NOTTINGHAM has an historic reputation for nurturing literary talent across its universities, theatres, schools and public spaces.

Now, the people behind the 2014 Festival of Words are hoping to bring its reputation to a new local audience and also to international attention.

Throughout next week, dozens of writers from across the globe will land here for seven days of discussion, readings and performances.

The festival takes a unique sidestep from traditional literary festivals – its focus is, as the name suggests, based around the exploration of the spoken word.

As well as talks and readings, there will be workshops on writing and language at venues across the city.

From crime writing at the Galleries of Justice and public speaking in the Market Square, to storytelling at the Nottingham Contemporary, the aim is that even the most book-phobic audience member should find something to enjoy.

The festival was set up with a £15,000 Arts Council grant and aims to eventually become self-sustaining through ticket sales and make enough money to continue for years.

Festival director James Walker explained the ways in which the festival had changed since it launched last year.

He said: "I think the main thing for me is that the first Festival of Words was quite instinctive.

"This one, we've had a real think about what we want and what we want to achieve and now the most important thing is making sure that people are booked in to hotels and they can actually get over here.

"We're now building a foundation, becoming more professional.

"Now we've got to set a structure that becomes self-sustaining."

The festival has also attracted high-profile guests this year, including authors Will Self and Ali Smith.

One of the festival hosts is Booker long-listed author and professor of creative writing at the University of Nottingham Jon McGregor, who has been living and working in the city for the past 15 years.

He said: "I've done all of my writing while I've been in Nottingham. All of my books have been published here.

"A lot of other creative sectors in the city have big events and big celebrations and there is certainly enough of a literary community and literary energy to make an event like this well overdue.

"I think it's really exciting to see this festival grow, develop and gain an identity that makes it unique, as opposed to other literary festivals which are often just a series of readings."

Festival director and chief executive of local writing agency Writing East Midlands, Henderson Mullin, said they had made a deliberate effort to make the event appeal to a wide audience, not just a literary crowd.

"It was deliberate from our point of view. We wanted to create access points for people in literature.

"No matter where you come at it from, whether a reader, practitioner or you just want to be entertained, the festival does that.

"On the flip side, we don't want to dumb down anything. I think that's really important as well. We want to provide great artistic experiences for people which are interesting and challenging."

The festival will also feed into Nottingham's ongoing bid to become a Unesco City of Literature – a title which is held by only seven other cities globally. It is hoped that a successful bid would attract more tourists and students to the city, as well as improving literacy levels of local children.

City of Literature bid co-ordinator Pippa Hennessy said that while the festival would be a boon for Nottingham's chances of the title, it was an exciting event in its own right.

She added: "The festival demonstrates our vibrant literature scene, that it contributes to the local economy and demonstrates our experience and commitment at hosting international events.

"But it's not a case of 'we have a bid, therefore we'll have a festival' – it's happening anyway, no matter what.

"This festival is top-notch – it's up there against any other literary festivals in the UK. It shows we can do it. It shows we're a player."

The Nottingham Festival of Words takes place from Monday to Sunday next week.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a "beloved" great-grandmother who died aged 101.

Doris Mrozinska was born in Nottingham in 1913 and spent her early years living in a caravan in Radcliffe-on-Trent.

She lived in and around Nottingham all her life and during the Second World War she worked as a fitter's mate at Tollerton airfield, keeping planes in order.

Mrs Mrozinska also held a number of other jobs including one at cigarette firm John Player's, working on the machines, as well as the Bird's Nest restaurant, in Mansfield Road, Nottingham, and at the Radio Rentals shop in Sherwood.

She also wrote to the Bygones supplement of the Post in 2006 with her memories of working as a pump attendant at the T. Forbes garage on Castle Boulevard (pictured), a position she held for 28 years.

She wrote: "You will see I am filling up a motorbike with petrol. It was very cheap in those days. I used to check the tyres and oil level and water and clean the windscreen, and they gave me sixpence."

Mrs Mrozinska added that she had to go to London on a week's course to learn how to be a petrol pump attendant and still had the certificate.

She lived with her husband Marion in Bulwell but he died around 30 years ago.

Her last address was the Yolanta House Care Home, in Sherwood Rise, and she celebrated her 100th birthday last March surrounded by her daughter, three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Granddaughter Andrea Chadwick, of Edwinstowe, said: "Grandma often enjoyed a cool refreshing lager with family and her friends at Top House in Bulwell, the Catholic Club and Polish Club on Sherwood rise but her latest hangout was the manor in Sherwood.

"Her life stories were enjoyed by all that knew her."

Miss Chadwick said that one thing Mrs Mrozinska was known for was winning several Easter bonnet competitions.

Her secret? "Adding bits to the same hat year after year."

Mrs Mrozinska's funeral will take place at Wilford Hill Cemetery on Monday, October 20, at 2pm.

Mansfield Woodhouse: Jamie Meek, 29, of Morven Avenue, pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman on July 23. Meek was bailed to attend Mansfield Magistrates' Court on November 5.

Hucknall: Stephen Richards, 49, of Ullswater Drive, is accused of conduct amounting to stalking and causing a woman serious alarm or distress. The offence allegedly happened at an address in Rise Park between July 1 and August 2 this year. Richards allegedly created false e-mail accounts and e-mailed and called the woman. Richards was bailed to attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on October 23.

