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Medics awarded for their bravery

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Ambulance workers who rushed to the rescue at the scene of a stabbing have been recognised for their bravery.

Paramedic Dan Sneath, 29, and emergency medical technician Tony Barber, 44, discovered one person with multiple stab wounds and another armed with a knife when they arrived at a property following a call-out.

Arriving before police, they bravely made the decision to enter the building.

The pair, who are both from Melton, managed to persuade the attacker to put down the weapon, but were sadly unable to save the victim.

In recognition of their actions, they were presented with the East Midlands Ambulance Service (Emas) Willetts Award, for bravery "above and beyond the call of duty", earlier this week.

They were among several ambulance workers to be recognised at the ceremony.

Emas chairman Jon Towler, who hosted the evening, said: "It was a fantastic opportunity to take the time to thank our dedicated staff and volunteers for a job well done.

"I am proud of the 122 people and teams nominated for awards and know they represent the commitment and professionalism of Emas as a whole.

"The amazing stories we heard are a reminder of the difference colleagues and all volunteers – medical first responders, co-responders, doctors and community first responders – make to patients' lives."

Also among the winners was Emas events manager Clifford Ward, of Hinckley. The 64-year-old was described as a someone who "fully immerses himself in all things Emas, providing operational cover when normal resources are under pressure and being someone colleagues can turn to for help whatever the problem".

Rachel Makins, 33, and John Rushin, 63, both from Melton, received a teamwork award for "going above and beyond" the call of duty.

Ms Makins said: "We were overwhelmed. I am really proud to have won an award for something I so enjoy."

Paramedic Michael Jones, of Oakham, who is also a locality manager for the ambulance service, received an award in recognition of his work helping to improve performance.

A total of 45 long-service awards were also presented to staff who have been with Emas for 20 years or more.

The honours were presented by Emas chief executive Phil Milligan and Nottinghamshire's Lord Lieutenant Colonel, Tim Richmond. Former EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney also attended.

Medics  awarded for their bravery


Great family gathering for Enid, 100

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More than 20 family members celebrated the 100th birthday of a Leicester great-grandma.

Enid Hunt was joined in the celebration of her special day by sons Terry, 63, and Peter, 60, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren at Meadows Court care home, in Old Church Street, Aylestone, Leicester, on Sunday.

Mrs Hunt, who was born in Tamworth, moved with her mother, two sisters and three brothers to Swaffham, in Norfolk, after their father, a Coldstream Guardsman, was killed in the First World War.

She eventually moved to Leicester where, during the Second World War, she delivered bread for Frears and Blacks, before going on to work in the hosiery trade.

Mrs Hunt and late husband Alf, who died in 1977, at the age of 67, lived in Eyres Monsell, in the city, from the early 1950s.

Son Terry, of Eyres Monsell, aid: "She's the last one of the Herbert line still alive. Her sister died last February two or three days before her 101st birthday.

"She had a card from the Queen and Iain Duncan Smith from the Department of Work and Pensions. When I showed her the card from the Queen she said, 'who's that?', and when I told her, she loved it.

"My dad was a bird breeder and they used to go to various shows. Her family always came first and the home put on a nice party for her."

Back in saddle – after 30 years

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A man who nearly died in a cycling accident as a teenager is getting back in the saddle for the first time more than 30 years later, to raise funds for good causes.

Martin Cartwright, who is mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, ended up in a coma and on a life support machine after a collision with a car when he was 15.

Today, he will get back on a bike again for the first time since the accident, which happened in November 1981, as he was cycling in Blaby.

Councillor Cartwright, who lives in Groby, said: "Amazingly, I can still remember the accident.

"It was partly my fault. I swerved to avoid a jogger and was struck by the vehicle – and even more seriously for me, I wasn't wearing a crash helmet.

"I spent three days in a coma – on a life support machine. I broke my right leg in three places and still bear the scars."

Coun Cartwright, 46, will cycle 110 miles to the Leicester Children's Holiday Home, in Mablethorpe, with the aim of arriving by night-time tomorrow.

With a target of raising £20,000 for eight charities during his year in office, he is hoping the ride will help add to the fund-raising pot.

