BBC Radio Derby

A woman has paid tribute to her husband who died four months after they got married at a care home in Derby.

Before the wedding, at Abbeydale Nursing Home, Pauline Thomas described Jeff as her second "soulmate" after already losing her first husband.

She was with Mr Thomas for 18 years and said she will remember him for his "“kindness" and his "beautiful nature".

Image source, Pauline Thomas

"I'm up and down and trying to process it," Pauline said.

"I'm finding it very hard to be honest - I didn't think I would this time after losing Jack before, but it was quite quick at the end and I wasn't there.

"I'd gone home and when I came back he was gone."

She said Jeff had taken her children in as his own and would do anything for her if he could.

Image source, Google

The couple spent several weeks without seeing one another during the pandemic as care homes were not allowing visitors.

Mrs Thomas said she still feels sad about the time they missed together.

They got married in April with care home staff helping to organise the ceremony.

Amy Woodfield
BBC News

Cannabis plants have been found inside a house which caught fire in Leicester, forcing several properties to be evacuated overnight.

Police were called to Bosworth Street at about 01:40 by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

Image source, British Red Cross

The fire spread to other properties nearby and residents were told to leave their homes as a precaution, police said.

The British Red Cross emergency response team was called to assist fire crews and residents.

No arrests have been made but police said an investigation is continuing.

BBC Weather

Today will be mostly cloudy, breezy and cooler.

There is the slight chance of a spot of light rain but it should generally be a dry day. The odd sunny spell is also possible later on.

A maximum temperature of 18°C (64°F).

Image source, Bejewelled Bee

Hampshire Hawks reach T20 Blast Finals Day with a two-run win over holders Notts Outlaws at Trent Bridge.

As the first schools in England start back, the BBC asks if this is a return to normal.

Dave Wade
BBC News

A display from the Red Arrows has welcomed cadets back to Nottinghamshire.

The world famous team flew over RAF Syerston to mark the return of the RAF Air Cadets National Aerospace Camp.

More than 350 cadets and volunteers from across the UK are set to attend the camp, which is one of the first major events for the cadets since the start of the pandemic.

Samantha Noble
BBC News Online

The first Nottinghamshire Day has been marked across the county.

A ceremony to raise the county flag has taken place at County Hall and the flag was also flown at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to mark the occasion.

The aim of the event was to highlight the area's heritage and boost tourism.

Nottinghamshire County Council said it's hoped in future years bigger events will be held to promote the area, including displays and street parties.

County council chairman, Mike Quigley, said: “The inaugural Nottinghamshire Day provides us with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about our historic county, from our unique association with Robin Hood to our industrial heritage, from our sporting excellence to our wonderful tourist attractions."

County council leader, Ben Bradley, said: “It is only right that we should be proud of our unique history and this is a date which can now be put in our diaries to celebrate in future years on a much broader and grander scale.”

Nottinghamshire Day also marks the day in 1642 when King Charles I raised his standard on what is now Standard Hill in Nottingham at the start of the English Civil War.

Borough and district councils are also flying the county flag at premises and buildings and the government is flying it outside the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and at Parliament.

Members of the public are encouraged to share videos and images about what they love about Nottinghamshire by using the #NottsDay hashtag.

Greig Watson
Reporter, BBC News Online

A man has been charged after armed police responded to reports of a fight involving weapons.

Officers went to Oak Drive, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire on Monday due to a "disturbance" involving a group allegedly armed with swords and after gunshots were reported.

A 27-year-old from Warsop has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Image source, Google

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today.

The area was cordoned off and house-to-house and CCTV inquiries have been ongoing.

Police said high-visibility patrols have been increased in the area to provide reassurance to the local community while the investigation continues.

Officers confirmed there were no reported injuries and no reports have been received of any damage caused.

Liam Barnes
BBC News

Further changes to bin collections have been announced by Derbyshire Dales District Council after a summer of disruption.

For three months from 31 August separate food collections will be suspended "to free up drivers", while garden waste collections will return only to households who have subscribed for the service.

