A FATHER has hit out at a school after his eight-year-old son was made to wear a hi-vis jacket to stop him being naughty.

Sanaa Al-Ameen, 59, slammed the treatment of his son Abdullah, calling it "demeaning" and saying it caused more problems than it solved.

According to Dr Al-Ameen, Abdullah had been wearing the reflective jacket during the school day at Forest Fields Primary School in Bradgate Road for the past three weeks.

He said Abdullah was made to wear the jacket after behaving badly in the eyes of the school, with incidents including retaliating to other children being violent by putting leaves down their shirts.

Dr Al-Ameen, of Heatherley Drive, Basford, a retired former lecturer at the University of Nottingham, said: "It's like making him wear a dunce's cap. It's unacceptable.

"There have been times when he doesn't want to go to school and has been pretending to be ill and it's because of the jacket.

"I am shocked – this is not the way to treat an eight-year-old and I am sure it is more disruptive to have him wear this jacket."

Abdullah, who is the youngest of five children, said: "I don't like going to school because I have to wear the jacket.

"It makes me feel nervous when I wear it because I know other people are looking at me."

After approaching Forest Fields with his concerns on Thursday, Dr Al-Ameen said the school no longer required Abdullah to wear the jacket.

Sue Hoyland, head teacher at the school, defended the move and said it helped change pupils' behaviour.

She said: "We have been trialling the scheme of jackets and we have seen improvements in some children's behaviour.

"They are in no way used to shame the children or to make them look as if they are doing community service.

"When children's behaviour falls below standards, we are keen to see this change by rewarding children when they make the right decision. With the jackets, the teachers know who to give praise to and reward more."

Ms Hoyland added that other children who had been wearing the jacket had said they felt it benefited them.

She said the senior management team at the school would review the policy on reflective jackets tomorrow to see how effective they were in changing behaviour.

SEAN O'Driscoll has told Brendan Moloney he can pin down a regular first-team place at Nottingham Forest – but warned him that he needs to if he is to have a long-term future at the club.

The defender has started the last two games for the Reds and put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 1-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

But the 23-year-old, who was a product of the City Ground youth academy, is out of contract in the summer.

And O'Driscoll says the challenge for the Irishman is to finally make the step up from being a squad player to being an integral part of the side.

"He is a great lad, he has been terrific for the club and I have no qualms about playing him. I have never said to myself 'oh no, we have to play Brendan'," said O'Driscoll.

"He can play right-back or left-back, he has even played at centre-back in the past. He is a 100 per cent man and you need players like that in your squad to get your balance right.

"He needs to play and he has never played that much. He is out of contract in the summer so he needs to nail down a place here as a regular and then we will see what happens.

"He does not want to be a bit-part player. He trains really well, he works hard and I never have any issues about putting him in."

O'Driscoll says Moloney needs to learn that it is OK to have a harsh word with your team-mates when it is required.

"It is up to Brendan. He has done well, he has defended really well. His one-on-one defending has always been very good," he said.

"But sometimes he needs to get the message across to the players in front of him, he needs to be telling them to help him out a little bit more. That is a personality thing."

NOTTS County legends made a playing return to Meadow Lane as the Magpies hosted a special match to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary.

Hundreds of fans young and old gathered at the ground yesterday to enjoy a Legends Day laid on by the club.

The event saw players from over the years lace up their boots once more for an hour-long exhibition match.

Before the game, supporters also had chance to meet and get autographs from club legends and members of the first team in the ground's 1862 Suite.

Among the supporters were four generations of the Adcock family, who in total have been fans of the Magpies for more than 150 years.

Bernice Adcock, 79, of Toton, brought her son Phil, 55, grandson James, 32, and great-grandchildren Olivia, nine, and three-year-old Josh to the match.

Mrs Adcock, who has supported the club for 69 years, said: "My dad, Bernard Lee, brought me when I was ten. I just wish he was here to see this.

"He was a devoted fan and I think he would have been very proud.

"He would have loved to have been here."

Phil, who was born in Aspley and now lives in Ashbourne, saw his first game 40 years ago.

He said: "I came for trials when I was 15 and Jimmy Sirrel was there.

"There's a big chunk of the family here. It's not just about the game, it's also about all the memories that we have."

Darren Price, 43, of Radcliffe-on-Trent, also came to the game with his wife Gina, 41, and eight-year-old son Nathan.

Mr Price said: "I've been a fan all my life. I used to sit at the Meadow Lane end and watch the games.

"This is just unbelievable."

Nathan, who plays youth football with Radcliffe Olympic FC, said: "I've got loads of signatures and it's been really good.

"My favourite player is Judgey (Alan Judge) and I would love to play for Notts one day."

The match started at 2pm, kicked off by legendary Notts player Jackie Sewell.

Former England international Mr Sewell, 85, of Silverdale, said: "I had my first kick of a ball as a professional here in 1946 and this will probably be my last one. I have many happy memories."

The two teams were led by former Notts managers Mick Walker and John Barnwell, and included the likes of Dave McVay, Tommy Johnson, Mike Edwards and Darren Ward.

Former Notts player and manager Ian McParland also took to the field for the game.

He said: "I spent nearly ten years here as a player. It will be nice to walk out with the shirt on again.

"The 150th anniversary is massive. The club is going well at the moment and it would be a great way to end the 150th if they can get promoted."

