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MANSFIELD Town have added another pre-season friendly to their fixture list, with League One side Walsall set to visit One Call Stadium. The Stags will host the Saddlers on Saturday, August 2 (3pm). Dean Smith's side finished 13th in the third tier last term, and the game is expected to be Mansfield's final home pre-season friendly before their League Two campaign gets underway the following weekend. Paul Cox's team have already lined up three other fixtures for the build-up to the season. A Mansfield XI will travel to Clipstone on Wednesday, July 9, before home games against Aston Villa and Birmingham City on Thursday, July 17 and Saturday, July 19 respectively. Information regarding tickets for this match, as well as other pre-season friendlies, will be announced in due course.

Mansfield Town to face Walsall in pre-season friendly

NOTTINGHAM'S iconic Lace Market Hotel and next door pub Cock & Hoop have been forced to close this afternoon. The Post was alerted to a tweet from the Cock & Hoop pub, saying that it and the hotel had closed. On Monday lunchtime the hotel's front doors were locked and some staff could be seen inside the four-star hotel. The Cock & Hoop then tweeted: "To all our loyal customers and suppliers I can only apologise....." The Twitter account has since been deleted and the websites for both the Cock & Hoop and Lace Market Hotel are closed. The Lace Market Hotel is a converted Georgian townhouse with 42 rooms. It looks out on views of St Mary's Church, the Galleries of Justice and the Shire Hall. Merchants restaurant is also located at the hotel. The Cock & Hoop is a traditional gastropub, with real ales and it caters for weddings. Administrator Dean Nelson of Smith Cooper told the Post the hotel was put up for sale five months ago but will shut with immediate effect after a lack of interest. The Lace Market Hotel was part of the Finesse Collection – a group of four East Midlands hotels. Other hotels in the Finesse group are unaffected; these are The Lion at Belper, Donington Manor at Castle Donington and the Cathedral Quarter Hotel, Derby. Director James Blick said: "We are devastated we have got to this position and I would like to extend my sincere personal appreciation to everyone involved for the contribution they have made over the years to make the hotel a success." Guests booked in will be offered accommodation at other Finesse hotels or at another Nottingham hotel. Were you booked in at the Lace Market Hotel? Get in touch by emailing newsdesk@nottinghampost.com or calling 0115 905 1959.

Nottingham's Lace Market Hotel and Cock & Hoop pub closed

A daughter and son-in-law's trial is due to go ahead next month after they were accused of murdering an elderly couple. The case against Susan Edwards, 55, and her husband, Christopher, 57, was mentioned at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday but the couple were not required to attend. Their four-week trial remains scheduled to start Wednesday, June 4. The Edwards' denied murdering her parents, William and Patricia Wycherley, between May 1 and 5, 1998, at a plea hearing in February. The Wycherleys, who were known as Bill and Pat, disappeared from their semi-detached house in Mansfield in 1998. Electoral roll records showed neighbours came and went but the Wycherleys lived in the house alone from 1987 until they vanished. A former next-door neighbour told the Post that the couple lived "in their own little world". Other neighbours also said the couple kept to themselves before they disappeared in 1998. Police launched a murder investigation after two sets of human remains were recovered from the garden of their home in Blenheim Close, Forest Town, last October. Post-mortem examinations showed both had been shot. Nottinghamshire Police said DNA testing had formally identified the remains as those of Mr and Mrs Wycherley, who would now be 101 and 79 respectively. The accused, of no fixed address, were arrested at St Pancras International station in London on October 30 last year.For the latest crime news, click here.

Couple to be tried next month for double murder in Mansfield

A pensioner accused of the attempted murder of a 13-year-old boy will have his case mentioned at Nottingham Crown Court on June 13. Alan Walker, 67, of Thorneywood Mount, is due to go on trial on August 4. Bail was granted to Walker on December 23. He was arrested after police were called to Thorneywood Mount in December after reports of a shooting. The victim was taken to hospital with shotgun wounds and has since been discharged.For the latest crime news, click here.

