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Hospitals' plea over winter bug

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People are being urged to think twice before visiting relatives in hospital if they have the winter vomiting bug known as norovirus.

They are also being asked to stay away if they have cold or flu-like illnesses, in a bid to stop the bugs spreading.

Amanda Howell, lead for infection prevention and control at the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: "Norovirus is spread easily and can survive in the environment for many days.

"In hospitals, norovirus increases the risk to patients who might already have other serious illnesses and it can lead to staff illness and even ward closures.

"There is a lot that visitors can do to help us reduce the risk of norovirus and other winter bugs on our wards.

"Thorough, effective hand washing is the single most important way of preventing the spread of infection.

"It is also particularly important that anyone visiting friends and relatives in hospital avoids bringing in home-made food since the risk of infection is particularly high."

Liz Collins, lead nurse for infection prevention at Leicester's hospitals, said: "We always see an increase in these types of illnesses in the winter, but in most cases it can be managed safely and effectively at home.

"To people feeling ill, my advice is to stay at home, keep warm and drink lots of fluids. If they are not feeling better after 48 hours, they should call their GP."


Inspiring messages from sports celebs including Mo Farah that helped cancer sufferer Gemma Hillier's battle

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A video with messages of support from sporting superstars could not have come at a better time for Gemma Hillier when she was fighting cancer.

The 24-year-old runner, from Loughborough, had just had her first session of chemotherapy when the five-minute video arrived with goodwill messages from Manchester City FC star Carlos Tevez, tennis champion Rafa Nadal, US Olympic legend Carl Lewis and double gold Olympic runner Mo Farah.

Gemma, pictured, who works in retail brand marketing for Nike, was sent the video, which also included messages from her bosses, by her colleagues.

Now in remission, she was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma – a cancer of the lymphatic system, which helps the body fight infection – in July.

Gemma, a former pupil of Stonehill High School, Birstall, said: "I had just finished my first chemotherapy session and my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes had fallen out.

"Apart from the moment I was first told I had cancer, it was my lowest time. The sight and sound of all these amazing sporting stars sending messages just to me was a real thrill.

"It gave me the determination not to be beaten by this thing in my body. The video could not have come at a better time."

Gemma, who has won county cross-country titles and competed in Europe with Charnwood Athletic Club, amazed doctors by running a half-marathon three days after finishing another course of chemotherapy.

She was only allowed to tackle the 13-mile Great North Run, in Newcastle, after she had been cleared in a blood test the day before.

She was running for the Our Space Appeal which aims to raise £1.4 million to transform the children and young people's cancer unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Her run has raised £13,000 and people are still donating.

Running club Huncote Harriers heard of Gemma's efforts and this week donated £1,000 from its annual charity fund-raiser, the Joy Cann 5 run.

Gemma, finished the Great North Run in two hours, 20 minutes.

She met Olympic gold medal rower James Cracknell before she ran it and chatted to Olympic heptathlon champion Denise Lewis afterwards.

Gemma said: "When I was told I had cancer, I thought I was going to die.

"I sat there and cried my eyes out. All I could think about was that I was going to be dead.

"But after a few minutes of feeling sorry for myself I decided I was going to fight the cancer. I have been a keen runner since I was very young, so I have always been in good shape so I knew if anyone could beat this I could."

Gemma's father Nigel, 56, of Loughborough, is immensely proud of his daughter.

"She has amazed all of us including the doctors and nurses with her powers of recovery," said Nigel, a financial adviser.

Huncote Harriers Club chairman Andy Wilford said: "We are more than happy to give money to help Gemma. She is an inspiration to all of us."

Anyone who wants to donate to Gemma's fund-raising for the Our Space appeal should go to:

www.justgiving.com/Gemma-Hillier

Inspiring messages from sports celebs including Mo Farah that helped cancer sufferer Gemma Hillier's battle

Appeal over bus assault after passenger abuses driver in Leicester city centre

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A passenger abused a bus driver and knocked his glasses from his face after an argument.

The man stepped on to the 53A Arriva bus in Humberstone Gate, in the city centre, at about 5.40pm on Sunday, September 30, police said this week.

