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100 days to remember in city's fascinating history

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With the discovery of Richard III and Leicester City's return to the Premier League, there have been some pretty big days for the city recently.

Now, a historian's latest project has involved digging back over the past 1,000 years and finding the most important 100 days for Leicester and putting them all in her new book.

Natasha Sheldon's Leicester in 100 Dates is the results of hours spent poring over the archives of the Leicester Mercury and other documents.

Natasha, who lives in Knighton, said: "It's a selection of 100 dates from Leicester's history and they're all fascinating.

"There are big events, light-hearted things and recent important days, such as the Queen's visit for the Jubilee and the discovery of Richard III.

"Among the most dramatic was the day in 1173, when the forces of King Henry II sacked Leicester.

"His soldiers breached the city walls and whole districts were obliterated and the area around the castle decimated.

"There are big international occasions, like Armistice Day in 1918. I researched using the Records Office in Wigston and old newspapers and found a description of the end of the First World War.

"Boys in the street built effigies of the Kaiser and attacked them, while people working in armament factories stopped working and came out into the street. Then at 2pm all the church bells rang."

Natasha's book is her second for The History Press, which also published her short book, Not a Guide to Leicester, last year.

She said: "It's been interesting to research. Leicester has an interesting history full of executions, floods and lots and lots of strikes."

Here are some of Leicester's biggest days of the past 1,000 years:

February 22, 1094

After the Battle of Hastings, the manor of Leicester was awarded to Hugh de Grandmesnil, a supporter of William the Conqueror.

November 29, 1530

Disgraced former first minister of Henry VIII, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, died at Leicester Abbey after being stripped of his offices having failed to secure Henry a divorce from Catherine of Aragon.

March 15, 1773

The news broke that a new kind of stocking-making machine, capable of doing the work of 60 men, had been ordered by local hosiers John Good and Nathaniel Simpson, spelling disaster for the Leicester workforce.

July 5, 1841

Leicester was selected as the departure point for the world's first package tour – to Loughborough. This modest trip was the brainchild of cabinet-maker Thomas Cook.

November 19, 1940

The night of Germany's most intensive attack on the city, which became known as the Leicester Blitz. The sky turned red as bombs and parachute mines were dropped, killing 40 people in Highfields.

April 5, 1961

The first traffic wardens began their solo patrols – the first in any UK city outside London. They were the idea of Leicester's chief constable, Robert Mark.

September 10, 1984

Alec Jeffreys, a Leicester University research scientist, was finishing an experiment on inherited illnesses when he stumbled upon the key to identifying individuals by their genes, giving rise to DNA fingerprinting.

April 1, 1997

After a 23-year fight, political power in Leicester moved back from County Hall to the New Walk Centre in the city.

February 4, 2013

The University of Leicester's Richard Buckley confirmed the identity of the skeleton found in 2012 under a Leicester car park as that of Richard III.

Leicester in 100 Dates, is out now, priced at £9.99.

100 days to remember in  city's fascinating history


Leicester Magistrates' Court cases

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Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

Martin Concepcion (32), of Healey Close, Beaumont Leys, Leicester, admitted common assault, using violence to enter a property and causing criminal damage to a car and a mobile phone on March 9.

He was given 35 days probation and ordered to pay £90 compensation, £225 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Billy Maguire (20), of Hillcroft Road, Evington, Leicester, admitted driving without insurance on January 11.

He was fined £75, ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge and had six points put on his licence.

Fontaine Weathers (30), of Ethel Road, Evington, pleaded guilty to stealing chocolates worth £12 from the Co-Op, Evington Road, Leicester, on March 5. She was fined £30 with a £20 victim surcharge.

Joshua Warren (27), of Pulford Drive, Scraptoft, Leicester, admitted speeding in a 30mph zone on December 16.

He was fined £250, ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge and had four points put on his licence.

Liam Whitehead (30), of Falconer Crescent, Glenfield, admitted driving without insurance on June 1. He was fined £250, ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge and had six points put on his licence.

Shiwli Begum (39), of Ross Walk, Belgrave, Leicester, was found guilty in her absence of driving with a child in the front seat who was not wearing a seatbelt on January 28.

