DRAMA teacher Russell Singleton acts the fool in a Boy George costume, but his light-hearted self-mockery hid a dark secret.

Singleton donned the fancy dress costume and joined pupils on stage for a school concert in 2011.

But, at the time, he was secretly filming young girls in a bathroom using a two-way mirror.

Yesterday, he was jailed for three years after admitting sex charges that left his victims "violated and degraded".

The secondary school where he worked for 35 years, which cannot be named for legal reasons, said the behaviour of Singleton, of Heanor, left pupils, staff and governors "deeply shocked".

Singleton, 57, secretly filmed 10 teenage girls showering and going to the toilet through the mirror.

He even moved the toilet roll holder at the property where the offences were committed so the girls would have to get off the seat and reach for it while he filmed them.

Nottingham Crown Court was told Singleton also formed a relationship with a 16-year-old girl behind the back of his wife of 31 years.

And it was only when the girl went to the police to tell them about sexual activity he had forced upon her that the full extent of his activity became known.

Police arrested Singleton at his home and seized laptops, memory sticks and other media on which they found 24 videos and more than 300 images.

The court was told how Singleton, before his guilty pleas, was "a highly respected" teacher at the school.

Sentencing him to 38 months in prison, Judge Michael Stokes said: "No-one knew about the more secret aspect of your life.

"On at least one occasion, when a 14-year-old girl was in the shower, you can actually be heard on the film you made breathing. Having been told of your activities, the 10 complainants said they felt violated, disgusted and degraded by what is a severe breach of their trust.

"You formed a relationship with a 16-year-old girl who undoubtedly worshipped you, but I do not regard what happened between you as a relationship.

"This was exploitative behaviour by you."

The teenage victim, who is now 19 and along with the other victims cannot be identified for legal reasons, was in court to hear the sentencing.

Avik Mukherjee, prosecuting, said the victims were aged between 14 and 22 at the times they were filmed in the bathroom of the property.

Police found the two-way mirror when they searched the home in August 2011.

Detective Sergeant Toby Fawcett-Greaves said Singleton gained access to a void where the two-way mirror was located between the bathroom and the airing cupboard, which he accessed from a doorway in the hallway.

The court was told that, on some occasions, Singleton would film the girls "live" and other times the camera was turned on via a motion sensor when the girls walked into the bathroom.

Singleton pleaded guilty to 21 separate counts. They were seven charges of sexual activity when he was in a position of trust; nine of taking indecent photographs; two of making indecent photographs and three charges of voyeurism where he had recorded females for his own sexual gratification.

As well as the prison sentence, Judge Stokes also handed him a lifetime sexual prevention order and banned him from working with children for the rest of his life.

Mark Watson, for Singleton, said his client has "an interest in voyeurism" but never shared the films or images on the internet or showed them to anyone else.

DS Fawcett-Greaves said the victims "demonstrated exceptional courage".

With nine days to go until the county council elections, Paul Whyatt asks Derbyshire's political parties how they will stimulate the local economy.

PROMISE number one in Derbyshire Labour's 75-pledge manifesto is "building a strong economy that creates jobs, grows businesses and provides a future for young people".

Finding a way to achieve it is what the group's leader Anne Western says her party has been busy working on since losing control of County Hall to the Tories in 2009.

Labour has published an 11-step plan, laid out in its manifesto, which Mrs Western hopes will persuade voters to put Labour back in charge of Derbyshire.

She says her vision is to "put the county back at the heart of the British economy".

Should Labour win back the council, Mrs Western said her administration would develop an economic strategy for Derbyshire – something she accused the Tories of failing to do while in charge at County Hall.

She said: "The authority needs a strategy. We understand the Derbyshire economy is in a bad way and it's having a very significant impact on small businesses – a lot of which are supply chains serving large businesses.

"We want to help those smaller businesses grow so they can create quality jobs, which we need in Derbyshire.

"We've got masses of information in County Hall but the council has not been using it well in order to develop a strategy that could help these businesses.

"Having a strategy is very important. Unless we understand our existing strengths and identify potential opportunities, we will not be able to focus our efforts and we will achieve very little."

Speaking alongside her, Mrs Western's deputy at Derbyshire Labour, Kevin Gillott, added: "Other authorities prioritise this kind of work, which is why they've been doing better.

"Here, there are vacancies in the county council's economic development team that haven't even been filled."

The Tories say deep cuts in the council's Government funding meant it could not afford to fill all vacancies.

Mrs Western said Labour would also seek to improve the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, which was set up in March last year and tasked with making sure businesses receive support, assistance and finance.

It was established by the city and county councils of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and took over some of the work previously performed by East Midlands Development Agency.

Mrs Western said the partnership had delivered "very little" and that her administration would work to change that.

She said: "We need to understand why this partnership is not delivering and why bids for funding are not being successful. I think it's because there's a lot of groundwork that's not being done.

"Until we get in, it's difficult to know why it's not been working. It went badly from the outset because it didn't include the districts and boroughs. We need to talk to them.

"It's not just about Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. We should be working better with the Greater Manchester region and Sheffield region. Derbyshire is not an island – we do not stand alone.

"Unless we work with those neighbouring authorities, Derbyshire will fail."

Mrs Western said a Labour-run council would develop an economic development strategy and "redesign" the partnership to make it "more effective".

Supporting new and developing businesses would be a priority, she said, as would using the HS2 rail project to encourage investment.

Mrs Western has also vowed that her party would roll out super-fast broadband and create apprenticeships if elected, as well as launching a "buy local" campaign.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, have vowed to create 500 private-sector apprenticeships if elected, as well as another 500 within the council.

The party has promised to be "more innovative" when it comes to securing investment and says it will roll out super-fast broadband "to every corner" of Derbyshire.

