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Leicester City's record signing Leonardo Ulloa set for debut against Everton

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New record signing Leonardo Ulloa will make his Leicester City debut tomorrow when they take on Everton in a prestigious friendly in Bangkok.

The Argentine striker joined City earlier this week from Brighton for £8million, rising to £10m if he is successful.

Manager Nigel Pearson confirmed Ulloa is ready to taste some game time.

The City boss told a press conference at Bangkok airport yesterday that, although Ulloa had only done one full training session with his new team-mates, he would play against Everton at the Supachalasai Stadium.

Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare also said Riyad Mahrez could make his first appearance of pre-season after joining City late in training following his World Cup exploits with Algeria in Brazil.

"The session when we first arrived here was the first training session Leo has joined in on, also for Riyad, but they have both done some work in and around the training ground and undergone fitness tests," said Shakespeare.

"Riyad hasn't had a lot of time off after the World Cup and you could see from the training sessions they wanted to join in, they are keen to get involved.

"I was very pleased with the way they applied themselves in the session."

The conditions will be a real test for City and the Toffees.

City conducted a late night training session after arriving on Thursday and it was still nearly 30 degrees and extremely humid, and Shakespeare said it would be a factor tomorrow.

"At times we will have to manage the ball and pass it, and there might be stops and starts," he said. "Both teams are Premier League teams and it will be interesting to see if both can play at a high tempo.

"We pride ourselves on playing with a good tempo. We will have to see how it is on the day."

The game is set to be streamed live for City fans who have not made the 6,000-mile trip to Thailand.

The match, which kicks off at 12.20pm UK time, is being screened with Livesport as part of a Foxes Player pilot.

Viewing the game will cost £3.99. Details will be on the club's official website.

Leicester City's record signing Leonardo Ulloa set for debut against Everton


70-year-old Lutterworth man jailed for abusing two young girls

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A 70-year-old man who abused two girls has been jailed for nine years.

Peter Mahoney was found guilty at a recent trial of five counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13.

The victims were aged between seven and nine.

Sentencing Mahoney at Leicester Crown Court yesterday, Judge Lynn Tayton said: "There was grooming in relation to both of these children.

"They were too young to understand the significance of your actions."

The judge said the matters came to light in 2011, when one of the youngsters told their mother.

Judge Tayton said: "It will be a long time before they can put it behind them, although they'll never forget."

The judge said when Mahoney was arrested, a memory stick containing indecent images of children was found.

"You said you received the memory stick anonymously in the post," she said.

"I reject your explanation. I agree with the author of the pre-sentence report that you have an entrenched sexual interest in children."

Judge Tayton said the unknown children being abused in the images were in distress.

She said: "People who look at such images create a market for them."

Mahoney, of Spring Close, Lutterworth, had denied the sex assault charges, claiming the allegations were untrue and the victims were lying.

In his police interview, he claimed it was "a conspiracy".

The indecency involved sexual touching several years ago, the court heard.

Rebecca Herbert, prosecuting, told the jury during the trial: "We say you can be sure this is a man who clearly has a sexual interest in children, demonstrated by his inappropriate touching of the victims who, you may feel, have absolutely no reason to make up these allegations against him.

"The defendant says they are lying about incidents that were merely innocent touches.

"It just so happens he was found in possession of a quantity of indecent material – which he tried to conceal – which utterly demonstrates his inappropriate sexual interest in children."

Mahoney pleaded guilty to three specimen counts of possessing indecent images of a child, representing one image at level three, 15 images at level four and four images in the most serious category, level five

He also admitted possessing a prohibited image of a child.

Philip Gibbs, mitigating yesterday, said: "Notwithstanding the appalling nature of the offences as found by the jury, they are lower down the scale of severity.

"He's 70 and is of previous good character.

"He suffers relatively poor health and won't find confinement in a custodial environment easy."

Mahoney was placed on a sexual offences prevention order, which included banning unsupervised contact with children under 16.

70-year-old Lutterworth man jailed for abusing two young girls

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson says price tag won't be a burden on Leonardo Ulloa

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said he will relieve the burden of expectation on new record signing Leonardo Ulloa.

The Argentine striker, who is set to make his debut against Everton tomorrow, became the most expensive player in City's history when he signed from Brighton in a deal that could potentially be worth £10million.

