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City faithful dare to dream

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City fans are basking in the afterglow of the club's thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday – and looking forward to the next hurdle.

The exhilaration – and disbelief – at the unlikely last-gasp surge into the play-offs is turning to quiet determination ahead of the challenge of Watford in the semi-final first leg on Thursday.

Mark Collins, 53, of Narborough Road South, was among the thousands of fans who queued for hours outside the King Power Stadium for semi-final tickets yesterday, while the club's ticket line and website crashed due to the demand.

"The atmosphere on Saturday was electric," he said.

"When we lost our last home game to Watford, I thought that was it – it's such a remarkable turnaround in fortune, it doesn't seem real.

"It was one of the greatest City games I've seen."

Joe Brennan, 14, from Glenfield, said: "I listened to the match on the radio and I think I'm still in shock.

"When Knockaert scored in the 91st minute to make it 3-2, I was so happy, I couldn't believe it – I still can't believe it.

"Who would have thought a few days ago that we'd be in the play-offs?

"The momentum is with us now. I'm pretty excited by our chances. I think we'll beat Watford and face Brighton at Wembley."

Season ticket-holder Barry Sharp, 78, from Scraptoft, is looking forward to another Wembley final for City.

"I've been coming down here to follow City since 1947," he said.

"I got here as soon as I could to make sure I got a ticket for me and my grandson George. I've been waiting for over two hours but didn't want to miss out.

"I'm optimistic about our chances. To get to Wembley again would be fantastic. What have we got to lose?"

Dan Archer, 29, from Eyres Monsell, Leicester, said: "We waited two-and-a-half hours for our tickets.

"But who cares? We're in the play-offs.

"The players have been playing with fear for the past three months but we're the team everyone fears now.

"The tables have turned. I think the players will express themselves and do us proud. I really think we can do it."

"I'm quietly confident," said Jackie Taylor, 49, from Loughborough. "Just two wins and we're at Wembley. It's all there for the taking."

Having won only four games out of their previous 19 going into the Forest game, the omens were not looking good for City.

They also needed a hefty slice of fortune with Blackpool holding Bolton – who were in the sixth place play-off slot at start of play – to a draw.

But none of that mattered to fans returning from Nottingham by coach on Saturday afternoon.

Gareth Lupson, 33, who lives in the city centre, said: "The sound from both sets of fans was deafening.

"It's the best game I've been to. For the players to hold their nerve when they absolutely had to is a great credit to them."

Lee Jobber, 33, of Braunstone, Leicester, said: "I'm flabbergasted!

"It's never easy being a City fan is it? They put you through the mill.

"It was crazy. What will be will be but we're in with a great shout now."

Reena Dave, 28, from Oadby, said: "We've seen a miracle.

"I'm absolutely drained of emotion but we've got one foot in the Premier League."

City faithful dare to dream


Teenager given six years for leaving man brain damaged

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A teenager who punched an off-duty prison officer, causing him permanent brain damage, had been sentenced to six years detention.

Jamie Nethercot (19) felled the victim with a haymaker blow, causing him to fall and hit his head on a kerb or step.

The 34-year-old victim had life-saving surgery in which part of his skull and brain were removed.

Nethercot, of Pollard Road, Braunstone, Leicester, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH), but denied GBH with intent.

However, a Leicester Crown Court jury convicted him of the more serious charge.

The unprovoked attack happened outside the Lamplighter's, in Silver Street, Leicester, on July 21.

Sentencing Nethercot on Friday, Judge Robert Brown said: "The victim suffered serious, permanent and disabling injuries.

"You hit him once without a weapon and you didn't foresee the level of injury that followed, albeit you intended to cause him serious harm.

"You had attacked him earlier, inside the Lamplighter's.

"You went outside and, targeting him, struck him when he had his hands in his pockets."

Prosecutor Rebecca Herbert said Nethercot's friend, Michael Kavanagh (22), started the incident by head-butting the off-duty prison officer while on the pub's dance floor.

Kavanagh, of Raven Road, Braunstone, Leicester, then punched the victim's friend.

