We?ve seen huge numbers of people in Nottingham coming forward for testing as well as collecting kits to test at home. I?d like to thank everyone: regular testing and vaccinations are how we will move forward together out of Covid. Over the last week we distributed 187,769 lateral flow tests and carried out 1,325 supervised tests in the city.

Our testing sites are well stocked with lateral flow tests ready for this weekend. So if you are out and about, why not help protect others by taking a supervised test or picking up a box of tests to take home?

• Hyson Green Community Centre open Saturday (8.30am-2pm)
• Lister Gate (side of Marks and Spencer, in Nottingham City Centre) open Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 9am-3.30pm
• Bolero Square (Motorpoint Arena) Saturday 15 (11.30am-3.30pm) and Sunday 16 January (8am-12midday)
• Victoria Retail Park, Colwick Loop Road, Saturday 15 January 9am-3.30pm
• Castle Retail Park, Radford Boulevard, Sunday 16 January 9am-3.30pm.

Tests can also be collected from local pharmacies or ordered online to be delivered to your door. Please note if you are collecting a box of tests from a local pharmacy - you will now need a QR code. Please visit Find where to get rapid lateral flow tests - NHS (test-and-trace.nhs.uk)for further information.

Please remember, if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or have a positive rapid test, you must urgently take a PCR test ? you can simply book a test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

I?m proud to have been involved with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library since it was brought to Nottingham in 2009.

This is a fantastic book-gifting charity which delivers an age-appropriate book every month to children from birth to the age of five. These are personally addressed to each child and I know how eagerly anticipated their arrival is through the letterbox.

This is particularly important in Nottingham because we know this scheme makes a difference to improving children?s reading, and it?s been so heartening to see how the scheme has been introducing a love of books in those vital years before school.

I?m therefore delighted that we?ve now passed the milestone of 350,000 books distributed. This has made such a difference to so many families and I?d like to thank all those individuals and businesses who continue to make the generous donations that allow this project to grow.

We can only do this with regular financial support from hundreds of individuals and businesses in Nottingham. If you would like to join them or find more information about the Imagination Library then please visit ?www.dollybooksnottingham.org.uk

I?m really pleased to see that 100 new jobs are being advertised at the HMRC?s new Unity Square headquarters. The City Council?s ambition to transform this part of the city has prompted major investment and this is one of the new developments that?s helping to reshape the area.

These new customer services and administration roles show that Nottingham is a city which can provide excellent and long-term job opportunities, and that the economic recovery of the city after the pandemic is progressing well. Throughout the pandemic, the City Council has prioritised support for residents of all ages, whether they are looking for training and advice to start or change their careers, to find work to support them and their families or to realise their career ambitions.

For more information, please visit the Nottingham Jobs website here