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Beeston has been named as one of the top places to live in Britain. The Guardian named the Nottinghamshire town as the Silicon Valley of the East Midlands in the paper's popular Let's Move To section. The article notes what Beeston has going for it and what is going against it. Highlights include the university, science park, Queen's Medical Centre and Boots HQ. Reporter Tom Dyckhoff said: "Squint, have a strong coffee (two sugars), and when the sun's out the optimistic among you might imagine Beeston as the East Midlands' Silicon Valley." However, the town is also criticised for being "humdrum" in places and also an area of flood risk. He adds: "It's home to a lot of brains, too. With the university, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham Science Park and the Boots campus, Beeston is the 'burb of choice for geeks, nerds and professors, who lay their heads on Egyptian cotton pillows in pretty Victorian bedrooms on its peaceful avenues after a day's boffining. "All is here to soothe the academic's soul: golf courses and walks in Wollaton deer park; craft beer in Camra-approved pubs; the quieter students (most prefer Lenton, closer to town); and, come autumn, a new tram link into central Nottingham to shave off a few minutes to dedicate instead to eureka moments. "All it needs to complete the Silicon picture are sun, surf and Napa Valley up the road." Residents in the town have spoken of their passion for the place they live. Helen Smith, 44, of Clinton Street, Beeston, said: "We love living here. It is really easy for Nottingham, countryside, and Peak District. "We have some great shops and more and more good restaurants. I think we deserve a pat on the back." The article also includes details on schools and local businesses as well as transport links. Ian Burniston, 47, of Clinton Street, said:"Beeston had lots of independent shops, restaurants etc and has a young, multi cultural, vibe with it being close to the uni." The diversity is what impresses Lee Empringham. The 39-year-old of Abbey Road said:"Beeston is quite a cosmopolitan area with a nice mix of people from a huge range if different backgrounds. "The area is also good in terms of the local shops and a broad range of facilities with some smashing coffee bars and restaurants." Liliana de Lillo, 41, of Abbey Road, said:"We chose Beeston because its a very family friendly place with some great schools and lots of activities close at hand for the kids. "I dont drive so it makes it much easier to find a work - life balance if you can find all the things you need close by." For more Beeston stories, click here Do you think Beeston is the Silicon Valley of the East Midlands? Let us know by sending an email to newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

Beeston named as Silicon Valley of the East Midlands

THE city was filled with the sights and sounds of yesteryear on Saturday as morris dancers flocked from across the region to perform an ancient tradition for the final time. The Gate to Southwell saw around 160 dancers parading along a 20-mile route from Old Market Square to Southwell Minster as part of a famed tradition - but the event will be the last of its kind with organisers unable to bear the strain any more. Event bosses say they have been forced to call it a day amid a deluge of red tape and paperwork and emotions ran high as dancers clad in bright and beautiful outfits of all sorts turned out to celebrate more than thirty years of the revived procession. Chris Gigg is the current organiser of the event. The West Bridgford man sad it was a bittersweet day. "It's a slightly sad occasion," he added. "But then we started in 1981 and wouldn't have had any idea it would go for 30 odd years. "There is a sense of sadness but we're enjoying the day and making it as eventful as possible. "The problem is there's just a tremendous amount of administration now." Wil Walker has been involved in the parade since it began. He said: "These are sad circumstances but we have been doing it for 33 years after discovering it. "It's an emotional thing - it's an event which has a lot of affection." And Bob Hine, who was the founder of the event in its new form, said: "It's not a sad day for me - it's a very happy day. "We started this as a one off event but we've done 34 now and we can be very proud. "It's brought the local teams together once a year and we've thoroughly enjoyed it." In 1981, the Dolphin Morris Dancers decided to revive the ancient Gate to Southwell event, a Whitsun ceremony dating back to 1109, when parishioners processed to Southwell Minster to pay contributions to the upkeep of the cathedral. History books show that morris dancers were involved in the procession from as far back as 1530. Proceedings began at 8.30am in Nottingham's Old Market Square, where Lord Mayor Councillor Ian Malcolm handed over a purse containing 13 shillings and 4 pence – about 66p. Old city records suggest this was Nottingham's contribution to the upkeep of Southwell Minster in 1530. Traditionally, at the head of the procession rode the Mayor and Corporation of Nottingham in their ceremonial robes. Behind them came the priests and churchwardens from each parish in the county. Many other villagers and townspeople joined the procession, too, and entertainment was provided on the way by morris dancers. The priests at Southwell also held an annual meeting in conjunction with the procession. But in about 1770 the event was abolished by the Archbishop and seemed lost among the mists of time until the Dolphin Morris Men revived the tradition in 1981. This year's procession also saw representatives from Reach - a Southwell-based charity which helps adults with learning disabilities. Julia Sullivan, the charity's fundraising manager, said: "It's a shame to see it end because they have been a great support to us. "It's a really good thing for us - a chance to raise awareness and a bit of money." Do you know of any ancient local traditions? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.For more Southwell stories, click here