She was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Concerns as out-of-hours medical care fail to hit targets

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Two services providing out-of-hours medical care are missing key targets in the time taken to deal with calls.

Latest results show that NHS 111, run by Derbyshire Health United, has missed targets for calls answered within 60 seconds and calls returned with 10 minutes.

The out-of-hours service, run by Central Nottinghamshire Clinical Services (CNCS), missed three targets.

It is expected to assess 95 per cent of the most urgent calls in 10 minutes, others in an hour and begin home visits within two hours.

Instead, the figures were 88 per cent, 85 per cent and 84 per cent respectively.

A member of CNCS staff, who asked not to be named, was so concerned he contacted the Leicester Mercury.

He said: "There was one Saturday evening recently when there was just one GP on duty for four hours.

"There should have been at least three of them but CNCS can't recruit them to cover all the shifts.

"There were so many calls waiting for assessment and patients were irate.

"A number of us are really worried someone is going to die and it could be your mother or father."

He said officials from East Leicestershire and Rutland clinical commissioning group (CCG) – which is responsible for the contract – carried out a spot-check the day after he contacted the Mercury. He said: "I was told that GPs were offered enhanced rates to cover the shifts that evening."

Deputy city mayor Councillor Rory Palmer, who is also chairman of the city's health and wellbeing board, said: "I want clear reassurance there is adequate out-of-hours cover, that people are getting the right advice and support and there is an adequate team of medics.

"There seems to be an issue about how joined up and coherent these services are."

When GP surgeries are shut, patients have to call 111 and then, if necessary, the call is referred to the out-of-hours services where calls are assessed by a GP.

Robin Wintle, associate director for contracts at East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG, said: "Patient safety is of paramount importance and we take any situation which could affect the quality of care patients receive very seriously.

"We are aware there have been issues with staffing levels and we are monitoring the situation weekly, in line with the requirements of the contract.

"We are aware CNCS has flexible contingency arrangements that have ensured disruption to services is minimised when appropriate clinical rotas are not in place."

Mr Wintle said a spot check on Tuesday did not reveal any quality or safety risks.

Stephanie Goodall, director of services at CNCS said: "We have reviewed a number of operational areas, as part of a recent organisational wide restructure.

"Following completion of the staff consultation, there have been changes which will address concerns with staffing levels."

Dr Saurabh Johri, clinical lead for the 111 services, said he expected all targets to be met by September 9, the anniversary of the start of the contract.

Latest figures show 88.8 per cent of calls to 111 were answered within a minute, against the required 95 per cent.

Concerns as out-of-hours medical care fail to hit  targets

Leicester Magistrates' Court cases

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Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court included:

Gregory Griffiths (27), of Talbot Lane, off St Nicholas Circle, pleaded guilty to stealing a customer gift card worth £40 from his employer, the Cinema, Highcross Lane, Leicester, on April 12.

He was given a 12-month supervised community order including 60 hours' unpaid work, to be carried out within the next 12 months, and ordered to pay £40 compensation and a £60 victim surcharge.

Rebecca Proudman (24), of Pinfold Close, Birstall, was discharged conditionally for two years after pleading guilty to dishonestly failing to inform Leicester City Council on changes in her circumstances, that her statutory maternity pay had ceased between July 18, 2011, and May 5, 2013, that she received student pay between June 1, 2012, and May 5, 2013, and her partner received pay from employment between November 15, 2011, and May 5, 2013. She was ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Zakir Ali Samyal (23), of Mile Ash, Milton Keynes, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation when he cashed a stolen cheque to obtain £3,190.42 for himself at The Money Shop, Charles Street, Leicester, on January 7.

He was fined £350 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £35 victim surcharge.

