A GANG of Barnsley thieves who masterminded an operation to steal thousands of pounds worth of DIY goods from stores across the north have been jailed.

Peter Nathaniel Wild, Ian Parkin and Michael Kitching carried out their thefts at branches of B&Q over a period of several months.

Almost £15,000 of electrical goods and DIY equipment were taken.

Leeds Crown Court heard that the trio would start by selecting a store, getting a trolley and filling it with items.

They would then wheel them into the store's garden section - located outside the main building - and hide the equipment among the goods there, but near the security fence.

After leaving the store, they would return at night, cut a hole in the fence and make off with expensive items.

Their time was up when the men were caught by police in July when they were found driving around Barnsley in a car containing balaclavas, bolt croppers and bags of B&Q goods.

Wild, 39, of Brockfield Close, Worsbrough, Parkin, 33, of Bank End Avenue, Worsbrough, and Kitching, 42, of Hilltop, Brierley, admitted conspiracy to steal.

Wild also asked for five other offences of theft to be taken into consideration.

Jailing each for two years, Judge Tom Bayliss QC said: "This was well-organised, group gang activity."

EARLY morning commuters were greeted by four horses roaming around Barnsley Interchange's entrance on Monday.

Police were called before 6am about the animals running loose on Harborough Hill Road.

Dave Whitehead arrived in town by train more than an hour later to see them outside the building.

He said: "It was very bizarre. Police were already there and they were trying to usher them into the Regent Street arcade."

A police spokesman said officers managed to contain the horses. The owner was contacted and collected them.

A MAN who went on a thieving spree when his heroin habit got out of control has been jailed for 12 months.

Dean Day, 25, stole seven times in almost as many days because of his heroin abuse, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Jack Danaher, defending, said Day's dishonesty had been motivated by his drug taking.

He said: "His heroin habit went out of control. He committed these thefts over six or seven days.

"The only way he can get out of this pattern of offending is stopping taking heroin.

"He's been co-operating with prison staff while he has been on remand.

"He's quite realistic about what's coming to him because of his criminal record."

Chantel Lowery-Green, prosecuting, said the thefts happened between the end of November and the start of December.

Day, of no fixed address, admitted seven thefts, breaching the terms of a suspended jail sentence and asked for another theft to be taken into consideration.

THE police have renewed their appeal for information on a man who has been missing for four years.

For the last two years, a team of detectives have been working hard to locate Thomas Groome.

Earlier this year, they arrested and bailed three men and two women on suspicion of his murder.

Mr Groome, an Irish national who was 54 years old when he went missing, was last seen on New Year's Day 2010 after spending the Christmas period in Barnsley.

He left his son’s house in Thorne, Doncaster, after seeing in the new year on the morning of January 1, 2010.

His family understood he was travelling to Portugal with intentions to live there and set up a small business.

However, his family grew increasingly concerned when they were unable to contact him over the next few months and reported him missing to police in South Yorkshire and in Portugal.

Detective Inspector Jade Brice said: "South Yorkshire Police has been investigating Thomas Groome’s disappearance with assistance and support from authorities in Portugal and the Republic of Ireland.

"We have made extensive enquiries in Dublin, Lagos and within South Yorkshire with a view to establishing whether or not he left the country in January 2010 and to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his last known movements.

"We have also carried out detailed forensic work here and abroad to help shed light on what may have happened to Thomas.

"However, we still need help from the public on potential sightings of him on or since New Year's Day 2010 and in particular of the car that we know Thomas owned and drove."

Mr Groome had a 'distinctive' black, left-hand drive, Wolfsburg edition Volkswagen Golf, which was 'sporty looking' with alloy wheels, darkened windows and a big exhaust. The vehicle had foreign registration plates.

Mr Groome is described as 5ft 8ins tall and of a slim build, with receding greying hair and a strong southern Irish accent.

He was last seen wearing a yellow t-shirt, blue and white chequered shirt and a light-coloured, knitted cardigan.

