It has been a pretty exciting first half of the season for us – with some highs and some lows. Coming into the season we knew it was going to be very tough to replace the veteran leadership, talent and smarts we got from Drew Sullivan, Jay Couisnard and Jorge Calvo – three guys who were a big part of what Riders have been all about the last few seasons.

But I like the team we have recruited and we have plenty of talent and athleticism this season. Neil Watson, in particular, has proved a find in the crucial point-guard position and he will get better as he finds his way in his pro career.

We have also seen some of the young guys come through, epitomised by Conner Washington. He has really stepped up and become a very reliable contributor with an ability to give us something different when it is needed. 

We now understand the talent level in the BBL has stepped up this season, with lots of very exciting games. 

For us, the biggest disappointment was getting knocked out of the BBL Cup by Glasgow – we looked like we had done enough to win and to lose as we did to that crazy last-second shot was gut-wrenching.

At the Christmas break, we are pretty well positioned in the BBL Championship with a 10-3 record, but we have also been involved in a lot of very exciting games.

The loss to Worcester just before Christmas was another tough one to take, when we had worked so hard to put ourselves in a position to win the game, only to fail to execute on a couple of plays.

Predictably, Newcastle sit on top of the heap at Christmas – with the talent they have and the great job they do on and off the court, it is no surprise, but they still have to win the games.

The veterans the Eagles have in key positions is huge for them in their blistering start, and they will remain favourites to retain their title. 

But there are other teams like Worcester, Cheshire, London and ourselves who can beat anyone on a given day and will want to make the Eagles battle for it.

But this season you need to look well beyond that core of clubs because of the talent, and teams like Glasgow, Sheffield and Manchester will be in the mix. 

Most clubs have improved even since the start of the season, so the final standings are more difficult than ever to predict.

The play-offs promise to provide some incredible competition, but there is a long way to go before those match-ups get decided.

There is much great basketball to look forward to, and I would like to provide my season's greetings to all Riders fans and best wishes for a prosperous New Year for you – and the team.

Leicester Tigers back Mat Tait believes his team's attacking showing at Sale Sharks was their best of the season.

Tigers ran in four tries for a bonus-point victory that involved a remarkable comeback from 15 points down.

Scores from Tait, Seremaia Bai, Miles Benjamin and Julian Salvi took Leicester up to fifth place in the Aviva Premiership table and Tait praised his team-mates' character to turn victory into defeat with so much riding on the result.

"It was testament to the character of the group that despite being poor defensively, we managed to grind out a result," said Tait, who switched from wing to full-back during the game.

"Ben Youngs and Jordan Crane spoke well at half-time and said our backs were to the wall and our season was on the line if we lost.
"Attacking-wise, that was the best we had played this season at times.

"It was a case of not overthinking stuff but playing with intent and that was pleasing.

"If we can get the ball through more sets of hands at times, we could have scored more tries too.

"To pick up five points is massive at this stage of the season. We need to improve but the history books don't tell how you played, they just have the result.

"It's a big thing to say it was a turning point of the season but, had we lost it, we would have been down the bottom half of the table, whereas the win has kept us up in the mix.

"We need to be in the top four come April/May and, with the size of our club and the players we have got, that is where we want to be.
"We may look back in May and think this was a big result."

Despite his delight at the victory, Tait admitted Leicester's porous defence must tighten up considerably if they are to gain revenge on Bath this Sunday.

Mike Ford's side beat Tigers 45-0 at the Rec in September and have impressed with their attacking intentions all season.

"Bath are the form team in the Premiership at the moment and they have some good players," said Tait.

"We know the threats that George Ford possesses and Kyle Eastmond and Jonathan Joseph are playing well too.

"They spanked us at the start of the season and we have not forgotten about that.

"But if we are naïve as we were at Sale defensively, they have players that will really punish us for that."

Any new signings will provide a welcome boost to the Leicester City squad, manager Nigel Pearson has said.

City will be looking to do some transfer business when the window opens on Thursday with a new striker and central defender top of their shopping list.

