A burglary victim has appealed for the safe return of her entire collection of photographs of her baby son.

An intruder climbed through an open downstairs window at Ruth and Ben Telford-Brown's home in North Evington in the early hours of last Sunday.

Along with computers, an iPad and cash and cards, the burglars took a Canon Ixus camera and a back-up memory stick, on which the couple have stored hundreds of photographs of their eight month-old son, Simeon.

Mrs Telford-Brown, 32, said: "It's just about every photograph we have taken of Simeon since he was born – from his days in hospital, when he was poorly with jaundice, to his first go on a swing.

"They really are irreplaceable and we just want that memory stick back.

"We really don't care about the other things stolen.

"It is really upsetting, having been careful to make copies, that all of our pictures could disappear in one go.

"If anyone is handed either a camera, computer, memory stick or SD card with photos of our beautiful boy on it, could they be kind enough to hand it in to the Mercury, anonymously?

"I know it's a long shot and they've probably already been wiped, but I'd like to think that someone has a heart and we might get a miracle if we ask."

An intruder broke into the family home in Margaret Road some time late on Saturday or in the early hours of Sunday.

Mrs Telford-Brown said: "Because of the hot weather, we went to bed with a small downstairs window open.

"So, it's our own stupidity that has put us in this position and we hope other people will learn from our experience."

Leicestershire Police has previously warned people to keep windows and doors locked while they are out or are occupied elsewhere in their homes.

Officers believe opportunist burglars are trawling the streets looking for insecure homes.

Inspector Ben Gillard, commander of Spinney Hill Park police station, said: "We have done a lot of work and put out a lot of information to raise awareness of the need for people to keep their homes secure during the hot weather.

"There are opportunists who are constantly looking out for the weak points in homes and open windows and doors are an open invitation to them."

Anyone with information call Detective Sergeant George Fraser on 101.

Two police officers were taken to hospital and a block of flats evacuated after potentially hazardous white powder was found during a drugs raid.

The officers were exposed to the unknown substance while they were removing cannabis from a flat in Aylestone, Leicester, on Tuesday.

They are said to have opened a box and been hit in the face by a cloud of the powder.

The third-floor flat, in Belvoir Drive, off Aylestone Road, was sealed off and neighbouring properties evacuated as the powder was treated as a potentially hazardous substance.

The officers, a man and woman, were taken ill and were checked by doctors at hospital. They were later given the all-clear.

Dozens of residents of the three-storey block asked to leave their homes at 4.15pm were allowed back at 7.15pm.

Five men have been arrested and a quantity of drugs and related equipment removed, police said.

The white powder is thought to have been used for the preparation of illegal drugs.

Bill West, manager of the nearby Aylestone Park Hotel, said: "It all started at about 12.30pm with a couple of police cars outside the flats.

"By 4.30pm, there were more police cars, a couple of fire engines and an ambulance and everyone was wondering what was going on.

"All the emergency service people were standing in a circle having a conference and some of them were wearing protective gear.

"I thought it was probably something to do with drugs because I've smelled something pungent down that end of the street in the past.

"I saw police in the area a while ago and they seemed to be sniffing the air."

One of the residents who was told to leave her flat said: "I went to my friend's house and I think quite a few other people were evacuated, too.

"All I knew was that the police had found something in one of the flats."

Another resident said: "I thought straight away it was something to do with drugs.

"We were out of our homes for a few hours and we heard some police officers had come across some kind of hazardous substance.

"It was pretty scary for a while but we were told everything was okay when we were allowed back into our flats."

A police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to a property in Belvoir Drive following reports of suspicious activity.

"On arrival, cannabis was discovered at the address.

"During the incident, some homes around the location were evacuated in the interest of public safety.

"However, following investigations, supported by the fire service, residents were allowed back to their homes about three hours later.

"A number of items were found at the address believed to be associated with drug production and supply.

"These form part of the investigation and we are not going into detail as to what items were recovered.

"During the course of the incident, two police officers took ill and were taken to hospital as a precaution."

It is the splash that proved a smash. The Sun's striking wraparound front got the nation talking yesterday with its mish-mash of patriotic images.

This is Our Britain, bellowed the headline, over a montage of pictures of national icons ranging from the White Cliffs of Dover to Loch Ness, with a chippy, a Spitfire and a rain cloud dotted in between.

Love it or loathe it, the tabloid's bout of nationalistic fervour was quickly making headlines of its own – and internet wags were quick to lampoon rival newspapers with parody front pages.

Now, we are throwing down the gauntlet to Leicestershire artists and designers: Can you come up with a montage that sums up our little patch of Britain?

A huge samosa cob hovering over the King Power Stadium, perhaps. Or Engelbert Humperdinck clutching best-loved Bradgate folly Old John like a barfly with his pint glass at closing time.

