AMONG all the other qualities Gonzalo Jara has demonstrated since joining Nottingham Forest on loan, you can now add 'good chin'.

When Uruguay striker Luis Suarez aimed a crafty punch at Chile defender Jara in midweek, his response barely amounted to a flinch.

The West Brom player did not go down, nor did he indulge in any theatrics.

But, while he remains uninjured, Jara's international exploits still leave Billy Davies with a decision to make.

The right-back will only return to training at Forest for the first time today, ahead of the crucial visit of Brighton and the Reds boss is likely to monitor him carefully for signs of fatigue.

It is not as if Davies is short of options in the position either, with both Greg Halford and Sam Hutchinson waiting for a chance in the starting line-up.

Hutchinson, however, is phlegmatic about the situation – and was merely impressed by the granite jaw demonstrated by the Chilean.

"He took it well, didn't he? There are a few players who would have gone down, but he barely flinched," said Hutchinson.

"He did very well with that.

"As for me getting into the team, it is up to the gaffer. This is a winning team and he picks the team. I am confident in my ability, I don't worry about any other players.

"Gonzo is a fantastic right-back. He can also play left-back and central midfield – he is a good player.

"I just do what I do. I enjoy it. If I can play some games and play a part in the run-in, I will be happy.

"If you are a big player, you want to play in the biggest games. That applies whatever club you are at and if you are an international player.

"We have some international players here, they have the same mind-set. Gonzo will be the same."

Hutchinson will be reunited with another familiar face tomorrow, whether he is in the starting line-up or not.

The Chelsea man came through the ranks with Brighton's Liam Bridcutt at Stamford Bridge.

And he hopes to get a chance to go toe-to-toe with his old friend at the City Ground tomorrow.

"Liam was a player I started with at seven years old at Chelsea, so I have known him for a long time.

"I speak to him every week. I might even go and see him today, before the game. I am very good friends with him.

"I have never played with him before. Chelsea played Brighton in pre-season but I was on the bench.

"I think he was their man of the match. I am looking forward to it. I might smash him 'welcome to Nottingham, Liam'.

"But then he is a strong lad, so I'd better not say too much, because he might try to smash me. He is a great lad, on a serious note."

Hutchinson says the quality of character at the City Ground can be an important factor as they head into the crucial stage of the season – but none more so than that of manager Davies.

"Having so many players who have played in the Premier League and who have made the step up from this division is important," said Hutchinson.

"But, equally importantly, there are also players who have been through this, who have played in the play-offs.

"There are players who have been through the heartache of missing out, who won't want to go through that again.

"There are players who have won promotion before as well.

"But the massive one is Billy, he knows the play-offs inside out, he knows the Championship inside out and he is thoroughly prepared.

"He can take this squad to another level."

Hutchinson says Davies' biggest achievement is to bring some enjoyment to life at Forest.

"You should enjoy football and some people can forget that. Some people see it as a job, some people see it as being about money; about earning good money," he said.

"But he takes that away, he makes it enjoyable. You enjoy training, you enjoy coming in to the club every day.

"He gives you the time to enjoy your life outside of football; to relax and do other things.

"If you enjoy life outside of football, you are more likely to enjoy it when you are playing.

"I can't speak highly enough of the gaffer.

"There is a point between us and Brighton, but we want to make that gap bigger, that is the important thing.

"It should be a good game, because they are a top side. But we only need to worry about ourselves – and Billy has drummed that into us.

"That is what he tells us every day and that is what we will do, we will try to win the game; we will try to play as well as we can.

"Everyone knows that Brighton play good football under Gus Poyet. They like to keep the ball.

"But, as long as we worry about ourselves, we will be okay. We are big enough in this division to be able to compete with anyone – and I mean anyone.

"We just need to focus on ourselves and what we need to do. Coming from Chelsea, we have the mental attitude that you don't worry about your opponents.

"It is the same here, you just look to go out and play to the best of your ability. The gaffer tells us to do that every single day.

"If we play as well as we know we can, we will beat anyone in the Championship. If we play as well as we can, we are a match for anyone."

Unlike Suarez, Forest will be hoping to deliver a knockout blow to Brighton tomorrow.

HOMEOWNERS are being urged to make sure they know their rights to compensation as the plans to bring high-speed rail to the region develop.

People living near the proposed line will be entitled to claim for compensation when the route is finalised.

Homeowners in towns and villages including Stapleford, Long Eaton, Nuthall, Strelley and Trowell may be liable for payments for loss of value of their property.

Steve Waters, of Conway Road, Long Eaton, said: "There's a bit of concern and confusion about it all really.

"If the price of my house drops 10 per cent because of the high-speed trains next to me, I would like to see that money back."