But Pearson said any business is not an indication that he has lost belief in his current squad.

In fact, Pearson said he fully believed the players he has at his disposal already are capable of mounting a successful relegation battle and that any new arrivals would be simply supplementing his options.

City have been strongly linked to several strikers, including Burnley's Danny Ings and Toronto FC's Jermain Defoe, and Pearson confirmed they will be active during January.

"I am no way suggesting that I, or the players, have lost belief in themselves," said Pearson after Sunday's huge victory at relegation rivals Hull.

"It is going to be important for us to try to strengthen and add to what we already have. If we can add quality in one or two areas, it will help the players we already have. 

"I am not suggesting our players aren't good enough. I know they are. We have some really talented footballers. 

"To be consistent in this division it is very, very hard. When you are coming up against sides with lots of Premier League know-how, sometimes that is the biggest difference, but we will keep going and hopefully surprise a few people."

Pearson described the win over Hull as "huge" as it keeps City in touch with safety, but he said no one would be getting carried away by the fact they have finally picked up a victory.

City remain at the foot of the table and are looking to repeat the achievement of West Brom 10 years ago who survived from such a position, when Pearson was assistant manager at the Hawthorns.

He admits there are similarities to that side but warned there was a lot of hard work ahead.

"There will be those questions and similarities, but the bottom line is you need the players to be good enough and they are going to need the right chemistry," he said. 

"There is a long way to go and there is a lot of hard work to put in to change our fortunes. 

"Let's not get carried away with one win. 

"I am glad we have won but it is about getting the players recovered now and back to work."

Leicester City have received confirmation they will be without winger Riyad Mahrez next month because of the African Cup of Nations tournament.

The Algerian FA have indicated to City that Mahrez will be included in their squad for the finals.

His departure could come as early as after Saturday's FA Cup tie with Newcastle at the King Power Stadium.

Fellow City wide-man Jeff Schlupp could also be missing after being named in Ghana's provisional 30-man squad for the tournament, which runs from January 17 to February 8.

The duo have been in good form in recent weeks and Mahrez scored the winner at Hull on Sunday.

Manager Nigel Pearson said the pair were important to the way City play, but is confident he has enough options. Marc Albrighton and Anthony Knockaert could come into the reckoning.

"We have had confirmation on Riyad but not on Jeff at the moment," said Pearson. 

"Newcastle could be Riyad's last game, but again I will probably confirm that nearer the time.

"They have remained in the side during a difficult period where we have tried to play in a way which allows us to be a threat. 

"It is difficult against well-established Premier League sides to either shut up shop or play direct. We haven't got the players to play direct football.

"I have had a number of people say to me about simplifying it and going route one. We haven't got the players to do that. 

"They are not suited to that style. We play a system that suits us and we are creating opportunities."

Pearson admits he will have to shuffle his pack again ahead of Thursday's trip to Liverpool because of the huge physical demands of the hectic festive season.

Strikers Leonardo Ulloa and David Nugent were both physically drained after the Hull win, but City do have Jamie Vardy back from suspension for the trip to Anfield.

Left-back Paul Konchesky will miss out on a return to his former club after being sent off for two bookings at the KC Stadium, while Andy King, Kasper Schmeichel and Matt Upson all remain unavailable through injury. "I have heard other managers talk about the games programme over the festive period," said Pearson.

"People may say they are paid enough money so why can't they play? I understand all that. 

"But from a purely physiological point of view, some players are more capable than others of reproducing performances. 

"You have to know what your players are capable of. There is no doubt there will probably be changes."

Police have appealed to the public to contact them if they are if offered a Rolex watch in suspicious circumstances.

Two expensive watches were stolen from a house in Staunton Harold, near Ashby, on December 22.

A gold and silver Datejust 16233 Rolex watch and a ladies gold and black Guess watch were taken some time between 8am and 3pm at the home in Melbourne Road.

Police said that entry was gained via a ground floor window.

