Derbyshire news in brief

Students at a Shirebrook school will be able to enjoy more activities outside of the classroom after they took delivery of a gleaming new minibus.

Stubbin Wood School, in Common Lane, is now the proud owner of a new 16-seater vehicle, which has taken its fleet of minibuses up to three.

It was delivered to the school by children’s charity Variety, which bought the minibus after topping up a £12,000 fund which was collected by pupils, staff and parents through a series of fundraising activities including cake sales and non-uniform days.

Minibuses are a vital resource at Stubbin Wood, which teaches around 150 pupils who an autistic spectrum disorder or moderate, severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Lee Floyd, headteacher at Stubbin Wood, said: “We had been waiting for some time for Variety to get in touch and one day they rang us to say that they had a mini bus for us.

“Our minibuses are in almost constant use and this one will make a big difference. It has improved access for wheelchairs and it will allow us to take more pupils to sporting events or attend joint activities at other schools.”

Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Police have enjoyed success in the Modeshift National Travel Awards.

Both organisations have been awarded the team contribution to sustainable travel gong for the for the Travel Smart initiative.

Councillor Dean Collins, the council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said: “It’s great that the Travel Smart project has been recognised in this way.

“This project is all about encouraging pupils to either walk, cycle or scoot to school and they’ve been successful in doing this.”

PC Neil Hopwell, of the Kilburn Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “We are so honoured to have won this national award in sustainable travel and we are proud to be representing Derbyshire Constabulary at such a level.”

Visitors to Baslow will have an opportunity to do some very special Christmas shopping on Sunday.

The village hall will host a unique vintage Christmas fair, which will includehandmade cards and jewellery, handsewn gifts, vintage china and cutlery.

The event is being organised by traders from across the area.

One of them, Sara Webster, from Bridgemont Vintage, said: “We’re hoping residents and visitors will come along to meet local traders and enjoy what promises to be a very festive occasion. “There’s a real interest in vintage and handmade goods in this area and it’s great that there are so many fantastic makers and artisans coming together to showcase their products,” she added.

Entry to the one-day event, which opens at 10am and closes at 4pm, is free. Tea and refreshments will also be served.

Consumers are being encouraged to shop at small businesses as part of a national campaign next month.

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins will be supporting this year’s Small Business Saturday drive, which takes place on Saturday, December 6.

To raise awareness about the campaign, a bus tour will be stopping in Chesterfield this Saturday.

Mr Perkins, who is also shadow minister for enterprise and small business, will join in the event.

Small Business Saturday aims to support, inspire and promote small businesses.

For more information about the drive, visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Carers can meet and speak to each other at a special event.

The Derbyshire Carers’ event promises to offer a “golden opportunity” for carers to come together in a relaxed environment.

It will take place at Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire church on Tuesday, December 9.

For more information and to confirm your attendance at the event, call 01773 743355 or email [email protected]

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is set to turn its Christmas lights on in a display bound to wow shoppers.

The festive switch-on will take place from 4.45pm on Sunday – the same time the town centre lights will be turned on in New Square.

An innovative projection of images will also be beamed on to buildings in St James Square between 4pm and 7pm on Sunday.

Alfreton’s Christmas lights will be switched on next week.

BBC Radio Derby presenter Sally Pepper will turn on the town’s festive lights in the grounds of Alfreton House and Rodgers Lane car parkfrom 5pm on Friday, November 28.

Councillor John Walker, lead member for Christmas lights at Alfreton Town Council, said: “This year the entire display has been refreshed to LED with new animation and fresh colours.”

Chesterfield College has announced Ashgate Hospice as its official charity partner for this year.

The college will help the hospice raise £30,000 as part of its £1million Urgent Bed Appeal.

Lucy Nickson, chief executive at Ashgate Hospice, said she was “absolutely delighted” with the college’s backing.

Three Chesterfield charities are celebrating after walking away from the town’s Barnsley Building Society with a generous donation. Ashgate Croft School received £500; Chesterfield and District Multiple Sclerosis Society received £300 and Community Transport Chesterfield received £200. The Low Pavements branch is determined to help local causes.

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins joined Springwell Community College’s school council and its anti-bullying team for a discussion on the importance of democracy.

Mr Perkins said: “It’s vitally important that young people learn about democracy and access to power if we are to maintain a democratic political system in this country.”