I feel I need to respond to various letters regarding John Hayes and his role as Minister for Security.

Let’s be honest, in my opinion, Mr Hayes is a jack of all trades, but a master of none.

He’s been in more positions with the Government than I care to remember.

And we all know why David Cameron puts these people in these positions – they are yes men.

You don’t select people who are going to vote against you and cause unrest in your party.

The one big question I would have for John, being the Minister of Security, would be how he voted when it came to the motion on bombing Syria in the House of Commons.

I would also be interested to hear his views on the cutbacks to the nation’s police and our Armed Forces.

With what is happening in the world with ISIS, do I feel Mr Hayes is the right man to be Minister for Security? I think you can take it that my response would be a resounding no.

I cannot be alone in feeling very worried for our national security.

All birthdays are created equal – or are they?

Not according to a new report commissioned by Interflora, which has revealed statistically the best and worst dates in the calendar for a birthday – with those born in December and January most likely to get a raw deal!

The report cross references the birth dates of 2,000 Brits with several factors such as the average number of presents received and the likelihood of friends actually attending a party. Some of the key findings include:

- The BEST birthday date is revealed as July 28th – due, in-part, to the likelihood of good weather, its closeness to payday, as well as the “feel-good” summer factor. Singers Cher Lloyd and Soulja Boy and footballer Harry Kane all share birthdays on this date.

- The WORST birth date emerged as December 16th - due, in part, to its proximity to Christmas, cold weather, and likelihood of it getting forgotten with all the festive celebrations. Ludwig Van Beethoven, Noel Coward and Jane Austen all have birthdays on 16th December

Overall, those born in the winter months were the most disgruntled with the date of their birth, with December fairing worst of all (16% confirming they were ‘unhappy’), followed by January (15%) and November (11%).

Nearly a third (31%) of people celebrating their birthdays in December claim their special day gets frequently overlooked because of Christmas and complain of their presents being wrapped in Christmas paper (27%). Similarly, those celebrating in January suffered similar fates, with 39% receiving presents bought in the sales, a sixth receiving ‘recycled’ Christmas gifts (14%) and almost a quarter (22%) having to forget their celebrations altogether as their friends had run out of money.

However, it seems people in the UK are far happier with summer celebrations, with the happiest months to celebrate confirmed as June (60%), July (59%) and August (53%).

The study also dug deeper to uncover some key trends relating to birth dates, revealing:

January birthdays are forgotten the most - January birthdays are the most likely to be forgotten, with the majority of people (12%) admitting that gifts and presents for their family and friends born in January often slip their minds.

The importance of Facebook in 2015- Almost half of people (42%) no longer send birthday cards, they use Facebook instead. A third of people (31%) only remember birthdays these days because of Facebook.

Summer babies earn more - Those born in August are most likely to be top earners compared with any other month with 12% earning more than £45,000. However, those born in December are least likely to become a top earner with only 4% confirming they are in that wage bracket.

Summer babies consistently receive bigger gifts from friends and family - People born in August are more likely to receive high value gifts (11% receive £50 or more), compared with any other month.

A series of collisions are causing delays on roads in the Peterborough area this morning.

A one vehicle collision partially blocked the A47 in both directions at the B1167 New Cut/Wisbech Road roundabout at 6.45am.

The black Peugeot 3008 Sport HDI came off the road and entered a ditch.

The driver has sustained no injuries.

The A16 is also block both ways after a crash between a car and two vans at Cowbit.

The road is blocked between Welland Road, Eye and the B1357 Moulton Chapel Road.

If you registered your religion as Jedi Knight in the last census, you are contributing to a growing population of order members in the region.

We may all be waiting for the arrival of Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens to catch up with the most famous Jedi Knights in the universe - when really, there are some much closer to home.

In the latest census, thousands of people in Lincolnshire submitted their religion as Jedi Knight - choosing to follow the divine order of the galaxy.

Figures have been released for each local authority area in the country, with Leeds as the Jedi capital of the UK.

In South Holland there are 242 Jedi Kinghts, 0.27% of the population.

In South Kesteven there are 372 Jedi Knights, 0.28% of the population.

In Boston there are 169 Jedi Knights, 0.26% of the population.

In North Kesteven there are 281 Jedi Knights, 0.26% of the population.

In East Lindsey there are 361 Jedi Knights, 0.26% of the population.

In West Lindsey there are 213 Jedi Knights, 0.24% of the population.

In Lincoln there are 439 Jedi Knights, 0.47% of the population.

The latest instalment of the Star Wars saga will hit cinema screens in the early hours of tomorrow morning, with fan favourites Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill reprising their roles as Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.

