Planned roadworks in the East Midlands: Weekly summary for Monday 10 November to Sunday 16 November

M1 junction 16 to 19, Northamptonshire: Central reserve work

From 4 August to 3 June 2015 there will be carriageway, lane or hard shoulder closures in place on both carriageways. These will be from 8pm to 6am each night. As work progresses there will be narrow lanes in place 24/7.

M1 junction 19 at Catthorpe, Leicestershire: Major improvement works

Between now and autumn 2016 there will be various hard shoulder, lane or carriageway closures while the new junction is built.

M1 J21a, Leicestershire: resurfacing

The northbound link from the M1 to the A46 will be closed for two nights from 10 November, from 9pm to 6am each night. Traffic will be diverted along the M1 northbound to J22 then on to the A50 back to the A46 at Groby.

M1 J21a to J22, Leicestershire: resurfacing

The southbound carriageway will be closed overnight from 12 to 15 November between 9pm and 6am.

M1 junction 26 to 27, Nottinghamshire: Drainage works

From 30 October to 25 November, between 9pm and 6am, there will be lane closures both north and southbound.

M1 junction 28 to 31 and 32 to 35a, Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire/Yorkshire: Smart Motorway

Until spring 2015 there will be various restrictions in place to allow for the construction of the Smart Motorway. These include lane closures, speed restrictions, hard shoulder running and overnight slip road or carriageway closures.

Delays are expected on the M1 Northbound at junctions 30 and 31 from 6am on Saturday 8 November to 10am the following day and at junctions 28 and 29 from 6am on Saturday 14November to 10am the following day due to lane closures

This week the following overnight lane and slip road closures will be in place from approx. 8pm to 6am:

• M1 northbound between J27 and 29 - lane closures on 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 November
• M1 J28 / A38 roundabout lane closure on 14 November
• M1 southbound J28 exit slip road will be closed on 10 and 11 November, diversion to J27 and return
• M1 southbound J28 entry slip road will be closed on 11 November, diversion to J29 and return
• M1 northbound J28 entry slip road will be closed on 12, 13 and 16 November
• M1 northbound J28 exit slip road will be closed on 13, 15 and 16 November, diversion to J29 and return

M45 between J1 and M1 J17, Northamptonshire/Warwickshire: barrier installation

From 10 November to 21 January 2015 barrier installation will be carried out. The westbound carriageway will be closed overnight, from 8pm to 6am on 13 November. Two further closures will take place in 2015 At all other times there will be closures of lane one and the hard shoulder. Traffic will be diverted from the M1 j16 along the A45 around Daventry to rejoin the M45 at J1.

A1 Elkesley, Nottinghamshire: Junction improvement

Between now and September 2015 various restrictions will be in place including lane closures, carriageway closures, narrow lanes and a 40mph speed limit

A1 Stamford to Colsterworth, Lincolnshire: Drainage work

From 3 to 23 November, there will be lane and carriageway closures in both directions, between 8pm and 6am.

A5 Caldecote, Warwickshire: Junction improvement

From 16 February 2014 to 31 March 2015 lane closures and two way traffic signals will be in place while the junction is improved.

A5 Kilsby to Watford Gap, Northamptonshire: drainage

From 6 October to 22 December there will be temporary traffic lights or lane closures on the A5 Kilsby Roundabout south to Ashby St Ledger from 8am to 4pm.

A5 Watford Gap to Long Buckby, Northamptonshire: barrier repairs

On 11 November two-way temporary traffic lights will be in place on a 300-metre section of road from 8am to 4pm.

A14 junction 7-9 Kettering Bypass, Northamptonshire: Widening A contra-flow system is now in place and fully operational 24 hours a day. The contra-flow system includes temporary steel barriers to protect motorists and the workforce, and reductions in lane widths. Due to safety and recovery restrictions, drivers of HGV vehicles travelling both eastbound and westbound are advised to use Lane 1 only. A free vehicle recovery service is also in place and drivers are advised to remain in their vehicle until assistance arrives. A 24-hour 40mph speed limit is being enforced by average speed cameras. The new Lane 1 on the eastbound carriageway is now in use however, please note that the 40mph speed limit will remain in place until the end of the scheme to protect road users and road workers as they complete remaining work on the westbound carriageway.