He became abusive towards the driver and grabbed him, knocking his glasses off.

The man then ran off along Humberstone Gate towards St George's Retail Park.

The passenger is white, aged between 45 and 50, about 5ft 10ins and of medium build.

He had short, black hair and was wearing dark clothing.

Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to about the incident.

Pc Ian Line, who is investigating the incident, said: "Thankfully, the bus driver was not left with any serious injuries."

Call police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Appeal over bus assault after passenger abuses driver in Leicester city centre

Snow forecast as gritters hit the road across Leicestershire

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Gritting lorries were out in force last night ahead of possible snow showers as temperatures plunged.

Leicester Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton last night predicted up to an inch of snow could be on its way, as cold air from the north continued to chill the county.

He said: "We're going to be stuck in this cold air for a few days now and I should think we should all get some snow showers – both in the city and the county.

"I'd expect between two and four centimetres in most areas.

"It's creeping near to Christmas now and with the cold wind coming down from Scandinavia it's remaining pretty chilly."

The temperature is likely to get a few degrees below freezing each night between now and Monday, but the wind will make it feel even colder still.

Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council both had their gritting lorries out last night in response to the plunge in temperatures.

Yesterday, the A47 at Uppingham was temporarily closed after ice caused a minor accident near to the A6003 junction at about 10am.

There was light snow fall reported in Rutland yesterday.

The cold weather is expected to stay for the weekend, with temperatures below 5C (41F).

Snow forecast as gritters hit the road across Leicestershire

Churches ward off lead theft with scheme

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A scheme to combat lead theft from churches is paying off.

Since Church Watch was set up in Rutland a year ago, there has not been a single lead theft from a church, say police.

The scheme encourages people living close to churches to look out for suspicious activity.

Rutland had eight incidents in the previous two years.

Police visited every church in the county to carry out a risk assessment and give crime prevention advice.

They also added every church to the community messaging system, Neighbourhood Link, to send up-to-date, localised crime prevention advice and warnings about suspicious activity in the area.

Pc Paul Le Pla, who set up the scheme, said: "I am delighted we haven't had any lead thefts from church roofs in Rutland for more than a year.

"I am convinced this is due in part to the vigilance of people living and working around our places of worship."

Rural Dean of Rutland, Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani, said; "We are very pleased with the progress of this partnership between the churches and our police. The community in Rutland have really rallied behind this initiative."

The scheme is also being used in Melton and Blaby.

Churches  ward off lead theft with scheme

Dementia sufferer 'left in agony' at George Hythe House care home in Beaumont Leys, court hears

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An 89-year-old dementia sufferer was left in agony for four hours with a broken thigh because a care home supervisor could not be bothered to assess her, a jury heard.

Sarah Bewley was "too busy" doing paperwork to see the woman after she suffered a fall, despite several requests from a care assistant, it was claimed.

The 45-year-old team leader at George Hythe House, Croft Road, Beaumont Leys, went off duty telling staff a GP calling later that day to see another resident should also "look in" on the woman.

The alleged victim, who was unable to speak or communicate, screamed in agony when she was lifted from a wheelchair on to a bed and back into the chair during the morning.

Bewley, of Danehill, Ratby, denies willfully neglecting a person who lacks capacity on November 20, 2010.

Care assistant Gwen Martin said she responded to an alarm bell for assistance in wing five at the home at about 10.30am.

She found an agency care worker propping up the elderly woman, who was holding on to a railing, after she had been pushed over by another resident.

Mrs Martin said she fetched a wheelchair and took her into the lounge.

She said: "She was making different noises than she usually made.

"She couldn't tell me where it was hurting.

"I went to report it to the team leader for her to assess the situation to see if she needed a GP or hospital treatment.

"I wanted her to come and check to see if there were injuries."

She said the procedure at the time meant only team leaders could authorise medical help.

Mrs Martin alleged Bewley told her she was busy dealing with paperwork in relation to another patient who died that morning.

Mrs Martin said it was obvious the elderly woman was in agony by the way she was screaming out.

Two further requests for Bewley to attend allegedly went unheeded.

