Mansfield sign Menayese and Marispublished at 17:12 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Mansfield Town sign Bristol Rovers defender Rollin Menayese and Cambridge midfielder George Maris for undisclosed fees.
Read MoreMansfield sign Menayese and Marispublished at 17:12 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Man found guilty of killing footballerpublished at 16:28 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Matlock Town midfielder Jordan Sinnott died after being attacked on a night out.
Read MoreSwastikas painted on church in 'hate crime'published at 15:45 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Gavin Bevis
BBC NewsVandals have painted swastikas and an upside down cross on the outside wall of a church in Nottingham.
A peace garden was also seriously damaged during the attack on All Saints' Church in Radford over the weekend, external.
Image source, Nottinghamshire PoliceRev Christopher Harrison said he was "deeply disappointed" about the vandalism.
He said: "It is possible that someone with mental health problems may have decided that the church should be a target, but whatever the reason, such damage and vandalism are never acceptable."
Insp Riz Khan, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: "We take all hate crime seriously and have a zero tolerance approach. If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area, please get in touch."
Murder charge after woman hit by van diespublished at 15:26 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
A 37-year-old man appeared before magistrates in Nottingham.
Read MoreGarden revamp for teenager with cancerpublished at 14:53 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Landscapers carried out the project for free with workers "adamant" they would not get paid.
Read MoreSainsbury's tests virtual queuing systempublished at 14:06 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
A phone app will enable shoppers to avoid long waits in socially distanced queues outside stores.
Read MoreCoronavirus chops down Christmas tree festivalpublished at 13:24 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Greig Watson
Reporter, BBC News OnlineOne of the region's most famous festive events has been called off.
The Melton Christmas Tree Festival, held at St Mary's in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, is thought to be the largest such display in the UK.
Last year saw more than 1,500 trees decorated and about 30,000 people visit the church.
Image source, Phil BaldingBut coronavirus has meant this year's event has been cancelled.
Organisers called it a "sad decision" but fears over a winter spike in cases, along with many volunteers being in high risk groups, had left them no option.
A statement said: "It is our intention, if conditions allow, to decorate the church in a festive fashion over the Christmas period and we hope you will find the church a welcoming and inspiring place to visit at that time."
The announcement had been made early so organisations and businesses could plan accordingly, they added.
Eviction flat tenants 'not going anywhere'published at 13:14 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
The owner of the building in Derby says it wants to re-develop the flats for disabled people.
Read MorePM has 'sympathy' with Leicester leaders over lockdownpublished at 13:09 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Sandish Shoker
BBC NewsThe prime minister says he has "sympathy" with leaders in Leicester who want to see the extended restrictions in the city lifted.
Speaking on a visit to Nottinghamshire, Boris Johnson said the government would see what a review says before making any changes.
"I have every sympathy with the views of Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and local MPs, but we have to prioritise public health and apply simple common sense, and I think people also understand that," he said.
"And we'll do everything we can in these tough times for businesses, for families, for people whose mental health has been affected by the lockdown, to give them the support they need."
Image source, Rui Vieira/PA WireMr Johnson added the UK must be "vigilant" over the threat of a second wave of Covid-19 as other parts of Europe see spikes emerging.
He added: "The most important thing is for everybody in all communities to heed the advice, to follow the advice, not to be spreading it accidentally and get it right down and we'll be able to ease the restrictions across the country.
"But clearly we now face, I'm afraid, the threat of a second wave in other parts of Europe and we just have to be vigilant and we have to be very mindful."
The PM was in Beeston to launch a new cycling initiative to get more people on bicycles.
Five crews at Leicester factory firepublished at 13:05 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Gavin Bevis
BBC NewsCrews are dealing with a fire at a factory in Leicester.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted to the blaze in Morris Road at 11:44 when several callers reported seeing smoke coming from the roof of the building.
Teams from five local stations are dealing with the incident and people have been asked to avoid the area.
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End of twitter postSpray to tackle illegal off-road motorcyclistspublished at 12:53 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
David Pittam
BBC News OnlineOfficers are getting a new "game-changing" spray to help them catch and identify people who ride off-road motorcycles illegally.
SmartTag is a liquid which can be sprayed on someone and leaves a unique invisible mark on them linking them to a specific incident, Nottinghamshire Police said.
The "harmless" spray will stay on the person's skin, clothing and other surfaces for more than two months.
The force said this will help them catch criminals who can get away from them quickly, such as off-road motorcyclists.
Image source, Nottinghamshire PoliceQuote MessageVery often we have a very good idea who offenders are but struggle to prove beyond doubt that it was them at a particular time and location. This spray is an absolute game-changer for us as it will now allow us to prove that beyond doubt."
Colin Morley, Sergeant
MP: More clarity needed over local lockdownpublished at 12:40 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
BBC Radio LeicesterThe government needs to give more clarity on the easing of lockdown restrictions in Leicestershire, the MP for Harborough has said.
Neil O'Brien - who is a Conservative representative - says he's having tough conversations with the prime minister about getting the people of Oadby and Wigston out of lockdown and securing financial help for businesses.
He said failing to provide financial support for firms forced to close would be "unacceptable", adding he's had "some very direct arguments" with his own government about the issue.
Oadby and Wigston, as well as the city of Leicester, is still subject to local lockdown restrictions which are set to be reviewed by 1 August.
Quote MessageI don't want officials to totally tie their hands, but we do need some clearer principles so that people can understand about where areas come in and out of lockdown. I personally think that the trend is so encouraging that it would be right to take us out [of lockdown]."
