WELCOME to today's live coverage of the games involving Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Mansfield Town.
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RELIVE: QPR v Nottingham Forest, Notts County v Port Vale and Mansfield v Rochdale
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Tram extension: One thousand people sign petition calling for more compensation for Beeston shops
MORE than 1,000 people have signed a petition urging councils to compensate businesses which have been hit by the tram works.
Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry was out on the streets of Beeston this morning in a bid to collect more signatures and drum up extra support for her campaign.
The petition calls on the county and city councils to provide more financial assistance for traders in Beeston, Chilwell, Toton and Attenborough who have lost revenue as a result of the tram works.
Standing outside Boots, in High Road, Beeston, Miss Soubry told the Post that the decision to let more businesses apply for help with loss of earnings was half the battle won but if no extra cash was made available then it would be a case of "spreading the jam too thinly."
She said: "So many of these businesses are small independents or run by families. In the overall scheme of things the tram extension is a half a billion pound project so helping out these people is not a lot of money in the big scheme of things.
"We are half way there and we are delighted that the county council has seen sense in allowing more businesses to access this money, within the qualifying criteria and we are not complaining about the criteria, that's not where we are. But unless they put more money in the pot they cannot extend the scheme."
Following a meeting with Tramlink Nottingham and construction contractors Taylor Woodrow Alstom. Nottinghamshire County Council decided to accept applications from businesses outside the current Financial Assistance Area in Beeston.
The council initially pledged £25,000 to the financial assistance package set up for struggling traders and this was doubled to £50,000 last month, it is not known if any further money will be made available.
Shopkeepers and business owners in Beeston have spoken out about sleepless nights over falling profits.
Sue Feasey, set-up bicycle shop Rocky Riders, in High Road, 21 years ago but now fears her business may be in trouble.
She said: "There's not enough trade for anyone, last week there were two days where we didn't sell anything. It's impacting on my life on a day to day basis."
Alan Harvey, 64, who owns Talk Back, a market research company in Queen's Road, agreed.
He said: "Beeston will recover from this slump in trade but it will be built on the graves of the businesses that have been here for 10, 20, 30 years."
Has your business been affected by the tram works? Get in touch: newsdesk@nottinghampost.comFor more Beeston news, click here
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Mansfield Town 3 Rochdale 0: Match report
MANSFIELD Town made it four wins in succession for the first time this season as they thumped title-chasing Rochdale, 3-0.
After a goal-less first half in which both teams created openings, Martin Riley opened the scoring after 70 minutes, before Matt Rhead and Ryan Tafazolli gave the scoreline a healthy look late on.
The result against the team who went into the game top of the table, lifted the hosts up to tenth, six points off the play-offs.
The Stags' preparations had been disrupted in midweek when first-choice stopper Alan Marriott suffered a dislocated finger, and boss Paul Cox moved to bring in Crystal Palace's Lewis Price on an emergency seven-day loan 24 hours before the game.
The Welshman was one of four changes from the side which toppled Morecambe 1-0 as Mansfield celebrated their 5,000th competitive game since they first entered league football in 1902.
Jamie McGuire was ruled out through suspension after picking up his 10th yellow card of the campaign at the Globe Arena, while Lee Beevers' season was brought to an early end as he went under the knife for a persistent shoulder problem.
Lee Stevenson meanwhile, dropped to the bench, with James Jennings, Chris Clements and Colin Daniel the players coming into the starting line-up.
There was also a place for 17-year-old Jack Thomas on the bench.
The hosts more than held their own in an entertaining first half which saw action at both ends of the pitch.
Rochdale looked classy in possession but failed to really test Price, and the Stags too, were guilty of not taking their chances during some good spells of their own.
Daniel showed Mansfield's intention to attack from the off, with a dangerous cross which Josh Lillis did well to cut out. And the midfielder should really have done better just before the 20 minute mark when he latched on to Adam Murray's pass, but dragged a low effort wide.
Another Daniel strike two minutes later was well-struck, though just the right height for Lillis to save.
Quick on the attack, Dale were also not afraid to try their luck – Ian Henderson and former Stags loanee Peter Vincenti both off target from range in the opening ten minutes.
With 20 minutes gone, a corner from Jennings caused problems at the back for the visitors as Ryan Tafazolli and Ritchie Sutton both saw efforts blocked.
And Murray added to the shots tally shortly after, firing straight at Lillis after being played in by Matt Rhead.
For all their endeavour, the closest Mansfield came to breaking the deadlock was when Ollie Palmer pounced on a poor defensive header and tried to make a nuisance of himself.
The front man couldn't find the finishing touch and though Daniel joined in, his attempt at goal was blocked and Palmer brought an end to the move by falling foul of the offside flag.
Dale almost made their opponents pay for their wastefulness on the half hour. Cox's men had Price to thank as he denied Scott Hogan with a fine diving save, then the woodwork intervened when Vincenti tried to lob the keeper with the follow-up.