Under cross examination, she disagreed with a defence suggestion she failed to inform Bewley the alleged victim was in pain.

Jonathan Cox, prosecuting, said: "The defendant failed in her duties.

"She did it deliberately meaning not to assess her and turning a blind eye."

He said she had other things to do which she thought were more important than assessing the woman to determine if she needed a doctor.

Jill Lawrence, another care worker, said she noticed the woman's foot was twisted, indicating injury.

The procedure for summoning medical assistance has since changed, she said.

Leicester Crown Court was told the 89-year-old eventually obtained help and was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary for an operation only because of the persistence of Catherine Wray, daughter of another resident.

She told the jury she asked Bewley to call a GP for her mother, who was dehydrated, on the same morning.

Bewley refused, saying she was "too busy" and told her to summon a doctor herself.

Mrs Wray said she saw the elderly woman being wheeled into a room at about 2.30pm.

She said: "She was screaming. She looked dreadful. She was so distressed it was unbelievable.

"I saw her foot was twisted the opposite way and I knew she had a fracture.

"I was angry seeing anyone like that, but also very angry because that could have been my mother.

"Sarah (Bewley) had gone off duty and another person had stepped in as team leader."

She said she told the new team leader she had "five minutes" to get a paramedic or she would call herself.

Mrs Wray said the elderly woman was screaming up until the paramedics' arrival.

The trial continues.

Dementia sufferer 'left in agony' at George Hythe House care home in Beaumont Leys, court hears

Housing association to build on site of former velodrome off Saffron Lane in Leicester

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Homes for rent are to be built on part of the former velodrome site in Leicester.

About 45 rental properties are to be built by Leicester Housing Association (LHA) on the site off Saffron Lane, in the first phase of a scheme which could create 100 new homes for the city.

They will be built on three acres of land sold to the association by Leicester City Council.

The £4.8 million project includes a 10-unit sheltered accommodation scheme and five properties designed for wheelchair users.

The development will be served by a new, signal-controlled junction off Saffron Lane.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "We urgently need new homes – and we urgently need to support the local building industry. These proposals will help achieve both objectives, while helping to regenerate a site that has been vacant since the velodrome was demolished in 2008."

The project was given planning permission last month.

Developers expect to start work on site early next year, and hope to complete phase one within two years.

The remaining 3.5 acres of land on the site are expected to be sold for private housing in the second phase of the development.

The cycling arena, built in 1978, was demolished in 2009.

Previous plans by LHA for 120 homes were put on hold due to lack of money.

Plans by developer Lydian for 391 flats in blocks of up to six stories were thrown out by the council in 2006 after 600 residents claimed it was overbearing and would rob them of their privacy.

A scaled-down proposal for 160 flats and 90 houses was refused in 2011.

Michele Walker, of the Asra Housing Group, which includes LHA, said: "Not only will this development provide energy efficient quality homes but it will also help to provide and sustain much-needed local employment."

Housing association to build   on site of former  velodrome off Saffron Lane in Leicester

Freeze on duty is a start – now cut the price of petrol

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Drivers and businesses have welcomed George Osborne's announcement that the 3p fuel duty increase planned for January has been axed.

The duty freeze was one of a number of announcements made in yesterday's autumn budget statement – including an a 2.5 per cent increase in the state pension and a 1 per cent rise in child benefit.

While all drivers welcomed the move, many said it did not go far enough to help drivers on tight budgets.

Nilay Lad, 24, a mechanic, from Belgrave, Leicester, said: "I'm glad they have decided not to put it up, but I think they need to be doing something to lower the price of petrol – it's outrageous.

"I spend about £25 to £30 a week on petrol and if it had gone up, it would be bad news for me – although it might make me drive a bit slower.

"It is terrible how much you have to pay for petrol in England, compared with other countries."

Brendan Allen, 27, a scaffolder, from Mowmacre Hill, said: "I'm happy they decided not to increase it but I think they've done it so we think the Government are doing us a favour.

"If they put it up there is nothing we can do about it – people aren't going to stop buying petrol to get to work, so we are powerless, really."