Detective Constable 4174 Clare Moore, who is investigating the theft, said: "If anyone has been offered a Rolex or Guess watch matching the description of the stolen property for sale in suspicious circumstances, we would like to hear from them.

"It may be that someone was off work and in the area at the time of the burglary. If anyone witnessed the incident or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time, please get in touch."

People can call the police on 101.

A 41-year old man has been charged with assault by beating and will appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on January 19.

The charge relates to an assault on a woman in Wellington Street, Leicester, on August 31 at about 5.55am when the victim was leaving a bar.

The search continues for a missing 83-year-old man who could be in Leicestershire.

Jack Foster has not been seen since the afternoon of December 23.

Lincolnshire police believe he may have boarded a bus to Bottesford from Grantham bus station.

Lincolnshire police have asked colleagues in Leicestershire to join the search for Mr Foster, who is described as vulnerable.

Insp Richard Hammond, of Grantham police, is leading the search for the pensioner.

He said: "If Jack has not had shelter for the past few nights since he was last seen – particularly one night when it snowed – we are concerned he possibly could not have survived that weather."

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman reiterated the call for people to be on the look-out for Mr Foster.

Insp Hammond said: "We ask them to call 101 and quote Lincolnshire Police incident number 392 of December 23."

New Year revellers are being urged not to release sky lanterns to celebrate the start of 2015.

Farmers say the lanterns' metal frames can harm or even kill farm animals if they are swallowed.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU)adds that fields of standing crops and buildings are at risk of being set alight, while littering is also a big problem.

A number of local authorities have already taken steps to ban the release of lanterns on their land, including Essex and Warwickshire county councils, Chesham Town council, in Buckinghamshire and Waveney District Council, in Suffolk.

Concerns have also been raised by airports, fire services and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency over the similarity to distress flares.

The Trading Standards Institute published a new code of practice for sky lanterns earlier this year, following discussions between the government and industry.

The code offers guidance for those designing, manufacturing, distributing, retailing or using sky lanterns - which have been the subject of sustained NFU lobbying.

Rutland farmer Andrew Brown, of T W Brown and Sons, in Caldecott, said: "We understand that the lanterns can add something special to a celebration.

"However, many people do not realise the dangers and risks involved when setting the lanterns off into the open countryside.

"I would urge people to think twice before buying the flying lanterns and releasing them, as unfortunately, all too often they land on farmland."

He added: "Their fine metal wire frames do not biodegrade and they can cause immense suffering to animals.

"Not only that, but if they are still alight when they land, they can destroy crop fields in seconds."

He added: "Even the ones that purport to be biodegradable, using things like bamboo, are dangerous.

"Bamboo, which takes a long time to biodegrade, is sharp and if it gets ingested by ruminants like cattle and sheep, it can puncture their gut.

"Th symptoms of that are non-specific and it is difficult to diagnose, leaving an animal to bleed internally, eventually killing them.

"Essentially, it's littering, it's not quite the same as fly tipping, but it's the same principle."

NFU deputy president Minette Batters said: "We are pleased that local authorities are now starting to see sense and ban the release of lanterns on their land and we would encourage other councils to follow suit.

"We realise that these lanterns can be quite spectacular but our members know only too well how dangerous they can be - they can harm and even kill farm animals, cause fires to crops, grassland on moors and bales of hay and straw that have been stacked, which can lead to a loss of buildings.

"We would urge everyone to back British farming and think twice before setting them alight this New Year and releasing them into the environment. The NFU continues to call for an outright ban on the sale of sky lanterns and we will continue to lobby government until action is taken."

Leicester City target Danny Ings has said he does not want to leave Burnley before the end of the season.

Ings is out of contract at the end of the campaign and City have made a bid of around £8million for him to test their relegation rivals' resolve to hold on to their main striker, who has scored four times in 17 appearances this season.

Burnley have rejected that offer for the 22-year-old and Ings has spoken of his desire to stay at Turf Moor for the remainder of the campaign.

