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Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli shares his true feelings for Gary Lineker

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Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has told how he took a shine to Gary Lineker while training him to dance for an advert.

The flamboyant Italian poured out his heart during an interview with Piers Morgan, declaring "I did fancy him" when questioned about working with the former Leicester City striker.

The two were talking on Life Stories, shown on ITV last night.

Dancer Bruno also claimed he touched Gary's bottom when the pair worked together on a Walkers Crisps ad, featuring the soundtrack to It's Raining Men, in 2010.

During last night's interview, presenter Piers said: "Gary told us that he thought you fancied him."

"I did fancy him," replied the 57-year-old choreographer. "I touched his bum immediately, but that's an Italian thing.

"There's nothing dirty about it, there's just a feeling of feeling somebody close to you."

Piers asked Bruno whether he thought Gary felt the same. "I don't think so," said the Strictly celeb.

Bruno taught the Foxes legend some fancy footwork for the advert, which saw Gary, 52, perform various moves – but admitted he was not the most graceful dancer.

"Basically, he bangs against the wall very well and I made him do a big back bend," he said.

"He could do certain moves but not the really big long moves you need to be a trained dancer."

The pair also shared a television studio when Match of the Day and Strictly were both filmed at the BBC studios in London.

However, in 2011, Gary and the long-running football show were relocated to Salford.

Gary's spokesman John Holmes said last night's banter was all just a bit of fun.

"Ha ha... yeah, we've heard all that before," he said. "Apparently, Bruno was devastated when Match of the Day was moved to Manchester!"

Former Mirror editor Piers, 47, also tweeted Gary about the show, asking him: "Want me to play Cupid?"

The pair have had a tumultuous Twitter relationship, regularly barracking each other on the social networking site, with the ex-England forward referring to Piers as "Tubs", and the journalist recently hitting back with a joke about the size of Gary's ears.

Gary is not the first local celeb Bruno has had a crush on.

McFly drummer and 2011 Strictly winner Harry Judd also received praise from the judge after a sizzling performance with his dance partner, Aliona Vilani.

Bruno bestowed a generous 10 and his comments – "you've never been stronger, you've never been more attractive" – made former Uppingham School pupil Harry blush.

Strictly judge  Bruno Tonioli shares his true feelings for  Gary Lineker


Pregnant rape victim sees rapist jailed for 20 years

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A pregnant woman who was twice raped and almost strangled to death was in court to see her attacker jailed for 20 years.

The 32-year-old victim spoke yesterday of being "petrified" throughout the remaining months of pregnancy that her unborn baby could be brain damaged.

Because she twice lost consciousness during the sex attack, it was thought the infant might have been starved of oxygen.

However, she gave birth to a healthy baby a few months ago – before giving evidence against Arturas Ardavicius (26) in a recent Leicester Crown Court trial.

He was convicted by a jury of attempted murder and two rapes, in the early hours of July 7.

The victim, a prostitute, would have died if two milkmen had not chanced upon the scene as she was being throttled on a remote dirt track in Richard III Road, near Kirby and West's depot, in Leicester.

After the hearing, she said: "I'm relieved it's all over and glad about the sentence.

"He's scum. At least he won't be able to harm other women.

"I will never forgive him. I feel hatred towards him and what he put me through, knowing I was pregnant.

"He could have killed me and the baby. I still have flashbacks and nightmares. I was convinced I was going to die.

"I was petrified until I gave birth that the baby could be harmed.

"Until after all the tests were done, I was really scared.

"The two milkmen saved my life and I'm so grateful. I don't work the streets any more – I can't leave the house unaccompanied.

"Ardavicius robbed me of my confidence and independence, but at least seeing him locked up gives me closure.

"I can start rebuilding my life."

During the trial the court heard Ardavicius picked up the victim in Highfields.

He drove her to the dirt track and turned violent during consensual sex in the car.

Mary Prior, prosecuting, said he twice throttled her until she blacked out whilst raping her. When the victim fled, he got her on the ground and was strangling her again when Kirby and West milkmen Mick Swinn and Peter Welsh arrived for work.

Ardavicius, a Lithuanian, of Bonchurch Street, off Fosse Road North, Leicester, still maintains his innocence.

The court heard that in 2005 he was jailed for four years in his homeland, for stabbing two men.

Edward Barr, mitigating, said: "He came to the UK with his girlfriend, with the best possible intentions, to find work.

"Until this matter, his life in Leicester was blameless."

Judge Simon Hammond commended both milkmen and Leicestershire Police Signal Team, specialising in rape, led by Det Const Nikki McLatchie.

He described the attack as "excruciatingly painful" and said: "Prostitutes deserve to be protected, like all women, from violent men.

"The victim behaved with courage and dignity when she gave evidence.

"The defendant is assessed as being a high risk of causing serious harm to the public."

The victim also said afterwards: "The police have been fantastically supportive. I was worried I wouldn't be believed because I was a working girl."

Det Const McLatchie said after the case: "I'm pleased with the result and the sentence reflects the seriousness.

