June

Trading standards officers from Derbyshire County Council have issued an alert about contaminated bottles of vodka. 

All businesses in the licensed trade are being urged to check their stocks for bottles of S. Petersbourg and St. Petersberg vodka, which could be contaminated with high levels of methanol. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include severe abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision leading to blindness and coma. The contaminated bottles can be identified as follows: 

S. Petersbourg - these 70cl bottles have a white front label with the word `S. Petersbourg` in black lettering and `Vodka` in red lettering. The label also has a gold crown with cross swords, two red lions at the top and a gold image of buildings at the bottom. 

The back label is white with the word `S. Petersbourg` in black lettering and `vodka` in red lettering and includes the following information: Produced and bottled by cod.ACCISA GE A0002A - NE (GE) 70cl,e, 37.5%. The bar code 8003151000006. The bottles also bear the lot code number L 601 - 02. 

St. Petersberg Vodka - the labels on these 1 litre bottles are identical to the S Petersbourg brand, with the exception that they have 1 LTR as the volume as opposed to 70cl, and have different names on the label. 

Although none of the bottles have been discovered in Derbyshire the county council`s trading standards is urging all businesses in the licensed trade to check their stocks for the fakes. 

Any bottles should be immediately removed from sale and the businesses should contact trading standards on 01629 585858 or the environmental health department of their local district or borough council. Consumers in the county who may have bought a bottle are also asked to get in touch with the authorities and under no circumstances consume it. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, county council cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "This product contains such high levels of methanol that it is not fit for human consumption and poses a severe health risk. 

"Although we aren`t aware of any of the spirits in Derbyshire, it is better to be safe than sorry and so we are taking the precaution of warning businesses and consumers. Derbyshire residents or traders with any concerns can contact trading standards on 01629 585858."

A sweet manufacturer has been fined after Derbyshire trading standards officers found that one of its brands contained more than three-and-a-half times the legal limit of colouring. 

Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards brought the prosecution against Maxilian Ltd of Sharples Vale at Bolton. The company was fined £1,500 and ordered to pay £586 costs by magistrates in Chesterfield on 25 June. 

Trading standards officers bought the sweet - raspberry flavoured sticks with crystal centres - as part of a routine sampling exercise. 

The sweet was analysed and was found to contain 360% more than the legal limit of the colouring Carmoisine. 

The safe limits for food colourings are set down in the 1995 Colours in Food Regulations. In the UK Carmoisine is allowed up to a maximum of 50 milligrams per kilogram. The sweet in question contained 230mg/kg. 

The maximum fine under the regulations is £5,000. 

The court heard that Maxilian has now stopped using Carmoisine in its products. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "Each year we test dozens of products - ranging from food and toys to duvets and child car seats - and where necessary we take swift and firm action to protect the interests and safety of consumers. 

"We welcome the level of fine in this case. It highlights the importance for manufactures to make sure their production processes comply with all relevant legislation."

A Buxton supermarket manager has been fined after a shop assistant sold alcoholic drinks to an undercover child volunteer. 

Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards - which prosecuted the case - is now urging licensees to make sure their staff are fully trained to sell alcohol. 

David Pheasey from Buxton - manager and licensee of Kwik Save on Eagle Parade - appeared before Chesterfield magistrates on 25 June and was fined £300 with £270 costs. 

The court heard that a 15-year-old undercover child volunteer who was working with trading standards enforcement officers, visited the store on 23 August 2002 as part of the county council`s on-going county-wide crackdown on the illegal sale of alcohol to children. 

A 17-year-old shop assistant sold the child four bottles of Vodka Reef Pineapple drink, even though the volunteer was clearly below the legal age to buy alcohol. Being under-18, the assistant correctly asked a supervisor for authorisation to make the sale, but no-one asked the child how old they were. 

Under the Licensing Act 1964 it is illegal for any person to sell alcohol to under-18s. The maximum fine is £1,000. Under the act it is the licensee of the premises who is ultimately responsible. In this particular case it was the supermarket manager and not the supervisor who was prosecuted. 

During their investigation trading standards found that there was insufficient evidence of staff training and so the manager was not exercising all due diligence to prevent the sale of alcohol to people aged under-18. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "The court took this matter very seriously and this was reflected in the level of fine. This case is extremely important because it highlights the licensee`s responsibility - in the eyes of the law it is the licensee and not his employer who has to take responsibility and pay the penalty. 

"This makes it all the more important for licensees to make sure their staff are well trained and understand the legislation. Crucially in this case the prosecution would have easily been avoided if the assistant or supervisor had simply asked the person`s age. 

"This particular store has now updated its training systems and this is to be welcomed." 

The county council`s campaign was launched last year after the authority became concerned at the health risks of child alcohol consumption and the anti-social behaviour that it fuels. 

A road is to be made one-way to reduce the number of accidents at a junction in Temple Normanton. 

Derbyshire County Council has taken the decision to introduce a one-way traffic order in Church Lane to complement traffic calming measures that were installed in January. 

Five injury accidents have occurred in the past three years at the junction of Church Lane and Chesterfield Road. 

The one-way system in Church Lane will prevent these accidents from happening by stopping cars from turning right at the junction. 

Residents in Birkin Lane have expressed concern that the traffic calming and decision to make Church Lane one-way will cause speeding problems in their road. 

Derbyshire County Council has decided to monitor the situation in Birkin Lane for a month to see if this is happening. 

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "The junction of Church Lane and Chesterfield Road is a known accident blackspot and we believe these measures will tackle that issue. 

"In addition to the five injury accidents we are aware of a significant number of accidents where cars have been damaged but thankfully nobody has been hurt. 

"We are confident that the changes will not have a major effect on Birkin Lane but will monitor the situation closely to ensure that we are not moving a problem from one road to another." 

Installing one-way signs on the road will cost £1,500.

Ever watched Time Team on television and fancied yourself as an archaeologist? 

Well Derbyshire County Council is offering you the chance to take the first steps towards uncovering the past by taking part in National Archaeology Day events at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July. 

National Archaeology Days are organised annually by the Council for British Archaeology and the Young Archaeologists` Club. 

As part of this year`s celebrations the Derbyshire County Council-run museum and art gallery in Terrace Road, Buxton will play host to a weekend of activities where visitors can find out about the skills archaeologists use to uncover and interpret the past. 

Throughout the weekend there will be a general display about archaeology. 

And on both days there will be Archaeology Detective workshops for children aged five to 13 from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. 

Participants will be able to discover how to put broken pots back together, handle original objects from the museum`s collections and take part in games and quizzes that reveal how archaeologists look for clues. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "Programmes like Time Team have transformed the image of archaeology and widened interest in it among the public. 

"These events are a chance for young people to learn what archaeology involves and hopefully might inspire someone to take it up as a hobby or job when they are older." 

Although the workshops are free places are limited so need to be booked in advance. For further information, or to make a booking, ring Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer on 01298 24658 or email buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk 

A total of 797 new out-of-school childcare places will be created across Derbyshire thanks to a successful bid for National Lottery funding by the county`s Early Years and Childcare Partnership. 

The partnership - which is steered by Derbyshire County Council and involves childcare providers in the public, private and voluntary sectors - has just been awarded £527,508 to fund 37 partners in before and after school clubs, holiday projects and wraparound care for three to 14-year-olds. 

The latest round of cash from the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) will be used to expand existing provision and set up new childcare schemes across the county. 

Projects will be based in a variety of settings ranging from childminders to schools, out-of-school clubs and nurseries. 

Partnership chair and county council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "This latest round of funding will enable us to create 797 new places to continue the development of childcare in Derbyshire. 

"I am delighted that our all of our six NoF bids over the past three years have been successful and the latest award brings the total to £3.1m which has created 6,339 childcare places. 

"Childcare, whether during the day, after school or during the weekends or holidays is a vital support to working families in Derbyshire." 

The programme has been designed to match the specific needs of the communities. The cash will help with running and staffing costs and, in some cases, will pay for equipment and minor improvements to premises. 

Parents will be able to claim towards any out-of-school-hours childcare costs through the Child Tax Credit although the amount will depend on their circumstances.

Trading standards staff from Derbyshire County Council have joined forces with Customs and Excise to stamp out the sale of illegal diesel. 

Customs officers seized illegal diesel worth £18,000 from a Derbyshire garage following a joint operation with Derbyshire County Council trading standards to tackle the trade which is believed to be widespread. I

t is illegal to use red diesel - usually used in farm machinery - in road vehicles as it is a form of tax evasion. In order to evade detection, criminals are taking the red dye markers out of the diesel and selling it on to garages. 

By-products from the process are a threat to the environment say trading standards bosses who confirmed that plastic drums containing contaminated waste from the fuel have been found dumped in the Derbyshire countryside. 

The chemical waste can threaten the water table and children playing with discarded chemical containers could be harmed. Engines can also be damaged by the illegal diesel. 

The recent haul of illegal fuel was seized from a garage in Derbyshire after a driver reported to trading standards that his vehicle was damaged by suspect fuel. 

An engineer who examined the car found fuel components of the car were damaged and corroded and that fuel contaminated with chemicals was to blame. 

As the driver always used the same garage to fill up, trading standards were able to take a sample of fuel form the garage which, when tested by Customs and Excise, was found to be laundered. 

Laundered diesel starts its life as red diesel - a cheaper fuel designed for use in farm machinery and other non-road vehicles. It is coloured with a red dye and sold at a cheaper price as there is a much lower fuel duty on it. 

