Intensive care staff are asking for support to help brighten up a small garden that will be used by patients, their families and staff.   The team from Lincoln County Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit had been hoping to transform the area near to the unit prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they are more determined than ever to remove the weeds, brighten up the area with planting and add some seating for visiting relatives,  and are calling on community support to do so.   Physiotherapist Gemma Smith, who has worked on the unit for eight years, is helping to lead the project. She said: “This is something we have been talking about doing for a while. Some of our patients can be in the unit with us for some time, and as part of their recovery it would be great to be able to take them outside and stimulate some of their senses. It may be that we could even involve some of our patients in the gardening as part of their recovery.   “While we have been treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic it has reinforced our enthusiasm to get this project started and it is great to see it finally underway.”   Hospital staff redeployed from other areas during the pandemic have already cleared the area of weeds.   Orthopaedic Secretaries Christine Cotton and Rebecca Wood have been part of a small and dedicated team transforming the hospital’s green spaces over the last few months.   Rebecca said: “This has been a stressful time for staff across the hospital and for us to be able to tidy up these areas has been really rewarding for us and a great boost for the staff.   “This garden is going to be a great area for everyone to enjoy once it is finished.”   Ward sister Jane Langley added: “Thanks to Christine and Rebecca we are now ready to start planting. Our team have got some plants, but it would be great to see if we could get some hanging baskets and also screening to provide some privacy for our patients, many of whom will be out here in their beds or wheelchairs. It would also be amazing if we could get some seating for relatives and staff to use.   “If anyone is able to help us with this we would love to hear from them.”   Anyone able to support the team is asked to email Gemma on Gemma.Smith@ulh.nhs.uk

Frugi, the UK’s leading ethical and organic baby and children’s clothing company, has partnered with Eco-Schools as part of their Little Clothes BIG Change charity initiative.

Each year Frugi donates 1% of turnover to charity and has so far donated £720,000 over the past 16 years to help children and environmental non-profit organisations. 

Frugi’s ambition is to help raise the next generation of eco-warriors that will change the world. 

The Eco-Schools programme, the largest educational programme in the world, is the perfect partner for this mission.  With a goal to empower young people to take environmental actions to get their school and community involved, pupils follow a Seven-Step programme that results in them earning an international Eco-Schools Green Flag certification.

Frugi has committed to supporting up to 150 UK schools in achieving their Green Flag.

A 76-year-old man who received a guard of honour by the doctors and nurses he said ‘saved his life’ says they all deserve a medal. Frank William Smith, who is known as Billy by his friends and family, spent 81 days in Lincoln County Hospital fighting coronavirus, including 71 days on the intensive care unit. Billy, a retired RAF Engineer who lives in Lincoln, said: “I am immensely grateful and always will be to the doctors, nurses and everyone who cared for me. I will never be able to thank them enough. “They are all absolutely brilliant and they all deserve a medal for what they have done during this pandemic, not just for me, but for all of the other patients and families they have supported. “I have made some amazing friends during my time in hospital. I will never forget the kindness and care I received.” Billy was placed in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator. His wife Maria phoned the unit every day for updates and knew he was so poorly that she feared he may not survive. Maria was given a knitted woolen heart by the nurses and was told that Billy had a matching one to hold. When the couple were reunited so were the little hearts that had given them so much comfort over the weeks. Maria added: “I want to thank each and every one of them for getting Billy home to me. There were times that we feared this wouldn’t be possible, but those amazing doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and everyone saved his life and now he is home. “They gave Billy the treatment that he needed and also supported me too. We will never forget the kindness and care they gave us both. We are so thankful. They are all heroes in our eyes.”

Lincolnshire Police have announced they fully support a global initiative to help those who have hidden disabilities.

Since its launch in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme has grown to include several police forces, businesses, supermarkets, and the NHS.

The aim is to help those whose disability is not visible, or obvious – for instance, those with autism.

