Last week, we asked&nbsp Leicester City legend Steve Walsh to go up against Mercury sports writer James Sharpe and predict the results of the weekend's Premier League fixtures.

It's 3pts for a correct score, and 1pt for just getting the right result.

It turned out to be one-way traffic, with Sharpe having the victory wrapped up before Monday night's game between Man City and Liverpool. The final score was 10-2.

So, after our first week of predictions, it's our man who takes a commanding lead over his rivals.

Last year's champion foxmanlondon made a steady start to the predictions season, being the only pundit to correctly predict that City would come away from Stamford Bridge following a 2-0 defeat.

To see what everyone else predicted,  click here.

TABLE - AFTER WEEK 1:

Police are hunting knife-wielding robbers who threatened staff at a tyre firm before escaping with a mobile phone.
The two men targeted Abbey Tyres, in Haynes Road, off Uppingham Road, Leicester.
They threatened staff with knives and told them to hand over a cash box. Instead they grabbed a mobile phone and ran away toward nearby Coleman Road.
Police today released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace in connection with the robbery, which happened at 4pm on Wednesday, August 6.
Detective Constable James Willoughby said: "I would ask members of the public to look at the image and if they recognise this man, please get in touch with the police, as they may have some valuable information which could help us with our inquiries."
Both men are black or Somali, 19 or 20 and spoke with local accents.
One is 5ft 8ins and slim. He was wearing a black baseball cap, black sunglasses and a blue bandana on the bottom half of his face.
He was also wearing a black jacket and black bottoms and blue plastic gloves.
The second man is 5ft 6ins and of 'athletic' build. He was wearing a black cap, sunglasses and a red bandana across his face.
He also wore a black jacket, black bottoms and gloves.
Contact Det Con Willoughby on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Leicester City (0) 0

Shrewsbury (1) 1

Leicester City suffered the proverbial giant-killing as they were dumped out of the Capital One Cup second round by League Two side Shrewsbury Town.

Nigel Pearson had said there would be no sentimentality when his City side welcomed his first professional club to the King Power Stadium. And he was right.

Shrewsbury came with a purpose and, thanks to a first-half goal direct from a free-kick by Andy Mangan, pulled off an unlikely shock.

But no-one could say the Shrews did not deserve their victory.

There were echoes of City's 4-2 defeat to Burton Albion at the same stage two years ago with the hosts well off the pace and the lowly visitors giving it their all.

Nigel Pearson had made eight changes to the side that performed so admirably at Chelsea, handing out four debuts.

Ben Hamer made his first start in goal, while City also fielded a very inexperienced central midfield partnership of Michael Cain and Ryan Watson.

James Pearson, Nigel's son, also made his debut

It took City just 30 seconds to test Jayson Leutwiler in the Shrewsbury goal.

Straight from the kick-off, Gary Taylor-Fletcher brought down a high ball on his chest, fed Chris Wood, who in turn played in Riyad Mahrez on the right.

The Algeria international fired low towards the far corner but was denied by the strong boot of Leutwiler.

But the Shrews are unbeaten in League Two this season and, having knocked out Blackpool in the first round, showed no fear against an, albeit understrength, City side.

There was to be no quiet night for Hamer in the City goal, then, who had to be alert to tip over a stinging effort from James Collins before again showing sharp reactions to deny a rasping long-range drive from Mickey Demetriou.

If anything, it was the visitors who edged the early stages, with 20-year-old Jordan Clark pulling the strings "in the hole" for Shrewsbury.

City, lacking their usual fluidity, still had their moments, though, with Marcin Wasilewski volleying straight at Leutwiler from a teasing Mahrez free-kick, before Wood rattled the bar with a header but the ball landed the wrong side of the line.

No-one, though, could say that Shrewsbury did not deserve their lead when, following a clumsy challenge from Taylor-Fletcher on Collins on the edge of the area, Mangan curled the ball superbly past a sprawling Hamer.

And Shrewsbury should have been two up on the stroke of half-time when Demetriou found himself completely unmarked inside the City six-yard box.

