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Ancestral hero who lived a lie

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When historian Catherine Bailey was invited to chronicle the history of the Duke of Rutland's family during the First World War, she uncovered a secret which had remained hidden for more than 60 years. Reporter Peter Warzynski talks to the author about her discoveries...

When John Henry Montagu Manners, the 9th Duke of Rutland, died of pneumonia on April 22, 1940, he was remembered as a soldier who fought with comrades on the Western Front.

His name and rank formed the centrepiece at the chapel at Belvoir Castle as a tribute to his virtuous war record.

But the Duke had spent his final days locked in a dank room at the castle, frantically trying to erase any record of his involvement in the Great War.

In all, 249 men from the Belvoir estate were killed fighting on the frontline in France between 1914 and 1918. The Duke was never among them.

Despite leading the Remembrance Day parade through Rutland year after year and presiding over the ceremony, his supposed military service was a sham – but not one of his own making.

His mother, Violet Manners, the 8th Duchess of Rutland, used her considerable persuasive powers and position to approach Lord Kitchener and Sir John French, the Commander in Chief of the Western Front, to keep her son from the fighting.

Eventually, she rigged a series of medical examinations and dashed any hopes John had of battling in the trenches in Ypres with his regiment – the 4th Battalion Leicestershire (the Tigers).

In the years before he died, ashamed of his sham military service, the Duke became reclusive as he obsessed over the family's meticulous records.

His aim was to erase any reference to his military past and rewrite the family's history – and he succeeded.

However, the truth did not come to light until historian Catherine Bailey began combing through the records in 2008.

"The archive was prist-ine," she said. "It went all the way back to the 12th century and included tens of-thousands of documents.

"But when I began studying them, I noticed gaps."

On April 22, 1940, the Leicester Mercury reported "with great regret that the Duke of Rutland, head of the ancient family of Manners, died at his seat".

The article paid tribute to the 53-year-old, stating: "He went to the front in February 1915, serving with the rank of Captain."

Catherine said: "The family had no idea John had altered documents and letters and rewritten history. It was only when I unearthed a small trunk containing more letters I was able piece together the clues and unravel what had happened."

Catherine first entered the Muniment Room at Belvoir Castle – where the family archives are kept – in 2008, after the Duke and Duchess of Rutland agreed to let her research the family for a book about the First World War.

"My original idea was to write about a great family during the Great War and the Duke and Duchess agreed to take part. But after just a few months, I noticed things were missing from the records," she said

Catherine found three gaps – 1894, 1909 and 1915 – in the otherwise perfect chronological archive.

"It soon became a detective story," she said.

The first gap related to the death of John's brother, Haddon.

"When John was eight his brother died, but the reason for the death was not what the family believed had happened to him."

Catherine stops there. "I don't want to give too much of the book away," she explains.

"John was banished from Belvoir Castle on the day of Haddon's funeral and spent most of his childhood years estranged from his parents.

"That event is the key to his character and shaped the rest of his life."

Haddon's death shook Violet, his mother, who made no secret of the fact he was her favourite.

But the tragic event had further implications. Were anything to happen to John, she would lose her money and privileges when her husband – the 8th Duke – died.

His title and estate would be handed over to his half-brother, leaving Violet penniless.

Catherine believes the Duchess's efforts to keep her only son from the frontline were motivated by neurosis rather than love.

"She did everything she could to prevent him from fighting on the frontline, because the most likely outcome of being on the Western Front was being killed," she said.

It was true John was a Captain in the 4th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment before it was absorbed into the 46th North Midland Division.

He was appointed aide-de-camp to General Edward Montagu-Stuart-Wortley, a role which included instructing soldiers in Britain.

However, when he was sent to Ypres, France, in 1915, much to his frustration, he only witnessed the Great War from the safety of Goldfish Chateaux, the Army's regional headquarters.

John's exclusion from the carnage of the frontline was due to his mother's relentless interference.

Violet wrote letters to GHQ (General Headquarters) and General Wortley and even pressured her daughter into seducing a man whom she thought would be able to influence senior officers.

She finally turned to family physician Dr Donald Hood to give false evidence about John's health, claiming he had recurring dysentery.

"The more I got to know him, the more his story became a tragic one," said Catherine. "For the first year of the war he did all he could to fight with the men of the 4th Leicesters.

"But it was his mother's meddling and constant undermining that finally got him returned home.

"He spent the rest of life ashamed and his final years locked away trying to erase his past."

The Secret Rooms, published by Penguin, is out on November 1.

Ancestral hero  who lived a lie


Dentist faces ban for poor work and fraud

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A dentist faces being barred from the profession for giving poor-quality treatment and being involved in an insurance fraud.

Dr Amit Kotecha appeared before the General Dental Council accused of providing £26,000 worth of complex restorative dental treatment "beyond the limits of his clinical competence" between March 2008 and November 2009.

The dentist, from Kirby Muxloe, was also accused of being involved in a fraudulent claim to a health insurer for £3,150.

After hearing evidence against Dr Kotecha, the council concluded that "for the protection of the public" it was necessary to suspend his registration immediately.

