IN 2006 John Bishop gave up a steady job working in pharmaceuticals to take on the world as a full-time stand-up comedian.

Somehow, in the years since he has scaled the heights of showbiz; writing his autobiography, becoming the star of his own show and raising an eye-watering £3.4 million for Comic Relief.

Without doubt Bishop has become one of the nation's sweethearts along the way.

As difficult as it sounds though – having raised the sort of money that could seriously top up any global charity's bank account – his finest efforts are still arguably on stage.

And here, on the first of two nights with packed crowds at Nottingham's Capital FM Arena, the handsome Scouser dazzled, showing exactly where the most significant of his many talents lie. On the stage.

The Liverpudlian is very much at his best as the every man – one of the audience – describing his surprise and confusion at some of his success and the glamorous situations he finds himself in.

His performance covers family life and showbiz escapades and there's no doubt Bishop is at his best when casting a self-deprecating, observant eye over his life.

His best moments included a few Nottingham-centric gags with St Ann's and the tram extension taking the brunt of Bishop's barbed tongue.

And amusing stories about family holidays and masturbation were, ahem, probably the climax of the show.

But this comedian is not at his best when in a forced humour situation.

In fact, early on in his act Bishop admits that jokes aren't really his thing but he hopes that amusing things happen to him so he can pass the stories on to the fans. On this showing it's working.

After more than two hours in his company – albeit with thousands of others in tow – the feeling that this is a performer in his prime is vivid. Arguably Bishop is one of Britain's finest stand-ups.

In the marketing material that announced the mega tour, Bishop was quoted as saying: "Stand up is the reason my career is what it is, I love the immediacy of stand up and I feel a real closeness to my audience whilst on stage. I love nothing more than giving them a laugh and I can't wait to get back out on the road."

Perhaps the reason he's so good is that Bishop clearly does loves nothing more than giving us a laugh; It's infectious, and he's brilliant.

WALK into Chris Sleigh's workshop and the smell and sight of wood is particularly prominent. There's a log fire, boards of wood stacked up against the walls and, of course, completed pieces of custom-made furniture.

On display on one of his worktops is an eye-catching lamp, aptly named Crescent. The collaborative piece with Wirksworth-based lighting designers Curiousa & Curiousa has a handcrafted walnut frame and a hand-blown purple glass lampshade.

"I used the shape of the Greek letter lambda as inspiration for the design as it really works as a frame to hang a pendant lamp from," he says.

"If I was given free rein to do anything I'd keep things very straightforward. I like simple lines and minimal details – I'm very inspired by the clean lines of Scandinavian-type furniture."

The workshop itself is based in the Old Stables of Holme Pierrepont Hall.

"There are other small businesses around here and we'll all help each other out if needs be. I like the quiet environment as it allows me to get on with my work without being too distracted," says the father-of-two.

All of the wood has been sourced from local timber yards. The 42-year-old says: "I go and choose my own wooden boards so I can look at the grain and decide exactly what I like – that's really important to me."

In October, the artistic designer visited Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre to showcase a range of his work at Grand Designs Live, where he walked away with the prestigious Grand Designs Magazine 'Loves' award.

"It was a complete surprise. In fact I didn't even know they were judging the stands," he says. "The award made the show for me. It gave me a buzz and made it all worthwhile."

Chris spent much of his childhood observing his father's carpentry skills.

"My dad definitely raised me to love practical work. Wood, in particular, is very inspiring for me," he says.

"I love what you can get out of the material and the different techniques you can use. None of my furniture is mass-produced and every piece is different.

"People come to me because they want something unique and they appreciate the craftsmanship."

After 16 years working as a research scientist in a chemistry laboratory, the opportunity arose for Chris to take redundancy and work on his passion for wood.

He says: "It was a difficult decision in the first instance to make. It was hard to leave the science but I thought, 'it's now or never,' so I knew I had to make the move and feed my desire."