Upcoming closures:

• Friday 07 November 8pm to 8am Monday 10 November 2014 - Total closure of Junction 9 entry slip road on the westbound carriageway.
• Friday 07 November 8pm to 8am Saturday 08 November2014 - Lane 1 closure between Junctions 9-7 on the westbound carriageway
• Saturday 08 November 8pm to 9am Sunday 09 November 2014 - Lane 1 closure between Junctions 9-7 on the westbound carriageway
• Sunday 09 November 8pm to 6am Monday 10 November 2014 - Lane 1 closure between Junctions 9-7 on the westbound carriageway
• Monday 10 November 8pm to 6am Friday 14 November 2014 - Total closure of the eastbound carriageway between Junctions 7-9
• Friday 14 November 8pm to 8am Saturday 15 November 2014 - Total closure of eastbound carriageway between Junctions 7-9
• Saturday 15 November 8pm to 9am Sunday 16 November 2014 - Total closure of eastbound carriageway between Junctions 7-9
• Sunday 16 November 8pm to 6am Monday 17 November2014 - Total closure of eastbound carriageway between Junctions 7-9
• Monday 10 November 8pm to 6am Friday 14 November 2014 - Lane 2 closure between Junctions 9-7 on the westbound carriageway
• Friday 14 November 8pm to 8am Saturday 15 November 2014 - Lane 2 closure between Junctions 9-7 on the westbound carriageway
• Saturday 15 November 8pm to 9am Sunday 16 November 2014 - Lane 2 closure between Junctions 9-7 on the westbound carriageway
• Sunday 16 November 8pm to 6am Monday 17 November2014 - Lane 2 closure between Junctions 9-7 on the westbound carriageway.

These closures are required for resurfacing work and installation of a gantry.

A14 J11-12, Northamptonshire: survey work

From 11 to 15 November there will be overnight lane closures on the eastbound carriageway from 8pm to 6am.From 15 to 18 November there will be closures on the westbound carriageway. Work takes place from 8pm to 6am each night.

A38 Mickleover to Toyota, Derby: Resurfacing

From 16 to October to 18 November the southbound carriageway will be closed overnight, from 8pm to 6am. Laybys will be closed 24/7. Diversions will be signed.

A38 Markeaton to Coxbench, Derby: surveys

From 10 to 22 November there will be lane closures on both carriageways from 8pm to 6am.

A43 Padbury Roundabout to Ardley Roundabout, Oxfordshire: Improvement scheme

From 27 October to 20 February 2015 there will be various overnight lane and carriageway closures in place on both carriageways from 8pm to 6am.

A43 Tove Roundabout, Northamptonshire: Improvement scheme

From 15 September to 31 January 2015 there will be various overnight lane or carriageway closures on both carriageways. There will also be 24/7 narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit.

A453 widening from M1 junction 24 to A52: Major improvement workMajor improvement works will continue to summer 2015.

The 40 mph speed limits between the M1 junction 24 and Mill Hill Roundabout, and 30 mph between Mill Hill Roundabout and Silverdale Junction, are enforced by speed cameras.

A 30mph speed limit has been in place through Parkway Junction since Monday 11 August.

The A453 diversion onto westbound slip roads at West Leake Junction remains in place.

Traffic between Parkway and West Leake Junction was switched to the new westbound carriageway on 21 August 2014.

Traffic was switched to the new westbound carriageway between 200m east of M1 Junction 24 and the canal bridge on Friday 12 September.

Traffic remains two-way on the single carriageway.

The contractor will continue to work a 6 ½ day week, finishing at 1pm on Sunday.

Unless otherwise stated, lane or carriageway closures below will take place during the following times:

A453 Rural Section: 8.30pm-5.30am

A53 Urban Section: 8pm-5.30am (Monday and Tuesday), 9pm-5am (Friday)

M1 Junction 24: 8pm-5.30am (Monday to Thursday), 9.15pm-5.30am (Friday).

Police and an ambulance crew were called to a car which overturned at an island close to an industrial estate in Bardon, near Coalville late last night.

Leicester Mercury photographer Will Johnston took this picture of the stricken vehicle this morning, in Beveridge Lane, near the junction with Reg's Way, several hours after the incident.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said police and ambulance services had attended the scene at around 11.30pm. No-one was injured and the owner was recovering the vehicle, she added.