If he does not appeal within 28 days, Dr Kotecha, who has previously hit the headlines for twice attempting to reach the top of Everest for charity, will have his name "erased from the dentists' register".

The council's professional conduct committee was told the patient to whom the allegations related had more than 50 appointments with Dr Kotecha at Care Dental, in Leicester Forest East.

During that time, the dentist did not act "in the best interests of the patient", whom he should have referred to a specialist.

Failings included the poor fitting of teeth implants, the fitting of an unsatisfactory bridge and poor patient record-keeping.

The committee also heard Dr Kotecha was then involved in a claim to the insurer, Simplyhealth, for £3,150 to cover the cost of the patient's replacement bridge – for which the patient was not charged.

In Dr Kotecha's defence, the panel was told the dishonesty over the claim was "out of character" and "lacked premeditation or sophistication".

The committee said it was clear from testimonials that Dr Kotecha's colleagues held him in high regard and that he was well liked by his patients.

But in their report, members told Mr Kotecha: "You showed no remorse for your actions and were evasive in your evidence.

"You did not use any of the opportunities during questioning to show you have reflected on the gravity of your dishonesty.

"The committee determined your fitness to practice is currently impaired."

The committee said an aggravating feature was that "you involved a dental nurse in a false insurance claim from which you would benefit".

The nurse, Alexandra Armston, has been suspended for a year for her part in helping to make the false claim.

The committee said it considered her "dishonesty is unlikely to be repeated" and that it had taken account of her relative inexperience and the likelihood she was subject to Dr Kotecha's "influence" in submitting the claim.

When contacted by the Mercury, Dr Kotecha said: "I would like to thank my patients, family and friends for their support and loyalty throughout this process.

"As the matter is not yet fully concluded it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Asked if he was planning to appeal the council's decision, Dr Kotecha said: "I am considering my options."

Dentist faces ban for poor work and fraud

Leicester bus depot site set to be student flats block

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A former bus depot once earmarked for a five-star hotel and conference centre is now set to be developed as student flats complex.

The owner of the Southgates bus station, off Peacock Lane, Leicester, said the economic downturn had forced it to rethink its plans.

Developer Applegate said there was greater demand for good-quality student accommodation than for upmarket hotel rooms.

Its scheme would have 435 flats, housing nearly 700 students.

The bus depot closed in 2009 and has since been used as a car park.

Lee Staniforth, of city firm Staniforth Architects, which has drawn up the plans, said: "There was some early interest in the hotel idea but it did die away and the money wasn't there to do it.

"The money is there for the new plan. It will be done, if we get permission.

"Our aim is to be ready for the September 2014 university intake. The demand for student accommodation is still there but what we build will be designed so that in the future it could be converted for people such as key workers."

Mr Staniforth said the designs would fit in with mayor Sir Peter Soulsby's nearby £4 million Jubilee Square scheme and the proposed £3 million Cathedral Gardens revamp on the other side of Peacock Lane.

The design incorporates the last remaining part of the old depot – the entrance arch.

Mr Staniforth said: "That arch is lovely and we initially thought we would donate it to the Midlands Transport museum.

Then we realised we would be missing a trick because it would make a great gateway to a public square opposite Cathedral Gardens.

"We are also looking at acquiring an old double-decker bus to turn into a cafe. That's a bit of a nod to the heritage of the site.

"We hope the scheme will bring a bit of life back to the area, which at 6pm most night feels a bit dead."

A small supermarket is also part of the proposal which includes re-establishing a public route along Southgate Street which disappeared when the depot was built.

Applegate marketing manager Rupinder Nanuwa said the development would have a "positive impact" on the city centre.

Leicester Civic Society chairman Stuart Bailey said: "I'm impressed by it.

"It is a good design and, importantly, it is right next to De Montfort University's campus.

"It's a large site so it can take a large number of flats. That's no problem.

"It's clear the original plan was always going to fall victim to the economy and I believe it's better to have some investment there rather than keeping it as a car park."

Sir Peter said: "It will, of course be down to the planning committee to decide on this, but there are a number of sites along the inner ring road in need of development and I want to encourage investment."

Leicester bus depot site set to be student flats block

Leicester Mercury Sports Awards 2012: Help to choose winners from a golden year of sport

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The country's sporting landscape has glittered with gold this year – and the story is no different in Leicestershire and Rutland as our teams and athletes have shone at all levels.

Today, we are launching the 16th Leicester Mercury Sports Awards, sponsored by Champions (UK) plc, to recognise and reward the people who have lit up the sporting calendar.

Matthew Hayes, Champions managing director, said: "This was an exceptional year for sport, with the Olympics and the Paralympics really demonstrating not only the quality of our athletes but also the passion and enthusiasm of the British public for sport."

Among the county highlights has been a fantastic double for Leicester Ladies Hockey Club, winning the National League and National Indoor titles.

They also provided four players who helped Great Britain to bronze at the Olympics.

Leicester Riders basketball team, led by head coach Rob Paternostro, went within a game of lifting the national title while both Leicester Tigers and Leicester City are flexing their muscles in their leagues.

Cyclist Lucy Garner retained her world junior road race title a day after she turned 18.