Another manifesto pledge is helping adults who want to start a new career.

Andrew Lewer, leader of Derbyshire Conservatives, said his group wanted to carry on the "practical" work it had been doing to boost the local economy over the past four years.

Asked whether Mrs Western's comments about his administration were fair, Mr Lewer replied: "No, they aren't fair.

"The essential difference between us and Labour is that Labour see having committees, having meetings and producing documents as actually doing something.

"We don't make that mistake. We're much less interested in producing paperwork at County Hall than we are in doing something practical.

"That is why we make so much of what we've done with apprenticeships.

"We are helping local businesses so they can take on young people and develop their skills.

"It helps businesses thrive and young people find work. That's why we've pledged to deliver another 1,000 apprenticeships if we are returned to the council after the election.

"We've expanded the Trusted Trader scheme and that has helped businesses secure more work.

"We have also put in more money than the district and borough councils combined to support the Peak District and Derbyshire. Our investment into the visiting economy is helping to promote Derbyshire."

Mr Lewer did not share Mrs Western's thoughts on the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

He said: "The partnership has been a good body. It's had its challenges but the decision to go for a big one that covers Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire was right.

"The Government has recognised some of the frustrations we've had in getting money out the door, due to diligence and legal requirements. But the Heseltine report [on areas of public policy that affect economic growth] has come up with ideas of how to deal with that.

"We have announced a significant amount of new funding – £125,000 – to support the partnership. I don't understand what Labour say about 'groundwork' not being done to secure funding.

"Anne Western makes criticism of us but is not particularly vocal regarding the two Labour authorities that are part of the partnership. I see her comments as a lot of desperation at a time when elections are to be held."

Of course, Labour and the Conservatives are not the only parties contesting next week's elections.

The UK Independence Party has put forward 54 candidates across 64 available seats, while the Lib Dems have 41 candidates.

Alan Graves, chairman of Ukip central and south Derbyshire, said his party would seek to help businesses struggling in the economic downturn.

He said businesses were being squeezed too tightly by the taxman – and that Ukip would seek to change that.

Mr Graves said: "The most important thing is to look at the level of taxes and rates businesses are having to pay.

"Businesses are struggling and we would look at what can be done to ease those burdens so they can afford to employ more people."

He said Ukip would lobby the Government to pull out of Europe so UK money could instead be pumped into the British economy.

Mr Graves said: "As a country, we spend £53 million a day being a member of the EU. Once we come out of it, that's £53 million a day that could be spent elsewhere.

"People don't believe the amount is as large as £53 million. The truth is it's going up each year."

Mr Graves said Ukip would also seek to create apprenticeships within Derbyshire County Council – but that they must be meaningful.

He said: "Apprenticeships are extremely important but they need to be proper apprenticeships. It's about people learning a specific trade. Absolutely, we would look to create apprenticeships within the council."

Derbyshire Liberal Democrat group leader Steve Flitter said his party would achieve a "vibrant and balanced" economy by helping small businesses to grow, which in turn would "unlock innovation and enterprise".

Tourism would also be a priority, he said. The elections take place on Thursday next week.

IF everyone had more cash to splash, the economy would take care of itself. Here's how Derbyshire's four main political parties say they plan to support you financially, if elected.

The Tories have pledged to expand their Lend A Hand mortgage scheme to benefit a further 250 families, as well as group residents together to help them save money on their utility bills. The party has also vowed to give 5,000 low-income families £50 to set up a bank account.

Labour said it would provide school breakfast clubs and luncheon clubs for older people and launch a Quids In campaign to help people check they are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to. Other pledges include helping struggling families manage their budgets.

The Lib Dems said they would work in partnership with other organisations to cut waste and duplication, saving the county money.

UKIP said it would save taxpayers' money by cutting "excessive" allowances and expenses for councillors, slashing pay deals for senior council staff and cutting the council's advertising budget.

On council tax, The Tories have vowed to freeze the rate for a fourth-successive year at County Hall. Labour have questioned that pledge, arguing council tax rises were built into the four-year budget agreed by the Tories earlier this year. Labour say raising council tax by 2% would be a better option.

UKIP said it would aim to bring down council taxes, while the Lib Dems said they would freeze council tax "for as long as possible".

A TEENAGE sales assistant is hoping to kickstart her acting career with a role in daytime TV show Doctors.

Rebecca Bell, who works in Topshop, was cast in the role of a teenager with family problems.

And the 19-year-old, who is currently applying for places at university, hopes her part in the show – which is known for its student following – will boost her acting ambitions.

Rebecca, from Castle Donington, said: "It was an amazing feeling to take quite a prominent role in a major drama. I play the part of Kezia, a 15-year-old girl with big problems.

"I can't say too much about it because the episode isn't aired until July 24 but I can say she finds herself in quite a difficult family situation and has to try and get out of it."

Rebecca is currently working as a sale assistant at the Topshop branch in Loughborough.

She landed the role in Doctors through the Television Workshop, which develops and trains young actors for stage and screen.

It is an independent organisation supported by the BBC and EM Media, and through it Rebecca has already taken part in an educational film called Respect Me.

"Through the Television Workshop I got a call from 'Beats and Brains' – a young people's sex and relationship education project based in Nottingham – wanting me to audition for a short film they were doing about domestic violence," she said. "The role was to play a young girl who was being abused physically and mentally by her boyfriend. It was taxing to play but a lovely part to get."

The film is now distributed on a national level to schools around the UK, in accordance with a new policy to make pupils aware of domestic violence.

And not forgetting her roots, Rebecca is also currently acting for an instructional film for staff.

She said: "I play a girl who has to ask questions of her busy boss and has quite a difficult time doing it. It's been very interesting to do.