Three people were taken to hospital after a crash involving two vehicles in Sutton Bridge on Friday night.

Emergency services, including a paramedic and two ambulances, were called to Bridge Road just before 8pm.

One person was treated for a head injury and another for leg injuries before all three patients were taken to Peterborough City Hospital for further examination.

Firefighters from Long Sutton made the scene safe and gave first aid to both drivers involved.

Weston Hills CofE Primary School pupils and staff celebrated ten years on the current site.

The school has been in the village since 1877 but moved to the eco-friendly building in 2005. Cup cakes made by all the children spelled out ‘10 YEARS’ and then were eaten.

Four children from Year 6 at Ayscoughfee Hall School in Spalding visited Bourne Willoughby School recently.

They joined in a SNAG Golf PE lesson with two of the classes at the school.

Ayscoughfee helps sponsor further golfing opportunities for some of the Willoughby students through the expertise of golf coach Darren Game.

Two lawn mowers and what police have described as “a large amount of tools” have been stolen in Sutton St Edmund.

A shed was broken into in Broadgate Road, Sutton St Edmunds, overnight between Friday and Saturday.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 103 of December 12.

The death of a man in his 50s at a house in Gosberton is not being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed.

Paramedics were called to High Street at about 10.45am on Saturday and despite attempts to treat the man, he died at the scene.

A South Lincolnshire Coroner’s Office spokesman said that tests carried out on the man’s body revealed that his death was by natural causes and no inquest is required.

Ever wondered why you prefer Cadbury instead of Tesco’s Own?

Peele Community College Year 7 and 8 extra numeracy students at Long Sutton know the answer. They have been looking at brands, and even created their own.

The students are also getting an “extra push” in the realms of money, finance and budgeting to ensure they are fully knowledgeable. Topics covered included careful credit card use and banking – and they had to budget for a party.

A health warning has been issued as air pollution is expected to reach high levels tomorrow, Thursday December 17.

Levels of air pollution are expected to reach moderate to high levels in Lincolnshire and West Norfolk as a cloud of Saharan dust is blown across the region.

The warning has been issued by Defra (The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) which recommends that adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms.

People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion.

Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.

Dr Sotiris Vardoulakis, Head of PHE’s Environmental Change Department, said: “Public Health England provides advice to Defra on the health effects of ambient air pollution.

“While most people will not be affected by short term peaks in ambient air pollution, some individuals, such as those with existing heart or lung conditions, may experience increased symptoms.

“On occasions where levels are high, adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion. Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.”

Saharan dust is lifted by strong winds and can reach very high altitudes; from there it can be transported worldwide by winds, covering distances of thousands of kilometres. The dust gets caught in rain droplets in clouds, falling to the ground in rain. When the water evaporates, a thin layer of dust is left on surfaces, like cars. It can also lead to vivid sunsets.

Levels of air pollution are forecast to be Low over the UK on Friday, but may become Moderate across parts of England and Wales on Saturday. On Sunday, air pollution levels are forecast to be Low across all areas.

A rating of 1,2 or 3 shows low pollution. 4,5 or 6 moderate, while 7,8 and 9 is high.

Students from all years and staff at Spalding High School sold Christmas crafts over three days at a fayre organised by learning resource manager Kirsty Lees.

As well as showcasing creative talent, students displayed business acumen, managing the marketing, costing and design aspects.

There were 50 stalls selling a variety of handmade crafts, cakes and biscuits.

Running alongside the stalls was a Fairtrade Christmas cafe.

The Christmas craft fayre, now in its seventh year, brings the whole school together and promotes festive cheer while raising money for various charities.

Kirsty commented that each year sees students developing their creative flair with more and more innovations, such as the Year 8 Santa selfie stall.

Infants at Ayscoughfee Hall School in Spalding have entertained parents, friends and guests with their two Christmas productions.

Kindergarten and Reception performed All About Christmas, telling the story of a teddy bear who wondered what all the fuss was about... only to discover he, too, was a Christmas present. Years 1 and 2 told the story of how ‘Little Angel Gets Her Wings’.

Headteacher Clare Ogden said: “The children were all amazing, particularly so when you think our youngest performers are only three years old. The number of songs and words they remember never ceases to amaze me or the audience.”

The school choir has been out in the community, singing at St John’s Church with other Spalding schools, at Baytree Garden Centre at Weston, Georgian Court, and to visitors at Age Concern.

Elderly people in Bourne are being warned about fraudsters operating the town where they are stealing debit and credit cards from their purses or wallets.

Older women shopping in Bourne town centre, particularly at supermarkets, are the most common victims as they are unaware of one out of a gang of fraudsters who looks over their shoulders while paying for goods.

