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Mars rover resumes mission

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After four weeks of inactivity, the nuclear-powered Mars rover is in "good health and looking forward to new science".

Since April 3, the Curiosity robot has had limited communication with Nasa scientists due to a month-long solar conjunction – when the sun passes between Mars and Earth.

During this time, data sent to and from the mission control headquarters in Pasadena, California, could have been corrupted by interference from the Sun.

So scientists decided to give Curiosity a rest.

However, the @MarsCuriosity Twitter feed has now confirmed that the one-ton rover is expecting to receive commands soon and is ready to continue its mission – searching for sign of a habitable microbial environment on the Red Planet.

The Tweet, posted on Wednesday, said: "I'm in good health and looking forward to new science."

Another read: "I'm healthy and almost ready to resume science ops. With [the] solar conjunction nearly over, my team plans to send new commands on May 1."

So far, the rover has not received any mission commands.

Dr John Bridges, from the University of Leicester, who is part of the team analysing data sent back by Curiosity, said: "We've had a low level of communications throughout [the conjunction] but it's now starting to pick up.

"It's has been a useful gap giving us time to write up our results."

Dr Bridges said the next phase of work had not been decided yet.

He said the Nasa team would first put the robot and its instruments through a series of tests to make sure the month-long vacation had not affected any of its systems.

"It will be a few sols (Martian days), next week probably, before we are back to normal science operations," said Dr Bridges.

"That's when we decide on the analyses to be made and the instruments we are going to use.

"We still have work to complete at Yellowknife Bay."

The robot is at Yellowknife Bay, a rocky outcrop located in the Gale Crater, studying powdered rock samples.

Its goal is to reach Mount Sharp, which stands 3.4 miles (5.5km) above the floor of the Gale Crater – three times higher than the Grand Canyon is deep.

The team behind the Curiosity tweets, which have been detailing the rover's mission since it landed in August, have picked up four awards for their technical achievement and creativity.

Among their new Webby Awards, announced on April 30, is the Overall Social Presence category which they won for the @MarsCuriosity Twitter feed.

Mars rover resumes mission


Leicestershire CCC's bowlers have it all to do against Gloucestershire

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Leicestershire's bowlers will need to pull out all the stops if they are to claim a first Championship win of the season today.

Day three of their clash with Gloucestershire at Grace Road ended with the visitors very much favourites to take victory in what, to date, has been a closely-fought affair.

Chasing a target of 188, the visitors reached stumps last night on 16-0 and will back themselves to knock off the remainder of the runs some time around tea today.

A lot will depend on how much County spinners Claude Henderson and Jigar Naik can extract from a fourth-day pitch which, apart from some uneven bounce, is offering little in the way of assistance to the seamers.

That was evident as Ollie Freckingham and Robbie Williams put everything into their new-ball burst at the end of yesterday's evening session but were unable to engineer the breakthrough, even if they did make life uncomfortable for openers Michael Klinger and Chris Dent.

The disappointing aspect of yesterday's play, which developed into a real battle of attrition, was that County were unable to put more runs on the board when a number of their batsmen had played themselves in.

Gloucestershire bowled tightly on a slow pitch and, for much of the time, County's batsmen showed commendable patience at the crease with plenty of time left to play in the match.

Ned Eckersley, Josh Cobb and Ramnaresh Sarwan all made their way into the forties, while Matthew Boyce also batted nicely to get to 35 only to fall to the second new ball as he became Will Gidman's fourth victim.

But none of them was able to go on and post the major score which would have seen County extend their lead some way beyond 200.

In a low-scoring game that would have put the initiative firmly in their hands.

Cobb and Sarwan produced the best partnership of the innings as they added 76 runs for the fifth wicket.

With that pair together, the balance was just starting to tip towards County who, at 145-4, had built a useful lead of 115 with six wickets in hand midway through the afternoon session.

The foundations, though, were wrecked as Leicestershire lost three wickets for the addition of only 12 more runs.

Cobb and Sarwan both succumbed to the medium pace of Benny Howell – who has been a major thorn in County's side with bat and ball – while Shiv Thakor was bowled round his legs by off-spinner Jack Taylor.

With that trio all back in the pavilion, Leicestershire were suddenly on a less-than-comfortable 157-7.

Boyce, with the support of Naik, set about rebuilding and a stand of 50 for the eighth-wicket offered some hope.

Boyce, however, was caught behind, Naik falling in similar fashion for 21.

When Williams was last out with the total on 217, Leicestershire did at least have something to defend. Whether it is sufficient remains to be seen.

