Two rare Amur leopards born at Twycross Zoo

July 23, 2014, 12:23 am

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A pair of extremely rare big cats have been born at Twycross Zoo, giving conservationists a big boost in the fight against their extinction. The endangered baby Amur leopards, which haven't been named yet, are among the world's rarest animals, with less than 50 known individuals worldwide – although numbers are so few that experts are unable to count them accurately. Breeders say poaching and the destruction of their natural habitat have pushed the shrinking population to the brink of extinction. Fears that they will die out completely have prompted conservationists to class the species as "critically endangered" – just two categories away from extinct.

However, they are celebrating after the two tiny leopards were born at the Leicestershire zoo as part of European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). They said the arrival represents a significant step forward in ensuring the survival of the species. Dr John Lewis, veterinary adviser to the Amur leopard and tiger EEP, said: "We don't know how many of the Amur leopards remaining in the wild are young or old, male or female. "So if the population is skewed towards too many males, or too many older individuals, this can impact the species' chances of breeding successfully. "The added threats of disease and human-animal conflict also jeopardise the animals' survival. "Zoo breeding programmes are fundamental to protecting and saving species that are close to extinction in the wild." Dr Lewis is also veterinary director of Wildlife Vets International, which funded the breeding programme. The siblings were born on June 2, but their sex has not yet been determined as keepers have been keeping their distance. Their mum, Kristen, was born in September 2011, and arrived at Twycross in February 2013, while dad, Davidoff, was born at the zoo in November 2006. There are plans to reintroduce the young pair to the wild and bolster Amur leopard numbers in Russia, but wildlife conservationists are still negotiating with the Russian government over whether the mammals will be allowed back into the country's south-eastern region. Dr Charlotte Macdonald, head of life sciences at Twycross, said: "We are delighted with the birth of the two cubs. "We are hopeful that these UK-born babies will one day be part of wider conservation plans for the reintroduction of the species to the wild. "Although animals are best conserved in the wild – and it's unlikely that any reintroduction will take place for several more years – captive-bred cubs such as these could help save the Amur leopard from disappearing forever." An endangered species

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List is the system used to categorise animal species and ranges from "not evaluated" to "extinct".

Twycross Zoo's newest leopards are classed as "critically endangered" – two steps away from extinction.

1 Not evaluated – Not yet categorised

2 Data deficient – Not enough data to make an assessment

3 Least concern – Species are widespread

4 Near threatened – Likely to become endangered in the near future

5 Vulnerable – High risk of endangerment in the wild

6 Endangered – High risk of extinction in the wild

7 Critically endangered – Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild (the Amur leopards)

8 Extinct in the wild – Known only to survive in captivity

9 Extinct – No known individuals remaining

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Richard III: A look inside Leicester's new visitor centre

July 23, 2014, 12:39 am

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In just 18 months, a team of architects, designers, historians and construction workers have turned an abandoned building into a modern exhibition centre dedicated to King Richard III.

At a cost of £4 million, Leicester City Council has transformed the former Alderman Newton's School into a sleek, modern attraction, which takes people on a journey from the 15th century Battle of Bosworth to the 21st century return of the king.

The Guildhall's temporary exhibition was a tourist magnet with more than 200,000 people passing through the doors to learn about Richard III's discovery under a city council park in August 2012.

The same car park is now home to a large part of the new visitor centre and features the spot where the regal remains were found – covered by a glass floor – which gives visitors an intimate view of the grave.

The rest of the attraction is a nicely balanced juxtaposition of bygone lives and modern science – with a lot of interactivity.

The ground floor details the history of Richard's life and the Wars of the Roses in a dark and atmospheric display.

In contrast, the first floor exhibition is clean, white and clinical and tells the story behind the science that located, discovered and identified the most famous set of bones in England.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby was at the centre yesterday and looked happy with the completed project.

"It's £4 million well spent," he said. "It's a lot of money, but what we have is quality.

"There's scope to build on and evolve what we've already created – but that's in the future.

"For now, I'm just excited to see how the public react."

It will cost £7.95 to enter the centre when it opens on Saturday, while under-15s can get in for £4.95.

But the attraction has been created to be self-sustaining.

The centre will be run by a trust, chaired by Martin Traynor, the former chief executive of Leicester Chamber of Commerce.

He said: "It's a fantastic boost for Leicester and it will put us on the world's stage."