The fraudster finds out the victim’s PIN number then joins up with two other people to cause a distraction and steal the card(s) and/or purse.

In each case, one of the group usually causes the distraction by asking for directions to a hospital, train station or airports.

Any suspicious activity outside supermarkets should be reported to police by calling 101.

A 15 year-old youth is waiting for a court date after being charged in connection with more than 30 acts of vandalism in Spalding.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been reported on charges relating to criminal damage caused at businesses in The Crescent on October 6.

Two other youths arrested in connection with the same incidents, are due to speak to police again in the new year.

Meanwhile, three youths have admitted charges in connection with damage caused to walls and fences in Carrington Road and Pennygate, Spalding, overnight on Sunday, December 6.

The youths were identified and interviewed by police who viewed CCTV footage of the area at the time the damage took place.

Youngsters at Holbeach Primary Academy understand the safety message ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’.

The academy recently appointed two Junior Road Safety Officers, Ruby and Ebony. As part of this project the girls organised and ran a competition for the pupils to design a sleigh for Santa as Rudolph’s nose was broken.

A member of staff said: “They explained to the pupils how to be seen in different weather conditions and at night and what they could do to make themselves safer on the road.

“We were astounded by the number of entries. Well done Ruby and Ebony for all your hard work.”

The competition winners received their prizes during a special assembly.

One thing never changed – the ritual of the family meeting en masse at Uncle Fred and Aunt Nell’s Christmas Day night, Hilda and Wilf’s on Boxing Day night, and Ivy and Mick’s on New Year’s Eve, writes Neil Holmes.

Three nights, three divisions: men in the ‘best, blazing fire, crates of Bateman’s Best Brown Ale, room’ playing ‘Nap’ with pennies that had been stashed in draw-string bags from previous years; women in the parlour sipping Babycham, port and lemon or Ruby Cream Sherry, and discussing knitting patterns, the price of pork chops and maybe even hot flushes; a massive spread of Christmas fayre on the table including the pièce de résistance, the home­made sherry trifle laced with enough Emva Cream Sherry to glaze the eyes of half of Cowbit.

As for us kids: you couldn’t get a seat, there weren’t any spare; it was too hot by the fire, too cold in the draught by the door.

But who cared? The Chieftain tank and its very own transporter had been commissioned, and were now serving in the Clarkson’s Avenue Dragoons, and the 1st Battalion of the Fenland Forward Reconnaissance Unit was stood down until December of next year.

Former Cowbit resident Neil Holmes shares Christmas memories from his boyhood.

The run ­up to Christmas 1955 got off to a devastating start. First, late one afternoon as I was stood by the church wall next to the primary school, my brother – a year and a bit older than my tender six years – told me the awful truth about the reality of Santa Claus.

My world shattered with a single, well ­timed blow.

Second, Mother’s idea to combine a small plastic Christmas tree with large clip-­on wax candles went in to melt­down when flame and the flammable collided and Mother had to sprint through the kitchen and out the back door to extinguish it on the back lawn, our Christmas very nearly up in smoke.

My brother and I had become aware that Mother had a series of mysterious boxes secreted away in the bottom of the bedroom cupboard. When she went “up town” on the 10.30 bus to do the weekly shopping, (arriving home at precisely 3.20 ­ as she did every week) Ian and I swiftly ascended the stairs to investigate the intriguing hoard.

“Chieftain tank, Antar tank-transporter, Bedford army truck, the lot... Dinkies an’ all!”

With one eye on the clock, two hours of army manoeuvres were played out, and everything was put back in the cupboard with military precision before Mother had even stepped off Elsey’s majestic Bedford Duple 35­-seater.

As Christmas Day drew ever closer, each day dragged.

BUT... eventually, at 4am, the long ­awaited Christmas Day arrived, and two bright and bushy sets of eyes simultaneously popped wide­ open to see two pillow cases stuffed awkwardly full of long awaited pressies at the bottom of the double bed.

“He’s been!” I gasped.

“Who you talking about?” muttered Ian.

It was heaven in a pillow case: cowboy hats, guns and holsters, guns that fired ping­pong balls, a plastic silver trumpet, boxes of caps, plastic American soldiers lobbing hand grenades and shooting M16 semi-automatic rifles, Maltesers, Rowntree fruit gums and pastilles, a jig­saw puzzle of the Queen Mary liner ruling the waves, a Beano annual for Ian, a Dandy and Topper annual for me, some boring novels like ‘Last of the Mohicans’ from unseen and unknown relatives, oranges, a giant bag of peanuts for Ian... and, of course, the mighty Dinky Chieftain tank and its very own transporter (12/6 and 18/6 respectively).