Rochdale tried to maintain the momentum as Henderson blasted over and Matt Lund forced a good catch from Price. Mansfield though, ended the half strongly as Rhead tested Lillis with a driven effort.
It was a considerably quieter opening to the second half as both sides took their time to get going, though Ryan Tafazolli went close for the home side with a header which he put just past the post from a free-kick.
Prior to that, Rhead tried to find Palmer with a ball across goal, but the latter couldn't control the pass as he looked to get a shot away on the turn.
Stags nevertheless, continued to force the better openings – Peter Cavanagh brilliantly getting in the way of Rhead's attempted pass to Palmer, while Clements whipped a deep set-piece just wide of the post.
There had been few clearcut chances for either side up until the 71st minute when the hosts snatched the lead.
Daniel forced a corner when his cross was cleared, and Riley subsequently headed in Clements' flag-kick at the near post.
Rochdale responded, though Mansfield were almost masters of their own downfall with a mix-up between Price and Riley from a corner – Oliver Lancashire heading over when the ball came back in.
Rhead tried to double his team's lead when he met Darryl Westlake's cross, but headed wide, and instead, it was the visitors who almost got the next goal.
Graham Cummins swung the ball in from out on the right and Rhys Bennett was left with his head in his hands following a poor header which went wide.
The promotion-chasers were left to rue that miss when Rhead made it 2-0, heading in Jennings' corner in the 87th minute, then Tafazolli made the points safe in stoppage time, with Clements, once more, the provider from a free-kick wide on the left.
MANSFIELD: Price; Tafazolli, Riley, Sutton, Westlake, Clements, Murray, Daniel (Thomas 90+2), Jennings, Rhead, Palmer (Clucas 80). Subs not used: Dempster, Briscoe, Stevenson, Speight, Meikle.
ROCHDALE: Lillis; Rafferty, Bennett, Lancashire, Done, Cavanagh (Donnelly 75), Vincenti (Cummins 66), Allen, Lund (Kennedy 66), Henderson, Hogan. Subs not used: Eastham, Tomson, Rose, Bunney.
ATTENDANCE: 3,843 (869 away).
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Notts County 4 Port Vale 2: Match report
NOTTS County completed an astonishing comeback against travel sick Port Vale as they sealed a dramatic 4-2 win at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
The Magpies were 2-0 down inside 25 minutes against a Vale side who have not won away in League One since last November.
Vale had taken the lead after just 13 minutes when Curtis Thompson headed a free-kick beyond his own goalkeeper after Hayden Mullins was penalised for a foul on Chris Birchall.
The visitors then doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Gavin Tomlin converted from close range from Jennison Myrie-Williams' cross.
Notts looked dead and buried, but they gave themselves hope just three minutes later when Jimmy Spencer deftly headed Jamal Campbell-Ryce's cross beyond Sam Johnson.
And in the 34th minute the striker grabbed the equaliser when Campbell-Ryce tiptoed his way past several challenges allowing him to slide a finish into the bottom corner.
Notts boss Shaun Derry would have demanded more of the same in the second half and it took just three minutes for them to make it 3-2.
Jack Grealish did brilliantly to engineer space for a cross which was emphatically met by Campbell-Ryce on the volley.
Micky Adams made several changes to his Vale team in a bid to find an equaliser and they threw everything at Notts in a tension filled 15 minutes.
Tomlin came closest to scoring when he cracked the foot of the post from 25 yards with the ball spinning off the back of Bart Bialkowski.
It then hit a Vale player and out for a goal kick as Notts simply could not relieve the pressure.
Tom Pope then forced Bialkowski into a terrific save from point-blank range as Vale sensed an equaliser.
But Notts wrapped up the win when Campbell-Ryce grabbed his second with four minutes left when he converted from another Grealish pass.
There was still time for Nathan Tyson to volley over the bar as Notts finally moved out of the bottom four courtesy of their win.
Notts (4-4-2): Bialkowski 6, Thompson 6, Sheehan 7, Liddle 7, Roberts 7, Vela 6, Grealish 6, Murray 7 (Tyson 83, 6), Mullins 7, Campbell-Ryce 8, Spencer 8. Subs: Spiess, Smith, McGregor, Boucaud, Dixon, Dumbuya
Port Vale (4-4-2): Johnson 4, Robertson 6, Dickinson 5, Myrie-Williams 6, Tomlin 8, Pope 6, Davis 6 (Yates 37, 6), Griffith 6 (Williamson 62, 6), Duffy 6, Birchall 6 (Dodds 69, 7), Knott 6 Subs: Taylor, Lloyd, Smith, Hugill
Attendance: 5613
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Biggest Sikh temple in Nottinghamshire opens its doors
The biggest Sikh temple in the county has opened its doors today following a £1.5 million development project.
Boasting two prayer rooms, a research library and overnight accommodation the Gurdwara Baba Budha Ji, in Haydn Road, will be open to worshippers and the general public seven days a week.
The new site is seven times bigger than the temple's old location in Gladstone Street, Radford and now has a maximum capacity of 600 people.
