SPORTS coach Rahim Ali has organised a star-studded 24-hour cricket coaching event to raise funds for the school in Peshawar, Pakistan, devastated by a terrorist attack in December.

Nine gunmen opened fire on the school, killing 145 people, including 132 children – the country's deadliest-ever terrorist attack.

Ali, a popular all-rounder with Rosehill Methodists and Alvaston & Boulton, who has just moved to Wirksworth & Middleton CC, qualified last year as a specialist sports coach and has set up his own business.

He is currently doing work for the Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy.

Although the event has already proved popular, there are still some places available for coaching, at £10 for a 45-minute session.

It starts at midnight on Saturday and runs for 24 hours at Play Straight Cricket, Cranmer Road, on the West Meadows Industrial Estate.

Former Pakistan Test player Atta Ur Rehman, county players Bilal Shafayat, Atif Sheikh and Gemaal Hussain and former Derbyshire player Chris Marples are among the coaches lined up.

Ali said: "Ever since I started coaching full time and opened my business, I've wanted to organise something around cricket for charity.

"I'll be visiting the school myself in March and will hand all donations over to the head. Ali says he would also like to thank The Hearing Clinic/LRS Claims and Mirpur Jewellers in Derby for sponsoring the coaching marathon. "

To take part, email Rahim_sportscoach@hotmail.com or call him on 07989 871326.

GEORGE Thorne is delighted to be back in a Derby County shirt but admitted to having a few nerves ahead of his first match action in six months.

The 22-year-old midfielder continued his comeback from a serious knee injury by playing 45 minutes for the Rams Under-21s.

He started in the 7-1 victory over Stoke City at the training ground.

Thorne suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage playing in a pre-season game against Zenit St Petersburg in Austria only days after he completed a move from West Bromwich Albion.

He has made excellent progress in his rehabilitation and the plan is to gradually increase his minutes on the pitch in forthcoming under-21 fixtures.

"I'm feeling good, better than I expected to feel after my first 45 minutes," said Thorne.

"I've still lots to work on to get my fitness and sharpness back but it is nice to get 45 minutes under my belt.

"I was quite nervous, to be honest, but as soon as the whistle went I felt at home again and felt comfortable.

"Now it is a matter of getting a few more games under my belt.

"I am counting down the days to the next under-21 game next week.

"It has been a long road since July and it hasn't been an easy one. It (my injury) wasn't ideal for anyone at the club, me particularly.

"I am starting to see light at the end of the tunnel now and I am grateful to everyone for their help."

Thorne started in the holding role in a three-man midfield for the under-21s alongside Callum Guy and Tom Koblenz.

The front three in a 4-3-3 was Ivan Calero, Kwame Thomas and Alefe Santos. Thomas and Santos were eligible to play as part of their youth loans at Notts County.

Derby needed only five minutes to go ahead. Calero raided down the left and squared for Guy to score but the Rams lost Isak Ssewankambo to injury after only 13 minutes. Jamie Hanson came on at right-back.

Stoke equalised after 27 minutes. Thorne wanted a foul when he was dispossessed but the referee waved play on and Adam Thomas swept his shot wide of Jonathan Mitchell.

Tom Koblenz's tidy first-time finish from a Santos pull back put Derby back in front seven minutes from the end of what had been a tightly-contested first half.

The second half, however, was one sided as Derby hit five goals without reply.

They showed terrific energy, hunger and clinical finishing.

The pressure they applied with and without the ball was all too much for Stoke.

Koblenz scored his second of the game when he rounded off a flowing move that cut through the visitors 10 minutes after the restart.

Alban Bunjaku, on for Thorne, stabbed home the fourth after 70 minutes – one of four goals in an eight-minute spell.

Thomas' hard work as the focal point of the attack was rewarded when he made it 5-1 from close range before substitute Shaquille McDonald hit the sixth with a confident finish two minutes after coming on.

The scoring was completed by Bunjaku.

Again, the build-up was controlled and Santos centred from the left for Bunjaku to bury a free header.

Lee Glover's under-21s have now lost only once in the last 11 games.

Their next fixture is also against Stoke in the quarter-finals of the Barclays Under-21 Premier Cup. The games is at St George's Park on Monday, kick off 6.30pm.

