HAVING already recently fooled one journalist when insisting, with an utterly straight face, that the somersaulting Robert Tesche's parents were both formerly Olympic gymnasts in Germany, every now and then, it is wise to take some things Stuart Pearce says with a tiny pinch of salt.

And when, prior to his pre-match press conference, the Nottingham Forest boss insists – amid an equally unexpected conversation about some Germanically efficient present wrapping – that he had a Swedish grandmother, you find yourself wondering if there is not just a little bit of gentle leg pulling involved.

But, to fall back on another international stereotype, whether he has roots in Stockholm or not, there is still a certain Scandinavian levelheadedness and calmness to the Londoner.

While some fans have gone from being totally convinced Forest were going to romp to the Championship title during the unbeaten run that kicked off their season, to the polar opposite depths of despair subsequently, during the more recent frustrating stutter, Pearce has remained on an even keel throughout.

While there may often be a dry sense of humour lurking mischievously just beneath the serious veneer, the former England defender knows it is important to retain a sense of perspective.

"My aspiration at the start of the season was to win the league. That desire has not diminished," says Pearce.

"It is amazing, when you smell the atmosphere around the city. When you win a game, you feel as though there is a sense that you can do anything. If you lose a game or draw a game, it can feel as though there is a disaster waiting to happen.

"I am probably the only person around here who cannot live my life like that. If I did, I would not get through Christmas in one piece.

"You cannot live your life like that. I have a long term vision and also a realisation of what is happening in the here and now.

"I would not say I am amused by it. Astounded is more like it. From one win to a defeat, or whatever, it is either doom and gloom or you are the best team in the world. It is quite incredible.

"I always stay away from social media. I might be quite old fashioned, but I like to talk to people to their faces and see what they think."

The latest piece of news to whip up a social media maelstrom is the impending arrival of a transfer embargo.

From January 1 – and probably for the next three transfer windows – Forest will not be allowed to pay transfer fees to sign players.

After breaching Financial Fair Play guidelines Forest, along with tomorrow's opponents Leeds and Blackburn – will have to rely on free transfers and loan signings.

It is next summer that Pearce admits it might have the biggest impact on Forest, at a time when they might have looked to strengthen more significantly again. But he says it is Forest's task to ensure it is irrelevant, by winning a place in the Premier League.

And he hopes that the simple knowledge among the players, that they are largely the group on which Forest must pin their hopes, can have a positive influence.

"It can galvanise the dressing room, because they will know that they are valued. They are all valued in my eyes," says Pearce. "But they will be sitting there now thinking, 'this is us, gentlemen'.

"There will not be a lot of chopping and changing. They will know we are happy with the squad we have got at the moment. There are one or two individuals who we would like to move on, if we can do so. But the players who have made a contribution are valued and we need to ensure they continue to benefit this club.

"If we can improve our squad, we will improve it, by bringing players in on loan. But for this window and maybe the next few windows, we will not be able to bring players into this club in deals where a transfer fee is involved.

"I was aware that this was probably going to be the case. It is a case of just getting on with it, we have got a good squad of players here.

"Beyond that, we will have to work the loan market well and we will have to look for Bosman free transfers as well.

"We know, historically, that the January window is not the easiest time to buy players, because many teams are fighting for promotion or against relegation. But I don't think the implications of this will be as harsh in January as they will be next summer, when we would have liked to have dabbled in the market.

"Credit to the owner, because he put his money into the club and has backed me every time I have asked for players. We just need to be a little bit cuter now.

"In the past we have brought in players likes Burke and Fryatt on free transfers and Tesche as well. So there are good signings to be had."

Pearce is sufficiently relaxed about the embargo situation to insist that he would have joined the club regardless, even if he had known it was coming on the horizon, when he agreed to take the job.

"It would not have influenced my decision to join this club," says Pearce. "This is a wonderful club and my desire was to work in an environment that would inspire me. This is that environment.

"Can I work around these constraints? Of course I can.

"In this window, the situation is not as stark as some people might perceive. Yes, next summer it might make things a little bit tougher.

"But we will see what division we are in next summer.

"The one clear fact is that, if you get into the Premier League, this goes away, at least in the sense that you do not have an embargo. That still is the goal for this club.

"The one thing that wipes the slate clean on that front is winning promotion to the Premier League. So it will become even more important."

And, if it happens, perhaps there really will be some distant strand of the Pearce family tree celebrating in Sweden.

The last Friday before Christmas is often dubbed "Black Friday" with police, medics and firemen are all expecting busy shifts due to the fact it is the most popular night of the year for Christmas parties.

There is usually a rise in the number of people involved in fights, calling police and ambulances and attending Accident and Emergency.

Post reporter Rachel Gorman is spending a shift with the staff at East Midlands ambulance control room, in Nuthall.

Look below for a live list of calls being taken by one team member:

10.11pm: Rapid response paramedic sent to 21-year-old woman in Carlton experiencing breathing difficulties at home.

10.21pm: Life line call on behalf of 93-year-old man in Radcliffe-on-Trent with sickness and diarrhea. Ambulance to take man to hospital.

