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EASTWOOD Town have continued rebuilding their team for next season by signing former Mansfield Town defender Rob McCormick on a one-year deal. "It is a great capture for the club," said joint manager Nick Hawkins. "He is a much-sought after player and we fought off stiff competition for him. "We have shown our ambition for the forthcoming season and are delighted that Rob has agreed terms." McCormick, who was captain at Shepshed, said it was great to back at Step 4 level. "After speaking with Eastwood I felt it was the right club to be at," he said. "It is one of the biggest clubs in non-league locally and I have ambition of getting back into full time football myself. "I see that there is an Academy in place and the plans for the club to match my ambitions"

McCormick signs for the Badgers

A PRAM race with a 40-year tradition may now be saved from the chop following last-minute discussions. Although a number of changes have been proposed to reduce public disorder, the event is far likelier to be approved after extensive debate between councillors and community leaders. The Kimberley Pram Race, an annual tradition established in 1973, had faced the axe after concerns were raised by Nottingham Police that it had turned into a "street drinking" event. But a series of meetings between members of Kimberley Town Council, Anna Soubry MP, the police and Notts County Council led to a compromise on Thursday. Prams would now meet at a start line either in Swingate or at the Stag Recreation Ground, in Nottingham Road. The race would continue towards the finish line at Hall Om Wong park, off Eastwood Road. The park would then be used to accommodate a number of stalls, which would include a beer tent. A pub-to-pub crawl along the race route would, however, be prohibited. Town council vice-chairman David Nunn said he hoped the plan would preserve the tradition without encouraging loutishness. He said: "It seems to be the best of both worlds. To me, it guarantees a fun day." Broxtowe MP Ms Soubry said that she had been contacted by the town council and was happy by the agreements made. She added: "The difference of it being based around pubs and outdoor drinking to bringing the race part back is essential. "I think there's been an outbreak of agreement and common sense." Sergeant Andy Browning said police would meet with the town council soon to discuss the future of the event. He said: "We are aware of a new proposal for the re-launch of a more family-orientated pram race to be staged in Kimberley in September. "We will be meeting with representatives from the town council to discuss the route and potential road closures, and the level at which we can provide a presence and assistance on the day." The police in April said that they would not be willing to provide any future assistance. Steve Brunt, 49, a joiner, of Wetherby Close, has praised the efforts made so far. He said: "Something needs to go ahead and if that means the pram race is a little different, then so be it. "I am glad that the town council have reversed their decision to close the pram race." The proposals for the event will be finalised at a public council meeting on May 30 and they will then be presented to the police and highways authority. If approval is given, the event will take place in early September.

On your marks, get set, go: pram race might not be axed

NOTTINGHAM is set to buy 15 new electric buses – giving it the largest fleet in Europe. The city council is set to approve plans to spend £2.23 million on the new buses on Tuesday, which would give it a total of 43 electric buses. Since 2009, the city has spent nearly £6 million – split between the Department for Transport and the city council –on electric buses. Jane Urquhart, portfolio holder for planning and transportation at the council said: "Nottingham leads the way in sustainable transport. "It is the first city in the UK to have tough environmental standards for all buses entering the city centre and the only city trialling buses powered by ethanol produced from fully-sustainable sources. "The purchase of these electric buses will help reduce carbon emissions and demonstrates our commitment to sustainability. "A lot of people talk about reducing emissions but our strong commitment to it will mean we have what we believe to be the largest electric bus fleet in Europe. This is something of which Nottingham can be very proud." The new buses will be used on the Citylink park-and-ride routes as well as the Worklink services, with the other 30 electric buses currently being used on the Medilink and Locallink services. As well as the £2 million coming from council coffers, the Department for Transport has chipped in £1.52 million from its Green Bus Fund for the scheme. Preliminary analysis of the first-quarter operating figures for the Centrelink service between September and December last year show carbon savings of four tonnes when compared to operating the service with diesel buses, while fuel costs are 31 per cent of the diesel equivalent. A fully-charged bus can cover around 60 miles before it needs to be recharged. The electric buses can be charged as quickly as 90 minutes using fast chargers, but it currently takes up to eight hours. A council spokesman added that the next stage of the project was the installation of fast-charging technology. A project is under way to install fast chargers at Broadmarsh Bus Station, various bus operator garages and Queens Drive park-and-ride site.

