A man in his early twenties has died after he was hit by a coach on the A16 in Cowbit on Saturday.

Police believe the man was walking along the road when he was struck shortly before 6pm and despite emergency services being called, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The coach was being driven by a 62-year-old man from Surrey and contained a number of passengers, none of whom were injured.

They were later trasferred to specially hired taxis to continue their journey, but it is not known at this stage whether they were coming from Spalding Flower Parade which ended just minutes before the accident happened.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said they were in the process of contacting the dead man’s relatives but his identity would not be made public until Tuesday at the earliest.

Anyone who saw the man walking along the road anytime before 6pm yesterday evening or the collision itself should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 348 of May 4.

Saracen’s Head pair Andy Stafford and Clive Woods experienced one of England’s finest canals for a worthy cause on an 85-mile walk for two charities.

The best friends are set to raise about £3,000 together after walking along the Kennett and Avon Canal from Reading to Bath in aid of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Trust and the Stroke Association.

Andy (51) and Clive (52) took four days to complete their journey, with overnight stays in farmhouses and guest houses offering bed and breakfast along the route.

The achievement was made all the more remarkable by the fact that Clive was diagnosed with arthritis four years ago.

Andy said: “We’re both petrolheads and over a beer one night, Clive and I talked about going to look at a steam-driven pump down on the River Avon called Croftden.

“Jokingly, we said ‘why not walk along the whole stretch of the canal?’ and we thought of doing it for an MS charity because of a friend who has the condition and for The Stroke Association because I lost a relative of mine through a stroke four years ago.”

The Kennett and Avon Canal runs between the River Thames and the Bristol Channel, taking Andy and Clive through West Berkshire (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the Cotswolds through to Bath which is a World Heritage Site.

Andy said: “It was an absolutely beautiful walk and for Clive to do it, despite suffering quite badly with an arthritic condition, was amazing.

“We started off in snow from Reading on April 11 and finished in Bath on April 14 in bright sunshine.

“Our experiences along the route were fantastic and we were overwhelmed by the warmth and friendship of the people we met who welcomed us into their homes and took us to the starting points each day.

“We haven’t enjoyed ourselves so much in ages.”

Motorists are being warned not to leave valuables in their vehicles after a spate of smash-and-grab incidents in Holbeach and Long Sutton areas over the weekend.

Police confirmed that they had received four reports of motor vehicles being broken into between Saturday and Sunday, with sat navs, mobile phones and other electrical items targeted by thieves.

People are also advised to mark their belonging with an ultraviolet pen and serial numbers by visiting www.immobilise.com

Anyone with information should call Lincolnshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“It’s been a little girl’s dream come true.”

Flower Queen Inca Honnor says she will never forget the day she led the 55th and final Spalding Flower Parade.

She said: “It’s been absolutely fabulous. There are no words to describe it – the best day of my life so far.”

The performing arts student looked stunning for the greatest role of her life so far on her “white horse-drawn carriage”, wearing a fairytale peppermint green jewelled gown, with a “big” net skirt.

She was surrounded by her attendants Shelley Wilson (24) of Pinchbeck, Rachel Perkins (17) of Spalding, Florence Butters (19) of Spalding and Heather Turner of Spalding.

Their gowns were provided by Fancy Frox of Spalding and Inca was determined to keep her’s top secret until the big day.

She said: “I didn’t tell anyone what the gown was like – only my sister Talia knew.

“I wanted something really special – but I didn’t want people to imagine what it was like beforehand and be disappointed.”

In the run-up to the parade Inca attended the Lincolnshire Daffodil Society show at Springfields, saw the floats being made at a heading shed in Pinchbeck and judged at the crowning of carnival queens, prince and princesses in Pinchbeck and Moulton.

Her next big event is the Battle of Flowers in Jersey. She said: “I’m really looking forward to that too.”

When the crowds gave Spalding’s final flower parade the thumbs up, it made months of planning worthwhile.

Kathleen Codd, of Kenyon Communications, said: “I haven’t stopped smiling all day.

