Leicester City fans are invited to join their West Brom counterparts in a minute's applause during this weekend's Premier League clash in tribute to former England striker Jeff Astle.

The family of the Baggies legend, most of whom live in Leicestershire, will be in the away end at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Jeff, who played 361 games for the Black Country club – scoring 174 goals – died in 2002, aged 59.

Although a coroner ruled his death an industrial injury brought on by repeatedly heading a ball during his career, his family is campaigning for football and other sporting authorities to investigate the issue more seriously.

Daughter Dawn Astle, of Measham, said they will unveil a large banner reading 'Justice for Jeff' to begin a minute's applause in the ninth minute of the game – in recognition of the famous number nine.

"We're taking the banner to every away game this season," said the 46-year-old.

"The response from home fans has been brilliant, so far, and we'd like to invite City fans to join us on Saturday."

Dawn will be attending the match with son Matt, 16, and sisters Claire, who lives in Moira, near Ashby, and Dorice (CORR), from Donisthorpe.

She said: "Obviously, we're all diehard West Brom fans, but living in Leicestershire will make Saturday's game with City extra special – like our home fixture.

"Most of our friends in Measham are also City fans and the support they've shown us has been fantastic."

Lance Tomlyn, of the Leicester City Independent Supporters Club, said: "Jeff was a great player and remembered with a lot of affection by football fans across the country.

"I'm sure City fans will be more than happy to join the Astles and Baggies supporters to support the campaign."

He added: "I think Leicester identify with West Brom as we are both similar-sized clubs with a family tradition.

"It's a great campaign and shows how, despite our rivalries on the pitch, we can all come together for causes like this as one football family."

Dawn said: "Interestingly, Dad's first game for West Brom was against City at Filbert Street. It was an midweek game and he'd only signed that afternoon so had missed the team bus.

"The chairman told him he had to make his own way to Leicester so he and mum got in their car and drove.

"The funny thing was when they got to Filbert Street Dad told security he was West Brom's new signing and was late but they didn't believe him. They thought he was trying it on.

"I think he ended up driving through the bollards!"" 

She added: "Then, when he walked into the away dressing room, wearing his shirt and tie and brand new green blazer with shiny brass buttons, his new teammates thought he was the bus driver. They always ribbed him over that and he never wore that jacket again.

"I think Leicester won that night, but Dad scored in the next game and his West Brom career took off."

Jeff, who died from choking with his loved ones present but powerless to help, had been wrongly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease before his death.

His family gave his brain to medical research – and earlier this year a top brain specialist revealed that he was, in fact, suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease normally associated with boxers.

The Astles' Justice for Jeff campaign is calling for a fully independent investigation into the link between heading a football and CTE.

In August, Dawn and Claire met FA chairman Greg Dyke to discuss the issue.

It was followed in September by a meeting with PFA (Players Football Association) chief executive Gordon Taylor, where they were joined by England coach and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville.

Dawn said: "Both the FA and PFA promised to ensure there would be an independent study researching the effects of heading a ball on footballers.

"It will coincide with study to establish exactly how widespread CTE is among former footballers at all levels of the game."

She added: "We've made huge strides in the last few months, but

cannot afford to let up the pressure.

"The FA have made promises before, but a previous 10-year study simply petered out.

"This time we want it to be different. So many other players diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease could actually have, or had, CTE.

"That's why it's important all football fans join us. Not just to get justice for our Dad but for all the other players, many who may have played for their team."

FA chairman Greg Dyke said he believes it is important for the sport to research the issue of CTE within the game.

He said: "It is clear that we do not have enough understanding of head injuries in football, or the effects of either successive concussions or the impact of heading the ball. We therefore believe that football needs to do more to understand whether there is an increased likelihood of either dementia or other degenerative brain diseases for footballers."

The Astle family has recently set up a Justice for Jeff website, which can be found at: www.justiceforjeff.co.uk.

A young woman was injured as she tried to stop a gang of men stealing her mobile phone.

The 25-year-old victim was walking along Free Lane in Leicester city centre in the direction of Halford Street when she stopped to make a telephone call and was approached by three men who demanded her phone.

Police said the victim then suffered minor injuries as the phone was taken but that she did not require medical treatment.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place at about 5.30pm on Wednesday, October 8.

The woman's phone was a red HTC model which has a 4mm-long smudge mark on the top right of the screen.

