TWO Nottinghamshire parents are breathing sighs of relief after their son returned safely from the wreckage of Hurricane Odile.

Tony and Sandra Berresford, of Cropston Close, West Bridgford, had to wait three days before hearing their son Lyndon's voice, who had just arrived in Cabo with his wife Lisa for a holiday the day the category four hurricane hit.

Sandra, 67, said she had received the normal holiday text from her son – who now lives in Australia – saying they had arrived safely. But the next she heard was a phone call warning her of what was to come.

"In the early evening, he called and asked if we knew there was a hurricane heading towards them," said Mrs Berresford. "He told us they were boarding up the windows and what time it was due to hit, but there was nothing we could do."

The 37-year-old designer hid in the hotel's lobby with his wife and all the other guests as the storm battered the building, but as its defences began to break, scared residents were rushed to the kitchen, fearing for their lives.

Lyndon said: "It was lucky we did because we would have been killed or seriously injured. "Where we were sitting the glass blew in and the ceiling collapsed."

In the following days, hotel staff tried to keep everyone safe, but violence and looting began to break out, and with no power there was no way to get in touch with loved ones at home.

"We didn't know anything," said Mrs Berresford. "He managed to get an email to say he had survived the initial storm but we couldn't find any information about it. I spent hours searching online and me and Tony just got more and more worried about what could have happened."

Whilst his mum was at home scouring Google, Lyndon decided to take matters into his own hands.

"A group of us had become friends in the hotel since the storm and decided to stick together," he said.

"We had seen military planes coming into land and decided to make a run for the airport in the middle of the night as we had heard the looting had become worse and that fuel was also running out, so if we didn't go now we would be stuck."

The group dashed for a federal police jet without even knowing the destination, but determined to escape the decimation in the town.

Luckily, it took them to Mexico City – and much longed-for safety.

Mrs Berresford said: "I was so relieved, the whole experience just made my hair turn whiter!"

It took Lyndon and Lisa another four flights to get back to their home in Townsville, near Brisbane, but they arrived home on Friday safe and sound.

His dad Tony, 76, added: "At the time there was nothing we could do. We knew he was trying to get out as soon as possible but it was horrible waiting.

"I'm just so happy it's resolved and he is home safe and sound."

Lyndon added: "We have lost a few things along the way but made some great friends. Many people though have lost everything.

"Never underestimate the power of mother nature."

My Sight Nottinghamshire is hosting a series of events this week to encourage residents to take care of their eyes.

The public will be invited to "see the world through the eyes of a visually impaired person" by wearing special simulation specs.

They will also be given the chance to use gadgets such as talking mobile phones, to take part in Braille lessons and to view artwork created entirely by local visually impaired people.

The campaign is being backed by 36-year-old Paul Smith, who is registered blind.

The dad from Sneinton said: "One day after giving blood I collapsed at work, which I thought was caused by working too hard and skipping meals before going to give blood.

"When I went to see my GP, however, he raised immediate concerns about my eyes and sent me straight to QMC where I was diagnosed with an infection."

Mr Smith had several appointments but missed his last one because he was too busy at work. Six months later he went blind whilst driving his car.

"That decision now haunts me and I'll always wonder if my sight might have been saved if I'd attended that final check-up."

For more information about the events being run by My Sight Nottinghamshire visit www.mysightnotts.org.uk.

CCTV cameras have captured more than 6,500 incidents since the start of the year. The network of 210 cameras throughout the city have observed everything from crimes in progress to missing persons and antisocial behaviour. Of the 6,522 recorded incidents so far this year, 1,693 resulted in calls being made to the emergency services. To further public safety three new have just started operation. CCTV manager Neil Harvey from Nottingham City Council said: "We are here monitoring the cameras 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. "There are 18 screens in our control room with each split into about nine. "I don't think that the general public realise they are there most of the time but the majority say they feel safer with them there. "CCTV is not just about spotting crimes it is about keeping an eye on vulnerable people or those that may need help in other ways. "The Nottingham CCTV networks have so far this year resulted in 1693 viewings by the police and partner agencies, and resulted in 1,008 calls being made to Nottinghamshire Police. "We are one of the only control rooms in the UK, that asks for an immediate response to incidents caught on CCTV, and if the police cannot attend, we send an email to them the very next day, giving them 31 days to attend the office and view the footage." A wireless signal goes from the camera, to the roof of The Victoria Centre where it uses microwaves to send the signal back to the CCTV control room in Radford. Founder Jo Cox-Brown of Nottingham Street Pastors said: "We have a radio system that links into the CCTV system. "It is really valuable for us all to be working together and in the last year we have helped with 1,000 incidents. "It is really helpful to have the cameras because they help keep people safe." Although the three new cameras are up and running the recording devices have actually been refurbished as part of efforts to save money and keep equipment going as long as possible.