10.31pm: Paramedic sent out in fast response car to three-months-old baby in New Basford who was losing consciousness. 

10.51pm: Two ambulances sent to 95-year-old in cardiac arrest in Leicester. 

11.11pm: Woman calls after returning to her Nottingham home to find stranger laid up against garage doors.

11.58pm: 111 operator calling on behalf of a 96-year-old in Lincoln who banged her head and needed the inch-long cut gluing.

0.10am: Ambulance sent to 23-year-old woman of Langar whose brother called following a suspected drink spiking. 

0.26am: Call from driver in Coalville who has seen a man passed out on the road.

0.27am: Twenty-two-year from Beeston having breathing difficulties following asthma attack - ambulance sent.

0.30am : Twenty-year-old needed ambulance are suspected drink spiking in Nottingham city centre.

0.34am: Diabetic 87-year-old reporting high blood sugar in Leicester.

0.35am: Driver, 30, treated for whiplash following crash in Nottingham city centre.

0.39am: Fight in Lincoln nightclub results in teenager needing attention for suspected dislocated hip.

1.03am: Possible heart attack with 52-year-old man reporting chest pains in Leicester.

1.10am: NHS 111 calling on behalf of 93-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease who was having breathing difficulties in Beeston.

1.19am: Thirty-nine-year-old with colon condition complaining of severe abdominal pain in Northampton.

1.20am: Elderly man, 72, cut leg following fall in bathroom in Doncaster.

1.25am: Life line call update on 76-year-old-man who fell and was unconscious for an unknown amount of time.

1.33am: Thirty-six-year-old self harming woman in Grimsby.

YOU swing your left foot in front of your right, then your right foot in front of your left and repeat the process until you reach your destination.

It's called walking – which, depending on your health and general state of mind, can be anything from a chore to a joy.

It's more likely to be a joy when it's done on springy turf in bright weather, say devotees like John Aram, chairman of Long Eaton Rambling Club.

"I've always done a bit of rambling, ever since I was associated with the Scouts," says the 74-year-old from Acton Road, Long Eaton.

"Like a lot of people, though, I didn't take it up seriously until later in life, when I was looking for something different to do to stay fit."

John and wife Vivien, 65, are regulars on club walks, most of which are in the Derbyshire Dales.

"I enjoy the walking, the countryside and the company," he says. "When you are younger, you have football and the gym – but once you've got to the stage where you don't want to run, walking is ideal."

It's a theme taken up this weekend by The Ramblers, which in 2009 became the new name for the Ramblers' Association – part of a change of image that reflected the organisation's evolving demographic.

Think Ramblers' Association and you may think hearty middle-class and invariably white pensioners in baggy shorts and loud anoraks sharing butties on the banks of the Dove.

However, a survey of 6,000 members revealed a shift towards a younger and more ethnically diverse membership. Hence the cooler image and an invitation to the uninitiated of all backgrounds to join experienced hands in the multi-ramble Festival of Winter Walks, starting locally tomorrow. You don't have North Face waterproofs or Berghaus boots? You'll still be very welcome if you are dressed and booted for the weather.

Says Ramblers chief executive Benedict Southworth: "Walking is great at any time of the year. We're spoiled by our dramatic coastlines, rolling hills and stunning views – but there is nothing quite like wrapping up warm and heading out with family and friends to explore Britain at its wintry best.

"Our walks during the festival are free, fun and open to everyone – so put on your hat and scarf and join us as we head out into the crisp, clear winter."

Or perhaps the damp, grey winter. Either way, it's a chance to...

Keep fit and pep your cardiovascular system without breaking too much sweat.

Learn more about the countryside, fieldcraft and rights of way.

Make new friends.

Ramblers' official groups like those in Nottingham, Broxtowe, Rushcliffe, Southwell, Newark and the Vale of Belvoir are not the only local walking organisations.

Of course, plenty of walkers prefer to go solo, or to enjoy the day just with a partner or a small group of friends. But rambling groups offer companionship for individuals who need it and a secure environment for single women who might not wish to walk on their own.

There are Ramblers-affiliated groups like Nottingham Wayfarers and John Aram's Long Eaton Rambling Club, plus Notts Footpaths Preservation Society and the branches of the Holiday Fellowship (HF).

Some clubs are specialist, like Footloose First, formed for single people – although it now has couples – and Bootlace Buddies, which is for singles in their fifties and sixties.

Details of their walks appear every Friday in the Post's free entertainment guide EG.

But it's the Ramblers that has the clout of a charity with an 80-year history of national campaigning for countryside access and walkers' rights.

And it is the Ramblers who use the Festival of Winter Walks to encourage newcomers to experience the views they don't see from a car and the challenges of obstacles such as greasy limestone, rotted stiles and fresh cowpats.

The first of the local festival walks take place tomorrow.

One of them, a testing 11-miler from Collingham, will be led by the Vale of Belvoir Ramblers. Membership secretary Sue Cobley says: "This one is for fitter people who have a decent pair of boots and some waterproofs to get into."

