When an early 19th century pitman chose a wife, it was rarely her looks or personality that won his heart ... a sturdy frame and evidence of muscle power were much more to his liking.

In those far off days when mining was becoming a thriving commercial enterprise, a woman was more useful to her man as an underground coal carrier than as a dedicated housekeeper.

While the men hewed out the coal with pick-axes, their wives loaded the rocks in tubs on their backs and hauled it to the surface where they ensured that everything the men mined was credited to their accounts.

It was crippling, back-breaking work, carried out in stifling heat, low ceilinged seams and in darkness lit only by candles. Young children were either left at the pithead to play unsupervised or taken to underground crèches and put into the care of unsuitable crones. When big enough, children – some aged only eight or nine – would also help to carry their father’s coal.

So when a Royal Commission into female miners was ordered in 1842, the nation was shocked ... but not so much by working conditions and labour too severe for a woman’s strength as the fact that half-dressed women and girls had been witnessed working alongside naked men.

Thus morality, rather than compassion, would be the key to the 1842 Mines Act which finally put an end to women’s work in pits throughout the country.

Denise Bates, whose own family history lies in the mining area of Barnsley, digs deep into the nation’s coal seams and beyond to unearth the story of Britain’s ‘pit lasses,’ the hardy women who were the backbone of coalmining communities.

On the 170th anniversary of the publication of the Report of the Commission into the Employment of Children and Young People in Coal Mines, she examines the social, economic and political factors affecting 19th century women miners and uses fascinating, largely untapped evidence to challenge the myth that these women were somehow morally inferior to other female workers of the time.

About 500 women and girls aged from nine to 40, many of them from Lancashire and Yorkshire pits, gave statements describing their lives and what working in mining was like both in 1842 and in earlier years. Bates shows how their evidence paints a comprehensive, and previously unexplored, picture of how they lived when not at work, how they were regarded by the wider community and just what they could achieve.

In Lancashire, women were an integral part of the underground work mainly because the seams were thin and there was a lack of investment in underground infrastructure. During a factory inspector’s brief visit to a mine in Worsley, near Salford, in1833, he discovered children working in holes too small for adults and concluded that ‘the hardest labour in the worst room in the worst-conducted factory was less hard and less demoralising than the labour in the best of coal mines.’

When the working conditions of women miners were finally investigated in 1842, the report’s authors came across some amazing individual stories including a Scottish woman who was employed as a ‘getter’ (those who dug out the coal) when her husband became too ill to work. She started work at 4am and on one occasion worked until only an hour before she gave birth.

At another Scottish mine, an 11-year-old girl moved a ton of coal each day using a basket worn on the back and fitted against her neck. Twenty times a day she climbed four 18ft high ladders and walked through miles of passages.

But hostility amongst male miners was growing. Many were members of miners’ associations who feared women were taking their jobs and held the view that ‘women’s work was anything men did not wish to do.’

When they were finally banned from working underground in 1842, not all women miners were happy. Parliament received petitions from women in Lancashire who claimed that they faced hardship, starvation and even prostitution in places where no other work was available.

But women were still allowed to work above ground and in the second half of the 19th century around 3,000 continued to be employed at the pit head. These were mainly the famous pit brow lasses of Wigan who caused much fascination by wearing trousers to work.

Enterprising photographers persuaded the pit women to pose in their trousers in studios and the pictures were sold as postcards to the middle classes who regarded them as ‘an exotic species.’

Bates’ superbly detailed and well-researched book, which contains photographs and new illustrations of the evidence of some of the women interviewed by the Commission, reveals that female miners were decent, moral women fully capable of making decisions about their own lives and their own jobs.

Pit Lasses adds enormously to our understanding of the role of women in coalmining as well as shedding new light on Victorian society and its values.

(Wharncliffe Books, paperback, £14.99)

AS the Humberside Police Lifestyle project gets under way, organisers have announced that after the phenomenal success of the GreenScene Challenge two years ago, the Environment Agency have joined forces with them again.

Lisa Whitton of the Humberside Police Lifestyle Team said: “We are challenging young people across the Humberside Police region to form teams of up to five friends and improve their local environment during the summer break.

“We are looking for teams to come up with projects that are both thoughtful and creative, that will help create a better place for local communities.

The GreenScene Award also offers Lifestylers the chance to win additional prizes. Teams taking part in this challenge are in the running for a number of amazing prizes, including a holiday of a lifetime to Florida.

By participating in the GreenScene award, Lifestylers are also in with a chance of winning a mountain bike and unique trophy.

To enter log onto the Lifestyle website www.humberside.police.uk/lifestyle and click on the ‘GreenScene’ page for more information and to register. Otherwise call the Lifestyle team on 01482 220700.

A PIG breeding company near Driffield was presented with a prestigious enterprise award during a ceremony at The Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School last week.

JSR Genetics, based at Southburn, learned they had won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade back in April, in recognition of its outstanding export success which has seen the company’s earnings rocket by 117% over the last 3 years.

Company staff were out in force to raise a glass of Champagne to their success as the award was finally handed over to the company by Lord Lieutenant Mrs Susan Cunliffe Lister during a special ceremony last Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, Tim Rymer, Chairman of JSR Genetics said: “This is the second time we have won this award, the first time coming back in 1993 and it is fair to say that JSR and the UK pig industry has had to endure some tough times since then.

“It is a special year to get this award with it being the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympic year and it is important because it enhances our brand internationally, and opens new doors.

“20% of the world’s population is in China and if we’re not in that market then we’re not in the game.

“Every one of the staff has contributed to this success in some way and this lunch is all about saying thank you to them for all their hard work.”

The secret of JSR’s success has been securing multi-million pound contracts within Asia and Eastern Europe which together consume over half of the world’s pork.

The company, which is represented in over 30 countries around the world places a strong emphasis on using technology to help farmers get the most out of their land and resources to cope with a growing need for more food globally.

JSR claim that their drive of breeding better animals has resulted in pigs which require less food, need less land and convert food into meat much more efficiently, and all without compromising the animals’ welfare.

A funeral service was held at All Saints’ Church, Driffield on Thursday, July 5 for Mr Alfred Limburn who died in hospital on the June 28.

He was 94.

The service was conducted by the Rev Andrew Ison & the organist was Mr Peter Maw.

Alf was born of farming stock in Fawley, Hampshire. Pre-war he joined the Whaddon Chase hunt where he became ‘Whipper in’ and was an amateur jockey.

His love of horses he kept all his life. His war service brought him to the East Riding where he met and married Madge. A marriage that lasted 70 happy years.

He served in the 2nd World War and survived the Kohima Campaign, being a member of the ‘forgotten army’.