“We were concerned about there not being enough tulips but the feedback we’ve had about the colours, textures and different designs we used has been very positive.”

The volume of traffic into the town for the parade meant some of the bands were running late though.

But it didn’t stop the show being hailed as a winner.

Kathleen said: “We’ve had such a fantastic operational team and drivers, it has made such a difference since we first took over three years ago. That was a big learning curve.

“It’s been a challenge and there have been lots of late nights and little sleep, but we are thrilled with how things went.”

For Caroline Kenyon, the day was always going to be emotional and as the final float passed the stand along the riverside where the dignitaries sat there were tears in her eyes.

She said: “It’s been absolutely fabulous.

“The floats have been just stunning. I’m delighted.

”I know I won’t be alone in having a tear in my eye that this wonderful street celebration won’t happen again.”

There was a message to spectators sitting in the stand from one of the Long Sutton Veteran Cyclists, calling on dignitaries to take note of the crowds that had turned up and not let it be the last one.

But organisers are already looking to the future.

MP John Hayes said: “I’m determined we should take this forward.

“I’m a passionate supporter of the flower parade – this is my 17th and for many they’ve had a lot more.

“I’ve supported it every year since becoming an MP. I saved it about five years ago with the help of the Free Press.

“This tradition must not die. It may not carry on in its present form and this may be the end of one chapter, but it’s the start of a new one for the flower parade.”

Visitors from across the country experienced the uniqueness of Spalding Flower Parade weekend while fitting in a little shopping at the same time.

Thousands of people watched the cavalcade of floats and entertainers leave Springfields on their way round Spalding before returning to the events centre later on Saturday afternoon,

In the realisation that this year’s event is likely to be the last made people even more aware as to the significance of the day.

Pam and Derek Cloke, from Sunderland, said: “It was the first time we’d been to the parade and so we feel quite privileged that we haven’t missed it.

“We’re very saddened that it’s ending because there aren’t enough of these events around in the country.”

Max Jarvis, from Spalding, said: “It was nice that the parade appeared to be bigger this year but I’m a little bit said that it’s the last one because it’s a tourist attraction and it brings a lot of people to Spalding.

“It’s a shame all that’s going to stop.”

Claudia Hurcombe, from London, but originally from Panama, said: “The parade was really good and I loved the bands, the singing and the floats.

“People were really friendly and it was a nice day out.”

It was a busy weekend for David Norton, chief executive of Springfields Horticultural Society, who helped in co-ordinating both the Flower Parade and Classic Car Show.

He said: “We had a lot of participants over the weekend who had a great time and that’s essentially what the parade and car show were.

“This weekend has been all about celebrating what is unique about South Holland, engaging with the community, and as a pair of events it worked.

“It was nice to see the creativity of the Flower Parade and the car show was one of the most successful we’ve had, with between 2,000 and 3,000 people here.

“All in all, it’s been a very positive weekend for South Holland.”

Latest findings from the area’s courts...

Spalding Magistrates’ Court

Thomas Roxborough (24), of Chapel Street, Holbeach. Public order offence. 12 months conditional discharge. £15 v/s, £85 costs.

Joe Cooper (26), of Knight Street, Pinchbeck. Possession of cocaine. £200 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs. Drugs to be forfeited and destroyed.

Wayne Cunningham (22), of Meadowgate Lane, Spalding. Possession of cocaine. £240 fine, £24 v/s, £85 costs. Drugs to be forfeited and destroyed.

Ireneusz Dziubaczka (40), of Merlin Close, Bourne. Excess alcohol (Spalding). £220 fine, £22 victim surcharge, £43 costs, disqualified from driving for 17 months.

Shane Smith (33), of Clarkson Avenue, Cowbit. Excess alcohol (Spalding). £350 fine, £35 victim surcharge, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Roman Tomicki (31), of Third Avenue, Spalding. Excess alcohol (Spalding). £200 fine, £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 17 months.

Jo Morris (69), of Bourne Road, Essendine. Failing to report an accident (Bourne). £80 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 5pts. No separate penalty for driving without due care and attention.