Luckily for the hosts, though, the moment seemed to get the better of him and he scuffed his effort wide.

City managed a brief flurry in first-half added time with Liam Moore sending a diving header over the bar before Knockaert stung the palms of Leutwiler.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, with Shrewsbury having the first shot of the half, Vernon's half-volley straight at Hamer. Demetriou's whipped ball almost found Collins at the back post moments later but sturdy defending from Moore snuffed out the danger.

Hamer, who had suffered the odd wobble in pre-season, was City's standout performer, complementing his shot-stopping of the first half with some confident cross-claiming in the second.

However, he had to rely on his post to come to his rescue twice in the matter of seconds as Collins' low drive rattled the bottom of the upright, fell straight to Vernon, who somehow fired the rebound against the same spot from six yards.

It was then City's turn to curse the woodwork as substitute David Nugent drove the ball past Leutwiler, but back out off the post. Luck, again, did not fall their way when the Shrews keeper punched a corner off the back of his own defender but saw the rebound go harmlessly wide.

City threw all they had at Shrewsbury late on, Knockaert driving hard towards the byline, pulling the ball back for Nugent but his ball was just too far in front.

City had one final chance to send the game into extra-time when Wood put his header went a yard wide and, with it, went City's hopes.

TEAMS

Leicester City (4-4-2): 12 Ben Hamer; 30 James Pearson, 18 Liam Moore, 27 Marcin Wasilewski, 3 Paul Konchesky; 24 Anthony Knockaert, 33 Michael Cain, 44 Ryan Watson, 26 Riyad Mahrez; 22 Gary Taylor-Fletcher, 39 Chris Wood

Subs: 31 Adam Smith, 5 Wes Morgan, 10 Andy King (for Cain, 58min), 15 Jeff Schlupp (for Mahrez, 70min), 20 Tom Hopper, 29 Jack Barmby, 35 David Nugent (for Watson, 58min)

Shrewsbury (3-5-2): 1 Jayson Leutwiler; 2 Jermaine Grandison, 6 Connor Goldson, 20 Nat Knight-Percival; 3 Mickey Demetriou, 12 Cameron Gayle; 14 James Wesolowski, 4 Ryan Woods, 22 Jordan Clark; 9 James Collins, 19 Andy Mangan

Subs: 10 Scott Vernon (for Mangan, 40min), 15 Aaron Wildig, 17 James Caton, 18 Andy Robinson (for Collins, 85min), 21 Mark Halstead, 26 Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (for Clark, 85min), 31 Dominic Smith 

Goals: 0-1 Mangan, (38)

Yellow cards:  Mahrez (City), Woods, Gayle (Shrewsbury)

Attendance: 8,017 (1.121 away)

Referee: Simon Hooper (Wiltshire)

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson expressed his disappointment as his side crashed out of the Capital One Cup in a 1-0 defeat to League Two Shrewsbury Town.

The high intensity and slick passing game City have often produced under Pearson was not evident against their lower league opponents and the Leicester manager was quick to explain that he expects better.

"It was not a good performance," he said.

"I'd like to congratulate Shrewsbury Town, I thought they played well enough to win the game.

"We didn't do enough throughout the entirety of the game to progress in the competition, which is very disappointing."

Shrewsbury bettered City in many areas of the pitch and looked comfortable for most of the 90 minutes.

They took the lead in the 38^th minute when Andy Mangan's low free-kick from the edge of the box curled into the bottom corner.

City had earlier hit the crossbar with a Chris Wood header, and came close again in the second half when substitute David Nugent hit the post, but Shrewsbury could have won by more.

The Shrews also hit the woodwork, including twice in the space as five seconds as they looked to capitalise on City's slack play.

Injuries meant that City made eight changes to the side that started at Chelsea and Pearson handed out four debuts, to summer signing Ben Hamer, as well as son James Pearson, and fellow academy hopefuls Michael Cain and Ryan Watson.

But, plenty of City's first-team players were on show, including Riyad Mahrez and Paul Konchesky, and Nigel Pearson believes the line-up was good enough to overcome Shrewsbury.

