VICTIMS of domestic abuse and stalking in Derbyshire are to be given covert electronic devices for increased protection.

The new device will be given to vulnerable people whom police believe are at serious risk of harm from domestic abuse, stalking or harassment.

The technology means that users can contact the emergency services covertly if they are in imminent danger. This will trigger an immediate response from police and will also ensure officers can pinpoint the exact location of the victim.

Derbyshire police and crime commissioner Alan Charles has donated £60,000 towards the project after successfully bidding for just under £100,000 of the Ministry of Justice's £12m fund to support victims' services.

Mr Charles said he was determined to increase protection for vulnerable people at risk of abuse in the county.

He said: "There are many vulnerable people living in Derbyshire who face a daily threat of violence or abuse. These discreet devices will increase the safety of high-risk victims and provide some reassurance when they leave their homes that, if an attack occurs, the emergency services can be contacted immediately – without their abuser knowing.

"Keeping domestic abuse victims safe is a top priority and this new system will provide survivors with a more efficient and effective response to their calls for help.

"The device not only offers practical help to its users by ensuring police can attend an incident quickly but it will also help response officers to gather stronger evidence by arriving at a live scene."

Detective Inspector Tony Brittan said: "This funding by the PCC will allow us to issue an increased number of personal safety devices to vulnerable people, who require this support, over the next three years in Derbyshire."

Dionne Reid, chief executive officer of Derby charity Women's Work, which supports vulnerable women including those who suffer domestic abuse, said: "This is a great initiative and we are pleased to see that vulnerable people at risk of domestic and sexual abuse remains a priority for all.

"We hope that many of the women we support here at Women's Work will benefit from this initiative."

Last year, Derbyshire police had more than 5,000 domestic abuse incidents.

In the UK, three women are killed by a current or former partner every fortnight, while a third of all assaults recorded by the police are in connection with domestic abuse.

The roll-out in Derbyshire of the safety device, which is already being used by many UK forces, comes after the introduction of a new law enabling police to disclose details of a partner's abusive past to their potential victim.

Clare's Law was introduced across all forces in England and Wales from March 2014.

Within the first six months of its implementation, 86 people in Derbyshire were provided with information to protect them from a potentially abusive relationship.

WORK to refurbish the play area at Derby's Field Lane Recreation Ground has begun.

Improvements to the site will bring a new lease of life to the area and will take four weeks to complete.

Ward councillors for Derby City Council say the recreation ground will be transformed into a more attractive and user-friendly space.

Councillor Barbara Jackson, ward councillor for Boulton, said: "I can't wait to see it once it's finished.

"Having looked at the plans, it's going to provide a fantastic area for children and young people to play safely with their friends.

"It's important that young people have somewhere they can go when they need to let off a little steam and stimulate their minds.

"It will become a play area they can be proud of and I'm sure we will see it getting used a lot.

"We do apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused while the work takes place, but I can assure you it will be worth the wait."

Work to the play area includes:

Removing existing swings

Installing a new basket swing and traditional swing with flat seat as well as a toddler friendly seat

Installing a new dish roundabout, trim trail (a narrow area just off the ground for balancing across) and see-saw with new safety surfacing

A new picnic table

A fresh lick of paint.

WATCH all the goals from Derby County's 3-3 draw at Rotherham United on Tuesday night.

The Rams trailed 3-1 at one stage before rescuing a point and climbing up to second in the Championship.

Tom Ince scored twice for the Rams, while Darren Bent struck the 83rd-minute equaliser for Steve McClaren's side.

See the highlights below.

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THIS story will spark outright despair among our many thousands of readers.

The older generation are often victims of crimes. They are seen as easy targets, perhaps due to infirmity or because, born in a bygone age, they are too trusting.

We have all heard of the doorstep conmen tricks and pressurised sales targeted at older people in their homes.

But there is something particularly alarming about the violence of a street mugging. When that attack is carried out by children the revulsion is felt even more strongly. It seems utterly abhorrent – the very young picking on the very old.

But there is hope. Despair and shock can bring out the good in us all. Recently, the story of Alan Barnes, a 4ft 6in disabled pensioner who was mugged outside his home in Gateshead, touched hearts across the nation. An appeal raised £280,000 in just four days to buy him a new home.

Crimes like this can spark a tidal wave of kindness. We very much hope the victim of the Derby mugging gets all the support she needs to recover from her ordeal. The older generation deserve care and consideration from us all.

