In Brief

EAST YORKS: Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy has called for Conservative Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell to be sacked.

Mr Percy was one of five Tory MPs to criticise Mr Mitchell, who has faced growing calls to resign since apparently referring to policemen guarding Downing Street as "plebs".

The MPs spoke out at a meeting of the Conservative Party's hugely influential and powerful backbench 1922 Committee on Wednesday evening.

Mr Percy said what was said at 1922 Committee meetings ought to be private. He said: "What's been attributed to me is not untrue. I made clear I felt he should be sacked. He didn't have my confidence to continue on.

"When thugs abuse the police, they're banged up in the back of a police van – I've seen that happen in my constituency so it's indefensible.

"He clearly doesn't have the confidence of the Parliamentary (Conservative) Party, so how he can survive is beyond me."

MPs will discuss Mr Mitchell's position next Wednesday after the Labour Party forced an Opposition Day Debate on the row.

It began last month when the Chief Whip was reported to have sworn at officers who refused to let him cycle through the main Downing Street gates.

HULL: A volunteer has won an award in recognition of his work for a charity which helps people with sight loss.

Robin Russell, a volunteer and trustee at Hull and East Riding Institute for the Blind (Herib), received the runners-up award in the Volunteer Of The Year category at this year's Visionary Awards.

The award is an annual honour made in recognition of outstanding achievements by volunteers who have made a positive impact on the lives of blind and partially-sighted people.

Robin has led the Herib Beech Holme Court Tandem Club for more than ten years.

The club allows blind and partially-sighted riders to follow sighted riders, allowing them to stay fit and healthy, take part in regular exercise and develop a social network, reducing feelings of isolation and depression.

Robin has also been heavily involved in raising funds to buy additional tandems to encourage more people to be involved.

HULL: A night of music and entertainment has been organised to raise money for disabled children's charity Kids.

Singers and musicians will take to the stage at the Goodfellowship Inn in Cottingham Road, north Hull, from 7.30pm on November 3.

A raffle will also be held and bonfire night- style food will be on sale, while those who attend can also have their nails and hair styled in return for a donation.

Tickets cost £5 and will be available on the door, or by calling 07876 100147.

EAST YORKS: Tickets are still available for a floral demonstration to raise money for the Love You 2 appeal.

Floral designer Carl Wilde will demonstrate his skills at the Old Town Hall in Driffield, from 7.30pm on Thursday, October 25.

The appeal aims to raise £2.5m to expand facilities at Dove House Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care to adults with life-limiting illnesses.

Appeal manager Pauline Speed said: "We are delighted Carl is supporting the appeal.

"His creations are superb and his cheeky charm and wit will undoubtedly add to the enjoyment of the evening."

Tickets cost £8.50. To book a place, or to find out more, call 01482 785744.

HULL: Residents are being reminded about a ghost walk in the city next month.

The Hull Paranormal Scientific Investigation group wants people to meet outside the George Hotel in Land of Green Ginger, city centre, at 7pm on November 12, before visiting Hull's most haunted pubs and landmarks.

Admission costs £4 and proceeds will be donated to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.