Nethercot joined in, punching the prison officer before following him outside. He admitted an affray charge relating to events inside the pub.

Kavanagh admitted causing the prison officer's friend actual bodily harm and was given a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work.

Mrs Herbert said when the severely injured victim's life-support machine was turned off, it was not known if he would live or die.

The father-of-two survived, but has been left with "life-changing injuries".

The victim faces further surgery to have a metal plate attached to his skull.

He has poor vision in his left eye and his hearing and balance are affected.

Mrs Herbert said: "Before this, he was a fit man in work and now feels unable to act as a parent to his two small children – unable to play football with them, or go to the gym.

"He recently spent 10 days in hospital after he collapsed at home and has developed epilepsy."

During the trial, Mrs Herbert told the jury Nethercot, in a group of four, was behaving in a "thuggish" manner, looking for trouble.

She said: "What happened to the victim may send a chill through all of you.

"It's the type of thing, due to the activities of men like the defendant, that could happen to anyone who was in the city centre on a night out."

James Varley, mitigating for both defendants, said: "Nethercot realises what he's done and he's not proud or happy.

"He was with others older than him and had too much beer.

"It went far beyond what was intended."

Mr Varley said of Kavanagh: "He was out with friends trying to look bigger than he was."

Teenager given   six years for leaving man brain damaged

Jobs go as green charity is closed

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An environmental charity which works with schools and other organisations to promote a greener lifestyle has closed with the loss of 26 jobs.

Staff at Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire were given the shock news on Friday afternoon.

Management refused to comment on the job losses but a spokeswoman for accountancy firm BDO, which is working with the charity, said it had ceased trading and was set to go into voluntary liquidation.

Groundwork is based in offices at Western Park, in Hinckley Road, Leicester, next door to the city council's EcoHouse, which it also manages and which is currently closed.

The city branch of Groundwork is part of a national network of trusts.

Since 1987, the Leicester charity – previously called Environ – has helped thousands of people, organisations and businesses improve their neighbourhoods, learn skills, improve their job prospects and create a greener county.

One of its key areas has been helping students and young people get into work. It also helps manage the Bikes4All and Allotments4All initiatives.

It has worked with various organisations including councils, schools and universities as well as local and regional businesses.

The BDO spokeswoman said: "Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire ceased to trade on May 3.

"BDO has been engaged to advise the organisation's board on placing the company into voluntary liquidation.

"This applies only to the local organisation in Leicester and Leicestershire.

"Regrettably, 26 employees have been made redundant, with a further five employees retained to assist with the wind-down of the organisation.

"Creditors are being advised of the circumstances and a meeting of the creditors is in the process of being arranged for later this month."

Accounts for the 2011-12 financial year showed the charity spent more than £875,000 on staffing.

Funding has come from the Department of Communities and Local Government, councils, the Big Lottery Fund and contracts with public and private organisations.

Leicester City Council deputy mayor Rory Palmer said he was aware of the charity's problems and hoped to salvage as much as possible from the work Groundwork had done.

He said: "It is clearly a loss. It grew out of Environ, which in many ways played a really important role in establishing Leicester's reputation as an environmental city.

"My view is that we will try to salvage some of the projects it has been working on in partnership with the council and we are in discussions along those lines.

"EcoHouse will come back to the city council.

"We are taking stock of the situation and will be able to say more next week as we assess the options.

"They obviously have a number of funding sources and the council is one. I know in recent months they were unsuccessful in securing one particular contract which we had put out to tender."

Jobs go as green charity is closed

Fire severely damages sports pavilion

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Fire severely damaged a sports pavilion in Bagworth last night.Two fire crews from Coalville attended the incident, in Station Road,following several calls about the fire. Fire crews had to wait until electricity workers had isolated the 11,000-volt supply to the pavilion before being able to tackle the fire. Nearby homes were without power for part of the evening.The 25m by 7m building was severely damaged by fire. The fire was started deliberately.

Fire severely damages sports pavilion

Man helped from home by fire crews

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A man was helped from his home by fire crews after a kitchen blaze in the early hours of this morning. Two crews from Ashby fire station went to Malvern Crescent in the town 20 minutes after midnight. Firefighters wore breathing equipment to help tackle the blaze in an unattended grill pan.The fire caused a moderate amount of smoke damage to the kitchen.