"The victim has been so brave. I hope it encourages others to report offences and know they will be treated seriously."

Pregnant rape victim sees rapist jailed for 20 years

Man torched car at ex-girlfriend's home

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A man fire-bombed a car outside his ex-girlfriend's home, wrongly thinking it belonged to her new boyfriend.

The £5,000 Peugeot 207, which was destroyed, was owned by a visiting friend.

Arsonist Daniel Dixon later returned to throw bricks through his former partner's bedroom window, showering the room with glass.

Leicester Crown Court was told 21-year-old Dixon also flouted a restraining order banning him from going to the victim's home in Queniborough.

Dixon also breached the order by contacting the woman, making two threatening phone calls to her.

He was jailed for 14 months.

Ben Gow, prosecuting, said Dixon's ex-girlfriend was at home with a male friend at 10.40pm on November 1 when they realised the friend's car was on fire.

Mr Gow said: "She had a CCTV camera which showed a hooded figure smashing a window of the Peugeot and throwing something inside, which quickly ignited."

Police were at the woman's house when she then received two calls from Dixon.

Dixon denied over the phone being responsible for burning the car, but threatened to "firebomb the house" and put the windows in.

Mr Gow said Dixon asked the woman if the car belonged to "her new boyfriend" and said "he knew where he lived".

At 4.40am the following day, the ex-girlfriend's mother looked out of her window to see Dixon on her car bonnet.

Her daughter's bedroom window was then smashed by three pieces of brick.

Dixon, of Tatlow Road, Braunstone Frith, Leicester, admitted arson, breaking the window and three breaches of a restraining order, between November 1 and 2.

Mr Gow said the restraining order, banning contact with his ex-girlfriend and going to the road where she lived, was imposed by magistrates in June, following an earlier criminal damage offence.

Stephen Coupland, mitigating, said: "These matters relate to his ex-partner and his feelings towards her and he believed her to be moving on without him.

"Alcohol played a part and stupidity an even greater part.

"He was 20 at the time, acted out of character and is remorseful.

"The complainant has written to him while he's been on remand in custody, but he wants no contact with her."

Recorder Michael Stephens imposed a second restraining order banning any contact with Dixon's ex-girlfriend.

He told the defendant: "It was undeniably a frightening incident for your ex-partner, her family and her friend. There's no excuse for what you did."

Man torched car at ex-girlfriend's home

Six Nations: England need to play it like Saracens, says Leicester Tigers' Murphy

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Geordan Murphy believes England will attempt to win the Six Nations Grand Slam while 'playing like Saracens'.

The Irishman is the only member of the current Leicester Tigers squad to have won a coveted Six Nations' clean sweep with his country.

Murphy was part of the Ireland team that won all five matches during the 2009 Six Nations.

And he will be hoping many of his club's team-mates come back from Cardiff tonight in a similar position.

England have won all four of their matches so far but scored just one try in their last three games and developed a 'cup rugby' style that Murphy likened to Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens.

The Fez Heads are renowned for their pragmatic style and are joint ninth in terms of tries scored this season – despite topping the table in points.

"England are playing cup rugby at the minute," said the 34-year-old. "It's Saracens-esque. They are kicking well and defending well and they are going to have to do that against Wales.

"That could be the thing that wins the Grand Slam for them. They will not play expansive rugby because Wales have the edge and experience on them in those areas. They will kick the corners and grind it out and win the battle up front.

"They can win it – but they didn't play a lot of rugby against Italy and that was disappointing because I thought they would put them to the sword.

"The Welsh side are underrated and they are eyeing the English scalp which a lot of other nations have done in previous years to stop an English Grand Slam.

"I am a little bit nervous for the English guys because I think Wales will be well up for it.

"I will be cheering on England because I know lots of guys in the squad.

"But I just want to see some good rugby and I want to see the side that plays the best rugby win.

"The championship is nice to have on your CV but to get your hands on a Grand Slam is great. It should be a good contest."

Six Nations: England need to play it like Saracens, says Leicester Tigers' Murphy

Richard III: All options still open for king's last resting place, says Leicester Cathedral

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All options are still open for Richard III's last resting place, Leicester Cathedral has insisted, in response to public calls for a tomb rather than a stone tablet memorial.

Acting Dean, the Rev Canon Barry Naylor, said no final decision had been made about what kind of memorial would honour the medieval king when his bones are reinterred next May.

An architect's brief released on Wednesday, lent heavily in favour of a stone slab, saying the Cathedrals Fabric Commission of England would not accept a "large table-top tomb".

It also reminded people "Richard demonstrated both the honourable and dishonourable characteristics of human beings".

However, in an online poll by the Mercury, more than 1,200 people had last night voted in favour of a tomb, compared with 80 favouring a tablet.

Mr Naylor said: "All options are still open. But the brief is now in the hands of the architects and they'll come up with a design and present it to us later this year.

"They could advise a tomb is the best way forward.

"The Cathedral Chapter (clergy, members of the congregation and people appointed by the bishop) has expressed a preference for a stone ledger – and that might be what happens – but there's no final decision yet."