DERBY COUNTY U21s: Mitchell; Ssewankambo (Hanson, 13), Sharpe, Thorne (Bunjaku, 46), Rawson, T Naylor, Santos, Koblenz, Thomas (McDonald, 73), Guy, Calero. Others subs: Behrens (gk), Lowe.

STOKE CITY U21s: Eve; Wheeler (Wells, 86), Barner, Watkins, Teixeira (Shepard, 72), O'reilly, Parry, Ward, Ricketts-Hopkinson, Thomas, Strong. Other subs: Yao, Kurasik, Williams.

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A DEAF teenager has won a tribunal forcing his school to pay for an interpreter on a skiing trip.

Chris Martin was going to miss the trip because his family could not afford to pay for an interpreter to accompany him.

When the Telegraph highlighted the issue in October, the 16-year-old's family believed Derby City Council should pay for the interpreter.

But Chris's family spoke to his school, JCB Academy, which is putting on the trip and jointly decided to take the case to a tribunal.

Now it has been ruled that the school should pay for the interpreter.

Chris's mum, Anne, of Meadow View Close, said: "This was a joint decision between us and the school to go to the tribunal.

"The hearing said the school should pay and that was something we were very pleased with.

"It's great news and he's really looking forward to it. He is really, really excited and it will be so good for him at his age.

"It will really help him communicate with other people his own age in an environment he can enjoy being in.

"This is the second time he has been and the experience did a lot for him last time.

"It's good to get him in a change of environment."

Anne said she had felt "heartbroken" at the thought of him not going on the trip to Austria next month.

Anne said Chris started to lose his hearing between the age of two and seven, despite being told by medics that they were confident he would not.

After reading the story in the Derby Telegraph, the National Deaf Children's Society contacted the school with their concerns over the issue.

Brian Gale, NDCS's director of policy and campaigning, said: "Having seen the Derby Telegraph, we were alarmed that JCB Academy were subjecting a deaf pupil to unlawful discrimination, by refusing to provide the vital specialist support which allows deaf children to thrive.

"Schools have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that children with a disability are given the same opportunities as other children and, by refusing to provide an interpreter, the school was placing Chris at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to his classmates.

"As a charity dedicated to removing the barriers to achievement for deaf children, we are very satisfied that the academy's refusal to pay has been revoked and that Chris will get the communication support he needs and is entitled to, to enjoy the trip."

Jim Wade, principal at JCB Academy, said: "I'm sure this will be a great trip for him to go on."

LEON Haslam will head to Australia next month for the opening round of the World Superbike Championship with his confidence bolstered by a double boost.

The Smalley racer has sealed a sponsorship deal with Donington Park – and he has completed a couple of highly encouraging test sessions for his new race team.

The 31-year-old has tied up an agreement with his local circuit, where the British round of the championship will be staged on May 24.

Haslam, who will ride for the Red Devils Roma Aprilia team this year, will carry Donington branding on his race leathers, website and also on replica machinery.

He will be involved in pre-event promotion leading up to the World Superbike round and will make frequent appearances on behalf of Donington.

The agreement strengthens the Haslam family ties with the track, where Ron Haslam, Leon's father, runs his successful Honda race school. Father and son have also won many races at the Derby circuit and an added bonus is that Haslam will also enjoy his own hospitality suite at the circuit for the duration of the agreement.

Haslam said: "I'm extremely grateful for Donington Park's support for the coming season.

"Donington has been a happy hunting ground for me in the past, in MotoGP as well as in British and World Superbikes, and a circuit that is very close to my heart.

"I'm confident of challenging for the World Superbike title this year and I hope I can give my home fans something to shout about at the round in May, the only time this year I'll get to race on home soil."

Donington managing director Christopher Tate added: "All of us here at Donington Park are keen supporters of Leon and we are very pleased to confirm this arrangement with him that will prove beneficial to both parties.

"The deal also further strengthens our links with the Haslam family." We look forward to seeing Leon race here on 22-24 May and will enjoy working closely with him throughout the year."

Haslam had his first test sessions of the fledgling season aboard his new machine, a bike similar to the one on which Sylvain Guintoli won the world championship last year, in Portugal and Spain.

He pronounced himself satisfied with progress made at the opening test in Portimao, where he was joined by his new team-mate, Jordi Torres.

The team continued their preparations this week at Jerez, where he finished with the fifth fastest time, having put in a total of 87 laps – more than any other rider.

