NIGEL Clough says 2012 has been a good year for Derby County – but feels that an extra bit of quality in certain areas is needed to take the next step.

The Rams play their final game of the year today when they tackle Charlton Athletic at the Valley.

Derby are mid-table in 12th place – the same position they finished last season. They have taken 33 points from 24 League games, putting them four points off the top six and 11 clear of the relegation zone.

Their record at the same time 12 months ago is very similar but Clough said: "I think it's been a good year for us. We have been pleased with the progress we've made.

"Now it's about taking it on and trying to turn those good performances into results.

"And that's without being negative. We still want to get the ball down and play.

"We just need that extra bit of quality in certain areas."

Clough has put a lot of faith in his young players – the likes of Will Hughes (17), Jeff Hendrick (20), Mark O'Brien (20) and Michael Jacobs (21).

"We're a young side and they're learning every single game – the likes of Will, Jeff, OB and Jacobs," added the Rams boss.

"There's no quick fix with them. It's just a matter of time."

The Rams are hoping to avoid ending the year by suffering three successive defeats for the first time this season as they look to bounce back from the 2-1 home loss to Hull City and a 2-0 reverse at Burnley on Boxing Day.

"We're determined not to end the year with three defeats," said Clough.

"We've talked about being more solid away from home and I think we were solid at Burnley, apart from two unfortunate goals.

"We restricted them to two chances in the first half. We didn't create much ourselves but we're not at a stage where we can have it both ways.

"We don't have the resources to play teams off the park, create loads of chance and be solid at the same time."

Derby have lost five of their last six matches on the road – their only success coming at struggling Bristol City earlier this month.

They have only managed to score 10 goals in 12 away League matches, while conceding 21.

"We'd like to have scored a few more goals away from home," said Clough.

"We've had enough of the play but it's about turning that into goal-scoring chances.

"That's the next stage. When you are having good spells, who is going to get you a goal or make a goal?"

Liverpool have opened talks to sign England goalkeeper Jack Butland, Birmingham City acting chairman Peter Pannu has confirmed.

Pannu has admitted that he is prepared to sell Butland, along with other key players, in January to stop the Championship club from going into administration.

Birmingham have hit financial trouble because of debts incurred by parent company Birmingham International Holdings Limited, as well as loss of revenue caused by relegation.

A 21-YEAR-OLD woman who gave birth on Christmas Day, despite not knowing she was pregnant, has described her son as "the most surprising and best present ever".

First-time mum Leanne Carter has named her unexpected baby Joseph.

He was born at 8am on Christmas Day after Miss Carter was admitted to hospital with what she thought were just bad stomach cramps.

Speaking from her hospital bed, she said: "It was a big surprise – I didn't know anything about it, I just became bloated in the last four weeks."

She said she had no other physical symptoms. Her periods continued as normal and she had not felt the baby moving around.

She added: "When I heard of these kind of things before I always thought 'how could you not know?'

"It's still sinking in a little bit but I'm getting there. It didn't sink in at all on Christmas Day."

Miss Carter woke up at 2.30 on Christmas morning with what she thought were severe period pains.

Several hours later, they had worsened and her mum suggested they go to the Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham, to find out what was wrong.

She said: "When I was there I went to the toilet and just felt the need to push. My mum had to go and get the staff and they asked if I was pregnant.

"They wheeled me in and the first time I realised I was pregnant was when they gave me the gas and air as I was pushing.

"I was shocked, then scared and worried and I didn't know if he was OK but then I was happy.

"I didn't intend on having children for a long while yet but I'm happy and I'm dead excited."

Joseph weighed 4lb 12oz and is said to be doing well.

His 21-year-old mum had recently started working at a shop in Ilkeston and said she had carried on normal life throughout her pregnancy.

She said: "I did a lot of heavy lifting – he's had it tough, but he's fine. I just carried on life as normal, did my day-to-day stuff."

Miss Carter, of Northgate Street, Ilkeston, said she would be moving with her son to live with her mum and grandparents until finding a house with her boyfriend, Scott Curwood and his son.

She said: "They're all very happy and dead excited.

"I told Scott straightaway, he was shocked but he's more than happy."

Doctors think Joseph was born around two weeks early and has suffered no lasting effects from his surprise entry in to the world.

Miss Carter said: "Joseph is definitely the most surprising but the best Christmas present ever.

"He's very quiet and quite sleepy – my mum says he's the spitting image of me.

"He's going to be tall, he's got massive feet and tiny little skinny legs."

Leanne and Scott had been planning to spend Christmas with their respective families, opening presents and having a festive dinner.

She said: "I don't like hospitals as it is and Christmas is my favourite time of year.

"It wasn't exactly how I wanted to spend my Christmas Day."

Alison Atkinson, head of maternity at Nottingham University Hospitals, said: "I'm delighted that Leanne and her baby are both well and happy.

"It's rare for a woman to give birth without knowing she's pregnant but I'm pleased that it was a happy surprise.

"It was also a lovely surprise for our team in the emergency department who were thrilled to be a part of this wonderful Christmas story."

FOUR amateur chefs from Derby have pitted their wooden spoons and their wits against each other on national TV.

Tori Yerbury, Allison Hunt, Tom Flannery and Jeff Foster pulled on their pinnies to show off their culinary skills on Channel 4 show Come Dine With Me.