If you have seen Mr Groome or his car contact South Yorkshire Police urgently on 101, quoting incident number 107 of March 13, 2013.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

THE Reds fought back to earn a deserved draw against Birmingham yesterday.

Their search for a first victory since the reappointment of Danny Wilson as manager continues.

Nikola Zigic put the hosts ahead with a simple tap in early in the first half.

But the visitors created a number of opportunities with Stephen Dawson and Peter Ramage going close before Jacob Mellis struck with a free-kick.

Despite a hard-earned point, Barnsley remain five points from safety.

Wilson has now drawn two and lost two matches since he was appointed manager on December 17, although the draw at Birmingham did prevent a third successive defeat.

Home defeats against Bolton and Derby County ensured the festive period hasn't been a merry one for the Oakwell side.

Chances came Barnsley's way as they pushed forward and a clearance from Zigic prevented Ramage from heading home from a corner, as well as David Perkins and Mellis going close.

The equaliser eventually came in the 61st minute when Mellis curled in the free-kick to earn a point for a team who have now won just one of their past 12 Championship matches.

"Obviously I'm encouraged by this performance," said Reds boss Danny Wilson.

"We haven't gained many points away from home and to get a result that not many people expected is a fine performance.

"After going behind to an early goal people might have expected the floodgates to open but we turned it around.

"There was nothing between the two teams but there are plenty of points to play for and if we can repeat the kind of performance we showed against Birmingham we will close the gap between the teams above us."

POLICE are waiting for the results of toxicology tests following the death of a 29-year-old in the accident and emergency department of Barnsley Hospital.

Chantelle Birks, of Burton Road, Monk Bretton, was found at her home on Tuesday, December 17 and died later on in the day.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned, pending the test results.

MORE of the town's anglers have been made happy after a £1,000 delivery to help restocking levels in a canal. 

The Royston Canal Club took delivery of fish earlier in December. 

John Clare from the club said it had been made possible with a £500 grant from Monckton Coke and Chemical Company.

"This is the second season the coking plant has given a grant to help the restocking levels in the canal," he added.

"Tench, crucian carp and barbel were introduced into both sides of the canal.

"Last year's similar stocking showed up really well in this summer's catches and the club is looking forward to another successful season."

Permits for next season will be available from January 1.

A MUM-OF-THREE with 15 convictions of theft has been spared from jail after stealing perfume.

Lilija Jezdovska, 35, was arrested after being seen acting suspiciously, said George Hazel-Owram, prosecuting at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

She stole perfume gift sets from Boots worth £72.

Jezdovska, of Sherwood Street, Barnsley, is undergoing drug rehabilitation and had kept all but one of her 26 appointments, said David Lockhart, defending.

Mr Lockhart urged the court to view the theft as a 'blip' and said the mum-of-three, who came to the UK from Latvia seven years ago, should not be locked up.

Jezdovska, who admitted theft, was ordered to undergo a further six months of drug rehabilitation, to pay £85 in costs and a victim surcharge of £80.

A BARNSLEY school is bucking the trend and is placed among some of the highest achieving schools in the country.

Hope House School, on Blucher Street, says it's performing well at both primary and secondary levels and is bucking the trend both locally and nationally with its results.

It follows this story. Ofsted claimed that more than three-quarters of school pupils are in schools rated 'inadequate' and 'requiring improvement' in the town.

However, for the past nine years Hope House School has averaged a 90 per cent A* to C pass rate at GCSE level, including maths and English, compared with 51 per cent nationally and a lowly 37 per cent locally.

The independent school, formerly Barnsley Christian School, teaches children aged from four to 16 and is financially supported by Hope House Church, although it costs £400 a month for pupils to attend.

Paul Bedford, chairman of the governors, said the school's high results had been achieved through a 'unique approach to education'.

He said: "Barnsley has real potential and Hope House believes this should be celebrated."

After the recent damning report from Ofsted about the town's schools, Mr Bedford said: "It's grossly unfair to the education system in Barnsley.