A hidden disability can make life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges faced. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower suggests happiness, positivity, and strength and intends to allow everyone with a hidden disability to choose to be subtly visible when they need to be. It is a universally recognized flower and is gender neutral.

Officers and staff at Lincolnshire Police are now aware that people who wear the sunflower lanyard may require extra assistance.

Sgt Nicky Duke, who works in our Protecting Vulnerable Persons unit, is a strong supporter of the scheme. Her son, aged seven, is autistic and occasionally needs more time and support in situations.

She said: “There would be no obvious reason for anyone to be aware that my son is autistic, but sometimes needs just a bit more time and space.

“The lanyards are a fantastic and discreet way to indicate those extra requirements, and the scheme continues to grow in popularity. I’m really happy that we have adopted it here at Lincolnshire Police.

 “It’s about being inclusive and making sure that we take care of that person’s needs, whether the disability is visible or not.”

C/Supt Chris Davison wearing the Sunflower lanyard

FROM Australia to America, viewers from across the world came together virtually to be part of the first ever Lincolnshire Show Online, which took place last week (24 June).

Held on an online platform, the virtual show has quickly become one of the most successful online agricultural shows to date, with more than 60,000 page views recorded throughout the day.

The 136th show also had more than 10,000 unique visitors to the website in just one day, which would be a third of the usual visitors to the traditional Lincolnshire Show, if it were held on one day instead of the traditional two days.

The action-packed day, which will still be available to watch online for the next few weeks, was filled with virtual entertainment, online networking, live music, cookery demonstrations and much more.

The event, which has historically taken place at the Lincolnshire Showground for 60 years, is one of the county’s flagship events attracting more than 60,000 visitors each year, but this year the traditional show was forced to cancel due to Covid-19.

Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society at the Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We are so pleased with the results and success of the Lincolnshire Show Online, and for it to be seen from all over the world is a fantastic achievement – it really has put Lincolnshire on the map and we are delighted.

“More than ten per cent of our visitors were from America and the rest of the world and we have had feedback from as far as Australia to say how fantastic it was. Almost 20% of viewers were from Lincoln and the rest were from Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond – it is really great to see people engaging with the show from across the UK. Hopefully it has given a flavour of the show to those who haven’t visited before and are interested in coming to the 2021 Lincolnshire Show.

“When we made the decision to cancel the traditional show this year, we were absolutely devastated, but we tried to be positive and quickly thought of ways to keep the Lincolnshire Show alive – and the Lincolnshire Show Online did exactly that.

“We partnered with TRS Design, CityX and Cartwright Communications to create the Lincolnshire Show Online platform, which we can use again for other online events, to coincide with any held at the Showground or to support other event venues and charities that, like us, have been affected by the recent events.”

The Lincolnshire Show, organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity whose aims are to educate about food, farming and the countryside, is designed to suit all ages and tastes and recognises the best of rural Lincolnshire with an eclectic mix of entertainment, food, shopping and agriculture. 

Jayne added: “As a charitable organisation, we are passionate about promoting education, food, farming and the countryside within Lincolnshire and we are asking for donations, big or small, from those that enjoyed the show and are keen to offer their support. By donating to the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, people can help support the society’s objectives to educate adults and young people.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support received, from our exhibitors, sponsors, partners and most importantly the visitors, online or in person, who help bring the Lincolnshire Show to life.”

Although this year’s show took place on a website rather than on site at the Lincolnshire Showground, the typical show format remained the same where online visitors were able to explore six different zones including Main Ring and Aviation, Education Zone, Lincolnshire Kitchen and Food Court, Trade Exhibitors, Agriculture Zone and Countryside and Heritage Area.  

Highlights included entertainment from the Red Arrows, RAF Falcons and Broke FMX, as well as a mixture of exhibitors, across the food and drink, arts and crafts, education, agricultural and retail sectors, as well as cookery demonstrations from award-winning chefs.

