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Homeless treated to Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at top Leicester restaurant

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Homeless men and women were served up a classy three-course Christmas turkey dinner, on the house, by one of Leicester's top restaurants.

More than a 100 diners who would otherwise have gone without filed through the doors of The Case, in Hotel Street, yesterday.

For the past nine years, owner David Hartshorn, has opened his restaurant so those struggling on the streets could enjoy all the festive trimmings most take for granted.

Jody Neil and his girlfriend Kerry Bell, were among those who enjoyed a meal – the first they have ever shared together in a nice restaurant.

"It's absolutely fantastic," said Jody, 39. "I'm incredibly impressed.

"We've been treated with the utmost respect and dignity today, which is not always the case when you are homeless."

The pair are currently living in a shed on a derelict site somewhere in Leicester.

Kerry, 30, said: "You know, this is the first time we've been to a restaurant to have a meal together.

"I love the way they've done it. You wouldn't know it was a meal for homeless folk.

"You are welcome to join in with others, or to enjoy an intimate meal with just the two of you like us."

Jody added: "Everybody has been top draw. It's like little oasis in here away from your problems.

"And the food is brilliant. It was like a candle-lit dinner for the pair of us.

"We are very happy to be here. They added some really nice touches like the wee children serving some of the meals.

"It makes us feel part of Christmas, and gives you a little hope for the future.

"One day, in better times, I'd like to bring Sarah back here for a proper candlelit diner and say thank you to everyone."

Cameron Hart, 43, who is living in a derelict building in the city since a relationship breakdown left him without a home six months ago, said: "It's the first time I've been to The Case. I didn't know what I was going to do on Christmas Day until somebody told me about this.

"I thought I'd come and see what the fuss was all about and its been great."

He added: "The food is lovely and I've met people from all different backgrounds.

"There's a wonderful atmosphere of friendship which has brought people together.

"It's also been nice to meet other homeless people going through similar difficulties to you. Mostly, you only meet them in a dark doorway, which is never ideal.

"I think it's given me faith in people again."

The menu included leek and potato soup for starters; a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including 'pigs in blankets', following by either Black Forest gateaux, strawberry gateaux or Christmas pudding for desert.

Restaurateur David Hartshorn said: "It's been a very busy day, but well worth it.

"We don't change a thing on the day as we want to make it a proper restaurant experience for our guests."

Restaurant staff gave up part of their day and worked alongside volunteers from The Bridge, a charity which helps homeless people by providing thousands of food parcels and meals each year.

Chef Ian Bremner, who has helped out every year to date, recruited son James, 10, and daughter Rebekah, eight, to join 30 other volunteers for the first time.

He said: "James has been serving puddings and Rebekah has been helping me in the kitchen. They've both really enjoyed it. I think we all have."

Rebekah said: "I've been helping my dad. It has been really fun."

Guest Ken Chavda, 49, from Welford Road, said: "It's absolutely wonderful what they do here.

"They have huge hearts."

He added: "Without this, many people would go hungry and lonely at Christmas. This way, everyone can be part of it."

Homeless treated to Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at top Leicester restaurant


Boxing Day sales survival guide

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So you've decided to leave the turkey sandwiches, discarded-after-just-one-day Christmas presents and the hungover mother-in-law and are planning to head into Leicester for the Boxing Day sales.

WHAT? Are you crazy? Do you know what madness lies out there?

But don't worry. Help is at hand.

Here's our top tips for surviving the Boxing Day sales.

You and your bank account can thank us later.

  • You need a battle plan
  • Including car parking arrangements, which order to visit the shops in and when and where to get refreshments. Make a list of things you need as well and a set a budget, so you don't get swayed into buying any old tat. This will all help, honestly.

  • Take a trusted friend
  • They can advise you on whether you are buying something because it's nice and on offer – or just because your eyes are on the reduced sticker looks like, rather than what the item looks like. But don't go with too many people. That will just slow you down.
  • Get there early
  • They say the early bird catches the worm. However depressing it may be standing outside a branch of your favourite clothes store before it opens, if you're a serious sales shopper and you want the best bargains, that's what you need to do. It doesn't take long for all the good stuff to get snapped up. For Boxing Day opening times for stores in Leicester click here.