After the war he became the relief signalman along all the main Bridlington to Hull and York lines, a job he held until retirement, when his love of gardening, DIY and sport took over.

He is survived by his wife Madge, daughters Pam and Sandra, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, he was so proud of them all.

He will be greatly missed.

Chief mourners: Mrs Margaret Limburn, Mr & Mrs J Beachell, Mr & Mrs P Skelton, Mr & Mrs L Limburn rep Mr & Mrs M Street, Mrs R Ball, Mr M Ball, Miss H Beachell & Alfie Okey, Mr & Mrs P Naylor, Archie Naylor rep Maisie Naylor, Mr R Skelton & Miss S Harper, Mr C Skelton & Miss A Bradley, Mr & Mrs G Wilson, Mr & Mrs C Wilson rep Mr & Mrs G Williams, Miss J Wilson & Mr J Barron, Mr & Mrs R Limburn, Mr & Mrs A Wilson, Mr P Woolgar, Mrs M Clark, Mrs J Culley..

Others present: Peter & Judith Naylor, Stephen Briggs rep Kathleen Briggs, Ron & Audrey Turner rep Mary Cowley, Audrey Ringrose rep Trefoil Guild, Mrs E M Kirk, Sue Barnett, Mr & Mrs J S Wynn, Mr L Dawson, Shirley Franklin, Marcia & Geoff Roughley rep Stuart Thomson, Rosalind Blackshaw, Bob & Joyce Richardson, Margaret Brennan, Grace Midgley, Terry & Enid Milner, William & Gill Lamb, David & Yvonne Beachell rep Anne, Richard & Jill, Terry & Angela Hancill, Antony Whitwell, Eric & Patricia Littlefair, Angela Shaw, Ella Oxtoby rep Alec & Helen & Mr Chris Dove,Mr Frank Oxtoby, Bob Cowton rep Mr M Kellington, Faith & David Spink, Stephanie Kell rep Mr Trevor Kell, Richard & Beth, Mr & Mrs Ralph Kennett, Shirley Harris rep Beryl Gladstone, Sheila Simpkin rep Wally & Mike, Pat Mutch rep John Mutch, Mr & Mrs C Sharp rep Mr P Sharp, Mr M Fenton, Michael Grice rep Betty Grice, Dennis & Sally Barr, John & Catherine Conner, Mr & Mrs Malcolm Winn, Barbara Vincent, David Cawthorn, Irene Fenton, Mrs Thelma Lovel, Mrs Peggy Byas, Mr & Mrs Richard Culley, Jayne & Graham Dodds rep Helen & Jonathan Hoggard, David & Margaret Trow, Miss A Aconley, Margaret Gowland, David Tinson, Allan Clark also rep Chrysanthemum Society, Betty Bell, Basil Thompson, Geoff Garner, Martin Oxtoby, Mr & Mrs F Milsom, Paul & Sheila Woodmansey, John Robson rep Margaret & Richard Wiles, Mrs J P Alderson, Jean Dixon rep Peter Dixon, Alan Skelton rep Mrs B Skelton, Georgina Dean, Sue Joyce rep Steve, Becky & Sarah, Anita Oxtoby rep Mike Oxtoby & Suzanne Watson, Charles & Angela Wiles, Mr Richard Flintoft rep Jacqueline Flintoft, Phil Addy rep Wendy Addy, Miss Marion Wiseman, Pam Dossor, Anthony Atkin, Irene Anderson, Elizabeth Gooch rep Children’s Scoiety.

A funeral service was held at St Mary’s Church, Sledmere on Friday, July 5 for Mrs Doreen Potts of Sledmere who died peacefully at home on June 27. She was 79.

The service was conducted by the Rev David Fletcher and the organist was Mrs Gwynneth Clark.

Doreen was born in York and attended school there. After leaving school she went to work at York County Hospital as an orderly, later going to Rowntree’s Care Home in Scarborough doing the same job.

She married Harold in 1961 in Scarborough. After their marriage they lived in Sledmere and Doreen became dinner lady at Sledmere School, later becoming dinnertime supervisor and stayed there until she retired.

She enjoyed knitting and watching tv and enjoyed trips in the car with Harold, especially to the moors.

Chief mourners: Mr Harold Potts (husband), Shirley Holmes & Barbara Davis (sisters), Gerald Greaves & David Greaves (brothers), Linda & Kevin Booth (carer & husband), Adrian & Andrea Potts (nephew & wife) rep Noah, Ronni & Martha Potts (great nephew & nieces), Geoffrey & Gillian Potts (Nephew & wife) rep Georgina (great niece) , Susan Grindley, Julie Grindley (nieces), Ann Boyes & Jim Ramsden (niece & partner), Mark Grindley (nephew), Danny Franks (great nephew), Madge & Walter Bardy (cousin & wife), (Mr Arthur Lowery & Miss Margaret Parker (cousins unable to attend due to weather)..

Others present: Ann & John Southwick, Olive Dillon, Keith & Gwynneth Clark, Rev John Parker, Mr G Dillon, Mr & Mrs E Newton rep Richard & Delia Sygrove, Mr B Sygrove rep Mrs Susan Sygrove, Julie Gatenby, Mr & Mrs K Armstrong, Mr & Mrs Tom Kay, Mr & Mrs K Houseman, Mr & Mrs R Walker, Mr & Mrs Roy Walker, Mr G W Walker, Tony Wilson, Mr & Mrs J Sygrove rep Hannah & Shane, Mrs R Beacroft rep Mr R Beacroft, Carol Young rep Michael Young, David & Sarah Kirk rep Stephen Southwick, Lindsay Karaviks , Heather Harrison rep George Harrison & Mrs Audrey Walch, Mr & Mrs D Kent rep the family, Mr David Etherington rep Mr & Mrs P Etherington & Mrs J Skeet, Mr & Mrs M Goy, Emma Barnes, Mr E Anderson rep Mrs Anderson & Mr Ron Ives, Ken Magee rep Mr Jim Holmes, Laura Kitching, Brian & Kathleen Clark rep Nigel & Mark, Susan Botterill rep Karen Mason & Proactive Care, Samantha Shipley rep Proactive Care, Janet Thompson, Nina Pickering, Sir Tatton Sykes, Lady Swinton, Louise Caulfield, Adrian & Pat Robson, Mr Jeremy Sykes.

DRIFFIELD town council has amassed a steadily growing portfolio of properties and assets such as machinery.

Under its current stewardship is the Cass Hall, King Street, along with offices at Market Walk and toilets at Cross Hill and North End, with a depot near the latter.

Now the council has formed a special Properties and Asset Committee to ensure the general upkeep of buildings and equipment for which it is responsible.

Coun Steve Poessl has been elected as the chairman of the new properties and assets committee and Coun Tony Cooper is the vice chairman.