Archaeologist Richard Buckley, who led the University of Leicester team which found the king, said: "I'm blown away, it's really got the wow factor."

www.kriii.com

Sheep on A47 in Leicestershire delays cars including a Lamborghini

July 23, 2014, 12:49 am

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Cars including a Lamborghini were delayed this morning when five sheep decided to cross a main road in Leicestershire.

Drivers came to halt in both directions on the A47 near the junction with the turn off to East Norton at about 7.55am.

After a couple of minutes, the sheep wandered off and the cars resumed their journeys.

Oakham battle of the sexes fundraises for charity

July 23, 2014, 1:54 am

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Michelle Pugh from Oakham has organised a men versus women sports tournament to fundraise for national children's charity, The Sick Children's Trust.

Michelle has chosen to fundraise for the charity in memory of her friend's son, Thomas, who sadly passed away earlier this year. While Thomas was seriously ill in The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, his family were able to stay free of charge in Crawford House, a 'Home from Home' provided by The Sick Children's Trust.

Michelle, 34, said "Laura is a good friend of mine so I have seen how beneficial the charity's accommodation is. Laura could be with Thomas all day, every day in hospital and create special memories with him and Crawford House allowed her to do this.

"I wanted to do something special in Thomas' memory and by fundraising for The Sick Children's Trust we will be helping to keep families together as they face the most difficult of circumstances."

The men versus women tournament has already seen a male and female team battle against each other in both basketball and dodge ball at Catmose Sports Centre who are providing discounted courts for the tournament. The matches are also being supported by The Railway public house, where the most recent pool match took place. The tournament so far has already raised over £300 and Michelle is hoping that by the end of the year the tournament will have raised a fantastic £1,000.

The Sick Children's Trust provides 'Home from Home' accommodation as well as emotional and practical support for families who have seriously ill children in hospital. The charity has nine houses across the UK and there is also work in progress to build a second 'Home from Home' in Newcastle at the Freeman Hospital, where Thomas was treated.

Gail Stonley, House Manager of Crawford House said "The battle of the sexes charity tournament sounds like great fun and we are so grateful to everybody taking part in aid of The Sick Children's Trust.

"We can accommodate 127 families each night in our 'Homes from Home' across the UK. The money the tournament is raising will help us to continue supporting families and also help to complete our house at the Freeman Hospital. We can't wait to hear how the next match goes and will be in touch throughout the year to see how they are getting on."

If you would like to take part in the upcoming rounders match on 9th August or future matches in the tournament please contact Michelle via the Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/Railwaygirls2014

To sponsor the Battle of the Sexes charity tournament please visit the following just giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/railway2014

FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING FUN!

July 23, 2014, 2:13 am

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In association with Box Motor Club, registered charity the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is pleased to announce it will be hosting a Classic Car and Family Fun Day on Sunday 3rd August 2014.

 

Taking place at Ulverscroft Grange, between 10.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m., this wonderful event includes a variety of stalls including a raffle, tombola, bouncy castle and face painting, and of course the fantastic display of cars and motorcycles! The event is free to enter, with a suggested donation of £1.00 to view the cars and a small charge for the stalls/activities. The Tea Rooms and Charity Shops will both be on this day between 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

 

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation provides support care and friendship to the elderly and adults with disabilities through a variety of different services. Alan Norman Chief Executive of the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation said "we would love for you to join us for a day of fundraising fun at the Grange." He added "our fundraising events offer an ideal opportunity to have fun, meet with friends old and new and raise funds for our unique local charity."

For more information please call 01530 244914 or e mail admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org.

Appeal for witnesses after scooter rider is seriously injured in crash

July 23, 2014, 3:30 am

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A scooter rider was in hospital for more than two weeks after he suffered serious leg injuries in a crash. The man was injured in Counting House Road, Freemen's Common, Leicester at 5.10pm on Tuesday, July 1. He was riding a blue Piaggo Skipper scooter. No other vehicles were involved, police said. The rider was discharged from Leicester Royal Infirmary last Thursday. Police released details and appealed for witnesses today. Pc Gaz Cooke, who is investigating the collision, said the scooter rider was travelling along Counting House Road towards Freemen's Common Road at the time. Pc Cooke said: "We appreciate that the incident was some time ago, but due to the location and time of the collision there is a possibility that someone may have witnessed it and could assist with our inquiries. "If you were travelling in this area and recall witnessing the collision then please get in touch." Contact Pc Cooke on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Leicester City must increase £7.5m offer to Watford for Troy Deeney

July 23, 2014, 4:44 am

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Leicester City confirmed the club record signing of striker Leonardo Ulloa yesterday but they will have to increase their offer to Watford if they hope to add Troy Deeney to their ranks too.