Carlton: Damian Antoniak, 43, of Oakdale Road, has denied drink-driving. He was allegedly behind the wheel of a blue Mazda in Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, on December 19 last year. When tested by police, his reading was 84 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. Antoniak has been bailed until his trial on November 14 at Nottingham Magistrates' Court.

Newark: Scott John Paul Rawson, 22, of London Road, will appear at Nottingham Crown Court via video link on October 15. He is in custody on charges in Newark of assault causing actual bodily harm on September 29 and wounding on September 28.

Redhill: Aaron Atherley, 25, of Larkspur Avenue, has been fined £200 after being found guilty of driving a Volkswagen Golf in Larkspur Avenue when he was not wearing a seatbelt on October 1. JPs in Nottingham ordered he pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

Netherfield: Jerone Varcianna, 26, of Victoria Road, denied causing criminal damage by destroying a cupboard belonging to a woman in Carlton on June 25. Magistrates in Nottingham granted bail until his trial on January 12.

Bestwood: Chavonne Francis, 29, of Padstow Road, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis in Nottingham on January 24. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, she was fined £25 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge. The cannabis will be destroyed by police.

Cossall: Daniel Robert Barnes, 21, of The Glebe, was bailed to attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on October 22. He pleaded not guilty to causing criminal damage to a cupboard in Awsworth on September 2.

Newark: Cezary Utkowski, 46, of Fenton Close, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a woman in Newark on September 7. JPs granted him bail to attend on December 15.

Sherwood: John Brennan, 46, of Frobisher Gardens, pleaded guilty to stealing food and alcohol, valued at £40.65, from Aldi, Nottingham, on October 1. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, Brennan was bailed until November 10.

Arnold: The case against Martin Eddyshaw, 26, of no fixed address, was dismissed by Nottingham magistrates. No evidence was offered when he denied assaulting a woman in Arnold.

RELIEF could be on the way for residents left devastated by flash flooding.

A £56,000 flood defence project for Moores Place, off Haydn Road, in Carrington, is almost complete – after residents were hit by freak floods twice in two years.

Councillors said such severe incidents were very rare.

Maura Housley, 29, has lived in her terraced property with husband Ian, a 34-year-old print finisher, and their three children, for six years.

Their home was left under three feet of water in July last year.

Thousands of pounds' damage was caused to a kitchen that Ian had built himself – and the family had to live in a hotel for several days.

The previous summer, the kitchen was deluged by two feet of water.

Maura, a social work student at the University of Nottingham, said: "We were absolutely devastated. We couldn't live here but we actually made ourselves come back, because it was impossible to live out of a hotel with three children."

She praised the new flood scheme, which started in August and has been carried out by Nottingham City Council with Barratt Homes and Severn Trent Water.

Councillors believe the floods happen because of a dip in the road which channels water into one spot. A flood wall was installed five years ago but it was only half a metre high and was breached by the floods.

The new brick wall, which has watertight pressure gates, is one-and-a-half metres high and stretches the length of the affected six homes.

Maura added: "It's definitely been worth it.

"All the residents are probably keeping their fingers crossed that it works this time."

Barratt and Severn Trent provided £40,000 for the wall and Berridge Ward councillors Carole-Ann Jones and Toby Neal earmarked £16,000 from the capital fund for their area.

The city council had allocated £150,000 to the ward for councillors to spend on improvements in the community over two years.

Councillor Jones said: "These flash floods are meant to be one-in-100-year events but these residents have had them twice in recent years. "The council has been working to have people around the table to support these residents.

"It's a very good scheme and a really good example of different partners working together to solve what has been a really difficult problem.

"

Fay Bull, flood mitigation manager for the council, said: "We are pleased to hear that the residents are happy with work done to improve the flood resilience of their properties."

And Mark Cotes, technical director for Barratt & David Wilson Homes in the North Midlands, added: "We are pleased that through working in partnership with Nottingham City Council and Severn Trent Water, this work has been successfully completed."

THOUSANDS of poppies have been scattered across the floor of Nottingham Contemporary to remember those who gave their lives for us.

BBC Radio Nottingham asked listeners to knit 11,000 poppies for the 11,000 Nottinghamshire men who lost their lives in the First World War – and so far, more than 50,000 poppies have been donated.

A sombre, yet positive, mood spread across the gallery as names of those who did not make it home were projected on to the wall, and people of all ages looked on to see the names of their loved ones.

Hazel Arbuthnott, 78, of Giltbrook, has knitted more than 200 poppies and doesn't plan on stopping yet.

She said: "I made the 'Lest We Forget' display on the wall – it was displayed in the Children Society Shop window in Kimberley.

"These men gave their lives for us and it's important that we educate the younger generation."

Sisters Pamela Herrick, 66, and Jill Davenport, 64, knitted 365 poppies between them.

They said: "We wanted to commemorate our great uncle, George Lang Scott, who lost his life in the war when he was 24 years old.

"The men who fought are extremely heroic and it's important that we remember their efforts."

Audrey Williamson, 60, of West Bridgford, visited the exhibition to remember her uncle and grandfather, who both fought in the trenches.

She said: "It's vital that their memory lives on.

"They gave their lives so we could carry on in peace and I thank them every day for that."

Sophie Shardlow, deputy editor at BBC Radio Nottingham, came up with the idea for the Big Poppy Knit. She said: "People engaged with the appeal immediately and it's been a huge success so far. It's a living exhibition – people can search for a poppy before they buy it and it's great to see the different colours on offer."