Last night's hour-long episode saw each of the contestants cook a three-course meal at their homes.

At the end of each dinner party, they mark their competitors out of 10 for how much they enjoyed the food – and the hospitality – and the winner walks away with a £1,000 prize.

Tori, 42, of Mickleover, hosted the first night and walked away with the money. She also hosted a viewing party for friends and family last night.

She said: "It was a totally crazy week and something that I really enjoyed, even though I'd forgotten that you're being watched by millions of people when it is finally shown on TV.

"What was really bizarre was how much control the production team have over how each evening runs.

"I just thought it would be a case of the crew turning up to film you buying the food, then cooking it, having the guests over and then washing up at the end – but the reality is much different to that.

"For one, the TV crew control all the timings, so you have to do lots of takes before they are happy they have got what they want.

"It actually took two and a half hours to film everyone eating just my starter."

Tori, a former financial adviser and now housewife, of Radbourne Gate, cooked a mixed starter, chicken main course and chocolate torte for dessert, scoring 24 out of 30 from her guests.

The second night, at "baby-faced" Tom's city centre house, saw him cook bacon and olive cake, chicken in sherry and caramel ice cream. He scored 20.

The third fancy dress-themed night saw the quartet enjoy tuna, lamb and a crumble at music-loving Jeff's Alvaston house, scoring him 21 out of 30.

And on the final night Allison, a drama teacher, cooked stuffed mushrooms, salmon and then chocolate and peanut butter pie, followed by a dip in her hot tub in the back garden of her Alvaston home. She also scored 21 out of 30.

Tori said: "When you watch the programme, you often see people fall out but it wasn't like that with us at all.

"Since the filming took place in August, we have been out together a few times.

"In the run-up to the show being broadcast though, you start to wonder what might be said so we all met up before last night to tell each other what we said about them and their food, so there were no surprises on the night.

"Thousands apply for each show and the list is then whittled down to four. I think they chose me because I'm a bit bonkers.

"I'd definitely do it again and I'd recommend it to anyone. It was tremendous fun."

FOR the past five years, a vineyard in South Derbyshire has been growing grapes for its own brand of wine.

The owners of Sealwood Cottage, in Linton, planted 4,200 vines in May 2008 not knowing fully what the outcome would be.

John Goodall, the owner of the vineyard, said: "I'd always had an interest in wine and I thought it'd be great to be able to grow it here in Derbyshire.

"I worked in farming all my life so I knew a little bit about soil and the conditions, so we decided to give it a go. It's been a steep learning curve as vines are very different from usual crops.

"It was a bit of an experiment at first but I knew that we'd got free-draining sandy soil here and that's just what you need. We took a punt."

All 4,200 vines were planted in one day at the Sealwood Lane vineyard with help from a team from Belgium.

Mr Goodall said: "It was done with military precision. All the plants have to be spaced a certain distance apart and in straight lines in all directions."

It took the vines until September 2010 to be ready for their first grape harvest.

The Sealwood Vineyard has five grape varieties: Ortega, Solaris, Madeleine Angevine, which are white varieties and Rondo and Regent, the reds.

Mr Goodall said: "They grow quite quickly but the plants have to mature before they produce the best grapes to turn into wine."

The grapes are picked between mid-September and mid to late October.

The grapes are then sent – usually on the same day as being picked – to be made into wine and to be bottled in Shropshire.

Mr Goodall said: "After being sent to Shropshire, the first bottles appear around May time after the fermentation process.

"The wines are bottled and sent back to us here, where we label and distribute them."

Sealwood Cottage Vineyard supplies the Colvile Arms, in Lullington, and regularly visits local food fairs and farmers' markets, including Belper and Swadlincote, as well as agricultural shows at Calke Abbey.

Mr Goodall said: "I've had orders from people in Sussex who have been up to Derbyshire, tasted it and then wanted more.

"I've had orders from Buxton and Chesterfield, in the north of the county, so we're getting to be known all over the place.

"It's brilliant that we are and that people are coming back for more. It shows that we're doing something right."

But the wet weather the county has experienced this summer means that stocks of grapes have been depleted.

Mr Goodall said: "As you would expect, grapes like a little bit of warmth and not too much wet weather, which it what we had all summer.

"We are about 60% down on what we picked last year and that'll obviously affect how many bottles we'll sell.

"Last year was a good harvest and we got around 2,400 bottles come May. We will have less than that in 2013 but we'll do OK I think."

Mr Goodall runs the vineyard with his wife, Elizabeth. He said: "We're both retired and we set the vineyard up as a little something to keep us busy.

"But it is a lot of work. There's things to do all year round as, in the winter, the vines need to be pruned and kept in good condition.

"But I have great fun tending to it and I love to see – and taste – the finished result."

A HUSBAND and wife team who help pack and send shoeboxes of gifts to troops in Afghanistan have been sent replies thanking them for their efforts.

Chris and Sherian Webster, of Chaddesden, pack snacks, books and DVDs into each of the parcels.

Then they send them across the globe to give serving soldiers a present to unwrap on Christmas day.

The couple, of Sunny Grove, have been collecting and sending the parcels for 18 months, initially working with charity Afghan Heroes, but this year they have done the whole thing themselves.

Last year, the pair sent out just over 400 boxes. This year they have gathered more than 700.

The 38-year-old said: "We have had a few replies from some of the soldiers who have received the packages.

"It's really satisfying to know we have made a difference."