"This is the big one as far as I am concerned," he said.

Although his hectic year of civic duties and charitable events, which ends on May 14, has left him little time to train for the ride, Coun Cartwright is determined to give it his all.

He is raising money and awareness for The British Heart Foundation, Leicester Royal Infirmary Neonatal Care, Macmillan, People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Cats Protection, Dogs for the Disabled and the Leicester Children's Holiday Home.

The mayor will be supported by cycling companion Dr Andy Curry, Leicester Royal Infirmary's neonatal director.

And, to keep him on his toes, six Gurkhas from Gamecock Barracks, in Bramcote, will be trying to catch him.

The 30th Signal Regiment soldiers plan to set off on Sunday morning – 24 hours after the mayor – with the aim of overtaking him before he reaches Mablethorpe.

"Even leaving 24 hours later gives them plenty of time to catch me," said the mayor.

To support him, e-mail him at:

bikeride@appliancehome.co.uk

Back in saddle – after 30 years

Top legal eagles honoured at event

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The county's top lawyers were recognised at an awards ceremony last night.

More than 300 people attended Leicestershire Law Society's Legal Awards at Athena, in Leicester, where winners were announced across five categories.

Freeth Cartwright, which has an office in Colton Square, in the city centre, scooped the law firm of the year award, which was sponsored by Handelsbanken.

Sam McGinty, who works for North West Leicestershire District Council, was named junior solicitor of the year, a category sponsored by De Montfort University. The prize for legal executive of the year, sponsored by Severn Trent Searches, was won by Dawn Slow, of Affinity Law, in New Walk, Leicester.

Solicitor of the year, sponsored by the University of Leicester, was Mike Cummins of Cummins Solicitors and the barrister of the year category, sponsored by Wesleyan for Lawyers, was won by John Hallissey, at KCH Garden Square chambers.

The 153-year-old legal society has 500 members and has been running its awards since 2007.

This year's event was held in association with the Leicester Mercury with a judging panel which included Sheree Peaple at DMU Law School, David Monk from the University of Leicester and district judge Vera Stamenkovich.

Helen Johnson, Leicestershire Law Society president, said: "The society is indebted to sponsors and patrons, without whom the awards would not have taken place."

The evening raised money for Warning Zone, an educational charity.

Top legal eagles honoured at event

Dig unearths Iron Age relics

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One of the biggest collections of Iron Age metalwork ever found in the region has been uncovered by archaeologists at a Leicestershire landmark.

The ancient metal artefacts were found at an Iron Age hill fort at Burrough on the Hill, near Melton, by University of Leicester archaeologists.

The finds include spears, knives, iron brooches, reaping hooks and the decorative bronze trim from a shield.

Project director Dr Jeremy Taylor said: "It's a sizeable collection and it's giving us some useful insights. We have excavated a series of houses and storage pits and found about 100 pieces.

"Many of the finds date from between the fourth and first centuries BC."

Dr Taylor believes iron was not smelted on the site but he said there was evidence that blacksmiths at Burrough might have shaped it into the final objects.

The University of Leicester's Archaeological Services (ULAS) department was given permission by English Heritage to carry out excavations over a five-year period, for the first time in more than 40 years. No major excavation had taken place there since the 1970s.

Teams of up to 90 students and staff from the department have been carrying out summer digs there since 2010.

John Thomas, project co-director, said: "It is a substantial amount of metalwork recovered from excavations during the past three years.

"Last year, we discovered a series of big pits following a geo-physical survey of the area. "We think they were used as storage pits for grain.

"We also discovered a huge amount of metalwork last year which was almost complete and still useable. It's giving us quite an insight into the status of the people who lived at Burrough Hill."

Dr Taylor said he hoped the finds would be exhibited permanently in Melton.

"We have been working closely with Melton Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council to create a permanent exhibition," he said.

A county council spokesman said: "These finds at Burrough Hill by the University of Leicester are of significant importance, offering an insight into Iron Age life.''

The team will be working at the site again in the summer and there is a chance for amateur archaeologists to join them, for a fee.

From June 24 to 28 and July 1 to 5, people will be able to join the dig team and be trained in excavation, finds, surveying and planning at a cost of £200 a head per week.