Organised criminals are laundering the diesel by adding acid or alkali to it to remove the colour and then selling it on to garages. However, enough of the dye marker is left in the fuel which can be detected in tests. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, the county council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "This illegal activity is cheating the tax man and the motorist as well as being a serious environmental threat. 

"Trading standards officers are working hard to clamp down on this damaging trade and we are warning other rogue traders that we are committed stamping it out. 

"Traders who buy laundered diesel put honest filling stations out of business, give firms an unfair advantage over competitors and can put vehicles at risk of serious engine damage. 

"We will continue to work with Customs and Excise to prevent consumers from being defrauded in this way." 

Customs spokesman Phil Rogers said: "This case shows the benefit of multi-agency working as we tackle crime that takes money away from public services. 

"Using our fleet of oils testing trailers and road fuel testing vehicles, Customs aims to make local businesses and the public aware of the consequences of using illegal fuel."

Dozens of families are being treated to a host of summer fun activities over the next few weeks thanks to Derbyshire Sure Start. 

East Bolsover Sure Start, which covers Creswell, Langwith, Whaley Thorns and Shirebrook, has organised a programme of events running through to August. 

Families have already enjoyed trips out, swimming and picnics but there is still plenty to come. Parents can enjoy a pamper day with massage, manicures and make-overs while their children enjoy art activities on the following dates at these venues: 

• Monday 30 June - Shirebrook Welfare, Central Drive: 10am to 2.30pm. 
• Tuesday 1 July - Whaley Thorns Community Centre, Portland Road: 10am to 2.30pm. 
• Friday 4 July - Creswell Social Centre, Elmton Road: 10am to 2.30pm. 

Meanwhile, Sure Start staff have organised a trip to Chatsworth Farm on July 17 and are hosting three carnivals on the following dates: 

• Monday 28 July - Creswell Junior School field, Elmton Road: 10.30am to 3.30pm. 
• Tuesday 29 July - The Sure Start Centre car park, Portland Road, Whaley Thorns: 10.30am to 3.30pm. 
• Thursday 31 July - Shirebrook Kissingate Leisure Centre, Park Road: 10.30am to 3.30pm. 

And to round off the summer programme Sure Start has organised a trip to take five coaches of fun-seekers to Skegness for the day on August 15. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "There is something for everyone here and I hope the sun shines on these Sure Start activities to make it a summer to remember for these local families." 

There are seven Sure Start programmes running across Derbyshire which help provide new and improved community services and support to families living in the area with children aged four and under. 

For more information call East Bolsover Sure Start on 01623 588320.

A centre dedicated to educating young people about the holocaust has received a funding boost from Derbyshire County Council. 

The North Nottingham-based Holocaust Centre is visited each year by hundreds of Derbyshire students. The council has agreed to the centre`s appeal for a £500 contribution towards a learning pack. The packs are provided to all visiting students to reinforce and consolidate their experience. 

Councillor Alan Charles said: "This is a very important educational facility and so we are delighted to provide some support. The visits are an important part of the secondary school citizenship curriculum, which tackles issues of discrimination, intolerance and prejudice." 

The centre - which is open to the public - can be contacted on 01623 836627. 

Almost £400,000 is to be ploughed into school improvement schemes after Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet gave approval for the funding. The money will be used to improve accommodation at four voluntary aided (church) schools at Crich, Eckington, Ilkeston and Long Eaton. The schemes are as follows: <li>Fritchley CE Primary at Crich - £120,000 for the latest phase of a re-development scheme. <li>Camms CE Primary, Eckington - £30,000 towards a new staff room. <li>St Thomas Catholic Primary, Ilkeston - £60,000 to refurbish a classroom. <li>St Lawrence CE Primary, Long Eaton - £120,000 for an IT suite. <li>St Margarets Catholic Primary, Glossop - £60,000 to improve access for disabled people. County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "We are pleased to give our approval to these schemes, which will make a great difference to the accommodation at all of the schools." The schemes will be co-ordinated by the schools and diocesan authorities. For more information, contact the diocesan authorities as follows: Derby Diocesan Board of Education (Crich, Eckington and Long Eaton) 01332 382233; Nottingham Diocesan Schools Commission (Glossop and Ilkeston) 0115 9539801. Meanwhile, a £150,000 scheme to improve the accommodation at Glossop`s Padfield Primary School has been given the go-ahead by Derbyshire County Council. The scheme will provide a new staff room, improve toilet facilities, improve office accommodation and provide a new corridor to link three classrooms and a hall - currently the hall and classrooms are accessed through other classrooms, causing disruption to lessons. It is hoped that the works will get underway this summer and be completed by the end of the year.

Buxton Library users will be able to borrow extra books while the branch is closed to allow maintenance work to be carried out. 

The library in Kents Bank Road will close on Thursday 10 July and re-open at 9.30am on Saturday 19 July. The temporary closure is necessary so that a new floor can be built in the study library. 

Further details about the closure are available from staff at the branch or by ringing 01298 25331. 

Customers will still be able to renew books during the temporary closure by www.derbyshire.gov.uk/librar/librarysystem.htm (opens in a new window) or by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08456 058058

Members of an adult community education class have taken a `hands on` approach to producing an exhibition. 

Students on the creative studies programme at Gamesley Early Excellence Centre have produced mosaics, computer designs, hand and machine-made embroidery, patchwork and quilting. 

The aim was to experiment with colour, line, shape, form and texture using a variety of different media. 

The course is aimed at giving students a hands-on introduction to creative studies and is funded by Derbyshire County Council`s lifelong learning and adult community education teams, the European Social Fund and the Government`s Single Regeneration Budget. 

The Hands On exhibition is on display at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery in Terrace Road, Buxton until 10 August. 

Visitors to the gallery can also see the Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition and Performance, an exhibition of musically inspired work. 

Entry to all exhibitions is free as part of Derbyshire County Council`s commitment to increase public access to the arts. 

Information about all the exhibitions is available by ringing Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer on 01298 24658.

A new exhibition of paintings by the Bollington Art Group opens at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 5 July. 

The exhibition reflects a view of the High Peak area from `the other side of the hill`. Bollington is a popular destination for walkers, canal boat users, artists and historians, who enjoy the landscape and its industrial past. 

The exhibition takes place at the Derbyshire County Council-run Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, in Terrace Road until 30 August. 

Anyone wishing to find out more about the group and their artwork can chat to members at the museum on Saturday 12 July and Tuesday 5 August between 2pm and 4pm. 

Visitors to the gallery can also see the Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition, which is on show until 19 July. 

Entry to all exhibitions at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is free as part of Derbyshire County Council`s commitment to increase public access to the arts. 

Information about all the exhibitions is available by ringing Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer at the Museum and Art Gallery on 01298 24658.

Two main roads in the High Peak are to be resurfaced by Derbyshire County Council in a £340,000 scheme to improve journeys for motorists. 

The A57 Snake Pass will be closed from Monday 30 June to Sunday 6 July from the junction at Hurst Road, Glossop to the junction with the A6013 at Ashopton Viaduct to enable the resurfacing to take place. 

Drivers are asked to find alternative routes such as the A628 or the A635. Drivers on the M60 and M67 will be warned about the closure using the electronic warning boards. 

The work has to take place during warmer weather to ensure the surface can be laid properly but has been scheduled to avoid the main holiday periods to reduce traffic delays as much as possible. 

Once work is completed on the £220,000 scheme on the Snake Pass then resurfacing will also take place on the A6015 New Mills Road at Hayfield. 

The road will close from Monday 7 July to Saturday 12 July for resurfacing from the junction of the A624 for around 800 metres to the point near the Walzing Weasel pub. 

Buses will have access down the road during the roadworks scheme, which will cost £120,000. There are two diversion routes. For vehicles under 12ft 9in high it is the A6015, A6, A624 and vice versa. 

For vehicles over 12ft 9in it is the A6015, A6, A626, A57, A6016, A624 and vice versa. 

Councillor Brian Lucas, cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "These two resurfacing schemes are part of a £17.6 million commitment from Derbyshire County Council to improve the standards of the county`s roads and pavements over the next year. 

"Whenever roads as busy as the Snake Pass and the A6015 are closed then there are likely to be long delays but we have asked contractors to do the work as quickly as possible. 

"We would ask motorists to be patient while the resurfacing work is carried out because we need to ensure that both roads are of the highest standard and safe for all users."

Members of Melbourne Historical Research Group have taken part in celebrations to mark the launch of a new local history section at the town`s library. 

A section has been set up within the Derbyshire County Council-run branch, which has books, photos, documents and maps giving details about all aspects of the town`s history. 

The historical group was invited to the launch because they have donated a lot of information. 

The new section is expected to be of particular use for school children doing homework and people carrying out local history research. 

The launch also gave the historical group the chance to use the computers at Melbourne Library to visit history websites, including the new Picture the Past website. The website, which can visited at www.picturethepast.org.uk (opens in a new window) has historical pictures from across Derbyshire. 

Representatives from schools across Derbyshire are to attend a conference designed to get more young people involved in improving their local environment. 

The second Eco Schools Conference has been organised by Derbyshire County Council and Global Education Derby to encourage more schools to sign up to the European-wide environmental award scheme and support those that are already registered. 

Eco Schools encourages schools to improve their grounds and work towards reducing their impact on the wider environment. The scheme is run in Britain by EnCams, formerly known as the Tidy Britain Group. 

Currently there are 120 Derbyshire schools registered on the scheme, of which six have gone on to achieve the top Green Flag award. 

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "The Eco Schools scheme has proved a very popular way for pupils to be taught how to care for their environment. 

