Nottingham is home to tens of thousands of students, studying at both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
But what do students love about the city - and what do you think are the best bits?
Vote in our poll and let us know!
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What's the best thing about Nottingham for students?
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Can you help find missing mum-of-three
Police are appealing for help in finding a missing mum-of-three.
Lorraine Varcianna, 55, went missing from her home in Top Valley on Tuesday, July 29. She has not been in contact with anyone since this date.
Police say her family is becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare as this is completely out of character.
Lorraine is black, 5ft 4in tall and of medium build.
Have you seen Lorraine? Or do you know where she might be? If you have any information please call us on 101.
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Phone lines down in Beeston and Chilwell after weekend's bad weather
HUNDREDS of homes have been left without phone lines - thought to have been caused by heavy rain.
The fault in Beeston and Chilwell has been ongoing since the weekend.
BT engineers are currently on site trying to determine the exact cause of the problem and how to solve it.
Internet connections have also been disrupted for some people.
Have you been affected? Let us know by emailing dan.russell@nottinghampost.com.
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This man has a shed kitted out...like the Titanic!
WHAT do you have hidden away in your shed?
From the outside, this one doesn't look like much – but step in and you are transported 100 years back in time to one of the most famous ships in history.
Over the last 25 years, engineer John Higgins has been busy recreating the dining room of the Titanic, using wood panels, chairs and dining sets from the ship's identical twin Olympic.
John thinks he could probably buy a house with the amount of money he has spent on the outdoor museum. But the 62-year-old, from Ripley, sees his creation as a tribute to the great ships that were built in that era.
"It's history," he says. "I buy this stuff because it's close to my heart."
John first had the idea 25 years ago.
He had been collected oak panels from Olympic and decided he needed a place to store them.
"I was going to put it in the house originally but I thought it would be better if I built a proper building to put it in."
Despite already owning memorabilia from the ship, it was only when he got his hands on his most prized possession that he got the inspiration to build the replica structure.
John was given a blanket that was handed out to one of the survivors of the Titanic when they were rescued by fellow ship Carpathia.
"All of the wood in here has been taken from ships that have been taken apart," he says.
"But ships like Titanic still share the same world as us. They are still there at the bottom of the ocean."
John's work has been meticulous. Many of the panels and doors that he has purchased were coated in green paint when he got them, with several layers of white paint underneath.
Being an electrical and mechanical railway engineer, this type of hard graft is nothing new to John. And he shows no signs of stopping yet.
"I buy bits and pieces when I can," he says. "Some of them don't cost much at all, but then some of them are expensive.
"When I get all of the building sorted I want to start an archive. That's my aim and my ambition."
John lives with Audrey, his wife of 43 years, in their house in Ripley.
And while Audrey, 60, is not interested in the construction of the shed, the two do share a common interest in the several dining sets that John has housed in the building.
"She likes the china and silver and things like that," he says.
"I have sets from first class, second class and third class and I'm still looking to get more."
John has managed to create such a homely atmosphere in the room that the couple even ate Christmas dinner in there last year.
Other than that, John enjoys spending his spare time in the shed.
When his friends come over they see it as an ideal place to catch up.
He adds: "We will sometimes spend hours in here having long chats and enjoying cups of tea.
"It's nice to be able to enjoy it for what it is."
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500 homes and business hit by tram works are now without phones or internet too
MORE than 500 homes and businesses already hit by tram works have been left without phone lines after underground cabling was damaged.
The landline cut-off has affected traders who are unable to take bookings or use the internet.
And there are fears older people who do not have mobile phones will struggle to contact their relatives or carers.
BT has been working to fix the problem – in Beeston and Chilwell – and say engineers believe cables in Chilwell Road had been affected by rainwater after being accidentally damaged "by a third party".
The road has been dug up as part of the project to extend Nottingham's tram network and is closed to traffic.
But last night contractor Taylor Woodrow Alstom, which is overseeing the extension, said its staff had not been working close to the phone lines for several weeks.
BT said 250 metres of lines would need to be replaced – meaning services are not expected to be reconnected for at least three more days. For businesses it is an additional blow after enduring months of disruption from roadworks due to the tram project.
Beeston Business Improvement District manager Stephanie Wilkinson said: "It can be a real problem for many local businesses, especially those taking bookings such as hairdressers, taxis or restaurants."
BT said it had received complaints from at least 500 people about their connections.