Funded entirely from donations from across the globe, it took around a year for the money to be raised. The property - which previously housed offices - was then gutted and over the course of just 18 weeks was completely refurbished.
Temple president Serbjit Landa, told the Post he was overwhelmed by people's generosity and now hopes the whole community will benefit from the facilities on site.
He said: "We've had donations from people in the Sikh community and non-Sikhs too which has been incredibly touching.
"All Sikhs are instructed to donate ten per cent of their net income to their faith, lots and lots of Sikhs do this but some may donate just a few pounds and others tens of thousands."
He added: "We want this building to be open to everyone. Anyone who wants to learn about India or Sikhism can use the library and everyone is welcome to come to our kitchen and have some food. It is run entirely by volunteers and if anyone is in need in the community they can come here and we can try and help them get back on their feet.
"We also have overnight accommodation here too, as well as showers. A complete recital of Sikh scripture takes 48 hours so it means people have somewhere to stay now."
Established in 1985 the temple was originally located in a small property in Albany Road, just off Sherwood rise. However, within just three years the rapidly expanding congregation had out grown its old home and moved to the Radford site where it stayed for 28 years.
More than 300 worshippers took part in a processions from the old building to the new site on Saturday, April 12, which included singing, scattering flowers and music.
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Two people rescued from blaze at historic pub in Newark
FIREFIGHTERS rescued two people trapped by a blaze at an historic pub.
Emergency services were called to the scene at The Lord Nelson public house in Gainsborough Road, Winthorpe, Newark, around 4pm this afternoon.
The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault started by a tumble drier, broke out on the ground floor.
Although it was contained to the hallway the drier was kept in, smoke spread to the top floor of the building
Customers were ushered out but two members of pub staff, a man and a woman in their 30s, sought refuge from the smoke inside a room on the first floor and were left trapped inside.
Two fire crews from Newark and one from Collingham were dispatched to tackle the blaze.
A nine metre ladder was used to reach the pair trapped on the first floor.
They were taken to hospital to be treated for minor smoke inhalation.
The fire was extinguished by around 4.50pm.
Steve Jackson, chairman of Winthorpe Village parish council was told both the pub and its occupants were safe and sound.
He said: "There was quite a few fire engines and an ambulance.
"I was just driving by and pulled up, got hold of one of the fire men who said it had been started by a tumble drier.
"I'm glad no-one was hurt but I was worried about the building too. It's well loved in the village."
The pub is believed to date back as far as the 16th century making it one of the oldest in the county.
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Four Nottingham Panthers star in national team win - Great Britain 3 Netherlands 0: Match report
GREAT Britain won the first of their World Championship warm up games against the Netherlands comfortably at Ice Sheffield on Saturday.
Goals from Belfast's Kevin Phillips and the Sheffield Steelers pair of Phil Hill and Rob Dowd gave Britain a straightforward victory as they proved too fast and too strong for the Dutch.
Four Nottingham Panthers – Steve Lee, David Clarke, Robert Lachowicz and Jonathan Boxill – were involved in the game, but Jonathan Weaver and Robert Farmer watched from the gantry. Weaver was given the night off, while Farmer was not risked due to an injury concern.
Panthers coach Corey Neilson serves as an assistant coach for the team, who play the same opponents in Coventry on Sunday.
GB were in front after 2.28 when Dutch netminder Ian Meierdes slipped behind the goal and Kevin Phillips was left with an empty net to slot into.
The hosts were in control of the game for the most part but they had a big scare after 8.30 as the Dutch broke away when Ian Meierdes saved from Jonathan Phillips.
Levi Houkes beat Hull Stingrays netminder Ben Bowns, but not the post. Both sides were exchanging penalties in the final four minutes of the period, but it was Britain who came closest to extending the lead, Coventry's James Griffin in acres of space as he rattled the piping with a fierce slap shot.
Clarke fired wide a minute into the second period before Steeler Jason Hewitt saw a wraparound well saved after he did good work at the other end seconds earlier.
Lachowicz and Clarke's Panthers connection almost paid dividends for Britain as they combined well, the latter seeing his shot saved tremendously.
The second goal arrived 13 seconds into a power play after 27.53 as Matt Towe played in Hill and he scored at the second attempt from just outside the crease.
Ben Davies was the next to hit the post as Dowd fired through the crease and then Hewitt went close when in space.
Bowns had been a virtual spectator but he was called upon to make a good pad save from Ronald Wurm as the period wound down.
Lachowicz fed Lee just in front of a face-off zone early in the third, but his well struck shot was saved by Meierdes, who then did even better to keep out Garside at the back door after Jonathan Phillips picked him out.
It was 3-0 after 46.39 though as Matt Davies fed Dowd from behind the goal and he slotted past Meierdes.
Excellent goaltending by Bowns was backed up by some fine D work by Boxill with five minutes to play as Britain preserved the shutout.
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Lee Westwood three shots off the lead ahead of final round in Masters
LEE Westwood will start Sunday's final round of the Masters three shots off the lead as he joins a number of contenders at Augusta National.