"This conference is designed to support schools registered as Eco Schools and to encourage more schools to sign up to the scheme by showing them how easy it is to get involved and the benefits that it has brought those that have already been through the process." 

Pupils from Hady Primary, Bishop Pursglove Primary and Kirk Ireton Primary schools will attend the conference on Thursday 26 June to show delegates the type of environmental projects that they have been involved in. 

During the day workshop sessions will explain how to: 

• Develop school grounds to attract wildlife 
• Minimise waste in schools 
• Monitor and evaluate Eco Schools projects 

The opening speakers at the conference will be Derbyshire County Council`s chief education officer Roger Taylor and Sue Rigby, Eco Schools manager for EnCams.

More than 1,500 young people will be taking to the track, court and pitch for the fourth Derbyshire Youth Games to be held next weekend. 

The event on Saturday 28 June is one of the biggest sporting events in the county for young people and sees more than 200 volunteers supporting the event as team managers, officials and event staff. 

The event is being split between three venues in Derby - Moorways Sports Complex and Rolls Royce Leisure in Moor Lane and Derby College, Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth, and will run from 10am to 6pm. 

The competition will see 10 teams with youngsters aged between nine and 16 years representing their local district or borough councils and school sports associations. They will be competing in 11 sports - athletics, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rugby, swimming, tennis, table cricket and table tennis - and battling it out in 17 competitions. 

The games are being co-ordinated by sports development units from councils across the county including Derbyshire County Council and are being supported by teachers, coaches and volunteers. 

The aim of the games is to increase and improve opportunities for young people to take part in sport, including girls and people with disabilities. Organisers also hope it will redress the imbalance of sporting opportunities in Derbyshire. 

This year there will be opportunities for around 150 young people with disabilities to take part in swimming, table cricket, football and wheelchair basketball. 

As with previous years, a Youth Volunteer Programme is being run and more than 40 young people aged between 14 and 25 years will be able to gain coaching qualifications and experience of helping to plan a large event. 

The young people taking part come from schools across the county including Littleover Community School and Noel Baker School, Brookfield Specialist Sports College, Tupton Hall School, Ilkeston School and also the University of Derby. 

Derbyshire and Peak Park Sport and Recreation Forum chair Councillor Lionel Cannon said: "The event was a huge success last year and I am sure it will be just as popular this time. We are very grateful to all the local groups and clubs who volunteer to help and make the day the great event it is." 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: "The Derbyshire Youth Games are an excellent opportunity for young people in Derbyshire to really enjoy sport and have a go at activities they may not normally get the chance to." 

Everyone is welcome to attend and support their local team and take part in a variety of activities including skiing, circus skills and skateboarding. 

There are teams from Amber Valley, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Derby City East, Derby City West, Erewash, High Peak, North East Derbyshire and South Derbyshire. 

For more information about the Derbyshire Youth Games contact Suzy Longland on 01629 530511.

Youngsters at John Duncan Special School have been receiving exclusive coaching from cricket stars thanks to the ongoing partnership between Derbyshire County Council and the county`s top sports clubs. 

Children from the special school in Buxton have been taking part in cricket coaching sessions with players and coaches from the Derbyshire County Cricket Club team. The pupils will receive certificates for their achievement on Monday at a special presentation ceremony. 

The coaching scheme was set up 15 years ago by the county council to encourage young people to join in with school sports. More than 80,000 Derbyshire primary and secondary pupils have taken part in football and cricket coaching activities with experts from Derby County FC, Chesterfield FC and Derbyshire County Cricket Club. 

Earlier this year children at John Duncan Special School had the privilege of being trained by skilled coaches from the cricket club and on Monday (30 June) the pupils will be awarded with certificates and prizes. Councillor Charles Cutting, Chair of Derbyshire County Council, will be joining club managers to present the prizes which include a signed cricket bat, family tickets to a County Championship or National League game and other "goodies". 

Derbyshire County Council Leader, Councillor John Williams said: "The coaching scheme is becoming more and more popular every year, with the county`s sports clubs continuing to offer excellent support to our schools. 

"It is important that sport is encouraged in school to introduce youngsters to the idea of working in a team as well as the highs and lows of winning and losing. 

"We are grateful to Derbyshire County Cricket Club for giving their time and effort to pass on their valuable skills and words of encouragement to the children, who could themselves be sporting hero`s one day."

A series of roadshows are to be held across Derbyshire to seek the public`s views about proposals to re-open a railway line. 

For the past eight months independent consultant Scott Wilson Railways has been carrying out a feasibility study to see if it is viable from an environmental, engineering and economic viewpoint to re-open the Matlock to Buxton section of the Derby to Manchester railway line. 

As part of this process the consultants want to know the views of people who live near the proposed line or would be interested in using it should it be built. 

To explain all the proposals, and show residents the likely route, a mobile exhibition unit will visit different areas between 30 June and 12 July. 

Visitors will be able to speak to the consultants and county council staff about the project. They will also have the opportunity to give their views by filling in a questionnaire. 

The exhibitions will take place at: 

Belper: Monday 30 June from 2pm to 7pm 

Field Lane car park behind Somerfield 

Darley Dale: Tuesday 1 July from 2pm to 7pm 

Whitworth Institute, at the junction of the A6 and Station Road 

Matlock: Wednesday 2 July from 2pm to 7pm and Thursday 3 July from 10am to 4pm 

Matlock Bridge car park, off Crown Square 

Derby: Friday 4 July from 10am to 6pm 

Derby Market Place 

Monsal Head: Sunday 6 July from 10am to 4pm 

Car park opposite the Monsal Head Hotel on the B6465, at the junction of Ashford Lane and Castlegate Lane. 

Bakewell: Monday 7 July from 10am to 7pm 

Outside the Agricultural Business Centre 

Buxton: Tuesday 8 July from 8am to 5pm 

Buxton Market Square 

Chapel-en-le-Frith: Thursday 10 July from 10am to 7pm 

Safeway`s car park in Market Street 

New Mills: Friday 11 July from 10am to 4pm 

Car park in Torr Top Street 

Millers Dale: Saturday 12 July from 10am to 4pm 

The old station car park, off the B6049

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "No decisions have been taken yet about whether re-opening the Matlock to Buxton section of the railway is a good idea or not. 

"The independent consultants want to hear the views of local people, both positive and negative, before outlining their thoughts. 

"Even if the project does pass this hurdle then there will be plenty of other opportunities for local people to have their say on the project." 

Anyone who is unable to attend the exhibitions can still find out more by www.derbyshire.gov.uk/railproject/index.htm (opens in a new window) 

Alternatively, people with enquiries can ring Call Derbyshire on 0845 6 058 058 and information will be sent in the post. 

The feasibility study is being paid for by a partnership of organisations. They are Derbyshire County Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, the Buxton and Peak District SRB 6 Partnership, Countryside Agency, Derby City Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, East Midlands Development Agency, European Regional Development Fund, Government Office for the East Midlands, High Peak Borough Council, Peak District National Park Authority, Peak Park Transport Forum, Rural Development Programme, Strategic Rail Authority and Tarmac plc. 

The report will be presented to all the partners in September, with a decision on whether to go ahead with plans to re-open the line expected by the end of 2003. 

Work on a more detailed feasibility plan would then begin, along with applications for Government funding to pay for the line. A planning application would also need to be made. 

Even if everything went according to plan it is unlikely the line would re-open before 2010.

Fun and games will be on the menu during the morning at an event planned to celebrate the merger of two village groups. 

The Swanwick Childminding Support Group is merging with the local parent and toddler group known as Cygnets to provide a double service for people in the area including a drop in facility for childminders. 

The merger came about following accommodation difficulties for the childminders group and the merger has been supported by Derbyshire County Council`s Early Years and Childcare Partnership development officers and the National Childminders Association. 

Cygnets is a club developed for parents and carers of children under five years in the Swanwick area but last July it almost closed its doors because of a lack of volunteers to help keep it running. 

The Childminders group has been running for four years and includes 10 childminders. 

The Early Years and Childcare Partnership childminding development officer has helped the group to apply for an Awards for All grant and the group has received £760 which will be used to buy toys. 

The official launch of the new group will be at a fun morning on Friday 27 June between 10am and noon at the Old School House, The Green, Swanwick. 

Following the official launch, the Swanwick Childminding Support Group will use the Old School House from 9am to 10am each Friday morning, with the Cygnets joining them from 10am to 11.30am. 

The Cygnets and the childminding support group will be there to support each other. Parents, carers and children from the Swanwick area are all invited to attend the event on 27 June where there will be a teddy bear`s picnic, face painting, a Children`s mobile library and free refreshments. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services and chair of Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership Councillor Bob Janes said: "This event marks the start of a new era for both groups. 

"By teaming up they are able to offer a wider range of support to people living in the area caring for young children. I`m sure the venture will be very successful." 

Derbyshire and Derby city schools have been invited to attend a conference next week to find out how they can join the Health Promoting Schools scheme - an initiative that aims to improve pupils` health, confidence and motivation. 

The conference, at Mackworth Conference Centre on Wednesday 25 June, is for schools not already involved in the scheme from the Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash, South Derbyshire and Derby City areas. 

The conference has been organised by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council along with the Primary Care Trusts in the south of the county. 

The councils and health agencies joined forces to set up the Health Promoting Schools scheme throughout Derbyshire in 1994, and it is accredited to the National Healthy Schools Standard. 

Throughout the county around two thirds of schools are already involved - around 350 of these are in the south of the county and the city. 

However, the authorities are urging more to take part and next week`s conference will explain how they can sign up. 