Director Paul Cook of TIS, who will be who will be maintaining the cameras, said: "We have been the single contractor involved in the Nottingham CCTV system since 2008, and we are delighted to be involved in this project that will undoubtedly make the city safer. "There is no point in writing-off equipment that just needs refurbishing. "We have eight engineers who are constantly working out in the city and the control room to keep the network running."

As well as the 210 cameras in street locations there are a further 954 in tower blocks and other council accommodation, but some think there are too many.

Shop assistant Jade Watson, 19, of Lindisfarne Gardens, Top Valley, said: "I am shocked that there are so many, it is a bit much. "I think there should be more police officers instead of more cameras."

Sophie Burton agreed. The 18-year-old of Breedon Street, Long Eaton, said: "I think that it is over the top. "Cameras do not protect people and I don't feel safer with them."

A spokeswoman for Nottinghamshire Police said: "Closed Circuit Television is one of the tools that help us to keep the public safe and catch those suspected of criminal activity. "We can use it to monitor public order disturbances, locate victims of crime, identify potential witnesses, identify suspects, and provide corroboration for evidence in court."

A record number of people in Notts have already signed up to take part in this year's World's Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.

In 2013, 2,763 coffee mornings were held across the county, raising £320,171 for the charity.

This year, 3,797 businesses, schools and community groups have already signed up to the cause.

Alphabet House Day Nursery, in West Bridgford, will be hosting its coffee morning on Friday - the official date of the event.

Manager Nikki Anthoney said: "We just saw it was poignant this year because one of our members of staff has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"We will be having a bake-off cake competition and sale and a lady from a local cupcake company will be coming in to judge the best cake.

"Somewhere along the line cancer touches everyone so it is important to support the charity because they do a really good job."

Money collected on the day will be sent to Macmillan along with £200 it recently raised for a sponsored head shave and leg wax.

Last year, Carlton le Willows Academy, in Gedling, raised more than £550 from its coffee morning.

Sarah Mason, who works in the reprographics department at the school, said: "Last year's event was very well attended and I was very pleased with the amount raised. We hope we can top that this year. Something around the £700 mark would be good."

In the city centre, people will be to work on their own beading project while enjoying cake, coffee and games, at The Bead Shop, in Market Street.

Manager Steph Gibbs said she was looking forward to hosting her first coffee morning, which will run from 10am until 5.30pm.

She said: "Some of our customers said they had used cancer support systems before, so we thought it would be a nice thing to do."

Across the UK, 154,000 people signed up to host a coffee morning last year, raising a record £20 million.

"If you are going to meet a friend for a coffee on Friday morning then why not going along to one of the events and play your part?"Helena Monk, fundraising manager for Notts, for Macmillansaid: "Macmillan's World's Biggest Coffee Morning is celebrating 24 years in 2014. There's so much excitement surrounding the event and Notts should feel extremely proud of the way they bring so many together in celebration."

You can still sign up to host a coffee morning by visiting www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee or calling 0845 070 1315.

A BOUTIQUE Arnold clothes shop is opening its doors at a new home - expanding to three times the size. First Class Boutique, which supplied Tina Turner's wardrobe with leathers, has moved one shop over in Arnold Market Place after 32 years. The new store opens for business on Tuesday September 23. Owner Julie Brooks, 56, says she often joked with many customers who said she should expand that the family-run store would only do so after she retired. "Because I've been here for so long I always told all my customers I'd never move," said mum-of-three Julie, of Oak Tree Drive, Gedling. "But then this opportunity came up to take the space of the clearance store next door." The new shop, still called First Class Boutique, will run over three rooms selling bespoke wedding outfits, prom dresses, ball gowns, cruise wear, accessories, handbags and shoes. "I just had so much fabulous stuff. It meant I couldn't have it all on display. Even now, I've got something like 1,000 pieces in each room." Julie even made leather items for pop star Tina Turner after an encounter at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre in the 90s. "She's worn my clothes in some stage shows in New York," said Julie. "I met her at the N.E.C. and she had this lovely leather outfit on. "After we had a chat she started buying our clothes. We've changed with the times, and leather isn't really in any more but it was nice to see her in them for everyone to see." And the Simply the Best singer even sourced out Julie's family's eye for fashion Stateside. "My sister Linda runs a shop in Florida called Divine Divas and Tina Turner started getting her stuff from her afterwards." Back in Arnold, customers are excited to see the operation grow. "I would say three quarters of my wardrobe comes from First Class," said Finuala Childs, 67, who lives off Gedling Road. "People have always told Julie she needs to expand so it's wonderful to see it now." The store also caters for "all ages and sizes" with Julie explaining that stock includes sizes from eight to 24. Daughter Rea Brooks also works at the store - specialising in wedding wear - and thinks the long-lasting success is down to her mum's personal touch. "We've got a huge book of pictures that people send us of proms, weddings and everything with the clothes they bought here. It's not like a normal shop. She hand picks everything and talks to customers about what goes well and the new trends. "It's like a big walk-in wardrobe with a stylist on hand." Rea, 22, has helped out since Julie was trading sheepskins and leathers on markets across Nottinghamshire. "I remember being in the box as she was on the markets," said Rea. "She's come a long way and I'm so proud of her." Today's opening also marks the 20th anniversary the death of Julie's father Frank Seagrave, who came up with the name of the shop. "He came back with a coat from Savile Row and he label said 'First Class' on it - so that's were we came up with the name. He was such a huge inspiration alongside my mum, Doris, who taught me all I know about business," said Julie.

THREE city car washes have been fined a total of £22,500 for employing illegal workers.

The UK Border Agency handed out the penalties to the businesses in figures seen by the Post – and warned businesses they will also be caught if they employ illegal workers.

The A1 Hand Car Wash in Salisbury Street, Radford, was fined £5,000; Brilliant Car Wash in Nottingham Road, New Basford, £10,000; and Swinger Hand Car Wash in Hucknall Lane, Bulwell, £7,500.

One of the car washes – the A1 Hand Car Wash – has since changed name

The latest information follows a Post investigation into illegal foreign workers in the county which revealed 29 companies were fined a total of £217,500 between 2010 and 2012.

Many of the firms on the list were independent restaurants and hand car washes, but in one case international firm Domino's Pizza was caught out.

The Domino's outlet caught out by a UK Border Agency check was in Commercial Road, Bulwell. It was fined £5,000 following the incident in 2011.

A Domino's spokesman said: "Our Bulwell store is run by an experienced and competent franchisee, who carried out all the required checks on the worker concerned. We are satisfied that he took all reasonable steps and adhered to the correct procedure.

"It just goes to show that even the most experienced operator can fall victim to those who are determined to breach the system."

The border agency is warning businesses that they do not have an excuse if they knowingly employ an illegal worker, even if they carry out the correct checks before or during their employment.

It added that the maximum penalty was a £10,000 fine for each illegal worker or up to two years in prison.

An agency spokesman said: "If you do not carry out these checks and are found employing an illegal worker, we will take tough action against you."

TRAVELLERS have returned to Clifton Village Green - much to the dismay of local residents. 

Around seven or eight caravans showed up at the green around 9.30pm on Monday night.

A number of cars are also at the site, along with the families and their children. 

Kevin McCormick, chairman of Clifton Village Residents' Association, told The Post that the travellers had tables set up outside to "enjoy the sunshine" the day after he had met with councillors to discuss ways of stopping the visitors setting up camp. 

He said: "I don't begrudge the people their freedom, but it is not a suitable location.

"People are very anxious when they are here. The mess they leave has to be cleaned up."

This latest arrival makes it three groups of travellers on that site just this year. 

In 2012, Nottingham City Council pledged to find a solution following three encroachments in three months, but nothing has so far been put in place. 

"We have made a lot of effort, been to the council, had lots of meetings, and want to get posts around the green," added Mr McCormick. 

"But it is all about budget constraints and although they are trying, the cost is stopping them."

Villagers put on a brave face for a memorial dedication service – even though plaques bearing the names of fallen war heroes did not arrive in time.

Three black granite stones were to be built at Nuthall's war memorial for the event.

They have been shipped more than 5,000 miles from India and are understood to have arrived but are waiting to be processed at port in Manchester.

Despite not being ready for the service on September 21, residents went ahead with the dedication service, their spirits lifted with some tunes from Ilkeston Brass Band, prayers and hymns.

They met on the site of the former Millennium garden, in a corner of the Basil Russell Recreation Ground.

Councillor Brian Watson, who has played a pivotal role in the design, planning, purchase and construction of the new memorial said he was devastated it was not completed in time for the dedication ceremony.

He believes the plaques are still in dock and yet to be released to the company who ordered them in June.

"Hopefully they will come this week or the next."

Clergy colleagues the Reverend Canon, Barbara Holbrook, of St Patrick's CE Church, Nuthall, and Nuthall methodist minister the Reverend, Steve Bennett, did the honours with the dedication of the memorial.

Rev Bennett said the outdoor service at the memorial went well.

"The well chosen programme of hymns and Bible passages were very appropriate."

Everyone remembered with pride the 70 men from Nuthall who fought in the First World War, eleven of them being killed in action

They were brothers Cyril, Victor, and Louis Beardsmore Albert Walters, brothers Walter and Ernest Roberts, Jack Booth, Arthur Langley, Thomas Hollis Hall, and George and Harry Priestley.

The landmark event will be recognised again at a Remembrance Day service on Sunday, November 9, by which time it is hoped the plaques will have arrived.

FORMER England goalkeeper David James was well-known for last-ditch saves, but now an estate agents with the same name has rescued a local under-7s football team.

The firm, based in Arnold, Carlton and Mapperley, has sponsored Gedling Southbank FC's under-7s team after seeing their plea for support in the Post last week.

The team feared they would not be allowed to play their five-a-side matches at Arnold Hill Academy without a full kit and needed £300 to buy one.

Family-run estate agents David James stepped in and has offered £450 to the team to provide kit and equipment such as balls, bibs and cones.

Director James Roys said: "We decided to go the whole hog. We're delighted to be able to support local football at grassroots level through a team that comes from our local area.

"We hope that these new kits will inspire the team to go on to great things this season."

Mr Roys added it was ironic his firm shared its name with the former Manchester City and Liverpool stopper, who now plies his trade in India.

Gedling Southbank's mini soccer co-ordinator Ian Jacks, 35, of Woodward Avenue in Arnold, was thrilled with the support. "It's fantastic," said the under-10s coach and father of two players – Tom, nine, and Ethan, six.

"This will make the world of difference. Some of our players have never had a new kit – always had hand-me-downs and were wearing different coloured shorts. Now they'll have matching kits and rain jackets to boot."

The article generated so much interest that two other age groups at the club will also be getting sponsored.

Roger Howett, chairman of the youth and vocational sector of the Rotary Club of Carlton, is in talks to pay for full kits for the under-11s.

He said: "We will offer something between £300 and £500 after we determine how much is needed."

And a cheque for £400 has already been received from Nottingham health and social care company FACE(corr), which will help the under-9s squad.

General manager Emma Birkinshaw said: "Two of our employees went to school at Arnold Hill so it was personal as well as professional.

"We are a really passionate team which loves football and we think it's really important for youngsters to have that kind of team-building experience."

BEER drinkers across the country will be sampling a pint of one of Nottinghamshire's most famous drinks after a brewery won a national contract.

Shipstone's beer will be available further outside of its heartland than ever before in its 160-year history after it was chosen to represent the area in Spirit Pubs' National Cask Ale Festival.

The deal means the beer - which was brought back to life last year after the brewery closed in 1991 - is to appear on tap in more than 180 pubs across the United Kingdom from this week - including the famous Punch and Judy Tavern in Covent Garden Market.

Richard Neale, who bought the rights to the beer and begun brewing last year, said: "I'm so proud that Shipstone's is going to be sampled by more people outside of Nottingham than ever before.

"Here we have a connection with the beer as it's part of our heritage, but outside of our heartland its not well known and I'm over the moon to get this chance to show we are a city that is famous for its brewing heritage and a city that has amazing beers to offer today."

Mr Neale added: "I'm blown away - this is the furthest Shipstone's has travelled in its 160 year history. I'm excited but I'm also nervous because I hope the beer goes down well."

Shipstone's has already become a hit again having found its way into up to 90 pubs locally on a regular and temporary basis after it was re-launched in July 2013.

And the National Cask Ale Festival means the local brew will be present in all of the country's Chef & Brewer and Taylor Walker pubs until October 5.

Steve Westby is chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale in Nottinghamshire. He said: "It's certainly been an excellent marketing exercise and it shows the depth of feeling people have got for Shipstone's.

"It really was iconic and people have such fond memories of it. It's so fondly remembered. This new initiative is great because it's brought that memory back. It's brewed by an excellent brewery, Belvoir brewery, and they have done an excellent job."

Mr Westby said there would be a Shipstone's bar at this year's Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival which runs at Nottingham Castle from October 8 to 11 and will see 1,250 beers come to the city over four days.

The new Shipstone's beer has been brewed based on the original recipe which famously divided the opinions of beer drinkers and was a rival to those brewed by Home Ales and Kimberley Ales

The new recipe has produced a dry, clean and refreshing session bitter at a modest 3.8 per cent. It uses Maris Otter malt and Fuggle's and Golding's hops.

The Shipstone's brewery has recently produced another beer to add to the original, with pale ale Gold Star now also available.

The smooth, easy-drinking blonde beer is double hopped and has a light citrusey aroma.

THIEVES have trashed a church garden in Basford after thousands of pounds were spent to make it accessible for people with disabilities.

The head gardener of St Leodegarius on Church Street, Mick Stafford, discovered the mess on Monday(22) morning, finding that more than 50 concrete slabs had been stolen from the accessible garden.

Members of the church had fundraised tirelessly throughout 2013 to raise £20,000 for a number of improvements, including the revamp of its outdoor space.

"With money from the lottery, as well as holding concerts and charity events, we were really proud and spent a lot on building raised flower beds in the garden so handicapped people could work on them without slipping," said Mr Stafford. "But when I came in just after 9am on Monday morning, all I found was a mess.

"It was such a shock," added the gardener. "The fact that people had to go as low as to steal from a church. It shows there is little respect for property no matter where it is."

He called the police straight away and was visited by PCSO Ruth Morris shortly after.

A spokeswoman from Nottinghamshire Police said: "We were called to the church just after 9am on Monday where 52 stones had been stolen.

"We believe the incident occurred between 8am on Saturday and 9am on Monday.

"The investigation is ongoing."

But the incident took a strange turn when the majority of the slabs were discovered dumped on a pathway that runs along the River Leen behind the church.

Mr Stafford said: "About 2.20pm on the day I discovered the slabs were gone, a dog walker came into the church to tell us he had found some of them.

"He recognised them as he had been at a wedding at the church and they hadn't gone very far."

A group of volunteers spent hours bringing back 37 slabs from the pathway in wheelbarrows, but some are still missing and they will have to be concreted back into the ground again.

Mr Stafford is refusing to let the crime put back the community work at the church.

"We are already working on a new project to clean up and area for scouts and brownies to plant daffodil bulbs and have already had 500 donated," he said.

"Despite what people may do, it won't stop us. We will have good days, we will have bad, but I am determined to make this area look nice for the community."