Pensioner charged with attempted murder of teenager due in court

You and your family are invited to join award-winning author, Lauren St John, on a journey of discovery about growing up in Africa surrounded by animals and inspiring youngsters in storytelling at Trent College on Monday 2 June (4.45pm-5.45pm).
One of the World Book Day 2014 authors, and winner of the 2011 Blue Peter Favourite Story and Book of the Year Award for 'Dead Man's Cove', Lauren was born in Gatooma, Rhodesia, now Kadoma, Zimbabwe. At 11, she and her family moved to Rainbow's End farm and game reserve, the subject of her acclaimed memoir.
Lauren will be visiting Trent College, in Long Eaton, to run creative writing workshops for current pupils at both Trent and its junior school and nursery, The Elms, which teach children to have confidence in their imagination and ideas, with reading for pleasure playing a key role in this.
The doors will then be opened to all-comers for her talk and Q&A session, during which Lauren will show beautiful photos of Africa, Cornwall, horses and wild animals, and tell stories about her childhood growing up in Zimbabwe and her adventures rescuing dolphins and leopards with Born Free. She will also discuss how she researches her books and talk about where she gets her ideas.
Claire Scothern, Head of Library Services, at Trent College, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming Lauren and we would love people to join us. We will be inviting feeder schools and the local community as well families of our current pupils. It is sure to be a fascinating, inspiring talk where your imagination will be taken into the heart of Africa and the mind of someone whose words captivate young readers."
Lauren will also be signing copies of her books, available to purchase on the day.
After nearly a decade as golf correspondent to The Sunday Times, followed by a sojourn in the US, riding the tour buses of country stars like Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and the Dixie Chicks, Lauren wrote her bestselling 'White Giraffe' series. Her most recent book, Fire Storm, the final part of her The One Dollar Horse Trilogy, was released in March.
Lauren is the latest acclaimed author to visit Trent College and The Elms, with Sophia McDougall, who wrote her first novel for young people, Mars Evacuees, conducting a special talk for Year 5 and 6 pupils at The Elms on Friday 16 May.
To find out more or to register your interest in attending Lauren's talk contact Claire Scothern at claire.scothern@trentcollege.net or telephone 0115 8495018.

Local People Invited To Meet Award-Winning Author Lauren St John

Children struggling to keep up with the demands of mainstream education could be sent to a proposed new free school. The Channeling Positivity Alternative Provision Free School would be based in Rushcliffe. It would be able to take up to 56 children aged 13 to 16 who have social, emotional or behavioural issues. This would include those who have been excluded or have been identified by head teachers as in need of more help with work. It is the brainchild of former head teacher and schools consultant Justine Drury, who believes there is not enough alternative provision in Nottinghamshire. And it follows the county council decision to close the Daybrook Learning Centre, which caters for expelled children, in August. Ms Drury said: "There are pupil referral units which provide such services in the city but there won't be anything in the county. "We believe that we can provide a service to run alongside mainstream schools in the area." The group behind the plans have submitted their bid to the Department for Education, with a decision expected later this year. They hope to open their doors in September 2015. A location has not been identified, as this would be done if and when approval is given, but Ms Drury believes West Bridgford is best placed. Critics say free schools' use of unqualified teachers means they lack credibility. But Ms Drury said Channeling Positivity would only employ specialist qualified teachers and teaching assistants. She added: "We will look to establish a foundation alongside the school which will help to fund it and set up partnerships with businesses and other organisations which would benefit students." Students would attend long-term work placements and have the chance to go on residential trips in this country and abroad in a bid to improve their employability. They will also study GCSE maths, English and ICT. Ms Drury, who used to be head of school at South Nottingham College (now Central College Nottingham) as well as a school head teacher, is receiving support from the New Schools Network in the bid. A previous bid to open a free school in the Gamston and West Bridgford area failed in the face of huge opposition from nearby established schools. However, head teachers at those schools are supporting the new plan. Rob McDonough, of West Bridgford School, said: "In our area we have a partnership of six schools which support each other when it comes to behaviour. "All these schools support this idea. It would be a really good addition to the partnership. "It will allow us to send children there either part-time or full-time if we believe that it is the right move for them." Phil Crompton, head teacher at Rushcliffe School, also in West Bridgford, is also in support of the plans. He said: "It is a really good idea. If free schools are to emerge there must be a gap in the market and I believe there is one here. "Our understanding is that there will be high-quality provision there." What do you think about the plans? E-mail marcus.boocock@nottinghampost.com