Homes being demolished, compulsory purchase orders being made and a dramatic fall in property values are all a very real prospect as plans forge ahead for the controversial line which will go from London to Leeds via Toton.

Mark Williams, partner at Nottingham-based Cleggs Solicitors, said: "Of course many residents are worried about HS2 and the impact it will have on their properties. It is very important that they know what the consequences of the high-speed line could be and what their legal rights are to compensation.

"A claim can be made so that properties affected in this way are bought by the Government at their market value, free from any reduction.

"In addition to this, property owners can claim for a 10 per cent payment for the loss of their residential home."

Mr Williams added there was also potential for homes due to be demolished to be sold to the Government and then rented back until construction starts.

He said: "Generally, properties falling within 120 metres of the line will be entitled to claim but there are a number of exceptions to this.

"Once it has been opened for a year, property owners affected can seek compensation for the physical impact of the railway. For example, noise, vibration or light pollution. Those who do not live in the 120m zone and have a financial requirement to sell but can only do so at a significant loss because of HS2, may be able to have their property purchased under the Government's long-term hardship scheme."

After the route has been finalised later this year, where councils identify the land they need which might impede on the development of the line which, due to open by 2032.

A spokesman for HS2 said that the Government had launched a consultation which would last until April on an exceptional hardship scheme which could allow residents to sell their home to the Government for its "unblighted value".

NOTTS County boss Chris Kiwomya's top priority is sorting out the future of key players at Meadow Lane now his own has been decided.

Kiwomya has just been given a three-year deal by the club and plans to speak to the likes of Alan Judge, Jeff Hughes, Alan Sheehan and Julian Kelly about new deals.

The club has let their contracts, and those of other players, run down to the last few months and Kiwomya wants to quickly find out who is going to stay and who is going to leave so he can start making plans for next season.

"I can start looking at players who I'd like to try to bring in now and speaking to players who are out of contract to see what they want," he said.

Midfielder Judge looks certain to leave Notts at the end of the season, with Kiwomya unsure if the club can keep hold of him.

"I don't know, it's down to Alan at the end of the day," he said.

"He's a very good player and he's contributed a lot to the club since he's been here, but he can play higher so we'll just have to see.

"I'm not resigned to losing him, but it's got to the stage where his contract is running out so the ball is more in his court."

Kiwomya could find himself having to rebuild a big chunk of the first team if Judge is followed out of the exit door.

"It is what it is," he added.

"It's something I've inherited so you can't worry about it, you have just got to get on with it."

The club are also set to have contract talks with their promising young players like Fabian Spiess, Haydn Hollis and Greg Tempest, who have all tasted action for Notts this season.

"I think the chief exec will be looking at that situation and trying to tie down the youngsters we have got who are out of contract, definitely," said Kiwomya.

NOTTINGHAM Forest roar into the crucial Easter double header as the team to beat in the Championship.

And the division's most in-form team take on five of the worst performing sides in their last eight games as they look to win promotion into the Premier League.

The Reds have won their last six games under Billy Davies and could equal a 90-year record should they beat Brighton tomorrow at the City Ground.

The Seagulls are one of their toughest tests and are just a point behind Forest in the table and also on a healthy run ahead of tomorrow's near sell-out clash.

But Monday's opponents Burnley are 21st in the form guide over the last eight matches while future opponents Blackpool (17th), Middlesbrough (19th), Millwall (24th) and Leicester (20th) are all struggling for form.

The other two tests come against leaders Cardiff (ninth in form table) and Barnsley, who are the third-best performing club at present.

But it is Davies' side, who have won every game after drawing his first match back in charge, who are in the driving seat, lying fifth in the table with eight matches to go.

And if they can maintain that form, they could close the eight-point gap to second-placed Hull, who Forest beat 2-1 before the international break.

"We are on a run, at the end of the day and, as much as the record is important, the goal at the end of the season is more important," said defender Sam Hutchinson.

"Given a choice of breaking records or going up, I will take going up.

"It is important to win as many games as we can. If we break records along the way, so be it.

"It might be more important just to get a gap between ourselves and Brighton, that could mean more at the end of the season."

The game tomorrow is likely to be a sell-out and Hutchinson said: "As players, that helps, because it creates a great atmosphere. Coming up to the play-offs, we know it is going to be a big game.

"We have eight big games left and we will be looking to win every one. The lads have massive confidence, from the run we have been on. What will be, will be. But I think we will do well.

"The higher up the table you go, the more pressure there is. But I like pressure, as do many of the other boys."

JASON Swift was brought back from the brink of death after a motorcycle accident.