Leicestershire CCC's bowlers have it all to do against Gloucestershire

Maddie's brother and sister 'have coped amazingly well'

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Kate and Gerry McCann have told of their hopes for their youngest children as they grow up in the shadow of Madeleine's disappearance.

Speaking in an interview to mark the sixth anniversary of their daughter's abduction in Portugal, the McCanns, of Rothley, said eight-year-old twins Sean and Amelie would be celebrating Madeleine's 10th birthday with them on May 12.

Kate, 45, said the twins were coping well.

She said: "They've grown up knowing Madeleine is missing.

"She is their big sister, we're trying to find her and she should be back home with us.

"Any question they have put to us we have answered and that's all we can carry on doing. Communication and information makes anybody feel more comfortable.

"At the moment, they are doing brilliantly.

"They have coped amazingly well and in many ways they are no different to any other eight-year-old children.

"As they get older and they wander on the internet and other things, there will be more questions, but going by how things have panned out so far, I think we will be all right, I think they'll handle it well."

Madeleine was nearly four when she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Algarve, on May 3, 2007.

Kate said Madeleine's birthday was a more difficult time than the anniversary of her disappearance.

"Her birthday is difficult," she said.

"We both find that more difficult really because it's her special day and we should be there celebrating it and we still do.

"We still celebrate her anyway and the same will happen this year – we have a little birthday tea and a cake."

The Metropolitan Police are reviewing the evidence and carrying out their own investigation, which the couple said gave them new hope.

During the interview, Gerry, 44, said the couple had found a "new normality" over the past few years as they came to terms with the absence of their oldest child.

He said: "In many ways, things haven't changed and you could argue that, with the Met review two years in, we are in a better place because so much more information has been collated and lots of pieces of the jigsaw have been filled.

"We are still in the same situation and for us we have to keep going until we find Madeleine and those responsible."

"The Met are absolutely determined to see the job through.

"They feel like they are getting their teeth into the job."

The couple will mark the anniversary with a service in Rothley tonight.

Maddie's brother and sister 'have coped amazingly well'

Loaded sawn-off shotgun found in Leicester

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A loaded sawn-off shotgun has been founded discarded in Leicester. A woman found the 12-bore double barreled gun after she saw a man on a bike throw a package into bushes off Humberstone Road. She became suspicious and went to investigate the bushes and found the gun wrapped in a bag. Police have confirmed it contained a single cartridge. Detectives said there could have been "devastating consequences" if a child had found the weapon. Two primary schools are within a few hundred yards of the scene – at the junction of Bramall Road and Layton Road – at 4.20pm on Thursday, April 18. Police said today the gun was "very rusty" and has 'H and H' inscribed on its side. Detective Constable Grover Campbell said: "Thankfully this woman noticed this bag being dumped and called police straight away. "It could have easily been found by a child and could have had devastating consequences as the gun did have a cartridge in it. "We have been carrying out a forensic examination of the gun with a number of other inquiries continuing during the investigation. "We would like to appeal to the public who may who this person is to contact us. "He is described as black and was riding a distinctive purple small framed BMX bike with two silver foot stands on the back wheel. "Did you see him in the area at this time? Do you know someone who owns or has been in your area with a bike like this? "Please contact us with any information you may have. It's important to remind people that Crimestoppers is there to report information anonymously if you wish." Contact Det con Campbell on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Loaded sawn-off shotgun found in Leicester

We must have no regrets - Leicester City boss on Forest clash

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has told his players they must have no regrets when they walk off the pitch after tomorrow's do-or-die clash with big rivals Nottingham Forest.

He also wants his side fully focused on the City Ground and to forget about events 80 miles away in Bolton.

City must win and hope Bolton fail to beat Blackpool to snatch the final play-off spot. Pearson has told his players they must leave everything on the pitch after their final game – and then hope that a win will be enough.

"If they give it their best shot and things go their way then fair enough, but you can't go out and have regrets and say 'I wish I had done this.'," said Pearson.

"You have to give it your best shot. We have to go there and win the game. That makes for quite an interesting scenario.

"It's down to the last game and, unfortunately, not in our hands but we have a bit of a lifeline. We just have to go in and win our own game first and foremost and see what happens.

"The players have been fine this week, they've trained well and we just have to cope with the day. It's not about going there and having any anxiety.

"We just have to play the game. It has the added twist that it's a local derby."

Pearson said City cannot afford to be distracted by events at the Reebok Stadium and must be fully focused on beating Forest.

"As far as we're concerned, we need to win the game. It's really as straightforward as that," he said.

" It is one-off situation. Unfortunately, if we win it might not be enough. We can't get bogged down with other scenarios.