The match ended 3-1 to Tommy Johnson's team, with the striker winning man-of-the-match after scoring two goals. Cast members from Diary of A Football Nobody – a play based on a book by Dave McVay which was performed at Nottingham Playhouse last month – also made guest appearances in the match.

For lifelong Notts fan Luke Gell, who played ex-Magpies' stars Dave 'Smithy' Smith and Kevin 'The Claw' Randall in the play, it was a dream come true.

Mr Gell, 24, of Aspley, said: "I've been a fan since I was four and came to a game against Grimsby. I used to sit at the back of the Derek Pavis Stand and wait to get autographs.

"Mark Stallard was my favourite player and I got a massive rush of goosebumps when I was told he was here playing."

Following the match, 'Notts County: The Movie' was screened on a 12-metre wide inflatable TV on the pitch.

It was an extended version of a video shown at Notts' 150th gala banquet held at Meadow Lane in June.

Are you doing anything special to mark Notts County's 150th anniversary? Contact the Newsdesk on 0115 948 2000 or e-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk.

CARL FROCH, the Pride of Nottingham, had double cause for celebration at the Capital FM Arena on Saturday night.

After stopping American challenger Yusaf Mack in the third round to retain his IBF super-middleweight world title, he then announced his partner, Rachael Cordingley, was four months pregnant with their second child.

In the ring, Froch insists he wants to end his career with a fight in the open air at the City Ground.

"I watch Forest regularly. The atmosphere is great. It won't be the same as the Arena but the City Ground is the one. Eddie (Hearn) you've got to get it on," he said, turning to his promoter.

But Hearn thinks the Cobra has outgrown Nottingham now and is eyeing big-money fights at either the MEN Arena in Manchester or London's O2.

So what next for Froch? He faces a defence against mandatory challenger, Canadian Adonis Stevenson.

He is contracted to a return with Lucian Bute in Canada and also wants to avenge defeats by Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward.

The Bute and Kessler fights may not happen but Hearn feels Ward might be persuaded to box in Britain – if the money is right.

"Ward has tweeted saying he fancies a trip to the UK and I think he would come," said Hearn.

"The reality is Bute or Stevenson, Kessler and Ward for 2013. They are the only fights that particularly interest us. I spoke to Bute's promoter last week but, after this, I can't see them wanting to take the fight."

Froch says he could be ready to fight again in February or March.

"I'm going to have a couple of weeks rest and then start again," he added.

"I'm at the stage of my career where I have not got time to waste.

"I'm in my prime and I'm ready for anybody. I have proved that with the people I have fought."

The 35-year-old insists Yusaf Mack didn't have much of a chance of causing an upset, he said: "When I am on fire like that here I am unbeatable.

"I don't get spectacularly knocked out like some other British fighters who think they are superstars.

"And it was nice to come out of the ring without any injuries or cuts."

Trainer Robert McCracken feels Froch is just peaking and could still have two, maybe five, years in the sport.

"He's a fantastic fighter," he said.

"Pound for pound he's the best in Britain. It's a brilliant story and it's a journey that's still going on."

Nottingham's fight night: Pages 42-43

A FATHER-of-three has described his horror after he fought to save a 28-year-old man who had been shot.

Police launched a murder enquiry after the man, believed to be Germaine Edwards, 28, of Bilborough, was found in Fairnley Road, Bilborough, at 5pm on Saturday.

Mr Edwards, said to have had a baby with his partner only four weeks ago, was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre but later died.

A Home Office post-mortem examination yesterday revealed he died from a gunshot wound.

Police have arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

Martin Stout, who lives in Wigman Road, at the junction with Fairnley Road, was gardening when his 20-year-old son Jez ran home and told him someone had been shot.

Mr Stout said he ran across the road and told his son to call the emergency services.

"I could hear a lad shouting 'I've been shot, I've been shot'," he said.

"I found him lying in a front garden across the road. It was completely horrifying.

"I tried to keep him conscious by asking his name, age, and where he had been shot, because I couldn't see an actual wound on him.

"I turned him on both his sides and found a gunshot wound on his right side."

A police armed response team arrived and tried to help Mr Edwards to breathe.

Mr Stout added: "He kept saying 'I can't breathe', so they managed to put an airway in his mouth.

"And when he started losing consciousness they gave him CPR."

When the ambulance arrived Mr Stout helped to get Mr Edwards on the stretcher.

Mr Stout, who has three sons, aged 20, 25 and 30, said: "I didn't think at all in that moment. I just followed my instincts and tried to help the kid.

"The more I think about it, the more shocked I am. If it could happen to him, it could happen to anyone. I really feel for his family, my thoughts go out to them. I asked the police to pass on a message to his parents: 'If it's any consolation, he wasn't on his own in his last moments alive."

Saturday's incident drew residents on to the street, including Waseem Syed, of Wigman Road, who was at home when sister Rizwana Syed, 22, ran into the house screaming that someone had been shot. Mr Syed, 27, who ran outside, said: "When I got there, he was lying on the floor. It was dark, but I could see someone was massaging his chest and saying 'you're not breathing!'

"I've lived here for 12 years and never experienced anything like this."

Mr Syed's brother, Ali, 34, said he was struggling to make his children, aged 13, 12 and two, feel safe outside. "I can't believe this has happened."

A shop assistant at Premier Express, Chingford Road, described Mr Edwardsas "polite" and "decent".