Philippa Langley, who began the search for Richard III four years ago, said: "The response to the poll has been absolutely amazing.

"I'm so happy to see people share our vision for a tomb for Richard."

On Thursday, the cathedral arranged a meeting with the tomb's designers.

Mr Naylor said: "We're meeting with the society and then maybe we can get the architects involved.

"At the moment, we're meeting and having conversations with lots of people – it's a very busy time for us."

The Richard III Society has welcomed the meeting. Ms Langley said: "It's fantastic that the cathedral said we could have some input, but I never thought we'd be allowed to meet with the architects.

"We'd love that – I can't tell you how much.

"We know any designs have to be in line with certain criteria and we'd love to work with the architects to come up with something everybody is happy with."

The Richard III Society has spent more than two years on its design and has raised the £30,000 needed to build it.

Money for a stone tablet would be collected through donations from visitors and benefactors.

Richard III: All options still open for king's  last resting place, says Leicester Cathedral

We've not given up on automatic promotion – Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater

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Leicester City have not given up on automatic promotion, but are prepared to reach the Premier League the hard way, midfielder Danny Drinkwater has said.

City head to Pride Park today to face Derby in the day's late kick-off looking to close the gap on the top two. which has grown to nine points.

Drinkwater said City must return to winning ways to close that gap, but, if they can't, they will be ready for the play-offs.

"I'd love automatic promotion, but if we can't we'll do it the hard way and get promotion from the play-offs," he said.

"We do desperately need to get out of this stage where we're losing and drawing games – we need to get back to winning.

"It's going to be a tough game – it'll have been two away games on the bounce at probably two of the tougher places to go football-wise ."

City should have grabbed all three points at league leaders Cardiff City on Tuesday, but were pegged back by a late equaliser, however Drinkwater said their performance proved City should be competing for the top two spots.

"We knew we could compete with Cardiff, we should be up there ourselves," he said.

"We put up a good fight and should have come away with the three points.

"That's football isn't it? It's Championship football, it's crazy."

Drinkwater is one of three City players who have started every league game this season, the others are goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and captain Wes Morgan.

He admitted it had been a demanding campaign, both physically and mentally, but he has thoroughly enjoyed it so far.

"It's just about looking after your body and being professional," he said.

"I'm sure Kasper and Wes would tell you the same things. It's about eating and drinking the right things and having rest when you need it.

"This season has flown by, it's gone so fast. I've enjoyed every minute, I know there have been highs and lows, but I've enjoyed it."

We've not given up on automatic promotion – Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater

Injured duo set to return for Leicester City

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Leicester City have been boosted by the return from injury of their full-backs Paul Konchesky and Ritchie De Laet.

But City will be without French winger Anthony Knockaert for the live TV tea-time clash with Derby at Pride Park today (5.20).

Knockaert will be absent because of a family bereavement. No further details were released on what is considered a personal matter.

Konchesky has missed the last two games because of a hamstring problem, while De Laet sat out Tuesday's draw at Cardiff City after receiving a heavy tackle in last Saturday's home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

However, in their absence, Jeff Schlupp and Sean St Ledger performed excellently and manager Nigel Pearson admits they have given him food for thought.

"Ritchie and Paul Konchesky are both training so they will be available," he confirmed.

"So we have got players coming back, and Matty James is out on the training field again, but we will make sure it is at the right level until he is available for selection. We have a few bumps and bruises, but that's all.

"I got asked last week about defensive cover but I never had any qualms about whether the players we have in the squad can go and do a good job.

"We defended very well as a team at Cardiff, but, unfortunately, conceded a late goal which put a different reflection on the game. We played well and we were unlucky not to have won the game."

Pearson is expecting a fierce encounter today between two sides who have struggled for victories lately.

City have won just one of their last eight league games, but that is one victory more than the Rams have achieved in the same period.

"We have not won enough games of late and we have to ensure that between now and the end of the season we win enough games to apply pressure on the teams above us," said Pearson. "That is really the bottom line for us.

"It will be a fierce encounter. They are playing well and at a good tempo. They are a much-improved side.

"We go into the game with a strong squad and players I am sure they will be concerned about. It will be an interesting contest.

"Derbies are always important games for the fans and certainly the players have an understanding of the importance. It will add a little bit of added spice to the fixture.

"But it is our next opportunity to win the game and we have to make sure our performance is spot on."