Neil O'Brien, Conservative MP for Harborough
Homes and businesses evacuated after garage firepublished at 12:10 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Amy Payne
Reporter, BBC East Midlands TodayUp to 60 people were evacuated from homes and businesses in Long Eaton yesterday due to a garage fire.
The blaze broke out in the industrial unit in Chatsworth Avenue near Meadow Lane shortly before 17:00.
About 50 firefighters tackled the fire but the blaze left nothing inside the building.
Image source, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue ServiceWarren Palmer, an eyewitness, said: "I came out and there were clouds of black smoke everywhere, and big explosions where tyres were exploding.
"There were cars in there so fuel was burning up. It was really scary. Everybody got moved back."
David Diggins, from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Due to the smoke plume and severity of the fire and potential for cylinders to be involved, we had to form an evacuation of the area."
The people who were evacuated were able to return home last night and firefighters are now investigating.
PM in Beeston as new cycling strategy launchedpublished at 12:08 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Tony Roe
BBC East Midlands political editorThe prime minister has been in Nottinghamshire today as he speaks about a new strategy to encourage more people to cycle.
The government's announced a scheme offering £50 bike repair vouchers in England as part of plans to boost cycling and walking, with bikes also to be made available on the NHS.
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End of twitter postLancs v Leics to be played at New Roadpublished at 11:31 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
The Bob Willis Trophy match between Lancashire and Leicestershire will be played at Worcestershire's New Road home.
Read MoreDerbyshire man finds four mink on farmpublished at 11:18 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
BBC Radio DerbyA farmer in Derbyshire has warned anyone with small pets to be watchful after finding four mink on his land.
Simon Kibble, whose farm is in Stanley, said he found the animals (not pictured below) - which can swim and climb trees, and prey on a range of animals such as birds, fish and small mammals - in traps set around his farm.
He said he "certainly" believes they were behind damage to parts of his farm used as a conservation area, as well as the disappearance of ducks, moorhens and a number of rabbits, and advised anyone with cats, chickens and other animals in the area to be aware.
The RSPCA said mink are considered "an invasive alien species which have been widespread throughout Britain for many years", and advised anyone who spots them not to approach "as they can bite and scratch, particularly if frightened".
Image source, Getty ImagesQuote MessageIt's a worrying thing for me. It's left me feeling rather sick knowing that they've wreaked havoc."
Simon Kibble
City centre 'pop-up' outdoor dining area announcedpublished at 11:16 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Liam Barnes
BBC NewsNottingham's Old Market Square will be turned into a "pop-up" outdoor dining area from Friday in a bid to boost local restaurants.
Nottingham City Council, which has organised the space, said the move was part of efforts to attract visitors back into the city centre and help businesses recover following lockdown restrictions.
The seating will be available from 11:00 to 20:00, while rides and attractions aimed at young children and a bar serving food and drink will be part of the effort.
People will also be able to buy items in neighbouring cafes, shops and restaurants to take to the square, though alcoholic drinks won't be allowed due to licensing restrictions.
Funding has been provided by the government and the European Regional Development Fund, and the council said it hopes the plans bring people back into the city after the authority was forced to cancel the annual Beach event held in the square.
Quote MessageThere may be understandable concern from some about coming back out into the city centre. We're confident, though, that with social distancing and appropriate cleaning regimes and hand sanitiser stations in place, visitors to the square can enjoy the space safely this summer."
Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio holder for leisure and culture, Nottingham City Council
Hoglets rescued from prickly situation in recycling binpublished at 11:00 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Greig Watson
Reporter, BBC News OnlineFour baby hedgehogs rescued from a bin at a Leicestershire recycling centre have been nursed back to health.
Staff at the Melton Mowbray site heard squeaking coming from a green waste container and carefully carried the hoglets to safety.
Image source, Leicestershire County CouncilFound to be less than two weeks old, the animals were taken in by Helping Hands Hedgehog Rescue.
After several weeks in an incubator - and round-the-clock hand feeding - they are almost ready to be released back in to the wild.
Image source, Leicestershire County CouncilLeicestershire County Council has said warning stickers have now been placed on all verge strimming equipment, asking users to check for hedgehogs before using.
A spokesman also said: "Make sure you're checking bags or piles of garden waste that have been building up over the last few months.
"The warm conditions are perfect for our spiky friends, so please keep your eyes peeled."
East Midlands Airport drop-off charge risespublished at 10:57 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
BBC Radio DerbyPassengers and taxi drivers have criticised a price rise to use the rapid drop-off point at East Midlands Airport, which now costs £4 instead of £3.
East Midlands Airport has defended its move, having increased the time limit to use the drop-off point from 10 to 15 minutes, and said the charges are in line with those in place at other airports.
Amrit Khatker, who runs Derby Airport Transfers, said the move will affect his business as he has to pass on the cost to his customers.
Image source, East Midlands AirportPolice 'frustrated' over yellow lines notepublished at 09:45 British Summer Time 28 July 2020
Greig Watson
Reporter, BBC News OnlinePolice in Leicestershire have said they were feeling "frustrated" after a note reprimanding them for parking on yellow lines was left on a patrol car.
A picture of the anonymous, handwritten message, which said "please do not park on double yellow lines - it's a very bad example", was posted on Facebook, external.
Image source, Leicestershire PoliceIn response, police in Market Bosworth said: "Please refrain from silly comments and anonymous notes on marked police cars attending emergencies.
"If you want to speak to us face to face then perhaps have the courage not to hide behind a piece of paper."
One person who commented said: "They wouldn't be saying that if they needed help."