Robert Frederick Bowles (60), of Drummond Road, off Abbey Lane, was proven guilty in absence of being registered as the owner of a vehicle which did not meet its insurance requirements on December 6, 2013. He was fined £200 with £110 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Mitchell Faulkner (21), of Cort Crescent, Braunstone, was found guilty in absence after denying being the person in whose name a vehicle was registered under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, which did not meet the insurance requirement. He was fined £200 with £110 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Chelsea Hannah Thompson (23), of Ringwood Road, Netherhall, pleaded guilty to failing to notify Leicester City Council of a change in her circumstances between August 31, 2012, and March 3, 2013, that she was in paid employment, which affected her entitlement to housing and council tax benefits. She was given a community order including carrying out 40 hours' unpaid work at the Leicester Railwaymen's Club and Institute within the next 12 months and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.

Matthew Martin Tompkins (32), of Bradgate Drive, Coalville, pleaded guilty to stealing packs of meat worth £30 from the Co-operative supermarket, Cropston Road, Anstey, on June 2. He was ordered to pay £30 compensation.

Pool petition for Birstall and Wanlip gathers support

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An online petition to reopen a swimming pool has gained more than 800 signatures.

Councillor Simon Sansome, a Liberal Democrat for Birstall Wanlip ward, set up the online petition in April after residents raised the issue.

It asks Charnwood Borough Council to look at either opening a leisure centre or reopening the pool at Longslade Community College.

The college pool, in Wanlip Lane, was shut in 2012 after a routine inspection revealed it would cost about £250,000 to bring the boiler up to a safe standard.

However, Coun Sansome said if a wood-burning biomass boiler was installed it would be eligible for a grant under the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive scheme – created to cut dependency on fossil fuels.

He said: "There is a Government grant available to buy the boiler free of charge and Barry West, who runs Ashwell Biomass, in Thurmaston, can maintain it."

Coun Sansome said he hoped the borough council and school could work together.

He said: "The support has been fantastic and I think that shows there is a high demand.

"It would be great for Birstall to have a leisure centre. It would benefit the kids of the school, as well as the community.

"It is ridiculous there is a pool not being used.

"The plan now is to present the petition to the borough council. It will hopefully then talk to the school about a way forward."

Barry West, managing director of Ashwell Biomass, said: "It is not really widely known but the Government is giving money back when people use renewable energy.

"They could actually make money from this project."

Mr West said depending on its size a boiler would cost between £80,000 and £105,000 to install and the grant could offer £15,000 to £20,000 per year for 20 years.

Jacqueline Abela, 41, of Birstall, who has signed the petition, said when the pool was open it was convenient to walk and cycle to.

She said: "They had aquafit and adult swimming as well as children's sessions.

"Now, we have to drive outside the village and use facilities elsewhere. If you can't drive you have to pay bus fare."

A council spokesman said: "We are keen to be involved in a debate about provision of recreational and sporting facilities across the borough and if a petition is presented to us about facilities then it can be considered to inform future planning."

To see the petition, search for "Birstall" at:

www.change.org

Pool petition for Birstall and Wanlip gathers support

Project to provide food parcels and advice to needy

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A project to provide food parcels to those most in need will open in Leicestershire next month.

The Soar Valley Community Project, based in Rothley Baptist Church, will be helping people who are unable to feed themselves for a variety of reasons, whether it is changes to their benefits, losing their job, debt repayments or other issues.

The project, which will officially launch on September 1, will also direct individuals to the assistance they need to support themselves.

In addition, the linked Soar Valley Community Money Advice Centre can offer advice on debt, benefit entitlement, other free services available, cost- saving ideas and budgeting.

Tim Jackson, project coordinator, said: "There were more than one million people who used a food bank in the past year.

"Over that period, we have been developing the vision for this project, so it's fantastic to open our doors to support those who need help.

"The team has a real heart to help those who are having difficulties feeding themselves.

"This isn't just about ensuring people have enough food, it's about helping them in the long run to get back on their feet, which is why there is debt advice on hand and we're there to point people in the right direction.

"We've put up posters in doctors' surgeries and left them with other healthcare professionals, social services and Sure Start Centres so many of those who come to us will be referrals. Others we will take at face value. Although there are food centres in Leicester and Loughborough, there isn't anything in between.

"We cannot operate without food donations, so we're tremendously grateful to the supermarkets who have agreed to put donation bins in their stores. So when you shop please look out for these and donate non-perishable food.