Nottingham city councillor Derek Creswell, who represents Bilborough, said: "I can't remember the last time we had a shooting in Strelley, I've lived here 40 odd years and I'm surprised."

Graham Allen, MP for Nottingham North, said: "It's quite a peaceful area and I can't remember anything of this nature happening in the recent past."

New police crime commissioner Paddy Tipping said: "I think it's too early to comment until further enquiries have been made. Nottingham is safer than it's been for many years and we mustn't let fear of crime cloud our judgement about the safety of the city."

Superintendent Brian Beasley said: "Our enquiries are continuing to build up a picture of what happened last night but we still need to speak to anyone who might have seen or heard anything. Did you hear the sound of a firearm being discharged? We believe a silver Ford Fiesta carrying two or three men is linked to this death. Did you see it driving at speed or erratically through Bilborough, Wollaton, or Trowell.

"A vehicle matching the description was burnt out in the Cossall Lane area.

Call the incident room at West Bridgford on 0115 8446916 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Are you affected by this story? Call our newsdesk on 0115 9482000 or e-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

AFTER the final whistle, Dave Jones insisted he must have run over a black cat – while Sean O'Driscoll must have found a four-leaf clover.

For the second time in the space of a week, Nottingham Forest enjoyed a significant dose of good fortune, as an own goal from Miguel Llera helped them to a narrow 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Only, this time, O'Driscoll can at least argue that they made their own luck, as industrious, hard-working Forest more than played their part in an end-to-end affair.

And, while the 2-2 draw at Leicester had more than a whiff of injustice about it, this time the Reds just about did enough to merit a morale-boosting three points.

It was easy to feel sympathy for Jones, whose side have now lost ten of their last 14 outings, following 90 minutes in which they had carved out enough opportunities to win two games.

But Forest were also profligate in front of goal on an afternoon when you would never have wagered any money on the decisive moment proving to be an own goal.

At times, it was like a basketball game, as the action charged from end-to-end relentlessly.

Indeed, on another day, the score might have been 3-3, as both sides repeatedly found the room to carve out opportunity and openings.

But, while Forest again demonstrated the same steely defensive determination that had earned them a point across the East Midlands seven days before, they also enjoyed a little fortune as Llera headed a dangerous Chris Cohen cross into the back of his own net in the 74th minute.

It was a harsh blow to a Wednesday defence that had shown plenty of grit themselves. But that will matter little to a Forest side that was badly in need of a victory.

Amid a Championship division that can rarely have been tighter, one result really can change the perspective significantly.

And, having failed to win their previous three games, Forest can now look back on a run of three games unbeaten.

The first third of the season has been far from perfect but, with December on the horizon, Forest remain handily placed.

A win at Wolves on Saturday could lift O'Driscoll's side into the top six, a position they have occupied for a matter of only hours this season.

And they will travel to Molineux full of confidence, after facing up to some of the top sides in the division in recent weeks.

A return of two points from games against Leicester and Middlesbrough may seem a modest return, but the games have also proved to be a valuable learning curve for the Reds who, you sense, are starting to find their feet.

A moment of good fortune may have provided the decisive moment on Saturday afternoon, but the foundations for this win were hard earned, in the form of simple graft, organisation and perseverance.

O'Driscoll kept faith with a back four that had, at times, looked far from solid at the King Power Stadium – and was rewarded with a far more cohesive display.

In terms of the challenges the Owls posed, this was more akin to the recent visit of Millwall. But, while Forest were outfought, outmuscled and outgunned by the Lions, Jones' side were not allowed the same dominance.

Danny Collins had to clear a Jay Bothroyd effort off the line in the second half and Brendan Moloney produced a goal-saving tackle to deny the striker a golden opportunity before the break.

Lee Camp also produced a solid save to deny Gary Madine and a more spectacular one to thwart Jose Semedo.

At the other end, however, Forest's chances were even more numerous.

Andy Reid was denied by goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after skipping clear of the visiting defence, Henri Lansbury fired over following a good exchange with Dexter Blackstock and Jermaine Jenas robbed Billy Sharp of a clear opportunity when he got a glancing touch to a Cohen cross.

There was bad fortune, as well as good, for Forest, who lost both Reid and Jenas – who had started his first game since returning to the Reds on loan - to injury early in the second half.

Both, according to O'Driscoll, have a chance of returning for the short trip to the West Midlands next weekend.

But it is a sign of the depth in the Forest squad that losing either player would now no longer be viewed as a crisis. Indeed, it was substitutes Lansbury and Guedioura who added some pep and urgency to Forest's performance.

Along with the typically hard-working Cohen, they were integral figures when it came to securing the three points.

And, with the likes of Guy Moussi and Jonathan Greening not even in the squad on Saturday afternoon, Forest are hardly short of cover in midfield.

It is likely that defensive resolve, as much as midfield guile, will be an important quality again on Saturday, as they head to face an underachieving Wolves side who will want to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat at Watford.

Forest have bad memories of their recent trips to face Wanderers, where they have suffered some heavy defeats.

Following a clean sheet – and a man-of-the-match performance from Moloney – O'Driscoll is unlikely to make changes to his solid-looking back four.

The manager has intimated that, in January, he may look to add another left-back to the squad, to provide competition and cover for Dan Harding, who continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.

But, following another encouraging display, there are no glaring holes in a Forest squad that, with their injury problems beginning to abate, is starting to look balanced and full of depth.