Morris dancers flock to Nottingham for the last Gate to Southwell parade

OLYMPIC hero Rebecca Adlington says she is still being targeted by online trolls who accuse her of letting the country down despite winning Bronze at London 2012. The 25-year-old Mansfield swimmer told The Guardian she has blocked thousands of people on Twitter and still regularly received abuse on the social networking website. She said: "It was something I never expected. "I have never wanted to be famous, you definitely don't get into swimming for the fame. "£I did get upset about it. I couldn't get my head around why someone would go to the effort of looking someone up, and then sending them a nasty tweet. I still can't really. What's going on in those people's lives?" The former Nova Centurion athlete added: "When it started I was really, really upset, I asked myself 'What have I ever done to them, what have I done wrong?' But now I understand that it's just people wanting attention – I've learnt not to take it personally and use the block button." And despite having exited the sport after the London Olympics in 2012, Adlington told The Guardian she is still a target for trolls. "People say things like I'm a whale, or I look like a dolphin – I think 'well done, that's great imagination you've got there'. "There was one yesterday that just said: 'You are so ugly'– I thought, to be fair you are to the point, you haven't wasted any time."For more Rebecca Adlington stories, click here

Twitter trolls still targeting Mansfield Olympic hero Rebecca Adlington

Axe-wielding vandals have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at one of the county's finest beauty spots. Attenborough Nature Reserve's visitors centre was closed on Saturday morning while repairs to a bridge were carried out. It is believed that between yesterday evening and the early hours, criminals targeted the drawbridge that connects the visitor centre to the rest of the park. They smashed through the hydraulics pipes with an axe which brings the drawbridge up and down, causing oil to leak into the water below. When the attack failed to lower the drawbridge they fled the scene leaving the weapon they used behind. The oil which leaked into the water did come into contact with some wildlife including ducks and geese. However, as the oil is biodegradable, it is not believed to have caused any harm to the animals. When staff arrived at the centre in Beeston this morning they were forced to use boats to ferry themselves across. It was reopened at around midday following emergency repairs. The nature reserve itself has remained open throughout. Assistant Manager Tim Sexton said the attack could cost them up to £1,000 to repair. He said: "We do not understand why people would attempt to break-in to the Nature Centre as nothing of value is kept on the site. "Whilst we are grateful that no damage was caused to the building itself, it will cost a lot to have the drawbridge repaired money that could be better spent protecting the wonderful wildlife found here at the Nature Reserve." "Some of the ducks and geese have oil on their feathers which we will monitor. "However fortunately the hydraulic oil used in the bridge mechanism here is fully bio-degradable and will cause no lasting damage to the wildlife or the Nature Reserve." Photos were posted of the incident to the nature reserve's Facebook site. Fans responded quickly with dozens of comments left online. Lisa Boatwright said: "Very sad for you all. Hope the vandals get what they deserve!" Richard Brown added: "Why??? What on earth was the point and they used an axe?!? Totally incomprehensible. They need catching and made to pay for the damage." The incident was reported to Nottinghamshire Policeand is believed to have happened sometime overnight between 8pm and 6.30am. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should call police on 101.For more Attenborough stories, click here

Attenborough Nature Reserve closed after axe-wielding vandals damage drawbridge

With storms brewing up and down the country, Nottingham's newest festival No Tomorrow could have been a complete washout. But as thousands began arriving at Wollaton Hall to party into Saturday night, the sun burst through the sky as if it wanted a piece of the action too. No Tomorrow, organised by the team behind Dot-to-Dot and Splendour, attracted some of the biggest names in pop and dance music. Along with chart-topping DJs like Duke Dumont the festival welcomed back to the city former Nottingham students London Grammar and Long Eaton songwriter Indiana. By early afternoon many had jumped into the throes of the atmosphere with dancing breaking out in front of the festival's three stages. As well as live music there was plenty of other sophisticated attractions too like face painting and paddling pool wrestling - the latter drawing in loud cheers and rolling laughter across the field. Of course, a lot of the audience took the simple but effective approach - basking in the radiant weather with a cold beer joined to their side. The festival drew a huge student crowd as well, most of whom were eager to celebrate the end of exams and the start of summer. Jack Haggerty, 22, of West Bridgford arrived with his friends who, along with him, are all graduating later this year. He said: "I finished all of my exams about two weeks ago. "We're out to celebrate that we're finally free and looking forward to seeing Duke Dumont and London Grammar." It was a new experience for some, like accountant Richard Cresswell, 43, from Nottingham, who made the decision to make No Tomorrow his first ever festival. Mr Cresswell, a wheelchair user, said he was eagerly anticipating the evening's entertainment. He said: "Coming in was a bit awkward at first but they let us in through the barriers. "A lot of other festivals just don't worry about things like good access. "I'm really looking forward to this evening now." Festival promoter Anton Lockwood said the day had surpassed all their expectations. He said: "It's been great, we were really worried about the weather forecast but it's beautiful and sunny; we've just been sat watching Indiana. "It's done really well, when you're doing new things it can take a while to catch the imagination of people but it seems to have done just that. "Everyone is having a dance and it's getting very busy. "We're very happy with how it's going and we're hoping it will be able to return again." Is there a Nottingham band that's grabbing your attention? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Thousands dance into the night at No Tomorrow Festival in Wollaton Park

