July

A nursery school is to offer childcare facilities after a successful pilot project run in partnership with Derbyshire County Council.

From 6 September Ripley Nursery School will provide childcare before and after school, which will mean that the school is open from 8am to 5.45pm for 51 weeks of the year.

The service is being launched following a pilot project run during the summer term which aimed to offer parents a way of combining childcare and nursery provision at the same location.

While nursery provision is provided free by Derbyshire County Council parents have to pay for the childcare. However, many parents are able to claim Working Family Tax Credit to help with the costs.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for education, said: "The pilot project aims to give Derbyshire County Council-run nursery schools the flexibility and ability to provide services for parents.

"We hope that other nursery schools will be able to follow the example of Ripley and provide similar facilities using the qualified staff they have."

Pat Astill, headteacher of Ripley Nursery School, said more than 50 per cent of the childcare places at the school had already been booked and is hopeful the remainder will be full by the time the new service starts on 6 September.

She said: "During the pilot project we had 160 children in the nursery and 60 using the childcare facilities at some point during the week.

"From September we will have 36 childcare places and 24 after school places available each day and we are registered to have 96 children during the school holidays."

Pat has written a document called Riding The Wave, which tells other headteachers about her experience in setting up childcare facilities at the school.

This includes details about registering the childcare facilities with Ofsted and setting up a limited company to run the new service.

Anyone wanting more information or to book a place at the nursery can email Pat Astill at  pat@fritchley.fsnet.co.uk

A six-month project to investigate an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) particularly among young people in part of Derbyshire has got the go ahead following a £20,000 grant announced today (July 28).

Derbyshire County Council successfully bid for the funding from the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS) to carry out a health overview and scrutiny review of sexual health services in North Derbyshire, which includes some of the most deprived parts of the county.

The authority selected this area as research has traditionally shown a close relationship between sexually transmitted diseases - which can have significant health implications such as infertility, cervical cancer and even premature death - teenage pregnancy and deprivation.

It also follows a recent study by the University of Nottingham and the East Midlands Public Health Observatory which revealed an `alarming` increase in STIs in young people, particularly 15 to 24-year-olds, in the region.

The scrutiny review, being carried out by the county council in partnership with North Eastern Derbyshire Primary Care Trust (PCT), Chesterfield PCT, High Peak and Dales PCT and North Derbyshire Health Promotion Service, will help provide information for a STIs health needs assessment.

Chair of Derbyshire County Council`s improvement and scrutiny committee for social care and health Councillor Alan Jones said: "We are delighted that our bid was successful to allow us to go ahead with this extremely worthwhile project with our partners in North Derbyshire.

"We cannot underestimate the value of the partnership with the PCTs, the other health care professionals and local voluntary organisations who will support us and our borough and district council colleagues on achieving the bid and undertaking the review.

"We`re confident this collaborative working will not only strengthen the existing relationship between the partners but will also pay dividends in maximising the benefits of the review process and result in many positive outcomes which will be useful to share across the county and beyond."

Derbyshire is one of just nine local authorities across the country to receive the funding from the CfPS to investigate a topic that impacts on the health and well-being of local communities as part of a three-year Health Scrutiny Support Programme.

It is expected the scrutiny review, which will start in October and run until March 2005, will strengthen partnership working to help promote:

Open attitudes towards sex to promote honest discussion.

Sex education starting at an early age to raise awareness of the physical and emotional issues.

Easy access to free and confidential sex advice for young people.

Once the research and investigations have been carried out the project leader will publish a final report including recommendations. It is hoped the benefits of the review will include:

Improvements in sexual health promotion and disease prevention.

Better partnership working and improved collaboration between relevant agencies.

More involvement of patients and the public in shaping future service delivery.

A reduction in delays in patient access to genitourinary services.

A poster designed by a five-year-old boy is helping Derbyshire County Council`s campaign to recruit school crossing patrols.

Gregory Chamberlain, from Sandiacre, was inspired to draw a poster after a visit to his school, Lady Cross Infants` School, by a member of the authority`s road safety team.

Now his design - which features the slogan "Cars stop, children cross, we need a lollipop" - will feature on posters being put up around the county.

It will also appear in match day programmes for Chesterfield Football Club, which is supporting the council`s Think! road safety campaign.

Throughout July, the council hopes to encourage people with time to spare in the mornings and afternoons to help the county`s school children cross the road.

The council has 312 crossing locations and currently has 37 vacancies around the county.

Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "We hope Gregory`s artwork and the support of Chesterfield Football Club will be a winning combination in helping to recruit more school crossing patrols across the county."

Anyone can apply to become a school crossing patrol (SCP) if they are available between the broad times of 8.30am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm every school day during term time.

SCPs are paid £5.12 an hour during term time and through the school holidays. Deputies (who are called on to cover sickness and holiday leave when required) are paid £5.45 an hour for time worked.

Full uniform and training is provided. For more information or to apply contact the council`s SCP co-ordinator Eileen Murphy on 01629 585463 or visit  www.derbyshire.gov.uk/roadsafety (opens in a new window) or e-mail  roadsafety@derbyshire.gov.uk

A new guide has been launched to highlight some great days out by bus from Chesterfield.

The Peak Connections guide features over 20 top destinations in the Peak District, historic North East Derbyshire and Sherwood Forest that can be easily reached by bus from Chesterfield.

Destinations include the thrills of Gulliver`s Kingdom, the nostalgia of Crich Tramway Village, the interesting market towns of Bakewell and Buxton, the wonders of Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall, the serenity of Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park or the wild beauty of the Upper Derwent Valley. As an incentive to visitors, the guide includes money-off vouchers, entitling bus passengers to discounts on admission to top attractions, including Peak Rail, the Heights of Abraham, Chatsworth, Crich Tramway Village, Cromford Mill, Masson Mill, the Peak Mining Museum and Haddon Hall.

The guide gives easy to follow outward and return bus times for each destination. Most services depart from New Beetwell Street in Chesterfield.

Copies of the guide can be obtained from Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre, Bus Station and Public Library, or by phoning Peak Connections on (01629) 585550.

The guide is one of a series of new Peak Connections guides, which aim to encourage more visitors to travel by public transport. 

Pensioner Joe Wildgoose really had something to celebrate on his birthday - he`s still living in his own home at 100 years old!

The former railway worker who has lived in the same house in Dronfield for 96 years, heaped praise on Derbyshire County Council`s social services for providing the care he needs to be able to live in his own home rather than move into residential care.

Joe, who celebrated his birthday in May, says the secret of his long life is `taking everything in moderation` and to back that up, he says he`s never been drunk in his life.

The 100-year-old has never married although he says he came close to tying the knot a couple of times and he has out-lived his one sister and two brothers.

Joe started work at 13 years old mashing the tea for workers at Norton Aerodrome but spent most of his working life on the railways, helping to build rail tracks and even helping to maintain the Bradway Tunnel.

Social services provides care for Joe in the mornings, to get him up and dressed and give him breakfast, again at lunchtime to check on him and give him his lunch and at tea time. Help is also at hand to put Joe to bed in the evening.

Joe said: "When I came out of hospital three years ago I said I wanted to go home and not into an old people`s home.

"I like living at home. I`ve been here all my life and I don`t want to go into an old people`s home.

"The food I get is good and the people who look after me here are helpful and nice. I don`t want to be anywhere else."

As well as the social services help he receives, former social services home care aide Barbara Drabble pops in regularly to help out and Joe`s great niece Kathryn Grayson lives just a few doors away.

Barbara said: "Even though I`ve retired I still come to see Joe because I love him to bits. He`s my Joe and I`m very glad that he`s able to stay in the home that he loves."

Kathryn said: "When Uncle Joe came out of hospital he was asked what he wanted to happen and it was clear he wanted to come home. With all the help that is available he has been able to do that. He is happy and very well cared for."

County Council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "We are always striving to extend the choices available to older people, whether they wish to go into residential care or remain living in their own homes.

"Joe was very clear that he wanted to live in his own home for as long as possible and the support social services has offered him has made this possible.

"We are finding more and more that older people are opting to stay living at home if they can, and we are working very hard to try to make this happen for those people who choose that option."

She added: "We are very proud of the fact that with the support of social services, at the age of 100, Joe is still able to be where he wants and is having a happy life."

Young people searching for exciting things to do this summer should look no further than their own doorsteps.

For Derbyshire County Council`s mobile youth information units are on the move - and they`re coming to a park, car park or street corner near you.

Six units will travel out to places where young people usually meet, providing them with somewhere to catch up with friends, use computers and get information and advice.

But to kick off the school holidays with an action-packed start young people aged 13-19 are invited to an activity day at County Hall, Matlock, from 11am-2pm on Saturday 31 July. All the council`s mobile units will be there with loads of things to do including the mobile climbing wall, the creative arts vehicle for dance, drama and music and the adventurous activities unit.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "We`re proud of the range of mobile facilities we have in Derbyshire and we wanted to show exactly what we have to offer as well as providing a fun day out for young people.

"Mobile facilities like these allow us to be more flexible. Because we are not restricted to one building, we can work with young people in different ways in places they choose." 

