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Ding Junhui into World Snooker quarter final

Sheffield-based Ding Junhui, the most successful Asian player in world snooker, spoke to Sheffield Live! on handling the pressure of top flight snooker. Ding is world number six, last year’s beaten finalist and set to face Ronnie O’Sullivan in the quarter finals of the World Snooker Championship 2017 at The Crucible. He has been an inspiration to the new generation of Chinese snooker players and has been training at the World Snooker Academy since moving to Sheffield in 2006. Ding spoke to Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed about setting up home in Sheffield, which football team he secretly supports and how he copes with life in the spotlight.

New police chief pledges more bobbies on the beat

Newly appointed assistant chief constable for South Yorkshire Police, David Hartley, plans to cut gang crime and strengthen neighbourhood policing. In an interview with Sheffield Live! Hartley outlined a new strategy for neighbourhoods, with more officers on the beat, better use of technology and restructuring of the force. Simon Thake reports.

Student leaders urge young people to register to vote by 22 May deadline

The National Union of Students has launched a major drive to get students and young people registered to vote in the General Election. NUS executive councillor and former Hallam Union officer Hassun El-Zafar, speaking to Sheffield Live!, said the upcoming general election is hugely significant for young people. With young people more politically engaged than for a long time, El-Zafar urged them to register to vote before the deadline of 22 May. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Bird and bat boxes installed in Kelham Island

Sixteen bird and bat boxes have been installed at sites in Kelham Island to encourage wildlife to inhabit the area. The initiative is part of the Council’s Streets Ahead programme and has been developed in partnership with River Stewardship Company and Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

£25 million plan approved for new secondary school

Sheffield councillors have approved a plan to build a £25 million secondary school in the south-west of the city despite objections from local residents. Members of the planning committee voted in favour of the council’s own planning application for land off Carterknowle Road granting permission for the proposed Mercia School. The proposal received more than 80 objections from residents concerned by an increase in traffic and worries that the old landfill site is unsafe for development. The new school will be run by Mercia Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust that was founded by Sheffield’s King Ecgbert School. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Judd Trump reflects on snooker and Sheffield

Bookies favourite Judd Trump faced a surprise challenge from world number 54 Rory McLeod in the World Snooker Championship 2017. In an interview with Sheffield Live! on the eve of the tournament, Trump reflected on being the poster boy for the next generation, nights out in Sheffield, and the challenges of a big tournament. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Election campaigning begins as MPs back snap poll

Theresa May’s plan for a general election was confirmed today after MPs voted by more than the two-thirds majority required for an early poll. The House of Commons voted by a margin of 522 votes to 13 with Labour and the Lib Dems supporting the move. Sheffield Live! reporter spoke to Dr Andy Price, head of politics at Sheffield Hallam University.

Sheffield children’s charity launch picnic fundraiser

Treetop House run by The Sick Children’s Trust have launched the Big Chocolate Tea annual fundraiser to support families of sick children. The fundraising picnic invites people to get together over a cuppa and cake and to contribute £30 to support a family for one night in ‘Home from Home’ accommodation while their child undergoes treatment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Higgins in philosophical mood at The Crucible

Four time World Snooker winner John Higgins tells Sheffield Live! how his priorities have changed over twenty years of top flight snooker. Higgins, known as the Wizard of Wishaw, remains one of the top sixteen players in the world as he competes at the World Snooker Championships 2017. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Ducks to the water at Endcliffe Park

Two and half thousand rubber ducks plunged down the river at Endcliffe Park for the annual charity Duck Race. The event, organised by the Friends of Porter Valley charity sees the ducks raise down the river, through the park and onto the playground. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake put on his wellies and headed up stream.