AUTHORS from across the globe landed in the city this weekend for a festival of literature. The Bold Strokes Books Festival, which celebrates some of the brightest talent in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender fiction, took place at Waterstones in Bridlesmith Gate. It is the fifth year that Bold Strokes, who are a New York-based publisher, have held their festival in Nottingham. The weekend included readings, panels and discussions led by award-winning authors. Global Books are also one of the organisations that are supporting Nottingham's recently announced bid to become a City of Literature in 2015. The title, which is bestowed upon by Unesco, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, has only been awarded to seven other cities across the world. If chosen in the 2015 bid, it is hoped the award would help draw in more tourists and bring in more students to the city's two universities. The bid is also being backed by Bromley House Library, Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Writers' Studio and the Post. Bold Strokes UK representative Victoria Oldham said that both Nottingham's literary and LGBT scenes were thriving. Ms Oldham, who lives in Nottingham, said: "We have an excellent gay scene considering the size of the city. "Nottingham has a long history of great writers like Byron and Lawrence and our community of writers is continuing to grow. "Things that have happened recently like the opening of The Nottingham Writers Studio is really unique too." Organisers from Nottinghamshire Pride - which takes place on Saturday, July 26 - also arrived to show their support for the festival. Vice chair Natasher Beecher said: "This is my third year here, the festival really brings the LGBT community to the forefront. "Having a festival like this in Nottingham brings people from all over the world. "It's important to bring that versatility as there are others who are still going to have issue with LGBT people." Chair Leigh Ellis added: "I think Nottingham's got a chance to become City of Literature. "There's the new writers' studio, withe events Victoria Oldham has already helped organise, I think Nottingham has got as good a shot as anybody." Author Andrea Bramhall, who this year won the prestigious Lamba Literary award for Best Lesbian Romance novel, said the festival had provided a great opportunity to meet and share ideas with readers. She said: "For me to meet new writers, meet readers and to raise the profile of LGBT fiction is so important. "Nottingham has fantastic book shops, like Waterstones, who are supportive to writers and readers. "Because of its locations is central to come and collaborate with others and its literary history is so inspirational." If you are writing a novel or helping to promote literature in Nottingham email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

Nottingham LGBT book festival takes place at Waterstones in Nottingham

TWO people were treated by paramedics last night after a house fire broke out in St Ann's. Crews from four fire stations attended the scene just after 4pm in Ferrers Walk. The fire had broken out in the loft of the property and caused smoke damage to three other buildings. Firefighters left the scene at around 5.40pm. A man and a woman were treated for smoke inhalation by the ambulance service following the incident.

Firefighters attend blaze at house in St Ann's

BRITISH defenceman Sam Oakford has been handed his chance in the Elite League by the Nottingham Panthers. The 23-year-old spent the the last four seasons with Basingstoke and then his hometown club Bracknell in the English Premier League. The six feet one inch D-man has played for Great Britain at Under-18 and Under-20 levels. Panthers' head coach Corey Neilson said: "This is his chance. He's a very positive young man and he knows this is going to be a big ask but he wants to give it a go. "Five years ago Stevie Lee took his chance to play at the highest level when he joined us from the EPL and look what happened there."

Claudia Burkill has defied the odds and made a miraculous recovery from a cancer that doctors said would kill her. In June 2011, her family were told that the five-year-old had Metastatic PineoBlastoma - an incredibly rare and inoperable brain tumour. Since then she has had treatment at the Queen's Medical Centre and her family have raised more than £100,000 for the children's brain tumour research centre at the University of Nottingham. But now, according to the Facebook page which has been used by her parents to help raise hundreds of thousands of pounds, Claudia has been given the all clear. A post, believed to be from her mother Andrea, which has already received more than 150,000 'likes' and 32,000 comments. It reads: "We have just received possibly the most terrifying phone call of our entire lifetime,.....a phone call from a Consultant, Claudia's Consultant, Dr Sophie Wilne at 5.30pm on a Saturday evening. "I will keep this incredibly brief as I am finding it impossible to concentrate, impossible to focus and in truth to breathe and not just scream myself into a senseless fit. "I will try and get online tomorrow and write a full explanation to the very best of my limited medical knowledge but..... "CLAUDIA IS CLEAR.....CLAUDIA IS CANCER FREE. "CLAUDIA IS NO LONGER CLASSED AS TERMINALLY ILL. "A miracle has happened, it really has.........I just can't stop shaking and I need to sign off. Love to each and every one of you." Metastatic PineoBlastoma is extremely rare and medics only see around two or three cases a year in the UK. Claudia has been through more than 40 sessions of chemotherapy and has lost her speech since being diagnosed. On three occasions medical professionals told the family that Claudia would die from her disease. Consultant Paediatric Oncologist Dr Sophie Wilne said: "This is a very difficult brain tumour to treat so I am delighted that three years later Claudia has beaten the odds. Her latest MRI scan shows no evidence of tumour which is excellent news. All of us who have looked after Claudia and her family at Nottingham Children's hospital are really pleased and wish her and her family the best for the future."For more health stories, click here