A man suffered a neck wound in an incident at a taxi rank near Leicester railway station in the early hours of this morning.

Police were called at 5.25am after the incident at Hansom Taxis next to the station.

It's understood two men walked into the company's offices, in London Road, followed shortly afterwards by four other men who started attacking one of them.

It's also understood a blade was found at the scene.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman said: "On arrival officers found a male with a wound to his neck. He was taken by ambulance to Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment.

"His injuries are not life threatening and he is still receiving treatment. No-one has been arrested and inquiries are ongoing in the investigation. We would appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Sgt Mark Sinski on 101.

A support vehicle manned by British Red Cross volunteers was called out to the Saffron Lane area of Leicester today after a power cut.

The Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) vehicle, which offers a base for people in emergencies, was sent to the Bloomfield Road area shortly before 1.30pm but the power was restored shortly after it arrived.

When called out by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, volunteers attend in the adapted vehicle which has a comfortable seating area and is stocked with essentials such as food, clothing and toiletries. 

A fire crew was called to Kibworth, near Market Harborough, this afternoon after a car crashed into a semi detached house.

The collision, at 1.35pm, in Albert Street in the village, was attended by a crew from Wigston.

One person was removed from the vehicle before the fire service arrived.

Oadby was brought to a standstill by a major crash involving four vehicles this afternoon.

The incident, which was attended by police, fire ambulance and air ambulance services, happened on the A6 Harborough Road, shortly after 4pm.

One of the vehicles involved crashed into a house with firefighters desperately fighting to free the occupant who was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Another casualty was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

One side of the busy trunk road was shut to allow emergency crews to get to the scene.

One unconfirmed report said a BMW spun off the road and hit the house.

A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service spokesman said: "One casualty was taken to the LRI and one was treated by East Midlands Ambulance Service."

A Leicestershire Police spokesman said:"The driver of the car which went into the house was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment to serious injuries. An investigation by our traffic section is ongoing."

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said his side were not ruthless enough at either end of the pitch as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Southampton.

Two goals in six second-half minutes from Saints substitute Shane Long condemned Pearson's men to their fourth straight defeat in the Premier League.

The result also means City have failed to score in five of their last six matches, with Chris Wood spurning the best chance for the visitors at the death.

"We need to be more clinical," said Pearson. "It is easy to criticise poor defending. So you cannot really have throwaway comments with the other part.

"You have got to be ruthless in both boxes. Today, as has been for most of this run, that has been the theme.

"Our players worked hard and we were undone with some real quality.

"There is no doubting the players were committed today to getting something out the game but, unfortunately, we did not show enough quality to achieve that.

"The combination of not keeping clean sheets, and the inability to score goals, makes it very difficult."

City have now picked up just a single point from their last six games and remain in the Premier League relegation places heading into the international break.

Pearson admitted such a difficult run is difficult for the players to deal with, especially after successes of last season that saw City win 31 league games on their way to lifting the Championship title.

"It's a tough run for our players to deal with at the minute because, when you consider the success we enjoyed last season, being a team that is so used to winning games, to be involved in such a difficult run tests the resolve of everyone," said Pearson.

"There has only been one performance this season that I have been unhappy with the application of the players, that was Swansea. That apart, we have shown a commitment and desire to do well.

"What we haven't got right is being ruthless in both penalty areas, whether that be defending or putting our opponents under more pressure by scoring goals.

"You cannot underestimate the leap that coming into the Premier League is."

Ritchie De Laet was substituted early in the second half and Pearson confirmed this was due to a back injury but said he did not know the extent of the problem.

Two goals in six second-half minutes from substitute Shane Long condemned Leicester City to their fourth straight Premier League defeat at Southampton.

After a goalless first half, which saw City defend resiliently for long periods, Long latched on to Graziano Pelle's flick to curl the ball past Kasper Schmeichel on 74 minutes.

The hosts soon doubled their lead as Long beat the offside trap, latching on to a long ball over the top from Victor Wanyama.

Chris Wood was handed the best chance for City in the dying minutes, when he was put through one-on-one but he put his effort wide of the post as Leicester failed to score for the fifth time in six games.

Nigel Pearson made two changes from the side that suffered defeat at home to West Brom last weekend, with Leonardo Ulloa returning to the starting line-up following a groin injury, while Jeff Schlupp started at left-back in place of Paul Konchesky.