Senior aircraftman John Massey, from North Wales wrote to the couple after receiving a parcel.

He said: "I hope you are all doing well, I'd like to start off by thanking you for your generosity with the parcels you send out so selflessly to me and the rest of the lads out here in Bastion. People say it all the time but I doubt they can actually imagine how much it means to each of us knowing there are people back home thinking of us at this time of year."

William Cunningham, serving aboard the HMS Ramsey, said: "Thank you so much for the two shoe boxes I've received recently.

"You have no idea what a smile it can bring to your face to receive some unexpected mail, especially when that mail is full of goodies.

"I have shared the contents with my fellow sailors as we do and everyone is very grateful."

A CITY doctor has received a national award for revamping Derby's alcohol and drug service – after "freeing" thousands of people from their addictions.

The number of alcohol-related hospital admissions has decreased for the first time in several years – going down by 14% last year.

In contrast, Derby had the worst number of admissions for alcohol problems in the East Midlands three years ago.

And the number of people successfully leaving drug treatment has increased by a third.

It comes after Dr Richard Martin revamped the city's drug treatment service in 2006 and its alcohol service in 2010.

He has now been named joint winner of the NHS Leader of the Year title at a national awards ceremony – out of 40,000 NHS managers nationwide.

It is not known how much money has been saved by Dr Martin's work but it is estimated that, for every pound spent on drug treatment, £5 is saved in the economy.

For every £1 spent on alcohol services, £7 is saved – with fewer hospital admissions, lower crime rates and fewer court cases among the benefits.

Dr Martin – whose team has a £5 million budget for its work – said: "I'm truly honoured to have won this award – and quite surprised.

"The staff I work with are absolutely brilliant and it is because of them that we've been able to make these strides forward."

The award also comes with a £10,000 bursary to invest in the city's drug and alcohol services.

Councillor Ranjit Banwait – deputy leader of Derby City Council – said: "I am absolutely delighted for Richard.

"The NHS Leader of the Year award highlights his own significant contributions to improving the lives of thousands of people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction in Derby."

Dr Martin said that, between May 2011 and April 2012, the number of drug and alcohol-related hospital admissions in Derby went down by 14%.

This compares to a 1% rise between May 2010 and April 2011 and a 24% hike in the city in the previous two years.

The latest fall equates to a reduction of hundreds of hospital admissions – each of which would cost an average of £1,302.

Dr Martin said the number of people leaving their rolling 12-month programme drug free had risen from 11% to 46% in the past year – with about 1,400 being actively treated each year.

In 2010, the city's alcohol treatment service was overhauled at a cost of £2.1m. Different treatments became available in hospitals, clinics and the community for people whose problems range from binge drinking to complex mental illnesses.

People can contact the service through a confidential phone line and are given appointments to assess what help they need.

The most recent change to both the city's drug and alcohol services came in September when a new centre – called St Andrew's, in London Road – opened for people battling substance misuse.

Dr Martin said: "The centre really will make a big difference because it means everything is under one roof in a brand new building.

"But as well as the treatment, we also try to look at campaigns as well – to prevent drug and alcohol addictions before they even start.

"Ultimately, our aim is to make sure we help people – and the wider community – when it comes to misuse."

Nine NHS Leadership Recognition Awards were presented by the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London.

A POET from Derby is hoping a piece he has written in honour of six children who died in a house fire is of comfort to their family.

Barry Lambert said he felt compelled to pen the poem after reading the horrific news about how the six Philpott siblings perished in the blaze in Allenton in May.

The 69-year-old has printed out 10 colour copies of the poem, which have been illustrated by his niece with six angels flying in the sky, and hopes their family will accept them as a gift.

Mr Lambert, of Newhaven Road, Chaddesden, said: "I just thought with it being the first Christmas without them I would put some words together in the hope that they will bring some comfort to their family and friends.

"I don't think anyone in Derby could fail to have been moved by what is such a terrible tragedy."

Jade Philpott, 10, and her brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, all died in a blaze at their parents' semi-detached house in Victory Road, Allenton, Derby, on May 11.

Their brother Duwayne, aged 13, died later in hospital.

Their parents Mick Philpott, 55, and his 31-year-old wife Mairead, of Victory Road, Derby, are expected to face trial in February after pleading not guilty to six charges of manslaughter.

Family friend Paul Mosley, 45, of Cecil Road, Derby, also faces six manslaughter charges and will also be tried in February.

Mr Lambert, a retired block paver, and his wife Beverley, 59, have four children – Nicola, 40, Matthew, 38, Karl, 35, and Kevin, 27.

They also have five grandchildren.

He said he has been writing poetry and drawing, inspired by the artist LS Lowry, for more than 50 years.

His poem, called The Philpotts, is told as though the children are talking to their family members from Heaven.

It begins: "Do not be sad our family, and friends on the land, we are all safe in Heaven now, we are in God's loving hands."

Mr Lambert said: "All we seem to be hearing is the news about the court case that is coming up in the new year and the children themselves are hardly being mentioned.

"I don't think anyone will forget what happened on that day and I was unsure how to say the piece, so I decided it would sound better if it was said by the children to their loved ones back here on earth.

"I hope the family get to read it and that they can take some comfort from it."

Mrs Lambert said she believed the whole of the country had been moved by the tragedy.

She said: "My heart goes out to the family and friends of those children."