Part-time cabbie Omar Kiilo, 45, from Highfields, Leicester, spends about £65 a week fuelling his taxi.

"If the cost goes up, I cannot put my fares up because they are controlled by the council, so it is doubly bad," he said.

"I'm happy they aren't increasing duty, but I think they should be doing more to reduce fuel costs."

Haulage firm AAA Logistics, in Kibworth Harcourt, welcomed the move.

Managing director Claire Hart said: "It's good news. I mean, it's not going to make things better, but then again, at least it's not going to make things worse."

Lee Nicholls, joint owner of independent garage St Matthew's Service Station, in Humberstone Road, feels the Government had no choice but to back down over the increase.

"Well, it would be political suicide, wouldn't it," he said.

"I'm pleased, but not surprised. Had they put it up, our already tight margins would be squeezed even more."

According to website petrolprices.com, the cheapest place to buy unleaded fuel in the county yesterday was Asda at Fosse Park, where a litre cost 129.7p.

It was also the joint cheapest place to buy diesel, along with Asda in Barkby Thorpe Lane, Thurmaston, where a litre cost 137.7p.

Also included in yesterday's announcement was a plan to increase basic state pension by 2.5 per cent next year to £110.15 a week. Child benefit will rise by one per cent for two years from April 2014, and the threshold at which people start paying income tax will rise by £235 more than previously announced next year, to £9,440.

The threshold for paying 40 per cent income tax is to rise by one per cent in 2014 and 2015, from £41,450 to £41,865 and then £42,285.

Freeze on duty is a start – now  cut  the price of   petrol


Leicester's indoor market in line for £7m revamp

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Plans to demolish Leicester's 1970s indoor market and replace it with a new public square in the city centre have been unveiled.

Under the £7 million scheme, the five-storey hall would make way for a plaza behind the Corn Exchange building in the heart of the market.

A new timber and glass pavilion – housing the fish, meat and cheese traders – would be built on the side of the 19th century building, now used as a bar, in the area which was only recently unveiled as the £650,000 Market Corner development by Leicester City Council.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby had originally intended to replace the market hall with a new building on the same site, but said he felt the scheme unveiled yesterday would make the historic Corn Exchange the central focus of the market once again.

The council intends to borrow cash to pay for the redevelopment against the £650,000 annual income the market brings in.

Sir Peter said: "The market has been at the heart of the city for many centuries and it does make us a surplus, so it makes business sense to invest in it.

"To say the current building is looking tired would be about the politest thing you could say about it.

"It was never a brilliant building and while it may have looked good on paper many years ago, it has never really worked.

"It is dark and badly ventilated. It's now time to move on."

The pavilion will take in the nine fresh meat, fish and cheese vendors who currently operate in the market hall, and a new area of lock-up stalls is proposed for the 29 other traders who sell so-called dry-goods – such as haberdashery – in the corner of the market closest to the iron gateway to Gallowtree Gate.

Adrian Pole, who runs Country Fayre, has worked at the indoor market for 30 years and welcomes the scheme.

"The traders work in a building that is almost derelict," said Mr Pole.

"It's awful and we survive only because we have a very loyal customer base.

"Moving to the new building would be a platform to increase trade and I think it could draw visitors back into the area."

Fruit and veg stall holder Paddy Deevey, who is chairman of the Leicester Branch of the National Market Traders Federation, said: "The market has needed this kind of investment for many years.

"It will not only improve things for the traders, though.

"The market has a knack of surviving, but the area around the periphery is in need of brightening up and I think these plans look exciting."

Haberdasher Dave Swingler said: "Something needs doing. As the market hall has degenerated, trade has fallen away but I think this could turn things round."

Sir Peter said he does not plan to raise the rates traders paid when they move into the new hall.

He said: "It would be suicidal for the council to do all this and then put the rents up to a level that makes traders walk away."

The vintage market and bric-a-brac market which is held on Market Corner would move to Cheapside until the new square between the Corn Exchange and Molly O'Grady's pub is completed. Then it may move to that space.