Recycling must also be within the bin and not left loose or near the bins, with any "excess recycling" to be left uncollected.

The council said the "national shortage of HGV drivers" had affected its rubbish contractor, and thanked residents for showing "patience and understanding".

Image source, Derbyshire Dales District Council

Amy Woodfield
BBC News

Dogs found "covered in historical faeces" have been seized from a property in Derbyshire.

Police were called to an address in Linton on Tuesday to a report of concern for the welfare of dogs.

Image source, Derbyshire Police

Officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team posted on social media, external: "On arrival at the address they found a very strong smell of dog faeces, on entering the garden they found seven dogs living in kennels that were covered in historical dog faeces.

"It was very clear these dogs had been living in these conditions for several months."

Image source, Derbyshire Police

All seven of the dogs were rescued with the help of dog wardens.

South Derbyshire District Council said its environmental health service was investigating.

"The welfare of the animals is of primary importance and officers are working with all parties involved to ensure that we achieve the best outcome," the spokesman said.

Police said no arrests have been made.

Derbyshire fast bowlers Sam Conners and Dustin Melton sign new contracts to remain with the county.

Sonia Kataria
BBC News

A road has reopened after a cement truck overturned and shed its load on a Leicestershire roundabout causing delays during morning traffic.

Emergency services arrived at the Frank Whittle island in Lutterworth just after 08:00.

Image source, Darren McHale

Image source, Darren McHale

A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said the driver of the vehicle was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

While many enjoy its picturesque surroundings, in bad weather the route can see motorists stranded.

Greig Watson
Reporter, BBC News Online

A man has been charged with attempted murder after an assault which left a taxi driver and police officer with serious injuries.

The attack took place on Saffron Lane, Leicester, on Monday at about 06:45.

Image source, Google

Along with one count of attempted murder, a 32-year-old man has also been charged with;

• One count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) to a police officer
• Two counts of assault on an emergency worker
• One count of section 4a racially-aggravated public order
• One count of section 5 racially-aggravated public order
• One count of section 5 public order

He has been remanded into custody to appear before Leicester Magistrates’ Court today.

BBC Weather

Today will be mostly cloudy or overcast with plenty of low cloud. It should be generally dry but the odd spell of light rain or drizzle is possible.

Image source, Junee

Wolves secure their first win of the season by beating Nottingham Forest to reach the Carabao Cup third round.

Sheffield United come back from behind to beat Derby and reach the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Samantha Noble
BBC News Online

One of eight dachshunds stolen from kennels six months ago has been found wandering the streets 130 miles away.

Jess is the fifth of the eight dogs to be found after they were taken from Burton Road, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, on 10 February.

She was spotted "running, terrified" by the side of a road in Basingstoke on Monday, said Lisa Dean, from Beauty's Legacy - a charity that helps find lost and stolen animals.

Image source, Laura Yeates

Jess was taken to a vet who contacted owner Shelley Tomsett and Basingstoke dog warden Laura Yeates (pictured below) helped to reunite the pair.

Ms Tomsett said she was "gobsmacked" when she received the call and her returned pet was "nervous, upset and skinny".

Despite this, Mrs Tomsett said she was "so chuffed" Jess was safe.

Image source, Laura Yeates

Jess's return comes after a fourth member of the group called Rummy was found during a police raid in Market Harborough, Leicestershire last week.

Rikki, who also belongs to her, was found in Basingstoke in May.

It leaves just one of her dogs - Cookie - still missing along with two other dogs that belong to the kennel owners.

Derbyshire Police said: "Every time a dog is found it potentially opens new lines of enquiry for us, and we would encourage anyone with any new information to get in touch."

Baby goat Matilda is missing and two sheep were stolen then found dead outside the family farm park.

Amy Woodfield
BBC News

A 27-year-old man has been arrested following a street stabbing in Ilkeston.

Derbyshire Police said officers were called to reports of a disturbance in Critchley Street at about 06:30

Image source, Google

A 40-year-old man was found with a stab wound and taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Police have not disclosed what the man has been arrested on suspicion of but he remains in custody.