One of the suspects has been described as a black man, aged between 17 and 19 years, around 5ft 7ins tall and of slim build, with short curly black hair and a clean shaven face. He was wearing a light grey hooded top.

The other two suspects were similar in appearance and wearing black jackets with the hoods up.

Detective Constable Aimee Farmer, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a nasty robbery and the victim was extremely upset by the incident.

"We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or saw the men fitting the descriptions of the suspects acting suspiciously in the area."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Leicester City put their unbeaten home Premier League record on the line on Saturday when they host in-form West Brom.

City have one win and three draws to their name at the King Power Stadium, but they will welcome a Baggies side full of confidence after leaping above Nigel Pearson's men in the table.

Alan Irvine's side are up to 13th place after a run of form that has seen them lose only once in the last six matches, all kick-started by a 1-0 win at Tottenham.

If you can't get to the match, we will be covering the game live with text commentary from the King Power Stadium.

Sports reporter James Sharpe will be providing details of the action and analysis of the game.

You can put your questions, views and comments to James during the game using the interactive link on the match commentary or you can tweet him @TheSharpeEnd.

The action will start at 2.45pm on Saturday with the announcement of the teams and the pre-match build-up.

Live Blog Leicester City v West Brom - Premier League LIVE!

Anthony Knockaert requested to play for Leicester City's under-21s as he looks to force his way back into the first team.

The Frenchman impressed for Steve Beaglehole's side, who picked up their first win of the U21 Premier League campaign in a thumping 6-2 victory over Manchester City on Monday night.

Knockaert picked up three assists, playing the full 90 minutes at the King Power Stadium, and put in a real shift as he looks to make his case for inclusion for the visit of West Brom on Saturday.

The 22-year-old has made just three Premier League appearances so far this term and was left out of the match-day squad for the 2-0 defeat at Swansea.

"He was excellent," said City under-21 coach Nicky Eaden. "He came and asked to play. Sometimes, it's Nigel Pearson who wants them to get 90 minutes under their belt.

"Anthony asked to come and play. That doesn't happen very often.

"He admitted the last 10 minutes he was hanging on in there but he kept going.

"He has always shown great attitude and it's an excellent example for the younger pros."

Danny Simpson, who will also be looking for first-team action on Saturday, started at right-back, while Tom Lawrence scored two and Manchester United loanee Nick Powell also impressed.

"I have seen it down the years, when first-teamers just do enough to get by," said Eaden.

"But Danny did a great job at right-back, Tom Lawrence and Nick Powell looked a threat, so did Anthony. They put a real shift in for the team."

City, who sit bottom of the U21 Premier League, could hardly have brought up their first win in more emphatic fashion against the third-placed visitors as a brace from Lawrence, and goals from Jak McCourt, Joe Dodoo and former Man City youngster Kieran Kennedy, gave the hosts a 5-1 half-time lead.

Tom Hopper scored another after the break before a late Man City consolation.

"We thought we would be up against it," said Eaden, whose side faces Manchester United next Monday. "It will give the lads a lot of confidence."

She was walking in Stafford Street, at its junction with Melton Road, Belgrave, Leicester. The thief made off towards Harrison Road. The incident happened shortly before 6pm on Friday, September 5. Police have previously released a still image of the man, but yesterday released the actual footage. Mrs Pratheepan's brother, Jay Rasiah, said: "This man is clearly a professional. It was all over in a split second and he was gone. "He rode past her, snatched the chain and rode away. She chased after him but he was too fast because he was on a bike. "This necklace was a wedding present from her husband. The only time she had taken it off was when she gave birth. "It was very, very important to her and this man has taken it." Detective Constable Nigel Baraclough said: "The victim was left extremely shaken by what happened and we would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or saw a man fitting the description of the suspect acting suspiciously in the area. "We would also like to speak to anyone who has any information about the necklace or is offered an item for sale in suspicious circumstances." The robber is white, aged 21 to 25, about 6ft and of slim build. He was wearing a grey Adidas top, blue bottoms and a beanie hat. The Belgrave area has been targeted by chain thieves periodically over the past couple of years. Police officers have visited community centres and other public places in the run-up to the Navratri and Diwali festivals to urge people, particularly women, to take care when out in public. They are also advising people not to wear expensive gold jewellery when out and about – or to conceal it under scarves. Contact Det Con Baraclough on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

A man appeared in court this morning charged in connection with the death of a man who was killed by a single gunshot wound at the weekend. Stephen Frewer, (38), of Byron Street, Loughborough appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court this morning charged with manslaughter. The charge relates to the death of 41-year-old Lee Marston, whose body was found inside a house in Byron Street in the early hours of Sunday. Leicestershire Police confirmed yesterday that Mr Marston died of a gunshot wound. Mr Frewer, who did not enter a plea to the charge, was remanded back into custody and is due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on Tuesday, November 11. Mr Frewer's solicitor, Kevin Sayce, did not make an application for bail.