  • Stick to your budget
  • Stay calm. Don't go crazy. Remember that list of what you want – and stick to it. If you budget's £100, then don't pick up something that's £200 reduced to £150. Yes, we know that handbag's pretty, but you do want money to be able to eat this January, don't you!
  • Try on clothes
  • You don't want to be making a return visit in a few days time to take back all the clothes you've bought that don't fit, so make sure you try things on. Don't chance it, just because they haven't got your size on offer, and you think you could just about squeeze into the size below. Also, it's worth wearing clothes that are easy to change from, if you're going to be spending a lot of time in shop's changing cubicles.
  • Check returns policies and keep your receipts
  • Some stores can catch you out with this. So it's worth checking in advance what you can do if there is a problem with what you've bought. Keep your receipts too.
  • Some things are better to buy in the sales than others

  • In terms of clothes, wardrobe essentials are better to pick up than on-trend items. Fashions change – and so that's why the trendy items are on the sales rails. Think ahead, what birthdays, anniversaries have your friends and family got coming up, can you get any presents in advance. And talking of 'in advance', sadly the Boxing Day sales are a great time to pick up next years' Christmas cards, wrapping paper and decorations.
  • Recharge your batteries

  • Shopping on an empty stomach is never good. You need all the energy possible to cope with this – and possibly some caffeine too.
  • Don't forget the online sales

  • You actually don't even need to leave your house to get the best out of the sales. Most stores have online sales too. 

Boxing Day sales survival guide

Leicester urgent care centre moves to enable work to start on £40m A&E expansion

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The city's urgent care centre which treats hundreds of people each day has moved.

Yesterday morning it re-opened at a new location at the Balmoral building reception at Leicester's Royal Infirmary.

The change is part of a £40 million scheme to revolutionise the way urgent and emergency treatment is provided for the more than 160,000 patients who use the department each year.

The move will enable a start on the new Emergency Department.

Professor Azhar Farooqi, chair of Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "The urgent care centre has been moved to the opposite side of the ambulance bay within the Balmoral building at Leicester's Royal Infirmary.

"The move is part of a bigger project which will make way for the development of new A&E services at the hospital."

The LRI's urgent care centre is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people with minor injuries and illnesses.

Prof Farooqi, who is a GP, added: "Historically, we know there are capacity issues at the hospital's emergency department, and this is just the start of plans to ensure that the right changes are made and that these changes meet the demands and needs of patients and people that use the service."

Ben Teasdale, head of service for the emergency department at Leicester's Hospitals, said: "We are really pleased to be progressing our £40 million emergency floor development."

He said new signs and staff members would help redirect patients from the old location to the new one.

He added: "We very much hope visitors won't feel inconvenienced by the move and apologise if this is the case. But would like to reassure the public we have meticulously planned this move to ensure their care is not disrupted.

"This move, along with the exciting development of our much needed emergency floor, is absolutely the right thing for our patients."

Patients visiting the centre are first assessed by a nurse to make sure they receive their treatment in the most appropriate place for their condition. This could be at the centre, A&E, their own GP, or pharmacist.

The new urgent care centre is nearer to the patient drop-off point and any visitors waiting to be picked-up will now be sheltered.

The centre now has direct and quicker access to resuscitation and our assessment bay.

Local health bosses are planning to meet to help resolve existing capacity problems at the country's busiest single site A&E department.

A spokeswoman for the LRI said no date had been fixed for the meeting.

Leicester urgent care centre moves to enable work to start on £40m  A&E expansion

Thousands jetting away to warmer climes in great festive getaway

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Hoards of people have swapped the gloom of winter in Leicestershire for sunnier climes over the holidays.

East Midlands Airport says it is expecting 115,600 people to have flown abroad over the festive period up to January 5, some 2,500, or 2.2 per cent, m ore than last year.

The busiest day so far was Sunday, December 21, when 11,500 passengers upped sticks and jetted off into the great blue yonder.

A further 570 people departed on Christmas Day, when there were three flights to Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, and Sharm el Sheik, in Egypt.

Howard Ebison, head of customer service at East Midlands Airport, said: "Christmas is one of our favourite holidays and we're delighted that 2,500 more people will have jetted off over the festive period than last year.

"We've been fully prepared and ready to welcome the 115,600 passengers travelling over the holidays, and we hope that our customers begin their travels with a little bit of East Midlands Airport Christmas spirit."

UK online holiday firm On the Beach said the Canary Islands was its most popular destination from East Midlands Airport, accounting for more than 50 per cent of flight bookings.

Alistair Daly, of On the Beach, said: "Tenerife is the top winter sun destination from East Midlands Airport this festive season as sun seeking Brits jet off for Christmas.