Fly-half George Ford has come to the fore in Tigers colours, while Leicestershire CCC's Shiv Thakor has emerged as one of the country's most promising young batsmen.

Mr Hayes said: "Following on from the success of last year's Leicester Mercury Sports Awards, we have been really pleased with the feedback from all the sponsors.

"Each has seen a very positive impact on their businesses, as have we.

"When it comes to building businesses and brands, there can be no better way than supporting your community and getting involved with the best of both amateur and professional athletes.

"Everyone at Champions is excited to be celebrating Leicestershire sport again.

"With so many inspirational achievements, the awards are set to be better than ever."

There are 14 categories: sportsman, sportswoman, manager/coach, team, under-19 team, club, young sportsman, young sportswoman, junior sportsman (14 and under), junior sportswoman, community, Active4Life, lifetime achievement and the Neville Hamilton Award.

To nominate an athlete or team, complete the form below. Nominations close on December 4.

Leicester Mercury Sports Awards 2012: Help  to choose  winners  from    a golden year of sport

Kasper Schmeichel happy at Leicester City, but flattered by Real Madrid reports

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Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is enjoying life in Leicester – but admitted being flattered by a report linking him with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Schmeichel underlined his growing reputation with a superb penalty save on Tuesday night to preserve City's victory against Brighton and maintain top spot in the Championship.

One newspaper report has even claimed that Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has expressed an interest in the keeper.

However, Schmeichel said he could not ask for any more than what he is experiencing with City.

"Being mentioned in the same sentence as Real Madrid is an honour but that is as far as I have heard," he said.

"People have been calling me and texting me, but there is nothing to focus on.

"I am very happy where I am at the moment. I have another year and a half left on my contract and I am playing week in and week out. I can't really ask for more.

"This is a happy place and I have seen nothing else since I have been here.

"This is a great set-up at the club, in terms of facilities and the whole way the club is run.

"We have owners who back us and a manager who is very good at what he is doing."

Schmeichel guessed the right way to deny Ashley Barnes from the spot in the second half as City led Brighton 1-0 through Andy King's strike in the 10th minute, but he would not be drawn on his approach to facing penalties.

"I have my way and I am not revealing anything, but it was my way," he said.

"To keep us at 1-0 and to keep us in front in the game and top of the league, it is very important. We are all happy with that, but that is what I am there to do.

"They were pegging us back a bit. For the first 25 minutes, I thought we were very good and they then got into the game a bit and controlled it a bit more.

"In the second half, they were still controlling it but I thought we controlled our shape really well and worked really hard to earn a scrappy win.

"It is great to see we can win that way as well."

City have conceded just two goals in six home league games this season, but Schmeichel said the entire side deserved credit for such an impressive record.

"I haven't really had a game yet this season where I have been really worked thoroughly," he added.

"The whole team deserve credit for that because it starts with the lads up front who work hard to close down the ball, that gives the midfield a chance to push on, and the defence.

"I just sweep up behind. It is a good way of playing when you can make it work."

Kasper Schmeichel happy at Leicester City, but flattered by Real Madrid reports

We're so proud to prove our critics wrong, says Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson

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Leicester City's players are proud to be top of the Championship and proving their critics wrong, says manager Nigel Pearson.

The City boss said the achievement meant a massive amount to his hard-working squad.

Following Tuesday night's 1-0 win at home to Brighton, Pearson said: "I think you can see what it means to us (to be top). We have worked hard to get to the top of the table.

"We have come in for a bit of criticism, mostly from people who haven't seen us play. They see the games we have lost and make assumptions."

The 1-0 victory, courtesy of Andy King's 10th-minute strike and Kasper Schmeichel's penalty save, maintained City's 100 per cent home record, and they have now collected 19 points from a possible 21 in a seven-game unbeaten run.

Pearson believes City, who are top on goal difference, could be even better off.

"I know that we could have won every game we have played this season," he said.

"I am not suggesting that we should be sitting at the top with a full house because football isn't like that, but we have been in every game and we have created chances in every game.

"All in all, we are at the top because the players have worked very hard in games and on the training ground."

City are playing an exciting attacking brand of football, but Pearson said there had been no change in tactical approach.

"Throughout the season, we have created a lot more goalscoring opportunities than we have in the past," he said.

"We are set up a lot more attack-minded, but that is because of the players we have got. There has been no change in philosophy, it is the fact that the blend of players we have now is suited to being more positive."

Pearson has not ruled out adding to his squad, with reports of an unsuccessful bid to sign Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones on loan.

We're so proud to prove our critics wrong, says Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson

Vindicated: delight for Afghan interpreter as he wins fight to stay in UK

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An Afghan interpreter has told of his delight after finally winning his battle to stay in the UK.

Mohammad Rafi Hottak, who now lives in Belgrave, Leicester, worked for British forces in Afghanistan and was severely injured by a Taliban bomb.

He fled Afghanistan after receiving death threats from the Taliban and came to the UK, hoping for asylum.

However, the Home Office initially refused his application.

Media coverage of the case forced the Home Office to look at his claim again.

Now, officials have admitted mistakes were made when the claim was originally dealt with – and told him he can stay in the UK.

