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Drugs gang jailed for more than 100 years

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Criminal gang members in Nottinghamshire and country-wide have been jailed for more than 100 years for spreading the "misery" of drugs in towns and cities.

Ten people were sentenced for their involvement in the case at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, August 22.

The longest sentence –18 years and eight months - was handed to Ben Mullins, 33, of Church Street, Ripley, in Derbyshire.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to producing amphetamine and conspiracy to supply amphetamine and cocaine.

Co-accused Anthony Donnelly, 31, of Southwell Road, Mansfield, a self-confessed steroid dealer, was jailed for 12 years for conspiracy to supply amphetamine.

Judge James Sampson, who sentenced the men, said Anthony Donnelly was the leader of the gang supplying amphetamine and an arrogant, dishonest man whose word was worthless.

Addressing them all as he handed out the sentences, he said: "All of you in various ways and varying degrees were peddling misery in the towns and cities in this country."

The plot began to unravel in July last year when a van was stopped on the A1 near Doncaster, in South Yorkshire, containing ten kilos of amphetamine, worth an estimated £227,000.

The drugs were linked to Protein Masters store, owned by Anthony Donnelly, in King Street, in Sutton, and a warrant was executed at the vacant shop a few weeks later.

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) discovered over seven kilos of a substance in residue form which contained amphetamine in buckets, drains and toilets within Protein Masters.

Also recovered was a vacuum packing machine and mixing tools, similar to those used in the construction industry.

Daniel Robinson, 30, of Paling Crescent, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Craig Donnelly, 23, of Barker Street, Huthwaite, each received 17 years, of which they serve half.

They were both found guilty after trial of conspiracy to produce amphetamine and conspiracy to supply cocaine. They each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply amphetamine.

The judge said they both played significant roles.

Michael Lawrence, 25, of Victoria Street, Stanton Hill, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and was jailed for nine years.

Richie Fido, 29, of Broad Lane, Brinsley, admitted conspiracy to produce amphetamine and conspiracy to supply amphetamine.

He was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.

After the case, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Mason, of EMSOU, said: "This case demonstrates the complexity of drugs supply conspiracies which operate through a network of associates, some of whom may be located in different parts of the country, let alone the region.

"The number of suspects involved also gives a clue as to the level of detail the officers investigating the case had to uncover from their enquiries in order to piece together a successful prosecution case.

"We are grateful to our colleagues in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and the other forces which helped us to carry out enforcement activity against the suspects.

"The East Midlands forces are determined to dismantle criminal groups which supply drugs to and within our region, and through EMSOU the forces have been targeting organised crime for a number of years now.

"This is the third case of its kind to be concluded at court this month and it is very satisfying to know that in just a matter of a few days more than 30 determined criminals from across the region who attempted to bring drugs into our communities have now been put behind bars."

Drugs gang jailed for more than 100 years


Steal Cat Deeley's red carpet style on the Nottingham high street

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British TV presenter Cat Deeley wowed the crowds in LA this week when she attended the Television Academy's Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theater. Posing on the red carpet at the event, the 37-year-old, who is married to fellow presenter Patrick Kielty, ticked all of the style boxes in a long two-piece gown in a blue floral print. Sticking to the blue palette, Cat then accessorised with bright blue pointed heels and a simple silver bangle. To steal a piece of this celebrity style but in a more relaxed, everyday way, head to high street stores such as Dorothy Perkins and New Look for great floral maxi dresses. Team with statement colour heels and a black satin clutch bag for that A-List look on a high street budget.

Steal Cat Deeley's red carpet style on the Nottingham high street

Doctor Who: Stepping into the Tardis with new Time Lord Peter Capaldi

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AS someone who spent his childhood glued to the Time Lord's adventures, becoming the new Doctor Who was a bit of a scoop for Peter Capaldi. "I had to be very patient [on set], because there were always very nice prop guys telling me how to work the Tardis, and I was like, 'I know how to work the Tardis. I've known for a very long time how to work the Tardis," he jokes. Today, we meet in the production offices of the Cardiff studio, where the programme is filmed. Just a minute's walk away stands the very Tardis the Glaswegian actor is chatting about. Although he's peaked behind the wizard's curtain, as it were, and spent some time in the blue box, the actor still can't quite get his head around the fact that he's the chosen one. "I'm constantly amazed that it's me," says Capaldi, 56, who lives in London with his wife, actress and producer Elaine Collins, and their teenage daughter, Cecily. "I wake up in the morning and I go, 'I'm Doctor Who! I'm playing Doctor Who, I'm Doctor Who'. It's a huge privilege and hugely exciting, and it's funny, because I've known the show since I was a kid." Although he hasn't consistently watched the series as an adult, it has always been part of his life. "There was definitely a time I grew apart from it, because you reach 17 or 18 and you start getting into sex and drugs and rock and roll and off you go, you leave the programme behind," he says, grinning. "I grew up in the Sixties, so I grew up with Doctor Who and The Beatles and Sunday Night at the London Palladium, school milk and all this stuff, so it's part of my DNA. "So although one goes away, the prodigal son returns." While this prodigal son is obliging and polite, there are still moments when ruminating over the right word, his eyes locked on yours, you momentarily expect Capaldi to launch into a foul-mouthed (and fiercely funny) tirade, as per his The Thick Of It character Malcolm Tucker. He's often stopped by fans of the satirical comedy, who ask him to swear at them. "You can say all you like about read-throughs, that they don't matter, but when you're in a room with 250 people and they're waiting to see what the new Doctor's like, you've got to go for it," he says. "He's different from the others and yet he's the same," says the actor, shrugging. "That's useless isn't it? It's basically useless but it's true." What we do know is that he will arrive in Victorian London, to find dinosaurs in the Thames and a spate of deadly spontaneous combustions. Previous Doctor Who, Matt Smith, made his departure in last year's 50th anniversary special, where Capaldi made his first appearance. But his companion Clara, played by Jenna Coleman, remains, and the first episode of the new series sees the two finding their way with their friendship amid an alien conspiracy. Whether his performance and the storylines are enough to win over the show's throng of fans is something Capaldi is feeling philosophical about. "You do your best," reasons the actor, who also played Cardinal Richelieu in BBC One's family action series The Musketeers earlier this year." Doctor Who (Tonight, BBC One, 7.50pm)