Claudia's Cause: Thousands congratulate Claudia Burkill after all clear cancer verdict

TAKING part in the Race for Life has extra special significance for the Harris-Burton family. Mum and daughter duo Sonja, 41, and Hyacinth, 14, run each year in honour of Sonja's best friend, a midwife who delivered Hyacinth but sadly passed away after a battle with breast cancer. Their stories are just two among thousands at this year's Race for Life in Victoria Embankment and for each and every person the occasion is equally powerful. "We do it to honour her memory - if she hadn't been there, Hyacinth wouldn't be here," 41-year-old mum Sonja said. "It's quite an emotional thing, particularly during the morning before the run when you are thinking about it." She added: "It's absolutely amazing how many people are here and how well they take to it." Daughter and West Bridgford School pupil Hyacinth said: "I do it for my mum's friend. Without her I wouldn't be here. It's so sad and it's right that we do this so that other people can be helped." The Year 10 pupil added: "We can make a real difference - to have so many people doing it is amazing." The first woman to find her way to the finish line in Sunday's packed 10.30am run was Debbie Mason from Sutton in Ashfield who completed the 5km course in around 18 minutes. The 46-year-old who works for a Flower selling company in Newstead, said: "I do lots of running and I just wanted to support my friends from work. "It's such a special event - we lost a work colleague to cancer and there's a few people at work who have had cancer. "It's really just amazing to be here and show support and be involved. It does not matter about your time or whether you run or walk." While the Race for Life is predominantly about raising money and the continuing fight against cancer, for many people the event becomes a time of personal reflection. Joanne Allen's sister, Karen, has recently recovered from the disease and the 48-year-old from Mansfield was able to have her own celebration through running in the race. "She's had a terrible battle for a whole year," Joanne said. "The race is always emotional but especially so for me today. You start the race crying and you're crying at the end." She added: "As you go round you are reading the messages on people's backs - it is so emotional. "It just affects everyone. And that is why it is so important." Thousands flocked to the banks of the Trent to compete in the race, the first of which took place at 10am. The event, organised by Cancer Research UK, saw the South of the City bathed in Pink as locals showed their support for the fight against the disease. Sharon Wilson, an engineer from Costock, took part in the race with around 20 other women as part of the East Leake Pink Ladies group. The 38-year-old said: "The whole experience was amazing - I loved it. "It's a great event and obviously a brilliant cause. "My friend was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago and you are helpless, you feel like there's nothing you can do. But doing this, this gives us all a chance to make a difference and gives people a way of not being helpless." She added: "The feeling you are doing something is great and the atmosphere is just brilliant. "Everyone is doing their bit and we all have stories to tell. The words on the backs of people's shirts are so emotional but it's very much a positive experience. It's about making a difference." Michelle Lowe, 35, from Mansfield also took part in the event. She said: "It's just fantastic. The atmosphere gets you through the race. I didn't think I can do it but everyone just helps you through." Do you know someone who has overcome cancer? E-mail peter.blackburn@nottinghampost.com

Thousands of Notts women join fight against cancer in Race For Life

RESIDENTS living along the route of a new tram say they are furious over plans to empty their bins from 5am. Broxtowe Borough Council has told people on streets where the new Beeston tram will run that it may have to collect bins from 5am, so they are all off the street by the time trams start running. The council has written to residents on roads such as Chilwell Road and Middle Street telling them it is consulting on the idea. Kate Pearson, of Chilwell Road, said: "It is not possible to collect them at 5am and be silent? They did it just before 6am and it was anti-social. Why, if they are going to be taken to a collection point, does it have to happen so early?" Residents have four options: Bins are emptied from 5am before the first tram runs through the borough. Bins are emptied from 5.30am before the trams are running in both directions on inward and outward lanes. Residents taken their bins to a collection point on the street, keeping collection times the same. Residents place their bins at their home and council staff take them to the collection point and move them back after the collection, keeping the times the same. One of the collection points is proposed next to Latino Restaurant, in Chilwell Road. Owner Tony Rogers said: "I don't think this is a good idea, it is a terrible idea. All bins being taken to one place is not hygienic and if the collection point it next to my restaurant it could attract maggots and things that we do not want anywhere near our food." Trams will start running at 5.38am, with the next at 5.53am followed by one at 6.08am, with services every seven minutes after that. Photographer Christopher Frost, of Denison Street, Beeston, said: "Has anyone thought of the bin men? I don't know what their working hours are, but I'm sure 5.30am is a bit of a cheek. I hope their union get their act together and possibly hold a strike or get their members to refuse to work at this new time." Borough and county councillor Steve Carr is against the changes. The Beeston North representative said: "The tram will be held up at some point due to traffic or accidents so I don't see why things can't stay the same. The bin men are very efficient and I don't see the benefit of them doing it so early. "It won't just affect Chilwell Road it will be the whole area. "Having it done so early is just unacceptable." The current bin collection starts at 7am. Nottingham Express Transit team leader Steve Tough said: "The fact that bin emptying was an issue to be addressed has been raised previously, including at the public inquiry in 2007. The time is now right for the council to consider how they should deal with the matter." Portfolio holder for environment at Broxtowe Borough Council, Councillor Greg Marshall, said: "The council is taking time to consult with residents to consider different options to collect waste once the tram is in operation and no decisions have been made." Residents are invited to a meeting at Humber Lodge on Tuesday, June 10, at 6.30pm, to air their views. For more Beeston stories, click here

