Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

Childcare costs in the East Midlands have risen seven times faster than pay rates over the past decade, according to new research.

The TUC figures showed the region had the biggest discrepancy outside London, which saw childcare costs rise 7.4 times quicker than pay.

While there is government support for childcare for children aged two and older, most working parents with one year olds do not get any state help, the union organisation said.

General secretary Frances O'Grady said: "The cost of childcare is spiralling but wages aren't keeping pace.

"Parents are spending more and more of their salaries on childcare, and the picture is even worse for single parents."

BBC Weather Watchers

It's not every day you see a squirrel with a turtle. Thanks to Maggie T in East Leake for this great photo.

Image source, Maggie T

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

Tickets for Gary Barlow's April show at De Montfort Hall in Leicester have sold out, external within three hours of going on sale.

Nottingham Royal Concert Hall's booking system is now running again after crashing when tickets for the singer's two shows in May went on sale at 10:00.

Samantha Fisher
BBC News Online

Two teens have been arrested after a gang of masked youths frightened residents and shopkeepers in a Nottingham street.

About eight hooded youngsters wearing bandanas over their faces were "causing anti-social behaviour" and throwing fireworks in Devon Drive, Carrington, on Thursday evening, Nottinghamshire Police said.

A 46-year-old woman had a handbag pulled from her arm, causing her to fall to the ground.

The group disappeared when officers arrived. A 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody.

Image source, Google

Martin Ballard
BBC Radio Leicester Sport

Gareth Owen and Valentino Mapapalangi have been drafted into the Leicester Tigers line-up for Saturday’s European Champions Cup game against Castres Olympique at Welford Road.

Owen is in line to play in his first Champions Cup tie for the club after previous appearances in Europe with Ospreys and Scarlets, replacing Matt Smith at centre this week.

Back-rower Mapapalangi is involved for the first time at this level as he starts in place of Mike Williams who is serving a one-match ban after the Round 1 fixture against Racing 92 last weekend.

Image source, Getty Images

These are the only two changes to the starting line-up from the Pool 4 trip to Paris last Saturday, during which Tigers claimed a bonus point in a 22-18 defeat.

Scrum-half Sam Harrison returns to the matchday squad and is named among the replacements alongside internationals Pat Cilliers, Dan Tuohy and Mathew Tait.

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

Police have asked parents to help them tackle a rise in nuisance behaviour, external by teenagers in Buxton, New Mills and Glossop.

They've been urged to check where their sons and daughters go in the evening and find out what they've been getting up to.

PCSO Lee Baker said: “Over the past few weeks we have had a number of reports about large groups of youngsters gathering in the streets or in local parks, shouting, swearing, throwing things and alarming other members of the public."

"We would urge parents to check what their child or teenager is doing when they are out during the evenings and at weekends, where they will be, how they will get home and to talk to them about what others may consider antisocial behaviour.”

Officers will also be visiting schools in the area to warn pupils not to cause trouble.

Samantha Fisher
BBC News Online

Armed officers were called to New Basford, Nottingham at about 8:40 this morning following reports of threats of violence made towards a man.

Officers searched the area after arriving in High Church Street.

A Nottinghamshire Police spokeswoman said inquiries are ongoing and they ask anyone with information to get in touch.

She added: "We would like to reassure local residents not to be alarmed by the police presence, we are satisfied there is no immediate threat to anyone."

Image source, Google

BBC Sport

Burnley boss Sean Dyche has told a press conference he's "flattered" by newspaper speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Leicester City but says there has been no approach.

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

East Midlands police dog Kyle is continuing to recover well after having emergency surgery last month to remove his twisted colon.

The four-year-old was allowed home from the vets last week and a weigh-in yesterday revealed he has gained almost a kilogram in weight since the operation, external.

His handlers said they were "ecstatic" at the progress he's making. His playful side is clearly making a comeback too.

Image source, @EMOpSSPoliceDog

Samantha Fisher
BBC News Online

A boys' school in Leicester will admit both boys and girls from August 2018.

