Tomorrow's football fixtures

Notts Sunday League

Premier Premier: Gedling Inn v Clumber, Green Dragon v Nuthall, Plough Barflys v T8's FC, SPS Training v Carlton Top Spot, Trentside v Old Colonial.

Premier One: Medz Reds v Nottingham United A, Nottm Rangers v Robin Hood, Portland Arms HH v Loft in Space, Stratford Haven v L.A. FC.

Premier Two: County NALGO v Rempstone, East Leake Bantams v Burton Joyce A, Edwalton v Premium, Premiere Travel v The Masons, The Crown Inn v Wolds AFC.

Senior One: Birchover Park v Stratford Haven Res, FC Digica v Nottingham Maintenance, Lenton Villa v Beeston.Biz, Real Nottingham v Kirkby Town, Top Valley United v ABP FC, Tricolore v Nottingham Pirates.

Senior Two: Burton Joyce B v FC Sparta, Carlton Top Spot Res v Eastwood & Kimberley, Dovecrest v Nottingham Breakdown Ltd, Premium Res v Sporting CBJ, The Empire Hucknall v Top Valley.

Senior Three: Beeston Biz Res v The Castle Inn, East Bridgford Rangers v East Bridgford, Eastwood and Kimberley Res v Ryedale, Heath Hill v Crusader, Medina v Ark Athletic, Trent Bridgford Tigers v Bilborough Rangers.

Notts Sunday Combination

Premier: M.I.S United v Hilltop Castle , Mellish v Cema, Phoenix Athletic v March Hare, Priory v Afc Pelican, Sycamore St Ann's v Athletico T8

Division One: Afc Rolls Royce v South Notts Spartans, Sporting Wheelbarrow v Park Tavern, Sports Direct v Optima, vernon villa v Blacks Head, Woodhouse Colts v Bear Fc

Division Two: Gremio v Pure, Southglade Park v Notts United

Division Three: D.H Simpson v H20 Fc, Scorpion Exhausts v Medz Fc

Nottinghamshire Football Combination Junior Cup 12-13 - Round Two: Arnold victory v La Toque, Aspley United v Sherwood Chestnut Tree, Broad Oak v Ac Nottingham, N.C.H v Rose And Crown, Nuthall County v Southbank, Redhill v Real United

EMPAL

Division One: Crown Inn (Beeston) v Freeman & Mitchell, Elwes Arms v FC Olympico, North Notts Athletic v Fox & Crown, Plumtree v Nottingham United, RDNG United v Cropwell United

Division Two: Boots Wednesday v Fat Cat, Brooks villa v Fanzines United, Notts Athletic v Nottingham Law School, Priory Celtic v Clifton Dynamo

Division Three: AFC Southside v Queen's City, Butler Benfica v Manvers Arms, New Inn Eastwood v FC Eastwood

Newark Alliance

Premier: Coddington v RHP Social, Farndon United v Farnsfield Villa, Grove FC v Collingham, Newark Town v Newark Flowserve, Talbot Inn v Claypole

Division One: Castle Barge 95 v Holy Trinity, Laxton Athletic v RHP Social Reserves, Sutton On Trent v Sawmill, The Fox (Kirton) v Farndon United Reserves

Division Two: Holy Trinity Reserves v White Swan, Knowhow United v Collingham Reserves, Motonation v Newark Cavaliers, Newark Flowserve Reserves v Belams Flowserve, RHP Social A v Fernwood

CARL Froch has warned Sky Sports 3D viewers to make room on the sofa when he boxes Yusaf Mack on November 17 – as he plans to smash the world title challenger through the screen on his way to victory.

The Cobra defends his IBF super-middleweight world title against the American at the Capital FM Arena at the top of Betfair's 'True Brit' bill.

"Now that I've watched back the training session in 3D, I can appreciate what it feels like to face Carl Froch in the ring," said Froch.

"It's a truly frightening prospect!

"Fans watching at home in 3D will feel every punch as if they were in the ring with me at the Capital FM Arena."

Robin Broomfield, Sky 3D operations manager, said: "Boxing in 3D is an amazing viewing experience.

"The 3D cameras provide a depth to the pictures that gives Sky viewers the feeling of being there at ringside.

"It has to be seen to be believed but once you see boxing in 3D you would not want to watch a bout any other way."

The world title defence tops a great night of action in Nottingham.