Nottingham tram: Anger as Beeston bins could be collected at 5am

WELCOME to coverage of Nottinghamshire's trip to Yorkshire. The surprise news from the Notts camp is that Harry Gurney is not in the side as expected. Luke Flecther comes in with England bowler Gurney rested due to a slight knee injury. Teams: Notts: PA Jaques, AD Hales, MJ Lumb, JWA Taylor, SR Patel, MH Wessels, CMW Read*†, PM Siddle, A Shahzad, AR Adams, LJ Fletcher Yorkshire: A Lyth, AZ Lees, JA Leaning, AW Gale*, JM Bairstow†, AJ Finch, AU Rashid, TT Bresnan, RM Pyrah, SA Patterson, JA Brooks 5.54pm: No further play. Yorks 52/2 in reply to 205. 4.54pm: Rain stops play with Yorkshire 52/2. 4.50pm: Yorkshire have gone to 48/2 as they recover. Leaning has 19 and Gale 16. 4.25pm: Wicket! Another for Siddle. 21/2 - Alex Lees c Read b Siddle for 9. Good ball. 4.20pm: So close to another wicket! Hales at third slip dives away and gets a hand to it. The ball hits Patel on the leg and runs to safety.Lees was the batsman on 9 and Siddle to bowler. 21/1. Notts needed that one. 3.50pm: Dream start for Notts as Yorks are 0/1. Lyth, a man in form, was caught behind off Siddle, who bowled a beauty off the second ball of the innings. 3.22pm: Adams goes first ball for the second innings in a row. Notts all out for 205. He was caught by Bresnan off Rashid. Siddle stranded on 39. Not at all what Notts wanted having won the toss. Need their bowlers to match Yorkshire's now. 3.20pm: Fletcher plays one shot too many, 204/9 as he holes out to long on for 29. They've gone after Rashid but this time he's got a wicket. Fletcher and Siddle put on 65valuable runs. Here comes Andre Adams. Anything can happen here. 3.15pm: Fletcher and Siddle are doing a good job here. They've taken Notts to 201/8 netting them a batting point that looked unlikely. 3.05pm: And another six for Siddle as he goes to 34. 195/8 3pm: Six for Fletcher over mid-wicket. He follow that with a one bounce floor off Rashid. Notts looking for 200 here. 182/8 2.44pm: That's 6 for Peter Siddle, who might be looking to go on the attack. 153/8 2.38pm: This is turning into a sorry innings. It's 139/8 as Ajmal Shahzad is lbw to Bresnan for a duck. 2.35pm: Run out!! 139/7 and Read is run out for 30. Looks like he was possibly unlucky and Read is not happy at all. He might feel was in and was obstructed by a fielder. No replays for the umpire though. 2.25pm: The big wicket has gone. Lumb is out for 45, strangled down the leg side by Bresnan as it jagged back. He'll be gutted by that one. 135/6 2.23pm: Lumb, on 44, loses control of a drive and fires a chance off Paterson to Pyrah. He could not take it one handed. 134/5 2.10pm: Close again, Read inside edges Brooks past Bairstow behind the stumps. The Notts skipper has flown to 27 off 17 balls. 120/5 2pm: Close, Bresnan almost takes a catch in the slips but Brooks is denied another wicket as Read gets away with it. 104/5 1.45pm: Wicket! Second over after lunch and Wessels is c Lyth b Brooks for 24. 90/5 and Notts stumbling again. Read in. 1pm: Lunch sees Notts 84/4 with Lumb 29 and Wessels 18. Notts had put on 32 for the first wicket but then slumped to 46/4. Definitely Yorkshire's morning despite a fightback there. 12.45pm: Notts are 73/4 as they look to make it through to lunch without further loss. Lumb has 22 and Wessels 14. 12.15pm: Oh dear. Samit Patel, fresh from being rejected by England, has cut the ball straight to Adil Rashid. Jack Brooks has a second wicket in the over. 46/4 and with Patel gone you fear for Notts. 12.10: James Taylor's uncomfortable stay is over for 3, lbw to Brooks. Notts 46/3 and struggling after winning the toss. 11.55am: Bresnan (17/1) is out of the attack with Brooks coming back. Notts have slowed down significantly after losing those quick wickets. 38/2, Taylor 1, Lumb 5 11.37am: Another wicket! Jaques is out, caught by Lyth for 20 with Tim Bresnan the bowler. 36/2 so Notts good start undone. 11.32am: Wicket! An excellent ball from Patterson deceives Hales and he is out bowled for 12. Notts 32/1. Former Yorkshire man Michael Lumb is next in. 11.10am: Notts are 20 without loss having won the toss and elected to bat. Hales is 11 and Jaques nine. Jaques was possibly dropped from the third ball of the day by Rashid off Bresnan though.