JANUARY

TEENAGER Lee Jones, 19, of Matlock, is found dead while scaling England's highest mountain Scafell Pike, in Cumbria. His friends describe him as "adventurous" and "outgoing".

High winds and heavy rain cause disruption throughout Derbyshire, with 40 county council workers clearing trees from about 30 roads. Householder Jason Ryalls, of Derby, is told he cannot claim insurance after the chimney falls off his roof because "the wind wasn't strong enough".

A one-in-a-million bone marrow donor is found for 10-year-old Lewis Dyche, of Chaddesden. He receives the transplant in February and is now recovering from his illness.

Food giant Nestlé announces plans to create 125 extra jobs at its factory in Hatton, on top of 300 roles it had unveiled two months earlier.

Hospital managers' jobs are put under threat as Derby's hospitals trust is told to improve its financial performance by Monitor – the national body which oversees it.

A new cancer research centre is set up in Derby which experts say will put the city "on the world map", because it will become the home of a new blood test which is able to detect cancer up to five years before symptoms show.

FEBRUARY

THE University of Derby announces plans to create a new £9 million sports development centre – including a sports hall, football and tennis arena – at its Kedleston Road campus.

Bodybuilder Paul Longfield, 48, formerly of Loscoe – on the run from police – is tracked down in the Philippines by the Derby Telegraph. He was the reigning Mr Britain at the time of his arrest in 2006 and charged with 12 counts of illegally dealing steroids.

Six swans are found slaughtered and decapitated for their meat in Alvaston Park, forcing officers to step up patrols.

Financial adviser Malcolm Green, 55, of Swanwick, admits 42 offences of fraud, false accounting and obtaining money transfers after he stole more than £1 million from his clients. He is jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Prince Charles pays a visit to rail firm Bombardier's plant, in Litchurch Lane, Derby, and aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce's Sinfin factory.

MARCH

TEACHING unions say they will fight the setting up of a Muslim free school in Derby because they fear pupils may not be taught by qualified teachers. The Al-Madinah School was opened in September.

Shop worker Rostam Mohammed confronts and scares off an armed raider wielding a shotgun at Dylann's Mini-Market, in Pear Tree, by throwing his Thermos flask at him.

Armed police are locked in a 13-hour standoff with a man in a boat on the canal off Town Street, Sandiacre. Stephen Cross – also known as Wayne Green – was wanted for a series of offences and was later jailed for two years.

Police investigate after two-year-old boy Riley Pettipierre dies soon after paramedics were called to his home in Kilbourne Road, Belper. Mum Sally Dent, 32, and Shaun Binfield, 44, have denied manslaughter. A trial is expected to take place next year.

A pig is discovered roaming in the downstairs rooms of a council home in Kingsley Street, Sinfin by housing staff who had arrived to evict the tenant.

Hi-tech engineering firm Assystem reveals plans to recruit 300 workers and open a new office in Derby.

APRIL

POLICE launch a murder investigation after skateboarder Ashley Finlay, 24, is killed when he is kicked in the head after an incident in the Old Bell Hotel, Derby. Thomas Cullen, 29, of Taylor Street, is found guilty of manslaughter in September and jailed for six years.

The Derby Telegraph launches its Electrify Our Line campaign – to bring about the upgrade and electrification of the Midland Main Line. In July, the Government announces it will fund the proposal.

Prime Minister David Cameron says he has been supporting Derbyshire industry by helping to sell Rolls-Royce engines during a tour of southern Asia. He explains this during a visit to the Derby Telegraph.

The family of Derby mum Denyse Sweeney, 34, vow to leave "no stone unturned" to discover how she died in Goa. They had been told she died two years before of an overdose but an inquest reveals no signs of drugs and 20 injuries on her body. The Telegraph later launches its Justice for Denyse campaign.

Long-serving Rolls-Royce worker and parish councillor Jeffrey Clare, 66, of Draycott, goes missing and is believed dead after a boat sinks off the coast of France. The search for him is later called off.

MAY

LABOUR sweep to power after making gains in council election counts across Derby, ousting the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition. Former leader and Tory Philip Hickson says the Government needs to get a grip and blames national policies for the defeat.

The Derby Telegraph launches its We Want To Work campaign to help bring down unemployment levels and get people back into jobs. By December, eight people had found work.

Police launch an investigation following the death of seven-month-old baby James-Lee Riley at his family home in Waterford Drive, Chaddesden. In August, his father Nathan Pick, 37, denies murder. A trial is set to take place next year.

Six children from the Philpott family – Duwayne, 13; Jade, 10; John, nine; Jack, eight; Jesse, six and Jayden, five – all die following a blaze at their parents' house in Victory Road, Derby. In December, their parents, Mick and Mairead Philpott, and Paul Mosley all deny manslaughter. A trial is expected to take place next year.

Seven-year-old Lewis Mighty, of Mackworth, loses his battle against cancer neuroblastoma. His parents, Jaime and Perry, say they are overwhelmed by the heartfelt reaction of the community.

Mechanic Daniel Brown is killed in what is described as an explosion at the car repair garage in the Meadow Lane Industrial Estate, in Alfreton, where he worked. Family and friends describe him as "one of the good guys".

JUNE

DIAMOND Jubilee fever sweeps across Derbyshire, despite a weekend of heavy rain. Streets throughout the county are awash with red, white and blue as dozens of street parties are held to honour the Queen and her 60 years on the throne.