Plans submitted to open new free school in Rushcliffe

Forget the traditional fayre of pot noodles and beans on toast – students in Nottingham love to sample the city's top cuisine. From the fine dining experience at Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains to the popular Annie's Burger Shack - Nottingham has something to suit everyone's budget. And with the city centre having more places to eat and drink per square mile than any other city in Europe, it has now earned its way into Thinkmoney's "Six Great Universities for Foodies" list. Describing Nottingham as a "compact foodie paradise" with a "vibrant and diverse dining scene", the budgeting account provider ranked Nottingham at the top, above Birmingham, Plymouth, Bournemouth, Bath and Pembrokeshire. Gregg Mattocks-Evans, a 20-year-old print journalism student Nottingham Trent University, said: "There's a lot of choice here - sometimes it takes a while just to decide where to go. "I really like Tropeiro (a Brazilian restaurant in King Street); It's sort of like a buffet but they bring it to your table. The food is really good there, you get what you pay for. "I also like Spanky Van Dyke's (in Goldsmith Street), there's a good variety of burgers and booze there. The prices aren't bad either. On Tuesday's it gets pretty busy as its 2-for-1." 20-year-old Ben Jolley, who is also studying print journalism at NTU, said Peachy Keens, in Upper Parliament Street, Spanky Van Dykes and Annie's Burger Shack, in the Lace Market, were among his favourite places to go for some cheap grub. He said: "I really like Peachy Keens, you can go up as many times as you like and it's good value. I also like Spanky's - it's mainly student orientated, that and the Horn in Hand. They do some great offers and the burgers are good. "Annie's Burger Shack has the weirdest concoctions but the food is really nice. It is £12 on average for a burger but it is worth it for what you get." Besides the good food on offer, students at Nottingham's two universities are also among the happiest in the UK. The University of Nottingham has been ranked tenth in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey. Nottingham Trent University came in 40th – but was the tenth most improved on last year's position. Sarah Hepwood, a team leader at Horn in Hand, said the pub's range of offers always go down well with the students. The 25-year-old said: "Our price range is geared towards students and we always have a lot of offers on. If they have a Yellow Card they get 10 per cent off food and drink every day - it is really popular and I would say around 90 per cent of customers have one. "The juke box is also really popular and we are just seconds from the university as well." The Cornerhouse - home to Turtle Bay Caribbean restaurant and T.G.I Fridays - was also named a popular destination among students. Jess Hallford, a hostess at Turtle Bay said: "I think there's quite a lot of variety in Nottingham but there's nothing like Turtle Bay. "I think the cocktails and the atmosphere really bring the students in. We also have a lot of people come in here for our street burgers, our jerk chicken and our lunch and light menus, which are all good value for money. The wi-fi is always a hit too." Where is your favourite place to eat in Nottingham? Tell us at www.nottinghampost.com

Nottingham ranked top of 'Six Great Universities for Foodies' list

BEAUTY queens from across the country descended on Notts to be put through their paces at a gruelling boot camp. In total 81 Miss England semi-finalists took part in the day of activities held at the historic Kelham Hall and Country Park, near Newark, on Monday. The girls had to do one hour of rigorous exercise in the baking heat to prove that they had commitment and determination. Miss Nottingham Top Fundraiser Thekla Charalambous, 19, of Arnold, said: "I have enjoyed the whole experience but it has been a lot of hard work. "For me the best part of the competition is raising money for charity because I do a lot of work in the community. "This is my first time in the competition and I really hope that I can go all the way to the final. "There are so many nice beautiful girls here that have worked hard for this but I still hope that I get picked. "I entered the competition so that when I am older I can look back and be proud of what I have achieved." The boot camp took place in the morning with interviews and rehearsals taking place in the afternoon. Only 60 out of the 81 semi-finalists have been picked to go through to the final in June. Miss Nottingham Popularity Sasha Perkins, 17, of Papplewick, said: "I thought the whole thing was really hard and it was one of the toughest things I have ever done. "I would class myself as fit because I am a world championship street dancer but this is a totally different level. "I am not really a runner so I am proud that I took part and gave it a good go." As well as press ups and squats the girls took part in a bleep test – a series of progressively quicker 20 metre shuttle runs. Miss Newark and District Elsa Trueman, 22, of Newark said: "I was really surprised that I got so far and made to the last five of the bleep test. "It is important to be healthy and fit and I think I have proved that I am. "I don't do large amounts of exercise and if I get through to the final I will step it up to prove that I care about this is." For some of the girls the intense exercise was too much to cope with. Miss Liverpool Runner Up Elle Ward gave up after only a few minutes. The 18-year-old said: "I just had to stop because I had my rollers in and they were slipping out of place. "With me bouncing everywhere they were coming out which would ruin my hair. "I am fit but this is really tough but it is always important to do your best." The Miss England Final will be held from June 14 to 16 in Torquay.