"There's an awful lot riding on the majority of the games and we need to keep the focus on us getting the game right.

"It's very important on lots of different levels but we won't find out until after the game finishes just how important it is.

"It's about trying to focus on the game without getting carried away with the extras in the build-up. We have to win, whether it's a good performance or an ugly one."

We must have no regrets - Leicester City boss on Forest clash

Leicester chosen as host city for 2015 Rugby World Cup

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One of the world's biggest sporting events is coming to Leicester.

The Foxes' King Power Stadium has been chosen to host three matches in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Leicester is the only city in the East Midlands selected to host matches in the tournament, in which the top 20 teams in the world compete for the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "This is brilliant news. Leicester already has a great reputation as a sporting city and it is a real privilege to be able to take part in hosting the Rugby World Cup.

"This hugely-popular event will also be a major boost to the city's economy, bringing in thousands of visiting fans.

"I can assure the fans and the teams alike they will have a warm welcome in Leicester."

Sir Peter said the city council would be organising festival-style events to create a World Cup party atmosphere.

Fans who cannot get tickets will still be able to enjoy a "Festival of Rugby" in Leicester, with plans in place for "fan fests" around the city.

The city council said last night that Sir Peter had approved the setting aside of up to £490,000 to meet the anticipated costs associated with hosting world cup matches.

This would be funded "from corporate underspends in 2012/13".

When this decision was made, Leicester had put in a bid to host four matches.

The authority said the estimated cost to the city of hosting the three confirmed matches was £445,000.

Leicester City FC chief executive officer Susan Whelan said the event would be "memorable", adding: "We are extremely honoured to be playing a role in this fantastic achievement for the city of Leicester."

Leicester City FC's King Power Stadium was chosen as one of the world cup venues after a selection process which saw Leicester Tigers' Welford Road ground discounted.

England Rugby 2015 said the 24,000-capacity Welford Road was rejected because the pitch was not big enough to meet International Rugby Board standards.

It also said there were better facilities for the crowd and media at the 32,000-capacity King Power Stadium, which will be known as Leicester City Stadium for the six-week tournament.

John Griffiths, chairman of the Tigers' away supporters club, said he was disappointed Welford Road was not chosen.

"Rugby should be played at a rugby ground, but at least we have the games in Leicester," he said.

The games to be played in Leicester are Argentina v Tonga on Sunday, October 4, the qualifiers from Americas 1 and Europe 2 on Tuesday, October 6, and Argentina v the qualifiers from Africa 1 on Sunday, October 11.

A Leicester City FC spokesman said England Rugby Union and the world cup organisers were liaising with the Premier League and the Football League to avoid any fixture clashes.

Leicester will host two games featuring Argentina – ranked eighth in the world – seven days apart. It means fans could spend a week in the city to support their team.

Tigers players who could feature at the Leicester games are new wing signing Gonzalo Comacho and prop Marcos Ayerza – both Argentinian – and Tongan flanker Steve Mafi.

The South Americans could also call on former Tigers favourite Horacio Agulla, now a winger with Bath.

Young rugby players from Judgemeadow Community College, in Evington, have tasted what it will be like for the international teams who are coming to Leicester.

They were given a coaching session on the pitch at the King Power Stadium by England rugby coaches.

Jade Benford, 12, of Northfields, said: "It is amazing that the Rugby World Cup is coming to Leicester. I'd love to come along and see a game if I can get a ticket."

Muhammad Salejee, 13, of Highfields, said: "I am going to tell my dad so he has plenty of time to make sure I get to watch at least one match here."

www.rugbyworldcup.com

Leicester chosen as   host city for 2015 Rugby World Cup

We don't need lifting for a match like this, says Leicester City midfielder Andy King

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Andy King said there will be no motivation required when Leicester City face rivals Nottingham Forest in a huge game at the City Ground tomorrow,.

Midfielder King said the lunchtime clash is one of the biggest he has played in for City, as not only is local pride at stake in the East Midlands derby but also a possible place in the play-offs.

Both sides know that victory could see them snatch a top-six spot on the final day, as long as results elsewhere also go for them.

King said that makes this game absolutely huge for both sets of players and fans.

"I don't think it's hard to lift ourselves up because we know our goal is to get promoted," he said.

"That's in the back of your mind and you always go out looking to achieve that.

"For a game of this magnitude, it's probably the easiest game of the season to lift ourselves against our local rivals.

"When you go into a game you know you have to win to get sixth place, it is probably the easiest game to get motivated for.

"As a Leicester game, this is one of the biggest games I can remember.