"The side that was out there tonight should be good enough to win, but we haven't won," he said.

"It's nothing to do with hindsight, I wouldn't change [the starting XI]. I wouldn't change it now, I wouldn't change it tomorrow. The side that went out there should have won."

A shopkeeper says she will continue to sell "legal highs" – despite a request from police and trading standards officials to remove them from sale on safety grounds.

Tejinder Reehal, owner of Scorpion, in Leicester's Narborough Road, said she would ignore the request to stop selling the products – which can come in the form of powders, pills and herbal smoking mixes – until they are officially banned.

Police and Leicester City Council's trading standards department wrote to Scorpion and a number of other traders earlier this month, asking them to stop selling "psychoactive substances".

They warned traders that some of the products have been linked to deaths, while others may contain illegal drugs or harmful chemicals.

So far, only a handful of the products have been outlawed under the Misuse of Drugs Act and new products are arriving on the market all the time.

However, the city council believes traders who continue selling them may be breaking consumer protection and food safety laws.

The council has told traders they do not know exactly what they are selling and should withdraw them from sale, as there are "reasonable" grounds to believe they could be harmful.

Many of the products in Mrs Reehal's shop and elsewhere carry messages on their packaging such as "not for human consumption", "novelty collector's item" or "research chemicals".

Mrs Reehal, who stressed she only sells the products to over-18s, said she had received assurances from her supplier that they were safe.

She said: "I only serve people who are over 18 and I give them a safety leaflet. My customers know exactly what they want and what is going to happen.

"I don't force anyone to come into my shop to buy these products and once the customer leaves my shop, what they do with these products is their choice.

"If they are banned I will stop selling them, but while they are still legal I will carry on. They are available in other shops and on the internet, so if I stopped they'd be able to buy them somewhere else."

Earlier this month, Leicestershire Police said it had sent some samples of commonly available products for testing and found they contained illegal drugs or harmful chemicals.

Detective Superintendent Andy Leesaid: "We want to educate not only the public, but also the people who sell these items.

"With Trading Standards, we have offered retailers advice about offences they might be committing and the dangers of selling this type of product. We have given them a cooling off period during which we want them to look at that advice.

"The next phase will be to see who has withdrawn the products and then to confirm with Trading Standards what action may need to be taken."

A former user who now helps people overcome drug addiction is backing the campaign.

Luke Miller, who works with the Leicestershire Criminal Justice Drug Team, said earlier this month: "I'd started smoking one called Black Mamba and, within seconds, my heart started racing.

"It got faster and faster. I felt like my heart would explode. Then my legs started to buckle.

"I was used to using all sorts of drugs, but this was awful.

"All drugs are dangerous, but so-called 'legal highs' are constantly being changed to avoid being classified so they're even more unpredictable."

Ronald Ruddock, of Trading Standards, said: "We've started by sending letters to the shops telling them about our concerns. We have also pointed out that there is a range of legislation at our disposal, which we can enforce, to ensure that the public is protected against these substances."

A family has launched a video campaign to find a kidney donor for their nine-year-old son.

Nicola Pietrzyk, 35, from Glenfield, and her husband, Craig, are desperate that their son Matthew should be able to enjoy a normal childhood.

They want to encourage people to join the organ donor register and tell them they can also offer a kidney to Matthew direct.

The youngster has to spend 12 hours a day on dialysis and is allowed less than a litre of fluid a day.

Matthew said: "Having a kidney would change my life." The video features Matthew, his mum, dad and two brothers Joseph, 16 and Theo, three.

Since it went live a week ago, it has received more than 800 views.

In the video, Matthew says: "When I grow up I want to be a doctor because I have had lots of personal experience. "I have had 14 operations in nine years." Matthew was born with a rare genetic disorder which severely damaged his kidneys. He had a kidney removed in October 2007.

The following year, his mum donated one of her's, but the transplant failed.

The youngster said if a donor was found, he would be "very happy".

"Then I would be like the other kids. And I would like to have sleep-overs with my friends," he said.