Do you think you have what it takes to be Miss England next year? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

Video: Miss England semi-final held in Nottinghamshire

Chancellor George Osborne has backed calls for an improved rail service between Nottingham and Newark. Mr Osborne added his support to the idea of doubling in the number of trains – with at least one non-stop train between Nottingham and Newark every hour – that is being tabled by Robert Jenrick, the Conservative candidate in next month's Newark by-election. Mr Osborne said: "Robert Jenrick invited me to Newark as part of his campaign to ensure the area has the rail infrastructure it needs. "He's made a very powerful case for improvement. I want to see the Nottingham-Newark train service transformed – with double the number of trains and at least one non-stop train to Nottingham every hour. "Backing businesses with better infrastructure is part of this Government's long-term economic plan to deliver a better future for Newark and for Britain." Mr Jenrick, who invited the Chancellor to visit Newark on Monday, said addressing the rail issue was of upmost importance to the town. He said: "This by-election is an important opportunity to secure a better future for Newark. "Things have been improving locally under the Conservatives and I'm delighted that the Chancellor has signalled his support for further improvements to our local railways. "For too long the area has suffered from a poor East-West train line with trains connecting Lincoln to Nottingham slower now than they were almost a hundred years ago. "If I can earn the chance to be the MP for Newark, I would provide a strong voice on the local issues that matter – the economy, jobs, schools, transport and public services – to secure a better future for Newark." The announcement came as both the Chancellor and Mr Jenrick visited Newark-based communications company Timico,before then heading to Newark Castle train station. While at Timico, Mr Osborne spoke with Robert Ainsworth, 16, who has been working as an internal IT apprentice at the company for the last ten months. The former Magnus School pupil said: "I quite liked him. He seemed a nice chap. "I feel the Government does give young people a lot of support, but it could be more visible." Shannon Walker, 19, also spoke to the Chancellor about her journey from an apprentice at Timico to becoming its client services executive. She said: "He was really lovely. "I'm a Conservative anyway. I just believe in what they have put forward since the last election. "I'm the kind of person that believes if you work hard you will get the rewards, and they believe in that too." While in Notts, the Chancellor also told the Post he would "do everything humanly possible" to help workers set to be hit by the closure of Thoresby Colliery next year. Mr Osborne visited Notts' last deep coal mine in November last year, saying at the time that he had been talking with UK Coal about the potential of extending the pit's life. But UK Coal announced last month it is to close with the loss of more than 500 jobs. The Government has loaned £10m to UK Coal to keep the pit open for now. Of the situation, Mr Osborne said: "It was clear talking to UK Coal at the time, and now, that it was facing very serious difficulties. Sadly that has led to the closure. "There was an option of the pit just closing overnight. We thought that would be terrible for the workforce so the Government stepped in. "It will give us time to help the workforce." He added: "I stand there with local families ready to help them find work. They are a fantastic workforce."

Chancellor George Osborne backs calls for Nottingham to Newark rail boost

FORMER journalist John Shaw first dreamed of becoming a bus driver when he was just six years old. Trips out with his aunty on public transport ignited a passion that would stay with him as he grew older. Eleven years ago he took the plunge and swapped the newsroom for life on the road – and has never looked back. John has now been named trentbarton's Driver of the Year. The 35-year-old, of Richmond Avenue in Ilkeston, says he fell in love with the "sights, sounds and smells" of the bus from his very first trip. He said: "My aunty used to take me out on the buses in the summer holidays. "She used to say we had to go to Stapleford to pay grandma's furniture bills and we'd get the trentbarton 102. "I just loved the sights and sounds and smells of the buses and was fascinated watching the bus drivers. "Eventually we started going further afield and would go to places like Derby. We'd go on the bus rather than in the car because I loved it so much." Despite forging a successful career as a broadcast journalist for BBC East Midlands, John decided to quit journalism to follow his dreams. "I knew I wasn't going to earn much money but I'm glad I've made the jump," he said. "I love my job so it was definitely the right thing to do. "I'm also interested in buses as a hobby as well. I go to bus rallies and have got models and books. I was quite an avid collector before I bought my own house!" John currently drives route 18 from Nottingham to Beeston and Stapelford, and has plenty of stories to tell about his time behind the wheel. He said: "I've had all sorts happen on the bus – I once had a bloke climb in through the emergency door at the back with an empty bread basket offering people bread that wasn't there! "Strange things like that happen all the time. "But there's also lots of nice things about being a bus driver – especially the rapport you get with customers. "Sometimes people bring me a cuppa and tell me to bring the mug back on my next round. "My route at the moment takes me right past my parent's house where I used to live on Mayfield Drive in Stapleford. "I tend to know a lot of people because of that. "A lot of my customers are old school friends and others knew me when I was a nipper." John was among a number of trentbarton staff to be recognised for their efforts over the past 12 months as part of the firm's annual Really Good Service Awards. As well as receiving a trophy for Driver of the Year, John also picked up holiday vouchers worth £1,000. He added: "Winning the award is a dream come true. "When I first joined trentbarton I wanted to become an ambassador for the company, and as an award winner I'm thrilled to have achieved this ambition." Jeff Counsell, trentbarton's managing director, said: "All the winners demonstrated our commitment to going the extra mile for our customers. "The awards have been running for the past 12 years, and every year picking an overall winner gets harder. "However, John has consistently scored top marks from mystery customers over the past 12 months."