The Lincolnshire Showground team partnered with CityX, Gusto Homes, Cartwright Communications and TRS Design . Sponsors included Woldmarsh Producers Ltd, Branston Ltd, Lincolnshire County Council, Harper Adams University, Thompson & Richardson, Duckworth Motor Group, Krantz Designs, JH Walter  and Streets Chartered Accountants.

The Lincolnshire Show Online is still available to watch at www.lincolnshireshowonline.co.uk

The Lincolnshire Show 2021 will take place on 23 and 24 June.

Lincoln Castle’s Victorian Prison and Magna Carta Vault, The Collection Museum, Lincolnshire Archives and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre are all set to reopen in the week of 13th July.

With social distancing measures in place, the sites will be run slightly differently.

Lincoln Castle will be fully reopened –visitors will need to book a timed ticket in advance for the Victorian Prison, Magna Carta Vault and its amazing Medieval Wall Walk via www.lincolncastle.com (tickets will go live on Friday 10th July).

The Collection Museum in Lincoln will reopen for six days a week, for access to the archaeology gallery- exploring the story of Lincolnshire’s fascinating heritage. Visitors will need to pre-book online at www.thecollectionmuseum.com. The children’s play area will remain closed.

Lincolnshire Archives, on Rumbold Street in Lincoln, will reopen on Tuesday – Thursday, on a reduced service. Visitors will need to pre-book by appointment at least seven days in advance via archive.bookings@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Reopening in conjunction with the RAF, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight visitor centre (BBMF), will be open for tours every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Visitors will need to pre-book a space at least seven days in advance via bbmf@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Cllr Nick Worth, executive member for heritage and culture at Lincolnshire County Council, “We’re delighted to announce the phased reopening of a number of our heritage sites and cultural offerings in the county.

“We are building on the success of the reopening of the Castle, which has been very welcomed by the community. Thousands of  people have visited, since its initial opening. The team introduced one way systems, social distancing measures, extra staffing, extra cleaning and hand sanitising stations – which has worked extremely well.

“Safety is our number one priority – so I’d like to assure residents that when they visit one of our sites, there will be the correct processes in place – both for the public and our staff.

“We look forward to the coming months when we expect to reopen our other sites.”

For further information, please visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/heritage

Police  attended a property in Spalding, on Friday,  and found the bodies of a man and a woman.

A 29-year old man and a 46-year-old man also found at the property  were arrested and taken into police custody.

Police have confirmed  the names those who died in this incident are Spalding woman Karolina Zinkeviciene (30) and Breshnev Ruiters (34)  of Winsover Road, in the town.

Detective Inspector Andy McWatt, Senior Investigating Officer, says: “The initial post mortem result indicates Karolina was murdered. 

“Breshnev Ruiters also died in this incident and although further forensic examinations are required, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with these deaths.

“We will be making no further comment until the conclusion of inquests for both of these people.”

The two men who were arrested on suspicion of murder have now been released with no further action.

Lincolnshire councils will close beaches if necessary

MORE than 60,000 page views were recorded yesterday (24 June) for the first ever Lincolnshire Show Online.

The action-packed day, which was designed to suit all ages and tastes just like the traditional show, was filled with virtual entertainment, online networking, live music, cookery demonstrations and much more.

Although the 136th show took place on a website rather than on site at the Lincolnshire Showground, the typical show format remained the same where online visitors were able to explore six different zones including Main Ring and Aviation, Education Zone, Lincolnshire Kitchen and Food Court, Trade Exhibitors, Agriculture Zone and Countryside and Heritage Area.  

The Lincolnshire Show Online also raised £1500 from the promise auction with all proceeds donated to the Lincolnshire Showground’s five chosen charities -Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, Lincolnshire Rural Support Network, St Barnabas Hospice, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and the Jon Egging Trust. 

Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the Lincolnshire Show Online. We have been blown away from the support received from our partners, sponsors, exhibitors and of course the Lincolnshire community.

