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Princess Anne pays first visit to soldiers at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland

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Princess Anne paid a visit to an Army unit at its new base in Rutland today.

The 7 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps, of which the princess is commander in chief, is now based at Kendrew Barracks, which used to be RAF Cottesmore.

The regiment re-located from Germany last year and during her visit the princess handed out Operation Herrick medals to five soldiers who served in Afghanistan.

Among them was Private Michael Smith, aged 20, who returned from Afghanistan in September.

His tasks involved packing up and sending back equipment to the UK after the Army operations ended there.

He said: "It's been one of those special moments. Receiving my medal from Her Royal Highness was a once in a life-time thing."

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Ian Poole said: "This has been a very special day for 7 Regiment, its soldiers and their families.

"I am sure the memory will stay with them for a long time to come.

"A visit by our Colonel in Chief is always a very special occasion.

"The troops take huge pride in our heritage and in the contribution which they have made in recent months both at home and abroad."

Princess Anne pays first visit to soldiers at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland


Latest weather: Showers overnight and more gloom tomorrow

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The weather this evening will remain dry with rain arriving in the early hours of the night.

Temperatures should remain above 2C (36F) overnight and for the rest of the week.

Tomorrow light rain is expected with temperatures reaching highs of no more than 5C (41F).

Latest weather: Showers overnight and more gloom tomorrow

Lottery grant to develop volunteering programme at historic Moira Furnace site

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A relic of Leicestershire's industrial past has received a £61,900 lottery grant to help develop volunteering projects at the tourist attraction.

The Moira Furnace Museum Trust, which manages and oversees conservation of the 19th century iron-making blast furnace, near Ashby, was awarded the cash by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Stephen Scotney, chairman of the trust, said it will use the money to invest in a new volunteering project.

He said: "We're delighted to receive this grant, which gives us a great chance to increase the number of volunteers here at Moira Furnace."

The money will fund workshops and training to teach volunteers about the history of the site, and will pay for a volunteer co-ordinator to develop heritage, environmental and art projects.

Mr Scotney said: "With this funding we can build a lively, exciting and hands-on heritage attraction for the local community and beyond."

The furnace was built by Sir Francis Rawdon Hastings, the 2nd Earl of Moira, in 1806, to capitalise on the area's coal industry and recent opening of the Ashby Canal.

It only operated until 1811 and was converted into housing for local workers, with livestock, orchards, allotments and stables replacing the foundries and limekilns.

But the furnace remains one of the best surviving examples of its kind in Europe and is recognised as a "scheduled ancient monument" by English Heritage.

Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, said the lottery award would boost the "cultural life" of the district and the project would give local people the chance to become more involved.

Vanessa Harbar, head of Heritage Lottery Fund in the East Midlands, said: "This support will make a real difference as the museum looks to build up a volunteering programme that will ensure sustainability and produce exciting new exhibitions."

The museum trust is supported by North West Leicestershire District Council.

Alison Smith, deputy leader of the council, said: "I am pleased with the opportunities this funding will bring."

The@ first project the new volunteering team at Moira Furnace will develop will be the creation of a touring exhibition on the story of Gunther Plüschow.

He was the only German PoW in either world war to escape from a prisoner of war camp in Britain and get back to Germany.

The camp he escaped from was at Donington Hall, which was the country seat of the same Earls of Moira who built the furnace.

The exhibition is to be launched to mark the 100th anniversary of Plüschow's escape, on July 2.

Franz von Werra, whose story featured in the film The One that Got Away, escaped from a PoW camp in Canada during the Second World War.

www.moirafurnace.org

Lottery grant to develop volunteering programme at historic Moira Furnace site

M69 northbound crash causes long delays

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The M69 northbound is badly congested following a crash near the junction with the M1 at Leicester.

Delays are expected to continue until at least 7.15pm. Police and firefighters are in attendance at the scene of the crash.

M69 northbound crash causes long delays

Ian Hall: Leicester Comedy Festival review

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If you like your comedy with liberal helpings of daftness, there are none dafter at this year's festival than Ian Hall. His debut hour won the Best New Show award a year ago, and his latest offering Out of Touch, Out of Time didn't suffer from the notorious "difficult second album" syndrome. It had a similar mix of silly characters, visual gags, twisted pop culture references, obtuse puns and home-made props, loosely held together with a central theme.