The parent company of the Derbyshire Building Society announces its plans to shut 10 of its branches during a review of the business. They close on August 31 and, in December, Nationwide Building Society say it is too early to say whether the brand will disappear in 2013.

Dozens of workers are made redundant after Castle Donington's Real-Time Training Ltd – a firm which organises training for the Government – collapses and goes into administration.

Veteran Royal British Legion campaigner Bernard Page, who has helped raise millions for ex-servicemen, is honoured by the Queen by being made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Olympic excitement grips Derbyshire as 250,000 people turn out to see the torch as it tours the county. About 40,000 people line the torch route in the city, 25,000 onlookers are entertained at Darley Park and another 8,000 pack out the Market Place.

Campaigns have remained vital to the Derby Telegraph throughout 2012, as Caroline Jones reports.

ELECTRIFY OUR LINE

The Derby Telegraph launched this campaign on April 16, calling on readers to urge ministers to fund the upgrade and electrification of the Midland Main Line in its latest spending plans.

It received the backing of politicians in both the city and county and from other areas along the route.

Business leaders and local companies also got on board, as they stood to benefit from the work being carried out.

The paper also lobbied Prime Minister David Cameron and, during a visit to the Derby Telegraph, he posed with a copy of the paper calling on his Government to fund the work.

In July, the Government announced a £9.4 billion package of rail projects, including the £500 million electrification and upgrade of the main line.

JUSTICE FOR DENYSE

It was three days after the inquest into the death of Derby mum Denyse Sweeney that we started our Justice for Denyse campaign, on April 21.

The hearing at Derby and South Derbyshire Coroner's Court was told how the 34-year-old's family had died from a drugs overdose two years ago – but there were no signs of drugs in her body.

Denyse died while volunteering in the Indian holiday resort of Goa and, because there was no explanation of the 20 injuries she had suffered, her family now believe she was murdered.

They are pursuing officials in India, while Derbyshire police are searching through Indian officers' files in the hope they can shed new light on the case.

WE WANT TO WORK

This campaign was set up by the paper on May 9 to get job-hunters from across Derbyshire back into work – following news that the number of unemployed in the city was at a 15-year high.

We started with six Derbyshire job-hunters who put themselves forward, as they were searching for permanent positions in a range of sectors, from hospitality and healthcare to business administration and engineering.

By December, we have helped eight members of our campaign get jobs.

They include Robert McPherson, 58, who got a job at an engineering firm, and Jackie Hughes, 23, who became a customer adviser at the post office in South Normanton.

John Larkin, 40, landed a part-time cleaning job with football pitch operator Powerleague.

SAVE A LIFE

On October 31, we decided to turn our readers into life-savers by getting them to perform simple tasks – such as giving blood or learning first aid.

And, in two months, hundreds of people have taken up the challenge.

They have done this either by booking an appointment at an NHS Blood and Transplant blood donor session they have seen in the Derby Telegraph, or cutting out a voucher in the paper which offers them a discount on first-aid training with charity St John Ambulance.

CLEAN UP DERBY

Let's Clean Up was the headline on the front page of the Derby Telegraph when we launched this campaign on November 26 – with the aim to stop litter blighting our city.

The city's mayor and the Bishop of Derby are among those backing the campaign, which asks readers to send in photos of rubbish-strewn streets so we can shame those responsible.

We are also asking people to take more responsibility for the state of Derby's streets and to dispose of rubbish sensibly.

In December, the campaign received cross-party support from the city council.

CAMPAIGNS launched by the paper before 2012 which have been continued this year include:

Pay Our Nuke Test Veterans: Demanding the Ministry of Defence compensate veterans of Britain's nuclear tests in the 1950s and 60s.

Asbestos – The Deadly Dust: Calling on the Government to ensure victims are financially compensated for their exposure.

Fire – Extinguish the Risks: Raising awareness of fire safety around the home and the importance of having a working smoke alarm fitted by getting people and firms to sign up as fire safety advocates.

An Industry Betrayed: Exploring the plight of Bombardier's Litchurch Lane plant following the decision to award the Thameslink contract to Siemens, examining in depth the impact the decision would have and championing efforts to reverse it.

DERBY Mountain Rescue Team has had its busiest year since its formation 48 years ago.

The voluntary emergency service has had more than 50 calls in 2012.

And it is thought the increase could be linked to more people spending their holidays in the Peak District.

Team leader Steve Hilditch said: "The toughest physical search this year was in February in the High Peak.

"We were there for training but ended up carrying out three or four searches instead.

"It was a bad snowy weekend and we were the local team there, so we were called to help.

"It's been a busy year and I'm eternally grateful for all the hard work the team has put in. We have to think about the employers and their families as well as the fact that it is all voluntary."

Last year, Derby Mountain Rescue Team had 36 calls. The latest search in the Derby area was for missing 77-year-old Owen Brennan.

The horse trainer has been missing from his home in Wheeldon Avenue, Derby, since 4.45pm on Monday, December 17.

A spokesman for the mountain rescue team said the busiest month was August when the team was called to 11 incidents.

He said: "We've seen an increase in call-outs in recent years leading to this, our busiest year.

"We can't say for sure why this is, but it appears that the rise in incidents could be due to the increase in the numbers of people holidaying in areas like the Peak District rather than taking more expensive foreign holidays.