Sue, who turned to rambling ten years ago as she prepared for retirement as a teacher, and who now helps run a branch of 105 walkers, will be leading a shorter festival walk from Frisby-on-the-Wreake on Sunday, December 28 (see panel for details).

"We get 18 to 20 members on an average walk and they are from all sorts of backgrounds," she says. "If people like the experience and want to walk with us two or three times, we'd be happy to invite them to become members."

For more information, visit www.ramblers.org.uk

BRYAN Schmidt says Nottingham Panthers must raise their game significantly when they take on Fife Flyers and Cardiff Devils this weekend.

The Panthers were caught cold by Belfast Giants last time out on the way to a 6-3 defeat.

The Giants had been in something of a rut of results, as are the Flyers, who lost 7-2 to Panthers in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals last week.

But defenceman Schmidt says complacency is not an option at the National Ice Centre tonight (7pm) before going to Wales to take on a Cardiff team which is gate-crashing the Elite League title race.

He said: "Fife are a good team still. They'll want to come back at us having beaten them 7-2.

"It's up to us to play hard. We got kind of embarrassed by Belfast.

"We've got to get back on the right trail and start doing better. No matter how good or bad Cardiff are playing, they're always a tough team.

"With that small rink and big guys it's tough. They hit a lot and come at you.

"We've really got to raise our game. Corey (coach Corey Neilson) tells us that if you can win in Cardiff that's a big thing.

"It's up and down at the moment for us. That's professional sports.

"We've got to find our momentum by working hard and doing the right things on the ice."

The 33-year-old former Manchester Monarchs D-man was frustrated by Panthers' slow start against Belfast as they won the physical battle last Sunday.

"After having one game over the weekend we should have come out hard and we didn't. It was 2-0 because they came out hard. They were hitting bodies and taking the puck," he said.

"We couldn't get on the ice before the game to skate, but as a professional you've got to adjust.

"Nottingham has such great events on at the arena so we have to deal with it."

"Belfast had a game the night before so we should have had more energy regardless.

"We wanted to jump up on them because we knew they had a tough game the night before. It was a bit of a demoraliser to get back to 2-1 and then they keep getting ahead.

"You see the bench going down a little bit but we have to find a way to get through it. We needed to get momentum back by hitting them on the forecheck. It didn't work out that way.

"The power play picked it up. It was a really nice play for Brucie's (Bruce Graham) goal.

"We had a nice vibe on five on four and five on three but we've got to get better still."

NOTTINGHAM Forest will look to usher more players out of the exit in January – but will not sell their prize assets, says boss Stuart Pearce.

The Reds will make a fresh effort to move high-earning fringe players such as Djamel Abdoun, Danny Collins and Greg Halford out of the club permanently after January 1.

But Pearce insists the club will not move on any players who have a key role to play.

Top scorer Britt Assombalonga has already proved value for money, even at £5.5m, having bagged 12 goals.

While Michail Antonio and Michael Mancienne have also made a big impact.

But Pearce says Forest must hang onto their better players.

"From what I can tell, I don't believe that even selling a player for a vast amount of money would suddenly take us out of the embargo we are in," said Pearce.

"It is key to us, at the moment, to make sure our key assets stay here.

"I have been at pains to say that since I walked through the door. Anything else would be counter-productive to the club and everyone connected with it.

"It is not the way forward. We have to treasure what we have got, we have to treasure the assets we have here.

"You do need a good squad to see you through the season, through a cup campaign and a league campaign. We will go and have a look in the loan market, to see what is available for us in January.

"We will look to see if we can bring in a couple of players to help us.

"And there might be a couple of players in the squad who might need to go out, because they have not played a lot of football.

"They might need to go and play first team football somewhere else."

"When I came in last summer, the squad was too big. It had to be leaner and more competitive.

"If you ask me, at any time, if I am content with what we have got, the answer will be no, because you never can be. You are always looking at how you can improve."

As the end of the year approaches, Pearce says his goal for 2015 is simple.

"I hope we continue to improve in 2015, as a team. The aim is to get promotion into the Premier League. That is why I have been brought to the club," he said.

"I hope that we continue to galvanise the club and make it a harmonious place to work in.

"We have the foundations in place for that. The fans and staff feel more engaged, I think. Those things have been improved, but we have to continue that."

STUART Pearce admits he had a soft spot for Leeds United as a youngster – but will not be looking to do them any favours today.

While there has been a long standing rivalry between Nottingham Forest and the Yorkshire club, boss Pearce visited Elland Road as a youngster and retains an affinity for them now.

"I was a QPR fan as a kid, but I also had many friends who were Leeds fans and I went to Elland Road quite a few times, during their glory days," said Pearce. "I have a soft spot for them.

"But every time we play it is an opportunity to close the gap on the top six and the top two.

"This is a big game, there will be a bumper crowd there and it is on TV, so we hope it will be a great game for us.

"Leeds are a bit hit and miss, they are going through a period of chop and change. They have changed managers a few times. They are in a similar embargo situation to ourselves. But they beat Derby 2-0 recently."

Pearce says the only objective for Forest against Neil Redfearn's (pictured) side is three points.