This year's theme was the 1980s pop duo Hall and Oates; specifically the search for John Oates (moustache, perm) by Darryl Hall (tall, blonde), and the characters Darryl meets along the way. These characters included old favourites such as spirit medium Blake Incarcerated and the repetitive and unstable Robert Monkton, as well as newer creations such as selectively deaf showbiz agent Arthur B'Tec - he literally can't hear if you have no talent.

There was something for just about everyone in this show, including a few local references, a lengthy section of visual gags in which Hall did exactly the opposite of whatever song was playing, and Robert Monkton's trademark inability to stay on his feet. The low-tech nature of his props and shambolic costume changes all added to the charm.

Hall also appears in The Two Syds on Monday.

Venue: The Cookie

Review by: Paul Banks

To buy tickets to any of the events at this year's Leicester Comedy Festival click here.

Have you voted for you Legend of Comedy 2015 yet? Vote here.

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival 2015

Ian Hall: Leicester Comedy Festival review

Pappy's: Leicester Comedy Festival review

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You know when you are genuinely gutted when a show comes to an end? That's how I felt when I watched Pappy's on Saturday night.

I've never seen anything like it before.

Pappy's are an award- winning three-man sketch team, made up of comedy trio Ben Clark, Matthew Crosby and Tom Parry. You might recognise them from BBC Three's Badults.

I must admit I didn't know what to expect when I saw the words "sketch show" – I'm used to watching the conventional one man (or woman) on stage, digging out their best anecdotes.

Oh, how I've missed out.

Filling about an hour, Clark, Crosby and Parry dashed around the stage performing hilarious, clever and extremely entertaining sketches.

Each sketch was completely random but absolutely showcased the talent of these comedians – both on stage and as scriptwriters.

The entire show was neatly put together, with each sketch rolling into one another smoothly. It was bursting with songs, physical comedy, audience inter- action, one liners, puns and general silliness – including a reference to a vampire priest, a tune about gloves and the reproduction of the famous New Zealand Haka into a very amusing "computer hacker" dance routine.

The sketches were so silly, you couldn't take any of them seriously at all – which is the best bit. Unlike some shows you go to and you might go away questioning your own existence, Pappy's was one hour of pure and simple entertainment and pleasure – how refreshing. Clark, Crosby and Parry just seem like three mates who are on stage, having a laugh, and it works fantastically.

I really didn't want the show to end and was sad to hear the words, "we've been Pappy's, thank you".

A special mention must be given to the night's host David Morgan, who completed the evening with his witty banter. And, of course, support acts, Steve Bugeja and reigning Leicester Mercury Comedian of The Year, Kate Lucas – both of who have their own shows coming up at this year's festival, so come on, get your tickets. 

Venue: The Y

Review by: Yasmin Duffin

To buy tickets to any of the events mentioned, click here.

Have you voted for you Legend of Comedy 2015 yet? Vote here.

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival 2015

Pappy's: Leicester Comedy Festival review

Sarah Millican: Leicester Comedy Festival review

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It's an interesting concept, an unwittingly privileged audience to be in, and testament to the sheer variety and venture of the comedy festival, that there should feature "an interview" with Sarah Millican.

They did a similar thing with Jason Manford last year, festival director Geoff Rowe sitting down for a conversation with an award-winning comedian.

I like Sarah. Her gentle delivery subtly disguises her dark and dirty demeanour.

And she was every bit the woman you'd want her to be, as she took us through the tale of how she started out, the realisation she should be doing stand-up and the way she has navigated the comedy industry since.

Every line is littered with laughs. She just has it, you know, that something only born-to-be-comedians possess.

Now a household name, Sarah doesn't think she's changed. She more than hopes she hasn't. Hers isn't fame, rather, a job she adores doing.

She speaks with honesty and humility, but doesn't lack self-belief. Though she could sell one out in a flash (our thoughts, not hers), she doesn't care for arena tours, either. Her stress before a show goes on sale is insurmountable. And the real magic happens when you don't get an echo of your own voice around a venue.

Having been "promoted" from the circuit, she brings herself back to stand-up – what she enjoys most and the heart of where it all began – by staging Sarah Millican and Friends gigs and practising off-the-paper material with up-and-coming comedy comrades across the country.