Ulloa's record-breaking move from Brighton was officially announced yesterday and the Argentine striker has signed a four-year contract with City.

City are also trying to sign Deeney from Watford as manager Nigel Pearson looks to add more firepower to his squad ahead of the start of their Premier League campaign on August 16.

City have increased their initial offer of £6.5million to £7.5m, but the Hornets have again said 'no deal' as they hope to keep Deeney to spearhead their promotion campaign.

City said Ulloa's fee was undisclosed but it is understood to be a club record of £8m rising to £10m if he proves to be a hit and scores the goals that establish them in the Premier League.

"We identified Leo as a player that could help us move forward quite some time ago," said City boss Pearson. "He complements the forwards we already have very well and his attributes broaden the options available to us, which will be important this season.

"I'm delighted we've been able to add him to the squad.

"He has adapted extremely well to the English game in a relatively short period of time and I'm sure he will have a great deal to offer us in the Premier League."

Ulloa, who turns 28 this weekend, was not involved in last night's friendly at Ilkeston Town but has linked up with his new City team-mates today as they fly to Thailand to take on Everton in a special friendly in Bangkok.

Ulloa is expected to make his debut in that game on Sunday.

The Argentinian has performed impressively during the 18 months since he joined Brighton from Spanish side Almeria, scoring 26 goals in 58 appearances in all competitions, including 16 last season as the Seagulls reached the play-offs.

He scored twice for Brighton in their shock 4-1 victory over City at the King Power Stadium last season.

Deeney is also familiar to Leicester fans after his dramatic last-gasp goal sent Watford to the play-off final at City's expense just over a year ago.

Leicester City target Fraizer Campbell to have medical at Crystal Palace

July 23, 2014, 4:48 am

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Leicester City target Fraizer Campbell is having a medical at Crystal Palace, according to Sky Sports.

Campbell is set to join the Eagles after City failed to agree personal terms with the former Manchester United striker.

City had triggered a release clause in his contract with Cardiff City with an offer of £800,000 but the talks stalled over the player's personal demands.

City have since signed Leonardo Ulloa from Brighton and Hove Albion for a club record fee of £8 million rising to £10 million, and have had two bids for Watford striker Troy Deeney rejected.

The last offer was £7.5 million and City are expected to return with a third offer.

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Leicester's deputy mayor calls for Arriva Transport Solutions to improve

July 23, 2014, 5:46 am

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The deputy city mayor has criticised a private transport company responsible of ferrying people two and from hospital of letting patients down.

Councillor Rory Palmer, who is also chairman of Leicester City Council's health and well being board, was speaking out after it emerged that Arriva Transport Solutions had failed three out of five standards following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

Leicester West MP and shadow health Minister Liz Kendall has also called for improvements.

The company has come under fire after two women in their late 80s had to wait more than 10 hours for a lift home from Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Coun Palmer said: "Too many patients are receiving an extremely poor service from Arriva Transport Solutions.

"This poor performance is unacceptable and urgent improvements are needed.

"There are consequences across the health and care system in the area because of this poor performance.

"This is yet another example of big, national companies winning lucrative NHS contract up and down the country and letting patients down."

He added: "My view is that Arriva Transport Solutions should be given a maximum of three months to improve their performance in Leicester and Leicestershire.

"If they fail to do so they should surrender the contract without any further payment or financial claim to the NHS and hand the contract over to another provider, preferably in the public sector.

"My message is clear - improve performance quickly or move on."

Health campaigner Zuffar Haq, a member of the Leicester Mercury Patients' Panel, said he would also like to see the contract cancelled.

He said: "The public is paying for services and not getting them.

"The public should not suffer in silence."

Mr Haq also called for better monitoring of the contract by the East Leicestershire and Rutland clinical commissioning group (CCG).

Ms Kendall added: "Unfortunately, the Care Quality Commission's report into Arriva comes as no surprise.

"I've taken up a number of constituency cases where patients have been at the sharp end of Arriva's poor service or have been let down by one of the company's third party subcontractors.