Froch's sparring partner Tony Bellew aims to take a step closer to a world title shot when he meets Argentine Roberto Bolonti for the WBC International Silver light-heavyweight title.

Exciting former GB stars Kal Yafai and Scotty Cardle step up to eight-round action on the bill, with former teammate Martin J. Ward also in action.

Another Team GB talent, Callum Smith, makes his pro debut.

Former European middleweight champion Kerry Hope boxes ahead of his Betfair's 'Christmas Cracker' showdown with Darren Barker next month, while Nottingham boxers Leigh Wood and Tyan Booth are also in action.

Unbeaten Wood has a new opponent in Dai Davies, while Booth meets Ryan Aston, who is looking to bounce back from defeat against Nottingham's Curtis Valentine in their Midland Area title clash in July.

Contrary to reports on a boxing web site, former Nottingham star Kirkland Laing, 58, is still alive and well.

Laing, badly injured in a fall in 2003, is apparently being cared for in a home near Hull.

NOTTS County's makeshift defence can keep Crawley Town at bay, says boss Keith Curle.

Curle has been forced to play midfielders Jeff Hughes and Gary Liddle as full-backs in the Magpies' last two games because of injuries.

And on top of that he has thrown new-signing Damion Stewart straight into central defence alongside Dean Leacock.

Despite being a brand new back-four, Notts kept clean-sheets as they beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup and Colchester United in League One – and Curle believes they can shut-out Crawley at Meadow Lane today.

"The addition of Damion was something we needed," he said.

"He's come back leaner, stronger and fitter than he was last season and he knows how to play the centre-back position really well.

"He's a big, strong boy that can move about the pitch and he's enjoying his football.

"Jeff was shocking at left-back in a game earlier this season, but he assured me it was a one-off and that he could play the position so I was confident playing him there again and he's looked like a left-back in the last two games."

The Magpies beat both Pompey and Colchester 2-0 and Curle now wants his players to build on those victories on home soil.

"You can't get any better than two away wins out of two," he added.

"There was the potential for negativity and excuses because we had to travel a long way for those two games.

"But we rolled out two professional performances.

"We were an attacking threat and we showed a unity in our defending as well.

"We played with 11 men behind the ball for a lot of the time and hit them on the counter-attack.

"That is what was needed – and it was so pleasing to see the desire and commitment of the players."

THE Magpies will soar to the top of League One if they get it right at Meadow Lane, says Dean Leacock.

The defender believes Notts are the best team in the division away from home – and the stats back it up because they are unbeaten in eight league games on the road, winning five of those.

But they have struggled on home soil so far this season and have lost three of their last four league games at Meadow Lane, against leaders Tranmere Rovers, Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers, ahead of facing fourth-placed Crawley Town at home today.

Leacock says the Magpies have tried all sorts of things to spark their home form into life, but have not resorted to staying in a hotel the night before and arriving at Meadow Lane on a team bus like it is an away game.

"We've definitely got to sort out our home situation," he said.

"It's frustrating for the fans and it's frustrating for us not to be able to win at home, but clubs come here and play so differently to how they would if they were at home.

"They just sit off us and it's harder for us to break them down, whereas if we go away clubs have to come at us, which gives us more gaps at play in.

"We've got to be patient at home and the fans have got to be patient with us."

It has not all been doom and gloom at Meadow Lane this season though because the Magpies have beaten Hartlepool United, Shrewsbury Town and Portsmouth, thrashing them 3-0, on home soil.

And Leacock insists they only have to overcome the tactical problems of breaking down defensive-minded teams rather than a mental barrier.

"Clubs come here and sit 11 men behind the ball, let us have it at the back and keep it very narrow in midfield and it's hard for us to play, but it's about patience," he added.

"I think when the fans get a little bit restless it affects a few of the players and we need everybody behind us.

"We just need to relax at home and it will come."

The Magpies are still in fifth place in the division because of their great away form.

They are just one point and one place below newly-promoted Crawley and Leacock believes a win today would be hugely significant.

"I think it would make a massive difference," he said.

"Away from home we're probably the best in the league so if we can get it right at home there is every possibility we could be top of the league."

Leacock is set to be joined at the heart of the Magpies' back-four against Crawley by Damion Stewart, who signed a deal with the club until January last week.