So far, members have undertaken a tour of the council depot on North Street and have found that the fabric of the building was in a good state of repair, the general housekeeping was said to be excellent and the security was of good standard.

A secondhand container has been bought for £50 to be placed at the rear of the depot for the storage of general items to release more room in the depot itself.

However, the nearby North End toilets are said to be in a poor state.

The clerk, Mrs Claire Binnington, told the committee that JH Property Services had inspected the facilities and had repoorted back that the installation of air bricks was required. The firm have been asked to do the work.

It was also agreed that the toilets should be tiled throughout. The property already has a new roof.

The committee is also considering new flooring. Flamborough public toilets feature ridged dark brown tiles and it was thought that this could be much more appropriate at North End than the current flooring.

JH Property Services have also completed damp proofing work at the Cross Hill toilets and the walls are to be repaired when it has dried out. Tiling has been completed around the hand washers in the ladies toilets.

The committee was told that the council owned a Kubota tractor gritter and cutting deck which were no longer used and it has been agreed that they should be sold.

only one candidate stood for co-option to fill a vacant seat on Driffield town council - and he was rejected by a majority vote.

Mr George Clark, 64, of Manorfield Avenue, put himself forward to fill a place around the debating table which fell vacant following the resignation of Coun Jolyon Lawson.

But councillors voted against his co-option by a majority during a recorded vote.

Now the co option vacancy will remain on each town council agenda until someone steps forward and is voted onto the authority by a majority vote of the council.

It is the second time that Mr Clark has unsuccessfully applied for a seat on the council.

He also stood for co-option after Coun Mrs Jacquie Lucas stepped down due to ill health, but that seat was filled by Coun Matt Rogers

Before the vote was taken for the latest co-option, Mr Clark addressed councillors

He said: “Earlier this year, I unsuccessfully applied for the position of Councillor and since then I have regularly attended the town council meetings to acquaint myself with its activities and the issues discussed.

“The insight has been very valuable in understanding the working of the council.”

Those who voted for Mr Clark’s co-option were Councillors David Credland, Mark Blakeston, Neal Pearson, Phil Stocker, John Pougher, and Heidi Greenley.

Those who voted against were councillors Joyce Fletcher, Tony Cooper, Steve Poessl, Georgina Lucas, Matt Rogers, Myra Poessl and Heather Venter.

The chairman Joan Cooper did not vote. Rules state there must be a majority of councillors voting and present at the meeting and councillors had recorded a vote with six for and seven against.

Mr Clark declined to comment after the meeting.

A LONG serving newspaper reporter who has worked with Yorkshire’s farming community for over four decades was honoured by Driffield Agricultural Society at the Driffield show last week.

Former Hull Daily Mail reporter, Dave Taylor, was given the long service award last Wednesday after reporting on 42 consecutive Driffield Shows.

Born and bred in the East Riding, countryside reporter Dave had the job of keeping the public abreast of the latest issues affecting rural communities, a task he achieved admirably despite dramatic changes in the farming industry.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Jullian Cook, from the Driffield Agricultural Society, said: “Dave has been coming here for 42 years and always used to be the last to leave, writing reports on his typewriter until very late in the day.

“Dave started out as a reporter when he was 18 and is blessed with an easy manner and undoubted word skills.

“He has been a vital link for the farming community in Yorkshire and with his farming background he has an encyclopedic knowledge of rural issues.”

Dave said: “It is brilliant to be honoured by the Driffield Agricultural Society, it really is something.

“I’ve seen many changes here over the years, when I first started I had to lug my typewriter around with me as I chased down stories.

“It really is a fantastic show, and I hope to keep coming for a good few years yet.”

Dave, who also received a similar long service honour at the Yorkshire show last week, was given the award along with Harry Berriman, James Hall, Mick Berriman, James Hall and Ken Malster who were all recognised for their dedication within the farming industry over a number of years.

Harry Berriman, 77, of Church Street in Hutton, worked as a plowman and tractor demonstrator during his 41 year farming career, and was praised for his high skill level when presented with his award last Wednesday.

Ken Malster, 45, who’s farming career has spanned 45 years was complimented on his determination and skill in operating hydraulic controls, whilst Mick Berriman was recognised by judges for his work with large farming machinery.

Those brilliant book boffins at Macmillan have applied the ‘science’ and come up with a fistful of fabulous reads to keep the pages turning this summer.

Youngsters of every age will find their perfect holiday book in a wide and wonderful selection created with love, care and attention by some of the world’s most talented children’s authors and illustrators.

Here is a rundown of their latest top titles:

Teen:

The Demon Trappers: Foretold by Jana Oliver

Hell hath no fury like a woman who sold her soul to a devil in order to save the world...

Demon trapper and scourge of Lucifer, Riley Blackthorne is back for the final round of her fight against evil, and her battle to win the heart of Denver Beck, her reluctant Romeo.

Foretold is the fourth book in Jana Oliver’s spine-tingling, heart-wrenching, hair-raising series which has taken the traditional demons and angels theme to new depths... and new heights!

Seventeen-year-old Riley is a ‘daredevil’ in more ways than one... as the daughter of a Master Demon Trapper in the hotspot city of Atlanta, she fights fire with fire at work and in her private life.

After a recent high profile Hell v Heaven battle, there’s a lot of people unsure of which side she is really on, and they’re keen to save her soul, a soul that she had to sacrifice to the restless and disillusioned Fallen Angel Ori.

But the only ‘soul’ Riley really cares about is ex-military man Beck, her trapping partner and sometime boyfriend. They were an item until something dark in Beck’s past caused him to push her away, but she has no plans to let him go quietly.

Riley has always known that Beck had a chequered history, but she’s not prepared for what it actually means to be in love with a guy with the dark secrets that are revealed when they travel to his old home in Georgia to prepare for his evil mother Sadie’s death.

But Beck knows that now he’s finally admitted to himself that he’s in love with Riley too, there’s no more hiding the truth about his past. And as it turns out, fending off an imminent demon apocalypse is going to be nothing compared to his personal battle...

With its original concept, smart storytelling and wicked brand of romance, this is a heaven-sent journey to hell which no teen will be able to resist...

(paperback, £6.99)

Tempest by Julie Cross

It’s September 9th 2007 and student Jackson Meyer knows for sure that October 30th 2009 is going to be the worst day of his life. His beautiful girlfriend Holly will be shot by two ruthless gunmen and it will all be his fault... unless he can go back to the future and save her.

This intriguing dilemma is the launch pad for Tempest, the first of a thrilling new young adult trilogy from debut novelist Julie Cross, and it comes as no surprise that readers are already chomping at the bit for the next instalment.