"It is a big game whenever you play for the club, whether that is home or away, in the cup or in the league.

"But with this being a derby and the last game of the season, with the last play-off spot up for grabs and going to their ground as well, it is a game we are relishing. We must look forward to this.

"Even if things go against us, we still want to win the game. The fans deserve it more than anyone. They've been outstanding, especially during the tough time in the last couple of months.

"We want to do it for them – as a professional you want to win every game – and also for the club and most importantly to try to get into the play-offs.

"There is history between the clubs, it is a local rivalry, it adds spice to the game for the players and supporters.

"We just need to make sure we keep our heads."

We don't need lifting for a match like this, says Leicester City midfielder Andy King

Fraud alert after 'skimming' device found on cash machine at Tesco

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Bank customers have been urged to check their accounts after a card 'skimming' device was found attached to a cash machine. The device, which enables criminals to steal people's account details, was found on a cash machine at Tesco, in Hamilton, Leicester yesterday. Staff at the Maidenwell Avenue store raised the alarm when they spotted the device attached to the machine in the morning. They had last checked the machine at 9am the previous day. Police today urged anyone who had used the machine in that 24 hours to check their accounts for 'suspicious activity'. Sgt Wayne Nimblette, of Keyham Lane police station, said: "Staff from the store did the right thing by calling us and they carry out daily checks to try and ensure the safety of their customers' money. "The last check was carried out the previous day, Wednesday May 1, at about 2pm and we would urge anyone who used the cash point between then and 9am on Thursday May 1 to check their accounts for any suspicious activity." Sgt Nimblette urged all bank customers to follow these simple steps when using a cash machine. Local officers have issued this additional advice to members of the public using any cash point: Always check for signs of tampering or uncharacteristic additions Stand close to the machine to prevent others witnessing you enter your PIN number Make sure you are not being watched. A mobile phone in use nearby could be someone filming your transaction If you suspect a cash machine is not working properly cancel your transaction and remove your card If you believe a suspicious device has been placed on the machine immediately inform the bank, who will ensure it is removed correctly by police Immediately cancel your card if it is lost or stolen or you suspect it as being used fraudulently Never keep a written record of your PIN number in case your purse or wallet is lost or stolen Contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800

Fraud alert after 'skimming' device found on cash machine at Tesco


Residents' takeaway pleas are heard

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Residents and businesses in an area plagued by litter and late-night noise from takeaway customers have welcomed news the problem is to be looked at.

Next Thursday's Stoneygate community meeting will discuss problems arising from visitors to the large number of fast food takeaways in Evington Road, Leicester.

It is the first of a number of issues, including parking, traffic and street lighting – raised at a meeting in January – which will be looked at in more detail.

Stoneygate ward councillor Lucy Chaplin said: "Litter is an ongoing issue and the first one we're going to look at.

"Some people feel there are too many takeaways along the road and a lot of litter is created, particularly late at night and at weekends. It's a problem for residents in the Evington Road area.

"We have asked the council's licensing and planning officers to come to the meeting to look at what it is possible to do.

"We don't want to stop businesses trading and nothing is going to happen overnight. Residents want to see their local shopping centre improved.

"One of the suggestions is a poster campaign in shops and takeaways asking people to be considerate when leaving takeaways.

"Nothing is set in stone and we want the input from officers to explain things to people. Some stay open until the early hours of the morning.

"We need to be considerate to people who live there. Litter can also bring pests.

"People don't want their shopping centre to deteriorate.

"There are litter hot spots where people seem to congregate to eat their food. People going there to buy food also come from outside the area or are on their way home from the city."

Tarun Virmani, who lives in the area and runs Matson's Computers, in Evington Road, said: "The area looks really bad at times. The street where I live is full of rubbish sometimes.

"People park up there and throw their rubbish out the window when they are finished. I would like to see fewer takeaways."

A resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I've lived here 40 years and I've never seen anything like it – it's disgusting. Kingston Road is the worst for litter.

"It's a terrible shame, there's no need for it, there are plenty of bins.

"As traditional businesses have closed, more takeaways have opened."

Another businessman, who asked not to be named, said: "A lot of people hang around outside them and it can be intimidating for women, who feel uncomfortable walking through them. It brings the area down."

The meeting will be held at the Mayflower Centre, in Ethel Road, at 6pm.