The Jamaica international defender is amazingly his fourth different partner in central defence in 16 league games this season because of injuries.

He played just 13 minutes with Tom Williams in the first league game before he suffered a calf injury, then 11 games with Gary Liddle, three with on-loan Ashley Eastham and has now played one with Stewart.

So much change at the back could have caused all sorts of problems, but Leacock has held the defence together brilliantly and they have kept six clean-sheets in all competitions this season.

"The players that have come in have done really well," said Leacock.

"It's not like they've come in and had poor games.

"Lids has been really good this year, Damo has come in and we've kept two clean-sheets, which says a lot, and Ash did really well in the games he played."

Two of those clean-sheets were in their last two games against Portsmouth in the first round of the FA Cup and Colchester United in the league as they won both of those games 2-0.

"It's always pleasing to get a clean-sheet. We've got two on the bounce now, which is a nice feeling," said Leacock.

"Damo has added a bit more strength and we've looked strong.

"He's an experienced defender. He played a lot of games in the Championship. He's strong, he talks well and he can only improve the back-four and the team.

"I think we complement each other quite well.

"He's the aggressive type, likes to win headers, go for tackles.

"I'm not saying I'm not like that too, but I'm more of a sweeper. I pick up the second balls.

"At the moment things are going well.

"It's difficult sometimes because we've not had a settled back-four for the past couple of months or so.

"But we've got players that can play in all kinds of positions so hopefully we will keep a third clean-sheet today."

IN every crisis, there is an opportunity. And, as Nottingham Forest look to an immediate future that will not include Radi Majewski, I want to see one man given his – and I want to see him grasp it with both hands.

I sympathise with Sean O'Driscoll as he figures out how to replace the former Polish international, who does have a very particular set of talents.

But my sympathy only goes so far, because it is not as if he is exactly short of options. Henri Lansbury, Jermaine Jenas – when he gets over his slight injury – and Adlene Guedioura can all fill the void left by Majewski's ankle injury.

But there is another player I hope is given the chance to grasp the nettle and make himself the integral player for Forest that we all know he can be. I am talking, of course, about Lewis McGugan.

This season we have already seen Andy Reid rejuvenate and revive his Forest career. He clearly spent the summer working hard on his fitness and he came back looking trim – and as though he had regained a yard of pace.

It tells you everything you need to know that Reid has started every single Championship game for Forest this season.

At his best, when he is on his game, when he is mentally and physically at it, he would be one of the first names on any Championship team sheet. He would get into many Premier League sides.

Last season, Steve Cotterill did not believe Reid was capable of playing in two or three games in the space of a week. Now, I suspect O'Driscoll rarely gives much thought to leaving him out of the starting line-up.

I am not suggesting that McGugan needs to look at Reid's attitude, because there is nothing to suggest that McGugan's attitude has been in any way wrong this season.

The only thing that has changed for Lewis is that he now finds himself in a squad where there is an extraordinary fight for places. His place in the side can no longer be taken for granted.

But Reid is the example of what is possible for McGugan. Reid is proof that, when you take your chance to impress, you can pin down a place under O'Driscoll.

The manager has spoken this week about his desire to see some consistency in the side. So, the underlying message is clear. If you are given a place and you impress, you will hang on to the shirt.

Now McGugan's chance might not come today at Leicester. O'Driscoll might choose to stick with Guedioura, who had plenty of opportunities to score when he came on against Middlesbrough in the week.

But, with Majewski out for a few months, McGugan will get his opportunity at some point. He has to. Because, for me, he is the logical replacement for Majewski.

Yes, he is not the same type of player, exactly. But when has McGugan been at his best in the past? When has he flourished most in the red shirt?

It has been when he has played in that 'number ten' role that Majewski occupied; it has been when he has been handed the responsibility of linking up defence and attack. It is what he does best.

McGugan has a great touch, he is comfortable on the ball, he can spot a pass and he can shoot. Yes, the formation Forest play does mean that a certain work rate is required from all of the midfield players.

But Reid has knuckled down; Reid has demonstrated a willingness to chase down the opposition, to track back and to do the ugly stuff. More significantly, it was also one of the biggest improvements in Majewski's game, before he collected his injury.

I am sure McGugan can do the same, if he is given the opportunity. With Jenas, Lansbury, Guedioura, Chris Cohen, Reid, Guy Moussi and the forgotten man Jonathan Greening all fighting for a place in the side, those chances are going to be hard to come by.