The 26-year-old father of three, who has been granted refugee status to remain here indefinitely, said: "I feel very happy. Delighted.

"This has brought happiness to many people – myself, my family and everyone who has supported me. I am glad that the Home Office and the Government have recognised my services to the country.

"I feel vindicated, although I am disappointed I had to go through this in the first place.

"For the past 18 months I have been alive but I wasn't living.

"It was really frustrating, my fate was unknown."

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz took up Mohammad's case against the UK Border Agency (UKBA), the Home Office department which deals with applications from people seeking asylum.

The UKBA originally turned down Mohammad's application, saying he did not have evidence of how he was injured, that he was an Afghan, or that his life was under threat – despite supporting evidence being provided by British officers.

Mr Vaz said: "Mr Hottak should never have had to go through such a lengthy process with the UKBA bureaucracy.

"We owe asylum to interpreters who have risked their lives for our forces.

"This sets a very important precedent for future decisions and I hope it will allow others in his position to be shown the same compassion."

A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "Following inconsistencies in the original claim, significant new evidence was subsequently put forward, resulting in a decision to grant Mr Hottak asylum.

"We are now working with the Ministry of Defence to improve the process for obtaining information about individuals who have worked with the Armed Forces to ensure this does not happen again."

Mohammad said that his next step, once he had received official documentation, would be to ask for help to be reunited with his family.

"They have also made sacrifices and deserve the right to join me and live a peaceful life here," he said.

"My parents had to live with the fact that their two sons – my brother was also an interpreter – may not come home.

"We were called infidels for working with Nato forces.

"They have suffered like I did, not knowing whether we would come home safely or not.

"Many parents in the UK with sons serving on the frontline will understand how they felt."

Mohammed is studying accountancy at Leicester College.

"I want to be able to start a new life here with my family, which is why I am studying to get a job instead of living on benefits," he said.

At least 21 Afghan interpreters have been killed over the past five years and many more have been wounded.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond told parliament in September that the Ministry of Defence was working on a programme to ensure their protection when British forces leave Afghanistan in 2014.

Vindicated: delight for Afghan interpreter as he wins fight to stay in UK

Three men arrested after elephant allegedly beaten at Twycross Zoo

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Three people have been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after an elephant was allegedly beaten at Twycross Zoo.
Leicestershire Police said three men had been arrested and questioned in connection with the unnecessary suffering of an elephant at the county zoo.
The offence happened last month, a force spokeswoman confirmed.
The men were released on police bail, pending further inquiries, she added.
In a statement Leicestershire Police said: "We are currently carrying out an investigation in connection with the unnecessary suffering to an elephant at Twycross Zoo.
"The offence happened in September 2012.
"Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries."
The spokeswoman confirmed that an investigation into the incident is continuing.

VIDEO: Firefighters tackling huge blaze in Leicester

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Firefighters are tackling a massive blaze in Leicester. Flames can be seen leaping from the roof of the Curzonia Knitwear factory in Birstall Street, off Dysart Way, St Matthews. Thick, black smoke from the fire is drifting across the city. The huge blaze is believed to have started at Cloud 9, a shisha bar which was built on the roof of factory. Workers in the knitwear factory were evacuated after the alarm was raised. The fire service has confirmed six crews are at the scene. Paramedics are also at the scene. Birstall Road has been cordoned off, with police re-directing traffic along alternative routes. Area Traffic Control has also said that Syston Street, East, Curzon Street and Cobden Street are also closed. An eyewitness, who watched the drama unfold from her living room window, said: "I saw it start and it got huge so quickly. "I thought it might start to spread, but the fire service and police cordoned off the roads around it. Houses like mine are pretty close though. "It's worrying because there is a petrol station next to it and an old people's home opposite." Pakeer Suleiman, who runs photography business Creating the Memories, in nearby St Saviours Road, said: "It was massive, there was black smoke filling the sky." Aaron O'Connor, landlord of the Durham Ox pub, which sits next door but one to the factory, said: "I've had loads of messages on Facebook from people worried it was the pub on fire so I've had to reply and assure them we're okay. "I first saw it when the cleaner grabbed me and told me about all the smoke and flames. "There was thick smoke everywhere - it was coming from the roof. "I wasn't sure if it was going spread but there's always that danger."

VIDEO: Firefighters tackling huge blaze in Leicester

Avni's adventures... The story so far

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Who would have thought a culture shock would exist after just one month of living in a modern, European country? Starting a year of being an English Language Assistant in Spain is going to be more than just an adventure. For my first morning, I met with two teachers at the local train station in Santander to join them on an excursion to a small tourist town, Santillana del Mar. It seemed more like a school trip if I'm honest! Rather than conforming with typical tourist expectations and walking along the sandy beaches, I roamed around shops that were selling Pinocchio dolls and old Roulette boards. For me, the best part was sitting inside and watching the heavy rainstorm whilst enjoying the only vegetarian option on the menu, stuffed aubergine.