Doctor Who: Stepping into the Tardis with new Time Lord Peter Capaldi

Corey Neilson takes pride in Nottingham Panthers defeat to Lukko Rauma as he prepares for visit of Lulea

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COREY Neilson might not have got the birthday present he dreamed of, but he was proud of his Nottingham Panthers as they as they lost 'the biggest game the city has ever seen'. The Panthers head coach saw them go down 4-2 to Lukko Rauma in the Champions Hockey League on Friday night after they fought back to 2-2 on his 38th birthday. There is little time to reflect for the Canadian though as the team are straight into their second Group K game on Sunday against Swedish side Lulea, 4-1 conquerors of Hamburg Freezers on Friday night. Neilson said: "I'm proud. For ten minutes they overwhelmed us but after we played pretty well. "The fans were excellent. They gave us that energy to get back on track. In the second period we played some good hockey. "By the time the third period came round a lot of our guys were out of gas. When you're tired mistakes happen. "One of Lukko's players makes more than my entire team. It's not always budgets that win games though. We've lost games in Nottingham to teams that have played above themselves. "We did a lot to disrupt them but we didn't just shut up shop. We played aggressive in the neutral and offensive zones. That's a credit to the club and the Elite League itself. "We keep getting better and the gap to top end teams like Lukko is getting smaller and smaller. "We had guys who haven't played a game this year like Chris Lawrence and Mike Berube and guys who have been carrying knocks and not practiced. "We've been going for two weeks of basically cramming for an exam, playing the biggest game this city has ever seen and we performed. "Sunday's game will change gears dramatically. From all accounts the Swedish league is extremely top end on skill. "It's a different brand to Finland. They are willing to dump the puck. Lukko had some monsters on the ice. "In Sweden they take more time and wait for their chance to create breakaways. We may have to play a bit different to make sure we don't give up those big mistakes." Defenceman Steve Lee got both Panthers goals in the second period but they were indebted to netminder Craig Kowalski for keeping them in the game at times. Neilson was full of praise for Kowalski, while he also felt former Detroit Red Wings winger Nathan Robinson showed all of his pedigree on debut. "Killer's been our workhorse for years. He's won us championships and he played like a champion in this game. He showed he belongs at this level," said Neilson. "Nathan Robinson added a different dimension. We are thankful to have him. We were disappointed not to have Mark Lee due to injury, but we hope to have Mark Lee back for Sunday." With 17 imports on the roster it was left to Great Britain defenceman Steve Lee to get both goals. "We believe in our British players. We treat them the same," Neilson said. "They get better every year. They've got the chance to put themselves on the map. "All our players have that in this competition." Despite the occasion the game was not a sell-out, but 4,045 fans did come to the National Ice Centre as the inaugural Champions League got under way. Neilson said he understood why some fans might not attend with the game available on Premier Sports. "It's a tough choice as a fan. They look at dollars and cents or pounds and pence," he said. "When you can watch it on TV for less it's a choice people have to make. Our fans were electric and it was an excellent night." Face-off for Sunday's game at the NIC is 1.35pm.

Corey Neilson takes pride in Nottingham Panthers defeat to Lukko Rauma as he prepares for visit of Lulea

Beeston man charged with historic child cruelty offences

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A Beeston man has been charged with child cruelty offences against a schoolboy more than 30 years ago.

Kelvin Horriban, 62, allegedly committed the offences between 1978 and 1981, when the boy was aged between nine and 12.

Keith Evans, 70, of the Old Rhosrobin area of Wrexham, Wales, has also been charged in relation to the same offences.

Horriban also faces an additional charge of assault.

Both men will appear before magistrates in Mold, Wales, on October 9.

The charges result from an investigation by Operation Pallial, a National Crime Agency investigation into recent allegations of historical abuse in the care system in North Wales.

A total of 21 people have now been arrested or interviewed under caution by agency officers. Of these a total of 11 people have been charged, with the remainder on bail pending further inquiries.

A spokesman for the agency said: "Information given to us by 232 people is under active investigation at this time and has resulted in 56 people being identified as potential suspects. Work to identify further potential suspects is continuing."

Beeston man charged with historic child cruelty offences

Hucknall holds street party as town plans to become traffic-free

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Hucknall residents were given a look into the future as traffic was barred from the main shopping area.

It may have been for just six hours but from 2016 it will become permanent as part of High Street is pedestrianised.

The temporary closure on Saturday was organised by Nottinghamshire County and Ashfield District councils to give people an idea of what it will be like.

And most people spoken to by the Post believe it will have a positive impact, with many pointing to the fact a similar scheme in nearby Bulwell was a success.

Angela Needham, 49, who lives in the town, said: "I think it will make things much better.

"The town centre has been in need of a lift for some time. This will really help. It did in Bulwell. It is a different place.

"More people will come because there will be less traffic and it will be safer to walk around."

Sarah Clements, who runs Che's sandwich shop in the part of High Street which will be traffic-free, is also pleased.

She said: "I think it will be a big boost to my business and others. It will really freshen things up in the area."

The road was shut between 10am and 4pm on Saturday between its junctions with Baker Street and Watnall Road, the same stretch which is due to be pedestrianised at a cost of £12.4 million.

There were stalls, including a tombola and tram information, while children had their faces painted and had a go on a bouncy castle.

Councillor Keir Morrison, who represents Hucknall at Ashfield District Council, said: "This is something that has been a long time coming.

"There has been talk of pedestrianisation here for 50 years. It is going to have a real positive impact and bring more people to the town."

Hucknall holds street party as town plans to become traffic-free

Church filled with thousands of flowers for four-day festival

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THOUSANDS of flowers from old favourites to the more exotic were displayed in a stunning church setting as part of a four-day festival. From poppies, sunflowers and lillies, to historic proteas from South Africa, the flowers brought gasps of awe from visitors to All Saints Church in Sawley. It was the 47th time the church has run the festival over the August bank holiday weekend. This year, the theme was "To everything there is a season", with arrangements depicting "A time to be born", "A time to love" and "A time to laugh", among many others. Linda Smith, who organised the floral displays along with a team of more than 30 women, said the flowers were chosen for the meaning they could depict. She said: "Apparently gladioli flowers are the birth flower for August, while flowers like the eryngium can interpret things like water and the sea. "The colour of the flowers is also important and can obviously depict certain emotions or feelings. "The arrangements are put together very carefully – it takes a vivid imagination to come up with them." The arrangements took three days to assemble, with dozens of varieties of flowers used. Event co-ordinator Graham Grammer, 73, said: "People come from all over the area to see the flowers and are always very impressed. "I'd definitely say thousands of people will visit over the weekend. The fact the festival has been going for such a long time just proves how popular it is. It's a great opportunity for people to come together." Dot Bishton, 77, came from Sandiacre to enjoy the festival. She said: "The flowers are always absolutely marvellous. The way they come up with the arrangements is very imaginative and it's obvious that a lot of hard work goes into it." Reverend Tony Street, the new Rector at All Saints Church, added: "The church looks stunning filled with so many colourful flowers. "The theme fits in well with the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, so it's very poignant." The festival is open from 10am until 5pm on Sunday, 10am until 6pm on Monday and from 10am until 4pm on Tuesday.

Church filled with thousands of flowers for four-day festival

Man in court on voyeurism charges

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VOYEUR Kevin Lawson set up a camera to film a man without his knowledge, a court heard. Lawson, 53, of De Lacy Court, New Ollerton, who has been in trouble in the past for having indecent images of children, recorded the victim. Prosecutor Tracey Ross said Lawson admitted he set up the video recorder. The 53-year-old, who is already on the sex offenders' register, pleaded guilty yesterday to two charges of voyeurism – by installing the camera and recording a private act – between September 1 and December 4 last year. Police found the 40-minute recording and charged him. They were monitoring him as part of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, the court was told. Lawson received the order for a previous offence of having indecent images. The court was told, in mitigation, that the latest offences involved just one adult male. Magistrates were also told that what happened was a private act – not sexual activity – and was not shown to other people. Lawson's previous conviction will have to be taken into account when he is sentenced at a date to be fixed. Magistrates did not take up the opportunity to view the footage. They decided, after taking careful account of the nature and circumstances of the offences, that they were aggravated by the level of planning Lawson had done. He was bailed to cooperate with a probation report on an "all options basis" before a decision is taken on his fate.

Nottinghamshire County Council social workers criticised over child sex abuse case

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE county council's child social care team has been criticised in a serious case review after a girl under five was sexually abused. In 2013, Christopher Atkins, 31, of Cotgrave, was jailed for a horrific sex attack on the girl, which left her with life-threatening injuries. The girl, who cannot be named to protect her identity, had been in Nottinghamshire for nine weeks and was already subject to a protection plan because of neglect. Her abuse was only discovered when she was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre with severe internal injuries. Following the incident, Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board carried out a serious case review to examine all aspects of the various agencies' involvement in the case and identify if any changes needed to be made. The report, which has just been released, says risk checks on Atkins should have been carried out earlier but conceded that these alone would not have predicted the abuse. The council was also criticised for delaying assessments of the girl, particularly after her social worker was taken ill. There were also concerns about background checks not being done and the girl's previous injuries and sudden weight loss being overlooked. The independent chair of Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board Chris Few said: "The intentional harming of any child is appalling and should not happen. I am pleased that those responsible have been convicted and sentenced for their crimes. "I commissioned the serious case review to examine the involvement of Nottinghamshire agencies with this child as there were concerns that this involvement should have been more effective. "The review is critical of some aspects of practice. These include a lack of robustness in assessing the child's circumstances following the move to Nottinghamshire, in leadership of the child protection plan and in the responses to injuries sustained by the child. "The review concluded however that better practice would not have identified that the child was at risk of being sexually abused. "Delay in carrying out background checks on the man who subsequently abused the child was given particular consideration. It was found that even if the checks had been completed to the timescale and standard required, they would not have identified that the man posed a risk of sexual harm to children. "The NSCB has considered a number of challenges arising from this serious case review and has agreed the action needed to meet these."

Nottinghamshire County Council social workers criticised over child sex abuse case

Popular bridal boutique Sew Wedding relocates to Nottingham

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Preparing for the grand opening of her Sew Wedding bridal boutique, talented seamstress Pam Frankham is adjusting to her new life in Nottingham. After relocating from Swindon to live in Aspley, the 54-year-old has re-launched her popular wedding business, which is now located in a large studio in Arnold. From a range of wedding dresses to alterations and accessories, Pam can offer the whole package to Nottingham brides. The creative lady says: "I moved to Nottingham in June as my husband Jim retired and we wanted to be closer to our three children and five grandchildren. "My business was very popular in Swindon but I'm now hoping for that again in Nottingham. I have a brilliant space in Arnold." As well as making her own bespoke wedding and bridesmaid dresses, Pam's studio sells a selection of veils, jewellery, shoes and lingerie. Brides are able to arrange an appointment no matter what the query, whether it's to talk dress designs, try on a selection of gowns or even get some last-minute panic alterations. Pam says: "I make my own wedding dresses and can do alterations, as well as selling other brands of dresses including Hilary Morgan and True Bride. The average cost ranges from £400 to £950, but off the rail dresses cost a lot less. "I've only been in Nottingham a short time but I'm already starting to build up my presence. I sold a couple of dresses last week and I've already had about ten brides coming in for alterations. "I also try and cater for bigger girls, and can alter dresses for up to size 32. I know what can be added and took away to make the perfect dress for anyone." Pam, who is mother to Gemma, 34, and stepmother to Wayne, 40 and Layla, 37, boasts over 30 years of seamstress experience but hasn't always worked alongside her trusty sewing machine. Her impressive CV lists working as a lorry driver and also owning her own motorbike shop. "I've worked as a lot of different things!" she says. "I think the wedding aspect started when I owned a fabric shop and performed alterations on general clothes," "Around seven years ago though my daughter, Gemma, was diagnosed with cancer and we had to close the shop for a while. Everything went into storage. When we made sure Gemma was OK, I re-opened the shop as a bridal studio. The grand opening in Swindon was two years ago. The wedding business just grew and grew from there. "I had previous experience making the odd wedding dress. My first was for my stepson's fiance, Mandy. She didn't want a traditional wedding dress and asked me to make it. It was burgundy and gold with a long skirt and fitted bodice. I also made all of her bridesmaid dresses. "It went from there really. I was spending so much money on fabric that I thought, I could do this myself." Pam now makes around five wedding dresses each month, with one taking up to five weeks to complete depending on the detail. Inspiration can come from "anywhere", but Pam adds that many brides "come into the studio with a magazine and show me how they like parts of different dresses." "I can show them how the elements can work together and how to make it work." The seamstress is now looking forward to the official grand opening of the Sew Wedding boutique, which is being attended by Gedling MP Vernon Coaker. She adds: "The grand opening is taking place next Saturday from 10am to 4pm. There will be a mini bridal fair and a raffle, with all proceeds going to the Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, an organisation that arranges and funds weddings for those who are terminally ill." Sew Wedding can be found at The Attic in Arnold Business Centre, Brookfield Road, Arnold, Nottingham. For more information go to www.sewwedding.co.uk or www.facebook.com/Sew-Wedding

Popular bridal boutique Sew Wedding relocates to Nottingham

Port Vale 0 Notts County 2: Match report

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NOTTS County secured their second successive win inside a week with a fine 2-0 victory at Port Vale. Gary Jones had given the visitors the lead after just 11 minutes when his first-time shot appeared to take a deflection to wrong foot Sam Johnson. Vale created little in the opening 45 minutes as Notts produced a tactically brilliant display to restrict their chances. It was Notts who looked the more likely to score with Ronan Murray close to scoring a second only to see Carl Dickinson make a desperate block. Vale fans were quick to lose patience with their side's lack of bite and their mood did not get much better early in the second half. Notts were measured in possession with Murray again going close as the visitors searched for a second goal. It was not until the introduction of Byron Moore, a summer transfer target for Notts, that Vale began to ask serious questions. Notts' goal led a charmed life at times with luck and the brilliance of Roy Carroll denying Vale an equaliser. Tom Pope was denied at the near post by a wonderful save from the Northern Irishman who used his feet superbly. And when he was beaten, he had Curtis Thompson to thank for keeping his clean sheet in tact with the young defender clearing Mark Marshall's header off the line. Vale were beginning to find momentum at a key time, but Notts produced an inspired display which was full of resilience. They almost doubled their lead when smart play by substitute Shaun Harrad released Zeli Ismail, whose low shot from 20 yards was kept out by Johnson. And it was to get better for the visitors late on when the second goal they were searching for finally arrived. After Jones was fouled, Liam Noble's shot took a wicked deflection to nestle in the bottom corner. Port Vale: (4-4-2): Johnson, Veseli (Dodds 81), Duffy, McGivern, Dickinson, Birchall (Moore 64), O'Connor, Lines, Marshall, Pope, Williamson (Daniel 64) Subs: Neal, Robertson, Brown, Jennings, Notts County: (4-3-3): Carroll, Dumbuya, Mullins, Hollis, Adams (Thompson 28), Smith (Harrad 72), Noble, Jones, Ismail, Murray, Cassidy Subs not used: Spiess, Balmy, Dawson, Whitehouse, Edwards Referee: Mark Brown Attendance: 5,090 (381 visitors)

Port Vale 0 Notts County 2: Match report

Nottingham Forest 4, Reading 0: Match report - Antonio inspires win as Reds stay top

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NOTTINGHAM Forest's promotion charge stepped up another gear in dramatic style, as Michail Antonio inspired a thumping 4-0 win over Reading.

The winger hit the back of the net twice and also set up another for Matty Fryatt, as the Royals were simply blown away at the City Ground.

Former Reading man Antonio scored either side of half time, with a header and then a scrambled finish, as Stuart Pearce's side enhanced their promotion credentials – and gave themselves a one-point lead at the top of the table, ahead of second-placed Watford.

Britt Assombalonga was not to be outdone by Antonio, after seeing him take his tally to the season to four goals, by bagging his fourth of the campaign to round off the scoring.

There was a hugely cagey opening to the game, as both sides found it difficult to carve out an opening.

Andy Reid almost sent Assombalonga clear with a clever pass, but added a little too much weight to his delivery, allowing Adam Federici to smother the ball.

At the other end, Karl Darlow had to be alert to punch clear a Ryan Edwards corner, as the Royals' young side looked to find a crack in the Forest defences.

But the first meaningful save of the match did not come until the 15th minute, when a rebound off a Reading player sent Reid chasing through on goal, with Federici sliding in bravely at the midfielder's feet, before then reacting quickly for a second time as Chris Burke looked to pounce on the loose ball.

That proved to be something of a warning sign for Reading, with Forest taking the lead within two minutes, as a familiar combination came to the fore once again.

When Burke found space on the right, he made full use of it to fire in a crisp, deep cross to the far post, where Antonio jumped high to power a header towards goal, finding the net off the underside of the bar, with the keeper well beaten.

Forest had another opportunity when Antonio broke quickly from a Reading corner, carrying the ball the length of the pitch but then hesitating when he had the chance to feed Assombalonga, with Reading happy to concede a corner.

A darting run from Chris Gunter, the former Forest player, saw him escape the attentions of Antonio and Forest will have been grateful to see the Welsh international's cross fly right across the face of goal and away from danger.

Dan Harding's aggressive run down the left helped Forest force a corner and, when Chris Cohen fed Reid on the edge of the box, the Irishman had time to shoot, but sent a right foot effort high and wide of the target.

Forest came close to securing a two goal lead when Antonio's header fell nicely for Fox, who saw his own header cleared off the line by Jordan Obita, with Fryatt then prodding the loose ball wide of the post, when at full stretch.

But a slip at the back almost let in Reading for an equaliser, with Aaron Kuhl prodding wide when he might have done better, ten yards out. Obita then fired in a superb cross from the right, which both Simon Cox and Nick Blackman were a whisker away from connecting with, as it bent just wide of the far post.

In first half injury time Cox had the chance to haunt his former club, when Ryan Edwards sent him angling through on goal, but the striker failed to properly connect with a shot that bobbled harmlessly wide of the far post.

Whatever Pearce said to his players in the dressing room worked a treat as, within eight minutes of the second half, the game was all but dead and buried, as Forest struck twice to make it 3-0.

The first goal followed a familiar pattern as Antonio, this time fed by a superb cross from Hunt , arrived at the far post to prod home a scrambled finish at the far post, in the 47th minute.

The second came six minutes later, with Antonio this time turning provider, cutting in from the left side to lift a right footed cross into the path of Fryatt, who emphatically nodded home a header, to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors, with the second half only a few minutes old.

It got worse for the Royals, as Forest turned the screw even more. Assombalonga had fired over the bar after an outstanding pass from Reid, but the striker made no mistake when presented with another opportunity in the 64th minute.

This time the chance came about in rather more scruffy fashion, as Reading failed to clear when Antonio had fired in a shot, with the ball bouncing around amid a melee of players for several long seconds, before eventually falling for the former Peterborough man, who finished emphatically.

Forest continued to pressure for more goals, with substitute Jamie Paterson denied by the reactions of Federici, who pushed away his powerful shot.

The keeper was at it again when Eric Lichaj cut in from the left to deliver a powerful strike high towards the corner, with Federici making another impressive stop to deny the American.

Skipper Cohen might have added another goal as well, but sent a shot, on the turn, high and wide of the target, from a few yards out.

Forest: Darlow, Hunt, Mancienne, Fox, Harding (Lichaj 45), Cohen, Burke (Paterson 75), Reid, Antonio (Osborn 75), Fryatt, Assombalonga. Subs: de Vries, Veldwijk, McLaughlin, Tesche.

Reading: Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Cox, Obita (Tshibola 86), Hector, Edwards (Tanner 61), Blackman, Cummings, Taylor (Norwood 58), Kuhl. Subs: Akpan, McCarthy, Cooper, Stacey.

Referee: Andy Woolmer

Nottingham Forest 4, Reading 0: Match report - Antonio inspires win as Reds stay top

Dagenham and Redbridge 2 Mansfield Town 0: Match report

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MANSFIELD Town's good start to the season suffered a dent as they lost 2-0 to Dagenham & Redbridge. Goals by Abu Ogogo and Luke Howell condemned the visitors to a second defeat of the campaign. Dagenham had a great chance to take the lead as they got plenty of joy down the right hand side. Ashley Chambers beat Ryan Tafazolli before the ball was worked to Ogogo with Tafazolli getting back to make a block on the edge of the six yard box. A Mansfield goal almost came against the run of play in the 37th minute. Chris Clements whipped a free-kick across the face of goal and it only needed a touch as it crept inches wide of the post. As the half-time whistle approached, the Daggers took the lead when Jamie Cureton pulled the ball back to Howell who swept it in from six yards out. After a scrappy sell of play Dagenham produced a good move to double their lead. Former Notts County man Andre Boucaud managed to hold the ball up well before producing a sublime back-heel in to the path of Chambers. Chambers' cross fell to Ogogo, who saw his shot find the back of the net via a deflection from Ritchie Sutton. Stags almost got one back when Simon Heslop's shot from the edge was cleared off the line by Scott Dee. Stags: Studer. Sutton, Dempster, Tafazolli, Fisher, Rhead, McGuire, Heslop, Beevers, Taylor, Clements; Subs: Riley, Jones, Bell, Clucas, Palmer, Murray, Evtimov Attendance: 1,558 (190 away supporters).

Dagenham and Redbridge 2 Mansfield Town 0: Match report

John Aram: The scourge of the humble balloon

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FESTIVALS, carnivals, summer fairs, church fetes and tombolas are all excellent ways of generating funds for all sorts of needy causes from major health charities such as the British Heart Foundation, or just for funds to repair the church roof or to buy new books for the local nursery. The people who dedicate an awful lot of their free time raising money for all these needy causes should be commended, and rightly so; without these committed few who constantly work tirelessly to support all good causes the world would be a sadder place. There are literally hundreds of ways to relieve the public of their money at these events, from selling homemade cakes, guessing sweets in a jar, knocking over skittles or, possibly one of the favourites, throwing wet sponges at the vicar. However you collect this much-needed cash is fine, but please – don't fill balloons with helium and release them to rise into the sky. Those multi-coloured balloons rising into the heavens are a wonderful sight; but they are not such a wonderful sight when they are landing into hedgerows, lakes, rivers, conservation areas, grazing meadows, and nature reserves. With bits of balloons littering the countryside not only is it very unsightly, but it can be very dangerous to animals and birds. A brightly coloured piece of rubber lying in a field could look a tasty morsel to a lamb or calf, but once eaten could result in a slow and agonising death. It was really poignant to see the commemorative event from Liege in Belgium marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and the tributes to the millions who gave their lives in that terrible conflict. Moving as it was, I was grieved to see all those hundreds if not thousands of balloons just let go skywards without any thought whatsoever about the consequences of what will happen to them when they finally fall to the ground. This Government and the European Union has declared war on the use of bio-degradable plastic carrier bags, yet they are unconcerned and oblivious to the fact that they are littering with impunity the most of Europe in rubber.

John Aram: The scourge of the humble balloon

Cycle events in Notts w/c Aug, 24 2014

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Tomorrow Time: 9am Organised by: Erewash Valley Cycling Club Meeting point: Magpie pub, Toton Lane, Stapleford; further pick-ups from Toton Library (9.10) and Long Eaton station (9.30). Details: A split ride to Swarkstone and Alvaston. Length: 25 miles plus Time: 9.15am Organised by: Notts Cyclists' Touring Club Meeting point: Trent Bridge Details: A ride to along Notts lanes providing an introduction to club rides. Length: 40 miles Time: 2pm Organised by: Sky Ride Meeting point: Clifton Leisure Centre, Southchurch Drive Details: A steady ride to Wilford; places are free but need to be booked at www.goskyride.com. Length: Eight miles Tuesday Time: 12.30 Organised by: TravelRight Broxtowe Meeting point: DH Lawrence Heritage Centre, Mansfield Road, Eastwood Details: A ride for those who are comfortable cycling for an hour or more. The route will be made known on the day. Length: 10 miles Wednesday Time: 9.30am Organised by: Erewash Valley Cycling Club Meeting point: Magpie pub, Toton Lane, Stapleford; further pick-ups at Lidl, Sandiacre (9.40) and Moor Bridge (9.50). Details: A ride to Locko Park, Spondon and Hopwell. Length: 25 miles Time: 10am Organised by: TravelRight Broxtowe Meeting point: Hetley Pearson Pavilion, Cartwright Way, Beeston Details: An free easy bike ride on quiet roads, cycle paths and trails. Length: From 2 to 5 miles Time: 12 noon Organised by: TravelRight Broxtowe Meeting point: Hetley Pearson Pavilion, Cartwright Way, Beeston Details: A free relaxed and sociable ride for those who are comfortable cycling for more than an hour. Length: Around 15 miles Time: 6pm Organised by: Sky Ride Meeting point: Wollaton Hall main entrance, NG8 2AE Details: An easy ride around Wollaton Park; places are free but need to be booked at www.goskyride.com. Length: 5 miles Thursday Time: 9.55am Organised by: Notts Cyclists' Touring Club Meeting point: Wilford Bridge Details: A medium pace ride to Horseshoes. Length: 40 miles Time: 11.45am Organised by: Cycling For Health Meeting point: Arkwright Meadows Community Gardens, Kirkby Gardens, The Meadows Details: A ride for those who are comfortable cycling for an hour or more. Length: 15 miles Friday Time: 6pm Organised by: Notts Critical Mass Meeting point: Bike stands, Old Market Square, city centre Details: A fun ride around the city centre - wear 1980s and 1990s retro clothes. Length: Between one and two hours. Saturday Time: 10am Organised by: Sherwood Cycling Club Meeting point: Lowdham War Memorial Details: Informal ride for road bikes on quiet flat roads, split into two or three groups. Length: 25 to 30 miles Time: From 11.30am to noon Organised by: Cycling For Health Meeting point: various Details: There are a number of free rides in Arnold, Aspley, Bestwood, Bulwell, Calverton, Carlton, Lenton and Stapleford; see www.thebigwheel.org.uk/ ExploreNotts Length: 5 to 15 miles Time: 12 noon Organised by: TravelRight Broxtowe Meeting point: Hetley Pearson Pavilion, Cartwright Way, Beeston; or Hickings Lane Recreation Ground Pavilion, Stapleford Details: Two free friendly bike rides for those who are comfortable cycling for an hour. Length: About 8 miles Time: 12 noon to 1pm Organised by: TravelRight Meeting point: various Details: There are a number of free led rides in Aspley, Bestwood, and Bulwell; see http://nottingham.travelright.org. uk/events. Length: About 8 miles Details correct at time of going to press, check for changes on relevant organiser's website. If you have an event you would like included in this section, email david.whitfield@nottinghampost.com

Burglars target Co-op in Wollaton

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BURGLARS broke into the Co-operative supermarket on Trowell Road in Wollaton in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police say the offenders were disturbed by a cleaner at some time after 4.30am. It is not believed anything was stolen. No one has been arrested in connection with the burglary but the police investigation is ongoing. The incident comes just a week after another burglary was reported at the same store. It is not yet known if the two are connected.

Burglars target Co-op in Wollaton

Big School: David Walliams and Catherine Tate back in the classroom for new series