Former Tigers player Matt Hampson is hoping to build a rehabilitation centre for injured young people in Leicestershire.

The 29-year-old set up the Matt Hampson Foundation - to help injured young people - after being paralysed from the neck down while training with England Under-21s nine years ago.

Now Matt, who lives in Cold Overton, near Oakham, wants to build the Get Busy Living Centre after £220,000 was pledged at one fund-raising night in London.

Matt said: "Building a place like this has long been a dream of mine.

"The centre will enable the Foundation's beneficiaries to receive rehabilitation through physiotherapy,

and social interaction to share experiences, motivating and inspiring each other

to move on with their lives."

Matt said he thought the building of the centre, which will cost at least £500,000, would not happen for ten years but the London event on October 15 changed that.

Staff at aggregate supply company GRS Roadstone Ltd, Nuneaton, organised the star-studded event.

The evening, compered by comedian and actor James Corden, raised £150,000 and £70,000 in pledges of supplies or services for the centre.

Matt said: "It was unbelievable. Everyone had a great night and so much money was raised in one go.

"James Corden was really funny and a great guy. He was genuinely interested in the work of the Foundation.

"I told him I might need to call on his services gain in the future and he promised to help if he could."

Former England captain Mike Tindall, current England contender Danny Cipriani and Scottish player Jim Hamilton were some of the rugby stars at the event.

Matt said the amount raised at the event means he is able to bring his plans forward.

Tommy Cawston, chief executive officer at the Matt Hampson Foundation, said they had secured a plot of land near Matt's home.

He said: "We have put in a pre-planning application to the local council and matters are in hand. These are exciting times."

Matt said no plans had been set for the size of the centre.

He said: "Things have happened so quickly after the London event that we haven't had time to really think about that.

"The generosity of the people at the event has really taken us by surprise. It is wonderful."

Stuart Drummond, of GRS Roadstone, who helped organise the fund-raiser, said: "We were all amazed and delighted at the amount of money raised.

"The boss knows Matt and we were all very happy to help the Foundation take a big step towards achieving Matt's dream of a centre."

Matt said the centre was to bring together seriously injured young people in one specialised environment.

He said: "Sharing knowledge and experiences is a powerful tool in the rehabilitation

process following a life changing injury.

"For many, waking up and facing another

day is a battle in itself. Our aim is to create an environment to assist those facing

new challenges in both theirs and their family's lives."

Tributes have been paid to a Loughborough University student after she suddenly died at the weekend.

Adele Addo passed away on Saturday at around 5pm.

Her sister, Hannah, tweeted on Sunday: "My sister Adele passed away yesterday approximately 4.59pm. My family and I are clinging to God for strength during this difficult time."

Then later: "It was sudden but was able to share last moments with her before she passed."

It has not yet been confirmed how she died.

A statement released by the university said: "We were saddened to hear that Adele has died. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to her family and many friends at this very difficult time."

Adele, who is believed to have been 18, was a member of the university's African Caribbean Society (ACS).

On Sunday, the society tweeted: "Our condolences to Adele Addo's family, we only had her as part of our family for a few weeks but from what we experienced she was a lovely, bubbly and vibrant girl.

"Whenever we saw her, she was smiling.

"May her beautiful soul rest in peace."

Friends of Adele have also posted tribute messages on Twitter.

@Asha_Online tweeted: "RIP Adele, gone way to young."

@TwisstedFantasy tweeted: "RIP beautiful Adele, she was such a lovely girl."

?@humphQUD tweeted: "RIP Adele. I know you're in a better place now. We would never stop loving you."

@rnldo_ tweeted: "RIP Adele. I love you and I know you're watching over me from heaven."

@OfficialReiss tweeted: "This girl was so confident and energetic, I know she had a very bright future ahead of her."