Staff and users at a day centre for older people are celebrating after the service was awarded a prestigious Charter Mark for the second time.

The coveted accolade has been awarded to the Lincote Resource Centre in Swadlincote for the excellent service it provides to its users seven days a week.

The Lincote Resource Centre in Wideshaft opened in 1984 providing day services for older people living in South Derbyshire and there are now 14 groups based at the centre. A number of services are provided from self-help groups to welfare rights advice and there is also a number of outreach venues across the area.

The centre also has strong links with other agencies working in the community including health services and voluntary organisations.

The Lincote Centre first won the Government`s Charter Mark two years ago and staff were determined to keep it.

They had to show the centre was achieving a standard of excellence in six set areas including standards and performances, interaction with centre users, members of staff and partner agencies, for example health services.

The centre also had to show it had forward-thinking practices, staff were capable of developing resources and improving opportunities to ensure a better quality of life for people in the community.

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "The examination process encouraged staff to examine the services that they were directly involved with, identify any gaps and improve on them.

"The result has been that we believe our service has improved as a direct result of the process."

Councillor Williams added: "The award is the culmination of a lot of hard work by members of staff who have maintained the high standards at the Lincote Resource Centre and all contributed to the re-awarding of the Charter Mark."

Derbyshire County Council is keeping boredom at bay this summer with a range of summer schools for children.

Sessions are being held involving primary and secondary schools across Derbyshire for the third year running.

A programme has been designed to help vulnerable groups of young people such as those who are moving schools, have behavioural issues, low self-confidence or are at risk of exclusion.

Sports coaches, artists, musicians and even circus skills specialists will be involved in running the summer sessions some of which will have themes such as animal conservation and space adventure.

Other types of programmes focusing on literacy, numeracy and pupils who are gifted and talented will also run in some schools.

Many sessions for young people are being held in partnership with the University of the First Age, which aims to provide pupils with different styles of learning opportunities that are fun and accessible.

Some of these programmes will involve older students acting as peer tutors to support younger pupils.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "Our goal for education is to improve participation and achievement in learning and we hope that pupils of all ages and ability will benefit from what the summer schools have to offer." Summer schools will be held in Derbyshire until the end of August.

Catering staff with a recipe for success in Derbyshire`s secondary schools have been rewarded for the quality of their service by the county council.

20 schools received awards at the authority`s second annual Catering Quality Assurance Awards for secondary schools, sponsored by RHM Foods and Cabana Soft Drinks (Midlands) Ltd.

The quality awards recognise the success and excellence of the service provided to schools by catering teams across the county.

Awards were given out in nine categories with Hasland Hall Community School in Chesterfield picking up the overall winner`s prize for the second year running.

Building on the success of a similar award scheme for primary schools, Derbyshire County Council`s catering service set up the scheme to monitor and record performance. Currently the service has contracts with 28 secondaries as well as the county`s 344 primary schools.

Nominations for the award categories came from sources including a panel of the authority`s catering service management team, headteachers and pupils. All schools were visited as part of the nomination process.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "Our catering teams work hard to provide a balanced, tasty, healthy and nutritious menu to Derbyshire children and we aim to give schools the best possible service.

"The high quality school meals on offer in Derbyshire`s secondary schools builds on the standards set in our primary schools.

"Well done to all the award winners - particularly Hasland Hall Community School which were named the county`s top caterers for the second year running."

Traffic and pollution are a thing of the past for cyclists along the Trent and Mersey Canal.

The second and final phase in the construction of a cycleway along the towing path of the canal between Weston and Swarkestone in South Derbyshire has been completed - thanks to work carried out by Derbyshire County Council`s Countryside Service in partnership with British Waterways and the Onyx Environmental Trust.

It is now possible to cycle the 13 miles between Derby and Worthington in Leicestershire completely off-road. No longer do cyclists have to leave the tranquillity of the towpath and cycle along Weston Road which - although rural in nature - carries a lot of traffic.

Building the path was a mini step back in time in itself as restricted land access meant much of the work had to be carried out using barges. But now cyclists can enjoy a traffic free, pollution free and safe experience along the whole route.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "One of the council`s key aims in providing cycle routes is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all ages.

"The completion of this route eliminates the need to use the local road network through Weston and offers the opportunity to cycle along one of our most attractive canals."

School is out for summer and young readers across the county are being invited to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2004 at Derbyshire County Council-run libraries.

The Reading Rollercoaster is the sixth annual summer reading challenge, open to all children and young people aged between four and 11 years in Derbyshire.

This year, children taking part can complete their very own "Reading Rollercoaster" in their own collector folder with sections of track from each sticker sheet, including loops, a tunnel and a waterslide.

There are different rollercoaster cars to add to the track and lots of characters to stick onto the background. They can write about the books they read too.

Popular reading styles and themes are suggested as the Reading Rollercoaster rolls through the different landscapes. When children complete the challenge of reading six books, they will receive a certificate and a medal.

The aim of this scheme is to encourage children to go into libraries over the long summer holiday and to continue their reading and learning in a fun way.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "During the school holidays young people have a lot more time to enjoy the wide range of children`s books which are available in Derbyshire libraries.

"The Reading Rollercoaster introduces an extra element of fun to the process of borrowing books.

"It gives children an opportunity to develop their reading as well as a chance to see what other services are available to young people in our libraries."

For more information on the Reading Rollercoaster and how to join in the challenge, children and their families should pop into their local library and talk to library staff who will provide the folders and be on hand to talk with children about the books they have read.

A voluntary organisation providing activities and support for young people with disabilities and their carers will receive more than £18,000 from Derbyshire County Council.

Fairplay, based in Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, represents and supports youngsters and their carers throughout North Derbyshire.

The group, which has 360 members, was established in 1992 and provides a wide range of services including playschemes, Saturday clubs, sibling support groups, youth clubs and befriending services.

A county council grant of £14,041 will help finance holiday playschemes for children with physical, sensory and learning disabilities aged between two and 12 years over the coming year.

Further funding of £4,040 has been awarded to assist the group with a holiday project for young people.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health said: "This group plays a great role in supporting the quality of life and opportunities for youngsters with additional needs and disabilities across the north of the county.

"We are delighted to give this support to Fairplay as they help us to continue to improve lives in Derbyshire by providing quality resources and schemes for children and young people."

Fairplay manager Heather Fawbert said the group was delighted to receive the cash, which would help their ongoing schemes in Bolsover, Chesterfield, the High Peak, and north east of the county.

She said: "We offer a wide variety of activities and support to young people of all ages up to 19 years old.

"The playschemes and activity days give youngsters the opportunity to take part in diverse and interesting pursuits in a safe and supportive environment, while their carers can enjoy their own leisure time."

A new neighbourhood nursery offering high quality, affordable day care for the under fives has officially opened its doors.

One of the aims of the new Clowns Nursery in North Wingfield near Chesterfield is to offer full day care for youngsters aged under five years old so their parents can return to employment or training.

The nursery has been opened in the new £1.2 million North East Derbyshire Sure Start building on Alice`s View.

The nursery will be aimed at children living in the Sure Start area which covers North Wingfield, Grassmoor, Holmewood, Pilsley and Temple Normanton and has places for about 22 youngsters each day.

It will be able to offer full day care for children from 12 weeks old up to five years old and will have strong links with all schools in the area.

The new North Wingfield Clowns Nursery is one of nine neighbourhood nurseries planned for Derbyshire as part of the Government`s strategy to reduce child poverty.

Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Service, led by Derbyshire County Council, asked for bids to create all the new nurseries after being awarded £2.4 million from the Government and the National Lottery.

The Early Years and Childcare Service has worked alongside Clowns and Sure Start to help the neighbourhood nursery take shape and will continue to advise and support staff.

Three and four-year-olds will be able to have two-and-a-half hours of free education per day and parents will be able to pay for a full day care service on top of that.

Eight people will be employed at the new nursery which is completely security-controlled and has extensive outdoor secure play facilities.

It will open daily from 7.30am to 6pm and for more information parents should contact Nicola Hazledine on 01246 854841 or Debbie Parkin on 01773 747983.

Fancy putting a spring in your step this summer?

Then why not join the newly formed Duckmanton Walking for Health Group. The group - which caters for people who want to start exercising regularly in a relaxed setting - is part of Derbyshire County Council`s Chesterfield Walk this Way initiative and offers walks lasting around an hour and half at a pace that suits any level of fitness.

The walks are particularly beneficial for people with coronary heart disease, diabetes, asthma, depression and high blood pressure. They set off every Tuesday at 1pm from outside the Community Centre at Duckmanton School.

A programme of weekly summer special walks starts this month in places such as Pools Brook Country Park, Sutton Scarsdale Hall, Stockley Trail and Langwith Woods.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services, Councillor Bob Janes said: "Walking groups such as this are the perfect way for people to get out and enjoy the countryside while also improving their health."

Richard Nash, Volunteer Walk Leader said: "This is a community group for the people of Duckmanton and surrounding areas. We look forward to welcoming new members on our Summer Special Walks."