RELIVE: Yorkshire v Nottinghamshire day one

MARCOS Baghdatis hopes that blasting his way to victory in the Aegon Trophy final will be his launch pad back to the tennis elite.

The Cypriot beat Australia's Marinko Matosevic 6-4 6-3 in one hour and 15 minutes to clinch his first singles title since 2010.

There was no fist pump or cry of joy from the former Wimbledon semi-finalist when Matosevic conceded championship point, just a quiet skyward stare.

Baghdatis tilted his head back as he walked towards the net with the look of a man liberated.

While the 2006 Australian Open runner-up and former world number eight admits he has a long way to go before returning to the peak of his powers, he can at least say he has taken a triumphant step in the right direction.

"I don't think by winning a Challenger I can say I'm back in the top ten, but I'm in a good way and this win is a good for me," Baghdatis told the Post.

"I will try to play all my matches like I played this week."

For Baghdatis, taking a detour to the Nottingham Tennis Centre in Beeston for the Aegon Trophy was originally a way to ease back in after an eight-week injury absence.

Just as impulse led him to the tournament, the world 132 said he trusted his instincts in an effort to rediscover himself.

"After these wins I've kind of found myself, my game, my attitude on court and the way I want to play tennis," said Baghdatis.

"I'm alone here with no coach. I'm playing tennis and doing things that I want to do and don't have someone telling me what to do. That is a big change for me.

"I guess it makes me feel much freer in the head. I don't think so much, I just act and do what I think is good on court and this has helped me a lot this last week."

And with that he declared his affection for the city.

"I've just won a tournament here, so it is good emotions and good vibes – I love it," said Baghdatis.

A rain-affected weekend started with Kristyna Pliskova overcoming Zarina Diyas in the Aegon Trophy women's final to clinch her second singles title in Britain this year.

Czech World No.118 Pliskova started her grass-court campaign in style by beating fifth seed Diyas 6-2 3-6 6-4. Her Aegon Trophy triumph follows hard-court success in Preston earlier this year where she claimed the Aegon GB Pro-Series South Ribble title.

Victory also saw Pliskova go one step further than her twin sister Karolina, who was a runner-up in Nottingham last year.

The second set which Pliskova dropped against Kazakhstan's World No.86 in the final was the only one she allowed to slip during the tournament.

"I feel so tired after that because it was mentally tough. I'm tired but happy," said Pliskova.

"She played so well and came out more aggressive in the second set than she did in the first."

After Diyas had her service game broken in the deciding set she hit back brilliantly, managing to save championship point on the way to breaking back in the next game.

However, the 20-year-old admits fatigue affected her as former girls' Wimbledon champion Pliskova sealed the title by breaking her for a second successive time.

"In that last game I just got tired, I double faulted and made mistakes," said Diyas. "That third set was really tough because she was serving really good. I've had a good week on grass so I'm exciting going towards Wimbledon."

Aegon Trophy: Baghdatis and Pliskova claim final honours at Nottingham Tennis Centre

NOTTINGHAM Forest are expected to announce their first two new signings of the Stuart Pearce era tomorrow. It is understood that both players are strikers, as Pearce looks to bolster his attacking options for the new campaign. The Reds have been working on a deal to bring Lee Peltier back to the City Ground following his successful loan spell at the end of last season, but it is not thought the versatile defender or midfielder is one of the two players the club are close to completing moves for. Pearce revealed the new additions are imminent, while insisting he is already working hard to prepare for the new campaign – and that his media duties at the World Cup would not interfere with those plans. "I think Forest fans know Stuart Pearce well enough," he told Sky Sports. "I have a great back up staff and a staff of recruitment people who are working with me. "We are hoping to announce two signings in Nottingham tomorrow. We are on the ball, that is not a problem, that is for sure." Forest are understood to be keen on Hull City striker Matty Fryatt. The long-term target has been offered a new deal by the Premier League club, but has been frustrated by his lack of opportunities in the league. Fryatt did not start a league game for the Tigers last season, making only ten sub appearances. But he was a regular in the FA Cup, scoring four goals to help steer the club to Wembley – where he also started in the 3-2 defeat at the hands of Arsenal. The club have also been linked with Coventry City striker Callum Wilson, with the 22-year-old having had the scouts flocking to watch him as he fired 22 goals for the League One club last season. Pearce is understood to have watched the player in action himself, as he looked to add to a Forest forward line that lacked an out-and-out goal scorer last season. Coventry are understood to have rejected a seven-figure bid for the player from Bournemouth in the last few days. But Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi has demonstrated in the past that he is willing to offer big money to land a striker, with the club having failed in an audacious £5m move for Charlie Austin last summer, with the player instead opting to join QPR at the last moment. The Reds are also understood to be one of a host of clubs keen on Peterborough front-man Britt Assombalonga, who bagged an impressive 33 goals in 58 appearances last term. Although several Premier League clubs are also keeping tabs on the 21-year-old, who Posh director of football Barry Fry recently stated was not for sale. "Even if we get offered £5m for him, we are not interested," said Fry. "There are three Premier League clubs who have enquired about him." Forest were also considering the possibility of bringing Patrick Bamford back to the club on loan from Chelsea, although the former City Ground youth academy product recently stated he hoped to be given the chance to challenge for a first-team place at Stamford Bridge this season. Chelsea were understood to be frustrated that Nate Chalobah did not get more first team opportunities when he came on loan last season, although the change in manager at Forest may alleviate that issue, were they to pursue a deal for Bamford. Forest have already agreed deals to sign David Vaughan and Danny Fox on permanent deals this summer, following their loan spells last season. But the latest additions, if they are confirmed on Monday, would represent the first new signings of the Pearce tenure.