The Worskop star is two under par as he stays in touch with clubhouse leaders Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth.
Westwood had failed to birdie any of the par fives in the first two rounds, but picked up shots at the second, eighth, 13th and 15th to boost his hopes of a first major title at the 64th attempt.
"Augusta is one of those places where I feel I can turn my game around," said Westwood, who took a two-shot lead into the final round of the Open at Muirfield last year but finished third.
"I know how to get round even if I'm not on my game. The course changes as the week goes on and Sunday afternoon is even more fun. Anyone within four or five of the lead will have a chance tomorrow."
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RELIVE: Middlesex v Nottinghamshire: Day one updates
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE are at Lord's to take on Middlesex in the second game of the County Championship Division One season.
Mick Newell's side will be hoping to build on their thrilling fourth-day victory over Lancashire last time out at Trent Bridge and make two changes to their side.
In comes Aussie bowler Peter Siddle for his debut in place of Jake Ball, while James Taylor returns from injury to replace Alex Hales.
Squads:
Middlesex: C Rogers, S Robson, D Malan, E Morgan, A Rossington, J Simpson, G Berg, O Rayner, J Harris, T Murtagh, S Finn
Nottinghamshire: S Mullaney, P Jaques, M Lumb, S Patel, J Taylor, M Wessels, C Read, L Fletcher, P Siddle, A Carter, H Gurney
Updates from Lord's:
6.20: That's the close. 315/8. Fletcher 20 Carter 2. Notts' day for sure. Half centuries for Mullaney (52), Taylor (62) and Wessels (58), plus useful knocks
6.05pm: Wicket! Siddle goes for 40. Great stuff from the Aussie. Caught Morgan b Harris 306/8
6pm: Siddle is rattling along on debut with Luke Fletcher. It's 306/7 and Notts will be happy with that. Siddle is 40, Fletcher 13.
5.30: Another goes! Wessels out for 58 as Finn has his fourth wicket. Wessels caught at third slip. Notts 259/7 as they battle to fend off the new ball.
5.20: Wicket! Read goes for 40 as he is bowled by Finn. Peter Siddle is out now to show what he can do with the bat. 250/6
5.15: Middlesex take the second new ball with the score 243/5. Straight away Read pulls Murtagh for 4.
5.00: That's 50 for Riki Wessels as he becomes the third Notts batsman to score a half century with a four off Harris. Notts 224/5
4.38: Chris Read drives Finn to bring up the 200 for Notts as they pick up their first batting point. 201/5
4.30: Play has resumed and Notts are currently 196/5.
4.00: That's tea. Notts are 178/5. Wessels on 28 and Read not yet off the mark after 13 balls faced.
3.38: Wicket: Mulaney reaches his half century, tickling one down leg side for four, but Finn gets his revenge the ball after when getting a ball to rise on him and seeing the opener edge through to first slip where Malan made the catch. Mullaney's 239-minute stay at the crease is over, he made 52 off 172 balls. Notts now 168/5.
3.30: After hours at the crease being watchful, Mullaney breaks the shackles by launching spinner Ollie Rayner for six. Now on 48 and Notts on 159/4.
2.56: Wicket: Another wicket from Harris in the same over changes complexion of the game after a positive start by Notts. Samit Patel goes for a duck caught behind by wicket-keeper Simpson when feeling for one outside off stump that he maybe should have left alone. 131/4.
2.51: Wicket: Taylor goes for 62 trying to work James Harris through square leg and is trapped lbw. Notts now 131 for 3.
2.25: Taylor brings up half century in 63 balls with his 11th boundary. Notts are now 114/2, Mullaney laying anchor at the other end on 27no. Middlesex punished for bowling a lot of short stuff at Taylor who has capitalised on leg side.
2.19: Mullaney hits Murtagh for four to bring up the 100 for Notts (101/2) in 38.5 overs and 50 partnership for the duo.
2.00: Taylor looking good, hits another dismissive boundary, this time off Finn, to move onto 39 from 43 balls. Notts 93/2.
1.40: Play back underway and Taylor finds the boundary in the second and third balls after the restart. 83/2.
1pm: That's lunch at Lord's. Notts move onto 75/2 off 29 overs of the session. Taylor has sped along to 23 from 24 balls while Mullaney has played a watchful innings thus far and is 21 not out from 92 balls.
12.41: James Taylor hits back-to-back boundaries, the second a lovely shot through the covers, to take Notts onto 64/2 after 25 overs.
12.18: Wicket: Michael Lumb (17) looks angry as he tries to pull Finn away on the leg side but the ball swirls into the air and Sam Robson makes a fine catch at mid-wicket. 50/2 after 19.5 overs. James Taylor, back after a side strain, comes in.
12.10: Finn getting a few to rise as puts Lumb under pressure. Notts 42/1 after 18 overs.
11.50: Mullaney drills down the ground for his first boundary of the match as England outcast Steven Finn comes on to bowl. Notts: 28/1 after 13 overs.