So far, Forest have perhaps yet to find their best form consistently. And their win on Saturday did owe something to good fortune.

But, sometimes, you make your own luck and, if O'Driscoll can continue to coax a steady improvement from his side, he may find that he gets luckier with every passing week.

East Midlands Property Owners (EMPO) is hosting the East Midlands Landlord Expo a FREE visitor event at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham on March 19th 2013.  The aim of the one day Expo is to enhance the awareness and importance of improving housing standards in the private rental sector. The Expo will provide the platform for landlords, letting agents and property investors across the East Midlands to exchange information, seek advice, network and improve on current service deals with exhibitor companies. 

WHY ATTEND THE EXPO

On the day there will be over 40 exhibitor companies and local authorities providing advice, products and service deals to help manage property businesses more effectively, a series of informative seminars, property investment speakers and a Graham Penny live property auction. The seminars will cover a wide range of content including "An Auctioneers Guide to Buying at Auction,""the current requirements for licensing," "why tenant referencing is important," "the latest advice on how to deal with issues around tenancy deposit disputes."

 So whether you are the owner of a large property portfolio including licensable houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), a letting agency, a small buy to let or accidental landlord, or are thinking of investing in the private rented sector then the East Midlands Landlord Expo 2013 is the must attend exhibition for you.

Pre-register on our dedicated Expo website to receive your FREE ticket!

www.eastmidlandslandlordexpo.co.uk

AFC Mansfield sit proudly at the top of the Central Midlands League at the halfway stage after first-half goals from Jason Edwards (2), Dean Rick and Carl Haslam saw 'The Bulls' ease past visitors Brodsworth.

AFC welcomed back Haslam, Danny Naylor and captain Matt Draper to the starting line-up while Ed Eley continued in goal for the injured Dale Sheppard.

The first 15 minutes were tight, but a flash of quality on 16 minutes saw Haslam weave past two defenders before delivering a low cross that Kieran Watson got a touch to, but keeper Dominic Senior managed to block it.

Draper saw his goal-bound header cleared off the line on 21 minutes but ten minutes later, Buxton found Edwards in the box. A neat turn from the midfielder saw the goal open up and his low drive beat the diving Senior.

Five minutes later, Haslam laid the ball back to Rick who hit a thunderous 25-yard drive that flew past the rooted keeper. Haslam then scored on his return, ghosting past three defenders on the right before firing home from a tight angle for 3-0.

The scoring was completed just before half time when Edwards again turned well in the box before finishing clinically.

Danny Naylor lifted his effort over the bar five minutes into the second half after good work from Rick.

Kieran Watson was unlucky after his shot was superbly saved by Senior on 76 minutes. Watson could have had his first goal for the club, had Haslam elected to square the ball instead of shoot.

Another clean sheet for the AFC Mansfield defence, which will be tested next week at Kiveton Park.

AFC Mansfield: Eley, Buxton, Meehan, Draper (c), Pride, Naylor, Edwards (McLane 60), Chambers (Armstrong 67), Rick (Staniforth 84), Haslam, Watson. Not used: Rodger, Roy.

A RESOUNDING second-half performance enabled Hucknall Sports Red to move to the top of the U16 Division One (Saturday) table after beating the leaders Carlton Town Yellow 5-1, avenging defeat in their first league meeting in the process.

Sports held a slender 2-1 advantage at the break and went on to consolidate this with three more goals. Robbie Manners netted twice.

Toton FC, in third, stay in contention following their 7-2 result against Bestwood Park Rangers.

The visitors found it difficult to match the more experienced Toton team, whose strikers Jordan Leonardi (3) and Robbie Hamblin (2) led them to their fourth league success.

Ruddington Colts and Ravenshead Reds were all square at 1-1 at the halfway stage. Ravenshead took control after the break, rattling in five more goals without reply.

Jack Chaplin scored twice as the Reds moved up to fourth place.

There was no stopping U16 Division Two (Saturday) leaders Long Eaton United as they recorded their seventh straight league win, 3-1 at Southwell City.

The visitors set the tone with two first-half goals and added a third after the break. Scott Slowik, Liam Dexter and Josh Morgan shared the goals, James Barnes pulling one back for City.

Arnold Town Blue moved three points clear in second place after a 7-0 win at Wollaton Hall Yellow, while nearest rivals West Bridgford United went down 5-3 at Burton Joyce.

Jared Chamberlain opened his account for Arnold with two.

West Bridgford looked to be on course for yet another three points as they led 3-2 at the halfway stage at Burton Joyce. The home team rallied to shake the championship chaser, scoring three second-half goals to cause the upset of the day.

West Bridgford Wolves' first half performance sealed the points as they scored four times against Bingham Town, adding one more goal after the break to make the final score 5-0.

Gedling Southbank Red enjoyed their second league success with a 4-2 scoreline at Radcliffe Olympic.

Joe Dickin, Seamus O'Driscoll, Joe Walthall and Matthew Fish got the goals. Jordi Newton scored both Olympic goals giving them the advantage in the first half.

East Valley FC are still searching for their first points of the season, going down 1-0 at Beeston Centurions.

Pegasus Youth Broncos closed the gap at the top of the U15 Division One (Saturday) to six points.

Jhavagn Nugent and Harvey Penfold gave Broncos a 2-1 half time advantage against Southwell City, Mackenzie Henson making the final score 3-1.