All schools in Derby and Derbyshire are eligible for the scheme. Those taking part work with a healthy schools supporter to set up projects that address pupils` physical, social, emotional and academic needs. 

This could include improving the young people`s health, self-confidence and motivation, making sure they feel supported and safe, and helping them to learn about important issues like nutrition, relationships, smoking and drug misuse. 

Some of the successful initiatives developed by local schools have included: 

• Schemes to develop pupils` confidence and self esteem 
• Healthy tuck shops that sells fruit 
• Pupils setting up a support group for their classmates 
• Healthy exercise classes for pupils 
• Stress management schemes for pupils and school staff 
• Schemes to improve playground behaviour. 
• Improved sex and relationships and drug education programmes. 

County council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The scheme aims to create the best possible opportunities for children and those who work with them, so they can develop and enjoy a healthier life." 

Councillor Charles added: "We can achieve this by working together to support schools and recognise their efforts to become healthier communities. It`s important that we don`t just see schools as places for getting GCSEs and A levels - they`re also places that should give our young people a good start in life and help them to grow up." 

Assistant Director of Public Health with the Amber Valley PCT, Pam Purdue, said: "First Steps is an opportunity to increase that number of schools and so improve the health of even more students and staff. We are very positive about what we have achieved - improving health in schools by working in partnership with staff, pupils and parents and making links with agencies that can support them."

Derbyshire and Derby City haulage businesses and cargo drivers are to be the target of a campaign to improve facilities for freight distribution and reduce environmental damage. 

The Derby and Derbyshire Freight Quality Partnership has produced a strategy with the aim of making progress with initiatives and agreeing on a common approach to freight issues. The Partnership will begin by gathering vital information from businesses and drivers. 

A questionnaire is being sent to Derbyshire and Derby City businesses to find out how many vehicles they have, whether they have any parking problems or difficulties with misleading signs and whether they use rail at all. The questionnaire can also be completed online by www.derbyshire.gov.uk/freightstrategy (opens in a new window). The information will provide a basis for the five-year action plan, which proposes to improve facilities for freight distribution. 

Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Police, Derby City Council, the Freight Transport Association, together with a number of private sector firms, local authorities and environmental groups have joined together to form the partnership. The group meets regularly to discuss issues of concern, progress projects, and agree on a common way forward. 

The five main aims of the new project are: 

• To raise education and awareness of freight issues 
• Reduce the environmental impact of freight movements 
• Increase amount of freight moved by rail 
• Manage the movement of freight by road 
• Influence land use planning 

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member of environment and highways, said: "It is important that people are made aware of the issues surrounding the movement of freight. 

"The scheme will help businesses by improving facilities for freight distribution as well as helping to reduce the damage caused to the environment. 

"We hope that businesses will welcome the scheme and offer their assistance by filling in the short questionnaire." 

The closing date for comments on the questionnaire is intended to be the end of August. 

For further information or to request a copy of the strategy or the questionnaire, www.derbyshire.gov.uk/freightstrategy (opens in a new window) or contact Rebecca Pennyfather on 01629 580000 ext 7119 or e-mail rebecca.pennyfather@derbyshire.gov.uk 

An updated policy to safely manage asbestos in council-owned buildings has been drawn up by Derbyshire County Council. 

The county council`s existing policy has been reviewed in response to new Government legislation that calls on all large organisations to survey their buildings for asbestos. 

The updated policy was agreed at today`s meeting of the county council`s cabinet. 

The idea is to establish which buildings contain the material, which type, its condition and how much of it is present. 

There are many types of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) present in buildings throughout the country. They are generally safe as long as they are not disturbed and no fibres are released. 

By setting down exactly where the asbestos is, the new policy will ensure that ACMs are not unwittingly disturbed - for example by contractors carrying out work. 

Derbyshire is one of the first local authorities to finalise an asbestos policy to meet the requirements of the new Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. 

The council owns around 1,000 buildings, from offices and depots to libraries, schools and homes for older people. 

The new policy builds on detailed risk assessments undertaken over the past 10 years. This action has ensured that any damaged ACMs - such as asbestos pipe lagging - have already been safely removed. 

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "Asbestos is present in buildings throughout the UK. However, people should not be alarmed because the material is safe as long as it is managed properly. 

"By surveying our buildings and introducing the revised policy we will ensure that the material is managed properly and that it is not disturbed unintentionally."

A community farm and education centre which has transformed a piece of derelict land is to be officially unveiled later this month. 

Willow Tree Family Farm in Langwith Road, Shirebrook, will officially open on Thursday 26 June and will be open to the public from Saturday 5 July at noon. 

The farm has been built on land behind Derbyshire County Council`s Shirebrook Adult Education Centre and includes a café, a shop and classrooms. 

It will be home to a range of animals and birds including some birds of prey, ducks, chickens, pigs, lambs, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, a tortoise and even chipmunks, 

There will also be visiting animals which will stay at the farm for a short time. 

The £300,000 project began to take shape in January when planning permission was granted for the farm by Bolsover District Council, but the idea has taken three years of planning by volunteers and the county council`s Bolsover community economic development team. 

The farm, which will employ four people with volunteers from the community assisting, will be open to members of the public. The CED team, which covers Shirebrook, Creswell and Langwith, hopes to encourage visits by schools, pensioners` groups and youngsters with learning difficulties. 

As well as the animals, there will also be regular demonstrations of activities like sheep shearing and shoeing horses and visitors will be able to feed the lambs. There will also be regular educational classes focussing on subjects such as animal care. 

Funding for the farm has come from the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) and Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN), a trust which distributes cash to environmental projects. Additional funding was provided by the Rural Development Council, SRB and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. 

Councillor Geoff Carlile, who will officially open the farm at 11am on 26 June, said: "Willow Tree Farm will be an excellent place for people to visit and also a valuable educational asset for the area. 

"People of all ages will be able to come and learn about the animals, the countryside and the environment." 

He added: "A lot of hard work has gone into creating the farm by volunteers and the council`s CED team and they are all to be congratulated for making the project become a reality. I am sure it will be very successful." 

The farm has been registered as a Community Enterprise and all profits will be ploughed back into the venture. 

Entry will cost £2.50 for adults and £1 for children and there will also be family tickets and a membership scheme for regular visitors. 

Derbyshire businesses are urged to be on their guard if they receive threatening letters warning them they face a £5,000 fine if they do not register for data protection purposes. 

Dozens of worried businesses have contacted Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards over the past week about the letters, from `Data Protection Registration Services`. 

Headed `Final Notice` the letter states that the business has still not registered their details with the Information Commissioner and it warns them that failure to do so is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £5,000. 

The notice adds that Data Protection Registration Services will organise the registration on behalf of the business - for a £95 fee. 

However, trading standards are warning businesses to seek advice before for paying out because not all firms need to register. 

And even if they do, the fee of £95 is almost three times more than it actually costs to register direct with the Office of the Information Commissioner. 

With this in mind local firms targeted by the letters can contact the Office of the Information Commissioner to find out if they need to register. 

If they do, a flat rate charge of £35 is payable. Businesses can check their legal obligation and register by phoning the Office on 01625 545740. They can also register on-line at www.dpr.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "Our advice to any local businesses targeted is to call the Office of the Information Commissioner. You may not need to register and even if you do it may be easy - and cheaper - to sort it out yourself." 

A waste management company that breached three planning conditions has been fined £1,500 after being prosecuted by Derbyshire County Council. 

Chesterfield magistrates ordered Chesterfield-based Carwick Limited, a waste management firm that operates in north Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, to pay the fine plus £2,594 costs during the hearing on Wednesday 11 June 2003. 

The case followed inspections of the company`s Doe Lea Recycling Centre by officers from the county council`s environmental services department. The site is covered by planning conditions which aim to limit the height and area covered by waste that is being stockpiled while waiting for recycling. 

Inspections revealed that the waste piles were higher than allowed and covering too large an area. A drainage system needed to control run-off from the site was also missing. 

Derbyshire County Council served three breach of condition notices on Carwick Limited on 11 July 2002, requiring the company to remove 30,000 tonnes of over-tipping from the site and install the drainage scheme. 

However, the required works were not carried out within the specified timescale. Failure to comply with the requirements of a breach of condition notice is an offence under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. 

Carwick Limited pleaded guilty to the three offences, which happened in August, September and October last year. 

Site monitoring officers from the county council`s environmental services department carry out regular checks of waste management sites in order to ensure that operators are complying with planning conditions. 

Councillor Joyce Sanders, chair of the county council`s regulatory planning and control committee, said: "While the vast majority of operators comply with planning permissions there seems to be a small minority who flout the law. 

"I hope this prosecution acts as a warning to other operators that they will not get away with planning breaches."

Staff and pupils from eight Derbyshire schools receive awards from Derbyshire County Council next week in recognition of their efforts to tackle bullying issues and introduce anti-bullying initiatives. 

The awards - including the highest award for schools at Ashbourne and Staveley - will be presented by county council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles on Friday 27 June. 

The schools have been taking part in a county council initiative called the ABC Anti-Bullying Commitment Quality Assurance Scheme, which encourages them to introduce policies and strategies to prevent and deal with bullying behaviour. 

Over 100 primary, secondary and special schools have either received awards or are working towards them. 

There are three levels of award: initial, interim and excellence. Schools receive support to help them develop a commitment to anti-bullying, for example by discussing the issue in lessons, by improving communication with pupils and parents, by setting up monitoring and evaluation systems and by training staff. 