"It accounts for 26 per cent of bookings from East Midlands Airport with us.

"Arrecife Lanzarote is also proving popular with festive holidaymakers, accounting for 19 per cent of our bookings, while Gran Canaria completes the top three."

A spokesman for the holiday company added that the number of people travelling on Christmas Day was up 69 per cent on last year.

Leicestershire sun seekers included Robert and Michelle Owen, from Earl Shilton, who flew out from Birmingham Airport to Thailand on Christmas morning for a three-week holiday.

Before leaving, Robert, 38, said: "I love Christmas at home but it can get a bit monotonous year after year.

"And the thought of sitting on a beach for a few weeks is very appealing.

"It will be nice to get away from all the hassle, and it's also a belated honeymoon for us."

He added: "I think going on holiday around Christmas is more practical for a lot of people – it certainly is for us.

"It's shut down at my work for a few weeks, so I may as well use the time."

Thousands jetting away to warmer climes in great festive getaway

Best year yet for Leicester charity Edgar's Gift

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A Leicester charity has had their best year yet after granting over 60 wishes to sufferers of cancer in the past twelve months.

Edgar's Gift was set up in 2010 by family and friends of Ben Edkins after he passed away at the age of 25 following a long fight with cancer.

The charity provides unique gifts and experiences in the form of 'wishes' to people aged 18-30 who are suffering from the same condition. By the end of 2013 they granted their 100th wish, and one year later the total now sits at 163.

Ben's step-dad and one of the founders of the charity Neil Bradman said: "This has been a massively important year for us."

To raise money for the wishes, a great deal of fundraising has been undertaken.

This year, Ben's sister Lydia and her friend Sarah Jelly took on 10 challenges throughout the year, including The Wolf Run, a Twilight Run and a bungee jump.

The pair completed their 10th task when they ran the Santa Fun Run, in Lutterworth earlier this month.

Between them, the pair raised over £2000 to go towards new wishes.

One of their biggest events this year was a dinner and auction hosted by Willie Thorne which raised over £4500 on the night. The dinner was held in celebration of the 'Cycle the 92' challenge completed by Ben's step-brother David Clarke, in 2013, when he cycled to all 92 football league grounds in 35 days and raised more than £10,000.

Patrons have also played a key part in fundraising, said Neil.

He added: "The Leicester Riders have been great. They're like our family now. Jeff Schlupp and his partner Callan have done a lot for us too. Another player, Pete Vincenti, became a patron in 2013 and now his club Rochdale FC are interested in doing a legends game."

On top of everything else, funds were raised by the Leicester County Cricket Club, when they held an eleven-a-side football match and a school holding a charity day.

Kerry Dyke, a friend of the charity, also raised over £1500 by shaving her head.

Neil said: "After such a hugely successful year, 2015 looks like it is shaping up to be more of the same."

The charity hopes to reach the major milestone of granting their 200th wish around March 14, 2015, when Ben would have been turning 30.

To honour his birthday, a dinner and dance auction will be held at Sketchley Grange in Hinckley. Tickets will cost £30 and raffle tickets will be 30p, as part of the '30 for 30' theme.

A wish will be granted each day during March, making 30 in total.

Neil said: "We've got about 13 or 14 of the wishes tied down, now we're just looking for the rest.

"The goal for this year is to get a caravan. We'd like to park it somewhere and make use of it for patients.

"It should be about £35,000 for a decent, fitted one. We've got about £22,000 done already, so we're hoping to reach the target soon."

For more information, or make a donation, visit: www.edgarsgift.org.uk

Best year yet for Leicester charity Edgar's Gift

City Link announces administration on Christmas Day

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Express parcel delivery firm City Link announced on Christmas Day that it had gone into administration, leaving workers in shock and concerned about their futures.

The Coventry-based firm, which employs 2,727 staff, made the move on Christmas Eve, blaming "substantial" losses – with administrators also warning of significant redundancies in the coming days.

Mick Cash, RMT union general secretary, said the timing of the announcement was "disgraceful".

He called the decision to go into administrations was the "bitterest blow any group of workers could receive on Christmas Day".

He said: "Th RMT will do everything within its power to mobilise a political and industrial fight to save the thousands of jobs that have been put at risk as a result of this shock announcement.

"The way it's happened... that on Christmas Day they've done this to our members is disgraceful."

