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13 sixes on way to 133 for Bombay captain Adeel Khalid

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Bombay captain Adeel Khalid put on the most devastating of captain's performances to lead his side to a 146-run victory against Leo.

Khalid smashed an incredible 13 sixes on his way to making 133 out of his team's total of 193-9 in Division Nine East of the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League.

The Bombay skipper had to pull off a rescue mission after his side had slumped to 8-4.

But, with their backs to the wall, Khalid and partner Shantu Mistry steadied the ship with a stand of 103.

Mistry played the supporting role, finally being dismissed for a patient 33, while Khalid continued his onslaught.

Leo simply had no answer to his power-hitting as he smashed 78 runs just in sixes on the way to his century.

His captain's innings was just what the side needed after they were bowled out for 65 in their first game of the season.

But it was Shailesh Mistry who would then become the star with the ball, as he took five wickets for just 10 runs.

Leo never looked like getting close and were bowled out for 47.


Golf: Rothley Park's Matthew Cort to battle the stars at Wentworth

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Rothley Park's Matthew Cort will rub shoulders with some of golf's biggest stars when he plays in the BMW PGA Championship next week.

It will be only the second time that Cort has appeared in the European Tour's flagship event at Wentworth – he played two years ago but narrowly missed the cut.

But now he is back and takes his place next Thursday among a powerful international field that includes Rory Mcllroy, Justin Rose, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald.

Cort has been stepping up his preparations during the past few weeks and will go to Wentworth on Monday to practice.

Cort, who made history by becoming the first pro to win the PGA Assistants Championship three years in a row, has been determined to return to Wentworth, his experience two years ago only fuelling his desire to go back.

"I have been looking forward to going back to Wentworth since I knew I had secured my spot in the field," said Cort.

"My initial target has to be to make the cut and play all four rounds of this prestigious tournament."

In the Midland qualifier for the Glenmuir PGA Club Professional Championship at Little Aston, Cort hit one-under-par 71 and was tied runner-up to ensure teeing up in the tournament climax at Blairgowrie, Scotland, later in the summer.

There were 12 slots at stake into the final and Ian Lyner (The Leicestershire) is also through after his 74 card. Craig Shave (Whetstone) was exempt from the regional stage this year.

Cort was also runner-up in an Eagle Tour tournament at Kenilworth, his one-under-par 70 leaving him just one behind the winner Mark Mouland.

Golf: Rothley Park's Matthew Cort to battle the stars at Wentworth

Real ale drinkers name The Salmon as Leicester's pub of the year

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Real ale-lovers have named their pub of the year.

The Salmon, in Butt Close Lane, attracted twice as many votes as any other pub in the poll by Leicester members of the Campaign for Real Ale.

The award will be presented to Steve Jackman and June Watson on May 31.

June said: "We're really pleased to win – this is the first time we've won this award."

Camra branch chairman Keith Williams said: "We asked our members to vote for their first, second and third favourite pubs in the city and county and the Salmon was the best in the city.

"It's a very popular pub and specialises in beers from small breweries so it sells a lot that aren't normally available in Leicestershire."

Second was the Sir Robert Peel, in Jarrom Street.

The best pub in the county was the Chandlers Arms, Shearsby.

Real ale drinkers name The Salmon as Leicester's pub of the year

Driver taken to hospital after crash in Leicester city centre

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A driver was taken to hospital after a car crash in the city centre yesterday.

A white Audi and a dark blue Vauxhall Astra were involved in the incident, at the junction of St George's Way and Charles Street shortly after 1.45pm.

One driver was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary, after initially being treated at the scene.

His injuries are not believed to be serious.

Witness Craig Macfarlane, 42, of Cosby was working nearby when the crash happened.

He said he, his colleagues and others ran to the cars.

Mr Macfarlane said one of his colleagues got into the Astra to help the driver.

"A nurse came over and asked if we needed a doctor," he said.

"Another man also stopped to help. I think people were quite shocked."

The road was cleared by 3.25pm.

Driver taken to hospital after crash in Leicester city centre

Queen star John Deacon tops Leicestershire music rich list - with Engelbert in second

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Queen bassist John Deacon and singer Engelbert Humperdinck have been named among the wealthiest music millionaires in Great Britain and Ireland.