In a message released by the family on a Facebook page belonging to Loughborough ACS, it said: "On behalf of Adele's family and friends again we'd like to say a massive thank you for all the support you have shown in the form of messages and phone calls.

"It is truly appreciated and really does mean so much.

"Just remember to keep your chin up, remember she's now in glory and you know she'd want us to stay strong. Stay blessed."

In the morning before his West Ham side pulled off the shock result of the weekend, beating Manchester City 2-1, Sam Allardyce sparked an interesting debate in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

"There are two types of coaches," said Allardyce. "There are coaches like me, who weigh up the opposition and ask the team to adjust. Jose Mourinho is similar.

"Then, there's Arsene Wenger, Brendan Rodgers and Manuel Pellegrini, whose philosophy is different to ours.

"Ours is more about who we are playing against. Their philosophy is more, 'We always play this way and we won't change', they carry doing on the same thing. That's why you can beat them."

It is an intriguing suggestion. Is it better to adapt your tactics each week to nullify your opposition, rather than focus on perfecting one system?

Certainly, the Hammers' performance and result on Saturday backed up Allardyce's opinion and, with Chelsea unbeaten at the top of the Premier League, his view is further supported.

Allardyce's standpoint appears to be shared by Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson – at least this season.

Pearson has been tweaking his side's shape regularly and has used four different formations in the Premier League so far – 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 and 4-1-4-1.

On occasions, Leicester's morphing tactics have paid off, most notably in the 5-3 victory over Manchester United and the 1-0 win at Stoke, when City switched to a midfield three at half-time to wrestle back control of the match.

Last season was a different story. As City charged towards promotion, they largely kept the same formation, 4-4-2, and personnel.

However, with the increase in ability in the Premier League, Pearson has changed tack and now aligns with Allardyce.

The club have the facilities and staff to make this approach work. City have technical scouts who scrutinise opponents before each game and, on match-days, Pearson sits alongside performance analysts Andy Blake and Peter Clark, who provide information for the City boss, so he can adapt the team's approach during games.

With the advancement of technology and with companies like Opta and Prozone providing an abundance of data, better insight can be gleaned from scouting opposition and more effective tactics can be drawn up.

Arsenal's gradual decline since their 2003-04 "Invincibles" season is perhaps testament to this.

Wenger is notorious for refusing to adjust his side. When Gareth Bale was at the height of his powers at Tottenham, Wenger said before a North London derby: "We don't plan for anybody. It is always the same - focus on our strengths and forget about your opponent." Bale scored as Spurs won 2-1.

But sticking to your guns does have its merits.

Playing in the same shape every week creates familiarity, fluidity and cohesion. It is no surprise Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City receive the most plaudits for their football.

Cohesion is what City have been missing this season. The lack of consistency in formation and starting XI has seen them struggle in possession, with wayward passes a regular feature, particularly in the defeat to Swansea, when Pearson bemoaned his side's management of the ball.

This is the dilemma for Pearson and his staff. Will they continue to sacrifice cohesion in favour of the approach promoted by Allardyce?

Or do they revert to consistency and risk being well beaten by the Premier League's quality sides?

When it comes to ghoulish, spooky Hallowe'en fun, a Thurmaston family makes the Munsters and the Addams seem tame.

A week before the actual day Amy Kennedy, her partner Paul Stevens and her children Jade and Kye have been busy transforming their home in Forest Road into a real house of horror, complete with a restless buried corpse in the garden and a vomiting pumpkin by the door.

"The neighbours love it," said Amy who started the event 12 years ago when daughter Jade was three.

"The thing is that we have three birthdays one day after the other – Paul on November 2, Jade on November 3 and Kye on November 4 – all around Hallowe'en. It has become a real family tradition."

Besides the garden and driveway the family decorated the whole lower floor of their house, hall, dining room, kitchen and downstairs bathroom in frighteningly fun fashion.

Amy said: "I have always done Hallowe'en for the kids – I don't kit out the place for Christmas and while I can appreciate some people, such as older people, objecting to it I just think it is each to their own."

Does anybody else feel like the Grinch when it comes to trick or treating at Hallowe'en?

Don't get me wrong, I love any excuse to dust off a good ol' fancy dress outfit.

However, I don't then go knocking at people's doors asking for sweets, goodies and sometimes even money.