Haslam said: " We put in a lot of laps, more than anyone else. We analysed a lot of things and now I feel really good on the bike in terms of setup.

"In a race simulation toward the end of the testing, I was able to find a good speed and I gained confidence, even managing to improve on my best time using a soft tyre.

"That has always been a problem for me. Putting the qualifying tyre to good use is another reason for us to be pleased with these tests.

"Phillip Island is a track that I like and apparently it suits my Aprilia well, so we'll definitely be optimistic going into our first race."

Haslam was joined at both venues by Derby-based Alex Lowes, who is preparing for his second season with Voltcom Crescent Suzuki.

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A COURIER and storage company is on the move to Derby, paving the way for 100 more employees.

Fresh Logistics, currently based in Long Eaton, exchanged contracts on Monday in a deal that will see the company move to a new head office in Downing Road, Derby.

The 5,000sq ft building will double its office space and parking facilities. The site, just off Pentagon Island, provides direct routes to the M1, A50, A38 and A42, as well as bringing Fresh Logistics closer to Derby city centre, where vehicle servicing, cleaning and parts suppliers are located. Check out more job opportunities here.

Managing director Alan White said the move would allow the firm to continue its expansion.

He said: "With many new contracts and opportunities in the pipeline, Fresh Logistics is a company in growth. Our current business plan involves us looking to create 100 new jobs over the next three years, bringing significant benefit and wealth to the local area. The sort of roles that we will be creating include office staff, warehouse operatives, mechanics and drivers.

"We have shown a real desire to develop from within as the vast majority of our current management team have progressed into their roles.

"Throughout the lifespan of the company, we have averaged a growth rate of 260% per annum – an amazing performance through a double-dip recession. We are a company on the up and we are cementing our links with Derby, a city also on the up."

Fresh Logistics is a specialist within the temperature controlled transport and warehousing sector. It offers a same-day delivery service around the UK and Europe. The company is privately owned and was set up in 2008 with £5,000. Seven years on, it is on course to record a turnover of £2.5 million during this financial year. It currently employs 50 staff, including 35 drivers.

Last year saw Fresh Logistics scooped three awards. It won Refrigerated Operations SME of the Year at the SHD Logistics Awards; the International Logistics Award at the International Trade Awards; and Courier of the Year at the TCS&D Awards – for the second year in a row.

Earlier this month, it appeared on The Sunday Politics Show (East Midlands) after taking the decision to become living wage accredited in 2013. The company was nominated as Living Wage Champions Awards at a recent awards ceremony. The living wage is currently £7.85 an hour – the minimum wage is £6.50.

Mr White said firms that did not pay the living wage risked staff quitting, leaving bosses with higher recruiting and training costs.

The programme saw Mr White, operations director Dave Price and driver Stef Proudlove, all discuss the effect the living wage has had from different positions within the company. Derby North MP Chris Williamson and prospective MP for Erewash Maggie Throup were guests on the programme and praised the company for offering its staff the living wage.

More on Fresh Logistics can be found at www.freshlogistics.co.uk.

This year Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday, which will give some couples an entire day to do something special to show their love for each other.

Whether you're on a budget, and whether it's your first Valentine's Day together or your 10th, there is something for everyone to do in Derbyshire.

Here are our top seven ideas of places to take your date:

1. Visit a stately home: 

Why not take your loved one to Chatsworth House, which 'starred' in the film version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as Pemberley, the residence of Mr Darcy. Or visit Kedleston Hall or Calke Abbey and take a romantic walk around their attractive gardens and spend some quality alone time with the one you love in the outdoors. You could even take a picnic, weather-permitting or take blankets and look at the stars appear as the night falls. 

2. Something for an Only Fools fan:

Is your partner a massive Only Fools and Horses fan? Then take them to Derby Guildhall Theatre on February 14 to see Only Fools & Boycie - an evening with John Challis who is best known as Boycie in the BBC1 sitcom. In this one-off show, he will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career. Tickets are now very limited, and cost £15.25. 

3. Do something different:

From driving supercars at Donington Park to flying lessons or wine tasting with champagne and dinner in Derby, Virgin Experience Days has a long list of options on offer in Derbyshire. 

4. Get on your bike 

Take a romantic bike ride along the Tissington Trail, which runs along a 13-mile route from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay. At this point it joins up with the High Peak Trail, which runs from High Peak Junction to Dowlow near to Buxton. Surrounded by beautiful countryside the traffic-free trail is ideal for horse riders, cyclists and walkers.