Top driver reveals his lifelong love of travelling on the buses

Police are concerned for the welfare of a missing Retford family. Rosemarie Senior, her three-year-old daughter Nora Lisa Ward and her two-year-old James Dean Docherty, were last seen in Chancery Lane on Friday. They were seen getting into a car at around noon with Rosemarie's partner, 27-year-old Sidney Winson. Initial investigations have led Nottinghamshire Police to believe the family may be in Ireland or on their way to the country. They are not thought to be in an immediate harm but Police would like to make contact with them to ensure they are safe and well. Rosemarie is white and had her black hair tied back. She was wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a black cardigan. Sidney is white with short dark hair. James is white, has short dark hair and looks older than his years. He was wearing brown shoes, blue jeans, and a navy and terracotta long sleeved top. Nora is white with light coloured hair. She was wearing sparkly silver ankle trainers and blue jeans with white spots. Her top was white with pink sleeves and features a rainbow and cloud and the word 'cute'. Nottinghamshire Police have appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting incident 494 of May 30, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.

Concern over missing Retford family

NOTTINGHAM'S Carl Froch settled his rivalry with George Groves in brutal fashion as he knocked his bitter enemy out cold with a crunching right hand in their record-breaking Wembley Stadium rematch. Froch infamously won their first meeting in Manchester last November, recovering from a first-round knockdown and terrible start to stop Groves controversially in the ninth round. He once again retained his IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles and answered any remaining questions with a breathtaking eighth-round punch which knocked Groves out in front of 80,000 baying fans. The nature of the first fight's ending only fuelled animosity between the pair and served to hype the rematch into a sell-out at the national stadium. Among that impressive crowd were the likes of Frank Bruno, Amir Khan, David Haye and Joe Calzaghe plus other sports stars and celebrities such as Wayne Rooney and Gordon Ramsay. Unlike their first encounter, Hammersmith's Groves just about edged it in terms of support as his fans slightly drowned out Nottingham native Froch's. Froch, 36, brought a record of 32 wins and two defeats to the ring, with 23 knockouts, compared with Groves' 19-1 (15KOs). Groves had weighed in over a pound lighter than Froch on Friday despite being naturally bigger, suggesting he may have weakened himself by losing too much poundage too quickly. But he seemed to have an early edge as Froch refused to look into his eyes as the pair reached the ring. A cagey opening few seconds saw the 26-year-old Groves land first with the jab as Froch appeared mindful of his opening salvo last time. Froch caught Groves with a glancing left hook but the respect for each other's power was evident. Groves landed a right in the second which was by far the best action at that point, and a left hook as Froch moved in moments later. Froch landed two left hooks as he pounced on the pensive Groves but a counter right hand from Groves was a good finish to a round where Froch had improved. A one-two by Groves probably earned him the fourth but the rounds were hard to score. A similar combination in the fifth brought more success only for Froch to trap him in the corner briefly as he wailed away. Groves was too quick with the jab, footwork and defensive reflexes while his right hand was a potent weapon. But there remained a sense he could be got at by Froch at times as the veteran edged the sixth and a small cut appeared under Groves' left eye. The 'Saint' landed a powerful lead left in the seventh which was easily the best shot of the fight at that stage. Another and two hooking rights as Froch attacked were also impressive but he took one himself in the skirmish. Some casual fans inside Wembley grumbled at the technical nature of the bout at times. But it erupted in the eighth as a right hand from nowhere obliterated the challenger. Letting his guard slip for a split second, Froch unleashed the shot which saw Groves crumple to the canvas unconscious. The youngster was still wobbling a full minute later as he faces the prospect of going away and rebuilding. But ultimately, the score was settled and Froch's legacy enhanced.