So, when it comes, McGugan has to take his. He has to be on his game, he has to be ready, he has to be motivated.

But, if he is, make no mistake – he can be more than a replacement for Majewski. He can become an integral figure in the side in his own right.

We have always known McGugan has the ability, that he has the potential to be an outstanding player.

But, through no fault of his own – simply because of the additions Forest have made – his opportunities may be running out.

I hope, for his sake and, more importantly, for Forest's, that this is the time that he proves himself; that he grasps the opportunity when it comes and establishes himself in the same way as Majewski and Reid.

THERE were more Nottingham Forest links than normal in Glasgow on Wednesday evening, as Celtic registered a famous win over Barcelona, thanks to the generosity of Chris Cohen.

To thank the physiotherapists who had helped him in his recovery from a serious knee injury, the Reds midfielder sent them on an all-expenses paid trip to watch the Champions League clash.

And Andrew Balderston, Steve Devine and Andy Hunt got to watch former Forest stars Kris Commons and Kelvin Wilson play their part in a historic evening.

Cohen said: "Dexter Blackstock set the bar pretty high when he gave the three of them iPads to say thanks after his injury lay-off. But then I was offered the chance to buy three tickets for the Celtic-Barcelona game and thought I'd treat the physios.

"They had a fantastic time and haven't stopped talking about it … I just wish I'd gone along with them."

Head Physiotherapist Balderston was delighted with the gesture, saying: "Seeing Chris back in action for the club is reward enough for Steve, Andy and myself.

"The atmosphere at Parkhead was amazing and the fact that Celtic recorded such a famous victory only added to the occasion from our perspective."

NOTTS County are still to lose an away game under Keith Curle. Since he was appointed, the Magpies manager has been unbeaten away from Meadow Lane.

They have not lost on their travels this season and, more often than not, they have a habit of returning home with all three points.

It is the kind of record that deserves more credit than it is getting. It is the kind of run that merits a host of plaudits.

But there is perhaps a reason why it has slipped under the radar. And it is not just because Notts are playing in League One, rather than the Premier League.

It is because, when they do return home, Notts look to be a different side altogether. Unbeaten away, but fragile and unimpressive at home.

Don't misunderstand, Curle has done a superb job. He deserves a huge pat on the back for what he has achieved. The Magpies have a strong squad, they play very good football and, at the end of the day, they are in the top six.

They are challenging for promotion into the Championship. Had anyone suggested that they would be in contention at this point, we would all have been happy.

But that cannot gloss over one simple fact – they have to sort themselves out at home.

Because, while their away form can provide the foundations on which they build a promotion push, equally, their inability to string together a consistent run of positive form in front of their own fans can have the power to bring the walls crumbling down around them.

Yes, the Magpies have every right to be positive. They can feel confident about the future – and we are certainly not at crisis point.

But, before we get too excited about this fabulous run away from home, let's focus our attention on getting things right at Meadow Lane.

Notts face Crawley today, on home turf. Hopefully they can find a way to register what would be just their fourth win of the season at Meadow Lane in League One; hopefully they can find some consistency on the banks of the River Trent.

If they can do that, I can assure you that they will not be operating under the radar for long. Nor, with a bit of luck, will they be playing in the third tier for much longer either.

LEICESTER City manager Nigel Pearson today praised Sean O'Driscoll for the work he has done at Nottingham Forest – but warned that his own side are shaping up pretty nicely.

Pearson believes both sides have made significant strides this season, as they look to secure a return to the Premier League.

And he says that neither have perhaps collected as many points as their performances have merited.

"They could have maybe had more points on the board but they haven't, and neither have we," he said. "That is the nature of this division.

"We have had a difficult couple of weeks but we are still within touching distance. We are doing okay.

"Sean will do things his way and he has put together a decent side and they will play the type of football he likes to play. I have a lot of respect for him.

"They have brought in quite a few players and Sean has instilled his own philosophy on the team. It will be a tough game but he will think the same about coming to us.

"We have played very well and have players who can cause teams a lot of problems so hopefully it will be a good game – a winning one for us."

CARL Greaves was delighted with the response to his show at a new venue, the Magnus School, in Newark.

He feared that he would make a big loss, but the event attracted a big 'walk up' on the night.