AN Arnold man who filmed himself raping an eight-year-old girl has been jailed for 16 years. Alan Martin carried out horrific offences against the youngster but was only caught when he started trading pictures of her with other paedophiles he met over the internet. Mark Knowles, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court yesterday that the 28-year-old, of Church Lane, Arnold, included the girl's name on files he swapped. Police were then able to trace the victim and her family. Martin's laptop and computer hard drive contained more than 170 photographs of his victim. Thousands of other indecent images were also found. Mr Knowles said: "A significant number of images of the girl and the defendant engaging in sexual activity were discovered." He said the images included rape and added: "On numerous occasions, they were kissing or touching each other's naked bodies." Martin admitted three charges of rape, five charges of sexual assault and a further charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2012. He also admitted possessing 14,091 indecent images of children together with three charges of making an indecent image of a child, three charges of taking an indecent image of a child and one charge of distributing indecent images of children. Chris Milligan, for Martin, said that his client suffered from Asperger's syndrome and had difficulty in communicating. He added: "He didn't achieve at school but spent some time as a police cadet. When he went into work, he was caring for people who had dementia. His social circle of peers of his own age was non-existent. "He is sorry for what he has done to this young girl, although his insight and full understanding of what he has done is limited." Martin will remain on parole licence until 2027. He was placed on the sex offenders' register for life and banned from working with children. Branding Martin a danger to young girls, Judge Michael Heath said: "Your abuse of this little girl was appalling. You knew what you were doing. You knew that it was wrong but you carried on anyway. "It is plain that you groomed her from when she was five years of age. What harm you have caused to this little girl, heaven only knows. It may not reveal itself until much later in her life. "There is no doubt that you pose a high risk of re-offending and you are dangerous."

16 years for paedophile who filmed himself raping eight-year-old girl

RESIDENTS have spoken of their shock after an attempted armed robbery at a shop in Sherwood. The Co-op, in Mansfield Road, was targeted by three men at about 9.50pm on Thursday. A police cordon was in place at the store yesterday morning while police continued their investigation. An area between a phone box and a tree had also been cordoned off for forensic investigation. Details of the weapons used have not been released but a police spokesman said no guns were involved. Lynne Crawthorn, 47, of Arnold, was surprised to see the cordon in place as she arrived in Sherwood. "I think this is the first time I've seen anything like this," said Mrs Crawthorn, who works in the area and often shops at the Co-op. "It looks very dramatic with the police cordon up. I'm shocked." The store was open at the time of the incident but no one was injured. The robbers left empty-handed in the direction of Winchester Street. Peter Holmes, 68, of Sherwood, said: "These things don't usually happen at the Co-op. "Generally it's a very quiet area and I can't remember when we had anything like this. "I can't say I'm surprised when these things happen though, not in today's climate." Gina Stalley, 44, of Sherwood, uses the Co-op most days. "It's a big shock," she said. "This is a really nice area and it's a nice community. "To see the police cordon up is a big surprise. I can't remember seeing anything like it before." One of the robbers is 5ft 7in-5ft 8in tall. He was wearing blue Adidas bottoms with white stripes, a black hooded jacket, black trainers and black gloves. The tallest of the three is 5ft 10in to 6ft. He was wearing dark Nike bottoms, a grey cotton scarf with a dark pattern across his face and black Adidas trainers. He also wore a black hooded jacket with a blue checked block on the upper part of the jacket, which also had a white square label in the middle below the neckline. The other robber is about 5ft 9in and wore a black hooded jacket and dark bottoms with grey gloves. Anyone with information is asked to contact Notts Police on 101.

Armed Co-op robbery bid shock for neighbourhood

WHEN Barry Moore bought his first Jaguar, an S Type Saloon, in 1960, he had no idea that 53 years later he would be purchasing his 48th. Edwalton motorist Barry, 74, picked up the new F Type convertible on Thursday. It is the first of its type to be sold in Nottinghamshire. He has had the 3-litre, super-charged, 380 break horsepower vehicle on order since August. "I have had various other cars over the years," he said. "I have tried Mercedes, BMW and Audi but have always gone back to Jaguar. "They are always a balance between a nice quick car and a good handling car, with quality and traditional interior." Barry spent £70,000 on the new F Type and has lost count of the running total he has spent on the cars. "It's hard to choose my favourite over the years. The XF Saloon was great, and the E Type was brilliant but I like them all for different reasons." Unfortunately for Barry, he has only ever made a profit on one of his cars, a turquoise E Type, which he bought for £3,000 and sold on for a cool £10,000 in 1982. But not all Jags suit his taste and Barry isn't a fan of the XJ Saloon, driven by Prime Minister David Cameron (with a kevlar and titanium protective underbelly). Barry's love for Jaguar was shared with his wife, Grace, who died in 2010. They always had a car each and would enjoy trading them in for the latest model. "I think I pushed her into it," Barry laughed. "But she definitely did like Jaguars. Grace would go for the more sporty versions, while I would have the more powerful cars." His Jags took him and Grace all around Europe, as far as Germany France, Spain and the former Yugoslavia. "In a car you have more freedom," he said. "When you go away in a car, you see such a lot and you can stay in a place as long as you like. Although nostalgic about the roads his Jags have taken him abroad and Barry is glad he's helping to keep a classic British car alive. "I always try to buy British, we all know Jaguar have been bought out by an Indian company, but factories still provide plenty of work for British people." Can you beat Barry's record? Email newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk or join the debate at thisisnottingham.co.uk