He adds: "Chemistry is very different to working with wood but they do have their similarities. They're both practical and involve making things. But with chemistry you're very much part of a bigger team, whereas here I'm on my own."

Chris, who moved to West Bridgford in 2002, put his redundancy money towards retraining at the Williams & Cleal Furniture School in Somerset. He spent over a year travelling down to the county to take part in the practical course.

"I was in a workshop where a number of people were making furniture for their own clients, which allowed me to observe and learn a wide variety of techniques they were using," he says. "I thought that was the right environment for me at that point in my life."

Two years since the business opened, Chris has clients from as far away as Munich and London, although they come mostly from the Midlands.

"I'm really committed to the Midlands and it's where I'd like to make my success," he says. "People have different tastes and styles which makes every day different. That's what keeps me on my toes – I like the challenge of it all."

For further information on Chris' designs call 07745 480251, email info@chrissleigh.co.uk or visit his website at www.chrissleigh.co.uk.

THERE is a huge, bauble-covered tree, Christmas tunes blaring from a PA and seasonal food aromas wafting from nearby... an afternoon at the ice rink can provide hours of festive fun.

And in Nottingham it's never been easier to give this increasingly popular December activity a go, whether you head to the National Ice Centre, in Bolero Square, or to the Winter Wonderland ice rink in Old Market Square.

The place where it all began for Olympic ice skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean holds daily public skating sessions. The National Ice Centre is also the home of ice hockey team the Nottingham Panthers.

Players Bryan Schmidt and Robert Farmer hit the ice every week to compete in both home and away games in the Elite League.

But their biggest tip for ice skating novices? It's all about the bum.

American ice hockey player Bryan, 33, who plays in defence, says: "You've got to be solid and when you skate, you skate with your bum.

"You then balance on your legs with a slight bend in the knee. You can then push off and to stop, you slant your feet.

"As professionals you don't stop learning. We're still trying to perfect our stride and we still fall over!"

Bryan plays alongside Nottingham-born forward Robert.

"I started playing ice skating when I was five but first started ice skating when I was three," says the 23-year-old.

If you fancy a quick session of ice skating as a break from the Christmas shopping, the ice skating rink in Old Market Square is somewhere to dump the bags.

Racing around the Christmas tree, families can hit the ice for a quick hour of festive fun.

Heading the Winter Wonderland ice rink operation is site manager Lee Clarke, whose team of stewards include a figure skater, a freestyler and an ice hockey player.

Jermelle Banner, 20, has been ice skating only for three years but has already perfected the art of back flips, 360-degree turns and headstands.

His skills are so impressive that he and his team of five, the Birmingham Ice Freestylers, will be holding free displays every Saturday from 4.45pm.

"I started ice skating because it was a great way of clearing my head," says Jermelle.

"After I started, I noticed freestyling and saw it was a different kind of skating – it's a lot more extreme.

"My group and I will be doing flips and tricks. Last time, I had the tractor moving and I skated under it."

Competitive figure skater Abbey Jackson advises: "Always bend your knees and take little baby steps. Never lean back and make sure your head is up and don't look at the floor.

"Don't worry if you fall over. Just move up on to your knees and use your hands to push yourself back up."

For more about ice skating at the National Ice Centre visit national-ice-centre.com. For details of the Winter Wonderland ice rink go to nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk.

WHETHER you're mildly curious or a complete nosy parker, you'll be able to find out everything you need to know about one of the UK's most prestigious country estates thanks to a series of winter talks planned at Chatsworth.

Staff at the historical venue will be delivering an entertaining insight into their jobs throughout January, February and March – including two special opportunities to hear from the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire themselves.

These two latter talks, entitled Life at Chatsworth, will see the 12th Duke and the Duchess give their take on a decade spent at the magnificent estate, which has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family and encompasses 30,000 acres of garden, farmland and parkland.

Taking place in the Hartington Room at Chatsworth Stables on March 5 and 10, early booking is definitely advised for these particular events.