He stopped breathing, suffered a head injury, punctured both lungs, and had torn a major vein to his right arm.

But thanks to the work of the trauma experts at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham – and those who helped him during more than five months in hospital – Jason is now bouncing back.

Medics claim critically-injured patients from across the East Midlands have been given a better chance of survival as a result of the setting up of the unit a year ago – including 44 people who would otherwise have died.

One of them was Jason, 28, who said: "It was just a daft accident. I didn't know just how close I was to death.

"When people tell me, it just shows just how much everyone did for me."

Surgeon Daren Forward was acting as major trauma consultant when Jason arrived at the QMC following his accident.

He said: "You see people like Jason completely wiped out, dead in the bed, and nearly a year later they are back. It's pretty amazing really.

"People clearly surviving who would have died is a fantastic achievement for everyone in the hospital. It's a huge team effort by the nurses, porters, those in the blood bank, radiographers, and paramedics. There's probably hundreds of people involved in that one person's care."

He added: "The main impact is that critical patients are now coming to the right place first time, and the quality of care is better.

"If people like Jason are on the edge, the centre is making that difference in the first 24 hours between them dying and surviving."

In total, more than 500 patients have been cared for by specialist teams at the trauma centre in the last year.

BUSINESSES are braced for an inflation-busting rise in the controversial workplace parking levy.

From Monday, companies in Nottingham will have to pay £334 per car parking space – a £16 per cent rise on the £288 charged for the last 12 months.

The levy is being charged by the city council to raise cash for the new tram lines and redevelopment of Nottingham Station.

But business leaders say the increase is too much for many firms, and their employees, to afford.

George Cowcher, chief executive of the Derbyshire and Notts Chamber of Commerce, said: "The increase in the workplace parking levy is increasing the financial burden on business at a time when firms need every penny to invest in what they are doing to sustain and create more employment in the city.

"From an inward investment point of view, if firms are wanting to create additional employment in the East Midlands or the UK, the last place they will look is Nottingham, because they know it will cost them more here than in Derby, Leicester, Sheffield, Birmingham or other cities to do business and create employment."

Conservative opposition leader Georgina Culley said her group have opposed the introduction of the levy from the start.

She said: "Research by the Derbyshire and Notts Chamber not only shows that businesses are suffering from increased admin cost, but that the other major consequence of the levy is an increase in on-street parking.

"We have seen many cases across the city where displaced workplace parking from businesses and schools has been causing disturbance and serious access and safety concerns.

"Nobody wins with the workplace parking levy, the city council has even had to change the way it charges and polices the policy because it just isn't making enough money as businesses and employees find ways to work around it.

"The council needs to open its eyes to the effect of this parking tax and abolish it now."

A Nottingham City Council spokesman said: "The council doesn't have the power to reduce this increase.

"The Workplace Parking Levy Scheme Order, agreed by the Secretary of State for Transport sets out the prices.

"Any change would need to go through a further process with the Secretary of State and this would therefore cause uncertainty for employers.

"The scheme of fixed increases has been known and widely publicised for some time, giving employers in Nottingham the time to incorporate the costs into their business planning."

BUSINESSES are braced for an inflation-busting rise in the controversial workplace parking levy. From Monday, companies in Nottingham will have to pay £334 per car parking space – a 16 per cent rise on the £288 charged for the last 12 months. (29.03.13)

Now that the city council has obtained a firm grip on motorists with the WPL, is it really any surprise that, given time, they would squeeze harder?

copperjohn3

Who in their right mind would set up a business in Nottingham? Is this rise going to happen every year?

Who is going to use the tram when the city centre becomes a ghost town with all the out-of-town shopping centres with free parking?

Kent14

And still more double yellow lines are being put on roads to prevent the poor car-parking worker from avoiding this Labour infested con.

sluggerred

And they wonder why there is the don't want work culture. People are being taken for a complete ride and are starting to work for nothing. We're are taxed for every possible thing.

Cliftonred1

No point in complaining now. Anyone not aware two years ago what was going to happen deserves to pay up.

Any firm run properly should have moved out of the city by now, it is not as if you were not aware that the council has been persecuting motorists for many years.

colliinn

POLICE say they are uncovering the true extent of the illegal growing of cannabis in Notts after a rise in tip-offs. Crimestoppers began a campaign in Notts last week to try to get people to spot clues that could suggest the drug is being produced near them. (29.03.13)

I can't believe all the negative press associated with cannabis. It is scientifically proven to be far less dangerous than alcohol and causes none of the social problems that alcohol does.