DO you know a phenomenal fund-raiser, a courageous carer, a terrific teacher or an inspirational individual who are unsung heroes in our society?

If so, then they could be one of the winners in the Derby Telegraph's Community Champions awards which launches in March.

We want to honour the amazing people in Derbyshire who put the needs of others before their own and give up their time without wanting anything in return.

The winners of our 14 categories will be invited to a glitzy ceremony at the iPro Stadium in June, where we will honour those who go out of their way for the benefit of others.

But first, we need your help in finding the winners!

From Monday, March 2, a nomination form will be printed in the Derby Telegraph every day for the next eight weeks.

All you have to do is fill in the form with the nominee's details, your details and why you are nominating them.

Perhaps they care for a seriously-ill relative, have raised thousands of pounds for a charity close to their heart, achieved something amazing against the odds, or help children play sport.

Derby Telegraph editor Neil White said: "The Community Champions awards gives us a chance to acknowledge those who help to improve the lives of others, without asking for anything in return.

"It is the eighth year we are holding Community Champions and each year before has seen heart-warming and amazing stories emerge. I have no doubt that the standard this year will be just as high."

THE Community Champions categories are:

Achievements Against All Odds: Recognising a person (or group) who, in spite of difficulties or life-changing injuries, set a positive example and inspired others.

Carer: This award will honour a full or part-time carer who goes above and beyond what is expected to improve another's living situation and quality of life.

Courage: This will be given to a person who has responded to an immediate need and significantly affected the life or lives of others.

Extra Mile: This category will reward someone who exceeds expectations in the line of their work duties.

Fund-raiser of the Year: This award recognises someone who has dedicated their time and made an exceptional effort to advance the profile of and raise funds for a charity.

Great Neighbour: This award will pay tribute to someone who has made a significant difference to the lives of the neighbours of their community.

Inspirational Youngster (Under-18): This award honours the outstanding achievements of a young person. Nominees will have displayed bravery, kindness in helping others, a commitment to improving their school, community or local environment, or have achieved significant sporting, musical or academic success.

Kindness Shown to Animals: This accolade will be given to an individual (or group) who has shown commendable care and devotion to animals, whether domestic or wild.

Mum of the Year: This will honour a mother who acts as a shining example to her children while contributing to the community in which she lives, having demonstrated personal courage and strength, and bettered lives of her family as a result.

Dad of the Year: Like the Mum of the Year category but for the dads out there.

Performing Arts: This will acknowledge someone who dedicates their time and energy to providing an environment for others to grow their performing talents, whether it be acting, dancing or musical.

Public Service: From firefighters and police officers to healthcare professionals and street pastors, this award seeks to recognise a public servant who has excelled in their duties and exemplifies the qualities of their profession.

Teacher/Lecturer of the Year: This award will honour a teacher from any level of education who has demonstrated fine qualities and made a lasting impression on the lives of their students.

Volunteer of the Year: This award celebrates efforts made in the volunteering sector, recognising one who has made an exceptional contribution in the past 12 months.

Helping to celebrate the opening of Bar Sport in Queen Street, Derby, is Commonwealth light heavyweight champion boxer Ovill McKenzie, centre. The sports bar and grill, which has cost £500,000, has created 20 full-time and part-time jobs and will feature more than 30 television screens as well as a large projector showing live sport. It will offer regular music and entertainment during the week and weekends including DJs and will host themed nights. Also pictured above are, left, owner Mustafa Uruncuoglu and, right, general manager Steve Rouse.

PRIME Minister David Cameron told Littleover's Rev Alica Dring that Christians should pray that those who lead our nation "see the bigger picture rather than get caught up in small things".

The first half of his advice seems obvious. No politician would have it suggested that he or she is incapable of seeing the bigger picture.

It is the second half of his prayer suggestion which might prompt a twitch.

"Getting caught up in small things" covers a multitude of political issues.

The problem is – for us, the little people, rather than the great men and women of Westminster – the so-called "small things" are the things that do affect us in our daily lives.

So, Britain might be on the road to economic recovery. Hurrah for the big picture.

But one of the ways in which that may have been achieved is through "streamlining" of the various workforces.

That is where the father-of-four worker who loses his job or the single mum who has her hours cut pay their individual price for the big picture being achieved.

The Government Cabinet member will be unaware of their existence.

