PA Media

The boost to health and wellbeing from a period of daily contact with nature can last for months, according to the University of Derby.

An assessment of the Wildlife Trusts' 30 Days Wild, external project, which encourages people to take part in daily nature activities each day in June, has found the positive effects of the month-long challenge are still in evidence two months later.

A team at the university evaluated survey responses from more than 1,000 people who took part in 30 Days Wild over five years.

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Positive increases were seen both immediately after the challenge and also two months later.

Those who began with a weak connection with nature saw very significant increases in how connected they felt, while taking part in 30 Days Wild made people feel healthier, happier and increased their pro-nature behaviour, the survey suggests.

Professor Miles Richardson, from the University of Derby, said it showed the "positive power of simple engagement with nature".

He said: "We were thrilled to see that the significant increases in people's health and happiness were still felt even two months after the 30 Days Wild challenge was over."

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BBC Weather Watchers

Here's how Thursday morning is looking in Tuxford.

Across the region, we should see some sunny periods this morning but with the chance of the odd shower. It will then be dry this afternoon with plenty of sunshine.

Image source, Vikki B

Campaigners are not letting restrictions hold them back in fighting for what they believe in.

Staff slept on fold-out beds for a fortnight to minimise the spread of the virus.

Disabled staff at Arlington Automotive Group risk losing thousands as the firm goes into administration.

Liam Barnes
BBC News

An 85-year-old man has died after being hit by a car in the car park at Southwell Medical Centre.

Nottinghamshire Police said they were called shortly after 09:40 this morning, and though he was treated by emergency services the man died at the scene.

Officers are asking any witnesses to contact the force.

Image source, Google

The German shepherd was off its lead when the attack happened on Tuesday.

Amy Woodfield
BBC News

Lumsdale Valley ponds and waterfalls has been closed to the public until further notice.

It's after the Derbyshire tourist attraction saw "unprecedented levels of visitor activity" following the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions.

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A decision to close the site was made by the Arkwright Society, with support from Matlock Town Council.

The society said: "Due to its natural limitations, social distancing is impossible to maintain for visitors and local residents and therefore in the best interests of all, public access to the waterfalls will not be possible until safe to do so.

"We request that visitors do not travel to the site as parking and access will not be available."

Amy Woodfield
BBC News

Students at Nottingham Trent University will be able to return to campus in September.

The university is planning to open all of its campuses for the autumn term for classroom and online teaching.

No lessons have taken place at the university since 23 March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Image source, Google

Professor Edward Peck - vice-chancellor of the university - said: "At every step we will be sure to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and students and we will follow all government advice: our community's safety will stay our priority."

He said the university was also working with Nottingham Trent Students' Union to "rethink how we approach the social aspect of university life".

Sonia Kataria
BBC News

A teenager undergoing treatment for cancer has received a box of the only food she wants to eat after chemotherapy - tinned spaghetti hoops.

Connie May Spencer, from Derby, is currently shielding at home after being diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin's lymphoma in January.

Her post-treatment snack of choice is Co-op own brand spaghetti hoops, but they have been in short supply due to supermarket restrictions as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

The 17-year-old's mother posted an appeal on Facebook, which was spotted by Central England Co-op members and a search for more tins was launched.

Image source, Central England Co-operative Limited

After a search of stores and people offering to help on social media, a full box of spaghetti hoops was delivered to Connie.

Connie said: "I cannot thank everyone who joined in on this little quest enough for helping me get hold of my favourite snack.

"It certainly put a smile on my face during this uncertain time as spaghetti hoops have really all I've been able to eat properly since chemo due to my sore mouth and taste buds."

Image source, Central England Co-operative Limited

The aircraft engine maker is axing nearly a fifth of its workforce with the aviation sector in turmoil.

The firm blames a "dramatic downturn in business" and a "challenging outlook for the economy".

Liam Barnes
BBC News

A man who attacked three police officers and a security guard in Leicester has been jailed for 12 months.

Leicestershire Police said Sebastian Lukasik kicked and threatened a security guard after being seen begging near Haymarket Bus Station on Belgrave Gate on Sunday.

Officers arriving on the scene were also assaulted by the 35-year-old, who also racially abused a PCSO and damaged a police car after being arrested.

Lukasik, of no fixed abode, appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one count each of assault by beating, begging, criminal damage and racially aggravated harassment.

Image source, PA Media

Amy Woodfield
BBC News

A house fire which has left a man in hospital with life-threatening injuries was most likely "accidental due to smoking materials", Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has said.

Firefighters were called to the house on High Street, Tibshelf, Derbyshire, just before 13:00 on Monday after a neighbour reported seeing smoke coming from the front door.

Image source, Google

A man was rescued from inside and remains in hospital.

Fire investigation officer Paul Smith said: "This accidental fire serves as a stark reminder how quickly smoking materials can lead to a serious fire."

A police drone helped officers follow a man as he weaved through gardens and jumped over fences.

A mountain rescue team had to use PPE while getting the casualty down from rocks at the cliff base.

Witnesses are being asked to come forward after a Nottinghamshire police officer, a woman and a child were injured in a crash involving an unmarked police car in South Yorkshire.

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The officer was driving on the A57 Worksop Road near Anston just after 22:00 on Tuesday 12 May when the car was involved in a crash with a VW Golf at the junction with Ryton Road.

A 40-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl in the Golf were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries. They have since been discharged.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit, police added.

The driver of the Nottinghamshire Police car, which was a black, unmarked Seat Leon responding to an emergency call, suffered minor injuries, South Yorkshire Police said.

Anybody who saw the crash - or saw either vehicle before the crash - is being asked to get in touch with police.

Mark McVey was held in connection with the van theft but died in hospital on Sunday.

Gavin Bevis
BBC News

Derby City Council has pledged to help Rolls-Royce workers affected by today's job cuts announcement.

The authority said it was already in talks with company bosses, unions, local MPs and the government about ways it could support those facing redundancy.

Council leader Chris Poulter said assistance would be given to ex-workers who wanted to start their own businesses and support was also being offered to supply chain businesses.

He said: "While this is a devastating blow, we are determined to help the workers who have lost their jobs and, more generally, to ensure that our city builds back after this crisis."

Men were photographed giving snacks to the animals at Wollaton Park on Monday.