Julie Cameron, owner of Cameron House gift shop in Chilwell Road, said: "At the moment in Beeston it never rains but it pours.
"I cannot function without the internet. I need it every day and without it I may as well go home.
"It is just another added frustration with all the tram work."
The Hop Pole Inn, in High Road, Chilwell, relies on its landline to make orders.
Landlady Karen Lang-Norris said: "It has been really annoying because I have had to make all the beer orders on my mobile instead of them calling us.
"We normally have people calling up all the time about our events, but they can't do that while we are cut off."
Fears have also been raised for residents who use their landlines as their main form of communication.
Teaching assistant Judith Renton, of Cator Lane, said: " I discovered my landline was not working when I returned home from a weekend away on Sunday.
"We wondered why we couldn't phone my 90-year-old father-in-law to say we had got back safely and he was worried as he couldn't contact us."
Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry's office in High Road, Chilwell, was cut off but was restored yesterday.
She said: "Not everyone has a mobile phone and some elderly rely on their landlines. It is not acceptable to be without a landline for so long without notice.
"I am asking BT to give those affected a mobile phone."
Martyn Poliakoff, professor of chemistry at the University of Nottingham, claimed BT had not been in contact with those hit.
The resident of Elm Avenue, Beeston, said: "I am surprised by the scale of the problem because we haven't heard anything.
"Our phone went off on Friday night or Saturday morning. It is not terribly efficient that it is taking this long to fix."
A BT spokesman said: "The location of the fault is in Chilwell Road. We are investigating but at this stage we believe accidental damage by a third party may be the cause.
"Engineers are working around the clock doing all they can to get this all repaired as quickly as possible. Services have started to slowly return but it is likely to be into the weekend before all people affected have been restored."
A spokesperson for Taylor Woodrow Alstom, said: "We were aware that a number of residents in the Chilwell area were without telephone or broadband and that BT engineers have been working to restore services.
"No tram works have been carried out near telecoms cables in the area for several weeks and until BT have fully completed their own investigations we would not be able to comment further."
Estate 'sent back to the 50s': Page 9
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Nottingham City Council van gets parking ticket
Nottingham's traffic wardens can't be accused of bias towards their colleagues as this picture shows.
A van with Nottingham City Council livery was seen with a parking ticket when stopped on Trent Street on Tuesday afternoon.
The snap was captured by Post reader Masood Hussain who said: "Oops, the council vehicle as been issued a parking ticket! One rule for all!"
Nottingham City's traffic wardens are employed by police and council partnership community protection and the driver of the vehicle will now have to pay the £50 fine.
Nottingham City Council declined to comment.
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Nottingham Forest left frustrated by Mancienne sending off, but not by away win in cup
NOTTINGHAM Forest admitted their frustration at having to head to Bolton without the suspended Michael Mancienne on Saturday – but coach Steve Wigley was delighted with the character the Reds showed after his sending off.
Stuart Pearce's side claimed a 1-0 win over Tranmere and a place in the second round of the Capital One Cup, despite having to play most of the second half with ten men in the second half, after Mancienne had picked up his second booking.
That came for a foul on Jason Koumas in the 52nd minute, but it was the first booking – for a failure to retreat from a free-kick – that had Forest frustrated. The former Hamburg man will now be suspended for the trip to the Reebok Stadium this weekend.
"This was a proper cup tie, we always felt that Tranmere would stretch us and they did. Once Michael got sent off it became a battle, but we were pleased overall," said assistant manager Wigley. "We were disappointed, because we felt the referee was a bit quick with his cards. We also felt as though their lad played for it a little bit, because he hit the ball at him quite quickly, before he had the chance to move."
Wigley was disappointed with the performance of referee David Webb overall – but not with the Reds' display.
"We had four players booked and one sent off. We will have to have a look at it again. We do not bleat about referees. But we felt for Michael, because he will miss a game now. We will miss him," he said.
"Fortunately Jack Hobbs is back from injury and has shown that he is capable of completing 90 minutes.
"It is frustrating that we cannot appeal it, either. He will miss the game against Bolton now, but we have players coming back from injury and we are feeling positive about things."
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Have you seen the man who crafts dogs out of sand in Nottingham?
Shoppers watched in amazement as sculptor Emanuel Voicu, from Liverpool, created this sand sculpture of a dog in Lister Gate, outside the entrance to Nottingham's Broadmarsh Centre yesterday.
