East Midlands Today

An autistic man, who is also registered blind, says he looks forward to working at a city sandwich shop designed to help people with learning disabilities.

The Sandwich Station, run by the VALUES project at Voluntary Action LeicesterShire's offices in Newarke Street, opened on 25 October.

Callum Tointon, 30, who works at the shop two days a week, said he especially likes serving customers.

Although it involves standing up - which Mr Tointon said can make his legs tired - he added he looks forward to doing it.

About 12 people with learning disabilities take it in turns to work shifts.

VALUES team manager Ben McKeown said: "I think it's really rewarding for them because they haven't had this chance before.

"You find that with individuals with learning disabilities - whether it's through paid work or volunteering - they're some of the most enthusiastic people because they're just happy to be given a chance."

Alex Regan
BBC News

A man has been jailed for his part in a number of burglaries at shops across Leicestershire.

Leicestershire Police said extensive damage was caused during the raids in Leicester, Coalville and Countesthorpe between October and November, with "large quantities of cigarettes and alcohol" taken.

Image source, Leicestershire Police

An investigation of a Renault Megane, discovered abandoned in Glen Parva after the Coalville burglary on 7 November, recovered a spot of blood later matched to Leighton French.

On 25 November, entry was gained to a shop in Countesthorpe.

A witness reported the break-in to police, saying the suspects left in a black Vauxhall Corsa.

Officers tracked the car to Irlam Street, where the suspects fled on foot. French returned to the vehicle later, where he was arrested.

French was jailed for 31 months - 27 for three counts of burglary and an additional four months for breaching a suspended sentence - at Leicester Crown Court.

Two other men, who are thought to have been involved in the burglaries, have not been identified.

Naming Wayne Rooney as Derby County captain on his debut was a "logical" choice, says Rams manager Phillip Cocu.

Sandish Shoker
BBC News

Prisoners at HMP Whatton in Nottinghamshire are staying in "substandard, tiny cells", according to a new report.

The findings, from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), said the standard of accommodation on B wings is "well below the standard expected of a modern prison" and remains "an area of great concern".

It said the water pipework in one block is deteriorating but there is no funding for replacement accommodation.

Image source, Supplied

Another concern raised in the report was around the provision of healthcare services.

The IMB called the facilities available for the provision of healthcare services "not fit for purpose", adding the Care Quality Commission (CQC) recently visited the prison and agreed with their assessment.

Despite these issues, the report said the roll-out of a key worker scheme had improved relationships between staff and prisoners, although there were concerns key workers are not always available when needed.

Alex Regan
BBC News

Two men have been arrested after a car was stolen in Mansfield.

Nottinghamshire Police were called to Eakring Road at about 05:00 on New Year's Day following reports of a burglary.

The force said two men entered a property through an unlocked door and took car keys. They added a Ford Focus was stolen.

Officers saw the stolen car travelling on the A1 towards Gamston at 06:40, but it failed to stop and subsequently crashed.

Image source, Google

The driver fled and the passenger was arrested at the scene.

Within an hour, a man suspected of being the driver was arrested a few miles from the scene.

The men, aged 21 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of burglary, dangerous driving and failing to stop. They have since been bailed with conditions.

Rich Davis
BBC Weather presenter

It's going to be a much brighter end to the week after a rather grey start to the new year.

There will be some blue skies and sunny spells, with highs of 9C, and there will be lows of 1C overnight.

Wayne Rooney captains Derby to victory and sets up their first goal in their win against Championship strugglers Barnsley.

Helen Hancock and Martin Griffiths were found dead in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Amy Woodfield
BBC News

Leicestershire Police received 500 fewer calls over the festive period compared to last year.

Figures released by the force show a total of 5,120 calls were made to their 999 and 101 numbers on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Image source, Leicestershire Police

Supt Grant Wills said: “It is very welcoming to see such a reduction on last year's figures and I would like to thank the public for only calling us in a genuine emergency or for police assistance."