And if people then refuse to hand over a treat, they get tricked. Where's the fun in that for the person being tricked?

I can just about understand youngsters taking part in trick or treating - just about.

Their innocence and genuine excitement at putting an oversized white bed-sheet over their head with cut-out eye slots, pretending to be a ghost, ensures they can get away with it. It's sort of cute.

But anybody over the age of let's say, 12 - or 14, at a push - should stay clear of trick or treating.

At that age, the days of looking cute dressed as a devil or a pumpkin are long gone I'm afraid.

Plus it's pretty frightening when you open your door to a genuinely scary looking masked clown or the Grim Reaper standing there with a plastic knife..

When I was younger, I was never allowed to go trick or treating. Yes, I was one of those 'deprived' children, who was banned from banging on strangers doors at Hallowe'en.

At the time, I stropped every single year when my dad told me I wasn't allowed to go. At times, I even attempted to sneak out and join my friends.

Looking back - I thank my dad for not letting me trick or treat. I completely understand why he did it.

Let's face it, trick or treating is just an unjustified practice that's been adopted from America.

And if I find it scary sometimes, imagine being an elderly person answering their door.

Its's frightening and some people could easily feel threatened.

And no wonder - there's a difference between a two-foot toddler, holding hands with his dad, squealing 'trick or treat' and a six-feet tall teenager demanding sweets.

By that age, the excitement has gone and it seems more about greedy teenagers looking to get their hands on as many free sweets as possible.

And what happens if you refuse to give a treat? Or if you don't answer the door? People are in danger of their house being egged, or covered in toilet paper.

It does happen.

I'm not trying to burst the Hallowe'en hype.

I love this time of year, I'm just not a fan of trick or treating.

But if you're a parent, thinking of letting your kids roam the streets asking for sweets, do your neighbours a favour and hold a Hallowe'en party instead.

A business which helps develop new motorcycles has been bought by an engineering group.

Vepro, of Coalville, has been acquired by Ricardo, of West Sussex, for an undisclosed figure.

Founded in 1999, Vepro specialises in designing motorcycle chassis, developing powertrains and creating prototypes.

The company, which employs 15 people and has a £1.5 million turnover, will be integrated into a new division, known as Ricardo Motorcycles.

Neil Wright, Vepro founder and majority shareholder, who will remain with Ricardo, said: "This is a very exciting time in the development of Vepro as part of the new Ricardo Motorcycles business.

"By becoming part of a much larger organisation, we will be able to bring our skills to bear across a much wider customer base."

Ricardo chief executive Dave Shemmans said: "We have long been a leader in motorcycle powertrain engineering, but the acquisition of Vepro and formation of the new Ricardo Motorcycles business takes things to a new level."

Firefighters across the county will be going on a four-day strike this weekend.

Starting at 6pm tomorrow (Friday), until 6pm on Tuesday, November 4, members of the Fire Brigade Union will be on strike.

And as it is taking place over one of the busiest weekends of the year - with dozens of firework displays taking place, as well as it being Hallowe'en - we've put together our top tips for keeping as safe as possible:

• If you're using tea lights in your pumpkins, make sure they are kept well away from anything that will easily catch fire, like curtains.
• If you're having a bonfire in your garden, make sure it is a suitable size for your garden - remember, it's better to have a smaller one that lasts longer, than having a bigger one that spreads out of control.
• Always read the instructions on each individual firework before setting them off.
• Keep your distance when setting off fireworks.
• Make sure there is something nearby to extinguish a bonfire if it does get out of control, like a hosepipe.
• Have a bucket of water within reach for used sparklers.
• Do not, under any circumstances, let children set off fireworks - they may want to but avoid temptation, children should be your priority.

If you're in any doubt, go to an organised event rather than hold your own. 

We want to see your firework and bonfire photos. Send them to us on Twitter to @Leicester_Merc and our favourite snaps will be put on our website.

Leicester City captain Wes Morgan is a doubt for Saturday's Premier League clash with West Brom.

Morgan confirmed he has "not trained much" this week after picking up a knock in the defeat at Swansea last weekend.

"I took a knock and have been receiving treatment all week. I hope I'll be fine (for Saturday)," said Morgan.

There is an added edge to Saturday's FA Vase first-round tie between Shepshed Dynamo and Oadby Town at the Dovecote.