A complex and captivating mix of time-travel, romance, action, suspense and mystery form the basis of this amazing sci-fi epic which blends the love elements of Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveller’s Wife with the computer-hacking antics of The Matrix.

Jackson Meyer has discovered that he can travel backwards through time and finds it useful for having fun with girls.

That is until his girlfriend Holly is shot when two men break into her college room in an attempt to kidnap Jackson. Before he knows what is happening, he has jumped back two years and this time there is no way to get back.

He’s back at high school and has to start courting Holly all over again ... with the complication of knowing that two years down the line she will be gunned down in cold blood unless he can find a way to rescue her.

Cross has a fresh and invigorating writing style which makes her dialogue fizz and enables an engaging cast of distinctive characters to become palpably real.

Coupled with a unique, morally and socially aware time-travel plot, fascinating science theories, ingenious twists and turns and plenty of tender and tear-jerking emotion, this is a book guaranteed to keep teens and adults alike on the edge of their seats.

Cross has discovered a winning formula, one which is sure to make this series a reading sensation.

(paperback, £6.99)

Debutantes by Cora Harrison

The Roaring Twenties, a big country house, a clutch of beautiful sisters all desperate to be part of the new age of jazz, dancing and parties...

If you liked Downton Abbey, then you’ll love Cora Harrison’s teen romance set in the whirligig of London’s high society when the country was shaking off the shackles of the past and moving into a fresh and exciting future.

Debutantes is a big, beautiful story which puts fun, fashion, flappers, fluttering hearts and feisty females into a dazzling historical framework.

It’s 1923 and London is alive with the sound of music. Violet, Daisy, Poppy and Rose Derrington are desperate to be part of it, but stuck in an enormous crumbling house in the country, with no money and no fashionable dresses, the excitement seems a lifetime away.

The Derringtons have been reduced to a state of genteel poverty by the lack of a male heir but, undeterred, the girls each have a plan for escaping their humdrum country life. Rose wants to be a novelist, Poppy a jazz musician and Daisy a famous film director.

Violet, however, has only one ambition – to become the perfect debutante so that she can go to London, catch the eye of Prince George, the most eligible bachelor in the country, and rescue the family.

But a house as big and old as Beech Grove Manor hides many secrets, and Daisy is about to uncover one so huge it could ruin all their plans, in fact ruin everything, forever.

A sparkling pastiche of Downton Abbey, the House of Eliott, Pride and Prejudice and Little Women, Debutantes is a brilliant story for girls who yearn for that perfect combination of romance, history and mystery.

(paperback, £6.99)

Age 9 plus:

Call Down Thunder by Daniel Finn

Kids have it all these days ... thrilling stories with sophisticated themes, exciting dystopian worlds and fast-paced adventures rich in atmosphere and character. Call Down Thunder, a classy tale of bravery, corruption and survival from the author of the critically acclaimed novel Two Good Thieves, is just such a book.

Challenging dialogue, an original slow-burning plot and a gritty cast of players make this one of the summer’s most exciting reads for younger teens.

Reve and his sister Mi are alone in the world. Their father is dead and their mother has abandoned them. They live in Riconda, a small fishing village that is controlled by the irascible Calde. Cross swords with Calde and the punishment is deadly.

Eight years ago, Reve and Mi’s father was drowned, his body wrapped in a fishing net and left in the street as a warning to others. Their mother was arrested, has never been seen again and is presumed to be dead.

So now Reve has to learn to be a man – to fight, to fish, to live. He must protect Mi from the rest of the world because she is special. A sixth sense allows her to hear voices, see things and call down thunder, a gift that Calde regards as witchcraft.

A dream leads the youngsters to the big city to search for their long-lost mother but Reve and Mi get sucked into the squalid underworld where danger lurks around every corner and each day is a fight for survival.

Realistic, gritty and brilliantly written, Call Down Thunder is a treat for discerning young readers.

(hardback, £12.99)

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again by Frank Cottrell Boyce

It’s almost 50 years since James Bond author Ian Fleming wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a bedtime story for his son Caspar and now the little car is ready to fly again thanks to the trademark wit, warmth and storytelling talents of scriptwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce. When the Tooting family find a vast abandoned engine and fit it to their old camper van, they have no idea it used to belong to an extraordinary magical flying car and it wants to get back on the road again... fast! The Tootings can tug the steering wheel and pull the handbrake as hard as they like, but their camper van now has a mind of its own. Fast-paced, entertaining, fun-filled and laced with wry humour, Chitty’s 21st century adventures are ideal for readers who love fun and quirky cars.

(paperback, £6.99)

Green Glass Beads: A Collection of Poems for Girls

Chosen by Jacqueline Wilson

When it comes to poetry, there’s no rhyme or reason why youngsters shouldn’t make an early acquaintance with this beautiful literary form of writing. So full marks must go to Jacqueline Wilson whose prolific output of top-class books recently saw her voted English children’s favourite author. ‘The joy for me is that this is my anthology, and I love every single poem in this book,’ she says of this stunning collection of classic and modern poems which girls are guaranteed to refer to throughout their lives. Wilson has taken great delight in selecting and arranging her favourite poems for Green Glass Beads, and you can almost hear her voice in the beautiful poems she has chosen, making it a truly personal collection. From Fleur Adcock to WB Yeats, there are over 100 poems to make you smile, laugh, frown and cry, and poems that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Proof, if proof was needed, that you are never too young to become well versed in poetry.

(paperback, £6.99)

Age 7 plus:

I’m Dougal Trump... and it’s not my fault! by D. Trump

Is there a boy at your house who is reluctant to read? Would he like to meet a ‘pal’ who is funny, fun-loving and can’t help getting into the most outrageous scrapes? Well, introduce him to Dougal Trump, a lovable, roguish cross between Bart Simpson and Just William! Dougal is a hilarious new anti-hero for trouble-magnet youngsters who want to read about boys just like themselves. In the first episode of his extraordinary life, Dougal believes that although he’s not actually dead, he soon will be if he’s not very careful. Football-loving Dougal is convinced he’s in serious danger from the mysterious creature living in the garden shed. Nobody believes him but as a precaution, he sets about writing his will, rewarding those who help him and disinheriting those (like his ‘moany’ sister Sybil) who get on his bad side. Naturally, he’s now having to field constant pleas from friends and associates like George who says the will is ‘cool’ and can he have Dougal’s PlayStation if the worst happens? Meanwhile, as limbs and windows alike are broken by stray footballs and unhinged canines, Dougal finds himself in all sorts of trouble... Oh, and Dougal would like to point out that he has a bit of help with his writing from an author named Jackie Marchant whose wicked sense of humour and insight into the world of little boys make his books such a naughty delight.

(paperback, £5.99)

The Dotty Dalmatian by Anna Wilson

Forget 101 Dalmatians and instead meet the one and only Dotty Dalmatian who is baffling the staff at the Pooch Parlour and creating havoc around Crumbly-under-Edge. Welcome back to the mad, mad world of Anna Wilson’s dog salon where pets get pampered and canine mysteries get solved. The follow-up to The Poodle Problem follows the same fun formula with crazy adventures, lots of laughs, animals galore and some very quirky characters. Business is booming at the Pooch Parlour so Mrs Fudge hires a cool new assistant who is an instant favourite with all the dogs. Pippa Peppercorn isn’t so sure, however. She thinks there’s something strange about the new girl. Meanwhile, a string of unsolved burglaries and a mysterious spotty dog are causing a stir. Will Pippa and Dash the talking dachshund save the day? A magical mixture of dogs and detectives.

(paperback, £5.99)

Age 5 plus:

Lucky Stars: The Best Friend Wish by Phoebe Bright

Little girls who love magic and jewellery will be thanking their Lucky Stars for a sparkling new series of books in which wishes really do come true. The Best Friend Wish, the first of the series, includes a free charm bracelet to delight young readers and there will be a free charm to hang on it in the next five books. Here we find Cassie gazing at the twinkling night sky when suddenly a shooting star zooms into her bedroom and transforms into Stella Starkeeper. Stella and Cassie fly to the secret world of the stars, and Cassie discovers she is destined to be a Lucky Star – someone who can grant real wishes. But first Cassie must collect six magical charms and use their powers wisely – helping other people’s wishes to come true. Only then will she become a fully fledged Lucky Star. With delightful illustrations by Karen Donnelly, a puzzle to solve in each story and a super free gift, Lucky Stars look set to glisten and glitter on many a girl’s bookshelf!

(paperback, £3.99)

Picture books:

Matilda’s Cat by Emily Gravett

If you haven’t got room or garden for a pet at home, then enter the magical animal world of Emily Gravett and discover the next best thing! Here you will find cuddly cats, winsome wolves, charismatic chameleons and dogs of every description. Gravett’s award-winning stories are written and illustrated with flair, affection and a freewheeling sense of fun which tumbles out of every page. Here we meet Matilda’s cat who confounds everyone by not liking anything. Matilda is sure her cat will love climbing trees and playing with wool, but he doesn’t seem very enthusiastic. Undaunted, she thinks up new ways to amuse her reluctant playmate. Tea parties? Dressing up? Or what about a nice bike ride? As the beleaguered cat goes from nonplussed to terrified, Matilda gets more and more frustrated. After all, what use is a pet if it doesn’t want to play? Gravett’s imagination goes into overdrive in this funny, endearing and perceptive take on the relationship between a little girl and her cat.

(hardback, £10.99)

The Pirate House by Rebecca Patterson

When it comes to action, fun and colour, nobody does it better than Rebecca Patterson, a rising star in children’s picture books. Her fresh, busy, adventurous stories pack in so much illustrative detail that each page seems to tell a different tale. The Pirate House is packed with a street full of inquisitive little characters who are trying to work out who lives in that house on the corner. So when a flock of noisy seagulls fly on to the roof, Sam Turner is convinced it must be pirates. In fact, Sam tells his friends all sorts of things – they mustn’t look at the pirate washing or they will turn into jellyfish, at night the whole house glows like an aquarium, and if the door ever opens a huge wave will come out. And that’s not the half of it. According to Sam, not only are there pirates living on their street, but a family of monsters are moving into Number 2! Surely Sam Turner is just a little boy with a big imagination ... or is he? Hours of fun for pre-school tots.

(hardback, £10.99)

Me and My Cat by bEkaterina Trukhan

Outsize and highly original illustrations, a quirky little heroine and a smiley-faced cat that looks like he got the cream ... just some of the irresistible attractions of Ekaterina Trukhan’s debut picture book. From playing games to eating dinner and reading their favourite bedtime story, this little girl and her cat do everything together. And they are always there to help each other out – because that’s what best friends do. Me and My Cat is a story full of character, charm and toddler appeal. The easy, warm narrative is kept to a bare minimum making it a quick and easy read for little ones with a short attention span and ideal for wind-down at bedtime. A heart-warming story with themes of friendship and fun which help to encourage a special bond with animals.

(hardback, £10.99)

My Grandpa by Marta Altés

There’s no-one quite like grandpa! What child can resist a story book about one of their favourite people? Marta Altés knows all about the deep love between the youngest and oldest generations of a family and here she celebrates that relationship with a moving and heart-warming picture book. Little teddy bear knows his Grandpa is getting old but that’s how he is, and that’s why he loves him. Sometimes Grandpa can’t see properly, sometimes he gets lost and sometimes he feels alone so little teddy must be his eyes and ears, and show him where to go. Simple but touching illustrations provide a unique and memorable look at the confusion and forgetfulness of old age through the eyes of a child. Poignant and beautifully observed, My Grandpa is an impressive and insightful picture book debut from an exciting new writing and illustrating talent.

(hardback, £10.99)

Farmer Clegg’s Night Out by Peter Bently and Jim Field

When you are the winners of last year’s Roald Dahl Funny Prize, creating a book that’s totally bonkers is just what a captive young audience expects! And Farmer Clegg’s Night Out, a laughter-filled, zany menagerie of madcap animals and their dotty owner, will not disappoint. The atmosphere is electric out in the farmyard. Old Farmer Clegg may be tucked up for the night, but there’s a talent show about to take place and all the animals are desperate to win. Will a break-dancing horse take the top spot? Will the pop-singing sheep twins be offered a record contract? Competition is fierce, but nobody’s counted on a certain farmer with a sleepwalking habit! Magical pictures and a witty and wonderful narrative from top team Peter Bently and Jim Field make this one of the liveliest and most energetic picture books you are likely to find.

(hardback, £10.99)

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s recycling officers are taking the waste prevention message to community groups and events as part of the latest incentive by the authority.

On Monday, September 10 they will visit Bishop Burton ladies group to give a presentation on how their recyclable waste is re-used.

On Monday, September 17 Leven wives’ group gets a talk about recycling and how glass, paper and plastics, for example are re-used.

Wednesday, September 19: Bishop Burton College fresher fair to explain to new students the area’s recycling system and bins.

Wednesday, October 3: Little Weighton and Willerby ladies group, a presentation on how to make the best use of the blue recycling bins and the brown bins for composting as well as the re-use of recyclable materials.

The recycling officers are also offering to give presentations to residents in blocks of flats or communal areas to help them manage their waste and make most use of shared recycling facilities.

For further details, call Jonathan Crozier, recycling officer, on (01482) 395605 or email jonathan.crozier@eastriding.gov.uk

A sponsored walk in aid of St Mary’s Church, Luttons Ambo, will take place over five miles on Sunday September 2.