"Keep telling kids and staff they're not up to standards and they'll start to believe it."

A LITTLE girl in Barnsley has gathered enough presents to rival Santa’s sack and has donated them to sick children who will be spending Christmas in hospital.

Five-year-old Grace Atkinson wanted to make sure children in Sheffield Children’s Hospital had plenty of gifts to unwrap after her younger sister, Lily, ended up in hospital over the festive season.

Lily, three, underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy at the hospital to treat a primary tumour in her chest and ten tumours that had spread through her body and to her skull.

The girls' dad, Jonathan, 43, said: "Even though that was a couple of years ago now, Grace brought it up the other day and asked if all the children in the hospital would be home for Christmas.

"We assured her that their mums and dads would be there with them, but she was concerned and came up with an idea to put a smile on their faces."After telling her local Rainbows group about what she wanted to do, presents began flooding in. Mum Angela, 42, also told her colleagues about it and the pile continued to grow.

Grace, of Blacker Hill, Barnsley, donated the presents to the Parents’ Association of Children with Tumours and Leukaemia, which works closely with the children's hospital.

A POORLY little girl was chosen to turn on the Christmas lights at cancer hospital Weston Park.

Darcy Burke, six, from Beech Court, Darfield, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in March and was chosen to turn on the hospital’s Christmas lights display in recognition of her bravery while undergoing extensive radiotherapy treatment.

She featured in the poignant video about Weston Park Hospital's lights which was shown to sports stars and members of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce's festive lunch.

The video was shown to personalities such as Barnsley FC player Bobby Hassell, former coach John Breckin, and British Superbikes rider Kingsley Ruddy, from Hoyland.

It took place at the Holiday Inn to back the charity's Christmas Star Appeal, which encourages people to donate a gift.

Bobby said: "The hospital does a fantastic job helping cancer patients in our region and as a patron of the charity I hope that I can help raise more money and awareness of their vital work."

Proceeds from ticket sales, a raffle and auction totalling £2,200 were donated to the appeal.

It's hoped the initiative will raise more than £15,000 for the charity.

Catherine Rhone, of Weston Park, said the money raised would help fund 'world-class cancer research and treatments' which would give more families the chance of spending more Christmases together.

A CONCERNED crime group leader says parking congestion outside a care home and primary school is going to result in a death.

Jeanette Edwards, chairman of Penistone west crime and safety, says emergency vehicles are being prevented from accessing Buckingham Care Home, off Green Lane, due to parents blocking the entrance with their cars as they collect children from the adjacent St John's Primary School in afternoons.

Mrs Edwards says two ambulances have been blocked getting in and out of the care home in the last couple of weeks.

"It's beyond a joke now, people are too complacent," she said. "Somebody is going to die."

Mandy Bennett, regional manager for Crown Care which runs the home, said there had been a number of occasions where ambulances had been unable to access the building.

"We can't put people at risk by allowing people to park there," she said. "We've put polite notices on windscreens and on occasions we've been out and spoken to people.

"We're really at a loss at what we can do."

St John's headteacher Antoinette Drinkhill said she was concerned about the situation before the home opened last year and the school would welcome any ideas to resolve the situation, although it's constrained by finances.

"We try to manage it the best we can," she added. "The bulk of our parents and visitors to the home are considerate."

AN orphan who was facing an uncertain future after the death of both parents within six weeks is set for a happy Christmas after being taken in by his aunt and uncle.

Lewis Clough, 12, was devastated after his dad was killed in a road accident, just weeks after his mum died from cancer.

But now he's settling into a happy new life with his loving family and looking forward to a happier Christmas period than he ever dared imagine.

He's starting a new school and has asked for his thanks to be passed on to the hundreds of local people who were so moved by the double tragedy that struck his young life that they organised collections in his name.

Lewis is living with his aunt and uncle - Jayne and Terry Jackson - at their home in Elsecar. Jayne is his mum's sister and her house is one where he has stayed regularly and where, he says, he feels at home.