City are believed to have paid £8m up front for Ulloa, but the fee will rise depending on how successful he and the team are.

Because of the fee, there will be a huge amount of expectation on Ulloa to deliver on the pitch, and Pearson said he will work to ensure the 27-year-old is allowed to play with freedom.

"I will manage those expectations," said Pearson.

"We have paid a good fee for him but, I suppose, at Premier League level, when you see some of the deals that are done, it is up to others to put perspective on that.

"My expectations on him are the same as for any other player in our squad.

"We have got a very valuable acquisition in Marc Albrighton but he happened to be out of contract.

"Where do you draw the comparison? It is about getting the players you want in and, if you have a balanced view of it, you would say we have signed players who have worth but we had to pay a bit of money for one of them, and picked up others at a very good price."

Pearson is convinced Ulloa, who is expected to play some part in tomorrow's friendly against Everton in Bangkok (12.20pm), will be a big hit with City.

"I think he will be a very good addition to the squad," he added.

"He will give us something slightly different. He has a good game-understanding and his whole play and ability to score goals will be important for us.

"He is a very likable man and I think he fits into what we already have here. I am delighted we have managed to sign him.

"It has been a long process to get the deal over the line but, fortunately, we have been able to do that now and he joins us on the trip to Thailand."

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson says price tag won't be a burden on Leonardo Ulloa

Live traffic and travel updates in Leicester and Leicestershire

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1.32am: No reports of any major incidents or congestion on city and county roads.11.02am: Evington Road, Highfields, Leicester, has re-opened after earlier accident near to Skipworth Street junction. Traffic is also back to normal around the Pork Pie roundabout, Leicester, after earlier traffic light failure.9.22am:Evington Road, Highfields, Leicester, closed both ways at Skipworth Street junction because of an accident.9.18am: Care advised around the Pork Pie, linking Glenhills Way, Saffron Lane and Stonesby Avenue, in Leicester, as traffic lights are not working.8.03am: There are no reports of any major incidents or congestion on city and county roads.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

Live traffic and travel updates in Leicester and Leicestershire

Man treated for head injuries following "assault with bladed weapon" in Nelson Mandela Park, Leicester

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A man was treated for head injuries after being attacked with a "bladed weapon" in Nelson Mandela Park last night. Police cordoned off an area of the park, off Welford Road, Leicester, after receiving reports of a disturbance between two men at 9.20pm. Officers said a 30-year-old man received head injuries in the incident and was taken to hospital. He has since been discharged. A 34-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody. The injured man was helped by staff at the nearby Leicester Music Festival, taking place at the Tigers Stadium yesterday and today. However, police and event organisers have stressed that the incident is not connected to the festival. A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police said: "Police were called to a disturbance on Nelson Mandela Park, Leicester, at 9.20pm. "A 30-year-old man received head injuries and was discharged from hospital after treatment. "A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. He remains in custody. "It is believed that a bladed weapon was used during the incident and inquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident. "The assault is not in any way connected to the festival." Anyone with information about the incident should contact Leicestershire Police on 101.

Man treated for head injuries following

Richard III: Crowds turn out to opening of new visitor centre on "day of celebration" for Leicester

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The new Richard III Visitor Centre has opened to the public, amidst great fanfare and excitement. Crowds gathered this morning outside the new attraction, which is on the very site the Last Plantagenet King of England was laid to rest more than 500 years ago. The king's body was discovered by archeologists in 2012. First in the queue for the 10am opening was Joan Mungovin, of Wigston. "I arrived at 8.30am," she said. "There was no way I was going to miss this and wanted to be first in the queue." Joan, 43, was involved in the petition amassing some 34,477 signatures to keep Richard's bones in Leicester following a challenge from advocate from York. "We've been looking forward to this for weeks," she said. "Knowing that this was the resting place of a great king who died in battle more than 500 years ago is a sombre feeling. "You have to pay your respects, but it is also a day of celebration for Leicester. "What the city has done, first finding him, then fighting to keep him here, and now this visitor centre, is a wonderful achievement. "It's about time we started to blow our own trumpet as a city, and today is one of those days." City mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby cut the ribbon to declare the £4 million centre, which tells of the life, tribulations, death and rediscovery of Richard. He was introduced by Leicester City Town Crier Ben Ennis, who was making his debut appearance in the role. He did so with the words: "King Richard at Bosworth Battlefield was killed, a grave in Greyfriars he filled "After five centuries passed, Leicester searched, and at last, This new visitor's centre did build – the King is dead, long live the King – And God Save the Queen!" Medieval-themed celebrations are taking place throughout the day - until 4pm – in the gardens of Leicester Cathedral, directly opposite the new attraction. Other activities include free craft workshops where children can make crowns, knights' helmets and heraldic shields, and puppet shows. Characters dressed in King Richard lll livery and medieval ladies are in the gardens, as well as a knight on stilts, Bill the Jester and the Leicester Town Crier.