The RMT told its members on Christmas Eve that it understood that wages owed up to December 31 would be paid, but further payments could not be guaranteed.

City Link, owned by investment firm Better Capital, called in administrators Ernst & Young after failing to sell the firm.

Hunter Kelly, of Ernst & Young, told the BBC: "City Link Limited has incurred substantial losses over several years.

"These losses reflect a combination of intense competition in the sector, changing customer and parcel recipient preferences, and difficulties for the company in reducing its cost base.

"The strain of these losses became too great and all but used up Better Capital's £40m investment, which was made in 2013 and intended to help to turn around the company."

Founded in 1969, City Link said on its website it had annual revenues of approximately £300m, a fleet of 1,700 vehicles and delivered 60 million items across the UK and worldwide each year.

Only last year, the delivery firm launched a recruitment drive for 80 new apprentices. 

John Lewis, whose flagship store at Leicester's Highcross shopping centre begins its sale tomorrow, is understood to have been a major customer.

As well as employees, many delivery drivers who work as sub-contractors, will be hit by the administration announcement. 

City Link announces  administration on Christmas Day

Boxing Day sales: Shoppers queue from 7.30pm on Christmas Day at Highcross in Leicester

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Sales shoppers queued up from as early as 7.30pm on Christmas Day to grab a bargain in Leicester's Boxing Day sales.

Highcross reported that the first shoppers began queuing outside Next yesterday evening, with 1,000 people in the line by the time the store opened at 6am. 400 more than in the queue last year.

General manager of Highcross, Jo Tallack said: "Next, River Island, Zara, Top Shop, New Look, Aldo, and Debenhams all opened really early.

"This year is the first time I have seen queues outside the Disney store."

She said that it may be because of the poplar Disney film Frozen.

"It has been a good day. There has been a good feel to it and we know that today's start has beaten last year's.

"It will be the same tomorrow as John Lewis go in to sale.

"I think by the time we get to the end of Christmas, this will have been the best .

"We had our busiest day, except launch day, on Monday."

She added that sales on the three days leading up to Christmas all beat previous years.

"It is definitely going to be a successful Christmas."

Sale shopper Harsh Parekh, 35, who lived in the Abbey area of Leicester, arrived at Next at 7am.

He said: "It took us about 40 minutes to queue to get in to the store and it was freezing.

"We were in Next for about two hours and bought clothes for my kids and my wife, and I bought a jacket and a hat for me.

"The kids clothes were the best bargains. There were nice jackets for the girls and nice jeans for my son."

Harsh, who works as a taxi driver and is also a landlord, said they come shopping on Boxing Day for the good sales, but they like to come early to get the best things in the right sizes.

"We also came last year but we arrived a bit late and could just not find anything we wanted. This time we have picked up three times the amount."

He added that as all of the clothes were roughly half price, they saved about £300.

Kiera Oldham, 18, student, of Hinckley said it is the first time she had been shopping in the Boxing Day sales.

"I have bought a top from Top Shop and I saved £20."

She added that she will not be coming shopping on Boxing Day again because it's too busy and too messy in the shops.

"It is pretty manic. Everything gets chucked on the floor. If it was set out normally at sale prices it would be fun. "

Mum Parmjit Kaur, 32, of Belgrave, arrived at Next at 6am to grab a bargain.

"I queued for nearly two hours and now I am tired. I bought children's clothes - it is quality stuff."

She said she saved about £200.

Louise Smith, 16, of Wigston, went shopping with friend Brogan Smith to look for an outfit for New Year's Eve.

Louise, a student, said it was the first time she had braved the Boxing Day sales.

"We got here at 9am. I thought I would brave it out this year and try to get all the sales."

Brogan, 16, of Wigston, said: "It has been fun. It has not been as busy as we thought."

Meanwhile, at Fosse Park, shoppers started queuing at midnight.

There were some 1,400 eager shoppers queuing outside Next and Next Home waiting for the doors to open at 6am.

More than 34,000 customers are expected to shop at Fosse Park during Boxing Day this year.

Centre manager Adrian Young said: "Today has been a particularly busy Boxing Day morning right across the park."

Boxing Day sales: Shoppers queue from 7.30pm on Christmas Day at Highcross in Leicester

Air ambulance called to emergency in Queniborough

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The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance were called to Queniborough shortly before 10am.

It is understood that it was called out by East Midlands Ambulance Service in response to a medical emergency when a patient collapsed in The Ringway.

