Plans to upgrade the Castle Line between Lincoln and Nottingham are moving forward, with Midlands Connect submitting a proposal to the Department for Transport to improve journey speeds and attract more rail users.

The £18 million proposal aims to boost train speeds from around 50mph to 75mph, reducing travel times and making rail a more attractive option compared to driving. The route serves a mix of urban and rural communities including Hykeham, Swinderby, Collingham, Newark, and Lowdham.

Despite the line’s importance as an east-west connector, only 10% of trips between the two cities are currently made by train. The upgrades are expected to increase usage, improve access to employment, and support social mobility along the corridor.

Midlands Connect estimates a £2 return in regional benefits for every £1 invested, with potential positive impacts on sustainability, local economies, and deprived areas.

The proposal has received support from regional leaders and commuters alike, who cite current journey times as a barrier to accessing jobs and services in both cities.

A group of 25 female students from across Lincolnshire got a hands-on introduction to welding and pipefitting during a one-day event aimed at challenging gender stereotypes in the skilled trades.

Hosted at the CATCH Welding and Pipefitting Hub in Stallingborough, the event included practical sessions, career insights from industry professionals, and even a chocolate welding challenge. It was designed to make careers in engineering and manufacturing more visible and accessible to young women.

The experience was led by CATCH’s Outreach and Engagement team and supported by professional welding tutors, with backing from sponsor Air Products. Local employers and apprenticeship providers were also on hand to discuss training routes and job opportunities.

Now in its second year, the Women into Welding event builds on earlier success, with at least one past participant preparing to start a career in welding as a direct result.

The initiative comes as demand rises for skilled professionals in the Humber region, where manufacturing jobs account for 17% of employment, almost double the national average. With investment in renewables and other growth sectors, attracting young talent into STEM roles is increasingly seen as a regional priority.

Two popular community spaces in Bottesford are set for major improvements following a £320,000 funding boost from North Lincolnshire Council.

Bottesford Football Club will receive £200,000 to upgrade gym facilities at Barrett Steel Stadium. The club, which runs over 24 teams for all ages and abilities—including inclusive squads for children with Down Syndrome, Special Olympics athletes, and girls’ football—continues to expand its offering for local residents.

The football club has already benefited from earlier council and Football Foundation support, securing £1.5 million to deliver a floodlit 3G pitch, enhanced grass playing surfaces, new spectator seating, and accessibility upgrades.

Meanwhile, Bottesford Town Council will receive £120,000 for improvements at Bottesford Pavilion. The funding will go towards new toilet facilities and the installation of energy-efficient heating and lighting to support growing community use.

The pavilion, regularly used for social events such as parties, weddings, and baby showers, will become more accessible and eco-friendly as a result.

The investment comes via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, managed locally by North Lincolnshire Council.

Three of Lincolnshire’s best-known attractions have been ranked among the top 10 per cent of visitor destinations worldwide after earning Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Lincoln Castle, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre received the accolade following a year of consistently high visitor reviews.

The recognition highlights the county’s cultural offer. Lincoln Castle is home to the medieval wall walk, a Victorian prison experience, and one of the surviving copies of Magna Carta. Close by, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life explores local history from 1750 to the present day through an extensive collection of objects.

At RAF Coningsby, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre gives guests the chance to see historic aircraft up close and learn about the pilots and crews who flew them during the Second World War.

The awards celebrate the work of staff and volunteers who keep these attractions open to the public throughout the year.

Details on opening times and tickets can be found on the official websites for Lincoln Castle, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre.