A MAN has been taken to hospital after his car hit a railway bridge in Misterton. 

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service received a call to the incident, in Marsh Lane, at around 5.45am on Saturday morning.

The man had to be cut free from his vehicle by firefighters, and was taken to hospital. His injuries are unknown. 

Crews from Misterton, Gainsborough and Tuxford were in attendance. They left the scene at around 6.20am. 

Have a look at this nostalgic video showing Nottingham's buses in 1994.

The footage may only be 20 years old but it is clear to see the changes Nottingham's transport has undergone over the years.

In the video, the old-fashioned Nottingham City Transport green buses and the Trent Barton red buses are seen driving around the city centre.

What are your fondest memories of Nottingham's buses? Tweet us or Facebook us or let us know in the comments below.

Entering her mince pies, biscuits and fancy cakes into a show was a great way for Linda Grundy to enjoy a bit of friendly competition.

But with mum Edna Holmes as her rival, the 56-year-old from Carlton had to up her game to prove she was top baker.

They duo were among dozens of exhibitors at the West Bridgford and Rushcliffe Horticultural Society's annual show, which took place at Lutterell Hall on Saturday.

While Edna walked away with the better mince pies and sweet biscuits, Linda's four fancy cakes were better placed.

83-year-old Edna, who lives in West Bridgford, also received first place for her jar of home-made jam, bell peppers and two dressed onions.

She said: "When you have been working hard on your allotment it is nice to show the things you have done.

"It is worth it when you come down and see you have got a prize. I love it, it is a real sense of achievement."

Linda added: "It is always good fun and a bit of friendly competition between me and mum."

The show - which is now in its 112th year - attracted 430 entries on Saturday. Cups, medals and awards were handed out by the Mayor of Rushcliffe, councillor Ron Hetherington, followed by an auction of exhibits.

Visitor Diane Watanabe, 46, of West Bridgford, said she hoped the event would encourage more people to grow their own produce.

She said: "It is one of these traditional community events that I think should keep going. I like coming down to admire some of the things people have managed to turn out."

Show secretary Audrey Peacock said: "I think we have done well again. We have allotments in West Bridgford actually and see this as a culmination of the gardener's year. But it's not just for members, anyone can enter. It is a chance for people to show what they have produced and for people to look and see what has been achieved."

AS a critically acclaimed actor and Bafta-winning writer and director, Paddy Considine takes his work very seriously.

So when it came to preparing for two more instalments of Victorian detective drama The Suspicions Of Mr Whicher, the star was perturbed to learn his character's beloved bowler hat had gone missing.

"We couldn't find the original. As an actor, I was saying, 'Well, this is a really integral part of the character'," Considine reveals.

"But we found a good replacement. At the end of the day, you just stick it on your head and get on with it. It's a hat, man."

Despite starring in films like The Bourne Ultimatum and Cinderella Man, as well as writing and directing the multi award-winning Tyrannosaur, Staffordshire-born Considine isn't the type to let success go to his head – hatless or otherwise.

Besides returning as Mr Whicher, he's also been filming a big-screen adaptation of Macbeth, playing Banquo to Michael Fassbender's Macbeth. But he confesses the superstitious tradition of calling it "the Scottish play" was lost on him.

"I just kept telling everybody out there, 'I'm in Macbeth'... Are you supposed to be cursed or something? Well I'm cursed then, I've had it," he smiles, looking far removed from suited and booted Whicher, in a striped T-shirt and post-holiday tan.

The previous Whicher films, inspired by real-life Scotland Yard detective Jonathan 'Jack' Whicher, saw Considine's character suffer a breakdown, get pushed out of the police force and pursue a career as a 'private inquiry agent'.

In the upcoming third and fourth instalments, Whicher rebuilds himself professionally, and personally, and takes on some perplexing new cases, ranging from political scandal to divorce work.

Considine – who turns 41 this month – confesses he "wasn't happy with what I'd done" after the first film, based on Kate Summerscale's bestselling novel, aired in 2011.

"I played him with a kind of cockney accent. I never felt that was the character and I was almost squeezed into doing it that way. So when they proposed the second one, I said, 'That's great, but I want to play him how I see him... otherwise, someone else can play him'," reveals the actor, who decided to soften the character's accent.

"The producers were great and let me do it – nobody really noticed that I'd changed the accent! So when I came to do these next two, I'd already found him. It was a lot easier coming back this time, because he felt so familiar."

The first of the two new films sees Whicher hired by the former Home Secretary to investigate threats made against his son, who recently returned from India with his young family.

The second follows Whicher as he takes on the bread and butter of the private inquiry agent – divorce work. But what seems like a straightforward job turns darker after a key player is found dead in suspicious circumstances.

In a TV schedule awash with detectives, Considine believes Whicher stands out.

"What I find most interesting is that he's a great reader of people. That's what makes him good at what he does," he says.

"Whicher's not the kind of detective that goes around with a spyglass. He's not like Sherlock Holmes or anybody who outwits and uses his smarts. He also has great empathy and I think that's his great skill."

There's also a chance of a possible love interest for the widower, in the form of kind-natured landlady Mrs Piper (played by Nancy Carroll).

"As leading guys go, it can get quite boring just being the one who's asking the questions, while all this drama's going on around him. So to have that little backdrop was brilliant."

Considine adds: "I feel like every time I play Whicher, there is something that allows me to go on a journey with him. In these films, we see him begin to let go of the past."

Born in Burton-upon-Trent, where he still lives with his wife and children, Considine studied performing arts at Burton College and met fellow pupil Shane Meadows (who went on to direct the acclaimed film and Channel 4 series This Is England).

Meadows went on to cast his pal in the 1999 film A Room For Romeo Brass, and more film roles followed for Considine in 24 Hour Party People and In America (both released in 2002).

He co-wrote Dead Man's Shoes with Meadows in 2004 and, in 2011, wrote and directed the multi award-winning domestic violence drama Tyrannosaur, starring Olivia Colman.

But despite his career success, Considine was struggling in his day-to-day life. He was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2010, but, after seeking further help, learned he had Irlen syndrome, a rare condition which makes it difficult to cope with light.

The actor now wears tinted glasses and contact lenses to deal with the problem, and has said he "came alive" after treatment for the condition, which had been "causing all this anger and aggravation of my brain".

These days, Considine is busy with Whicher, new British film Pride, and Macbeth, which he describes as a "great privilege".

He's also been working on another project, a big-screen adaptation of Jon Hotten's boxing book The Years Of The Locust, for the past couple of years. "We're having trouble finding one of the leads. But if it's meant to be, we'll find him," he says.

There's also Considine's rock band, Riding The Low, who have been recording and playing festivals this summer.

"It's great because it's a different outlet," says Considine, the lead singer, who lights up at the mention of his band.

"You can get lost in it... Mid-point through a set you've kind of transcended a bit, and I love that."

The Suspicions Of Mr Whicher III – Beyond The Pale airs on ITV tomorrow at 9.05pm.

The Lady Bay Summer Festival was the perfect opportunity for the Rutherford family to spend some quality time together whilst staying local.

Mum Miriam, who was joined by her husband Leslie and their two children Hannah and Joseph, said it was great to see there was something for everyone at the event, which is now in its third year.

They started their Saturday with lunch at the Poppy and Pint pub, in Pierrepont Road, before enjoying a range of stalls, activities and live music in the car park, where the festival was held.

Miriam, of West Bridgford, said: "I think the festival is absolutely lovely, we have enjoyed a good couple of hours here. It is nice that it is for all ages. There's music, a range of stalls and stuff for the kids to do."

Seven-year-old Hannah said her favourite part of the festival was getting a new Minnie Mouse jumper, which her parents had bought from one of the stalls.

She said: "I liked walking around and seeing what was here. I also liked my face being painted and meeting the Singing Princess. My Minnie Mouse top is so comfy."

Dorota Biedrzycka was at the event promoting her new speciality tea and personal training business, Snail and Rabbit, in Trent Boulevard.

She said: "It is my first time coming to the event, but it has been good. It is nice to see people supporting each other. I have bought a few things from other stalls."

Joint organiser Mike Earl said he was pleased to see so many people at the event, which was revived in 2012.

He said: "We really wanted to do something for the community and this sort of event brings everyone together.

"It is good to have local businesses, food, drink and live music all in one place. We get a bigger following every year."

Have you been to the festival? Tell us what you think below

DEAN Chisnall can vividly remember the first time he became a fat, green, swamp-dwelling ogre.

He was working as part of the ensemble on the West End show Shrek The Musical when the actor playing the lead character was struck down with a sore throat mid-performance.

Mass panic ensued backstage and Dean was rushed on as the emergency back-up ogre.

"It was a pretty scary experience," he recalls.

"As well as being part of the ensemble, I worked as an understudy for Shrek, which meant I would stand in for the actor playing him if they weren't well enough to perform.

"So we had to just pause the show for an amount of time while I was getting my green make-up put on.

"It was nerve-wrecking obviously but thrilling at the same time."

Dean, 32, who hails from a small Lancashire town called Ormskirk, was signed up as Shrek on a permanent basis in 2012.

The decision was made by the musical's director and former EastEnders star Nigel Harman.

And Dean remembers receiving that phone call with fond memories.

"It was absolutely magical to get that phone call saying that they'd like me to step up and take over that role," he says.

"And what a role to take over as well – in a wonderful show and in an amazing theatre. I couldn't have felt prouder really."

Since it first launched in 2008, Shrek The Musical has toured everywhere from China to Israel, been shown to nearly a million people at London's West End and its director won the 2012 Laurence Olivier Award for best performance in a supporting role in a musical.

So did Dean feel any trepidation when he was asked to step into the hefty, stinking shoes of Shrek?

"There were always nerves but nerves are good if you use them in a positive way," he says.

"They back you to do a job and you back yourself to do a job and you just get on and do it really."

And Dean saw the opportunity to reinvent the role, previously held by Nigel Lindsay, star of comedy flick Four Lions.

"It wasn't a case of copying, it was a case of doing things I'd like to have done and I was given the license to be slightly creative.

"I tried to bring a bit more warmth and a bit more heart and soul to the part.

"My main aim was just to show this big ogre's heart because it's such a sweet, lovely piece."

Prior to becoming Shrek, Dean worked as one of the ensemble cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies, the sequel to Phantom Of The Opera.

While Shrek and Phantom Of The Opera may seem poles apart, they do have one thing in common: masks.

It takes two hours for Dean to be transformed into the ogre.

This process must take place before every show and although the actor is sat down in the comfort of his dressing room for the entirety of the makeover, he insists it is exhausting.

"I'm in the make-up chair at 4pm for a 7pm show, so it's quite a considerable amount of time," he says.

"You can have a chat and the TV's on, but to be honest you just try and zone out really.

"Shrek's face is made up of prosthetic pieces of silicone and latex.

"They put it over your head and stick these pieces on, it's really impressive."

It may look impressive, but what is it like to wear under the glare of the stage lights?

"You get used to it. Obviously it's extremely hot – ridiculously so.

"Once you've put it on a couple of times it kind of becomes second nature.

"You hardly know it's there – apart from the heat and the sweat, which is disgusting.

"It's a physically and mentally demanding role but it's my job and I love my job.

"The audiences go mad for it and it's all worth it.

"Every show is different, it's live and we've got this wonderful show with all these wonderful people in it."

Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona and the rest of the fairy tale characters will take up a ten-day residency at Nottingham's Theatre Royal as part of a widespread UK tour.

It has been 13 years since the DreamWorks film was released, and nearly 24 years since William Steig's original Shrek! book hit the shelves.

So what is it about the tale which makes it so popular with children and adults alike?

Dean believes it's because the lessons found in Shrek are applicable to all walks of life.

"There's a lovely meaning behind it," the actor says.

"It's that thing of not judging someone by their cover and embracing everything in life.

"You've got all those connotations in it. It's a special piece for everyone.

"West End musicals are rarely brought to the regions and if they do, so many get scaled down.

"But this is absolutely the real thing. It's got a bit of everything. It's magical and to be doing it on stage every night is such a thrill."

HEALTH bosses in Nottinghamshire are denying a 28-year-old woman the chance to become a mum – because her partner already has a child.

The Basford woman, who does not want to be identified due to the sensitivity of her situation, has been told she cannot have IVF treatment on the NHS because her husband has a son from a previous relationship.

She has appealed against the decision several times and written to her MP. But if she wants the fertility treatment, she has to find £5,000 for each cycle – which could push her into debt – even though she has no chance of having children naturally because she has suffered two ectopic pregnancies and had her fallopian tubes removed.

National NHS guidelines suggest that all women should be entitled to up to three free cycles of IVF on the NHS but clinical commissioning groups in the East Midlands have drawn up strict criteria for potential patients due to the cost of the procedure.

The Basford woman said: "If my husband did not have a child, I would have at least one free cycle. I'm being punished for that. It's heartbreaking.

"He's not my own child and he's not going to be a child that's calling me 'mum'. As much as I take responsibility for him, he still lives with his mum 50 per cent of the time, so to him I will never be anything other than daddy's wife.

"I appreciate they have to have rules but I can't have a child naturally. It's the most devastating point of my life so far. That right to be a mother is being taken away from me unless I pay five, ten, 15 or maybe 20 thousand pounds.

"Who can afford that in this day and age? Even with my extenuating circumstances they still don't see me as a clinical exception to be helped."

The woman is considering making a last-ditch appeal to Health Minister Jeremy Hunt but said she did not have much hope of a positive outcome.

Judith Smith, of private IVF provider CARE Fertility, has seen many families in difficult positions and said the strain could be massive. She said: "The effects of no IVF or failed IVF for some couples is immeasurable.

"Many couples have depression and are being treated for this condition, exacerbated by no treatment or failed treatment. Many are having counselling support and, very sadly, some relationships do not survive this whole process and couples separate as a result."

A spokeswoman for Nottingham City Clinical Commissioning Group, which buys and plans health services, said the organisation had been in touch with the patient.

She said: "We adhere to a region-wide policy on funding for IVF to ensure that all cases in the East Midlands are considered fairly. NHS funding is available for couples who meet certain eligibility criteria in the policy.

"Although we sympathise with the circumstances in this case, we have a finite budget and a whole population to serve and we have to consider carefully how we fund all treatments, and allocate resources as fairly as possible."

The case for increasing funding to primary care mental health (IAPT) services is described as a "no brainer" by Lord Richard Layard, the economist behind both "New Deal" and the setting up of the "Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies Service" which has been rolled out across the UK since 2009.

  In their recent book "Thrive" Lord Richard Layard and professor David M Clark highlight the incidence, cost and impact of mental illness in our society and in the world as a whole, seeing it as the major problem in the modern world which has yet to be addressed.  They point out how little treatment is available compared to physical health problems, essentially agreeing with Martin Gawith of Health watch (18/8/14) that mental health services are the NHS Cinderella. They also point out how people with mental illness suffer just as much as those with physical illness and how, now that we have treatments which are as effective as treatment for physical problems that there is an ethical duty to increase availability of treatment. They also show how treatment pays for itself, by savings to the NHS, Welfare benefits and helps the economy 

The book is a good resource of psychological and economic evidence, much of it research evidence which points to how the situation could be improved. Our NHS health commissioners would do well to embrace its contents as Lord Layard quite clearly indicates that the responsibility for the NHS mental health Cinderella service rests with the commissioners and their failure to increase investment in services which pay for themselves.

Tailgunner

THERE'S plenty for visitors to Nottingham to sink their teeth into, from posh nosh to fish and chips, when the city celebrates Food and Drink Fortnight.

Now in its second year, the culinary extravaganza offers a mighty serving of bargain deals, stalls and foodie challenges.

From September 13 to 27 some of the city's favourite restaurants, pubs and cafes are running special menus for £10 a head.

The half-way highlight is an Indian summer-themed food and drink market in the newly-refurbished Trinity Square from September 19-20. As well as round-the-world food stalls – Jamie's Italian, MemSaab's spicy Indian food, Turkish delights from Antayla and Greek kebabs from Yamas – with freebies, tasters and discount vouchers, there will be live music and street performers, including belly dancing and snake charmers.

Visitors can try their hand at making a mocktail and those who like it hot can compete in a chilli eating competition run by Barburrito.

A whooping appetite is required for a Man v Burger Challenge organised by the Pit and Pendulum.

"It's a focaccia bun, four burgers, six onion rings, four bacon and cheese with a massive skewer through the middle," says Freya Parish, assistant manager at the pub where it used to be on the menu.

"It is big. It has been done. The record was 14 minutes. We worked it out that it has around 1,600 calories."

Amongst the venues offering the £10 deal is the Hand and Heart, the Canning Circus pub where diners have the added bonus of eating in a cave with twinkling lights. Steak and ale pie with half a pint of ale or butternut salad and a small glass of house wine awaits customers.

Manager Ruth Woolston says: "At the Hand and Heart we focus on traditional British cooking using the freshest local ingredients we can source and also serve a great selection of locally-brewed ales.

"The Nottingham Food and Drink Fortnight is an ideal opportunity to celebrate the wide variety of national and international fare on offer here."

Others offering the £10 deal include World Service, Chino Latino, Nada Budaya, the Rum House, Yamas, Wired Cafe and Moulin Rouge chippy.

According to Experience Nottinghamshire, the city has more pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants per square mile than any other city in the UK.

The event, organised by the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), aims to drive visitors to the city centre to experience new flavours and surroundings – or simply enjoy familiar old favourites – with hundreds of eateries catering for every taste and budget, from top quality restaurants to quirky delis offering the finest local produce and great pubs specialising in real ales.

Tom Waldron-Lynch, vice-chairman of the Nottingham BID and general manager of Chino Latino and the Park Plaza Hotel, says: "Our city has a fantastic food and drink offering that we believe is unrivalled in the region and we want as many people as possible to experience it.

"The vibrant, multicultural scene is reflected in the huge variety of international flavours we're able to offer – from Moroccan to Malaysian, Indian to Austrian. We have them all in Nottingham and they're creating some very exciting dishes and flavour combinations.

"Let's not forget all our great cafés, delis, pubs and bars too that are key elements of our great food and drink offering."

The BID has also secured free city centre parking after 4pm when using the RingGo system – plus there will be 400 free parking spaces all day on September 20 at NCP Mount Street car park, plus special deals with Nottingham City Transport's Group Rider Ticket.

All the details can be found in a Food and Drink Fortnight guide, which will be distributed to homes across Nottingham and city centre businesses.

For the latest details go to ww.itsinnottingham.com.

* GREAT British Bake Off Winner Frances Quinn will be showing off her skills in Nottingham during Food and Drink Fortnight.

The former Nottingham Trent University graduate will be demonstrating at intu Victoria Centre on Saturday September 13 (near Boots) at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. The following day local chef Ashley Rolfe will be demonstrating between 11am-4pm.

At intu Broadmarsh there will be children's activities on both days.

Vegetable entertainer Madame Zucchini will present her 'Pirates of the Carrot-bean' show and Johnnie Cupcakes will be cake decorating.

Free recipe books featuring local recipes from all the cities with intu centres, will be given away at Broadmarsh and Victoria.

Weavers, in Castle Gate, is inviting the public to drop in to try recommended wines and enjoy an introduction to the world of wine tasting, from 11am-4pm on September 13.

MemSaab owner Amita Sawhney and twice Michelin star chef Atul Kochhar will be hosting the restaurant's annual charity dinner in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital and Kenya Children Centres on Sunday September 21. Enjoy a four course meal paired with complimentary wines and entertainment throughout the evening including live cooking demonstrations from Atul. 

An elderly man has been attacked by four men at his Mapperley home.

It is believed that cash and jewellery were stolen during the incident, which took place in Plains Road at about 6pm on Friday. 

The burglars, who covered their faces, are believed to have made off in a silver Mercedes a short time later.

Detective sergeant Georgina Ball said: "We need to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, did you see anything suspicious? These offenders have terrified this elderly man in his own home and left him in shock."

If you have any information call 101, quoting incident 756 of 5 September. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111. 

Q When and why did you decide to get in to the world of politics?

A I stood for election in 1983 for Eastwood Town Council and didn't get elected so I went to work in the Middle East. I saw the extremes of poverty and wealth and when I saw the despair of some of the Arabs it made me determined not to allow this to happen in our own country.

Q What skills do you have that make you good at your job?

A I don't think I have any skills at all. What I do have is a passion and belief in what I do and when people speak to me I simply listen to them and try to do what I think is right for them and others.

Q What is your favourite event in Broxtowe borough?

A I really like the Broxtowe play days because it is important to give young people the chance to express themselves. It is also good to see those young people have fun in a safe way.

Q Where do you see your political career taking you in the future?

A I have absolutely no career prospects what soever. I have no ambition to join the parasites in Westminster and I also have no ambition to become a lord or anything like that if I am honest. All I want to do is help create a country for everyone which makes me dangerous because I have no fear of upsetting people if it is for a good cause.

Dan Russell

Wollaton: Two people were taken to hospital following a three-car collision in Adam's Hill.

Emergency services were called to the incident at around 1.30pm on Saturday. Two people were pulled to safety by the time that firefighters and a specialist rescue unit from Highfields fire station arrived.

One person was helped out of a vehicle by the service. Crews left the scene at around 2.30pm.

Misterton: A man has been taken to hospital after his car hit a railway bridge in Marsh Lane.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service received a call to the incident at around 5.45am on Saturday .

The man had to be cut free from his vehicle by firefighters, and was taken to hospital. His injuries are unknown.

Crews from Misterton, Gainsborough and Tuxford attended. They left the scene at around 6.20am.

Southwell: Councillors will be hosting a meeting tomorrow to discuss plans to increase safety in the neighbourhood.

PCSO Richard Dunn and PC Gary Sipson will also be on hand to bring Notts Police's perspective, but residents are invited to come and share their views.

The meeting will take place between 7.15pm and 8.15pm at the council offices on The Burgage.

Mansfield: Two burglars wearing balaclavas stole car keys from a house in Eakring Road before making off with a Honda Civic.

The occupants were in the house at the time of the burglary. A second set of keys were also stolen from the property at around 9.30pm on Saturday.

On Friday car keys were also stolen from a house in Birks Road, along with an iPad

Burglars gained entry to the property via the conservatory at around 3.55am. A blue Mini Cooper convertible, with the registration number VRM FT12BZE, was taken.

Mansfield Woodhouse: A bottle of Jimmy Choo aftershave and a CD player have been stolen from a car in Crow Hill Lane.

The theft took place in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The thieves forced the driver's door open and also stole £5 in loose change.

Long Eaton: Jewellery has been stolen from a house in Oakleys Road. The burglary happened between 9.30am on Wednesday and 9.15pm on Thursday.

A FORMER coal miner died of respiratory failure as a result of industrial disease, an inquest heard.

Dennis Blower, of Winthorpe Road in Arnold, was found dead in the bathroom by his wife Jillian on July 20.

The inquest heard he had been suffering from a number of illnesses such as emphysema and chronic kidney disease, and had been unwell in the days before his death.

The 78-year-old started working in the mines at the age of 14. Coroner Amanda Cranny recorded a conclusion of death due to industrial disease.

STUDENTS at an academy which opens today will not move to a new building until November.

Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology (NUAST) is opening initially for students in Years 10 and 12. It will be housed for the two-and-a-half months in a building at New College Nottingham's Clarendon campus because the new building, on the site of the old Dunkirk Fire Station, is not yet ready.

A spokesman for the Torch Academy Gateway Trust confirmed that it would be mid-November at the earliest when the building opened.