Residents' takeaway pleas are heard

Police warning ahead of East Midlands derby

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Police are warning Leicester City fans not to travel to Nottingham tomorrow for the crucial end of season clash unless they have a ticket. The sell-out match will see both City and Nottingham Forest hoping for a victory that could give them a shot in the play-offs to win promotion. About 2,000 Leicester City fans will be in the away end for the game, but Nottinghamshire Police believe some away fans may have bought home stand tickets. Officers are warning fans to be on their best behaviour or face the likelihood of an arrest or a three-year minimum ban. Superintendent Mark Holland said: "If you don't have a ticket to the game then don't travel to Nottingham as you're likely to miss the match and there are no facilities for the game to be shown on television screens. "If you are lucky enough to have a ticket then please be aware that there will be high police visibility at the ground, and anyone causing football-related violence will face arrest. "The dispersal of crowds under the Antisocial Behaviour Legislation is still in force and will be used if necessary. "However we are hoping that fans from both teams will rise above the rivalry and just be a good sport by enjoying the game."

Police warning ahead of  East Midlands derby

Geordan Murphy back in the starting line-up for Leicester Tigers v London Irish

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Leicester Tigers have recalled club captain Geordan Murphy and Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni to the starting line-up for tomorrow's crucial Aviva Premiership clash against London Irish.

Tigers must beat the Exiles at Welford Road (2.30) to be sure of a home semi-final in next week's play-offs.

Vereniki Goneva starts on the wing, while all six Tigers named in the British & Irish Lions squad earlier this week are included in the match-day 23.

There are starting places for Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs, Geoff Parling and Tom Croft, with Dan Cole among the replacements.

Tomorrow's match is heading towards a 24,000 sell-out, with the last 200 tickets on sale now from the Tigers ticket office at Welford Road.

Tigers: Murphy; Morris, Tuilagi, Allen, Goneva; Flood, B Youngs; Mulipola, T Youngs, Castrogiovanni, Kitchener, Parling, Croft, Salvi, Crane. Reps: Hawkins, Balmain, Cole, Mafi, Waldrom, Harrison, Ford, Tait.

London Irish: Homer; Ojo, Joseph, Armitage, Yarde; Humphreys, Allinson; Corbisiero, Lawson, Aulika, Skivington (capt), Evans, Garvey, Gibson, Trevir****. Reps: Paice, Yanuyanutawa, Halavatau, Low, Sinclair, Danaher, Geraghty, Moates.

Geordan Murphy back in the starting line-up for Leicester Tigers v London Irish

Leicestershire CCC on brink of defeat to Gloucestershire at lunch

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Leicestershire were on the brink of their first Championship defeat of the season at lunch on the final day of the game with Gloucestershire at Grace Road.

By the interval, the visitors, who were chasing 188 for victory, had reached 129-1.

They resumed their second innings on 16-0 and the County bowlers badly needed to claim a couple of early wickets if they were to apply any degree of pressure.

Both Ollie Freckingham and Robbie Williams bowled well in their opening bursts but, although they made life difficult for the Gloucestershire openers, nothing went to hand.

As a result, both Chris Dent and Michael Klinger posted half-centuries.

Dent's innings ending at 71 when he was lbw to Jigar Naik from the last ball of the morning's play. Gloucester skipper Klinger remained unbeaten on 57.

Leicestershire CCC on brink of defeat to Gloucestershire at lunch

Police hold online chat with gay people to offer advice on domestic abuse

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Police are to hold an online question and answer session on the issues of domestic violence within gay relationships. The 'webchat' is Leicestershire Police's latest attempt to uncover the scale of domestic abuse among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, (LGBT), community. The online session will take place between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 8. Detective Sergeant Jo Fyson, of the force's domestic abuse investigation unit and Meena Kumari, Manager of support service SAFE Leicester, will answer questions and offer advice. Det Sgt Fyson said: "Domestic abuse violence is under-reported in all communities, but more so in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities than in the population as a whole. "We are keen that people in these communities come forward to get the full range of support that we and our partners can offer, and find a long term solution for the situation they are in. "We find that not everyone is aware of what abuse is. "It isn't just violence, it is anything that involves an undue control, such as stopping you seeing your friends or taking charge of your finances." Last month, the force launched a campaign to encourage abuse LGBT victims to come forward. Posters bearing the message 'domestic abuse does not discriminate – and nor do we' have been placed in bars and other venues across the city and county. Meena Kumari, manager of SAFE Leicester, said: "There are a range of options available to anyone who is the victim of abuse. "The webchat is one of the ways to find out about them, and should also be of interest to family and friends of people who are, or may be, victims of abuse." To take part in the webchat, go to: www.leics.police.uk

Police hold online chat with gay people to offer advice on domestic abuse

Police and crime commissioner to create youth panel

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Police and crime commissioner Sir Clive Loader is putting together a panel of young people to help guide him and the force. Leicestershire is the first force in the country to create a 'youth commission', made up of approximately 20 people aged 14 to 25. It is expected to meet regularly to discuss police-related issues such as young people's relationship with the police, hate-crime and drugs. Sir Clive launched the plan today at the Samworth Enterprise Academy, in the Saffron Lane area of Leicester. Between July and October, Sir Clive and a young people's charity will conduct a survey of 2,000 young people across the city and county to find out how they believe policing could be improved. The final results will be published at the end of the year and the panel recruited. Sir Clive said: "It's important to remember that young people can play a very important part in crime prevention and early intervention is particularly crucial in preventing the waste of young lives. "I am very keen to hear their thoughts on how the police and I can work better with young people to reduce crime and make our communities safer for everyone." Charity organisation the SHM Foundation will oversee the project. It believes the Leicestershire project will be replicated in other areas of the country. Rose Dowling, of the foundation, said: "Police and crime commissioners are keen to learn from young people and be challenged by them. "Young people want to be heard. We will help that happen." More information about the project is available at: www.forceforward.co.uk or www.shmfoundation.org

Police and crime commissioner to create youth panel

VIDEO: Conservatives stay in power after county council election

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The Conservatives have regained control of Leicestershire County Council after hitting and surpassing the 28 seats they needed to do so. Deputy county council leader Byron Rhodes said: "This is great news. The people of Leicestershire have voted for the team who they know will do the job." However they will still be stinging from a number of seats they have lost in North West Leicestershire where Labour has made a comeback after a poor showing in 2009 election. UKIP has also won two seats.

VIDEO: Conservatives stay in power after county council election


Fluffy tale of a lamb found wandering alone in a field

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A lamb was bundled into a car and driven seven miles into South Wigston before being dumped and left to fend for itself.

The stolen animal was seen crossing Blaby Road and heading for a nearby park at about 4pm, on Wednesday.

An Arriva bus driver, who nearly hit the confused lamb, called the police to report the incident.

Psco Vince Preston, who was sent to investigate, found the animal sitting in Blaby Road Park, with a group of curious parents and youngsters surrounding it.

"We got quite a few calls actually to say it had run across the road and it was heading for the park," said Vince.

"At first, I had no idea how it had got there, I thought someone had taken it for a laugh and dumped it when they realised there wasn't much they could do with it."

Vince took the lamb, which he named Fluffy, back to the police station soon learned where it had come from.

"I saw someone had reported a lamb as being stolen – so I knew this had to be it.

"I'd named it Fluffy – and to be honest I'd grown quite attached to it, but I contacted the owner and let him know Fluffy was safe."

Following the incident, Vince Tweeted a picture of himself with Fluffy.

He wrote: "Done some inquiries and the lamb I captured was stolen. Now returned to a happy owner. I won't forget it. Vince"

Fluffy is actually named "67" and was taken from a farmer's field, in Saddington, which he shares with about 300 lambs and ewes.

His owner, 53-year-old farmer Michael Skinner, who runs KS Skinner and Son, said he had no idea why anyone would want to steal one of his sheep, but he was happy to get 67 back safely.

"I didn't know if it was prank, or someone wanted it as a pet or worse," he said.

Michael and his son Charlie went to South Wigston police station on Wednesday evening to collect the lost animal.

"I never thought I'd get it back," said Michael.

"My 10-year-old son came to the police station with me to pick it up – he just thought it was exciting.

"We drove it back to the field and found its mother and brother, and they were happy to see him – I think they had missed him."

Fluffy tale of   a lamb found wandering alone in a field

Leicester nurse and artist creates 7ft bleeding tree

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Part-time art student and full-time nurse Liz Warrington has combined both of her passions to create a 7ft steel tree which bleeds.

The art project is aimed at highlighting the damage caused by radiation from wifi networks, which the 35-year-old De Montfort University undergraduate says kills flora.

Liz, who works at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, designed and built the tree by hanging hospital IV bags, filled with paint, from a welded metal frame as part of her foundation course at De Montfort University.

She said: "I was quite interested in trees and, while doing research for this project, I found a Dutch study that showed the radiation from wifi is actually killing trees. One of the symptoms is that the tree bleeds.

"My tree has a welded steel frame which is then covered in pvc tubing filled with different-coloured paints.

"I got the idea of using blood bags from work. I searched the hospital for expired IV bags which I've incorporated, including their taps to turn the bleeding on and off."

Research in Holland found that trees planted close to wireless routers suffered from damaged bark and dying leaves.