Ryszard Nycek (50), of Pullman Court, Spalding. Excess alcohol (Spalding). Community order made with 250 hours unpaid work, £60 victim surcharge, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 30 months.

Alan Page (77), of Station Street, Rippingale. Failing to report an accident. £150 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 5pts. No separate penalty for driving without due care and attention.

Shaun Williams (38) of no fixed abode. Assault (Spalding). Community order made with alcohol treatment requirement and programme requirement to participate in building better relationships for 29 days. Restraining order made preventing him from contacting the victim. The sentence included theft of jewellery worth £500. £100 compensation.

Grantham Magistrates’ Court

Christopher Thomas (34), of Sherwood Avenue, Boston. Committed to prison for 16 weeks, suspended for a year for 9 offences of theft and 1 of assault. 7 of the thefts were committed at Spalding, including theft of perfume worth £143 from Boots, household items worth nearly £400 from Poundstretcher and footwear worth £231 from The Hush Puppies Store. He must also be supervised for 12 months by probation and complete a drug rehabilitation requirement. He must pay a victim surcharge of £80. There was no order for compensation or costs due to his limited means.

Jane Battley (47), of St Guthlacs Close, Crowland. Speeding (Whaplode). £37 fine, £15 victim surcharge, £43 costs, 3pts.

Cory Buckingham (43), of Broadshard, Crewkerne, Somerset. Speeding (Whaplode). £50 fine, £15 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Keith Bell (32), of Haywain Drive, Deeping St Nicholas. Speeding (Whaplode). £200 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Inga Brickiene (29), of Haven Meadows, Boston. No insurance (Twenty). £600 fine, £60 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Romas Dainauskas (40), of Woodthorpe Avenue, Boston. Speeding (Whaplode). £60 fine, £15 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Anthony Kila (43), of Hillen Road, King’s Lynn. Speeding (Whaplode). £60 fine, 3pts.

Anthony Kila (43), of Hillen road, King’s Lynn. Speeding (Whaplode). £60 fine, £15 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Nicholas McGuigan (64), of Empingham Road, Stamford. Speeding (Gosberton). £400 fine, £40 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Simon Thirtle (41), of Spalding Road, Deeping St James. Speeding (Whaplode). £60 fine, £15 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Daniel Featherstone (21), of Hallgate, Moulton. Driving without valid licence. £200 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs. No MOT. £200 fine.

Aleksandrs Gibals (25), of Hannam Boulevard, Spalding. No insurance. £600 fine, £60 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No 
separate for failing to produce insurance. No separate penalty for failing to produce driving licence and driving without valid licence. No separate penalty for defective windscreen.

Robert Worthington (43), of Sherbourne Close, Swineshead. No insurance. £600 fine, £60 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

No separate penalty for driving without a valid licence.

Andrew Alexander (46), of High Street, Holbeach. Speeding (Whaplode). £45 fine, £20 v/s, £20 costs, 3pts.

Arunas Astrauskas (32), of Argyle Road, London. Speeding (Whaplode). £40 fine, £20 v/s, £20 costs, 3pts.

Wayne Buffrey (31), of Aveland Close, Bourne. Speeding (Stamford). £45 fine, £15 v/s, £20 costs, 3pts.

Michael Howling (45), of Main Road, Tydd Gote. No insurance. £280 fine, £28 v/s, £43 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for failing to produce insurance.

Timothy Andrews (56), of South Fen Road, Bourne. Excess alcohol. £110 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 3 years. No separate penalty for failing to attend magistrates’ court.

Agnieszka Gadzia (32), of Langwith Gardens, Holbeach. Speeding (Whaplode). £45 fine, 3pts.

Mark Lee (39), of Sandy Way, Ingoldisthorpe. Speeding (Whaplode). £45 fine, £15 v/s, £43 costs, 3pts.

Victor Leuty (52), of Chapelgate, Sutton St James. Speeding (Whaplode). £45 fine, £15 v/s, £20 costs, 3pts.