Jayne and Terry say they too want to thank all the people who have sent gift vouchers and presents to Lewis.

"Times are hard and money is tight and yet so many people have thought of Lewis and given to collections in his name," said Terry, 53.

"Lewis has already spent some of the vouchers and is playing with the games he was given and all three of us want people who gave to these collections to know how much we appreciate all their kindness and good wishes.

"It just shows that no matter how bad things get, there's always some kindness that can help make you feel better and the people of Barnsley really have been so very kind."

The couple's own grown up son Jamie has moved out of the family's two-bedroom house to make room for Lewis.

"We all knew how important it was to provide Lewis with love and stability," said Jayne, 49.

"We wanted to ensure he could grow up surrounded by his family and with special memories of his mum and dad.

"Just a few days ago I asked him how he was and he said he likes living here - that made me so happy."

Lewis's parents had separated two years ago.

His mum Manda Kay, from Lundwood, died from cancer aged 52 in September. Six weeks later his dad, 44-year-old Ian Clough, of Hoyle Mill, was killed as he drove to work on the night shift at Premdor in Darton.

So many people were upset at the thought of a 12-year-old losing both parents in such a short time that collections were launched in shops and businesses in Lundwood and Hoyle Mill and at Premdor where Ian had worked.

A PETITION with 13,000 signatures against the proposed demolition of Barnsley Central Library was handed over to the leader of the council on Monday.

Campaigners believe it's the largest petition ever collected in the town.

The proposal is for the Shambles Street library and adjacent shops and offices to be demolished to make for a new sixth form centre for Barnsley College.

The library would be temporarily relocated to Wellington House until a new one is built in the town centre.

However, campaigner Dave Gibson is concerned the proposed demolition is a foregone conclusion, despite the petition.

He said: "One of things everybody has felt is it's a done deal.

"As I handed over the petition I was wondering to myself if they will listen or carry on with what appears to be a pre-determined plan."

The handover comes after approval last week for the library to move into Wellington House, should it be demolished, and redundancy consultation letters being sent to a number of cleaners at the library.

The cleaning staff received notices due to Wellington House being smaller and already having its own cleaners, meaning all those from the library would not be required.

The campaigners said this was evidence a decision had 'already been made' and the ongoing consultation process on the library's future was 'being ignored'.

However, a council spokesman said letters had been sent out only to make sure contractual notice periods were stuck to if the move went ahead.

He said the redundancy process could easily be halted if it didn't.

LONG-SERVING teacher Sue Carr has worked her last Christmas at the school where she has served for 36 years.

Sue, 59, from Cherry Hills, Darton, has spent the vast majority of her life working at Wombwell's Park Street Primary School.

In her long association with the school, Sue has worked as a nursery teacher and also in the deaf department.

"It's been like a second home to me," admitted Sue, who has only ever worked in one other school.

"A lot of the children I've taught have brought their children here and others didn't want me to leave because they wanted me to teach their kids.

"My place has always been in the nursery because it's very demanding but also very rewarding."

Sue has picked up two awards through her work at the school.

She was awarded the Ted Wragg Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 and also received an award from Barnsley Council in 2006.

"I'll probably now take up some of the hobbies that I dropped because of the stress of doing the job and see some old friends too," added Sue.

"I've got two grandchildren too and I'm looking forward to spending time with them."

DIAMOND couple Roy and Brenda Cusworth will be spending their 60th Christmas together at the seaside!

The couple married at Hoyland Low Church on December 19, 1953, and spent their honeymoon in Blackpool over the festive period.

To mark six decades together the couple will spend this year's Christmas by the sea in Torquay.

"We met at George's Hall in Barnsley when we were dancing. I saw her from across the room and asked her to dance and the rest is history," said Roy.

"Our honeymoon was cold and windy but we didn't mind."

The couple, both 81, have lived in Hemingfield for most of their married life but now live on Storey's Gate in Wombwell and have two children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Roy, who went to Wombwell High before a career as a miner in Elsecar, and Brenda who went to Kirk Balk and worked at a factory in Chapeltown, both agree that any arguments they've had have soon been resolved.