All you have to do is look at the city centre on any weekend night. The smokers I know like to sit in and relax with their mates, not go out, drink themselves stupid and create havoc. Decriminalise and control and you will have taken the organised crime element completely out the equation – and police time will be freed up to deal with real crime.

jonny_ash

THE owner of Nottingham's oldest cinema says he is encouraged by talks with the city council over parking problems.

James Collington, managing director of Savoy Cinemas Ltd, had feared business would be hit when customers were stopped from parking in Park Street behind the cinema.

The council had put up "no loading" signs and temporary parking restrictions in the street because of work to demolish nearby Lenton Flats.

However those restrictions have now been lifted.

Meanwhile proposals to provide 11 three-hour spaces next to the Derby Road cinema look likely to go ahead earlier than originally thought.

And room may be made for 30 three-hour parking bays at the end of streets adjoining Derby Road.

Mr Collington said: "Whilst Nottingham City Council has previously stated they wish to support the cinema, we are grateful it is now taking positive steps to address our concerns to ensure that the cinema can survive as part of its regeneration programme.

"We are more hopeful now that a solution can be found that works for both Nottingham City Council and Savoy."

As a result of the parking concerns, a petition was set up calling for the council to create more spaces for cinema-goers.

As of yesterday, it had 2,117 signatures.

Dunkirk and Lenton city councillor Sarah Piper said: "It is important for the spaces to be freed up for customers at the cinema.

"We are creating three-hour spaces, as many films are over two hours now, so we need to make time for customers."

Lenton Flats are being demolished to make way for a housing development as part of a regeneration of the area.

Plans have now been submitted for 54 sheltered homes and ten bungalows for over-60s, 62 two or three-bedroom family homes, and ten one and two-bedroom flats.

There will also be three retail units.

The council and Nottingham City Homes, which manages its housing stock, say the homes will be built by 2016-17, provided there are no delays.

Ms Piper added: "The area is going to change a lot. We will be encouraging more families to come and live there.

"It is going to be a great development for the area.

"And we want the Savoy Cinema to be part of that, as somewhere the families can go at weekends."

The Savoy opened in November 1935.

The company also operates two other cinemas, in Worksop and Boston in Lincolnshire.

To see the online petition, visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/46885

THE go-ahead has been given for a new mosaic at County Hall to honour Notts men and women who have lost their lives in military action or in public service.

The mosaic, in the county colours of green and gold, will remember the Armed Forces, emergency services and others who have lost their lives.

The green granite mosaic with a gold compass will feature the county coat of arms, the Notts County Council logo and the coat of arms for the offices of the High Sheriff of Notts and the Lord Lieutenant of Notts.

County council leader Councillor Kay Cutts said that the mosaic would be a lasting memorial to hundreds of people.

She said: "This mosaic will honour the men and women of our county who have sacrificed their lives whether it be in carrying out their civilian duties or in a military capacity – we are proud of all of them."

The new mosaic will replace an existing mosaic that was unveiled in 1990 to celebrate 100 years of public service in Nottinghamshire. The existing mosaic needed replacing as a number of tiles had cracked due to adverse whether conditions in recent years.

HERE Bill tells us more about his exciting new role as Bert Middleton, who is about 12 years old in episode one:

What is your character like?

He lives with his family on a farm with very little money but he loves them all very much. He's a bit frightened of his dad but adores his brother Joe. He will do anything for his mother Grace. He's a very kind boy who works very hard and has quite a clever streak in him. I liked playing Bert as he likes everyone.

What was the most memorable scene for you during filming?

It was swimming outside in the dew pond. I can't tell you how cold it was. Also it was the only time I was allowed fizzy pop when filming. When I got out I had some Coke to kill all the germs from the pond. Also I remember some of the sad and dramatic scenes, as Maxine (Peake) and John (Simm) were so good – it all seemed so real.

What did you enjoy about the location?

It was beautiful. Hayfield was a lovely village with really friendly people. The shops looked amazing after the production team had been at them.

Do you have a social history story from your family?

Both my great grandparents were in the First World War. One was in the Army (my brother Max is named after him) and we have a photo of him in the same type of uniform that the soldiers in The Village wear. My other great-granddad was a gunner in the Navy based at Scapa Flow in Orkney. We have been to Orkney several times and have seen where he was based.

What did you think to being in a period drama?

The clothes were quite itchy and uncomfortable. I had my hair cut short but my brothers thought it was really trendy. I liked using the old box camera and using the scythe harvesting was hard work.

Did you have to learn a new skill for your character?

My favourite was learning to box with John – it was awesome. I had to learn how to handle Big Molly (the horse) and how to drive the milk cart – which was very frightening at first. Doing my own stunts was great. I had to fall off a roof and be knocked out!

How was filming in the temperamental weather?