The helicopter landed on the King George's playing field. Leicestershire Police described it as a "routine" job.

Air ambulance called to emergency in Queniborough


Freddie Burns returns to Leicester Tigers' starting line-up for trip to Sale Sharks

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Freddie Burns returns to the starting line-up at Leicester Tigers travel to Sale Sharks hoping to get their Aviva Premiership campaign back on track.

The 24-year-old will run out in the No.10 shirt for the first time since the game at London Welsh on November 23.

He is one of five changes to the starting line-up fro the side that lost to 14-man Northampton last time out.

Tommy Bell replaces Mat Tait at full-back, although the former Sale man retains his place in the squad on the wing and takes the place of Blaine Scully.

Miles Benjamin comes into the side on the other wing, forcing Niki Goneva to move to outside centre, in place of Matt Smith.

There are also changes in the pack where Italian duo Leonardo Ghiraldini and Michele Rizzo come into the front row for Tom Youngs and Marcos Ayerza.

In the back row, Jamie Gibson replaces Tom Croft after missing the game at Saints because he was getting married.

Fijian international Seremaia Bai has recovered from a calf injury and makes it onto the bench for his first appearance in a match-day squad since the opening game of the season back in September.

TIGERS: Bell, Tait, Goneva, Allen, Benjamin; Burns, B Youngs (c); Rizzo, Ghiraldini, Cole, Kitchener, Parling, Gibson, Salvi, Crane.

Reps: T Youngs, Ayerza, Balmain, De Chaves, Barbieri, Harrison, Williams, Bai.

Freddie Burns returns to Leicester Tigers' starting line-up for trip to Sale Sharks

Firefighters tackle blaze after fire breaks out in roof of house in Ellistown

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Firefighters were called out today after a fire broke out in the roof of a detached house.

Two fire crews went to the four-bedroomed property in Rushby Road, Elllistown, at 11.14am after a passer-by reported smoke coming out of the roof.

The crews from Coalville used breathing apparatus to tackle the fire in the roof void.

The firefighters put the fire out by 11.53am then used a thermal imaging camera to look for any hotspots that might remain.

No-one was hurt in the incident.

It is not know what caused the fire.

Firefighters tackle blaze after fire breaks out in roof of house in Ellistown

Bin compound fire on Christmas Day in Leicester

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A bin compound caught on fire on Christmas Day.

Four fire crews were called to the incident shortly after 5pm yesterday.

It took firefighters one hour to put out the blaze in Oxford Street, Leicester.

A spokesman from the fire service said it was caused by the careless disposal of smoking material.

Slight damage was caused to bins and there was light smoke damage to the ground and first floors of the building.

Bin compound fire on Christmas Day in Leicester

Police name drivers who died in Christmas Day crash in Rutland

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Communities were in mourning today after a man and woman were killed in a crash on a county road on Christmas Day. Mark Price, 51, and 48-year-old Lynda Anne Wade were travelling in separate cars when they were involved in a collision shortly before 9am. Mr Price and Mrs Wade were both pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, on the A606 Oakham Road near Langham, in Rutland. Police said today that Mr Price was from Rothley and Ms Wade lived in Melton. Both were travelling alone. No other vehicles were involved. Police have not yet released any information about the circumstances surrounding the collision. The road, which links Oakham and Melton, was closed for several hours on Christmas Day as officers examined the scene. Police have urged anyone with any information to come forward. People expressed their shock and grief yesterday as news of the tragedy spread. Peter Duncan, county councillor for the Langham area, said: "It's a most awful tragedy to happen on Christmas morning. "In one way or another, a tragedy like this affects so many people. "There will be a very real sense of shock at this news." Jeanne Douglas, Melton borough councillor for the Craven ward, the area where Ms Wade lived, said: "It is just a terrible thing, my thoughts go out to the family. "What a terrible shock, you just can't believe it at Christmas. "I can't imagine what her family are going through, it is really sad. I hope they are bearing up. "Every Christmas from here onwards we will think of her no doubt." Leicestershire Police has urged anyone who saw the incident or the vehicles beforehand to contact its serious collision investigation unit. Mr Price was driving a Toyota Auris and Ms Wade was driving a Ford C-Max. A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "Officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision." Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Pete Davies, who is conducting the investigation, on 101.

Police name drivers who died in Christmas Day crash in Rutland

Couple have to call wedding off after they lose £3000 cash savings in house fire in Ellistown

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A couple are being forced to call off their wedding after their £3,000 cash savings went up in flames after a fire broke out in the loft of their home today.