Refreshments will be available en route and there will be tea to follow.

Anyone who wants to take part should meet at the church at 1.30pm.

All welcome and sponsorship forms are available in the church or by phoning 01944 738867.

DRIFFIELD Town Councillors have asked for clarification over suggestions that the Thursday main street market should be moved to Mill Street.

East Riding of Yorkshire councillors Felicity Temple, Symon Fraser and Barbara Hall have their own website called www.driffieldintouch.com on which the suggestion was said to have been seen.

The town council market committee was told: “It was reported that on their website, the ERYC councillors had outlined as one of their aims to dispense with the market on Market Place and relocate it to Mill Street, if it could be pedestrianised.”

In response, the town clerk, Mrs Claire Binnington, was instructed to write to the councillors to ascertain their present views.

But Coun Temple told the Driffield Times and Post the website post was an old response to an ERYC transport strategy consultation which took place several years ago and was no longer current.

“We said we have specific concerns for the access of emergency vehicles while the main street is closed for the weekly Market.

“The proposals put forward some time ago to pedestrianise Mill Street would create a significant improvement for shoppers in this important area of the town and MAY OFFER the opportunity to re-locate the Market to the advantage of the town as a whole.”

Meanwhile, the town council market committee has been told that the market is generally well attended and figures from the last two financial years show a revenue increase.

The committee has agreed to recommend to council that two stalls be bought and erected weekly by the Tidy Team and offered to craft and other more varied stall holders who would normally not attend Driffield market as stalls are not provided.

POLICE have warned householders in Driffield to secure their homes - or face a knock on the door from a PCSO.

Officers are concerned that now the warmer weather has arrived, more and more people across the town are leaving windows and doors open

This may create a cool through draught, but it also attracts burglars and thieves who will see the insecurities as an invitation.

A Driffield police spokeswoman said: “With the weather becoming warmer police officers are noticing windows and doors are being left open in houses.

“PCSOs who see these kind of insecurities will be knocking at your door or phoning you to make you aware.

“A form will also be left alerting you to the potential dangers and a letter will be sent to you to give you advice on better security.”

People should also be reminded to lock their vehicles when leaving them unattended.

“Take all your valuables with you and leave nothing on display that would attract an opportunist to break into it. “

Police are also warning people to be on their guard against rogue traders following an incidents involving a white Volkswagen Van registration HG07AXU with “Cosy Mattresses” written on the side.

A police spokeswoman said: “It has been seen in our area trying to sell mattresses at a supposed discount price.

“A male described as white, 5’7” and in his 40s with a small goatee beard and bald head, stole a Jack Russell called “Lucy” from an address he visited earlier in the month near Hornsea.

“The dog is mainly white with a brown patch over one eye and a brown marking in both ears. If you have any sightings of this van or male please inform the police crime reference CS/1912104/2012.”

Postal and internet Scams also continue to be of concern.

A spokesman said: “There has been a reported increase of scams received through the post.

“One person received a letter informing them that they were due a large amount of money as compensation for mis sold policies spanning several years. In order for the money to be released, £200 needed to be paid upfront.

As the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true it probably is.

The future of Humberside Airport was today secured as the Manchester Airports Group (MAG) sold its 82.7% shareholding to Eastern Group for an undisclosed sum.

North Lincolnshire Council will retain its minority stake in Humberside Airport leaving MAG to concentrate on its strategy of maximising the growth opportunities offered by the larger Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth Airports.

Employees at Humberside Airport and North Lincolnshire Council have been informed of MAG’s decision.

With annual passenger numbers of 275,000, Humberside Airport’s aviation activities include scheduled and charter passenger services, freight, as well as being home to the second largest airport based heliport serving the North Sea offshore industry, aircraft maintenance, pilot training and a variety of other specialised niches.

MAG Chief Executive, Charlie Cornish, said: “MAG has believed for some time that the best long-term operational model for Humberside Airport was with a new owner that could focus on taking the business forward into the next phase of its development.

“The Eastern Group specialises in aviation related activities and we are delighted that our former colleagues at the airport will now have a new owner who can concentrate on developing the business.”

Bryan Huxford, Chairman of Eastern Group, said: “We are making a strategic financial investment acquiring Humberside Airport. The airport has potential for growth, and under the present airport management team, supported by Eastern Group, will develop in accordance with the business plan already in place.”

Coun Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “These measures are vital in helping secure a viable future for Humberside Airport.

“There are a number of unique opportunities to deliver jobs and growth and support, and underpin further investment in the area. The airport has a fantastic business park with huge potential. Its location is perfect with easy access to the ports and South Humber Gateway – vital to the future success of our region.

“Working together, we will do all we can to attract further investment and development to North Lincolnshire and create more jobs for local people to secure a promising future.”

The change of ownership will mean it is business as usual for Humberside Airport employees, airlines and passengers, as the current airport management team will continue to manage the operation.

MAG acquired a majority stake in Humberside Airport in 1999 for £10 million and since then, over £7 million has been invested. In April 2008, MAG began an eight month review of its shareholding in Humberside Airport, but it was retained within the Group’s portfolio of airports because of a combination of positive business developments and a worsening economic climate.

Although the value of the deal will not be disclosed by either party, MAG believes that today’s deal with Eastern Group represents the best possible outcome both for its business, Humberside Airport and its new owners.

The Corporate Finance team at law firm Pannone advised Manchester Airports Group (MAG) on the sale. Partner Steven Grant led the team at Pannone which included Tom Hall, Harriet Sutherland, Amy Chandler and Victoria Dolan.

THE ORB is a column which appears weekly in the Driffield Times and Post, East Yorkshire. It is surreal, topical and hopefully amusing. Readers seems to like it.

Like most people, I had watched the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic games from start to finish at the The Star Inn, and had celebrated in a manner which is reserved for such traditional occasions. Or Fridays, as I prefer to call them.

It was the early hours when I finally arrived home, smiling the smile of someone who smiles for no real reason other than the fact that occasionally it is far easier to smile than to talk.

My house has stairs and English law dictates that it is illegal to use stairs following extensive celebrations involving sporting endeavour.

Because stairs don’t have arms, which is a flaw yet to be addressed by the Health and Safety Executive.

It is far safer and healthier to sleep in a chair which has arms and can be accessed with a minimal amount of climbing.

So, there I was, asleep in an armchair when I awoke with a start, aware of my surroundings but not quite part of the physical world in which they exist, momentarily thankful that the armchair had arms and was not just a chair.

Oh my God, I stole a dog.