5. Go to the theatre: 

Derby Theatre is showing Playland for two nights, on February 13 and 14. Playland is by Athol Fugard, who is one of the world's most performed living playwrights and a fearless chronicler of South Africa and its troubled history. It is one of his most personal and rarely performed plays and is gripping, comic and deeply moving. The play is setin the heart of rural South Africa, where a travelling amusement park has opened its gates. With the country in the grips of a brutal apartheid regime, the park promises an evening of thrills and laughter.

6. Try Salsa 

Enjoy a spicy social evening of Latin dance, hosted by Absolute Salsa, the East Midlands biggest Salsa promoter. The Latin Fusion evening at Déda, in Chapel Street, Derby, starts with a fun 45-minute classes for everyone from complete beginners to intermediates. Then dance the night away in the theatre, CUBE and studio. The event starts at 8pm and tickets costs between £8 and £12.

7. Go for a walk

Walk up the winding pathways of Grin Low in Buxton to Solomon's Temple which stands at 439m above sea level, for breath-taking views. There is a picnic area, and there is a Go-Ape adventure course next door if you fancied some high-ropes and zip-wiring.

Part of the M1 between junctions 25 and 26 was closed after a lorry fire.

Both side of the road were shut as the lorry, which was carrying 30,000 litres of animal fat, caught fire on the hard shoulder near to junction 25 at around 9.30am.

Three fire engines and 30 firefighters were sent to control the blaze.

The southbound carriageway of the road was reopened at 11am. But drivers on the northbound carriageway were encouraged to avoid the road.

The northbound carriageway was then reopened at 1pm.

Strong winds blew a large tree into the middle of a Derby street this morning. The trunk of the tree was split in two, blocking Western Road at the junction of Poppyfields Drive, in Mickleover.

The tree came down shortly before 9.40am. Maureen and Roy Faulkner live in the house next door from where the tree fell. Mrs Faulkner, 76, said: "I didn't see or hear the tree come down, the first thing I knew about it was when a neighbour came and told me that a tree had fallen down and was blocking the road. "I went to the bottom of the drive at about 10am and there was a police car there directing traffic. "The council arrived shortly after and started chopping the tree up." The road was re-opened at 2pm.

#mickleover looks like a tree has come down across Western Rd Nr. British Legion/Poppyfields.

— Keith Spackman (@KeithSTaDH) January 28, 2015

The Government has stepped in to take over the running of failing Alfreton Grange Arts College.

The secondary school was placed in special measures by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education in 2013 and since then Jonathan Fawcett, head teacher of neighbouring Swanwick Hall School, has been drafted in as the executive head to lead improvement with assistance from Derbyshire County Council.

But the Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, has intervened and appointed a replacement governing body - called an Interim Executive Board - to run the school. It could mean the 550-pupil secondary school could become an academy.

The move has been criticised by Councillor Kevin Gillott, the county council's cabinet member for children and young people, who believes the move could set back progress already made.

He said: "I don't think this is the right approach. The support we're giving the school and the work done by the executive head and governors is starting to pay off and I believe this latest move could set back progress.

"It is not in the best interests of pupils or the community and it is being done without any consultation with parents or local people." 

The county council says the assistance it has provided to the school has included strengthening support for pupils with special needs, providing additional training and coaching for teaching staff and improving attendance. In July last year, Ofsted inspectors visited Alfreton Grange and said it was making reasonable progress.

Last week the school consulted parents on the possibility of formalising the current arrangements to create a "hard federation" between the school and Swanwick Hall School. This means the school could have a joint governing body and a joint head.

But the school has now been told by the Government the Interim Executive Board will be in charge.

Councillor Gillott added: "The governors have done an excellent job in a difficult situation. The governing body has been strengthened in the last 12 months and the new team has been working hard to drive through a lot of changes and improvements.

"We realise there's still a long way to go, but with commitment from us along with continued hard work by the head, staff, governors and pupils, Alfreton Grange has the capacity to improve further and deliver the kind of education local children deserve.

"The Secretary of State's intervention could set back the progress that's already been made and is not welcomed by us or the school governing body.

"We called on the Government to allow improvements to continue and give the local community the opportunity to see the positive changes but they've gone ahead with the Interim Executive Board in spite of that."

CHARLES Hollis is celebrating an amazing 60 years as an auctioneer. In that time, he has sold more cattle than any other auctioneer in the UK, and at one point he was selling over 900 cattle a day.

He lives at Bridge Manor Farm, Sudbury, with his wife, Maureen, who looks after their 34 horses and 50 breeding ewes.

He said: "My job is the best, it's my life, and I thoroughly enjoy it.

"I don't play golf, I don't go fishing, I want to go to work. I have no intention whatsoever of retiring."

Charles was born on October 15, 1939, in Hilton, where he would ride around the local villages buying cows with his dad on a Sunday morning. He said: "I used to go around and collect them with my brother, John."

Charles joined Joseph Else, an auctioneer, on Exchange Street on January 17, 1955.

It was very easy to get to work in Derby because the bus stop was right outside his house.

He then moved to Burton in 1956, which complicated his travel to work. He said: "It was a bike ride to Burton station, and a walk from Derby Station because it was next to Northcliffe House, 50 yards from the fish market."

Charles went on to gain qualifications with a correspondence course. He said: "I failed the first examination, which upset my mother, but I told her not to worry because they would not be writing to her again to tell her that I had failed – and they never did.

"I became a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in June 1970 and on June 2, 2010, I celebrated being a member of the Central Agricultural Auctioneers and Valuers for 50 years."

He added: "Markets have been my life, from starting in the old cattle market, which was near to the bus station in Derby city centre, to its present location when it moved in June 1970.

"There have been times with various diseases when I did rather more valuations than most for Foot and Mouth and BSE throughout Derbyshire and the four adjoining counties."

In 1965, Charles became a partner in the firm Eaton and Hollis, along with Sam Eaton. Eaton and Hollis is a partner in Derby Market Auctions.

Charles said: "I pride myself that in 60 years of work I have had no claims against my Professional Indemnity Insurance."

He added: "I used to sell up to 500-600 store cattle a week.

"There are a few markets that have had more cattle, but I have sold more because I have sold for longer and the markets had three or four auctioneers doing the same job."

"Over recent years my programme of work has changed and I am now very involved in promoting and obtaining planning permissions for residential development.

"At the present time there are sites being developed totalling 2,500 houses. I recently obtained planning permission on land at Burton for 83 houses and there are more in the pipeline."

WINGER Tom Ince is the latest player reported to be on  Derby County's wanted list.

The Hull City man, who made six appearances for Nottingham Forest when on loan at the City Ground before being recalled by the Tigers last month, has been linked with a switch to the iPro Stadium by Sky Sports

The 22-year-old scored 31 League goals in 86 appearances for Blackpool before moving to Hull last July.

However, a number of clubs are now believed to be interested in taking him on loan this month, with Wigan Athletic, Middlesbrough and Bournemouth also in the running .

Derby manager Steve McClaren confirmed earlier this week he hoped to add a loan signing to his squad after Johnny Russell was ruled out for up to six weeks with a pulled hamstring.

MIDDLESBROUGH are reported to be on the verge of completing the £2m signing of Wigan Athletic midfielder Adam Forshaw.

The 23-year-old travelled to Boro's training ground on Tuesday to put the finishing touches to a three-and-a-half year deal which is due to be confirmed soon.

WIGAN Athletic are on the verge of signing Northern Ireland international striker Billy McKay for £150,000.

The front man has been given permission to speak to the Latics about a proposed move by his club, Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

WEST Ham United are reported to be considering letting Matt Jarvis join Cardiff City.

Wales Online  reported that the Bluebirds are interested in trying to do a deal for the winger, who has made only six appearances so  far this season for the Hammers.

WOLVERHAMPTON Wanderers have entered talks with Legia Warsaw to sign winger Michal Zyro, according to reports.

The 22-year-old midfielder was once set to join Scottish giants Celtic but the deal collapsed

LEEDS United are eyeing a move for Stoke City midfielder Jamie Ness, according to the Daily Mail.

Wigan Athletic and Sheffield United are also watching the 23-year-old midfielder, who is currently on loan at League One side Crewe Alexandra.

The midfielder has only managed one appearance for the Potters.

MANCHESTER United youngster Joe Rothwell has joined Blackpool on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old central midfielder has made six appearances for the Reds Under-21 side this season.

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