Deacon, the 62-year-old Oadby musician, is ranked 41st in the 2014 Sunday Times Rich List of music millionaires with a fortune of £75 million.

According to the list, he is worth £1 million more than last year.

Engelbert, 78, who divides his time between Great Glen and Los Angeles, is worth £65 million, making him the 48th richest.

However, the Leicestershire music legends are some distance behind rich list chart topper Len Blavatnik, owner of Warner Music Group owner, whose has amassed a £10,000 million fortune.

Sir Paul McCartney is worth £710 million, earning him fourth place on the rich list, with Sir Elton John ranked 10th with a £260 million fortune.

Take That's Gary Barlow has added £5 million to his wealth in the past year, taking his personal fortune to £65 million.

Singer Adele, 26, heads a separate rich list of young musicians aged 30 and under, with a £45 million fortune – a whopping £15 million up on last year.

Queen star John Deacon tops Leicestershire music rich list - with Engelbert in second

Leicester pensioner chokes on large fishbone in his "boneless" fillet of cod

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Pensioner Neville Turner got a nasty shock when he bit into a "boneless" fillet of cod.

As he tucked into his favourite meal of battered fish, croquette potatoes and peas, he gagged when an inch-long bone became wedged in his gullet.

Neville, 78, who suffers from a sensitive throat condition and has undergone a triple heart bypass, was very distressed when he felt something "dig into" the flesh at the back of his throat.

He said: "I was eating my meal as usual when suddenly I felt something sharp.

"Suddenly, I gagged and felt something dig in. I managed to get my fingers in my gullet and pull it out.

"When I saw it I could not believe how large it was. It is at least an inch long with a sharp point."

Neville is due to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in June for his services to the community – he has been a stalwart of New Parks Club for Young People for more than four decades.

He said: "There was a point when I was choking I thought I would not be making that appointment. I felt sick and dizzy.

"I was lucky enough to be able to pull it out and have my daughter on hand to help me."

Daughter Janice Wesson said the fish was the last in a pack of four "chunky, boneless and skinless" battered fillets she had bought from Morrisons.

She said: "Dad loves his fish but, because of his throat condition, it has to be easy to eat.

"That is why we opt for boneless and skinless fillets. We have never had any problems with this product before.

"I have never seen a fishbone like it. It was very upsetting. Dad was badly shaken by the experience."

The incident happened on Tuesday lunchtime and they rang Morrisons, who said they would send them an envelope which they asked them to send the bone back in.

The company has said it will analyse the bone and get back to the family once the results are known.

A Morrisons spokesperson said: "We take product quality very seriously. Although every care is taken to remove bones in our fish fillet products, on rare occasions some may remain.

"This is carefully highlighted on our product labelling."

"We have apologised to Mr Turner for any distress this may have caused, and will return to him post-analysis of his product."

Leicester pensioner chokes on large fishbone in his

Cricket: Leicestershire Foxes ready for big T20 opener

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Leicestershire Foxes are hoping that the experience of a near-miss in 2013 will help them when this year's T20 action gets under way.

The Foxes entertain Derbyshire Falcons at Grace Road tomorrow (5.30pm) in the re-branded, new-format NatWest T20 Blast, the first of 14 games in the qualifying groups ahead of the quarter-finals and traditional finals day.

Josh Cobb's side finished just one win away from making the quarter-finals last season and showed particularly good form at home, where they won three and tied one of their five matches, attracting good crowds to Grace Road.

Director of cricket Phil Whitticase hopes that now the players have that experience in their locker, they will be able to press on. He also believes the capture of New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris will be a major plus.

"Experience will count," said Whitticase. "The lads are a year older, are more able to clear the boundaries and give us more options."

He likens Styris, who has had 20-over experience all around the world, including several spells in this country, to Andrew McDonald, the Australian who was instrumental in Leicestershire's 2011 triumph.

"Scott balances the side," said Whitticase. "He floats in the batting order and can finish games, and he is an Andrew McDonald-type bowler. His knowledge is vast and he will add strength to the side."

Styris has already slotted in at Grace Road as Leicestershire have enjoyed a week of preparation for their opening bow.

