Lincoln Castle has been named one of England’s leading visitor attractions after receiving VisitEngland’s Gold accolade, an award reserved for sites that deliver consistently high-quality experiences. The recognition follows outstanding visitor feedback and a strong performance in a recent assessment carried out by an independent inspector.

The review highlighted the strength of the castle’s historic exhibitions, the high standard of interpretation across the site, and the expertise shown by staff and volunteer guides. The assessor’s overall impression was that the attraction offers a distinctive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Gold accolade adds to a growing list of honours for the landmark. Earlier this year, Lincoln Castle secured Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top-rated destinations globally. VisitEngland’s annual accolades celebrate attractions across the tourism sector, from heritage sites and gardens to museums and outdoor spaces, recognising locations that excel in visitor experience.

North East Lincolnshire Council has teamed up with local volunteer group Canoe River Cleaner to boost efforts in keeping the borough’s public spaces tidy. The partnership will see volunteer-led clean-ups running alongside the Council’s Deep Clean Project, which focuses on litter removal and street maintenance across six key wards.

James Elliott, who began cleaning the River Freshney and surrounding areas during the pandemic, now leads a team of volunteers working with the Council’s Street Cleansing division. Together, they’re expanding their efforts to include community litter picks and educational sessions in local schools aimed at encouraging environmental awareness and civic pride.

The initiative recently kicked off with a litter pick in Sidney Sussex Park and nearby streets, where volunteers collected cans, glass bottles, and food packaging. With funding support from the Council, more events are planned over the coming months, blending education with hands-on action to inspire residents to take part in maintaining cleaner, greener neighbourhoods.

The collaboration marks a step towards more coordinated community engagement, reinforcing the idea that environmental responsibility is shared between public services and local people.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is calling for local volunteers to help launch two new Fire Cadet units in Grantham and Sleaford, offering young people the chance to gain practical skills, confidence, and experience.

Each unit will welcome up to 15 cadets, giving them a structured introduction to fire and rescue work while developing teamwork, leadership, and community awareness. The programme is open to young people interested in learning about public service or simply looking to challenge themselves in a supportive setting.

The initiative is part of a wider expansion of the Fire Cadets programme in Lincolnshire, supported by government funding to boost youth engagement and strengthen community connections. Volunteers are needed to serve as Cadet Instructors, guiding participants through training and helping to shape their personal growth.

The role is open to people from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds in emergency services, education, or community work. Volunteers will receive full training and have the opportunity to mentor young people while building their own leadership and communication skills.