An open day at the dig site will also be held on Sunday, June 30, from 11am to 4pm.

For more information or to book a place on one of the training weeks, e-mail:

jst6@leicester.ac.uk

Dig unearths Iron Age relics

Heart surgery appeal 'a disgrace'

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Campaigners have condemned a decision by NHS bosses to pursue another legal claim over plans for children's heart surgery in England.

NHS England, which has taken on responsibility for a review of children's heart services, is seeking leave to appeal a High Court decision last month which ruled in favour of campaigners from Leeds and said consultation in the matter was flawed.

The action was brought in the wake of a decision by the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts last July to cut the number of hospitals providing surgery for children born with heart defects from 11 to seven, under a review called Safe and Sustainable.

Leicester's Glenfield Hospital, along with hospitals in Leeds, Oxford and the Royal Brompton, were earmarked for closure by the review panel.

In a statement, NHS England said: "We have been advised that there are good grounds for appeal and these points are set out in an application submitted to the Court of Appeal."

Adam Tansey, from Burbage, whose son Albert was born with half a heart, is among campaigners who have been fighting to keep children's heart surgery at Glenfield.

He said: "I am disappointed that NHS England feels this is necessary or beneficial. It is a huge waste of taxpayers' money. It appears the NHS has forgotten this is the people's service and seem intent on point-scoring at whatever expense rather than thinking about the children."

Fellow campaigner Robyn Lotto said: "We seem to have reached a point where the uncertainty is doing more harm and causing more distress than any potential benefit."

Eric Charlesworth, from the Leicester Mercury Patients' Panel, said: "The decision is a disgrace and the expenditure of going to appeal appalling."

Dr Aidan Bolger, a consultant in congenital heart disease at Glenfield Hospital, said: "Our priority is to continue supporting patients and their families through this uncertainty."

The findings of the Safe and Sustainable panel are being scrutinised by an independent panel, whose findings are due on April 30.

Dr Bolder said: "It seemed to understand the clinical concerns we raised with them about the process."

Leicester Mercury teams up with Curve for Hot Stuff tickets offer

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The Leicester Mercury is teaming up with Curve to offer our readers a great deal on tickets for hit show Hot Stuff.

The poplar jukebox musical returns to the Rutland Street theatre tonight, with actor Ceri Dupree starring as energetic Lucy Fur.

We are offering readers the chance to get two tickets for the price of one for the May Day bank holiday show – and ticket holders will also get access to an exclusive after-show party.

Simply use the coupon in today's paper to claim your 2-for-1 tickets for the 7.30pm performance on Monday, May 6, at either of the Curve box offices. They are located at the theatre, in Rutland Street, and in the upper mall of the Highcross shopping centre.

The after-show party will be a chance for readers to meet Ceri and the other stars of the hilarious and outrageous show, while enjoying a drink and some nibbles.

Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth said: "We are delighted to once again be working with Curve to give readers 2-for-1 tickets and invitations to an exclusive party.

"Hot Stuff is a Leicester favourite and it is great to see it back in the city. We are sure it will be a storming success and we wish Ceri and everybody involved all the best."

Hot Stuff debuted at the Haymarket Theatre in 1992 and returned to Leicester in 2010, at Curve.

The show, featuring '70s and '80s disco favourites, was devised by Maggie Norris and Paul Kerryson.

The Stage magazine praised the 2010 show, describing it as "a high-octane reworking of the Faust legend bristling with the best and worst songs of the '70s and '80s".

Mercury sales promotion manager Tess Rushin said: "We've got 200 seats at the May 6 show to give to Mercury readers on a first-come-first-served basis. They just need to take the voucher to the box office. We know how much people in Leicester love Hot Stuff and we thought it would be great to offer our readers 2-for-1 tickets and put on a party for them to enjoy the night out even more."

Leicester Mercury teams up with  Curve for Hot Stuff tickets offer

Bomb squad called to street in Sileby, Leicestershire

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Homes were evacuated and bomb disposal experts called in after a device was found in a village.

Police were called to Peashill Close, in Sileby, at 3.30pm yesterday and half-an-hour later began going door-to-door ordering residents to leave their homes immediately.