The weather was a challenge as it has been very wet and cold. The location was quite bleak. I think I coped quite well and the production team always made sure I was warm as soon as I came off set. The worst bit was filming crawling through the mud on my belly with the temperature at -1. People think a studio would be warm and cosy but it was freezing! I think the crew did it deliberately so the acting was convincing. The school scenes were really cold and bare. It was colder in the classroom than outside.

One item that you would take back with you from 2013 to 1913?

It would have to be my own pillow. It goes everywhere with me as it reminds me of home. If you can get a good sleep you can face anything the next day.

The Village begins on BBC1 tomorrow at 9pm.

Favourite player: "It has to be John Robertson. He was a little bloke with oodles of skill. He was a real player."

Magic moment: "Ian Storey-Moore scoring a hat-trick against Everton in the FA Cup in 1961."

Lowest point: "It was going down into league one. Losing that year (May 2007) to Yeovil was a horrible experience. They scored five against us. It was a really bad day."

Best Goal: "Johnny Metgod against West Ham in 1986. It was a fantastic free kick. It screamed into the net past Parkes in goal."

Best save: "Shilton was the best keeper I have seen. He was worth a point every game. I always remember one against Coventry, when we won the title in 1978. We won the title at Highfield Road. Shilts made this brilliant save – it was like Gordon Banks' against Pele."

Coldest I've been: "In Berlin when we played Dinamo Berlin in the European cup. It was freezing!" (1980)

Best pies: "In the day they used to be the best at Roker Park, Sunderland. Followed closely by Maine Road."

Favourite Ground: "It's got to be Old Trafford. It truly is the Theatre of Dreams. I'd love to see Forest play there again."

SEEING John McGovern lift the European Cup was one of the greatest days of Stuart Astill's life.

And the 67-year-old has had many days watching his beloved Reds.

He hasn't missed a league game for 40 years.

"Winning the European cups was unbelievable," he said.

"Seeing John McGovern lift the trophy in Munich, a few tears came to my eyes.

"I'd only seen the European Cup on telly – it was fantastic."

Unfortunately, Stuart's impressive run is set to come to an end on Monday, with the diabetic pensioner in hospital after having part of his toe removed.

"I've got my foot in plaster, with a big boot on it," Mr Astill said.

The doctors are allowing Stuart to take a trip out for today's home tie against Brighton, but an away trip to Burnley on Monday is a step too far.

Despite this obstacle to his loyalty, the former British Rail engineer remains in good spirits and is determined to watch as many Forest games as possible.

He said: "I'll get myself right and start another run of games."

For the 67-year-old, the situation could not have come at a worse time – with Forest having won six games in a row and fighting for promotion to the bright lights of the Premier League.

"You can't knock what Billy Davies is doing – this run is fantastic," he said.

"The Brighton game will be big. If we are going to go up, let's grab it.

"I'm not sure whether I could afford to go in the Premier League, but I would move heaven and earth to do it."

Even though Forest are flying high at the moment, Mr Astill can remember even better days.

He said: "I did see every competitive match that Brian Clough managed us in.

" They were an unbelievable team. I feel privileged to say I was there."

Mr Astill was rewarded for his loyalty at the beginning of the season as Forest's new owners, the Al-Hasawi family.

They gave him a complimentary place in the exclusive 1865 club for a year.

Mr Astill said: "I met Omar Al-Hasawi when they came to the club. A few days later I got a call from the chief executive to say I was being given a complimentary seat.

"I got to know quite a lot of the players in the old days. I was a big pal of John O'Hare."

Nottingham Forest have sent a get well message to Mr Astill in hospital.

A club spokesman said: "It is a great shame Stuart will not be here to cheer us on.

"Everyone at the club would like to wish him a speedy recovery."

A NEW bus service which provides a regular, direct link between Nottingham and tourist attractions in the north of the county will start running on Tuesday.

The Sherwood Arrow route to Retford is an extension to the existing service between Worksop and Nottingham.

As well as providing a service between Retford and the city, it also means easier access for people wanting to travel to and from Sherwood Forest and other tourist attractions.

The new service is being run by Stagecoach in partnership with Notts County Council.

Stagecoach have run a direct service from Worksop to Nottingham for many years but a service from Retford has not operated since the 1980s.

The new service also runs on Sunday, which reinstates, in part, some of the old Sherwood Forester service.

The new service will also go past Rufford Abbey, Center Parcs, White Post Farm and Sherwood Craft Centre as well as other local attractions.

It will provide an hourly service between Nottingham and New Ollerton and serve as a commuter service between Ollerton, Bilsthorpe and Farnsfield.

Dave Skepper, commercial director for Stagecoach East Midlands, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council to enhance the Sherwood Arrow and introduce the new link from Retford into Nottingham.