Brenda said: "I have a wonderful husband. The little arguments we've had, we've always been able to make up.

"There's never been anything serious."

Roy added: "We've always managed to kiss and make up quickly."

TWO South Yorkshire army regiments have donated £500 to Barnsley Hospice!

The 13th/18th Royal Hussars QMO (Queen Mary's Own) and the Light Dragoons, named the 'Lily Whites North' as a fundraising group, raised the money at their 'Laugh with the Lads Number Two' event.

Neil Dyson, a member of the group, said: "We were happy to have made a difference and we're spurred on to raise even more next year.

"It was wonderful to give something back to the hospice."

BIG crowds are expected at Oakwell as Danny Wilson returns to the home dugout for the first time in 15 years on Boxing Day.

The club has reported that sales were going well for the December 26 game with Bolton, but an even larger crowd is expected for the game against Derby County three days later.

The Rams - who have been revitalised under ex-England boss Steve McLaren - have already sold over 4,000 tickets and have requested a further allocation.

POLICE are appealing for information after a 47-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured after being hit by a bus.

At around 6.30pm on December 23, the 47-year-old man was in collision with the double decker near to the junction of Burleigh Street on the A61 Sheffield Road.

The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 862 of December 23, 2013.

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 21-YEAR-OLD woman who is studying to be a teacher headbutted her victim in a pub, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Dominique Alana Fawcett sent Amber Wells reeling backwards over a chair with blood running down her nose, said John Kavanagh, prosecuting.

Miss Wells had been stood dancing when Fawcett pushed her away with force.

She headbutted Miss Wells when she was asked if there had been a need to push her.

Fawcett, of Mellor Road, Wombwell, who's studying to teach PE, admitted assault and breaching a 12-month conditional discharge.

She was given a three-month curfew, ordered to pay £100 in compensation, costs of £385 and a £60 victim surcharge.

PEOPLE who buy cigarettes for underage people should be fined up to £5,000, according to MP Dan Jarvis.

The Barnsley Central MP has called on the government to introduce tough fines, saying it was reasonable and would be the same as the penalty for supplying children with alcohol.

He added: "I've campaigned long and hard for the introduction of standardised cigarette packaging.

"I've always accepted this was only part of the solution, but in order to stop young people from smoking the government also needs to be focusing effort on preventing adults from buying them for kids.

"In Barnsley, 951 children aged 11 to 15 take up smoking each year. There are 485 adult deaths from smoking each year in the town."

What do you think to this? Have your say below.

A BARNSLEY couple, who are both 99 years old, have recently celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary!

Irvine Fieldhouse worked as a butcher's boy and met his future wife, Muriel, when she walked past his shop on Racecommon Road.

They got talking, started courting and married in 1937.

The couple, from Rowan Drive, Gawber, have a son, Roger.

They've rarely been apart until recently when Irvine fell and broke his arm and had to spend time in Barnsley Hospital.

He was transferred to Mount Vernon and is now a resident in the Orchard Views care home.

The devoted couple were reunited last weekend when Muriel also moved into the same home.

Their son, Roger, 71, said: "My mum's been unhappy spending time apart while my dad's been in hospital, so it's better that they're at the same place.

"To have made it to their 76th anniversary is certainly some achievement."

Happy anniversary, Irvine and Muriel!

A FAMILY of five have had a lucky escape after a fire broke out in the kitchen of their home.

Two fire crews from Barnsley and Cudworth stations were called at around 3:30am on Friday morning to the house on Coniston Road in Barnsley.

The end terrace property was well alight when crews arrived.

The family were already safely outside the house after being woken by their alarm.

Firefighters used hose reels to put the fire out, which is believed to have started at the fridge freezer.

Crews left the scene at 5:30am.

VIOLENCE flared up when a drunk and drug befuddled guest was found in bed with his girlfriend's sister.

