Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill believes lock-forward Graham Kitchener "could play Test rugby tomorrow".

The 24-year-old put in a stand-out performance in the club's 24-20 win at Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.

In doing so, Tigers remain one of just three unbeaten teams in the league, and they travel to one of those this weekend with a fascinating trip to Bath on the cards.

With injuries to Ed Slater, Louis Deacon and Brad Thorn, Kitchener is likely to play a big part in Tigers' line-up again at the Rec.

Cockerill said he was delighted the former Worcester Warrior was back to fitness.

"Kitchener is a Test-quality player who had a hamstring problem in pre-season, so it's good to have him back," said Cockerill.

"He is as good as Geoff Parling at calling the line-out and, if he was a bit more vocal at times, he would be pushing for Test duty.

"I feel he could play for England tomorrow and would not look out of place."

Kitchener, who was at the heart of an aggressive line-out on both sides of the ball, said the victory was a "great win" for the club and praised the input from fly-half Freddie Burns, who put in a man-of-the-match performance at Sandy Park.

"It's a tough place to come and they started well, but credit to us for staying in the game and we played really well at the start of the second half," said Kitchener.

"The last five or 10 minutes we closed the game out well. It was all positive for us.

"We spoke about our defensive line-out in the build-up because we got driven over the line against Newcastle and we cannot let that happen.

"It's not just about those who steal in the air, it's about those who are lifting and the work that is being done on the floor to stop their maul. Across the park, we did that well at Exeter. Freddie Burns bossed the game well and talked well. He kicks his goals too, which is what you want from a fly-half.

"It's great as a forward when you are tired and you look up and the ball is sailing over the opposition's head 50 metres down the field.

"Bath will be another step up on Saturday. We didn't beat them at all last season."

Leicester City striker David Nugent has hailed the impact of midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.

The Argentina international made a huge difference on his City debut at Stoke on Saturday.

Cambiasso's introduction as a half-time substitute helped turn the tide of the game towards City, and Leonardo Ulloa's winner secured their first victory of the season.

Nugent said Cambiasso is an inspired signing by City boss Nigel Pearson and believes the 34-year-old playmaker could have a major influence on the bid for Premier League survival.

"He is a quality player," said Nugent after City's 1-0 win at the Britannia Stadium.

"He can see the passes before he plays them, balls around the corner and in behind the defence. His experience is going to do our squad the world of good and that showed in the second half.

"He is an excellent talker on the pitch. His English is very good, which I didn't expect, and he is a quality man as well, on and off the pitch.

"The gaffer did well signing Esteban. He's a quality player and showed that when he came on.

"He and Danny Drinkwater put the ball down and started playing football. Basically, that changed the game for us.

"We are a young squad with not much experience of playing in the Premier League. There is only really Paul Konchesky and myself who have played a few, so Esteban coming in from Inter Milan, a Champions League winner, is a great coup for the club."

City struggled in the first half at Stoke but were much better after Pearson made the half-time changes, and Nugent said they deserved to pick up all three points.

"It was tough," he said. "They are a good side and they beat Manchester City away last time out, so to go there and win was a great result for the lads.

"The first half wasn't too good but we looked a lot better after the break.

"We knew it wasn't too good in the first half, but the gaffer made two changes, bringing on Danny and Esteban, and we seemed to play a lot better.

"We weren't our usual selves. We weren't closing down as much as we usually do. He gave us a rollicking at half-time but we came out and produced the goods.

"We took our chances and they started to lump it forward. It was a tough game but we deserved the three points."

More than 1500 Brownies from across the county have helped celebrate a the organisations's 100-year birthday.

The youngsters visited Leicester Grammar School, in Great Glen, where they set off on a journey to discover the past, present and future of the Brownie organisation.

Along the way, the girls collected stars as they took part in 40 fun activities, as part of the 'Big Brownie Birthday'.

Eve Harrison, eight, of Oadby, said: "I had the best day, it was so much fun."

Throughout the day, the girls found out what former Brownies used to wear and had the opportunity to try on old uniforms.

They also looked into the future, as they came up with what they thought Brownies might look like in 100 years time.

And of course, they celebrated Brownies today, with a slice of birthday cake each.

In addition, a mobile planetarium had been designed inside a huge tent, which re-created the galaxy and stars for the girls to see.

Eve added: "The best part was the tent, where we could see all of the stars - it looked like the actual sky, it was amazing."

The day, which took place on September 7, was the finale event, celebrating the Brownies 100-year birthday.

In 1914, the organisation - which was originally called "Rosebuds" for the first year - was formed for girls under the age of 11.

Leicester Tigers lock Louis Deacon has seen a specialist to determine the extent of the back problem that has kept him out of action so far this season.

The club's second-row injury woes have, incredibly, got even worse, with the news that Tom Price has broken his foot and will be out for three months.

With Ed Slater out for the season and new signing Brad Thorn still recovering from a bicep injury, Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill maybe be forced into the transfer market with fit-again Geoff Parling expected to be away with England throughout the autumn internationals.

Tigers went into their opening Aviva Premiership game against Newcastle with no second-row cover on the bench.

Jordan Crane was the man who would have gone on in the second row had Graham Kitchener or Seb De Chaves been injured.

"Tom Price injured his ankle against Nottingham in pre-season and that was sore and didn't settle down," said Cockerill.

"We found out he had a fracture which he needed surgery and that is a three-month lay-off.

"Ed is out for the season, Brad will be back the first week in October and if everyone else stays fit, we should have enough cover.

"But if we need to go into the marketplace, we will do and we are having a look in that area."

Leicester City keeper Kasper Schmeichel faces a race to be fit to face Manchester United on Sunday.

The Denmark international missed his first league game since signing for City just over three seasons ago at Stoke on Saturday.

Schmeichel picked up a knee injury on international duty but City had hoped he would recover in time for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.

However, manager Nigel Pearson decided not to risk Schmeichel and handed a league debut to Ben Hamer, who produced a couple of vital saves as City held on for their first win and first clean sheet of the season.

Schmeichel will be monitored throughout the week before Pearson makes a decision on who will face United's star-studded strike-force, but said if Schmeichel does not make it he had every confidence in Hamer.

"We were hopeful Kasper might make the game but I would rather miss a player for one game than take risks and lose him for longer," he said.

"He may be available, but we will have to see how he progresses throughout the week.

"I thought Ben handled the occasion exceptionally well when you remember he is replacing a player who is one of our top performers over the last three years.

"There will be aspects of his performances he would like to improve but he made some key saves for us in the second half.

"The fact the players didn't look too flustered reflects the faith they have in his ability. That is always important.

"If you are going to do well you need players to perform when you are called upon."

Matty James steps up his comeback from a shin injury tonight as he is set to feature in the under-21s against Fulham at the King Power Stadium.

New signings Nick Powell and Tom Lawrence, who joined on transfer deadline day from United, will also be in action.

A loving grand-daughter who is desperate to find her grandad a girlfriend, appeals over Facebook.

A woman has posted a message onto the Spotted: Leicester and Spotted: Loughborough, in an attempt to find her grandfather a girlfriend.

More than 900 people have 'liked' the posts, which is called: 'A grandma for grandad' and explains that the gentleman, who is 66, is in need of finding "someone special".

It says: "Looking for the other half for our Grandad, he is kind, loving, very good at supplying chocolate and cuddles.

"We are looking for someone who wants to find their missing piece. "Our Grandad is on his own since our grandma passed away.

"We want to help him find someone special."

The ideal woman, should be in her 60's and like holidays, trips out, gardens, reading and dogs.

The post continues: "He is very lovely and needs someone who will enjoy their life with him.

"He does have Grandchildren and they still need to have time with him, but three hours a week is enough - the rest of the time he can be all yours."

It ends: "Please reply and we will even pack you a picnic for a first meeting."

Within days, dozens of Facebook users had commented on the post, some of whom were volunteering their mothers or grandmothers to go on a date with the man.

Here at the Mercury office, we thought this was the cutest post we had ever seen.

And we would love to help find a grandma for grandad. So, if it was you who posted this message on Facebook, please get in touch by e-mailing reporter Yasmin Duffin: yasminduffin@leicestermercury.co.uk or calling 0116 222 4262

A man has been arrested in a village house on suspicion of attempted robbery.

The man was detained in Laurel Close, Mountsorrel yesterday, a short time after another man called police to report that he had been the victim of an attempted street robbery.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said officers were called to Halstead Road in the village at 4pm in response to the report.

The spokeswoman said: "A man was approached in Halstead Road and property was demanded from him.

"Nothing was stolen and the victim walked away and called the police.

"Inquiries led us to Laurel Close where we arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with the incident."

Charnwood Museum is hoping to bring history back to life as they create an exhibition about Loughborough's Victorian swimming pool.

From 1898 to 1975 the building in Queen's Park, played a central role in the town, providing the swimming pool that many local residents learned to swim in.

Charnwood Museum is now asking people to send in their stories and memorabilia to help celebrate the town's pool in a temporary exhibition.

Leicestershire County Council's Local Heritage Officer, Fiona Ure, is leading the call for residents to send in their treasures to be included in the display.

She said: "A lot of people who come into the museum say 'I learned to swim here'.

"We don't have a lot of material to support an exhibition so we're looking to collect memories about the baths."

After the baths were closed the building lay un-used until 1980, when it was re-opened as Queen's Hall, a generic sports hall that was used not only for sports, but local events including a vintage record fair.

Plans are for the exhibition to be on display from January 2015 until January 2016.

Anyone with memories and items should contact Fiona Ure by e-mailing: fiona.ure@leics.gov.uk or calling: 0116 3057424.

Campaigners fighting to save a Leicestershire attraction from closure have announced they want to run the museum as a going concern.

The Friends of Snibston group have put forward a plan to take over the management and operation of Snibston Discovery Museum, in Coalville.

It is in response to bosses at County Hall revealing they intend to replace the attraction with a smaller mining museum which is cheaper to run.

But following the end of a consultation on its proposals, the council now says it is putting its plan on hold while it considers the group's alternative business plan.

Friends chairman Brian Vollar said: "We are opposed to the transformation of Snibston Discovery Museum in to a mining museum.

"By retaining the current museum and historic layout of the site, we hope to ensure an alternative, bright future for the much-loved attraction."

The group believes that, with the help of "significant" Arts Council and Lottery funding, it can kick-start "independent status and the "sustainable operation of the museum ".

Mr Vollar said: "We propose that an independent charitable

organisation could take on

the operation of Snibston in its current form.

"We hope this is favourably considered by the council."

As reported by the Mercury, County Hall has said it can no longer afford its £550,000 subsidy towards the museum's £800,000 running costs.

Stewart Warbuton, of the Friends group, who helped draft the plan, said: "We are of the firm belief that these annual running

costs for the site and museum can be reduced through alternative management and operations.

"The governance for the museum and site would benefit from the site being managed by a new charitable organisation with a board of management representing the local industry."

The Friends group said they would also be willing to participate in an similar alternative proposal being put forward on behalf of Derby Museums Trust.

Drafted by its resource director, Leicester resident Mohammed Suleman, it proposes setting up a management company to run the museum, boosting exposure and closing one day a week to save costs.

Mr Vollar said: "We would be happy to either run the museum ourselves as a charitable trust, or support the proposals put forward by Mo.

"We are under no illusions as to the task ahead of us, but at least this give us hope. "

More than 600 people took part in a consultation on the council's original plan to scale down the attraction, with a vast majority opposing th e move.

A further 1,000 people attending Snibston's Miners' Gala at the weekend signed a giant letter calling for the council to abandon its own plans and give the Friends' proposal a chance.

County council leader Nick Rushton said: "We can't afford to keep subsidising Snibston at its current level, at a time we have to cut spending on other frontline services.

"The council has made its own proposals, but I have always said we would look at any credible alternatives that save the same amount of money. We need to see if these two submissions are credible."

Earlier this year, the council forecast that, without action, the museum's subsidy is set to rise to £900,000 per year, due to declining visitor numbers. The building also requires £2.2 million of repairs.

The council's cabinet is due to consider the two proposals for Snibston at its meeting on Friday.

A spokesman for the council said: "We propose to assess the submissions and carry out more detailed work on our own proposal. Once these assessments are completed, the cabinet will decide on a way forward for Snibston in December."

Andrew Bridgen, North West Leicestershire MP, said: "The Independent Trust offers a way for Snibston to remain open whilst removing the County Council subsidy, and I will be pushing them to look seriously at the proposal and do everything they can to preserve the attraction."

A number of residents complained about the noise from a dance festival at the weekend.

The three-day Zoo Project at Donington Park attracted more than 5,000 people for an Ibiza-style weekend of dance music.

The local authorities took extra precautions ahead this year's event after complaints about the noise last year.

A noise specialist was hired to monitor levels around Donington Park and organisers said they were going to reduce disturbance by altering sound levels.

But one resident of Melbourne, Derbyshire, contacted the Mercury to complain that he, his wife and their five-year-old son, were unable to sleep because of the noise, which continued until 4am on Saturday night.

He said the staff at the council had told him they had "had a load of people calling to complain", although a spokeswoman for North West District Council said the council's noise officers were still "collating" the complaints from over the weekend and were unable to give total numbers of complaints yet.

The Melbourne resident said: "I complained to North West Leicestershire District Council and they told me there was going to be an investigation.

"The organisers had promised it would be quieter this year after all the complaints they had last year.

"It affects the whole of Melbourne - all we could hear were thundering beats for hours and hours.

"We have double glazing but it kept us up on Saturday night."

The 40 year old said he thought at first that the noise was coming from his street.

He said: "I initially thought a neighbour was having a house party and went into the street to investigate.

"Melbourne and the surrounding villages tolerate noise on a regular basis from the airport, Download and the racetrack.

"This is simply anti-social."

John Richardson, head of community services at the council, said: "We used noise monitoring equipment to record noise and frequency levels throughout the Zoo Project Festival, and were in direct contact with the sound engineers at the festival site.

"Residents were given details of how to complain if they felt the noise was causing a disturbance to them and we have received a number of complaints.

"We're now investigating these complaints and analyzing the noise data we've gathered.

"Once this investigation is complete, we will be able to consider what options there are with regard to the licence."

The festival is organised each year by a group of Ibiza music promoters and this was the second year running the event has been held on the woodland site at Donington Park.

The Mercury was unable to contact the event director Oli Bartlam yesterday.

But speaking ahead of the event he said: "We have rotated the stage so it now faces into the woods to cancel out the bass as it travels very far, started using a different sound system and will be testing volumes to make sure we adhere to the venue's licence." 

Katie Price has revealed she is calling her new baby Bunny.

The child was born in August but the 36-year-old former model and author had been struggling to name her.

Miss Price has four other children: Princess Tiaamii, Harvey, Junior and Jett.

If Bunny is not to your taste here's the top 100 female baby names for 2014:

1. Amelia

2. Olivia

3. Emily

4. Ava

5. Isla

6. Jessica

7. Poppy

8. Isabella

9. Sophie

10. Mia

11. Ruby

12. Lily

13. Grace

14. Evie

15. Sophia

16. Ella

17. Scarlett

18. Chloe

19. Isabelle

20. Freya

21. Charlotte

22. Sienna

23. Daisy

24. Phoebe

25. Millie

26. Eva

27. Alice

28. Lucy

29. Florence

30. Sofia

31. Layla

32. Lola

33. Holly

34. Imogen

35. Molly

36. Matilda

37. Lilly

38. Rosie

39. Elizabeth

40. Erin

41. Maisie

42. Lexi

43. Ellie

44. Hannah

45. Evelyn

46. Abigail

47. Elsie

48. Summer

49. Megan

50. Jasmine

51. Maya

52. Amelie

53. Lacey

54. Willow

55. Emma

56. Bella

57. Eleanor

58. Esme

59. Eliza

60. Georgia

61. Harriet

62. Gracie

63. Annabelle

64. Emilia

65. Amber

66. Ivy

67. Brooke

68. Rose

69. Anna

70. Zara

71. Leah

71. Mollie

73. Martha

74. Faith

75. Hollie

76. Amy

77. Bethany

78. Violet

79. Katie

80. Maryam

81. Francesca

82. Julia

83. Maria

84. Darcey

85. Isabel

86. Tilly

87. Maddison

88. Victoria

89. Isobel

90. Niamh

91. Skye

92. Madison

93. Darcy

94. Aisha

95. Beatrice

96. Sarah

97. Zoe

98. Paige

99. Heidi

100. Lydia

A man suffered a fractured skull in a street fight in Leicester on Saturday – and police are searching for a second man who they believe may have been injured too. The man was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary after he was found injured in Bowling Green Street shortly after 4am. Police believe a second, possibly injured, man left the scene before officers could speak to him. Detectives said the pair had been involved in a disturbance with another group in nearby Wellington Street a short time before. Detective Constable Chrissie Hitchin said: "If you believe you were involved in this altercation then please come forward. "We would also like to trace a taxi driver who may have picked up a man from the Bowling Green Street area around the time of the incident, if you recall this then please speak to us. "There were a number of people in the area at the time who may have witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it. "If you haven't yet spoken to the police we need you to come forward." Two 20-year-old men have been arrested in connection with the assault. They have been released on police bail while officers continue their inquiries. Contact Det Con Hitchin on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Leicester University stormed to a convincing victory on BBC2's University Challenge tonight.

The Leicester team comprising John O'Doherty, Adam Brown, Robert Greenhill and Nadin Masri, took an early lead but we're chased hard by their opponents, the Open University.

The final score was Leicester 245 and Open 190.

Host Jeremy Paxman said: "It was a pretty good game - a high scoring game."

The team will now progress to the second round. if they go on to win the entire show, it will be the first time Leicester has won since the inaugural show in 1962'

In 11 days' time, Grace Garner can think about applying the brakes to a season that has been cut out at a frantic pace.

Before then, though, the Countesthorpe College student makes her debut at the World Junior Championships in Spain, tackling both the time-trial and road race.

As her older sister, Lucy, has proved twice, anything is possible and while Grace has that inspiration to call on, she should not lack confidence, either, after a debut junior season which has been a blur of medals and winners' jerseys.

She made a winning start to the year on the track with GB in Holland and then claimed the prestigious Hoy Future Stars title on the boards in London.

The European and national junior track championships yielded four gold medals and a brace of silvers.

Among the pick of her road performances, Grace came seventh in the Prudential RideLondon race, which attracted the world's leading elite women, and most recently picked up a couple of stylish wins in Holland in preparation for the Worlds.

Still only 17, Grace is a key member of the RST women's team, which has been instrumental in her progress, while at the same time working with coach Matt Winston on British Cycling's Olympic Development programme.

She faces the time-trial on Monday with the road race to follow on Friday.

"I'm really pleased with the way the year has gone, I think I'm a better all-round rider now," she said.

"I didn't know how I would fare in the junior ranks but, particularly on the track, that has been a really good step up for me.

I've not done a major championship on the road, though, so it's great to be going to the Worlds.

"The course is pretty tough and won't favour me 100 per cent. But I have come on a lot this year. I'm a lot stronger physically and that has helped."

Winston said the road race will be hard to predict but believes there is a real chance of British success.

"If we can get Grace over the climbs and to the finish then we are in with a real chance of a medal, " he said.

"She has become more confident in her ability. Grace has always been able to do it – but now she has started to believe she can do it. That is the main thing that has brought her on."

Leicestershire's young professional road riders acquitted themselves well in road races during the course of the last week at home and abroad.

Lucy Garner (Giant-Shimano) took two top-five places during the Lotto-Belisol Belgium Tour, which attracted a host of top riders with the World Championships approaching.

Garner helped the Dutch squad finish third overall in the five-day race.

Dan McLay topped and tailed the Friends Life Tour of Britain with top-10 finishes in sprints which were each won by Giant-Shimano speedster Marcel Kittel.

The Lotto-Belisol professional was seventh in both Liverpool and London as he finished 87th overall in the top-class field.

George Atkins, riding for Team Raleigh, put in a solid show throughout the eight-day race as he came home 79th overall.

The challenges have come thick and fast for Leicester City in a stern early test of their Premier League credentials.

So far. City have met every challenge head on, adopting a positive approach and demonstrating they aren't afraid of trying to take a game to the opposition.

Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke have come up against a City side that has adopted the tactical philosophy of attack is the best form of defence.

"Our approach to every game has been the same," said manager Nigel Pearson after Saturday's victory at the Britannia Stadium.

"We think we have a better chance when we are positive. 

"We have got some good offensive players and we try to utilise their strengths."

Next up is a Manchester United side buoyed by a summer of spending at unprecedented levels.

While City broke their transfer record to snap up Leonardo Ulloa for £8million, United spent more than £150m, including the capture of Angel Di Maria for a British record £59.7m.

After a slow start, with United searching for a new identity, Louis van Gaal's new-look side gave a glimpse of their potential in last weekend's demolition of QPR to send out a clear signal that they could be set to challenge for the title again.

The quality they possess is remarkable. Against QPR, they had a front two of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney, with Juan Mata playing at the top of a diamond midfield, flanked by Di Maria on one side and Ander Herrera on the other, with Daley Blind sitting in front of the back-four.

It is a daunting line-up for United's opponents and not many pundits will give City a chance on Sunday.

But City have been underdogs in all their games and have sprung a few surprises.

They can do so again this Sunday if they adopt the same, brave approach they have utilised so far to good affect. United might have an abundance of match-winners within their ranks, but QPR never tested United.

Di Maria, Herrera and Mata are not renowned for their defensive capabilities, while Blind was not put under pressure in his defensive midfield role.

Behind the Dutchman, United have a new central-defensive pairing of Tyler Blackett and Jonny Evans, and City must target those two.

While United possess all that attacking flair, their weakness could be at the heart of their defence and, with Ulloa starting his season so well and David Nugent at his usually industrious best, City can stretch United.

Of course, keeping possession will be vital. United cannot utilise those attacking weapons, if City can gain enough of the ball themselves and, to this end, the experience, game-management and technical ability of Esteban Cambiasso will be vital.

The Blue Army saw on Saturday how City were transformed when the Argentinian came on, along with Danny Drinkwater.

The midfield pair turned the tide in City's favour and they will be absolutely key to their chances on Sunday.

QPR adopted a cautious, unambitious approach against United and paid the price.

City must show the same belief as in their previous games, stick with their positive approach and retain the attitude of young centre-back Liam Moore when asked about facing such world stars.

"They are just a name on the back of a shirt," he said. It is a brave approach, but fortune favours the brave after all.

Tom Croft will appear in Leicester Tigers' match-day squad for the first time in the Aviva Premiership this weekend at Bath.

Having recovered from a knee injury which kept him out for nearly all of the last campaign, a shoulder injury has restricted him to just two appearances in pre-season.

He nearly made a comeback last weekend at Exeter, but director of rugby Richard Cockerill explained he wanted to make sure his British & Irish Lions flanker was not rushed back into action.

"Crofty is in the 23 this week," said Cockerill. "Last week he was about right but he had not done enough, so I wanted him to have a full training week before he came back into the squad. 

"He knows that we will look after him. Hopefully those injuries are behind him now and we can crack on and get the best out of him.

"Crofty playing well for us is good. He will hopefully have a good run now and push himself for the Test team in the autumn and Six Nations."

Cockerill will have to decide whether Croft starts on the pitch or on the bench and, with Jamie Gibson having put in two excellent shifts against Newcastle and Exeter, that provides him with a real headache.

Elsewhere, there are unlikely to be many more changes from the side that saw Leicester remain one of only three unbeaten teams in the Premiership after two rounds of matches.

Mat Tait, Geoff Parling and Anthony Allen all came through their first league starts of the season well.

With the likes of Brad Thorn (bicep), Michele Rizzo (knee) and Miles Benjamin (knee) not due back until the end of the month, Cockerill is likely to stay with a reasonably unchanged squad.

That means fly-half Freddie Burns is expected to hold on to the No.10 shirt, keeping last season's sensation, Owen Williams on the sidelines.

"As Freddie's game gets more comfortable, you would expect him to be more relaxed and make better and better choices all of the time," said Cockerill.

"Owen will push him hard and want his chance soon and they push each other well.

"If Owen had not been banned, Freddie would have not started the season because Owen did so well for us last season.

"But Freddie has done well. When he joined, I sat down with him and said, 'This is how we work here with regards to training, time-keeping, kit and social media and this is what I expect from you. It's non-negotiable'.

"He was fine with that and I have had no issues with him yet.

"He wants to play and knows that if he doesn't play well, we have other good options, like Owen, that will put him under pressure for his spot."

Voluntary organisations in Leicestershire could have their funding axed as the county council looks to save £800,000 from children and family services.

The cut-backs are part of Leicestershire County Council's plans to save £13.24 million from the department's £59 million budget in the next four years.

Leicestershire County Council wants to bring in one, centralised and more efficient approach for buying in support, and is due to launch a consultation later this month.

Services which could be affected include debt counselling, domestic violence, housing support, parenting support, youth counselling, youth activities, and disabled children.

The consultation will run from September 22 until November 30, subject to approval from the council's cabinet which meets on Friday.

Some 71 voluntary organisations currently receive funding via the county council.

A spokeswoman for the local authority would not reveal which organisations could be affected, but said: "If the consultation is approved, we will write to them at the start to ensure they're aware."

A report to be discussed by the cabinet says: "At a time of diminishing resources it's important to ensure that all activity is focussed on improving outcomes for children, young people and their families within an identified framework that's based on need and the knowledge of which services have the most positive impact."

Service bosses have said that no organisation will have their contract terminated before they come to a scheduled end in March 2015.

In addition, they may be able to apply for alternative funding streams such as the, Your Shire Community Grant Scheme, depending on the criteria they fulfil.

The move aims to join up services and ensure that support is targeted at the most vulnerable, reducing duplication and bureaucracy.

Councillor Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council's cabinet member for children and families, said: "Like all councils, we are facing challenges which mean we need to redesign our services and get more from our budget. This includes how we buy services for children and families from the voluntary and community sector.

"We will still invest in voluntary and community services for parents, carers and young people each year. But we want to adopt one single approach, enabling us to provide better and more focused support for the most vulnerable.

"Our priority remains keeping children safe and supporting them to thrive and we want agencies to get involved and help shape our plans."

Increasing pressures on the council's budget have pushed up its savings target to £120 million over the next five years. Demand for care services and reductions in grants mean that this is a rise of £40 million.

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said his side will not be daunted by the prospect of facing a star-studded Manchester United on Sunday.

United spent more than £150million during the summer in a bid to transform Lois van Gaal's side back into title-contenders.

They now boast an array of world-class players like Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind, as well as established stars such as Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie.

However, having already held Everton and Arsenal – United's rivals for a Champions League place – to draws at the King Power Stadium and holding Chelsea at bay for an hour, Pearson sees no reason why City should not believe they can match United this Sunday.

Picking up their first win of the season, at Stoke last Saturday, has again demonstrated that City are very competitive in the Premier League.

Pearson said: "When you play sides like Manchester United there is going to be huge expectation, and I think it is great that the players look forward to games like this.

"These are the games we have aspired to play in, so I see no reason to be anything other than positive. 

"After the first four games the players' performances have suggested for the most part we have the capability to improve and do okay. 

"Saturday's game gave us a first win. We had to show different qualities.

"We have played better than that for sure, but we still showed some qualities you are going to need in any game, especially away from home, to get over the line and collect wins.

"There are always lots of positives to reflect on. We can look forward to the weekend's game.

"In terms of how we prepare for it, we will approach it in the same way we do every game.

"We will look at strengths and weaknesses, and will be trying to find the best way to play to give us a chance of winning the game."