Initiatives introduced by the schools have included setting up school councils, introducing `buddy` systems whereby older pupils take new students under their wing and designing posters and leaflets to raise awareness of the issue. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "My congratulations go out to all of these schools. It is very important to deal with bullying issues. Bullying causes misery to the victims and leads to low self-esteem and truancy. This is why the awards are so important, and the latest presentation will recognise the hard work and commitment of all of the schools." 

• The county council is encouraging more schools to take part - the target is to increase the number to 200 by 2004. Schools wanting more information should get in touch with Lynn Grainger or Tim Bancroft on 01332 831316. 

The latest schools to receive awards are: 

• Excellence award: Hulland CE Primary near Ashbourne and Springwell Community at Staveley. 
• Interim award: Aston-on-Trent Primary and Heath Primary. 
• Initial award: All Saints Junior at Matlock, Ashgate Croft at Chesterfield, Morley Primary and St James CE Primary at Glossop.

Walkers, horse-riders and cyclists are just some people being sought by Derbyshire County Council to form part of a new forum that will discuss local countryside needs. 

The members will provide suggestions on how best to improve access to land for recreational use and local rights of way. 

The forum is also looking for owners and occupiers of land crossed by local rights of way such as water companies, National Trust, Chatsworth estate, forestry commission, landowners and farmers to become members. 

People with other countryside interests such as wildlife conservation, business and tourism, transport, heritage, education, and equal opportunities are equally welcome to contribute to the new forum. 

Membership to the forum will be decided by a panel which will include a councillor from Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council. 

The forum will be consulted on a variety of matters including draft maps showing open country and registered common land, rights of way improvements, any bylaws to be made which affect access to land and the appointment of access wardens on land where new access rights apply. 

Members will be expected to discuss things outside the meetings with others so that they can express a range of views. The forum will meet four or five times a year. Membership is voluntary, with expenses paid, and members are appointed for up to three years. 

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services, said: " This is a great opportunity for those with strong views to take an active part in making important decisions about the countryside. " It is vital that we get a variety of related perspectives so that fair and balanced decisions can be made. 

" Anyone with an interest in countryside access, either as users, landowners or any other relevant point of view are wanted for this new forum." 

Further details are available from the Derbyshire Countryside Service website by www.nepnicheweb.co.uk/derbyshirecountry (opens in a new window) 

People who would like to talk about joining the forum can contact Ron Marquand, countryside management and access officer, on 01629 580000 ext. 7177. or email ron.marquand@derbyshire.gov.uk 

The closing date for applications is 4 July 2003. Interviews will take place before the end of August.

Trading Standards officers are warning Derbyshire householders to be on their guard against rogue traders during the summer. 

As with previous years the county council`s consumer advisors are registering an increase in complaints from local residents who have been targeted by dodgy traders during the longer summer days. 

In one case an Amber Valley resident was left with a £4,800 bill for a botched driveway. Another householder had a lucky escape after they refused to pay a rogue trader thousands of pounds to replace two roof tiles. 

Trading standards have issued the following advice: 

• Keep your door locked, even when you are inside the house. Fit and use a door chain. 
• Always check ID - you can do this with the door chain still on. If in doubt, don`t let them in. If the person says they are from a utility company such as gas or electricity, you can phone the company and make an appointment for another time, when somebody is with you. 
• If you let anyone in don`t leave them alone. If they won`t leave when asked call the police. 
• Don`t sign a contract until you fully understand it. Ask traders to leave a copy to look over before signing. If in doubt, get in touch with trading standards and they will look it over. If you sign but change your mind you may be able to cancel - ask trading standards for advice. 
• Don`t pay a deposit unless you`re sure you want to buy, and even then only pay a small deposit. If you are paying over £100, using your credit card may give you extra protection. 
• Get a receipt with the name, address and phone number of the company. 
• Don`t accept lifts to the bank from salesmen who offer to help collect the money. 

County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We would urge people to be on their guard. In some cases rogue traders target householders and try to extract thousands of pounds for shoddy work. In other cases vulnerable residents fall victim to distraction burglars who pose as representatives from the utility companies or as workmen. 

"We need to highlight the kind of scams that are pulled and help reduce the incidence of this kind of distressing crime. Bogus traders can often be very pleasant and persuasive to get you to part with your hard-earned cash. Think twice before you agree to anything." 

• Help and advice is available from Derbyshire trading standards on 01629 585858.

Children at Marlpool Infant School picked up valuable footballing skills thanks to a continuing partnership between Derbyshire County Council and the county`s top sporting clubs. 

The Community Venture Scheme was set up by the county council 17 years ago to provide coaching for Derbyshire`s primary and secondary schools. 

Since then, more than 80,000 primary children have taken part in football and cricket coaching sessions with players and coaches from top professional teams, including Derby County, Chesterfield FC, Alfreton Town FC and Derbyshire County Cricket Club. 

Marlpool Infant, on Prospect Road, Heanor, is one of the latest schools to take part in the scheme, with the whole school enjoying a day of coaching with Alfreton Town FC. 

The youngsters also picked up some special prizes of football goodies donated by the club after their entry in a prize draw was chosen. 

Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Coun John Williams said: "The coaching scheme is incredibly popular and with the support of so many clubs is going from strength to strength. "Sport is an important part of school life and encourages youngsters to work as a team and enter into the spirit of friendly competition. 

"We are grateful to the clubs for investing their time and effort into passing on their skills to pupils who could turn out to be the sports stars of the future." 

Community coach from Alfreton Town FC, Jason Maybury, returned to the school to hand over prizes to the children which included new footballs, a pair of gloves and tickets for all the pupils to see a home game next season. 

He said: "We had a great day at the school, all the children enjoyed themselves and put in a lot of effort. 

"The Community Venture Scheme is a really good project which offers youngsters a great opportunity to get involved in sport." 

A new exhibition of community artwork is to be unveiled at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday (June 14). "Hands On" has been created by Adult Community Education at Gamesley Early Excellence Centre. The art on show is a sample of the work created as part of the Creative Studies programme in which students experiment with colour, line, shape, form and texture in a variety of art media. Mosaics, computer designs, hand and machine embroidery, patchwork and quilting are among the techniques on show. The Creative Studies programme provides people with little or no experience with a "hands on" introduction to creative studies and is supported by Derbyshire County Council Lifelong Learning Adult Community Education, European Social Fund and Single Regeneration Budget. The exhibition will take place at the Derbyshire County Council-run Buxton Museum and Art Gallery in Terrace Road, Buxton, from Saturday until August 10. County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "This exhibition promises to offer an interesting mix of experimental techniques and we hope there will be something to appeal to all tastes." Visitors to the gallery can also see Performance, an exhibition of musically inspired art by Dai David until 28 June, and The Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition 2003. Entry to all exhibitions at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is free as part of Derbyshire County Council`s commitment to increase public access to the arts. For more information call Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer at the venue on 01298 24658.

Dozens of families are invited to go along to a fun day which has been organised by a Derbyshire Sure Start. 

North East Derbyshire Sure Start, which covers Grassmoor, North Wingfield, Holmewood, Temple Normanton and Pilsley, has organised the fun day which will be held on Saturday 21 June from 11am to 3pm. 

The event is being held at Deincourt Community School in Chesterfield Road, North Wingfield and every family in the area is invited to attend. 

Among the attractions will be a bouncy castle, a clown, face painting, music from `The Stollers`, a storyteller and various games. 

There will also be a tennis tournament, a raffle and activities organised by Chesterfield Football in the Community. 

Sure Start workers and volunteers will be on hand to make sure the day goes with a swing. They will also be able to give people advice and information about various projects and groups which are now up and running in the area since the Sure Start programme began last year. 

As well as Sure Start workers, there will also be representatives from Derbyshire County Council`s Early Years and Childcare Partnership, Age Concern and St John`s Ambulance. 

The £1.5million North East Derbyshire Sure Start programme was officially launched last October to help provide new and improved community services and support to families living in the area with children aged four years or under. 

In the five areas covered by the Sure Start programme, up to 600 families could potentially benefit. 

Before the launch, local people were consulted on types of projects they would like to see set up, including things like playgroups, toy libraries and outreach services. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "I am sure there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the fun day and I hope families go along to take full advantage of all the activities. 

"The Sure Start programme has been welcomed in the area and the fun day is a real community event where everyone can get involved."

Derbyshire parents could be risking their child`s life every time they go out in the car because their safety seats are not up to standard or are incorrectly fitted. 

Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council have joined forces for the second year running to provide free advice and checks. 

Starting on June 23 during Child Safety Week and continuing in July and August the councils` highway safety teams and trading standards services will be working with independent experts to offer advice at 10 venues across the county and city. 

Parents can take along their vehicle to check if the seat is safe, if it is correctly fitted and the correct type for the vehicle. 

During last year`s two-week campaign more than half of the 250 child car safety seats checked in supermarket and town centre car parks around the county failed their test. 

An unrestrained child can be killed by being thrown forward at speeds as low as five mph - just above walking pace - so if the problems had not been spotted these passengers would have been at risk of serious or fatal injury in an accident. 

Government figures show that 18 children aged up to four were killed in car accidents in 2001, 167 were seriously injured and 2,824 were slightly injured. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We`re urging people to take advantage of our free safety sessions because although each check only takes a few minutes, those few minutes could save your child`s life. 

"We want to raise awareness that having a safety seat in the car is not enough if it`s incorrectly fitted, damaged or the wrong type - the figures speak for themselves." 

Derby City Council`s cabinet member for planning, transportation and environment Councillor Lucy Care said: "Road safety is a serious issue and never more so than when children are involved. 