So come along and enjoy beautiful surroundings, fresh air and a friendly group. Refreshments are provided after the walks and everything is free.

An historic 18th Century windmill which was restored to working order after lying dormant for more than 80 years has scooped a national award for conservation.

Heage Windmill, the only working mill in the country with a stone tower and six sails, was sympathetically restored in 2002 thanks to a joint project involving Derbyshire County Council and Heage Windmill Society.

The landmark has now been recognised with a Windmill Plaque for Conservation awarded by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

High standards for repair and restoration and plans for the long-term maintenance of a windmill have to be met in order for the honour to be bestowed.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, cabinet member for regeneration said: "The fantastic restoration of Heage Windmill shows that a disused piece of our heritage can be brought back to life to create a spectacular and unique tourist attraction for the county.

"This award is most welcome and everyone connected to the restoration of the windmill can be proud of their efforts."

An official presentation of the bronze plaque will be made by Mildred Cookson, who represents the mills section of SPAB, on September 11 at a ceremony at Heage Windmill.

Previous accolades given to the windmill include a Civic Trust commendation last year and a Derbyshire County Council Greenwatch award for conservation in 2002.

Gordon Hardy, chair of Heage Windmill Society said: "We are delighted that the hard work put into restoring the mill has been recognised with this prestigious award.

"The involvement of local people was one of elements considered by SPAB so this is a fantastic commendation."

The Grade II listed windmill was built in 1797 and was last worked in 1919. The county council has owned the mill since 1968, carrying out essential repairs in the early 1970s.

In 1995 a series of public meetings were called and as a result Heage Windmill Society was formed as a charitable trust with the sole aim of restoring the windmill.

Restoration was undertaken by the council and the society and cost £420,000. Funding was contributed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN), Amber Valley Borough Council and Heage Windmill Society. 

An independent adjudicator is to make the final decision about whether a Newton Solney school can become a primary school after objections were raised to the plans.

In February the Church of England Diocesan Education Board made a proposal to turn Newton Solney C of E Infant School in Trent Lane into a primary school.

The move would mean the school accepting pupils aged five to 11, instead of the current age range of five to seven.

But Repton Primary School, which is nearby, raised objections to the plans because of concerns that it would lose pupils, leading to the creation of extra surplus places.

Following the completion of a consultation period a meeting of the school organisation committee was held at Pingle School in Swadlincote on 19 July to consider the plans. The meeting was attended by 60 members of the public.

The school organisation committee is made up of five groups, including the Local Education Authority (LEA) group, schools group and Church of England group.

The schools and Church of England groups voted in favour of the proposals but the LEA group voted unanimously against the plans.

Because all three groups could not agree the final decision will now be made by an official from the Office of the School`s Adjudicator.

It is predicted that pupil numbers at Repton Primary School will fall from the current level of 205 to 173 as a result of the falling birth rate by January 2008 without any changes to current admission policies. If the Newton Solney proposal goes ahead it is estimated a further 30 to 40 pupils could be lost, meaning pupil numbers could fall as low as 133.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education and chair of the LEA group on the school organisation committee, said: "Every member of the school organisation committee found this an extremely difficult decision to make.

"We all appreciated that no matter what decision we made one group or the other would be disappointed.

"However the LEA group was unanimous in its view that the proposals would have too great an impact on the admissions level at Repton Primary School, leading to the creation of surplus places." It is not known how long the School Adjudicator will take to make a decision. 

Money given by a housing developer is to be used by Derbyshire County Council to help improve the building and computer facilities at a Barlborough school.

Dunmar Properties has given £10,000 towards school building improvements at Barlborough Primary School as part of a planning agreement, which allowed the developer to build new houses in the village.

The money will go towards a £53,000 refurbishment programme which will see:

the installation of new computer workstations and wiring

improved lighting

sinks and storage areas installed in classrooms

the school redecorated

The school will pay for the rest of the cost using money given by Derbyshire County Council to help improve school buildings.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "The housing development by Dunmar Properties is likely to lead to more children attending Barlborough Primary School.

"The money they have given, along with that already set aside by the school, will enable us to improve the facilities and environment for pupils to learn in."

CHANGING TIMES

Changing rooms at Shirebrook Community Centre are to be refurbished by Derbyshire County Council.

The £53,370 scheme will include the installation of a disabled person`s toilet.

Work is expected to start in late July or early August and will take six weeks to complete. It is being carried out by Wildgoose Construction

Cotmanhay Infant School has become the first infant school in Derbyshire to be rated excellent by Ofsted under a new inspection system.

Government education inspectors visited the school, in Beauvale Drive, during May and found excellent teaching, leadership, achievement, assessment systems and levels of care.

Inspectors were so impressed with all aspects of the infant school that they could find no significant areas for improvement to be made.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "Very few schools nationally have achieved excellent status under the new vigorous inspection system that was introduced in September last year.

"This is a very prestigious achievement by Cotmanhay Infant School."

The 275-pupil school was praised for the outstanding care and commitment shown by staff to all pupils.

Inspectors also found:

Teaching is excellent in the Nursery and Years 1 and 2.

Pupils have very good attitudes and behaviour as a result of the excellent caring approach of all the staff.

The curriculum is well planned, innovative and well matched to the pupils` needs.

The headteacher, governors and senior staff show outstanding support to the work of the school and provide excellent role models for all staff.

Staff have high expectations of the pupils which is a great strength of their teaching.

Relationships between staff and pupils are very good and help all pupils to feel valued and secure and to achieve very well.

Parents and pupils both said that they are happy with the school and the greatest asset is the caring staff who teach so well.

Ofsted recommended that the school continue to work with external agencies and parents to improve pupils` attendance further.

Headteacher Jill Boyle said: "We are delighted with the report which represents a tremendous achievement for the school and the community.

"I would like to thank everyone, past and present, who has contributed to this success. We can now continue our work with confidence."

Changing rooms at Shirebrook Community Centre are to be refurbished by Derbyshire County Council. The £53,370 scheme will include the installation of a disabled person`s toilet. Work is expected to start in late July or early August and will take six weeks to complete. It is being carried out by Wildgoose Construction.

Work has started on a new building which will be the first of three permanent homes for a Derbyshire Sure Start scheme.

The new centre is being built in Creswell and will cater for families with children aged four years or under living in the area.

The Creswell, Langwith/Whaley Thorns and Shirebrook Sure Start, was set up in 2000 and has used several venues in Creswell on a temporary basis to house various activities, services, staff and volunteers.

Now Creswell is to get its own purpose-built Sure Start home on the site of Creswell Infant School in Gypsy Lane, off Elmton Road.

Work has also started on a new building on the site of the Carter Lane Community Centre in Shirebrook and the current building at the former Whaley Thorns Heritage Centre on Portland Road which is to undergo an extensive refurbishment.

The new Creswell building will cost just under £500,000 and will provide an office for seven people, a team leader office, a consultation room, a family and children`s room, a group meeting room, a kitchen, a buggy park and outdoor play facilities. Parents were consulted about the plans and asked what type of facilities and services they would like to see in the new building and one of the things they requested was better access to dentistry. As a result, the new centre will also house a state of the art dental surgery funded through the North East Derbyshire Primary Care Trust.

The new building which is due for completion in October will be used by around 200 families living in the Creswell area.

The Sure Start Centre will be sited next to a planned new nursery which will offer full day care for up to 48 children and forms a key part of the overall project to turn the whole site into a Children`s Centre, bringing all provision for young families in the area on to one site.

A number of Sure Start staff will be based at the new centre including a health and family support team leader, a community children`s nurse, two health visitors, a nursery nurse, a family aide worker and two part-time secretaries.

Other Sure Start workers from Shirebrook and Langwith/Whaley Thorns will work with the staff from Creswell to provide a wide range of groups and services for parents, carers and their children in the area.

The Crags Pre-School, currently based at the Social Centre on Elmton Road will move to the new centre as will the community midwife and the health visiting team which will operate a clinic for parents to drop in for a chat or to ask for advice.

There will be a space available for use by social services family support workers and the primary care trust`s safety equipment scheme will also be able to use the centre as a base for parents to collect smoke alarms, safety gates, fire guards and other safety essentials.

Services will include parent craft sessions, a toy library and holiday activity schemes as well as interactive play sessions for parents and children.

All parents and carers of young children in Creswell will be encouraged to use the centre`s facilities by dropping in for a coffee and a chat while their children use the play facilities.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "The new Sure Start centres are very good news for the area and will bring enormous benefits to the children and parents living in the area.

"It is great that work has now started on the Creswell Sure Start Centre and I know it will be used to its full potential by local families, as will the Shirebrook and Whaley Thorns centres when they are finished."

Older people`s services have been given a boost in an area of Derbyshire with the opening of a new day care centre.

The Blackwell Day Care Centre brings together a number of services already operating in the Blackwell, Tibshelf and South Normanton area under one umbrella, making them easier to access.

The idea for a centre enveloping all the area`s day services has taken shape over a number of years, starting with a small unit used for group activities at the Derbyshire County Council-run Holmlea Resource Centre.

