I am really pleased to hear that 10,000 Nottingham children have now benefited from free books through the book-gifting charity - Dolly Parton?s Imagination Library.

I?ve been involved with the initiative since 2011 and giving the gift of reading to Nottingham children is so important, especially as not all Nottingham children have access to a range of books in their home. Babies in the areas of the city that currently qualify are registered at their six week check by health visitors and then receive a monthly book through the post until their fifth birthday.

The Imagination Library was introduced in the city in 2009, and is proven to improve children?s literacy levels, by providing age-appropriate books to each child every month from birth, allowing them to build up a library of 60 books over five years. This helps better prepare children to start school, and helps them achieve more in their journey through education and beyond.

The charity is reliant on the generosity of donations, however recently and with regret, due to a lack of funds through donations, the scheme has had to stop enrolling new children in some areas of the city. Therefore, now more than ever, in order to continue to provide free books and enrol new children onto the scheme, we really need the support of people?s donations. Just ?2 can help pay for a child to get a new book, while ?125 pays for a child to get a book every month from birth until their fifth birthday. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. So,?if you can give a donation or if want to find out more about?the Imagination Library, visit:?www.dollybooksnottingham.org

Residents in Nottinghamshire can benefit from a 15% discount for adult and group day tickets on Nottingham City Transport (NCT) buses thanks to Notts Green Rewards.

The Green Rewards app helps residents to support the city?s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2028 as it provides lots of ideas to take action on climate change by reducing waste, shopping sustainably, encouraging local biodiversity and more. You can earn points for taking actions and, each month, there are ?20 vouchers for the top performers ? and now the chance to win a monthly NCT bus pass worth ?60.

You can sign up for free at notts.greenrewards.co.uk or download the Green Rewards app on iOS and Android by searching for ?Notts Green Rewards? in the device?s app store to access a code that will let you travel at the discounted price.

The NottAlone website is a one-stop shop for local children and young people to get mental health advice and support. Launched in September 2021, it was developed by young people, parents, carers and professionals from Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, NHS trusts and other local partners.

I am delighted that NottAlone has won a national Local Government Chronicle award recognising the real difference and positive impact this has had on the lives of local young people.

NottAlone enables young people and families to get all the information, help and support they need on a range of mental health issues including anxiety, bullying, eating problems, bereavement, low mood and self-esteem. I?d encourage young people, families and professionals working with young people to visit www.nottalone.org.uk ?and to help spread the word.

Great British Railways will be the new single, accountable public body responsible for running Britain?s railways. The competition set up by the Government aims to identify a place with a rich railway heritage, strong links to the national network and significant public support.

We may be historic rivals in sports and other areas, but Nottingham is 100% behind Derby in their bid to become the home of Great British Railways. A win for our region is a win for us too, with more jobs, investment and opportunities for Nottingham people. Vote for Derby now ? https://orlo.uk/8yHb7

It?s great to see this much-loved annual event back in the city. To make up for a three year break, this year?s festival will take place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, attendees can enjoy five stages of music that span all genres; from fast-rising stars to world-class performers and musical icons. Performers this year include Richard Ashcroft, Supergrass, the Human League and Anne-marie.

Alongside the music, you can expect comedy, a funfair, a silent disco, independent market stalls, an array of gourmet food and drink, a dedicated kids? area, and fringe activities. Plus Nottingham's own Vicky McClure will be bringing the Dementia Choir to the Splendour Festival main stage ahead of her brand new BBC One series which explores how music can help people living with the condition.

Nottingham City residents can enjoy a resident discount across all ticket types. Enter your Council Tax reference number and postcode when booking. Find out more here https://www.splendourfestival.com/