“The Lincolnshire Show has historically always provided the opportunity for the people of Lincolnshire and beyond to come together in one place and celebrate the county’s heritage. Despite the show not taking place at the Showground, we were still able to provide that experience for everyone online.

 “As a non-profit making charitable organisation, the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society is passionate about promoting and supporting education, food and farming within the local Lincolnshire community through all of our events, and the Lincolnshire Show Online did exactly that.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Lincolnshire Show Online, it’s one we will remember for years to come and we hope to see you in person next year on 23 and 24 June for the 137th Lincolnshire Show.”

The Main Ring and Aviation Zone was the most popular area of the online show, featuring entertainment from the Red Arrows, RAF Falcons and Broke FMX. The exhibitor page was the next favourite, which featured almost 100 exhibitors, including a mixture of food and drink producers, arts and crafts, education, agricultural machinery and products, retail and professional services.

The Lincolnshire Kitchen and Food Court proved to be a popular hit, with cookery demonstrations from celebrity and award-winning chef Rachel Green, Steven Bennett the Lincolnshire Chef, Dominic Franks from Belleau Kitchen and Scott Adam from The Wood Shed Pizza Company.

The Lincolnshire Show Digital Breakfast and Community Conference took place in the morning called Connecting Lincs: The Future, which saw hundreds of businesses across Lincolnshire come together to focus on the county post COVID-19 and beyond. The online networking event, hosted through Zoom, also featured The Black Farmer Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones as keynote speaker.

The Lincolnshire Show 2021 will take place on 23 and 24 June.

The Lincolnshire Showground team partnered with CityX, Gusto Homes, Cartwright Communications and TRS Design to help bring the Lincolnshire Show Online to life. Sponsors included Woldmarsh Producers Ltd, Branston Ltd, Lincolnshire County Council, Harper Adams University, Thompson & Richardson, Duckworth Motor Group, Krantz Designs, JH Walter  and Streets Chartered Accountants.

Officers attended a property in Winsover Road, Spalding, this morning at 5.32am and found the bodies of a man and a woman. Both were in their 30s.

A 29-year old man and a 46-year-old man were also found at the property and have been arrested and taken into police custody on suspicion of murder.

Investigating officers are now working to establish what has happened.

Some traffic restrictions are in place on Winsover Road and a scene guard is in place at the property.

If anyone has information which may assist this investigation, please make contact through one of the following ways.

• By calling 101 quoting the reference 59 of 25 June 2020
• By emailing force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk – please remember to put the reference 25 June 2020 in the subject box
• You can also contact us through the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org

A Lincoln family who have fallen victim to a £14,000 scam are warning others to never hand over any money until they have received the product.

Paul Harding-Hubbard, 51, who is a paramedic, and wife Emma, 37, a cardiology nurse, re-mortgaged their Lincoln home to enable them to buy their dream family motorhome.

Mr Harding-Hubbard found what he had thought was the perfect motorhome on Ebay and contacted the seller via the telephone.

After long conversations with the motorhome owner, who called herself Tina, he paid her £14,000.

The next day Mr and Mrs Harding-Hubbard and their three young children Marley, Maxwell and Maisie, embarked on a two hour journey to Norfolk to collect the motorhome but when they arrived they were told by the occupant that it was a scam and that three other families had attended that week to collect the same motorhome.

Mr Harding-Hubbard says he had done everything he could to ensure this was not a scam. He said he had carried out a check of the vehicle with DVLA and also researched it on the Internet.

He said: “The woman, who went by the name of Tina Corcoran, was very good. She sounded like a really nice woman, like an elderly woman in her 70s. All of the information she gave me such as the motorhome’s millage, and when it was last sold all matched my research on the Internet.

“Tina explained that a dealer was interested in the motorhome and was going around to view it on the weekend but after explaining we were frontline workers she said she would speak to her husband.