There, asleep on the settee next to my chair, was a puppy. A little yellow baby dog – a dogette – curled up like a fluffy cushion on a fluffy cushion. My fluffy cushion. I don’t own a dog. I have cats. Neither of them are yellow and neither of them bark, they mewl and purr, sometimes at the same time – mewlpurr.

Probably more than most people, I am aware that celebrations can become a little over exuberant at times, but they usually result in the appearance of 6ft tall white rabbits called Harvey, or perhaps pink elephants called Nigel, but never a puppy dog. Until now. This was something new.

A cat once told me to let sleeping dogs lie but in order for them to lie they must first learn to speak or be a woman, so I prodded the pup with an outstretched finger – not any finger, you understand, but one which I had previously Sellotaped to a bamboo stick for just such occasions.

It is a knowing finger and I knew it would know whether the dog was real.

It was – and it squeaked and rolled on to its back

Oh my God, I stole a dog.

It was a very nice dog but it wasn’t my dog. I don’t own a dog. I have cats. Two cats. Neither of them a dog. They mule, like cat donkeys, and pair, because there are two of them.

I was home alone in my own home, in my own sitting room in a chair with arms and yet I looked around nervously, fully expecting the SAS to hurl a teargas cannister through the window at any second as a prelude to shooting me with a taser gun.

I felt a wave of panic. Amid the fear of being tasered, I realised that I had left the electric cooker on overnight. Two rings blazing away for hours. I buy my electricity from British Gas. Fire a taser in my house and the explosion would take out half the street.

The dog languidly stretched its paws. It was a dramatic pause. It seemed to know me but I don’t have a dog. I have two cats. Catman and Robin. It was all coming back to me.

I had turned on the cooker to cook something after returning home in the early hours with Harvey the rabbit and Nigel the elephant, who had helped me in celebrating the spectacle that was the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

I never did get around to cooking anything because I don’t own any food. It’s a deliberate safety measure designed to make sure that I don’t eat after a night of celebrations.

It gives me wind.

Obviously, I had switched on two cooker rings because I am sure this is what the fire brigade recommends in order that people such as me can keep warm during a summer which is winter.

In any event, I own a smoke alarm which becomes rather alarmed when it smells smoke and it begins to squeal because it is nailed to a wall and cannot escape in the event of a fire. I would do the same.

But I don’t own a dog. I have two cats. Dobbin and Fatman.

OH MY GOD – I STOLE A DOG.

And it ate all my cat food. Food I had left out for the cats. Skidmark and Furball who mewl and purr and enjoy watching films on the TV – Two Mules For Sister Sarah.

Yes It was all coming back to me. I had returned home from the Olympics after winning two gold medals in home economics and had switched on the cooker to keep warm after eating some cat food because I don’t have any food of my own at the moment because it upsets the smoke alarm which squeals because it is a female smoke alarm and if it was a male smoke alarm it would burp or make farting noises.

During the night, the SAS and the fire brigade and the Health and Safety Executive had decided to play games with my mind by removing Harvey the rabbit and Nigel the elephant from their usual seats on the sofa and had replaced them with a puppy. A real puppy, which would squeak when prodded with a knowing finger Selloptaped to a bamboo cane.

I don’t have a dog. I have cats. Two cats, Ratman and Throbbing, the latter named after my gold medal winning celebration head.

It was all falling into place. I was the victim of a joke. I don’t have a cat, I have two dogs and the kitten had been planted on my coffee table to freak me out. Because yellow is the colour of freaking out.

But the joke fell flat, I was onto them. I’m not a dog napper. I’m an armchair napper who naps in a chair with arms invented by armies, which is safer than climbing the stairs in a bungalow with an en-suite shed.

As I laughed at the joke, there was a rap on the door.

It was a black bloke reciting poetry to a drum and base beat, clutching a bag of chocolates – M&Ms.

“Erm, you ain’t seen a dog have you mate. It escaped from my yard last night.”

Of course, it all makes sense now. I don’t have a dog. I had returned from the Olympics on a horse borrowed from Zara Anne Elizabeth Phillips MBE, then I switched on the cooker to keep warm because that is what the fire brigade recommend.

I didn’t want to upset the smoke alarm because it squeals like a woman trapped in an oil drum with a money spider, so I left the back door open in case Harvey the rabbit and Nigel the elephant wanted to join me later, but instead I was the victim of a failed dog prank.

Well people, next time you’re all going to have to try a lot harder to fool me because I’m onto you.

As my neighbour walked away clutching his puppy, he observed: “Must have been a good one last night mate.

“There’s an elephant in your garden – and someone has painted it pink.”

A SUICIDAL man desperate for attention stole £1,797 worth of electrical goods from a shop as he was struggling with a heroin addiction.

Ian Geoffrey Walker, 42, Richmond Street, Bridlington, pleaded guilty at Bridlington Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday July 25, to two counts of theft and one charge of attempted theft from Boots the Chemist, Middle Street, Driffield.

Prosecution solicitor, Heather Levett, told the court how a shop attendant at Boots had caught Walker attempting to leave with several Braun electric shavers on Friday, May 25, which he returned to the shelf.

He then returned a week later on June 1, and stole £1,307.92 worth of goods and again the next week, on June 8, stealing £489.96 worth of goods.

Mitigating solicitor, Miss Vicky Lancaster said: “He had gone in bold as brass trying to get caught because he thought if I get caught I’ll get access to some help.”

She said after the final theft Walker had taken an overdose of co-codamol as he had become depressed following a change of drugs counsellor, who instructed him to change his methodone routine.

She said: “For all this time he had managed himself on the reducing script not having the humiliation of turning up to the chemist every morning.”

Probation officer, Lesley Stephenson, said she would organise a meeting with Walker the following week to discuss a means to help him with his addiction.

Presiding magistrate, Mrs Susan Larard, said: “Help may be at hand Mr Walker but you have got to keep it up.”

She said that a pre-sentence report would be compiled and Walker must come back before magistrates on August 15 at 11am.

A motorist was searched when he attended the police station to produce his vehicle documents - because officers could smell cannabis on him.

A small quantity of a green herbal substance was found in the ashtray of his vehicle.

The man admitted knowing that the substance was cannabis and was given an official warning by the police.

A Driffield police spokeswoman said: “A male attended the Driffield police station in order to produce some vehicle documents.

“While inside the station, officers could smell cannabis on him - resulting in both him and the vehicle he came in being searched.”

The incident was just one of a number currently under investigation by the police in Driffield

Further inquiries are ongoing regarding the alleged theft of lead from Horsley and Dawson in the town centre in the early hours of Saturday June 29.

A police spokeswoman said: “A group of males were seen climbing onto the roof of Horsley and Dawson.

“It was suspected they were stealing lead. Two were caught near the scene and arrested. Both have been bailed so further enquiries can be made, the case is still under review.