"It was a good show and the atmosphere was brilliant," said Greaves. "Hopefully, I will be going back there next year."

Greaves was also happy with the debut of Mansfield youngster Kieran McGee.

But he is disappointed that Hucknall's Nathan Capeness never showed to complete his medicals.

"It has left me out of pocket and I am not happy," said Greaves.

"In future I'm going to concentrate on kids who really want to fight, like Adam Kettleborough.

"Considering he only had two amateur fights, he is starting to look like a seasoned pro already. I have high hopes for him."

Greaves revealed that Melton heavyweight Paul Butlin broke his hand in his fight with plucky Preston cruiser Paul Morris.

Morris came in at two-days notice to replace Hastings Rasani, who apparently failed a brain scan.

"When Paul got back to the changing room and took his glove off, his hand swelled up and we had to send him to hospital," said Greaves.

Greaves is hoping to land a Midlands area title fight for International Masters super-middleweight champion Ryan Clark, who stopped Jamie Boness in just 69 seconds.

"Ryan has won his last three fights by stoppage," said Greaves.

"But we are not getting carried away. He has suddenly found a punch from somewhere, but he still has a 62-5-53-4 record which doesn't look good, does it?

"But, if he wins the Midlands title, he will be in line for something big."

Another option would be English champion Rocky Fielding.

Shepshed's Louis Norman has his third pro fight tomorrow.

He takes on at Brett Fidoe, at the Hermitage Leisure Centre, in Whitwick.

Long Eaton's Leon Mvrik (3-1-1-) tackles Belper super-middleweight Gordon Watson.

ALMOST all the destinations flown to by Bmibaby from East Midlands airport have now been replaced.

The airline closed in September, but 27 new services have been launched by other airlines.

Jet2.com, Ryanair, Thomson, Monarch and Flybe have taken on most of the routes that Bmibaby flew to.

Some of these destinations were run by other airlines anyway and now they have just extended the number of flights they operate, to take on Bmibaby's capacity.

However there are still eight places that people cannot now fly to from East Midlands Airport, which the airline used to offer.

These are: Newquay, Toulouse, Alghero in Sardinia, Malta, Gibralta, Prague, Verona and Catania, in Sicily.

Ken O'Toole, chief commercial officer for the Manchester Airport Group, which owns East Midlands Airport, said: "Whilst the closure of Bmibaby will have a short-term effect on passenger numbers at the airport, this will be more than offset by summer 2013, with expansion plans from Flybe, Ryanair, Jet2.com and the introduction of brand new operator Monarch.

"We're pleased to say that passengers can still fly to the majority of destinations that were previously operated by Bmibaby, while there is now a larger number of airlines now operating from East Midlands Airport."

He explained that a new partnership between Air France and Flybe means that passengers can now fly to more countries across the world from East Midlands by changing at Paris.

Mr O'Toole added: "Airlines have confirmed strong demand for all of the new services launched and we look forward to working with each of them to further increase their activity at the airport."

However, many Notts residents remain concerned about the loss of Bmibaby. Natalie King, 32, of Sutton-in-Ashfield, said: "I've just flown from Malaga with Monarch and haven't had too many problems.

"However, if I was flying to a specific region that Bmibaby used, I'd really struggle because a lot have been cut. The airline's closure won't stop people travelling, but it will make it more difficult."

Mitchell Bingham, 56, of New Sawley, said: "The knock-on effect will really show in the winter months because of less flights. The loss of Bmibaby to the region will ultimately mean other airlines can raise their prices because of less competition."

Bmibaby's last flight to East Midlands Airport was from Malaga on September 9.

The airline was closed down after IAG, the parent company of British Airways, took over BMI. Following its launch, Bmibaby became Britain's third-largest low-cost carrier. At its height, it served destinations such as Prague, Alicante, Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam from its headquarters at East Midlands Airport.

Have you been affected by the loss of bmibaby? E-mail us at newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

FOR many years, otters have been absent from Notts but, thanks to hard work by the county's wildlife trust, things are changing.

Cleaner water and more inviting habitats have seen the return of the creatures and in 2010, local naturalist and photographer Alan Knightly provided the evidence everyone had been waiting for – a picture of an otter swimming in the ponds at Attenborough Nature Reserve.

His image was believed to be the first picture taken of an otter in the county since the late 1970s or early 1980s.