Richard III: Crowds turn out to opening of new visitor centre on

Parents of flight MH17 victim Richard Mayne hope to support diabetes charity in his memory

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The parents of flight MH17 victim Richard Mayne say they hope to help a diabetes charity in his memory. Simon and Elizabth Mayne, of Western Park, Leicester, say the Leicestershire Parents' Support Group of Diabetes UK is a cause that Richard, who was diagnosed with the disease at the age of eight, supported for most of his life. Following the 20-year-old student's tragic death, more than £14,0000 has been donated to Kidasha, a charity set up to help children in Nepal, which Richard had been raising funds for earlier this year. In March, he took part in a trek to Everest base camp and also volunteered at a Nepalese school, as part of the RAG (raise and give) scheme at Leeds University, where he was a student. Mr and Mrs Mayne said they wanted to thank friends and well-wishers for the "overwhelming" support. However, they are hoping people who still want to donate in Richard's memory will now give to the charity that helped him throughout his life. In a statement posted on Richard's JustGiving online fundraising page, they said: "As the parents of Richard Mayne, we have been overwhelmed by the consoling sentiments and messages left by donors. Our heartfelt thanks go out to you all. "We are pleased that the vulnerable children of Nepal, the chosen charity of Leeds RAG Society, will benefit from the generosity of so many. "Richard was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of eight. "He controlled his diabetes with great skill and he was heavily supported by Camp Charnwood, run by the Leicestershire Parents' Group Summer Camp. "In more recent years, he became one of the camp leaders, helping the younger children to look after their diabetes. "Richard's zest for life was encouraged and made possible by Camp Charnwood. These camps, over the years, gave Richard, and many other young people with diabetes, the confidence to recognise that independent, international travel and adventure activities were as open to them as anyone. "It was that confidence which helped to get him to Everest Base Camp. "Kidasha is an incredibly worthwhile charity, and was important to Richard in the last few months of his life. Richard lived with his diabetes for 12 years and we would be just as happy to see any future donations passed on to the following charity, which was also close to Richard's heart, and had a huge impact on his life for a number of years. "The charity is Leicestershire Parents' Group Diabetes UK and the charity number is 215199." Mr and Mrs Mayne then went on to thank friends and well-wishers again "for all your generous contributions and kind words". From tomorrow, Richard's JustGiving page will no longer be accepting donations. Richard was a passenger on the Malaysian Airlines flight which crashed last week, apparently having been shot from the skies over Ukraine by a surface-to-air missile. He had been on his way to Australia, for the start of a university placement at the University of Western Australia, in Perth. To donate to Leicestershire Parents' Support Group of Diabetes UK in memory of Richard, click here

Parents of flight MH17 victim Richard Mayne hope to support diabetes charity in his memory

Fire crews tackle garage blaze in St Matthew's, Leicester

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Firefighters were called out after a blaze broke out at a garage. A car inside a workshop in Britannia Street, St Matthew's, Leicester, set alight while a workman was welding. Crews were called to the two-storey commercial garage shortly before 1pm today. Both the garage and a flat above the workshop were smoke-logged when firefighters arrived at the scene.

Fire crews tackle garage blaze in St Matthew's, Leicester


Leicester Music Festival: Stars take the stage as two-day event gets under way at Welford Road

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Big names in soul, rap, reggae and pop kicked off Leicester Music Festival yesterday.

From midday, a mix of local bands and international acts, including Tinie Tempah, Professor Green and Billy Ocean, performed at the Tigers stadium in Welford Road.

Tapiwa Jakachira, 20, of Braunstone, was at the festival with friends.

He said: "It's not a bad setting and it's something nice to do for the summer.

"I'm here for Tinie Tempah, mostly. I can't wait for Written in the Stars so he better sing it!"

Seb Quinn and Amelia Bargh, both 17 and from Oakham, were having a good time at the event.

Seb said: "It's been really good so far and there's a great atmosphere and it's a lot better than I expected."

Amelia said: "There's lots to do and lots of stuff to buy.

"It is really hot but they seem to have plenty of drinks and ice creams, so we should be okay."

The festival continued today.

For more pictures from the festival, turn to Pages 34 and 35.

Leicester Music Festival: Stars take the stage as two-day event gets under way at Welford Road

Six people taken to hospital after two-vehicle crash in St Margaret's Way, Leicester

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Six people were taken to hospital for treatment after an accident involving two vehicles. Emergency services were called to St Margaret's Way, Leicester, shortly after 10.30pm last night. A fire service spokesman said: "One of our crews came across the scene, where the ambulance service were already in attendance. "Nobody was trapped, but paramedics were treating casualties at the roadside." He added: "Six people were conveyed by ambulance to Leicester Royal Infirmary for further treatment. "We made the scene safe and left the incident in the hands of the police." A police spokesman said it is not believed that any of the casualties were seriously injured in the crash.

Six people taken to hospital after two-vehicle crash in St Margaret's Way, Leicester

M1 motorway closed between junctions 21 and 22 following serious accident

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The southbound carriageway of the M1 is closed between junctions 21 and 22 following a serious accident this morning. Police say full details of the incident are not yet clear, but it is believed that four vehicles were involved in the crash, which happened shortly after 8am. Paramedics and the air ambulance were called to the scene. It is understood that at least one person is seriously injured. The incident happened on the southbound carriageway, near to the Leicester Forest East services, just before junction 21. Both carriageways were closed following the incident. Officers reopened the northbound carriageway at about 9.15am. A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said the southbound carriageway of the motorway between junctions 21 and 22 would remain closed for several hours. More to follow.

M1 motorway closed between junctions 21 and 22 following serious accident

Fire sweeps through house in Belgrave after religious candle is left unattended

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A religious candle left unattended in a bedroom cupboard caused a fire which badly damaged a house. Flames swept through the first floor of the mid-terrace house, in Loughborough Road, Belgrave, Leicester, on Saturday evening. Firefighters were called to the home just after 7pm, when smoke was seen coming from the roof. At its height, more than 24 firefighters from stations across the city fought the fire, with six of them using breathing gear to enter the property, while jets from an aerial ladder platform restricted the blaze from spreading to neighbouring properties. A fire service spokesman said: "The fire was located in a first floor rear bedroom cupboard. "No-body was hurt in the fire and all occupants of the building were accounted for." He added: "The cause is believed to be accidental, involving a religious candle. "The bedroom was severely damaged by fire, with smoke damage to the first floor and roof space." A stop message was received by control at 8.51pm.

Fire sweeps through house in Belgrave after religious candle is left unattended

Thousands get in the pink for Loughborough Race for Life

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Women, children and even a few men ran and marched through Loughborough to raise funds and awareness for cancer research this morning. There was a sea of pink in the town's Market Place as thousands of fund-raisers set out on 5km or 10km courses for the Loughborough Race for Life. Basking in warm sunshine, the runners – many donning pictures and tributes to loved ones on their sports clothes – paraded through the town. It was a particularly poignant occasion for Ellie Pippet, 65, from Melton, whose daughter Beverley died from a brain tumour a year ago to the day – July 27, 2013. She said: "Beverley was only 45 when she died, after being poorly with the disease for three years. "Her daughter Claire, who is 25, was thinking about joining us, but understandably she was too upset." Ellie, who is hoping to raise £100 for the cause, added: "This is the second Race for Life I've taken part in, last year I couldn't do it because I was nursing Beverley. "It's an extremely emotional day for me. We miss her terribly but wanted to do something to help other cancer sufferers. "One thing that has given me great strength is seeing so many cancer survivors here today and taking part – it just shows that not everyone looses their life to the disease, and we can beat cancer. "That's what this is all about." Ellie was joined by two of her grandchildren and husband Hugh, 69, wearing a pink polo top. He said: "I'm here to support Ellie today in memory of our beloved daughter Beverley – we were so proud of her, and to do something positive for other cancer sufferers." Jo Downs, 37, from Loughborough, was walking with daughter Evie, six, in solidarity with her mum Fran, who was diagnosed with rare bone cancer 14 years ago. "In May, mum was in hospital to have a large growth removed from her stomach," she said. "It was a big operation and we thought that she would be watching us today from heaven, but she is waiting for us at the finish line. "I'm doing this for her. She is such a fighter, and I'm so grateful that she's still here. I think I might cry when I see her." Jo added that she is aiming to raise about £150 in sponsorship and donations. For Laura Rowe, 22, from Whitwick, it was the first time she'd taken part in the annual event. "It's been really good," she said. "My aunt currently has breast cancer, which is what my great grandmother died from. "Another person I'm running for is my partner, whose father also died from cancer three years ago." Laura added: "I found it very moving when everyone gathered for the start in the Market Place. There was a great atmosphere, with motivational speakers, and people telling stories about their loved ones and talks by women who have survived cancer. "The atmosphere has been brilliant throughout, with everyone here to support each other." Amanda James, 36, from Barrow upon Soar, was taking part with her two young children, aged four and six. "I wanted to take part to support the event, as almost everyone knows someone affected in some way by cancer," she said. "I've raised about £100." Amanda added: "I also wanted to get my children involved. So they can learn about what people are doing, and also, hopefully, get the running bug."

Thousands get in the pink for Loughborough Race for Life

M1 motorway crash: Three people injured in four-vehicle pile-up

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Three people have been injured in a crash involving four vehicles on the M1 this morning. The collision took place on the southbound carriageway of the motorway shortly after 8am. Firefighters, paramedics and the air ambulance were called to the scene. It is believed at least one person was seriously injured. The carriageway is closed at junction 21A, in the parish of Kirby Muxloe, and diversions are in place. The northbound carriageway was also closed for a short period, to allow for the air ambulance to land, but has since been re-opened. Officers are advising motorists to avoid the southbound carriageway of the M1 at junction 21A, with the closure causing traffic chaos on roads west of Leicester. Detective Constable Paul Bingham, who is at the scene of the collision, said: "It is anticipated that junction 21A of the southbound carriageway will remain closed for some time. Diversions are in place but we would ask anyone intending to travel in this direction to avoid the area and seek an alternative route. "We thank those motorists who are unfortunately caught up in the incident for their patience whilst emergency services deal with the collision. "We are in the early stages of our inquiries at the scene and not in a position to confirm details of the vehicles involved at this time." Firefighters said no-one was trapped in any of the vehicles. Crews assisted paramedics with treatment for two people and helped make the area safe. At 1.30pm, the Mercury was told the southbound carriageway will remain closed for "at least a couple more hours" as investigators continue their works to establish the cause of the accident. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101.

M1 motorway crash: Three people injured in four-vehicle pile-up

The best garden centre in Leicestershire? And the winner is...

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A family-run garden centre with friendly staff and a variety of plants grown on-site has been voted the best in the county by Leicester Mercury readers. Brookside Garden Centre, in Anstey, was the winner of this week's Facebook competition after receiving more than 25 percent of the vote in an online poll, launched last Monday. Dozens of garden centres were nominated from all over Leicestershire, but Brookside was named the winner thanks to its personal service and its range of products grown on-site. Owner Steve Budding said: "I am flattered. We pride ourselves on growing a lot of our own stuff and giving a good level of service. "It is a family-run garden centre - it has been in business for 35 years and we like to give a personal service. "We also do a huge range of vegetable and tomato plants." Mr Budding said he wanted to thank readers for their support. "People's support is vital so that we can continue," he said. The garden centre has 10 members of staff, and the majority have been working there for more than 25 years. Steve Hurst, who voted for Brookside, said it was his "definite" choice. Voted in second place was Sunnyside Garden Centre, in Leicester Road, Ibstock, north west Leicestershire, followed by Coles Plant Centre, in Uppingham Road, Leicester. Alan Ginn, who voted for Sunnyside, said: "It is our favourite garden centre - great staff who are always friendly and very helpful. It also has an amazing cafe serving fresh, home-cooked food. "It's simply brilliant. Definitely Leicestershire's finest garden centre." This week we are asking our reader's to vote for their favourite farm shop in Leicestershire. Voting opens at midday on Monday and will close at midnight on Wednesday. We are also asking you to send in a selfie at your favourite farm shop. Send your votes and pictures via our Facebook page by searching for Leicester Mercury. Alternatively, you can e-mail reporter Yasmin Duffin: yasminduffin@leicestermercury.co.uk

The best garden centre in Leicestershire? And the winner is...


Tinie Tempah, The Saturdays and Union J among star-studded line-up at Leicester Music Festival

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Leicester Tigers' Welford Road stadium was the stage for a star-studded weekend of music. Music fans of all ages descended on the ground for the inaugural Leicester Music Festival, which took place on Friday and Saturday. They were treated to performances from some of the biggest names in British pop – including our own X-Factor champion Sam Bailey, The Saturdays, rapper Tinie Tempah and boy band and Union J. Other crowd-pleasers included Billy Ocean, UB40, Kool and the Gang and Soul II Soul, featuring Jazzie B. Friends Rachel Press and Alex Stadnyk, from Bedfordshire, arrived by train at 4am on Saturday to ensure a place in the front row for their idols, Union J. Rachel, 21, said: "We were in the front row – it was amazing. "After arriving so early to get our spot, we were both pretty tired by afternoon time. "But when Union J appeared, we were revived. "It was all worth it. A great day." Matt Jackson, 25, of Aylestone Road, Leicester, said: "The highlight for me was Tinie Tempah. It was great to have such big acts playing on your doorstep like that." Zoe Ward, 29, of Oadby, said: "It was a really good weekend. There was a great family atmosphere and some of the music was fantastic. "It was very well organised I think. Everyone felt safe but the security was not in your face. "For a new festival I think it was good – and I imagine, after this, it's going to be heaving next year!"

Tinie Tempah, The Saturdays and Union J among star-studded line-up at Leicester Music Festival

Rat infestation making life a misery for residents in flats in Netherhall, Leicester

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Residents in a council-owned block of flats say their lives are being made a misery by an infestation of rats. The rodents have been found in a number of homes in a complex in Netherhall Road, Leicester. Ruby Kullar-Rai, who lives in one of the homes with her husband, Sunny, and two young boys, said the vermin were in the attic and had chewed through walls to get into other rooms. The 32-year-old said: "It's horrible. You hear the rats scratching around. "One popped out in the kitchen and then disappeared under a unit. "The council sent someone round and they put some foam-like stuff to block the holes where the rats are coming in, but it's no good. They just chew through it. "The rats have had bags of crisps and there's the smell of urine." Mrs Kullar-Rai, a care worker, said she was worried about the health of her boys, Jason, five, and Keiron, two. She said: "The boys keep saying "Mummy, there's a rat.' They call it Roland but it isn't funny, really. "We've been having problems with them since early June. "The council has set traps but they don't catch anything. "We don't want to be sharing a home with rats." Alice O'Rourke, 21, lives next door with her five-year-year-old daughter, Renee. She said: "We've killed two rats in traps. My daughter wakes up in the middle of the night because she can here them scratching. "It's horrible." Ward councillor Barbara Potter said: "It's unacceptable that people have to put up with rats. Any homes that have them cannot be the decent standard people deserve." A Leicester City Council spokesman said: "Our pest control officers are visiting this maisonette (Mrs Kullar-Rai's) on a weekly basis to set and check traps, and also to identify any repairs needed to block possible points of entry used by rats. "So far, we have removed four or five rats over the last three months from this and a neighbouring property. "We are due to carry out further tests and arrange repair works, and are continuing to investigate the cause of the problem." In May, the Mercury reported on a similar case at council-owned homes in Marwood Road, Stocking Farm. The council cemented up sewer pipes in an effort to keep the vermin out.

Rat infestation making life a misery for residents in flats in Netherhall, Leicester

Leicester City 1 Everton 0: Encouraging win for Nigel Pearson's men in Thailand

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Gary Taylor-Fletcher bagged the only goal of the game as Leicester City secured an encouraging 1-0 victory over Everton in a pre-season friendly in Thailand.