Hyson Green Cavaliers continue to climb the table thanks to a 6-3 win over Carlton FC. Cavaliers scored three goals in each half, with Amman Samuels and Cordell Cuban grabbing two apiece. Tom Soissons scored twice for Carlton with Alex Edmond getting his first of the season.

AFC Vernon White moved up a place after their 6-3 result against Oldham Colts, who led 3-2 at the end of the first period.

Daniel Audcent, Jack Fear and Warren Davis had given Oldham a slim advantage, but Vernon went to take all three points as Menasha Musvaburi completed his hat-trick and Drew Gibson scored twice.

West Bridgford Colts U18 had their best win of the season in the U18 Division One (Sunday), after beating championship contenders Priory Celtic 4-1.

Jamie Neep (2), Daniel Neary and Derryl Rafter got the goals.

With Celtic dropping three vital points, Calverton MW took full advantage to open up a six-point lead at the top of the table, coasting to victory at Wollaton Hall. Jack Marshall bagged a magnificent seven goals.

Ruddington Colts Yellow and Aspley Park shared six goals, Macaulay Diuk, Reece Sutherland and Elijah Santos scoring for Ruddington, while Jack Hutchby (2) and Bradley Underwood kept Aspley on level terms.

Sandiacre Town slipped up at Arnold Town Maroon in the U18 Division Two (Sunday), despite taking the lead through George Hardy.

Arnold recovered from this early setback and Adam Davy, Jake Glover and Bradley Woodcock gave them a 3-1 win.

Burton Joyce Blue marched on at the top of the table with a 4-1 result at Gotham Rangers to make it eight straight wins and keep their 100% record intact.

Toba Ibrahim completed his hat-trick as Bilborough Town scored four without reply against Netherfield Boys Blue. After a goalless first half Bagthorpe Athletic found their shooting boots to run out 6-0 winners against West Bridgford Crocs.

West Bridgford Wanderers had better fortune, winning by the odd goal in five against Netherfield Colts Blue. Brady Nightingale scored both Netherfield goals, a brace by Dan Jenkins and one from Sam Brook giving Wanderers maximum points.

The top three teams in U16 Division One (Sunday) all won. Greasley MW held on to top place thanks to an 8-0 win at United FC, Brett Soiza grabbing a hat-trick.

Hucknall Sports White remain hard on their heels after taking maximum points at Hyson Green Cavaliers. Sam Gadsby got two in a 5-1 success. Teversal scored four without reply at Keyworth United Green.

Attenborough Colts won their first league match of the season, scoring five without reply at Calverton MW. Jack Winfield (3) and George Gould (2) shared the goals.

Dunkirk Colts Red and Dunkirk Colts Blue drew 2-2. Alex Beresford and Colby Bishop had given the Blues a 2-1 advantage, the Reds fighting back through Jordan Richards and Liam Motson.

NEW Hucknall Town joint boss Gary Sucharewycz says he has no intention of playing for the club again.

Sucharewycz, who had three spells with the club as a player, has been out of football for a year through injury.

"I will sign on, but I will only play in a dire emergency," said Sucharewycz.

It might have surprised some fans to see Sucharewycz return to Watnall Road in a managerial capacity.

"It was always on the cards for me," said Sucharewycz, who works in tandem with Ian Robinson and player-coach Ali Asher.

"I live in Hucknall so this is the perfect job for me. I am passionate about it.

"I've got a lot of affection for the club. I think I first played for them about 15 or 16 years ago.

"I was fortunate to be there for the good run under Dean Barrick.

"It is a great little club and it is our job to help move it forward.

"It is going to be hard because the budget is tight. But I have played in teams with no big earners that have done well.

"As long as you have a good set of lads and a good team spirit you have got a chance."

Sucharewycz and Robinson, who had been linked with a move to Eastwood Town, have been busy since they took over.

They have signed highly-rated keeper James Spencer on loan from Grantham, Nottingham University student James Martin, experienced defender Matt Milns, Perry Marriott from Eastwood and Arnold striker Tris Whitman.

LEVI McClean, 32, of Allendale Avenue, Aspley, has been handed a suspended jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified. He drove an Audi A3 convertible in Strelley Road, Broxtowe, on October 13. Magistrates sentenced McClean to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for a year. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work in that time, and to pay a £80 victim surcharge. McClean also admitted a further charge of using the car without having valid insurance. He had his driving licence record endorsed with six penalty points.

KEVIN Kilcoyne, 55, of Gainsborough Road, Langford, near Newark, has been banned from Melbury Road, in Bilborough, for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to committing a public nuisance by indecently exposing himself in the road on September 1. Kilcoyne was also ordered to pay £200 to a Melbury Road resident and £85 costs.

ROBERT Fretwell, 46, of Church Drive, Carrington, pleaded guilty to possessing a quantity of cannabis in Forest Fields on October 2. He was fined £35 and ordered to pay £45 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

SHERINE Khedr, 23, of Edern Gardens, Top Valley, has admitted stealing £19.76 of cleaning products from the Wilkinson store in Sherwood on October 16. Khedr also pleaded guilty to having failed to surrender to custody at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on October 29, having been released on bail. She was made subject of a community order, and also told to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £45 prosecution costs.