"Back in November 2013, Arriva's chief executive promised me that the company was working closely with commissioners to meet targets and improve its service to patients.

"This clearly hasn't happened. The CCG now needs to get a grip.

"Arriva must be made to step up and meet its obligations or step aside and let someone else get on with the job."

A spokesman for East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG, which manages the Arriva contract, said: "There is no doubt that performance is below acceptable levels. We recently agreed a range of new actions with Arriva.

"Many of the changes we've agreed have been directly influenced by what patients are telling us about their experiences.

"We hope to see the full impact of the changes by the end of October. In the meantime we are keeping the service under close scrutiny.

"If we don't see the expected improvements in Arriva's service and performance we will be carefully considering all options available to us."

Drug dealer left cocaine in unlocked car outside police station

July 23, 2014, 7:46 am

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A drug dealer has been jailed for three years - after officers discovered cocaine in his car while he called in at a police station. Sean Downs (32) left the drugs in an unlocked Mercedes after being asked to attend Beaumont Leys police station for an unrelated matter. An officer passing the vehicle, which Downs had parked in a car park at nearby Beaumont Leys shopping centre, discovered 13 self-seal bags containing a total of nine grams of cocaine, as well as £875 in cash. James Varley, representing Downs at Leicester Crown Court, told the court Downs intended to supply the drug to friends, adding that "it was bad luck." Downs, of Woodgate, Leicester, was jailed for three years at Leicester Crown Court, after admitting possessing the class A drug with intent to supply it. Sentencing, Recorder Adrian Reynolds said: "I'm quite prepared to accept you were dealing in cocaine to friends rather than a substantial commercial enterprise. "A man of your age and experience, you know the risks. "If you do that you have to pay the price." The incident happened on Saturday, April 26 this year. James Bide-Thomas, prosecuting, told the court that the passing officer decided to search the car, which was rented, because he thought he had previously seen it in suspicious circumstances. He said that as well as the drugs, the vehicle's rental agreement was inside, as well as the defendant's passport and some designer clothing in the boot. The cocaine had a street value of between £500 and £1,000, the court was told. Mr Bide-Thomas said that "nothing was found at his address which was also searched," said Mr Bide-Thomas. Downs, who owns a car diagnostics business, made no comment in interview. Mr Varley told the court that Downs had no connection with any previous suspicious sightings of the vehicle as he had only hired it the day before the incident. "It had clothing in the back because he was on his way to a stag do and was going to supply the cocaine to his friends," Mr Varley told the court. "It's very unfortunate he's fallen into this. "It's on the same level as street dealing." The court heard that Downs has 66 offences on his record, including an offence of single-punch manslaughter. He hit a 28-year-old man, Nathan Westhead, in the Broadway Hotel, in Leicester's Abbey Lane, causing him to fall and fatally hit his head on the floor, in July 2008. Downs, who claimed the victim had made a racist comment to him, received a two-and-a-half year jail sentence. The court heard he had two previous convictions for possessing cannabis but nothing for class A drugs. Sergeant Dave Thompson, of Beaumont Leys police station, said Downs was the latest success in the station's ongoing operation to track down the area's drug dealers. During the investigation, police discovered that Downs may have had access to three vehicles, which they are now keen to trace. Officers have appealed for help tracing three vehicles which they believe Downs may have bought with the proceeds of drug dealing. They are: A black Volkswagen Golf R32 registered SF57VFD A grey Yamaha YZF R1 motorcycle registered FN13XBC A silver Vauxhall Astra registered KG56AEN. The van has black and red writing on the side with the web address www.sddiagnostics.co.uk across the side. Sgt Thompson said: "It is suspected that these vehicles were purchased by Downs with money gained by dealing drugs. "Anyone with knowledge of their whereabouts is urged to contact the police as soon as possible. "If anyone is found to be deliberately concealing the vehicles from the police they could find themselves subject of a police investigation. Anyone with information should contact police on 101, or call Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Body found in woodland believed to be missing Markfield man John Preston, say police

July 23, 2014, 8:45 am

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Police searching for a man who went missing from home in May believe they have found his body in woodland. Officers believe the body, which was found in Ulverscroft on Monday, is that of John Preston. Mr Preston, 59, went missing from his home in Glenfield on Monday, May 12. He had been suffering from depression for the past year after losing his job, his family said. Originally from Markfield, he had moved to Glenfield with his wife, Lindsey and their two children only a few weeks before he went missing. A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "The body is believed to be that of John Preston who was reported missing from home on Monday, May 12. "Formal identification is yet to take place. "The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner."