"I'm currently on my gap year and having interviews at various universities. My ultimate ambition is to make a career in television or in films.

"There are no other parts on the horizon at the moment but what's happened so far just shows that in acting you never know what might just be around the corner."

Rebecca's manager Baljit Kooner said: "We shall all be looking out for Rebecca on our screens now."

A COUNCIL cleaner who fraudulently claimed £14,444 in disability benefit has been ordered to obey a curfew for 12 weeks.

The 7pm to 7am curfew was imposed on Maria Millward, 50, after surveillance was arranged to check suspicions about the distance she claimed to be able to walk.

Millward, who has arthritis, had claimed in November 2005 to be unfit for work and again a month later, prosecutor Peter Bettany told Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court.

On her benefit application form, she indicated that she had problems walking distances by saying she could do "100 metres on a good day." She did not inform the Benefits Agency when the problem eased.

The court was told that, on November 11 and 17, 2011, Millward was seen walking 450 yards to a bus stop, getting off the vehicle and walking another 700 yards to get to her job with Derby City Council. She was also made the return journey.

Millward, of Cornwall Road, Chaddesden, admitted two counts of misrepresenting her capabilities and exaggerating her needs to obtain disability living allowance on June 14, 2006.

Mr Bettany said that the Department of Work and Pensions had made inquiries with the council and been told that Millward was able to do the cleaning job although she needed a trolley to remove rubbish.

District Judge Caroline Goulborn said she accepted the benefit claim was genuine when first made and that Millward had the case "hanging over her head for a long time".

But she told her: "This is not a victimless crime because everybody is having to pay. You were taking money to which you were not entitled.

"You should have explained to the Benefits Agency about the change in your situation but you continued to claim for some time."

Tim Haines, mitigating, told the judge: "I hope you can draw a distinction with this claim because it was initially legitimate and there is no doubt there have been a number of health issues.

"It is not as if she used the funds to finance an extravagant lifestyle."

He said Millward suffered from arthritis among other medical problems and was having £17.50 deducted weekly from her current benefits towards the overpayment. Millward was told to pay £100 prosecution costs.

A WEDDING venue which has apparently closed, leaving people thousands of pounds out of pocket, has disappointed another couple.

The Izaak Walton Hotel, in Dovedale, closed its doors and stopped responding to phone calls or emails earlier this year.

One of the couples affected was James Carrier and Lucy Broom, of Macclesfield.

Mr Brown said they had paid the hotel £1,000 for a reception to their wedding.

But he said: "The phones have been cut off, they are not replying to anything, so we have had to arrange another one. We have lost our money because of this."

If you have had any problems with the Izaak Walton Hotel, contact cjones@derbytelegraph.co.uk.

The Derby Telegraph has launched a campaign to raise £30,000 for a minibus to transport children to the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre, in Skegness. In a second feature, Kelly Tyler looks at how public donations and generosity help the centre give youngsters a much-needed holiday break they will never forget.

MULTI-COLOURED storage boxes filled to the brim with clothes line the shelves of the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre's Free Shop.

From T-shirts and dresses to belts and swimwear, the spacious shop has everything youngsters could possibly need during their stay.

For most, a holiday away means a couple of new outfits, perhaps a few pairs of extra shorts and socks.

But the home has to be prepared for some children who arrive for their five-day break with clothes in need of freshening up, some with not enough to last the duration of their stay and, in some cases, children who turn up with no clothes at all.

That is why the centre has installed the Free Shop – a place where staff can rummage through piles of clothes to find whatever the children might need.

Centre manager Keri Briggs said: "Sometimes, the children have clothes but they do not fit properly.

"They may come with trousers that are too small for them. Sometimes they come in shorts and it's a bit cold.

"A lot of children come and they don't have much of anything, so we kit them out as best we can."

Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre provides breaks for disadvantaged children who are referred by schools, social workers and voluntary organisations.

It gives youngsters aged eight to 14 the chance to have fun and enjoy days out – anything from visiting the seaside's fun fair to building sand castles on the beach.

The shop has always been at the holiday centre, in Scarborough Avenue, but two years ago it was renamed the Free Shop – to help distract children from the thought of being given second-hand clothes.

"Because it's a shop, the children feel it's OK to have things from it," says Keri. "They don't know how their parents will react to them being given the clothes.

"It takes the thought away of them being given hand-me-downs."

In order to equip the children with clean, well-fitting and comfortable clothing, public donations are heavily relied upon. Sometimes people arrive at the centre with bags of clothes, others stop and approach the group on trips out and, in some cases, the centre receives clothing donations sent from the people of Derby.

"We rely on donations for the Free Shop," explains Keri.

"Sometimes we get big bags full of clothes.

"Not all of it is suitable, but a lot of it is used with still a lot of wear left in it."

Located just around the corner from the Free Shop at the centre is a wash room where the children's clothes are washed and dried ready to take home with them on their final day, which also helps their families.

"Every night the children's clothes are put in the washing machine and returned to them all clean," says Keri. "A lot of their clothes are not particularly clean when they arrive. Some of the parents will have a lot of washing to do already and if the children were to take home a week's worth of washing, it would put a lot of strain on them."

But clothing donations are not the only things the centre relies on from supporters.

It depends on the generosity of the public, who donate £200,000 each year to help keep the centre running.

The latest appeal, which the Derby Telegraph has backed, is a campaign to help raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus.

This would be a lifeline for the centre to help transport the children between Derby and Skegness each week.

Ali Byerley, also a centre manager, said a new minibus was "desperately needed" and that the centre could not manage without one.

"For me, it's about safeguarding the children," she says.

"We are not always confident that the minibus we have right now is going to run.

"We very recently had to have a new windscreen – we've had two in the last six weeks.

"We need the confidence of knowing that we have a well-maintained van.

"Thankfully, the staff at the local garage are very good to us. They give us discounted rates but we still have to pay for the parts."

She said the minibus was used for taking the children on day trips while at the centre, including journeys to Butlins, in nearby Ingoldmells, as well as transporting them to and from Derby.

"It's used every day. It's used to get the shopping and bits that the children need," she remarks.

"It's very important that we have one.

"There's the danger that the minibus could break down and the children have to stand waiting at the roadside.

"I don't want it to be their last memory of the holiday.

"Some of the children have never been to Skegness before and the last thing we want is for that eventuality to crop up."

The centre provides valuable holidays for youngsters, some who have never been away from home before, some who have never been on holiday.

"We want to give the children confidence and self-esteem. A lot of them come to us and they are inward.

"They go home with their washing done, they have fun and their faces change. The worry that they come with just goes away. If we can alleviate some of their stress then we are happy.

"We want to give them some memories."

Here are ways you can donate to the minibus appeal.

You can send a cheque or postal order, made payable to Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre and marked on the reverse with Derby Telegraph Minibus Appeal, to Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre, Freepost RSKX-EAJE-ETXZ, Belper, DE56 0QB.

Anyone wanting to find out more about fund-raising for the centre should call Derby 781821 or visit the website www.derbyshire childrensholiday centre.co.uk

Wonderful Derby Telegraph readers have already started to donate money to our minibus appeal and within a few hours of the launch on Monday more than £800, including Gift Aid, had been donated through the justgiving website.

Other money has been donated using Freepost and some people are hoping to hold sponsored events.

THE Derby film company behind a zombie movie set to be screened at the famous Cannes Film Festival says it has already been offered at least 20 distribution deals.

Light Films, in Chellaston, is putting the finishing touches to the movie, called Wasteland, which will be shown at the festival next month.

The film follows the story of Scott, played by actor Shameer Seepersand, who is caught up in a world taken over by the walking dead.

He struggles to survive on his own while longing for the return of girlfriend Beth, played by Jessica Messenger.

Staff from Light Films will now head to the festival, in the south of France, hoping to firm up the offers.

The company has also raised more than £4,000 towards the special effects and marketing of the film, which has been in production for 18 months and is set to be released this year.

Chrissa Maund, executive producer of Wasteland and owner of Light Films, said: "Some of the biggest names in film distribution have offered to buy and release Wasteland. We are now heading to Cannes to meet with these companies to get the final deal complete."

The film was shot throughout Derbyshire with a cast and crew of more than 100. It features famous landmarks and scenes in Melbourne, Bakewell, Derby city centre and Chellaston.

Tom Wadlow, is Light Film's managing director and the film's director and has studied at Universal Studios. He said: "The film is currently receiving some very special treatment from our special-effects expert, Joe Parcell, based in Michigan. Joe studied with me at Universal and is one of the best we have ever worked with."

Chris Newman, a film and video studies graduate from the University of Derby who also worked on the movie, said: "This was my first-ever opportunity at filming a feature film. We have not only shot the one-hour, 45-minute film but a lot of behind-the-scenes videos which are available on our YouTube channel.

"After leaving university, I could have only dreamt of bagging a job like this, making films every day for a living."

Light Films is hoping Wasteland will surpass the success of the company's previous film, Shelf Stackers, which was previewed at Cannes last summer.

It led to Mr Wadlow having meetings with a number of top directors, producers and distributors and he also rubbed shoulders with actors such as Edward Norton, who starred in The Incredible Hulk and The Bourne Legacy.

HILTON Harriers are celebrating a superb cup double.

Their Under-13s beat Heanor Town following a penalty shoot-out, while goals from Devante Reittie and Sam Waltho secured a 2-1 success for the Under-14s in their game against Brookfield Colts.

Nathan Ceiley had given Brookfield the lead before Hilton hit back.

Holbrook Sports, runners-up in Under-18 Division One, stunned visitors Allestree Junior Colts with an impressive double-figure win.

Led by five goals each from Connor Mason and Ross Holland, Sports won 19-0.

Bradley Coope helped himself to a hat-trick, with strikes from James Mart (2), Ben Marsden, Fenwick Butcher, Luke Fenton and Connor Bradley making up the rest of the tally.

Boulton Lane Park Raiders fired five past Bramcote without reply, led by a Daniel Charlesworth hat-trick.

Hilton Harriers and St Georges shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, while Sandiacre Town beat Allestree 4-1.

Borrowash Victoria hit six goals without reply against Codnor Boys in Under-16 Division One.

Labrada Domini got four of the goals for Vics.

Belper Town Juniors eased past Pride Park, with goals from Alexander Picken (2) and Jacob Taylor (3) securing a 5-1 win for the Nailers.

Rhoadri Meads got the Pride Park effort.

Hilton Harriers are the new leaders of Division Two after beating Sherwin 4-0.

Ellis Boakye-Ansah scored twice, with Callum Wilson and Matthew Webster getting the other two goals.

Aston-on-Trent hit seventh heaven in their Under-15 Division One game at West Hallam, beating them 7-0 with goals from Amir Morcos (2), Kane Samuel, Luke Price, Marcus Hall, Elliott Reeves and Padraig Finan.

A Jordon Mogford hat-trick led ADASC to a 6-0 defeat of Loughborough Emmanuel.

An Archie Dearie double helped Chellaston Boys beat Duffield Dynamo 5-1 in Division Two, while Draycott United edged past club-mates Draycott United PR 2-1 with goals from Paul Reynolds and Keaton Grainger.

Two goals from Jack Bennett helped Ilkeston FC beat Ashbourne Aztecs 3-1 in Under-14 Division One and, in Division Two, Jack Coulson's hat-trick led Spondon Dynamo Colts to a 6-0 win at Cobra Oakwood.

Meanwhile, Allestree Juniors took three points from their trip to Belper Sports, beating them 5-3 with goals from Joshua Halliday (4) and Finlay Beavon.

Two goals from John Palmer plus further strikes from Kyro Sharpe, Thomas Duddy, Aden Thandi and Kai Hamilton gave Littleover Villa a 6-2 win at Mickleover All Stars in Under-13 Division One.

Chellaston Boys fired four goals past Little Eaton Diamonds without reply and there was a good win for Allestree Juniors, who beat Breedon Wanderers 2-1 in Division Two.

Benjamin Connolly and Daniel Harrison were the Allestree marksmen.

Alvo Boys celebrated a double-figure win over Stanton Ilkeston Colts in Under-12 Division One.

Led by four goals from George Allsop, Alvo ran out 15-0 winners.

Harvey Taylor netted the only goal as Borrowash Vics beat ADASC.

THE contract to build a new £12 million secondary school in a city suburb has been awarded – almost three years after the Government pulled the plug on previous plans to rebuild it.

Lees Brook Community School was due to be rebuilt, at a cost of £24 million, under the-then Labour government's Building School for the Future scheme.

But the Conservatives stopped the BSF project after coming into power in 2010.

Derby City Council officials and county MPs appealed for money to be found to allow the Chaddesden school project to go-ahead, to no avail.

But a new Government scheme – the Priority Schools Building programme – included the Morley Road school and, after a tendering process, the contractor for the work has been announced as BAM Construction Ltd.

Head teacher Phil Dover said he was delighted the new school was now becoming a reality. He said: "We have worked very closely with various construction companies to work up a design which will give us all the resources we need.

"We have less money than before but feel we have a building that is just as good, if not better, than the previous design – which was more expensive. Everyone is delighted that, after many years of waiting, the area is about to get a new school. It is so close we can almost touch it."

The school will be rebuilt to the rear of the site, on existing playing fields. Pupils will continue to be educated in the old school until then.

Mr Dover said: "The beauty of the plan is that it utilises the lovely open countryside we have around the school, with many of the classrooms and dining area facing towards it.

"The old school will be knocked down and the land will be re-instated as playing fields. We will also have a new access road around the perimeter of the school to facilitate the building work and it will be retained to provide access for delivery and emergency vehicles."

Over the past 20 years, the state of the school building had been remarked on several times by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education. It was also acknowledged, when the BSF programme was being drawn up, as being in the worst condition in the city.

People will be able to view the plans at an open evening at the school next Tuesday from 4.30pm until 8pm.

A "VAIN" teenage motorist took his father's "flashy car" before crashing it during a police chase in Derby.

Usmaan Khan, 18, took the convertible silver Audi to drive around in even though he had no licence or insurance.

A police patrol car gave chase after Khan was spotted driving with no lights in Osmaston Road.

Khan, of Dairy House Road, Normanton, was estimated to be driving at over 60mph as police chased him down Elton Road and into Cotton Lane.

Derby Crown Court was told that, at one stage, the back of the car "fishtailed" before swerving into Russell Street, where Khan came to a halt, smashing into a parked car.

Judge John Gosling handed the teen an eight-month sentence in a young person's institute, suspended for a year.

He also handed Khan a 12-month supervision order and banned him from driving for two years.

Speaking after the hearing Khan told the Derby Telegraph: "It was a stupid thing to do.

"I was motivated by wanting to take my dad's flashy car out for a drive.

"I regret everything that I did and I want to apologise for my actions on that night and for the damage I caused."

Judge Gosling also handed Khan a four-month curfew, meaning he cannot leave his home between 8pm and 6am, and ordered him to pay £100 compensation and a £100 surcharge.

Judge Gosling said: "Your behaviour was thoroughly irresponsible and was caused by a misplaced excitement of getting to drive your father's expensive car.

"You drove at high speeds in residential areas, risking the safety of others even though the pursuit was short and in the early hours.

"The real punishment for you, frankly, is that it will be impossible for you to get any insurance to allow you to drive until you are well into your 20s."

Sarah Slater, prosecuting, said the offence took place in the early hours of February 23.

She said Khan had "a handful" of driving lessons in his mother's motor but decided to take out his father's £10,000 car without permission.

Ms Slater said police "gave chase and the defendant drove down Elton Road, which has a speed limit of 30mph, at speeds in excess of 60mph".

Khan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking as well as having no licence and insurance.

Chris Lacey, defending Khan, said: "There was a high degree of vanity. He wanted to drive his father's expensive car but he had not been allowed to."

SKIPPER Richard Keogh has been named player of the year by the Derby County Supporters' Club.

The 26-year-old defender is pictured receiving his award from former Rams midfielder Darryl Powell.

Keogh has not missed a minute of the 47 matches this season following his move from Coventry City last summer.

"I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me," said Keogh.

"It has been a great first season here at Derby County, and to be accepted by the fans in this way is an amazing feeling.

"However, I have to thank my team-mates because without them I wouldn't have claimed this award."

All 17 branches of the supporters' club cast their vote for player of the year and Keogh came out on top despite strong competition from a number of his team-mates.

DERBYSHIRE'S Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has called for a ban on "super-strength" alcohol sales from shops in Derby city centre in a bid to cut drink-related crime in half.

Hardyal Dhindsa says he is hugely impressed by the results of a voluntary scheme in Ipswich designed to cut incidents blamed on alcohol.

The town has witnessed a 49% reduction in reported "street drinker events" during the first six months of a Reducing the Strength campaign, which saw retailers taking low-cost ultra-strong lager and cider off the shelves.

Mr Dhindsa, who as well as holding the deputy commissioner post is a city Labour councillor in the Normanton ward, said he was keen to explore the benefits of such an initiative in Derbyshire, which he believes would cut costs in healthcare alongside reduced crime rates.

He said: "We have long been aware of the problems caused by these super-strength alcoholic drinks, but while they are on the shelves people will continue to purchase them. This innovative scheme illustrates what can be done to tackle problems when different parties work together. The retailers have not noticed a reduction in turnover, while the benefits are plain to see.

"We are considering the overarching issues associated with alcohol with a wide range of partners, businesses and other organisations at our forthcoming Alcohol Summit to be held in June. I will be commending this idea for adoption, as it clearly helps us to deliver the objectives in the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan."

The Ipswich experiment was launched by Suffolk police and the local Co-op last September amid concern about the behaviour of those habitually drinking super-strength products. Now, some 80 out of 122 off-licences in Ipswich have voluntarily stopped selling cheap but highly-potent lagers and ciders. The police say this has helped to halve drink-related street crime.

The Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police, Adrian Lee, who has been looking at how police forces deal with alcohol abuse and crime reduction across the country as part of his national role leading the Association of Chief Police Officers' alcohol licensing group, is also an advocate of the scheme. Suffolk police say they have received over 50 enquiries from police and local authorities regarding this pioneering project.

Inspector Richard Keene is section inspector for Derby West, which covers Normanton, where a police operation targeting street drinkers – Operation Gershwin – has reduced alcohol crime. He said he would be interested to talk with Mr Dhindsa about the ban idea.

"Anything to improve the quality of life of the local people is something that I would look at."

But one city supermarket owner said a ban would "affect people's freedom of choice". Satnam Chaira, of Friar Gate News, is in the process of appealing against a city council committee ruling that has stopped him from selling lagers and ciders with a strength of over 5.9%.

They imposed it on him earlier this year following complaints of street drinking in the city centre.

Mr Chaira said: "I don't think it is a good idea at all."

TRADING standards experts found lamb, chicken and turkey in beefburgers supplied by two firms in Derbyshire.

But the firms have not been named while legal investigations are carried out.

The burgers contaminated with other ingredients were found during checks following the horse meat scandal.

Food experts expressed their disquiet at the news.

Derbyshire celebrity chef Denise Tollyfield said: "Consumers want to feel, with confidence, that what they are buying is what it says on the label."

Mickleover butcher Rob Stafford said the discovery of such meats in beefburgers was unacceptable.

Mr Stafford said the council should name the companies involved so butchers could make an informed decision on choosing a supplier.

"They should name them," he said. "We need to know."

But officers last night said they were continuing to investigate the companies involved and could not name them for legal reasons.

A spokesman for Derbyshire County Council said the decision on whether to name companies rested with the Foods Standards Agency.

Neither the agency or the council would comment further.

Shops, wholesalers, and caterers in the county were visited by county council experts on the orders of theFood Standards Agency.

No horse or pig meat was found in 13 samples taken in Derbyshire, but beefburgers supplied by two county firms were found to contain the other types of meat. A council spokeswoman said the discovery was made using DNA tests. He said: "One contained sheep, lamb or mutton and another chicken and turkey."

Swanwick chef Denise, who has appeared in TV cookery shows featuring Gordon Ramsey, said: "It does bother me. It goes to the heart of the food industry, which is one of the largest in the UK.

"As with the horse meat scandal, it's not a matter concerning food safety or food hygiene – but when people part with their money, the least they should be able to expect is honesty."

Mr Stafford said: "It shouldn't be happening. Really, in this day and age there's absolutely no excuse for it."

Marcus Kilvington, who runs Long Eaton firm Food Profits, said the only positive aspect of the horse meat scare was local food suppliers were benefiting.

He said: "People are trusting their local butcher, fruit and veg guy and fishmonger over the supermarkets. There's a lot of distrust now with the large food manufacturers. There's no cause for concern in terms of public health – it's about quality and authenticity."

Tests were carried out in February and March. Trading standards officers took samples from mainly burgers but also beef sausages, meatballs and minced beef. Samples of both frozen and chilled products were tested, with a focus on lower priced value or economy ranges of both brands and own-label.

newsdesk@derbytelegraph.co.uk

IT may look like a great feat of balance but these antics have caused fears that one of Derby's best-loved statues is about to become seriously damaged.

Chris Harris spotted three youngsters balancing their entire bodyweight on the city's iconic The Boy And Ram sculpture, which sits in the Riverside Gardens.

Mr Harris, of Cummings Street, said: "Irresponsible youths have taken to climbing on to the statue and balancing their entire body weight on the head and shoulders of the boy.

"At one stage, I saw three on it. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. If you put that sort of weight on it, something eventually will give.

The statue, by Wilfred Dudeney, had stood in the former Castlefields Main Centre since 1963 but was moved in 2005 when Westfield Derby was being built.

At the time, Derby City Council said that it would be a temporary move while work on the new shopping centre was carried out.

Mr Harris, 60, said he had hoped the statue would be moved into Westfield after the centre was completed but the statue remained in the Riverside Gardens.

It was initially placed at the back of the Council House under the gaze of a CCTV camera but the recent refurbishment of the River Gardens has led to the statue being moved again. It is now behind Derby Crown Court – where Mr Harris says there are no CCTV cameras.

He said that had led to "a careless minority of youths who have no respect for Derby or its heritage" abusing it.

Mr Harris said: "The statue was never intended to take this kind of abuse.

"Surely now is the time for this iconic statue to be removed from the dangers of the Riverside Gardens and placed where people can appreciate it in the way it was intended to be appreciated."

Council leader Paul Bayliss said there were no plans to move the statue again but he added that the authority would "implement preventative measures" to ensure its protection.

Mr Bayliss said: "The current location of the statue was chosen as a primary site to relocate it to, which was in agreement with Westfield.

"Westfield were unable to find an appropriate site as part of their development and keeping the statue in its current location enables it to be accessible to the public at all times.

"We are working to implement preventative measures to keep the statue safe from vandals, including ensuring CCTV continues to monitor the area."

Mr Harris said: "Keeping it accessible at all times is not necessarily a good thing. In its current location, someone could come along and cut off the legs and use it for scrap.

"I would like to see it go into Westfield, outside the Sainsbury's store. Where it used to be before Westfield meant it never received a scratch. I remember being told off when I was 10 years old for sitting on it."

TESCO has pulled out of plans to build a new superstore in Belper – but says it remains "committed" to building a store in Allenton.

The plans for the site in Belper included moving the football club and building new hockey, tennis and cricket facilities.

The firm was also going to knock down the town's library in Bridge Street to make way for a relief road and build a new one in Derwent Street.

And a new community hall would have been built for the town's Methodist Church.

However, all of those plans have had to be shelved after the company saw its annual sales fall for the first time in 20 years.

The company has been forced to pull out of America and has also had to write down the value of its UK property portfolio after scrapping development plans for 100 sites it had bought mainly during the property boom more than five years ago.

One of these sites was in Belper.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "We are no longer pursuing a Tesco superstore in Belper and are considering alternative uses for the site."

Plans for a supermarket on the site met with fierce opposition in the town with the group Belper Against Tesco Superstore (BATS) formed to fight it. The group was worried about the effect a large out-of-town shopping area would have on Belper.

Vickie Minion, joint chairman of Belper Against Tesco, said: "We are over the moon. This will have been the sixth year that we would have been fighting against the store.

"There was a huge amount of public support for the campaign and I would like to thank the people of Belper for that.

"If you look at somewhere like Long Eaton 25 years ago, that had a thriving market and was much busier than Belper.

"But they had an Asda and then a Tesco which really put the final nail in the coffin.

"We still don't know what they will do with the site as that area of town has become very run down."

Belper councillor Peter Makin said: "I am happy that the plans are no longer going ahead as I always felt that the growth of Tesco was counter-productive for the town.

"But we wait with bated breath as to what will happen with that part of town."

Despite the plans in Belper falling through, Tesco is still continuing with its scheme for its Allenton site.

Work has not yet begun on the 24-hour superstore and petrol station, despite planning permission being granted for the site in July 2011.

The Tesco spokeswoman said: "We remain committed to building a Tesco store at Allenton."

But Labour councillor Baggy Shanker said: "People in the area need to know what is happening with this store either way.

"I have written to the CEO of the company and been told they are still committed.

"However, Allenton people need to know what the situation is."

A MAN who raped a "vulnerable and drunk" 12-year-old girl has been jailed for 10 years.

James Brandrick took advantage of the girl after they met in the street and swapped "flirtatious" remarks.

Brandrick, 19, followed her to a secluded spot and they began kissing. She then asked him to stop but he ignored her pleas and raped her.

Derby Crown Court was told that since the attack the victim, who cannot be identified by law, "constantly looks over her shoulder because she is so scared".

An impact statement read out by Mark Watson, prosecuting, said the girl "starts to run when she hears noises," "won't go out without her family" and "cries herself to sleep".

A police spokesman said she told her parents about the rape and they phoned police who arrested, questioned and then charged Brandrick.

He denied the charges and forced witnesses to give evidence at a trial at the end of which a jury found him guilty of one count of rape and another of assault by penetration.

Judge John Burgess, sentencing Brandrick, now 20, said: "You took advantage of the vulnerability of a young girl, she was 12 at the time. She had drunk too much, she was out on the street and there was some exchange of words between you of a sexual nature.

"You followed her and took her behind a supermarket where there was some consensual kissing. She did not want to go any further but you ignored that.

"She was vulnerable because of her age and because she was drunk."

The incident took place at the back of the Aldi store in Heanor Road, Ilkeston, on the evening of December 10, 2011.

The exact details were not read out in court yesterday but, after the hearing, a police spokesman said the attack happened between 8.30pm and 10pm.

Police would not release a photograph of Brandrick because it was felt the victim could be traumatised if she saw it in the media.

Mr Watson read out the full impact statement that the victim gave to the police.

He said: "She describes how this has affected her confidence and how she is constantly looking over her shoulder because she gets scared.

"She said she does not trust people and cries herself to sleep. She was once a bubbly person but now shuts herself away.

"She does not believe she is able to get back what he has taken away from her.

"The victim says he has taken away from her what childhood she still had."

Mr Watson read out a second impact statement from the victim's mother. In it she said since the rape her daughter had "gone from being a beautiful, confident young lady to being angry, to having a frightened and angry demeanour".

Mr Watson said: "The victim's mother wants Mr Brandrick to be aware of the impact this has had on her family. It has been devastating."

Brandrick, of West End Drive, Ilkeston, looked towards his family when he was told he would be jailed for 10 years. A woman in the public gallery burst into tears.

Avik Mukherjee, for the defendant, said his client had not deliberately targeted the victim because of her age. He said: "He is still very young and this is an isolated incident. He is going to spend the best part of his 20s in custody."

LIKE the young executive angling for a promotion into middle management, the 2008 Honda Accord was launched with the clear aim of forcing its way into the German-dominated compact executive car market. Many had tried and failed before it and the Accord was ultimately destined to join their ranks – but that shouldn't deter used buyers unduly. A pre-owned Accord is still a classy customer.