Induction day saw the gathering of all language assistants, hours of rambling in Spanish and the importance of getting a national insurance number, a bank account and somewhere to live. I spent most of my time trying to figure out which of the three Javier's had been emailing me during the application process to come here. After finally being set free from the induction, I took some time to explore the city. Much to my surprise, it was completely dormant. Of course, I was in Spain. It was siesta time. Whilst wandering, I unfortunately had to say 'No' to a job offer in Montmartre, but happily took the advice 'never say no to an invitation' and arranged to have lunch at a lady's house who I had coincidentally met when asking for directions. Risky?!

New week, new start. I began work at a primary school in a town called Torrelavega which is a 35 minute train ride from Santander. Apart from being unable to understand the English teacher's strong Spanish accent (which changes a sentence from 'He has a beard on his face' to 'He has a bird on his face'), working with primary school children has been great so far. Youth preserves innocence has definitely been proved right through questions I have been asked, such as: 'Have you cooked for your husband today?' and 'Does Father Christmas really come to your house in England?'

After a glorious day of sun and searching for Flamenco lessons, I still somehow manage to get caught up in dodgy situations. This time, it was being stalked by a man who somehow knew my name, where I lived and that I spoke French. After having him follow me for at least 5 minutes, I phoned a local police number and was told to go back to my flat (in a dark street) and not to worry. Apparently this is normal in the northern regions of Spain. So much for police 'protecting our communities'! On a more positive note, my weekly shop, bearing in mind my ever-increasing love for food and lack of vegetarian options in restaurants, came to a grand total of 10 Euros. Happy with that!

Other things I've been up to over the past 3 weeks here:

- 5km run, 'Carrera de la Mujer'. This is the equivalent to the women's Race for Life in England. Couldn't complain when running with a stunning view!

- A free two hour surfing lesson!

- And of course, immersing myself in Spanish culture by participating in the occassional siesta!

Avni's adventures... The story so far

MPs row over Richard III's remains

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A royal row erupted in the House of Commons today as MPs fought for their constituencies to house the suspected remains of King Richard III. Party colleagues openly bid against each other for the honour of receiving the late monarch's skeleton - if tests prove it is his. John Mann, Labour MP for Bassetlaw, wanted it "to be known to the warring factions of York and Leicester that the great priory of Worksop - halfway between the two and the centre of the kingdom of Richard III - can provide the most appropriate final resting place for the King''. But Labour colleague Jon Ashworth, who represents Leicester South, said: "I am sure Worksop has many fine qualities, but given it was the Grey Friars who took the body of Richard and buried him at what was then the Grey Friars' church, a site which is today just a stone's throw from Leicester Cathedral, and he has been in Leicester for 500 years, it would be most appropriate that he is finally laid to rest at Leicester Cathedral.'' For more see tomorrow's Mercury.

MP George Galloway told he is not welcome at De Montfort University

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Controversial MP George Galloway has been banned from speaking at De Montfort University.

The Respect MP, whose views on the Iraq war resulted in his expulsion from the Labour party in 2003, was scheduled to deliver a speech at the university on November 14.

However, he has now been told to stay away by its Student Union executive.

The executive say legal issues between Galloway and the National Union of Students (NUS), mean his visit is now deemed "inappropriate."

Joseph Hayat, 19, chairman of DMU's Respect Society, organised the event.

He said he has been left "infuriated" by the decision and intends to find an alternative venue so Mr Galloway's speech can still go ahead.

Mr Hayat said: "It's completely undemocratic and preposterous. Oxford University hosted Mr Galloway recently.

"Why should students there get to listen to him speak, and not those at DMU? The situation with the NUS was no different then and, ironically, Mr Galloway was intending to speak about the importance of more young people getting into politics, regardless of their political persuasion."

He is now looking for alternative venues, not affiliated to the university, to host the event.

Mr Galloway, MP for Bradford West, is suing the NUS for libel following criticism of his remarks about WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

The NUS branded Mr Galloway's comments "offensive" and said they would no longer share a platform with the MP.

DMU Student Union president Lynette Williams, said: "All external speakers are checked for health and safety reasons and De Montfort Students' Union was asked if George Galloway was a suitable external speaker for one of our society's events.

"While discussing this application, it came to light that Mr Galloway had declared he was going to sue the NUS, who we are affiliated with. NUS represents every student in the country and, in our opinion, an attack on the NUS is an attack on every student, including those at De Montfort University.

"We feel it would be inappropriate for Mr Galloway to attend an event on campus while in a legal altercation with our affiliate national movement."

A spokesman for DMU added: "The university fully supports the decision and believes the sanction taken is in the best interests of the Students' Union."

A spokesman for George Galloway said yesterday: "He is absolutely appalled, but not surprised that the Student Union should do this.

"It's a gross infringement of freedom of speech and he is sure that it's not representative of the majority of the student body.''

MP George Galloway told he is not welcome at De Montfort University

Severn Trent choir triumph BBC2's The Choir: Sing While You Work

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Workplace warblers Mick Sneath and Jamie Turner are celebrating victory in a television singing contest.

The pair, from Leicester, are members of the Severn Trent Singers choir, which was last night announced as the winner of BBC2's The Choir: Sing While You Work.

The choir clinched the title with their rendition of 1960s song Feeling Good, made famous by Nina Simone.