Motoring enthusiast looks back over half a century of Jaguars

MATT Green admits the plaudits should go to strike partner Matt Rhead after the Mansfield Town frontman picked up the Our Game Player of the Year award at the 2013 National Game Awards. The 26-year-old followed up the 30 goals he scored in 2011-12 with another 27 as the Stags won the Blue Square Bet Premier title – and promotion back to the Football League – by two points from Kidderminster Harriers. And Green's personal trophy cabinet also continues to overflow as he was awarded the Our Game Player of the Year award as voted for by the readers of the Non-League newspaper at Fulham's Craven Cottage – which was brought in conjunction with Budweiser Club Futures. But despite hogging the limelight with his goalscoring escapades, Green insists he and the Stags wouldn't have much to shout about if it wasn't for team-mate Rhead. "It's an honour to win such a prestigious award voted for by readers of The Non-League Paper," said Green, who also bagged a goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup in a memorable campaign. "I had a slow start to the season and was out of the side for a few weeks. "I've got to thank one of my fellow forwards, Matt Rhead, because if he didn't pass to me to tap one in and end my goal drought against Luton last November, I might not have got back in the team, let alone scored so many goals. "It's been a pleasure playing in such a quality team and the easy part has been finishing off the chances the other lads have created for me." Green was not on hand to collect his award in the capital, as the striker was on holiday in Thailand with singer girlfriend Geri Sumner, niece of pop legend Sting. But having gone on trial with Championship side Birmingham City before jetting off, Green admits he has a tough decision to make when he returns. "I feel I've grown up as a player and a person in the last few months," he said. "Now I'm going to take some time out on holiday to think seriously about what lies ahead and leave my agent to see what offers are on the table. "I've loved playing for Mansfield and the offer there to stay is wonderful. But if the chance arises to move up and prove myself, I've got to take it." The Non-League Paper is the UK's number one selling football title available in all shops on Sundays. www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com

Player of the year Green praises strike partner

CARL Froch has been training for his big fight with Mikkel Kessler – next door to an elderly ladies friendship group. The Post were invited to watch the Cobra in the ring for a couple of hours at Phoenix ABC this week. It is where he began his boxing career as a kid and even though he is now a millionaire three-time world champion he still goes back there to train. And as he worked up an almighty sweat during some ferocious pad and heavy bag work with his coach Rob McCracken, nine pensioners were having a quiz in the little community centre. The big question on everyone's lips, of course, is can Froch beat the great Dane and avenge a controversial points defeat to him in Denmark just over three years ago? The IBF champion certainly looks in great shape with a week to go until they come face to face in a sold-out O2 Arena in London – and he is determined to make sure there will be no need for the judges after 12 rounds this time. "The loss to him still plays in my mind; it still upsets me when I think about it," said Froch. "But it doesn't ruin my night's sleep. I'm very much over it. "I've become a world champion two more times since losing to him. "It was a close fight that could have gone either way. "If you ask 100 people who won, 50 would say me and 50 would say Kessler and if the same fight was in England and not Denmark, I would maybe have got the nod. "On the night, I didn't do enough to win the fight for numerous reasons, but this time it's on my turf. "It's not in my backyard, it's not in Nottingham. But a fight of this magnitude needs to be in an arena as big as the O2. "I'm confident I won't need to leave it to the judges and any influence of any home crowd advantage. "If I do the job I know I can do, I'll get him out of there." It was mesmerising watching Froch in action so close to such a huge fight in his career and as he shadowboxed in the ring it was almost as if he was picturing Kessler in front of him with every punch he threw. "I think about what maybe he is going to be doing," he said afterwards. "He's going to maybe throw the jab and the right hand, he throws a lot of straight shots and he throws the right hand to the body as well. "I'm not visualising his face, but I'm honed in and in the zone that's for sure. "We're working to a plan, we've got our tactics laid out. "There are reasons I'm doing what I'm doing. "When I'm training, jabbing and letting my shots go and putting my combinations together, I'm thinking about where my opponent's going to be, what's coming back at me, what kind of shots. "Once I've attacked him, I'm thinking about what he's going to look to counter-punch with and getting out the way of them. "It's all very much thought about, it's all methodical and I'm very much in the zone." Having worked so hard to prepare for the fight, Froch believes he will be fitter, sharper and stronger than he ever has been when he goes toe to toe with Kessler and that he has every base covered for when the bell goes. "It's not so much I've got this plan and it's got to work. He's (Kessler) talking about having a Plan A, B, C and D," he added. "What I do when I fight is react to what my opponent does. "If he's trying to come forward and land big shots then I move my feet, move my legs, get out of his way and get behind my long jab. "I've got a longer reach than Mikkel Kessler so if he comes in looking for a war early on, looking to stand and fight early on, and I don't want to, I'll get behind my long reach and keep him at the end of my punches. "If he's looking at jabbing and moving and keeping me at the end of his reach early on then maybe I'll put him on his back foot, shorten my shots up, close him down and start hooking a bit, throwing different punches, body shots. So it's not like I've got this plan and that plan, I just fight. "I think it's Newton's third law of motion that every action causes a reaction, so whatever he does I'll react accordingly – and effectively – to get the win." Carl Froch is an ambassador for Betfair. For the latest pre-fight odds for Betfair's Warriors' Call, Froch v Kessler II, visit http://www.betfair.com/sport