The City boss stuck with the diamond formation he had utilised last week and the high-flying Saints, now with eight defeats in their last nine Premier League games exploited the lack of width from the off.

City's full-backs were frequently exposed as their counterparts, Ryan Bertrand and Nathaniel Clyne were constantly bombing forward alongside wide men Dusan Tadic and Sadio Mane.

Bertrand's delivery from the flanks was sublime and he soon picked out in-form Pelle with a peach of a cross only for the striker to be flagged offside.

This was a sign of things to come as Bertrand again got to the byline on the overlap only for a strong defensive header from Schlupp to deny Tadic an easy tap in at the far post.

City's chances, meanwhile, were few and far between in a game that saw them register no shots on target. Wes Morgan was handed the best chance for the visitors in the first half when his header from Matty James's corner flew over the bar. 

But for all Southampton's dominance, especially in wide areas, Schmeichel was rarely tested in the first half, much due to the resilience of Morgan and Marcin Wasilewski at the back.

The question was always going to be, though, just how long City's defensive dam would hold out under the wave upon wave of Southampton pressure. 

The hosts thought they had gone ahead seven minutes into the second half when Bertrand, again, whipped the ball in for Wanyama to get to it ahead of Schmeichel and dink it into the net. Cue the celebrations, only for the linesman's flag to cut them short.

City were forced into a change early in the second half as Ritchie De Laet went off with a back injury.

The pressure eventually took its toll, though, as City's rearguard action was undone with a move of sublime quality. Cork's cross was brought down brilliantly by Pelle, who held off the challenge of Wasilewski, played it into Long.

The striker, who had only been on the field six minutes, curled it beautifully past Schmeichel.

And in the blink of an eye, it was two. Long beat the offside trap, latching on to Wanyama's long ball over the top, as City's back four stood still, to slot home.

With just two minutes left of normal time, substitute Wood was handed the perfect opportunity to end City's goal drought and give them at least hopes of mounting a dramatic late comeback.

The New Zealand international, who scored City's equaliser against Everton on the opening day of the season, found himself one-on-one with Fraser Forster, drew the keeper, only to dink his effort well wide of the post from six yards out.

Southampton: (4-3-3) Forster; Clyne, Fonte (c), Alderweireld, Bertrand; Davis (Cork - 40'), Wanyama, Schneiderlin (Reed - 92'); Mane (Long - 68'), Pelle, Tadic

Unused subs: Davis, Yoshida, Gardos, Mayuka

Yellow cards: Alderweireld

Leicester City: (4-4-2 diamond) Schmeichel, De Laet (Moore - 54'), Morgan (c), Wasilewski, Schlupp; Cambiasso; Drinkwater, James; King (Powell - 76'); Vardy, Ulloa (Wood - 71')

Subs: Smith, Konchesky, Mahrez, Nugent

Yellow cards: Moore, Wasilewski

Referee: Michael Oliver

Attendance: 31,297

Leicester Lions had a day to forget as they were beaten 38-0 at Hull Ionians in National League Two North Division.

Playing in miserable conditions, the Lions bravely held Hull to just a single penalty for half-an-hour before Joe Cave was yellow carded, which allowed the Humberside club to score two converted tries to take a 17-0 lead at half-time.

In the second half, the Lions found the powerful Hull scrum difficult to contain and further indiscipline by the Lions led to Josh Mclauren and Matt Tuckey both being sin-binned and the tiring Lions conceded two late converted tries.

Lions' director of rugby Ken Whitehead was proud of his team's battling performance. "This was a tough game, especially against a side that scrummaged well. I was proud of the way the team stuck to the task in hand and in no way gave up during the game," he said

In National League One, Loughborough Students travelled to London to face Richmond, where they lost in the last minute 24-22.

The opening to the game was scrappy with both sides making errors and showing ill-discipline. At half-time, Richmond led 10-3 with the Students' points coming from the boot of Josh Sharp.

An improved second half saw Loughborough score two quick tries as Jonny Short then Rhys Owen went over to give them the lead. Richmond responded with a try of their own, before Short grabbed his second of the match to give Loughborough a 22-17 lead.

Despite sustained pressure, the Students held Richmond off until the final minute when the hosts' captain dived over to level the game before the conversion was added.