"The Food Project will open on Mondays from 11am to 1pm. It is open to anyone who needs help, so please pop in for a coffee and see us."

The project is being run by Rothley Parish Church and Rothley Baptist Church.

If you would like to donate non-perishable food, money or time, visit the centre once it is up and running. Ring 07743 765958 or e-mail:

soarvalleycfp@gmail.org

School garden area in Braunstone gets a makeover

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Staff from LF Logistics, in Braunstone, have helped tidy up a garden area at a school this summer.

The team of volunteers visited Ravenhurst Primary, in Braunstone, last week, as part of their community work.

They spent a day tidying up a pond area and pathways to get rid of weeds and overgrown plants so youngsters can enjoy the great outdoors when they return to school.

Letisha Harbidge, of LF Logistics, said: "It went well and although it was hard work, it was definitely worth it.

"We really hope that the children will be able to make the most of it when they go back to school.

"We're also grateful for the support we had from other firms who donated brushes, gardening gloves and even lunch on the day."

School garden area in Braunstone gets a makeover

Questions about theft in Hinckley

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Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to about a theft from a shop.

Officers said that at about 3.40pm on Tuesday, August 8, a man entered the unnamed store in Barwell Lane, Hinckley, and then left with an item he did not pay for.

The man was seen leaving the area of the shop on a green mountain bike, turning left in to Barwell Lane.

Pc Dean Munsey, one of the investigating officers, said: "We would like to ask the public to look at the photo and if you recognise the man to please contact us."

Call police on 101.

Questions about theft in Hinckley


'Manipulator' who duped elderly victims out of cash is jailed

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A woman who duped elderly victims out of thousands of pounds has been branded a "dishonest manipulator" by a judge.

Rajbir Sangha, 59, of Barnes Close, Rushey Mead, Leicester, has been jailed for two years and six months for a string of offences against pensioners.

She pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud involving £4,041 and one offence of converting £10,000 of criminal property, between May and October 2011.

Leicester Crown Court was told three of the frauds involved her working as a self-employed saleswoman of disability products.

She grossly overcharged pensioners, aged between 79 and 85, for full body massage mats which normally retailed at £59.99.

Sangha charged the victims £380 each, which Judge Philip Head said was "a grotesque, dishonest mark-up".

She befriended a disabled couple, aged 80 and 81, and falsely claimed she was a carer for a company, Premier Gold Care. Due to that misrepresentation they took her on as their carer.

She charged them £1,944 for two months work, before a concerned neighbour blew the whistle.

James Thomas, prosecuting, said: "She was not employed by that company. She had applied for a job with it and was going through a vetting procedure."

He said it was unlikely she would have secured a job with it because she had a previous conviction for mis-selling and over-charging two other pensioners for body massage mats.

She had received a four-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, in August 2012.

Sangha, also acting as an agent for a company, wrongly assessed an elderly couple as not being vulnerable before pocketing £1,137 commission on the sale of a £6,500 bed.

Mr Thomas said she also laundered about £10,000 – where a number of cash deposits from unknown sources had gone through her bank account.

Sentencing, Judge Head said: "This was calculated dishonesty.

"You're an entrenched and dishonest manipulator.

"It was deliberate targeting of a large number of vulnerable victims.

"In August 2012, you were before magistrates for two identical matters committed in May 2011 and continued your criminal offending even after that."

Justice Robinson, mitigating, said: "Before these matters she had led a blameless existence bringing up her family.

"The offences were committed primarily for financial gain. She didn't want to tell her family she had no money and the reason for that is because of her difficulty with alcohol.

"Her family are now helping her to put her life back together.

"She accepts she was dishonest and made some bad judgement calls, which she regrets."

'Manipulator' who duped elderly victims out of cash is jailed

Rutland fund-raiser Brian, 76, completes third Euro cycle ride

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A 76-year-old man who took up cycling eight years ago after beating cancer has completed his third European cycle ride, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Brian Kirby, of Belton, in Rutland, has just completed his latest ride, cycling just under 3,000 miles to the Austrian capital Vienna and back – raising £2,300 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Brian, who was treated for bowel cancer in 2005 and 2006, often had to rely on Voluntary Action Rutland's (VAR) driver service to get him to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

He was determined to thank the service for its help and joined it as a driver six years ago.

