Leicester Tigers (12) 21

Tries; Barbieri, Youngs. Conv: Burns. Pens: Burns (3)

Cardiff Blues (11) 17

Tries: L Williams. Pens: Patchell (3), Drop goal: Patchell

Freddie Burns' boot dragged Leicester Tigers back from a five-point deficit to win a full-blooded Anglo-Welsh pre-season encounter at Welford Road.

Tries from Ben Youngs and Robert Barbieri saw the home side fly out of the blocks and take an early 12-0 lead.

But Cardiff dominated the middle period and fly-half Rhys Patchell kicked three penalties and a drop goal to guide the Blues into a 17-12 lead.

Tigers grabbed the momentum back though and were the better team in the final half-an-hour. And Burns' three penalties saw them record a second successive win from a bruising encounter.

British & Irish Lions skipper Sam Warburton and fellow international Adam Jones were in the visitors' starting line-up.

But it was Tigers who got off to a start as bright as their new orange kit with two tries in the opening 10 minutes.

Barbieri dived on Manu Tuilagi's rare grubber kick on five minutes for his debut score before Ben Youngs ran in a cracker.

Burns, Tuilagi and Niki Goneva all showed awareness and lovely hands in the build-up and gave the skipper Youngs the chance to dart around the defence and in for the score.

Burns converted one of them to give Leicester a 12-0 lead, but Cardiff shot back immediately.

Half-backs Rhys Patchell and Lloyd Williams combined nicely for the latter to run in and make it 12-5 on 14 minutes.

That score helped Cardiff begin to wrestle the advantage from the home side and they dominated the next 15 minutes.

One penalty attempt from Patchell from 58 metres drew a few cat-calls from the Tigers faithful but the flamed-haired fly-half landed two penalties on 28 and 32 minutes to bring the gap back to just a point at 12-11.

The breakdown was being fiercely contested with British & Irish Lions skipper Sam Warburton and Julian Salvi having a good tussle.

Meanwhile, in the scrums, another British Lion, Adam Jones, was having a ding-dong battle with Logo Mulipola that was frankly far from a friendly encounter.

Fresh from a lacklustre defeat against Exeter last week, it was becoming clear that Cardiff were here to make amends.

They dominated the opening 10 minutes of the second half and Patchell added a drop goal and another penalty to give the Welshmen a 17-12 lead after 50 minutes.

The scores kicked Leicester back into life and a dozen good phases ended with Burns pulling the deficit back to two points.

Tigers began to empty their bench with David Mele, Seremaia Bai and Mat Tait all coming on to the pitch – the latter for his first action of the season.

The changes gave Tigers renewed impetus and, although Burns missed on 64 minutes, he nailed a 68th-minute penalty to put his side back in front at 18-17.

Graham Kitchener's knock-on ended some more good momentum and allowed Cardiff to clear for one of their few attacking opportunities of the second half.

That came to nothing when the referee pinged the Blues at scrum time and Tigers cleared with a textbook kick chase that won them a penalty in front of the posts.

Burns kicked his third penalty of the night and Leicester had a four-point buffer which they saw though until the final whistle.

TEAMS

Leicester Tigers: Morris; Scully, Tuilagi, Allen, Goneva; Burns, Youngs (c); Balmain, Ghiraldini, Mulipola, De Chaves, Kitchener, Barbieri, Salvi, Crane.

Reps: Briggs (for Ghiraldini, 55min), Bristow (for Balmain, half-time), Pasquali, Wells, Grant (for Crane, 64min), Mele (for Youngs, 55min), Bai (for Allen, half-time), Smith (for Goneva, 70min), Thacker, Maksymiw, Beckett, Harrison, Tait (for Morris, 60min).

Cardiff Blues: Fish, Jenkins, Allen, Evans, Smith; Patchell, L Williams; Hobbs, Rees (c), A Jones, Dicomidis, Paulo, Turnbull, Warburton, Vosawai.

Reps: T Davies, R Williams, Mitchell, Normandale, Groves, Cook, Navidi, Jenkins, Jones, Humberstone, Watkins, Hewitt, A Thomas, Walsh

Homeowners and businesses in a town are being urged to attend a "flood fair".

The event in Market Harborough, arranged by Leicestershire County Council, enables people to find out more about flood risk and pick up practical advice on protecting their property.

The drop-in session on September 19 will feature advice on personal flood plans, flood protection products and a free flood warning service.

It's also an opportunity for residents and business owners to speak to experts from the council, Harborough District Council, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water and the Local Resilience Forum.

In England and Wales, 5.5 million properties are at risk of flooding. Latest climate change projections indicate rising sea levels and increasingly severe and frequent rainstorms mean the risk of floods will increase.

Pam Posnett, county council cabinet member for flooding, said: "Flooding is becoming more frequent and causes distress and devastation. It is one of the biggest risks to local communities, but by taking simple steps, people can reduce the likelihood of damage.

"This is an excellent opportunity for residents and business owners to talk to the experts and ensure they're prepared."

The flood fair takes place between 3.30pm and 8pm at Harborough Theatre, in Church Square. To find out more contact 0116 305 0001 or email:

flooding@leics.gov.uk

Thieves stole three bikes from a village home.

The cycles were taken from a garage in Melody Avenue, Anstey, in the early hours of Monday, August 25.

Pc Matt Orton said: "We are appealing for witnesses relating to the burglary, in particular, information about two white men aged 18 to 20, wearing black hoodies, seen acting suspiciously in Melody Avenue, Cropston Road at the time of the burglary."

The first cycle is a black, red and white Cube Agree GTC Pro men's carbon fibre racing cycle. It has silver Shimano clipless pedals and Shimano R580 wheels.

The second is a blue, white and black Giant Rapid 2 men's racing cycle. It has a luggage rack fitted to it.

The third is described as a dark blue and white Boardman Sport FI women's hybrid cycle.

Contact Pc Orton on 101.

Club level:

River Plate, Argentine Primera Division.

Real Madrid, La Liga, 2002–03; Intercontinental Cup, 2002; UEFA Super Cup, 2002; Supercopa de España, 2003.

Inter Milan: UEFA Champions League, 2010; Serie A title: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10; Coppa Italia: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2010–11; Supercoppa Italiana: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010; FIFA Club World Cup, 2010.

International level (Argentina): South American Youth Championship, 1997, 1999; FIFA World Youth Championship, 1997.

Leicestershire have suffered a major injury blow ahead of their return to County Championship action against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl tomorrow.

County will be without seam bowler Nathan Buck, who tops the club's wicket-taking chart with 42 to his name.

Buck has looked back to the form which earned him an England Lions call earlier in his career and appeared to be on course to take 50 wickets in the season for the first time.

However, the 23-year-old has been ruled out of the trip to the south coast with a foot injury.

Alex Wyatt comes into the squad as a potential replacement, although slow left-armer James Sykes could figure alongside off-spinner Jigar Naik if County feel the pitch will offer more to the spinners than the seam bowlers.

On the plus side, Leicestershire will have Josh Cobb back in their first-class side after recovering from the broken thumb he sustained in the Royal London Cup at the end of last month.

Cobb will slot back into the middle order and is likely to take on the captaincy again.

County have four games remaining this season – three away from Grace Road – and know if they can put in a good performance against second-placed Hampshire they can finish the season positively and give themselves a chance of climbing off the foot of the table.

There has been no lack of good performances with bat and ball this season, but it has been a failure to string them together in four-day matches that has prevented Leicestershire winning games.

"We've got total focus on four-day cricket now," said Leicestershire director of cricket Phil Whitticase.

"We know we can pick up decent momentum if we get off to a good start.

"There has been an improvement in our championship cricket this season but we have not been able to produce the wins that are our objective."

Hampshire have lost just once so far this season in the Championship and are second, 25 points behind leaders Worcestershire.

However, with only the top two being promoted, they will have one eye on third-placed Surrey, who are eight points adrift but have played a game more.

The hosts have a prolific batting line-up led by James Vince, who already has 1,200 runs in the bank, while Will Smith is knocking on the 1,000-run door with 955 to his name.

Left-arm seamer James Tomlinson leads the bowling attack with 37 victims to date, although Hampshire are without overseas player Kyle Abbott.

The South African has taken 36 wickets this season but is on international duty with the Proteas.

Leicester Lions expect to run Coventry Bees all the way in their delayed Elite League double-header tomorrow.

The two meetings were due to go ahead on Bank Holiday Monday but were postponed due to the wet weather.

Coventry host the first fixture tomorrow afternoon at the Brandon Stadium (2.30), before both teams meet again in the evening at Leicester where the first race gets under way at 7.30.

The Bees are handily placed to break into the top four if they are successful against the Lions.

With matches in hand over the teams above them, Coventry cannot afford to ease up.

But Leicester are a different proposition having not lost a fixture at home since June, when Swindon visited the Jordan Road Surfacing Stadium.

"We will go to Brandon hoping to at least equal our previous performance when we picked up a point in April," said Lions team manager Norrie Allan.

"They have run into good consistent form of late but we should not fear them on their territory.

"Our form at home has picked up lately and I can see another tight match ahead of us at Leicester which, if past results are anything to go by, will end with another last-heat decider."

The Rapid Solicitors Lions are still without their Polish heat leader Krzysztof Buczkowski for both meetings, while Nicolai Klindt sits out the trip to Coventry but will return in the evening.

Buczkowski broke a shoulder blade in a fall at Poole and is replaced by Belle Vue guest rider Craig Cook. Sam Masters comes in for Klindt at Brandon.

"Nicolai Klindt will miss the match at Coventry, and the same goes for Bees rider Kyle Howarth as both are riding for their respective Premier League clubs in the afternoon," said Allan.

"Nicolai and Kyle need to be pretty sharpish on leaving Scunthorpe to arrive in time for the evening match at Leicester so, hopefully, there will not be any earlier delays that may mean they are running late."

Coventry are missing their match-winning reserve and former Leicester rider Jason Garrity, who is racing for Rye House at Glasgow. The Bees have recruited Kyle Newman.

At number two and partnering Hans Andersen, the Bees have named their club asset Aaron Summers, who rides for Redcar, to take the place of Howarth at Brandon.

Bees: 1 Hans Andersen, 2 Aaron Summers, 3 Ben Barker, 4 Kenneth Hansen, 5 Chris Harris, 6 Kyle Newman, 7 James Sarjeant.

Lions: 1 Jason Doyle, 2 Simon Stead, 3 Mads Korneliussen, 4 Sam Masters, 5 Craig Cook, 6 Josh Bates, 7 Max Clegg.

Lions: 1 Jason Doyle, 2 Simon Stead, 3 Mads Korneliussen, 4 Nicolai Klindt, 5 Craig Cook, 6 Max Clegg, 7 Josh Bates.

Bees: 1 Hans Andersen, 2 Kyle Howarth, 3 Ben Barker, 4 Kenneth Hansen, 5 Chris Harris, 6 Kyle Newman, 7 James Sarjeant.

Leicester Lion Cubs have an important fixture at Mildenhall tomorrow.

Both teams are vying for a place in the National Trophy final and the result in Suffolk will be key to their chances.

The fixture has been hit by the absence of five of Leicester's team, who are riding elsewhere, while Mildenhall are missing two riders.

Mildenhall: 1 Daniel Halsey, 2 Rider replacement, 3 Connor Coles, 4 Brendan Johnson, 5 Guest, 6 Jack Kingston, 7 Connor Mountain.

Lions: 1 Ben Morley, 2 Dan Greenwood, 3 Tom Perry, 4 Rider replacement, 5 Nathan Greaves, 6 Michael Neale, 7 David Holt.

We are just three weeks into the season and, by tomorrow, will have played three of the teams that I am certain will finish in the top six. Maybe even the top four.

Everton and Chelsea have been and gone and it's Arsenal's turn to come to the King Power Stadium, fresh from qualifying for the Champions League for a 17th straight season. That's an incredible achievement.

It will be an absolute pleasure to take them on. We know we will be up against it, they have some serious quality in their side – three World Cup winners, Aaron Ramsey, Alexis Sanchez…the list goes on.

But if last Saturday at Chelsea is anything to go by, it is going to be a cracker.

I have played Arsenal many times throughout my career but, incredibly, I can actually cast my mind back over 50 years (don't laugh).

I was 15 and had been invited to play for Stamford Town, who were celebrating their 100th anniversary, against the full Arsenal side.

I was playing against the likes of Mel Charles, Jack Kelsey and John Barnwell.

Little did I know that a few years later, I would be playing them in the old First Division, now the Premier League.

I had many battles with them but I always remember one dreadful night at Filbert Street. It was tipping it down with rain and, as I came out for the second half, I saw two young City fans with an umbrella.

I asked them if I could borrow it, walked out on to the pitch and stood there with it over my head. The referee was just about to restart the match when he spotted me.

You couldn't get away with that nowadays – you'd probably get banned. Sometimes I do think a lot of fun has gone out of the game.

Speaking of water, I have received two nominations to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. One is from the lovely Rachel, who has looked after me down at the training ground for over 19 years. The other is the Mercury's own Rob Tanner.

Rachel, I thought we were friends. Rob, I know you are on holiday – I suggest you stay there!

I will do it as long as we, the City fans, can raise a few bob to help those with motor neurone disease. It is a terrible condition and, over the years, I have visited City fans with the condition.

I only mentioned him last week but it was so sad to hear about the death of Lord Attenborough, known to his friends as Dickie. He was the president at Chelsea and a lovely man. I will always remember the telegram he sent me when I left. It just said: "Dear Birchy, it's been a pleasure knowing you and I wish you all the best for the future. Dickie Attenborough."

Also, I would like to welcome Esteban Cambiasso to the club.

It is great to have someone of that quality and it just shows how far we have come, being able to attract a player with his record.

To donate to Birch's ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, text 'ICED55 £5' or 'ICED55 £10' to 70070.

A woman who lost part of her leg after a taxi crash in New York is planning to set up a charity to help fellow amputees.

Sian Green, 25, of Blaby, had to have the lower half of her left leg amputated after she was hit by a taxi while on holiday in Manhattan, in August last year.

Sian, who now uses a prosthetic leg, has spoken to the Mercury about her plans to set up a charity to help other people who have lost a limb by raising money for specialist support and equipment.

"The way I look at it, I've lost a limb, not my life," said Sian, who recently completed her second year studying towards a degree in fashion buying at De Montfort University.

"I tell myself every day it could've been so much worse, I could've lost my life.

"There is no such word as can't in my opinion and I want to prove that to other people in my position who have lost a limb.

"I'm going to raise money to help amputees who need specialist care.

"I want to help them realise they can get their normality back, they can live their life again."

Sian was on holiday in New York when a cab lost control, hit her and severed her foot.

Two months later, Sian had returned to university.

"I really wanted things to be as normal as possible," she said. "I loved my course before the accident, so why did that have to change?

"I think everyone would've been more shocked if I'd said I didn't want to go back because that's me – I'm a very positive person."

Sian received a prosthetic leg in November.

"The clinic was so supportive and the staff made it seem like what they could do was limitless," she said. Sian now has three prosthetic legs, one for everyday life, one for swimming and her "active leg".

"The staff at the clinic have become like my second family, they made what happened so much easier," she said.

"Not everybody gets that help. That's why I want to set up a charity."

Sian took her first footsteps since the accident in November.

"I remember I thinking, 'wow, I'm actually walking', I broke down with relief," she said.

Sian learned the scale of her injury as she was in the ambulance and a paramedic said to a colleague 'we have a possible amputee'.

"At that point, I thought my life was over, I was ready to give up on everything," Sian said.

"When I initially woke up after my leg had been amputated, I thought of my boyfriend. Is he still going to be with me? Will he still find me attractive?

"Then I thought of my family and friends – would they cope?"

Sian, who is now engaged to her boyfriend, William Lord, said: "They have coped, they've been great."

There have been personal psychological barriers, however.

She said: "I can't use certain perfumes, or body cream because they take me back to when it happened. The trauma is still there.

"Some days I feel a bit down still but my family and friends have been so positive.

"I'm shocked with how far I've come, I'm proud of myself."

Sian's sister, Stacey Green, 29, of Leicester, said: "I'm extremely proud of her but not shocked.

"That's her, she dust's herself off and gets on with it."

There is a certain nostalgia about Leicester City's clash with Arsenal tomorrow.

The last time the two sides faced off was 10 years ago; a day that proved to be one of extreme emotions for both sets of supporters.

City's 2-1 defeat, despite taking the lead through Paul Dickov, secured Arsenal's status as the Invincibles, while simultaneously condemning City to life outside the top flight.

They never returned. Until now.

"I remember when I arrived in England and Leicester were a force in the Premier League," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "They disappeared for quite a long time but they've come back and that shows you that clubs never die when they have the potential and work well."

But, arguably, the most famous meeting between the two sides in recent years was at Filbert Street in 1997.

Denis Bergkamp took centre stage, scoring one of the finest hat-tricks of all time.

City were two goals down thanks to the Dutchman before Emile Heskey scored late on and then Matt Elliott equalised in added time.

Bergkamp thought he had won it at the death when he brought down a long ball, knocked it back over Elliott's head, before slotting home only for Steve Walsh to make it 3-3 in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

"I've many times said that Dennis Bergkamp scored one of the greatest goal I've seen in my career on that night," said Wenger.

If tomorrow's game has even half the excitement, fans will be in for a treat.

City, though, are looking to get their first Premier League victory of the season following two admirable performances against Everton and Chelsea.

"Our philosophy is that we have got to play to our strengths," said Pearson.

"But we also don't want to be naive, we don't want to be gung-ho.

"You have to be ruthless in both penalty boxes to get the better of the top sides."

Olivier Giroud will be missing for Arsenal after being ruled out for up to four months with a broken tibia, meaning £35million Alexis Sanchez is likely to start up front.

Danny Drinkwater, Jamie Vardy and Marc Albrighton are all in contention after all returning to training following injuries. Matty James and Matt Upson are still out.

Meanwhile, Liam Moore has been selected in the England Under-21 squad for the final two European Championship qualifiers against Lithuania and Moldova next month.

Leicester City's new signing Esteban Cambiasso hopes his arrival will be the start of a "great history" in the Premier League.

The former Inter Milan midfielder has signed a one-year deal after weeks of negotiations.

The capture of the 34-year-old, who won the Champions League under Jose Mourinho in 2010, is one of the biggest signings in City's history.

Cambiasso said the main attraction in joining the club was that manager Nigel Pearson was so adamant he wanted him to be part of his squad.

"I know the coach and the club had one idea," said the former Argentina international.

"For them, the first option was Cambiasso, the second option was Cambiasso, and the third option was Cambiasso.

"When I knew this, I called my agent and I said, 'We're going there'.

"I spoke to my wife, my family, but it is my decision. I am happy.

"When a club has only one player in their mind, for me that is very important."

Cambiasso's glittering career has seen him win the league title in Argentina, La Liga with Real Madrid and Serie A with Inter Milan. But the one place he said he has always wanted to play is the Premier League.

"I think for my career, I need to play in the Premier League," said Cambiasso, who had his first training session with his new team-mates yesterday. "This is a great possibility, I am very, very happy.

"I have always spoken about the Premier League with my team-mates. I spoke a lot with Hernan Crespo because he was my room-mate at Inter Milan and we always spoke about the Premier League.

"This is the beginning of my history in the Premier League. I hope, in the future, it is a great history."

Cambiasso has signed only a one-year deal despite early reports suggesting the club were keen to capture the former Argentina international on a two-year contract.

However, he said that, if everything goes well, there is no reason why his stay cannot be a much longer one.

"It is better to walk before I can run," he said. "I am happy, I think the club is happy. If everyone is happy, then maybe I can stay for more years."

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson confirmed he is hoping to add two more players to his squad before the transfer window closes.

City are believed to have made a bid of around £3.5million for Spartak Moscow striker Dame N'Doye.

Meanwhile, QPR boss Harry Redknapp also stated yesterday that the Hoops had accepted a bid from City for right-back Danny Simpson.

While Pearson would not comment on individual players, he did say he was hopeful of adding to his squad before the window shuts at 11pm on Monday.

"I hope so. We will try to get two more players in," said Pearson.

"If we can do that, fine, if we can't, as I've said in the past, I am happy with the players that I have.

"It is more out of our desire to have a strong enough squad to go from window to window."

However, there will be no deal for Wigan midfielder James McArthur.

Latics manager Uwe Rosler confirmed that the deal had fallen through, despite chairman Dave Whelan's claims of a bid of around £7m being accepted.

Rosler accused City of having "used" McArthur and leaving him "in limbo".

Pearson said: "My reminder to everyone is that my policy is not to discuss other clubs' players.

"A player potentially stays at the club he's at if a deal cannot be done.

"At no point have I, or Leicester City, made anything public about any other player than Esteban Cambiasso.

"I don't think I will make any further comment on that."

An illegal immigrant claimed he allowed a cannabis factory to be set up in his home to cover his rent, a court heard.

Nigerian national Ekpo Mgpang – who claims his father was "a king" who was executed in his homeland – pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis, between January 17 and July 17.

He was jailed for nine months.

Leicester Crown Court was told a search warrant was executed at the defendant's home in Oxford Street, Loughborough.

James Bide-Thomas, prosecuting, said: "Downstairs was occupied by the defendant and his family and there was a locked door leading upstairs."

The defendant claimed someone else lived there and entry was forced. Officers found 33 plants being cultivated and 48 harvested plants drying on the landing.

Mr Bide-Thomas said: "There was also loose cannabis, some in bags, empty bags and scales.

"In total, there was more than 200 grams of cannabis with a bulk value given as about £6,000."

A key to upstairs was found in the defendant's living room, along with £2,695 in cash which was confiscated by the court.

There was a CCTV system installed with a camera facing the front door and a monitor in the defendant's sitting room.

"The electricity meter had also been by-passed in a dangerous manner," said Mr Bide-Thomas.

Mgpang (32) claimed he was the tenant allowing cannabis to be grown by others as he had overstayed in the UK and was in a desperate situation.

His partner, a UK citizen, had a child from a former relationship and they had a 16-month-old together, born here.

As an illegal immigrant, he was unable to work.

The court heard the UK Border Agency has been informed.

Recorder Sam Mainds said: "The defendant has been told to attend the UK Border Agency to allow the agency to obtain a Nigerian passport, otherwise he can stay here as they won't pursue a commonwealth country to take back its citizens."

Philip Gibbs, mitigating, said: "If Nigeria deny knowledge of him, which would be a convenient way to avoid their responsibility, then it's our problem.

"There are going to be long, drawn out proceedings about this man's status."

Former school sites worth about £250,000 are to be sold for nominal sums so they can be developed to provide affordable housing.

Leicester City Council says it wants to help the Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) build 32 homes by effectively giving it the land at what was Queensmead Junior School and Bendbow Rise Infant School, in Braunstone.

Both schools closed several years ago.

Assistant mayor for housing councillor Andy Connelly said the sites would probably be transferred for £1 each, in line with previously approved deals, to pave the way for new homes to be built.

He said: "I know some people have the view we are just giving sites away, but that is not how I look at it.

"This is our way in investing in the provision of affordable social housing in the city which is much needed.

"It is surplus land which we make available to housing associations, who then deliver the homes."

The council says the Queensmead site, off Hamelin Road, is worth £150,000 and the Bendbow Rise land worth £100,000.

Plans by NCHA to develop both sites are to be considered by the council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Planning officers have recommended both schemes be approved.

The Bendbow Rise site has been earmarked for 10 houses and a bungalow, but there have been objections from nearby residents.

A petition with the names of 17 objectors has been sent to planners along with two letters of concern.

There are fears two willow trees will be chopped down.

Ward councillor Wayne Naylor said: "Though I support the building of housing in the area, as the kind of housing proposed is greatly needed, I would like to see it with at least some green space being maintained where the willow trees are."

The Queensmead site would have 15 houses and six flats built on it.

The former school buildings were demolished after pupils and staff were relocated to new premises.

Earlier this year, council bosses agreed to sell a plot of land at Manor Farm,Hamilton, which was worth £650,000 for £1 so 15 affordable homes could be built

The council agreed the £1 sale of 13 acres of former allotment land off Saffron Lane so that 50 social homes could be built.

Under the terms of the deal, the city council will also contribute £197,200 to the scheme – cash it has made from selling council homes – and expects to pay about £308,000 towards the infrastructure works of the development. City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has been criticised by both opposition and Labour members for agreeing to sell other council assets for £1.

The mayor approved the £1 sale of a £180,000 building in Highfields to the Pakistani Youth and Community Association, while indicating 20 similar transactions could be authorised.

He has also agreed to allow an arts charity to buy a £200,000 warehouse in the city's cultural quarter for £1 after it secured a £300,000 Arts Council grant to renovate the property.

Experts believe a remarkable piece of Leicester City – and Arsenal – memorabilia could fetch almost £10,000 at auction next month.

Tomorrow afternoon sees the Foxes welcome Arsene Wenger's men to the King Power Stadium for City's first top-flight fixture against the Gunners for 10 years.

But it is a match played between the clubs 101 years ago that will come under the spotlight at Lockdales auctioneers, in Ipswich, on September 14.

The occasion was the London club's first game at their beloved former Highbury ground – against the team then known as Leicester Fosse.

A match programme from the day, owned by a private collector and described as being in excellent condition, is up for sale.

James Sadler, a football programmes expert and Lockdales' auction manager, said: "This is so exciting. I've only ever seen one before – and it's in excellent condition."

A top London dealer, who did not want to be named, said: "I think it will go for close on 10 grand – if only I could afford it!"

Chris Elmy, of Lockdales, said: "This is Programme No 1 Vol 1. The first ever game played at Highbury – Woolwich Arsenal v Leicester Fosse, September 6, 1913. It's very rare and in original condition."

The estimate for Lot 3033 is £800 to £850, but he believes it will go for a lot more.

"It is so rare that Arsenal football club doesn't even have one," said Mr Elmy.

"Early football programmes are difficult to evaluate as they are worth whatever the most fanatical collectors are willing to pay on the day.

"They might never see another example put up for sale of a particular game.

"The majority of programmes produced before the war have been lost over the years and this one survived both the First and Second World War, making it so unusual."

John Hutchinson, Leicester City FC's official historian and archivist, researched the 1913 fixture, which the Fosse lost 2-1, for its centenary last year.

To mark the occasion, he and City commercial director Dr Ian Flanagan were invited to the Emirates Stadium, which has been Arsenal's home since 2006.

Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick presented the pair with a framed facsimile of the first Highbury programme, which is now on display at the King Power Stadium.

Commenting on the original, John said: "This is a truly remarkable and significant piece of football history.

"It has always been a matter of pride and interest that Leicester Fosse were the first team to appear at Highbury and that our Tommy Benfield scored the first ever goal there.

"To come across a programme from that historic game is truly remarkable.

"I think it is likely to go for much more than the catalogue value."

A spokesman for Arsenal FC said: "We would dearly love to have this remarkable programme in our museum."

Another auction item of interest to City fans is a "very rare" cigarette card featuring another League Division Two game, this time away to Birmingham City on October 2, 1920.

They lost 5-0!

www.lockdales.com

The company which oversees food provision contracts for Leicester's hospitals has pledged to improve standards.

The news comes as hospitals nationally have been ranked for food quality and mandatory food standards in the NHS have now been introduced for the first time.

Statistics show that out of 1,258 hospitals nationwide, which were tested on food standards, Glenfield Hospital was rated at number 893, Leicester Royal Infirmary at 1,053 and Leicester General at 1,208.

Despite being low down the national table, the three hospitals all received high scores for quality.

Glenfield Hospital scored 90 per cent on food quality, Leicester Royal Infirmary 86 per cent and Leicester General Hospital 74 per cent.

The Willows and Mill Lodge, run by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, was given a 100 per cent rating from patients.

The ratings have come out of patient-led inspections, and have been published in a bid to improve standards.

Liz Tebbutt, performance and quality assurance manager for NHS Horizons, who manage the food provider's contract for Leicester hospitals, said Glenfield Hospital and the Leicester Royal Infirmary had good service on the assessment day. But the results were not up to standard at the General Hospital.

She said: "It is disappointing, but that is not the norm. The issues on that day have been addressed.

"The comments from patients were generally very positive. We do realise there is still more to do and we are continually trying to improve. We will obviously be reviewing the guidance to ensure we comply with it."

She said food was regularly sampled and the standard of service audited.

She added that Leicester hospitals provided three fish dish options a day, two beef, two lamb, two pork, three chicken, vegetarian options, ethnic food choices, special diet options, salads, sandwiches and jacket potatoes, plus fresh fruit and five or six hot desserts.

"Our meals are also approved by dieticians," she added.

Yesterday, the Hospital Food Standards Panel published its report to the Government recommending five legally-binding food standards for the NHS.

Hospitals will be required to screen patients for malnutrition and they should be given a food plan; hospitals must ensure patients get the help they need to eat and drink; canteens must promote healthy diets; food must be sourced in a sustainable way so it is healthy, good for individuals and for our food industry; and it has been recommended that all hospitals develop a food and drink policy to encourage healthy eating, high-quality food production, sustainability and excellent nutritional care.

Local health campaigner Zuffar Haq said: "I know improvements have been made, but obviously this table shows Leicester in the bottom third."

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen says a former colleague has made a big mistake by defecting to UKIP.

Mr Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, said Clacton MP Douglas Carswell had told him he was worried about the level of support for UKIP in his constituency before he left the Conservatives and joined Nigel Farage's party.

Mr Bridgen said: "It's counter-productive. Douglas may have made a big mistake.

"He has always said he was concerned by the popularity of UKIP in Clacton.

"It has a demographic that suits UKIP.

"It will be a challenge for Nigel Farage. UKIP is a one-man-band and he will not be used to having someone as intelligent and independently minded as Douglas in his party."

Mr Carswell has stood down, triggering a by-election .

Senior UKIP figures have suggested other Tory MPs will follow Mr Carswell into their ranks because they are concerned about David Cameron's stewardship of the party.

Mr Bridgen, a Eurosceptic MP who has rebelled against the Government and previously openly questioned David Cameron's leadership, said he would not be joining UKIP and had not been approached by anyone from the party.

He warned Conservative supporters moving to UKIP in May's General Election would open the door to Number 10 to Labour leader Ed Miliband.

When Anthony Knockaert was growing up in France, dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, he would often sit in front of the television watching Arsenal in the Premier League.

He was just 12 years old when Arsene Wenger led his Invincibles to the title, finishing the season unbeaten with a squad made up of seven French players. Thierry Henry was the top scorer, Patrick Vieira the captain.

Arsenal even condemned Leicester City to relegation from the Premier League on the final day of that season. It would take City 10 years to return, with Knockaert playing a key role in getting them there.

The 22-year-old now has the chance to go up against the club he used to watch so often when City welcome them to the King Power Stadium tomorrow.

"Arsenal is a really good club and it is going to be a good experience for me to play against this team because when I was a child, I was watching that club in the Premier League on television," said Knockaert.

"It was a dream to play in this league so now I have got the chance and the opportunity to play against them. I am going to do my best to beat them and take the three points."

But, first of all, he needs to find his way on to Nigel Pearson's teamsheet.

Knockaert did not feature in the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, watching the entire game from the substitutes' bench. The Frenchman admitted he was frustrated not to get on to the field.

"I don't know one footballer who is going to be happy to be on the bench and not coming on," said Knockaert. "Of course I was disappointed but, as I say, I came back this week and I am focussed for the next game because this is a long season.

"Now I am getting ready to be good and to play against Arsenal. If the gaffer needs me, he knows I am ready and I am going to do my best for the team.

"I am still confident because I know the gaffer knows what I can do on the pitch, he knows my qualities. So, I am still confident and I give my best in training.

"Nigel will probably pick his team today but, as I say, I am ready to play this game, like every game. If he needs me, I'm ready."

Knockaert could also find himself lining up alongside the club's newest recruit, Argentinian legend Esteban Cambiasso, who has joined City on a one-year deal.

A mere 12 years his junior, Knockaert said he cannot wait to learn from the veteran both on and off the pitch.

"He is a real quality player and is going to bring his great experience as well because he is used to winning some good trophies," said Knockaert. "He won everything with Inter Milan and has played with some great players as well at Real Madrid.

"It is going to be a great signing for us and, as a young player, I am really happy to play with him.

"We always have to watch and admire a player like that. Of course, as a young player, we are going to try to copy what he can do on the pitch. We are excited to play with him."

A boat moored on the River Soar was completely destroyed after arsonists set fire to it in the early hours.

Firefighters were called to an incident near Freemens Meadow Estate, opposite the King Power Stadium, just before 3am today.

A small motor boat, which was located behind Leicester Rowing Club, in Upperton Road, was well alight when firefighters arrived at the scene, although there was no-one on the boat. A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said crews struggled to get access to the boat, which was severely damaged and had begun to sink.

Eventually, they managed to manoeuvre the boat back to the bank and extinguish the fire.

Crews left the scene at about 3.30am.

The fire service is liaising with Leicestershire Police to try and locate the owner of the boat.

The incident is under investigation and police are speaking to any witnesses.