Loughborough director of rugby Dave Morris,said "The first half from Loughborough wasn't good enough in terms of what National One demands. That was the challenge we put to the boys at half-time and they reacted well."

National Division Three side Hinckley made it four wins on the bounce as they beat Sandbach 27-15 at their Leicester Road ground.

At half-time, Hinckley found themselves in front 13-10 thanks to Sandbach's indiscipline after a yellow card led to a penalty try.

Sandbach found themselves down to 13 men and Hinckley took full advantage with a try as Dylan Weddle scored thanks to impressive work by the forward pack .

Sam Greasley added another try after an impressive run by Mitch Culpin opened up the Sandbach defence.

Hinckley's own indiscipline reared its ugly head late on with a yellow card for Mark Deaville and a red card for Weddle, but despite a late try for Sandbach Hinckley held on to take the victory.

Shepshed Dynamo's Midland League revival under new boss Jeff Stocking continued at the Dovecote.

They notched their third successive Premier Division victory by beating third-placed Westfields 3-0.

It took Shepshed just 50 seconds to take the lead. Scott Staniland broke down the left, and from the corner flag crossed to the far post where David Hind headed home.

Staniland added a second from the penalty spot on 25 minutes after Westfields' captain Jamie Cuss upended Courtney Meade as he tried to break into the area along the byline.

On the half-hour Cuss was lucky to only collect a yellow card for a bad tackle on Levi Porter on the edge of the area, which saw the Shepshed man leave the field after five minutes of treatment.

Justice was done, however, as Staniland calmly curled the free-kick into the top corner of the net.

In the second 45, Danny Chapman and Jimmy Brooks were outstanding at the heart of the Dynamo defence as the visitors tried to salvage some reward.

On the odd occasion that they did break, through, they found keeper Luke Pickering in fine form, keeping a second successive clean sheet.

Loughborough University held on to their one-point lead over Shepshed in the chart taking all three points from Continental Star, who were level on points with the Uni before the game.

Like Shepshed, the Students were three-up at half-time thanks to goals by Alun Webb, Tom Read and Sam Downey.

This was increased to five by the hour-mark thanks to a second by Webb and a strike by Jordan Neil. The outclassed Star added two late consolations for a final 5-2 scoreline.

In Division One, Heather St John's played hosts to Pershore Town. Pre-match the Saints were bottom-but-one, two points below Town, so this was very much a 'six-pointer'. In a closely-fought match, the result went the home side's way with Simeon Smith grabbing the only goal to take Heather out of the bottom two.

Quorn host Dunkirk tomorrow evening in the Premier Division, while Shepshed entertain Alvechurch.

Shepshed Dynamo defender Alvin Jarvis has been named in Antigua & Barbuda's 23-man squad for the Caribbean Cup finals in Montego Bay.

The Bennaboys will compete in Group B with Martinique, Haiti and host nation Jamaica. The competition kicks-off today with Group A fixtures, the Group B games starting on Wednesday.

Harborough Town climbed out of the bottom two in the UCL Premier Division thanks to a 1-0 victory at Wellingborough Town. Oli Magee fired the only goal with six minutes remaining.

The win edged them ahead of Oadby Town, who were beaten 4-3 at home by Desborough.

There was no joy for Thurnby Nirvana as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat at AFC Kempston. Lutterworth Athletic crashed to a 4-3 home defeat against Northampton Spencer despite leading 3-0 after 63 minutes in their First Division encounter. However, the visitors rallied and two goals in the last two minutes saw them snatch three points, Athletic falling behind Peterborough Sport at the top as a result.

Leicester Riders head coach Rob Paternostro hailed his team's defensive toughness after they were made to work extremely hard before clinching a 71-62 win over Leeds Force.

Riders were down by six points at half-time, before ferocious man-to-man marking in the third quarter limited Leeds to just 12 points and allowed Riders to finally take the lead.

Leicester then tightened the defensive screw further in the final period, as Leeds were held to only 11 points, and Riders eased to victory. They remain in second place in the BBL Championship.

"It wasn't pretty at times, but you have to give credit to Leeds. They were well prepared and frustrated us on offence quite a bit," Paternostro said.

"You can't look at league positions when you are preparing for a match in this year's BBL, because teams are coming in well prepared.

"They all now have access to new video technology and there are no secrets."

He added: "Leeds came with a game plan and it largely worked. But our guys hung in there and ground it out. They deserved it.

"Guys like Derrick Roland, Jamell Anderson, Neil Watson and Conner Washington never let up defensively and that proved the difference.

"Perhaps, we were a bit rusty as well. Hopefully, this game will help us get our rhythm back on offence."

Riders are next in BBL Championship action on Sunday (5pm) at Glasgow Rocks, the only team who have beaten Paternostro's side this season.

The same teams will meet a week later at Loughborough in BBL Cup quarter-final action.

Elsewhere in the BBL, Newcastle Eagles extended their winning streak to eight games with a 95-75 victory at title rivals Sheffield.

The reigning champions seized the initiative from the first tip and led from start to finish to secure their second success against Sharks this season. All of Eagles' starters hit double figures and Charles Smith scored 19 from the bench as the lead continued to grow throughout.

London Lions overcame Cheshire Phoenix 87-71. Phoenix started the stronger but the Lions seized control in the second half. Lovell Cook led all scorers with 24 points, while Zaire Taylor added 21 for Lions.

Leeds secured their first league success, 73-61 against Surrey United, thanks to a hot start before the Sunday clash at Riders. James McCann finished with a 10-point, 11-assist double-double while Will Hall top scored with 23 points.

Worcester Wolves produced a thrilling third-quarter turnaround before holding their nerve to down London 83-78.

There was no mercy in Manchester as the Giants routed the visiting Plymouth Raiders 102-77.

Ingus Bankevics led the winners with 20 points, while Brent Benson collected a game-high 21 for Plymouth.

Meanwhile, the league newcomers from Bristol trailed by double figures in the first half, but fought back to upset Sheffield 73-72.

But Bristol were on the losing end when they travelled to Glasgow on Sunday with the Rocks cruising to a comfortable 107-82 home success off the back of a rapid-fire start .

Results: London 87 Cheshire 71, Worcester 83 London 78, Leeds 73 Surrey 61, Sheffield 75 Newcastle 95, Manchester 102 Plymouth 77, Bristol 73 Sheffield 72, Leicester 71 Leeds 62, Cheshire 83 Durham 79, Glasgow 107 Bristol 82

A plan for 150 new houses in Countesthorpe is expected to be rejected by councillors on Thursday.

Persimmon Homes wants to build the houses on land off Cosby Road and Willoughby Road in the village.

In their report to members of the planning committee, Blaby District Council's planning officers state that the development is "unsustainable" and that new houses were not needed in the area.

Among those to object to the plan have been Leicestershire County Council Highways, Countesthorpe Parish Council, Whetstone Parish Council and 40 local residents.

The planning meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at 4.30pm on Thursday at the Blaby District Council headquarters in Desford Road, Narborough.

Gary Lineker is to star alongside cartoon legends Tom and Jerry in a new animated feature drumming up support for the BBC's Children in Need appeal.

The Match of the Day presenter and former Leicester City and England footballer will be seen as never before in the short film, which airs on Friday.

He joins a host of other celebrities who receive a surprise visit from the slapstick rivals, who have been a perennial children's favourite since the 1940s.

The cartoon caper sees Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse patch up their differences for Children in Need after receiving a letter asking for help from Sir Terry Wogan.

Their fundraising mission takes them to the Match of the Day studio, where they pick up some football tips from our Gary.

It has sparked some good-natured online banter between the 53-year-old and his own slapstick rival – BBC football pundit and fellow ex-City player Robbie Savage.

Robbie Tweeted: " @garylineker features in new Tom & Jerry cartoon for @BBCCiN.

"Think they've been a bit kind on the ears!"

Taking the bait, Gary responded: "Finally, Roberta, a couple of decent pundits."

To which Robbie replied: "Meowww..... ha ha."

The Tom and Jerry special will be shown at 7.30pm on Friday during the Children In Need appeal show on BBC One.

Tom and Jerry, who were created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in 1940, will also be visiting a selection of other popular shows and TV personalities.

They perform a dance for Strictly Come Dancing judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, before stirring up more trouble and strife on the Eastenders set when they drop in to The Queen Vic to wind up Mick and Linda (actors Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright).

The pair seek out The Great British Bake Off presenters Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood for a snack, and call on Lord Alan Sugar, Karren Brady and Nick Hewer in The Apprentice boardroom.