Christopher Murchie (25), of Atton Avenue, Spalding. Speeding (Moulton Seas End). £120 fine, £20 v/s, £43 costs, 4pts.

Christopher Price (41), of Wignals Gate, Holbeach. Speeding (Whaplode). £80 fine, £15 v/s, £43 costs, 3pts.

Paulo Da Viera (38), of Rookery Road, Bicker. Speeding (Grantham). £60 fine, £20 v/s, £20 costs, 3pts.

Kevin Blackburn (46), of Southay, Ditton, Widnes, Cheshire. Speeding (Spalding). £200 fine, 3pts. Speeding (Swineshead). £200 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Stephen Blessett (41), of Spalding Road, Deeping St James. Speeding (Langtoft). £35 fine, £15 v/s, £50 costs, 3pts.

Trevor Halliday (55), of Ibstock Close, Tydd St Mary. Speeding (Tydd Gote). £65 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

Rebecca Harrison (29), 
of Marshland Drive, Holbeach. Speeding (Whaplode). £400 fine, £40 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

Shane Kelk (18), of Princes Street, Sutton Bridge. Failed to stop for police (Sutton Bridge). £160 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs. Driving without valid licence. £55 fine. No insurance. £165 fine, 6pts. No separate penalty for no MOT.

A man has been taken to hospital with a shoulder injury after a crash between a van and a motorbike on the A17 in Long Sutton today.

It happened shortly before 8am when a Honda motorbike collided with a Ford Transit and the bike rider, a 55-year-old man from Newark, Nottinghamshire, was taken to Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.

He is also being treated for cuts and bruises, but the van driver was unhurt.

Meanwhile, motorists also faced rush hour misery on the A17 in Sutton Bridge when a broken down lorry caused tailbacks between the junction of Hundreds Lane and East Bank.

The road was partially blocked southbound while the lorry was recovered and the route has now been cleared.

Thieves got away with cash and jewellery after breaking into a house in Spalding over the bank holiday weekend.

A detached house in Cathedral Drive was targeted by thieves who got in by smashing a back window some time between 7pm on Sunday and 1.30pm on Monday.

Anyone with information should contact DC Arnold at Spalding CID on 101 ext 2660 quoting incident number 198 of May 6.

Plans to revamp and expand Spalding’s Holland Market have been revised due to the “tough economic environment”.

Owners Corbo had big plans for the site, which were believed to have included a supermarket and new retail units, but have revealed the plans are now being revisited.

However, Holland Market manager Michael Moran said the company was still committed to investing in Spalding.

He said: “We recognise Holland Market needs to be better integrated with the town centre and we are now trying to work out a plan that would achieve that, but the economic environment has changed since we started this process so the plans needs to be revised.”

Under the original scheme, Corbo was looking, in conjunction with South Holland District Council, at the possibility of moving the bus station, possibly to Swan Street.

He said: “The bus station is a matter for the town and the council but we think it is probably in the wrong place and needs investing in. Ideally it would still be part of our plans.”

The Holland Market site is currently home to chains including Marks and Spencer, Argos, Halfords, B&Q and Wilkinsons.

Mr Moran said: “Fundamentally Spalding is an important part of Corbo’ portfolio and as a major landowner we have an interest in improving Spalding.”

With winter weather seemingly being reluctant to leave us it might not seem possible but the summer season is just around the corner.

To enjoy your motoring this summer without breakdowns we identify some areas to check on your car that any reputable garage, dealer or mobile mechanic can help you with.

Cooked Engines:

Failure to keep coolant levels topped up can overheat an engine.

Check the condition and level of the engine coolant, look for signs of leakage and check that the cooling fan is working.

If not, check the fuse first or visit a garage.

Engine Oil:

If there’s not enough oil circulating around your vehicle’s engine metal to metal friction occurs.

Check the oil level regularly using the dipstick to avoid an engine seizure.

Air Conditioning:

Air-conditioning systems can harbour waterborne bacteria if not regularly maintained. Inhaling these can harm your health.