The programme showed them beating the other two finalists in front of 3,000 people at the international Eisteddfod music festival in Llangollen, Wales.

Their win was filmed in July, but the gripping finale was broadcast last night.

The water company workers were the unanimous choice of judges Ruby Turner, Ralph Allwood and Manvinder Rattan, ahead of fellow finalists from the Royal Mail, in Bristol, and NHS staff from Lewisham, south east London.

Jamie, 22, of Thurcaston, said: "It was a question of fight or flight when we sang.

"We all loved our song and decided to give it everything and we just flew. Everyone was fantastic, especially our soloist, Laura.

"The atmosphere in singing to just three judges in Bristol in the semi-final was amazing, but the atmosphere at Llangollen was 1,000 times better.

"We had to wait hours for the result to be announced. We talked with the other choirs and it was sweaty palms time.

"It was a bit of a blur as the judges talked about the skills of the finalists as they announced the result.

"When they said we had won we went crazy. We could not believe it. All the hard work had been worth it."

Mick, 49, from Oadby, who works as a distribution services technician, said: "It was an incredible experience. It was a song we loved to sing.

"To be in front of 3,000 people who really know about singing was pretty daunting. But we gave our best performance and were really pleased with how it went.

"People came up to us afterwards saying how much they enjoyed our singing."

The choirs sang in a 20-minute period slipped into the Eisteddfod main programme.

Each choir was given a new song for the final. Royal Mail sang Fleetwood Mac's Don't Stop and Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust performed For Once in My Life, made famous by Stevie Wonder.

According to the judges it was a close call between the finalists. However, they said Severn Trent Water's choir rose to the challenge and were complimented on their confidence on stage, fantastic singing and overall accomplished performance. As far are the judges were concerned, it was a "unanimous decision".

The Severn Trent Water choir will feature on tonight's BBC One Show and are now building up a repertoire for a concert to be given on December 13.

Mick said: "As yet we do not where the concert will be. So many want to hear us now."

Severn Trent choir triumph BBC2's The Choir: Sing While You Work

Twycross Zoo praised for swift action after three staff accused of abusing elephants

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Bosses at Twycross Zoo have been praised for their quick action after allegations emerged staff had been abusing elephants.

Three workers at the Leicestershire zoo have been sacked and arrested after allegedly causing unnecessary suffering to two animals.

The men were dismissed after managers reviewed video recordings of a research project being carried out into the animals at the zoo, near Hinckley.

They then notified the police of the recordings and the men were arrested.

Yesterday, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Biaza) – a conservation, education and wildlife charity representing more than 100 member organisations, including all zoos and aquariums – issued a statement of support for Twycross.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: "Biaza takes every suggestion of compromised welfare very seriously.

"In this instance, it fully supports Twycross Zoo for acting rapidly and comprehensively as soon as the issue came to light.

"Biaza expects and promotes the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare and has produced stringent animal management guidelines for its members to implement."

The Sun newspaper has reported the men were seen on film beating at least one of the elephants with canes, but the zoo refused to confirm any details of the alleged offences.

A police spokeswoman said the alleged offences, which centre on the care of the female elephants called Noorjahan and Tonzi, happened last month. She said one man was arrested on October 3, one on October 4 and another on October 16.

A spokeswoman for Twycross Zoo said: "The zoo was gathering information relating to the elephants as part of an animal behaviour research project.

"During a review of these video logs the inappropriate behaviour came to light and triggered an investigation."

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman confirmed their involvement in the matter.

She said: "Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries."

Tonzi is 28 years old and became a grandmother this year when her daughter Tara had a baby.

Noorjahan is 16 years old.

The zoo, which has an 80-acre site, confirmed that it had sacked the three members of staff following the alleged incident and said the animals had not been permanently harmed.

A spokeswoman said: "Three members of Twycross Zoo staff have been dismissed. This action follows an internal investigation and relates to an animal welfare issue.

"Twycross Zoo acted rapidly and comprehensively as soon as the issue came to light.

"The zoo immediately instigated an extensive investigation in line with its internal policies and legal welfare requirements.

"The small group of animals this incident relates to suffered no lasting injury, are behaving normally and are now doing extremely well. The animals have been and continue to be on full public show.

"The incident was reported immediately to the police who are investigating.

"In addition, leading zoo animal welfare organisations were informed."

Twycross Zoo praised for swift action after three staff accused of abusing elephants

Andy King: Teams are now beginning to fear Leicester City at King Power

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Visiting teams will fear coming to the King Power Stadium to face league leaders Leicester City, midfielder Andy King has warned.

City boast one of just two 100 per cent home records in the Championship this season – the other is Cardiff – having won their opening six games.

King said City were full of confidence of adding to their tally against Crystal Palace tomorrow.

"I think teams come maybe with that mentality where they are a little bit scared to come to this ground now," said King, who scored the winner for City in their 1-0 victory against Brighton on Tuesday night.

"That is especially the case when there are 25,000 fans getting behind us, like they did on Tuesday night, which was outstanding.

"I think teams will start to fear us on home soil.

"We are set up with a good game-plan and everyone is working really hard for each other, and the drive from everyone in the squad is there. We really want to be successful as a group and that is showing."