The cartoon is not Lineker's first foray into the world of animation.

He voiced the character of Underground Ernie, the eponymously titled CBeebies cartoon following the adventures of a London Underground supervisor.

Other stars who have been transformed into animations for 2014 Children in Need include James Bond actor Daniel Craig, who calls on people from across the UK to unite on a mission to help the appeal.

Actress Helena Bonham Carter, TV presenter Abbey Clancy and Welsh singing legend Tom Jones have also lent their voices and likenesses to trailers urging the nation to 'Sign up, pledge their allegiance and Be A Hero' to support Children in Need this year.

Friday's show will feature performances by boy band One Direction, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Susan Boyle.

It will also see former EastEnders characters coming back to haunt Ian Beale.

If you are doing something for Children in Need, let us know! Email the details, with your name and contact number, to newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Dan Cole said he is ready to answer Leicester Tigers' call after returning from almost 10 months on the sidelines.

And that means England will have to wait.

The 27-year-old prop enjoyed a 33-minute return to action in the 29-13 LV= Cup win over Sale Sharks yesterday.

Cole's appearance helped the home side turn around a 13-3 half-time deficit to earn five points with a four-try second half.

With England relying on Bath's Davey Wilson and Newcastle's Kieran Brookes this autumn, there were already questions about whether Cole could make a return to international rugby after his successful comeback.

The British & Irish Lion, however, raised his eyebrows at the suggestion and said he is happy to keep playing for his club.

"I am tired after 30 minutes and I want to just concentrate on tomorrow," he said.

"I am (only) bothered about Saracens (this weekend). I have just played 30 minutes of rugby and am happy to be back on the field.

"I have had nine months of not playing and am happy to be playing for Leicester.

"Leicester have looked after me for that long, they want me to play and I am playing for them.

"When you are away from the boys rehabbing, it's tough. The best thing you can do is get back on the field and, hopefully, I can push on now.

"I was a bit rusty but once I was out there, you just go into autopilot. A try is still worth five points and the adrenalin takes over, so you just go and do it.

"I just need game-time now. The S&C (strength and conditioning) department at the club have done a great job and there has been lots of hard work. But nothing you can do off the field prepares you for the pace and tempo of the game.

"Being out for that long makes you appreciate the game a bit more."

Cole's return is great news for Tigers fans and director of rugby Richard Cockerill, too.

Tigers are without international front-rowers like Marcos Ayerza, Logovi'i Mulipola, Tom Youngs and Michele Rizzo this month for league games against Saracens, London Welsh and Wasps.

Cockerill suggested that England should look at the bigger picture instead of considering rushing Cole back into a white shirt.

"It's too early for Dan to play in the autumn internationals," said Cockerill. "He has not played for a long time and has just had 30 minutes which he found tough.

"It's unrealistic at this point to stick Coley back in an England shirt. We need to look at the bigger picture.

"For Dan, it's us, then the Six Nations and then the World Cup.

"He will be so important to England if they seriously want to win the World Cup. He could be the difference.

"The Six Nations is clearly a realistic target and then it is the World Cup after that.

"He is one of their major assets and you can't risk his short-term fitness."

A couple whose pet dog died in a fire at their home are planning legal action against furniture giant ScS, after firefighters said the blaze started in a sofa they bought from the company.

Ross and Kim Marvin purchased the £3,149 Endurance Invincible sofa, which contained a Bluetooth-capable sound system with speaker and sub woofer, from the company's Fosse Park store in October last year. (2013)

As reported in the Mercury yesterday, (MON) Mr Marvin returned to the couple's home in Burnham Close, Wigston, on Friday evening to find it filled with smoke from a fire inside.

The blaze severely damaged the semi-detached rented property where they have lived for more than five years.

The couple's beloved dog, Rolo, perished in the smoke, despite Mr Marvin's desperate attempts to rescue the four-year-old Jack Russell/Chihuahua cross.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service later said: "The cause of this fire was accidental due to an electrical fault in a sofa unit."

The couple, who are now living with family nearby, said they had been offered new furniture by ScS and had been told the company had stopped their monthly payments on the sofa.

However, they said they did not feel that was acceptable, and are planning legal action against the company.