Injured duo set to return for Leicester City

Stereophonics at De Montfort Hall, Leicester

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They're a band with five number one albums under their belts, who sell out arenas and have performed all over the world - and they chose to kick-off a series of intimate warm-up gigs here in Leicester. Some 2,000 fans welcomed Welsh rockers Stereophonics to De Montfort Hall last night, for the first of 10 small shows which come before a big arena tour later in the year. The band blasted their way through hits from their back-catalogue of eight albums, including favourites such as A Thousand Trees, Mr Writer, Traffic and Just Looking and new songs including Indian Summer - which they filmed the video for right here in Leicester, fact fans - from their current release, Graffiti On The Train. Among the crowd were two Mercury competition winners, who got to watch the gig after meeting the band at their soundcheck before the show. Sarah Clarke, of Wigston, said it was "surreal" to meet the band, who she has followed since the '90s. "I thought the show was just brilliant," she said. "I really like their new album and I played it to death beforehand. "I'd wanted to go but couldn't get tickets as it was sold out, so winning the competition was a nice surprise. "There was only four of us watching them as they did their soundcheck. I got a bit gobsmacked, meeting them. We shook hands with them and had our photos taken and they were really nice. They shouted over to us, from the soundcheck, that it was a Friday night and we should go and get plastered. "Watching them for that was like our own mini concert, and we were there for a good hour. It was really interesting seeing them checking everything and going through everything. And then we got to see the proper show afterwards, it was brilliant." While frontman Kelly Jones and co gave it all on stage, the crowd was perhaps not quite as energetic as it could have been. Still, everyone was singing along and favourites Local Boy In The Photograph, Bartender And The Thief and the rousing Dakota, which closed the show, did get people moving. It's just a shame they missed out More Life In A Tramp's Vest. We like that one.

Stereophonics at De Montfort Hall, Leicester


Flat fire in Leicester caused by unattended pan

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A fire caused by a pan left unattended on a stove left the kitchen of a flat severely damaged yesterday. The fire broke out at a flat in Newarke Close, Leicester, shortly after 4.40pm. No-one was injured in the incident, which was attended by crews from Leicester's central station. They said the fire caused severe damage to the kitchen.

Flat fire in Leicester caused by unattended pan

Fire at disused factory in Whetstone, Leicestershire

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Firefighters were called out to tackle a blaze at a disused factory yesterday. The incident happened at a building on the Whittle Industrial Estate, in Cambridge Road, Whetstone, at about 6.20pm. A spokesman for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been started deliberately. No-one was hurt in the blaze, which caused slight damage to the building.

Fire at disused factory in Whetstone, Leicestershire

New cinema opens in Melton

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Dozens of film fans made the trip to see Skyfall and Lincoln at the opening of a new town cinema. The Regal, in Melton, opened to the public again yesterday following a £180,000 refurbishment. The cinema closed in June last year after the death of owner John Merryweather, and there were fears it would never reopen. However, cinema-goers are now celebrating its relaunch. Jacob Mundin, who has taken over the cinema with his family, said the opening day was a great success. "It went really well," he said. "We were half full, which was great considering it was raining and it was also Comic Relief. "We had about 58 people for Lincoln and 38 for Skyfall, with more shows over the weekend as well. "People were stopping on the ay out to say thank you and say how nice the cinema is, which was great. "It's been a very good start, probably better than we expected. The way things are looking, it seems like it's going to be a great success."

New cinema opens in Melton

INTERVIEW: Leicester burlesque dancer Eliza Delite

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My weekends start on a Thursday evening, when I start getting ready for my shows. I set my hair the old-fashioned way, so I put my rollers in. I'll do some light pampering, make sure my skin is clear and I'm happy with my appearance. I make sure all my costumes are ready and can fit into the enormous suitcase that comes with me everywhere I go. I won the "best female" title at the World Burlesque Games in London last May and since then I've had a lot more bookings and been going all over the country. I was working two day jobs but have managed to cut that down to just one now. Most Fridays and Saturdays you'll find me on a train somewhere on my way to a show. Burlesque is earning me a living now. Recently, I got to go to Milan. A burlesque agency in Italy, Voodoo Deluxe, one of the biggest European agencies, flew me out and put me in a hotel. It did feel a little bit like getting the star treatment, which was really cool. At the same time, though, that comes with it the responsibility everything is absolutely perfect. I think that's generally how it's been for me, since winning the games – I feel like I've got to keep myself on top form. So, I've taken up ballet again and I'm going to swing dance classes more often than I did before. And I'm making sure my costumes are as high-quality as I can make them. When you're flying, you have to be even more prepared. One thing you really have to be careful with – and I think this is something all burlesque performers notice – is your luggage allowance. There's not much room for your day-to-day clothes when you have a suitcase full of costumes and make-up. Sometimes, I'll have shows just one night of the weekend, but sometimes it'll be Friday and Saturday. Sunday is pretty much the only day I get to do nothing, unless I've got a long way to travel. I love it, though, I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't, because it is tiring. I just love being on stage. I've been doing burlesque since 2008, but for the first couple of years I was juggling it with a degree. Now I do it as much as I can and it's been really full-on in the past few months. It can be difficult, with the shows being at weekends. My partner lectures in Liverpool during the week. When he gets back for the weekend, I'm leaving to go to shows. But we both really enjoy what we do and it's not been harmful at all. I get the occasional weekend off and I do relish that these days. It's nice to have a day off, although, to be honest, I find it really hard to switch off, so if I'm not performing I'll often be working on my costumes or a new routine. Eliza Delite organises ElectroTease every two months at The Basement in Leicester. The next one is April 5. www.elizadelite.co.uk