Brian said of this latest trip: "I was looking at a map of Europe over the winter and I just thought 'what about Vienna?'

"I cycled through Holland, Belgium and Germany, alongside the rivers Rhine, Maine and Danube, into Austria.

"It's surprising how many people of a similar age I met on the trip who were also cycling, not just Europeans, but Americans and Australians."

Not many of those he met, however, need to wear a colostomy bag, as Brian does.

Brian did his first cycle ride to Germany in 2012, raising £1,600 for the service and Macmillan. Last year, he cycled 2,000 miles to Berlin and back and raised £1,700 for Hope Against Cancer.

Brian, whose latest trip took 70 days, said: "I met one chap on my travels and we got talking and I discovered he wore a colostomy bag, as well – we were comparing notes.

"We both agreed that focussing on exercise helped us get through the whole thing.

"Cycling in the Continent is really enjoyable. You don't have to dice with death like you do here and the countryside is quite different.

"Everybody's got a bike and when I was in Berlin last year I cycled right up to the Reichstag."

The retired engineer, who will be 77 in October, is also an admirer of the civil engineering work that goes into bridges and similar structures along the route.

He said: "I rode across the Scheldt estuary tidal barrier in Holland, built after thousands lost their lives in a tidal surge in 1953.

"The Thames Barrier protecting London has 10 gates, this is 10 miles long and has 68 gates."

He was almost forced to turn round 10 days into the trip after his bank called to tell him his debit card had been cloned.

He said: "Every time I wanted to draw out money for things I had to ring them to unlock my account."

Next year, Brian is thinking about a trip to the South of France where he can to indulge his interest in bridges with a visit to the 1,000ft high "bridge in the clouds" at Millau.

Rutland fund-raiser Brian, 76, completes third Euro cycle ride

WW1: Joanne's work inspires readers

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A teenager whose work piecing together her family's part in the First World War was featured in the Mercury prompted readers to get in touch.

Joanne Spiers, 19, of Loughborough, collated photographs, war records, letters and poems chronicling the service of her two great-grandfathers and three great-uncles, all but one of whom survived.

Her painstaking research was covered in a series of articles in the newspaper commemorating the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the war.

Two people have now come forward to help Joanne add further pieces to the jigsaw.

Betty Walker, of Anstey, contacted the Mercury about a photograph of one of Joanne's great-grandfathers, Arthur Jacques, who was a friend of her father, Sam Hilton.

Betty, who is in her 80s, said: "Every day when I come downstairs I look at a photograph hanging in the hall with my father and Arthur Jacques together.

"It is a lovely old-fashioned picture. I never knew anything more about Arthur and when I saw his picture in the Mercury I thought 'I know you!'

"It was so interesting to read about him and that's why I rang the Mercury.

"Joanne has now been to visit me and showed me the book she has put together about her family in the war.

"She's done a wonderful book and it's fantastic for a young girl to be so interested.

"It was so interesting to me and I would love to do something like that about my family."

Joanne said: "It has all been very exciting since the story was in the Mercury. I went to see Mrs Walker and it turns out her father, Sam, was best friends with Arthur.

"They were only two months apart in age, lived in the next road to each other and grew up together. We think they both went off to war together.

"She had the most amazing set of photos hanging on her hall wall of Arthur and her father that were taken at Christmas, we think before the war. One is particularly good because it has both men sitting in a pub setting, in their suits, with a bottle of beer, a cigar and playing cards together.

"There was one more photo Mrs Walker had of Arthur and a young lady who we have worked out to be his first wife, Elsie, who died in child birth.

"We had never seen a photo of her before and Mrs Walker gave me the photo to keep. I am planning to see her again because I am helping her look at her family tree.

"Another lady contacted me about my grandpa. It turns out Arthur and his first wife, Elsie, were her aunt and uncle by marriage, which is amazing because we didn't know any of Elsie's family. She has sent me a locket that was Elsie's which features a photo of Elsie and Arthur."