The eighth new model to carry the Accord name came with three engines, the biggest fanfare reserved for an advanced i-DTEC 2.2-litre diesel with 148bhp. Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing technology is present in the petrol engines that complete the line-up, with customers offered the choice of a 154bhp 2.0-litre or a 198bhp 2.4-litre. The Saloon bodystyle came first in March 2008 with the Tourer estate following in September.

The Accord didn't provide too many shocks with its styling. Park it next to its predecessor, however, and you'll see that the 2008 model is lower and far wider, has a more aggressive, hunkered down stance, and more pugnacious wheel arches. The V-shaped front grille and sculpted headlamps give the Accord some serious rear-view mirror presence, while the Tourer's rising window line gives it an edgier, more dynamic look.

The cabin was more noticeably different and of higher quality, ridding the Accord of the rather reedy, lightweight feel of older versions. The dashboard extends from the centre console to sweep around the front seats, giving the Accord's interior some character. The dash also features floating backlit instruments with an LCD information screen in the middle of the speedometer dial.

Honda also endowed the Accord with many clever storage solutions, including a lidded storage area to the side of the steering wheel, two centre console side pockets and a huge box housed under the centre armrest.

Equipment levels are high across the range. The popular ES GT includes 17in alloy wheels, half-leather seats, cruise control, aero kit, sports suspension and climate control. Meanwhile, EX grades come as standard with DVD sat nav, Bluetooth hands-free telephone, full-leather seats, electric/heated front seats, rear parking camera and a top 6CD stereo.

Continuing Honda's quest to bring executive-sector technology to lower segments, Honda's high-tech ADAS Pack was available as an option, adding Collision Mitigation Braking, as well as Lane Keep Assist, Advanced Cruise Control and HID lights.

Honda's output isn't known for niggling faults or mechanical mishaps and the Accord should be as reliable a medium range saloon as you'll find. Many Accords will have lived former lives as company cars but don't be put off by well cared-for high-mileage examples.

Honda's i-DTEC diesel engine is a highly impressive unit. Generating 149bhp at 4,000rpm, it's more refined than the old 138bhp i-CTDi engine and also beats it in terms of emissions and fuel economy. With a peak torque figure of 350Nm, it's also extremely punchy. Otherwise there are two petrol engines, the 155bhp 2.0-litre i-VTEC or a 198bhp 2.4-litre i-VTEC unit which is similarly high-tech. All engines were mated to six-speed manual gearboxes, while the petrol units had the option of a five-speed auto from the start and Honda made this available with the diesel later.

Honda benchmarked the BMW 3 Series in the development of this Accord. It's how close they came that matters. The front-wheel-drive Accord handles well for a medium range saloon but can't live with the best of the compact executive class.

The Accord looks and feels like a class act but without a premium badge it never really stood a chance. Its strengths are its sporty looks, high equipment levels and a driving experience that's well balanced between fun and comfort. It's a little lacking in interior space compared to some rivals of the same era and Honda's distinctive interior design may not be to everyone's taste. Overall, the car is more attractive as a used buy than it was when new, its quality and reliability coming at attractive prices.

1SMART is turning up the heat on its city car rivals with the launch of a new model. The smart fortwo cityflame edition is launched in May with a combination of head-turning good looks and a superb specification. Complementing the eye-catching exterior are a black tridion safety cell, grille surround and door mirror caps as well as 15in black-painted 3-double spoke alloy wheels. Cityflame logos in the mirror triangles reveal its identity, while BRABUS headlights with titanium-coloured background further enhance its appearance.

2ALFA Romeo has launched the MiTo Live, a new limited edition model of 250 that combines safety and technology with a passion for music. It has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and has been created for drivers who love to stay connected and entertained on the move. It comes fitted with a BOSE sound system and Pioneer's innovative AppRadio system, which lets users connect and access their smartphone's apps through a seven-inch multi-touch screen. The Alfa MiTo Live starts from just £16,590 on the road, with extras including stylish 17in alloys and tinted rear windows.

3WHEN the new Subaru Forester goes on sale in the UK next month, it will be the fourth-generation of the SUV and is expected to quickly become the Japanese brand's most popular model. Last year, the Forester accounted for 170,000 sales globally – 27% of Subaru's total sales – with 15,000 examples sold in Europe. Since the Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997, European sales in the SUV-C segment have increased eightfold.

4THE latest version of the Volkswagen Golf GTD, introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show last month, is now available to order in the UK, with prices starting at £25,285 on the road – just £310 more than the previous model despite enhancements in performance and equipment. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (TDI) with 184PS. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 7.5 seconds, while the top speed is 142mph.

5IN 1935, Chevrolet invented the SUV with the introduction of the Carryall Suburban, the longest-running vehicle nameplate in the world. Now, some 78 years later, Chevrolet is launching its first entry in the small SUV segment, the Trax. It gives buyers many of the benefits of a full-blooded SUV with the driving characteristics and fuel economy of a smaller car. The Trax offers great versatility, from its flexible modern passenger cabin to all-wheel drive to Chevrolet's MyLink connectivity.

6THE new Ford Fiesta ST is just now reaching dealer showrooms but already more than 1,000 customers have placed an order. Priced from just £16,995 – up to £2,000 less than segment competitors – it is receiving praise for its engaging and entertaining drive. More than 90% of customers have opted for the Fiesta ST2, which adds partial leather Recaro seats, Sony DAB radio, EATC, Ford keyless start, privacy glass and LED daytime running lamps to the standard specification.

7FIAT has just announced the introduction of a new limited edition version of its popular Punto supermini, the Jet Black. Featuring a moody exterior, the car is designed to appeal to a young, sporty audience and offers great value for money. Priced at just £12,000 on the road and limited to just 300 examples, it is available for just £99 per month. The three-door Jet Black is on sale now at UK Fiat dealers and is available with the nippy yet frugal 1.4 8v 77hp engine.