PAUL Noutch, 52, of Sheldrake Road, Newark, has been banned from driving for 20 months after pleading guilty to drink-driving. Noutch drove a Ford Transit van on the car park of the Muskham Ferry pub, in North Muskham, on August 14 while he had 87 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms. He was also fined £250 and ordered to pay £250 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

BRIAN Johnson, 57, of Riverside Road, Newark, has admitted attempting to steal two bras and three pairs of ladies' pants belonging to a woman from a house in Catkin Way, Balderton, on September 15. He was fined £175, ordered to pay £30 compensation to the woman, and to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Johnson also pleaded guilty to stealing a bra and three pairs of ladies' pants belonging to a woman in Newark on the same day. He was fined a further £175 and ordered to pay £30 compensation to the woman.

MICHAEL McCluskey, 42, of Westleigh Road, Broxtowe, has pleaded guilty to stealing a 12-pack of beer and a bottle of wine from Spar, in Aspley, on August 27. Magistrates sentenced McCluskey to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £50 prosecution costs.

David Cunningham, 26, of Clifton Lane, Ruddington, admitted possessing 151 tablets of Class-C drugs Benzylpiperline and Piperazine in Nottingham on June 1. He was fined £50 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge. He also pleaded guilty to having committed the offence while subject to a conditional discharge. No action was taken against the breach.

WAYNE Fitzpatrick, 39, of Hubbard Walk, Middlesbrough, is charged with theft after he allegedly stole a bank card from an address in Hagg Lane, Epperstone, on November 9 this year. Magistrates in Nottingham have sent his case to be heard at Nottingham Crown Court on November 26. He is in custody.

PAIGE Storer, 19, of Oakford Close, Broxtowe Estate, will appear at Nottingham Crown Court accused of wounding a female with intent to do her grievous bodily harm. The offence allegedly happened in Bulwell on June 30 this year. Her case will be listed at the crown court on November 26. She is on conditional bail.

ANDREW Baxter, 38, of Lime Tree Road, Hucknall, has been fined £600 for driving a Ford Transit without insurance. Magistrates in Nottingham heard the offence happened in Broomhill Road, Hucknall, on November 5 last year. The case was proved in his absence on November 12. As part of his punishment, he is required to pay a victim surcharge and costs of £85. His licence will be endorsed with six points. No separate penalty was imposed after a second charge proved in his absence. He had been driving the Ford Transit without a licence on November 5.

MARK Bingley, 28, of Nottingham Road, Basford, allegedly stole brandy from Co-op, West Bridgford, worth £101 on October 26. Magistrates in Nottingham have adjourned for a trial on January 23. He is on conditional bail.

PETER Bailey, 27, of Minerva Grove, Hucknall, was found guilty of assaulting a male in Hucknall on January 22. A community order was made at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. It requires him to complete 120 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months and be supervised by the Probation Service. He has to pay the victim, of Mansfield, £100 compensation and costs of £200.

MORE than 1.5 tons of food are needed for a new food bank set to open in the Arnold area next month.

Helen Lloyd, 46, and her husband Mark, 41, of Arnside Road, Bestwood, have been working towards opening it for more than a year.

Mrs Lloyd said she wanted to open the food bank at Daybrook Baptist Church, Mansfield Road, by December 17.

Six churches in Arnold have pledged support and about 1.5 tons of tins have already been collected. But to open the food bank at least three tons are needed, the amount recommended by the Trussell Trust, an organisation that tackles poverty.

"When I first decided to get a food bank up and running in the summer of 2011, there wasn't one registered for Nottingham. Now there are eight, which is absolutely fantastic.

"It's been a lot of work getting everything set up and getting people together.

"This has been a good example of what the churches can achieve when they work together."

Businesses which offered to collect food include Sally's Charity Shop in Front Street, Arnold, which raises money for the Salvation Army.

Shop manager Margaret McNiffe said they had been collecting tins for about a month.

"The response has been quite good," she added. "Some people have come in especially to donate food."

Amanda Strangwick, administration manager for the Salvation Army in Arnold, said: "We desperately need people to donate food.

"If they get 'buy one get one free' items and donate the one free, that would really help and wouldn't even cost any money.

"There are so many people in need and we want to help as many as possible."

Energie Fitness for Women in Arnot Hill Road, Arnold, also has a collection point.

Club owner Debbie Davison said they started asking members to donate food a week ago and 50 items had been collected.

"We have more than 400 members and they're all very generous," she said.

Gedling MP Vernon Coaker said: "The food bank is a really good initiative. It's a shame that it's needed, but unfortunately there is a need."

There are eight food banks city-wide, at Bestwood, Clifton, Aspley, Sneinton, Beeston, Broxtowe Estate, Chilwell and one which covers Radford and Hyson Green.

Food banks are also due to open in St Ann's and The Meadows by Christmas.

The effort comes as the Post is running its own Five Tons of Tins campaign, asking people, businesses and organisations to fill a collection box with tins and drop it off at a food bank.

All types of tinned food are accepted, as well as non-perishable items like dried pasta, cereals, tea bags and coffee.

For more information on the Arnold food bank, contact Mrs Lloyd on info@arnold.foodbank.org.uk.

For details on the Post campaign and where to donate, visit the Post's Facebook page.

Have you been helped by a food bank? Or do you volunteer at one? If so, call Post reporter Emily Winsor on 0115 905 1951, or e-mail emily.winsor@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk.

IT'S the dilemma no would-be parent wants to face.