Have you seen any unusual street performers in Nottingham? Send us pictures of the best!
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Travellers move onto Edwalton sport pitches
Five caravans belonging to travellers have set up camp in Edwalton. Nearby residents say the travellers arrived on the Alford Road sport pitches at around lunchtime yesterday. Rushcliffe Borough Council has said it is aware of the issue. A spokeswoman said: "We will also be liaising with the police and keeping a close eye on things, and will start legal proceedings to hasten their departure as soon as we can." Representatives from the council visited the camp yesterday to find out how long the travellers were intending to stay.
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Delays at Retford train station after person is struck by train
A PERSON has been hit by a train at Retford, causing delays of up to 90 minutes to all journeys through the station.
Delays are expected to last until about 12pm.
East Coast, Grand Central and First Hull Trains passengers may use each others' services or East Midlands trains on reasonable routes.
East Coast passengers may also use Virgin Trains services between London Euston and Glasgow,
ScotRail services, First Transpennine Express services to Leeds, York and the North East, CrossCountry and Northern Rail services.
Network Rail says it is liaising with British Transport Police and the emergency services to clear the line as soon as possible.
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Hurdler Andy Turner to retire at end of 2014
Hucknall hurdler Andy Turner will retire from athletics at the end of this year.
Turner, 33, is a former European and Commonwealth 110m hurdles champion and has competed in three Olympics.
He also won bronze at the 2011 World Championships.
At the Glasgow Commonwealth games, he hit a hurdle and failed to finish, ending the defence of his Commonwealth title.
He has said his final event will be the European Championships in Zurich.
Turner told the BBC: "It is not a decision I have taken quickly.
"It is not something because of the disappointment in Glasgow - it has been in my mind for pretty much the whole year.
"Now is the right time for me to hang up my spikes and become a normal guy again. I have a lot going on outside track and field."Last year, Turner was the victim of a burglary at his home on the day of his mother's funeral.
His mother Yvonne died suddenly in October aged 58, following a stroke.
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Man dies after being hit by a train at Retford
A MAN has died after being hit by a train at Retford.
A spokesman from the British Transport Police said: "Our officers were called to the East Coast Main Line, south of Retford station, at 9.50am, after reports a person had been hit by a train.
"Colleagues from Nottinghamshire Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended, but a man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Once we have formally identified the man, we will inform his family.
"The man's death is not being treated as suspicious and we will now assist in the compilation of a report for the coroner."
The incident is currently causing delays of up to 90 minutes to all journeys through the station.
Delays are expected to last until about 12pm.
East Coast, Grand Central and First Hull Trains passengers may use each others' services or East Midlands trains on reasonable routes.
East Coast passengers may also use Virgin Trains services between London Euston and Glasgow,
ScotRail services, First Transpennine Express services to Leeds, York and the North East, CrossCountry and Northern Rail services.
Network Rail says it is liaising with British Transport Police and the emergency services to clear the line as soon as possible.
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Robin Williams: Open mic night to be held in tribute to late star at Bodega Social Club
Students from New College Nottingham, in Mansfield Road, have organised a open mic night in tribute to acting legend Robin Williams, who killed himself on Monday August 11.
The event will be held at the Bodega Social Club, in Pelham Street, on Wednesday August 13 from 7pm until 10pm.
All profits from the night will be donated to Nottingham-based charity Muted which helps men with depression.
Ian Hastings, from Arnold, set up Muted in December last year with a plan to reduce the stigma around depression for men and give people an outlet to get help.
What are you favourite memories of Robin Williams? Get in touch: newsdesk@nottinghampost.com
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Sunny weather signals early apple harvest for Nottinghamshire growers
SUNSHINE and showers have proved the perfect combination for Nottinghamshire's apples – as growers say they are expecting an early harvest.
Certain varieties will be ripe for picking several weeks earlier than usual, thanks to a sustained period of fine weather.
The crops are also expected to be tastier and juicer than unusual, meaning fruit lovers will be in for a treat.
Suzannah Starkey, of Starkey's Fruit Farm in Southwell, said: "The apple harvest has come about two weeks early for us this year. The weather always dictates it.
"While the fruit has been growing the sun has been out, but there's also been some wet weather, which has been ideal conditions for them.
"We are starting to pick our Discovery apples this week and will be picking our other varieties, including the beautiful Bramley apples, in the next few weeks.