"I'm contracted until the end of the season and that's the way it's going to be," he told The Sun.

"If an offer comes in I won't be looking at it.

"I'll just see it as a sign of confidence, take it into my game and do as well as I can for Burnley."

City are in the hunt for a striker during the January window and have been linked with a host of targets, including Croatia striker Andrej Kramaric, who is reportedly set to join Chelsea.

The player's father and representative, Joza Kramaric, has reportedly said a move to the King Power Stadium would be the 'worst choice' for his son.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby says a second phase of Leicester's recently opened £5.8 million food park could be built.

The complex of nine specialist factory units opened just last month to provide manufacturing space for small and medium sized firms in the food industry.

One of the units has been taken on by a company that is relocating from Nottingham and the other eight are under offer pending deals being completed.

The city council led the project to develop the 1.5 acre site off Lewisher Road in Northfields, and Sir Peter said he has been delighted with the response by companies.

He said: "We knew the units would be popular because we knew there was but I have been surprised by how quickly the units have been taken up.

"Even though it has not been long since the food park was completed it is clear that there is potential for a second phase of the food park to be developed in that area.

"It may be something we do ourselves as the council has land in that area or it may be something we do in partnership with a private sector organisation.

"The food park is a project that will provide a rental income to0 the council as a second phase would.

"It would further enhance this city's growing reputation as a centre for manufacturing in the food and drink industry."

The project was paid for with £3.4 million from the European Regional Development Fund and £2.4 million from the city council.

Sir Peter said it was possible further European funding could be secured to expand food park.

Alassala Ltd, an importer of Argan oil which is found in heralth foods and beauty products, is the park's first tenant and has leased one of the smaller units

Founder Azzelarab El Alaoui said: "We started the business about four years ago and have been running from home.

"The business is going forward and we are expanding and this unit offers us the space and modern facilities we need.

"Moving in here will give us more credibility. We hop to be moved in and working from the unit early inn the new year."

The complex is being managed by East Midlands Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber deputy chief executive Scott Knowles said: "The response from potential tenants has been phenomenal and we're delighted to be welcoming Alassala on board as the park's first tenant. There has been such a high level of interest in the site that the other eight units are now all under offer, with a waiting list also in place.

"Leicester Food Park is a unique proposition because of the specifications that all of the units are built to and the on-site advice and support from organisations like the chamber and the Food and Drink Forum which businesses based here can access.

"The park will help to cement Leicester's position as a regional hub for the food and drink sector and a place that firms from within the industry can set up and thrive."

From a cat stuck in a watering can to nose ring removals, there are dozens of unusual incidents that firefighters have tackled in the past year.

In 2014 Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service was called 10 times to rescue cats stuck in trees, helped 56 people who were shut in lifts and removed a total of 49 rings.

But the cat in the watering can was certainly one of the most memorable, according to Steve Willatt, red watch manager at Western fire station, in Aikman Avenue, New Parks.

He said: "A young lady and her daughter, aged about 11 or 12, came to the station one afternoon with a cat in a watering can.

"It was a young cat and its head was sticking out. It had somehow got itself in there and had tried to turn around, then got his shoulder stuck.

"Her daughter was quite upset and distressed but we re-assured her and made sure it was a safe rescue.

"We used a pair of tin snips and cut down the side of the watering can. Tin snips are hand-held cutters. The cat was uninjured."

Steve said the lady and her daughter were very pleased and thankful once the cat has been rescued.

"It was a little bit strange, but we do get strange and out of the ordinary jobs sometimes, especially involving young children and animals."

Steve said another incident which happened earlier this year was a young girl, about four years old, who had the spike of an umbrella stuck in her eye. They were called to cut the umbrella.

"We cut the spike so she could go to hospital and have it removed," he said.

In March this year, Stave said a fire crew was called to rescue a dog with its head stuck in a fence.

"We had a Staffordshire Bull Terrier with its head stuck in railings in Aikman Avenue, New Parks.