Back in the early 1950s, the picture would not have seemed an achievement of any kind.

At the time, otters were widespread across the country. However, by the end of the decade, numbers had declined dramatically. A combination of harmful pesticides, poor water quality and pollution had decimated wildlife populations in our waterways.

By the late 1970s, otters were almost extinct in England, with only a few strongholds in Scotland and Wales.

As the death of our waterways became more apparent, new legislation came into effect, aiding the otter's wellbeing. Otter-hunting was outlawed in 1978 and hydrocarbon pesticides were phased out of use. Eventually, otters began to make a gradual comeback.

Lobbying and habitat creation by environmental groups, changes in legislation and massive investment by companies such as Severn Trent has given otters a fighting chance in Notts, too.

Our Otters and Rivers Project officer first found evidence of otter activity at both Attenborough Nature Reserve and Newark over a decade ago. Since then, we have been tracking footprints and droppings to try to build up a picture of otters in the county. And over the decade, we have worked to create the right habitats.

Within the first few months, the wildlife trust has created its first artificial otter holt (den) at a secret location in the Mansfield area. It was constructed using materials such as breeze blocks and drainage pipes and was designed to provide shelter and privacy for otters moving into the area.

Following this success, the trust launched its Otter Taskforce, working with volunteers to carry out habitat creation work such as tree planting and fencing and to create holts alongside many rivers.

This work has yielded evidence of otters but sightings remained few and far between. For many years, our officer tracked the creatures without ever seeing one. However, our Otter Spotter training course did lead to the occasional report of sightings from the public.

In 2008, we constructed a holt at Attenborough Nature Reserve. A few false alarms of otter sightings raised our hopes but these turned out to be non-native mink. In the summer of 2010, we had our first verified sightings.

Volunteers are vital to our efforts to protect and enhance otter-friendly habitats across the county. We also run a number of great schemes including Adopt a Species. By adopting a species, with a small donation, you can directly support the return of the otter by helping to fund conservation work.

Our Wildlife in the Wetlands project, which is supported by Nottingham-based Speedo International Ltd, also promotes opportunities to both conserve and enjoy wetland reserves.

For more details of how you can support the work of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust by becoming a member or volunteer, visit www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org

This article first appeared in Notts Today.

Have you spotted an otter in Notts? Send us a picture to picturedesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

TWO-YEAR-OLD Jacob Bricknell is at the age where, according to his stepdad, he wants to "get his hands on everything."

And now the youngster can put his paws on £1,500 – after being crowned winner of the Post's Baby and Toddler of the Year Competition.

Mum Angela Bricknell, 23, of Garden Road, Hucknall, said she would be putting the money in a savings account for Jacob to use in the future.

She said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been crowned the winners.

"I couldn't believe it when I found out, this was the first time Jacob had entered the competition."

Jacob, who attends Hillside Caterpillar Play Group in Hucknall, was born at Nottingham City Hospital on March 28, 2010, and weighed 7lbs 15oz at birth.

He was Mrs Bricknell's second child, and is brother to five-year-old Daniel.

Jacob's dad Jonathan, 31, said: "I was just on my way out when the phone rang and it was the Post telling us we'd won. We were over the moon.

"A big thank you to everyone who took the time vote, we're very grateful.

"He has a lovely personality and is into everything he can get his hands on."

Jacob was crowned winner of the 19 to 36 months category meaning he was awarded £500 – but then he also received a further £1,000 for being chosen as the overall winner of the competition.

The toddler accrued dozens of votes, and he entered the competition along with his brother Daniel, who was featured in the three-to-five- years-old category.

Overall this year there were more than 1,800 entries in the competition, which was sponsored by John Lewis.

Julie Carlin, senior promotions co-ordinator, said: "Thank you to all who took part in this year's competition – it has been a great success.

"All the babies and toddlers who entered are all winners in their own right. Congratulations to the category and overall winners 2012 and we look forward to seeing you all next year."

She added: "Don't forget to 'like' our Nottingham Post Baby and Toddler Facebook page for the chance to win additional prizes."

Mr Bricknell, who works at a Toyota garage in Derby and his wife, who is a full-time mum, were married in May this year, and had their wedding at St Mary Magdalene Church, in Hucknall.

TWO Remembrance Sunday services will be held within 100 metres of each other in Keyworth for the second year running because of a village dispute.

