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.

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.

Police were called in to help manage traffic flow while fire crews put out a car blaze in Long Eaton.

The incident occurred at around 5.10pm on Saturday October 11 at the roundabout of Derby Road and Wilsthorpe Road. 

The service had received several calls from concerned passers-by.

Police and fire crews left the scene at 5.28pm.

A lorry, carrying 9,000 litres of milk, has caught fire on the A46 near Cotgave.

An unknown amount of other liquid was also found at the incident between Owthorpe and Stragglethorpe on Sunday October 12.

Good multiagency work ongoing on A46 near Cotgrave. Road closed due to serious lorry fire. pic.twitter.com/Y9FVBZuvmk

— CFO John Buckley (@nottsfire_CFO) October 12, 2014

Fire crews have been at the scene since 5.09am this morning along with environmental health officers and the police.

The road Northbound between Owthorpe and Stragglethorpe is currently closed to traffic.

BOASTS about low food miles are not exclusive to farm shops and swanky delis. Lay-by mobile snacks bars are also on trend when it comes to reducing carbon footprints.

"They're Chambers, from Arnold," says Pauline Williams when I compliment her on the quality of the bangers at Casey's Snack Bar.

These are not the usual transport caff fare – poor-quality, salty sausages that are deep-fried in a bid to disguise their lack of flavour.

No, these are meaty, rough-chopped specimens and two of them, each slit lengthways, make a perfect breakfast bap filling when whipped off the griddle by Pauline's tongs-toting husband Reg.

"And all our bread is from Adkins – we get everything we can from local sources," she adds while waiting for the next trucker to pull up for a sausage cob or a £4.95 breakfast in a tray with cup of tea.

Reg and Pauline Williams have bagged one of the best mobile catering pitches in Notts – the long, broad lay-by off the A612 between Bulcote and Lowdham.

You can pack a lot of 40-tonne rigs on the Tarmac and still leave room for tradesmen's vans and private cars.

"And we get a lot of private drivers on their way into work in Nottingham," says Pauline, 55. The theory is that chaps put up with a cereal or squirrel-food breakfast at home – but stop at Bulcote for something more interesting, probably with a squirt of brown sauce.

The Williamses are new to the lay-by, but not to catering. Reg, 59, from the picture-book Herefordshire village of Weobley, trained as a chef in the Welsh Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells while studying catering at Newtown College.

He and Pauline met in Newark, where they still live and together they worked for major outdoor catering firms like Express Cafes and MPM.

"We did Crufts, Burghley, the Southampton Boat Show, the royal wedding," says Pauline.

"At the royal wedding I made Page 3 of The Sun. You could just see me in a picture taken outside Buckingham Palace. We were serving salmon baguettes and proper coffee."

This year, the couple decided to go it alone with Casey's Snack Bar.

Casey? She is the Williamses' little granddaughter and she is reportedly thrilled to have a mobile catering operation named in her honour.

"It was the travelling – we wanted to do something closer to home," says Pauline.

With the old catering van moving out this summer, the couple sought the necessary permission from Newark and Sherwood District Council and invested in their trailer, which remains a work in progress: "We went to an auction in Sutton-in-Ashfield, bought it for £950 and then gutted it and did it up. We must have spent £3,500."

Inside there is just enough elbow room for two, plus counter griddle, two-bowl sink, chilled display cabinet – Coca-Cola, Tango, Picnic, Snickers – and a pair of refrigerators, one for raw meats, the other for salad vegetables and dairy produce. A check on the district council website shows that Casey's gets a top hygiene rating of five stars.

It's a dawn start for the couple, Mondays to Fridays. "I get up at 5am and we are here for 6.45," says Pauline. "The first job is to get the sausages on – they need 20 minutes and have to be ready for regulars soon after 7am."

The job does not involve towing the trailer from Newark every morning. It is secured overnight at a more convenient site closer to the pitch.

Drivers who are unfamiliar with A612 will be alerted by the roadside "Breakfast" flag and the Williamses have upped their chances of securing casual trade by emblazoning the Nottingham Forest badge and "Come On You Reds" to the side of the trailer. Actually there is nothing cynical about it – Reg and Pauline are passionate Forest fans and visit City Ground whenever they can.

The Williamses have made the site as attractive as possible, keeping the hedgerow shrubbery under control and providing a portable loo for customers' use.

"We've been here only since the summer but we've got some fantastic people," says Pauline over the insistent hum of the petrol generator behind the trailer.

"You get to know them and if you don't see one for a few days you ask, 'Where's Tank?' and other customers might tell you he's on a long run elsewhere."

Reg adds: "This site is handy for lorry drivers. It's a well known spot and the lay-by is big enough to get a lot of trucks in.

"Mobile catering used to have a bad reputation but hygiene regulations are now a lot tougher – and rightly – so the customer can be assured of good standards."

Casey's Snack Bar, A612, Bulcote, open 7am to 2pm Mondays – Fridays. Telephone orders: 07850 423828.

The Robin Hood Beer Festival has put Nottingham back on the real ale map of Britain. Peter Blackburn celebrates by sharing his favourite food and beer pairings – all on offer in Nottingham.

IT is officially Nottingham Beer Week.

The Robin Hood Beer Festival is in full swing and by closing time on Saturday, around 30,000 people will have supped 1,250 different types of beer in the grounds of Nottingham Castle - almost half of them brewed locally in the 60 breweries that now populate the county.

In the circumstances, it would be rude not celebrate the great British brew (and a few from over the water).

So, this weekend leave the wine in the cellar (errr, under the stairs) and get stuck into some real ale.

Here's our top ten beer and food ideas:

1. Cheese platter and Duvel/ Raging Bitch (available at The Stratford Haven, West Bridgford). Belgian-style beers with lots of alcohol can stand up to most robust cheeses, even providing a sticky, fruity accompaniment for something as difficult to pair as a strong blue cheese.

2. Modern-style India Pale Ale – something like local Screech Owl (Castle Rock) or even better Goose Island (served in keg or bottle) from America (available at The Canal House, Canal Street, Nottingham) would fit nicely with a curry – a much better fit than a Kingfisher. It is as flavoursome and more than capable of standing up to a curry with its zesty, hoppy notes.

3. Classic pilsner or local Regal Lager (Nottingham Brewery available at Broadway, Broad Street, Nottingham) is perfect with light chicken dishes or white fish. A clean tasting, refreshing lager.

4. Blonde beer like Hoppily Ever After (from the Magpie Brewery, available at the Crafty Crow, Friar Lane) is lightly single-hopped with Endeavour hops. This is a clean blonde beer with a dry hoppy finish. It would work perfectly with chicken/fish dishes with a stronger flavour such as salmon spiced with chilli and ginger.

5. Barley Wine for dessert cheese or sweet desserts.

6. Abbey Dubbel beer (available at Ned Ludd, Friar Lane, Nottingham). A big food trend is for powerful American flavours like sticky pulled pork, ribs and burgers. This is the beer for those dishes.

7. Twisted Genius, (available at The Navigation, Meadow Lane) is a slightly sweet dark beer from the Navigation Brewery which will slip down nicely with Nottingham's Colwick Cheese, made using a traditional recipe revived by The Belvoir Ridge Creamery and known for being able to go sweet or sour.

8. Dead Pony Ale (from Brewdog, Broad Street, Nottingham) is packed with Californian hops and delivers tropical fruit flavours at just 3.8 per cent. With a rich, biscuit malt base it's got everything to match the Hartland pork pie – full of tender pulled pork.

9. Blue Monkey's award-winning Guerilla supped with the best bar snack in Nottinghamshire - beer candied bacon at the Crafty Crow, Friar Lane. Served with a rich cheese dip, it's not an easy match but you need something robust to front it up. And Guerilla is a malty, complex stout.

10. Everard's Tiger (available at Sir John Borlase but brewed in Leicestershire) with a bag of dry roasted peanuts. Best earned through a long autumn walk. A classic pairing to rival champagne and caviar, claret and roast beef, or sherry and Christmas cake.

Have a look at this nostalgic video of Nottingham Forest in 1934.

The footage shows clips of Forest playing a match at the City Ground before moving on to the team in training.

Players shown in the video include: Percy Ashton, Harry Smith, Tommy Graham, Harry Race, Bob Dennison and more.

What's your favourite old-school Nottingham Forest memory? Let us know in the comments below...