In the video, his mum says: "I just don't want him to spend his whole childhood on dialysis waiting for a kidney to come in. I just really want him to enjoy childhood."

Craig said if Matthew falls asleep on the sofa it can be upsetting for them as parents and hard for the youngster.

"You want to take him up to bed rather than put him on the machine. For Matthew to get a kidney would be like all our Christmases coming at once."

Nicola, 35, said: "I would like it to educate people about what people waiting for donors have to live with.

"We hope to keep looking after him, as best we can, in hope that we can find the donor soon."

Ten live donors have come forward since the family launched a Facebook campaign in February 2013. But there have been no matches.

"These were complete strangers who stepped forward and wanted to help him," said Nicola.

Nicola said live donors undergo key hole surgery.

"I appreciate that it is not a small thing for people to do. But, statistics show that donors live longer because you have regular check-ups."

A Birmingham Children's Hospital spokesperson said: "If the donor is in good health, we will carry out a blood matching test."

To become an organ donor call 0300 123 2323.

To be a live donor for Matthew you need O type blood, be aged 18-55, live in the UK, have generally good health and have a BMI under 30.

People can call Fiona at

Birmingham Children's Hospital during office hours on 0121 333 9215.

Follow the campaign on Facebook searching for "a million likes for a kidney for Matthew" or follow the campaign on twitter @1MLikes4Matthew.

Workshops for new and potential entrepreneurs are being organised.

North West Leicestershire District Council is hosting a series of free workshops, together with the Federation of Small Business (FSB), starting tomorrow.

The workshops, held at the council offices in Whitwick Road, Coalville, will run until December.

They are aimed at people who are about to set up in business, or have set up a business within the past 12 to 18 months.

Delegates can register their interest by visiting the Eventbrite website.

Councillor Tony Gillard, the council's business spokesman, said: "I would encourage new and existing small business owners to come along.

"Not only is it a brilliant opportunity to learn but it is also a chance to network and build relationships with other like-minded business owners."

The workshops include managing finance, sales and marketing, social media, customer service and networking.

For more details, visit:

www.eventbrite.co.uk

A new online method to help determine where new homes go in Harborough district will be introduced next month.

The consultation system coincides with an increased demand from Government on the number of houses, flats and bungalows that must be built in the district each year.

Harborough District Council now faces having to ensure there is enough land for 638 new homes, nearly double its previous of quota of under 400.

Information received online from the public, developers, parish councils and other interested groups will be used in the preparation of a new local plan for Harborough.

The plan will help to allocate where new homes should be built.

Council planning spokesman Phil King said: "Commenting online has a number of advantages.

"It is the fastest and most accurate method and it will help us to manage representations quickly and efficiently.

"It will allow respondents to draft and review their comments before submitting and residents will be able to view the comments of others."

He said the new system would be used from September to seek public opinion on the updated Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

He said: "The SCI sets out how the district council will involve local communities in the preparation of the new Harborough District Local Plan and other strategic planning documents.

"This includes deciding how many and what types of houses will be needed in the future, where they should be built, what types of new jobs are needed and where new community facilities are needed.

"It also sets out standards for how the council will involve local residents in making decisions on planning applications for all kinds of development."

He said training was being offered to parish councils to help introduce them to the new way of consulting.

Opposition leader at Harborough council Phil Knowles wants a meeting to discuss the implications of the increased demand for housing.

He said: ''The infrastructure is already under strain, financial impacts and higher housing numbers will bring yet more pressures.

"It is simply not an option to sit back and do nothing. We have to tackle this head on and take all necessary steps to safeguard our community now and for the future.''

People will need to register online before submitting comments via the new system.

More information will be made available about this, and the SCI consultation, on the council website:

www.harborough.gov.uk/ consultation

Gem 106 breakfast presenters Sam Pinkham and Amy Voce are hosting a charity race night at a Leicester city centre pub on Friday.

The event, at the Queen of Bradgate, in High Street, is supporting Amy in a campaign to raise more than £6,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and Movember, in memory of her father, Neil.