Man helped from home by fire crews

Don't waste play-off chance - City boss tells players

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Boss Nigel Pearson said Leicester City had a fantastic opportunity to get into the Premier League and urged his players not to waste it.

Anthony Knockaert's late winner on a dramatic final day gave City their first win at Nottingham Forest for more than 40 years, since 1972.

The 3-2 win, coupled with Bolton's failure to beat Blackpool at the Reebok Stadium, gave City a place in the play-offs, a position that seemed unlikely prior to kick-off after their poor end to the season.

But Pearson acknowledged City's superb performance under pressure and urged them to capitalise in the play-offs when they face third-placed Watford at King Power Stadium, on Thursday night, before travelling to Vicarage Road for the return on Sunday.

"I think it's important for me to say it how it is," he said after the victory.

"We had an outside chance, we have won a game but let's not get too carried away.

"Some people would argue we will have been in a great position and put our season at risk.

"We have to draw a line under what has happened and say 'we have another opportunity, we have to take it', as we did on Saturday.

"It's never nice to be in a position to have to win a game and it may not be enough. So, we have to try to take our opportunity now."

Speculation over Pearson's position would have inevitably begun had City not reached the play-offs as they were in such a good position in January.

At the start of the year, he won the manager of the month award after City surged into second place before falling away, but Pearson said he wasn't concerned by the tabloid talk.

"Hey, tomorrow is another day," he said.

"I do my job and I do it in a way that is my style. I'm a normal bloke. If you are in management, you have to deal with that. That's the bottom line.

"There was a lot riding on this game for both clubs. Forest have done exceptionally well to get into contention.

"I know what Billy (Forest manager Davies) is like, he sets high standards for his players. Billy congratulated me after the game."

Pearson praised his players for coping with an intense atmosphere at the City Ground as both sides were desperate for the victory.

"The players have to take a lot of credit for dealing with the situation," he said.

"It felt like a cup final, there is a lot at stake for both sides. We are a young side.

"It started badly for us. We showed a lot of desire and control to get back into the game, then go in front. There are a lot of positives. Maybe, maybe that's given us a little bit of impetus moving forward."

Don't waste  play-off chance - City boss tells players

Man taken to hospital after kitchen fire

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An elderly man was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after a fire in his kitchen last night. The incident was reported to Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service in Macaulay Road, Lutterworth at 10.16pm. Crews from Lutterworth and Rugby fire stations wore breathing equipment to help tackle the fire which damaged a cooker and caused smoke damage to the kitchen. The fire was caused by cooking which had been left unattended. The man was taken to Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry. His condition is not known.

Man taken to hospital after kitchen fire

Man dies during classic car race at Donington Park

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A man died following a crash during a classic car race at Donington Park. Christian Devereux was driving a Mini Cooper when it crashed into an American Mustang which had spun off the track in Castle Donington, north west Leicestershire. The race, which included more than 20 cars from the 1930s to the 1960s, was stopped when marshals realised the seriousness of the incident yesterday. A statement from Donington Park Racing Ltd said Mr Devereux from Chiswick, London, "succumbed to injuries" after the crash at 4.30pm. One witness, who did not want to be named, said: "It is very sad. I saw the crash happen and to be honest it was no worse than the type of collisions you see at the course on any given week. "You knew it was serious when the race was cancelled and the red flags were raised." The race was part of Donington's Historic Festival which ran all weekend, and attracted visitors from around the country. Leicestershire police are investigating the accident, but are yet to release a statement. Two air ambulances were at the scene. The full statement from Donington said: "It is with great regret that the directors of Donington Park Racing Ltd, operators of Donington Park Circuit, have to report that, following an accident in a race for historic touring cars held as part of the race meeting taking place on Sunday, May 5, the driver of car number 67 (a 1965 Mini Cooper S), Christian Devereux, succumbed to the injuries sustained at approximately 16.30 hours. "The organising race club, HSCC and Donington Park Racing Ltd, together with the circuit's medical and emergency services, will now be co-operating with Leicestershire Police and motorsport's governing body, the Motor Sports Association, in order to determine the cause of this tragic accident."