"We've had a wonderful Bramley harvest this year and the fruits will be lovely and tasty."
Starkey's has the only commercial Bramley apple orchard cloned from the original Bramley tree in Southwell.
The cloned trees ensure the survival of the original authentic Bramley taste.
But while the early harvest is good news for fruit lovers, it also means more hard work for the pickers. Suzannah added: "The early harvest does make life a bit more difficult for us as we're still picking our strawberries and blackberries. It just means everyone has to work longer hours, from dawn until dusk!"
The team at Summerwood Community Garden in Clifton, which last year produced 2,500 litres of juice from its apple trees, has also noticed the fruits are ripening earlier than usual.
Leo Jordan, who runs the garden, said: "From my observations, the apples will definitely be ready a few weeks earlier than usual. We usually don't start picking until about October time, but I don't think they're far off now. I think I'll leave them until about the middle of September.
"The weather has been a mixture and sun and rain, and it has been the perfect balance for growing apples."
The head gardener at Clumber Park, north of Ollerton, says the crop there currently looks like it will be ripe a couple of weeks early, but believes it will "even itself out" with cooler weather over the next few weeks.
Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples and Pears, said: "Although we've had warm temperatures and a lot of sun, there has also been a little bit of rain on a fairly regular basis, so conditions have been very good for apples, especially compared to last year.
"Shoppers can look forward to eating some very tasty apples with crunchy textures and a lot of juice."
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Pair jailed for life for 'brutal and remorseless' murder in The Meadows
Two Polish men have been jailed for life for killing an Iraqi refugee in a drunken attack at his home in The Meadows.
Patryk Srutkowski and Pawel Bugajski were told to serve a minimum of 25 years before they will be considered for parole.
They were found guilty of murdering Hama Faraj Noori of Uppingham Gardens, after a trial at Nottingham Crown Court which finished on Tuesday August 12.
Judge Gregory Dickinson QC told the pair as he sentenced them on Wednesday: "The murder of Mr Noori was brutal and remorseless.
"He came to this country leaving behind his wife and children thinking the United Kingdom was a place of safety.
"So it should be.
"His brother described him as a quiet and shy man who would not cause harm to anyone."
Both defendants were emotionless throughout the hearing and as they were led down to the cells.
Mr Noori, 56, was found dead at his home in Uppingham Gardens on Saturday, January 25, 2014.
He was killed after drinking with 22-year-old Srutkowski, of Alfreton Road, Radford, and Bugajski, also 22, of Claypole Road, Hyson Green.
Two teenage friends of Mr Noori found him.
As they approached the door to his flat, they could smell burning. There were no lights on and after knocking on the door, they tried the handle and found it unlocked.
They went inside and noticed that the TV had been moved, along with signs of a disturbance
They then came across Mr Noori's partially-covered body, lying face down in the bathroom and covered in ash.
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Campaigners urging council not to close Chilwell care centre
CAMPAIGNERS are urging the county council not to close a "vital" respite care centre for adults with learning difficulties.
Kingsbridge Way in Chilwell provides care for up to 70 people and is due to close in September 2015 due to budget cuts.
But now, campaigners have written to the council and started a petition, which already has more than 1,000 signatures, and are urging people to get behind the cause.
Amanda Giles is the chair of the Kingsbridge Way Action Group and is leading the fight.
Mrs Giles' son Luke, 23, was born with a heart condition which means he could suffer heart failure at any moment. He also has severe learning difficulties and has been using the service for 56 days a year since he was 19.
The 53-year-old who lives in Beeston said: "We've all got disabled children - we've all been dealt the heavy blow of not having a healthy child. They can have challenging behaviour and need a lot more support than other people.
"Luke needs help getting dressed and fed and you couldn't leave him alone in the house.
"My husband and I are now 53 - we've always had respite at some point and we couldn't cope otherwise."
She added: "He likes his routine and does not like anything changing. It's taken a long time for him to get settled so he feels OK if he's going there in the morning. He happily goes off to a place where it's like seeing a relative.
"Obviously there has got to be budget cuts because the council hasn't been given enough money. But they're picking on the vulnerable. We won't just lie down and accept it.
"The people there are like brothers and sisters and the carers are like parents."
Amanda has been told that Luke would have to use a service in Bingham if the centre were to close.
She said: "It's miles away - it's not a local environment and that's what we need. The transport to Bingham is a long journey.