Anthony Lee Newton, 25, got into bed with Whitney Collins by mistake, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

His girlfriend, Shelby Caulfield, found them and hit Newton.

Philip Howard, defending, said Newton was forced out of the house and Ms Caulfield was in the back of a taxi.

There was a further argument and Newton punched her on the nose.

Jayne Ormrod, prosecuting, said there was blood everywhere after the attack in the taxi.

District Judge John Foster accused Newton of 'thuggish behaviour' and told him to get help with his drinking.

He said: "You need to do something about your drinking now. You were on the lash and taking drugs. Your girlfriend had a reason to be angry with you but you couldn't see that."

Newton, of South Road, Dodworth, was given a 16-week jail sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered to undergo six months of alcohol treatment.

Unusually, Mr Foster asked Ms Caulfield, who was sitting at the back of the court, how much compensation she wanted Newton to pay her.

Ms Caulfield said she didn't want a penny as she had forgiven Newton.

Newton, who admitted assault, was also ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work, to pay £250 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

A PUB landlord spent a night in hospital after being attacked by a yob outside his pub.

Darren Webster, 43, of the Black Bull, Stairfoot, suffered a cut to his eye which needed stitches after the incident last Saturday night.

"There were three youths outside and I heard a bit of an argument," Darren said. "I went to watch what was going on, just to make sure there was no trouble.

"Suddenly, one of them came up and smacked me in the face."

He said the pub rarely had any trouble and hoped the incident wouldn't put people off from coming in.

The group fled before the police arrived.

OVER 160 jobs could be at risk as Barnsley Council considers more cuts for next year's budget.

A council report shows there are 162 jobs at risk of redundancy. Decisions will be made by all councillors in February.

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: "We've saved £45m already. We're looking at £18m for this year and next, followed by £17.4m and £8.6m in subsequent years.

"We will be fundamentally changing the way we operate, by delivering our priorities in a more business-like manner.

"We will become a leaner, more productive organisation."

Other areas which could see changes include a potential six per cent rise in burial fees, a 50 per cent rise in parking permit costs and the introduction of parking charges at Locke Park.

What do you think to this? Have your say below.

CHOCOLATE sprout truffles, anyone? Yes, you did read that right! 

They're the latest in crazy confectionery from Simpson's Chocolates at Elsecar Heritage Centre! 

Actually, it's not crazy at all, as the chocolate-dipped sprouts owner Andy 'Simmo' Simpson introduced a couple of Christmases ago were a taste sensation.

They even made a TV appearance and attracted queues of customers to the store, which sits alongside his other shop, Emily's Traditional Sweets, named after his 14-year-old daughter.

"It all started at a family barbecue five or six years ago when we had a chocolate fountain and I was looking for something to cover in chocolate," said Andy.

"I went to the salad graveyard that everyone has in their fridge and found sprouts."

Andy also works as a professional magician and it was definitely a magic trick when the sprouts - traditionally hated by youngsters - even proved popular with children.

"I did some talks at a school in Wakefield and the kids ate the lot," said Andy, 51, who lives in Ryhill.

He is also working on another creation - Marmite truffles. People will either love them or hate them...

A BARNSLEY couple and their 'miracle triplets' are all set for their first Christmas together!

Marie Mellor, 29, and her partner Marc Hutchinson, 30, hit national headlines after the adorable babies were conceived naturally - at the same time as they underwent IVF treatment!

Marie and Marc had been trying for a family for eight years without any joy.

As a last attempt, Marie started IVF treatment, opting to have just one fertilised embryo implanted.

After a pregnancy test came back positive, the couple eagerly awaited the scan - only to discover three healthy babies!

Stunned doctors believe Marie, who was born with spina bifida, became pregnant naturally at the same time as having IVF treatment - despite her fallopian tubes being blocked.

Olly Jack, Freya Carole and Ava Noelle should have been born on Christmas Day, but the triplets were born eight weeks early.