"While the economic climate remains as it is, this situation is likely to continue but we're more than prepared for this level of activity."

The rescue team is a voluntary emergency service which provides search and rescue services, primarily in upland and rural areas but also in more urban areas when required.

The team is funded by public donations and all team members are unpaid volunteers on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The increased workload this year has also increased the costs of running the team, estimated to be over £20,000 per year.

Nic Berry, chairman and 24-year veteran of the team, said: "I'm really pleased to find that the generous members of the public have continued to support us, even in these times of austerity.

"Financially, this means we have been able to cope with the increased level of activity.

"It's our 50th anniversary in 2014 and we're hoping by then to be in new, purpose-built headquarters.

"This, of course, means even more of a fund-raising push than ever but, with the continued support of the public and various altruistic groups, I'm hoping that, for the first time, we'll have our own building, designed especially for our needs.

"It will allow us to provide the best service possible, no matter how much our workload increases."

Finley Wiggins has been a little miracle for parents Dawn and Ian Wiggins.

After many years of trying to start a family, the couple were delighted to learn Dawn was pregnant and expecting to give birth on April 1, 2012.

But Finley arrived three-and-a-half months before his due date. The youngster suffered two scares, contracting a life-threatening infection and then stopping breathing, but has battled through to see his first birthday.

Ian said Finley had been "such a fighter".

He said: "He's our little miracle."

Dawn Wiggins was delighted when she became pregnant – but terrified when she started to give birth 14 weeks too early. Sophie Evans reports.

FINLEY Wiggins was a longed-for baby and Dawn was sailing through her pregnancy.

"Everything was going great. We were waiting for a surprise so didn't know if the baby was a boy or a girl," said Dawn.

"I'd had my scans and midwife appointments and he was growing really well. There seemed to be nothing to worry about."

Finley's due date was April 1, 2012, but it was only December 27, 2011 when Dawn's waters broke.

She said: "We were devastated. I thought that was going to be it for our little baby. We were so scared."

Dawn was given a steroid injection to open up the baby's lungs in case she did go into labour. This gives the baby a better chance of survival.

The doctors did not know why Dawn's waters had broke so early. Finley has been a very active baby in the womb and there was no indication there was any problems.

While in hospital, Dawn and Ian found out that the Royal Derby was not equipped to deliver babies born under 27 weeks.

Bradford Royal Infirmary was the nearest hospital able to deliver at 26 weeks, so Dawn was transferred there on the morning of December 28 last year.

Dawn said: "I had to travel in the ambulance by myself with the medical staff, Ian wasn't allowed to come with me. There was a paramedic and a nurse with me so they could deliver the baby if they needed too.

"There was no more room for another adult."

Ian joined his family later that day, in the first of what would become two months in Bradford.

Dawn was bed bound for the next couple of days, before going in to labour on December 30.

"I started getting cramping in the evening and at about 10pm it got worse and worse. By 10pm I was in labour and was taken down to the delivery suite.

"I had a monitor on checking the baby's heart beat. Every time I got a cramping pain, his heartbeat dipped.

"They did a scan and found that the cord was around his neck as something was tugging at it. It was causing his heartbeat to dip and the pain that I was feeling."

Dawn and Ian then had to make an agonising decision to undergo an emergency Caesarean section to give Finley they best chance of surviving.

Ian, 43, said: "It was the hardest thing we've ever had to do. But we knew it would give him the best chance in life.

"I scrubbed up and went into theatre. We were warned that we probably wouldn't hear him cry because he'd be too tiny and that he would be whisked away straight to the neonatal unit."

But when Finley was born – at 11.36am on December 31, 2011, he cried at the top of his voice and Dawn and Ian got to see him briefly.

Dawn said: "I had prepared myself for him to look so, so small – and he was – but he looked like a baby.

"I worried, before I saw him, that I might not love him because he would be so small.

"But I saw him and I felt such a rush of love, it hit me so hard."

Weighing only 1lb 4oz and measuring up at just nine-and-a-half inches long, Finley was put in an incubator and was wired up to lots of equipment to help him breathe.

Ian said: "He was a little fighter and seemed to be doing OK. He was so little we were scared we were going to break him but he was fighting to live."

Finley had a turn for the worse when he contracted an infection at just a few weeks old.

Dawn said: "There was a knock on our door in the hospital where we were sleeping at about 6am and we feared the worst.

"He had gone very grey and had to have three blood transfusions to boost his immune system. He was also put on a ventilator for a short while.

"It was the first time he'd had to be properly ventilated, before he'd just had a little oxygen mask on. He was hooked up to all the machines again, checking everything and keeping him alive.

"We were told to prepare for the worst. But within 24 Finley seemed to bounce back. It was like nothing fazed him and he was fighting to stay alive the whole time."

Dawn married her husband, Ian, who works at Rolls-Royce, nine years ago and moved up to Derby from Southampton just a week after meeting him. The couple now live in Mackworth.

Ever since getting married the couple had been keen to start a family.

Dawn said: "We'd been trying for a long time and had just about given up.

"In August last year I was really sick. Being pregnant hadn't really crossed my mind.

"I went to see my GP because I was getting a little worried and they asked if I could be pregnant.

"I told them there was no chance and it couldn't be that but they did a test just to check.

"I couldn't believe it when it was positive. It was amazing, we'd both given up hope of having a family together."