"Having him around has given the players a bit of a lift – not that they needed one, the way things have been going," said Whitticase.

"He has settled in well. He knew quite a few of the lads anyway."

Styris fills the second overseas player berth which was taken by Bangladesh star Shakib-al-Hasan last season.

Ramnaresh Sarwan is also available for 20-over cricket this season having missed out through international calls and the Caribbean Premier League 12 months ago.

"Looking at our bowling, we haven't had to change much, said Whitticase. "Scott comes in for Shakib, who was a good option with his slow left-arm.

"Batting-wise, I don't think we saw the best of Shakib. Scott is more controlled and can be clinical towards the end."

Dan Redfern, signed from Derbyshire during the winter, has the ability to offer with both bat and ball, as well as being a high-class fielder.

Seam bowler Charlie Shreck, however, is not likely to feature in the quickfire format.

Nathan Buck and Ant Ireland are good candidates to lead the attack, backed by all-rounders Styris, Rob Taylor and Michael Thornely.

Cricket: Leicestershire Foxes ready for big T20 opener

Partial victory in Clarendon Park Tesco fight

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Campaigners say they have won a partial victory over Tesco after several proposals for a store in Clarendon Park were turned down.

Leicester City Council's planning committee last night turned down three out of six applications made by the supermarket for the former Barclays bank building, in Queen's Road.

Tesco does not need permission to open a store at the site, but it does need approval for a number of alterations it wishes to make to the building.

Plans for a cash machine outside the store, an external chiller and air conditioning units were rejected last night.

The committee did approve applications to turn a glass door into a window, to install a canopy and for signage outside the building.

But people protesting against the development believe the verdict could make Tesco rethink its plans.

Queen's Road resident Catherine Flick said she was "elated" at the setback for Tesco.

"It is very relieving," she said. "There were major traffic and safety concerns. We are really happy."

Campaigners have been fighting the company's plans to open a branch in Queen's Road for months, with 2,700 people signing a petition against it.

Mags Lewis, who spoke at last night's meeting, raised concerns including the safety of pedestrians and children crossing the road near to a site where large vehicles could be making deliveries.

Tesco spokesman Simon Petar said the company had taken a great deal of time to consult with residents about the applications.

He said the company spoke to residents living in 19 streets in the area and found more than half said they wanted the Tesco store to go ahead.

He said the store would create 20 jobs.

Planning officers had recommended the plans be approved, despite receiving about 80 objections plus the petition.

However, the planning committee rejected the ATM because of its position near to a busy junction.

They said the external chiller unit would make it difficult for large vehicles to get down a narrow road to the back of the building. They were also concerned about the lack of space for lorries to manoeuvre at the back of the building.

The air conditioning units were rejected due to a potential loss of parking and because of noise concerns.

Tesco has the right to appeal against the refused plans.

Partial victory in Clarendon Park Tesco fight


Leicester City starts search for new talent

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Leicester City are searching for junior girls to join their Centre of Excellence.

The club are holding trials on June 9 and 12 for five age groups – under-nines, under-11s, under-13s, under-15s and under-17s.

The trials will be held at Judgemeadow Community College, Evington.

City's Girls' Centre of Excellence, which is one of only 30 in England, is one step on the FA's female talent pathway, which aims to produce senior England players.

For more information, contact centre manager Jo Sjoberg or technical director Raffaele Long:

jo.sjoberg@lcfc.co.uk

raffaele.long@lcfc.co.uk

Zombie invasion in Leicester foiled by health and safety officials

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Plans to hold a zombie invasion theme night at a disused hotel have been turned down because of safety concerns.

Events company Requiem Live wanted to turn the International Hotel, in Rutland Street, Leicester, into a house of horrors on May 24.

It was aiming to sell up to 500 tickets to enthusiasts looking to spend the night being plagued by actors dressed as the undead.

But councillors refused to grant the firm a temporary event notice.

A licensing hearing, held at Leicester Town Hall yesterday, heard council officials were concerned about the run-down state of the building – the reason it was attractive to the company, which wanted a venue with a post-apocalyptic vibe.

Council pollution control officer Andrew Sansome told the hearing: "Building work has come to a halt, leaving it in an unfinished state.