At noon on June 28, a male shoplifter was apprehended in Yorkshire Trading company store in Driffield, after stealing items from the shelves.

A police spokeswoman said: “While being dealt with for that offence it came to light that he was also responsible for stealing goods from Rafters earlier the same day. This is the second occasion that the same male has stolen goods from Rafters. He was arrested for all three offences.”

Police are also investigating the theft from a black Mercedes van parked outside the Blue Post Inn, North Frodingham, overnight on June 24.

“In the morning the owner discovered that the wheel trims had been stolen. The police conducted a search of the nearby area and came across another Mercedes with only three wheel trims.

When they stopped to talk to the driver the stolen wheel trims were seen in his van. The male admitted stealing them, his excuse being that he was selling his van soon and the stolen trims were in better condition than his own.

DISAGREEMENT over the way in which Driffield town council took a controversial decision to reject a lone co-option candidate sparked a call for a change in the law.

Several councillors were horrified at the treatment of George Clark, who put himself forward as the only candidate to fill a vacant seat on the authority.

Because his co-option was blocked by a majority during a recorded vote.

As reported in last week’s, Driffied Times and Post, Coun Neal Pearson later cited the situation as one of his reasons for taking the decision to resign.

The way in which the co-option was decided had also led previously to a call for a change in the law from Coun David Credland, who was saddened by the resignation of his colleague Coun Pearson.

Coun Credland (pictured) told colleagues on the council: “I believe that the law as it stands in relation to the matter of co-option to this and other town councils, with a view to filling a vacancy on the council, is in need of reform.

“I contend that a recent event bears this out.

“As the law currently stands what was done was legally correct but the rejection of a citizen who was the only person at that time to come forward has the potential to be seen as casting some sort of slur against that person and this would be most unjust.

“It would be mean spirited, an ignoble act.”

Coun Credland said: “The public and councillors need to have set out for them legally enforceable rules as to the suitability of candidates for co-option, especially in situations where only one person has nominated to fill a vacancy. A candidate who conforms with that criteria should be automatically accepted.

“To this end I propose that the Rt Hon Greg Knight MP be contacted on behalf of the council and asked to take vigorous action with a view to having the relevant law reformed.”

Coun Credland’s proposal failed by a majority vote after some of the councillors explained that they voted against Mr Clark’s co-option because they disgareed with information he had provided to the council regarding transport services.

The council debate pre-dated Coun Pearson’s resignation decision.

Coun Credland said however: The reason I put forward the above proposal was to encourage transparency in respect of co-option procedures and help ensure fairness to all involved.

“The town council must not operate as if it contained an insular clique.

“It is essential that the town council contains within it a broad spectrum of opinion and does not restrict co-option, so that there can be a healthy cross-fertilisation of ideas.

“At the council meeting I raised a strong objection to a citizen, who was not present to defend himself, being called a liar!”

Coun Credland: said: “One of the problems that can all to easily arise, should an insular clique exist, is that it can generate its own perspective as to what constitutes justice.”

l What do you think?

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‘Nothing in teaching is ever straightforward’ ... a world of truth packed into one short sentence.

Andy Seed, teacher, novelist, humorist and conjuror, is back to amuse and bemuse us with the second book in his charming and disarming trilogy recalling a 25-year teaching career in the scenic Yorkshire Dales.

Building on the success of All Teachers Great and Small, Seed really gets into his stride here as he takes us through another rollercoaster academic year full of the trials, tribulations – and unparalleled joys – of life, love and teaching in the rural community of Cragthwaite.

Funny, entertaining and imbued with wisdom and experience, Seed paints a picture of 1980s primary school life in a rural community where children were drawn from farming stock rather than inner city families but brought with them the same precocious talents, complex problems and baffling behaviour.

After two years at Cragthwaite Primary, Seed is feeling more confident and settling comfortably into home and school life. He and his wife Barbara have a young son Tom and they are delighted to learn they are expecting again.

At school, headteacher Joyce Berry has taken a new broom to the depressing cobwebs of the past and given a once cold and unfriendly school a welcoming and lively atmosphere.

But then trouble arrives in the form of new girl, nine-year-old Sheena, daughter of a single mother ‘with a few problems.’

Sheens is a hefty girl with a wild thatch of dark, unkempt hair and a stony expression and Seed soon discovers that she is also aggressive, loud, rude, a bully, argumentative and totally disruptive. Even worse, perhaps, she has informed one of the dinner ladies that her spam fritters ‘taste like puke.’

It’s going to be a challenging year for the enthusiastic new teacher ... there’s the not insignificant problem of Sheena, a visit by the school inspectors on the cards, a new event called ‘mischief night’ to endure, a school ‘clean-up’ and, to top it all, Barbara is learning to drive.

But even he didn’t anticipate exploding piggy banks, bottle-rocket missiles, an impromptu igloo, egg-throwing and toilet-roll mummies.

So who said life was simpler in the 1980s...

With affection, humour, understanding, patience and resilience to the fore, Seed paints a heart-warming and beguiling portrait of what it means, and what is needed, to be a country schoolmaster.

Seed’s love for his work, his landscape and his family, and a warm sense of community and belonging, shine through the knockabout fun and laugh-out-loud anecdotes which punctuate this nostalgic tale from the Dales.

A delightful lesson in life for ‘pupils’ young and old...

(Headline, hardback, £14.99)

Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, has backed the Government following the news that GDP has fallen by 0.7 per cent.

Mr Stuart said: “These figures are disappointing, but the Government is on the right course and it is imperative that we stick with the plan. Our economy will take time to recover, but even more borrowing and spending can never be the solution. I am glad that a quarter of the spending deficit has already been eliminated. Reductions in government spending here are far less severe than in many of our competitors but are bringing our economy back into balance in a planned and deliberate manner.

“By allowing the private sector to flourish we will see long term recovery. We have seen 800,000 private sector jobs created since the Coalition came to power. This is because the Government has cut red tape, simplified the tax system and lowered corporation tax to the most competitive level in the G20. The Funding for Lending scheme has been encouraging banks to make mortgages and loans cheaper and more easily available.

“We have also acted to ensure that we will have a skilled workforce able to meet the challenges of the years ahead. We now have the biggest number of apprenticeships this country has ever seen and University Technical Colleges are opening to provide cutting edge vocational training.

“Locally, we have seen measures such as the cutting of the Humber Bridge toll and investment in the A164 and Beverley bypass that will help enterprise. George Osborne is getting the big calls right both for this area and the country.

“It’s clear Ed Miliband and Ed Balls have learnt nothing from the mistakes they made as key members of Gordon Brown’s government. Their answer is more borrowing, more spending and more debt. Our approach is different and will, over time, restore the country’s strength and prosperity.”