It took a couple of months for the news to sink in and the couple did not tell many people about the pregnancy.

"We were just so scared something was going to happen," said Dawn, 36.

"We didn't want to jeopardise anything."

After the scare over Finley's early birth, it was February 22 when mum, dad and Finley were transferred to the Royal Derby Hospital.

Ian said: "It was good to be back at home and it meant that people could come and visit him for the first time. We were still staying with him in hospital but we were near our home comforts.

"I went back to work at Rolls-Royce and life got a little bit back to normal. Finley was doing really well."

Then, in late February, Finley stopped breathing after being fed.

Dawn said: "I'd been expressing milk and I'd fed him and put him back in his cot.

"Then I noticed is eyes rolling back into his head. I scooped him up and almost wanted to shake him to snap him out of it.

"I ran for a nurse and they brought him back. It was only a matter of seconds that he stopped breathing but it felt like a lifetime.

"He had to go into intensive care and be incubated again. The doctors didn't know what caused his little turn."

Finley, at just two months old, had to go through his fourth blood transfusion to boost his immune system.

Within 24 hours of his turn for the worse, Finley was back his old self, wanting to be fed.

Dawn said: "He was crying a lot and he never really cried too much but I realised it was because he was hungry. I was careful at first but he wanted more and more.

"It was so good to see him back to himself.

"We were working towards going home and once he'd put another 4lbs on we were going to be given the all clear."

The day came on March 5 – a month still before Finley's actual due date – and the Wiggins' family arrived at home.

Ian said: "It was so, so good to be at home with him. We'd waited so long and it was a day that many times we thought we might not see.

"It was nerve-wracking because it was just the two of us looking after him now, after all the months of the medical staff being there 24 hours a day.

"But it was also a milestone and a great sign that everything was going to be OK."

Finley remained under close care of the hospital and in June had to undergo an operation at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham for a hernia – but this is something that all children can develop.

It was also discovered that Finley had three little holes in his heart, and some of his heart valves had not developed properly.

Dawn said: "When we first found out it was just another blow for us. Finley was doing so well – apart from the hernia – and it was another thing for him to get through.

"Nothing was done about them straight away because he seemed to be doing OK and we had to keep a close eye on him for any changes."

The family went back to hospital in September and a scan showed that his heart valves had healed and that there was only one small hole in his heart.

Ian said: "The hospital couldn't believe that they'd healed on their own. They'd never seen it before and said he was a miracle.

"He's our little miracle. Nothing is going to be done about the hole left in his heart, it's going to be closely monitored and he has to go back every year to check on it."

Finley was christened at Mickleover Methodist Church on October 7 this year – his dad's birthday.

Dawn said: "It was a real milestone and it was an incredible day. Everyone spoilt him and he was so good in the church.

"Looking at him now, a year on, you wouldn't know all the struggles he's been through.

"He's in six to nine-month-old clothes, so he's a little small for his age but, being four months early, it's understandable.

"He's put weight on constantly and is growing, just at his own rate. It won't be long before he's crawling.

"The doctors say it will take him between two and three years to catch up with his age.

"But he's happy and healthy and that's all that matters."

Dawn wrote a poem that was read out at Finley's christening in October.

My stork came a little early

I believe in a master plan; to me motherhood was my design for life.

So, why me, why me? I'm so selfish to think why me?

I feared because it was too early and I cried because it was too soon.

Breath-by-breath you learnt to breathe, ounce-by-ounce you tipped the scale.

Ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes, a will to live and grow.

I hear your cry, a wonderful sound, tears welling in my eyes as I thought my heart would explode, an aching sensation of what I know is love.

I have been blessed, gifted into an elite club; I got to have special cuddles other mothers would never know.

As I held you in our kangaroo cuddle, your heart touching mine, our hearts literally beating together, in that moment I thought that I was holding my heart in my hands.

I knew I loved you before you were born, each day I would sit at your side, my fingers touching yours soothing you with lullabies, making sure you knew you weren't alone, you will never be alone, and this is my vow to you.

It's the little things that make life worth living, it's the little things that help us make it through, I never knew how true those words were, until I first set my eyes on you.

You stole my breath and embraced my heart, our life together has just begun, you're part of me, my little one.

Have you ever loved somebody so much it makes you cry, I have.

Have you ever needed something so bad, you can't sleep at night, I have.

Have you ever had somebody steal your heart away, I have.

I have been truly blessed; I get to say 'I love you' every day.

I get to kiss your cheek and say God bless.

You're like a boat in the ocean that I know will not sink, but sail.

Our stork came a little early and brought me my hero, made with love and handled with care.

DERBY'S new £27.5m velodrome and multi-use sports centre could be named in honour of the county's Olympic cycling boss.

Derby City Council says it has not ruled out the possibility of naming the Pride Park facility after David Brailsford.

The news comes after the 48-year-old, who led Team GB to win eight gold medals at this summer's London Olympics, was knighted for his work in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.

The Ilkeston-based father was British Cycling performance director and his efforts saw Bradley Wiggins, also knighted by the Queen at the weekend, to become the first Briton to win the Tour De France.

Martin Repton, city council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said naming the venue after Mr Brailsford was a possibility.

He said: "We will be sitting down over the next 12 to 18 months to discuss all of the options available to us.

"But Dave Brailsford is a local man who has done an absolutely fantastic job and who I would like to personally congratulate on receiving his knighthood from the Queen.