Blood, sweat and ... dears for champ Froch

TWELVE wickets fell under slate-grey skies as Nottinghamshire and Surrey each pressed for a victory that would enhance their claims of moving away from the lower reaches of the County Championship Division One table. Set a victory target of 259, the visitors had reached 73 for three when the deteriorating conditions enforced an early closure at Trent Bridge ahead of today's final day at Trent Bridge. A spirited burst from Luke Fletcher had removed both Jason Roy and Arun Harinath with Surrey's second innings run chase immediately plunged into disarray. Vikram Solanki's disappointing day came to an abrupt end when he was then run out without scoring, thanks to a brilliant piece of work by Steven Mullaney, who pulled off a direct hit from mid-wicket. With the floodlights on throughout, the Nottinghamshire second innings ended on 191, with Stuart Meaker collecting his second four-wicket haul of the contest. The opening exchanges of the day had been far from conventional with nightwatchman Fletcher given licence to go for his shots. Dropped twice in the slips, by Solanki – who had to go off for treatment to a finger injury – and then by Roy, the 24-year old blazed four boundaries in a quick-fire innings of 26 before falling to Meaker. In contrast, Australian opener Ed Cowan made a patient 20 in 158 minutes, before chopping Jade Dernbach onto his stumps as Surrey claimed the first of the eight wickets they would take in the afternoon session. Meaker, as in the first innings, posed the greatest threat – not only to the comfort of the batsmen but also to the well-being of his own slip fielders, particularly Roy – who followed Solanki in receiving a painful blow to the hand from a snick by Paul Franks. Following his first innings haul of four for 70, Meaker returned an equally-impressive four for 64, with Samit Patel – who top-scored with 37 – amongst his victims. Dernbach offered sterling support and removed both James Taylor and Riki Wessels in consecutive deliveries, each pushing frantically at away-swingers. An entertaining last wicket stand of 30 between Ajmal Shahzad and Harry Gurney delighted the crowd but frustrated the fielders, particularly when they had the temerity to pinch a single to the wicketkeeper. The fun ended when Shahzad was run out going for a risky second – but his score of 20 was not only his highest score for his new county but also was very timely. With an indifferent weather forecast issued for the final day it may be that both sides will be denied the opportunity of pressing for the 16 points available for the winners.

Exciting final day beckons as wickets tumble at Notts

JAMES Anderson joined Test cricket's elite 300 club, on a tough day for England against New Zealand at Lord's. Kiwi opener Peter Fulton was Anderson's 300th wicket – making him only the fourth Englishman to reach the landmark alongside Fred Trueman, Bob Willis and Ian Botham. When Anderson's great friend Graeme Swann held on to the catch low at second slip to complete Fulton's dismissal, New Zealand were seven for two on day two of the first Investec Test. But after hugs all round from team-mates, and raising the ball to the crowd, the celebrations proved fleeting as Ross Taylor took over with a fluent 66 out of 153 for four in reply to England's ponderous 232 all out. The rationale after England had closed the first day on 160 for four, was that on this untypically slow pitch and outfield their patience would eventually pay off with a dominant total. But after they lost their last six wickets for 40 to the swing of Tim Southee (four for 58) and Neil Wagner (three for 70), the onus was on them to try to take control with the ball instead. Anderson began with 298 career wickets. His first success came with the final ball of his opening over, finding a little extra bounce to have dangerous opener Hamish Rutherford neatly caught at first slip by Alastair Cook. England's lynchpin fast bowler then struck again, for the 300th time, when he found Fulton's outside-edge and Swann was appropriately safe with a low catch. In perfect conditions for England's seam attack, though, Taylor launched a successful counter-attack either side of tea. He hit 13 fours from 72 balls, mainly off the back foot through the off-side, recording the first half-century of the match and sharing the first 50 stand too with sheet-anchor Kane Williamson. It was not until Anderson (three for 32) returned for his fourth spell that he made it 301 with just his second delivery when he beat Taylor's forward push to pin him lbw. With spin already for Swann at the other end, Anderson would have got rid of Williamson's limpet presence for 23 too had Matt Prior held a one-handed chance. But the stoic number three survived – as he did again four runs later, when Steven Finn found the thinnest of edges down the leg-side only for Steve Davis to give the batsman not out. Even after Dean Brownlie went lbw to Finn via DRS to overturn Davis' not-out verdict before the close, the advantage was still with the tourists. It was Southee's two wickets in successive balls which had first seized the initiative, and England's collapse took hold as they lost four for nine runs. Top-scorer Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root had come through the initial threat of the second new ball, and there were no serious alarms up to morning drinks. But Root's prolific form – almost 700 first-class runs this summer in only five attempts – was interrupted by a mode of dismissal every batsman dreads, caught-behind down the leg-side. If Southee had a little fortune on his side then, it was skill not luck that did for next man Prior. The England wicketkeeper – New Zealand's stumbling block with his unbeaten century in the famous draw at Auckland less than two months ago – was gone in the blink of an eye. Southee discarded his stock away swing to angle one in and strike Prior on the pad first ball. Umpire Davis' judgment that the ball would have hit leg-stump, despite the Lord's camber, was then duly vindicated by DRS. Stuart Broad denied Southee a hat-trick, but he then did not even trouble DRS after being hit in front as Wagner swung another up the slope and England recorded two ducks in successive overs. Swann provided the briefest of respites with a square-driven four off Wagner, before falling in the left-armer's next over when he wafted an edge for wicketkeeper BJ Watling's fourth catch. After lunch, Bairstow lost Finn lbw pushing forward to Southee, and the young Yorkshireman himself drilled a return catch back to be last out to Southee as England's innings fell well short of expectations.