"You look at the league table and we are nine points off top spot. You just have to win the next game," he said. "That is all you can do. You win the next game and hope to make the gap smaller.

"We have a few games coming quickly over the Christmas period.

"Anyone who puts a run together between now and the end of the season has a realistic chance of getting promoted.

"I don't think this is a 'got to win' game. I have an eye on where we are in the league and our form – home and away. But, whatever your thinking is, the one thing that doesn't change is that you are always looking to win your next game."

FRUSTRATING. That's the word I would use to best describe England's Champions Trophy campaign.

We started so brightly in Bhubaneswar, India, topping Pool A after beating world No.1s Australia 3-1 in our opener, and then following it up with an 8-2 victory over Pakistan.

A 1-1 draw against Belgium in our final group game flung us against Germany in the knockout quarter-final.

We lost 2-0, though controlled large parts of the match – something English teams have not managed against the top sides in recent encounters, so the more experienced players told me.

It was the Germans who went onto win the whole competition, beating Pakistan 2-0.

So while we came seventh in the tournament, there were still reasons to be positive.

As coach Bobby Crutchley told us in our debriefing session, if it had been a league all the way through we would have come second or third.

It was just really deflating to begin so impressively and then finish by battling in a seventh-place play-off, especially after winning bronze at the Commonwealth Games in our last major tournament.

And to add to our disappointing mood, quite a few of the squad – including me – contracted food poisoning.

It made for a rather interesting flight home, the old Delhi belly, to end what was an extremely well-hosted event.

It was incredible to see how fervent the locals were about their hockey, and the amazing atmosphere they were able to generate.

Now we will have a couple of weeks off, and I'll go back to south Norfolk to spend Christmas with my family before heading back to Beeston for some Indoor Hockey 5s Championships action from January 4.

Even though it is time away from the pitch I'll still be keeping fit by going to the gym.

Next year is going to be a big one for English – and Beeston – hockey, and to make it as successful as possible think of me working out while you enjoy those mince pies and port. Hopefully it will be worth it.

NOW: Pensions are one of the UK's leading auto enrolment pension providers and the proud partner of England and Great Britain Men's Hockey. Follow @NOWhockey or go www.nowpensions.com

NOTTINGHAM Forest's players will train on Christmas Day, before heading off to spend the night in Middlesbrough, prior to their Boxing Day clash in the north-east.

But manager Stuart Pearce (pictured) will give the squad the chance to spend most of the day with their families.

The City Ground will be opened up for the players to train under the floodlights, before making the journey north.

"We will train on Christmas Day, in the evening, before travelling to stop overnight close to Middlesbrough," said Pearce.

"If you look at the downsides of being a pro footballer, probably the only one is having to be away from your family at Christmas, a little.

"But I will do everything I can to ensure that the players are with their families as much as possible, over Christmas.

"I could have the players in on Christmas morning to train, but I would rather let them have time with their families. But we will not compromise on our preparation, so we will meet at 5pm and train."

Forest face Birmingham at home on December 28 to round off a flurry of festive games that starts against Leeds today.

"Footballers are prepared very well, we are in good shape. We might freshen things up after the Boxing Day game, we will see how the players are afterwards," said Pearce.

NO ONE can accuse Jeanette Pearson and Amy Phipps of being work-shy.

The mum and daughter team have spent the last 22 months building a children's soft-play area in Ruddington– by hand.

Amy, who is mum to five-year-old Aaliyah, joined forces with her former school cook mum to open Dizzy Rascalz, in Brookside Road, last month and the new entrepreneurs say business has been steady so far.

Twenty-five-year-old Amy told the Post the pair were inspired to set up the play area following an off-the-cuff joke with her stepdad Dave.

She said: "He owns the garage next door and I joked that he should turn the empty building into a play area for Aaliyah so she'd have somewhere to run around.

"Well, he turned the tables on me and said why didn't I do it with mum and the rest is history.

"It has been a lot of hard graft – especially as we've built the whole thing ourselves out of scaffolding – but we are very proud of what we have achieved."

The centre is open every day until 6pm, from 9.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am on Sunday.

Children up to 148cm tall are welcome to play on the four slides, ball pit and dizzy discs – which the play area is named after.

Amy said: "I think there is a market for it here. I moved to Ruddington four years ago and found I was having to travel across Nottingham to find a soft-play area for Aaliyah.

"Now she is at school full-time but she comes here to have a play afterwards, so it is ideal for me."

After Christmas, the pair hope to start hosting coffee mornings and parent groups.

Jeanette, 51, who is in charge of the play area's cafe, said: "I was a kitchen assistant at the bistro of Nottingham Academy's sixth form, so I've had lots of experience, but we are still finding our feet with the business.

"It was a lot of hard work – we were here weekends while working full-time – but it is a great new adventure for us."

The cost for under-fours is £3.50 for two hours and £4.50 for older children.

It is not a nursery but a fun play area where parents or guardians supervise their own children. However, there are four other staff to keep an eye on things.

Amy's stepdad, Dave, 51, said: "We have worked hard, all of us. The building started out as a factory unit that was covered in oil and dirty, so it really has come a long way.

"Every Saturday we have been plugging away, so we are all really proud it's now finished.

"I'll do a bit of maintenance on it every now and then but I have a full-time job, so it's the girls' project now – Amy's really.

"She is young enough to make a real go out it and make some money for herself and her daughter, who is why it all started in the first place."

BOYS and girls across the UK will wake up early on December 25 and run excitedly downstairs to see what Santa Claus has left for them.

But for other families around the world, the festivities will have their own twist. While the heart of the holiday remains the same, cultural traditions differ widely across the globe.

Francesca Bratley, who grew up in the Italian city of Naples, said Christmas there had its own unique routines. While the Christmas tree is a significant symbol here in Britain, the nativity scene holds the most importance in Italy.

The 60-year-old, who has lived in Bingham since she was 22, said: "We still have Christmas trees but the nativity scene is very important.

"Every household will have its own nativity scene, perhaps made out of cardboard, which is called the 'presepe'.

"At midnight on Christmas Eve, the baby Jesus will be put inside the manger."

Just as in England, a Christmas meal with all the family is an important part of the festive season in Italy. But the Italians like to start early – and have their own unique menu.

Francesca said: "Christmas Eve is very important in Italy. Families gather for a big meal of fish at night time.

"On Christmas Day, we have another big meal but we have capon, which is a chicken, and our version of the Christmas pudding – panettone."

January 6 is also an important date for the Italians. Commonly known as the Epiphany, it is the date when the three kings are said to have arrived at the stable.

Francesca added: "We have the Befana, who comes overnight on January 5. She is an old lady who travels on a broomstick and brings more presents for the children."

In Italy, there are even differences depending on where you live – with the north and south offering their own traditions.

Arturo Sala, 80, moved to Nottingham from Como, near Milan, in the north of Italy, more than 50 years ago.

He said: "The north of Italy has its own ways of preparing the food, and slightly different traditions.

"We usually have tripe on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, we also have capon but this is followed by ravioli. We also have a starter of antipasti, with salami and proscuitto.

"After the meal, we all sit down together and play tombola – an Italian game which is a bit like bingo."

Wherever in the world you are, Christmas will never be exactly the same. So when you sit down to your turkey dinner on Thursday, take a moment to remember how other countries are marking the festive day.

BRYER Wheatley has targeted Olympic success and a pathway to professional boxing after being crowned junior national champion.

The exciting teenage prospect secured a terrific win in the Class B U54kgs final in Kent last week, earning a split decision over Ollie Hood.

It was a wonderful performance by the 16-year-old (pictured), who boxes out of Marcellus Baz's Nottingham School of Boxing and has been tipped to have a bright future.

Wheatley said he was thrilled to take the decision and dedicated the success to his brother Reece.

"He has been in my corner for all my fights and this was for him and Baz who has done so much for me as well," he said.

"Although it was a split decision, I actually thought it was unanimous because I felt very good and strong in the ring.

"When my hand was lifted I was very proud of what I achieved.

"Boxing has done so much for me and I really want to make a go of it.

"I want to go to the Olympics and win there and also would love to have a world title around my waist one day – that's the dream I have."

The story of Wheatley's rise to prominence is a remarkable one and it is a testament to Baz's school of boxing which has a fine record of helping children with disciplinary issues.

Wheatley was excluded ten times by the Top Valley Academy because of problems with his anger.

Leaving school with no GCSEs and a bleak future, Baz learned of his problems and took him to his gym.

He has since secured him a bricklaying apprenticeship and Wheatley is taking his GCSEs in English and Maths.

"What he has done for me is unbelievable," said Wheatley.

"I had problems with anger, I was excluded from school.

"I literally had no social skills, but he has helped change all that for me.

"I'm in a much better place now thanks to him.

"I've got my bricklaying apprenticeship which I am really enjoying and I'm doing my GCSEs because obviously I didn't do them at school.

"But through boxing and Baz's guidance, everything has come good."

Wheatley's dad, Alan, was proud of his son's achievements even though he didn't go to watch him box because of superstition.

"Each time I have watched him, he has lost," he said.

"So I didn't go and my wife, Helen, went instead.

"He boxed 20th so as you can imagine it was a long, long, wait. But when my wife rang and was in tears, I knew he had done it.

"I can't begin to tell you how proud I am. You never know I could have a future world champion living in the house.

"What Baz has done with him has been amazing though because there was no question had he not gone to his school, he would be on the streets.

"But now he is a national champion, he has a bricklaying apprenticeship, and I cannot thank him enough."

LEE Beevers says he feels under no extra pressure when it comes to trying to impress boss Adam Murray.

Since taking charge at Mansfield Town, Murray has warned that those players who do not meet his standards face being moved on in January.

For Beevers and his team-mates though, the desire to prove themselves is a permanent one.

"Subconsciously, I think every player is like that; no matter if the manager says it or not," said the Stags defender (pictured).

"Players are always fighting to get in the shop window, whether it's to progress at the club you're currently at and get another contract, or put themselves in the shop window to move on.

"Everyone is always striving to do their best and try to step up to the mark.

"I've never sat back and thought, 'I'm comfortable because I've got a two-year contract or a three-year contract'.

"I've always wanted to progress and do the best I can at that particular time."

BAD Boyz Boxing Gym were left celebrating another stellar amateur show as six of their fighters all recorded victories.

Held at the Notts County Sports Bar, Meadow Lane, the amateur club, led by former pro Errol McDonald, saw a string of impressive performances on the night.

On what was a sell-out occasion, Gary Manor led the way as he defended his Men's Elite Light Heavyweight belt against the highly-rated Jamal Ledoux from Impact ABC.

Ryan Amos also claimed a Central England belt as he took on the present National Development Champion Alex Wilson Fearon for the vacant men's Middleweight title.

Other quality performances on the night saw Joel Wilson stop Andy Green in the first round of their contest.

Derek Mutsunge took a unanimous verdict over Richard Herrick of the X Box Worksop Boxing Academy ABC.

There were similar unanimous verdicts for Josh Armstrong, who overcame Sergei Fomin of Wisbech ABC.

Akim Douglas also breezed past Brad Park of the South Derbyshire Boxing Academy ABC.

Janet Vitti, who helped organise the show, said: "All the bouts were full of high quality boxing.

"It was a sell-out and everybody had a fabulous night.

"We've got another show in March planned and hopefully it will be as successful as this one."

MANSFIELD Town midfielder Jack Thomas has joined Hednesford Town on a month-long loan.

The 18-year-old, who has formerly skippered the Stags' youth team, is eligible to go into the Pit Men's squad for their home fixture against Gainsborough Trinity in the Conference North today.

Manager Adam Murray said: "I have worked closely with Jack over the last few years and he is somebody who I rate very highly.

"At the minute, I don't believe it is the right time, with the position in which he plays, to give him the responsibility of a first 11 place in our team.

"He is somebody who I see being part of Mansfield Town in future years and the continued run of competitive game time over the next month will be huge in his development."

RAVENSHEAD'S Chris Adcock and his wife Gabby's hopes of making it to the latter stages of the $1m Dubai World Superseries Finals hang by a thread, after a second group stage defeat.

England's No.1 mixed doubles pair were beaten by Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei, China's top seeds, 21-14 21-17.

The decorated Chinese pair had a 7-1 winning record over the Adcocks before the second group clash, which lasted 40 minutes.

The Adcocks play Germany's Michael Fuchs and Birgit Michels in their last group game.

HIT & Miss won a Premier League top-of-the-table clash against Basford Mill in the eight-a-side Indoor Cricket League at Bar Lane Community Centre in Basford.

Basford (pictured) won the toss and chose to bowl, the league leaders keeping Hit & Miss down to just 76 runs.

It put Basford in a good position to win the match.

But Hit & Miss kept Basford out of the game, restricting them to scoring a disappointing 49 runs.

Wicket keeper Robert Shead and Luke Gunn had outstanding games, controlling the field throughout their 16 overs.

Hit & Miss' Justin Graham was yet again named man of the match and the win moves them two points clear at the top of the table.

Third-placed Freakezoids won two matches to stay in contention for the league, beating Bitter & Twisted by 122 runs and BAPS by 40 runs.

Kashmir All-Stars also took on BAPs, beating them by 123 runs.

In Division One, second-placed Keyworth CC took on third-placed Thrumpton.

Keyworth needed a win to keep the challenge up on league leaders Apperknowle.

But an in-form Thrumpton came out on top with a 31-run victory, leaving them just one point below their opponents.

Thrumpton's Josh Scully was named man of the match for his excellent all-round effort.

League leaders Apperknowle extended their lead by 11 points with a fine win over Basford Manor.

Ruddington recorded their fifth victory of the season against Old Lions, securing a 22-run win which keeps them off the bottom of the table.

In Division Two, Goosedale avenged defeat by Ashby BT in early November by winning the return match 113-72.

The emphatic victory was set up by all the Goosedale batting partnerships playing well to post a challenging total of 113 for Ashby to chase.

Sam Kutty top scored with 22 runs with the bat.

Ashby's first three pairs struggled to put on scores in their partnerships, scoring just 39 between them.

But the last pair of Sam Perkins and Craig Smithson put some respectability to their total of 72 by scoring 33 runs.

It was a great all-round performance from Goosedale, especially with the ball in the field where George Unwin and Jack Etches took three wickets and Gurman Heran took two.

Meadows took on Lincolnshire Poachers and easily came out on top, winning by 151-71 runs.

In Division Three, there was a nail-biting finish in a clash between league leaders Duanes World and Royal Challengers Bluecoat.

The match came down to the penultimate over of Duanes Worlds' innings and skipper Carl Blake and Steve Cragg saw the league leaders home with a match-winning partnership of 36 as they won by four runs.

It was a great effort from Bluecoat, who still earned two points in defeat.

SHAUN Derry admits Notts County's remarkable start to the season has not altered his aim of reaching the 50-point barrier and league safety.

The Magpies head to Rochdale today knowing they can leapfrog their opponents into the top six.

Notts have defied all expectation this season, which began with some pundits tipping them for relegation.

And the Notts boss (pictured) says although his side are in the race at the top end of the table, his objective is unchanged.

"My main aim is to get to 50-51 points," he said.

"As soon as we can get there, then we can begin to look forward.

"But to reach that point, there is still a lot of hard work to do.

"We are on 30 points at the moment and we need to get to 50 as soon as we can."

After finishing just above the relegation zone last season, Derry cited progress as his main ambition this term.

But, having seen his team soar towards the summit of League One, he concedes his new-look squad is well ahead of schedule.

"We are a great deal ahead of where I thought we would be," he said.

"Those who expected us to be in the top six before the season started, well, I would have called them mad.

"But we are and we embrace it.

"It has to be a driving force for us because this is where we want to be.

"Every player wants to be fighting at the top end of the table and certainly not the bottom."

For many people, tucking into a turkey dinner is the highlight of Christmas day.

But Caroline Greaves is looking forward to a festive dinner with all the trimmings more than most.

Because this time last year, the 46-year-old was recovering from gruelling treatment for stage four cancer of the tonsil, a rare type of the illness.

The cancer attacked her tonsils, lymph nodes and saliva glands and even now she says her taste buds are not the same.

And it is not just the culinary delights Caroline has to be thankful for - she never thought she would even make it to last Christmas.

Harsh radiotherapy and chemotherapy burned her throat and she still struggles to eat.

But she is looking forward to tasting some festive fare, including carrots and peas, and especially roast potatoes and the sausage part of pigs in blankets.

Caroline said: "I know I won't be able to eat all of it.

"I can eat some vegetables, but last year I couldn't eat a single thing.

"I couldn't even swallow water, so this year Christmas has a whole new feeling about it."

Caroline, who is married to Damian, 44, and mum to nine-year-old Ben, added: "We didn't even know I was going to make it to last Christmas.

"Last Christmas was a godsend that I was still alive.

"I put up with the fact I couldn't eat."

Caroline, a hairdresser who previously managed B&Q stores in various places including Nottingham and Mansfield, was diagnosed in April 2013.

She had diagnosed her own cancer using the internet after six weeks of being treated with antibiotics for an infection.

She then underwent eight weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Caroline, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, is fed through a peg in her stomach and says she has dropped from a size 14 to size 10.

She even injected wine through the peg last Christmas.

But this year she is looking forward to a tipple on her lips.

Last January, Caroline had an operation at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre to have her throat stretched.

But as she now can't produce saliva, she says mayonnaise has become "my best friend".

Caroline, who says even Christmas puddings and trifles taste "disgusting" due to the change in her taste buds, will have another operation next month to stretch her throat again.

Husband Damian, a HGV driver, shared Caroline's joy, saying: "It's going to be like all our Christmases in one, it's going to be awesome."

A dozen of Caroline's friends and family have posed for a cheeky charity Christmas calendar in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman, said: "Caroline is an amazing lady and an inspiration to us all.

"We'd like to thank her and her gang of volunteers for helping us raise money through this fantastic calendar.

"Our aim is that one day everyone will beat this devastating disease and the more research we fund, the sooner that day will come."

<hr>

Caroline's close male family and friends are baring all for a charity calendar.

The cheeky group, including Caroline's husband Damian, almost stripped off to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Inspired by the name Caroline gave her cancer, Bob, to conceal the word from her son, the 'Bits Butts No Bobs' calendar has been put together by Caroline's close friends who also helped with an extremely successful summer barbecue where she raised £6,000 for the charity.

Caroline said: "Although I'm still recovering from the treatment I'm now in remission and I'm determined to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK so that more people can survive.

"I know that I'm only here today because of research that's why me and my friends are doing all we can to sell these calendars."

The calendars cost £5 and are available in local B&Q stores, from www.justgiving.com/BBQer-Caroline-Greaves/ or by emailing claremurphy00@gmail.com

Any shops that would like to sell some calendars would also be welcome to get in touch.

BURNLEY may possibly be the most unglamorous, down to earth side to have graced the Premier League but, for Danny Fox, they are also the example to follow.

The Forest defender may be a touch biased – he once claimed making his Burnley debut was his 'best day in football'.

And the 28-year-old went on to become a first team regular for the Lancashire club, during their last spell in the top flight.

But, as he looks to secure another big day, in the form of a Premier League promotion party with his current club, it is Sean Dyche's Clarets who Fox feels have carved out the path the Reds must now follow.

The job Dyche has done at Turf Moor is impressive. But their success was not one brought with a cheque book, but one instead earned through simple hard graft.

At Forest, there has been no shortage of ambitious spending over the last few seasons – and Fox is convinced that, as a result, Stuart Pearce now has one of the strongest squads outside of the top flight.

But, while that may be true, he believes that the blood, sweat and tears ethos that stood the Clarets in good stead is what is required now, at the City Ground.

"Consistency wins you promotion out of this league. You only have to look at Burnley last season," said Fox, who will stand out in front of the television cameras today, having dyed his beard yellow in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation charity.

"They were a mile away from being the best team in the league, but they still won promotion. They had togetherness, they had people up front who could score goals and they kept clean sheets at the back.

"They only used a handful of players for most of the season and that is something that can help, when it comes to finding that consistency.

"If we can keep the nucleus of the squad fit, when I look back at Burnley, I do not see any reason why we cannot get out of the league."

A run of just two wins in 14 matches may not promote huge confidence of that. But Forest are up against a Leeds side who have won only two of 13 matches themselves.

And Fox remains convinced that there were positives to be taken from the 0-0 draw at Rotherham last weekend.

"The clean sheet was massive for us. Karl Darlow has kept us in the game plenty of times this season and sometimes we have let him down, with what we have done in front him," said Fox. "But the back four and Darlow have been consistent over the last few games. If we can eradicate the daft mistakes we had been making, we will be okay.

"We have got a very good squad, the gaffer invested well in different areas, when you look at the likes of Britt, Michail, Robert Tesche - who has come in and done really well.

"Mancienne has done well as the stand in skipper, Jack Hunt has done well...the gaffer has invested wisely. We are unfortunate to have the likes of Chris Cohen out for such a long time, but Hobbs and Reidy are nearing full fitness now, which will be a boost."

And Fox says Forest must look to get back to the kind of performance levels that helped them to start the season with an encouraging unbeaten run.

"We have the same squad, basically, that we had at the start of the season, when we started really well," he said.

"We were flying high. I know we have had an indifferent run since then, but the Christmas period can often change things. The games come thick and fast.

"We have three games in a short space of time and, if we can pick up three good results – and ideally three wins – they we can move up the league.

"If you look at the teams who have had good runs and what it has done for them – with Bournemouth being the prime example – I don't see why we cannot go on a run. We have the squad to do it.

"We were disappointed not to win at Rotherham, but they are a very efficient team. They go about their business in the right way. I don't think many teams will win there, for the rest of the season. We did not create a clear cut chance – but we did have quite a few where we came close.

"But I don't think they looked like scoring, other than when they hit the bar. And there was a foul on Dex in the build up to that, before the referee then almost got an assist when he got in the way of a pass from Henri Lansbury. I got booked after that for dissent, I think..."

The only yellow Fox will hope to see this afternoon will, unusually, be on his own face.

The defender jokingly admits he needs to produce a good performance against Leeds, if only because he will stand out like a sore thumb, due to his facial hair.

But, it is all for a good cause and Fox hopes to enlist the help of his team mates to raise as much cash as possible.

"I am sure the lads will take the mickey, but some of them can't even grow a moustache, never mind a beard, so I will remind them of that," he said.

In the meantime, it is the man with the most famous beard in the Premier League, Burnley's own ginger Mourinho, Dyche, who has set the example Fox believes Forest must now follow, if they too want to plot a course to succes in the Championship.

CITY academies have criticised plans to charge schools £15,000 for each student they exclude following a sharp rise in numbers.

In the last full school year, 94 students at primary and secondary schools in Nottingham were excluded – up by 55 on the previous year.

The city council is now seeking to re-introduce charging £14,900 after every second permanent exclusion from any school. The money collected would be used by the council to set up and fund further provisions for excluded students.

Since 2009, Djanogly City Academy has excluded 58 students, including 12 last year and eight so far this term.

Principal Dave Hooker said: "I would be against paying it and would be advising directors of the trust not to pay it. "This charge can be up to four times as much as a school receives in yearly funding for each pupil. from the Education Funding Agency. This means that by applying this exclusion charge, the council is effectively taking funding away from well-behaved students. This is a situation we do not believe is fair or sustainable as we work hard to make the academy an outstanding school."

The academy was placed in special measure by schools watchdog Ofsted last year but during the latest inspection this month it found that "the new academy leadership team have brought about significant, rapid improvement across the academy".

The number of exclusions in all primary and secondary schools this year is 40. Last year, 13/14 if the charge had been in place, the amount recovered from schools would have been £715,200. In the 2012-13 school year, the money recovered by the council was £178,800 for 27 exclusions. The charge was then scrapped due to changes in school funding.

Bulwell Academy has been named by the council as having excluded the second most students, with 34 since 2009.

Principal Paul Halcro said: "I think that if schools were told what the money was used for, it would be better. We want to work with the local authority and other schools in the area and we do not want to exclude anyone but unfortunately sometimes it is the only option to maintain high standards."

The council's schools forum was due to discuss reintroducing the charge on Thursday but members pushed back the decision until next year.

Principal Peter Brown, at Top Valley Academy, which has excluded 19 students in the past five years, said: "Almost £15,000 per student is a huge amount of money. Our intention is to always keep exclusions to a minimum but cost is never a factor and we always do what is best for the school. "We are not keen to pay nearly £15,000 per student but this would not prevent us from excluding a pupil if it had to come to that. I am not in favour of the cost but I do also understand there is a cost involved to educate those that have been excluded."

Pat Fielding, director of education for the city council, said: "This item was removed from the agenda ahead of the meeting so that we can do more work on the proposal. We plan to have it on the agenda in the New Year at the request of members of the Schools Forum, where it can be debated more comprehensively." To see a breakdown of exclusions from city schools visit click here.