Man dies during classic car race at Donington Park


Richard III Society responds to "slab not tomb" decision

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The Richard III Society has delivered its formal response to Leicester Cathedral's decision to mark the king's final resting place with a slab and not a tomb. An architect's brief released in March stated a flat stone tablet would be the preferred monument for the medieval king. In a statement the society said: "It is the opinion of the Richard III Society and many others, including the citizens of Leicester itself, that King Richard should be given a table tomb. "He was an anointed king of England and has been unfairly treated by history. Following his defeat at the battle of Bosworth, Richard III was hastily buried in Leicester's Grey Friars church and in a grave so hastily cut, it was too small to contain his body. "In time, that grave was lost with the dissolution of the monasteries and for nearly half a millennium the remains of Richard III lay in obscurity. It is time to see the king honoured with a proper memorial, reversing the treatment meted out by his successors." It adds: "The finding of the lost remains of a fifteenth-century king is a unique occurrence that provides an equally unique opportunity for their interment in a manner that reflects their royal status and historical importance. "The public today and the generations to come will expect nothing less." Among reasons listed by the society backing its calls for a table tomb are;• All the Plantagenet kings, from Henry II to Edward IV, were originally commemorated with tombs rather than ledger stones. • Richard III would have planned for a table tomb in a separate chantry chapel as his successor, Henry VII did in Westminster Abbey.• Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, George V and Queen Mary all have table tombs in St George's Chapel, Windsor.• The overall aim of the 'Looking for Richard project' was, if found, honour him in a way that was denied him in 1485.• In two separate polls, the citizens of Leicester have voted overwhelmingly for a table tomb - 91% voted in favour in the Leicester Mercury, and 92% on Radio Leicester. Dr. Phil Stone, Chairman of the Richard III Society, said:"Richard III was the last of the Plantagenet line which ruled England for over three hundred years. It is only fitting that he be honoured with a table tomb." Philippa Langley, the originator of the quest to find the King, said: "The search for Richard III was always about honouring the last warrior King of England with a tomb. "This was at the heart of the project, and, indeed, was the reason the search to find him began. "It is my fervent hope that we will not allow history to be repeated, and that King Richard will be honoured with a tomb."

Richard III Society responds to

Leicester Tigers head coach confirmed as new Leinster boss

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Leinster have announced that Leicester Tigers head coach Matt O'Connor will be their new boss. The 42-year-old Australian has signed a three-year deal with the Irish province and will replace Joe Schmidt, who has become the new head coach of Ireland. O'Connor will end five years of success at Leicester at the end of this season and begin his new position on July 1. He maintained that his focus would stay firmly at Welford Road until the end of the season, but said he was looking forward to joining a "first class" set-up this summer. "I am delighted to join Leinster," he said. "The playing staff, coaching team and facilities are first class and I have been hugely encouraged by the hunger within the province to push on despite enjoying an unprecedented period of success on the field in recent years. "I look forward to working with the province's established and burgeoning talent from the renowned Leinster Academy and I am also pleased to work with the current coaching team who have played such a key part in the province's success over the last four years. "At this time, my focus remains with Leicester, but I would like to thank the Leinster Board for this vote of confidence and my family and I are hugely excited about starting this new chapter in our lives." Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson said he expected O'Connor to carry on the reigning Heineken Cup champions' recent success. "We're delighted that Matt has agreed to become head coach," he said. "Matt joins Leinster with an impressive pedigree at club level with the Leicester Tigers. "We were impressed by Matt's vision for Leinster and speaking to him it is clear that he is excited about the opportunity. We look forward to working with him over the coming years."

Leicester Tigers head coach confirmed as new Leinster boss

My dream goal – Leicester City's Anthony Knockaert on his winner

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Anthony Knockaert said it felt like a dream when he scored the goal that snatched a play-off spot for Leicester City at the City Ground.

The Frenchman said he loved playing for the club and couldn't contain his delight at being City's match-winner.