WW1: Joanne's work inspires readers

Women's hockey: New club president at Leicester

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Leicester have appointed a new club president following the resignation of Sarah Treanor, who has stepped down after six years in the role.

Carol Johnson, a former player and first-team assistant coach, was elected as Treanor's successor at the club AGM.

Treanor, who will remain with the club as vice-president and will oversee club development, expressed her thanks to Leicester.

"I am proud of all our members, parents, sponsors, supporters as much as I am of all our players," she said.

"It has been a great six years and I am pleased to hand over to Carol as I know the club will be in good hands.

"I wish her well, she will have good people around her and I know they will support, help and keep her going through the season.

"While I am very sad to be moving on, it's now time for me to get on with some other things in my life."

Wigston care home holds Champagne toast to centenarians

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The residents of Conifer Lodge, in Wigston, know plenty about living life to the full.

At the weekend they celebrated a 103rd birthday and a 100th birthday as residents Delia Bishop and Lucy Rhodes reached amazing milestones.

The home also has a 104-year-old resident, Phyllis Heard, and another 100th birthday coming up in December.

Lucy's daughter Muriel Shaw, 78, of Oadby, said: "My mother's been there for about five years and they certainly seem very good at keeping people going."

Muriel was among the family and friends celebrating with Lucy and Delia as the two great-grandmothers tucked into cake and enjoyed a nice sing-along.

Home manager Pam Simpson enjoys breaking out the champagne for birthday parties and is looking forward to the next big one.

She said: "The residents are all very cheerful and when the music's going they all like to get up and dance or clap and stamp their feet in their chairs.

"We have a lot of performers coming in to do music – a man who comes in with is keyboard and a lovely couple who sing with a guitar.

"All of us like to join in."

The next 100th birthday will be Phyllis Lee's and is due in December.

Pam said: "We have a lot of very old residents and it's amazing how alert some of them are.

"I think Phyllis Lee will outlive the lot of us!

"Her son's a GP and I think he's given her some good tips."

Delia, who turned 103 on Saturday, spent much of her life running the Abbey Hotel in Abbey Lane, in Leicester. Her son, Alec, 73, of Oadby, said: "I think it must be down to her spending her life on her feet in the pub. And she always liked a drink!

"She just doesn't change much at all. She's always been very healthy.

"In her 90s she had a broken hip and the doctor warned us that a lot of people in her position didn't leave hospital, but I knew she would.

"She has a very sharp mind and still clearly remembers the Zeppelins bombing Loughborough during the First World War when she was a little girl."

Delia and Lucy each have one child, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Lucy grew up in Yorkshire and worked in a mill during her youth before getting various jobs working in shops and as a cleaner.

Muriel said: "It's a bit strange having her turn 100.

"I just wish she had more of her memories.

"She remembers me most of the time but not her grandchildren.

"But it was lovely to go to the party on Saturday and she really seemed to enjoy it."

Wigston care home holds Champagne toast to centenarians

Tennis: Memorable Wimbledon outing for young Tom

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Syston's Tom Maye-Banbury said he will never forget his starring role at Wimbledon.

The 13-year-old De Lisle Catholic Science College pupil reached the semi-finals of the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge Finals at the All England Club, and played in front of former British No.1 Tim Henman.

Maye-Banbury booked himself a spot at SW19 after competing in his County Finals, and won three group matches and three knock-out ties before losing in the semis of the boys' main draw.

About 20,000 promising young tennis players from all over Britain competed in pursuit of a place at Wimbledon, with Maye-Banbury among the top 144 boys and girls to have earned the right to play at the National Finals.

The teenager won his first six matches in straight sets but fell to eventual winner Alasdair Hambrey in the final four.

After losing the opening set 6-4, Maye-Banbury fought back against his opponent from Scotland North to take the second set cleanly 6-1, but then lost the tie-breaker 10-6.

Despite failing to lift the trophy, Maye-Banbury said his outing at the All England Club was his summer highlight.