An Army bomb squad arrived to deal with the device but at the time of going to press there was no information about what it was.

People living in Peashill Close were not being told much about what was happening.

Steven Wakefield, 63, said: "It was a bit after 4pm, the police came round and said there had been a device found and we'd to evacuate immediately. Some people living near the top of the street were let back later so it's probably nothing huge."

Dave Lawrence, 66, said: "The police won't tell us anything."

Richard Edwards, 71, said: "There was an airfield near here during the Second World War so it's possible they've found an unexploded bomb. Police only come to this area to do traffic speed checks."

Andy Paling, a Charnwood borough councillor for Sileby, who lives nearby, said: "I've tried to get the police to tell me what's going on but they won't.

"There are a lot of residents who are very elderly and having to stay with family."

The road remained closed for more than five hours.

A police spokeswoman said: "We have an incident in Sileby and we are dealing with it."

Bomb squad called to street  in Sileby,  Leicestershire


Family of dead woman unhappy over care at Bradgate unit

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A coroner has said he is not convinced a young mum who fell to her death from the top of a multi-storey car park had intended to kill herself.

Donald Coutts-Wood said he could not record a verdict of suicide on Dione Brennan, who walked out of mental health unit and then fell from a ledge on the eighth floor of the John Lewis car park, in Leicester, on May 24 last year.

A three-day inquest at Leicester Town Hall had heard how Dione, from Glenfield, had been talked down from the same ledge seven days earlier.

The 25-year-old, who had a history of mental health problems, agreed to stay at the Bradgate unit at Glenfield Hospital to be assessed.

Doctors said Dione told them the visit to the car park on May 17 – eight days after Dione had given birth to a son, Pele – was a "cry for help".

At the end of the inquest yesterday, Mr Coutts-Wood said: "Due to the state of Dione's mental health at that time, it is not clear whether she intended to take her own life."

The inquest had heard that Dione was a voluntary patient on "general observations" on the day she walked out of Aston ward, the mother and baby section of the Bradgate unit.

Bosses at Leicestershire Partnership Trust, which runs Glenfield Hospital, said Dione had been regularly assessed at the unit and diagnosed with a personality disorder, but no mental illness, which is why she could come and go as she pleased.

However, bosses told the inquest changes had been made in the wake of Dione's death. They include the nurse in charge being consulted if a patient wants to leave the unit.

After the hearing, Dione's family, some of whom were wearing T-shirts bearing a photograph of her, said they were unhappy with the care she received at the Bradgate unit.

Dione's mother, Sandra Lloyd, said: "We all thought she would be in a place of safety at hospital but she was allowed to walk out.

"Me and her dad are looking after Pele and he is the reason we get up in the morning. Our daughter was bright and bubbly and will be missed forever."

In a statement after the inquest, Teresa Smith, acting divisional director for adult mental health services at Leicestershire Partnership Trust, said: "Our deepest sympathies are with Dione's family at this difficult time.

"The coroner has been absolutely clear in his verdict that the care we provided was appropriate and correct."

Louise Payne, senior midwife at Leicester's Hospitals, said: "Dione's death was absolutely tragic and our deepest sympathies are with her family.

"We agree with the coroner that the care provided by our maternity service was entirely appropriate but, regardless of this fact, we continue to improve the way we communicate with Leicestershire Partnership Trust."

Family of dead woman unhappy over care at Bradgate unit

Leicester City captain Wes Morgan 'fell asleep at wheel of BMW'

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Leicester City captain Wes Morgan "dozed off" at the wheel of his BMW and crashed after having no sleep for 24 hours, a court heard.

Morgan who has gone on trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, denies driving his black BMW while unfit through drink and lack of sleep, and driving without due care and attention.

The prosecution claims the Foxes centre-half told police he dozed off at the wheel and when he woke up was "swerving on the road" and "had a collision with himself".

That night, he had drunk brandy and cokes and been to an awards function at a club, before travelling to his home in Gedling, Notts, the court was told.

The collision happened on the A46 in Bingham, Notts, on a bridge over the A52, in the early hours of May 1, the court heard.

Peter Quinn, prosecuting, said a breath test at the scene revealed Morgan was over the drink-drive limit.