"We hope to encourage more people from the city and county to use the bus for journeys to leisure attractions in the countryside served by the Sherwood Arrow."

A PROTEST is being held next Saturday as a last ditch effort to prevent 450 homes from being built on green belt land in Stapleford.

A decision on whether to build at Field Farm, off Ilkeston Road, will be made at a development control committee meeting on April 10.

Stapleford and Trowell Rural Action Group (STRAG) was set up to fight the plans and says that a housing development on the site will not be sustainable.

Richard MacRae, of Ilkeston Road, said: "This is not just something that STRAG are against, it's something that people all around here in Stapleford don't want to see happen.

"There are other, better sites that could be used for housing and the council should look at them first.

"Things have changed since the housing plans were first looked at.

"High Speed trains are coming and other sites now look better placed for housing. April 10 is too early to be making this kind of decision."

STRAG has also said the housing would destroy an ecological corridor, lead to the loss of valuable recreational space and have severe traffic impact on the area.

The rally will be held on the car park of King George's Park in Town Street, Bramcote, for one hour from 11am.

Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry says she is against the idea of houses being built on green belt land.

She added: "We have enough brownfield land in the borough for over 3,000 new homes.

"That meets our housing needs and safeguards what little green belt we have left."

Broxtowe Borough Council held a consultation on the site last year when 564 people replied, with 70 per cent against the idea of building on the site.

Despite this, the authority still considers Field Farm a "preferred" site for house building in Broxtowe, as it aims to find space for more than 6,000 homes over the next two decades.

Councillor David Watts, of the council, has previously said: "Sadly, there is no way that the housing needs can be met fully within existing brownfield sites.

"We have to look at releasing one green field site.

"I know many people have said that if we do release green belt land then all the brownfield sites should be developed first, and if this was possible then we would do this.

"However the law simply does not permit us to take this approach."

Cristina Chapman, spokeswoman for Westerman Homes, previously told the Post that Broxtowe Borough Council identified Field Farm as a site for development.

A CITY academy is taking to the roads to track down pupils playing truant.

Djaongly City Academy has leased a Nissan car to step up its campaign against absenteeism.

Attendance officers will drive the marked car to the homes of youngsters who regularly miss classes.

With around one in seven pupils persistently absent, the academy hopes the thought of it turning up outside their home will deter truants.

Two new members of staff have also been recruited to the attendance team.

Head teacher Andy Kilpatrick said: "The vast majority of the academy's students have excellent attendance records but we do have a hardcore of students with poor attendance histories.

"Absence should be an exception but I'm sorry to say that for some it has become far too frequent and this will have a damaging effect on their education and career prospects when they leave school.

"We want students and their parents, or carers, to be in no doubt about how seriously the academy takes attendance. Adults with responsibility for their children are also responsible for ensuring they attend every school day."

Department for Education figures show that more than 14 per cent of the school's 1,538 pupils are persistently absent, more than double the national average.

Persistently absent students miss 15 per cent or more of half days.

Now, the academy has had enough. It is considering leasing a second car and will be reviewing the scheme's success this term.

Pupils backed the move. Shamsa Qureshi, 13, said: "It's important we attend school and take advantage of the education we are offered. But some do miss classes and I think this will make them want to go to school more."

Jose Da Costa, 13, said: "If that turned up outside your home, you'd be embarrassed, so I think it's a good idea. The thought of it will make you want to come to school."

Lucia Petronzio, 12, added: "I wouldn't want it outside of my home."

Kate Leatham, 12, said: "It's a brilliant idea. Anything which encourages kids to go to lessons is good."

Tkya Taylor, 12, agreed, adding: "You need to go to school but some do miss lessons. This will encourage them not to."

THIS is a rare photograph of Shirebrook heavyweight Peter Bates, who died in 2004 aged 71.

Bates (left) is pictured with his manager, former heavyweight champion Bruce Woodcock, at the weigh-in for the fight with Walworth's Fred 'Nosher' Powell, in Harringay, on February 8, 1955. Bates stopped his man in the 4th round.

Bates made an impressive professional debut against Johnny King at the Ice Stadium in Nottingham in October 1953, stopping his man in the second round.

He had a busy year in 1954, taking 13 fights. But local fans had to wait until June 1955 for his next appearance in Nottingham, when he lost on points over eight rounds, for the second time, to Joe Bygraves at the Ice Rink.

In a 50-fight career from 1953, Bates fought most of the top British heavyweights and claimed the prized scalp of the legendary Henry Cooper, on a cut eye, in Manchester, in 1956.

Three months later, in Gothenburg, future world champion Johansson KO'd him in the second round. Bates returned home with a broken jaw.