"It was amazing to play at Wimbledon as the courts are great and the bounces are much slower – my serves went well and I think my backhand was my strongest point," said Maye-Banbury.

"To have played at Wimbledon gives me more motivation and confidence."

Maye-Banbury, who attends Carisbrooke Tennis Club, also met HSBC tournament ambassador Henman.

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge is the UK's largest national junior grass court tournament and forms part of HSBC's investment in the stars of the future.

www.hsbcroadto wimbledon.com

Youth Olympics: Golden boy Ben Dijkstra leads the way in China

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Triathlete Ben Dijkstra admitted he had to pinch himself in amazement after claiming Team GB's first gold medal of the Youth Olympic Games.

After watching compatriot Sian Rainsley finish eighth in the women's triathlon in Nanjing, China, on Monday, it was Dijkstra's turn to strut his stuff at Xuanwu Lake 24 hours later.

And after emerging from the 750m swim down in 19th place, the 15-year-old Loughborough Grammar School student turned it up on the bike and, after the 20km cycle, he found himself out at the front.

He stayed there throughout the 5km run but had New Zealander Daniel Hoy hot on his heels the whole way.

In fact, the pair crossed the line in the exact same time of 54min 43sec but, after a photo finish was reviewed, Charnwood Triathlon Club ace Dijkstra was announced as the winner.

Hoy's name had originally flashed up on the big screen as the winner before it was rectified, but Dijkstra had forgotten that by the time the gold medal was placed around his neck.

"Initially the results board displayed that Dan had won but, after the photo finish was reviewed, my name came up," said Dijkstra.

"I gave it everything and I am so glad I managed to win gold – I am over the moon.

"The race is never over until the line. If I had stopped pushing five metres earlier then the gold medal wouldn't have been mine, so I just had to push all the way to the line.

"My legs were burning up with 150m to go, I just had to give it everything, but that is triathlon, it is one of the hardest competitions around.

"The swim was definitely the toughest part of the race because it was very aggressive.

"My swim isn't the strongest so I just had to keep going and then bridge across on the bike.

"The gap was 25 seconds which isn't massive, so I managed to bridge that gap on the first lap.

"The run was really tough because, in the transition, my bike got tangled with two other athletes."

Dijsktra has the chance for more medals in Nanjing tomorrow when he takes part in the mixed international team event.

He will be paired up with Victorija Deldio of the Philippines after she finished last in the women's triathlon.

Although Dijkstra has no idea what he is in for, he cannot wait to get going after kicking things off in style.

"I am really looking forward to the team event as it should be fun, and this has given me loads of confidence for that," he added.

"I have no idea what will happen but, hopefully, it is another chance to win another medal."

The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It works in partnership with sport national governing bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic Values.

www.teamgb.com

Youth Olympics: Golden boy Ben Dijkstra leads the way in China


Young Achiever Awards 2014: Venturing beyond the call of duty

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Do you know an inspiring young person who has gone the extra mile to help others in their community?

If the answer is yes, then the Leicester Mercury would like to hear from you.

Last week, we launched a campaign to celebrate the inspiring achievements of Leicestershire's young people.

Over the next two months, we're asking schools, organisations and individuals to nominate those aged 14 to 25 who are worthy of recognition in the Young Achiever Awards 2014.

Last year, Kyne Harrison-Darcy clinched the Community Achievement Award for his work with Youth Shelter, in Loughborough.

Having spent time on the streets, Kyne supported the project by sharing his experiences with others.

Speaking at the time, Kyne said: "I'm ecstatic and it just goes to show that no matter how low you are, never give up."

The community achievement category rewards those who have gone above and beyond to help others, whether that's through volunteering their time or giving back to people in some other way.

The winners of the competition's 10 categories will be announced at an awards ceremony for finalists on December 4, at Leicester City's King Power Stadium. Each will each receive £250 and a trophy.

Two category runners-up will also receive a cash prize of £50 each and a certificate of merit.

The Young Achiever Awards are being sponsored by Fullhurst Community College, with each of the 10 categories also featuring an individual sponsor.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) is sponsoring the Community Achievement Award.