“Tina did speak with her husband and came back to me a short while later and said that they wanted to sell us the motorhome as we were frontline workers. We were made up by this news.”

‘Tina’ told Mr Harding-Hubbard that her husband had sciatica and struggled to drive so they were looking to buy a static caravan instead.

However, still in doubt, Mr Harding-Hubbard carried out further research, asking ‘Tina’ various questions.

He said: “She was so convincing, she had an answer for every question I asked her. She said she lived in a bungalow and described what items she had in her windows. I looked the property up and everything she had described was there in the window.

“I carried out every check I could have, even contacting the fraud team before I paid the money to ‘Tina’ via a bank transfer.

“We were absolutely devastated when we arrived in Norfolk to see no motorhome on the drive. My family and I were heartbroken.

“You just feel empty. I have re-mortgaged so I am going to be paying until I am 70 years-old and paying for nothing.

“Please, if you are planning on buying high value items do not hand over any money until you have the item. If it is genuine seller they will not ask for money before you have seen the product. Also check the Evsa group on Ebay which has a lot of information on these types of scams and you may just spot the van on there you are thinking about buying.”

Mr Harding-Hubbard has contacted the police and the banks and Action Fraud is investigating this incident. 

Mr Harding-Hubbard has shared his story as part of a national scam and fraud campaign which has been supported by Deputy PCC Stuart Tweedale.

Mr Tweedale has been taking to the road with PCSO Nigel Wass to warn people across the county about the issue and how to protect themselves as part of the Scams Awareness Fortnight – which runs until June 28^th.

He has visited Tesco stories throughout Lincolnshire to promote the #ScamAware message and has teamed up with Lincolnshire Police to create a leaflet to avoid residents falling prey to a “test and trace” scam.

“The coronavirus crisis means more people are facing issues – from employment and debt, to housing and health – resulting in more people being in vulnerable situations,” Mr Tweedale said.

“In addition, the overall heightened uncertainty and anxiety caused by the pandemic is making everyone more vulnerable and more likely to fall victim to a scam. Empowering the public against scams is crucial during these uncertain times.”

For further crime advice visit https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/fraud-and-scams/

If you need to report a non-urgernt crime call 101, in an emergency call 999.

WITH days to go until the Lincolnshire Show Online, organisers are busy preparing behind the scenes for an exciting day of virtual entertainment, online networking, cookery demonstrations and much more, but what are the details?

When is the Lincolnshire Show Online?

Wednesday 24 June, the same date the event was originally planned for. The online show will be live from 11am to 7pm.

What is it?

The Lincolnshire Show, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors each year, is organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society a registered charity whose aims are to educate about food, farming and the countryside.  

The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society made the difficult decision to cancel the traditional show earlier this year, due Covid-19, but now the 136th show is going ahead in a way that the Lincolnshire Showground has never done before.

The Lincolnshire Show Online will replicate the typical show format in an online world, featuring educational and agricultural content, exciting videos, entertainment, online shopping, a live auction, music and local exhibitors.

Where can people watch it?

Visitors can head to www.lincolnshireshowonline.co.uk to be part of the action.

How will it differ to the traditional Lincolnshire Show?

Just like the traditional Lincolnshire Show, the online show will recognise the best of rural Lincolnshire with an eclectic mix of entertainment, food, shopping and agriculture – but instead of visiting the Lincolnshire Showground, visitors will be able to attend and watch the Lincolnshire Show from home.

Visitors, who would usually spend the day exploring the different zones across the Lincolnshire Showground, will be able to explore six different zones across the online platform including Main Ring and Aviation, Education Zone, Lincolnshire Kitchen and Food Court, Trade Exhibitors, Agriculture Zone and Countryside and Heritage Area.  

What are the highlights?

Highlights in the Main Ring will include a look back at the RAF Falcons Parachute Team’s descent on to the Showground, a video of the International Dzhigitovka Show, performing military and trick riding skills on horses, a performance from BeVox Choir and a look back at the Lincolnshire Show through the years.