"I encourage any parent, grandparent or carer who drives small children around in the car to go along and have their child safety equipment checked for free." 

The venues for this year are (sessions 9.30am to 4.30pm unless otherwise stated): 

• Tesco, Lockoford Lane, off the A61 at Chesterfield - Monday 23 June 
• Safeway, Bakewell Road, Buxton - Tuesday 24 June 
• Sainsbury`s, Robian Way, Swadlincote - Wednesday 25 June 
• Asda, Sinfin shopping centre - Thursday 26 June: 10am to 4.30pm 
• Asda, Derby Road, Spondon - Friday 27 June: 10am to 4.30pm 
• Sainsbury`s, Station Road, Ashbourne - Friday 25 July 
• Car park off Field Lane behind Somerfield, Belper - Friday 1 August 
• Town End car park, Bolsover - Friday 15 August 
• Dronfield Civic Centre - Friday 22 August: 9.30am to 12.30pm 
• Market Street car park Clay Cross, - Friday 22 August: 1.30pm to 4.30pm 

If parents are unable to attend any of the venues the councils have offered the following advice: 

• Make sure the seat is fitted correctly before every journey. 
• Take time to ensure the child is comfortably strapped in. 
• Make sure the adult seatbelt passes through all the correct guides. 
• Never modify the seat or adult seatbelt to make it fit. 
• Ensure the child is tight in the adult seat. 
• Make sure the adult seatbelt is not bent over or resting on the child seat frame. 
• Never fit a rear-facing seat with an active airbag in front of it. 
• Don`t buy second-hand car seats from car boot sales - they could be damaged and may not be the right type for your vehicle. 

Detailed information about choosing and fitting child car seats - including a free pocket guide to download - is available from the Government by visiting www.think.dft.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

Motorcycle accident sites across Derbyshire will be highlighted with eye-catching roadside posters this summer to encourage riders to think about their safety. 

Derbyshire County Council is placing 33 of the bright yellow and black posters featuring the slogan "To die for?" above the image of a biker and the message "Ride safely" at 14 locations where there have been a high number of accidents over the past three years. 

As part of the same campaign, which will run until the end of September, the council has also designed bus-back posters to remind motorists to look out for motorcyclists and remind bikers to make themselves as visible as possible. They will run on Trent buses across the county for six weeks. 

County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "Derbyshire attracts thousands of motorcyclists every year due to the rural nature of the county`s roads which bikers enjoy and this sadly results in a significant level of accidents. 

"We have chosen the poster locations in partnership with Derbyshire police where there have been worrying clusters of accidents and we hope they will help make riders and motorists think about their own safety and that of other road users." 

Last year 16 motorcyclists died on Derbyshire`s roads (excluding Derby), 155 suffered serious injury and 302 were slightly injured. So far this year 9 riders have died. 

The county council is committed to achieving casualty reduction targets to reduce the number of adults killed or injured by 45 per cent and the number of children killed or injured by 60 per cent by 2010. 

Anyone who would like to make a comment about the campaign - which has been launched in partnership with Derbyshire Motorcycle Forum - or has any suggestions about motorcycle safety can contact county council road safety officer Rob Bounds on 01629 580000 extension 7069 or email rob.bounds@derbyshire.gov.uk 

Poster locations: 

A610/A38 Hartshay roundabout at Ripley (x1) 

A6 Ashwood Dale, Cowdale Corner Bends, between King Sterndale and Buxton (x2) 

A6 Two Dales, junction with Warney Road and B5057 (x2) 

A6 Artist`s Corner, Matlock Bath (x1) 

A621 Baslow Road, Bucka Hill near Holmesfield from the Owler Bar roundabout south for 1,500m (x2) 

A623 Either side of Manchester bends at the junction with Manchester Road 1,950m west of Tideswell crossroads (x2) 

A610 Buckland Hollow, near Heage, from 100m west of the Excavator pub to 300m east (x1) 

A57 Snake Pass, from Mossy Lea Farm bend to Holden Clough (x4) and Doctors Gate (x2) 

A5004 north of Buxton, Long Hill bends north of Cold Springs Farm to Rake End bend (x2) 

A628/A6024 near Holme Moss Summit, Glossop (x2) 

A537/A54 Cat and Fiddle near the pub towards Buxton (x1) and at the junction of the A54/A53 towards the A357 at Macclesfield (x1) 

Junction of the A619 island and along the A621 near Far End/Yeld Farm near Baslow (x4) 

A5012 Via Gellia from the junction with the B5023 to beyond the junction with Clatterway (x2) 

A515 south towards Ashbourne (x2), north towards Buxton (x2) 

Ambitious plans to improve the lives of older people in Derbyshire have been unveiled by the county council. 

A host of new initiatives will be set up, with older people`s forums being top of the agenda. The forums will give older people the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other and give organisations including councils and primary care trusts the chance to listen to views and opinions. 

A `Gold Card` giving cheap bus travel and discounts, local `handy people` schemes to carry out minor repairs to older people`s homes and initiatives to tackle distraction burglaries are also schemes being considered following a review of older people`s services. 

Derbyshire County Council is to spend £350,000 this year on improving services, which will also include helping older people develop job opportunities and boosting community transport. 

Over the past year, hundreds of people aged 55 years and over have been asked for their views on a wide range of issues affecting their lives and have provided comments on dozens of services. 

The emphasis of the review has been on asking older people what they would like to see to help make their lives better, not imposing any views or ideas on them. 

The county council was also keen, through the review, to challenge the stereotype that the main issues for older people are health and social care. 

Covered in the review were issues ranging from accommodation and quality of life through to information, health, leisure and transport. 

Four conferences and dozens of meetings with groups of older people have been held to collect views from hundreds of older people, and the ideas have now been collated to form a plan of action which will take shape over the next 10 years. 

From the consultations, older people told the county council: 

• They wanted to live for as long as possible in their own homes, maximising independence, dignity and self-respect 
• They wanted to feel and be safe 
• They wanted to be healthy and be reassured about health matters 
• They wanted to have a good quality of life. 

The county council will be working closely with other agencies, including district and borough councils and primary care trusts to ensure ideas raised in the review take shape. 

During the consultation older people also raised many issues about accommodation. 

These ranged from being given enough support to be able to live at home to worries about steps to entrances in sheltered accommodation. 

A great deal of emphasis has also been placed on transport issues, with older people telling the council they wanted it to be made more accessible and affordable. 

The introduction of the `Gold Card` by the council later this year will not only see cheaper bus travel but also give discounts in some shops. 

Other areas include: 

• Safety in the home and on the streets - tackling distraction burglaries, improving fire safety and reducing the number of falls in the home 
• Health matters, - seeing the county council and district councils working more closely together with primary care trusts to improve services for older people 
• Quality of life - increasing the take up of benefits and improving employment opportunities 
• Practical support - the introduction of a `handy person` to cover communities who would carry out minor repairs, change plugs, lightbulbs and do odd jobs. 

The Best Value Review into older people`s services was carried out as a result of the council`s commitment to the Better Government for Older People programme. 

The programme is a national initiative launched in 1998 to give older people a voice to improve public services, and it is a partnership between central government, local government, older people, the voluntary sector and academics. 

Derbyshire County Council`s leader Councillor John Williams said: "Hundreds of older people took the opportunity to give us their views and they will be used to develop forward looking plans shaped to meet local needs. 

"The county council is acting as an umbrella organisation, bringing together all the agencies which offer services affecting older people, and this consultation will alter the way many services are provided across the county in years to come." 

County council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "We wanted as many views as possible from a wide range of people and we wanted them to tell us what they wanted from the services of the future. We didn`t want to develop plans and then impose them on people, our aim is to develop services that enhance people`s lives, and by asking older people what they want, hopefully this is what we have done." 

Former Government minister Lord Hattersley is to launch a website that brings a collection of historic Derbyshire pictures to computer screens around the world. 

The Picture the Past website aims to conserve the photographic collections of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire libraries and museums. 

Digital copies have been made of thousands of original pictures to make them more accessible to local people and historians from around the world. 

At the same time the original prints no longer need to be handled so can be properly preserved in libraries and museums. 

The project has been set up by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire county councils, Derby and Nottingham city councils and the Derby Evening Telegraph. 

The Heritage Lottery Fund has contributed £370,000 towards the £500,000 cost, with the authorities sharing the remaining cost between them. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "This project is all about people getting access to information and pictures without having to travel to libraries or museums. 

"The income from this project will go back into conserving the original images so that they can be preserved for future generations." 

Councillor Paul West, Derby City Council`s cabinet member for leisure and cultural services, said: "People in Derby and around the world can see the richness and diversity of the images, whenever and wherever they want. 

"Derby`s oldest photograph dates from 1856 and depicts the celebrations in the city at the end of the Crimean War. The photos are a fascinating insight into how people dressed and behaved in those days." 

The website, which can be visited at www.picturethepast.org.uk, will be formally launched at 10.30am on Friday 13 June by Lord Hattersley in Clifton Library at Clifton, Nottingham. 

So far more than 13,000 pictures can be downloaded on the site but eventually it is hoped that 300,000 images will be available. 

Users of the site can order photographic quality prints of any picture on-line, which will then be developed by the Derby Evening Telegraph. The paper has produced a special supplement to promote the website. 

Anyone with information about the history of any photographs on the Picture the Past website is able to provide details by filling in an on-line information section. The information can then be added to the website to make it more useful for researchers. 

A powerful new play designed to warn young people about the possible consequences of drinking is touring Derbyshire`s secondary schools. 

Commissioned by Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), the play, called Tight, raises important issues about young people`s use of alcohol in an engaging way. 

It is aimed at Y9 students with the action stopping a number of times to give the young audience the opportunity to consider and debate the issues and dilemmas raised. 

Councillor Alan Charles, the authority`s cabinet member for education, said: "This is a very powerful play which really makes you think. 

"It is a highly effective piece of theatre dealing with an issue very relevant to young people and which gives them an opportunity to reflect upon the consequences and dangers of drinking alcohol. 

"It highlights many issues relating to alcohol and responsibilities and helps young people become more aware of the potential consequences of drinking. 

"When the action stops, the audience gets a great opportunity to talk about the themes raised during the performance and it doesn`t lecture young people. 

"It paints a realistic scenario to which I`m sure many young people will relate." 

Tight has a cast of four - two boys and two girls - who enact a night in the lives of four fourteen-year-olds who spend the evening drinking in a park. 

It explores the themes of friendship and responsibility and confronts the potential risks of alcohol use. 

It is the second play written and produced for the county council by Staveley-based Brief Candle Theatre Group which last year devised and wrote the highly-successful play Clean which dealt with heroin abuse. 

Tight is written for 14 and 15-year-olds and is part of the county council`s drug and alcohol education strategy. 

Tight performances in June:

 June 12 - Anthony Gell, Wirksworth 

June 13 - Deincourt Community School, North Wingfield 

June 16 - Lady Manners School, Bakewell 

June 17 - Tibshelf School 

June 18 - Tibshelf / Lady Manners 

June 20 - Lady Manners 

June 23 - Long Eaton School 

June 24 - Mortimer Wilson, Alfreton 

June 25&26 - Buxton Community School 

June 27 - Heritage Community School, Clowne 

June 30 - New Mills plus an evening performance at Heritage

Tight performances in July:

July 1 - Parkside Community School, Chesterfield 

July 2 - Frederick Gent, South Normanton 

July 3 - Frederick Gent / Swanwick Hall 

July 4 - Hasland Hall Community School, Chesterfield 

July 8 - Hope Valley College July 9 - Hasland Hall 

July 10 - William Allitt, Newhall, Swadlincote 

July 11 - New Mills School 

July 14, 15 &16 - Eckington School 

July 17 - Wilsthorpe Community School, Long Eaton 

July 18 - Meadows Community School, Chesterfield

A day of community involvement workshops will launch a new adult education programme designed to help people in rural areas be more effective in their communities. 

The free workshops are split into afternoon and evening sessions and are run by Derbyshire County Council`s adult community education service. They are being held on Wednesday, June 18, at Hope Valley College. 

Afternoon sessions start at 12.30pm and run until 3pm. A free crèche is available. The workshops are: 

• Community and group work - what makes groups work well together; 
• Computers in the community - creating a letterhead using a scanned image; 
• Community arts - setting up a local project. 

Three further sessions will run from 6.30pm until 9pm: 

• Research for community projects - introductions to methods, sources and planning; 
• Working with young people - developing awareness and skills; 
• Rural history - appreciating the southern peaks. 

All sessions are free and will be of particular interest to anybody involved, or planning to be involved, in community or voluntary projects. People can attend either or both sessions. 

The workshops will launch the county council`s new adult community education programme called Community Involvement in Rural Areas (CIRA) which will offer a series of courses in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales in 2003/04 designed to further explore community issues. 

Students can choose either a single course that interests them or follow a programme of accredited courses that could lead on to further or higher education. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "Local people are at the heart of rural communities and it is important that the county council helps these communities thrive. 

"The workshops are open to everybody in Derbyshire - you don`t have to live in the High Peak or Derbyshire Dales - and I hope anybody involved in any community or voluntary project, or wants to become involved, will take advantage of them. 

"They`re free and there`s a free create available for anyone who needs it." 

Hope Valley College is on Castleton Road, Hope, and is accessible to people with a disability. Light refreshments will be available during the workshops. 

For more information about the course, or to book a place, contact the community education office at Hope Valley College on 01433 620662 or email communityed@hopevally.derbyshire.sch.uk 

A groundbreaking project that helps children through play is proving so successful it is being rolled out across Derbyshire. 

Piloted in Clay Cross, Derbyshire County Council`s Positive Play Programme is designed to help children with low self-esteem or emotional and behavioural problems by giving them regular, one-to-one sessions with a specialist education care officer. 

During the sessions, youngsters are taught through structured play and games how to express themselves. This is proving highly effective in raising self-esteem, which in turn helps pupils play a fuller role in school life and achieve better results. 

Launched six years ago, the scheme has gradually been growing but it is now being extended fully throughout the county with the employment of extra staff. 

It is hoped that every school in Derbyshire will eventually benefit from the programme. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, is delighted the programme is proving so effective. 

He said: "This is a fantastic scheme pioneered in Derbyshire which is really making a difference to children`s and young people`s lives. 

"Youngsters are learning a great deal on this programme and are now achieving their true potential. 

"Schools in other parts of the country have already adopted our scheme and now schools all over Derbyshire will be able to reap its benefits. We are committed to offering all our children the best education possible and this scheme is going a long way to ensure that we do." 

The two new positive play workers will be employed to take the scheme into primary and secondary schools in the High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, South Derbyshire, Amber Valley and Erewash. 

They will replicate the Magic Room facilities at Clay Cross Infant School - a specially-decorated room where the structured play sessions take place - and will work with schools interested in the project, training up staff and advising on the kind of resources needed in each school. 

At present the Positive Play team are working with more than 50 schools but this number is expected to grow once the new posts are in place. In secondary schools the scheme is called Positive Support.

Work on a scheme designed to regenerate part of a Derbyshire town and improve road links and public transport is due to start next week. 

Derbyshire County Council is overseeing the project to replace Coney Green Bridge at Clay Cross, create a new Tesco store and improve bus facilities in the area. 

Preparation work to install a service bridge, which will carry cables and pipes, before the new permanent Network Rail bridge is installed in autumn is due to start on Monday 16 June. 

The new bridge will improve access to Coney Green Business Park, which is currently served by a one-way bridge controlled with traffic lights, and links to the town centre. 

From June 16 the A6175 at Market Street will be closed until Saturday 28 June on Mondays to Fridays from 8pm to 6am to allow preparation work to be carried out. The road will also be closed from Friday 4 July to Sunday 6 from 8pm to 6am while the service bridge is installed. 

This work will coincide with preparatory excavation work for the new Tesco store to be built off the A61 near High Street but diversions and signing are hoped to keep disruption to a minimum. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "These improvements will play an important part in the general regeneration of Clay Cross by improving road links and public transport facilities. 

"Although we are aware they may cause some disruption and inconvenience for motorists for a few months we are confident they will have long-term benefits for residents and businesses and appeal for drivers to bear with us." 

Diversions will be in place again between September 8 and October 10 when the A6175 at Clay Cross will close to allow the new permanent bridge to be installed by Network Rail structures framework contractor Gallifords. 

During all works, light traffic will be diverted from the A6157 at St Lawrence Street, North Wingfield, via Station Road, Station New Road and Nethermoor Road to the A61 Derby Road back to the A6175 at Market Street, Clay Cross. 

HGVs and other heavy traffic will be diverted from the M1 junction 29 at Heath via the A617 to the Horns Bridge roundabout at Chesterfield, the A61 Derby Road through Chesterfield, to Eyre Street and back to the A6175 at Clay Cross. The county council plans to carry out work to upgrade bus stops in the area next summer. 

Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Chesterfield for a free Derbyshire County Council-organised weekend of activities by the water. 

Staff from the authority`s countryside service based at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre have organised the Canal Capers event on Chesterfield Canal, which will take place between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 14 June and Sunday 15 June. 

The event is expected to draw crowds from across Derbyshire to the canal, off Lockoford Lane. Events planned for this year include canal boat trips, swing boats, canal dipping, canoeing, model boating and lessons on how to steer a boat. 

At the same canal-side activities will include a bouncy castle, fishing, stalls, face painting, parachute games, amateur radio demonstrations, guided canal walks and craft activities for children. 

On Saturday only there will be a climbing wall and wood turning exhibitions. On Sunday only visitors will be able to climb on board a fire engine and have the chance to ride a wacky bike, where the steering and handlebars move about. 

Throughout the weekend visitors to the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre will be able to enter a towpath teaser prize quiz. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "The Canal Capers weekend is a fun event which has something to offer all members of the family. 

"Derbyshire County Council has done a lot of work over the past few years to improve facilities for visitors at Chesterfield Canal and this is an ideal opportunity to see what is on offer." 

Visitors with mobility problems will be offered the free use of Shopmobility scooters throughout the weekend. 

Tesco has agreed to let visitors use the car park of its store in Rother Way. 

Further information about the weekend is available by ringing Tapton Lock Visitor Centre on 01246 551035. 

• Visitors in Chesterfield on Saturday 14 June will also be able to attend Travelfest, a day-long event to promote green transport being organised by Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Borough Council. 

The free event will be held in Soresby Street car park from 10.30am to 4.30pm. 

The theme for this year`s event, being run as part of the annual Don`t Choke Derbyshire Campaign, is the promotion of greener forms transport including dual fuel and liquid petroleum gas cars and manufacturers of ultra-low emission vehicles. 

The health and environmental benefits of walking and cycling will also be highlighted. 

Travelfest is a new event bringing together tomorrow`s travel choices - from dual fuel cars to electric bikes and easy access buses - today. 

Green transport will be top of the agenda during the day-long event being organised by Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Borough Council to promote alternative ways of travelling. 