Colin Randle, distribution manager for WPD, said: "As a major employer in the Midlands, we believe we have a responsibility to play a full and active role in the communities we serve.

"We're delighted to be working in partnership with the Leicester Mercury to support the Young Achiever Awards.

"WPD has a well-established community support programme that provides practical and financial assistance whenever it can, particularly for projects relating to education, safety and the environment.

"We are looking forward to seeing all of the entries for the Community Support category which is being sponsored by WPD and which recognises the contribution that young people make to their communities from across Leicestershire."

Young Achiever Awards 2014: Venturing beyond the call of duty

Live traffic and travel updates from Leicester and Leicestershire

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8.38am: M1 Leicestershire - One lane blocked and heavy traffic on M1 southbound at J21, M69 (Leicester), because of an accident.

7.17am: Rutland, Clipsham Road, in Stretton closed in both directions between the Manor Road junction and the Stretton Road junction because of accident investigation work.

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 Leicestershire

CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Live traffic and travel updates from Leicester and Leicestershire

Fatal collision in Stretton, Rutland

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A person has died in a car crash in Rutland.

Police were called to an accident involving one car in Clipsham Road, Stretton, just after 11pm last night.

No details of the person have yet been released.

The road is closed in both directions between the Manor Road junction and Stretton Road junction.

A spokeswoman from Leicestershire Police said motorists should expect the road to remain closed for the duration of the morning.

More follows...

Fatal collision in Stretton, Rutland

Arsonists set fire to more than 200-tonnes of hay in Melton

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Firefighters battled three large hay fires in Melton last night.

Crews were called to the A6006, in Asfordby, at 10.45pm, following reports of a 200-tonne hay bale fire.

They spent about three hours tackling the blaze.

As they fought the flames, another call was received, at 11.45pm, reporting a second two-tonne blaze involving hay bales in Saxelby Lane, Saxelby - about two-miles away from the first incident.

Then at 12.30am, crews were called to Showby Lane, in Grimston, to deal with four large bales of hay which had also caught fire.

A spokeswoman for the fire service said all three incidents are believed to have been started deliberately and the police had been informed.

Fire investigators will re-visit the scenes of all three fires this morning to inspect the damage.

Arsonists set fire to more than 200-tonnes of hay in Melton

Jamie Vardy signs new four-year contract at Leicester City

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Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy said he is "over the moon" after signing a lucrative new four-year contract.

The 27-year-old put pen to paper on a deal last night, believed to have made him one of City's highest earners.

It caps a remarkable rise for Vardy, who was plying his trade in the Conference just two years ago at Fleetwood.

Vardy's representatives were in Leicester yesterday finalising the terms of his new deal, which will keep him at the King Power Stadium until June 2018.

"I'm over the moon," said Vardy. "We all know that the club wants to keep improving and stay in the Premier League, and I definitely want to be a part of that.

The striker became the first £1 million non-league player when he was signed by manager Nigel Pearson in May 2012.

After struggling to make the step up in his first season at the club, Vardy went on to show just why City were prepared to pay so much for him, scoring 16 goals in an impressive campaign that saw his side clinch the Championship title in emphatic fashion. 

"Everyone knows the way that I've come back into football (from non-league)," said Vardy. "We managed to get promoted last season, but now it is all about making sure we stay in the Premier League.

"Nigel Pearson brought me here and he wants the club to maintain their Premier League status. He was a big influence (on me signing a new deal) and now I've just got to repay him on the field."

City believe the pacy striker will continue to be a hit in the Premier League but he is yet to test himself in the top flight, having been out of action with a thigh injury.

However, he returned to training yesterday and is in contention for the trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend as City take on Chelsea.

Vardy becomes the seventh member of Nigel Pearson's squad to pen a new four-year deal, alongside Kasper Schmeichel, Matty James, Danny Drinkwater and new signings Leonardo Ulloa, Marc Albrighton and Ben Hamer.

Liam Moore, Wes Morgan, Jeff Schlupp, David Nugent, Marcin Wasilewski and Gary Taylor-Fletcher have also signed new deals.

Jamie Vardy signs new four-year contract at Leicester City

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