INTERVIEW: Leicester burlesque dancer Eliza Delite

INTERVIEW: Cruise ship nurse Jo Needham on life at sea

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Intensive care nurse Jo Needham wanted to travel the world, but didn't fancy doing it as a skint backpacker. The solution? Nursing on a cruise ship. On the phone from somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, she tells Gemma Peplow how she's getting on. Ship nurse Jo Needham isn't quite sure what day it is. They all tend to blur into another at sea, she says. Different countries every few days means different time zones and it can all get a little disorientating. Not that she's complaining. Jo is speaking to More from her cabin aboard the Royal Caribbean Celebrity Century cruise ship, the place she has called home since September. In the past five months, she has touched the Hubbard Glacier, partied in San Diego, jet-skied in Mexico, soaked up the sun under the palm trees in Hawaii and travelled along the Panama Canal. That's to name just a few of the many, many amazing places that are now filling her passport with colourful stamps. It all happened quite suddenly for Jo, getting the job as a ship nurse. It was something she had been mulling over for a while before she finally decided to go for it and sent off her CV. The company was on the phone the next day. Could she come to London for an interview? Tomorrow? She did. The call came back a day later. She was in. "I wanted to travel and see the world and I knew I wouldn't be able to afford to do that without working as I did it," says Jo, 29. "My mum went on a cruise last year and spoke to the nurses on board and they'd said it was a really good job, earning money and seeing the world. "I sent my CV to Royal Caribbean and then it literally all happened in the space of four days. I couldn't believe it, it all fell into place so easily. "I was excited and nervous, but it didn't really seem real at that point, because that was in the January and I didn't start until September." On September 9, Jo left her home in Leicester's West End and flew to Miami from Heathrow, for a week's training. She had finished work in the intensive care unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary a few weeks earlier. "I didn't really know what to expect so I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to cope with the work, because I knew it would be different," she says. "It was very difficult saying goodbye to everyone and I cried at the airport and a little bit on the plane and then again when I got to Miami." After Miami, Jo flew to Alaska, where her contract began. There, she stepped on to the ship, joining 1,800 guests and 900 crew. She is one of three nurses and two doctors on board. The first few months were tough. She missed home and called family and friends at every opportunity. She wasn't sure if she was good enough, that she knew everything she needed to know. But slowly, things got easier. Friends were made and she got into the swing of the job. Now, the time is flying by. "The first couple of months were really hard," she says. "Everything was so new and challenging. I was having to do things I'd never done before – you're not just a nurse, you're a radiographer, counsellor, a medical secretary, everything." The general rule for working hours is two days on, one day off. "If the hospital is quiet and there aren't many guests then it's nice and you get a lot of time to yourself," says Jo. "Sometimes it's really busy, though, and you can work for 24 hours. But, as a rule, you get every third day off. "If your days off fall on port days you can get off for the whole day, like a guest. You can see as much as you want to see. Sometimes, in places such as Hawaii, we'd be there overnight, and if you're not working then you can get off and stay in a hotel. But if you are working, you obviously have to stay on the ship, which is a shame if you really want to see anything. "With the Hawaii cruises, we're at sea for several days, so your days off can fall when you're at sea. Obviously, you can't leave the ship. You use those days to sort things out, sunbathe and relax." The ship's voyage started in Alaska, taking in cruises there before working its way past Canada and the west coast of America. Then, there were several trips to Hawaii and back before travelling around Central America and journeys back and forth through the Panama Canal to Miami, Florida. "Alaska is the most beautiful place ever," says Jo. "All of it was just so, so beautiful, the most beautiful place I have ever seen. "We saw the Hubbard Glacier and got so close we could touch it. After that, we went to British Columbia, Vancouver and Seattle. San Francisco, Santa Catalina Island, San Diego and Hawaii. In Central America, we went to Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and did the Panama Canal. "San Francisco was brilliant. We had an overnight stay there and a few of us ended up randomly flagging a limo down and we hired it for three hours. "Lahaina, in Maui, is just beautiful, and Cartagena in Columbia is absolutely gorgeous. Cabo San Lucas, in Mexico, is really vibrant and lively, with lots going on. We can hire jet skis there and have a look round." The list is endless, enough to almost put Michael Palin to shame. "It's been an amazing experience," she says. "I've met people from so many different cultures. There are lots of Latin American people on the ship, so I've learnt a lot of Latin American Spanish. There are people from Serbia and Croatia, France, Spain, a few from Canada. It's really opened my eyes to different things. "And, of course, it's great that I don't have to do my washing, cooking or pay rent – I'm able to save pretty much everything I earn." It's not all play, though. The work can be tough. "I do actually miss intensive care sometimes, the security of being in a hospital and having everything you need around you. "Here, if we have an emergency on board and we're in the middle of the ocean, it's a lot of pressure. We can ventilate, but we can't perform surgery. "If someone came in with life-threatening appendicitis, for example, and needed immediate surgery, we couldn't do it on board. "We had to disembark a girl who had appendicitis the other day. We were supposed to be going to Puerto Vallarta, in Mexico, but had to stop at Acapulco to get her off. If that had happened in the middle of a journey to Hawaii, when you're at sea for several days, that would have been quite difficult. "The air ambulance can only travel 30 minutes from the shore. So, if we're in the middle of the ocean and something happens, we just have to keep the patient as stable as possible until we get to land. "They really try not to use the air ambulance because that puts lives at risk. It can't land on the ship, so they have to throw down a basket. You can really only airlift quite stable patients. It's not happened since I've been here. "There are lots of challenges. We had a cardiac arrest the other morning and that was strange, not being in a hospital environment. We see all sorts – dislocated hips, pneumonia. "A little girl was bitten by a monkey off the ship the other day. She disembarked and got rabies treatment. Thankfully, we haven't had an outbreak of gastroenteritis or norovirus or anything like that." It's not bad, being paid to see the world. Jo is now enjoying it so much she has decided to sign up for another six-month contract, although she'll return home to Leicester to catch up with friends and family for a few months in between. "I miss home, of course, my friends and all my family. The thing is with ship life, you start making friends but then people leave, but you get used to it. "It takes some getting used to, but now I'm settled. Everyone's so friendly. It's not like in England, where no-one talks to anyone. You chat to everyone and everyone's really welcoming. And everyone's interesting because we're all from different backgrounds. "Things I miss? Well, fish and chips, definitely. And, surprisingly, I've found I do miss the cold and snow. I'm actually a bit jealous I wasn't at home for the snow. It was weird, having Christmas in the warm. It didn't feel like Christmas at all. "And, oh God, yeah, I miss Cadbury's chocolate. And Galaxy. Most chocolate, to be honest. I love chocolate. That's what I'll be eating as soon as I get home."