Carl Froch beats George Groves at Wembley to retain world titles

JAMES DeGale earned the chance to face Carl Froch after beating Brandon Gonzales in a fourth-round stoppage at Wembley Stadium. DeGale lost to Groves in a controversial points decision in 2011 but recorded a dominant display against Gonzales. The victory means DeGale is now the mandatory IBF challenger to the super-middleweight title, which Froch retained after knocking out George Groves in the eighth round later that night at Wembley. DeGale, who won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, came out of the traps fast in the first round with two early hits and continued to dominate the opening exchanges with some excellent sequences. Gonzales seemed to gather himself after a bruising start and was able to shut down DeGale's space with greater effect in round two and three. The 28-year-old Londoner opened up midway through round four however with a series of explosive punches which sent Gonzales crashing to the floor with three big hits. The American rose to his feet but was unable to buy himself the time he needed. DeGale again unleashed with three more shots to Gonzales' head and as the American wobbled, the fight was stopped in the Londoner's favour. DeGale said: "I did exactly what I wanted to do tonight, which was put in a performance. In front of nearly 80,000 at Wembley, it's fantastic. The atmosphere is brilliant. "I'm going to have to watch it back but I hit him with good, clean shots and he was hurt. "I'm 100 per cent ready for a world title shot now. That was a final eliminator so that's it, I'm mandated to fight for the IBF."

NOTTINGHAM'S Carl Froch believes his knock-out victory over George Groves at Wembley Stadium proves he is among the best fighters in the world. Froch retained his IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles with a crunching right-hander in the eighth round which floored Groves in front of 80,000 fans. The win brings to an end months of wrangling between the pair since Froch controversially beat Groves in the first fight between the two in November. "I showed why I'm a four-time champion of the world, why I've defended my world title 13 times on the spin," Froch said. "I am amongst the best fighters in the world - that's who George Groves was in there with. "The finish of that (fight) showed why I've mixed with the elite for many years and how hard it is to get to that level." He added: "I am feeling unbelievably elated, this is the best moment in the history of my boxing career." Groves made a solid start to the contest which began cagily, with neither fighter wanting to give anything away. Froch was patient, waiting for his opening and Groves struggled to keep pace as the fight wore on. "I knew it was only going to take a couple of big right hands to the chin and I timed it perfectly," Froch said. "It's a 12-round sport, last time I was rushing it, I was trying to catch him with that shot in round one and ended up walking into one and it made for a spectacle. "That was a tactical, stand-off fight. We had a game plan and the game plan was executed perfectly." Groves taunted Froch in the build-up to the fight and predicted he would knock his opponent out with a left hook. The 26-year-old, however, was magnanimous in defeat while pledging to return "bigger, better and stronger". "It's boxing and fair play to Carl, he caught me and I went down," Groves said. "Obviously I felt I was doing very well in the fight, I was in my groove and I was boxing well but it's boxing. "I've got to hold my hands up - Carl caught me with a shot but I'll come back bigger, better and stronger. "Ultimately I feel like I let myself down but congratulations to Carl, fair play, he got the punch. "I congratulate him and wish him all the best." Groves also insists there is no bad blood between him and Froch, adding: "It's boxing, the fights are hyped, I honestly feel no way about any of my opponents. "I don't like them or dislike them, it's the easiest way for me to go about my business."

Carl Froch on Wembley win: I showed why I'm a four-time champion of the world

Concerns are growing for a 12-year-old girl who has been reported missing. Louise Bonser was last seen by a friend in Meden Bank at around 6pm on Saturday. She did not return to her Sutton-in-Ashfield home. Her family and police are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare and are keen for Louise, or anyone who has seen her, to get in touch. Louise is around 5ft 4ins tall, and of slim build with straight dark-brown hair and blue eyes. She has links to Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield. She was last seen wearing a grey hooded jacket and blue jeans. If you have seen Louise call Nottinghamshire Police on 101.

Concerns growing for missing 12-year-old from Sutton-in-Ashfield

A missing schoolgirl from Sutton-in-Ashfield has been found safe and well. Louise Bonser, 12, was last seen by a friend in Meden Bank at around 6pm on Saturday. She did not return to her Sutton-in-Ashfield home. She was found safe and well this morning and Nottinghamshire Police would like to thank everyone who helped search for her.