The theme for this year`s free event, being run as part of the annual Don`t Choke Derbyshire Campaign, is the promotion of greener forms of transport including dual fuel and liquid petroleum gas cars and manufacturers of ultra-low emission vehicles. 

The health and environmental benefits of walking and cycling will also be highlighted. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "This is a new event designed to raise awareness of more environmentally-friendly ways of travelling including travel by greener cars and other vehicles which can have a significant impact on helping to reduce pollution. 

"The aim is not to be anti-car but to highlight to people more environmentally-friendly vehicles and alternative ways of getting out and about. If everyone made just a few more "green" journeys this would have a significant impact on helping to reduce congestion and pollution leading to improved health and a cleaner environment." 

Exhibitors will include the Energy Advice Centre, Chesterfield Cycle Campaign, Chesterfield Walk this Way, East Derbyshire Rural Transport Partnership, the county council`s countryside service and public transport unit. 

There will be events for all the family including the chance to test-drive a dual fuel vehicle, try out a "backwards" bike, look at the fuel-efficient cars of the future and find out how cycling, walking, public transport or lift sharing could work for you. 

There will also be plenty of entertainment for the children including face-painting, balloon modelling, theatre productions and a bouncy castle. 

Travelfest will take place on Saturday 14 June in Soresby Street car park, Chesterfield, from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Admission is free. For more information contact the county council`s Call Derbyshire call centre on 08 456 058 058 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) 

For bus and train times call Traveline on 0870 608 2608 or visit www.derbysbus.net (opens in a new window) 

An artist from Disley has won the top prize at the prestigious 2003 Derbyshire Open Art Competition, run by Derbyshire County Council. 

An independent panel of judges chose a work entitled Burnt Landscape in the High Peaks by Cliona Coyle from 353 entries, a rise of 58 on last year, to win the overall Derbyshire Open Award. 

The Friends Trophy went to Clare Yarrington, of Kinross, Scotland, for her picture called Track. Both these works will be added to Derbyshire County Council`s art collection. 

Judges also picked winners for six other categories, including the Derbyshire County Council Young Artist Prize, which was won by Francis Olvez-Wilshaw, age 12, of Buxton, for his picture of St Ann`s of the Crescent. 

Entrants were from all over Britain but the artwork had to represent a Derbyshire theme, such as an image of a landscape, townscape, people, local myths or still life. 

The winning pictures will form the centrepiece of the 2003 Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition, which runs at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery in Terrace Road from 24 May until 19 July. 

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services, said: "The judges have found it incredibly difficult to select the works that should be hung at the exhibition, let alone pick the eight prize winners. 

"The standard of work shows the abundance of talent, local and national, with entrants using a broad range of techniques, from realism to abstract. 

"It is a fascinating display of work, which the public can come and see for themselves." 

The competition was judged by Aiden Shingler, a local artist whose exhibition `Lifelines` is touring the country, Sarah Allard, keeper of fine art at Derby City Museums, Ann Wright, Derbyshire County Council`s arts officer, and Paul Lewis, a member of the Friends of Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. 

Entry to the Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition is free. 

The 2003 Derbyshire Open Art Competition winners are:

The Derbyshire Trophy 

Burnt Landscape in the High Peaks by Cliona Coyle of Disley, Cheshire. 

The Derbyshire County Council & Buxton Natural Mineral Water Watercolour Prize 

After The Rain, Rainster Rocks by Roger Allen of Matlock, Derbyshire. 

The Derbyshire County Council Oil Painting Prize 

Moorland Light by Barbara Cole of Hayfield, High Peak. 

The Tarmac Central Landscape Prize 

Groughs and Cloughs by David Ireland of Brimington, Derbyshire. 

The Derbyshire County Council & Tarmac Central Print Trophy 

Winter by Jeff Perks of Cressbrook, Derbyshire. 

The Munro Trophy 

Blue Skies by Elizabeth Jones, of Wilmslow, Cheshire. 

The Derbyshire County Council Young Artist Prize 

St Ann`s of the Crescent by Francis Olvez-Wilshaw, of Buxton, Derbyshire. 

The Friends Trophy 

Track by Clare Yarrington of Kinross, Scotland. 

Commended Entries 

1. Chatsworth Tractors by Richard Wilson of Buxton, Derbyshire. 

2. Dark Peak by Barbara Cole of Hayfield, High Peak. 

3. Tree at Sunset by Cornell Evans-Clarke, of Hayfield, High Peak. 

4. Snowdrops, Crich by Pete Gill of Fritchley, Derbyshire. 

5. Father Higgins by Sarah Higgins, of Buxton, Derbyshire. 

6. Totem Pole by Tommy Davidson, of Taddington, Derbyshire. 

7. Royal Crown Derby by Nicki Dennett of Meden Vale, Nottinghamshire. 

8. Moors, Derbyshire by Harry McArdle of Chesterfield, Derbyshire. 

9. All One House  by Dianne Elsworth of Cromford, Derbyshire. 

10. Windswept  by Elizabeth Jones, of Wilmslow, Cheshire. 

Derbyshire children`s champion Agnes Harrison has been named Midlands School Crossing Patrol of the Year - thanks to nominations from every single pupil at her school. 

The dedicated Derbyshire County Council employee has provided unfailing service for two generations of children at Wirksworth Junior School over the last 30 years and can be found at the school gates every weekday morning and afternoon in all weathers. 

And not only does the 67-year-old great-grandma keep children safe on their way to and from classes, she`s also a governor at the school and gives pupils educational talks about her experiences as an evacuee from Birmingham during World War II. 

So when pupils heard about the chance to enter her in the Midlands category all 214 of them sent in letters, poems and drawings to show how Agnes goes the extra mile to care for them - prompting organiser Renault UK to select her as one of just six UK winners. 

Mrs Harrison, who lives in King Edward Street, said: "I was absolutely speechless when I found out all the children had nominated me and I had won the award. 

"I know everyone in Wirksworth and I love my job because I love the pupils, parents and staff. Winning this award makes me very proud of Derbyshire." 

She and husband John, a Wirksworth town councillor, were treated to first class travel and accommodation to London last weekend for a celebratory dinner and photo-shoot on the Abbey Road zebra crossing made famous by the Beatles album cover. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We`re extremely proud of Agnes - she`s not only done Derbyshire County Council proud but also her school and her whole community. 

"We know she is well loved in Wirksworth and want to join all her friends in congratulating her on this fantastic achievement and thanking her for more than 30 years` dedicated service to her job." 

Mrs Harrison, who is also well-known for her love of animals including hand-rearing a baby hedgehog which pupils found run over in the gutter, has won £500 Thomas Cook travel vouchers for her achievement. 

Wirksworth Junior School head teacher Bill Hawley said: "Agnes is a real asset to our school and we`re very proud of her. She`s a real character and the children love her. 

"She certainly goes beyond the call of duty in looking after the children on their way to and from school and also invaluable as a governor and in lessons when she gives her talks." 

Mrs Harrison has been sent a letter of congratulation by the county council for her achievement. She was also honoured with other colleagues for her long service at the School Crossing Patrol Golden Jubilee celebrations held at County Hall in February.

A rural Peak District primary has made history by becoming the first in Derbyshire - and one of only a handful in the UK - to be connected to the Internet via a satellite. 

Peak Forest CE Primary near Buxton is so remote that conventional Internet cables cannot stretch to the school from the nearest telephone exchange, 12 miles away. 

Until now this meant that the small rural primary, which has just two classes and 46 pupils, was the only school in Derbyshire to be without Internet access. 

However, the school has just gone `on-line` thanks to a £5,000 scheme to install hi-tech satellite technology. This provides Broadband Internet access without the need for cabling. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "This is great news as it means that Peak Forest pupils can broaden their learning and experience via the World Wide Web. 

"I was pleased to visit Peak Forest to officially unveil the new system and the pupils were absolutely delighted that their school has received some of the most advanced technology in the country." 

Peak Forest headteacher David Gordon said: "For a small community like ours in a very rural area, the ability for us to connect to the Internet is marvellous. The pupils are really responding to this form of learning." 

With exception of Peak Forest, all Derbyshire schools went on-line two years ago as part of the national drive to improve school IT facilities. 

Since then Derbyshire County Council has worked to improve the facilities even further by upgrading schools to Broadband. 

"To date, around 40% of Derbyshire schools are benefiting from the faster Broadband technology and we are well on track to achieving our target of 100% by 2006," added Councillor Charles.

Just under £700,000 of improvement grants were awarded to 43 schools by councillors at today`s (3 June) Derbyshire County Council cabinet meeting. 

The Seed Challenge grants aim to improve teaching accommodation, helping meet the cost of building repairs and funding schemes that foster pupil learning. 

In total, £687,714 has been awarded to primary and secondary schools, with the grants ranging from £360 to £140,000 (a list of schools is attached). 

All local schools were invited by the county council to bid for a share of the cash, which is part of a government initiative to help schools meet the cost of capital improvement works over the next 12 months. 

The funding aims to address a number of Government education priorities, including: 

• Supporting schools in challenging circumstances. 
• Supporting the development of a broader, more flexible curriculum for 14-19 year olds. 
• Expanding successful schools. 
• Supporting measures to improve pupil behavior and facilities for children with special educational needs. 

The grants provide up to 50% of the funding for the improvement schemes, with the remaining contributed by the schools. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "This funding will help dozens of Derbyshire primary and secondary schools improve the learning environment for hundreds of pupils." 

For full details the schools to receive Seed Challenge funding: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/news/2003/seed_challenge_funding.htm (opens in a new window)