INTERVIEW: Cruise ship nurse Jo Needham on life at sea

Derby vs Leicester: Rams halt barren run against Foxes

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First-half headers from captain Richard Keogh and on-loan striker Chris Martin saw Derby end their Leicester hoodoo with a 2-1 victory at Pride Park.

After five successive npower Championship defeats against the Foxes, Nigel Clough's side broke the sequence with a vital three points to move them clear of the relegation zone.

Substitute Jeff Schlupp pulled a goal back for the visitors just after the hour mark but Leicester could not rescue anything from the game as their winless league run reached five matches.

Frank Fielding returned in goal for Derby in one of four changes made by Rams boss Clough.

Fielding replaced Adam Legzdins to make his first appearance since losing his place through injury at the start of October.

With Gareth Roberts out with a knock sustained in training this week, on-loan Watford midfielder Craig Forsyth filled in at left-back.

Leading scorer Jamie Ward, midfielder Craig Bryson and right-back Kieron Freeman all returned from injury as Ben Davies and Valentin Gjokaj dropped to the bench.

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson made one change to his side, recalling fit-again left-back Paul Konchesky in place of striker Schlupp.

Andy King headed over the crossbar as the Foxes attacked early on but it was Derby who took the lead after 16 minutes.

Leicester captain Wes Morgan conceded a free-kick wide on the left and Keogh glanced home Ward's delivery from six yards out.

A mistake by Jeff Hendrick midway through the first half almost led to an equalising goal.

The midfielder lost possession to opposite number Richie Wellens on the edge of his own box but Lloyd Dyer scuffed his volley after being picked out at the far post by David Nugent, who was denied by Fielding shortly afterwards when he let fly from long range.

Derby felt they should have had a penalty in the 40th minute when Wellens tripped Freeman just inside the area down the right-hand side.

The Rams finished the first half on top and almost extended their lead when Ward escaped down the left before setting up Martin, but the man on loan from Norwich saw his shot saved by Kasper Schmeichel.

Martin would not have to wait long for a goal, however, as he headed home Forsyth's left-wing cross a minute before the half-time whistle.

Schlupp, who in Konchesky's absence had been filling in as a makeshift left-back, was introduced at the start of the second half with Wellens making way.

And the 20-year-old, who recently spent a month on trial at Manchester United, got Leicester back into the game after 62 minutes with an arrowing left-footed strike across Fielding after being teed up by Nugent's lay-off.

The German-born Ghana international continued to make a nuisance of himself and almost returned the favour for Nugent in the 70th minute, but this time Fielding made the save.

At the other end, substitute Davies worried Schmeichel with a 25-yard shot but his effort was always rising and narrowly cleared the crossbar. Martin's deflected strike then looped kindly into the hands of the Dane.

Leicester pushed for an equaliser but never really tested Fielding as Derby held on for a first Championship victory in nine outings to climb into the top half of the table.

Leicester had been pushed down to sixth with Nottingham Forest's win at Hull earlier in the day and Pearson's team remain in the final play-off spot.