Knockaert was in great form, setting up Andy King for City's second before collecting Chris Wood's pass to score the winner in added time.

The youngster says he now has a new dream – of City winning the play-offs and playing in the Premier League.

"It was a dream when I scored because I love Leicester," he said.

"It was fantastic and I can't explain how I felt, but now we need to concentrate on the play-offs.

"It was wonderful and I'm very happy for the fans, the club and everyone.

"It was a great performance. We wanted the play-offs and we got them.

"We didn't start very well. We believed after that and came back into it in the first half.

"Then we scored again. Then we had the twist.

"It wasn't easy because they scored just after half-time. But it's fantastic for us.

"The manager wanted us to give all we could and when I scored at the end of the game I was very happy. I would like to say thank you to Woody (Chris Wood) as he gave me a great ball.

"Now, the most important thing is the first game of the play-offs on Thursday and we now need to get some sleep and have some good food and be ready for the big game.

"It was a great atmosphere – the best of my career. I'm very happy because I wanted that. It is the play-offs so we need to win the first game, that's important.

"Watford are a good team but play-offs are not the same game. They are different. We can put in a good performance.

"The manager is a good guy who has helped. Every time, if somebody is no good, he is always a good manager for us to get to the Premier League.

"I'm very happy for us because it was important to be in the play-offs this season. We gave our all and it was not easy. But now we need to keep working."

My dream goal – Leicester City's Anthony Knockaert on his winner

Miracle happens for Leicester City! - with video from the City Ground

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It was the tallest of tall orders but the miracle came true – Leicester City beat Nottingham Forest to book a place in the Championship play-offs.

The promised land of Premier League football looked nothing but a pipe dream for 91 minutes before Anthony Knockaert fired in the injury time winner – sending City fans into ecstasy.

City's heroics, coupled with Bolton's failure to beat Blackpool, now leave the Foxes faithful two games away from Wembley.

Few people would have put money on it, given Leicester's recent run of appalling luck and form – reflected in the Mercury back page on Saturday (pictured, right). Caution: May contain potty-mouthed celebrations

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby today led the rallying cries as City prepare to take on Watford at the King Power Stadium on Thursday in the first leg of the play-off semi-final.

"What a game Saturday was," he said. "Like many people, I was on tenterhooks, listening to the game on the radio.

"I didn't think, expect or even hope it was possible. But it was. A brilliant result.

"After our poor run of form – even more disappointing given the brilliant performances of earlier this season – I didn't dream this could happen.

"I wish the team well for Thursday and the weekend. I believe the players will take this opportunity. Having Premier League football in Leicester is what our city deserves.

"The players did brilliantly on Saturday but I'd also like to congratulate the fans, who have been fantastic. I'll certainly be there with them at the King Power Stadium, cheering the team on."

Miracle  happens  for Leicester City! - with video from the City Ground

MATCH DAY LIVE: Leicester City v Watford, Thursday, May 9, 7.45pm

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It is going to be a massive week for Leicester City in their pursuit of Premier League football. And we will be with the team every step of the way in the two-legs of their play-off semi-final against Watford, on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. The Leicester Mercury's website will be covering the game live with text commentary from the King Power Stadium and Vicarage Road, Watford. It is a huge game with the prize of a Wembley final and a £120 million cash jackpot in the Premier League. Matchday commentator James Sharpe will be providing details of the action and analysis of the game. You will be able to put your questions, views and comments to James during the game through an interactive link on the match commentary or you can tweet him @TheSharpeEnd. Some of those comments and tweets will be shared with the website audience, so keep them free of abuse. The action will start at 7.30pm on Thursday with the announcement of the teams and pre-match build-up.