Meanwhile, Notts County Council is planning to spend £20,000 to create a second place of memorial in the village because of the feud.

The situation arose in 2010 because of a dispute between businessman Cameron Ross and councillors over a war memorial, paid for by Mr Ross and built on his land at the corner of Bunny Lane and Nottingham Road.

Relations between the two sides allegedly soured over Mr Ross' plans to extend the site of the old Royal British Legion base in Bunny Lane.

This allegedly led to Mr Ross saying at the time that Rushcliffe borough councillor Sam Boote was not allowed to walk across a paved area on his land to lay a wreath. It led to a second Remembrance Sunday service being held outside the gates to the Keyworth recreation ground last year.

Now the council plans to replace the brick pillars that support the gates with stone. It wants to have the names of the dead engraved into this stone.

Parish councillor Tony Grice said: "I would prefer not to do it but unfortunately we can't risk people being refused access to lay a wreath which is what happened to start it off. It's unfortunate.

"Anyone, no matter who they are, should have access to lay a wreath on memorial day."

Mr Grice added: "It's not about politics, it's not about parish, borough or county councils, it's about paying homage to those who died to serve our country."

Notts County councillor John Cottee, who represents Keyworth and is also the chairman of the culture committee, said: "The gates are in a poor state of repair so I'm delighted to be able to access funds from the Local Improvement Scheme to upgrade and repair them."

The council's Local Improvement Scheme has spent half a million pounds so far in restoring and creating war memorials across Notts.

However Mr Ross' friend John North, of Mable Close, Keyworth, said it was a waste of taxpayers' money. The Post tried to contact Mr Ross but was unable to reach him.

In a letter sent to councillors last year, he said he had never refused access to the memorial to anyone.

Mr North rang in response to an e-mail the Post sent Mr Ross' business address, claiming to speak "on behalf" of him.

Mr North confirmed that a service of remembrance would take place at Mr Ross' memorial tomorrow.

He said the event was open to everybody to attend.

He also said that nobody – including Mr Boote – had ever been barred from visiting the memorial.

"I raised a petition against public money being spent on an issue that could be easily resolved," said Mr North.

"I'm totally against it. I'm not against the enhancement of memorial gates but why wasn't it done ten or 20 years ago? Why suddenly now? All they're doing is spending ratepayers' money on a situation that could be resolved in another way."

See Remembrance poems and events listings on page 16.

POLICE have acted to reassure parents at a city primary school after fears a man seen hanging round near the gates could be a dangerous fugitive.

It was believed the man seen near Glapton Primary School in Clifton could be fugitive Ivan Leach, 47, who went missing from North Sea Camp open prison, Boston, on Tuesday, October 9, where he was serving a life sentence for robbery.

He is originally from Preston and officers from Lancashire Police, who are leading the hunt for Leach, have warned he should not under any circumstances be approached as he poses a significant risk.

The police say he is believed to have carried out a very serious sexual attack in Tayside, Scotland, since he absconded.

Crimestoppers is offering up to £3,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction.

The last confirmed sighting of Leach was at a Barclays Bank cash machine in Nottingham city centre at 11.13am on Saturday, October 20.

Police say they have no intelligence to suggest that Leach is still in Nottingham but they have stepped up patrols in the Clifton area to provide reassurance to parents.

Glapton Primary School did not respond when contacted by the Post but a letter to parents from the head teacher, Ruth Ellis, earlier this week was posted on Facebook.

The letter said: "Some parents noticed a stranger close to the Manor Farm Lane gate of the school on Tuesday, towards the end of the school day. This was reported to the school and police.

"It is believed that this man could be the person that escaped from the prison in Boston in October."

The letter said the man was white, around 5ft 11in, of stocky build with cropped hair and hazel eyes.

Leach, who also uses the name Lee Cyrus, has a scar on his top lip under his nose and two tattoos, one on the bicep of his left arm and one on the back of his right shoulder.

A spokesman from Notts Police said: "A man and woman did report a man acting suspiciously outside Glapton Primary School, and thought it may be Leach.

"Despite our inquiries, there is no confirmed sighting of Leach in Clifton, or even in Nottingham since October 20.

"There is also no intelligence to suggest that he is still in Nottingham either. We will be increasing patrols in the area to reassure people , but please continue to go about your usual daily routine."