Missing Sutton-in-Ashfield schoolgirl has been found

Bin cleaner Craig Brazier - who won £1.3 million on the horses last weekend - missed out on the chance to double his winnings on a bonus race. Mr Brazier, 39, and seven other winners on the Scoop6 had a free bet on yesterday's bonus race at York, with a chance to win a further £5.5 million. The eventual winner offered Mr Brazier the chance to join him and two other gamblers in a syndicate to share the takings. But Mr Brazier, of Mansfield Woodhouse, turned the chance down, instead electing to go it alone, betting on Tumblewind to win the 2.50pm race. His horse was winning until near the end, when the horse backed by Bernard Marantelli, 43, named Top Boy, came through to take the race. This meant Mr Marantelli and the two others in the syndicate split the jackpot three ways. Despite rejecting the chance to double his winnings Mr Brazier remained upbeat, sharing champagne with Mr Marantelli afterwards. "Good luck to them," said Mr Brazier, who was set to return to work today. mon "I have enjoyed every minute. It's been absolutely brilliant and for a few seconds it looked like my pick Tumblewind had a great chance. "But I'd backed the winner too many times on the all weather without winning, so I'd never have picked it. They did well and we're all happy." Mr Marantelli, of London, said: "We tried to get everyone to collude all week. "In the end there was my ticket and two other syndicates, but we never heard from Craig. "It's the biggest ever pool win for us, but we were down on the series until this. I have won a £1 million a couple of times previously, but sports pool bets are the most exciting betting products out there. "Instead of winning £1.8 million today I'd have been happy with £1.3 million and Craig could have doubled his winnings from last week and he managed that for just £2." Speaking on Channel 4's racing programme after riding the winner, jockey Adam McLean, 22, said: "I had no idea there was a ticket for £5 million riding on the horse."

Bin cleaner Craig Brazier misses out on increasing his millions at York races

UKIP leader Nigel Farage says that clinching the Newark by-election would be a bigger coup than winning the European elections. Mr Farage, who has previously talked about creating a political "earthquake" at the European elections, was on the campaign trail in Southwell on Saturday, before heading to Newark for a public meeting. He said he had confidence in UKIP candidate Roger Helmer securing the seat at next Thursday's by-election, following the resignation of Conservative MP Patrick Mercer last year. If Mr Helmer wins, it would make him the first UKIP member to secure a seat at Westminster. Mr Farage said: "If last Sunday was an earthquake, UKIP winning on Thursday would be Krakatoa. It will be absolutely massive. "Winning here would be bigger than the European elections, so this is an important moment for British politics. It will change the perception that UKIP is a one man band. The momentum is on our side and the gap is closing. Can we close the gap? I think we can." The UKIP leader added that he is looking to secure the Labour vote, after a recent poll for the Sun revealed that the party is eight points behind the Tories, and one point ahead of Labour. "We are going to be working very hard on the Labour vote between now and Thursday, and say to people we are the party with momentum, we are the ones who can realistically beat the Conservatives. If you want a major moment in British politics, then tactically vote UKIP." But Mr Farage does not only have his sights set on winning the by-election; he is looking ahead to the general election in 2015. He added: "Once you have one [MP] under first-past-the-post the whole game changes. If we won this we wouldn't just be thinking about retaining this [the Newark seat] at the general election, we will be thinking about getting quite a lot of people elected." Among the party's 20 target seats at the next general election is Broxtowe. In the European election UKIP gained the most votes in Broxtowe with 9,488 followed by Labour with 8,118. The Conservatives got 7,386 votes. Mr Farage said that there will be a careful selection process to pick local talent to represent the party for the constituency. "It [selecting local talent] is important, we don't want to do what the others have done and to parachute people in. We know Labour are brilliant at that. Recruiting talent is about being an active part with a growing momentum and hopefully a selection process which people see to be equitable and fair." Mr Farage added that selecting local talent was the reason he chose not to stand in the Newark by-election. "I have no connection with the constituency so I just wouldn't have done that." While speaking to residents in Southwell town centre, Mr Helmer was asked whether he thought he had a good chance of winning the by-election, what his manifesto entails and what he would bring to the Newark constituency. Mr Helmer said: "I will not be lobby fodder for the party whips. I will work with people in Newark to see what they want and how we take their issues forward, especially the key issues such as the A&E department [at Newark Hospital] and flooding down here in Southwell." The UKIP candidate added that winning was "eminently doable", and that the other parties are "worried to death" that he could clinch the vote next Thursday. If Mr Helmer does win the by-election he will have to stand down as a Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands, a position he has held since 1999. He said: "I would be a fool to sit here and say we are definitely going to win but I would say we can win and we are busting our guts to make sure we do. "It will enormously send a message to Westminster. You can tell how terrified the parties are." What do you think? Tell us at www.nottinghampost.com