The Lancaster Academy, in Knighton Lane East, will become co-educational following a consultation period and a subsequent decision from the Department for Education.

This means parents of girls who will move up to secondary school in the autumn are now able to list The Lancaster Academy as one of their preferred schools.

Image source, Google

Principal Anna Fisher said: “We believe that a new co-educational environment will best support students to grow into responsible and respectful citizens, prepared to take their place in a modern and diverse society.

“We’re planning carefully for this change, so that we can create a safe, supportive and respectful learning environment for boys and girls alike.”

Kevin Stanley
Reporter, BBC Radio Nottingham

The switchboard and website of Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall have crashed this morning - after tickets went on sale for Gary Barlow's two gigs next year

Bosses at the venue say their systems faced "unprecedented demand" when booking opened at 10:00. The singer's doing two dates next May.

Samantha Fisher
BBC News Online

The sky above Leicester's Golden Mile was filled with light last night during the Diwali fireworks display.

Tens of thousands of people turned up to enjoy the celebrations.

As well as the fireworks display, there was a Diwali Village in Cossington Street park with entertainment, fairground rides, and food and craft stalls.

People also enjoyed rides on the Wheel of Light in Belgrave Road and illuminated boats of all sizes could be seen on the water Lime Kiln Lock, just off Abbey Park Road.

These celebrants explained what they enjoyed about the festival of light.

Diwali is the festival of light and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs.

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

Punk band Neck Deep are to return to Rock City in November after prematurely ending a show at the venue earlier this month following an altercation with security staff.

The group said the concert has been rescheduled for Sunday 5 November after discussions with Rock City's management about the disorder, some of which was caught on camera.

The venue's listing for the concert states: "Rock City and Neck Deep have come together to reschedule a new show for the fans.

"A full review has been taken to ensure a positive and secure environment for all."

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

This is the video that's led to Sainsbury's staff member Joshua Dryden being arrested on suspicion of racial offences.

The Snapchat clip features the 20-year-old, from Derby, complaining about customers of Pakistani origin using a racial slur and claiming they always want discounts.

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

This weekend's Robin Hood Pagaent at Nottingham Castle has been postponed, external due to the threat of strong winds.

The city council said gusts of up to 46mph expected on Saturday could pose a safety threat to families at the event.

It will now take place on 10/11 March. Tickets already purchased can be used for the rescheduled event and refunds are available for those unable to attend.

The city council said: "It’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly but we can’t take any risks, particularly where the safety of families and children is concerned."

The authority said it was also carrying out an assessment to see whether any of the city's parks would need to be closed at any point due to high winds.

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

It's day two of a four-day visit to Derby for a delegation of Chinese business leaders, external.

The group is from the city of Hefei, which formed a partnership with Derby City Council just under a year ago.

Today they will continue to meet companies from the city to discuss business opportunities before attending a Derby County match at Pride Park Stadium tomorrow and visiting the Peak District on Sunday.

Image source, Derby City Council

Image source, Derby City Council

Image source, Derby City Council

Marc Maltby's mother says she believes CCTV near his cell was deliberately switched off.

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

East Midlands Trains has installed a new simulator at its training academy in Derby.

The simulator is a way to give potential new drivers a taster of the job and and expose trainees to dangerous situations they may face on the track.

The company's on a recruitment drive at the moment and hopes to recruit more women.

Image source, East Midlands Trains

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

All in the line of duty - this Leicester policeman ended up covered in mud after chasing a burglary suspect through an allotment last night.

It proved worthwhile though - his target was successfully caught and arrested.

Image source, Leicestershire Police

Image source, Leicestershire Police

Gavin Bevis
BBC Local Live

A ceremony to respect and honour cows will take place today at a cow protection project in Rutland.

The Diwali event will see Hindus and cow lovers gather at the newly-acquired Ahimsa Farm, external, which takes milk from the cows but doesn't slaughter them.

The service will see the animals being fed a home-made sweet dish and vegetables as well as being decorated with natural colours and garlands.

Ahimsa is thought to be the UK's first "slaughter-free" dairy farm.