There will also be music from Dan Hadfield, the number one Gary Barlow tribute act, Lincolnshire’s very own Baltic Donkeys and a performance from Olli Ingall from BBC’s Music Introducing live from the Lincolnshire Showground.

For foodies there will be a cook off between Steven Bennett the Lincolnshire Chef and Dominic Franks from the Belleau Kitchen, a smoked haddock & smoked salmon galette cookery demonstration from Rachel Green, scrambled eggs, avocado and smoked salmon recipe from Fairburn Eggs and a chocolate beetroot brownie tutorial from Jane Harrison from Red Hen Day Nursery.

From 6pm there will be a Promise Auction with a whole host of prizes donated by Lincolnshire businesses, including a signed 2019/2020 England Rugby Shirt donated by Irwin Mitchell and a tour of the headquarters at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, a chance to meet the team and a look around the ambucopter and critical care car.

There will also be a Flying Suit signed by the Red Arrows from the Jon Egging Trust as part of the auction, a Lancaster interior tour voucher donated by the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and an exclusive behind the scenes tour, meet the players and a signed first team shirt from Lincoln City Football Club.

All proceeds from the auction will go towards the Lincolnshire Showground’s five chosen charities – Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, Lincolnshire Rural Support Network, St Barnabas Hospice, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and the Jon Egging Trust.

What’s good for kids to do? 

Aimed at all ages, the Lincolnshire Show Online will provide non-stop entertainment, including cookery demonstrations aimed at the younger audience, including pizza making with Steven Bennett Lincolnshire Chef and Scott Adam from The Wood Shed Pizza Company, homemade lemonade making from Daisy Likes to Cook and Betsy and Olive teaching their Grandma how to make cheese scones.

Younger visitors can also ‘Meet the Farmer’ to find out what it is like to be a Lincolnshire Farmer as well as learn more about milking and cheese making from Cote Hill Cheese. Children can also see how potatoes are harvested and planted from Branston and those looking for a career in agriculture can also find out more from a series of videos from University of Lincoln.

Is there anything specifically for businesses?

The Lincolnshire Show Digital Breakfast and Community Conference will run from 7am to 11am, called Connecting Lincs: The Future. The event, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will focus on the county post COVID-19 – and beyond, with The Black Farmer Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones as keynote speaker.

Businesses, organisations and individuals across Lincolnshire are encouraged to attend, which will be hosted through Zoom and is expected to be the county’s biggest ever networking event.

If you would like to contribute to or attend the Lincolnshire Show Digital Breakfast please visit www.communityconversation.org.uk 

Do I need a ticket?

We encourage people to register for a ticket to receive regular updates and reminders, but visitors do not need a ticket to enter the website.

To register for a free ticket visit www.lincolnshireshowonline.co.uk

The Lincolnshire Showground team is partnering with CityX, Gusto Homes, Cartwright Communications and TRS Design to help bring the Lincolnshire Show Online to life. Sponsors include Woldmarsh Producers Ltd, Branston Ltd, Lincolnshire County Council, Harper Adams University, Thompson & Richardson, Duckworth Motor Group, Krantz Designs and JH Walter

The Lincolnshire Show Online is also teaming up with BBC Radio Lincolnshire. BBC Radio Lincolnshire usually relocates to the showground for the two show days every year, bringing each of its programmes live from the show. This year the radio station will be re-creating the feel good factor, fun and atmosphere of the show as part of a dedicated day of broadcasting celebrating the Lincolnshire Show featuring people who normally visit, exhibit or help run the event.

People who are out and about on the day can listen to BBC Radio Lincolnshire on 94.9FM, DAB, Freeview, via the BBC Sounds app or online at www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_lincolnshire

To find out more about the Lincolnshire Show Online, how businesses can get involved and to register for tickets, please visit www.lincolnshireshowonline.co.uk

If you would like to contribute to the Lincolnshire Show Digital Breakfast please visit the www.communityconversation.org.uk

Sleaford man ‘slammed car door on police officer’s leg’

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Lincolnshire Police were called after paedophile hunters turned up at a man’s doorstep and accused him of inappropriately messaging underage girls.