Mr Quinn said: "He (Morgan) had two physical problems to contend with, namely lack of sleep, and alcohol, and the Crown say that combination rendered Mr Morgan unfit, unsuitable to drive.

"We say he shouldn't have been driving due to the lack of sleep and drink taken."

Sergeant Dan Skoraczewski told the court he thought the BMW was a write-off when he attended the scene.

"I could smell alcohol on him," he told the court.

"It was only weak. It was noticeable but it wasn't overpowering. I asked him if he'd been drinking and he told me he had some brandy and coke, and had been driving the vehicle. He appeared fine.

"He appeared normal."

Morgan (29) was originally arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

The two charges he is on trial for were brought after he was acquitted of drink-driving after legal argument last August. Morgan's lawyer, Phillip Lucas, has told District Judge Morris Cooper, who is hearing the trial, that the defence takes issue with Morgan's interview and alleged verbal comments at the scene.

He said there was no evidence of him driving while unfit through drink, that the proper procedure for interview was not followed, and that Morgan was interviewed in between a breath test and a blood test.

Breath tests and blood specimens taken are not being used as evidence, he said.

"We say, if he was demonstrably unfit he shouldn't have been interviewed without assessment for fitness for interview," said Mr Lucas.

Mr Quinn argued the roadside breath test was an admissible piece of evidence.

The trial ran out of time yesterday and was adjourned to July 8.

Leicester City captain Wes Morgan 'fell asleep at  wheel of  BMW'

Leicester council taking legal action against owners of historic building

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Council bosses are taking legal action against the owners of a historic Leicester building which was destroyed following a spate of arson attacks.

Leicester City Council is seeking to prosecute the owners of All Saints Brewery for the alleged breach of Conservation Area rules.

The authority is accusing Ingleby Ltd and its director, Roy Coley, of failing to secure the frontage of the brewery in Highcross Street – something that was required under the Conservation Area consent secured by Ingleby when it applied for permission to do some work on the site.

The brewery building had to be demolished last year following repeated arson attacks over the previous six years. Most of the All Saints site has been demolished for safety reasons, with the shell of the 19th century master brewer's house the only thing that remains.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The deterioration of the All Saints Brewery over a number of years has resulted in the loss of a significant, locally important historic complex of buildings, and irreversible harm to the All Saints Conservation Area.

"I am determined no more historic buildings will be lost in this way and would like to send a clear message to the owners of such buildings that we will take action against them if they allow this to happen."

Sir Peter drew up a conservation strategy to save the city's crumbling industrial heritage after a visit to the brewery site in Highcross Street. He said the council would use its enforcement powers and any legal action required to protect the city's historic buildings.

Mr Coley, director of Ingleby Ltd, said the company would fight the action.

He told the Mercury: "We refute the charge. I cannot comment further as the matter is in the hands of my legal people."

Ingleby Ltd wanted permission to clear the final building, but that was rejected by the city council in August following a campaign by Leicester Civic Society, the Victorian Society and Leicestershire Industrial History Society.

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said: "There are number of important buildings there and we need to ensure they are being looked after."

Jon Goodall, chairman of the Leicestershire branch of the Victorian Society, said he was pleased with Sir Peter's "strong statement of intent".

The case will come before Leicester magistrates in June.

Leicester council  taking legal action against owners of historic building

Price freeze on season tickets at Leicester City

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Leicester City have virtually frozen all adult season-ticket prices for next season.

The decision has been made regardless of whether the club is promoted to the Premier League.

The Early Bird season-ticket renewal prices have been revealed and, except for two blocks in the Kop, adult prices remain the same as for this current campaign

The free season tickets scheme for under-eights in the Family Stand has been extended to under-10s.

And the areas that boast the cheapest season tickets in King Power Stadium, the corners either side of the West Stand, have almost been doubled in size.

The tickets equate to around £15 per game in a Championship campaign.

However, there is an increase of £9 for adult tickets in SK1 and SK4 of the Kop to bring the prices in line with the central sections of the stand.

There has also been an increase of £15 for under-22s and under-18s in the prime seats in blocks B2 in the West Stand and also J2 in the East Stand.