UKIP leader Nigel Farage: Newark by-election win would be

Firefighters were called to tackle two house blazes in Wollaton at the weekend. The first took place in the kitchen of a property in Wollaton Road, at around 3.17pm on Saturday. Crews from Highfields Fire Station were in attendance for around 15 minutes. No-one was injured. The second took place in Arleston Drive at around 2.20am on Sunday morning. The fire was in the kitchen. Two adults and one child evacuated the house before firefighters from Highfields and Stapleford arrived. Crews left the scene at around 2.51am.

Firefighters called to tackle two house blazes in Wollaton

GREETINGS from a sunny Hove where Sussex won the toss and will bowl on day one of the County Championship game against Notts. There is one change to the Notts team as Alex Hales replaces Steve Mullaney at the top of the order. Sussex make two changes. Rory Hamilton Brown replaces Michael Yardy and Matt Hobden makes his debut for Matt Machan. Matt Prior plays for Sussex. Teams: Sussex: LWP Wells, CD Nash, EC Joyce*, RJ Hamilton-Brown, MJ Prior†, LJ Wright, BC Brown, ME Hobden, JE Anyon, SJ Magoffin, J Lewis Nottinghamshire: AD Hales, PA Jaques, MJ Lumb, JWA Taylor, SR Patel, MH Wessels, CMW Read*†, SCJ Broad, PM Siddle, A Shahzad, AR Adams 6.40pm: Notts close on 408 for 5. Patel is 142 not out and Read 61. Brilliant from both, but especially Patel, who was simply untouchable. 5.56pm: And now 50 for Chris Read. Classy effort from him as well. 365 for 5. 5.53pm: 100 for Patel, lofts the ball over Nash at midwicket. Brilliant innings. Notts 354 for 5. 5.25pm: New ball being taken. Notts see this out and they are right in the driving seat. 316 for 5. 5.15pm: Patel and Read have put on 50 for the sixth wicket as the look to see it through to the new ball and beyond in three overs. That brings up the 300 as well. 306/5. 4pm: Wicket! Wessels out for 11 in disappointing fashion as he mistimes a drive and fires it straight to Luke Wells. Notts 248/5 3.26pm: Wicket! Taylor is out for 29 having looked so comfortable. He was surprised by one from Hobden down the hill that looped straight to the grateful Anyon 209/4 3.12pm: 183/3 with Patel on 14 and Taylor 28. Both looking very comfortable. 2.44pm: More fustration for Lumb as he goes for 39, edging Luke Wright to Matt Prior. 164/3. Lumb is still yet to pass 40 this season. He'd actually settled well after lunch and looked poised to push on. 2.35pm: Anyon is limping off for Sussex with what looks like cramp. Could be a hamstring I guess. Notts have made it to 159 for 2. Taylor 24, Lumb 35 1.55pm: Great effort in the deep sees Nash drop Taylor on 8. Huge dive and he seemed to have a good grip of it but then it spilled out. Hobden the bowler. 121/2 1.40pm: The teams are back out out with Lewis bowling the first over after lunch. Notts still 111/2 1.10pm: Lunch sees Notts on Nelson - 111/2. Jaques made 67 before he was caught by Matt Prior off Matt Hobden. Lumb is 14 and James Taylor has 5. 12.20pm: Jaques dropped again but a very tricky chance. This time Ben Brown dives away to his left and gets two hands on it but can't hold on. Jaques now 57, 86/1. Lumb has 4. 12.07pm: 50 off 60 ball for Phil Jaques. A fair slice of luck in it but he's looked more fluid of late. 75/1 12.03pm: Hales goes for 16. Very low catch by Ben Brown. Hales didn't walk but went with Brown's word he took it. Hales out for 16, 74/1. 11.40am: Another Jaques thick edge through the slips to take Notts to 50. He plays a neater flick off his legs but then follows that with a very streaky four as he gets an inside edge past Prior. 60/0. 11.25am: Notts are 36/0 with Jaques 21 and Hales 10. Jaques has had plenty of problems though and could easily have gone to Magoffin on more than one occasion. 11.03am: A lively first over here. Jaques edges the first ball for four and then is dropped at first slip by Ben Brown. A real let off for the Australian. 6/0.

RELIVE: Sussex v Nottinghamshire - day one