"I believe it is unsuitable for a playground-type chase event with participants who would be in a highly charged state."

He said the event would use four floors from the basement up but there was a limited electricity supply, uneven floors, broken windows and asbestos.

Mr Sansome warned of the potential for accidents and said there were concerns about "noise break-out from the occasional scream".

Oliver Snedker, of Requiem, said safety fears were based on assumptions.

He said the £25-a-head event, which would see people walking a pre-determined route, encountering zombie volunteers, would be marshaled and all participants would have a head torch.

There would be public liability insurance of up to £10 million. He said the event would not involve chasing and customers would be briefed not to run, except in one open area in the basement car park.

"We are responsible for providing a safe event but the customers are responsible for themselves," he said.

Councillors raised concerns about plans to sell alcohol but were told it would be available only at the end of the experience and would not be allowed back into the zombie zone.

Mr Snedker said there would be a maximum of 250 to 300 people in the building at any time and only 100 of them were likely to be moving, with the rest waiting their turn.

Richard Wheatcroft, of Requiem, said the company used one floor of the building in a similar event last year without any objection from the council.

Mr Snedker said any hazards would be made safe by a contractor.

He said: "We believe we have suitably offered remedies to the concerns raised."

Licensing committee chairman John Thomas said: "Our major concern is the possible risk to the public posed by the state of the building." He told Mr Snedker and Mr Wheatcroft another building might be better and said: "We think it's a great concept. We feel you will take this as a learning exercise."

After the hearing, Mr Snedker said: "We are disappointed given we have used the venue before without objection by the council.

"Nevertheless, we appreciate the concern and will be considering the alternatives."

Zombie invasion in Leicester foiled by health and safety officials

Leicester Tigers' Tom Croft: 'No-one wants to be in team losing play-off record'

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Leicester Tigers flanker Tom Croft expects Northampton Saints to be "very, very confident" for tomorrow's East Midlands derby.

The hosts warmed up for the Aviva Premiership semi-final by walloping Wasps 74-13 at Franklin's Gardens last Saturday afternoon.

They will be at home again for the clubs' third meeting of the season.

Croft thinks Jim Mallinder's side will be backing themselves to end Tigers' current 10-game unbeaten run against them.

"If you look at their team sheet, they have a great side," he said.

"We have been fortunate in the last couple of games to have the upper hand, but Saints are easily capable of beating us.

"It is all about the bounce of the ball or one slipped tackle, that can change a game.

"They will be very, very confident about us going down there and them holding us out.

"The semi-final is almost the harder game, because once you get through that game you can have a week off, re-gather yourselves, get a decent amount of training in and look forward to the big event at Twickenham."

To achieve that, Leicester will have to win an away semi-final for the first time since they beat Gloucester 26-25 at Kingsholm back in 2008.

Although only a handful of players are still around from that day, Croft said the squad's experience of playing in so many big games since then will stand them in good stead.

"I think Andy Goode was playing for the club when we won at Gloucester," said Croft.

"After that, we've been at home every time when we made the semi-final.

"There isn't much experience of winning play-offs away from home in today's squad.

"But the quality of players who have played in big games should balance it out.

"The boys who are coming back from being rested last week can hit the ground running. We have been in nine Premiership finals in a row and I think that's a factor for us in the current squad.

"Nobody wants to be the team that lets that record slip."

Leicester Tigers' Tom Croft: 'No-one wants to be in team losing play-off record'

Live: Leicester and Leicestershire traffic and travel updates

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7.52am: Delays on the M1 between J21a and J22 northbound now clear.7.29am: Severe delays on the M1 as one lane is closed on northbound carriageway between J21a, A46 and J22, A50, because of a broken down vehicle. Matrix sign set to 40 mph.7.00am: The roads are looking good throughout Leicestershire and Rutland.. For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - CLICK HERE.LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - CLICK HERE.NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - CLICK HERE. FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: CLICK HERE.WEATHER: See the latest five-day weather report for Leicester and LeicestershireCONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Kasper Schmeichel is latest Leicester City player to get international call

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Kasper Schmeichel has become the latest Leicester City player to have his season extended after being called up for international duty.