11.32: Wicket: Phil Jaques (14) walks after edging through to the wicket-keeper as Harris finally gets his man after a close shout earlier in the morning. Notts: 16/1 as Lumb comes out.
11.20: First chance to the bowlers as Harris almost catches the edge of Phil Jaques but his appeal is turned down for caught behind. 10/0 after six overs.
11.00: First over a maiden over as play gets going. Notts 0/0.
10.45: Notts win the toss and elect to bat first.
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Gary Brazil says Nottingham Forest did not deserve QPR drubbing
GARY Brazil does not believe Nottingham Forest's performance merited the 5-2 defeat inflicted on them by QPR.
But the Reds caretaker boss admits there is an urgent need for improvement as they look to avoid letting their season stutter to a grinding halt.
Forest have not won in 12 Championship games following their heavy defeat at Loftus Road.
The score-line did flatter Harry Redknapp's side, who scored three goals in the final six minutes of the game.
And Brazil said: "It was not a battering – but when you see the result in the paper, people will imagine that they have run riot. It is very evident that the players are lacking in confidence. You can see that.
"For me, there is only one way out of that. You work hard for each other and show discipline on the pitch. We did some of those things. But you do not concede goals like that in the final few minutes of the game.
"It was a game that was very open and it was there for the taking. QPR do give you opportunities. But we left ourselves open again and it was another five goals we have conceded."
Forest fought back twice through Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Derbyshire to make it 1-1 and then 2-2 before crumbling in the final stages.
"We got ourselves back into the game and, in the second half, we were decent in the game. We were stronger in the second half," said Brazil.
"The score looks as though we have been battered and that was not the case. The game was set up for us to go on and win it. It is hard to explain how you can then end up with a 5-2 defeat from what actually happened during the match.
"We started without intensity and tempo and it wasn't what we asked for before the game. We found ourselves a goal down very early on.
"We got ourselves back in it with a set-piece and we knew we would cause them trouble from them. It just needed a little more sharper work; for us to move the ball quicker.
"I think we would have opened them up a lot more. We spoke about improving our tempo and getting in their half a lot more.
"We did that without really opening up too many chances. We scored another set piece and then thought to ourselves that we could go and get ourselves three points. Then we conceded three poor goals and 5-2 is not a reflection on the whole game."
Forest were without Jamie Paterson and Marcus Tudgay for the game in London.
But Brazil hopes both players could be involved again when Forest make a fresh attempt to bounce back to winning ways next weekend.
"Jamie had a sickness bug and had not been in since Tuesday. We had hoped he might travel down on the morning of the game if he felt any better. Unfortunately, he did not feel well enough," he said.
"Marcus has a knee injury, which he picked up towards the end against Sheffield Wednesday. We hope that might settle and allow him to be available next weekend.
"We had David Vaughan on the bench and had hoped to bring him on for 20 minutes. But we have a game for the boys in the week and we will give him some time in that. Then he should hopefully be involved next weekend as well.
"Andy Reid is a lot closer as well, he is working hard on the training ground, putting in some extra yards. He wants to be involved. Kelvin also started and Henri got some minutes under his belt as well, so there are players coming back in.
"Lee Peltier was excellent again. He put in a very good shift and there are bright signs in there. But we wanted a bit more as a group."
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Newark MP Patrick Mercer could face ban but not till after Easter
A former shadow Tory frontbencher who was caught in a cash for questions investigation will find out what his future in politics holds after Easter.
An investigation by The Telegraph and BBC's Panorama last year claimed that Newark MP Patrick Mercer had been tabling questions and Commons motions for payment.
The former shadow defence minister for David Cameron, when the Tories were in Opposition, was found out to have tabled five questions to government ministers and put down a parliamentary motion after being paid £4,000 as part of a contract he believed would earn him £24,000 a year.
However, the parliamentary questions were drafted by undercover reporters purporting to be lobbyists for businesses with interests in Fiji.
Now the Telegraph has reported that The House of Commons' Standards Committee is considering banning Mr Mercer from being an MP for four to six months.
However, Mr Mercer told the Post that he did not expect anything to happen before Easter.
He said: "I don't know what the situation is until the official report comes out.
"The report is expected out after Easter and I can't say anything about it until then.
"I don't know Where the Telegraph got that information."
The Post tried to contact The House of Commons' Standards Committee but they were unavailable.
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Crash in Hucknall leaves pensioner in hospital
Paramedics rushed an elderly woman to hospital following a crash in Hucknall this afternoon.
Notts Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at Hucknall by-pass just before 12pm following a collision between two cars.
Fire crews were dispatched from Hucknall, Stockhill and Tuxford to help the elderly woman who was trapped in one of the vehicle.
She was then taken to hospital by East Midlands Ambulance service.
Fire and rescue personnel left the scene just before 12.50pm.
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Nottingham's first purpose-built mosque officially opens
HUNDREDS of people gathered to take part in prayer at the city's first purpose-built mosque.