It took until just after the hour-mark for the deadlock to be broken in what was a confident performance from Nigel Pearson's men in front of an 8,000-strong crowd in the Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok, to mark the 25th anniversary of King Power International.

The impressive Jamie Vardy played a key role in the build-up to the goal, beating onrushing Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles to the ball out right before cutting inside and squaring to Taylor-Fletcher for the tap-in.

Both sides created a couple of chances in the first half, David Nugent having his stunning right-footed volley ruled out for offside following two excellent saves from Kasper Schmeichel to first deny Luke Garbutt from a free-kick, before keeping out Leon Osman's thunderous strike.

But it was definitely City who controlled the second half against the team they will face on the opening day of the Premier League on August 16.

Second-half goalkeeper Ben Hamer hardly had a save to make as City controlled possession and carved out numerous chances, with Vardy, Taylor-Fletcher and Riyad Mahrez all at the heart of it.

Just minutes after coming on for the restart, one of nine changes made by Nigel Pearson, Vardy showed his incredible pace to get past John Stones and win the ball but the England centre-back recovered well to make the block.

Vardy, putting forward a superb case for a starting spot next month, had the ball in the net but his neat finish was also ruled out for offside.

But it was no surprise that he would then play a key role in City's goal, using his pace once again to get to the ball ahead of Robles and claim the assist.

City continued to create chances in the almost unbearable heat, with Mahrez picking out King with a delightful through-ball before shooting wide with a strike of his own.

They say you can never take too much from pre-season games but, after this performance, City should go into their Premier League opener against the Toffees full of confidence.

Leicester City 1 Everton 0: Encouraging win for Nigel Pearson's men in Thailand

M1 motorway crash: One woman killed, two others injured in four-vehicle pile-up

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A woman has died and two other people are seriously injured in hospital following a crash involving four vehicles on the M1 this morning. The southbound carriageway of the motorway at junction 21A was closed for most of the day following the accident, which happened near to Kirby Muxloe, just after 8am. The crash involved a Scania LGV, a Ford Anglia, a Ford Ka and a Mazda MX5. A female passenger in the Ford Anglia received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford Anglia and passenger in the Ford Ka, both women, were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Their condition has been described as serious but stable. A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody. The collision has caused huge tailbacks on some of the major roads near to the junction, including the A50 and A46. The carriageway was re-opened shortly before 5.30pm. Detective Constable Kath Orr, who is investigating the collision, said: "We thank motorists who have been caught up in the congestion for their patience." Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call police on 101.

M1 motorway crash: One woman killed, two others injured in four-vehicle pile-up

Simon Says: Leicester's musical talent showcased at De Montfort Hall Festival

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Leicestershire's finest musicians have been doing what they do best at the Simon Says Festival at De Montfort Hall. Thousands of people have turned out for the event, which returned to the venue this weekend following its debut last year. Headlining yesterday were By The Rivers, fresh from their second performance at Glastonbury, with other acts including Brandy Thieves, Speaking in Italics and The Daydream Club also keeping the crowds entertained. The festival is set to be closed by The South tonight, with acts including Pressure Tennants, Siobhan Mazzei, Skinny Lister and Kingsize also on the bill today. Lucy Connelly, 34, of Wigston, was enjoying the festival with her friends. "There is a lovely family atmosphere," she said. "The drinks are cheap and I love this kind of music. It is a good place to catch up with your friends." Friend Andrea McCue, 40, of Oadby, said: "The city needs more things like this." Gemma Oldman, 33, of Clarendon Park, Leicester, was soaking up the atmosphere with her two children, seven-year-old Rosie and Frank, three, and her friend Maisie Bamford. She said: "We came last year and really enjoyed it. My daughter, Rosie, is By The Rivers' biggest fan. "Anything that brings Leicester together is positive." Nicky Chambers, who was serving up food at the Pick's Organic Farm stand, was also enjoying the event. "It is great to see so many businesses involved - it is a really friendly and family orientated event," she said. "The music is good and there is a great variety." The event was organised in partnership with city music venues The Donkey, The Musician and Firebug.

Simon Says: Leicester's musical talent showcased at De Montfort Hall Festival

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