City have also announced a compensation scheme, if they have more than five games re-arranged for television coverage after eight games were rescheduled this season.

After the fifth game, a refund value of one game will be awarded for the sixth game that is moved.

City have retained the interest-free direct debit payment system and payments can be spread over 11 months after an initial deposit of £30.

"We are aiming to both reward the fans of today and attract our fans of the future, with the overall objective of filling the stadium for every game," said Leicester City chief executive officer Susan Whelan.

"By freezing the vast majority of adult prices and lifting the threshold for free tickets in the Family Stand to under-10s, we aim to build on the passionate, inclusive family atmosphere that has served the team so well at home this season.

"We want to make match days at King Power Stadium as accessible as possible for everyone in the Leicestershire community and beyond.

"Having taken the views of supporters on board during a detailed period of consultation, we have settled on a pricing structure that helps the greatest number of fans possible.

"It is balanced to reflect our ambition to become an established Premier League club."

Early Bird renewals go on sale on Tuesday and will remain on sale until May 17. Renewal prices after that date and individual match day prices will be revealed at a later date.

Price freeze on season tickets at Leicester City

Form will go out of the window, says Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson

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Form will go out of the window when play-off rivals Leicester City and Crystal Palace lock horns at Selhurst Park today, City boss Nigel Pearson has said.

The Eagles are in danger of slipping out of the play-offs after a run of six games without a victory and five games without a goal.

City are unbeaten in their last three and are showing signs of getting back on course after a run of nine games without a win.

Tuesday's vital win over fellow play-off hopefuls Bolton pushed City back into sixth spot and there are just three points separating Nottingham Forest in eighth and Brighton in fourth.

Pearson said: "It does feel very much like a cup scenario. In terms of the games we have left they are such big games and the rewards are massive.

"It essentially becomes a three-game season and, if we can win our games, we give ourselves a crack at the play-offs. That is what we want to achieve.

"There is pressure but it is the same for everyone. We have had a really tough run and yet we are still hanging in there.

"We know we have good players and good people. It is important we back ourselves. We may have had a tough time but the pressure is on every side really.

"There aren't too many sides in this division who can afford to ease off a little. We are at the sharp end of the season and if you make mistakes they are more costly.

"We have to go out there and put in the same type of performance we have in the last three games and, hopefully, get the result as we did the other night. It is about winning."

Palace were impressive when they beat City at the King Power Stadium earlier in the season and Pearson knows they have some good players in their side.

However, he said today's game would be a different proposition. "When they came to our ground and beat us in October, they were in a good situation," he said.

"I thought they were very effective that day, but I don't think that counts for an awful lot now.

"We have got to go into this game with a positive mind-set and they will be saying the same thing.

"The rewards are there for us all. Our last three games are against sides around us and we have to try and beat them. "

Form will go out of the window, says Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson

Michael Keane is loving his time at Leicester City

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Michael Keane has admitted he would love to come back to Leicester City for another loan spell next season.

The 20-year-old has thoroughly enjoyed his spell from Manchester United and believes he is a better player for the experience.

Keane also believes he is better equipped to return to Old Trafford next season in a bid to break into Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team squad.

However, if Ferguson believes Keane, who has earned England under-21 recognition while with Nigel Pearson's men, needs more first-team experience elsewhere, Keane hopes he can return to the King Power Stadium.

"I would be up for coming back, definitely, especially if we get promoted," he said. "We will have to see what happens but I have loved my time here.

"This has surpassed my expectations. I thought I would play a few games but didn't expect to be playing every one.

"I have played every game and learned new things in every game as well.

"I have improved my physicality, and I am learning to use my strength more against strikers. In the air, as well, I think I have improved."

Keane said one of the biggest pluses is having the experience of playing in big games, like today's crucial trip to Crystal Palace.

"I need to get used to playing in these big games if I want to go back to United because they are involved in big games all the time," he said.

"We have three games against sides around us and, in a way, that could be good for us because it affects their results as well as our own."