Steve Corns, of Rushby Road, Ellistown, near Coalville, told how the fire destroyed the cash fund they taken five years to collect.

This morning's fire at their four-bedroomed detached house gutted the roof space and is believed to have been started by a faulty lamp in the loft.

Steve, 38, an IT engineer, said: "We always wanted to get married but we never seemed to have the cash.

"We had been saving bit by bit for five years and we had about £3,000 in a jar in the loft.

"We kept it in the loft to stop us seeing the cash and wanting to spend it. We have got three young kids so there is always something that needs buying.

"It has been obliterated in the fire and we have no choice but to call the wedding off."

He said they had booked Rugby register office for the wedding on October 3 next year.

Steve lives at the house with his partner of six years Michelle, 35, and their three children Chione, five, Bjarne, two, and one-year-old son Viggo.

He said: "We had all set off to spend the night at friend's house in Northampton . We had got as far as Lutterworth and I got a phone call from our dogsitter.

"She said to me; 'Can you come home please your house is on fire.' Needless to say I drove straight back."

Dogsitter Laura Goodwin-Dawson raised the alarm after a neighbour knocked on the front door of the house at about 11am.

The 20-year-old, who lives in Ellistown, said: "The neighbour said there was smoke coming from the roof.

"I gave him my mobile phone and he called the fire brigade.

"I got the two dogs and took them outside to safety. It is awful what has happened."

Chris Argent, crew manager at Coalville fire station, said they received the call at 11.14am.

He said we sent two five-man crews to the scene.

"We sent in four men with breathing apparatus and managed to contain the fire and smoke damage to the loft area.

"We removed some roof tiles to ventilate the area. We believe the fire was caused by a faulty lamp in the loft."

Steve said he lost his 600 CD music collection in the fire.

He said: "I had just moved the CDs into the loft to make more room for the children's stuff.

"It is really upsetting but we have to look on the bright side. We were insured but I think we can only claim a few hundred in cash.

"But at least we are all safe and sound.

"It does not bear thinking about what night have happened if the fire had broken out in the middle of the night when we were all asleep."

Couple have to call wedding off after they lose £3000 cash savings in house fire in Ellistown

Villagers pull together for charity

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Around 200 people turned out for the annual Boxing Day Tug of War and duck race in Rearsby.

The tradition began some 40 years ago with a tug of war between the two pubs in the village - The Horse and Groom and The Wheel Inn.

But over the years the event has grown and this year there about eight teams, including men, women and children competing.

Winners this year were the Star Tuggers from The Star Inn, Thrussington.

Second were the Log Cutters from Thurssington and in third place was the C team from The Horse and Groom in Rearsby.

The Tug of War was followed at noon by the annual duck race.

Steve Warn, who lives in the village and has organised the events for the past 24 years, said: "I was very pleased with the way it went.

"Money raised will be going to the hospice Loros and I am hoping that once of the money is counted we will get to about £1,000"

He added: "We will have a presentation to the winning teams towards the end of January but in the meantime I would like to thank all the teams which took part and all the people who came along."

Villagers pull together for charity

Environment Agency issues flood alert for River Soar in Leicestershire

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The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for parts of the River Soar in Leicestershire.

Flooding is possible for the River Soar including tributaries from Sharnford to the River Wreake confluence at Syston tonight.

Flooding of low-lying agricultural land and roads is possible at Sharnford, Croft, Littlethorpe, the Mill on the Soar car park and Falconry.

The level at the Sharnford river gauge was 0.4 metres at 3pm.

River levels are steady and are expected to rise this evening peaking at between 1 and 1.2 metres in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Approximately 15 millimetres of rainfall is forecast for south Leicestershire over the next 12 hours although some of this may fall as snow which could reduce the impact on water levels in the River Soar.

For up to date information on river levels in your area go to the river and sea levels section on the Environment Agency website at www.gov.uk/environment-agency.

Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for up-to-date flooding information. 

Environment Agency issues flood alert for River Soar in Leicestershire


Leicester 1 Tottenham 2: City's winless run now 13 games - match report

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Leicester (0) 1

Ulloa (48)

Tottenham (1) 2

Kane (1), Eriksen (71)

Leicester City's winless run now stretches to unlucky 13 after  Boxing Day defeat to Tottenham at a sold-out King Power Stadium.

It was a similar story for City, who just could not convert a host of chances that came their way.