In July 1957 he was KO'd by Brian London. He was down three times in the 1st round and twice in the 2nd.

His last fight was against the original Golden Boy, Billy Walker, at Olympia in 1963. Bates was stopped in the 2nd round and retired with a respectable 50-31(19)-15-4 record.

Bates, who kept the Red Lion in Chesterfield, met some of the best around like Joe Erskine (twice), Bygraves (twice), Dick Richardson and Johnny Prescott (drew pts 8). He also knocked out Cooper's twin brother, Jim.

BRIGHTON must learn to deal with speculation over the future of manager Gus Poyet – because of the work he has done to transform the south coast club into promotion challengers.

That was the message from first-team coach Charlie Oatway, as the Seagulls prepare for one of their most important games of the season.

Oatway believes the job Poyet and assistant Mauricio Taricco have done will put them firmly on the radar of bigger clubs looking for a new manager.

But he hopes it will not be a disruptive influence between now and the end of the campaign.

Poyet has chosen to keep himself out of the media spotlight this week, after being allowed to talk to Premier League strugglers Reading.

The Royals ultimately appointed Nigel Adkins – but only after Poyet had rejected the role in favour of remaining at Brighton.

"This season, next season or the season after some Premiership clubs are going to show interest in Gus Poyet, no ifs or buts," said Oatway.

"The best managers, the best players, are always going to attract interest. That is the nature of the game. It's down to us to make sure we keep him.

"We are very lucky here with the club that we've got and the stadium, building the new training ground, branching out and looking at players abroad. That man (Poyet) and Tano are building our club on the football side.

"Players are easy come easy go about managers, because you roughly get like for like, but as a management pairing I cannot see anyone else in England like them, when it comes to what they are doing and the way we play and what they are trying to build regarding our youngsters coming through.

"We have moved on so much since I have been here and a lot of it goes down to that man."

THOUSANDS of people are leaving Notts behind this Easter, with East Midlands Airport facing a busy weekend.

Following a harsh winter and snowy start to spring, jet-setters are making the most of the Easter break with flights to sunnier settings.

Over the long weekend, the most popular destinations for flights from the airport are to Gran Canaria and Spain.

EMA bosses say 60,000 people are set to travel through the airport from yesterday until Tuesday.

The busiest day is expected to be tomorrow, with around 12,000 people using the airport – up a third from last Sunday.

Charlie Brown, of Radcliffe-on-Trent, flew out in search of the sun yesterday.

The 31-year-old, who flew to Tenerife, said: "Six months of no sun and freezing weather has forced me to pay over double what I'd normally like to pay.

"I'm only going to Tenerife for 72 hours but it seems worth it in these conditions.

"I just need some sun!"

Despite the recent inclement weather conditions, predictions for a snowy Easter do not seem likely to materialise.

Although cold days are expected, forecasts for Notts show a clear and dry outlook through to Monday, albeit retaining chilly temperatures.

Ian Taylor was set to fly to Gran Canaria this morning.

The 47-year-old, from Chilwell, said: "You can't beat a winter break, just for the contrast in temperature."

He added: "It only seems to be busy at the airports. The resorts are fairly quiet, not that we mind it busy.

"My partner hates the cold and works really hard. The only way to get her to relax is to take her somewhere warm.

"For us, it has to be Easter as my wife is a teacher. We really look forward to it. It isn't that busy anyway once you're there."

With more than 166,000 people expected to travel through the airport over the next two weeks, airport bosses have advised people to allow plenty of time to get to the airport to catch their flights.

THE heads of Nottingham's two universities are among the highest-paid vice-chancellors in the UK, new figures reveal.

Professor Neil Gorman, of Nottingham Trent University, was paid £343,000 in the 2011-12 academic year, including pension contributions.

Meanwhile, his University of Nottingham counterpart Professor David Greenaway picked up £316,000.

It meant they were the ninth and 11th highest-earning in their positions respectively – both earning more than the University of Cambridge's Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz.

Mr Gorman's salary and pension contribution marked a two per cent rise from 2010-2011.

His salary without pension of £300,000 was 72 per cent up from the £174,000 he received eight years previously, while tuition fees charged to students have risen sharply.

No one from Nottingham Trent was available for comment. However, the university has previously defended the amount he is paid, describing it as "appropriate" for his position.

In comparison, Mr Greenaway's earnings have gone up very little, by 0.04 per cent from 2010-2011 and by £5,000 since his first year in the role in 2008-2009.

A University of Nottingham spokesman said: "The vice-chancellor leads and manages an international research-led institution which employs 7,900 staff and has more than 42,000 students at its award-winning campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia.