Although Palace are unbeaten in their last nine games, they have been rocked this week by the departure of manager Dougie Freedman, who has taken over at Bolton. But King warned that might make the Eagles even more dangerous.

"They have lost their manager and that can go one of two ways," he said.

"That can either affect them, or they can be out to prove a point to an incoming manager, whoever that will be, and he could be sat in the stands.

"They are going to be keen not to let their good start go to waste because they have lost their manager.

"I think for one or two games it is okay (not having a manager). The people who come in and take charge know their business and how they play so it won't make much difference.

"The longer it goes on, it gets a little more uncertain and you don't know what is going on.

"But we have to concentrate on our own game-plan.

"We have momentum now and have had for the last five or six games, but they have been on a good run themselves so it will be a good game."

Andy King: Teams are now beginning to fear Leicester City  at  King Power


Blaze drama at shisha bar on Curzonia Knitwear factory roof in Leicester

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Factory workers ran for their lives when a shisha bar on top of a factory burst into flames.

The blaze started at about 11am yesterday at Cloud 9, on the roof of Curzonia Knitwear, in Leicester.

More than 60 firefighters were at the scene as flames tore through the wooden structure, sending huge plumes of thick, black smoke – visible from 10 miles away – over the city.

The streets around the building, on the corner of Curzon Street and Birstall Street, St Matthew's, filled with spectators.

Leigh Bevans, 26, of Highfields, said: "I saw people on the floor below still at work in the factory. They didn't even realise there was a fire and some lads ran upstairs to tell them to get out."

The workers then fled the building, and the fire service later confirmed no one had been hurt.

Shank John, 25, who lives nearby, said: "I was in the building next door and I heard a man shouting, 'Fire, fire, fire' and we all went outside. I was very scared."

As the flames grew, a police patrol car drove up the street with an officer shouting out of the passenger window for the crowd to move back.

Fire crews managed to get up an exterior fire escape, while other firefighters on aerial platforms blasted water down onto the structure.

Nathan Earle, 20, of Fleckney, had seen the smoke from 10 miles away and decided to take a closer look, saying: "It's not often you see something like this."

Wasim Munshi, 19, of Evington, was among those watching the blaze.

Wasim said: "I've been to Cloud 9 and there's a lot of wood to burn, as well as the gas heaters. It's a popular place, too. It's a shame."

Ten firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the building and made their way to the fourth floor to prevent the blaze from spreading down through the factory.

Incident commander Matt Cane said: "It was spreading downwards and we needed to stop it moving to other parts of the building.

"Luckily, we were able to get it under control and prevent it from causing any more damage."

By 12.15pm the flames were shrinking and the black smoke was mixed with water vapour as the fire crews began to win their battle.

Ansle Grogan, 39, of Highfields, said: "The flames were huge at the height of it, and the firemen are so brave – rather them than me."

Fire investigators were last night examining the scene and said they believed the blaze might have started inside the shisha bar.

Mr Cane said: "It's too early to say what the cause was because the damage is too severe. It'll take a while establish exactly what happened."

Cloud 9 opens from 5pm until 2am each day, and is thought to have been closed at the time of the blaze.

A message on Cloud 9's Facebook site yesterday read: "Cloud 9 is closed down due to fire. Inshallah (God willing) will re-open soon."

Planning approval was granted in 2010 to change part of the building into a café with smoking shelter. In 2011, approval was given to expand the smoking area.

The city council's reasons for approving the application included that it was satisfied "adequate controls were in place to meet health and safety requirements".

Related article: VIDEO: Firefighters tackling huge blaze in Leicester Throughout the day people were posting images and video online... Thank you to everyone who let @thisisleics know what they had posted.

Blaze drama at shisha bar on Curzonia Knitwear factory roof in Leicester

Leicester takeaway boss Dogan Dogan died in robbery, court told

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A takeaway boss died when he was tied up and suffocated during a robbery at one of his businesses, a jury heard.

Dogan Dogan, 50, was found dead in a bed-sit above Aladdin's takeaway, in Linton Street, Evington, Leicester, on January 8 this year.

Mr Dogan owned the business and another takeaway, Pizzaman, in Church Street, Lutterworth.

At Birmingham Crown Court this week three men – Wali Khan (32), Naveed Naveed (28) and Sarwar Gader (35), all of Leicester – went on trial charged with Mr Dogan's murder.

Prosecution barrister Gordon Aspden said Mr Dogan's body was found by two members of staff, who arrived at Aladdin's for work on January 8.

Mr Dogan's hands and feet were tied with yellow twine and a towel and clothing had been tied over his face, which had suffocated him and caused his death, the court heard. Three of his ribs were broken and the area around one of his eyes was bruised.

About £1,000 in takings from Aladdin's and Pizzaman was missing from the bed-sit.

Mr Aspden said Mr Dogan had been at his Lutterworth business throughout the evening of Saturday, January 7, and had left there shortly before 3am the following day. A CCTV camera captured him entering his bed-sit above Aladdin's at 3.29am – the last time he was seen alive.

