April 26, opened by the Mayor of Kirklees Coun Eric Firth.

The new designers will model their creations to an audience of hundreds, and entertainment will be provided by groups from across the district.

Coun Jean Calvert, Cabinet member for Health, Wellbeing and Communities, said: “Passion 4 Fashion gives local people the chance to take part in something new and exciting – it’s not every day that you get to model in a fashion show!

“The participants will also gain skills which will stay with them in the long term and hopefully help them gain employment or training opportunities in the future.”

Groups working on the project include Connect Housing, Kirklees Council, Together Housing, Deighton and Brackenhall Initiative, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, Sadeh Lok and Headrow Limited.

Places are still available at workshops running in Dewsbury and Batley. Anyone with an interest in fashion who is over 16 and currently out of work can get in touch with Valerie Wartelle, Kirklees Council Area Neighbourhood Team, on 01484 221709 or at area.neighbourhoodteam@kirklees.gov.uk. No previous experience is needed.

The organisers are also still looking for volunteers to help support the participants as they create their outfits at workshops across Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley.

Anyone who can sew or help out in another way is encouraged to contact Ms Wartelle or for more information visit www.facebook.com/Passion4FashionKirklees

Ryan McBride’s production of Leeds born Louise Rennison’s witty tale of teenage dilemma makes its debut at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Angus, Thongs and even more Snogging is about typical young teenage girls who hang out with their mates, chatting about boys and trying to work out where they have got to on the snog-o-meter which ranges from holding hands to the full monty.

Admittedly, the main dilemmas facing Georgia Nicholson are her embarrassing parents, her massive nose and how to entice the sex god Robbie away from the drippy school prefect Wet Lindsay. With the help of her best friend Jas, a self-help book provided by her mother, and a free lesson from the local snogging tutor she devises a snogfastic plan.

There is never a dull moment in this lively play, musical numbers provided by the Stiff Dylans, Robbie’s band and a sub plot involving poor Angus, the crazy cat trying to avoid being hauled off to the vets for the snip. The audition for the school play is unusual and very funny. I don’t often laugh out loud.

Excellent performances from all the cast, particularly Naomi Peterson as Georgia in her first professional production and Lewis Rayner also fresh out of drama school is so sweet as Dave the Laugh, the mate who would like to be more. Even I had a few Ahhhhh moments.The play is pitched to keep both teenagers and parents entertained and judging by the reaction at the end of the play I would say it succeeded. A great night out for girls (and boys) whatever their age.

]]> 1.4269764 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:45:29 +0000 http://www.spenboroughguardian.co.uk/attempted_robbery_in_heckmondwike_1_4269737

A MAN was attacked after stopping his young friend from being robbed by a teenager with distinctive shaved eyebrows.

The 20 year old was walking with a 16-year-old boy in High Street in Heckmondwike at about 3.10pm last Thursday when a man approached them and threatened the boy, demanding he hand over his mobile phone.

The older man stood between them and the suspect, who had a line shaved into his right eyebrow and four into his left, punched him and drove off in a light blue Vauxhall Corsa.

The suspect was Asian, in his late teens, and about 5ft 10ins. He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, white tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

Any witnesses can phone 101 and ask for Det Cons Sharon Rollinson or contact Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A ROYAL sapling has taken root at Oakwell Hall to kick-start the district’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Volunteers at the Birstall country park planted 105 donated trees last week, including one grown from a seed collected from one of the royal household estates.

And many more schools and community groups across North Kirklees are keen to plant trees in honour of Her Majesty.

The initiative, organised by woodland conservation charity the Woodland Trust, is aiming to see six million saplings planted across the UK in 2012 as part of its Jubilee Project.

Across the UK, sixty Diamond Woods – comprising of at least 60 acres – will be created, alongside hundreds of smaller Jubilee Woods.

Landowners, communities and individuals can all pledge to plant a tree.

Oakwell Hall countryside ranger Emma Crowley said: “It’s incredible to think that in just five years our trees will be as tall as us. The fruit from the trees will be available for us and the Oakwell wildlife to harvest.”

Coun David Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike), cabinet member for Streetscene, said during the Civil War, Oakwell Hall’s Batt family were staunch royalists.

He said; “Tree planting is a good way to mark the jubilee in our local area and we hope the trees will help to attract wildlife and make a real difference to everyone who sees them.”

Free tree packs for school are also up for grabs from the trust to help communities continue the green project.

Each pack contains a special royal sapling and planting is set to continue until spring 2013, with schools across the district already signed up.