In 1990 the Holmlea Resource Centre staff held an open day for social services and health representatives to tell them about its activities and plans for expansion.

Small groups for elderly people in the area developed and other established groups, some threatened with closure due to loss of co-ordinators, were brought under the resource centre umbrella.

In 2000, to continue to meet the needs of older people living in Tibshelf, Newton, Blackwell, Westhouses, Hilcote, South Normanton and Pinxton, workshops were held with social services, health and local council representatives to try to develop services.

The main outcome was that a purpose-built day centre was needed in a central location and Blackwell Day Care Centre in Gloves Lane was identified.

The centre, staffed by county council home helps and care assistants brings together health and social services as well as independent and voluntary organisations providing a variety of services to older people and it is hoped that in future the day centre will be open seven days a week.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "Our aim at the Blackwell Day Care Centre is to bring together under one roof as many organisations and agencies as possible who can provide services for older people living in the community." 

Four roads are being resurfaced by Derbyshire County Council to improve conditions for motorists.

Work has started to lay a new road surface on four worn out sections of the B6049 at Taddington, near Buxton.

The road from Long Lane, Taddington, to Tideswell Dale is closed during the work, which is expected to take two weeks.

Diversions are in place along the B6049 to the Anchor crossroads, A623 to Wardlow Mires, the B6465 to Ashford and the A6020 and visa versa.

On Wednesday 21 July, work will take place to resurface a section of the A6 through Matlock, from Holt Road to the railway bridge near the Boathouse pub.

Drivers are warned to expect some delays although work will not start until 7pm. Depending on the weather, work may also take place on the following Thursday evening.

New surfacing will be laid along the A57 at Brookfield, near Glossop, to improve skid resistance and seal the road from the elements on July 22 and 23.

As part of the scheme - which runs from Woolley Bridge Road to the traffic lights at Shaw Lane - hatchings will be created in the centre of the road along with a right turn lane to improve safety.

Resurfacing will also take place on the A6 Chappel-en-le-Frith by-pass from July 26 from the A5004 roundabout at Bridgemont to Barmoor Clough.

A lane on each side of the road will be closed and a 40mph speed limit will be imposed, dropping to 10mph where the work is taking place.

Work will take place outside of peak times to minimise disruption although drivers are warned to expect some delays during the work, which is expected to take two weeks.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "This work will improve conditions for motorists around the county and while we do expect some disruption to traffic we would ask drivers to be patient.

For more information contact the county council`s call centre, Call Derbyshire, on 08 456 058 058.

Preparation work has begun on road improvements which will aid access to industrial sites and transform derelict former railway sidings.

Demolition work will start on Langwith Road bridge at Langwith Junction at the end of next month to make way for a new roundabout and access - freeing six hectares of landlocked industrial space for use.

Derbyshire County Council is working in partnership to make the improvements with the District of Bolsover, WH Davis Ltd, and Arromax Ltd - whose company owns the six hectares of land.

The severely weakened bridge is more than 100 years old and has a 7.5 tonne weight restriction so industrial lorries take a lengthy diversion round the north side of Shirebrook to reach WH Davis Ltd and Arromax Ltd, both based in Langwith Road.

Utility companies Transco, British Telecom, Severn Trent Water and East Midlands Electricity are diverting services currently located in the bridge.

The works, designed by Derbyshire County Council`s environmental services department, will include the road being rebuilt where the bridge now stands and the creation of a roundabout on the site with access to the industrial land. Trees and shrubs will landscape the new site and adjoining road.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, cabinet member for regeneration said: "Businesses and residents will benefit as these improvements will help industrial traffic take a direct route and unused land can become units and premises.

"This should be a great boost to businesses in the area and have a positive effect on the economy." The county council will contribute £150,000 to the project, with £249,500 provided by the Alliance Sub Regional Strategic Partnership, £85,000 from the Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and £15,000 from Network Rail. Further funding will be contributed by Arromax Ltd and WH Davies.

Councillor Brian Lucas, cabinet member for environment and highways said: "I am delighted that work is beginning on this scheme to improve access and increase the attractiveness of the area."

`Just a soft one`...is the message going out from Derbyshire County Council this summer.

The county council is running a new campaign from next week aimed at encouraging drivers not to drink any alcohol at all if they intend to drive.

Although drinking and driving is less socially acceptable than it used to be temptation is greater during the summer months when a leisurely drink at the pub, a party or barbecue can seem like not such a bad idea. But even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving.

Drivers found to be influenced by alcohol face disqualification from driving for a minimum of 12 months and run the risk of a £5,000 fine and six months in prison. And causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, a minimum two-year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test before the offender is able to drive legally again.

The advice is stick to the soft drinks if you intend to drive. It is just not worth having an alcoholic drink - not even just the one.

To help promote this message Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council have teamed up with RAM FM who will be running a competition on air - from Monday July 26 - where callers get the opportunity to win a visit from the station`s `black thunders`. The team will deliver `a soft one` to the winners` workplace along with drink drive freebies such as mouse mats, fridge magnets and advice leaflets.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely as your reaction times are impaired and you`re unable to judge speed and distances accurately.

"The only safe option is not to drink if you plan to drive."

Aidan Ryrie, from Derby City Council Road Safety Projects Office, said: "It`s easy to think a quick drink after work isn`t a problem but even small amounts of alcohol can affect driving ability. A drink drive crash is no accident. The message is clear. If you want to chill out after work and you are driving - make it a soft one`. 

Two years of hard work and commitment have paid off for staff, parents, governors and pupils at Longwood Infant School.

Education inspectors were so impressed by improvements at the Pinxton school they have taken it out of Special Measures. The school - under the leadership of headteacher Liz Nesbitt - has worked closely with Derbyshire County Council`s education department carrying out an action plan drawn up after the inspectors` findings in May 2002.

HMI visited the school in May this year and found standards to be so improved they said Special Measures were no longer needed. Areas praised in the report included:

A good improvement since 2001 in the percentage of pupils achieving Level 2 in national tests at the end of Key Stage 1. The proportion of pupils achieving the higher Level 3 also improved significantly

The percentage of pupils who achieved Level 2 or higher in the 2003 national tests were in line with national figures in reading and above in writing and maths. The number achieving Level 3 in reading and maths was in line with national figures and well above in writing. The school`s results were generally well above those of similar schools at all levels

Pupils who enter the reception class make good progress in all areas of learning

Pupils` speaking skills are improving

Standards in science are good throughout the school as a result of improved planning, organisation and teaching

There is generally good progress in literacy, numeracy and science lessons

There has been a significant improvement in pupils` behaviour and attitudes to work

The staff have created a very good environment for learning with resources and organisation much improved. The celebration of achievement has given the pupils a sense of pride in their school and a desire to improve

The provision for pupils` moral and social development is excellent 

Overall the teaching is good and the school makes good provision for pupils with special educational needs

The school has good relationships with parents, the community and neighbouring schools and nurseries

The headteacher is providing good leadership and is well supported by both teachers and support assistants. The governing body has developed sound strategies for monitoring the school`s progress and is implementing them effectively

Derbyshire County Council`s education department was also praised in the report for providing good support for the school and for its speedy action when the school has faced staffing and financial difficulties

The report did identify some areas which would improve pupils` quality of education further. They are:

Establish a new school improvement plan and ensure its implementation

Raise standards in ICT

Review provision for the foundation subjects

Continue to improve the pupils` speaking skills

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The school has seen a great improvement in standards over the past two years.

"This is down to the leadership of Liz Nesbitt and all the hard work of staff, along with the support of governors, parents and the county council`s education department. The school has done itself proud and I am sure standards will continue to rise."

Headteacher Liz Nesbitt said: "Leaving Special Measures is great news for the school and is all down to the tremendous amount of effort from governors, staff, parents and children.

"Everybody has been extremely supportive at a very difficult time and we will continue the good work."

What did you receive in the post this morning? If it was promises of a prize draw win then think again.

Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards service is warning residents about the latest scam letter landing on doormats across the county.

The authority has received 25 complaints about the Purple Rock Giveaway which offers prizes including a BMW Mini, flat screen TV, laptop computers, and digital cameras.

Recipients are told they have won a competition and asked to ring a claim line to claim their prize.

Callers are charged £9.00 for the call to the premium rate line and are also required to pay £14.95 for packaging and posting.

The prize they receive is a basic digital camera the size of a matchbox, which would sell at around £15 in shops.

Councillor Walter Burrows, cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "The organisers of these prize draws are clever because they do not actually break the law.

"They ask people to send in money to take part but then send them prizes that are virtually worthless so the participants end up out of pocket.

"We would advise anyone who gets a letter asking them to send off money to take part in a prize draw to throw it away."

Anyone who needs advice about a prize draw letter should ring Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards team on 01629 585858. 

Stuck for something to do this summer? Why not enjoy the countryside on your doorstep with a series of events planned in north east Derbyshire.

On Sunday 18 July, a stroll through the trails and paths of the Hardwick Hall estate is planned. Called Butterflies and Buses Part One, people can meet at the Rowthorne Trail near Glapwell with the return journey by vintage bus from 12.45pm to 4.30pm.