Garage destroyed in blaze in Anstey, Leicestershire

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A garage was destroyed in a blaze caused by an electrical fault. Firefighters from the city's western station attended the fire, which broke out in Bradgate Road, Anstey, at about 5.10pm last night. Initially one engine was sent to the scene, but was followed by a second following several calls from people in the area. Firefighters tackled the flames for about two hours. No-one was hurt or had to be rescued, a spokeswoman for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service said. She said the garage was a single-story, 5m by 5m building, which was not attached to a house. It suffered 95 per cent damage in the blaze, which started accidentally. The spokeswoman said crews went out to reinspect the area on Sunday morning to make sure it was safe. Nine-year-old James Underwood, who lives nearby, sent in this picture of the scene to the Mercury. He said: "The day was acting very normal but in the afternoon there was a petrifying surprise. I was watching TV when there was a big boom! The garage on the other side of the road was on fire! "By 5.34pm there was barely anything left."

Garage destroyed in blaze in Anstey, Leicestershire


Warning to drivers following flooding in Leicestershire

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Firefighters have warned people not to drive through flood water after being called out to help several trapped motorists this morning. Tom Augusztinyi, of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said they had received about six calls from people who had tried to drive through flooded roads. The calls were to areas notorious for flooding in heavy rain spells, including Slash Lane, in Mountsorrel, and Syston Road, in Cossington. Mr Augusztinyi said: "Following the rain over night on Saturday, it was like Groundhog Day this morning. We were getting the same calls to the same places. "People still keep driving through flood waters and getting stuck, despite closures and diversions being in place. People think they can get through, and it's dangerous. "It's wasting our resources. If we go, we have to go with our technical rescue team in addition to the usual fire engines, because of the safety implications. "It's stating the obvious, but if there are road closures in place, don't drive through."

Warning to drivers following flooding in Leicestershire

Welsh rockers Stereophonics delight De Montfort Hall crowd

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They are a band with five number one albums, who sell out arenas and have performed all over the world – and they chose to kick-off a series of intimate warm-up gigs in Leicester.

About 2,000 fans welcomed Welsh rockers Stereophonics to De Montfort Hall on Friday night, for the first of 10 small shows which come before a big arena tour later in the year.

The band blasted their way through hits from their back catalogue of eight albums, including favourites such as A Thousand Trees, Mr Writer, Traffic and Just Looking, along with new songs including Indian Summer – which they filmed the video for in Leicester – from their current release, Graffiti On The Train.

Among the crowd were two Leicester Mercury competition winners, who got to watch the gig after meeting the band at their sound-check before the show.

Helen Prentice, of Broughton Astley, took her partner Phil Garner to meet the band.

She said: "The sound-check was amazing, it was like being a fly on the wall and seeing into their world.

"They were laughing and joking together and it was excellent to see them like that.

"We have to say they sang for the sound-check exactly like they did later at the gig, it was full of passion. It was the best gig we have been to in years and being at a smaller venue really made it for us.

"It was a fantastic afternoon and a gig I won't forget. It truly was an experience money can't buy.

"The concert was a mix of old and new, and the very last song that closed the night was Dakota. It ended on such a high, everyone was on their feet singing along.

"You forget how good they are until you get a chance to see them live."

Sarah Clarke, of Wigston, who also won tickets in our competition, said it was "surreal" to meet the band, who she has followed since the 90s.

"I thought the show was brilliant," she said.

"I really like their new album and I played it to death beforehand. I'd wanted to go but couldn't get tickets as it was sold-out, so winning the competition was a nice surprise.

"There were only four of us watching them as they did their sound-check.

"I was a bit gobsmacked when we met them. We shook hands and had our photos taken and they were really nice.

"They shouted over to us from the sound-check that it was a Friday night and we should go and get plastered.

"Watching them for that was like our own mini concert, and we were there for a good hour.

"It was really interesting seeing them checking everything and going through it all. Then we got to see the proper show afterwards, it was brilliant."

• You can buy photos from the De Montfort Hall gig here..• See more photos from the De Montfort Hall gig here.

Welsh rockers Stereophonics delight De Montfort Hall crowd

Robbers threatened to stab son in raid at Leicester house

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A father has described how an intruder threatened to stab his son while two accomplices searched the house for jewellery.

The men broke into Gurdev Singh Grewal's home in the Uppingham Road area of Leicester moments after the 49-year-old had popped out to the shops.

He believes the intruders thought the house, in Wintersdale Road, was empty, but Mr Grewal's son Gagandeep was inside.

One of the men held the terrified 22-year-old and threatening him with a pair of scissors, while the other two searched the house.

Mr Grewal said: "I think they must have been watching the house and thought it was empty when they saw me drive off to the shops.

"But my son was upstairs and they found him inside.

"One of them held on to him and threatened him with the scissors while the other two searched the house.

"They kept saying to him 'where is the jewellery? and they made a real mess of the house while they were looking around.

"I'd only been gone a few minutes when they broke in, but I came back home from the shops because I'd forgotten my wallet.

"I noticed the front door was damaged where they had forced it open.

"I knew something was wrong so I walked inside and these men came running down the stairs and straight out of the house.

"One of them, I think he was holding a screwdriver, said 'there's a fire upstairs' as he left.

"I found my son and he told me what had happened and I called the police. He told me these men had broken in and came running up the stairs.