Their situation has been made worse by the fact that the couple, who have no contents insurance, have been told by the Dubai-based landlord's agents they must meet the cost of repairing al of the damage at the property - something the couple dispute.

Mr Marvin, a 28-year-old recruitment consultant, said yesterday: "We were called by Sharon from the Fosse Park store this morning offering stuff for us to sit on, beds, everything, and telling us they have stopped the payments on the sofa.

"I think they thought we were still living in the house, but we told them we're staying with family.

"But I'm afraid their offer is not acceptable. We have lost everything in the fire and now we've been told the landlord is holding us responsible because it was our sofa that started the fire."

He added: "The landlord's agent called us and said sorry for our loss and asked what state the house was in.

"They told us we would have to meet the cost of all the damage to the landlord's property - and carry on paying rent.

"But a clause in the tenancy agreement says the landlord is responsible for insuring the property and his own contents. We have no insurance on the property."

A spokeswoman for ScS said: "Our thoughts are entirely with the family at this time. We have offered to assist them if we can.

"We do not know what the cause of the fire was, and a full investigation is required. As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Irfan Malik, business development director and head of the legal department at letting agents UK Investment Property Services, of London Road, Leicester, said in an e-mail to the couple: "As mentioned to you over the phone that your furniture in the property is not covered by landlord's insurance, this is also confirmed in clause 2.25 of your tenancy agreement.

"As the fire was caused by your furniture therefore the fire damage to the property together with any other related financial loss by the landlord is your responsibility.

"I understand from our earlier telephone conversation that you do not have contents insurance therefore you would be personally liable under the circumstances."

In response to the Mercury's requests for a comment, Mr Malik e-mailed: "You would note that there is likely to be legal proceedings in this matter.

"In order to not jeopardise the legal proceedings there will be no comments at this point."

Nigel Pearson said he will not be making wholesale changes to his Leicester City squad during the January transfer window.

After a good opening to the season, City have started to struggle and have picked up just one point in their last six games.

Although the City boss said they need to find more quality, he said he was not looking to completely reshape his squad in January.

City are in the relegation zone and face a fight for Premier League survival, but Pearson is confident the players he already has at his disposal are up for the fight.

"The January window is a difficult window to operate in," said Pearson.

"It is normally a window in which you bring in players not necessarily for the short-term, but it becomes a need for change.

"When you are building a side you tend to do the business in the summer.

"The January window becomes one of inflated prices because people understand there is the need for change which affects market forces.

"At this moment, I am not sure what money or funds would be available so I am not saying we won't do business, but I don't think we need wholesale changes.

"It is always nice to add quality to a squad but, likewise, you can't totally change a squad in the season.

"I have a lot of belief in the players I have got at the moment, but it is getting that balance right.

"We will do business if it is right for us and if we are able to do it.

"If we can't, then we will continue to work like we always do, that is to prepare the players physically and mentally and continue to give them the knowledge that our belief in them as staff is there.

"Of course it is about results. It has never been about anything else. While you are not getting positive results there will be negativity. We have to break that cycle."

Pearson said he retains a belief in his players that they can arrest the recent run of four consecutive defeats without scoring a single goal.

When asked if he feels he has enough quality in his squad, he said: "Results at the moment would suggest 'no' but I think we have some very capable players. It is not happening at the moment, but that is where we are at and we will continue to work in the way we always do, which is getting the preparation right and making sure the performances are as good as they can be."

Hundreds of people donated their old clothes and spare change during a charity fun day at a Sikh temple.

The event on Saturday at Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara in East Park Road, Evington, Leicester, saw more than 1,000 bags of clothes donated and money raised for Children In Need.

Pudsey Bear made and appearance and people donated cash in return for the chance to throw sopping wet sponges at volunteers in a large set of wooden stocks.

Among those in the firing line was Ayran Singh, who helped out at the event.

He said: "I got into the stocks for people to throw sponges at me but luckily no one managed to hit me.

"Other people weren't so lucky.

"It was a really good day and there were a lot of people - not just from the temple but others from the community as well."

The event was held to mark the birth of the Sikh guru who founded the religion - Sri Guru Nanak.

He was a social reformer who taught equality, selfless service, earning an honest living and sharing.

The clothes collected on the day will be given to various local charities including LOROS, Women's Aid and the Indian charity Unique Home for Girls.