Anderson joins elite 300 club, but England toil

FOR most allotment holders, a shed is little more than a weathered lean-to for protecting tools and sheltering from rain. But St Ann's Allotments have gone several steps further than that. Standing just inside the Ransom Road entrance, a new £350,000 visitor centre, which will provide a meeting space, kitchen facilities and shelter, was officially opened yesterday. It features a sloping roof but that's where the similarity to a traditional shed ends. The building has solar panels, a fire and a roof garden among its modern features. Charles Wesson, of St Ann's, who has had an allotment at the site since 1972, was pleased the building was completed. "It's about time," said the 73-year-old, who is also a director of STAA, which runs the allotments. "The allotments were neglected for a long time and no money was spent on them. "If it wasn't for STAA, the land would have most likely been built on. "Now we've got this lottery money and things have been done and the place is thriving. "People come from all over – we've even had people from London come up to have a look. "It's a beautiful place to be." Once inside, the centre becomes even more impressive. A host of interactive displays span the site's history – from its beginning as rough grazing land for animals 600 years ago, through the elegant days of pleasure gardens in the 19th century, to the emergence of the allotment gardens there today. Mo Cooper, the site's heritage officer, is researching and archiving the allotments' history. "Visitors will be able to go back in time and discover the allotments through the eyes of the people who used them," she said. "Rich and poor, young and old, for pleasure or to grow food and make a living – the site has been used by people from all walks of life at different times in its history, so it really is a window into the city's vibrant past." The new centre is the final part of a £4.5 million project to restore the allotment site. A secure boundary fence and electric gates with swipe-card security have also been installed as part of the project. The dirt-track roads have been resurfaced and hedges and trees have been cleared from the site. A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Nottingham City Council made the work possible. Allotment holder Beverley Powell, 51, of St Ann's, was delighted to see the visitor centre open yesterday. "It's fantastic," she said. "The centre will welcome new allotment holders to the site and it's just a wonderful space. "It's quite small but more than adequate for here. It's brilliant." Nottingham East MP Chris Leslie officially opened the building. It will be open to the public from Monday, between 10am and 4pm during the week and on selected Saturday mornings. Patricia Stalvies, 65, of St Ann's, said: "The centre is like the cherry on the cake. It makes it more accessible for everyone – it's amazing."