Michael Keane is loving his time at Leicester City

Serious road accident shuts Abbey Lane in Leicester

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A motorist was airlifted to hospital after being badly hurt in an early morning crash. Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to Abbey Lane at about 6.10am today after a serious accident involving one van. The occupant of the van had to be cut free and was taken to hospital by helicopter. Doctors later said the patient's injuries were not life-threatening. The road remained closed between Blackbird Road and Beaumont Leys Lane for at least five hours after the crash.

Serious road accident shuts Abbey Lane in Leicester


Hand grenades found in Sileby home

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Homes were evacuated and bomb disposal experts were called in after three hand grenades were discovered at a home in Sileby. Residents in Peashill Close were evacuated for about seven hours. Police said they went to the property at 3.30pm yesterday to search it after they had arrested the occupant for reasons that have not been disclosed. As they searched the home they found three grenades and the Army were called in to make them safe. During the emergency several residents, some of them elderly, had to leave their homes in case of an explosion in the quiet village street. A police spokeswoman said today: "At around 3.30pm on Friday during a search of a property in Peashill Close in Sileby, what are believed to be three grenades were found. "In the interests of public safety a cordon was put up around the property and homes were evacuated. "We requested an explosives team from the Ministry of Defence to attend."

Hand grenades found in Sileby home

Shivi knocked out of Masterchef

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Masterchef contender Shivi Ramatour has failed to make it into the show's semifinals. On Friday night the 27-year-old from Leicester, went up against six others from the Masterchef heats and three of them were eliminated at the end of the contest including Shivi. During the show they had to make one plate of food for the judges to stay in the contest. Singer-songwriter Shivi severed up a "show-stopping" venison dish with a Caribbean twist. Judge John Torode said earlier in the show that he was worried about a clash of flavours in Shivi's recipe, but he also praised her style. He said: "Shivi, when she delivers, she delivers extraordinary food." Speaking after being knocked out, Shivi said: "I'm really proud of myself because I made it this far and it's just the start of something else for me."

Shivi knocked out of Masterchef

St George's Festival a big hit in the sunshine

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The sunshine brought out crowds of thousands to celebrate the St George's Festival today. Morris dancers, stilt walkers and youngsters dressed as knights and princesses were among the sights in the city's Cultural Quarter. There were also performances by young dancers, a chance to learn circus skills and plenty of live musical entertainment at the area's pubs. CBeebies favourite Mike the Knight also made an appearance. Claire Smith, 31, of Braunstone Town, was there with her two children, aged four and one. She said: "We came down here for Mike the Knight because my children both love him. "We've had a really nice time and it's beautiful weather - a really nice day for it." Gareth Harper and Hannah Winn, who live in Braunstone Town, were also making the most of the weather. Gareth, 30, said: "It's great. We came to see the parade of knights and princesses and we've also seen the Morris dancing and I had a springbok and kangaroo burger from the market, which sounds like it might be hard to keep down!" Hannah, 26, said: "I'm looking forward to seeing Mike the Knight because I always watch it with my five-year-old son." Sisters Georgia and Ellie Bradbury, of Aylestone, Leicester, were among the performers in Orton Square, dancing with fellow members of the Studio 79 street dance group. Georgia, 13, said: "I was nervous but we've been rehearsing a lot in the last two weeks and it went alright. "I also saw the Morris dances and I liked that, too." Ellie, 10, said: "It's nice to see all the little children dressed up as knights and princesses." The annual performance by Leicester Morris Men marked the beginning of their year of 60th anniversary celebrations. Dick Allsop, of Knighton, Leicester, who danced with the group, said: "It's good to see such a large number of people and it's a lovely day. "It seems the crowd is getting bigger and the weather is getting better each year." Aylestone Morris dancing fan Susan Shirley, 51, was among the spectators who enjoyed the performance. "We're having a great time," she said. "I love the Morris dancing and it's a great tradition." Leicester city mayor Peter Soulsby was also in the crowd enjoying the show. He said: "There's a great mix of things going on and it's fantastic to see such a big crowd. "In the past there have been one or two years when the crowd hasn't been very big. Of course, the weather helps a lot." During the afternoon the nearby Phoenix Square hosted an afternoon of live music from 12 young singer-songwriters from the across the region and there were folk music sessions at the LCB Depot.