Former City loanee Harry Kane scored inside the first minute for Spurs but the Foxes rallied and Leonardo Ulloa levelled in the second half, but Christian Eriksen curled in a free kick with 19 minutes left to leave City rooted to the bottom of the table..

Earlier Ulloa also hit the post and Hugo Lloris saved from Riyad Mahrez and Jeff Schlupp.

Ulloa and David Nugent were recalled to spearhead the hosts' attack with Jamie Vardy and Esteban Cambiasso dropped to the bench.

Kane made an immediate impact when he opened the scoring after just 57 seconds.

Tottenham hit Leicester on the break with Nabil Bentaleb and Nacer Chadli, and the winger crossed for Kane to skip round the falling Wes Morgan and find the corner from six yards.

Kane's fourth goal in four games was devastating from Spurs but highlighted why the Foxes were bottom at Christmas.

The visitors were given an easy ride by the shell-shocked hosts with Kane shooting wide and Kyle Walker granted the freedom of the right flank.

There was little threat from Leicester until the 18th minute when Lloris palmed over Ulloa's 20-yard volley after Schlupp's driving run.

Danny Drinkwater then dragged wide from distance before Bentaleb wasted a golden chance to make it 2-0 on 32 minutes.

Eriksen played the Algeria international clean through but he had an awful touch as he reached the area which allowed Paul Konchesky to cover and clear.

It rallied the hosts and, after Ulloa had comically fallen over as he looked to shoot, Mahrez's driven effort was well saved by Lloris.

Tottenham were rocked and Ulloa should have levelled six minutes before the break but he smashed a four-yard header against the inside of the post after Mahrez's searching cross.

The Foxes were dominant and their persistence paid off three minutes into the second half.

Danny Simpson and Mahrez combined for the Algeria winger to cross low for Ulloa to turn in at the near post.

It had been coming and Mahrez almost completed the comeback when his 20-yard free kick smacked against the bar minutes later.

The Foxes' efforts warranted more and Lloris again saved from Schlupp before disaster struck for the hosts on 71 minutes.

Kane was fouled 25-yards out and Eriksen curled in an angled effort which bounced in off the post.

It was the Dane's seventh goal of the season and he has now hit four winners for Spurs this season.

The goal initially killed Leicester's spark but they regained their composure and Ulloa flicked a header onto the roof of the net.

Two half-hearted penalty appeals went unrewarded but Morgan should have levelled in the final minute.

The excellent Mahrez again found space on the right and his cross reached the unmarked Morgan at the far post but the skipper failed to get a clean connection and Lloris gathered to seal the points.

TEAMS 

Leicester City (4-4-2): 12 Ben Hamer, 17 Danny Simpson, 27 Marcin Wasilewski, 5 Wes Morgan, 3 Paul Konchesky; 26 Riyad Mahrez, 4 Danny Drinkwater, 10 Andy King, 15 Jeff Schlupp; 23 Leonardo Ulloa, 35 David Nugent

Subs: 2 Ritchie De Laet, 7 Dean Hammond, 8 Matty James (for King, half-time), 9 Jamie Vardy (for Nugent, 75min), 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 24 Anthony Knockaert (for Konchesky, 83min), 31 Adam Smith.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): 1 Hugo Lloris; 2 Kyle Walker, 5 Jan Vertonghen, 21 Federico Fazio, 3 Danny Rose; 25 Benjamin Stambouli, 42 Nabil Bentaleb; 11 Erik Lamela, 22 Nacer Chadli, 23 Christian Eriksen; 18 Harry Kane. 

Subs: 6 Vlad Chiriches, 8 Paulinho (for Kane, 84min), 9 Roberto Soldado (for Chadli, 63min), 13 Michael Vorm, 17 Andros Townesend, 33 Ben Davies, 38 Ryan Mason (for Stambouli, half-time).

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)

Att: 31,780

YELLOW CARDS

Vardy (City); Walker, Vertonghen (Spurs)

Boxing Day hunts: Thousands gather for festive tradition

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Two-year-old Rose Cassipi may only be small, but she is already riding tall in the saddle.

The youngster, astride her trusty pony Lily, accompanied her mum Tracey Paskins and scores of others who gathered for the Atherstone Hunt Boxing Day Meet in the centre of Market Bosworth.

Tracey, a riding instructor, said: "Rose loved all the excitement of the meet, seeing all the riders, horses and hounds.