"The dog was on the first floor balcony. It had seen something and tried to get through quickly.

"We had to cut the fence."

Another animal rescue this year involved cows.

Steve said: "We were having a large animal rescue lecture at the station and we got called out at the same time to two cows stuck in a ditch.

"We had to get special heavy lifting straps around the cows and pull them out. It took about one hour."

He added that the ground was wet and the cows were sinking in the mud.

"We have had a few of these, but that was unique because we were having an animal training session."

On March 24, one person turned up at Wigston fire station for a nose ring removal.

Dave Watson, manager of fire investigation and road safety, said: "Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service prides itself on being able to respond to and deal with a wide variety of incidents, many of which are far removed from the expected type of incidents that the fire service would attend such as fires, road traffic collisions and chemical spillages ranging to the more obscure incidents like animals trapped, animal welfare and rings being removed from various places."

A dad is having his head shaved to support his teenage son who had been diagnosed with a rare bone cancer.

Nick Carroll, from Melton, is also fund raising for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool where his son, Aidan, 16, is being treated for Ewing's sarcoma.

The devastating diagnosis came in November after Aidan injured his ankle playing football.

Mr Carroll, managing director of the Leicester nursing agency Fosse Healthcare, said: "Aidan has always been very healthy and played a lot of sport.

"He injured his ankle playing football and at first it was thought it was broken but an x-ray picked up the tumour on his right angle."

However, the family has been given hope in that doctors believe the tumour has been caught early and that the cancer is isolated in Aidan's right foot.

Mr Carroll said: "News of the cancer was devastating and I felt really helpless.

"As a father you just want to take away all the pain and suffering and you can't."

Aidan has begun what will be about a year of treatment to beat the cancer.

He is also on a clinical trial which Mr Carroll, 43, said should attack the tumour more aggressively and may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

This will be followed by surgery to remove the tumour and he will then have to undergo radiotherapy and a second course of chemotherapy.

Mr Carroll said: "It has been a very tough time. I have only just started being able to talk about it.

"But Aidan has kept very positive and he has a good sense of humour.

"Alder Hey is brilliant and the support structure for families is very good."

He added: "Aidan's hair has begun to fall out due to the chemotherapy and I thought one way I could support him would be to have my head shaved.

"I will keep it like that until his hair has grown back. It is something of a light hearted gesture and a way of saying 'we are in this together'."

But in addition to the head shave Mr Carroll has decided to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Alder Hey Children's Hospital where his son is being treated.

He said: "My brother Jonny gave me the idea when he over from Australia for Christmas.

"He started the ball rolling with £60 and the support I have had so far is incredible."

Within three days of launching his fund raising Mr Carroll had raised more than £1,650 and his employers, Fosse Healthcare has agreed to match donations up to £1,500.

A friend and professional musician George Simpson, from Melton, has also agreed to donate download monies from his new single.

Mr Carroll said: "I am touched by people's generosity."

His head shave is due to take place on Thursday, January 8.

George Simpson's new single can be downloaded at http://georgesimpson.bandcamp.com/track/the-bottle

To donate to Mr Carroll's fund raising go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/NickCarroll

Chief Constable Simon Cole:

"This coming year will see us continuing to work with local people on the issues that concern them, including anti-social behaviour, honour based violence, child sexual exploitation, cyber crime and domestic violence.

"Crime is changing and whilst the desire to see a uniformed presence remains, one of the greatest risks to those you care about may be coming into your home via the web."

"In 2015, the next stage of our change programme will be implemented as we seek to ensure public safety whilst balancing the books in the age of austerity."

"Your views are important to us and we will continue to work with the public throughout the coming year on issues that matter to them as we remain dedicated to protecting the vulnerable by rigorously targeting those that harm local communities."

Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader:

"The last year has been somewhat challenging. Leicestershire Police have faced budget reductions, which resulted in force's change programme being designed and now implemented.

"Despite these challenges, the Chief Constable and his team have continued to provide an excellent service to our communities – crime is coming down and that is something I wish to see continue into 2015 and thereafter."