While the knock-out nature of the tie ought to be enough to make the clash between the county rivals a keenly-contested affair, the fact that former Oadby boss Jeff Stocking is now in charge at Shepshed merely adds to that.

Stocking led the Poachers to the UCL First Division crown last season but left Freeway Park at the end of the campaign.

After a short spell with Saffron Dynamo in the Senior League, he moved to Shepshed and early results have been good with a couple of impressive MFL wins, although they crashed out of the League Cup 6-3 at Quorn on Tuesday.

Oadby have struggled in the UCL Premier without Stocking.

However, Lee Harriman has now returned for a second managerial spell at the club, while former Leicester City striker Mick Duffy has been appointed chairman as the Poachers set about turning the corner sooner rather than later.

Thurnby Nirvana have so far enjoyed a much more fruitful time in the UCL, where they have settled quickly.

They also turn their attention to the Vase on Saturday when they travel to Boldmere St Michaels, who are among the Midland League promotion contenders.

The county representation in the Vase is completed by Ellistown & Ibstock United, who are at home to Hanley Town, who currently lie fourth in the North West Counties League First Division.

Quorn will have been boosted by their League Cup performance against Shepshed in which Liam Read scored a hat-trick.

Mixed results have seen them slip down the Midland League ahead of Saturday's visit from Causeway United.

Loughborough University progressed in the cup at the expense of Kirby Muxloe after they claimed a 2-0 victory.

Kirby, who are looking to improve on eighth place, are at home to Alvechurch on Saturday, while the Students travel to face Lye Town.

Hinckley slickster Samson Sykes has been handed the toughest fight of his promising professional career. 

He has been matched with Bobby Jenkinson in a super-bantamweight fight, in Coventry, on Saturday, December 6 – and they have met before.

In the 2012 ABA Championships, Jenkinson outpointed Sykes by a 38-37 scoreline in the Midlands semi-finals in Bedworth.

That was one of only 10 defeats Sykes suffered in a 51-bout amateur career that brought him junior honours and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

As a professional, he has won all four fights without having to find his best form, but the 21-year-old knows he will need to be at his best to beat Jenkinson in the six-round top-of-the-bill fight at the Hilton Hotel.

Jenkinson has an aggressive, high-tempo style and, although his seven-fight record shows a loss and a draw, the 22-year-old from Lincoln has only struggled when matched at bantamweight and promises to be a handful at 8st 10lbs.

Work commitments have kept Sykes out of the ring since March and manager Les Allen Jnr said: "Samson didn't think twice when I offered him the fight. He wants to put the record straight.

"Samson knows he needs to step up this season, and this is the perfect fight for him."

Allen added he has agreed a promotional deal with Errol Johnson that should keep Sykes busy in 2015.

Johnson regularly stages shows in the Black Country and Allen said: "Samson should be boxing eight times next year."

Leicester light-middleweight Simon Henry ran out of time to snatch the best win of his career in London.

At just a few days' notice, Henry accepted a four-round fight with Ben Hall at the O2 Arena on a Sky Sports-show.

Hall had won all four previous fights and, going into the final session of their four-rounder, he was ahead on points.

But in the final minute, Henry landed a right that had the Chadwell Heath youngster hanging on. He was able to smother his way through the crisis and hold on for a 40-37 points win. Henry was beaten for the first time in five fights.

The pull of the annual Barbarians fixture at Christmas was one of the main reasons that I joined Leicester Tigers. So I am delighted to see the fixture back at Welford Road on Tuesday. It promises to be a superb occasion.

Back then, in 1992, it was the biggest game on the calendar.

Tony Russ, our head coach, used to write the names of the starting XV on a flipchart in the changing room and, when I saw my name up there four months after arriving at Welford Road, I thought I had made it in the game.

I was seriously excited, and with good reason. It was a dream come true to run out at Christmas and play against the likes of Philippe Sella, David Campese and the Hastings brothers – players who I had only seen before on TV.

I never went out on Christmas Eve, had a good Christmas Day and then started getting ready for the battle.

It was a big group of Test stars with great reputations who would roll into Welford Road and take on a bunch of lunatics from Leicester.

It was a nice invitational game where they tried to run rings around us and we tried batter lumps out of them!

The ground would be heaving – and I mean heaving. I can still see those pictures in my mind of the stands and terraces being rammed.

When we ran out from underneath the Crumbie Stand, the noise was deafening and the atmosphere was electric.