Mum-of-three Rosie Bull has suffered from kidney disease for several years.

But when she fell pregnant with her fourth child, it was eight years since her last baby. Her kidney condition had worsened and she was told by her doctor that having the baby could seriously affect her health.

The doctor told her that in order to save her own life, she would need to have the baby very prematurely.

A termination was an option that Rosie, 39, and her architect husband Andrew, of First Avenue, Carlton, were forced to consider.

Rosie, a Christian, was faced with a difficult decision, but in the end she said her faith helped her come to an answer.

She said: "Yes, I was scared; after that initial conversation with the consultant I just burst into tears.

"There was a lot of things to weigh up – I have three other children who need a mum."

But in the end the couple decided they would go ahead with the risk of having their baby daughter induced prematurely.

And so, at just 28 weeks, Lois was born at Nottingham City Hospital's neonatal unit – weighing 2lb 1oz.

Babies born after a typical 36-week gestation period weigh around three times that of Lois.

Such are the advances in neonatal medicine that had Lois been born as little as three years ago the chances of her survival would have been considerably lower.

But despite the chances of survival being better than they were, Lois's road to recovery was a difficult one.

After 14 days she picked up an infection and had to be transferred back to the high dependency unit in the neonatal department.

She was taken off milk for 48 hours, because doctors feared she had an infection in her stomach, which had swollen.

"It was at that point that it just hit me how fragile the situation was," said Rosie, who works for a family support charity.

"I was devastated and I did think for a second I might lose her."

Last weekend Lois finally left hospital after more than two months, and this Thursday Rosie will celebrate her 40th birthday with all her family.

She said: "I think the consultants are amazing. They had to balance the risk to my own health against when it was safe to deliver Lois – and they've pulled it off.

"I cannot believe we are all home together as a family. I wasn't sure if this day would ever come.

"This is the best 40th birthday present I could have ever wished for.

"But I won't be having another child again."

Rosie also has three other children Hattie,13, Emily, 11, and Jacob, 8.

Dr Craig Smith, a consultant for the neonatal department who helped save Lois, said: "This case was a little unusual in that the reason we had to deliver the baby premature was for the mother's own safety; normally it is the other way round.

"At 28 weeks we can now fairly confidently say that we will have a good chance of survival, and I'm happy that is the case with Lois."

Between 2009 and 2011 there has been an 20 per cent increase in the number of babies born prematurely at the QMC and City Hospital. In 2009 there were 530 premature admissions and this increased to 636 premature births by 2011.

However, more of them are being saved because of better equipment and advances in science. Since 2006 medics in Nottingham hospitals have cut the fatality rate for premature babies by a massive 35 per cent. In 2006, the hospital trust recorded 93 deaths, in 2009 it was 62 deaths and in 2011 only 40 premature babies died.

The Neonatal Survey for 2011, comparing trusts in the East Midlands and Yorkshire, found Nottingham's hospitals to be the best for saving premature babies' lives in relation to admissions.

Dr Stephen Wardle said: "We are doing something right, we are one of the biggest trust's in the region but statistically premature babies are more likely to survive here in Nottingham than any other hospital in the region.

"The main reasons for this is because we have improved communication links with our obstetricians [who look after both mother and baby], plus we have better staffing levels; if a child is in intensive care we try and get one nurse to every baby. There are also other factors, like we are able to take more accurate scans."

Ventilators are also more advanced than they were.

Lois will have to attend regular check-ups for the next two years to check that she is developing correctly as some premature babies can have problems with learning in later life.

The neonatal departments at both the Queen's Medical Centre and the City Hospital are a centre for regional excellence and as a consequence takes the sickest children from across East Midlands.

THE number of council houses planned to be built in the city over the next five years has been cut.

Nottingham City Homes and the city council announced plans last year to demolish 900 homes city and build 500.

However, this has now been reduced to 350.

A spokesman for the organisation said: "We believed at that time that we'd probably be able to build 500. It was an aspirational figure.

"What's happened is the figures have been worked out by the Government and they've squeezed the funding pot."

NCH is taking a long-term loan to pay for the houses, which will be paid off from rental income over the next 30 years.

The money is likely to come from the Public Works Loan Board, an independent body that provides low interest loans, but NCH said it only expected to be able to borrow about £33 million due to other changes in Government finance.

It estimates it costs an average of £100,000 to build one council house.

However, Nottingham City Council has said it is also expecting housing associations to come forward and build a further 150 homes.

Meanwhile, council tenants are already being rehoused to make way for the demolition of the 900 homes.

Highcross Court Flats, in Clifford Street, Radford, have already been demolished and work has also started on nearby Highurst Court in Highurst Road. The building has been stripped of its internal fittings, such as doors and alarms, and parts from lifts where spares are hard to find.

Bricks and concrete will be crushed on site and used in the new-build project or recycled.

Timber is recycled into chippings and made into building boards.

Any metal which can't be used will be sold as scrap.

Tenants in neighbouring Clifford Court are being rehoused and the flats will be knocked down in the spring.

Nottingham City councillor Dave Liversidge said: "These homes no longer provided a good quality of life for tenants and any renovation work to meet Decent Homes standard would have been extremely costly and not had a great impact on improving the surrounding environment.

"When we add in other problems – such as their design or location, access difficulties and their age – it makes sense for us to look at redevelopment rather than refurbishment.