200 jobs face axe at Hovis bakery in Leicester

July 23, 2014, 9:43 am

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More than 200 jobs are set to be axed at a Leicester factory.

Hovis today told workers at its bakery in Thurmaston Boulevard, Rushey Mead they were planning to close the site.

Union leaders said the 204 staff at the bakery, which produces a million loaves of bread a week, had been left "devastated" by the news.

A Hovis spokesman said: "Hovis has today announced the proposed closure of its Leicester bakery. The proposal is part of the simplification and transformation of the company's bread manufacturing operations which aims to improve efficiency, quality and customer service. Hovis will continue to be produced in the company's other nine UK bakeries.

"The company has commenced consultation with 204 potentially affected employees at the site in Leicester."

George Atwall, of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union, said: "We are devastated about this. It's really shocking news."

Mr Atwall said he was due to meet managers at the bakery, based off Troon Way, at 1pm tomorrow.

The company, which has begun a 45-day formal consultation period with workers, is proposing to close the plant by the beginning of 2015. The bakery operates 24 hours a day, six days a week.

Hovis currently employs about 3,800 people in the UK and operates 10 bakeries, including Leicester, six flour mills and two distribution centres.

Over the past year, Hovis has seen sales fall by almost a fifth, partly as a result of losing a major contract with The Co-op Group.

If the closure goes ahead, it will be the second time the bakery has closed in 10 years after previous owner Harvestime went into administration in 2005 with the loss of 330 jobs.

Rush hour queues expected in Melton after traffic light failure

July 23, 2014, 11:18 pm

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The traffic lights have failed on the junction of the A607 Norman Way and St Mary's Way in Melton.

The lights went out at about 6.30am today and motorists in the town are being warned to expect delays.

Coach fire blocks the A46 at Thurmaston

July 23, 2014, 11:31 pm

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There are queues on the A46 at Thurmaston this morning after a coach burst into flames.

The fire started just before 6am today and crews from Leicester's Eastern Fire and Rescue Station had to call for an extra pump from Birstall to help put out the blaze.

It was finally out by 7am. No one was injured in the blaze, which has caused ongoing traffic delays. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Barbecue thrown into litter bin starts blaze at park

July 23, 2014, 11:37 pm

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Firefighters were called to a park after a disposable barbecue was thrown into a litter bin after being used.

The blaze happened near to the Pack Horse Bridge in Aylestone Meadows, Leicester, at 6pm on Wednesday.

Fire crews from Leicester's Southern Fire and Rescue Station put the blaze out with a bucket of water.

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Car bursts into flames on A426 near Lutterworth

July 23, 2014, 11:41 pm

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A car burst into flames today after suffering a mechanical fault.

Emergency services were called to the A426 at 1.30am this morning after the fire started in the car about three miles to the north of Lutterworth.

Fire crews from the town put the blaze out and no one was injured in the incident.

Leicester City's Matty James backing record signing to shine in Premier League

July 24, 2014, 12:02 am

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Matty James is backing his new Leicester City team-mate Leonardo Ulloa to be a hit in the Premier League. The City midfielder said Ulloa had demonstrated against City for Brighton and Hove Albion why they have paid out a club record fee for his services. Ulloa had been a thorn in City's side since joining Brighton 18 months ago. The Argentine terrorised City at the King Power Stadium last season, scoring twice in a shock 4-1 win for the Seagulls, a performance which convinced City boss Nigel Pearson that Ulloa could boost his striking options for their Premier League campaign. City have paid out a club record £8million up front for Ulloa and James said it was great to have the 27-year-old on board. "Every time he played against us he seemed to have one of his best games of the season," said James. "He has always been a handful, so I am sure he will be a good asset for us. "He was outstanding against us at our place last season but even down at their place (the season before) he gave us a tough game. "He is going to be a handful for a few defenders. "He has a great goalscoring record. I am glad he is on our side and not someone else's." James said the big transfer fee demonstrated City's ambition but he said he hoped too much wasn't expected of Ulloa straight away. "It shows the club has ambition and is prepared to spend money on players," he said. "It is a great signing and hopefully he will score some good goals for us. "There is a lot of expectation and that is always the case when you sign a new player, but we can't put too much pressure on him, just welcome him with open arms. "Hopefully he will score plenty of goals for us. I have met him and we had a chat at Ilkeston but I will have to brush up on my Spanish a bit." James did have a warning for City's new arrival that he faces stiff competition for a starting berth on the opening day of the season against Everton. "Competition is fierce for the strikers but it is all over the squad," said James. "I am sure he will bring something different to our games. "He is a big lad and he can hold the ball up. He is aggressive in the box and has scored quite a few with his head. He will give us a different threat. "He may not have played in the Premier League before but he has vast experience in the English game now. "He has been here a couple of seasons and he has shown he can score goals in the Championship. "He deserves the opportunity to play in the Premier League, like a lot of lads in this squad. "He will have to earn his place like everyone else and he won't come in and go straight into the team. He has to earn his place, which is only fair. "The competitiveness in training is going to go up another notch. That is only healthy for us and the club."