Showcased at the exhibition is a poppy designed and signed by Beeston-born fashion designer Sir Paul Smith.

Sophie said: "I contacted him and asked if he'd like to contribute to the appeal. He was absolutely delighted and he's done a fantastic job."

Elaine Hopkinson, community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion, said: "I was blown away and tears started falling when I first saw the exhibition. It has a major impact on you. just want to say a big thank-you to the generous people of Nottinghamshire. The response has been overwhelming."

Entry to the exhibition is free and the recommended donation per poppy is £2.

The exhibition remains open today from 10am until 5pm and tomorrow from 11am until 5pm. The poppies will then be donated to the Royal British Legion in November to be circulated around the country.

Teacher killed 12 Germans single-handedly: See Tuesday's Post.

NUMBERS in Nottingham schools have risen by more than half in five years.

In May this year, there were 42,461 children on roll at city schools – up from 27,969 in the same month in 2009. And Nottingham City Council expects the rise to continue.

The figures are revealed in a report for the authority's schools forum next Thursday. The council has spent tens of millions creating extra space. A further 1,599 places will be available by September 2016.

The report, by school organisation project manager Jennifer Hardy, said: "Since 2010, Nottingham City Council has added additional school places across the city to meet the increase in birth rates and also the challenges of inward migration."

NOTTINGHAM researchers are taking part in a major national study to increase the understanding of bipolar disorder.

It is hoped the study will help spearhead new approaches to helping patients to more effectively manage their own condition.

PARADES is a £2 million National Institute for Health Research Programme and sees the universities of Nottingham, Lancaster and Manchester join forces with the Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust.

Leading Nottingham's involvement in PARADES is Professor Richard Morriss.

The disorder is a mental illness in which patients experience extreme mood swings. Among the lines of research is examining a new method called psycho-education in which patients attend group therapy sessions led by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse.

Jewellery, cash, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, computer consoles and car keys were all taken during burglaries by three men.

Kyle Blackie, 21, Shoiab Mahmood, 24, and Bradley Stevenson, 20, were sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday October 8.

Their spate of thefts took place across Nottinghamshire as well as Humberside and North Yorkshire.

Blackie was jailed for five years, Mahmood for three years and six months and Stevenson was given three years in prison.

They all pleaded guilty to being involved in a number of offences. Blackie admitted three offences but was later found to have been involved in all 12 offences; Stevenson pleaded guilty to three offences, which happened between September and October last year, and Mahmood admitted nine offences.

None of the men are from the county, with Blackie from Wortley Place, Hemsworth, Mahmood of Malvern Road, Doncaster, and Stevenson, of Balfour Road Doncaster.

DCI Caroline Racher from Nottinghamshire Police oversaw the investigation. She said: "These men burgled people's homes, stealing their personal possessions and causing unnecessary distress and inconvenience. Their offending behaviour paid no attention to county borders, so it took a lot of hard work throughout this extensive investigation with other forces to get them off the streets."

PLANS for a massive rail freight interchange near Castle Donington could soon be given the green light.

Plans for the East Midlands Gateway, a 250-acre distribution hub which has the potential to create 7,000 jobs, have been submitted to the Government's Planning Inspectorate.

Rugby-based Roxhill, the developer behind the scheme, first revealed plans for East Midlands Gateway two years ago. It wants to build the development on land bordering Castle Donington, Hemington, Lockington and Kegworth, north of East Midlands Airport and near to Junction 24 of the M1.

The site, which would help to move goods from the airport to other areas of the country by rail and then lorry, would boast improved transport links to the M1, rail network and airport.

It would operate as an inland port – with a freight terminal receiving up to 16 trains a day running on a new railway line and space for container storage and lorry parking. It would also have 557,414 sq metres of warehousing.

During Roxhill's initial consultation, residents living nearby expressed fears that their villages would be overwhelmed by the development, claiming it would create an eyesore, congestion and noise. But the developer said that as well as improving the surrounding road network, including a bypass at Kegworth and improvements to Junction 24 of the M1, the site would be "strategically landscaped".

In a statement, Roxhill said: "The proposal is expected to generate around 7,000 direct jobs and include training opportunities and integrated public transport facilities.

"Associated with the scheme will be large-scale road improvements and a new direct rail link to the Castle Donington branch freight line."

The plans can be viewed at the Parish Rooms, Castle Donington, from 10am to 12noon, Monday to Friday, until November 3. Roxhill said it hoped a decision on the scheme would be made by the end of next year.

This video shows a busy army Post Office in Nottingham in 1944.

In the video you can see a worker emptying large sacks filled with mail, a woman holding an armful of parcels whilst smiling and more.

It is unknown exactly which Post Office the footage was filmed but if you do know, let us know in the comments below.

GAMERS will be able to play their way through some of Nottingham's attractions on computer games written by bright young programmers.

Game City is staging its ninth annual festival in the city later this month.

A crack team of youngsters are making adventure games based in caves, historic court rooms and old police stations.

The games will be available for the public to play in the very locations that inspired them after the children's visits.

Eleven-year-old Ding Chang, of Wollaton, is creating an adventure game where players escape from a cave dungeon.

"When you go into each room you make choices," he said. "What looks like the easiest choice might not be." While smashing a lock appears the quickest way through, Ding explained, it might be a better choice to crawl underneath or work out a mathematical code.

Games are reminiscent of the Choose Your Own Adventure books, where reader's decisions create different outcomes.

James Rose, of Woodthorpe, has also tasked players to escape from his caves.

"I've made it like a maze," said the 13-year-old. "You have to spot the clues along the way and use them to make the right choices. I've tried to hide some so the game is a challenge."

Saturday workshops at central library in Angel Row have allowed the kids to polish their programming knowledge and creative writing.

Game City's creative writer Becky Cullen said: "They've been able to create their own worlds and you can explore their imaginations. They have all test played each other's games and it's incredible what they have come up with."

Using a programme called Twine, the kids' games will form part of a retro gaming festival - commissioned by Nottingham Trent University - with classics from the 70s and 80s available to play on October 30.

Game City project co-ordinator Rachel Barrett said five authors will be on site in Carlton Street to interact with gamers through Live Text Adventures, including Dr Who writer James Moran and Ian Cunningham OBE.

"It will be like Choose Your Own Adventure via instant messenger," said Rachel. 

"The site specific games will also be a great highlight. The kids' games are so creative. Their imaginations are incredible."

A RUNNER who collapsed at the finish line of the Robin Hood half marathon is still in a coma two weeks after the race.

Duncan Edwards, 27, from Hucknall, ran the race to raise money for Guide Dogs in memory of his father who died in May.

Writing on Facebook, friends said: "As Duncan crossed the finish line he collapsed and was rushed into hospital in a critical condition. He is currently in an induced coma until his body recovers enough for him to be woken up in a more stable condition.

"When Duncan wakes up, we would love nothing more than for him to be in a healthy condition and be safe in the knowledge that he had smashed his fund raising goal in honour of his father."

Mr Edwards was hoping to raise £500, but the total currently stands at more than £1,600.

POLICE have arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing in St Ann's.

An 18-year-old victim is recovering in hospital after the attack at 10.30pm on Thursday October 9, which the force believe to have involved a fight between a group of men in St Ann's Well Road.

The victim was rushed to the Queen's Medical Centre where his condition was described as "serious".

The incident took place just yards from the Chase Neighbourhood Centre, where a memorial event was staged for murder victim Danielle Beccan.

She was killed ten years ago to the day on her way back from Goose Fair.

Detectives from Nottinghamshire Police would like to speak to anyone who saw the incident.

If you saw anything call 101, quoting incident 896 of 9 October 2014.

FIREFIGHTERS were called to a student house in Beeston after a fire broke out in one of the bedrooms.

Curtains in the Lower Regent Street bedroom were set alight on Saturday (oct 11)after flames spread from a candle.

Two students, renting the property, dialled 999 and did their best to put out the flames before two fire engines arrived at around 1.30pm.

No one was injured in the incident, which was attended by crews from Highfields Fire Station.

One of the students, 26, who asked not to be named, said: "We had two minutes of panic. It was a shock to see the curtains go up because we'd used he safest type of candles. It's not the nicest thing to see in your bedroom."

Her housemate, 27, who also attends the University of Nottingham, said: "The fire service were here within two minutes of us calling. They were really good. I called them as soon as I saw the flames.

"Our other housemate was out at the time and he was a bit surprised to hear what had happened when we called him.

"Fortunately is didn't spread anywhere else in the house. There was some damage to the frame of the window and obviously the curtains were burnt but that was it.

"The fire fighters told us to be more vigilant with candles in the future."

The two fire crews used a positive pressure ventilation fan, a hose reel and two sets of breathing apparatus to put the fire out.

After weeks of warbling, wobbles and a few squabbles, this year's X Factor hopefuls have been whittled down to the final 12. But how much hope do they actually have? Susan Griffin weighs up their chances

WE'VE been watching wannabe pop stars, rockers and soul divas battle it out to claim The X Factor glory for more than a decade now.

Talent, of course, goes some of the way to getting you to the finals. But all sorts of other, sometimes mysterious, factors can play a part, including that either-you've-got-it-or-you-haven't star quality, a heartbreaking but relatable backstory, looks that win fans (but don't alienate too many others), and just the right amount of confidence.

Here's this year's final 12...

THE GIRLS

Mentor: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

Lauren Platt, 16, from Essex

Story so far: The teenager scored four yeses in her room audition and had a standing ovation at the arena stage.

Her parents reunited last December after a six-year separation. She previously came close to getting the part of Louise Mitchell in EastEnders, but it eventually went to her best friend.

Chances? Cheryl wondered whether Lauren was too young but couldn't deny the teen's talent. Mature beyond her years and boasting a soulful voice, she's one to watch.

Chloe Jasmine, 23, from West London

Story so far: The posh model received brilliant feedback at the room audition, where she was likened to Marilyn Monroe.

You might recognise Chloe from her appearance on TV modelling competition The Face. She also reportedly turned down a role in Game Of Thrones to take part in the show.

Chances: Her bluesy style suits old school tunes, but how will she fare with contemporary songs?

Stephanie Nala, 20, from Hertfordshire

Story so far:  Suffered from nerves during her room audition but got it together and received four yeses at the arena audition., with Simon adding: "There's something sweet about you."

She was originally in a band called The Luminites who were in the final of 2013's Britain's Got Talent. The band split earlier this year.

Chances: Stephanie's self-confidence is low. Will the live shows prove too much and overwhelm her?

THE BOYS

Mentor: Mel B

Andrea Faustini, 20, from Rome

Story so far: The shy Italian wowed the judges at his room audition and reduced both Cheryl and Mel B to tears with his rendition of I Didn't Know My Own Strength at Boot Camp. The Spice Girls fan, who studied Chinese and Korean at college, loves pug dogs (he wore a pug jumper at his first audition), and would apparently like a pair of pooches called Simon and Cowell.

Chances:  His amazing voice has earned him a legion of fans and he's already one of the favourites to win.

Jake Quickenden, 26, from Scunthorpe

Story so far: After a faltering start and a change of song, he eventually earned four yeses (and a hug from Mel B) at his room audition, and was the first of the chaps to secure a seat at Boot Camp.

What we know about him: Jake lost his younger brother to cancer in 2012. The same year, he reached the Judges' Houses stage of the competition.

Chances: Jake is arguably the weakest singer in his category, but he's good-looking and everyone loves an underdog.

Paul Akister, 25, from Lancashire

Story so far:  Impressed the judges with his rendition of Jealous Guy (a song he admitted reminded him of an ex-girlfriend) at his first audition this series. Cheryl and Mel B got up and danced for Simon during his arena audition, when he sang Let's Get It On.

He reached the Judges' Houses in 2012, but Louis didn't put him through. He's since lost three stone in weight.

Chances: He has a brilliant voice, but Mel B has admitted she's worried whether he shows enough personality.

THE OVERS

Mentor: Simon Cowell

Jay James, 31, from Pembrokeshire

Story so far: He sailed through his room audition, moving Mel B to tears, and received a standing ovation at the arena stage.

He disappointed at Judges' Houses though, but Simon put him through.

The Welsh father-of-one joined the Royal Navy when he was 16, injured his knee while playing rugby and discovered his love of music while on sick leave.

Chances: Before Judges' Houses, he was looking like a favourite, but as the pressure's mounted, so have Jay's nerves.

Fleur East, 26, from East London

Story so far: She received lukewarm comments at the first audition but raised her game for the arena stage, and, according to Simon, did the best performance at Judges' Houses.

What we know about her: She was in a girl group called Addictive Ladies, which made it through to the live shows in series two.

Chances:  Everything's changed since her rendition of Jessie J's Bang Bang at Simon's house. The former outsider is now in the running.

Ben Haenow, 29, from Croydon

What we know about him:  The van driver's proven popular with the judges from the outset, and managed to wow with his version of Wild Horses. He used to be in a rock band with his brother, called The Lost Audio, but quit when his brother became unwell. He surprised his girlfriend with talk of marriage during his first audition.

Chances: He has a rocky, bluesy voice that's gone down well in front of a live audience. His cheeky chappy demeanour will help too.

THE GROUPS

Mentor:  Louis Walsh

Only The Young (Charlie, 17, Parisa, 20, Mikey, 19, and Betsy, 18)

The foursome captivated the judges from the first audition with their close chemistry, and Simon said he believed they could win the show after their arena performance.

The four of them all live at Parisa's family home and often sing at the dinner table, which is why they've compared themselves to the von Trapp family.

Chances: The likes of One Direction and Union J have given them the thumbs up, so they just have to hope the viewers do as well.

Blonde Electra (Jazzy, 24, and Ruby, 22)

The sisters got three yeses at their first audition (Cheyl said no), and lost a seat at Boot Camp only for Louis to bring them back.

They've lived in more than 30 countries, speak five languages and, randomly, are related to Chancellor George Osborne.

Chances: The Marmite duo, who recently changed their name from Blonde Electric, are enthusiastic, but their screeching could get a little annoying.

New Boy Band (Charlie, 14, Reece, 16, James, 17, 19-year-olds Barclay, Chris, Casey and Jake, and Tom, 20

These lads entered the competition as soloists but were put together by the judges at Boot Camp.

Viewers are now in charge of giving them a name.

Barclay auditioned as a yodeller last year; Jake's very close to his younger sister who stood next to Simon during his first audition, and Reece once performed Wonderwall with Noel Gallagher.

Chances: They've only been a band for five minutes but so far, it's looking fairly promising, but an eight-piece boy band? It's never been done before, and maybe there's a reason for that.

And in yet another dramatic turn of events, four acts (one from each category) will be given another shot at stardom as wild card entrants when the live finals begin tonight at 8pm. Who might they be?

Lola Saunders, the fishmonger from Southfields, endeared herself to mentor Cheryl but didn't quite beat the nerves at Judges' Houses. Could she be the fourth act in the girls' category?

Mel B was spoilt for choice in her boys' category. Jordan Morris, the Londoner known for his R'n'B style, came oh-so close, so surely he's a favourite to return?

Louis was reduced to tears when rejecting his group acts. It's a tough call, but boy band Concept might reappear, unless the super cute twins The Brooks have been given the nod.

Helen Fulthorpe suffered a panic attack at Simon's house, but you sense the music mogul has a soft spot for the mother-of-two, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see her rejoin The Overs.

First time runner Amanda Ross was less than tickled pink after finding out her sisters signed her up for the world's most colourful 5K race.

The 25-year-old, who admits she wasn't sure if she'd go through with it, was joined by siblings Hollie and Sarah Ross as well as "honorary sister" and brother-in-law Dan Lawrence at Nottingham's first Run or Dye run on Saturday October 11.

More than a ton of powdered dye was used to cover the 3,000 runners as they made their way around the Forest Recreation Ground - barely visible through the plumes of colourful dust.

Despite only finding out she was taking part last week, Amanda, an optical consultant, raised £100 for the Action for Blind People charity - the total will be doubled by her employer Boots.

"Me and my sisters are really close but I couldn't believe they signed me up behind my back.

"I'm really glad I'm doing it now though and it has been lots of fun getting ready and putting on our face paint.

"I'm not too worried about a time I just want to make it round" said Amanda, of Turney Street, Trent Bridge.

Run Or Dye, Nottingham: http://t.co/w1RYB0E9xj via @YouTube

— George Quizmaster (@quizmastergm) October 11, 2014

Great time at run or dye Nottingham this morning by a few BP members!! pic.twitter.com/xil1ie2M4I

— balanced performance (@Team_BP_) October 11, 2014

After numerous weird looks in town, I'm now on the bus getting green dye everywhere #oops#RunOrDye

— :))) (@wdywfgeorgie) October 11, 2014

It was also a first for Amanda's sister Hollie, who was back in her trainers for the first time since her six-week-year-old Poppy was born.

The Queen's Medical Centre nurse, 27, normally runs at least twice a week and was picked to take part in the Olympic torch run back in 2012.

She said: "It feels good to be back.

"I absolutely love running, last year me and my friend Jess raised £1,200 for Maggie's and Macmillan by running at as many events as possible.

"Jess was poorly with cancer when she was younger so they were charities close to our hearts."

Proud mum Pam Smith, 46, of Maltby Close, Aspley, told the Post that while her girls hadn't always been close there were now as thick as thieves.

She said: "When there were younger they used to pull each others hair out but now they are inseparable and rope Dan in to everything they do as well, he's an honorary Ross sister."

Each runner was handed a dye pack to throw over themselves, or each other, before the start of the race with volunteers then chucking more of the powder over participants as they passed each 1K marker.

Event MC Sam Malachowki said: "It's a fun run and although we do have some serious athletes taking part we also see a lot of people who are doing their first 5K.

"It's not a timed event, we just want people to enjoy it."

A rural pub is once again at the heart and soul of a village after a recent take-over – Lynette Pinchess takes a drive out to Shelford

WITH a roaring coal fire, a decent pint of ale and hearty homemade food, country pubs are an important part of village life.

But they are also an endangered species, disappearing at an alarming rate of 20 a month.

Earlier this year last orders were called at The Earl of Chesterfield Arms, the only pub in Shelford, when it went bust.

With a pub standing on the country lane since records began, it was a bleak day for the locals, who two years before had clubbed together to raise £400,000 and formed the Shelford Pub Company in order to buy it.

But their efforts weren't in vain. Experienced chef and landlord Julian Benton came to the rescue.

His newly formed business partnership with Lisa Miller, from the Staunton Arms, and former England and Notts cricketer Chris Broad took over the lease, while the freehold remained with the locals..

Following a refurbishment and the introduction of a new menu, the Earl of Chesterfield has entered a fresh phase.

Julian – whom some may remember as the owner of Benton's Brasserie in Heathcoat Street, Nottingham – saw great potential in the building and its location at the centre of a idyllic village a few miles out of the city .

"It's a country pub, it's lovely, that's what I'm trying to bring back, the features of what a country pub should be all about – open fires, Sunday lunch, a nice pint of beer. We've got a nice garden and a beautiful restaurant.

"It's got a nice feel to it. You walk in and it's got a nice hum to it," says Julian, who co-owns the Staunton Arms, one of the finest pubs in the Vale of Belvoir.

"There's a drinking area, snug and a TV – it's in the corner but there's not a major emphasis on it."

Hard work, smiles, good food and good service are what's going to take to make it work.

"Anything we can do for anybody, we do it. If they want something different or want to change something, never say no," says 45-year-old Julian, whose wife Rachel works for Boots International.

With meat from Owen Taylor's butchers in Alfreton and vegetables from Maxeys in Kirklington, the freshness and quality speaks for itself.

A la carte diners can chose from a three-course menu with freshly prepared mains such as traditional battered haddock and chips, rump steak or fried halloumi with a tomato, caper and cucumber salad.

But it's the homemade beef and ale pie with mash or hand cut chips that's top of everyone's list, whether they sitting in the Chapel Restaurant or the more informal surroundings of the lounge.

Light bites, including roasted brie on thick-cut granary bread and smoked salmon and scrambled egg on toasted brioche, are available every day but Sunday or there's good old pub sarnies, chock a block with beer battered fish, ham with English mustard or bacon, brie and cranberry.

"It's a completely new menu. We've based ourselves a little bit on Staunton with a country feel with the pies, the roast beef and all the trimmings.

"It's traditional English with a little bit of a twist, like a Scotch egg with black pudding. That's my ethos in all the pubs I run," says Julian.

The Earl of Chesterfield, which serves food from noon every day, welcomes families and offers a children's menu with favourites such as sausage and mash and breaded chicken sticks and chips.

In charge of the kitchen is Kristian Beastall, who worked there previously, and was promoted to head chef under the new ownership.

But what's a pub without a decent bar?

Wine comes from some of the best regions of the world but instead of the obvious classics, they've opted for wines from lesser known areas and villages that are surprising good.

As for beer, there's cask ales from national and regional brewers.

The pub has a whole new look. During a five-day refurbishment the bar, furniture and decor were overhauled. The dark dreary red walls have been brightened up with a swish of magnolia.

Julian, a father-of-two, from Burton Joyce says: "We changed quite a bit of the decor to make it a bit more light and airy, a modern country pub.

"We want to drag people back out, drag them away from the TV.

"The locals and the shareholders have been fantastic and very supportive. We pay our rent but at the end of the day they're coming back in and we're giving them what they want."

Julian has nearly 30 years experience in the industry which began on a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) at Tom Browns in Gunthorpe. From there he became pub landlord in Leicistershire pub at the age of 21.

"It was a quick learning curve," he says.

At 27, he opened Bentons Brasserie and more recently he bought the Staunton Arms, a 200-year-old pub, which he still runs.

According to Julian there's not much difference between running a rural and city business.

"It's easier to park!" he says straight off.

" I've had a lot of customers from Nottingham follow me round a little bit and find it even easier to get to me now we're a bit closer to Nottingham than Staunton."

And it's not just motorists that can park easily – the pub has introduced a horse park.

"One of my wife's friends texted me saying that she comes riding here but there's no where to park the horse. I said no problem, I'll sort a horse park for you with some water and hay."

Horserider Debbie Scott, who lives in the neighbouring village Newton, can now tether her horse Hoolee up outside next to the pub's garden

"Where it's situated there are quite a lot of horseriders and a big livery yard in Shelford and a very good one in Newton.

"There's a big bucket of water and a spade and bucket so you can clean up afterwards.

"There is definitely a need, a desire, especially in the summer, people will more than likely go there and have a drink, not necessarily an alcoholic drink, and a sandwich."

Since becoming an investor, former cricketer Chris Broad pops in regularly to have a drink and get to know the locals.

Now a match referee, he held his 57th birthday party at the pub with his son Stuart, daughter Gemma and friends.

"Most of us went for pies – they are made in the kitchen by the chefs. My daughter can be quite difficult to please and she said that's the best pie she has ever had. The food is terrific value and great quality."

Chris, who lives in Lady Bay, has known Julian from the days of Bentons Brasserie.

He says: "My investment really is in Julian because I have watched his career grow – he is such as enthusiastic and conscientious landlord and business owner.

"The Earl of Chesterfield has a really good feel to it – it's a lovely village and very accessible and the pub itself has a fantastic atmosphere."

Farmer James Fisher, born and bred in Shelford, is one of the major shareholders, whose sense of community galvanised him to club together with other villagers to put up money for the freehold within seven days.

"If you can imagine it was a pub that was not doing any trade. It comes down to the value of people's houses. My view is a village with a good pub puts £10,000 on. The desire to live in a village with a good pub is great.

"It's very good. I had Sunday lunch down here and it was excellent. It's definitely got a rosy future," says the 62-year-old.

* The Earl of Chesterfield, Manor Lane, Shelford, tel: 0115 933 2227, www.earlofchesterfield.co.uk

MANSFIELD Town ended a two-match losing streak as they returned from Portsmouth with a point in a 1-1 draw.

Simon Heslop netted his first goal of the season to put the visitors in front seconds after the half-time interval at Fratton Park.

It came on the back of a lively first half from the Stags which saw them create several chances.

Pompey though, hit back and levelled with 20 minutes to go through Paul Robinson.

That set up a grand-stand finale in which both sides went close, but Mansfield hung on to record their first stalemate of the campaign.

New signing Jamie Sendles-White came straight in for his Stags debut, having joined 24 hours earlier as boss Paul Cox looked to ease a defensive injury crisis.

The QPR centre-back replaced Ryan Tafazolli, who is sidelined with a torn hamstring, while Simon Heslop came in for the suspended Adam Murray in midfield.

Sascha Studer retained his place in goal, with Mansfield without a substitute keeper due to a groin strain to Dimitar Evtimov. But there was a place on the bench for Chris Clements as he continued his recovery from a hamstring injury.

In front of a vociferous crowd at a packed Fratton Park, the hosts made the brighter start, doing much of the early running but without creating too many chances.

Danny Hollands almost broke through in the fifth minute, from Jed Wallace's threaded ball, but Studer was quickly off his line and gathered up to avert the danger.

After that, it was Mansfield who forged the better openings as they worked their way into the game.

Rakish Bingham was at the heart of much of their positive play, slotting in Fergus Bell with seven minutes gone, but the latter sent a tame shot wide from outside the area.

Shortly afterwards, Bingham capitalised on a slip by Alex Wynter and took the opportunity to run at goal, weaving his way forward with some fancy footwork.

Only the finish was missing as Paul Jones's save brought an end to the move.

Still, the chances, albeit not quite clearcut ones, kept coming.

Bell curled an effort over from 20 yards and Bingham found the target - and Jones - once again, with a glancing header from Lee Beevers' ball in.

Just when it looked like Mansfield were getting closer to a breakthrough, Jamie McGuire bucked the trend by blasting a wild effort into the stands from range.

After initially monopolising possession, Pompey had barely had a look in during the opening half hour, so much so that ironic cheers rang out when Ryan Taylor mustered their first effort on target – a weak daisycutter which failed to trouble Studer.

Michael Drennan fared no better when he fired over the bar from a corner.

Cox's side had more than held their own in the opening period, putting in a much better shift than last week's lacklustre first half against Accrington Stanley.

And they almost got the goal they deserved before the break, Jones plucking the ball out of the air after Bingham had looked to curl it in to the top corner from out on the left.

The only blot on the visitors' copybook came when Matt Rhead clattered in to Johnny Ertl, sending the Portsmouth skipper in to the advertising boards and picking up a yellow card in the process.

Nevertheless, Stags picked up where they left off once the second half was under way – and less than 60 seconds later they were ahead.

Sloppy defending by the hosts was punished by Heslop as he latched on to Rhead's flick from Kieron Freeman's throw and beat Jones with a low shot from the edge of the area.

Pompey piled the pressure on in response, putting their opponents on the back foot.

But some sterling work in defence kept them at bay, and it was Mansfield who almost added to the scoreline.

Twice in the space of a minute Bingham went close.

Freeman made a terrific interception on the hour and set the front man free; Jones though, was equal to his effort, while Bingham's second strike whizzed inches wide of the far post from the right side of the area.

Still, the home side continued to keep knocking at the door, Taylor going close and Studer thwarting Michael Drennan.

And in the 70^th minute, the equaliser finally came as Portsmouth's double substitution paid off.

Nigel Atangana had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes when his pull-back across the face of goal was slotted home by Robinson.

The momentum turned in Pompey's favour, though both sides could have grabbed a winner before the game was out.

Studer twice saved from Danny Hollands, on the second occasion, superbly tipping his strike from the edge of the area over the bar.

And at the opposite end, Bingham forced Jones in to action following good work by Palmer and Bell.

PORTSMOUTH: Jones, Devera, Robinson, Ertl (Atangana 68), Wynter, Hollands, Dunne, Wallace, Shorey, Taylor (Storey 85), Drennan (Agyemang 68). Subs not used: Poke, Holmes, Westcarr, Butler.

MANSFIELD: Studer, Sutton, Riley, Sendles-White, Beevers, Heslop (Clements 87), McGuire, Bell (Taylor 79), Freeman, Rhead (Palmer 58), Bingham. Subs not used: Thomas, Marsden, Fisher, Lambe.

ATTENDANCE: 15,585 (397 away).

Nottingham has its ups and downs but you can't complain too much when the world's biggest beer festival is 15 mins walk away!

— Chris Emerson (@chris_emerson) October 10, 2014

Heading to Nottingham Beer festival shortly just hope there's some left

— Jon Short (@tadpole1973) October 10, 2014

All quiet at the Nottingham beer festival.... pic.twitter.com/3JFUWPECYO

— Blue Monkey Brewery (@bluemonkeybrew) October 11, 2014

Nottingham beer festival you have ALOT to answer for. Someone bring me bacon cob an a cuppa asap. I'll pay large bucks Lol @ExperienceNotts

— Alex Rotton (@AJRotton) October 11, 2014

The morning after the Beer Festival. Urgh... #HashTag

— Oliver Tomlinson (@dotDestroyer) October 10, 2014

I can finally tick "attend Nottingham beer festival" off my bucket list. I can also tick off "suffer from horrible hangover" #myheadhurts

— Andrew Wilkins (@DandyWilkins) October 11, 2014

I'm going to a beer festival tomorrow. I should probably close all my social media accounts first

— Holly Brockwell (@hollybrocks) October 9, 2014

The breakfast of champions - a morning judging Premium Strong Bitters at the Nottingham Robin Hood Beer Festival! :-) pic.twitter.com/L3wVXeLDvZ

— Tim Pollard (@RobinHoodTim) October 9, 2014

Just casually at the Nottingham beer festival!! Come at me... pic.twitter.com/eABGNngvke

— Philip James Gregory (@philgreg21) October 10, 2014

So everyone from work is off to the Nottingham Beer Festival and I'm sat here doing sober October. Hope they all get the hangover from hell

— GrumpyChairman (@grumpygrounds) October 9, 2014

A GANG who were involved in 43 thefts across five counties have been jailed after appearing at Nottingham Crown Court.

The three men broke into garages, farm outbuildings and homes and Nottinghamshire Police said they stole thousands of pounds worth of vehicles.

Darren Green, 29, of Kedleston Road, Worksop, Mason Holt, 23, of Dickens Road, Worksop, Joseph Foster, 26, of Manton Crescent, Manton, targeted addresses across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Humberside, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.

The trio pleaded guilty to the crimes which took place between October 2013 and March this year.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, Holt was sentenced to eight years and four months, Foster was jailed for six years and three months, and Green was sent to prison for seven years and four months.

DCI Caroline Racher, who oversaw the investigation, said: "This required a large-scale policing operation that spanned five counties. Holt, Foster and Green preyed on rural communities, targeting keys inside the properties to steal cars and other high-value vehicles such as quad bikes.

"Their actions made people feel vulnerable in their own homes and this sense of personal invasion should never be underestimated.

"We had a number of officers working on this operation, but it was a real team effort across the force with other specialist resources supporting us to put these people before the court.

"We are pleased with the sentences handed down and hope this gives justice to those whose possessions were stolen or who had to deal with the aftermath of having their homes broken into."

Clint Brammer, 25, of Suffolk Road, Bircotes, is awaiting sentence in connection with these offences.