Marie says they're all different, with Ava being the most feisty, Freya the best behaved and Olly already being a 'typical male'!

"If you would've asked me what I wanted for Christmas I'd have said a baby - I never would have dared dream that I'd have three," Marie added.

"They're my miracle babies and it's going to be the most wonderful Christmas."

FIREFIGHTERS are to walk out on strike on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

The Fire Brigades Union has announced its members will walk out between 7pm and midnight on Christmas Eve, and between 6.30pm and 12.30am on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day.

Firefighters have been taking days of industrial action since September in response to proposed changes to pensions and their retirement age.

The FBU argues the changes threaten older firefighters with losing their jobs, working beyond their physical fitness, or having reduced pensions.

South Yorkshire's chief fire officer Jamie Courtney is urging residents to celebrate the festive season safely in light of the new firefighter strike dates.

There are fears people distracted by Christmas and New Year celebrations will forget home safety precautions, including keeping an eye on their cooking, especially after drinking more alcohol than they might usually.

Mr Courtney said: "Cooking is still the biggest cause of house fires, so with these two strike periods both falling on festive dates, all that we’re asking is that people are sensible and take extra care in the kitchen.

"Don’t leave cooking unattended and don’t attempt to cook if you're under the influence of alcohol.

"Our emergency response service will be significantly reduced during the strike period.

"If you do discover a fire don’t attempt to tackle it yourself - get out, stay out and still call 999."

Fire chiefs have recruited a team of contingency firefighters to be on hand to cover emergencies during the strikes.

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy will be in a wheelchair for weeks after being hit by a car on a Barnsley road branded 'Silverstone' by concerned locals.

Reece Leo Parkinson-Cole had to be airlifted to hospital with serious injuries to his head and a broken right leg after being hit on the notorious Racecommon Road.

On December 12 last year Neil Wilcock, 52, was struck by a driver racing at speeds of up to 50mph on the 30mph residential estate. He now needs 24-hour care.

Just several weeks ago Scott McManis was jailed for 34 months after Sheffield Crown Court heard he had been racing his father's car when he struck Mr Wilcock.

Reece, who plays football for Wombwell Junior Football Club, is now recovering. His mum, Jamie Parkinson, had been staying at her brother's house on Racecommon Road when her son was hit.

Jamie, 25, said: "Reece was playing and crossed the road to pick his water bottle up. He was coming back over when it happened.

"When I saw him laid there I thought he was gone.

"I'll never forget it. The left side of his head was a mess and his leg wasn't where it should have been.

"He'll have pins in this legs for nine to 12 months."

Jamie's birthday is on Christmas Day and she has one wish - for Reece to be back home from Sheffield Children's Hospital.

The latest incident on the infamous road has prompted locals to act. You can read about that by clicking here.

If you witnessed Reece's accident, you're urged to call the police on 101 quoting incident number 624 of December 14.

THE Reds came away with a hard-fought point at Yorkshire rivals Leeds in Danny Wilson's first game back in charge.

Wilson made an encouraging start to his second spell in charge of the Tykes, who restricted high-flying Leeds to a goalless draw in the derby watched by over 31,000 at Elland Road.

Barnsley, who have lost eight of their previous 10 away matches, almost took the lead when Marcus Tudgay managed to hold off a weak challenge from Leeds defender Marius Zaliukas before shooting wide.

After Tudgay's 84th-minute red card for his two-footed tackle on Zaliukas, the away side held on resolutely for a deserved point.

"It was a very good performance," said Danny Wilson. "For large parts of the first half we played really well after our keeper had made a good save.

"We made some chances and if one of them had gone in it would have given us an even bigger incentive.

"We had to defend in great numbers, which is to be expected when you come to Leeds.

"Brian McDermott has put a good team together and there is no doubt in my mind that they will be right up there come the end of the season."

Next up for the Reds is a home game against Bolton on Boxing Day.

FOUR people have been taken to hospital after being injured in an explosion at a house in Goldthorpe.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue say they were hurt when an LPG cylinder exploded in the back garden of the house in Elizabeth Street just before 2pm.