Joy to the world!

“Let’s tell Dad Christmas has come! I’ll play Reveille on the trumpet... directly in his ear!” chuckled Ian.

Dad, however, could not be roused from his slumbers; perhaps something to do with being brought in at midnight, out like a light, by his Ye Olde White Horse Inn chums from Spalding, and put straight to bed.

“Never mind,” said Ian. “Carry on, IT’S CHRISTMAS!”

A Spalding man knew he was being scammed when a letter arrived telling him he had won £725,000 in something called the Euromillions FIFA World Cup Super Lottery.

But Tim White (61) is concerned that people are falling for this and other scams after his bank told him they are being asked by customers to draw up cheques for known fraudsters.

The letter informing Tim of his win had FIFA and Investors in People logos and, to his amazement, a land-line number rather than the number of a readily disposable mobile phone.

“I rang the number and spoke to a West African sounding chap,” said Tim. “He asked did I want it paid into my bank account or by cheque. I said a cheque will do nicely and he said ‘it’s in the post’.”

The cheque arrived – this time with a United Nations heading across the covering letter – and a request that he should pay up a one per cent clearance charge, which in this case amounted to £7,250.

Tim is worried that sums like that could wipe out a major chunk of someone’s life savings if they pay up.

He said: “Please don’t fall for it and please don’t send them any money.”

Tim checked with his bank, which had a list of various companies who are known scammmers.

But he was told that some customers don’t believe the bank staff and still insist on a cheque being made out.

Tim said: “At the end of the day, it’s their money, it’s their account.

“The success rate for these scammers is probably higher than we think.

“The main point of this is that people are falling for it, they are sending them money and they believe what they are told (by the scammers).”

When Tim was given the option of having the win paid direct to his bank, he declined because he believes his account would have been emptied had he done so.

Previously ...

Deepings man gives warning over lottery letter scam

Fake lottery letter scam sparks police warning

Warning over ‘scam’ Euro Millions postcode lottery

A white Christmas looks less likely as the warm, wet and windy weather is set to continue.

Forecasters are also warning there will be more heavy rain to come for parts of the waterlogged north west already devastated by flooding from storm Desmond.

Over two inches are expected for Lancashire and Cumbria from Thursday night as an Atlantic front moves in.

Today parts of the UK are basking in temperatures as high as 17C (62.6F) in the south while the north are experiencing 8c to 9c (46.4 to 48.2F).

And the “exceptionally warm” weather is set to continue with Scotland seeing temperatures as high as 13C (55.4F)

The average maximum temperature for the UK in December is 6.7C (44.06F).

Lindsay Mears from the Met Office said: “It is pretty mild for this time of year, which is quite exceptional.

“It’s due to the warm air forming in from the Atlantic and bring with it a lot of rain and cloud, which keeps the temperatures quite mild, instead of the bright clear skies which we see when temperatures go down.

“For today we will see 16C (60.8F) to 17C in parts and 8C to 9C in the north.

And the accompanying cloud and showers and persistent rain, which will carry on throughout the rest of the week. .

“The temperatures for the whole country are quite amazing for this time of year.

“Things will be getting very windy on the south west, and the area will be battered by severe gales and that will move though quickly, and it will ease off.

“Up to Thursday things will continue to be pretty mild and the same.”

On its website, the Met Office said “there is a very low likelihood this may lead to renewed disruption from flooding in some recently affected areas.

“This would usually not be of concern but following recent severe flooding, these areas are more responsive to relatively small amounts of rain.”

Forecasters say moving into Friday the wind direction is set to change and come from the west bringing fresher air.

However Lindsay Mears said: “It’s only relatively fresher as the temperatures have been so high, and they will be going down to 12C and 13C, which is still well above average for the time of year.”

It looks as though mild unseasonable weather is set to continue into the festive week bringing doubts about a while Christmas.

Ms Mears said: “We are looking at a bit of an unsettled picture, so carrying on with the rain and cloudy in areas, but it’s too early yet to say what will happen yet.”

Explaining the mild spell, she said: “The weather hasn’t changed particularly, it’s just to do with where the wind coming from, and at the moment it’s coming from the Atlantic.

“Sometimes we might the continental cold air, or the Scandinavian air.

“It’s not unusual to have storms, rain, wind and cloudy weather at this time of year, but the temperatures are a lot warmer than average and are exceptionally warm for this time of year.

“But it is still very early in the winter and we are only just getting the season.”

The last time temperatures were this high was in 1994 when the mercury climbed to 17.7C (63.86) in Penkridge, Staffordshire.

Britain could be heading towards the warmest December since 1948, which saw a record high of 18.3C (64.94F) in the Highlands.