MATCH DAY LIVE: Leicester City v Watford, Thursday, May 9, 7.45pm

McFly fans queue up ahead of tonight's concert

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Dedicated McFly fans camped outside De Montfort Hall overnight to ensure they got a place at the front for the band's sell-out show. Armed with a tent and sleeping bags, friends Amy-Louise Crossley and Michelle Tature arrived at 10.30pm on Sunday - 20 hours before tonight's show. They were the first of hundreds of fans who had joined the queue by about 1pm today. Speaking ahead of the gig, Amy-Louise, 20, of Narborough Road, Leicester, said: "We wanted to be at the front when they let us in so we decided to come early. "We got here at 10.30pm on Sunday night. It was freezing in our tent but at least it's nice weather today. "This is my 45th McFly concert and I love them." Michelle, 18, of Netherhall, Leicester, said: "It was pretty hard sleeping on the pavement with just our sleeping bags and no blow-up bed or anything. "But when we get in there we're going to get a really good place at the front so I can scream at Dougie." Michelle's sister, Lisa, 25, showed up at midnight, and was third in the queue. "I was expecting a big queue when I got here but it was just my sister and Amy-Louise," she said. "Most of the others started arriving at about 10am but I'm glad we were here early so we can be at the front instead of stuck in the crowd." In fourth and fifth places in the queue were two sisters aged 13 and 15, from Market Harborough, who turned up at 3.30am after getting a few hours sleep. The next to show up, at 5am yesterday, was Sophie Taylor, 20, of Burton on Trent, who had a good reason for not camping out. She said: "On Saturday there was a McFly concert in Manchester and I went to that and camped out for about 22 hours over Friday night. I didn't feel like doing it all again. "It's brilliant that everyone gets here early and it's a really amazing atmosphere. We all talk about who the best-looking one is. "A lot of people think Dougie or Harry but I like Tom the best. "I've loved them for 10 years and this is my 29th concert. "They recognise me now." McFly - Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd, who went to school in Uppingham - formed in 2003 and have sold more than 10 million albums. Their current tour is in support of their greatest hits album, Memory Lane, with singles including All About You, One For The Radio and Party Girl. For a review and pictures from the gig, see the paper on Wednesday.

McFly fans queue up ahead of tonight's concert

Sperm whales and seasickness - highs and lows in a day of round the world adventurer Sarah Outen

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Day Ten of round the world adventurer Sarah Outen's voyage has seen her experiencing the highs and lows of her epic voyage. Sounding tired in the latest phonecast posted today she said:"We've had a pretty fabulous start to the day.I saw four great big silvery shapes in the distance leaping out of the water. "It was a massive whale breaching. It was fantastic and interesting to see the shape of it leaping out of the water and hear the boom of the breach, the slapping sound. "Then I saw it and heard other sperm whales much closer to me about 200metres off and it looked like it was a mother and calf - a really special start to the day." She added: " I've had some great rowing, not particularly massive mileage. I put out the sea anchor so we're now bobbing around on that. It's quite uncomfortable. "I'm feeling sick already so I've taken some seasickness drugs and everything in the cabin is strapped down. "I've got food and water prepared in here within easy reach." She added: "I anticipate the next 48 hours to be pretty uncomfortable, probably quite scary(laughs). "The act of staying safe during rough stuff in a rowing boat is really quite passive. "Once you've put the sea anchor out and you've done all your preparations beforehand it seems the best technique for getting through it in one piece is to be as passive as possible while being reasonably alert. "I'm going to step into my bunk and try and snooze off this seassickness." Visit www.sarahouten.com/blog

Sperm whales and seasickness - highs and lows in a day of round the world adventurer Sarah Outen


Leicester City fans queuing for second day to get play-off tickets

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Play-off fever has hit Leicester as thousands of football fans queued for a second day to snap up tickets for City's big match on Thursday. Supporters were again left waiting for about two hours as the line of eager fans snaked its way around the King Power Stadium today. Wes Fray, 19, from Anstey, is one of the lucky ones who managed to get a ticket. "I couldn't believe the queues," he said. " At one point it was winding all the way 'round the away end. "Everyone is still buzzing after the Forest game on Saturday – I've still got a hangover!" Many fans descended on the football ground after the sheer volume of calls to the ticket line and visits to the club website crashed the system. The football club has extended the opening hours of its Fanstore this week to make sure fans can get their hands on a ticket to the first leg of the play-off semi final, at home, against Watford at 7.45pm on Thursday. It follows City's last gasp 3-2 victory against their Nottingham rivals to sneak into the Championship's last play-off spot. Thursday's game is expected to be the biggest attendance of the season. A club spokesman said: "Supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to avoid disappointment." The City Fanstore and the City Sales Centre will be open from 9am to 8pm tomorrow and on Wednesday to satisfy demand. Season ticket holders have until 8pm tomorrow to secure their own seats for the game, before they are released on general sale. Call 0844 815 5000, or visit: www.lcfcdirect.com