Nottingham Forest to announce first new signings of Stuart Pearce era

Despire warnings of flash floods and thunder, Nottingham instead enjoyed a weekend of mostly bright, sunny skies. Earlier this week the Met Office had forecast a yellow weather warning across the country, including a risk of localised flooding. Nottinghamshire experienced a thunderstorm at 6am on Saturday morning which was accompanied by brief showers lasting until around 10am. This was then followed by warm, sunny weather throughout the majority of the weekend, with a spell of rain during early Sunday evening. It came as a sigh of relief for the thousands attending the first No Tomorrow festival in Wollaton Park on Saturday as well as the charity runners taking part in Race for Life at Victoria Embankment Met Office spokeswoman Emma Sharples said that while Central England had avoided the worst of this weekend's weather, there were signs of cloudier skies over the coming week. She said: "It will start out quite showery today; we've got an area of rain moving overnight from Sunday but it's quite sporadic and turning out quite bright and sunny during mid to late morning. "There may be a stirring of heavy, possibly thundery showers for tomorrow afternoon however. "Some places may get a real downpour, some may avoid them completely with highs of around 22C."

Nottinghamshire beat the rain this weekend but clouds are on the way

The people of Beeston have told the Post what is great about the town, after it was named in The Guardian as one of the best places to live in Britain. Residents were quick to endorse the national newspaper's view by giving us their own ideas about what Beeston has to offer, including modern play parks, excellent restaurants, pubs and cafes, good schools, brilliant transport connections and top shops. Beeston resident Julie McNicholas, 42, of Queen's Road, agreed. She said: "I love Beeston because I don't need a car. Everything I need is within walking distance and I can get to work on the train. "There are always lots of community events taking place which my kids love going to." Ian Burniston, 47, of Clinton Street, said: "Beeston has lots of independent shops, restaurants and a young, multi-cultural vibe." The diversity is what impresses Lee Empringham. The 39-year-old, of Abbey Road, said: "Beeston is a cosmopolitan area with a mix of people from a huge range of different backgrounds. "It has good local shops and some smashing coffee bars and restaurants." Others live in the town because it is a good place to raise children. Lee's wife, Liliana de Lillo, 41, of Abbey Road, said: "We chose Beeston because it is a family-friendly place with great schools and lots of activities for the kids." And we now want you, the readers of nottinghampost.com, to tell us what you love about your area. Do you think your neighbourhood has got what it takes to knock Beeston off its title at the top? If you live in West Bridgford, Arnold, Carlton, Hucknall, Eastwood, Kimberley, or indeed anywhere in the city or county, Long Eaton or Ilkeston, let us know what makes the it a brilliant place to live. Let us know in the comment box below or email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com. To get you started on the reasons people love Beeston so much, here's Matt Goold - editor of the Beestonian on his top five reasons why he loves where he lives.

Beeston named one of the UK's top towns - now tell us why you love where you live

FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze at a four-storey flat in St Ann's this afternoon. Four crews from Central, Carlton and Stockhill fire station were called out to the incident in Roden Street, St Ann's at around 4.10pm. The blaze, which caused damage to one of the flats, was extinguished by around 5.10pm and all persons were accounted for.

Flat damaged by blaze in St Ann's

MORE than one million people are visiting the Post's website nottinghampost.com each month.

During May, the site received more than 1,014,103 visitors.

The combination of local news, sport, entertainment, shopping, fashion, outdoors and what's on has driven the Post forward, both in print and online.

Among the recent stories that have increased the Post's online audience are reports of transfer activity at Nottingham Forest and Notts County, including the Reds' pursuit of Leeds defender Lee Peltier following a loan spell at the City Ground earlier this year. The Peltier story received 8,256 views at nottinghampost.com.

Readership of our online content has been helped by the high ranking of Post news articles in the Google search engine and referral to our stories from Twitter and Facebook. On social media, Nottingham Post has more than 100,000 followers.

Deputy editor Charles Walker said: "While there is almost unlimited information on the internet, people value a source they believe in and they trust the Post. We deliver more local news than anyone else but we also inform readers of all the great things to do in and around Nottingham.

"We try to do it in an interesting and entertaining way, which is why we are enjoying rapid growth in our online audience and success for the new Saturday edition of the newspaper."