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THERE's a hint of a nip in the air, supermarket shelves are heaving beneath the weight of logoed pencil cases, and there's a collective sigh of relief from frazzled parents who've spent the last few weeks attempting to keep the kids entertained. It can only mean one thing: the beginning of the new school year – and with it, the return of David Walliams' aptly-timed comedy, Big School. "It's great to be doing the series again, particularly getting everyone back together, as it is such a brilliant cast," says Walliams, the show's creator and co-writer, who also stars in the series as the conscientious Mr Church, a man who takes his responsibility as deputy head of science at Greybridge School very seriously. "Yes, Mr Church is very uptight!" says the 42-year-old star of Little Britain and Britain's Got Talent. "I think that's why he's probably never had any success with the opposite sex. He's very set in his ways and he's someone who's never had a partner before. "If you've never shared a house with anybody, and if you've never been married, I think there's a danger you'll get set in your ways," continues the comedian, who has a 15-month-old son Alfred, with his model wife of four years, Lara Stone. Things were looking up for Mr Church by the end of the last series, as he and French teacher Miss Postern, played by fellow comic Catherine Tate, acknowledged some form of dormant feelings for one another. However, it soon transpires that things have become a little sour between them during the summer break. "They've had a disastrous date," reveals Walliams. "They'd made an arrangement to go for a meal, but turned up in two different branches of Bella Italia, so they get off to a frosty start! Therefore, at the beginning of the series, Mr Church has a lot of ground to make up to try to get back into Miss Postern's good books." Although Walliams enjoys writing for the school's headmistress Ms Baron, played by Frances de la Tour ("There's such a brilliant music to her voice. I can't believe I have even met her, let alone being able to work with her," he says), his favourite character is Miss Postern. "Catherine's performance is so perfect and so funny that I have to stop myself from laughing when she's doing it. "A good example was writing a scene that required her to speak Chinese. I knew when it was being written that she was going to be brilliant at it. It's a joy writing for her especially." In turn, Tate, couldn't wait to reprise the role. "Miss Postern is a lot of fun to play," she says. "I love playing such a delusional character. She thinks she's a better catch than she is, and she certainly thinks she's a better teacher than she actually is." Despite Miss Postern's delusional feelings of superiority, there's underlying self-doubt, and Tate wouldn't consider her alter ego much of a flirt. In fact, the 46-year-old, who came to prominence in The Catherine Tate Show and starred in the US version of The Office, believes Miss Postern is simply frustrated with Mr Church and therefore wants to keep her feelings hidden. "She doesn't actually know whether he likes her or not. I think she finds Mr Church a difficult person to find a way into, so I'm not so sure she holds out much hope." At least Miss Postern has her work to distract her as she arranges a careers day. "She's one of those eternally optimistic and cheerful people who's under the belief she can make a difference," notes Tate. "I guess if you're constantly surrounded by negativity, it's almost like a survivor's instinct that you have to be cheerful, so that's what she does." Her careers workshop slogan, 'Which way now?', could apply as much to her as it does her pupils, not least as the guest speaker is her old teacher training colleague (now bestselling children's author) Fenella Forbes, played by Morgana Robinson. Robinson isn't the only new face this series. Former Holby City actor Jimmy Akingbola pops up as the dashing new geography teacher Dr Dalton, and Jack Carroll, the young comic who came second on Britain's Got Talent last year, appears as new pupil Dean. Michele Dotrice, who played Betty in Some Mothers Do Have 'Em, also makes an appearance. Dotrice stars as the mother of the underqualified gym teacher Mr Gunn, played once again by Philip Glenister, who's now teaching geography following Mr Barber's (Steve Speirs) move to school caretaker.

Big School: David Walliams and Catherine Tate back in the classroom for new series

Nottingham actress Vicky McClure's gives kind words on sister's wedding

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Vicky McClure has paid tribute to her sister and her fiance on the weekend of their wedding. Read what she wrote - and shared with the Nottingham Post - here.

THEY were childhood sweethearts. My sister Jenny McClure and her fiancé Carl Reid met while at Fernwood School in Wollaton.

They're both 33 and have been together for 17 years, although they have known each other since they were eight.

Carl is a joiner, like my dad, Mick. Jenny works at Shepherd Direct, a property company in Chilwell where I worked for eight years. Our mum, Carol, works on the same business park for First Response Finance.

They live in Toton, near me and they've a little boy, Kai, who is seven in September. He played my son in Line of Duty. He appeared in both series. I'm hoping he'll get a speaking part in the third series.

They are getting married today at St Leonard's Church in Wollaton, the same church where Jenny and I were christened.

They've already had a honeymoon. Sort of. They only recently came back from a holiday in Corfu. They booked the holiday before they booked the wedding. So they've kind of done it backwards. We're like that, the McClures.

Carl is like a brother to me already, because he's been part of my life for such a long time. He's full of heart and very kind, he really looks after Jenny. And he has a great sense of humour – he really makes me laugh.

I'm really pleased they are getting married, finally. I'm wishing them both the best day today and all the happiness in their lives together. The whole family is really excited for them.

Nottingham actress Vicky McClure's gives kind words on sister's wedding

Icelandic volcano: Red alert issued to aviation industry after eruption

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Iceland's Met Office has issued a red alert to the aviation industry, after the Bardarbunga volcano erupted. The warning comes after a small eruption under an ice cap at the volcano, and means significant ash emissions are likely. It is the highest alert possible on the Icelandic Met Office's five-point scale. Air space over the site is currently closed, but the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said there would be no impact on flights unless there was an eruption. Icelandic police said the eruption was a 'minor event' at the moment. A statement on their website read: "Because of a pressure from the glacier cap it is uncertain whether the eruption will stay sub-glacial or not."Hundreds of people were evacuated from the area near the volcano on Wednesday following fears of an eruption. In 2010, the country's Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted causing mass disruption to air travel. It was the largest closure of European air space since World War Two.

Icelandic volcano: Red alert issued to aviation industry after eruption

Nottingham boxer Carl Froch impresses in week 3 of Tumble

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NOTTINGHAM boxer Carl Froch says last week's performance on TV show Tumble was a "wake up call" - and this week he shot up to third in the leader board. Last Saturday he narrowly escaped taking on "the vault", which could have seen him eliminated from the competition, after a shaky performance. But this week he took on an impressive Spanish matador-style trampoline routine which impressed the judges. He said: "Last week it was a tough routine with a lot of moves that could have gone wrong - and some of them did. "Potentially having to face the vault was a bit scary. It was a wake up call." Speaking before his trampoline performance, he said: "I used to spend a lot of time on it (the trampoline) as a kid but it's very hard! "All the professionals make it look easy, but I guess I make boxing look easy!" Carl scored 29.5 points, making him joint third.

Nottingham boxer Carl Froch impresses in week 3 of Tumble

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