Amy, 31, of Clarendon Park, marked the fifth anniversary of his death with a sponsored cycling challenge along the west coast of America, to raise funds for the charities in Neil's memory.

Money raised at the race night will go towards her fund-raising efforts.

Tickets cost £5 for adults, including a drink, and £2.50 for children. Sponsoring a horse costs £5.

The night, which starts at 5pm, will include live music and an auction. For tickets, visit:

www.queenofbradgate.co.uk/ product-category/tickets

A dad who saved his son's life is backing a campaign for more parents to learn first aid skills.

St John Ambulance says parents would feel more confident about letting their children play alone outside if they knew how to patch them up after an accident.

The charity is offering three-hour first aid courses at its Leicester headquarters next month for the reduced cost of £19.

The campaign is being backed by Azim Latif, whose son nearly choked to death on a piece of plastic four years ago.

Chris Thornton, regional director for St John Ambulance in the East Midlands, said: "Parents who learn first aid gain the peace of mind to let their children enjoy everything childhood has to offer, as well as the knowledge to look after them, whatever happens.

"Young people should be able to enjoy their summer holidays.

"Just taking a few minutes to learn some skills on our website, or by attending a course, will help make that a reality."

Azim, manager of Fame Fashions, in Belgrave, Leicester, saved Faris, now aged seven, by striking his back to make him cough up the piece of plastic he had been choking on.

He said: "At the time I hadn't had any training but natural instinct kicked in and I just leant him forward and banged him on the back. Thankfully it worked.

"Now I have done the first aid training with St John Ambulance and I would definitely recommend for everyone to learn first aid."

People can attend a three-hour course at the charity's training centre in Ann Street, Leicester.

Afternoon courses, starting at 1pm, will be held on September 6, September 11, September 18 and September 26.

Morning courses, starting at 9am, will be held on September 16 and September 25, and an evening course from 6pm will be held on September 17.

For more information and to book a place on the courses, which usually cost £24, call 0303 003 0103 or e-mail, quoting code EMR01:

east-mids-training@sja.org.uk

Life can be tiring when you're a kitten.

Steve Harris took this great picture of his five-month-old kitten Darwin yawning during a busy day of playing and has entered it into our Natural World photo competition.

Steve, 45, of Rothley, said: "We got Darwin and his sister Franklin from the RSPCA recently and it's been great taking pictures of them.

"They're always playing and getting in bags and things.

"This was one of the first photos I took of Darwin and he was having a big yawn.

"I work for Mars pet foods, in animal health, so I was actually trying to get a picture of his teeth to use in presentations at work, so it turned out well."

The top prize in the Natural World competition is £100 with £50 prizes for runners-up.

Since the competition began just over a month ago, we have received more than 400 pictures from readers.

Usual Leicester Mercury competition rules apply.

Send your pictures to:

photocompetition@leicester mercury.co.uk

Lovers of the great outdoors braved the elements to enjoy a wood fair at Beacon Hill Country Park.

Despite very poor weather, the event, in its 10th year, proved popular.

Many took to the treetops for a climbing experience, learning the ropes alongside experienced instructors.

There was a range of other activities including a shire horse obstacle course and chainsaw log sculpting.

There were 100 demonstrations and stalls offering free activities for children, including coracle paddling, eco-art and pyrography – or wood decorating.

The bank holiday fair was organised by the National Forest Company and the county council.

Company spokesman Carol Rowntree Jones said: "It has been a great 10th anniversary. It's true the weather has not been kind and we haven't had the crowds we might have, but we still had loads of people and they've coped brilliantly.

"There were plenty of marquees to shelter in and lots of hot tea to keep people happy."

Hinckley Town produced a terrific display in the field to earn a place in the Talent Cricket County Cup final.

They will play Sileby in the Grace Road showpiece on Sunday, September 7, after landing a 42-run away victory at Loughborough Town.

It was a fine all-round team performance, led by Don Bhagawati who opened the batting and scored 108 before taking 3-31.