The City goalkeeper has been called into the Denmark squad for their two international friendlies later this month against Hungary and Sweden.

Schmeichel, who returned with the rest of the City squad from Thailand yesterday, will be looking to add to his tally of three international caps when Denmark take on Hungary, in Budapest, on May 22 before entertaining Sweden, in Copenhagen, on May 28.

Schmeichel was impressive for Denmark against England at Wembley, in March, when Roy Hodgson's men claimed a 1-0 victory.

The margin could have been greater but for a string of fine saves from Schmeichel, who is staking a claim to become Denmark's first-choice keeper.

Liam Moore links up with Gareth Southgate's England Under-21 squad today at St George's Park to prepare for the European Championship qualifier against Wales, in Swansea, on Monday, before flying out to France for the Toulon tournament.

The Under-21s' opening game of the tournament is against Qatar on Thursday, May 22.

They will then take on Brazil on Monday, May 26, Korea on Wednesday, May 28, and Colombia on Friday, May 30.

Moore currently has two England Under-21 caps.

Jeff Schlupp and Riyad Mahrez will be hoping to impress during training camps to secure their place at the World Cup in Brazil.

Schlupp is in the 26-man provisional Ghana squad, while Mahrez has been training with the 30-man Algeria squad.

Both squads must be cut to 23 before the June 2 deadline.

Schlupp, who has one full Ghana cap to his name, has a strong chance of going to Brazil as he is considered the Black Stars' only recognised left-back.

Kasper Schmeichel is latest Leicester City player to get international call

Inside Rugby: Martin Crowson on why Cockers has complete faith in his Tigers squad

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There is no better example of Richard Cockerill's trust in his squad than a story that came out at this week's Aviva Premiership semi-final press conference.

The Leicester Tigers director of rugby was talking about the strong core of experienced players at the heart of the set-up when he revealed: "When we played Saints before in the league, we had a meeting one day to talk about various bits and bobs before we went out to train.

"Ed Slater and Tom Youngs came in, we had a brief chat and they told me, 'We get that. We don't need you in the meeting. We'll take it'.

"So I went outside and got a cup of tea.

"They wanted to deal with what we had to talk about themselves – and they are the guys who will have to deal with it out on the pitch come game time.

"I put my faith in them doing the right thing because they are the kind of guys I can trust.

"If they don't want me there this week, I won't be there.

"The players play for each other and the team is about the team.

"I have never played for a coach in my life and I don't expect the players to play for me.

"I will look after them and do my homework and help them along the way, but they are the guys who have to do it out on the field and they do it well.

"As players, you play for the bloke next to you in the changing room, the guy who is going to make a tackle for you or look after you in the scrum. These boys feel the same.

"They are strong-minded people who knows what it takes to win big games."

Cockerill has every right to trust a core of the squad that is not only shaping up into a fearsome unit but one that has now been playing together for several years. These are the players who supporters can take for granted when the club renews their contract.

But over the years, they are the group that have become expensive signings as they tot-up appearances for their country.

Tigers "don't sign big names any more" apparently. Wrong.

The fruit of the Leicester's recruitment policy is ripening very nicely and they are the men who Cockerill will be sending out tomorrow to help run the show in Tigers' biggest game of the season.

Tom Youngs, 27, Ben Youngs, 24, Ed Slater, 25, Dan Cole, 27, Tom Croft, 28, Manu Tuilagi, 22, are just some of the core of that squad.

With more than 150 England caps between them and a host of huge games for club and country under their belt, these are the players who Tigers hope will steer the side towards the end of the decade.

It was interesting to note Wales boss Warren Gatland's comments this week that he may not consider picking Welsh players at English clubs in future.

This would rule Tigers fly-half Owen Williams out of any international appearances in future years and put real pressure on him to return home if he wanted to realise ambitions to play for his country.

Fortunately, the Welsh Rugby Writers' Association are not so narrow-minded and chose the 22-year-old as their most promising player this season.

It is the first time a player outside of Wales has won the award.

Inside Rugby: Martin Crowson on why Cockers has complete faith in his Tigers squad

Leicester Tigers' boss Cockerill on the 'brutal' Aviva Premiership play-offs

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Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has described the Aviva Premiership play-offs as a "brutal" environment.