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

MANSFIELD Town player/assistant manager Adam Murray believes his one-year contract extension with the club goes way beyond just football.

The 31-year-old midfielder has committed himself to the Stags until May 2014.

And the club captain – in his third spell with Mansfield – is looking forward to playing a huge part both on and off the pitch.

Murray said: "Personally, this extension helps me to plan for the future.

"I have certain projects here that I have got planned and the chairman is obviously happy with the roles I'm playing at the moment, so I'm glad it's done and dusted."

Murray is currently juggling a hectic daily schedule at the club, in which he combines first-team training duties with coaching the youth team.

"The youth team has been a breath of fresh air and I'm enjoying every minute of it," said Murray.

Meanwhile, two first-team players have gone out on one-month loans.

Midfielder Jamie Hand has joined Conference South outfit Eastleigh and Jobe Shaw has linked up with Sheffield FC of the Northern Premier League.

But the Stags have been unable to strike a deal to bring Liam Mitchell back on loan, which means Shane Redmond is set to start in goal against Southport today.

POLICE have issued a warning about a new scam being used to steal mobile phones in the city.

Thieves have been captured on CCTV targeting people sitting in coffee shops or restaurants.

They use a newspaper, map, or similar prop to distract people before swiping their mobile phones from their tables.

In many cases people do not even realise their phones have been stolen and think they must have lost them – but police have managed to connect the crimes after surveying CCTV from the shops.

Among the coffee shops that have been targeted is the Costa at the corner of Wheeler Gate and the Old Market Square. Nick Coxon of, the force's Digital Image Evidence Unit, said: "We're seeing an increase in distraction thefts of this type.

"The thieves will enter a coffee shop or similar premises, target a potential victim who has a mobile phone on display, approach and distract them with the prop by placing it between the victim's line of sight and the mobile phone, whilst surreptitiously removing it from the table.

"Once the mobile phone has been stolen, the offenders quickly exit the premises prior to the victim realising it's gone."

Mr Coxon added: "It's really important that people remain vigilant. It's also really helpful if the phone has a tracking device, so if it's stolen, we can trace it."

There are a number of apps which can be downloaded on to smartphones to help track them down if stolen.

The usefulness of them was highlighted last weekend after a student who had one of the apps had her phone stolen in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Chief Inspector Andy Rooke said: "Officers used the tracking device that had been loaded onto the phone to trace it to an address in Radford.

"Upon gaining entry to the address, they arrested four men in possession of over 80 mobile phones. This was an excellent result."

Two of the men have since been bailed, while two remain in custody.

Tracking apps are free and can be downloaded to any smartphone.

Those with android phones can use Where's my Droid? Texting a special code from another phone to the stolen phone causes it to emit an alert at maximum volume.

iPhone users can download Find my iPhone, which lets you locate it on a map while sounding an alarm.

Blackberry users should try Blackberry Protect which backs up your phone's memory and can help to locate a missing phone.

Have you been the target of mobile phone thieves? Call our crime correspondent Chris Breese on 0115 905 1954 or email him with your experiences: christopher.breese@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

NOTTS County boss Keith Curle will send his players out against Crawley Town at Meadow Lane today with one message ringing in their ears: "Don't get beat!"

The Magpies have already lost four league games on home soil this season and Curle knows they must start to turn that form around or it could cost them promotion into the Championship.

Notts are still in fifth place in League One, but that is because of their great unbeaten away record.

While they have not lost on the road in eight league games this season, they have slipped to defeats against three of their promotion rivals – leaders Tranmere Rovers, Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers – and Walsall at Meadow Lane.

And Curle is determined to make sure his side don't lose to another top-six team in Crawley, who are fourth.

"The mentality has got to be that we don't get beat," he said.

"We will go into the game with the attitude of we're not going lose.

"If it's a draw, we'll take it and build from that.

"When we can attack, we're going to attack, but we're going to make sure we keep the back door locked as well."

Curle has also issued a rallying cry to the Magpies fans to get behind his players rather than booing them.

"This is where we need our supporters," he added.

"We know we're going to get some grumblers and moaners, but we need the true supporters that are sat next to those people to shout louder than them.

"It's easier to play and perform when you're getting backed by your supporters.

"I know the large majority of supporters of this club want us to do well.

"I want to win football matches too, and I know we will win at Meadow Lane because we are a good team."