Poorly maintained air-con units drain engine power and increase fuel consumption.

Many local garages and main dealers provide vehicle air-conditioning re-gassing and maintenance.

Tyres:

Check tyre pressures – check them first thing in the morning as they expand when hot.

Tread depth should be 1.6mm (legal minimum).

Inspect tyres for dangerous bulges and cuts.

Summary:

Ensure your vehicle’s reliability this summer season by taking your car to your local garage or main dealer.

Ask their professional technicians to check it over as there’s nothing better than peace of mind.

A shed fire at allotments in Sutton Bridge at the weekend was started deliberately, it has been confirmed today.

Firemen from Long Sutton dealt with the blaze at allotments off Granville Terrace after it was report just before 8.50pm on Friday.

Andy Higgins, community fire safety manager at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Incidents like this tie up value resources and if a call for a life-threatening emergency had occurred at the same time, we would have to mobilise the next nearest fire appliance.

“This can increase the time taken to arrive on scene, putting those people requiring our help at further risk.”

A Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue spokeswoman confirmed that Neigbourhood Watch teams supporting Lincolnshire Police had been informed of the incident.

UPDATE WEDNESDAY 1.30PM: The name of the man who died after he was hit by a coach on the A16 in Cowbit has been released today by police.

Daniel Frisby (22) of Broadgate, Whaplode Drove, was walking along the A16 when a coach carrying members of a band who had been playing at the last ever Spalding Flower Parade collided with him just before 6pm on Saturday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after the arrival of police and ambulance crews.

• Tributes to Mr Frisby can be posted on our Spalding Today website, on Twitter @LincsFreePress, at Facebook.com/LFPandSg or by emailing spaldingeditor@jpress.co.uk

SUNDAY 1.30PM: A man in his early twenties has died after he was hit by a coach on the A16 in Cowbit on Saturday.

Police believe the man was walking along the road when he was struck shortly before 6pm and despite emergency services being called, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The coach was being driven by a 62-year-old man from Surrey and contained a number of passengers, none of whom were injured.

They were later trasferred to specially hired taxis to continue their journey, but it is not known at this stage whether they were coming from Spalding Flower Parade which ended just minutes before the accident happened.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said they were in the process of contacting the dead man’s relatives but his identity would not be made public until Tuesday at the earliest.

Anyone who saw the man walking along the road anytime before 6pm yesterday evening or the collision itself should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 348 of May 4.

A retired teacher was banned from driving for three years and fined £700 when she appeared in court on her fourth drink-drive charge.

Patricia Selves (64), of Rangell Gate, Low Fulney, had 56 microgrammes of alcohol in breath – 21mcgs above the legal limit – when police stopped her Land Rover Discovery on April 9.

Spalding magistrates heard Selves had three previous convictions – one in 2004 and two just a fortnight apart in January 2007.

Solicitor Anita Toal, for Selves, said: “To say Miss Selves is utterly in shame for a fourth drink-drive offence would be an understatement and, to use her words, she is genuinely gutted and in absolute despair.

“She wishes to apologise to the court for what she terms a stupid mistake to drive one mile home after drinking.”

Selves pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to driving with excess alcohol and was told her fine would have been as high as £1,050 without that early guilty plea.

She must pay £85 costs and a £70 victim surcharge.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said a police officer followed Selves along Weston Hills Road, Low Fulney, at 6.55pm.

Her Land Rover was being driven at 40mph and the officer stopped her because he thought the road was “normally faster than that”.

Miss Stace told the court: “He said she seemed slightly drunk”.

Mrs Toal said on that day Selves had been suffering a lot of abuse, harassment and threats from an associate.

Selves went out with friends for a meal and had two or three drinks.

Since her offences in 2007, Selves had made considerable efforts to stop herself from drinking and driving.

Mrs Toal said Selves was a music teacher who spent 39 years in secondary school teaching.

A fire in Spalding during the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday was caused by discarded cigarettes, it has been confirmed today.