Bhagawati mixed patience with some huge blows and helped Hinckley recover from a mid-innings stutter when the loss of three wickets for four runs reduced them to 72-4 after Shoaib Salagi made 31.

He received good support from skipper Harvey Uppal (19) and Asfaq Patel (23) before being run out off the last ball of the 40 overs.

But, by then, Hinckley had clocked up a strong total of 204-8.

The home side's batting largely failed to fire in their reply.

They lost a couple of early wickets and then hit problems as Hinckley spinners Surinder Chauhan, Janak Valand and Avish Patel got the ball to turn and bounce.

Whenever Loughborough looked like putting together a useful stand, they lost a wicket with Hinckley taking plenty of smart catches.

Captain Dips Patel scored 50 but the asking rate gradually increased and, when he was seventh out for 147 in the 33rd over, Hinckley were well in charge.

Each wicket was acclaimed by their supporters, who had plenty to cheer about when Loughborough were all out for 162 in the 37th over.

Uppal said: "To come and win at a place like Loughborough, who have won the cup plenty of times, means a lot to us.

"We put 200 on the board and made it difficult for them. We thought the spinners could be the game-changers and they were."

Sileby beat Ibstock in the first semi-final last week.

Women from across the county are getting into the habit for a new production of Sister Act.

The West End show began at Kilworth House Theatre this week and the cast of professionals have been joined by nearly 100 local amateurs who have been invited to pull on a wimple and get involved.

The local chorus members have been hand picked from the county's four Rock Choirs, set up in Leicester, Loughborough, Lutterworth and Hinckley three years ago. The show has already sold out.

Sue Dix will be among the 25 local women taking part in the first eight performances.

She said: "It's quite amazing to be part of it, really. We've done a lot of performances with the Leicestershire Rock Choir – including Wembley and the Liverpool Echo Arena – but to be part of a professional show like this is a brilliant opportunity. It's a big commitment and we've been rehearsing hard for it.

"The professional cast members are lovely – they're not divas at all and go out of their way to make us welcome."

Sue, 58, is a part-time special needs teacher and sings each week with the Hinckley Rock Choir, performing everything from Motown to Olly Murs.

Carol Jephcote, is also a member of the Hinckley group and also taking part in the show.

Retired nurse Carol, 63, said: "It's great fun and people keep telling me I've got a good face for a nun! It's the chance of a lifetime for me. I love singing and I've loved being a member of the Rock Choir, performing with people from all different backgrounds.

"The choir is for people who haven't necessarily done any singing before but we make a lovely sound together and it will be great to perform at Kilworth."

Pat Wragg, 65, of Coalville, sings with the Loughborough Rock Choir and is also enjoying her nights in a wimple.

"Every time I put it on it makes me want to fold my arms and walk very serenely!" she said. "I used to do a lot of amateur musicals when I was younger and when I retired I decided I wanted some music back in my life so joining the Rock Choir and doing this is brilliant."

Rock Choirs exist all over the UK. The first choirs are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. The four choirs in Leicestershire are run by Sarah Stephens, a music graduate of Birmingham University and Birmingham Conservatoire.

The choirs rehearse every week during term time, building up to events that often support for local charities.

For more information call 01252 714 276, or visit:

www.rockchoir.com

Arsonists have destroyed a large barn containing 700 straw bales near East Midlands Airport.

Firefighters were called to a farm, in The Green, Diseworth, at about 4am today, after staff at the airport's control tower reported seeing a large blaze.

Crews from Castle Donington fire station arrived to find a huge fire involving 300 tonnes of hay and straw.

Four teams of firefighters fought the flames and battled to keep the fire away from a nearby shed which housed a quantity of petroleum gas.

The barn was completely destroyed in the fire, which investigators believe was started deliberately.

Crews remained at the scene for most of the day to ensure that the fire did not reignite.

A spokeswoman for the fire service said no one was injured during the incident.

The blaze did not affect flights at the airport.

8.58pm: Arriva Midlands warn that services 47a/48a/49a are experiencing some delays due to the Welford Road closure near Putney Road, but no stops are being missed. 