"I believe they [councillors] should all go and visit and see what it is that they are closing down.
"It does not take weeks or months to get used to the place, it takes years. Some of these people have very short life expectancy. It's heartbreaking."
The centre was inspected by the Care Quality Commission in May of this year and passed with flying colours - meeting all of the standards required by the health body.
Sue Corrie's daughter Laura has Down's syndrome and has been using the service for eight years.
Mrs Corrie, who lives in Eastwood, said: "It's going to cause a lot of hardship at a time when more and more children are born with multiple disabilities and living longer.
"To start getting rid of facilities that support the families and people with learning disabilities to grow up and turn into adults is not good."
Councillor Muriel Weisz, chair of the county council's Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said: "I understand the concerns about the closure of the Kingsbridge Way short breaks unit raised by families of service users.
"We are committed to finding suitable alternatives for all the people who are affected by this closure.
"Unfortunately, we are forced to make difficult decisions due to the significant cuts to our budget imposed by Central government – we would not be closing the unit at this time if we were not facing such a huge financial challenge."
Councillor Weisz confirmed the council would be looking to see whether they could offer more support to the families affected.
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The new tax disc: Learn the rules or face a £1,000 fine
With a new electronic system being put in its place, the tax disc will cease to exist in paper form.
From October 1, Motorists will have to register their car online to pay their road tax.
They can do this via Direct Debit on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website or at a Post Office branch.
Drivers are being warned to learn about the new rules, which were announced in last year's Autumn Statement, or face possible fines.
Number plate recognition cameras will track each vehicle on the road and those who do not register for the tax will be caught out by the cameras.
The change mainly affects those who are buying or selling a used car as vehicle tax will no longer be transferred with the car.
Unlike before, motorists who buy a used car will not benefit if there are months left on the tax disc.
As a result of this, buyers will have to renew their tax disc instantly, or risk being caught out on the road in an untaxed car.
As well as this, the seller of the vehicle is responsible for informing the DVLA of a change of ownership, otherwise they could face a possible £1,000 fine.
This can be done by filling out a V5C form and sending it to the DVLA.
It is important for all vehicle owners and motorists to find out whether their vehicle was taxed or SORN'd (declared off the road) before driving their new car. This can be done here.
Vehicle sellers will get an automatic refund for any full calendar months left on the vehicle tax.
The move aims to streamline services and has been claimed to save British businesses millions of pounds a year in administrative costs.
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Notts County stalwart John Mounteney dies
Notts County's honorary lifetime vice-president John Mounteney has passed away.
Mr Mounteney, who was also a vice-chairman at the club, had become an icon of Notts County through what an official spokesman for the club called "his many years of selfless dedication to the club."
The Magpies fan sadly passed away on Tuesday and a statement from the club said: "The thoughts of everyone associated with the club are with John's wife Daphne and his family and friends at this time, as we remember a truly great man and a stalwart of Notts County FC, through thick and thin."
Meanwhile, Notts chairman Ray Trew said: "I have met a number of people during my relatively short time at Notts County, but none can claim to be a finer gentleman than John Mounteney. "His passion for the club was unrivalled and he was a valued cohort in many of my dealings, happy to offer advice and guidance when I turned to him for his opinion on any range of issues and giving me an insight to what this great club means to so many people. "John will be sorely missed by all that knew him, all that had the pleasure of meeting him and all that have any association with Notts County Football Club, of which he was a true cornerstone for so many years."What are your memories of John Mounteney? Leave your tributes to him below...
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Long delays on M1 in Nottinghamshire after lorry crash
A CRASH has caused long delays on the M1 in Nottinghamshire.
Two lorries collided on the northbound carriageway between junctions 26 and 27.
An air ambulance is on the scene to help remove one of the drivers from the cab.
It is believed that both drivers suffered minor injuries.
The incident initially closed three lanes of carriageway but two lanes have now been reopened.
The Highways Agency is warning of heavy traffic in the area.
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All lanes of M1 in Nottinghamshire reopened following crash
ALL lanes have now reopened following a crash on the M1 in Nottinghamshire.
Two lorries collided on the northbound carriageway between junctions 26 and 27 at about midday.
An air ambulance was called to the scene to help remove one of the drivers from the cab.
He had suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.
The incident initially closed three lanes of the carriageway, causing a build up of traffic in the area.
The Highways Agency says the delays are now clearing.
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