Community groups and friends groups from local parks are also joining in, with some planting hundreds of trees in their areas.

Earlier this month the Queen and Princess Anne planted a native English oak at the Sandringham Diamond Jubilee Wood.

Are you planting a tree for the Jubilee? We want to hear your plans. Contact our newsroom using the details on page two.

THE first ever Spenborough Guardian Bonny Baby turns 13 today – but he has promised not to become a terrible teen.

Callum Broadfield was just eight months old when his mum, Julie, spotted our snappers in Heckmondwike Morrisons and decided to enter her bundle of joy into the fledgling competition.

A few weeks later, she got the news that Callum had won – much to her and husband Craig’s delight.

“I just went to the shop to buy the paper and his picture was on the front page,” said Julie.

“I opened it up and started screaming in the shop that he had won!

“The picture is still hanging upon on the wall in our front room. I don’t have the heart to take it down.”

Callum, his younger brother Curtis, along with their mum and dad spent three nights in London to celebrate his birthday during the half-term holidays.

Our story from January 2000 said Callum’s ‘cheeky smile’ won over the public.

LIVERSEDGE FC have a hastily re-arranged Northern Counties East League Premier Division game against title chasing Staveley MW this Thursday (February 23), kick off 7.45pm.

The match was due to be played on Saturday March 3 but Staveley will meet St Ives in the FA Vase quarter-final on that day, so the league game against Liversedge has been brought forward to Thursday.

Liversedge played well last Saturday but conceded a late goal as they went down 1-0 at Bridlington Town.

Match report and pictures from the Bridlington game, plus latest news from Clayborn in Friday’s Guardian.

]]> 1.4269630 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:56:02 +0000 http://www.spenboroughguardian.co.uk/cleckheaton_ru_tackle_morpeth_this_saturday_1_4269477

CLECKHEATON RU Club have a re-arranged North One East game away to Morpeth this Saturday.

The match was originally postponed on February 4.

The Moorenders’ trip to Durham City, postponed twice on January 14 and February 11, will now take place on March 17.

Preview to Saturday’s game and latest from the club see this week’s Spenborough Guardian - out Friday.

The Rugby Football League has today confirmed that Hemel Stags will join the Co-operative Championship One competition in 2013.

The Stags will line up with Northampton and two other clubs who have yet to be announced in making the step up to semi-professional level in a re-vamped Championship One from next season.

The Hertfordshire club’s elevation is part of the RFL’s strategic objective to develop the sport’s geographical footprint by giving more players the opportunity to play in the Championships.

]]> 1.4269467 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:52:11 +0000 http://www.spenboroughguardian.co.uk/kirklees_council_budget_meeting_arrangements_1_4268086

SPECIAL arrangements have been put in place for Kirklees Council’s budget setting meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).

The meeting clashes with the Mrs Sunderland Music Festival.

Members of the public who want to go to the meeting should use the entrance in Ramsden Street, where they will be shown to a seat.

Musicians and spectators for the Mrs Sunderland Festival should use the entrance in Corporation Street. Stewards will be on hand to direct anyone.

]]> 1.4268086 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:23:40 +0000 http://www.spenboroughguardian.co.uk/update_tuesday_am_former_leeds_united_boss_simon_grayson_takes_over_as_manager_of_huddersfield_town_1_4266754

The Terriers sacked Lee Clark last week and on Monday evening Grayson was confirmed as the new manager at Huddersfield.

Grayson won promotion from League One during his time at Elland Road and also guided Blackpool out of the same division.

However, Grayson’s apopointment as the new Huddersfield boss has brought a mixed reaction from Town fans.

Tell us what you think below.

LAST Sunday’s Liversedge Half Marathon was hailed a huge success after record numbers took to the streets around Roberttown.

The race saw its biggest field with 470 runners and, despite early concerns regarding the weather, it took place in near perfect conditions.

Andrew Whittingham, of Altrincham and District AC won in 75 minutes 23 seconds, ahead of Carl Egdell (Hallamshire AC) in 76.15.

Spen AC’s Kevin Ogden, a regular top-10 finisher over the course, was third in 76.29.

Kim Threadgall (Edinburgh) won the women’s race in 86.12 with Idle’s Donna Edmondson Booker (87.36) second and Wakefield Harriers’ Jenny Latham third in 89.17.

Whittingham’s success helped Altrincham and District win the men’s team prize, while Holmfirth Harriers won the ladies’ team prize.