6.05pm: East Midland Trains are advising passengers to allow extra time if travelling to East Midlands Parkway after 8pm, due to road works on the A453 and M1.

6pm: Very slow traffic and one lane closed on the M1 southbound, between junction 22 for the A50 (Coalville) and junction 21a for the A46, due to a broken down horse transporter. Fire brigade were called at 4.30pm due to "smoking axle". Horse led to safety. Matrix signs are still set to 40mph.

5.55pm: Schools may go back over the next couple of days, but according to Area Traffic Control it's looking much busier around Leicester than it has for the last few weeks.

2.55pm: Area Traffic Control are reminding motorists and commuters that schools in Leicester are due to re-open tomorrow morning following the summer break, meaning roads are likely to be busier, particularly at dropping off and picking up time in the morning and mid-afternoon.

1.26pm: The city-bound side of the Welford Road will be closed the Putney Road/Victoria Park Road junciton, at 6.30pm. It is expected to reopen by Thursday morning. It follows a burst water main earlier today, causing traffic constrictions and delays.

8.23am: All lanes re-opened on M1 following earlier accident. Delays of up to 30 minutes expected.

7.53am: SEVERE: M1 - One lane blocked on the M1 Southbound between Leicester Forest East Services and J21, M69 (Leicester) because of an accident involving three cars. Congestion to J21a, A46.

7.21am: FOG WARNING - Motorists traveling in and around Leicestershire should be aware of fog this morning.

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

A singer has told how his X Factor dreams were crushed after his act just missed out on the chance to sing in front of the ITV 1 show's famous judges.

Curtis Clacey, who performs in a duo with fellow Leicestershire singer Benji Williams, was hoping to follow in the footsteps of Leicester's Sam Bailey, who won last year's competition.

But despite impressing the show's producers during the competition's first four preliminary stages, the pair's X factor journey ended before they got to sing for judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh.

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Speaking ahead of the new series stating on Saturday, rapper Curtis, 24, of Ratbby, said: "I'm not going to lie, we were absolutely gutted."

Starting with their first audition in Leicester in April, the boys travelled to Manchester for two more auditions and an interview.

"We ended up performing in front of the top producers, but that's as far as we got," said Curtis.

"We also had a half-hour interview, which was weird – they asked us all of these random questions.

"But not everyone was asked to return for an interview, so we thought that was a really good sign – but obviously not."

Curtis received an e-mail a month later telling him they would not be going any further in the competition. "I don't know why we didn't get through," he said.

"We're not ignorant of the industry, though – we know they sometimes choose acts who would be more entertaining than the talented ones, but it's fine. There's no hard feelings."

Although they have been singing individually for the past 10 years, Curtis and singer Benji, of Desford, met a year ago at a charity gig they were both performing at.

Despite their disappointment at not making it further on X Factor, they perform as a duo on a weekly basis, as well as gigging across the country as separate artists.

"I was most disappointed because singing in front of the judges would've been a great platform for us and given us huge exposure," said Curtis.

"At the end of the day, it just takes that one person to see you and give you that chance.

"It was an awesome experience auditioning with Benji, he's like a brother to me."

A man has been arrested for shoplifting at Primark after being detained by security guards earlier this afternoon.

Staff at the Humberstone Gate store called police at about 12.30pm.

Officers arrived to find guards had apprehended the man.

He was arrested and taken into custody.

Ed Slater has been handed the role of Leicester Tigers club captain for the new season.

The 26-year-old finished the 2013/14 campaign in charge after Toby Flood lost his place in the team.

And he did such a good job, it was no surprise when director of rugby Richard Cockerill gave him the arm band for the new campaign.

"In the best traditions of Leicester captains, Ed leads by example, not just on the field but in what he does and says during the week," said Cockerill.

"He commands respect within the group, he led the team well as captain during last season and we feel he will continue to develop both as a player and as a leader here.

Slater said: "It was a great honour to lead the team during last season and now to become club captain. 

"This is a great club with huge support and a proud history, and I'm very proud to be able to wear the shirt and to lead out the team."