The study, carried out by Wageningen University, took 20 ash trees and exposed them to varying degrees of radiation – similar to that produced by wifi networks.

The results, which were not published in any academic journals, found that bark bled and hardened in the areas closest to the radiation.

A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive said there is no evidence that wifi signals are harmful to humans.

She said: "When developing a view on wifi safety we consult the Health Protection Agency (HPA), which advises Government on this issue.

"The HPA's current position is that there is no consistent evidence that exposure to wifi adversely affects the health of the general population."

Liz had previously studied A-level art at school and has returned to education – to DMU – to reignite her artistic passion.

She has spent two-years juggling the course around her day job.

The bleeding tree will form part of her coursework and feature in an exhibition of students' creations being held next week. The Foundation Show has been put together to promote the work produced by the Art and Design (Foundations Studie) BTEC Diploma.

It takes place at the university's Fletcher Building, in Newarke Close, on Friday, May 10, from 5.30pm until 7.30pm.

Liz said: "I just saw the DMU course advertised when I was searching for arts courses.

"I have always been interested in art and the variety of workshops at DMU really appealed.

"It has been particularly difficult to fit my course around my full-time job but I have learned a lot, especially how to go about creating and researching projects.

"Before, I didn't know where to start – how to do research for an art project."

Leicester nurse and artist  creates 7ft  bleeding tree

Basketball: Leicester Riders success a dream come true

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This season has been more than Leicester Riders could ever have wished for, says director Kevin Routledge.

They completed their most successful-ever campaign with victory in the BBL Play-off final at Wembley, on Sunday.

They defeated Newcastle Eagles 68-57 in a repeat of last year's final, which saw Riders come away empty-handed.

The victory sees Riders clinch three out of the four domestic titles this season, with the BBL Championship and Cup titles already in their cabinet.

It was just the BBL Trophy that eluded them – they lost to Sheffield Sharks in the final in March to finish runners-up.

Routledge said to end the season with another piece of silverware, 12 years since they last won a domestic trophy, was the icing on the cake.

"I thought things couldn't get any better this season but this surpasses everything," he said.

"Coming back to Wembley, the last time it was here we won, and that was a fairytale. But this is a dream come true.

"It's just sensational – they have been an unbelievable team all year. Rob (Paternostro) has done an incredible job with them and just the sheer will to win has been massively impressive.

"It is more than we could ever have wished for.

"We have been one of those teams that has been persistent but never really reached that highest level, but this year it has all come together.

"I feel we have deserved it, the amount of work that has been put in by Russell (Leveston) and the team in the office, and the work on the court by Rob and his team, it has been unbelievable."

The shining light for Riders was Team GB Olympic captain Drew Sullivan.

The BBL player of the year's phenomenal performance, racking up 24 points, saw him handed the MVP accolade.

"He is the class of the team and he came out as the class of the league," said Routledge.

"He was MVP on Sunday and he deserved everything that came his way this year. He was just incredible.

"He personifies the will to win. You could see the way he rallies the team and the way, when something is needed, he comes up with it. Whether it is a play, or a defensive block, he always manages to dig something out.

"There are not many players who can raise their game like that and Drew Sullivan shows why he is the best player in the BBL and has been for a number of years."

Routledge also paid tribute to the incredible support Riders have received throughout the whole campaign.

"What has been really great has been the way the Leicester public has supported us this season," he said.

"The interest has grown, and we saw the best part of 1,000 people come down to support us.

"We are never going to forget this season because it really has surpassed all expectations."

Basketball: Leicester Riders success a dream come true

'I chopped up his dead body, but I don't know why I did it'

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A man on trial for murder has told the jury he does not know why he chopped up the body of former boxer Shaun Cummins.

Thomas Dunkley (29) denies killing the 45-year-old he was helping to care for.

Dunkley claims he found Mr Cummins dead in bed from natural causes and then panicked, thinking he would be blamed for the death.

He was unable to explain why he went out and bought a chainsaw and cut the body into 10 pieces before placing them in two freezers.

Giving evidence in his defence, he told Leicester Crown Court yesterday that he and Mr Cummins became "best friends" after meeting in 2007.

Mr Cummins, who retired from boxing in 1995, was in a motorbike crash in 2004 which left him paralysed from the waist down and in need of daily care.

Dunkley said he regularly visited him in the evenings to play computer games and in August, 2011, gave up his loft insulation job to unofficially care for Mr Cummins full-time.

Despite promises of payment, he received no cash and ended up £16,000 in debt, he said.

Defence counsel David Mason QC asked Dunkley: "You say you realised Shaun was dead and you had nothing to do with it. Why didn't you pick up the phone and tell someone what had happened?"