‘Amazing’ centre ‘cherry on the cake’ of £4.5m allotment work

CARL Froch says another 'David Beckham' will soon be retiring. The former England captain has already hung up his football boots – and the Cobra is confident he will end the career of Mikkel Kessler, the 'Becks' of boxing, by beating him in their big super-middleweight unification fight at a sold-out O2 Arena in London in seven days. Nottingham's world champion Froch was training at Phoenix ABC this week and told the Post: "He's (Kessler) said if he loses to me he will retire so, yeah, I am looking to retire him, definitely." IBF champion Froch is looking in great shape ahead of the fight and says he will be 100 per cent ready to avenge the controversial points defeat to WBA champ Kessler of three years ago in Denmark. "I'm in good shape and I'm sharp, but I don't feel like I'm quite there yet," he said. "It's amazing what the last week will do. "I'll have a bit of rest, sharpen up, do some sprinting, some fast pad work and then I'll be ready. "I'll be ten per cent sharper than I am now. "I'll be full of energy after the weigh-in because I can load up on my carbohydrates and then I'm looking forward to doing the job. "This is the sort of time now where you start getting agitated and you want to get the fight done and dusted. "It's a week now and it's time to get in there and do the business. "Mentally I'm in the right place to fight, that's for sure. "I'll be like a lightning bolt ready to explode come fight night. "I'll be charged, I will feel great." Froch says he weighs in at 170lbs right now. And he believes his fights against top-class opponents, like Arthur Abraham, Andre Ward and Lucian Bute, since losing to Kessler will give him the edge ahead of facing the Dane, who has fought weaker men. "I've had five quality fights since the first match with Kessler at a top level, which is important," he said. "I've boxed world level fighters and I've been very successful so, yeah, I'm in a better place than what he is going into this that's for sure." Meanwhile, the experts are tipping Froch to beat Kessler. "He's at home and you have to say he is the favourite," said former world champion Joe Calzaghe, who beat Kessler in 2007. "The momentum is with Carl Froch. He's busy, he's fighting, if anything he's improving. "To be honest, I don't think Kessler is the fighter he was when I beat him. He's a bit slower and he's been inactive. Don't write Kessler off though, he can still punch." Calzaghe was part of a roundtable panel comprising of Chris Eubank, Steve Collins, Roy Jones Jnr and Richie Woodhall, for Sky Sports' 'The Gloves Are Off' show. Chris Eubank also feels Froch will have the edge. He said: "He can beat Kessler and I think he has the resolve and the desire to give his life in the ring and I think that is important." The WBA have appointed their officials for the show – Carlos Sucre, Jean Toupin and Mariana Borissova.

Froch's out to 'retire' Kessler

FOUR senior staff at the city and county councils have been earning more than the Prime Minster, figures have revealed. FOUR senior staff at the city and county councils have been earning more than the Prime Minster, figures have revealed. David Cameron has an annual salary of £142,500 for running the country but three staff at Nottingham City Council and one at Notts County Council were paid more than that in 2011-12. The highest-paid was the chief executive of Notts County Council, Mick Burrows, who earned £184,410. His equivalent in the city was Jane Todd, whose salary was £165,000. She has since left the role, and been replaced by former corporate director of children's services Ian Curryer. He was paid £144,653 in his previous role and is now paid £160,000. Jo Myers, of Notts Unison, said that the gulf between the highest and lowest-paid members of staff at County Hall was hard to justify. She added: "It's a big difference between the £17,000 median wage and the £180,000 the chief executive gets. "Our members had to undergo job evaluation for their jobs and to justify their pay. There's transparency as to how much the chief executive gets paid, but not as much transparency as to what he does to earn that." Also paid more than the PM in the city last year was Carole Mills, corporate director of resources and deputy chief executive, who had a salary of £142,428. The city council said: "Our current chief executive and his predecessor both offered to carry out the role for less than the advertised salary."

Council bosses paid more than Prime Minister

NOTTINGHAM Forest defender Jamaal Lascelles could make his next step up the international ladder this summer, after being named in the provisional England squad for the under-20 World Cup. The highly-rated centre-half has already represented his country at U18 and U19 levels. But now Peter Taylor has named him in the provisional 35-man squad for this summer's tournament in Turkey. Lascelles, 19, had the first few months of the season hampered by injury, after signing a new deal back in the summer – and made only sporadic appearances in the first team squad. But if he gets some playing time on the international stage this summer, it will only aid his chances of making an impact under Billy Davies next season. The majority of the squad have previous experience of representing the Three Lions at youth level, including many who were part of the squad that won the U17 European Championships in 2010. "There are players there who have a lot of experience playing with Premier League teams," said Taylor. "I am convinced they will have a great experience from this tournament." Taylor will narrow his squad down to 21 players on Friday, June 7. The tournament is from June 21 to July 13 and England have been drawn in Group E alongside Iraq, Chile and Egypt. Lascelles has made three first team appearances for Forest and has been the subject of interest from several Premier League sides, including Arsenal and Spurs. He had a successful loan spell at Stevenage at the end of the 2011/12 season, playing seven games as they forced their way into the League One play-offs. Former Forest striker Patrick Bamford, who is now at Chelsea, is also named in the squad.

Lascelles gets England call

TWO Notts County coaches have resigned, the club has confirmed. Brett Adams was the youth team coach at Meadow Lane and Lee Broster also coached in the Magpies' youth setup. Notts have so far refused to give a reason for their departure, releasing only a short statement that reads: "Brett Adams and Lee Broster have resigned from their positions at the club as Youth Coach and Lead Foundation Coach respectively." But the Post understands it follows an investigation into the pair's conduct by the club.

Two Notts County coaches resign

ROGER Allton is walking coast to coast for his church – at the age of 78.

The fearless walker is battling wind and rain to walk the 192 miles from St Bees Head to Robin Hood's Bay.

Mr Allton, of Radcliffe, is tackling the Coast-to-Coast walk devised by legendary British fellwalker, guidebook author and illustrator Alfred Wainwright to raise money for the Radcliffe-on-Trent Methodist and Community Project, of which he is the chairman.

Radcliffe-on-Trent Methodist Church minister Janet Tanner said she was thinking of Mr Allton on his epic trek, adding: "The aim of the project is to build a brand new church on the site of our current church, by 2016.

"At the moment our church is bulging at the seams.

"We barely have enough room for our current congregations on Sundays so it is difficult to see how we could grow. The project will provide a bigger worship area and a new community space which we don't have at the moment.

"Roger's walk is brilliant.

"He has had such awful weather so far but he isn't letting it stop him at all.

"We're all very proud of him."

Mr Allton is aiming to raise £2,500 in sponsorship towards the £1.25m total cost of rebuilding the church.

He set out on the walk from the east coast to the west coast of the country on May 10 and has been keeping friends at home updated through e-mails. He expects to complete the challenge within 20 days.

Roger, who has run 45 half marathons and two marathons, said on day three of the walk: "We started later today at about 10am with a sprinkling of hail in the air.

"Then the sun came out for about a half hour, then driving hail and a 30mph wind. This was while climbing Linning Crag which is about 1,200ft. All the paths were running with at least two inches of water. I tried to keep my boots dry, but they were sodden in no time. It was a hard climb for me, after the day before.

"We walked along Far Easedale to the Butharlyp YHA arriving about 5pm. According to Wainright's book we are at 37.5 miles from the start – it feels far more."

Mr Allton completed the first 100 miles to Keld with the Radcliffe U3A group before continuing to Richmond with three members and the last 70 miles on his own.

Anyone who would like to sponsor him can contact him by e-mail at rogerallton@hotmail.co.uk or go to his online page at www.btplc.com/mydonate and type in his name.

Minister backs Roger, 78, on 'brilliant' trek across country

VICAR June Kirkham and her husband John have created a new playground for children.

The Rev Kirkham, of St Martha's Church, in Aspley, which houses the Hope Centre, has transformed an adjoining derelict piece of land, with she and Mr Kirkham doing much of the work themselves.

Mrs Kirkham, who lives in the next door to the site, says the land looked untidy and was causing trouble, involving the police .

It is now fenced off and she said: "It was used a cut-through and there was litter everywhere, and kids were hanging around on there in the evenings and we had some damage and all that kind of thing, so hopefully it will stop all that."

"We could see it needed doing – it was an eyesore – and we could do something about it, and the local residents and everyone is so happy."

The playground will be used by families who attend the parent and toddler group at the church, and by the lunch club who can sit outside on the new seating.

Family play worker Julie Cotton, who runs the parent and toddler sessions, said: "We did have a play area before but it wasn't very well maintained so we didn't actually get out there much.

"It's really nice and peaceful out there now and the children enjoy it."

She added: "We haven't actually been able to get out much due to the weather, so we're looking forward to some nice weather!"

To keep costs down, Mr Kirkham, who used to be in the building trade, and a few of his friends did the majority of the work on evenings and weekends.

He said: "We worked on it basically when people were available.

"We all had different jobs to do.

"We've got plans for a bit more as well. We want to put another arch in, things like that."

Other cost-saving initiatives included using all recycled fencing, which needed reconstructing and repainting, as well as pressure washing the paving slabs.

The cost of the project was met by Nottingham City Council, the Southwell and Nottingham Diocese, and Mission Development, which supports the work of churches.

Nottingham North MP Graham Allen said: "It's a wonderful little scheme, especially the fact that vicar's done it all voluntarily."

Vicar works so kids can play

A FREE workshop aimed at educating businesses on how to interact with customers with Alzheimer's is hoping to abolish the stigma around the disease.

The event is being held by Home Instead Senior Care and will take place tomorrow at 6pm at the Lace Mill, Wollaton Road, Beeston.

During the evening business owners will learn how to understand Alzheimer's and other degenerative brain conditions as well as how to handle challenging behaviours and encourage engagement.

Community liaison manager Gemma Poole, from Home Instead Senior Care, said: "Our mission is to make organisations and businesses in Beeston dementia friendly.

"We take a lot of our clients out to interact in the community but it can be hard.

"We want to engage with businesses about how to interact with people with dementia.

"We have found that people do get isolated and that there is still a stigma which we are trying to abolish.

"Dementia could strike anyone at any age and at any time so it is important to understand the needs of these people.

"Unfortunately there is a problem with people going into businesses and not getting treated in the most appropriate way. For a lot of people it is easier to ignore the person if they don't know how to communicate with them."

In Notts, more than 10,000 people suffer with dementia which is expected to rise significantly in the next 30 years as the population gets older.

Civil servant Debbie Spiteri, 53, of Sherwood added: "My mother, Daynel Cross, 76, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 18 months ago and since then we have had some problems while out in public.

"One of the worst instances was at the bank when she couldn't remember her PIN number and a big queue started to form.

"I quietly let the cashier know that she had Alzheimer's but they announced it to the whole bank which upset my mother and she became very stressed.

"I think a lot of the problems are down to complete ignorance.

"My mum is a client at Home Instead and a workshop like this could make all the difference and should be rolled out across the country."

There are currently 800,000 people with dementia in the UK.

Stephanie Wilkinson, Beeston Business Improvement District manager, added: "Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are a growing problem, and we're delighted that Gemma and her team at Home Instead Senior Care can offer this free resource to the people and businesses of Beeston.

"It's vitally important that we all learn more about this often misunderstood condition, and I'd urge everyone to take advantage of the workshop."

Those interested in attending can reserve a place by calling 0115 922 6116 or by simply turning up on the day.

Businesses educated on how to interact with dementia sufferers

City centre

Lace Market: Pilcher Gate closed today.

Sneinton: Lane closure in Bath Street, between King Edward Street and Carlton Road, until Wednesday.

Broxtowe

Chilwell: Two-way signals in Inham Road until July 9.

Rushcliffe

Ruddington: Temporary suspension of weight limit in Flawforth Lane, between the A60 Loughborough Road and A52 Wheatcroft Island, from 8pm to 6am nightly until Friday.

West Bridgford: Two-way signals in Loughborough Road, near the Stanhome Drive junction, until Tuesday, June 4, for gas main works

Gedling

Carlton: Multi-way traffic lights in Carlton Hill until Monday, June 3.

Daybrook: Off-peak lane closures in Mansfield Road until Saturday, June 15.

Gedling: Stoke Lane closed until Sunday, June 9.

Newark and Sherwood

Southwell: Two-way temporary traffic signals in Nottingham Road between 9am and 3.30pm today.

Ashfield

Annesley Woodhouse: Salmon Lane closed for skid resistant surfacing works, from 7am to 4pm daily from today until Friday, and between Tuesday, May 28, and Friday, May 31.

Hucknall: Wood Lane closed from 9am on Wednesday, May 29, until 11.59pm on Friday, May 31.

Hucknall: Linby Colliery Level Crossing, in Church Lane/Linby Road, closed for track relaying works from 10pm on Friday, May 31, until 7am on Monday, June 3. Further closures are also planned between 10pm on Saturday, June 8, and 8am on Sunday, June 9; from 10pm on Friday, June 14, until 6am on Monday, June 17; and between 10pm on Saturday, June 22, and 9am on Sunday, June 23.

Sutton-in-Ashfield: Station Road closed from Kings Mill Road East to Mabel Avenue and Bathwood Drive between 7pm and 5am nightly until Saturday inclusive.

Mansfield

Mansfield: Cedar Street closed from 8am on Tuesday, May 28, until 6pm on Friday, June 7.

Mansfield: Parkland Close closed from 8am today, until 11.59pm on Saturday.

SHOPPERS are being tempted back to Clifton shops with cash prizes.

Many traders in Southchurch Drive have experienced a significant drop in sales since the tram works began – with works covering much of the road.

But tram operator NET and Nottingham City Council are offering fortnightly cash prizes totalling £500 to tempt shoppers back to the high street and more than 50 have signed up to the scheme.

John Barlow, owner of 1st4Pets which has been in Southchurch Drive since 2000, said: "It can't do anything but good, so yes, it's a good idea. It is going to help."

The tram works have hit Mr Barlow's shop particularly hard.

He said: "Takings are down on average between 65 and 70 per cent. It is not good. Hopefully when it's done we'll see the benefits.

"I do think that until the roadworks are complete we won't see things get back to normal."

Eric Palmer, owner of Dawn's Cards in Southchurch Drive, said: "It is worth an effort and I am glad they are trying.

"I'm not mocking it, anything to try to help, but we are really struggling.

"Last year we took around £380 a day and today I don't think I even made £200. It's like a ghost town."

Leaflets indicating how to access the shops and where transport links are running are also being distributed in the area in an effort to bring people back to their local shops.

To enter the prize draws, people have to buy goods at stores on Varney Road or Southchurch Drive and fill in a Clifton Cash prize draw entry form.

The forms are held by store assistants or market stall holders.

Winners will be announced online at thetram.net/cliftoncash.

Councillor Jane Urquhart, city council portfolio holder for planning and transport, said: "The council identifies Clifton as an important retail centre and, as we recognise there is some disruption during the tram works, we are keen to assist retailers, including market traders which may be affected.

"Among a number of initiatives we have established, the Clifton Cash fortnightly prize draw will give local residents an extra incentive to shop on Southchurch Drive, including at Varney Road, as well as boosting local businesses during this difficult period.

"When trams are operational at the end of next year, they will provide a fast and frequent service, making Clifton more accessible to shoppers, visitors and businesses, while providing vital links to the city and beyond."

The council will collect forms from shops every fortnight and vouchers – which can be spent in participating shops in the area – will be sent to the winners by recorded post.

Each voucher is worth £5 and winners can receive up to £25 each week.

Will cash prizes tempt shoppers back to tram work 'ghost town'?