He said a defeat at this stage of the season can be heartbreaking for any side.

Tigers travel to local rivals Northampton tomorrow night seeking an incredible 10th consecutive Grand Final appearance.

The reigning champions go into the game as underdogs, with the hosts having the all-important home advantage.

Saints also warmed up for the clash with a 74-13 romp against Wasps in the final round of the regular season.

Cockerill said if his side are to suffer the pain of defeat, it will not be through the want of trying.

"We have played 22 games and worked really hard this season," he said.

"We want to win the thing now and every side is in the same boat, whether you finish first, second, third or fourth, you want to win.

"Play-offs are brutal in the fact that you can be top of the table all season and then lose a semi or a final and that is heartbreaking.

"We have all been in those situations. We will have to see what happens tomorrow.

"We may be standing there at 80 minutes and we will have lost and we can all go on holiday. But that's not on the agenda yet."

While Saints have been around the top of the table all season, Leicester have hung in there and battled to a semi-final without ever hitting top gear.

Cockerill admits his side will have to up their game tomorrow night if they are to earn a chance to defend their crown at Twickenham in a fortnight.

"We need to play better than we have done," he said. "In any game against a good side like Northampton, we will be under pressure at some stage.

"The key is how you control that pressure. We were well ahead at their place in the league game and lost control to let them back into it. That is what we have to be wary of.

"Both sides have big players who will cause each other problems.

"It's going to be all about physicality at the gain line and the set-piece.

"Tactically, we have to be astute with their powerful forward pack.

"We like to think that we can front-up physically. No doubt they will feel the same."

Tigers have won eight out of eight semi-finals in the play-offs but only one of them has been away from home, when they beat Gloucester at Kingsholm in 2008.

Leicester Tigers' boss Cockerill on the 'brutal' Aviva Premiership play-offs


Leicester City's owners: 'We'll always honour the history and heritage of our club'

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Leicester City vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has vowed the owners will always honour the club's history and heritage.

Some foreign owners in English football have created controversy by changing something fundamental at their club, like Cardiff owner Vincent Tan who changed the club colours from their historic blue to red.

However, Aiyawatt, known as Top, said they cherish the club's long history and want to nurture it.

Club historian John Hutchinson has been able to amass a huge collection of City memorabilia, many of which is displayed around the King Power Stadium, and Top said the club's heritage was one of the attractions when buying the club in 2010.

"For us, we have always respected the club and its history," he said. "We respect the tradition of the club.

"It is difficult for me to criticise other club owners and how they run their clubs because it is not fair. I believe everyone tries to make their club a success.

"They all try to win and I know that because I know some who own a club.

"We all know each other because we are business men.

"But here we know the club has a long history and everyone is part of the club. We show our respect to everyone who has helped the club.

"We love to put pictures up around the stadium and celebrate the club's history because we come from a country with a lot of culture.

"If you go to Thailand you don't want to change anything. I feel like that."

Top said the owners feel they have been warmly welcomed and appreciated by the City fans, who recognise and share their ambitions for the club.

"They are brilliant and I want to thank everyone who supports the team and follows us all around the country," he said.

"Since we came they have been great to us. We wanted to repay them with Premier League football.

"We want to make sure the supporters are happy with the club and make sure they enjoy watching the team.

"It felt so good when they applauded us (during the Boxing Day game against Reading).

"We are proud to be the owners of the club, whether we are in the Championship or the Premier League.

"We love the club as we love King Power. They are always supporting us and that is always nice to see.

"We try to listen to the fans, and try to adapt because we come from a different country and a different culture.

"Everyone can make a mistake but we try to learn and adapt.

"We have been good since the first day and everyone has been nice to me and supportive.

"They deserve Premier League football and deserve to celebrate."

Leicester City's owners: 'We'll always honour the history and heritage of our club'

Woman's anger at being told she cannot keep beloved pet pig in council house

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An animal lover says she is planning to relocate her family to "the middle of nowhere" after the city council told her she would have to get rid of her pet pig.

Donna Davidson, 46, of New Parks, Leicester, has applied to housing associations in England, Scotland and Wales to find somewhere which will allow her to keep Taz, her pig, as a house pet.