The Jamia Masjid Sultania mosque in Sneinton Dale was officially opened on Sunday afternoon.
The £1.2 million building can cater for roughly 800 people and as well as now being open for worship five times a day it is also a dedicated education centre.
Mosque chairman Aurangzeb Khan, 79, of Carlton, said: "This is the first time we will all come together for prayer here.
"It has taken three years to get it finished and more than £1 million.
"Everyone has worked really hard to make all of this happen and we are all really happy and extremely proud the day has come."
The mosque has been built on the site of the former Jester pub and has the city's first minaret which measures 14.5-metre-high and was installed in February.
Accountant Zamir Syed of Carlton, said: "This is one of the happiest days of my life because this is one of the best religious centres in Nottingham.
"Lots of people have worked day and night to make this possible.
"We are all very proud of our community."
Nottingham City Council granted planning permission for the building in 2011.
Sheikh Idris, 61, of Bakersfield, said: "I am extremely happy because the first purpose built mosque in Nottingham and it is now open to everyone.
"There is enough room inside for 800 people, it is great."
Worship has previously been taking place yards away in Thurgarton Street, where houses have been used as a religious meeting place for 30 years.
However, a mosque was needed due to the growing community.
Resident Sajad Hamed, 36, of Forest Fields, said: "This is a huge day for our community because we have needed a place like this for decades.
"We now have a great building which will last for what we need for at least 20 years.
"We now have enough space for everyone to attend at once."
The mosque will be a place of worship for people from across the city.
Businessman Khalid Mahmood of Sneinton said: "It is a brilliant day and great to see the community out together.
"The mosque is a really great location for Bakersfield, Sneinton and The Meadows.
"Everyone has been talking about and looking forward to this day for a long time."
Inside the mosque there is a dedicated education centre where anyone is welcome to visit.
Member Tariq Mahmood of Bakersfield, said: "It is really import for the younger community to have somewhere to go and learn.
"Anyone can come to the education centre and all the local people around are happy that we are here."
Mosque leaders have said they may apply for planning permission to issue the call to prayer from the structure, although they will not do so early in the morning to avoid disturbing nearby residents.
Pharmacist Dr Alim Khan of Carlton said: "A lot of dedication has gone in to this and to giving Islam a good name.
"We are going to ensure the community benefits from us being here and we will not disturb anyone."
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Nottingham runners go the extra mile at Virgin London Marathon
Runners from across the county have spoken of their immense achievement after completing the Virgin London Marathon.
Almost 40,000 people took to the streets of the capital today to take part in the 26.2 mile course.
For the Nottinghamshire runners who made the journey, it was the experience of a lifetime.
It was the first time James Meldrum, 49, of Bramcote had competed and finished in three hours and 22 minutes.
Mr Meldrum, a former professional sailor who has taken part in international sporting competitions across the globe, said the marathon was in a world of its own.
He said: "I turn 50 this year and I thought that was a good enough reason to do it.
"I used to sail on an international level but I retired back in 2004.
"This has probably been a bigger challenge to be honest."
Derek Ward, 67, of Ravenshead hit the track for the third time this year despite having had two hip operations in the past five years.
Mr Ward who finished in 6 hours and 22 minutes said: "It was incredible - the crowd and everybody taking part were fantastic.
"I think being more senior I think people notice you and cheer on your name even louder.
"The hips held up well although my legs are a bit sore, it was a really great experience."
Even seasoned runners such as 22-year-old Rose Leivers, of Langley Mill who have competed in the Great Northern Run and Paris half marathon said the London race ruled the roost.
She said: "It has such a great atmosphere it's best run I've ever done.
"The Great Northern Run is up there but the London Marathon is just the best race. It's just got everything."
Adrian Turton, 29, of Carlton, was eager to raise as much charity cash as he could for Beating Bowel Cancer.
The disease had claimed the lives of both his mum and granddad.
Speaking after the race he said: "I think seeing my sister screaming out my name from the sidelines and my friends turning out was incredible.
"I think anyone considering it should do it. It's the proudest moment of my life."
Fellow first-timer Susan Wheatcroft, 31, of Wollaton said she was exhausted but exhilarated.
She said: "I can't walk properly, it feels more comfortable to run.
"But I get to say now that I am a marathon runner."
Are you taking part in a marathon or other sporting event for charity? Email newdesk@nottinghampost.com
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Five-year-old rockstar Alexander aces first three guitar exams in just one sitting
Five-year-old guitar prodigy Alexander Santarpia has passed his first three guitar exams with distinctions in just one sitting.
The youngster from Caythorpe was playing riffs before he could barely walk or talk and has already played alongside Nottingham's music star Jake Bugg.
He plays to packed audiences at his parent's Italian restaurant, The Old Volunteer in Caythorpe Road, Caythorpe.
"Alexander the Great" – to go by his stage name – is now practising for grade 3 guitar exams, having earned distinctions in his preliminary, grade one and grade two exams. on Saturday, April 5 at the John Godber Centre in Hucknall.