Chief Constable Simon Cole said he hoped the force's Christmas campaign encouraging people to be safe and drink responsibly contributed to the call reduction.

Despite seeing fewer calls overall, Mr Cole said the New Year was "particularly busy".

He said Leicestershire Police received 243 emergency 999 calls between midnight and 03:00 alone.

Angela Allen was one of five people involved in a paedophile ring that abused nursery school children.

Leicester Tigers sign Scotland international Rory Hughes on loan from Pro14 side Glasgow Warriors until the end of the season.

David Pittam
BBC News Online

A dog was killed when it ran on to a busy A road during a New Year's Day hunt.

Police had to close the A1 near Newark in both directions for an hour and 15 minutes at about 15:00 yesterday while they rescued another dog that had also run on the road.

A spokeswoman for South Notts Hunt said they were on a trail hunt, external "when it would appear that a few hounds drifted away from the scent that had been laid for them".

She added it was "very rare" but "distressing for all involved".

Image source, Nottingham Hunt Saboteurs

Nottingham Hunt Saboteurs said they hoped there would be a police investigation.

Nottinghamshire Police have said they are "reviewing the incident to establish if any offences have been committed".

Image source, Nottingham Hunt Saboteurs

Samantha Noble
BBC News Online

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and released under investigation in connection with Derbyshire Police's hunt for a serial flasher.

He was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

Image source, Google

Officers said a man grabbed a dog walker and exposed himself to her near St Oswald's Church, on Mayfield Road, in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, at about 15:45 GMT on 20 December.

They are investigating four similar reports in the town in the last month.

Samantha Noble
BBC News Online

A 19-year-old driver arrested after five cyclists were seriously injured in a crash with a car has been released under investigation.

One of the cyclists, a man in his 50s, suffered potentially life-threatening injuries in the crash in Ault Hucknall - between Chesterfield and Mansfield - on New Year's Eve. Four other riders were also taken to hospital.

Derbyshire Police said there is no update on the condition of the cyclists but added the Seat Ibiza driver - held on suspicion of driving while over the drug-drive limit - was released under investigation.

Image source, Google

British short track speed skater Elise Christie says she is taking a break from social media to try and improve her mental health.

National League strugglers Chesterfield terminate the contract of manager John Sheridan.

Alex Regan
BBC News

Trains to Leicester are now stopping at Sileby railway station after steps were repaired on one of the station platforms.

East Midlands Railway earlier put on a rail replacement bus service after broken steps prevented access to the platform.

Amy Woodfield
BBC News

Staff at a village post office were threatened with weapons, including a knife, during an alleged robbery this morning, police have said.

Nottinghamshire Police were called to the shop in Collingham, Nottinghamshire, at about 10:40.

Image source, Google

Three men were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery in Newark shortly after.

The force has urged any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

Amy Woodfield
BBC News

A Grade II listed ice house, dating back to 1843, has been awarded £156,000 towards a project aimed at restoring it to its former glory.

The storage facility, in Bouskell Park, Blaby, Leicestershire, was filled with ice from a nearby lake and used to keep food cold before the invention of fridges and freezers.

Image source, Blaby District Council

It was used by the residents of Blaby Hall, a Victorian manor house.

Blaby District Council has been given the grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project, which will cost an estimated £173,000.

The authority is hoping the investment will boost tourism in the area.

Image source, Blaby District Council

Blaby District Council said planning is already under way, and the authority added it has consulted with Leicestershire County Council, a landscaping company, a structural engineer and the University of Leicester Archaeological Services Team.

A community archaeological dig is expected to take place this summer.

Image source, Blaby Parish Council

East Midlands Today

A full-size bronze statue depicting a pilgrim woman is being sculpted to mark the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower, which carried some pilgrims from the region to the US.

Image source, BBC/Rachel Carter

The statue is being made by Rachel Carter, a sculptor from Long Eaton.

It features a Tudor woman in a dress made up of woven, knitted patterns designed by volunteers.

When completed, it will go on public view, but its location is yet to be disclosed.