James Morris led the Dewsbury Road Runners’ contingent home, finishing in 15th place in 1hr 83.28 with Andrew Cottier (84.41) in 19th place and Andrew Meskimmon (85.06) in 21st place.

There was a host of veterans prizes handed out as 467 runners completed the course.

M40: Colin Hill (Leeds and Bradford Triathlon Club), M45: David Allinson (unattached), M50: Martin Firth (Queensbury Running Club), M55 Steve Shaughnessy (Stockport Harriers), M60 Roger Tolson (Spen AC).

F35: Melanie Koth (Lytham St Annes RRC), F40: Linda Haley (Steel City Striders), F45 Alison Thornbury (Pocklington Runners), F50 Sue Sunderland (Valley Striders), F55: Cathy Gurne (unattached), F60: Dot Carr (unattached).

Peter Knott, secretary of race organisers Roberttown Road Runners, said: “We couldn’t have asked for better weather for running, especially after the Dewsbury race was cancelled the week before.

“It was a little cold for the marshals standing around but it was perfect for running and the response we have had from e-mails is that everybody who took part thoroughly enjoyed it.”

There were some reports from residents in Clifton regarding mess caused by some runners disposing of their water bottles but Roberttown Road Runners acted swiftly to clean it up and have issued an apology to those who were affected.

Selected local results: 3rd Kevin Ogden (Spen AC) 76.29, 15th James Morris (Dewsbury Road Runners) 83.28, 19th Andrew Cottier (Dewsbury RR) 84.41, 21st Andrew Meskimmon (Dewsbury RR) 85.06, 30th Gerard Skippins (Spen AC) 87.17, 36th Alexis Bradbury (Dewsbury RR) 1.28.19, 51st John Calvert (Dewsbury RR) 90.07, 80th Roger Tolson (Spen AC) 93.49, 92nd Graham Walsh (Spen AC) 94.53, 129th Wayne Speight (Dewsbury RR) 99.32, 136th Samantha Boryslawsky (Spen AC) 100.23, 137th Alex Boryslawsky (Spen AC) 100.25, 169th Flora Skidmore (Dewsbury RR) 103.02, 230th Danny Mortimer (Roberttown Road Runners) 108.17, 249th Edward Wilkinson (Dewsbury RR) 109.52, 250th Gary Rhodes (Dewsbury RR) 109.52, 257th Jacqueline Carter (Spen AC) 111.55, 310th Elizabeth Smith-Calvert (Dewsbury RR) 116.09, 363rd Elizabeth Bottomley (Spen AC) 121.52, 411th Brendan Jones (Dewsbury RR) 131.40.

Dewsbury Road Runners

At the Hebden Short course (16.3 miles), Dewsbury Road Runners’ Glenn Sykes and Martin Kaye finished in 3hrs 52mins while Ian Sutcliffe and Fiona Sutcliffe clocked 4hrs 3 mins.

Sykes and Kaye then completed the Rombalds Stride (23 miles) in 4hrs 49mins 57secs while Ian Sutcliffe and Fiona Sutcliffe took 5hrs 6mins 35secs.

In the Norland Moor Orienteering Event near Halifax, Michael Wood was 24th of 43 on the green course in 58mins 59secs.

Dewsbury Road Runners meet each Tuesdays and Thursdays at Dewsbury Sports Centre at 6.40pm.

A FORMER councillor was stunned to receive a parking ticket while attending a memorial service for the victims of the M62 IRA coach bomb blast.

Derrick Yates, of Gomersal, helps organise the annual gathering at Hartshead Moor service station where the injured were taken after the explosion in February 1974. But just days after attending this year’s service he was shocked to receive a parking ticket saying he had outstayed the two hour limit by 42 minutes.

Derrick, who represented the Liversedge and Gomersal ward for the Tories until the last local elections, said: “I was disgusted. It was obvious that something special was being held at the service station and the company responsible should have taken that into account and been more understanding.

“My wife was working in the X-ray department at Batley Hospital where the injured were treated at the time of the bomb blast. I took her down to the hospital when we heard about the explosion and got roped in as a porter to help the victims, so we’ve always felt a close connection with what happened.

“Four years ago the plaque at the service station was replaced with a proper memorial and every year we have a service and I organise for the Mayor of Kirklees to attend, get the chaplain and help with the PA system. It all takes time and that is why I was over the two hour limit.”

Derrick appealed against the fine and on Wednesday he was delighted to learn that under the circumstances the company had agreed to waive the charge.