The family moved from Italy to London in 2011, where dad Nick managed a hotel, before they took on the Old Volunteer in 2012.
By then, Alexander was already showing his talent.
Mum Annie, 31, said Alexander was only 18 months old when he picked up his dad's guitar. and has been glued to it ever since. She said: "He was still taking his baby steps, falling over all the time, when he started playing. It's the thing he does in the morning - he plays his guitar and he's written a few songs.
"You can't count the amount of hours he's on it - whenever he's got time, he plays."
Alexander regularly joins in with musicians playing at The Old Volunteer and in 2012 he joined Jake Bugg when he played a gig at the restaurant.
Counting heavy metal musicians Iron Maiden and Avenged Sevenfold among his idols, the youngster said he dreams of becoming a rock star when he's older.
He said: "I felt good and happy about my exams. I'm looking forward to doing my grade three. When I grow up I want to go around the world playing guitar in a band."
He's earned so much in tips from customers he's even been able to buy his own guitar to add to his collection of eight.
Annie added: "He's very confident. I think he's got a very special talent. It's amazing what he's done."
His private guitar tutor Carlos Thrale, of Fiskerton, who has worked for EMI records as a studio guitarist and recorded with Kate Bush, Queen, the Pet Shop Boys and Iron Maiden, said that Alexander's skill was unlike anything he's seen before.
He has been teaching him over the past four months from his home twice a week.
He said: "I thought he might be a bit too young but when he came for an audition he was phenomenal.
"I've never heard anything like him. Anybody can go in and sit these exams but a five-year-old managing to achieve them in one sitting is just exceptional."
With even more accolades expected on the way, Alexander had just one word to describe how he was feeling right now: "Magnifico!"
Does your child have a special talent? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com
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Notts singer Lucy Kay delivers knock-out performance on Britain's Got Talent
FORMER Notts singer Lucy Kay wowed judges on Britain's Got Talent with a stunning operatic performance.
Judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden gave the 24-year-old a standing ovation after she overcame her nerves to sing Puccini's Vissi d'arte on the Saturday night TV show.
Earlier Lucy, who hails from Sutton-in-Ashfield but now lives in Glasgow, revealed she moved north of the border to escape bullies.
Cowell praised her performance, saying: "Today's the day you forget about those people for the rest of your life.
"Today's the day you learnt to smile properly because what you did was just extraordinary. Really special."
All four judges gave her a "yes", to see her go through to the next stage.
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Four arrested and bail following robbery at Tesco Express, Eastwood
THREE men and a teenage boy have been arrested in connection with a robbery at Tesco Express in Eastwood.
It comes after three suspects threatened staff with a knife and stole money and cigarettes at the Nottingham Road store at around 10.30pm on Friday, April 11. No-one was injured.
Two men, aged 28 and 22 and a 15-year-old boy were arrested and later bailed. The fourth, a 29-year-old man, was arrested on Sunday, April 13 and has also been bailed.
Notts Police appealed for anyone with information to call them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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Firefighters tackle grass fire in Warsop
Crews from Warsop, Mansfield Lane and Worksop attended a fire in Netherfield Lane, Warsop.
The blaze broke out around 6.45pm on Sunday, April 13.
It was extinguished by 8.40pm.
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Review: The Harlem Globetrotters, Capital FM Arena
The Harlem Globetrotters have entertained crowds from all corners of the globe since their inception in the 1920s. Last night, they brought their inimitable blend of athleticism and theatrics to the Capital FM Arena.
The exhibition basketball team, who are introduced to their trademark theme of Sweet Georgia Brown, immediately demonstrate their showboating talent with warm-ups involving skilfull dribbling and ball juggling.
The show, which consists of a match against the World All Stars team, allows the audience to influence proceedings as they are invited to vote on different rules which are incorporated into each quarter.
The most entertaining of these being the trick shot rounds, where the players' impressive talents are pushed to their limits.
Despite clusters of empty seats, the American troupe are eager to get the Nottingham crowd going with their amusing camaraderie. There's a heavy focus on crowd involvement as team members halt the game to incite dance-alongs and even invite punters onto the court for many of the show's many comic routines.
Although standing smallest of the Globetrotters at 5'10", Ant is the team's biggest character and often ringleader of the evening's shenanigans. Some of the night's biggest laughs come at the expense of the referee, who bears the brunt of many of the protagonist's practical jokes.
The light-hearted buffoonery, aimed to please the family-heavy audience, does get slightly overbearing and veers the attention away from the thrilling on-court action. This may be off-putting for die-hard basketball fans expecting the full intensity of an NBA tie.
Unsurprisingly, the Globetrotters are at their most enthralling with a ball at their possession. Intricate team manoeuvres and gravity-defying slam dunks show why the iconic team founded so much success in their formative years.
When firing on all cylinders, it's clear to see there's no team in the world quite like the Harlem Globetrotters.
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Middlesex v Nottinghamshire: Day two updates
IT'S day two as Nottinghamshire are at Lord's to take on Middlesex in the second game of the County Championship Division One season.