Or Gary Lineker giving Tom from Kasabian a croggy down Frog Island, maybe. Hmmm, that last one sounds a bit tricky.

Anyway, we will leave the details up to you. Send your designs to the address below and we will print the best.

newsdesk@ leicestermercury.co.uk

Pre-season friendlies are never true indicators of the likely fortunes of teams when the real action kicks off, but they can provide a pointer to where they are at.

Leicester City look like they still have some work to do, on and off the pitch.

Of course, they are not going to come up against any team in the Championship that possesses the quality of AS Monaco, who have shelled out a small fortune in a bid to qualify for the Champions League and possibly even challenge for the French title.

But there was a sense that City didn't really have a good enough go at their illustrious visitors, as if they were holding back for Middlesbrough on Saturday, which again makes a true assessment difficult of the shape City are currently in.

Manager Nigel Pearson's squad has hardly changed from the one that reached the play-offs last season, so it is obvious they are capable of challenging for a top-six place again in the coming campaign.

The big question though is can they do even better? Is this squad capable of challenging for automatic promotion?

They looked on course last season when they marched into the top two. But they fell away dramatically, an indication that ultimately they weren't quite good enough over the whole season, that something was missing.

This is a young squad which is learning and developing together.

They will get better in time, but the addition of a couple of astute signings could make all the difference. It could give City the boost they need.

The Financial Fair Play regulations are honourable, but they have come at the wrong time for City.

Manager Nigel Pearson now has his hands tied. To conform with the regulations and avoid sanctions, he must first offload high wage earners before he can bring in more players. But other clubs outside the Premier League are in a similar position.

That is all except for the three sides coming down from the Premier League who are bolstered by their parachute payments and have been able to conduct business.

Yes, that finance didn't help Wolves and Blackburn Rovers, but money is irrelevant when there is clear mismanagement at the very top. Plus, FFP has changed the landscape in the Championship even further and created an uneven playing field.

But that is the situation City find themselves in and they have no choice but to conform, and there are still plenty of reasons for optimism this season.

In goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, captain Wes Morgan and striker David Nugent they have three of the best players in the division. Plus some of Pearson's young recruits have started to blossom.

Ritchie De Laet will be a key man, especially if City adopt the wing-back system they have tried out in pre-season, while Matty James is growing in stature in central midfield.

Anthony Knockaert is potentially a match-winner and it is important City find a role for him which brings out his undoubted talents, while Andy King is developing into an influential figure.

If Pearson can get others firing consistently as well this coming campaign, City could be true contenders. But a couple of additions could make all the difference.

The weather may be Mediterranean but highways officers are preparing for winter.

More than 13,400 tonnes of grit is being delivered in the next few weeks to replenish Leicestershire County Council's stocks, taking the total to 18,500 tonnes.

The first batch of 3,836 tonnes arrived at the grit barn in Misterton yesterday.

More will be delivered to Melton, Mountsorrel, Market Harborough and Nailstone.

"With the wonderful weather we have had for most of the summer, winter seems a world away," said Councillor Peter Osborne, council cabinet member for highways and transport.

"It may appear unusual for us to be receiving our salt delivery already. However, it is important we order early so we can ensure we are as prepared as we can be for the winter.

"Last winter was especially hard weather-wise and our gritters went out 99 times.

"But we ensured our barns were stocked so we didn't run out.

"We will be doing the same this year.

"During the winter, we will continue to monitor our stocks on a daily basis and reorder as necessary."

Last winter, 19,713 tonnes of salt helped to keep Leicestershire's roads moving during the big freeze.

During the worst weather, the teams of gritter drivers were working round-the-clock to keep roads open.

Thousands of people will enjoy a sunburst of colour this weekend as Leicester's annual Caribbean Carnival takes place.

Entertainers, floats and bands will take to the streets for the 28th carnival tomorrow.

The parade will leave Victoria Park, in London Road, at 1pm and enter the city centre before returning to the park at 4pm.

Celebrations will be taking place from at the park from midday until 8pm.

Entertainment will be provided by dancers, music and other performers throughout the day.

Carnival chairman Dennis Christopher said: "The theme is Colour My World because we want to bring all races and religions together.

"The street carnival will be full of beautiful colours.

"People should expect different foods, music, dance – from all cultures.

"Visitors can meet old and new friends and just enjoy themselves.

"The meaning of carnival, is emancipation of slavery – when slaves were freed, they did their own thing and that's what it's all about."

Mr Christopher said this was an important year for the carnival because of Leicester's bid to be UK City of Culture in 2017.

He said he hoped the carnival would play a major part in securing the coveted title for Leicester.

The carnival route will see the procession travel from Victoria Park, along London Road, Waterloo Way, Charles Street, Gallowtree Gate, Granby Street, Northampton Street, Waterloo Way and up London Road back to Victoria Park.