"I looked around and the house was a mess. They found a few pieces of jewellery, some new rings and bangles, and took them.

"I have lived here for 37 years and I have never experienced anything like this.

"It has terrified us as a family. We are struggling to sleep at night.

"We just hope these men are caught soon. We could tell they have done this kind of thing before and they will do it again."

Police have appealed for help tracing the three men, who targeted the house shortly before 1pm on Wednesday, March 6.

Detective Constable Yassin Desai said: "I believe there may be someone out there who saw the group either before or after the incident and they could have information which will help inquiries.

"You may think the information is too small or insignificant, but it could really help."

The three intruders were white.

The first is aged 23 to 25, 5ft 8in and of medium build. He was wearing a black baseball cap, a black zip-up jacket and black trousers.

The second is about 17, 5ft 6in and chubby.

He was wearing a light grey hooded top with the hood up, light blue jeans and black trainers.

The third man is about 5ft 8in and of medium build.

Contact Det Con Desai on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Robbers threatened to stab son in raid at Leicester house

Groby Community College rated 'good' in all areas by Ofsted

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A college is celebrating a "good" Ofsted report for the first time.

Groby Community College was inspected last month. Staff have been told the school, which became an academy in September, is good in all areas.

In its previous inspection in December 2009, the school was judged satisfactory.

Robert Coles, who has led the college since September 2011, said: "I'm thrilled.

"The students did themselves proud during the two days inspectors came in. They saw their good behaviour, courtesy and helpfulness.

"Every student deserves to be able to attend a good school on their doorstep and that's what we have here.

"This is down to a team effort and it's fantastic to be able to take the school forward."

Inspectors said students made good progress across a wide range of subjects, particularly English.

The proportion of students gaining five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths, was well above average.

Last summer, 62 per cent achieved the benchmark grades, compared to 54 per cent the year before.

In addition, inspectors said teaching was good or outstanding and pupils were enthusiastic about their lessons.

Mr Coles was praised for having an "uncompromising ambition" and teachers were also highlighted for using a wide range of techniques to check students' understanding of their work.

In particular, inspectors said students in the sixth form made good progress and received good guidance.

Mr Coles said: "We have spent a lot of time focusing on how we deliver lessons so we're encouraging students in independent learning as much as possible.

"We're also rigorously checking their progress and encouraging them at every stage so not only do we have high expectations of them, they have high expectations of themselves.

"Teachers are well supported in professional development.

"I was particularly pleased with the praise we received for the sixth form and the attitude of students.

"They are fantastic role models for our youngster students and that shone through."

Year 10 student Darren Carpenter, said: "The teachers are friendly and helpful."

Dan Plumridge, in year 13, said: "Something I've always enjoyed about studying here is the atmosphere. Everyone's so welcoming. Help is always close at hand."

To improve further, staff were told to increase levels of outstanding teaching.

Groby Community College rated   'good' in all areas by Ofsted

Leicester's hospitals could lose out on cash after missing cancer treatments target

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Hospitals could lose out on a further £620,000 for not starting enough cancer treatments on patients quickly enough.

A payment of almost £620,000 has already been held back for missing the target in June, while a further £620,000 could be withheld for missing it again in December.

Doctors who run Leicester City clinical commissioning group (CCG), who take on responsibility for buying city health services from April 1 and who are responsible for monitoring the contract with Leicester's hospitals, have described the situation as "unacceptable".

Simon Freeman, managing director of the CCG, said: "It is down to administration of this group of patients. There is enough capacity."

Department of Health rules state that 85 per cent of cancer patients should begin their treatment within 62 days of referral by their GP.

A report to the board showed in December, 84.3 per cent of patients started cancer treatment at Leicester's hospitals.

In June, the figure was 77 per cent.

Dr Azhar Farooqi, chairman of the CCG, described the situation as "unacceptable".

He said: "The contract penalty is the only way to get Leicester's hospitals to change.

"We have to make sure they are getting to grips with this."

Managers at the CCG are working with Leicester's hospitals to agree an action plan to address the issue and if performance improves the cash will be released.

Andrew Furlong, divisional director for planned care at Leicester's hospitals said an average of 130 patients a month were treated within the 62-day target – the equivalent of about 84 per cent.

This means if one or two more patients were treated the 85 per cent target would be met.

Mr Furlong said: "Treating patients with cancer or suspected cancer quickly is something we take very seriously, because we know how important it is for patients to receive early diagnosis and treatment.

"Some of these patients need to have complex investigations which can mean that their treatment goes beyond 62 days and some choose to wait for their treatment.

"But it can also be down to how well we manage our processes.

"We are doing everything possible to improve them.

"We continue to do all we can to avoid cancelling planned tests and procedures and we know we need to make sure we are more accessible, so have introduced an evening telephone service to contact patients.

"This will help patients attend their initial appointment within two weeks and is already making a difference.

"We know that any delay is distressing for our patients and we are doing everything to ensure that we meet the expected standards in cancer care."

Leicester's hospitals could lose out on cash after missing cancer treatments target

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