Firemen from Spalding used a hose reel to deal with an unwanted settee on fire in Lansdowne Road which was reported at about 2.25am.

A Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said there was no indication the fire was started deliberately but she confirmed that it was caused by “carelessly discarded smoking materials.”

After the recent elections, as expected, we see UKIP climbing the ladder to dizzy heights.

Of their ideas, the most worrying relate to immigration and its effect on the migrant workforce. Let me make it crystal clear: without our Eastern European friends horticulture and agriculture could not survive.

For some reason we are unable to make these jobs attractive to our own youngsters, possibly because they are not offered as an option in schools, yet they are not poorly paid and there are a great number of career opportunities.

Yes, Spalding looks an unattractive market town these days, but where have we gone so wrong? Large groups of foreign nationals congregating in the streets is intimidating, and there is a police presence, but they don’t seem to disperse the groups or discourage them from drinking in the streets. There have been complaints from readers about unsightly shop windows and frontages, but is it beyond the council to tell the occupants to smarten up?

Local growers and packers provide an enormous amount of employment which helps our local economy to thrive. These industries need the migrant workforce but the situation requires managing. Could we not make Spalding an example and show other areas that are suffering similar problems that we can all live harmoniously and have a town to be proud of?

Farm incomes plunged by 14 per cent in 2012 because of the bad weather, according to Defra.

Its total income from farming figures for what was the second wettest year ever showed incomes dropped by £737m.

The fall to £4.7bn was caused both by the weather and an unfavourable exchange rate which saw Single Farm Payments and agri-environment scheme subsidies decrease by £200m. NFU chief economist Phil Bicknell said the headline figures hid tremendous regional variations and said the impact of the weather would continue as it had delayed planting last autumn and slowed crop development and spring planting.

Moulton Seas End grower Matthew Naylor has been feeling the backlash since he spoke out nationally against making life too easy for young farmers.

Matthew, who farms in partnership with his father Nev at Moulton Seas End, writes a regular column in a farmers’ publication.

When he wrote arguing that the next generation shouldn’t get too much too soon, it sparked a huge response, some in support but much more in disagreement.

Matthew believes young people shouldn’t receive a leg-up because “there is a very bright future for anyone in agriculture” with food prices rising, a shortage of land and population growth.

He said: “For that reason I don’t see why we should be making it too easy for people coming into it.”

Matthew isn’t too dismayed by the rumpus as he says: “It was a bit of fun.”

In any case he has been shortlisted for the business columnist of the year in the PPA awards.

Bettaland Products at Crowland took part in International Compost Awareness Week by encouraging membership of its new ‘green gardening club’.

Gardeners were urged to upload creative photographs and poems demonstrating their commitment to peat-free compost.

Trading of peat-based products will end in 2020, following a government announcement.

The loss of his job with a drink-drive ban will hit a man and his parents because he pays the mortgage on their home, his solicitor says.

Gareth Yates was arrested by police who followed his car on Cherry Holt Road, Bourne, in the early hours of April 7.

Spalding magistrates heard he had 58 microgrammes of alcohol in breath – the legal limit is 35mcgs.

Yates turned into Roman Bank and as police arrived on the scene they saw one of three men in the car climbing out through the driver’s side window.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said Yates and another man were already out of the car.

When asked who was driving, Yates pointed to one of the other men.

Miss Stace said police found the car keys in Yates’ pocket, but he claimed one of the others had thrown them to him.

Yates (22), of Dovecote Estate, Rippingale, was banned from driving for 15 months when he pleaded guilty in court on Thursday to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £200 with an order for £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

He can cut three months off the ban if he attends a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

Solicitor Carrie Simson said Yates lives with his parents and pays the mortgage as the sole breadwinner in the house.

She said he will lose his job and “that means the mortgage payments cannot be kept up”.

Mrs Simson said Yates worked as a production planner in a local factory and his job requires a driving licence.

“This is going to have an impact not only on him but essentially his family,” she said.

Mrs Simson said Yates had a couple of beers and thought he would be okay, but made a mistake in not eating that day.