There was always some drunk bloke who ran on the pitch at half-time and got nearly as a big a cheer as the players!

It was just brilliant and a good day for everyone which we all looked forward to.

After the game, we would go to what was then called the Grand Hotel, on Granby Street, and have a big banquet with the Baa Baas lads.

It was a really good night with a few beers and the chance to share the company of blokes you wouldn't normally get that chance with.

They were the sort of days that rugby was designed for. It is a great fixture. I would love to have it back every Christmas but, unfortunately, in the professional era, that is one of the things that bites the dust. I hope our fans come and support the club and the Barbarians brand on the night.

We will go out there and play. Of course, we want to win but there will be no pressure, so we will be going out to enjoy it.

It is a huge fixture, the Barbarians is a fantastic concept and that is why I will put our best side out to do it justice.

They have a strong squad with international players from all over the world. 

We will put our best team out so that international players can play against international players. I hope they have a good game against Australia this weekend and an even better night out in London!

I know it is extra cost for fans and there is always someone asking for your money these days, but this is a chance to see great players at your club playing for a world-class tradition.

Those players have flown across the globe to be here, lots of our lads are excited to be playing them and I am sure it will be a great occasion. 

Tickets are still available. Contact the club, or visit:www.leicestertigers.com

A Leicester artist's work has been picked to feature in a charity auction alongside pieces produced by celebrities.

Artist Bali Sangha-Jenkins, of Ellistown, was selected to produce a artwork for Stars on Canvas - a project where art is auctioned to raise money for a charity called the Willow Foundation which provides special days out for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds.

Stars on Canvas features work of hundreds of well-known names from the worlds of art, illustration, sport, music and entertainment. Famous people who have produced work for this year's auction include popstar Kylie Minogue, actor John Hurt and comedians Miranda Hart and John Bishop.

Bali, 35, said she was so happy to be asked to be involved.

"I feel really honoured. It is quite emotional. I feel quite proud to be part of the Willow Foundation.

"I have created a canvas called Love so Beautiful. It is a square canvas and on there I have done a heart shape covered in lace and Swarovski crystals. It took me about three months."

She added that although it was a small piece, it was fiddly getting the picture perfect because of the crystals.

Her canvas measures roughly 11 by 11 inches.

Bali added that artists have produced a wide range of canvases with different designs.

"People have done faces, nature, anything they think.

"We want to make lots of money - it is really exciting."

It is the second time Bali has been picked to produce artwork for this auction.

"Last year it went really well," she said.

Bali said she was looking forward to this year and meeting the other artists to discuss their work.

All canvases will be sold online in aid of the Willow Foundation, and also exhibited at The Hub, Heddon Street – a London based gallery which has donated its space.

The Willow Foundation was set up by former Arsenal football player Bob Wilson and his wife Megs in memory of their daughter who died from cancer.

Bob Wilson said: "This much anticipated Willow fundraiser takes more than a year to collate.

"Together our artists, illustrators, actors, singers and photographers create the most fantastic collection of original artworks and we are extremely grateful for every contribution. By choosing to support Willow, Bali Sangha-Jenkins and all the artists are helping to fulfil many more special days for young adults living with serious illness."

The eBay auction will take place between November 13 and 23.

All canvases will feature on the site prior to auction. If you are interested in a canvas you can register your interest and you will be reminded when the auction goes live.

To see some of Bali's art visit: http://www.baliartbali.co.uk/

For more information about the Willow Foundation visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk.

A shopper has sparked outrage after posting a picture of a super skinny Topshop mannequin on Twitter.

The woman, Becky Hopper exposed the fashion store, after taking a photo of her friend - who is size 8-10 - standing next to the mannequin.

In the tweet, the 23-year-old, of Hull, said: "The girl on the left is a size 8/10. Topshop. Poor body image. Irresponsible. 

The post has been re-tweeted more than 6,000 times and favourited by 4,000 fellow Twitter users.

The girl on the left is a size 8/10. #Topshop#poorbodyimage#irresponsible#fashion#highstreet�� pic.twitter.com/mYbCZMYeSI

— Becky Leigh Hopper (@BeckyLHopper) October 27, 2014

Do you think this is irresponsible of Topshop? Have you spotted any super skinnny mannequins in any Leicestershire shops? Let us know by tweeting us: @Leicester_Merc