Subject to getting planning permission, the council hopes to complete the new food hall, which has been designed on the line of similar buildings in Barcelona and Madrid, by Christmas next year.

The traders in the existing market hall would then relocate to allow its demolition, costing £1 million, without disrupting their business.

Leicester Civic Society chairman Stuart Bailey said: "It's certainly ambitious. I applaud the idea but I think the design of the new building looks odd.

"It's all curves in a place which has very angular buildings. I also think the new square would be a bit hemmed in by very tall buildings."

Shopper John Barratt, 61, from Aylestone, said: "A public square sandwiched between two pubs sounds like it's asking for trouble.

"It's fine wanting something like Barcelona, but this is Leicester. You can't turn it into something it's not."

However, pet stall holder Kate Chamberlin said: "I think it's great. The fresh food is a great draw for the market, but for years it has been hidden away in a building that is a mess. This will help us all."

Chairman of the Leicester Retail Forum Peter Wilkinson said: "It looks good, but I think the mayor is proposing something very complex, especially at the back of the Corn Exchange."

Traders are now being consulted on the plan with a wider six week public consultation starting on January 11.

Leicester's indoor market in line for £7m revamp

Manchester United duo to stay on at Leicester City

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Leicester City have extended the loan spells of Manchester United duo Jesse Lingard and Michael Keane.

Both players will now be available for selection until January 2, strengthening City boss Nigel Pearson's options during the jam-packed festive period.

Lingard, 19, has made four appearances since arriving at the King Power Stadium last month, going on as a substitute in City's games against Bolton, Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday.

Keane, by contrast, has featured just once.

The centre-back picked up a hamstring injury on his City debut in the 0-0 draw with Bolton, which saw him make a premature return to Old Trafford.

However, the 19-year-old is recovering well and will re-join the City squad when he reaches full fitness.

City, who are currently third in the Championship, may need as many fresh hands as possible if they are to keep their momentum going throughout their hectic festive schedule.

They have six games in just 25 days, culminating in their fixture on New Year's Day when they welcome Huddersfield to the King Power Stadium.

The run includes home games against Barnsley and top-of-the-table Cardiff, along with tough away trips to Millwall, Hull and Burnley.

Manchester United duo to stay on at Leicester City

Leicester scaffolding firm goes to the wall - 35 jobs lost

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About 35 jobs have been axed after a building firm ceased trading.

BL Scaffolding, in Queen Street, Leicester city centre, has been forced to close after being left with crippling debts following the collapse of a major customer.

The company was owed £96,000 by Hallam Contracts, of Oadby, which ceased trading last month.

BL bosses announced the closure of the 30-year-old firm to workers yesterday.

No one from the company, which is set to go into voluntary liquidation, was available for comment last night.

Neil Money, of CBA Insolvency, of Leicester, who will oversee BL's liquidation, said: "The company is unlikely to get back any of the money owed by Hallam for some time, which for a company of its size has left it crippled."

It is believed the 300 sub-contractors and suppliers owed £4 million by Hallam are likely to get back just a quarter to a half of the debt.

Hallam's administrators have warned that a number of those creditors have been left close to collapse.

Leicester scaffolding firm goes to the wall - 35 jobs lost

Review: Hello, Dolly! at Curve, Leicester

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Review by Lizz Brain

IT may be a frothy, flimsy favourite from years gone by, but Hello, Dolly! has stood the test of time because it's essentially a feelgood show about rediscovering life and love.

Curve's Christmas musical is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser which works because it doesn't pretend to be more than it is; a tremendously likeable, fun and warm tale of a meddling widowed matchmaker looking for love for herself and those around her.

Dolly (Janie Dee) wants to marry cantankerous half-millionaire Horace Vandergelder (Dale Rapley), yet first has to craftily persuade him that the charms of another widow, milliner Irene Molloy (Laura Pitt-Pulford) are not for him.

In the meantime, Horace's two employees run off to New York looking for adventure and love, gently nudged towards Mrs Molloy's shop by Dolly.

Of course everything ends up happily ever after, and in the hands of musical creative team director Paul Kerryson and choreographer David Needham, it could hardly do anything but.