"Now we have the opportunity to provide modern, high-quality and energy-efficient homes in attractive developments that not only provide a pleasant environment for residents but also help improve the whole area and neighbourhood."

New homes will be built on many of the sites where houses have been demolished but also on other land – details have not yet been released on this.

FOURTEEN-TIME Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and producer Alicia Keys is set to perform in Nottingham.

The forthcoming Girl On Fire – The Tour will arrive at Capital FM Arena on May 28, 2013.

The tour will also include dates in Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham and London. Girl On Fire will be released in the UK by RCA Records on 26 November 2012.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, November 23.

They are priced at £39.50 and £45 (plus booking fee).

Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday 22 November with the code NEW YORK.

Tickets can be booked online, via the ticket hotline on 0843 373 3000, or in person at Ticketing & Customer Services, in Bolero Square.

A MAN has told how he was smashed in the face with a bat in a case of mistaken identity.

Martyn Fryer had ten stitches in his mouth and is still having treatment to repair his teeth.

Police searching for his attacker have so far drawn a blank and yesterday released CCTV images.

Mr Fryer, 21, of Arnold, described the terrifying moment he was attacked and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He had stopped off at G Spot bar, Heathcoate Street, Goose Gate, for a drink with a friend on his way home from work just before midnight on Thursday, July 5.

He said: "I walked to the bar and two minutes later a guy came from behind me and hit me with a rounded bat across the mouth. It just busted my mouth open.

"Then he shouted to me 'you owe me money', but I'd never seen this guy before."

The blow was so forceful the bat broke in two and knocked Mr Fryer's front teeth to the back of his mouth.

Mr Fryer spent seven hours at the Queen's Medical Centre having ten stitches inside and outside his mouth and has been left with a scar.

He added: "It's a case of mistaken identity and the police have ruled out the idea that I owe him money.

"All my front teeth went to the back of my mouth and I had to have them pushed back into place.

"It was just a one-off drink, not even a night out, and only my mate would have known I was there at that time.

"I've never had anything like this happen to me before. It was just the shock of it."

Police are asking people to look at the footage, which shows two men outside the bar moments before Mr Fryer was hit.

Officers think both have information which could help them.

In the footage, a man in dark clothing is seen walking back and forth in front of the door, before another man in lighter clothing comes into view.

Mr Fryer says since the attack he has taken to making sure he gets lifts to and from work, instead of walking and taking buses.

He added: "I just want to see this guy caught. I took a real whack and it was very frightening. It's something I never want to experience again."

The pictured men, or anyone with any information about the attack, are asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A TEEN has been found guilty of trying to blackmail his brothers out of £3,000 by falsely claiming he'd been kidnapped.

Tamjeed Ali had denied blackmailing his brothers Forhad and Tanveer between January 22 and January 25.

But jurors at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday found Tamjeed Ali, of Cromwell Street, Radford, guilty of two charges of blackmail and one charge of perverting the course of justice following a trial.

The court had heard Forhad Ali received a telephone call from a man saying they had his brother and he had five to ten minutes to raise the cash. A few hours later, Forhad Ali received another call to say if he did not pay he would be collecting his brother from the River Trent.

Sentencing of Tamjeed Ali was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was remanded into custody until December 10 when he will be sentenced.

Two other men, Perry Mason, 22, of Cromwell Street, Radford, and Kieron Martt, 22, of Raleigh Street, Radford, have admitted their guilt in relation to the blackmail.

They will also be sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on December 10.

NEW life has been breathed into a religious book more than 600 years old.

The Wollaton Antiphonal contains more than 800 handwritten and illustrated pages, which were used every day in the Middle Ages by priests at Wollaton's St Leonard's Church to sing in services.

After a 15-year project the book has now been completely restored by the University of Nottingham at a cost of £50,000.

It can also be read on a computer at the church and university, with explanations and audio clips adding to the original.

Malcolm Stacey, a member of St Leonard's Church, in Wollaton Road, has been involved in the project.

"Although there were hundreds of these books they all got destroyed apart from two and this one is actually better than the other one so we are rather proud of that," said Mr Stacey, 72, of Lenton.

"People who know about these things think it's a remarkable survival and example of what every church would have possessed.

"Because it's 600 years old it's not as good as new, so what they have been doing for the past 15 years is preserving it and preventing it from decaying further and it is a pretty remarkable survival, better than you would expect."

Although the book has been around for 600 years, it was only used in Wollaton for half a century before the first prayer book in English appeared in 1549, making the all-Latin Antiphonal useless.

The Wollaton volume was taken to the library at Wollaton Hall for safekeeping, where it stayed for nearly 400 years.

It was then returned to the church in 1925, when Lord Middleton sold the Wollaton estate, before the University of Nottingham agreed to house it 50 years later. By that time the volume had become so fragile it could not be handled and the university financed the 15-year project that has now come to an end.

During the conservation process, the parchment pages of the book were repaired and the pigment was consolidated to make the writing clearer where it had worn.

Mr Stacey said: "The book looks magnificent now but what is also magnificent is a digitised version, which lets you turn pages and magnify the text.

"There's also explanations about every page and you can hear people singing from it so that adds immeasurably to the original."

People can view the original Wollaton Antiphonal at a Tombs and Tales event at St Leonard's Church on Monday, November 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and include refreshments. Visit the Parish Office or contact Mr Stacey on 0115 978 5718 for tickets.