Leicester City fans queuing for second day to get play-off tickets

Hundreds of people attend Leicester's first mango festival

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An Indian summer arrived early in Leicester today as the hottest day of the year so far coincided with the city's first ever mango festival. With temperatures reaching 22C (72F), hundreds of people visited Belgrave's Cossington Park to enjoy the unique event. Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, host of the hit Indian Masterchef TV show, was star attraction at the festival. Greeted on stage to cheers and applause from the crowds, he said: "It's a beautiful day to join you all here in Leicester. The reason we are here is because of the city's hospitality – and the great taste of mangos! "It's an honour and a privilege to be here with you." Today's event recreated the world-famous International Mango Festival, which is held in Delhi every June. Sanjeev treated festival goers to a cooking master class focusing on dishes using mangos. He was joined on stage by Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar and Bollywood movie art director and set designer Nitin Desai. Other attractions included live music, dancing and children's competitions. Belgrave resident Avtar Kaur, 45, said: "In India the mango is king – it's the national fruit and the most tasty. "It's such a lovely day and beautiful weather for everyone to get together in the park. "I'm really enjoying myself with my friends and the weather couldn't be more ideal." Vij Joraniya, 20, also of Belgrave, said: "I'm here to see Sanjeev. He's the most famous chef in the whole of India and it's so great to see him here in Leicester." Lavtar Singh Ruprah, 47, of Wigston, was enjoying a family day out with wife Reema and the couple's two boys, Dhilan, two, and Harmeet, one. "It's a nice day out for the family and it's nice to see people from all different communities in Leicester enjoying the sunshine and mangos," he said. "You couldn't have picked a better day for it, could you." The festival's centrepiece was four ornately carved and decorated life-size wooden elephants – symbols of luck and prosperity in the subcontinent. Thousands of delicious Alphonso mangos from the Kokan region of Maharashtra state were supplied courtesy of Indian producers who organised a similar festival in London on Sunday. The decision to bring the festival here was made just 10 days ago after organisers approached Leicester East MP Keith Vaz. He said: "It has taken a lot of hard work and organisation to put this festival together, but we did it in just 10 days. "I'd like to thank the City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, the city council, members of the Belgrave Traders Association and everyone else for making this happen." The festival only went ahead after an appeal in the Mercury saw the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir temple, in Gipsy Lane, the Shreeji Dham Haveli temple, in Melton Road, and Leicester City Football Club agree to look after the elephants, which will be on show with two even bigger ones in the next few months. Mr Vaz told the crowd: "These elephants will bring a great deal of luck to the city and in particular Leicester City FC, who play a very important match on Thursday." Speaking about today's sunny weather, Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said: "It's more like India than Leicester. Ideal weather for our first mango festival."

Hundreds of people attend Leicester's first mango festival

Investigation launched into armed brawl in city park

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Police are investigating reports of a fight involving up to 20 men, some of whom may have been armed with knives, in a city park. A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police said officers were called to Abbey Park, Leicester, after being inundated with calls from concerned members of the public. She said: "We were called to Abbey Park, in Leicester, at 6.22pm this evening following reports of a fight involving up to 20 men. "There are unconfirmed reports that some of them may have had knives. "Officers arrived at the scene and an ambulance was called as a precaution. "We are still trying to establish the facts and are talking to a number of people who were in the park at the time to see if they have any information that might help officers find out what happened – and why." She said the park was "very busy" at the time. Hours earlier, bank holiday crowds had enjoyed the finale of the Bollywood Circus, which has been held in Abbey Park throughout the week. The police spokeswoman added: "The investigation is still in its very early stages and nobody has been arrested. "Officers are patrolling the area to offer reassurance to people using the park." It is not known at this stage whether there were any injuries and police would not confirm if anyone had been taken to hospital. Anyone with information should call the 101 police number.