It's light-hearted, occasionally farcical (although the hilarious Motherhood March has sadly been cut), and breezes along with a permanent twinkle.

Janie Dee's Dolly has humanity and humour as a woman learning to live and love again after being widowed too young, not wanting to spend her middle years alone and looking to Vandergelder for security and companionship. Dolly's motormouth dialogue isn't yet quite flowing with the speed and sass one associates with the role, but it will almost certainly come as the run progresses.

Michael Xavier sings up a storm as Horace's chief clerk Cornelius Hackl, balancing his comedy well between immature and goofy, and Ms Pitt-Pulford's voice soars gloriously with her solo spots.

David Needham's dancers are key to the show-stealing moments – the frenetic waiters' gallop, the exquisite ballet in Dancing and the impressive act one finale - always slick, busy, imaginative and immensely watchable. He creates magic with movement, keeping dancers so active you'd swear there were twice as many.

There's also a pleasingly fat sound from musical director Ben Atkinson's eight-piece band, with a grateful nod to the four local brass bands who add oomph to the parade scene (Enderby Band on press night).

Sara Perks' designs are a little more hit and miss, costumes are period but some lack the wow factor (and Dolly's "enormous bag" is referenced but doesn't appear) and the central curved staircase, although providing a variety of functions including the milliner's shop and train station entrance, often just looks out of place. But these are admittedly nitpicks.

Ultimately it's a lovely show, it makes you smile, it makes you tap your feet and I defy you not to sing the title song all the way home. What else does a Christmas show need?

 

• Read more by theatre critic Lizz Brain at www.lizzbrain.com or follow @theatreblogger on Twitter.

Review: Hello, Dolly! at Curve, Leicester

Cash in transit robbery in Leicester city centre

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Two robbers threatened security guards in the city centre early this morning before making off with cash boxes.
The incident took place at about 6.30am outside the Tesco Express store in London Road, next to the railway station.
The thieves grabbed the money before making off in a vehicle.
Police said it was still too early to give any further information.
A spokeswoman for the police said: "We are looking at things like CCTV to give us more clues about what happened.
"We know that at 6.26am two men in a vehicle threatened security guards before making off with cash boxes. No one was injured.
"Forensic examinations of the scene are taking place and we are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen something."
Anyone with information can call police on 101or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cash in transit robbery in Leicester city centre

Motorcyclist killed in crash in Leicestershire

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A motorcyclist died when his motorbike was in collision with a car.

The crash happened at about 6.10pm last night, in Ashby Road, Long Whatton, near to the junction with Smithy Lane.

The motorcyclist, who has not yet been named by police, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car was not injured.

Detective Constable Seamus Burns, the investigating officer, said both vehicles, a gold Honda Deauville and a black Audi A4 estate, were travelling westbound along Ashby Road, towards Belton, at the time of the collision.

He added: "We would like to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or saw either of the vehicles prior to the incident to please contact police urgently."

Call police on 101, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal after boy has items stolen from him in Leicester street

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Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to after a 16-year-old boy had items stolen from him.

The victim was walking home along Regent Road, in the city centre, at about 2.45pm on October 2 when he approached by a group of men.

They asked the teenager for money, and when he refused, one of the men took an Apple iPod Touch and speaker from the boy's bag before the men walked off.

Officers today issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

Pc Craig Porter, who is investigating the incident, said: "The victim wasn't threatened or harmed during the incident but even so it was a distressing incident for him.

"If you recognise the man in the image or you have any information about the incident we would urge you to contact us."

Call police on 101, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal after boy has items stolen from him in Leicester street


Leicestershire CCC batsman Matthew Boyce takes a well-earned rest after 1,137-mile walk

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Matthew Boyce has earned the opportunity to put his feet up for a few days.

The Leicestershire batsman is relaxing after 66 days on the road – or off it, to be more accurate – walking from John O'Groats to Land's End.

The Foxes left-hander always knew that he faced a challenge in a gruelling effort which spanned late summer, autumn and the early stages of winter.

But, at the end of the 1,137-mile marathon, he deserves huge praise for helping to raise money, and awareness, for mental health charity Mind, and the Professional Cricketers' Association benefit fund.