St George's Festival a big hit in the sunshine

Bath 27 Leicester 26 - Tigers lose thriller

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Bath 27 Leicester Tigers 26

Leicester Tigers' hopes of securing home advantage in the Aviva Premiership play-offs came crashing down at The Rec.

They lost a thrilling contest in sun-bathed conditions as the home side bounced back from a 20-12 first-half deficit to score a match-winning try with just six minutes left.

Tigers now need at least two points from their home game with London Irish in a fortnight to make sure they will finish in the top two, whatever third-placed Harlequins do at home to Northampton.

Man-of-the-match Francois Louw's winning score, however, was also Bath's fourth of the game which kept alive their hopes of a Heineken Cup spot next season.

The final whistle sparked scenes of wild celebrations on the Bath sidelines and in the packed stands of The Rec.

And that was no more than the hosts deserved after dominating the second half and fighting back from three deficits during the game.

The visitors led 20-19 after an action-packed first period which saw Tom Croft and Ben Youngs cross the tryline for Tigers - Youngs' score was one of the tries of the season as he ran 80 metres after a tap penalty.

But Bath scored three tries of their own through Simon Taylor, Semesa Rokoduguni and former Tigers winger Horacio Agulla to keep themselves in the game.

With Stephen Donald and Tom Heathcote's goal-kicking off the radar, Bath also left 13 points out on the field which helped Tigers extend their half-time lead to 26-19 after a pair of Toby Flood penalties.

Heathcote closed the gap and, as Bath piled forward in search of a winning score, Anthony Perenise's late break gave Louw the chance to dive over in the corner and send the home crowd into raptures.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said his side had contributed to their own downfall.

"They deserved their win and we were too inaccurate at times," he said. 

"We paid for that. We were poor in the second half and you cannot let Bath continually run at you because, at some point, you will break and they will score.

"They did that and we only have ourselves to blame."

Bath 27 Leicester 26 - Tigers lose thriller

Crystal Palace 2 Leicester 2: City drop out of play-off places

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Chris Wood's second-half strike could not prevent Leicester slipping out of the Championship play-off places. The New Zealander plundered his 20th goal of the season as the Foxes twice came from behind to grab a point at Palace. But Bolton's win over Middlesbrough saw them leapfrog City into sixth, while Palace's hold on a play-off spot also looks far from secure. The Eagles had not scored in their previous five matches and a run of seven without win leaves them just two points clear of Leicester in seventh. Their eight-hour goal drought was ended by a player who had not scored in the league for more than eight years when Danny Gabbidon put them ahead. City levelled before half-time through Andy King before Stephen Dobbie tucked away his fourth goal of the season for Palace. But Wood denied Palace a welcome win when he latched on to a defensive error to fire home in the 73rd minute. Despite their wretched run, Palace made a bright start and Kasper Schmeichel made a fine early save to prevent an own goal after Dobbie's corner flicked a Leicester head. Wilfried Zaha then teed up Aaron Wilbraham, making his first Championship start since August, but the former Norwich striker's shot was too close to Schmeichel. After those early let-offs Leicester began to press and Jeff Schlupp was denied by Julian Speroni before Wood and King fired off target. But it was Palace who went ahead in the 26th minute when Dobbie floated in a free-kick and defender Gabbidon swept in his first league goal since March 2005. Alex Marrow went close to doubling the advantage with a volley which Schmeichel managed to keep out. But instead Leicester pulled level in the 37th minute when a slick move involving Paul Konchesky and Lloyd Dyer ended with King curling in a fine equaliser. Shortly before the interval Marrow's deflected drive was tipped over the top by Schmeichel. After the break Leicester should have taken the lead when Wood knocked down Paul Konchesky's cross into the path of Schlupp but the youngster scooped his shot over. At the other end Glenn Murray's header set up Wilbraham, who got in front of his marker but nodded against the crossbar. Palace's pressure told in the 67th minute when Murray's lay-off found its way to Dobbie on the edge of the area and the former Swansea frontman tucked away a fine strike. But six minutes later a slip by Damien Delaney allowed Wood to charge through one-on-one with Speroni and he made no mistake to snatch a point.

Crystal Palace 2 Leicester 2: City drop out of play-off places

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