Other stories that have generated a large audience in the past few weeks include Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin being booed off stage at Rock City during Nottingham's Dot to Dot music festival.

The story was quickly picked up by national media and went around the world.

As a result, nottinghampost.com received 44,671 views, making it the website's most popular story online last month.

While the Post benefits from popular stories like this, the audience is underpinned by a large local readership.

And the combined reach of the Post online and in print has excited advertisers

Suraj Pathak, owner of Haveli restaurant, in Chilwell, said: "It helps our brand and it's the main reason we trust the Post. There are a lot of people visiting Nottingham for restaurants and the Post website hits are quite high and we thought it would be quite good for business."

Amita Sawhney, owner of MemSaab restaurant, in Maid Marian Way added: "The Post is read by a lot of people both on the website and in the newspaper right across the county.

"It is expansive and the support the team gives is brilliant."

City

Bulwell: Give way and turning restrictions at the junction of Main Street and High Road until Friday, June 20.

Mapperley: Temporary traffic lights in Woodborough Road, at the junction with Porchester Road, between 8am and 5pm on Sunday.

Sneinton: Devon Street closed between Windmill Lane and Carlton Road, from Monday, June 16 until Sunday, July 13.

St Ann's: Temporary traffic lights in Thorneywood Mount, at junction with St Bartholomews Road, until Friday, June 27, for gas main works.

Rushcliffe

Keyworth: Fairway closed from Wolds Drive to Beech Avenue for sewer works until mid-July. Wolds Drive will then be shut between Fairway and Beech Avenue until September.

West Bridgford: Millicent Road closed between its junctions with A60 Loughborough Road and Henry Road, until 8pm on Saturday.

Broxtowe

Beeston: Lane closure in Woodside Road, near Manton Crescent, from 9.30am until 3.30pm daily between today and Thursday.

Newark and Sherwood

Farndon: Fosse Road closed between Farndon and Syerston until Friday, August 1.

Southwell: Cooks Lane closed until 6pm on Friday, June 18 for installation of new water mains.

Ashfield

Hucknall: Temporary traffic lights, road closures and speed restrictions affecting Nottingham Road, Shoulder of Mutton Hill, A611 Annesley to Annesley Road, Baker Street, High Street, Station Street and Linby Road until October 24.

Huthwaite: Newcastle Street closed near the New Street junction until 7pm on Friday.

Sutton-in-Ashfield: Temporary 40mph speed restrictions in Beck Lane near the junction with Pleasley Hill Way until 4pm on Monday, June 16.

Sutton-in-Ashfield: Carsic Lane closed between Lammas Road and Davies Avenue until 6pm on Sunday.

Sutton-in-Ashfield: Hamilton Road closed between Coxmoor Road and Hamilton Way, from 8pm until 4am nightly, between Monday and Friday, June 20.

Mansfield

Mansfield: Temporary 40mph speed restrictions in Abbott Road and Pleasley Hill Way until 4pm on Monday, June 16.

Ruddington: Martin Mills, 37, of Wilford Road, Ruddington, will have a trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on August 11.

He is on bail after denying assaulting a policeman in Stapleford on January 30 and drink-driving in a Volkswagen Golf in Loughborough Road, Ruddington, on January 29. He allegedly had 66 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – over the limit of 35.

Arnold: Kirsty Stewart, who is 30 and lives in Kilnbrook Avenue, Arnold, pleaded guilty to stealing a £229 Ted Baker handbag from House of Fraser, Nottingham, on April 12. She breached a conditional discharge for stealing two Armani bags, valued at £190, from House of Fraser on October 7 last year. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, she received 14 weeks in prison, suspended for 14 weeks.

She was subject to the conditional discharge for an identical offence. Magistrates heard Stewart had a bad record for theft and had been given community orders and suspended sentences. This time, the sentence was suspended to give her a chance to stop re-offending. She will be supervised by the probation service for 12 months and must have treatment for drug dependency for nine months. She was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80.

Aspley: Stephen Hind, 28, of Keverne Close, will have a trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on August 8. He has been bailed after pleading not guilty to assaulting a female in Broxtowe on May 30.

Beeston: Artur Mvula, 63, of Selside Court, Beeston, was sent to prison for 12 weeks and banned from driving for five years. He admitted traffic offences when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. JPs heard he was behind the wheel of a Volvo when he was over the drink-drive limit in Ilkeston Road, Bramcote, on May 11. He had 80 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35. JPs considered the offence was so serious because he had driven over the limit before. He had been sentenced with fines, community orders and three suspended sentence orders for similar offences. Mvula also admitted he had no licence and no insurance.

Gedling: Josephine Clifford-Hall, 52, of Chesterfield Avenue, denied causing criminal damage to a path in Chesterfield Avenue on June 8 last year. Her trial is at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on September 10.

Daybrook: Kim Fyfe, 25, of Coleridge Crescent, is charged with a benefit offence. She allegedly failed to notify Nottingham City Council about a change in her circumstances – that she was no longer living at the claim address – between May 28, 2012, and June 9, 2013. This would have affected her entitlement to housing benefit. She is on bail to attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on June 23.