Four-year-old Taz, who sleeps in the kitchen, is classed as a farmyard animal.

Leicester City Council has told the mother-of-two that she is in breach of her tenancy agreement by owning the animal, regardless of whether it lives inside or outside, and she risks losing her home unless she gets rid of him.

The council said it was made aware of Taz after receiving a complaint and immediately issued Donna with a warning.

Bosses at the authority said they would issue another warning and then a solicitor's letter before taking the drastic step of eviction.

But Donna says she will not give up her four-legged friend.

She said: "The housing officer has told me that I would lose my tenancy if I didn't get rid of my pet pig, so now I'm looking for somewhere else to live – but it's not easy.

"I've applied to every single district in Leicestershire, but because I'd be new to each area I'd be bottom of every housing list.

"So I've also applied for quite a few properties in Scotland and Wales – rural places in the middle of nowhere – which will let me keep my animals.

"At the minute, Wales looks like the most likely option." Donna said she would take her two sons, aged 20 and 21, with her.

Also joining the family would be their three dogs, two ferrets and two tortoises.

"There's not an animal on this planet that I don't like," she said. "But I've loved pigs since I was a small child.

"Now I've got Taz, I can't let him go. He's part of the family.

"He's got a baby's music box with colourful buttons and he presses them at night to get a song.

"If the music finishes before he's asleep, he pushes the buttons again. He absolutely loves music."

A council spokeswoman said: "We visited this tenant after a complaint about animals at the property and advised her that keeping farm animals is a breach of her tenancy agreement.

"We will revisit next week to assess the situation. Our focus is on encouraging this tenant to find a suitable home for the pig and we have not yet started eviction proceedings."

Woman's anger at being told she cannot keep beloved pet pig in council house

Arson suspected after fire at mobile cafe on A6 bypass, Mountsorrel

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Fire fighters were called to a suspected arson attack on a roadside mobile cafe yesterday evening. The crews went to the incident on the A6 bypass near Mountsorrel at 9.15pm. The crews used one hose to put out the fire which caused severe smoke damage to the interior of the cafe. A service spokeswoman said: "It is suspected that the incident was deliberate."

Mobile home damaged in suspected arson attack in Coalville

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A mobile home was damaged after a suspected arson attack on nearby trees. Crews were called to Hermitage Road, in Coalville, shortly after 6pm yesterday. A fire service spokeswoman said: "We were called to an incident where some conifer trees were on fire. The heat from the fire also damaged a nearby mobile home." The trees were severely damaged and the mobile home suffered heat damage. She said the cause was thought to be deliberate. Nobody was injured.

Angling: Ian Hughes is winner

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Ian Hughes caught the same fish twice on his way to winning the Wednesday open at Dynamite Makins, Wolvey.

A decent carp broke his line under the platform, but he nabbed the same fish later on, and retrieved his lost hook, which lifted his winning weight to 109lb 04oz.

It was a clear win for Hughes, whose method was pellet and straight lead, with Danny Lewis second on 93-04, and Charlie Shaw third on 84-04.

Despite heavy rain and a strong wind, fish showed from all areas in the Thursday open.

Top weight fell to Simon Skelton from peg 21 with 24-04 of stockies and 39-06 of quality carp for a haul of 63-10.

Second was Tom Neil with 52-08 of quality carp taken on paste, with Ratby angler Mick Moore third on 42-00.

John Essex won the Fowler Cup when Age UK staged their opening match of the season at the Foundation. Essex weighed in with a haul of 64-12.

Stuart Hurst was second with 62-10, and Stuart Davies was third with 61-8.

There was another wet day when an open match was held at Lakeview Fishery.

Fishing on the canal, marina, and stream pools, Danny Huggins was first with 72-06, followed by Keith Daws, 66-01, Ken Daws, 63-02.

Another open at Lakeview, fished on the canal, marina and oasis pools, saw Ken Daws finish as top rod on 99-09.

Behind him were Steve Haywood, 80-04, Keith Daws, 75-13, Neil Barlow, 74-13.

Another qualifier, also on willow, saw a huge victory for Steve Kinch with 168-0.

Second was Haywood, 90-14, with Joe Oakes third, 86-4.

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