"The job of running an organisation of this size and scope, with a turnover of £530 million per year, is complex and demanding.

"It requires leadership of the highest calibre. The vice-chancellor's salary and benefits reflect this, and reflects the key role he plays in the operation and development of one of the UK's top universities."

Nationally, the highest-earning vice-chancellor was Professor Andrew Hamilton, of the University of Oxford, who earned £424,000 in 2011-2012. Several other vice-chancellors were paid more than £300,000.

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union, which represents staff, was critical of pay rates.

She said: "It looks very much like one rule for those at the top and one for everyone else.

"The lack of self-awareness from university leaders when it comes to their own pay and perks continues to be an embarrassment for the sector."

WHEN Billy Sharp looks back on the season so far at Nottingham Forest, he sees a host of missed opportunities.

But, come the end of the campaign, he believes the club are still capable of grasping the biggest one of all.

Having won six games on the bounce under Billy Davies, Forest have given themselves the chance to secure success out of what had threatened to become a chaotic season of drama.

Despite the upheaval of three changes of manager since his arrival, the striker believes the club have now put themselves on course for the play-offs under Davies.

And he believes that, in the Scotsman, Forest have a man who is capable of steering them over the finishing line.

"We have been talking about the season and the number of games you can look back at and think 'we should have won that'," said Sharp. "There are plenty of games like that.

"But then you can also say that Blackpool away was a great point. Palace away was a great point.

"We do deserve to be where we are at the minute. It has helped massively, winning six games on the trot.

"This was the right time for us to do it, at the right end of the season.

"Confidence is high, everyone – including myself – wants to be in the team, so the tempo in training is really high.

"Hopefully we can keep the run going, then anything could happen."

Was there are point where Sharp and the rest of his Forest team-mates actually wrote off their prospects for promotion?

"We didn't think that, no. Under Sean O'Driscoll we were always there or there abouts," added loan man.

"He got the sack and Alex McLeish came in. At that point our form did dip a little bit. That was due to the changes at the club. But then the gaffer (Davies) came in and he knew the club inside out anyway.

"He had that advantage over Alex McLeish, because he knew everything about the club from the start.

"The way we started under him was important. But we have gone on an unbelievable run and put ourselves in a great position.

"Alex McLeish had eight games and it would be easy to say we might have been in the top two now (had Davies been appointed then).

"But we have eight games to go and we are in a good position."

Sharp's working relationship with O'Driscoll was a key factor in his move to the City Ground.

But the striker is equally effusive about the influence Davies has had – and believes he is one of few men who could have instigated the remarkable turnaround in form.

"The gaffer has been here before, he knows a few of the players and he knew what he wanted to do from the start," he said. "The lads have all responded to that and we are full of confidence at the minute.

"When you are losing it is hard to win, but when you are winning it can be hard to lose. We hope that continues.

"If you asked him, he would probably be disappointed that we did not win the first game as well.

"But if you had told us that we were going to win six games on the trot, we would have snapped your hands off.

"Now, with eight games to go, we are in a good position and hopefully we can keep getting stronger."

If Forest win today they will equal a club record of seven consecutive wins set back in 1921.

Sharp says it is something the players have discussed in the dressing room, but feels the importance of collecting three points against one of their promotion rivals is more significant.

"This one really is a big game. There is only a point between us and we have the place in the table they want," he said.

"If we get the three points, it will give us a bit of a cushion.

"I knew it was possible (for Forest to equal the record) and I know a few of the others lads are aware of it as well. It just adds a little something more to the game.

"But it is a big game as it is, because Brighton are a point behind us. But the fact that it could equal a club record as well obviously adds something else to it.

"It should be a cracking atmosphere. There are two teams fighting to get into the play-offs, it is an important game.

"Hopefully the sun will be out and it will be a good game for the fans.

"We know how they play – but they will be frightened of us. They will be looking at us and thinking that we have won six games on the trot.

"We know it is not going to be easy. We know that they will be a tough side to play. They play good football and have won a lot of games themselves recently.

"We just take one game at a time and we will keep doing that.

"People did not expect us to win six on the bounce. Who knows? We might go and win another six on the bounce.

"If we can do that, we would be in a really strong position."

Sharp is likely to start the game on the bench, a position he has had to become accustomed to over the last six games.

But, while he is not happy about it, his attitude remains positive.

"It has been frustrating, but since I was dropped we have won every game, so I cannot really complain," he said. "I have to keep myself fit, I have to be ready to do the business if and when the gaffer needs me.

"With two games coming up in quick succession, we will need the squad over these games. I have to make sure I am ready if I am called upon."

And maybe Sharp still has a role to play in a remarkable season of drama.