Meanwhile, a number of other Chatsworth staff will also be leading sessions throughout the season, including head housekeeper Christine Robinson – who recently published her memoirs, Chatsworth: The Housekeeper's Tale.

Christine, whose family has worked at Chatsworth for more than 200 years, will reveal the motivation behind the book and will sign copies.

The talks also feature head of gardens and landscape Steve Porter, who will look at designers and fashion and their influence on the wonderful Chatsworth gardens.

Other contributors include textiles department supervisor Susie Stokoe, who will reveal the secrets behind the famous Mortlake Tapestries, and archaeologist Oliver Jessop, who will give a glimpse of the Tudor house as revealed by the original master plan.

The talks will run most Fridays from January 23 to March 6 in the Hartington Room. Places need to be booked in advance and start at £12 per person. In addition, winter visitors will be able to enjoy a collection of fine artwork as the Peak District Artisans return to Chatsworth for a second time, showcasing an eclectic line-up of artists, artisans and designer-makers from across the region.

Artists include the award-winning Sue Prince and Ingrid Karlsson-Kemp.

Earlier this year, Sue's work was chosen for London Stories, an exhibition for the Serco Prize for Illustration at the London Transport Museum.

Ingrid's display will include pieces created for her exhibition as part of Umea, Sweden's Capital of Culture celebrations.

The spring exhibition will run daily between 10.30am and 3.30pm, from January 7 to March 22, with works on display in the Carriage House at Chatsworth Stables. Admission is free.

Chatsworth House, garden, farmyard, shops and restaurants all will remain open until January 4 (apart from December 24, 25 and 26 and January 1). They will reopen for the new season on March 28.

For more information and to book a place at one of the talks, visit www.chatsworth.org.

Another bumper crop of Christmas events is planned in Notts over the next few days, including:

Festive Family Fun, Woodthorpe Grange Park, today, 9.30am-3.30pm: Head to the tropical Christmas grotto at the Nottingham City Council nursery for plant sales, Christmas trees, wreaths, decorations, face painting, food and drink and – OMG – a chance to meet characters from Frozen.

Nottingham Castle Free Fun, today and Sunday, from 10am: With free admission throughout the weekend, there's all sorts of festive fun planned – including I'll Be Home for Christmas, comprising a craft fair, nostalgic brass band music and a chance to tour the castle. Santa will also be at the Bastion (£3 per visit) and you can enjoy a vintage afternoon tea from 1pm to 4pm each day (£15 per person).

Christmas Carols in the Mill Yard, Green's Windmill, today, 3pm-5pm: You know the festive season has really arrived when this brilliantly atmospheric (and free) event takes place. It's a proper Yuletide treat for the whole family in the fabulous lantern-lit yard, with mince pies and mulled wine to accompany the traditional tunes. God bless us, every one.

Southwell Minster Lantern Walk, today, 5pm: Assemble at the magnificent minster for this lantern lit procession. This year's theme is Water and Waves, inspired by the Christmas song I Saw Three Ships. Bring your own lantern and look out for other decorative illuminations along the route, with music and refreshments inside the Minster.

The Great Nottingham Santa Run, Forest Recreation Ground, Sunday, from 9am: With a 2.5km or 5km route to choose from, it's time to make merry for this annual event raising money for When You Wish Upon a Star, giving youngsters with life limiting illnesses the chance to go and see Santa in Lapland. There will also be a Christmas market, refreshments and music. Adults £10, kids £5, infants free (including Santa suit). Details at www.thesantarun.org.uk.

Santa Fun Run, Rushcliffe County Park, Sunday, 11am-1.30pm: Support the wonderful Rainbows children's hospice with another delightfully daft festive fun run – choose from a route of 2.5 miles or five miles. Kids, babies, dogs and well behaved grown-ups all welcome. Adults £12.50, kids £6 (including Santa suit). Details on 0800 952 1133.

Christmas Clowning, Sherwood Forest Country Park, from 11.30am: Circus skills workshop for those after some new party tricks this festive season. Parking £3.

Christmas Steaming Extravaganza, Nottingham Industrial Museum, Sunday, 11am-4pm: No, it's nothing to do with alcohol – this is a chance to see Santa in his grotto amongst a gallery of historic working steam engines. Adults £2, kids £1.

Christmas in the Arboretum, Sunday, 4pm-6pm: See the trees and bandstand area lit up for the festive season, with live music, kids' activities, non-alcoholic mulled wine and mince pies. Free.

Midwinter Lantern Walk, Sherwood Forest Country Park, Sunday, 4.30pm-5.30pm: Wrap up warm and bring a torch for this walk through the ancient oaks in winter. Enjoy hot drinks and refreshments at the Forest Table restaurant afterwards. £4. Book on 01623 823202.

MOBILE phone company EE is to stop running its Orange Wednesday promotion in the New Year.

The deal allowed people to get two for one deals at cinemas on Wednesdays, as well as offering cheap deals on pizza.

It was launched over a decade ago, but EE said it was "time to move on".

The company said: "After 10 great years our brand has changed and our customers' viewing habits have also evolved so it's time to move on.

"That's why the final credits will roll for Orange Wednesdays at the end of February 2015. We're working on new customer entertainment rewards and we'll provide more detail soon."

But people in Nottingham have been tweeting their thoughts...

RIP Orange Wednesdays. Th I am switching from EE/orange to a better network coz I can't deal with any more pain. #CantAffordCinemaTicketsNow

— Abbey (@abbeyyalishaa) December 11, 2014

Orange Wednesdays coming to an end in February. No chance is a cinema ticket worth the full price

— Pete Roughton (@peteroughton) December 11, 2014

So cheeky how they're getting rid of orange Wednesday, they get enough money off us

— becca (@rebeccab97) December 12, 2014

For a moment, I thought we might be about to get a third encore. Michael Schenker and his merry men had already been back out twice, and the Rock City audience didn't want to let them go after a memorable evening.

Schenker put in a faultless performance, and it's hard to believe that he turns 60 next year – lean, fit, and continually prowling around the stage with his iconic flying v guitar, the former UFO star rattled through an hour and a half long set packed with old hits, Scorpions tracks and future material that will be on new album Spirit on a Mission, due to be released in March.

Former Scorpions band mates Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Bucholtz (bass) were on fine form, and ex-Rainbow frontman Doogie White fronted things fittingly. It's a powerful classic rock line-up and they complement the legendary Schenker with aplomb.

The main man looks happy and settled up on stage, and he launched into a shredder of a solo towards the end of the set, midway through classic hit Rock Bottom, which had the audience roaring their approval.

The tone was set right from the off though, with UFO number Doctor Doctor, and the encore featured Scorpions hits Lights Out in London and Blackout.

Nottingham's premier rock venue was a fine setting, and one the band seemed to appreciate. "Usually I say the name of the city we're playing," said lead singer Doogie White. "But not here. Rock City!" he screamed, before the tight five piece launched into another classic.

According to reports Schenker's star was on the wane in recent years, with poor on stage performances and personal problems off it, but this tour only reinforces the fact that he's well and truly back.

Those inside Rock City were clearly happy he was, and they'll be hoping he's still got plenty more encores in him in the years to come.

By George Solomon

PLANS to spend £20,000 on a study to look at extending the tram could be approved next week.

Broxtowe Borough Council's cabinet is looking at approving the spend which will look at options for continuing the line from Phoenix Park.

The cost of the study by consultants Mott MacDonald is estimated to be £55,000, with British Land expected to pay £35,000 towards the project.

The idea of extending the tram has been mooted for more than a decade and the sign off of the payment could take place at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, December 16.

At a meeting to discuss the project at Broxtowe Borough Council previously, the council leader Milan Radulovic came out in favour of the plans.

"I would suggest we don't throw this opportunity away at this stage.

"If we don't at least examine the feasibility we would not be fulfilling our responsibilities to plan for further growth and opportunities for young people," he said.

Ongoing phase two extensions will take the tram to Chilwell and are set to open to the public next year.

Councillor Greg Marshall said a Kimberley extension would not cause the same unrest as the current work.

"The problems encountered will not be the same on the proposed Kimberley line because it would use disused railway lines," he said.

"They would not be the same and we must be looking for a network."

But with roads still restricted, Conservative representative Jill Owen said dust should settle on the current extension before future plans are considered.

"No, no, no," she said. "I would have thought you have had enough problems in Beeston resulting in chaos, hardship and misery. At least wait and see how it goes in Beeston."

TRAFFIC was brought to a standstill this afternoon following a crash on the M1 that blocked one carriageway.

The collision took place around 1.15pm between junction 24 and 25 southbound, near Long Eaton, involving a car and a four by four.

The car was flipped onto its roof; no-one was trapped inside.

Two people were treated by air ambulance before being taken to hospital by helicopter.

Firefighters left just after 13:46 leaving Nottinghamshire Police and the Highways Agency still in attendance.

Since then two lanes have been opened on the M1.

The incident has led to further delays between junctions 25 and 26 southbound of up to 30 minutes. 

Normal traffic conditions are expected to resume by 4pm.

A MAN has been left in a serious condition following a collision in Ravenshead.

The incident took place at around midday in Main Road near the Little John Inn. 

Two cars were involved; a Daewoo Matiz and a Toyota Ravia 4. 

One driver, a man in his 80s, was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre where he remains in a serious condition.

The other driver was taken to King's Mill Hospital with minor injuries.

The road was blocked for an hour while the vehicles were recovered.

It comes only days after Mansfield couple Robert Bowker and Jennifer Hopkinson were killed on the A60 near Kighill, less than 10 minutes away.

If you have any information call Nottinghamshire Police on 101.

ADAM Murray had to settle for a draw in his first home game in permanent charge of Mansfield Town as they were held 1-1 by Cheltenham Town.

Vadaine Oliver's second goal in a Stags shirt had put his side in front early in the second half.

But despite being in control for much of the game, the Robins levelled through substitute Zack Kotwica late on.

Boss Murray made five changes from the side which drew 2-2 at Cambridge United in the FA Cup.

Sascha Studer was ruled out with a thigh injury, so Nottingham Forest loanee Dimitar Evtimov replaced him between the posts, with youth team keeper Adam Bishop named on the substitutes' bench.

Defender Martin Riley missed out with a tight hamstring, being replaced by Luke Waterfall, while Kieron Freeman stepped in at left-back as Lee Beevers dropped to the bench.

Junior Brown started on the left wing and Fergus Bell in an attacking midfield role, taking the places of Rob Taylor and Rakish Bingham.

Murray received a warm reception when he was introduced to the crowd prior to kick-off, and his side made a bright start against the Robins.

Although they struggled to carve out clearcut opportunities in the first half, the hosts showed plenty of promise, stringing together some nice passing moves and doing their best to apply the pressure.

Inside the first five minutes, Simon Heslop and Reggie Lambe had combined well, with the latter's shot deflected wide.

It was Brown though, who seemed the most likely to make something happen as he enjoyed an impressive home debut.

His low cross from the left hand side, just past the ten minute mark, found Vadaine Oliver in the box, but the front man took his time to get a shot away and Cheltenham dealt with the danger.

Another Brown cross shortly after took a deflection, which, for a moment, caught keeper Trevor Carson off guard.

The visitors gradually worked their way into the game though, and Evtimov thwarted a close range effort from Terry Gornell, with the follow up hitting the side netting.

For all their possession, Stags had been unable to fashion any real chances, a drive from Chris Clements from outside the box in the 26^th minute as close as they came.

It was Cheltenham who finished the half the stronger and could have taken the lead.

Evtimov blocked a decent strike from Kane Ferdinand with his legs, before Waterfall cleared the rebound effort from off the line.

And just before the break, the same player drew another good save from the keeper as Evtimov pushed away a fierce strike from outside the box.

Mansfield continued to have the edge in terms of possession after the interval, and Brown tried to make it count with a well-struck effort from the left hand side of the box, which was deflected behind.

Barely 60 seconds later, with 55 minutes on the clock, the breakthrough finally came. And it did so in style – Oliver beating Carson from almost 30 yards with a superb strike which dipped and dropped beyond the keeper.

The Robins looked to respond with a free-kick from Matt Richards, only for Evtimov to prove equal to it.

And Mansfield continued to control the second half, with Heslop letting fly from range, though he was unable to trouble the keeper.

Goalmouth action nevertheless, was in short supply as the match developed into a midfield battle.

The Robins had spells of pressure, and looked to step up a gear in the final 15 minutes, but Murray's men held firm.

Still, they could do little about a fine half-volley from Kotwica, who grabbed an equaliser with two minutes to go when he beat Evtimov from range.

MANSFIELD: Evtimov, Sutton, Tafazolli, Waterfall, Freeman (Beevers 46), Lambe (Taylor 80), Clements, Heslop, Brown, Bell (Bingham 88), Oliver. Subs not used: Bishop, Rhead, McGuire, Palmer.

CHELTENHAM: Carson, Deaman, Brown, Taylor, Braham-Barrett; Ferdinand, Hanks, Richards (Haworth 64), De Vita (Sterling-James 64), Harrison (Kotwica 72), Gornell. Subs not used: Gould, Black, Williams, Dale.

ATTENDANCE: 3,324 (155 away).

SWINDON Town marched to the top of the League One table as they underlined their promotion credentials with a 3-0 win at 10-man Notts County. The Robins were too quick and too clever for the Magpies as Mark Cooper's side sent out an ominous message to their rivals. They had taken the lead after just seven minutes when Massimo Luongo released Andy Williams to slip a shot beyond Roy Carroll and into the far corner. Shaun Derry introduced Michael Petrasso at half-time to try to inspire Notts, but it was the visitors who took control of the game. Williams lashed in his second of the afternoon in the 54th minute when he converted an excellent cross from Ben Gladwin at the far post. Liam Noble then saw red for a challenge on Nathan Smith to effectively leave the Magpies with a mountain to climb. And Cooper's side made the extra man count in the 59th minute when Luongo, who was excellent, rammed in from Gladwin's pull back. Notts tried desperately to engineer their way back into the game but being a man down the odds were always stacked against them. But to their credit they kept plugging away and Garry Thompson almost pulled a goal back when his low shot crept inches wide of the post.

Notts County: (4-5-1): Carroll 6, C Thompson 6 (Harrad 62, 6), Laing 6, Hollis 6, Adams 6, G Thompson 6, Jones 6 (Hall 69, 6), Noble 6, Traore 6, McLaughlin 6, Cassidy 6 (Petrasso 45, 6) Subs: Pilkington, Smith, McKenzie, Harrad, Cranston, Petrasso, Hall

Swindon (4-4-2): Foderingham 6, Byrne 7, N Thompson 6, Stephens 6, Turnbull 6, Gladwin 8, Kasim, 6 (Rodgers 81, 6), L Thompson 6 (Reeves 62, 6) Luongo 9, Williams 7, Obika 7 (Smith 65, 6), Subs: Belford, Jones, Barthram, Da Costa, Rodgers

NOTTINGHAM Forest were held to a 0-0 draw at struggling Rotherham as they failed to find their killer touch in South Yorkshire.

Britt Assombalonga, Michail Antonio and Henri Lansbury all came close to finding the net for Stuart Pearce's side, who failed to find the back of the net for the first time in five outings.

But Forest also saw Emmanuel Ledesma twice come close for the home side, hitting the bar and forcing a fine save from Karl Darlow in the Reds goal.

It left Forest to slip further away from the play-off places, five points behind sixth-placed Watford – although Pearce's team did move up a place, to ninth in the table, as a result of their point at the New York Stadium.

Kelvin Wilson, restored to the side in the centre of defence, in place of Jamaal Lascelles, had a heart in mouth moment in the first two minutes. There seemed to be little wrong with his back pass to Karl Darlow, but the keeper's attempted clearance saw him completely fail to make contact with the ball, leaving Alex Revell to look, just for a moment, as though he would ghost in, before Forest's number one recovered to clear at the second attempt.

Wilson was one of four changes to the Forest side, with Robert Tesche earning a place in midfield, following his positive display as a substitute against Charlton and Britt Assombalonga – returning from his ban - and Dexter Blackstock forming a new look front line. Jamaal Lascelles, Ben Osborn, Tom Ince and Matty Fryatt all dropped onto a very strong looking bench.

Michail Antonio had a few moments of menace down the left side, as Forest began the game with a 4-4-2 formation, but there was a cagey opening to proceedings – and also a delay of a few minutes while Wilson was treated for what looked like an arm or shoulder injury, that had clearly left him in some discomfort.

The former Celtic man was able to continue and, along with the rest of the Forest defence, was working hard to deny the home side anything more than long range opportunities, with both Tom Lawrence and Paul Green well off target from distance.

Another surging run from Antonio saw him beat the Rotherham defence for pace, before delivering a cross to the far post, where Blackstock bundled an effort wide, as he stretched to connect with a header.

A few minutes later, as the half hour mark approached, the same approach came even closer to carving out a goal, as Antonio again flashed in a cross from the left, this time to pick out Assombalonga at the far post, where the striker prodded wide as he slid in to connect.

Danny Fox had played a couple of lovely balls as he advanced forward from the left back position, but none were better than the cross he delivered to the far post in the 35^th minute – but Assombalonga headed wide, under significant pressure.

Emmanuel Ledesma seemed to have fouled Blackstock on the edge of the centre circle, but referee Richard Clark allowed play to continue and, after exchanging passes, Ledesma smashed a spectacular shot against the bar, from the edge of the box.

The failure to award a free kick had Pearce reacting in fury on the touchline, as he rushed to complain to the assistant referee while, Danny Fox was subsequently shown a yellow card, presumably for taking his protests too far in the aftermath.

Forest had been flat in the first half – and Pearce will have hoped to inspire the kind of improvement witnessed in their last outing, in the second half against Charlton.

And Forest did almost score within a minute of the restart, with Lansbury sending a header just over the bar, following yet another good cross from Antonio. The former Sheffield Wednesday man was easily the Reds' most dangerous player, with the winger winning a corner after shrugging off three men – including Ben Pringle, who was booked for trying to pull him back.

Blackstock did have the ball in the back of the net, powering home a header from a Paterson corner – but striker had pushed his marker in the process and the effort was rightly ruled out.

Ledesma came close again for Rotherham, with another well struck effort from range, this time fizzing a shot wide of Darlow's right hand post, although the keeper did look to have it covered. The keeper had to make an outstanding save to deny the Rotherham man in the 70^th minute, however, blocking with his legs after the striker had connected powerfully with a low shot.

Blackstock, who had worked hard on his first league start of the season, was replaced in the 77^th minute by Tom Ince, with Antonio pushed into a forward role, alongside Assombalonga.

It was defender Lichaj who was the next to threaten, however, as he sent a dipping volley narrowly over the bar in the 80^th minute. A Paterson cross might have led to a goal, but both Antonio and Assombalonga were inches away from making contact in the centre, just a few yards from goal.

A foul on Assombalonga gave Forest a dangerous free kick in the 90^th minute, but Fox sent a curling effort a few feet wide of the target, just as the fourth official signalled that there would be three minutes of added time.

Forest also won a corner deep into injury time, but referee Clark blew the final whistle as they prepared to take it.

Rotherham: Collin, Arnason, Revell, Green, Pringle (Taylor 82), Morgan, Wootton, James, Ledesma (Bowery 86), Smallwood, Lawrence. Subs: Thompson, Skarz, Newton, Brandy, Clark-Harris.

Forest: Darlow, Lichaj, Mancienne, Wilson, Fox, Paterson, Lansbury, Tesche, Antonio, Assombalonga, Blackstock (Ince 77). Subs: De Vries, Fryatt, Lascelles, Hunt, Burke, Osborn.

Referee: Richard Clark (Northumberland):

Attendance: 11,228 (2,608 away)

A FIRE has broken out at the British Sugar factory in Newark.

Nottinghamshire Fire Service was called to the scene at 2.35pm to reports of a blaze in the pellets and cooling building of the site on Muskham Road. 

Six fire crews from across the county went to the scene, including two from Newark fire station, one from Collingham, one from Bingham, one from Retford and one from Tuxford. 

They found the fire was contained within a building measuring 10m x 3m x 3m. 

Specialist appliances have also been called to the scene, along with several fire officers. 

Six breathing apparatus have been used by the service, as well as two from the factory itself, along with three hose reel jets and one main jet.

There was no report of anybody inside the building when the fire broke. 

Nottinghamshire Fire Service said they were still at the scene tackling the blaze shortly before 6pm. 

UPDATE - As of 9pm three fire crews were still in attendance at the scene from Edwinstowe, Retford, Newark. 

We have found this video of old Nottingham on YouTube - but we don't know the date it was filmed.

It shows clips of steam trains at the Victoria Station, the central market, the Council House and the Goose Fair.

What's your favourite past memory of Nottingham? Can you identify when this video was filmed? Let us know in the comments below...

Residents have demanded that new measures be put in place to protect drivers after a man in his 80s was left in a serious condition following a crash in Ravenshead.

It comes only days after Mansfield couple Robert Bowker and Jennifer Hopkinson were killed while driving on the nearby A60.

Earlier today, police attended the scene of a collision on Main Road in the village involving a Daewoo Matiz and a Toyota Ravia 4.

The incident, which took place around midday, closed the road for an hour while police dealt with the aftermath.

Both drivers were taken to hospital where one remains in a serious condition.

The road is less than a ten minute drive away from the scene where Mr Bokwer and Miss Hopkinson collided with a bus.

The section of the road where the crash happened has a 60mph speed limit which drops to 40mph further along the highway. 

It is also where just over a year ago two teenagers were killed in another collision.

Adam Paul Smith, 18, and Guy Bennett, 19, both from the Mansfield area, died after colliding head-on with a van in Main Road on December 1, 2013.

Resident Michelle Harvey's house is a short walk away from where the crash happened.

The 47-year-old said: "We just think it's terrible.

"I've got three daughters, two of them drive and I had a panic when I first heard there was a crash.

"Something needs doing about the traffic especially after what happened on the A60.

"I am just pleased I wasn't here when it happened, I was when Adam and Guy died and it was just too distressing."

Neighbour Wayne Hawkins, 37, says people have been demanding for improvements for a long time.

He added: "The whole road here was closed we couldn't even get into the house."

Nottinghamshire Police have put out an appeal for any witnesses to the crash to come forward. If you saw what happened or have any information call 101.

Tonight's lottery draw was a cool £11.2 million after a Wednesday rollover.

The winning numbers were 18, 33, 30, 48, 34, 38 and the bonus ball was 36.

This week's big money balls were released by supergroup McBusted who were also in the studio to perform for tonight's draw. 

In the Thunderball draw, the top prize was £500,000 and the winning balls were 19, 25, 2, 23, and 16. The Thunderball was 5

Were you a big winner on tonight's lottery draw? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com