But there are few events that make a greater impact on any individual's life than the loss of a job.

It can lead to poverty, loss of homes, break-up of marriages, ruined career prospects and depression.

No politician would have the backbone to say to the face of somebody who has just their job through the quest for greater efficiency that theirs is a "small thing".

But rarely the twain shall meet. These are the uncomfortable facts of political and economic life – and perhaps our leaders might be well advised not to leave themselves open to the accusation that "small things" are inconsequential.

A SERIAL sex offender who is "a danger to women" is the first person in Derbyshire to be forced to wear a satellite tracking device so police can monitor his whereabouts.

In his latest set of offences, Alex Ormston, 26, made lewd remarks and exposed himself to three lone women in Normanton Park. This was less than three weeks after he was given a community order for similar crimes.

In 2008, Ormston, of Chandlers Ford, Oakwood, was jailed for four-and-a-half years after he violently and sexually attacked a young mum in a Derby street.

In the most recent case, Judge Jonathan Gosling said he considered Ormston to be "a danger to women" and ordered him to wear a satellite tracking tag for five years.

This will allow Derbyshire police's dangerous persons management unit to monitor where he is and has been at any time, by logging on to a computer system.

His movements will be plotted on a map.

It is hoped this will deter him from further offending – knowing he will almost certainly be caught, as places where crimes have occurred can quickly be compared to the route he has taken.

There are only two such tracking devices, which are relatively new to the force, currently available to the police in Derby.

Previously, the tracking devices have only been used by Derbyshire police in voluntary situations, where serial offenders can choose to wear them as a deterrent to committing crime and to avoid suspicion falling on them in offences they did not commit.

In November, Ormston admitted three counts of indecent exposure and possessing MCAT.

Sentencing him this month at Derby Crown Court, Judge Jonathan Gosling said: "Your case has given me a great deal of anxiety because I'm extremely concerned your behaviour in the past and the risk of your behaviour in the future is deeply upsetting to women who come across you."

The court heard one of the victims in the latest offences, on November 3, had suffered "serious psychological harm".

In November, Ormston's sentencing was adjourned so that a psychologist report could be prepared, after the probation service said it did not believe it could work with Ormston to rehabilitate him.

Then in January, Detective Constable Neil Sanders, of Derbyshire's dangerous persons management unit, told the court that Ormston was likely to remain "a very high risk" of reoffending unless he himself cooperated in addressing his situation.

DC Sanders said that the opportunity to offend, in Ormston's case, came when he was alone in a park and intoxicated.

At that hearing, Judge Gosling adjourned the case again so a package to manage Ormston in the community could be compiled.

The judge said this was a better approach than sending Ormston to jail, because the sentencing guidelines meant he would soon be released with no help in place.

Judge Gosling gave Ormston a three-year community order, during which he will be under the supervision of the probation service and must attend a community sex offenders group-work programme. He was also ordered to complete a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Ormston must also obey a sexual offences prevention order for five years and wear the satellite tag. He must not make any approaches to any female in any public place.

He must sign the sex offenders' register for five years.

DERBYSHIRE police started using the trackers in 2013 in Chesterfield in a pilot trial where offenders being released from prison could volunteer to wear them. Due to its success, the force has used the tags in other areas of the county. There are two available to police in Derby. Detective Chief Inspector Julian Wilson, who got the project off the ground in Chesterfield, said the new technology saved time and money compared to more conventional methods. He said: "There are examples from other forces, such as Humberside, where they have been able to rule offenders in or out when crimes have been committed. And the likelihood is they would have made arrests if it hadn't been for the technology. So it saves all that time, cost and effort of bringing them into custody.'' He said the website monitor would be alerted if the tag had been tampered with. If people are banned from certain areas, for example a child sex offender may not be allowed to go within 300 yards of schools, then the system can send out red, amber and green alerts depending on the distance away. DCI Wilson said he had heard ex-offenders talk about how the tags had helped turn their lives around. "They said 'if I had not been wearing it someone might have encouraged me to go out and offend but because I knew I was wearing it, I have been able to be strong because I knew I would get caught," he recalled.* Read more of today's top news stories here. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

A CRASH involving one vehicle has caused Nottingham Road, in Spondon to close. 

Police said they were called to the incident at 12.55am. 

The A6005 is currently closed eastbound between the Lodge Lane junction and the A6096 Willowcroft Road junction due to the accident as well as traffic light failure in the area. 