Places are limited so booking is essential. The cost of the event will be confirmed on booking but is expected to be around £2.

On Sunday 25 July enjoy the summer delights of butterflies and dragonflies with an event at Pleasley. The event, which runs from 10am to 1pm, is free and places must be booked in advance. It will be led by Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group.

The second part of Butterflies and Buses will be held from 12.45pm to 4.30pm on Sunday 1 August.

Enjoy close encounters with moths during a night-time event at Pleasley on Saturday 28 August. The free event will be held from 8pm to midnight. People, who must book in advance, are advised to wear warm clothing and take along a torch.

A wildlife discovery walk is being held at the Five Pits Trail on Wednesday 22 September from 6.15pm to 8.45pm when visitors can discover the wildlife that emerges at twilight.

And they can take in the colours of the changing season with a ramble from Clay Cross Visitors` Centre on Sunday 24 October from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.

All the events have been organised by Derbyshire County Council`s countryside service and are included in a free events brochure produced by the authority.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "Why not get out and about and enjoy the countryside on your doorstep? There is something for everyone but I would advise people to book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited."

For more information or to book contact Clay Cross Countryside Centre on 01246 866960.

Visitors to Derby Cathedral Coffee Shop can sample culinary delights from Derbyshire`s Peak District thanks to the county council and Food and Drink Forum.

The Rookery café in Eyam is helping the coffee shop cater for the appetites of guests by supplying traditional home-baked goods that contain all local ingredients, such as their `Plague Pie` - sold as `All Saints Pie`.

Husband and wife team Leslie and Sonya Postance own the Main Road café and are members of Derbyshire`s Food and Drink Forum - a Derbyshire County Council backed industry advisor which offers free business advice and support.

Sonya said: "We launched The Rookery café in 2000 and have developed an excellent business which was highly commended in the Tea Room of the Year section of the Derbyshire Quality in Food and Drink awards last year.

"Our ambition now is to diversify and supply our regional recipes to other businesses throughout Derbyshire so we are grateful to the county council and Food and Drink Forum for helping us seize this new opportunity."

At a meeting of East Midlands Fine Foods, a division of the forum, the couple were able to match their produce to the needs of the cathedral coffee shop.

Cathedral coffee shop supervisor Shirley Long said: "We have a firm commitment to supporting local producers and selling the highest quality Derbyshire foods.

"We`re delighted to have been put in touch with The Rookery so we can employ the skills of the team and offer our visitors their tasty traditional recipes."

The Food and Drink Forum was launched as an industry advisor in 1998 to support the food and drink sector in the county. The county council helped set up the forum, giving £10,000 a year for three years to support its work.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, cabinet member for regeneration said: "This is a fantastic example of Derbyshire businesses being assisted in partnership working.

"The Rookery and Derby Cathedral Coffee Shop have boosted each other and the services on offer to tourists and visitors to our fabulous county."

Glynne Smith, East Midlands Fine Food manager said: "Providing valuable networking opportunities such as this is just one of the ways that the food and drink forum can help companies in the county.

"We support the food and drink industry across the East Midlands with a range of products, services and solutions for common problems to help businesses grow and boost their success."

A search has begun for a chairperson to head up a new group which will boost tourism and the economy in Derbyshire.

The Peak District and Derbyshire Destination Management Partnership is being established to help co-ordinate and champion the county`s tourism industry.

Partners will include Derbyshire County Council, the Peak District National Park Authority, and all other local authorities, private sector industry representatives and the University of Derby.

The role of the chairperson will be to help steer the group in raising the profile of Derbyshire and the Peak District`s tourist trade and the many attractions on offer in the area.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, cabinet member for regeneration said: "This exciting and rewarding role will give the right person the chance to help improve on Derbyshire`s existing tourism industry by developing new opportunities.

"The chairperson will be an ambassador for the partnership so we`re looking for someone with a successful track record at senior level in the private sector.

"There is a huge and diverse range of attractions which make the Peak District and Derbyshire a top tourist destination already and we want to improve on our excellent reputation and high standards."

Destination Management Partnerships are developing at a county level across the region. These groups will also work alongside the newly formed East Midlands Tourism to further tourism interests across the area as a whole.

Anyone interested in applying for the role should send a CV and covering letter to Derbyshire County Council chief executive Nick Hodgson at County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG. The deadline for applications is July 30. For further information contact tourism officer Kate Richardson on 01629 585724 or Andy Guffogg on 01629 816314.

Derbyshire County Council is hoping to strike its key messages home this season by signing up with Chesterfield FC.

In a deal which will span three years the county council will inform local people of services such as b_line, Gold Card and Call Derbyshire on advertising hoardings at the club`s ground, in match day programmes, on fixture cards and through match day announcements.

The club has also agreed to support the county council`s b_line travel and discount shopping scheme for young people by offering discounts at the club shop. And it is hoped older fans will benefit too by hearing more about the newly launched Gold Card - a scheme similar to b_line but aimed at the over 60s and disabled people.

The county council will take out three advertising boards at the club`s Saltergate ground as well as a full page advert in match day programmes. The deal will also be an opportunity to keep local people informed of campaigns such as Stop Hurting - the county council`s drive to reduce the number of domestic abuse incidents.

And let people know how they can find out more about council services such as through Call Derbyshire - the one-stop number which can offer information on anything from childminding to reporting potholes.

Derbyshire County Council leader councillor John Williams said: "This is a good opportunity to get our key messages across to local people who go to Chesterfield FC matches.

"It is a good deal with the club and we look forward to working with them in the future."

Children in Denby will notice something vastly different about the walk to school when they return from their holidays.

For while school`s out for the summer Derbyshire County Council - helped by part funding from Denby Parish Council - will be working to build a new footpath and install new street lighting on the walk from John Flamsteed car park to Denby Free C of E Primary.

The scheme follows on from School Safety Zone improvements carried out at the school and came about after concerns were raised about the lack of an adequate footpath and lights from the spot where parents park to the school entrance.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for environment and highways, Councillor Brian Lucas said: "These works are all about making the journey to school safer for children and will complement the improvements put in place since the School Safety Zone measures were introduced."

A new mobile library will take to the streets to make it easier for Derbyshire people to access county council services on their doorstep.

Residents will be able to borrow books, DVDs and videos and will have free access to the internet on board the vehicle.

Measuring 11.5m long, it is one of three maximum capacity vehicles run by Derbyshire County Council.

The new vehicle, which cost £96,000, boasts a designated children`s area and for the first time will offer the loan of CDs for a trial period.

The MCV remains in one place all day unlike the 10 smaller mobile libraries that visit a total of 1,700 locations throughout the county.

The new vehicle, which replaces a 10-year-old vehicle, will be used in Chinley, Castleton, Youlgreave, Kilburn, Barlborough and Bradwell.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "Mobile libraries are a vital link to local communities, giving them access to a whole range of traditional library services as well as the use of laptop computers on their doorstep.

"This larger vehicle has enabled the authority to create an area specially for children and for the first time to offer the loan of CDs on board."

Children at risk of missing out on school can now take lessons without leaving their homes with the launch of Derbyshire`s first virtual classroom.

Derbyshire County Council`s education service has developed and designed the on-line learning system which will officially go live at Chesterfield on Thursday 15 July.

Specialist teachers will deliver interactive lessons in maths, English, science, ICT and humanities to groups of 13 and 14-year-olds via a computer link.

Students are loaned a lap top with an internet connection and communicate with the teacher using a microphone and headset, allowing group discussions to take place.

Pupils will also carry out work on their own which they can email to teachers for marking and feedback.

Derbyshire`s virtual classroom is one of the first to be launched in the country.

It aims to get children who are excluded from schools or support centres back into mainstream education with the help of a key worker who will visit them regularly to provide help and support. The system will also be used to provide home tuition to young people who are off school with long-term illness.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, Councillor Alan Charles said: "This is a really innovative way of ensuring pupils who are not attending school for whatever reason still receive education.

"Inclusion and education for all are key priorities for education in Derbyshire and the virtual classroom will play an important role in achieving them."

A pilot scheme launched in April last year has been hailed a success and the authority is now considering developing the scheme for students in other year groups.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery will close for a week while new computer cabling is installed. 

The work is being carried out as part of an on-going programme to upgrade IT facilities at Derbyshire County Council buildings.

The museum in Terrace Road currently has one computer which can be used free of charge by the public.

New cabling will enable the numbers of computers to be increased in the future.

While the work is carried out the museum will need to be closed to ensure the safety of staff and the public.

It will close on Monday 26 July until Friday 30 July.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "This work is essential to bring the museum`s IT network in to the 21st century. "It will also give us the opportunity to expand the IT facilities available to the public in the future.

"We hope people will bear with us during this short closure period."

Older people are invited to give their views on public transport at a forum set up to give people aged 50 plus a voice in Chesterfield.

The Chesterfield 50+ Inspired Group, which had its first official meeting in January, has the backing of Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Borough Council and meets on the third Thursday of every second month.

This Thursday (July 15) the group will meet at Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill, Chesterfield, between 10am and 12.15pm and anyone aged 50 years or over is invited to attend.

Refreshments will be provided free of charge.

Those attending will have the chance to give their views and discuss public transport services and issues that affect older people in Chesterfield. There will be speakers from Derbyshire County Council`s public transport unit and the East Derbyshire Rural Transport Partnership.

The Chesterfield 50+ Inspired Group gives older people the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other and with decision-making organisations including primary care trusts, councils and other agencies.

It is linked to the national `Better Government for Older People` programme - a national initiative launched in 1998 to give older people an opportunity to contribute to the modernisation of public services that affect them.

Councillor Anne Western, cabinet member for social care and health said: "Derbyshire County Council is committed to delivering the best possible services to all sectors of our communities.

"In order for us to keep doing this we believe it is essential to listen to our service users. By giving older people a platform to air their opinions and views on issues affecting them this group allows this valuable dialogue to happen."

Walk in the footsteps of Romans and Vikings at Derbyshire County Council`s museum and art gallery this month during National Archaeology Days.

Would-be archaeologists will get a chance to find out all about life long ago and can even meet the Romans on Saturday 17 July and Sunday 18 July at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery in Terrace Road. The museum is well known for its fascinating displays explaining the archaeology of the Peak District.

National Archaeology Days take place every year and are organised by the Council for British Archaeology and the Young Archaeologists Club.

The theme will be different on each day with a focus on Romans on Saturday and life in the dark ages with the Vikings on Sunday. Participants will be able to meet a `real` Roman and Viking thanks to costume interpreters and handle original objects from the past.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Anyone interested in history or archaeology will find these themed days enlightening and enjoyable.

"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."

Younger visitors aged 5 to 13 and their families are invited to attend free workshops between 11am and 1pm and between 2pm and 4pm on each day.

Although the workshops are free, places are limited so need to be booked in advance. For further information, or to make a booking, ring the museum on 01298 24658.

Is your child moving school in September? Have you given any thought as to how they are going to get there? If you haven`t already sorted something out then you need to know the following... 

Derbyshire County Council provides assistance with transport for full-time infant, junior, primary and secondary school pupils to the end of statutory school age who do not live within walking distance of their normal area school. This distance is two miles for children under the age of eight and three miles over eight and is measured by the shortest available route.

Derbyshire County Council`s member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "It is important parents with children who travel some distance to school think about how they are going to make that journey so they don`t miss out once the new school year begins.

"The county council asks any parent who feels their child is eligible for transport assistance to ask at their local school for an application form. This should be completed and returned to the area education office, the addresses of which are included in the form."

For further advice contact your local area education office: High Peak and Derbyshire Dales on 01298 26121; Chesterfield, Bolsover and NE Derbyshire on 01246 204851; Amber Valley, Erewash and South Derbyshire on 01773 744741.

Even if a child does not qualify for a free bus pass parents may still be able to use the school bus - as long as the service offers a fare paying facility. Details of fare paying services are often available in school on request.

A magical day of fun will promote enjoyment and achievement in literacy for children and young people looked after by Derbyshire County Council.

The authority`s social services, cultural and community services and education departments, together with Step Up 2000 and Read On - Write Away! are to host a Big Book Bash on Sunday, 18 July.

More than 100 youngsters are expected to take part in the day, which will include story telling, quizzes, magic shows, poetry and drama workshops.

Author Jeremy Strong, whose children`s books include `There`s a Viking in My Bed` and `My Dad`s Got an Alligator` is one of the guests that the young people will be invited to meet.

Councillor Anne Western, cabinet member for social care and health said: "We constantly strive to make sure our looked after children and young people fulfil their potential and have the best possible start.

"Helping them acquire and enjoy reading and writing skills is one of the most important and rewarding building blocks we can provide." 

Young people will be given free books and goody bags at the bash, which will be staged in the Members` Room at County Hall.

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services said: "I hope that by encouraging literacy skills at an early age we can instil these youngsters with a love of the written word that will stay with them for life.

"Reading is not only a necessity in life - it is a great source of pleasure which we want to make sure all young people have access to."

There`s a lot to shout about in Derbyshire`s libraries this month as they once again celebrate national Make a Noise in Libraries week.

Derbyshire County Council is supporting the annual event which is aimed at highlighting services and facilities for visually impaired people with a number of open days and information sessions in its libraries.

Dronfield library will kick the week off with a meeting of its listening group which was set up during last year`s Make a Noise week. The group - which talks about books they have listened to on tape - will meet at the library on Monday 19 July between 2pm and 3pm. New members are always welcome.

Glossop Library is running a drop-in day on Wednesday 21 July from 9.30am to 5pm. All are welcome to call in and see the facilities the library has for visually impaired people - from books on tape and large print to computers with specially designed keyboards and larger displays.

Chesterfield Library will give information sessions on how to access talking newspapers online in its lecture theatre on Friday 23 July between 2pm and 4pm. Representatives from TNAUK online - a site which gives visually impaired people access to daily newspapers by using magnified print on screen - will be on hand to talk people through the process.

And in an added boost to the Make a Noise week the library`s listening group has made it to the final 10 in the Penguin/Orange Reading Group Prize. The group - a book chat for visually impaired people - had to write a short piece about the books they had read and other activities they get up to as a group - such as talks from visiting authors and trips to the National Library for the Blind in Stockport. The group is now in with a serious chance of walking away with the top prize of an overnight trip to the Edinburgh Book Festival and lunch with a Penguin author.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member responsible for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Derbyshire libraries have some excellent facilities for visually impaired people - from talking books to specially equipped computers - and Make a Noise in Libraries week is a good way of highlighting this.

"I encourage people to go along to their local library and see what facilities they have on offer."

The library service is always looking for volunteer readers to translate its books to tape. At the moment it has a batch of local history books which need recording. If you are interested in helping out contact Sandra Rollinson at Chesterfield Library on 01246 209292.

Want to trace your family history online but just don`t know where to begin?

Then look no further than Derbyshire County Council`s local studies library where free one-to-one taster sessions are being offered which look at some of the most popular and relevant internet sites for family history.

The 45 minute sessions - using the county council DELTA computers - aim to provide an introduction, guidance and support for people unfamiliar with all but the basics of how to use a PC. There will be an introduction to using search engines, an explanation of the layout of web pages and web addresses plus a closer look at some useful web sites on subjects such as census records, military sources, emigration records, birth, marriage and death indices and more general family history archives.

The taster sessions will not focus on individual family history research but will make people aware of relevant web sites as well as giving techniques and confidence in searching the internet. For those needing follow up sessions these can also be arranged.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "The local studies library has run internet taster sessions in the past which proved very successful. "It seemed a good idea to run more and - with the growing interest in tracing family history - we`re sure these particular sessions will be very useful."

The sessions normally take place on Wednesday mornings. It is essential to pre-book on 01629-585579 or via e-mail at  localstudies@derbyshire.gov.uk. The library is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and is situated in County Hall, Smedley Street in Matlock. 

Two drawings by Derbyshire artist George Woodward are to go on show to the public for the first time.

It follows a request from Tate Britain to borrow the original pen and watercolour drawings from Derbyshire County Council`s record office.

The drawings, which depict encounters with ghosts, will go on display as part of a major exhibition called Gothic Horror and Fantasy in British Art 1770 to 1830.

Being held in London, the exhibition will explore the way ghosts and witches are portrayed to comic effect in art during this period.

It will be the first time the drawings, which form part of a collection of drawings and prints by the artist who grew up in Stanton-by-Dale near Ilkeston, have been on public display.

Images from the Woodward collection are available to view on the county council`s website  www.derbyshire.gov.uk/recordoffice (opens in a new window) and digitised copies of the two drawings will remain available to researchers.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services who approved the loan of the pictures, said: "It is a tremendous coup for the county council to be approached by the country`s leading art gallery.

"It also highlights the value of the on-line archive produced by the record office as this is where Tate Britain discovered these particular drawings.

"It also gives the authority chance to demonstrate the significance of the archive to a national audience."

The George Woodward Archive contains 218 drawings, including pen and ink sketches done in his teens, and 220 prints produced in collaboration with some of the best known caricaturists of the day. Woodward was interested in the humour found in everyday life and his caricatures provide a fascinating insight in to the tastes and fashions of 18th century England.

The exhibition is due to be held in London from February to May 2006. In January next year other drawings from the Woodward collection will go on display at the University of Nottingham. 

Catch up with reality TV star Lemar, have your say in the big b_line debate, get some great ideas for a fun-packed summer or win the chance to be treated like a star for the evening - all this, plus lots more, is in the new b_line magazine out next week!

Derbyshire County Council has just published the fourth issue of the mag which supports the growing popularity of its b_line youth discount and half-fare travel card.

As well as light-hearted news and competitions the 36-page colour mag is packed full of advice for all 11 to 18-year-old cardholders such as tips on saving money and getting the best deals with their card, great offers and travel info as well as news, views and information on important issues such as domestic abuse and knowing your rights.

There`s also a list of participating shops and services so cardholders can see who offers b_line discounts, music and games news, a special feature on how to make the most of your summer and the latest Youth Forum news.

County council leader Councillor John Williams said: "We continue to receive fantastic feedback from cardholders about the b_line magazine so we`re delighted to issue the latest edition which I`m confident will be as popular as ever.

"It`s an excellent way of passing on information to b_liners as well as helping them get the most from their card - so don`t miss out on your copy!"

From Monday more than 55,000 copies of the latest edition of the b_line magazine will be available through Derbyshire schools, colleges, youth centres, libraries and from b_line discounters. It is also available by phoning Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

All 11 to 18-year-olds who live in Derbyshire are automatically issued with b_line cards through their school, as long as it is run by Derbyshire County Council or Derby City Council, or through their college. Youngsters aged 11 to 13, who are already eligible for child fare travel, receive a b_line1 which offers cut price deals in shops, with local businesses and leisure centres. Cards can currently be used at more than 600 outlets across the county. Those aged 14 to 18 receive a b_line2 card which provides half fare travel as well as all the other discounts. For more information about b_line, or if you are a business who would like to sign up, visit the website  www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window) or ring Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. 

Long Eaton Library is to under go a £600,000 modernisation to improve facilities for visitors. Derbyshire County Council`s building in Tamworth Road will be completely refurbished with a new natural slate roof and floors.

The building will also be re-wired, a new heating system fitted and new carpets will be laid. It will also be completely redecorated.

A wooden extension at the back of the building - which houses the children`s library and a staff room - will also be demolished and replaced with a brick building.

English Heritage and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have approved the plans for the building, which is Grade 2 listed.

The work - which will not alter the outside appearance of the art nouveau building - will create extra space and a brighter atmosphere for library users.

The library will have to close while the work is carried out to ensure the safety of staff and the public. It will close on August 28 and will re-open in the spring of 2005.

The county council is currently looking for a town centre site to locate a mobile library for the duration of the closure to ensure people have access to library services.

Mobile libraries will also continue to operate in the Long Eaton area while the nearest static libraries are in Sandiacre and Ilkeston.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "This work will create a more pleasant atmosphere for people of all ages to enjoy the excellent resources on offer.

"It will also enable us to create a lighter and brighter children`s library which is currently housed in a 1950s extension that was only supposed to last for 20 years.

"Unfortunately the library will need to be closed but the county council is working hard to ensure local people have access to library services during this time."

Cash for the work has been allocated from the county council`s existing budgets. Staff from Long Eaton will work in the mobile library or will be redeployed during the work.

Do you want to make the most of the Derbyshire countryside this summer? Then why not grab a copy of Derbyshire County Council`s events booklet.

Countryside Service Events in Derbyshire 2004 contains a month-by-month list of activities being run by the authority`s countryside service over the year.

The free 32-page colour booklet lists a range of activities from wildlife discovery rambles and woodland crafts to bike rides and ghost walks.

It also contains location maps and information about countryside centres, details of nature clubs, cycle hire, disabled access, how to become a volunteer and public transport in the countryside.

Activities cater for all ages with many events aimed at children and are intended to get people out and about in the Derbyshire countryside.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "This booklet gives people from all over the county and visitors lots of ideas for getting out and about in Derbyshire`s beautiful countryside.

"With the school summer holidays just around the corner there`s no excuse to be a couch potato - enjoy the great outdoors this summer."

The free booklet is available from libraries, tourist information centres, heritage centres and the council`s visitor and countryside centres.

It can also be seen on the countryside service section of the council website  www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

Copies are also available from the county council`s call centre, Call Derbyshire, on 08 456 058 058.

Improvement grants totalling more than £855,000 were awarded to 38 schools across Derbyshire by county council cabinet members on Tuesday.

The Seed Challenge grants aim to improve teaching accommodation, helping to meet the cost of building repairs and fund schemes to promote the development of pupil learning.

In total, £855,366 has been awarded to nursery, primary and secondary schools, with the grants ranging from £1,250 to £105,000.

All Derbyshire 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.

Improving facilities for staff to work and relax outside the classroom.

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 are to support schools who wish to apply for matched funding provided the schools make a contribution themselves.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "This is great news for all of these schools.

"We received a huge amount of bids and unfortunately some schools were disappointed. But this funding will help dozens of Derbyshire nursery, primary and secondary schools improve their learning environment for hundreds of pupils."

Library users in Eckington, Killamarsh and Holmewood are being asked for their views on their library`s opening hours following a proposal to open these libraries on either Saturday afternoons or on some extra evenings during the week.

Thanks to additional funding from Derbyshire County Council, three Libraries in North East Derbyshire will increase their overall opening hours by up to three hours per week outside of normal office hours.

Between now and Saturday 24 July, anyone from the local community can have their say on the opening hours and choose one of up to three possible options.

Copies of the consultation forms are available from the Eckington Library, Market Street, Eckington; Killamarsh Library, Village Centre, Sheffield Road, Killamarsh and Holmewood Library, Heath Road, Holmewood and have been distributed around the three villages.

County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We want to make libraries more accessible for all residents and many who work during the day find it difficult to visit under the current opening hours.

"It makes sense to let the residents themselves decide on the opening hours as they are the ones who use the library and we are particularly keen to receive the views of people who may not currently use the library."

Completed forms can be forwarded to the Director of Cultural and Community Services, County Hall, Matlock, DE4 3AG or handed in at Eckington, Killamarsh and Holmewood libraries.

For more information call Sue Crabb, North East Derbyshire District Librarian on 01246 414001.

Grab your guitar and get ready to rock ...the Infusion youth music and arts event is hitting the High Peak this Saturday (10 July).

Led by Derbyshire County Council, the free festival for 13 to 19-year-olds will kick off at Chapel-en-le-Frith Memorial Park at 2pm.

And with bands and DJs from across the county performing live on stage, don`t miss out on your place in the crowd for a day packed full of action.

The event is being staged to encourage young people`s involvement in music and dance, bring young people and communities together in the High Peak, and showcase local talent.

Tideswell band Reserve for Stuart, acoustic guitarist Ben Stafford and Chapel-en-le-Frith DJ collective Cold Blooded Creatures will be among the acts performing on the professional stage hired for the event.

And bands will also get the chance to use a high quality PA system and work with a sound engineer.

Other attractions to keep festival-goers amused will include stalls and a dance tent where young people can take part in a range of workshops. A film about drug misuse made by youngsters in the High Peak will also be premiered.

The festival has been organised in partnership with several agencies including Derbyshire County Council`s youth service, High Peak Borough Council, Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council, High Peak Community Arts, Chapel Regeneration Partnership, Youth Music, Arts Council, Connexions Derbyshire, Derby Dance, Roland UK and music retailers Academy of Sound.

Infusion has been funded using a £4,820 grant from the Arts Council and contributions from other partner organisations.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services, said: "This is a great opportunity for young people in the High Peak to explore and take part in the arts as well as having a lot of fun.

"Infusion looks set to provide a great day of entertainment so don`t forget to come along and take a look at what`s going on."

A coach service will run to and from Glossop, New Mills and Buxton on the day. For more information contact Jean Hayes on 01298 24081.

Older people`s services in an area of Derbyshire have received a boost with the opening of a new day care centre.

The Blackwell Day Care Centre will bring together a number of services already operating in the Blackwell, Tibshelf and South Normanton area under one umbrella, making them easier for older people to access.

The idea for a centre enveloping all the area`s day services has taken shape over a number of years, starting with a small unit used by care staff for group activities at the Derbyshire County Council-run Holmlea Resource Centre.

In 1990 the Holmlea Resource Centre staff held an open day for representatives from social services and health to tell them about its activities and their plans for expansion.

While small groups for elderly people in the area developed, other established groups, some threatened with closure due to loss of co-ordinators, were brought under the umbrella of the resource centre including the Pinxton Lunch Club in Pinxton and the Windmill Club in Tibshelf.

Services in the area began to flourish with several outreach groups set up at St Michael`s Church Hall in South Normanton and luncheon clubs at Newton and Blackwell, co-ordinated and managed by a county council day service worker for 30 hours a week, and being run by home helps and care assistants.

In 2000, to continue to meet the needs of older people living in Tibshelf, Newton, Blackwell, Westhouses, Hilcote, South Normanton and Pinxton, workshops were held with staff from social services, health and local council representatives to try to develop services.

The main outcome of the workshops was that a purpose-built day centre was needed in a central location and Blackwell Day Care Centre in Gloves Lane was identified.

The project was given the green light in April this year and the day centre was leased from Blackwell Care Home, a private care home. 

The centre, staffed by county council home helps and care assistants brings together health and social services as well as independent and voluntary organisations to provide a variety of services to older people and it is hoped that in future the day centre will be open seven days a week.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "Our aim at the Blackwell Day Care Centre is to bring together under one roof as many organisations and agencies as possible who can provide services for older people living in the community.

"By doing this we can work towards providing a better service and improving life for older people who want to remain independent and living in their own homes for as long as possible."

Seven schools are to get improved facilities thanks to a £235,000 cash injection from Derbyshire County Council.

The work will see existing rooms or space at the seven schools converted so it can be used for facilities that will benefit staff, pupils and the local community.

The schools to receive funding are:

Ashbrook Junior School, Borrowash

£15,000 to convert a former classroom into office accommodation

Henry Bradley Infant School, Brimington

£45,000 to convert a former classroom into a reception, office and staff room area

Fairfield Junior School, Buxton

£45,000 to create a staff workroom, a library and family reading area

William Rhodes Primary School, Chesterfield

£25,000 to expand facilities for pupils with special needs

Cromford Primary School, Cromford

£20,000 to convert a former classroom to create a multi-purpose area for technology, special educational needs and science lessons

North Wingfield Infant School, North Wingfield

£45,000 to create a new entrance, administration suite, special educational needs room and an ICT area

Longwood Infant School, Pinxton

£40,000 to convert a former classroom into an ICT suite and library

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "This funding will enable schools to put in facilities that will make a real difference to the provision of education for pupils or the working conditions of staff.

"This funding is part of the £33 million of capital funding that Derbyshire County Council has allocated in this current financial year to modernise and improve the condition of schools across the county."

New surfacing and road markings are being laid on a main route through a Derbyshire town. Work will take place on a two-mile section of the A6 between New Mills and Whaley Bridge from Monday 12 July.

The work, being carried out by Derbyshire County Council, will help to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

The new surfacing will be more skid resistant and will also prolong the life of the road by sealing it from the elements.

Once the section of road from the A6015 Newtown traffic lights to the A5004 at Bridgemont has been resurfaced new markings will replace red hatched areas and more parking bays will be created.

Workers will use stop and go boards to control the traffic although work will only take place from 9.30am to 3pm or after 7pm to avoid peak times.

However, drivers are warned to expect some delays while the road is resurfaced. The work is expected to take five days but will depend on weather conditions.

Councillor Brian Lucas, the county council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "This work will improve the safety of that stretch of road for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists which in the past has been the scene of accidents.

"Although we do expect some disruption to traffic we would ask drivers to be patient."

Once work is complete the county council will be improving bus stops and carrying out a review of road signs along the route as part of the local safety scheme.

For more information contact the county council`s call centre, Call Derbyshire, on 08 456 058 058.

A new early morning bus from Gamesley to Glossop should come as good news to local factory workers...especially those at Swizzels Matlow.

Derbyshire County Council has contracted Stagecoach to run a 6.45am bus from Gamesley to connect with the 6.55am from Glossop to New Mills. This new link will not only benefit those workers travelling to the Newtown sweet factory but also many others who work along the Glossop to New Mills corridor.

The service will initially run on a trial basis for 12 months - starting on Monday 26 July.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for transport and public protection Councillor Walter Burrows said: "This service will come as much welcomed news to local workers who rely on public transport and in the past have had problems getting a connecting service to New Mills.

"Derbyshire County Council will be working with major employers along the Glossop to New Mills corridor to raise awareness of this new service and make sure as many people as possible can take advantage of it."

Photos of memorable moments taken during Derbyshire Literature Festival, which finished last week, are going on display at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 10 July.

Derbyshire County Council commissioned photographer Chris Webb to capture images of the festival, which reflect the many events, authors and unforgettable moments.

Following the launch of the exhibition on Saturday, the collection of photographs will tour libraries around the county.

The literature festival promoted more than 150 events across the county including quizzes, workshops and a chance to meet authors.

The photos will be on display at the county council-run museum and art gallery on Terrace Road, Buxton until 28 August.

Delicate paintings of wildlife form the second exhibition going on display on Saturday 10 July at the museum. Derbyshire Wildflowers is a selection of artwork showing wild flowers in their natural habitat by botanical artist Annette Royle.

Anyone wanting to find out more about Annette`s work can chat to her at the museum on Sunday 11 July, Tuesday 13 July and Tuesday 20 July between 1.30pm and 4pm.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "I`m sure the photos from the Literature Festival will be a super collection as we have had so many great activities going on this year.

"Everyone is welcome to come and view the exhibitions and it is free. There is even the chance to meet a professional artist when Annette visits our gallery in July."

For more information on the exhibitions people should contact Ros Westwood at the museum and art gallery on 01298 24658.

Older people`s services in an area of Derbyshire have received a boost with the opening of a new day care centre.

The Blackwell Day Care Centre will bring together a number of services already operating in the Blackwell, Tibshelf and South Normanton area under one umbrella, making them easier for older people to access.

The idea for a centre enveloping all the area`s day services has taken shape over a number of years, starting with a small unit used by care staff for group activities at the Derbyshire County Council-run Holmlea Resource Centre.

In 1990 the Holmlea Resource Centre staff held an open day for representatives from social services and health to tell them about its activities and their plans for expansion.

While small groups for elderly people in the area developed, other established groups, some threatened with closure due to loss of co-ordinators, were brought under the umbrella of the resource centre including the Pinxton Lunch Club in Pinxton and the Windmill Club in Tibshelf.

Services in the area began to flourish with several outreach groups set up at St Michael`s Church Hall in South Normanton and luncheon clubs at Newton and Blackwell, co-ordinated and managed by a county council day service worker for 30 hours a week, and being run by home helps and care assistants.

In 2000, to continue to meet the needs of older people living in Tibshelf, Newton, Blackwell, Westhouses, Hilcote, South Normanton and Pinxton, workshops were held with staff from social services, health and local council representatives to try to develop services.

The main outcome of the workshops was that a purpose-built day centre was needed in a central location and Blackwell Day Care Centre in Gloves Lane was identified.

The project was given the green light in April this year and the day centre was leased from Blackwell Care Home, a private care home.

The centre, staffed by county council home helps and care assistants brings together health and social services as well as independent and voluntary organisations to provide a variety of services to older people and it is hoped that in future the day centre will be open seven days a week.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "Our aim at the Blackwell Day Care Centre is to bring together under one roof as many organisations and agencies as possible who can provide services for older people living in the community.

"By doing this we can work towards providing a better service and improving life for older people who want to remain independent and living in their own homes for as long as possible."

There`s still time to apply for one of Derbyshire County Council`s exciting new job opportunities for school leavers.

Youngsters aged between 16 and 18 have until Friday 16 July to apply for one of 12 new trainee clerical and administrative posts with a starting salary of £10,278.

Each trainee will have the chance to study while they work to gain a minimum NVQ level 2 in business administration.

During the three-year programme, trainees will spend six months in each of the council`s six departments and, once qualified, they will be able to apply for other job opportunities with the authority.

County council leader Councillor John Williams said: "This is an exciting development in the job opportunities we are able to offer to young people.

"There`s no doubt that fewer young people are choosing to work in the public sector and we hope this scheme will encourage more youngsters to consider it as an exciting option for their careers.

"We already have a successful craft apprenticeship scheme where seven new recruits are taken on each year and we also employ a number of young people under the New Deal Programme.

"The career opportunities and rewards for young people working in local government are very real - and what`s more trainees will have the chance to help improve local people`s lives." 

The trainee posts are currently being advertised with successful candidates expected to take up their jobs from September.

Youngsters interested in applying must have a minimum of GCSE grade C or above in English and maths. Any work experience or work placements will also be taken into account. The closing date for applications is July 16. To apply for the trainee posts contact Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or visit   www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

Thousands of older and disabled people across the county are set to benefit from a new Derbyshire County Council discount scheme.

More than 1,000 shops, restaurants and other businesses will be offering discounts of around 10 per cent to Derbyshire Gold Card holders when the scheme goes live next week (July 12).

The Derbyshire Gold Card - which is funded by the county, city, district and borough councils - is the new travel card for Derbyshire residents aged over 60 and disabled people. It offers free and half price travel on local buses and trains and replaces the existing bus pass that ends in October. The card is available free of charge.

Full details of the discounts, which are listed by area, are published in the free 68-page directory which is available from district or borough council offices and all Derbyshire libraries. The discounts will also be listed on the Derbyshire County Council`s website  www.derbyshire.gov.uk/goldcard (opens in a new window).

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "Gold Card is just one of the many ways we are trying to improve life for people in Derbyshire.

"The discount scheme is an excellent way that local people can benefit from making savings and we`re also delighted that many businesses have recognised the value of the scheme by agreeing to be part of Gold Card."

The directory also gives details of a range of other council services and high-profile campaigns, including:

Where to go for consumer advice

Tips on how to stay safe and secure in your community

What local libraries have to offer

Adult education learning opportunities

Services for older people

Details of a benefits take-up campaign

What to do if you are suffering from domestic abuse

The directory also gives public transport information including where you can use Gold Card to travel by bus and train, best value bus tickets, timetable information to help plan your journey and how to get around using community transport. There is also a chance for 100 Gold Card holders to win a week`s free bus or train travel in a lucky prize draw competition.

Anyone who thinks they qualify for a Gold Card and has not yet applied can get an application form from their local district or borough council, library or in some areas their post office. The application form gives details of how to apply.

Gold Card is jointly financed and administered by Derbyshire County Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, the District of Bolsover, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Erewash Borough Council, High Peak Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and South Derbyshire District Council.

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