PARK Hall was a Secondary Modern – it was local, and that was the selection criteria.

School was a riot. The fire alarm was forever going off, and an hour lesson would be 20 minutes of calming us down, 20 minutes of teaching, and 20 minutes of us waiting to get out.

It was a tough school. There were always big scraps on the green with the school down the road.

And the pupils went on strike, never mind the teachers. I remember the teachers coming back to work after being on strike, and the pupils just walked out!

I played for the football, rugby and basketball teams, but I was awful at cricket.

I wasn't a genius, academically. I got O-Levels in English literature, English language, geography, and commerce – and a CSE Grade 1 in maths – but I failed catastrophically in everything to do with science. Of course, later I had to learn all about combustion for my job. I was a late developer.

I had a wonderful English teacher called Derek Cohen. When I was 15, we used to sneak into pub clubs in Birmingham, and sometimes he would be in there – but he never grassed us up.

I signed up to do two A-levels but my attendance was rather sporadic, as I was working part-time at Tesco. In the end I passed geography but failed English.

The school has been demolished and rebuilt, now. You wouldn't recognise it at all. It wasn't a bad school by any means, things were just very different then.

AS midwives, doctors and other support staff working in maternity, we recognise that pregnancy and giving birth are milestones in the lives of families we care for – and we want to make that experience as good as it can be.

So how do we know if we are getting it right, or if there are things we can do to improve the services we offer?

At the moment we are looking at how we can help to make birth partners feel part of the birth experience, by enabling them to stay with mum during an induced labour, or overnight in the early postnatal period.

And a group of expectant dads has recently been involved in developing content for a new section of our website designed especially with dads in mind.

Throughout the year we ask for feedback from women about the service and care they have received. This may take place in hospital face-to-face with a member of maternity staff, through our Friends and Family test (the opportunity for all hospital inpatients to comment on their stay anonymously as they go home), or through a more structured questionnaire.

In the autumn we will be introducing a more detailed Friends and Family test which is specific to maternity services. This will give us the opportunity to view our services as they are seen by the people using them.

As for the future we plan to increase opportunities for families to be involved in how maternity services are developed at our hospitals and in the community. Anyone interested in being part of this can see details of how to get involved on the NUH website.

WITH three bike rides down and four to go, charity cyclist Michael Peak and his supporters have already raised £3,000.

The Post has been following the story of Michael, who has multiple health problems and can no longer take part in the strenuous 50-mile Great Notts Bike Ride each year.

So this year he has broken the distance down into seven, seven-mile routes.

Michael, who has Parkinson's and has undergone surgery for skin cancer and spinal problems, is donating the proceeds to the burns unit at Nottingham City Hospital, the Maggie's cancer support centre, the Southwell Live at Home Scheme and Over the Rainbow Parkinson's support group.

The 64-year-old retired police inspector, from Southwell, said: "I'm managing the distance OK, but it takes a lot out of me and I need to rest up the next day."

But his spirits have been lifted by the amount of support the venture has attracted.

Southwell and District Lions Club has made a donation, while leisure centre staff, squash players and neighbours have got on their bikes to join him for the 7x7 Charity Bike Ride.

The rides have proved so much fun that Jane Best and her twin sons Will and Jack, from Southwell, and John Daynes, from Ravenshead, are now regular participants.

Eleven-year-old Millie Harris, the daughter of Lisa White who runs the Hearty Goodfellow pub, in Southwell, with husband Will, is using her artistic talents to boost the appeal. One customer has bid £50 for her painting – and has told her she can keep the money if he is outbid.

All the rides so far have been in Southwell, but switch to Nottingham next month.

Two rides, from the Ferry Inn, Wilford, to Holme Pierrepont and back, are planned for July 21 and 28.

Michael's wife Sandra has finished all three rides despite being a learner cyclist at the age of 65. "I'm quite pleased with myself," she said.

The final ride will be in Southwell on August 4 when Michael, who used to be based at Radford Road police station, hopes to be joined by serving and retired officers.

The £15 entry fee includes a bacon butty and a pint. For more information contact 01636 812399 or email 7x7charitybikeride@gmail.com.

DESIGNER Marcus Lee hopes his T-shirt designs will crop up around the world.

The 26-year-old has struck a deal for his NOTTZ shirts to be stocked in the city's tourist centre.

He formed his T-Stains business after graduating in graphic design from Central College Nottingham in 2006.

Each design features a famous Nottingham landmark, such as the Council House, the Robin Hood statue or Green's Windmill in Sneinton, integrated with a character designed by Marcus and finished with a flourish of graffiti-style, dripping type saying "NOTTZ".

Marcus, of Lenton, said there had already been some interest in his designs – with one American man buying two shirts.

One of the designs features a robot on top of Nottingham Castle and another an octopus wrapped around the Council House.

He said: "I've been told he was a guy from USA who was in his 60s.

"It's great they are already causing interest."

He added: "I was born and bred in Nottingham so I am very proud of the city.

"I decided to become a clothing designer because of my passion for drawing and my love for clothes.

"The art and design, graphics and textile design course at college had a major impact on me as it gave me the skills and knowledge I needed to launch my own business.

"After leaving college I came up with a range of T-shirt designs portraying my own unique style and bringing something new to Nottingham."

College graphics tutor Chris Green remembered Marcus's creativity. He said: "It is easy to see why the Nottingham Tourist Centre has signed up the brand which is truly representing Nottingham in a youthful, vibrant and visual way.

"I remember him showing real talent in character designs whilst he was a student with us so it's great to see the finished products."

Chris added: "His T-shirts could now be seen anywhere in the world."

As well as the tourist centre, the T-Stains brand is also stocked in Non-Stop in St James's Street and THC in Alfreton Road.

A MAN has failed to overturn plans for a 66-metre high wind turbine on a farm near his home in Notts.

Christopher Holding challenged Gedling Borough Council's decision to grant planning permission for the wind turbine in Woodborough Park, Woodborough, at a High Court hearing in London.

Mr Holder, who was one of 1,125 people who objected to the turbine on the basis of its impact on the landscape, noise and wildlife concerns, had hoped the judge would overturn the permission and order the council to reconsider the application.

However, the judge ruled that the council's planning committee – which voted in favour by ten votes to seven – was entitled to grant permission on the basis of a recommendation from a planning officer.

The planning officer had said that, whilst it would have a "major visual impact" for users of a nearby right of way, special circumstances including the economic benefits of renewable energy justified what would otherwise be an inappropriate development in the green belt.

Richard Harwood QC, representing Mr Holder, argued that the planning officer had wrongly informed the council members that a number of matters should not be treated as "material planning issues", including fears that the proposal would set a precedent for further turbines in the area.

Mr Harwood argued though that it was difficult to see how the council could refuse permission for other similar single-turbine proposals in the light of this permission.

However, the judge accepted evidence from the council officer that the granting of planning permission in this case would have "no precedent value" in other cases, because each application would be decided on its own merits, and future applications would have to be assessed in the light of their "cumulative impact" on the landscape.

He said: "In these circumstances, it appears to me that the advice or guidance given in relation to the specific application under consideration in respect of precedent was soundly based – indeed plainly correct."

Paula Darlington, corporate director at Gedling Borough Council said: "With any planning application the public have the right to have their say and to make their objections.

"In this case, the judicial review found that the process of determining the application was sound, so the original planning permission for a wind turbine at Woodborough stands and the challenges were dismissed."

WHEN he played the Royal Concert Hall a couple of years back, singer-songwriter Paul Simon said it was great to be in Nottingham.

"I imagined what this place must look like many times as a boy," he said. Pause. "It looks different."

It's not the sort of line you could imagine the American music legend delivering in, say, Wolverhampton. And it's a reminder, in case we needed one, that our city occupies a unique place around the world.

The "we're not making enough of Robin Hood" debate is nearly as old as the legend itself. But now, the city and county are entering a time of great opportunity. Get it right and we could be taking advantage of Robin like never before.

The city council hit a roadblock last month when the Heritage Lottery Fund failed to select its £15 million bid for Nottingham. But they're rebidding in November. Meanwhile, Notts County Council has brought in a private group to create Discover Robin Hood, a £13 million Sherwood Forest attraction including interactive exhibits, an open-air theatre and an adventure playground.

To truly capitalise on Robin Hood the castle must be the city's historic and cultural linchpin, and Sherwood Forest must be an impressive tourist destination. We have the legend. Now we need the will.

THE latest move to keep commuters on the go during the summer disruption at Nottingham Station has been completed – and all it took was a tin of paint.

A new bus lane has been put in place in Sheriffs Way, near the railway station, with the aim of clearing the way for rail replacement buses. (Friday, June 14)

"Bus lane hope to avoid traffic chaos ? Don't make me laugh, the new lanes on Sherrifs way/Queen Street were causing plenty of chaos when I drove past in last nights rush hour.

Fair enough if its a temporary measure for rail replacement buses during the station enhancements – but we all know what will happen after the works are completed – they'll stay put."

EggyEggCup

"Avoid chaos? its causing it, rush hour has become worse that it already was for those people for whom public transport isn't an option. And who's idea what is to do the tramworks, widen the A453 and do major railway works all at same time, all in the same region of the county, it can only get worse!"

girlie2206

"As others have said... this bus lane has almost appeared out of nowhere. Last night it was utter chaos for people trying to get home from Queens Drive. It was effectively a single lane of traffic, backed up from the Station to Queens Drive.

BenningtonPie

"When they talk about 'minimising the disruption to the travelling public' does it ever register with these inept clowns that a large proportion of the 'travelling public' are motorists?"

The-Crossed

"It's obvious, the more Traffic chaos the Council can cause, the more they can justify their Tram!"

therealmetalmickey

NOTTINGHAM Forest have not yet made any approach to bring Billy Sharp back to the City Ground.

The striker made himself a popular figure with Reds fans as he fired 11 goals for the club last season. (Friday, June 14)

"Now Billy is back maybe he can kick start the transfer market and we can lay in the sun thinking of our new signings playing in a winning team. I can never understand why we are so slow getting new players in."

Redhotred

A MAN whose home was rendered unsafe by a devastating gas blast is currently living in his garden shed with his two parrots.

Jim Massey, 49, said he would rather stay in his makeshift home and be able to look after his garden than go into temporary accommodation.

He is living in the sparse 10ft by 6ft shed after the blast near his home in Wright Street, Newark.

Grandfather Leslie Rourke, 71, and his daughter-in-law Jeanette, 40, were killed in the May 19 explosion, which destroyed a house in the street.

Jeanette's husband Nick, 42, was critically injured but has since been discharged from hospital.

Mr Massey was one of around 100 people moved out of the area by council and emergency workers in the wake of the blast.

Nearly all have since returned, but a handful including Mr Massey have been told their homes are still not considered structurally safe.

He said: "The council offered me a place, my landlord offered me a place, but I've got so much passion for my home and my garden.

"I can't look after the place if I'm miles away – I just made the decision I wasn't moving anywhere else."

He has set up a bed and camping stove in the shed, and says he sleeps soundly despite the presence of parrots Roxy and Bertie in a cage.

"I'm happier having made the decision." he added.

"I'm grateful for people wanting to give me somewhere else but I'd rather be in somewhere that's my own. I'd be lost without my garden."

He said he expected his house not to be given the all-clear for around another two months while repair work and tests continue.

The only person in the block of six terraced houses where the blast happened to be allowed back in to her home also said she "thanked God" she was not made homeless.

Bar worker and poet Brenda Millhouse, 63, added: "It's a bit strange being the only person here, but I speak to the neighbours on the other side in the next block."

She added: "I thought they would knock my house down but it escaped unscathed.

"It's an awful tragedy – I feel incredibly lucky."

The cause of the blast is still unknown, although the domestic gas supply has been ruled out by the joint Notts Police and Notts Fire and Rescue Service probe.

The blast site has since been levelled and sealed off with fencing.

A Notts Police spokeswoman said: "The investigation into the cause is still ongoing."

No date for when it might be complete was available.

THE view from their office is probably one of the best in the East Midlands.

But I suppose it has to be.

From the 52-metre air traffic control tower, you can see as far as Loughborough and Crich on a clear day.

But there's little time for admiring the view when you're responsible for making sure planes take off and land safely.

Airport training officer Paul Kay said that his job wasn't exactly how the movies made out.

He said: "It's not like that film Pushing Tin. It is probably one of the calmest workplaces there is. It has to be.

"We build towards the summer when the number of passenger flights increases, but we keep the controllers trained well so more flights doesn't phase us."

For many the summer doesn't really begin until July but, with airlines starting their summer schedule on May 1, they are already dealing with an increased traffic load.

It's a competitive industry, Mr Kay said, with only one person getting work for every 2,500 that start on training.

He added: "When I was 17, I wanted to be a pilot in the RAF but didn't make it.

"I then went on to work in retail for nine years before applying for an 18-month course in Bournemouth to become an air traffic controller. It was a big commitment, but I've been here ten years in September and really enjoy it."

The team of 35 alternate between working at the top of the tower – which actually sways in the wind – and the bottom where the radars are.

Mr Kay said: "There is pressure, but we are trained to deal with it. In most jobs, if you make a mistake it's rectifiable. Here it isn't, so we have to be focussed."

A NOTTS council will spend £30,000 looking for sites where it can open new cemeteries

Ashfield District Council will pay consultants to find sites because cemeteries in two towns could be full within the next three years.

It says Hucknall Cemetery and Sutton Cemetery, in Sutton-in-Ashfield are almost at capacity.

And even now, there is no space for double plots in Hucknall.

The local authority expects the cemeteries in Hucknall and Sutton to be full somewhere between 2016 and 2021.

Councillor John Wilmott, deputy leader of Ashfield District Council, said: "Cemeteries have a very short life span. We are not sure how long, but it is essential to look at the problem and look at the way forward for the future. You can't be without a cemetery can you?"

Hucknall Cemetery is currently affected by a high water table, which is now less than six feet six inches deep.

As a result, the council can no longer offer one plot suitable for two people who wish to be buried together at the cemetery, as these would have to be dug deeper than this. Nigel Lymn Rose, managing director at funeral directors AW Lymn, welcomed the moves to find new space for burials in the district.

The district council still has places left at Kingsway Cemetery, in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, but he is concerned at the lack of space for couples to be buried together. "It is a sensible time to look at additional cemetery space," said Mr Lymn.

"We are not stuck for space in Notts at the moment, but in the near future we will be needing additional burial space.

He added that loved ones would now have to pay for two graves, side by side, which would be around £500 more expensive than paying for one plot.

A spokesman for Co-operative Funeralcare, which has a branch in Portland Road, Hucknall, said: "Many couples make a final request that they be buried together after death. We welcome the council's foresight in dealing with the problem of burial space."

NATURE lovers are celebrating as a near-extinct creature is set to return to Notts.

The hazel dormouse is to be returned to the wild in the county as 40 of the endangered critters are let loose next week.

The reintroduction programme, run by the People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), aims to help end the decline of the animal.

The 20 pairs of dormice to be released in Nottinghamshire have been captive-bred and have undergone thorough checks with vets.

Erin McDaid is the communications manager for the Notts Wildlife Trust, which will play a role in maintaining the project.

He said: "It is a project we are fully supportive of and are involved in.

"Dormice are one of those species that can't travel between different areas themselves – that's why we support reintroduction in this case.

"They are incredibly cute, they are just one of those species that make people's hearts melt. They are good in terms of drawing people's attention to wildlife."

Mr McDaid added: "The key is getting the habitat right. There is no point introducing any species to an area where the habitat isn't of the right quality.

"Whilst we can't guarantee the success, the choice of sites does rely upon the availability of a well-managed habitat, and at least we have the habitats."

Jack Perks is a wildlife photographer who does a lot of work in and around Notts.

He said: "It would be fantastic to have them.

"They are one of those cute species that everyone loves and it would be lovely to have them back in the county."

The dormice have been spending time at the Zoological Society of London and Paignton Zoo in Devon to make sure they are healthy and have the best chance of survival.

They will be released on Thursday at an unspecified location – in order to protect them – and will live inside a mesh cage secured to woodland trees.

The dormice are checked and fed daily in the cages over a two-week period to help them acclimatise and then a small door in each cage is opened to allow them to explore.

The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust will manage the woodland to ensure the habitat offers suitable food and shelter for the dormice to survive.

Ian White, dormouse officer at PTES, said: "Survival rates of dormice reintroduced into the wild are extremely high, with dormice from five release sites in England, possibly seven, known to have dispersed beyond the woodland in which they were released.

"Reintroductions are part of the charity's long-term conservation strategy for the species and are only attempted in areas where historical populations of dormice have gone extinct."

A MAN whose daughter had half her blood replaced during a life-saving operation has reiterated the importance of blood donors.

More than 5,000 people from Nottingham have given blood in the last two years, while over 8,800 from Notts signed up in the last 12 months.

Now, NHS Blood and Transplant wants more donors to come forward as part of National Blood Week, which ends on Sunday.

Regular blood donor David Allen has highlighted the importance donations played in helping his daughter, Hannah.

The 22-year-old needed six units of B minus blood while undergoing a double lung transplant due to cystic fibrosis last December.

The human body contains between ten and 12 units.

Mr Allen, 45, of Sneinton, said: "She got through quite a lot of blood to ensure she survived the operation.

"Her blood was being circulated by a machine, and the new units were being added to her.

"It dawned on me while I was holding her hand in the early critical care days how essential blood donation is. Looking at the blood going in, I never thought I would be in that position to be on the receiving end of blood products.

"Those packs of blood were given as a donation and helped to sustain the life of my daughter."

Hannah, who was born with cystic fibrosis, underwent the 12-hour operation at Papworth Hospital, Cambridgeshire.

Mr Allen said: "She had became so unwell that she was more frequently in hospital than out.

"Her breathing became so short and shallow that her lung function was around 13 per cent – it was the equivalent of her pinching her nose together and trying to breathe through a straw."

Six months on from the operation, Mr Allen said Hannah is continuing on her road to recovery.

"Hannah was very fortunate that she got a transplant," he said.

"Without the donor it's almost certain the outcome would have been very different. Now she has an opportunity to live her life and get some quality out of her life which wasn't there before."

Mr Allen himself started donating blood in 1990 following the death of his mother, Margaret Allen, of the Edwards Lane estate, who died of cancer aged 52.

He estimates to have given blood around 45 times, and currently makes a donation every ten weeks.

Mr Allen said: "I started to donate three weeks after Hannah was born.

"It was the passing of my mum that inspired me to become a donor. It was one of those things that you always think about and never do, but that spurred me on.

"I find it's pain-free and I'm done within ten minutes."

NHS Blood and Transplant say more than 45 per cent of the active blood donors in Notts are over the age of 45.

It is appealing for younger people, and those who could donate but no longer do so, to make a commitment to register to give blood during National Blood Week. Holly Mason, from NHS Blood and Transplant, said: . "For this year's National Blood Week, we hope the people of Notts will choose to sign up or come back and give blood to help save a life."

THE family of a man who smashed a window at the Queen's Medical Centre and plummeted to his death, have raised concerns over safety at the hospital.

Joseph Tauya smashed a window on the neuro spinal post-operative unit on the fourth floor of the hospital and flung himself out on March 1 last year.

He had just had a tumour removed from his brain and was on strong steroids, the side-effects of which had severely affected his mental state.

At around 1.30pm on that day he leapt onto the window ledge smashed the window and threw himself out, having been preaching about Jesus moment earlier and referring to himself as the "saviour".

A team of nurses and doctors hung onto his legs and tried to prevent him from falling.

They were successful for around seven minutes before they lost their grip and the man fell down onto the pavement below.

The four-day inquest has heard evidence from some of the nurses involved in the struggle to save the father-of-three, who is originally from Zimbabwe, and many of whom have suffered psychologically as a result of the nature of the death.

On the final day the inquest heard that the family had raised questions over whether it was suitable to have smashable glass windows on a ward which frequently looks after patients in a confused state of mind.

Notts coroner Mairin Casey said: "Before I return my verdict – there is one other matter that ought to be addressed, and I know it has been a concern for the family and that is the issue of the suitability of the glass in the window on the hospital ward.

"At an early stage I referred this matter to the Health and Safety Executive."

A spokesman for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the QMC and City Hospital, declined to comment on the glass or safety on the ward.

He said: "We offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Tauya following his tragic death and fully support the coroner's verdict."

The coroner recorded a narrative verdict into the case, and did not apportion any blame to the hospital trust or its staff.

Concluding the case Miss Casey said: "My final words in this case are for the family – for Mrs Tauya, her three children, and to all of Mr Tauya's extended family and friends.

"I extend my condolences to you all for the terrible loss you have suffered – the loss of a husband, father, brother – a man well loved and well respected man by you, and by his community.

"I only hope that you feel the exploration of these painful memories in this very public arena will help you to comprehend more fully the circumstances leading up to Mr Tauya's death. I offer you my most sincere sympathies."

Mr Tauya leaves behind his wife of 18-and-a-half years, Moirah, and three children aged three, 12 and 17.

A NURSE who left his unit at a Nottingham hospital to have a cigarette while there were no other qualified members of staff present has been thrown out of the profession.

Paul Rigby, who worked at the children's development centre in the City Hospital, left to have a smoke despite having been told that the other qualified member of staff was also on a break.

In doing so, he left a student nurse he was supposed to be mentoring to inject a patient with morphine.

Mr Rigby was also found to have signed the controlled drugs book saying he had administered the morphine, despite not being present at the time.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council last month suspended Mr Rigby for six months while his fitness to practice in the future was investigated.

He has now be struck off, and will not be allowed to apply to be reinstated for at least five years.

Nursing and Midwifery Council panel chairman Martyn Griffiths said: "This was a single incident and no there is no evidence of repetition, but Rigby has demonstrated no remorse for his actions.

"Rigby placed the child patient at unwarranted risk of harm."

He added: "The misconduct is fundamentally incompatible with staying on the register."

Mr Rigby was working a morning shift on July 16, 2011, when the incident happened.

At the time of the incident there were nine children on the ward.

In Mr Rigby's defence, his lawyer previously told the hearing that testimonials provided from his colleagues stated they have faith in his ability.

AN expert in the legend of Robin Hood is advising Americans how to celebrate the life of the Notts hero.

Enthusiast Ralph Needham, 66, from Mapperley, has played fictitious character Sir Ralph of Epperstone for the last 20 years at Notts' own Robin Hood Festival.

The interest from across the Atlantic has been prompted by Notts County Council, which set up a Facebook page to promote the local festival.

The site has around 500 "likes," where people signal their approval of the site online, with a lot of interest coming from America, particular fellow Robin Hood fans from the Robin Hood Festival of Sherwood Oregon.

That festival is being held for the 60th time this year in Oregon form July 19 to 20.

One message from the Robin Hood Festival of Sherwood Oregon reads: "Trying to recall what Robin Hood died of. Was he killed by a witch?"

In reply Mr Needham revealed the accepted version of the legend, which says that the folk hero was killed by his cousin Elizabeth de'Staynton.

Now in its 29th year, the Notts festival will feature a mixture of Robin Hood and fictitious medieval characters, who will be on hand to tell people about the legend.

Mr Needham's character, a medieval medic, is particularly interested in telling visitors how Robin Hood met his end, according to the legend.

He said: "I love history, it was my top subject at school.

"I do believe Robin Hood existed and I love the legend. He comes off as a popular hero fighting against oppression."

Sir Ralph of Epperstone will be walking around at the festival telling people about real medieval cures.

He added: "I am a Notts lad and I have always been interested in anything local. Everything I tell people I have researched. I am just quoting what has been quoted for hundreds of years."

The Notts Robin Hood Festival will take place at Sherwood Forest between Monday, August 5, and Sunday, August 11.

It features an action packed programme of activities, with last year's festival attracting over 25,000 people.

For more details about the festival visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk.robinhood. or go to the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/robinhoodfestival.

ONE of the victims of a Colwick salesman who conned £70,000 out of older and disabled people says she is pleased he has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Carl Nicholas Mould, 48, of Riverside Way was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday for ripping off the elderly by selling them mobility aids they did not need or taking their money for goods that were never delivered.

He pleaded guilty to 15 counts of fraud and one count of attempted theft in May.

The court heard that Mould took payments for items which were not delivered, pressured vulnerable customers into purchasing goods that were not suitable for their needs, withheld money taken for orders which were cancelled and misled customers as to the true value of goods by offering false discounts for over-priced items.

The case involved 16 victims over an 18 month period.

The highest amount taken from an individual was £44,485 for a range of mobility aids including a whirlpool hot-tub.

Betty Mayger, 89, of Chesham in Buckinghamshire was visited by Mould in on September 2010.

She agreed to have her bathroom refitted with mobility products for a total of £3,350. She paid a deposit of £1,760. She was visited again in the October and was assured that the bathroom would be fitted before Christmas.

No goods were provided or fitted.

Mrs Mayger said: "I'm very happy he is going to prison for this. That was a great amount of money that I couldn't afford to lose. To be honest I think he deserved longer, maybe seven years, because this isn't the first time he did this sort of crime.

"But at least he will be behind bars for a while so won't be able to do it again."

Mould also mis-sold mattresses, sofas, stair lifts and mobility scooters under the guise of UK Mobility Plus and Britannia Homecare Solutions Ltd, which were both based in Epperstone.

In one case he posed as a doctor in order to obtain the trust of his victim.

He was previously sentenced to four months in jail in September 2012 for breaching the Consumer Protection for Unfair Trading Regulations on 26 occasions.

Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, chairman of the county council's Community Safety Committee, said: "We are pleased that Mould has received a substantial sentence for his crimes which have caused a great deal of misery for the people he targeted with this scam.

"He preyed on the most vulnerable sections of society, the elderly and disabled, to make his ill-gotten gains without a second thought for the wellbeing of his victims."

The East Midlands Scambusters Team – a regional unit funded by the National Trading Standards Board, which deals with large cases of fraud – worked alongside Trading Standards officers from Notts County Council on the case.

A SPORTSWOMAN who guided Britain to Paralympic glory and a mum who helped hundreds of people get jobs are among 12 people who are the pride of Notts today.

The dozen have been named on the Queen's birthday honours list.

Penny Briscoe, of Gamston, gets an MBE after she helped put the country and disabled sport on the world stage last summer.

As the British Paralympic Association's director of sport, she helped engineer team GB's haul of 120 medals – the country's best-ever Paralympic performance.

Ms Briscoe, 47, a former international canoeist, said she was "humbled".

"I think a barrier was broken last summer," she said.

"It was a moment in time with the creation of fantastic infrastructure and the support from the public for every Paralympic athlete was incredible."

She gets her award for services to disabled sport and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Anna Mimms, chief executive of Broxtowe Education, Skills and Training (Best) also gets an MBE for services to social enterprise and the community.

Best has given training to over 3,000 Notts job seekers and found work for 900 of them.

Mrs Mimms, 49, from Woodborough, first heard the news when her husband called to ask to read a letter she had got from the Cabinet Office.

Her youngest son, Zachary, eight, was convinced she had received a letter from James Bond.

She said: "I swear to goodness I have never experienced going weak at the knees and I had to get my father to talk to my husband just to confirm that I had heard it right.

"For me it was a wonderful, wonderful moment and it just made everything worthwhile."

David Robinson, the president of Speedo, the Nottingham firm whose swimsuits have been used by Olympians like Rebecca Adlington, is awarded an OBE for his services to the economy. He described it as a "huge honour."

Sarah Curran, 40, founder of fashion website My Wardrobe also gets an MBE, while Professor Nick Miles from the University of Nottingham gets an OBE.

Ms Curran said: "I'm in complete shock, I'm so honoured, particularly as it's for services to the fashion industry. I'm passionate about supporting young designers across the globe.

Sarah, from Market Harborough, founded My Wardrobe in 2006. The business operates out of premises on Blenheim Industrial Estate, Bulwell.

Professor Miles gets his award for his work to further educational interests between the UK and China.

He is pro-vice-chancellor and provost of the University of Nottingham's campus in Ningbo, China, which has 5,500 students and more than 500 staff. He has been based in China since 2009 and took charge of the campus in 2010.

He said: "This is the culmination of the hard work and dedication of many people in the UK and China. I'm very pleased and proud."

The full list of Notts people on the Queen's list are:

CBE

Elaine Joy Beardsley-Turton (Nottingham), Brian Stein (East Bridgford)

OBE

Richard Bullock (Scarrington), Professor Nick Miles (Nottingham) David Robinson (Nottingham).

MBE

John Bancroft (Stanton-by-Dale), Penny Briscoe (Gamston), Sarah Curran (Nottingham), Melanie Futer (Lowdham) Anna Mimms (Woodborough) Elizabeth Weston (Mansfield)

British Empire Medal

Pamela Marie Andrews (Nottingham).

AS people's thoughts stray towards their summer holidays, East Midlands Airport is getting ready for the rush.

And it's not only the staff that are gearing up for the challenge.

Airports across the country have suffered as a result of the financial climate and East Midlands is no exception.

The number of passengers using the airport increased steadily from 1.15 million in 1991 to a peak of 5.62 million in 2008. But the last few years have seen numbers stagnate at around 4.1 million.

"It has been a challenging 12 months, especially with the loss of one of the airport's largest operators, Bmibaby. However, we are seeing the signs of growth as we enter the summer period," said Andy Cliffe, managing director at the airport.

He added: "Passenger volumes have increased as our new operators have stepped in to replace the services previously operated by bmibaby and increase their presence in the East Midlands.

"May's passenger figures have increased by nine per cent and we are expecting passenger numbers this summer to grow by eight per cent as a result of 15 new routes.

"This is most definitely an encouraging sign for the year ahead."

The airport is also redeveloping its security area at a cost of £12 million and is changing the look of its retail section.

Both these schemes are expected to be finished by next summer.

Meanwhile, the car park is also set to be expanded by 1,400 places in time for this summer.

Nicola McCabe, head of customer services, said: "This year, the airport has set out its vision for the terminal building and plans to build on this scheme by investing in its on-site car parks to enhance the experience for passengers flying from the airport."

AT the end of last season, Gary Mills admits he was feeling just a little lost.

He had expected to mark the end of the football season with a trip to Dagenham and Redbridge in League Two, as manager of York City, the team he had guided back into the Football League.

Instead he found himself unemployed and filling his weekend by taking a seat in the stands, rather than the dugouts.

And there was little comfort for the 51-year-old, as he made his way to the familiar surrounds of the City Ground.

Mills had begun his playing career in remarkable fashion on the banks of the River Trent, drafted into the first team by Brian Clough at the age of just 16 – and into a European Cup winning squad at 18.

But the final day of the Championship season saw two of his former sides pitched against each other, in a fight for a play-off place.

"When I went to watch that game at Forest, it was a interesting one for me," said Mills. "It was going to be one of my old teams who ended up happy – and one that didn't.

"In the end, it was disappointing to see neither of them go up, with Leicester ultimately losing to Watford in the semi-final.

"But I lost my job in March and I went to watch five Forest games at the end of the season.

"That Leicester game was obviously a crucial one, to decide who would get into the play-offs.

"And I just felt that Forest had something missing, they were lacking a killer instinct in the final third.

"When it got to the vital area, they were lacking something."

Mills believes Forest can challenge for promotion next season. But, to do so, he says they must add to their squad in several crucial areas.

"When you look at the teams who had a little bit more – Crystal Palace had Wilfried Zaha, for example – players like that can make a difference," said Mills. "Forest were lacking that and it is an important summer on that front.

"They need to get a couple of players in like that, who can win matches for them. They need to progress one step further from what they have achieved last season.

"It was a funny old year for Forest, wasn't it?

"All credit to Billy for getting them up there with a chance. But I always felt they were lacking something when it came to finishing the job off.

"I am interested now to see which players will be coming in, particularly striker wise, when it comes to giving them the edge you need to get them back in the Premier League.

"These players do cost top dollar, but... (you do need to spend it)."

Another area Billy Davies is looking to strengthen is on the flanks – and this is another area Mills agrees needs strengthening.

As a former winger himself, Mills believes a good cross is becoming something of a lost art form – but he hopes it is one Forest can keep alive next season, both from their midfielders and their full backs, pushing on.

"In the games I saw Forest did play very narrow. Everything they did went through the centre of the pitch," he said. "When you play like that you need your full backs to be pushing on and, in the games I saw, that did not happen often enough.

"I never really saw that. So I don't know if Billy will be looking to play the same way this season.

"In many teams your full backs are your wingers. If you are going to play that way, they are the ones who push on and give you that width.

"If you are going to get crosses into the box, they are the players who get crosses in for you, so they are important figures in the side as well.

"They lacked that attacking ambition when I saw them play. So, if he wants to continue playing in the same way, it will also be interesting to see what full backs are in the side.

"Not many teams cross the ball like we used to. Many teams like to play in and around the box and manipulate the ball to create chances, rather than getting the ball into wide positions and crossing it.

"It will be interesting to see if Billy does go for wingers and if he does change formation.

"A right back is probably one of the things high on his shopping list.

"But I know from experience that it is not easy to get the right one if you want to play football in a certain way.

"What I do know is that, if they are going to play the way they did last season, they will need some good full backs who will give them that edge in the last third."

Next season Mills again expects to see Leicester and Forest fighting it out for a place in the Premier League.

But, at the same time, he hopes he will not be there to see it – because he is back in the dugout himself.

"Once Leicester got back into the play-offs, I fancied them to go on and get the job done, if I am honest," he said. "But what is football like? That game at Watford was remarkable. They had the elation of getting the penalty then, seconds later, they are facing defeat.

"That just typifies what is great about this game, to be honest.

"And I hope I get the chance to be part of that again in the near future."

HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Nottingham to welcome soldiers home from Afghanistan.

Spectators applauded as around 200 troops from the Queen's Royal Lancers took part in the homecoming parade yesterday, accompanied by the band of the Coldstream Guards.

The march stepped off with a bang as the band led the march from St Mary's Church, in the Lace Market, past rows of people taking pictures on cameras and mobile phones.

John and Alison Monk, from Hucknall, were there to cheer on their son Liam in the parade.

Mr Monk said: "It's horrible when he's away, you're on a knife-edge, but he's proud of his job."

The march finished at the Old Market Square, where the Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Merlita Bryan was joined by Lord Lieutenant Sir John Peace and retired Brigadier William Hurrell, a former senior officer of the regiment, took the salute.

The soldiers were applauded as they made their way back into the council house, and spectators approached soldiers to shake their hands and thank them.

Sergeant Major Andrew Long has been in the army for 13 years and said: "I couldn't stop smiling, it's a bit of excitement, and because we're from Nottingham it made us feel proud.

"I've heard a couple of the guys say that it made the hairs on the back of their necks stand up, and people were chanting things like 'welcome home'.

And Corporal Lloyd Doak, from Ruddington, has been in the army for 13 years and was on parade today, and said his main concerns during the parade were "keeping in formation and keeping in step with everyone else – and looking smart."

Children from Broomhill Junior School, in Hucknall, attended the march along with their headteacher Andrew Beckinsale-Yates and their school's site manager Paul Plaskett, who served with the regiment from 1988 to 1993.

Mr Plaskett arranged for the children to be photographed with the lance-holding guards after the parade.

Mr Beckinsale-Yates added: "I'm proud that the children at Broomhill Junior School can play a part in this special day." The children were all very excitable, with pupil Neveah Christie, 11, saying the best bit was "seeing all the people that were fighting for us" and the photo was also a hit, with ten-year-old Sam Froehling calling it a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" and Ben Butcher, 11, added: "It felt amazing – you only get to do that once."

The unit, which has historic associations with Notts, was deployed to Afghanistan in autumn last year and fulfilled a variety of roles, including reconnaissance and advising the Afghan police and army.