Dunkley replied: "I wish I had. I don't know why I didn't.

"I was still depressed. I was shocked, to be honest, that he'd died. I thought I'd be blamed for him passing away."

Dunkley, of no fixed address, claimed Mr Cummins became ill by the end of August last year but did not want a doctor.

After Mr Cummins's death in early September, Dunkley began withdrawing money from the deceased's accounts.

He said: "I feel ashamed and embarrassed. I've never stolen anything in my life."

Mr Mason said: "We know what you did with the chainsaw. When did you decide what you were going to do?"

Dunkley replied: "When I was buying the chainsaw. That was the approach I took, I don't know why."

Mr Mason asked: "Why put him in the freezer?"

"I don't know, to be honest," said the defendant.

Dunkley said he searched the internet for information about stabbing and dying of stab wounds on the night of September 1 because he felt suicidal, not because he planned to harm Mr Cummins.

He claimed Mr Cummins was a "bully" he was afraid of and was too scared to leave.

Dunkley said he was "relieved" when he was arrested at an M1 service station near Wakefield in the early hours of September 13. He said: "I knew I'd be arrested at some point."

Mr Mason asked: "How do you feel about your actions?"

Dunkley replied: "I'm still confused as to why I did it. I wish I hadn't done it."

Mr Cummins was last seen by a community nurse on September 1. His remains were discovered by police on September 12.

Dunkley also denies theft of Mr Cummins's Bank of Ireland credit card and taking out a payday loan in his name, before the death.

He has pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial and four counts of fraudulently using Mr Cummins's bank accounts and cheques from his trust fund, after the death.

The prosecution says he dishonestly took £25,000 from the former boxer.

The trial continues.

'I chopped up his  dead body,   but I don't know  why I did it'

...and for those Forest fans who think we only remember the good times...

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So. Here's the maths. If Leicester City win today, and Bolton draw or lose, we're in the play-offs.

If we draw or lose, the season is over, however Bolton get on.

And if Forest give City a tonking ... well, it doesn't bear thinking about. We don't need another mentally scarring result; the Forest-Leicester fixture is already haunted by a match so extraordinary it features as their greatest victory, and our worst defeat.

The year was 1909, and the scoreline ended up 12-0 to the Nottingham side. Twelve. Nil.

Here's the Mercury's report of the game:

FOSSE have taken a good many beatings in their time, but they have never before participated in such a farcically absurd game as that at Nottingham yesterday.

When to the score of 12-0 is added the fact that Bailey made a number of smart saves and the Forest goalkeeper was never seriously troubled once during the 90 minutes, it will be seen that the beating was such a one that Fosse have never previously known since they have been a club.

In the circumstances, it is simply a waste of time and space to criticise the "game".

This much may be said, however, that Bailey, in spite of the huge score against him, was not to blame for a single one of the goals that were scored.

His backs and halves played so weakly that the Forest forwards were allowed to shoot almost as they liked, and if the custodian had showed as poor form as the men in front of him, the score would have been nearer 20 than 12.

Time after time the Forest forwards left the Fosse defence standing still: Time after time when a judicious charge by a Fosse defender would have dispersed danger, that charge was not made, with the result that Bailey was left helpless.

No goalkeeper can keep out point-blank shots from a forward who is allowed to run in and shoot as he likes.

More than one of the goals, by the way, looked to be scored from an offside position, but with such a crop this need not be insisted on over much.

Naturally, the ineptitude of the defence reflected on the attack.

Turner and West tried hard, but were badly supported, although Donnelly improved late in the game, Shinton and Holding were very weak.

The game is one that needs no dwelling on, and it would be well if it could be buried in oblivion.

SUCH a headline-grabbing trouncing merited an investigation, and a Football League commission duly met at the city's Grand Hotel.

It transpired that the Fosse team had thumping heads to match the thumping scoreline: the day before they'd been celebrating the marriage of their former team-mate, "Leggy" Turner.

Fosse were relegated that season, with the Mercury's redoubtable reporter Old Fossil penning an epitaph which looked back on a "season of falsified predictions, hopes rent in tatters, past feats obscured and fond beliefs shattered, a season of disappointment, depression and almost interminable disaster.

"Can one wonder that many who follow their fortunes are in despair? Or can one blame them?

"But let it be the feeling of which a poet wrote: 'Despair is hope just dropped asleep/ For better chance of dreaming'."

More than 100 years on, the result remains City's worst defeat and Forest's biggest league victory.

Bah, Leggy. Bah.

...and for those Forest fans who think we  only remember the good times...

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