Officers are currently at the scene directing traffic. A diversion is in place and there are reports of heavy congestion to the Wyvern Way junction. A Derbyshire police spokeswoman said no-one was injured. 

More to follow. 

I WAS at the bar of the Standing Order and the barman was looking at me as if I were an idiot. I had a feeling he might be right.

He knew nothing of a Mensa meeting taking place there that evening.

I checked the invitation: date, time and venue all matched. So where were they?

I wandered around the cavernous pub, scanning clusters of people drinking, eating, chatting; hoping I might detect a look, an aura perhaps. But nothing.

Another barman checked the pub's diary and assured me nothing was booked and there were no meeting rooms hidden away.

This had all come about because I'd tried to be funny. Writing in this column a few weeks back, I'd recalled a debate about the size of Mars bars and the merits of various Liquorice Allsorts. It had taken place, I said, at a meeting of the local Mensa society – "aka a group of saddos slobbering into their beer at the pub". I meant me and my mates. I was being tongue-in-cheek. Indeed, sometimes, tongue is so firmly embedded in cheek that it's a wonder I can speak.

I suspect Mensa's communication officer guessed as much when she wrote to the Telegraph to say that local Mensa members couldn't recall such a debate. Perhaps, she said, I'd suffered a serious case of mistaken stereotypes and would like to go along to one of their meetings and find out what they were really like.

So there I was, like a spare part, in the Standing Order. And I was beginning to think there was no such meeting, that this was all a delicious wind-up to put Mr Clevercloggs Pheasant in his place, when a kindly face caught my eye and summoned me to a table surrounded by nine or ten middle-aged people who looked just like any group of friends out for a drink, a bite to eat and a natter. And that's exactly what they were.

I'd been expecting the star-chamber treatment: a formal gathering where I'd be called upon to explain myself to a po-faced bunch. Instead, the two hours before I had to leave flew by in very convivial company.

I discovered, there and in the days that followed, that, although there are conferences and lectures on offer, for many members, being in Mensa is largely about socialising.

There are 207 of them in the DE7 postcode – including teachers, quantity surveyors, tree surgeons, engineers and a translator but not, I'm told, all "high flyers" – and their calendar for February and March includes meals out, pub visits, greyhound racing, meals in, the cinema, a barn dance.

And pub visits. All with the added attraction of intelligent conversation, although, as one member confided, "we can do silly stuff as well".

Even, or perhaps especially, highly intelligent people need organising and the job locally falls to Maxine Bates, a 46-year-old businesswoman from Langley Mill, who's been the East Midlands regional organiser for 16 years.

She says that joining Mensa "out of curiosity" is the best thing she's ever done, introducing her to places, people and activities around the world she might never have experienced.

It was through Mensa that she met her partner and set up her own event planning business.

Much as I enjoyed the evening, I won't be attempting to join Mensa's ranks by taking the IQ test when it's next in town. It would only end in tears. Besides, I'm told that membership isn't something to be declared lightly on CVs or at pub quizzes, because it can set you up for a fall.

One lesson this little episode has underlined is that what's intended by someone writing for a newspaper and what appears to the audience in cold print are not always the same.

Or as Maxine put it: "It's different when we can't see the glint in your eye."

FIREFIGHTERS are currently tackling a large factory fire in Melbourne.

Crews from Ascot Drive, Long Eaton, Kingsway, Nottingham Road, Swadlincote and Chesterfield were called to manufacturing company in Castle Lane shortly after 5.30am. 

Crews are still in attendance at the incident.

A spokeswoman for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said no-one was injured. 

A fire investigation to determine the cause of the fire is underway. 

MIDDLESBROUGH have gone top of the Sky Bet Championship table following a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City.

The result means Derby County have been edged out of the automatic promotion places for the time being.

The Rams are now third, behind Bournemouth on goal difference and a point adrift of Boro.

It did not look good for Aitor Karanka's men at St Andrew's on Wednesday night when their keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos was sent off for a foul on Clayton Donaldson just before half-time and Paul Caddis netted the resulting penalty.

However, former Derby loan ace Patrick Bamford equalised in the 74th minute to ensure a share of the spoils.

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A road in Spondon has reopened after a crash involving one vehicle and traffic light failure closed it.

Nottingham Road is now reopen and traffic is moving freely after the incident at 12.55am.

Officers were at the scene directing traffic.