Industrial machinery involved in fire at Mountsorrel

July 24, 2014, 12:05 am

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A fire has damaged machinery in an industrial building in Leicester Road, Mountsorrel.

The blaze began at about 2am today and fire crews from Birstall, Leicester and Loughborough were sent to put the fire out.

No one was injured in the blaze and the fire took about five hours to fully extinguish.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

Inside Rugby: Tigers coaches travel globe to add to the Leicester way

July 24, 2014, 12:06 am

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There is still a perception around the country that Leicester Tigers have a hard-nosed, insular culture which is wary of outside influences and relies on sticking to a tried and tested formula. Few people within the club would argue about the hard-nosed bit, that's for sure. But the rest of that assumption is far from the truth. Even dating back to the beginning of professionalism, Leicester have welcomed outside influences to bring new ideas and new approaches to the search for excellence. Bob Dwyer was among the first, Pat Howard, Marcelo Loffreda and Matt O'Connor have been some of the others who Tigers have signed in an attempt to influence their culture over the last decade. That attitude is continuing ahead of the new season which kicks off in a little over six weeks' time. It has been interesting to see how the club has reacted to last season's comparative failure. And it has been unsurprising to see how they have gone about that task. Director of rugby Richard Cockerill, like the club itself, is seen by some as insular and someone who shuns the very notion of someone else suggesting how he should run the club. But this is the man who handed over a lot of responsibility to head coach Matt O'Connor, before he decided to leave for Leinster last summer. Cockerill will also have been the man giving the green light to the appointment of a new defence coach in the form of Phil Blake. These are not the marks of a stubborn man, hell bent on doing everything his way. Cockerill has seen that Tigers needed some help and new ideas without the ball in hand – and has acted swiftly. He has also been to a conference in New York this summer where coaches and experts in leadership from various sports gave talks in their particular area of expertise. It is not just Cockerill who has been travelling the globe trying to pick up new ideas to impart to the Tigers' squad this season. Backs coach Paul Burke has been to Australia for a week to spend time with Super 15 team, Melbourne Rebels, Rugby League side Melbourne Storm and Aussie Rules team Collingwood Magpies. "It's an important part of any coach's development to look at other environments and see what tips you can pick up," said Burke. Assistant forwards coach Richard Blaze has also been on a fact-finding mission of his own. He spent a week in South Africa with their Super 15 side the Blue Bulls, in Pretoria. The club where former Tigers coach Heyneke Meyer made his name gave Blaze a fascinating week which he says he "got a lot out of". Whether any of the things the coaching trio have picked up from different environments this summer will be visible in the way Tigers play this season is yet to be seen. But this is certainly not a club which believes their famed "Leicester way", is the only way of going about their business.• Congratulations to Jordan Crane and Ed Slater, who have become the latest members of the Tigers squad to become new dads. Crane is father to Harley, while Slater has Flo to look after.

Grace Garner helps Great Britain cyclists strike Euro gold

July 24, 2014, 12:51 am

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Cosby's Grace Garner helped Great Britain's women's pursuit team to strike gold at the European Junior Track championships in Portugal. The 17-year-old was part of the British team which qualified fastest in Anadia and then defeated Poland in the final to claim gold. She teamed up with the Welsh trio of Manon Lloyd, Emily Nelson and Megan Barker to triumph, clocking a time of 4min 39.707 seconds in the ride-off for gold, eight seconds faster than the Polish quartet. It is the second European triumph for the Garner family in the team pursuit discipline. Grace's older sister, Lucy, was part of the team that won in Portugal in 2012.