"Looking to next year, my main focus will be to continue playing my part in protecting the vulnerable, keeping communities safe, and preventing offending."

Suleman Nagdi, of the Leicestershire Federation of Muslim Organisations:

"Despite the humanitarian crisis and tragedies seen, we have discovered that the human spirit can endure.

"We see this in the work of those who serve those in need.

"In the face of all the challenges that we face, for all the difficulties that we see around us we must never falter in our service of each other.

"Make the coming new year a year of giving and to serve others less fortunate than us."

City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby

"This last year has been a very exciting one for Leicester.

"We have said farewell to the Belgrave Flyover which has for decades been a barrier between the city centre and the vibrant Golden Mile. 

"The wider regeneration of the area will be completed in the New Year.

"We have also opened Leicester Market's stunning new food hall and completed Jubilee Square - a major project that has greatly enhanced Leicester's Old Town.

"I am confident 2015 will be even better. In March we re-inter the remains of Richard III at our historic cathedral then we host matches in the Rugby World Cup.

"It will also be a year for Leicester to make important democratic choices.

"In May we will have the election of a mayor, our city councillors and our MPs and I urge people to exercise to their right to vote and have a real say in the life of their city."

Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton

"I'd like to wish you and your families a happy and peaceful 2015 – it's certainly going to be eventful.

"The council will be taking some very difficult budget decisions in the New Year but we'll continue to press for fairer funding.

"There is some good news. I hope to announce the first communities to run their local libraries, this spring; and our work continues to boost communities and jobs.

"In March, the eyes of the world will be focused here for the re-interment of King Richard III - let's celebrate what we have to offer and promote our area."

Leicester City youngster Tom Lawrence has returned from his loan spell at Rotherham as manager Nigel Pearson looks to cover for the absence of Riyad Mahrez and possibly Jeff Schlupp during the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 20-year-old made six appearances for the Championship side, including a goal in a 2-1 victory over Wigan.

"Young Tom has been outstanding on and off the pitch in his short time with us," Rotherham manager Evans told www.themillers.co.uk

"He may well be back again, we'll have to wait and see. I had a long chat with Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson yesterday and he needs immediate cover as he is losing a couple of players due to the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

"We are grateful to Nigel and Leicester City for allowing us to have Tom here."

An eight-year-old city rapper known as Lil T - Teon Foster - has taken to the internet airwaves to help get health messages across to youngsters.

The music video has been posted on the Health for Kids site run by the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, responsible for community and health services.

It can also be viewed on the video sharing site YouTube

It is hoped that it will be seen by children across the country to help drive home important health messages.

Health bosses also hope it will help to attract youngsters to the website which has a wealth of information.

The song - I don't know what you've been told - raps through messages about the importance of sleep, brushing teeth and having healthy meals.

It also drives home the importance of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Children from Glebelands Primary School in Beaumont Leys joined Teon for the music video.

The youngster, who has hundreds of online fans, is already making a name for himself.

His first video has been viewed more than 2,000 times and he has almost completed hi first 12 track official album.

School holidays are a busy time for the youngster as it gives him time to do a number of shows.

The youngster has performed at the Leicester Carnival and his own YouTube channell has had more than 7,000 views since his first video Poundcake Freestyle was up loaded in June 2014.

His father Taureen said: "Lil T enjoys what he does and is very confident."

The website, which was launched earlier this year, also has videos showing children simple exercise ideas.

There are tips on eating a balanced diet as well as coping with illness such as flu and diabetes.

In addition there is a section on coping with bullying and bereavement and where to get help.

There are also simple quiz questions for youngsters on the site and a section for parents and carers.

Health campaigner Zuffar Haq, who is also a member of the Leicester Mercury Patients' Panel, said: "I think the website and the video is a great idea.

"Whatever we can do to encourage children to eat more healthily has got be to good.

"It is about an overall balanced diet and the importance of exercise."

More than 4,000 people had to seek urgent medical over the Christmas period.