The incident took place in Long Sutton, at around 8pm last night, Sunday, June 21, says  Lincolnshire Live.

The group, who live-streamed the incident on Facebook, accused the man of sending intimate pictures and videos of himself to multiple children online.

His wife was stood in the doorway of their home while the live stream took place.

The force has now confirmed they have arrested a man on suspicion of an online sexual offence.

The incident was posted onto Facebook and has been viewed more than 120,000 times in less than 24 hours.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “We have arrested a 58 year old man on suspicion of an online sexual offence.

A prison service worker who was admitted to hospital with coronavirus three days after his dad’s funeral is finally home after 10 weeks fighting for his life. 54-year-old Gary Graves had experienced odd days with a sore throat, headache and cough, but had put all of his symptoms down to the stress of losing his dad and planning the funeral. Gary’s wife Astrid, who is a health care support worker, at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, knew things were much more serious when he found it painful to breathe. Astrid said: “The alarm bells started to ring in my head and I called our doctors who asked me some questions – we then went to A&E and that was the last I saw of him for more than nine weeks.” During that time Gary was put into a medically-induced coma. He came round several times, but had to be sedated again to allow his body time to recover. Gary, who has worked for the prison service for more than 34 years and is diabetic, was awake on his birthday. He said: “The nurses did everything they could to make it special for me and I can remember them standing around my bed in all of their masks and PPE singing happy birthday. They were amazing.” A few days later Gary was once again sedated. It was only later that the couple heard that he had nearly died twice and that at one point he only had a 10 per cent chance of survival. Astrid added: “The time Gary was in intensive care was the worst nine weeks of my life. It was terrifying. There were times when I just cried and cried and cried. I decided to go back to my work on a ward for patients being tested for coronavirus to keep myself busy and to try and keep my mind occupied. “There were tough days when I knew Gary was very poorly on the second floor in intensive care while I was upstairs on the ward. But I needed to keep busy.” Astrid believes without the care of her family, friends and colleagues Gary would not have survived. She added: “It was a real rollercoaster. But through it all, the nurses and doctors in the intensive care unit were amazing. They were angels. I have worked at the hospital for almost 24 years and knew he really was in the best possible hands. They kept me updated and they kept Gary alive. They saved him. “Because of them Gary’s mum still has her son, I have my husband and Cassie and Scott still have their dad. We can never thank them enough, we are just so grateful that he is still here with us.” Gary, who has lost over four stone during his battle with coronavirus, added: “I take my hat off to all of the staff at Pilgrim hospital, particularly those working in intensive care and on the wards. They have been absolutely brilliant.   “I honestly believe that somebody up there has been watching over me and I think that it was my dad Peter. He kept popping up in my dreams when I was sedated telling me ‘you can beat this’ and telling me that I had to fight.” When Gary finally left the intensive care unit he was given a guard of honour by the doctors and nurses and Astrid had popped down from the ward to see him for the first time in person. Gary added: “I didn’t know what to do when they were clapping and cheering, because the truth of the matter is if it wasn’t for all of them I would not be today. We can never thank them all enough.” Gary is now continuing his recovery at home with Astrid’s care. ENDS Please see the link to the video of Gary leaving ICU, here:

Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted on Thursday night at a property on Riverside Close in Sleaford.

Four men attended the victim’s address and he was beaten.

He sustained bruising and cuts to his head and was taken to hospital for treatment.

It is believed that the four offenders used a vehicle to travel to the area.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Westgate and Riverside Close between the times of 9.30 and 10.00 pm to get in touch. Please contact them if you think you may have witnessed these men, or if you may have captured relevant dash cam footage.

Call 101 with incident reference 445 of June 18 or email force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk