WE'VE all heard about flash mobs in city centres, shopping centres and train stations, but one couple in Notts took the trend to another level – organising one at their wedding.

Gary and Tracy Richardson shocked guests at St Mary and St Martin's Church in Blyth, Nottinghamshire, when, at the end of their vows, their vicar, the Reverend Kate Bottley, burst into a seemingly spontaneous dance routine to 1990s hit Everybody Dance Now.

As music blared out in the church, the couple, who have been together for 11 years, joined in, turning towards friends and family in the pews to throw some shapes.

A small congregation behind the couple then also started dancing, closely followed by various guests at the wedding.

By the end of the three-minute clip, most of the guests are on their feet, but the Reverend manages to steal the show again, busting some energetic moves in the aisle near the end of the routine.

The Richardsons, who live and work in Sheffield, paid tribute to the flash mob on their YouTube page, writing: "For those of you who took part, thank you for your time and commitment, you made our wish come true and have created a lasting memory."

Gary, 48, also commented on the video, writing: "Outstanding Rev."

Tracy, 37, said the couple had been looking for something different to add to their ceremony on June 15.

She said: "It was actually the vicar who suggested we do a flash mob, so we took her up on the offer.

"We weren't really churchgoers before this, but now we think we will go back."

The Reverend Bottley, 38, from Blyth, told the Post she had always wanted to do a flash mob at a wedding.

"You do get used to being up in front of people being a vicar, but I am always a bit nervous before weddings.

"I was nervous before this, but I am not shy and actually quite an extrovert."

The former secondary school teacher, who has also worked at a church in Skegby, near Mansfield, added she also had a "bit of a passion" for 1990s rap music and was well known for her running-man dance moves.

AT LAST. Nottingham Forest have made two more signings, to go with the earlier capture of Darius Henderson.

OK, they are both free transfers, but at least it is a step in the right direction. Something for the fans to get excited about.

There was talk of right-back Gonzalo Jara going to Spain, or somewhere abroad, but I'm glad to see him back at the City Ground again.

He did well in his loan spell last season before he was injured and he has some good qualities.

He likes to get forward and Billy Davies certainly likes to see that in his full-backs.

I must confess that I don't know much about the other signing, defender Eric Lichaj, other than he is an American international and played 32 games in the Premier League for Aston Villa.

He's had loan spells at Leeds in the Championship, Lincoln City and Leyton Orient, which should stand him in good stead for what is going to be another tough season.

Lichaj has also played for Chicago Fire, but the last American the Reds had (Robbie Findley) hardly set the City Ground on fire, did he?

The manager will no doubt be disappointed to miss out on another defender, Elliott Ward, who has surprised a few people by deciding to join Bournemouth instead of Forest.

He did well in his loan spell but, hey, Bournemouth is a nice neck of the woods, so who can blame him?

Someone said to me that Forest should go for Jay Boothroyd, who has been released by QPR. He has a bit of pedigree, after starting off at Arsenal and coming through the England ranks.

But how many goals did he score in his time at QPR?

No, we have enough strikers like him at the moment.

As I've said before, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is the man I'd like to see at the City Ground.

Crystal Palace are said to be sniffing around him and I'm not surprised.

Don't forget that he cost Wolves £1.5m. I know he had a bad injury but he has a proven track record. He is quality and will also get his fair share of goals.

Ebanks-Blake is a free agent after being released by Wolves and would probably be a cheaper option than Billy Sharp.

I hear some people say that my old club needs to "hit the ground running" this season.

Of course, it's always nice to get the season off to a good start.

A win at home to Huddersfield on August 3 – who Forest normally do well against – would give everyone concerned a lift.

But it's not vital.

It is a long haul, not a sprint. For me, it wasn't Forest's usual bad start to the campaign that cost them promotion last season, it was a couple of late defeats that did the damage.

I was sad to see that former Forest striker Neil Harris has had to quit football through injury.

He had a rough time recovering from cancer, but managed to extend his career at Southend before getting injured.

He didn't pull up any trees in his time under Colin Calderwood at the City ground, with only one goal – and that was against Chesterfield.

He got some stick from the fans, but he was a trier and was always there or thereabouts.

He was also Millwall's all-time scorer with 125 league goals and 138 in all competitions. He broke Teddy Sheringham's goal-scoring record, so he couldn't have been that bad, could he?

It was a bit like Grant Holt when he was at Forest. He couldn't hit a barn door – probably because he was playing on the left most of the time – and then ends up playing in the Premier League with Norwich and being touted as the next England striker. How ridiculous was that, by the way?

BEING measured for a suitable bra can be a revelation for some women, says lingerie adviser Berni Lester, who works at John Lewis in the Victoria Centre.

"A lot of people come in and their boobs are down towards their waist and they think they are quite overweight. When they get fitted they are lifted and they can see they've got a waist and it's quite nice to see the difference," says Berni.

She says that people can be nervous about getting a bra fitting but once they've done it they realise that it's not embarrassing.

Berni says: "They get undressed down to their bra and we take a measurement underneath the bra, around the ribs," says Berni.

This measurement determines the number part of the bra but Berni says it's not a strict measurement.

"The rib cage can protrude a little bit so people might feel comfortable in the next size up. You can have two ladies with the same measurement but if one lady's ribs protrude then they will be a different size."

Instead of measuring the cup size, Berni will then take an educated guess and get a selection of bras for the customer to try on.

She says: "Different makes vary in size and we know which brands come up larger or smaller."

She will then ask the customer to try on a few different bras and show her which one they find the most comfortable.

Berni says: "You want a nice straight line around the band – if it rises up at the back it's too big and if it's too small you get the effect of four boobs instead of two. If the bra rises up at the back, people tend to stoop, whereas a well-fitting bra can make a big difference to their posture."

She believes that ladies are beginning to understand that getting a bra fitted is an essential part of looking good.

Berni says: "A lot of mums are bringing their daughters in now so they are used to being fitted. It's worth getting a fit because you spend a lot of money on underwear – so it's important to get it right."

Reporter Paul Taylor gave his verdict on the five things that Forest manager Billy Davies needs to do in order for the club to have a chance of promotion (Friday, June 21)

"He's rarely brought good players to the club; it's always seemed that players are not that excited about the prospect of playing under him and unless they have been here already and get up a relationship with the fans they rarely sign. I sincerely hope this changes in the next week or two and I'm proven wrong with some stellar signings.

trickiertree

"What we will need (team wise) this season to get us out of the league is:

1) A hard man/leader in front of the back four. Someone who can gee the lads up when things are not going our way.

2) A pacey wide man or two. Last season, teams were able to stop us playing by flooding the midfield. A speedy wide man will mean we can break quickly when the opportunity arises.

3) Either we sign Sharp or another reliable striker. Not saying Dex and Cox are not capable but we need a reliable partner who is a poacher-type striker to act as their foil.

4) I would like to think that Lascelles will get his chance this season but, if not, another big centre-back is required

ToneToneTone

"Following on from my previous post, Billy Sharp has tweeted that he's looking to join his local Virgin Active gym... in Nottingham. Someone has Tweeted him and asked him if Forest is still an option and he replied "I hope so". Watch this space.

ultraforest

Motorists trying to access Station Road from London Road could end up with a £60 fine. It is part of ongoing building works at Nottingham station. (Saturday, June 22)

Most towns are trying to encourage people to use the railways to reduce other traffic. But, as anyone who wants to catch a train actually has to be able to get to the station, Nottingham seems to be shooting itself in the foot as they have now managed to block almost every road that leads to it. If you cannot drive to the station to pick up/drop off friends and family then no one is going to consider catching a train, are they?

Friartuck123

"There is a Railway Maintenance Depot in Station Street; how are they going to operate?"

mint_sause

A RARE piece of the county's football history is set to go under the hammer.

A 99-year-old medal awarded to members of the Notts County team who won the old Second Division title in 1914 is being auctioned,

The historic medal originally belonged to Frederick "Teddy" Emberton – who played for the club from 1904 to 1915, making more than 350 appearances.

The medal is 15ct gold and features the Football League emblem in enamel on the front with the inscription, "Champions, Div II 1913-14, Notts County F.C.F Emberton."

Adam Partridge, who owns auction house Adam Partridge Auctioneers, in Cheshire, said he was excited about the rare item.

He added: "Winners' medals from this long ago seldom appear on the market, and the fact that we have the information that we do on Emberton makes it a very interesting lot."

Emberton played for Notts for 11 years in the right-half position, making his debut at the age of 20 in a defeat against Preston and going on to make 382 appearances and scoring two goals; one in the FA Cup against Burslem Port Vale and one in the league against Chelsea.

He was noted for his skill, speed and resourcefulness and was a vital member of the team throughout his tenure.

The medal will be coming up for auction in Adam Partridge's Cheshire Saleroom on July 11 with an estimate of £1,000-£1,500.

Oliver Hancock is marketing and accounts assistant at the auctioneers.

He said: "We've had a look into it and it seems to be quite a rare thing. We've seen no Notts County medals. It looks like it will be quite a good sale. I think it will do better than the asking price - if there are two collectors it could sky-rocket."

Mr Hancock added: "We've had similar items but nothing as special as this.

"You can trace the history so well."

Radio commentator Colin Slater added: "I would have thought it would be quite valuable given the age of it and as it is in decent condition."

THE head of Britain's Armed Forces declared Nottingham's "proud military heritage" a great reason to host the fifth annual Armed Forces Day in the city.

General Sir David Richards, Chief of the Defence Staff, highlighted the importance of the day to boosting the morale of troops and said Nottingham's "extensive links with the Army" made it the perfect setting.

He said: "I am delighted that the national event is in Not tingham, an ancient city with a proud military heritage."

Sir David noted the illustrious history of the celebrated Sherwood Foresters, which survive today through the 2nd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, and also highlighted 49 Brigade's Chilwell barracks as an important garrison.

"It will be a wonderful occasion to bring together these service personnel, reservists, cadets, veterans and their families to enjoy the range of celebrations and events organised by the people of Nottingham."

More than 60,000 people are expected to attend on Saturday including marching troops and military bands. The day will also include RAF fly-pasts.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond was also keen to stress the importance of the day as a way of paying tribute to those who serve.

He said: "I know this year's host city, Nottingham, is proud of its military heritage and has planned a spectacular day honouring our Armed Forces, both past and present.

"Armed Forces Day is our opportunity to show our appreciation for all those who help to keep the front line strong: the families of serving personnel, veterans, cadets and the charities and businesses that provide so much support."

And Jim Murphy, Shadow defence Secretary, echoed his sentiments.

He said: "It is fantastic that such an important day will be held in such an important city with such an enormous military tradition.

"Everyone in Nottingham will be looking forward to thanking the local Armed Forces community for all the work that they do.

"It's an opportunity for people across the UK to come together to celebrate the contribution our Forces and their families make not just to our national security but to our local communities."

Support your local heroes. Show how much you care by sending a FREE message of support to the Armed Forces at: www.notts.thisisads.co.uk

PARACHUTISTS dropped in to get Armed Forces Day celebrations in Nottingham off to a flyer.

Four servicemen jumped from 3,000ft above Wollaton Hall for a flag-raising ceremony yesterday which marked the lead-up to Saturday's main festivities in the city.

Around 50 members of the public, as well as local dignitaries, watched as the parachutists descended.

Each trailed a flag in honour of Armed Forces Day, the Army, the Royal Navy and the RAF.

Upon landing, the Armed Forces Day flag was handed to servicemen from S Squadron Royal Yeomanry, based in Carlton, who drove it up to the front of Wollaton Hall aboard their combat vehicles.

The flag was then passed to three local veterans who in turn handed it to three cadets.

Sea cadet Connor Curzon, 15, of Colwick, had the honour of raising the flag.

He said: "I feel really privileged. Not everyone has the chance to do this.

"It's important that everyone, not just the services, comes out and celebrates Armed Forces Day."

Naval veteran Tom Rotherham passed the special flag to Connor.

The 62-year-old, formerly of Aspley, said: "It's our chance to say thank you to our armed forces of today. It's a great honour for the city."

Major Angus Jenkins, commanding officer of the Royal Yeomanry, said Armed Forces Day would be a proud day for 70-strong S Squadron.

He said: "There are a lot of Nottingham guys in the squadron and we are delighted Armed Forces Day is coming to the city. It's lovely to be part of the national focus."

RAF veteran Robert Bramley, 47, of Clifton, attended the ceremony with his daughter, Sarah, 19, who is in the air cadets.

He said: "I'm fourth generation armed forces. I'm a massive supporter – it never leaves your blood.

"I'm hoping people will turn out for Armed Forces Day."

Flag-raising ceremonies were also held in Beeston and Mansfield yesterday.

Support your local heroes. Show how much you care by sending a FREE message of support to the Armed Forces at www.notts.thisisads.co.uk

THE city council has hit out over the lack of progress being made in redeveloping Sneinton Market.

The council is "frustrated" by the pace of improvements being made by the market's current private owners.

The council itself recently made considerable investment to redevelop the adjoining Victoria Leisure Centre and Sneinton Square.

And council bosses are applying for European funding to refurbish Sneinton Market as well as a property nearby at 1a Dakeyne Street.

The plans for 1a Dakeyne Street will create a hub for up to 45 small and medium-sized hi-tech businesses, networking spaces and a café.

City council leader Jon Collins, also ward councillor for St Ann's, said: 'Whilst the council has been in dialogue with various owners of Sneinton Market, we are frustrated by the pace of improvement. If the private sector owners cannot improve Sneinton Market, then move aside and the council will."

If the council's funding bid is successful, subsequent refurbishment in Sneinton Market will create state-of-the-art workspaces for Nottingham's creative business community, hosting unique arts and design workspaces, an exhibition gallery and business support facilities.

The city council is submitting a planning application this summer.

Councillor Collins added: "If our funding bid is successful, we will create the environment for digital, arts and design businesses to flourish, creating local jobs."

Najdat Kaya is manager of Murat Food in Gedling Street in the Sneinton Market area.

He said: "People are talking about it, but they spent a lot on the market square and now less people are coming here.

"If they [the council] talk to us more it could be better - we don't know what's going on."

James Middleton lives in neighbouring Bath Street and understands the council's frustrations.

The 33-year-old tennis coach said: "They're missing a massive opportunity here - Sneinton Market could be Nottingham's equivalent of Camden market.

"It's a chance to extend Nottingham city centre, redevelop the area, increase house prices and regenerate a historic part of the city."

Samuel Rogers, 24, lives in Windmill Lane, Sneinton.

The student said: "Of course it's frustrating - we want to see Sneinton reach its potential. The plans sound great and this could be a brilliant area, especially as it is essentially part of the city centre anyway.

"If people are standing in the way of the redevelopment, that is frustrating."

A SPECIAL constable badly injured by a dangerous driver is to collect a national award for her determination to return to work.

Carly Henfrey had her leg broken in three places when she was hit by a car driven by 24-year-old Lee Ashton in November 2011.

The 28-year-old had been responding to reports of a fight between a group of men in Shakespeare Street when she was knocked over.

Despite her injuries Carly was determined to return to the force as quickly as possible – a move which led to her been nominated for a national award by Superintendent Paul Anderson.

She has now been selected as the winner by Sir Peter Fahey, chief constable at Greater Manchester Police and ACPO lead for special constables.

"I was really surprised about the award and it's really nice to have been recognised for what I went through," said Carly, who combines her Special Constable role with a full time job at a finance company in Chilwell.

"Everything is back to normal now, almost like the accident didn't happen, apart from the odd twinge and trying to walk in heels."

The car which hit Carly was later found abandoned in Peel Street. Carly was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre where she spent four days been treated, including having a metal rod inserted in her shin.

She returned to her day job after five weeks and was back at Riverside Police Station a year later.

Supt Anderson said: "Carly's outstanding tenacity to return to work as a volunteer shows her commitment to serve her community and her dedication to the job.

"She placed herself in danger in the line of duty and as a consequence received substantial injuries. Thankfully, through her determination, she made a great recovery and returned to work as quickly as possible and I am thrilled that she has received this national accolade."

Carly will collect her certificate at the annual police awards ceremony in October. Lee Aston, of Mosswood Crescent, Bestwood Park was jailed for four years and eight months at Nottingham Crown Court on January 20, 2012 for grievous bodily harm, common assault, driving while disqualified and dangerous driving.

SIXTY years since Eve Gurd first took to the stage she is still full of the vigour and excitement for performing that she showed when she was ten.

Mrs Gurd, of Wollaton, is a long-standing member of the Nottingham Arts Theatre, based in George Street, where she first performed in 1953.

Next week the 70-year-old will don a nun's habit and entertain audiences in the company's production of The Sound Of Music.

But Eve didn't start out her theatre life as an actress.

The mother of three, who worked as a laboratory technician at the University of Nottingham in her younger years, said: "I started at the Arts Theatre as part of the junior group when I was ten. In October 1953 we performed the opera Hugh The Drover by Ralph Vaughan Williams and he actually came to see our performance himself.

"To begin with, my background was in ballet."

Eve entered the stage properly when she was about 18 in musicals and as part of the chorus. Her inspiration came from her family.

She said: "My mother and father were very involved in the theatre. My father designed the sets and my mother made the costumes.

"I continued being in choruses, musicals and pantomimes and choreographed one of the first performances of My Fair Lady."

Eve met her husband Peter at the theatre in 1966 while they were both performing in Kismet. They married a year later in 1967 and then had three children: Judith, 41, Jonathan, 40, and Andrew, 37.

Eve took park in shows with the theatre ever year, ranging from one performance a year when she was bringing up her children to three of four after they grew up.

She added: "I got into acting by the back door really, being asked to do a few lines here and there. My favourite performance was probably when I was in Carmen – there are so many costume changes from being a cigarette girl, to a smuggler, to spectating at a bull fight.

"Being in the theatre is something which just grabs you. I have a loyalty to this theatre because of my history with it and I have learned so much from the excellent actors here. I don't plan on stopping acting any time soon, there is always another show around the corner."

The director of the upcoming performance The Sound Of Music, Maggie Andrew, said Eve was an inspirational actress who had made a huge impact on the Arts Theatre community.

Miss Andrew of West Bridgford said: "When I first joined the Arts Theatre, Eve was a very prominent member of the cast. When we have new members, Eve is always there to welcome people."

She added: "Eve is an amazing lady with a great amount of talent. She is just outstanding and a real inspiration. It is great to learn from people like Eve."

The Sound Of Music will be performed at the Arts Theatre in George Street from Tuesday, July 2, until Sunday, July 7, at 7.30pm each day. There will be matinee performances on the Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets will be available on the door or in advance from the company's website, www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk

WAYNE Rodgers had already burgled his parent's and grandmother's houses.

But then he went with his brother when they raided the home of their aunt and uncle.

Now both brothers are in jail.

Rodgers and brother Graham struck when their relatives went on holiday to Scotland. Graham Rodgers left a door unlocked when he visited the semi-detached property in Church Street, Langold, near Worksop, and returned with his brother to burgle the three-bedroomed house in May, Nottingham Crown Court heard.

They took jewellery, which Graham later sold.

When their aunt and uncle returned, Graham's fingerprint was found on one of the jewellery boxes that had been moved during the break-in.

The brothers, both of William Street, Langold, were arrested and admitted the burglary.

Graham, 32, had previous convictions for theft and robbery. He received a 16-month sentence and is now serving half of it.

Wayne, 31, had burgled his parent's and grandmother's houses and this was his fourth house burglary. He was sentenced to 33 months in prison and will serve half and the remainder on licence.

Sarah Munro, in mitigation, said: "Both defendants feel ashamed and mortified they have done this against members of their own family.

"They saw an opportunity that presented itself while Wayne went round the house with his mother.

"They are from a very close-knit family. They are both intelligent young men who are able to see the damage they have done."

But Judge Michael Stokes, Recorder of Nottingham, said: "Anyone with half a brain would have known the damage they were going to cause before they did this."

AN emergency call handler "lied" to the family of a 79-year-old mother-of-four who had fallen and fractured her hip, telling them an ambulance was on the way when it wasn't, an inquest heard.

Concerned son Shaun Goodman immediately phoned for an ambulance when he saw his mother Doreen Goodman, of St Ann's, fall and hit her head at 1.50pm on July 25 last year.

The Goodman family were kept waiting for an ambulance for around two hours before a vehicle eventually arrived at the Serlby Rise home.

During their wait they phoned East Midlands Ambulance Service's control room three times in desperation to find out if help was coming.

The inquest into the death of Mrs Goodman heard that she would have been in "extreme pain" and it was later discovered that she had fractured the ball joint of her hip.

Notts coroner Mairin Casey berated the attitude of one of the call handlers, branding it "lofty, arrogant and unacceptable". She also said that to give the family the impression an ambulance was on its way was "a lie".

Ninety minutes after making the first phone call, her son phoned for a third time to find out if help was arriving, and was told by the call handler to "calm down". He was then left listening to an automated message.

In that third call Mr Goodman said: "She is in agony – this is the third time. It's been an hour and a half.

"I understand that you have priorities. "What would you do if it was your mum?"

The inquest heard that Mrs Goodman's call was categorised as a "green two" priority – which means an ambulance should have been at her home within 30 minutes.

Recordings of Mr Goodman's calls for help were played during the inquest.

EMAS medical director Dr James Grey said: "I winced when I listened to that. It is simply not acceptable in my view."

The call handler involved was not disciplined for his attitude, but was given additional training.

Mrs Goodman didn't arrive at the Queen's Medical Centre until 5pm, where she was operated on within 36 hours to replace her hip.

Despite making an initial recovery she contracted an infection and died of multiple organ failure on August 31 last year.

The hearing heard that the delay in the ambulance response would ultimately not have contributed to her death, but would have added to her discomfort.

Speaking after the inquest, son Shaun said: "She was a lovely person and would have done anything for anyone.

"She used to say treat others as you would your own.

"We were let down."

Miss Casey recorded a verdict of accidental death.

NOTTINGHAM'S tram system has lost more than a quarter of its passengers in the last five years, new figures have revealed.

Only 7.4 million passengers used the system last year, a 27 per cent drop from a peak of 10.2 million passengers a year in 2007-08.

Colin Raynor, of Gotham, said the figures could cause problems for the future of the tram.

He said: "This grim but unsurprising news has serious implications for the economic viability of the two tram extensions under construction.

"Highly optimistic assumptions were made about anticipated fares including subsidised pensioner journeys, an ever-increasing student population and large numbers of the public switching from car and bus to the tram."

And David Thornhill, from the Notts Campaign for Better Transport, said: "Tickets need to be joined up and to be at an affordable price. The loss of he Easyrider tickets has hit the tram hard."

Other figures released by the Department for Transport showed that the number of people on the average tram dropped from 36 in 2011-12 to 29 in 2012-13.

Phil Hewitt, chief executive of Tramlink Nottingham, said the figures were "disappointing".

He added: "They are broadly in line with what might have been expected year on year as a result of Easyrider, Cityrider and Grouprider tickets no longer being valid on trams.

"Tightening competition rules meant that whoever took over the operation of the network at the end of 2011, this type of ticket was going to be withdrawn from the tram.

"It has also been a period in which economic conditions have continued to remain difficult, which has meant fewer people travelling on the tram both to work and to visit retail outlets."

Mr Hewitt added that the £590 million extensions of the tram to Clifton and Beeston will bring benefits.

He said: "The expanded network currently under construction will make a significant difference to the tram's popularity – not only are we adding two major new lines through large parts of the Greater Nottingham conurbation, but also there will be seamless travel for people into and across the city to various locations such as the University of Nottingham and the QMC.

"It will be a real step change in the tram's service pattern and there will be other major improvements which will benefit customers."

AN American couple will be travelling from their New Jersey home to Sherwood Forest to renew their marriage vows on the eve of this year's Robin Hood Festival.

Joe and Debbie Tencza will be celebrating 15 years of marriage and will dress in themed costumes as they renew their vows on Sunday, August 4 at the Sherwood Forest visitors' centre.

They will then stay for the week-long festival.

Debbie, 56, said: "Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent several operations but my wonderful husband Joe was by my side every moment, and I am now cancer-free in 2013. So this seems like the perfect time for new beginnings and for our vow renewal. Sherwood Forest is the perfect place for a fresh start."

The couple are both fans of the Robin Hood legend and have made the trip to Sherwood Forest once before, but this will be their first time at the festival. They attend Robin Hood festivals in the USA in full costume every year and even have a puppy called Robin of Loxley.

A small party will make the big trip in August, including Debbie's maid of honour.

Nottinghamshire County Council's registration service will be managing the vow renewal at Sherwood Forest.

Culture committee chairman Councillor John Knight said: "We are delighted Debbie and Joe have chosen Sherwood Forest to celebrate such a special occasion. We have a lot of interest every year in the Robin Hood Festival from visitors across the globe."

A YOUNG carer has been helping compile a "memory book" of happy times for his dad – who has Parkinson's disease.

Beeston-born Chris Ley suffered from a stroke in 2006 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2011.

His illness meant that the family had to uproot from Scotland and return to Chris' home town, where he could receive support and help from his relatives.

The Ley family have been putting together photos of their treasured memories, from children's birthdays and first days at school to family outings including donkey rides in Skegness, and trips to Goose Fair and Nottingham Castle.

The latest entry is set to be by his ten-year-old son Joseph Ley, who has been chosen to be this year's Beeston Carnival Prince next month.

Year 5 and 6 pupils at Beeston Rylands School were asked to write a letter explaining why they wanted to be Prince or Princess of the carnival.

In his letter, Joseph wrote that he wanted to do the role so he could give his dad, who has Parkinson's Disease, a good memory.

But Joseph didn't initially tell his father he applied to be the Beeston Carnival Prince, only breaking the news once he was chosen for the role.

Joseph said: "I wanted to make it a surprise for my dad. I felt really excited and happy to tell him. I did it for all the family."

He added that he often helps his father out with his mum, Elaine, and four siblings Ethan, 15, Rebecca. 13, Rachel, seven, and Malachi, four.

Joseph said he helps by picking Chris up when he has fallen over, fetching his clothes or medication for him, cutting his food up at dinner time, and helping with the household chores.

Mr Ley said: "I was overwhelmed and surprised that my son had done something so nice for me.

"He is the kindest boy and always helps me."

After Chris had a stroke the family decided that their motto would be "make memories", and have since collected photographs of every occasion in a book.

Chris added: "Every activity we do we take photos to build memories so this will make a wonderful one. I will be right there by his side to have my picture taken with him."

Lynda Lally, Beeston Extra Community Champion, was one of the judges on the panel who chose Joseph to be the Carnival Prince.

She said: "His letter was so lovely. It was so heart rending as he was so personal about his family."

Joseph will be crowned during the Carnival on Saturday, July 13, along with the 11-year-old Princess, Ruby Sample, at 12.30pm in Beeston Square.

They will then take part in a parade starting outside the Broxtowe Borough Council offices on Foster Avenue at 1pm.

The parade will make its way through Beeston Square and Beeston High Road before finishing at Broadgate Park.

A BURGLAR has been jailed for three years for repeatedly punching a man as he lay in bed.

Inderpal Singh attacked the tenant in his room in a shared house in Goldsmith Street, Mansfield, on June 9.

Singh, a stranger, asked him for a cigarette but he refused as he did not smoke.

He then punched the tenant in the face, Nottingham Crown Court heard.

The man raised his arms and legs to defend himself, but Singh told him to lower them, and continued to punch him and put him in a headlock.

The tenant escaped and called police from a public phone box.

When officers arrived, they found Singh apparently asleep in the man's bed.

Singh was arrested and, in court, pleaded guilty to burglary because he stole the tenant's mobile phone.

He did not plead to assault as the attack, which he accepted, was included in the burglary charge and this was accepted by the Crown.

Judge Michael Stokes, the Recorder of Nottingham, queried this, saying the Crown should have been charged Singh separately over the attack.

Singh had been allowed into the house late at night, said Judge Stokes.

The man he attacked had met him earlier that night in the kitchen, where Singh was helping himself to his cheese.

He told him not to take too much as it had to last him all week, then returned to his room.

"He went back to his room, got into his bed but was then disturbed by you," said the judge.

After the man got back into bed, Singh, 26, of Treswell Court, Mansfield, appeared by his bedside and asked for a cigarette. "He told you he hadn't got any and you stole his mobile phone," said Judge Stokes.

"He was so frightened he left you and went to a call box in order to telephone police."

Singh had an "appalling criminal" record, he said, having committed common assault, grievous bodily harm and robbery.

In mitigation, Avik Mukherjee said it was a strange case in many ways. He said his client did not know why he was in the man's bed as he could not remember.

"He'd been out in Mansfield that night. He wasn't drinking to excess."

THE number of Notts children claiming to be victims of sexual abuse has soared in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal and other high-profile cases.

Between April 2012 and April 2013, 48 children made allegations of sexual abuse against people in positions of trust, such as teachers and doctors.

This compares to just seven making such claims the year before.

Overall, 488 children reported incidents of abuse in Notts – up from 408 in the same period the previous year.

Experts say the figures show more people are willing to come forward as a result of high-profile cases such as Jimmy Savile, Stuart Hall and Essex teacher Jeremy Forest, who was jailed on Friday after admitting five counts of sexual activity with a child.

Jon Brown, head of sexual abuse services with children's charity the NSPCC, said: "The increase does seems to be due to increased awareness of sexual abuse generally as a result of stories in the media in recent months such as Jeremy Forrest, Jimmy Savile and Stuart Hall.

"All of those cases have increased the focus on child abuse and recognition that there's a real need to address it in terms of prevention and the consequences.

"There's also a decreased tolerance for what many people have previously seen as a grey area, where a victim was apparently consenting and saying they loved the person.

"There is now greater clarity that this is an abusive relationship and needs to be dealt with."

Jeremy Forrest, 30, prompted an international police hunt after he and a 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spent just over a week on the run in France last September.

He was sentenced to five-and-a-half-years in jail.

Meanwhile drama teacher Russell Singleton, 57, of Heanor, was jailed for 38 months at Nottingham Crown Court in April after admitting using a two-way mirror to secretly film pupils shower and go to the toilet.

He also formed a relationship with a 16-year-old girl behind the back of his wife of 31 years.

Notts Police hope the continued publicity about child sex offences will show victims that complaints are taken seriously and will be fully investigated.

Superintendent Helen Chamberlain said: "There has been a lot of national publicity relating to child sex offences with the Jimmy Savile case and other high-profile people being convicted, which may have encouraged others to report what has happened to them.

"I hope that, in Notts, more people have the confidence to come forward and tell the police."

A DISABLED pensioner is seething after being told she will have to pay to get rid of a TV she found dumped in her garden.

Hazel Dawson, 75, called Gedling Borough Council on Friday to let them know she had been lumbered with the flatscreen television in her garden in Brookfield Road, Arnold.

They told her that she would either have to dispose of it herself or pay a £13 charge for it to be taken away.

Ms Dawson said: "I was quite angry really because it wasn't my rubbish. I'm on my own and I can't drive.

"I can't and didn't even try to move the thing because I used to have septicemia in my arm."

"I'm not paying £13 for removal of an item which isn't mine."

Hazel's daughter, Joanne Smith was disgusted at the council's attitude.

She said: "I was appalled that a disabled pensioner, whether it be my mother or someone else of that age, is expected to pay for removal of something that was not one of their belongings."

"My mum has been a hard working taxpayer for all of her life, until retirement, and caused no one any trouble.

"I think it's high time the council changed their policy to remove unwanted goods for elderly people who find themselves in this predicament."

She added: "Why can't the council provide a pensioner with a collection service as long as they show them their ID when the item is collected, whether it is their own unwanted goods or dumped on them by other lazy people?

"I feel like dumping the damn thing myself at HQ in Arnot Hill Park to let them deal with it.

"But, of course, I wouldn't do that because I am a law-abiding citizen."

A spokesman for the council said the authority was aware of the issue.

But, he said, it wasn't the council's job to remove the television set.

A spokesman said: "The case with fly-tipping is that if waste is dumped on council property, then we have to remove it.

"When the waste is on private property, the owner has to take responsibility."

What do you think of the council's fly-tipping policy? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk