Today, the UK is marking one year since the first coronavirus lockdown was announced.

On 23 March 2020, Boris Johnson outlined measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Since then, there have been tough restrictions on socialising, and closures of schools, pubs and shops. Many of those rules are still in place.

Throughout the East Midlands, people have endured tragedies and hardship, but they have also found creative ways to get through the pandemic.

BBC Weather

Today we can expect the weather to be dry and overcast, with the odd brighter spell during the day and some moderate south-westerly winds.

We can expect highs of 12C (54F) and overnight there will be lows of 6C (43F), with the prospect of a few spots of rain in the morning.

Image source, Happy Walker Heanor WG

Dracula fans, takeaway lovers and thwarted drinkers are all counting the cost of flouting the rules.

One year on from the first UK lockdown, people have been sharing their experiences of the pandemic.

Sonia Kataria
BBC News

An anonymous artist nicknamed the "Syston knitting Bansky" has been at work yet again - this time brightening up a postbox in the Leicestershire town with an Easter-themed wool display.

The latest piece, covering the top of the same Royal Mail postbox on the High Street as used before, features three bunny rabbits with a basket of eggs.

The toppers often appear for events like Christmas, Mother's Day and VE Day but the identity of the person or group responsible remains a mystery.

Fiona Henry, owner of Syston Town News, which posts updates about the displays, said the first appeared shortly before Easter in 2019 and featured chicks.

"Since then we've had regular ones at special events," she said.

"There was Santa delivering presents on Christmas Day and then on Boxing Day, Santa tucked up in bed with his teddy and a Leicester City Football blanket.

"Previous ones have gone viral online. For the 75th VE Day the knitter did a topper with Sir Captain Tom Moore and it reached one million views across the world."

Ms Henry added: "There's no monetary value - it's purely to bring a smile to the community and a joy to your heart.

"I think the creator, the Syston knitting Bansky, must have a few helpers, who are sworn to secrecy."

The Nottinghamshire site, which opened in 1966, is due to be decommissioned from September 2022.

BBC local radio will continue to broadcast ball-by-ball county cricket commentary for the next four seasons.

Colin Pitchfork was jailed in 1988 after DNA linked him to the rape and murder of two 15-year-olds.

Alex Regan
BBC News

A digger thought to be worth about £20,000 has been stolen from a building site in Hucknall.

Nottinghamshire Police said the three-tonne Hyundai M255 track digger was taken from the site in Daniels Way between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

It is believed thieves got on to the site by unclipping a fence.

Det Ch Insp Hayley Williams said: "This theft has left hard-working construction workers unable to work and their employers facing an expensive bill."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the force on 101.

Image source, Google

BBC Weather

There will be a few sunny spells this morning, but those will quickly give way to cloud and an overcast afternoon.

It should remain dry with highs of 10C, and this evening we can expect an overcast night with lows of 4C.

Image source, LindafromBelper

The latest news, sport, travel and weather for the East Midlands.

A woman who rescues stolen pets says the crime has "rocketed out of control" during lockdown.

Ruth Harrison's father was only meant to be in respite care for two weeks but stayed for five months.

A researcher asks for help identifying the men from WW1 postcards.

Gavin Bevis
BBC News

South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa has met the head of the Parole Board to discuss the upcoming parole hearing for convicted child-killer Colin Pitchfork

Pitchfork was given life sentences in 1988 for the rapes and murders of 15-year-olds, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in Leicestershire.

Mr Costa said many constituents had "grave concerns" about the possibility that the panel could decide he should be released from prison when they meet on Monday.

Image source, Leicestershire Police

He said: "While these crimes took place over 30 years ago, the heinous and abhorrent nature of Lynda and Dawn’s tragic murders continue to live long in the memory of residents in South Leicestershire.

"Many are still deeply worried about the prospect of Pitchfork ever being released back into normal society."

Pitchfork’s case was most recently refused by the Parole Board in 2018. Mr Costa said he expected the latest decision would be announced in early April.

Eddie Bisknell
Local Democracy Reporter

Derbyshire Police say they have withdrawn 119 of the 1,605 Covid fines issued by officers since the start of the pandemic.

The total includes penalties handed to two women who had driven five miles for a walk at Foremark Reservoir in January.

The force was accused of a heavy-handed approach to enforcement and the fines were subsequently cancelled.

Image source, Derbyshire Police

Derbyshire's police and crime commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa said: "We have a process in place where every enforcement is reviewed to see if due process has been followed.

"There is a built-in system to rescind any that have been done inappropriately, and that does work and the numbers are quite small."

Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: "It is fair to say over the last year we have not got everything right, but I must be clear that this is not through incompetence, a lack of professionalism or a dearth of ability.

"My colleagues were placed in a position that left rules, at times, open to interpretation. This is unsurprising given the pace at which new legislation was being delivered."

Derbyshire sign former Worcestershire fast bowler George Scrimshaw on a one-season contract.

BBC Weather

It's a bit of a damp start for some and while many places will stay dry, there will be the chance of a shower.

The cloud will be quite stubborn but a few brighter spells may emerge this afternoon, with highs of 10C.

It'll remain cloudy for much of the night and there could be one or two showers, although most places should remain dry, with a minimum of about 5C.

Although it's set to be a dull day, spring is definitely here. Flowers are blooming in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, as shown in this photograph taken yesterday by Bry, one of our BBC Weather Watchers.

Image source, Bry

Ch Insp Amy Styles-Jones is the first senior dog theft officer in the country.

Five places that recorded the highest infection rates in the country recently all contained prisons.