Latest figures also show that there were 671 emergency admissions to Leicester's hospitals between Christmas Day and Sunday.

In addition bosses at East Midlands Ambulance Service (Emas) said the freezing conditions had put "significant strain" on the service.

Between Christmas Day and Sunday there were 11,712 calls to Emas across the region.

This compares to 8,888 over the same dates last year.

However, only half of the patients needed to go to A&E for treatment.

A total of 676 calls related to people who had fallen.

Peter Ripley, Emas associate director of operations, said: "Demand on our service continues to be significantly high, and this, together with the challenging road conditions, has made it very difficult for us to get to people quickly.

"To ensure we can continue to help those in the most need, we need the public's support, particularly on New Year's Day when we are preparing for even higher call levels."

He added: "Our colleagues and volunteers are working incredibly hard and we are proud of their continued commitment to provide the best possible care during this challenging time.

"Many from all areas of the service working over their shift hours or coming in for extra shifts to help us give the best possible patient care."

Figures show that 2,046 patients were seen in the A&E department at Leicester Royal Infirmary over the four day Christmas holiday.

In addition there 671 patients were admitted to Leicester's hospitals as emergency cases.

Richard Mitchell, chief operating officer at Leicester's hospitals, said: "I would like to thank our many dedicated staff who took care of our patients over the four-day Christmas weekend.

"Their hard work has not gone unnoticed during this challenging time."

He added: "The current pressures on Leicester's A&E are unprecedented for this time of year and it is likely that these pressures will only increase from now until March.

"We will continue to work with our partners to ensure we do as much as we possibly can to reduce admissions and speed up discharges as we enter 2015."

A further 2,131 patients were seen at the three walk-in and urgent care centres across Leicestershire between Christmas Eve and Sunday, December 28.

The busiest was the urgent care centre at Leicester Royal Infirmary where a total of 1,004 people sought help.

The busiest day was Saturday, December 27, when there were 283 attendances.

There were 590 attendances at the Loughborough urgent care centre.

The busiest day was also Saturday, December 27, when 161 patients were seen.

A total of 537 people sought help at the Oadby walk-in centre with the busiest day being Sunday, December 28 when there were 150 attendances.

Figures are not yet available for the Merlyn Vaz walk-in centre.

Firefighters won a race against time by smashing through thick ice to save a dog which had fallen into a frozen lake today.

Fire officers climbed into a rowing boat and used a shovel to break the ice to reach Wally the spaniel who was struggling to stay above the icy water.

The fire crews made their dramatic rescue after being called out at 12.39pm to the lake at Cadeby Hall in Cadeby, near Market Bosworth.

Hinckley and Bosworth station manager Chris Parsons said: "We got a call from the distressed owner who told us their dog had gone onto the ice and fallen through and was still trapped in the water, unable to get out.

"When we got there the dog was barking a lot but then it went quiet. We realised the dog was really struggling to stay above the water.

"The technical rescue team was on its way but there was no time to lose. Luckily there was a rowing boat at another part of the lake so we dragged that over and some firefighters got in.

"They made their way towards the dog using the boat and a shovel to break the ice.

"The ice was thicker than we thought and it was hard to get through it.

"We did get through in about 10 minutes and were just in time to save the dog."

The firefighters, a full time crew from Hinckley and a retained crew from Market Bosworth, were called out at 12.29pm.

When they got the rowing boat in position it took just 10 minutes to reach Wally.

They wrapped him in a foil blanket and handed him back to the relieved owners.

Mr Parsons said a couple of people had tried to get to the dog but had turned back after falling through the ice.

He said: "These people were in the house warming themselves up.

"We had a good result with this one but there is a serious message to be delivered here.

"We have had some very cold nights so people might think that the ice on lakes and canals and rivers might be thick.

"The ice might take the weight of a pet but not of a human. Our advice is to keep all pets off the ice.

"If a pet does go through the ice then people should call us immediately and not try to rescue the animal themselves."