A 50-metre cordon has been placed around the scene while firefighters make sure the area is safe.

TRADERS in the Arcade in Barnsley were so upset when they realised there was no Santa's grotto they decided to make their own!

They set about collecting gifts and donations and even persuaded letting agents responsible for the area to allow them to use an empty unit.

That grotto opens in the former Toni&Guy hair salon in the Arcade on Saturday. It'll be open from 10am-3pm, on Sunday from 11am-2pm and on Monday from 10am-3pm.

Rachel Needham, from Getchageekon in the Arcade, said: "A customer complained that there was no grotto for the kids so several of us shopkeepers got together.

"We thought it was miserable if there was nowhere for the kids to go so we did something about it."

The entrance fee for the grotto is £2.50 and profits will go to Barnsley Hospital's children's ward.

A DEMENTIA support centre entirely funded by voluntary donations has been opened in Barnsley.

More than £36,000 was raised over an eight-month period by Barnsley Independent Alzheimer's and Dementia Support (BIADS) to fund the centre.

The charity, founded in 2009, offers support and activities for people with dementia and their carers.

The centre, at Joseph Exley House on Dean Street, was opened by Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton.

The charity launched its Buy a Brick for BIADS appeal in March enabling it to acquire the lease and refurbish the building.

Linda Pattison, chief officer at BIADS, said: "Our dream of opening our own dementia support centre has come true.

"Everyone connected with BIADS is extremely proud of the progress we have made in such a short time."

ADDITIONAL staff have been drafted in to help Barnsley Hospital deal with winter pressures over the coming months.

Two emergency consultants, six health care assistants and four administrative staff will help ease the pressure on doctors and nurses with another four nursing staff and two doctors to help with 'care for the elderly'.

It's part of the hospital's plan to improve patient flow and reduce waiting times.

John Cartwright, interim urgent care lead, said: "We've been planning for winter since the end of last winter, it's going to be busy.

"It's not that we see more patients, it's that the patients we see are more ill.

"We do see an increased number of frail and elderly people coming in with respiratory problems.

"All emergency departments get a high number of patients who could be treated more appropriately elsewhere.

"No one is turned away but it's about trying to make sure the patient is in the right place at the right time."

A resuscitation unit is already open and is being used to treat the most ill patients within the accident and emergency department.

An area with chairs has also been set up within the Acute Medical Unit where patients who may not necessarily need admitting to hospital can be treated, monitored and discharged.

A 'clinical decision' unit is also set to open in the coming months, where patients are pulled from the accident and emergency department and can stay in the unit for up to 12 hours before being admitted or discharged.

Signs are also being put up asking patients if they really need accident and emergency treatment and to encourage patients to visit their GP and pharmacies before attending.

John added: "All these things are about reducing waiting times for patients and I think these things will work.

"The biggest thing is the development of the clinical decision unit within the emergency department and the expansion of the resuscitation unit from three to five beds.

"The chaired area is working quite nicely, there are up to 20-25 discharges a day and few admissions have been avoided, so it's been effective already."

The hospital has been monitored regularly after failing to meet the national target for waiting times of 95 per cent of patients dealt with in four hours.

However, John said it was on track to meet the target for the last three months at the end of December.

MOBILE speed cameras will operate on the following roads from Monday.

A61 Park Road, Barnsley

A628 Barnsley Road, Penistone

A628 Barnsley Road, Silkstone

A628 Cundy Cross to Shafton Two Gates

A629 three-kilometre stretch, Wortley

A633 Rotherham Road, Athersley South

A633 Rotherham Road, Monk Bretton

B6096 two-kilometre stretch, Wombwell to Snape Hill B6411 Houghton Road, Thurnscoe

Brierley Road, Grimethorpe

Pogmoor Road, Barnsley

A6022 Rowms Lane, Swinton

A633 Sandygate, Wath-upon-Dearne

Melton Green, West Melton.