"I am sure that his name will be among a number of others that will be looked at should the council decide to take the route that would see the next centre named after an individual."

Over his career Mr Brailsford has overseen seven out of 10 track titles won at the 2008 Olympic Games replicated this year at London 2012.

He plans to lead Britain and Team Sky, who Bradley Wiggins cycles with, for the next four years.

Diggers got to work last month on the velodrome, which is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.

It will house a 250m cycling track, a 12-court sports hall, a gym, multi-function rooms, a spinning room and a café.

People will be able to play badminton, netball and basketball, as well as cycle on the velodrome track. The arena will also double-up into a concert venue.

Ian Alexander, of CTC Derby, which promotes cycling as a social pastime in the city, supports the idea to name the venue after Mr Brailsford.

He said: "I think it is a fantastic idea and I am sure many of our members would support it as well. Dave has put Derbyshire firmly on the map in relation to cycling. Having a local centre named after a local lad who has achieved such greatness would be tremendous."

And on the social networking website Twitter, Nicola Rippon, of Derby, said: "The forthcoming velodrome in Derby surely ought to be called 'The Sir David Brailsford Velodrome'?"

Mr Brailsford did not wish to comment.

CONOR Sammon's attitude and response to being left out of Derby County's team at Charlton was just what manager Nigel Clough wanted to see.

Sammon's run of 15 consecutive starts came to an end when the £1.2m striker was named among the substitutes for Saturday's Championship clash.

He replaced Nathan Tyson after 65 minutes and his display in the 1-1 draw pleased his manager.

"When you drop players, they get disappointed and the last thing we need is players sulking but Conor's not like that," said Clough.

"He wasn't dropped, he was given a rest.

"He had to have a rest at some point because he works so hard and I thought this was a good chance but, once again, he showed when he came on for 20 minutes that he is a handful.

"He could have got himself a goal and he could have forced a goal in other ways."

Clough made four changes to the team who lost at Burnley on Boxing Day.

Tyson, Theo Robinson, Ben Davies and James O'Connor came in for Sammon, Craig Bryson, Michael Jacobs and Mark O'Brien.

Tyson and Robinson played up front, Davies was on the left side of midfield in what was his first start of the season and O'Connor started at centre-back, although he played at right-back in the second half when John Brayford moved to centre-half.

"We wanted to freshen things up after a lot of effort went into the game against Hull and Burnley," said Clough.

"Injuries dictated two of the changes with Craig Bryson (knee) ruled out and Mark O'Brien (groin), who wasn't quite ready.

"Conditions also affected the team selection.

"We thought Nathan and Theo up front might suit us. We thought they might offer us some real pace and put Charlton on the back foot, which they did, but we couldn't take our chances.

"Neither scored but they both had chances.

"Supporters have been saying give Nathan and Theo a chance. Well, they had enough chances in the first 20 minutes to score a couple each.

"We looked a bit more solid with Ben Davies on the left-hand side. He did very well on his first start of the season, which shows the value of having players like him in and around the squad.

"Conor Sammon and Michael Jacobs made an impact when they came off the bench too, which was a huge positive for us and showed the great attitude they both have.

"We probably didn't play our passing game as we have been doing but I thought we got a good balance."

DERBY County are hopeful that Jamie Ward's latest hamstring scare will not see the striker spend another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Ward returned to the team as a substitute in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic at the Valley following three months out.

But his comeback lasted only 15 minutes before he was helped off after feeling his hamstring tighten.

He still had time to score Derby's equaliser from the penalty spot and take his goal tally to five in nine matches this season.

Ward is likely to miss tomorrow's home game against high-riding Middlesbrough but manager Nigel Clough has his fingers crossed that the player will not be out for long.

"Jamie just felt his hamstring tighten a little bit, so we decided it was best to get him off, as a precaution, especially given how long he has been out," said Clough.

"From what he said to us, he just felt it a little bit and nothing had gone or anything like that.

"It might need a few days to settle down again. Tuesday might be too soon for him, so we are looking towards next Saturday against Tranmere in the FA Cup."

Ward came on after 69 minutes for Will Hughes, who hobbled off after he took another knock on his ankle.

Ward was then replaced by Michael Jacobs after 84 minutes.

Clough was pleased to see Ward back.

"He did a few training sessions last week, so we were confident he could do 20 minutes," said Clough.

"It was only Will's injury that forced him on and at 1-0 down, you take a bit of a gamble. It was a risk we had to take and we hope we don't get punished for it too much.

"Jamie tucked his penalty away very nicely and we've missed him.

"He has that ability to create something out of nothing and get you a goal as well.

"He's one of our main players and without him, Shaun Barker, Jake Buxton and Craig Bryson – four of your main players – it is very difficult."

Derby's point, following consecutive defeats at the hands of Hull City and Burnley, lifted them a place to 11th in the Chamopionship table, although Watford's win at Brighton on Saturday evening stretched the gap between the Rams and the top six to six points.

Their next game is against third-placed Middlesbrough and Clough is hoping Hughes can shake off his latest knock.

"Will has been carrying an ankle problem and someone caught him in the midfield with a late tackle right on the sore spot again," said Clough.

"But he'll be all right in a few days, when we play again.

"Knocks are part and parcel of the game and Will is learning that.

"The way he plays, he is going to get kicked but, hopefully, not too many times."