Investigation launched into armed brawl in city park

City fans queue for play-off tickets

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Play-off fever has hit Leicester as thousands of football fans queued for a second day to snap up tickets for City's big match on Thursday. Supporters were again left waiting for about two hours as the line of eager fans snaked its way around the King Power Stadium today. Wes Fray, 19, from Anstey, is one of the lucky ones who managed to get a ticket. "I couldn't believe the queues," he said. " At one point it was winding all the way 'round the away end. "Everyone is still buzzing after the Forest game on Saturday – I've still got a hangover!" Many fans descended on the football ground after the sheer volume of calls to the ticket line and visits to the club website crashed the system. The football club has extended the opening hours of its Fanstore this week to make sure fans can get their hands on a ticket to the first leg of the play-off semi final, at home, against Watford at 7.45pm on Thursday. It follows City's last gasp 3-2 victory against their Nottingham rivals to sneak into the Championship's last play-off spot. Thursday's game is expected to be the biggest attendance of the season. A club spokesman said: "Supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to avoid disappointment." The City Fanstore and the City Sales Centre will be open from 9am to 8pm tomorrow and on Wednesday to satisfy demand. Season ticket holders have until 8pm tomorrow to secure their own seats for the game, before they are released on general sale. Call 0844 815 5000, or visit: www.lcfcdirect.com

City fans queue for play-off tickets

Royal baby: Your favourite name is?

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Alexandra is the strong bookies' favourite when it comes to the name of the future king or queen.

Catherine and William are expecting their first child in July and while the sex of the embryonic heir has not been announced, bookies are clearly expecting a girl.

After Alexandra, the next most popular names are Elizabeth, Diana, Victoria, Alberta and Mary, with George in seventh place.

The odds on Alexandra are about two to one, with the next three favourites around the five to one mark.

Further down the list are Alice, Frances, Grace, Philip, Anne, Charlotte, Holly and James.

The strong bias for a girl's name follows a tabloid newspaper report that a member of the public heard the 31-year-old duchess let slip that she was having a daughter during a royal engagement in Grimsby in March, which led to a rush of votes on the baby being female.

The Leicester Mercury went out and asked the shoppers in the city what they thought would be the best name for a 21st century royal baby.

Alexandra is not a very common name within the royal family, but one of the Queen's cousins is named Princess Alexandra.

Whichever name William and Kate choose, it is likely to set a new baby-naming trend, inspiring parents all over the world to follow their lead.

We asked the public: What do you think the future king or queen should be named?

What people in Leicester think the new king or queen should be called

Alex Harrison, 50, lab technician, Western Park, Leicester

"I think Davros. Doctor Who is very popular these days."

Jeff Lamb, 17, student, Oakham

"Thomas. Ed and George are already taken."

Marriam Naveed, 17, student, Stoneygate, Leicester

"Something posh, maybe Patricia."

Stephen Ordell, 42, library worker, Knighton, Leicester

"It has to be a royal name, maybe Francis. Or Sharon and Kev!"

Alex Herrick, 21, accountant, Oadby

"It's got to be royal: Edward, or Tarquin II maybe, or something like Daniel."

Shannon Sturgess, 20, student, Aylestone, Leicester

"A good, nice name, like Francis."

Rochelle Jing, 22, student, city centre

"In China, the names come from historical figures, so maybe Elizabeth."

Ray Purkins, 65, retired, Leicester

"A royal name, maybe modern, maybe Elizabeth. Not some-thing risky, not Posh and Becks or Peaches!"

Andy Bugby, 57, postman, Astley Lane

"If it's a girl, Elizabeth, if it's a boy, Winston. It's hard to say, though it will probably be traditional."

Rebecca Millington, 21, office worker, Groby

"Something regal; Victoria, or David."

Kathryn Lubkowski, 31, administrator, Knighton, Leicester

"I think Kate will go for a traditional name, not a modern one."

Becki Hearn, 17, student, Oakham

"Diana – it has to be a regal name."

Royal baby: Your favourite name is?

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