Mick Newell's side will be hoping to build on their thrilling fourth-day victory over Lancashire last time out at Trent Bridge and made two changes to their side. In came Aussie bowler Peter Siddle for his debut in place of Jake Ball, while James Taylor returned from injury to replace Alex Hales.
After day one, Notts were 315/8 after half centuries for Mullaney (52), Taylor (62) and Wessels (58), plus useful knocks from Read and Siddle.
Squads:
Middlesex: C Rogers, S Robson, D Malan, E Morgan, A Rossington, J Simpson, G Berg, O Rayner, J Harris, T Murtagh, S Finn
Nottinghamshire: S Mullaney, P Jaques, M Lumb, S Patel, J Taylor, M Wessels, C Read, L Fletcher, P Siddle, A Carter, H Gurney
Updates from Lord's:
6.15pm: That's the close. Middlesex 294/4 as they have wrestled the momentum from Notts, who were bowled out for 326. England hopeful Sam Robson is 144 not out after a chance-less innings. John Simpson is 32, but the damage was done by Robson and Eoin Morgan as they put on 203 for the third wicket. It was a tough first day for Peter Siddle with the ball as he finished with figures of 0/70 from 19 overs.
6.05pm: There's the 50 partnership for Robson and Simpson. Robson has scored 26 of them , Robson 22. 288/4, Robson is 144.
5.45pm: The new ball is yet to yield results for Notts, Middlesex now 270/4.
5.30pm: Little happening at Lord's, which suits Notts. Middlesex have just scored their first run in four overs to make it 259/4. Here comes the new ball after 80 overs so an important spell in the game.
4.55pm: Wicket! Adam Rossington goes for 8 as he misses a straight one playing forwards and is LBW to Carter. 237/4.
4.40pm: Rossington is off the mark with a six of Gurney. 234/3
4.24pm: Notts strike on double Nelson! Middlesex 222/3 as a diving Read catches Morgan on 86 off the bowling of Gurney. He and Robson put on a near chance-less 203 in 319 balls.
4.20pm: No sign of wickets after tea as Middlsex pass 200. Morgan and Robson are closing in on 200 with some imperious batting. 216/2.
3.40: That's tea. Middlesex are 196/2 having scored 136/0 in the session. Morgan is 74 and Robson 103. Their stand is 177. Safe to say Middlesex bossed that session.
3.26: 100 for Sam Robson off 170 balls. 181/2. He clipped Siddle for a classy four through mid-wicket and then scored a single off his pads to reach his century.
3.10: Escape for Morgan as he skies one off Patel, but the ball lands between cover and point. He takes a single and goes to 53, 161/3.
2.55: Robson clips Patel into the leg side for a couple to take Middlesex to 150/2.
2.53: Now Eoin Morgan has passed 50, steering the ball wide of Jaques off Gurney to take Middlesex to 147/2.
2.36: Robson on to 64 as he becomes the top scorer in the game, surpassing James Taylor's 62 in the Notts innings.
2.28: Robson and Morgan have now put on 100 for the third wicket as Robson hits Gurney for a four. Robson has 59, Morgan 39. A much needed Middlesex partnership. 120/2.
2.10: Robson brings up his half century in 91 balls, with seven fours, to also bring up the 100 for Middlesex in the 30th over with just two wickets down.
2.07: Middlesex making good progress after lunch with Morgan, in particular, looking to add brisk runs. He is on 34 and Robson 42 as hosts move onto 94/2 after 29 overs at Lord's.
1. 47: Back underway after lunch. Middlesex moved onto 67/2.
1.00: Middlesex steady the ship after Eoin Morgan (11) and Sam Robson (33) see off some fine bowling from Notts' four seamers and reach lunch at 60/2 after 22 overs. Bowling figures at present: Siddle (7-2-21-0), Fletcher (8-4-21-2), Gurney (4-1-11-0) and Carter (3-0-6-0).
12.10: Wicket: Double wicket maiden for Fletcher as Malan plays a length ball off the back foot and edges behind to wicket-keeper Read who takes a low catch. 19/2 after 10 overs.
12.05: Wicket: Skipper Chris Rodgers (15) chases one outside off stump and edges to Samit Patel in the slips to reward Luke Fletcher for some fine early toil. Middlesex 19/1 in the 10th over.
11.43: Interesting stuff as Middlesex get started. They are 5/0 after four overs with Peter Siddle (on debut) and Luke Fletcher bowling well at Aussie international Chris Rodgers and future England prospect Sam Robson.
11.17: Wicket: Notts 326 all out and fail to get final batting bonus point. Fletcher (25) tries to go for a big shot but is caught by Rodgers at long-off from Murtagh's bowling.
11.13: Wicket: Notts now 326/9 as Carter (8) gives a routine catch to Malan in the slips to give Steven Finn his fifth wicket of the innings. Harry Gurney last man in.
11.00: Play restarts at Lord's with Notts looking to add to their overnight total and with two wickets in hand.
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