"It still hasn't sunk in," he said on his return to Grace Road.

"It feels a little bit strange not getting up and going for a stroll. I got myself into that kind of routine.

"But it was nice to celebrate with my family and girlfriend at the end of it all."

Illness, ankle and toe problems, mud and map-reading all provided a variety of hurdles throughout the journey, but Boyce said there was never a stage when he felt he had bitten off more than he could chew.

"I was surprised how my body and mind got used to doing it," he said.

"The last 25 to 30 days became the norm with waking up, having breakfast, putting on my boots and walking.

"The people who joined me along the way helped, too. It didn't become monotonous. You are seeing different things all the time and, on some days, it was a real pleasure to be out walking.

"I always kept a positive mind-set and there was no stage where I thought I wouldn't complete the challenge.

"I set targets for myself and had the mentality that it would always be 4 o'clock at some stage and we would finish walking for the day!"

The mental health aspect of his fund-raising was largely directed towards the issue of depression in sport, something that has been spoken about by former England captains Andrew Flintoff and Michael Vaughan in recent times.

"It isn't something that I have suffered with myself but I have always thought that there is more understanding needed," said Boyce.

"It is a case of me continuing the work that other cricketers have done. They have set the precedent in sport by coming forward and saying that they have struggled.

"Taking on such a long challenge has allowed me to help build on that momentum and show some support."

Details of the walk and how to support Boyce's effort can be found at:

www.mattboycecharitywalk.co.uk

Leicestershire CCC batsman Matthew Boyce takes a well-earned rest after 1,137-mile walk

New Leicestershire police and crime commissioner Sir Clive Loader promises 'openness'

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New police and crime commissioner Sir Clive Loader held his first executive board meeting yesterday promising "a new era of openness and accountability."

The Conservative, who was elected to run policing in Leicestershire and Rutland last month, met with senior officers including chief constable Simon Cole at the force's headquarters.

He said: "I am lucky, not just to have got the job but in terms of the team I have inherited.

"This is a massive change in the way we do policing."

He described the meeting as an exercise in open democracy and reminded the chief constable that he was legally obliged to hold him to account.

He noted that 17 chief constables had recently left other forces and said: "I hope that is not just because of PCCs."

Mr Cole said he was excited by the opportunities the new position presented.

New  Leicestershire police and crime commissioner Sir Clive Loader promises 'openness'

More to come as Leicester Tigers full-back Mathew Tait is still to hit top gear

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Mathew Tait's rehabilitation in terms of regaining full fitness has been completed by his return to first-team action recently.

That was underlined by his performance in Leicester Tigers' victory against Bath last weekend, where he featured prominently at full-back.

But although he is satisfied with the progress he has made, Tait and Tigers' supporters know that he has yet to fully engage top gear. They also recognise that it will come in time – and sooner rather than later.

"There is still quite a bit to come," said the 26-year-old as Tigers build towards the weekend's Heineken Cup encounter with Treviso.

"Things went reasonably well against Bath last week, although I still feel I made a few daft errors which need ironing out.

"Whether that is rustiness or learning to trust your instincts again, it is all about building back into the game because I was out for such a long time.

"But those things come with game-time and back-to-back matches."

Tait added: "I'm as happy as I could be at the moment, but I still feel that there is a lot more to come."

Tait made his Tigers debut in September last year but injuries have limited him to just eight appearances to date, and he has yet to take his place in a European match.

"I'm enjoying being back involved again," he said. "That is what you miss.

"That is why you train, do pre-season and work hard, because you want to be involved in these games.

"It is a very important competition for us and, on Sunday, we need to make sure that we are creating a lot.

"Last Saturday (against Bath), we weren't particularly clinical with the final pass or in the final phases of play, and we need to change that."

Whatever side Tigers put out against Treviso, Tait, who has 38 England caps to his name, knows that they will have to work hard to get the upper-hand, even though Leicester will go into the game as strong favourites.

"Treviso are physical, as Italian sides are, with a big pack and some big units in the backs" he said.