The same CCTV camera filmed a car carrying three men driving away from Aladdin's at 4.23am. Mr Aspden said that car belonged to Naveed.

The car was tracked on CCTV driving around Leicester and police saw items being thrown from the vehicle, which turned out to be keys belonging to Mr Dogan and some latex gloves.

The court was told Naveed and Khan were arrested a week later and found to be in possession of Mr Dogan's phone. Gader was arrested about a week after that.

Different accounts were given by all three men during police interviews, the court heard.

Yesterday, Johnny Booker, who was the manager of Pizzaman, told the court Mr Dogan was in high spirits and in a "very happy" mood just hours before his death.

He said he spent the evening working with Mr Dogan, whom he described as a "hard- working and nice man", before his boss left in the early hours to go back to his Leicester flat.

The jury was shown CCTV footage of Mr Dogan leaving Pizzaman and travelling back through Leicester to Aladdin's.

Also shown was CCTV footage recorded about an hour later of a VW Passat – which the prosecution say was carrying the three defendants – driving away from Linton Street towards the M1.

The jury was told the three defendants travelled to Luton, where they spent a few hours, and were later caught on CCTV again buying food at a takeaway at Leicester.

The defendants never offered any explanation as to why they had gone to Luton only to come back 12 hours later.

Dr Stuart Hamilton, a forensic pathologist, said Mr Dogan had suffered a number of injuries during an attack, including the three broken ribs which, he said, looked as if they had been inflicted by kicking.

He also said Mr Dogan had been heavily gagged with several layers of cloth.

A neurosurgeon who examined Mr Dogan's brain said he would have died within about 35 minutes of being gagged.

Gader, of Gleneagles Avenue, Rushey Mead, and Khan and Naveed, both of St Stephen's Road, Highfields, deny murder.

The trial continues.

Leicester takeaway boss Dogan Dogan died in robbery, court told

Jamie Vardy wants his Leicester City shirt back

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Jamie Vardy has declared he is raring to go after his illness and is determined to win back his place in Leicester City's starting line-up.

The 25-year-old had been an ever-present in City's attack until he contracted a virus, which left him bedridden for a week.

Vardy, who has contributed four goals so far after his summer move from Fleetwood Town, was used as a late substitute last weekend at Birmingham but did not look his usual effervescent self.

He looked lively again when he again went on off the bench during Tuesday's victory against Brighton, and he could return instead of Martyn Waghorn for tomorrow's visit of Crystal Palace.

City also hope that Ritchie De Laet and David Nugent, who both went off on Tuesday, will have recovered from knocks.

"I am 100 per cent fit now," said Vardy. "I managed to get all my fitness back and, the weight I lost, I managed to put back on.

"I am not sure what it was but I woke up very weak one day and couldn't get out of bed for about a week.

"I wasn't feeling the best when I went off against Bristol City and it went downhill after that.

"It was frustrating but it is nice to see the boys kept winning and we are keeping the pressure on at the top.

"It is down to me and my own ability now to get that shirt back, and to prove in training to the gaffer that I deserve to go back in.

"I am delighted with how I have started the season but I have to keep it going. Hopefully, that will keep me in that starting XI for the rest of the season."

Manager Nigel Pearson also said he felt Vardy was now over the worst of his illness and ready for a recall.

"When Jamie went on at the weekend there still seemed a bit of a hangover from it," said Pearson.

"When he went on (against Brighton) he looked very energetic again. It really made an impact on the game and that is what we want."

Jamie Vardy wants his Leicester City shirt back

Man to appear in court after theft from house in Leicester

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A man accused of handling property which had been stolen in a burglary is to appear in court. The 22-year-old has been charged with goods stolen from a house in Evesham Road, off Narborough Road, Leicester last month. He is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, November 21.

Bishop of Leicester quizzes minister over children's cardiac unit at Glenfield Hospital

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The Bishop of Leicester has questioned why a vital element of children's heart surgery services has not been included in a national review of a decision to shut the children's cardiac unit at Glenfield Hospital.

The Rt Rev Tim Stevens asked the Health Minister Earl Howe in the House of Lords yesterday to explain why the children's Ecmo (extra corporeal membrane oxygenation) service had been excluded in the review ordered by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Monday.

He has asked the independent panel to review a decision by the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts to cut the number of hospitals providing heart surgery for children from 11 to seven.

Glenfield Hospital was one of the hospitals earmarked to stop providing the service and to have children's Ecmo services transferred to Birmingham.

The bishop's question followed a debate in the House of Commons, triggered by an e-petition of more than 100,000 signatures.

The petition was set up by Adam Tansey, from Burbage, whose son Albert was born with half a heart.

Earl Howe replied that the exclusion of the Ecmo unit in the review could not be considered in the same way as the decision had been made by the previous Secretary of State, Andrew Lansley, and not by the joint committee.

However, Bishop Tim said he remained "very hopeful the support given to Glenfield Children's Cardiac Unit and the Ecmo unit in particular will lead to it being be included in the review at the earliest opportunity, in the hope the whole unit will remain in Leicester".

The petition can be signed at:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/35788

Bishop of Leicester quizzes minister over children's cardiac unit at Glenfield Hospital

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