The main stage at Victoria Park will feature a variety of local, regional and national artists, ranging from the sound of R 'n' B, reggae, hip-hop and chart pop.

Mr Christopher said: "There will be all kinds of different music played but the majority will be calypso, steel band and soca – the rest will fit in between.

"I'm looking forward to it, I'm just hoping for a safe carnival and I'm keeping my eye on the weather.

"We've already started planning the 2014 carnival."

Police have given carnival goers advice on how to stay safe and crime-free at the event.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Prior said: "Last year around 15,000 people attended the event at Victoria Park and no crimes were reported.

"However, as with all events which attract large crowds, there are some simple steps that we urge people to consider to reduce the risk of them becoming a victim of crime."

To prevent the probability of crime, officers have suggested keeping valuables out of sight; keeping belongings with you at all times; keeping bags fastened securely and not to carry too much cash.

A woman suffered a broken tooth and bruising after being punched by a drunken man.

Jamie Noon struck the victim with "full force" in what the prosecution described as an unprovoked attack.

Noon (24) admitted causing actual bodily harm in the early hours of January 26.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £400 compensation to the victim.

Leicester Crown Court was told the woman attended a party with friends at Friar Lane FC, in Aylestone.

She left at 1.20am and because it was cold ended up huddling close to other people as they waited for a lift home.

Victoria Rose, prosecuting, said: "One of those present was her friend's step-father. A girl approached and said 'Don't you know he's got a wife?'.

"The complainant thought it was an odd thing to say and replied 'Of course I do, my friend's mum is married to him'.

"The girl said 'You're a bit close'.

"The complainant replied 'It's not as if we're kissing or anything'."

The girl retorted that they may as well have been.

Miss Rose said: "The girl's boyfriend, Noon, then appeared out of nowhere and punched the complainant with a clenched fist, full force, to her face."

She then heard the defendant protesting: "I didn't do anything. I wouldn't hit a woman."

The victim went to Leicester Royal Infirmary with bruising to her face as well as numbness to her cheek, nose and upper lip. Her upper right tooth was broken, which had to be removed and reconstructed.

Recorder John Pini QC said the victim was an "innocent passer-by".

He told Noon, of Boulder Lane, Saffron Lane, Leicester: "It was disgraceful behaviour and you've narrowly avoided prison.

"Do it again and you'll go straight inside."

Vasanti Vaitha, mitigating, said: "He's written an apology letter he'd like to be passed on to the complainant.

"He's clearly remorseful and ashamed.

"Since this incident he's taken significant steps to change his way of life to ensure it never happens again.

"It was a single blow when he was under the influence of alcohol. He's learnt his lesson."

The latest plans to develop De Montfort University's campus have been unveiled.

The university has proposed revamping the Fletcher Tower, in Newarke Close, which houses the faculty of art, design and humanities, as part of a £90 million campus scheme to transform the site.

Features will include new atrium spaces with open galleries, large display cases to showcase three-dimensional work, digital internal and external displays of students' work and sculpture podiums and catwalks.

The area around the building, which is close to the River Soar, is also set to be developed as part of an attempt to reconnect the city centre with the waterfront through a series of linked public open spaces through the university campus. Vice-chancellor, Professor Dominic Shellard, said: "The exciting developments on our campus represent our continued focus on creating an unparalleled student experience."

Nottingham architects CPMG has been appointed to bring about the vision and the university this week released artists' impressions of how the area could look.

Plans have yet to be submitted to the local authority but are expected to be handed in before the end of the year.

Prof Shellard said: "We were seeking an architect that could understand our vision and bring it to life.

"CPMG shares the creative ethos that defines De Montfort University.

"It was therefore no surprise its bold and innovative designs for our new Fletcher complex were precisely what the university had envisioned.

"The Fletcher complex will be the centrepiece of our £90 million campus investment and will be a building and open space that will perfectly marry aesthetics with function.

"It will provide an inspiring place to work and a relaxing space to meet with friends and colleagues – everything a 21st century university should be."

CPMG previously worked with the university on the Hugh Aston Building, which was completed in 2009 to provide a new base for the university's business and law students.

A year after it opened it won the ProCon large scheme of the year award and was one of six schemes in the running for the Leicester Mercury People's Choice Award 2012.

CPMG director Nick Gregory said: "This is an exciting and demanding project and our team relishes the opportunity to create an inspirational solution for staff and students.

"With a clear focus on contemporary architecture and landscape, the university has already achieved a huge transformation with the realisation of the Hugh Aston building and we were fortunate to be involved.

"Now, to be able to help continue the university's development of its first-class facilities is a truly exciting prospect."

Work on the Fletcher Complex is scheduled to start next summer and will be completed in 2016. Students will be moved to other sites while it is carried out.

Future plans for the university include changes to teaching rooms, eating areas and the students' union, as well as creating a parkland at the heart of the campus.