"She has known horses all her life and can ride Lily unsupported, but I hold her jacket just to be on the safe side."

The Boxing Day meet is a long-established part of the Leicestershire calendar.

The county has six hunts – the Atherstone, Belvoir, Cottesmore, Fernie, Pytchley and Quorn.

Thousands of people attended the Quorn Hunt meet at Prestwold Hall, near Loughborough, yesterday.

Sophie Hanbury, whose dad Joss is a well-known figure in equestrian circles, said: "This year there were about 6,000 people at the meet, with 80 on horseback.

"It was very impressive but conditions were a bit slippery and muddy."

This year marked 10 since the Hunting Act was drafted.

The Act, which became law on February 18, 2005, bans the use of dogs to hunt wild mammals, principally foxes, deer, hares and mink, in England and Wales.

However, it does not affect drag-hunting where hounds follow a deliberately-laid scent trail.

Chris Allen, one of more than 100 people who attended the Fernie Hunt, which set out from Great Bowden, said: "If anything, hunting has become more popular since the act than it was before.

"By following a trail a hunt can take into consideration a lot of elements, such as the ground conditions or the amount of experience the riders have."

He said there had been about 20 to 30 anti-hunt protesters present at the meet.

A recent poll by Ipsos Mori, found 80 per cent of the public think fox hunting should not be made legal again.

Joe Duckworth, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: "The Hunting Act is the most successful piece of wild animal welfare legislation and as this poll shows the ban on hunting with dogs is as popular as ever in both rural and urban areas."

Boxing Day hunts: Thousands gather for festive tradition

Has Gary Lineker delivered the best, best man's speech ever - with a little help from his friends? Watch video here.

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Leicester soccer legend Gary Lineker has been praised for producing what could be the best, best man's speech ever.

He gave best friend Richard King a wedding to remember by putting together a video which a host of international stars including Pele, Diego Maradona and Jose Mourinho.

The video formed part of Gary's best man's speech and was packed with famous faces all claiming they have no idea who the groom was.

Celebrities and sports stars past and present all pretend to rather rudely have never heard of Lineker's friend despite different suggestions from the man asking the questions.

Controversial Chelsea boss Mourinho says: "Good wishes, yes. But who is Richard King? He knows me, maybe, yes but I don't him."

King's existence is then jokingly questioned by soccer star Rio Ferdinand and Olympic rowing hero Matthew Pinsent, who claims to have never heard of him despite the Lineker's claims that he was "in the boat in Barcelona when you won the gold medal."

Lineker, who clearly spent months putting the video together, saves the best till last with football icons Pele and Maradona

Pele says: "I don't know him. I am the King."

Maradona simply adds "Richard King? No."

Gary's use of the video compilation for his speech at the wedding of Richard King on December 22 has been praised on Twitter.

BreatheSport tweeted: "Greatest best man ever? @GaryLineker gets Mourinho, Pele, Maradona to be in best friend Richard King's wedding video."

The video has been uploaded to You Tube and has been viewed nearly 140,000 in three days.

Has Gary Lineker delivered the best, best man's speech ever - with a little help from his friends?  Watch video here.

Leicester City 1 Tottenham 2 - Premier League: as it happened

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Leicester City's winless Premier League run was extended to 13 games as they fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Tottenham. It took former City loanee Harry Kane less than a minute to haunt his old club, slotting past Ben Hamer 58 seconds after the start. Leonardo Ulloa, who hit the post just before half-time, levelled the scoring just after the restart. City dominated the second half but failed to make the most of their extended periods of pressure. Like so often this season, they were made to pay for it. Christian Eriksen curled a free-kick from a tight angle, which crept past Hamer at the near post. Wes Morgan had two shots saved from close range in the dying moments as City were left five points adrift at the bottom and now six points away from safety. Here is how the action unfolded:
Live Blog Leicester City v Tottenham - Premier League LIVE!
 

Leicester City 1 Tottenham 2 - Premier League: as it happened

Man appears in court in connection with stabbing in Market Harborough

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A man appeared in court today charged in connection with a stabbing incident in Market Harborough.

Police officers were called to Green Lane in the market town at around 7.30pm on Tuesday following a report of an assault.

The victim, a man in his forties, sustained a single stab wound and was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

A 58-year-old man was charged in connection with the incident and appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court today where he was remanded into custody.

He is next due to appear at court on Friday January 9.

Man appears in court in connection with stabbing in Market Harborough

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