"It is a case of making sure that we secure phase-ball and play in the appropriate places.

"They are always very difficult sides to play against, but it is vital for our chances of progressing in the Heineken Cup."

More to come as Leicester Tigers full-back Mathew Tait is still to hit top gear

Security guards robbed at dawn outside Tesco Express, next to Leicester station

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Armed robbers threatened guards when they held up a security van outside a supermarket.

Two men, brandishing what police described as "bladed weapons" targeted G4S guards who were delivering money to the cashpoint outside the Tesco Express store in London Road, next to Leicester railway station.

They grabbed cash boxes before escaping in a vehicle at about 6.30am yesterday.

Police cordoned off the area around the cashpoint while forensic investigators examined the scene.

Businesses in the area had already started to prepare for the day's trading at the time of the raid.

A member of staff at Greggs sandwich shop next door, who asked not to be named, said: "It's scary to think it happened just outside at that time of the morning when people are about. "When we tried to open the front, there was police tape spread out along the street and we were told we couldn't open at first."

Another shopkeeper in London Road said: "I heard they had been watching the security guards and they knew their times. You hear about things like this happening a lot lately."

G4S would not say how much cash was taken during the robbery.

A spokesman said the two security guards were not hurt during the raid, but have been offered counselling.

He said: "The psychological impact that attacks of this nature can have on individuals should not be under-estimated.

"Our staff have the right to expect to be able to go about their duties without fear of attack and we are working with the police so that those responsible for this incident can be made accountable for their actions in court."

Descriptions of the armed men and the getaway vehicle have not been released by police.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are looking at things like CCTV to give us more clues about what happened.

"We know that at 6.26am two men in a vehicle threatened security guards before making off with cash boxes. No one was injured."

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Security guards robbed at dawn outside Tesco Express, next to Leicester station

Rare bank notes printed in Leicester set to fetch thousands

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Rare bank notes printed in Leicester during the 18th and 19th centuries are expected to fetch thousands of pounds at auction.

Some of the 18 black and white notes, issued between 1790 and 1893, are each expected to fetch between about £100 to £400, with others possibly reaching up to £1,000.

They are being sold at Spink auctioneers, in London, on December 14, as a single lot.

However, Barnaby Faull, director of bank notes at Spink, said he expected enthusiasts to snap them up in bundles.

He also said there was a likelihood that the rare notes could return to Leicestershire.

Mr Faull said: "I was on the phone to a Leicester collector who said he was well aware of the notes and said there were quite a few which he hoped to bring back to Leicester.

"This really is the be all and end all of provincial collections – there aren't any others out there which are as complete as this.

"Because it's a specialist market, these should be worth a lot more than they are likely to go for."

The collection is part of the David Kirch Collection of English Provincial Banknotes, the largest collection of its kind. It is made up of thousands of 18th, 19th and 20th century examples of provincial notes from around the country.

It is being sold by millionaire property tycoon David Kirch, who is planning to donate all of the money made from the sales to charity.

It is thought altogether, the Leicestershire notes alone will fetch between £6,000 and £6,500.

One of the items, a rare £20 bank note printed by Leicester and Leicestershire Bank in 1842, is expected to sell for about £700.

The oldest note in the Leicester collection is a five guineas note (£5.25 in modern money) issued by Leicester Bank in 1790, during the reign of King George III, could sell for between £250 and £350. Mr Faull said: "The Bank of England was the only official issuing authority but only produced notes of about £5, which would have been more money than you could dream about at the time.

"So the provincial banks started to emerge, which were set up by local merchants, and began issuing small denominations, which were technically IOUs and all but worthless outside of the area they were printed.

"Most banks had disappeared by the 1820s, so we're in the rare situation where later items are worth more than earlier ones."

There were a number of Leicester banks in operation either side of 1800, but most went bust by about 1820.

One was founded in about 1776 by two local businessmen named Mansfield and Oliver, flourished and was taken over by the London City and Midland Bank in 1898.

In 1918, it became the London Joint City and Midland Bank, which became Midland Bank.

Rare bank notes printed in Leicester set to fetch thousands

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