And she genuinely likes Leicester – its comedy literate audiences and eclectic, intimate venues.

Sarah first played our city in 2005, at the Looking Glass in Braunstone Gate, and has returned to the festival many times since.

This might not have been stand-up, as we know it, but it was warm-your-cockles entertaining, all the same.

Venue: Curve

Review By: Gemma Collins

Have you voted for you Legend of Comedy 2015 yet? Vote here.

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival 2015

Sarah Millican: Leicester Comedy Festival review

A Celebration of British Comedy Songs: Leicester Comedy Festival review

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It was an interesting prospect – a comedy night in church. Would there be swearing? (No). Would there be alcohol? (Yes). Who would attend? (Read on).

It was also a first for St James the Greater as a venue for the comedy festival – organised by community company Applause and BBC Radio Leicester, and raising money for the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust.

The concept was simple – invite choirs and well-known Leicestershire folk to perform a comedy song, and potentially embarrass themselves.

So rugby star George Chuter gave his best rendition of Benny Hill's classic Ernie: The Fastest Milkman In The West, broadcaster Martin Ballard took on Terry Scott's My Brother and Chief Constable Simon Cole clearly relished performing Gilbert and Sullivan's A Policeman's Lot.

The packed church chuckled in all the right places and responded with warmth, showing the festival really does cater to all tastes.

It was down to the Leicester Cathedral Chamber Choir, Knighton Community Choir, New Leicester Youth Chorus and Fosse Singers to pack out the programme with a variety of amusing numbers. Personal highlights were the tight harmonies of The Simpletones, rounded off with a sing-a-long to Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.

Venue: St James The Greater

Review by: Lizz Brain

Have you voted for you Legend of Comedy 2015 yet? Vote here.

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival 2015


Jon Rudkin made permanent director of football at Leicester City

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Leicester City have confirmed the permanent appointment of Jon Rudkin as the club's director of football.

Academy director Rudkin was appointed to the role in December after the departure of Terry Robinson but he has now been given the role of overseeing the club's football operations on a permanent basis.

"Jon will oversee the club's entire football operation through academy, development and first team levels and the development and application of the Club's football philosophy," the club said in a statement.

"Jon will also maintain his position as head of the Club's successful Category 1 Academy – a position he has held since 2003."

City vice chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "Jon has done an excellent job managing the responsibilities of the Director of Football role during the last eight weeks, including the demands of the January transfer window, and we are delighted to confirm his permanent appointment.

"During his time as academy director, Jon has helped to shape the club's football philosophy, which was a significant factor in our successful Academy being awarded the Elite Player Performance Plan's coveted Category one status.

"As director of football, he will be entrusted with the strategic development of that philosophy and its application throughout our player pathway."

Bogus police officers take cash and bank cards from Leicester woman in her 80s

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A bogus police officer took bank cards and £340 in cash from an elderly lady in an elaborate con.

The woman, who is in her 80s, got a phone call on the afternoon of February 5, telling her the police were worried about her bank account.

She was given a phone number for bank and advised to call them and then she was told and officer would visit her home to pick up her cash cards and cheque.

The woman was also given a password to tell the officer when he visited her home in the Welford Road area of Leicester.

She later willingly handed over the cash and cards when a man visited her home.

The man who visited her is described as white, in his late 20s or early 30s, and of skinny build with a flat face and a very pale complexion.

He was wearing a navy jacket, tan coloured trousers, a beige hooded top and had blonde hair poking out from the hooded top.

Detective Constable Louise Osborne, who is investigating the incident, warned other people to beware of conmen trying similar tricks on them.

She said: "It is important to note that a police officer will at no time ask you for your bank details over the phone and will not arrange to collect your bank cards as part of an investigation.

"If at any point you are concerned about the identify of someone purporting to be a police officer, hang up the call, or close the door, before calling 101.

"A member of the call handling team will be able to help verify their credentials. No genuine police officer will mind you taking the time to verify their identification.

"They may sound plausible, but if you have any suspicions about their identity contact us immediately.

"I would like to appeal for any witnesses to this incident or identify any further victims. It is possible that the suspects have contacted other people in the wider community who have not come forward and reported it to police."

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

Bogus police officers take cash and bank cards from Leicester woman in her 80s

Councillors in final ditch effort to save Snibston Discovery Museum

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A group of councillors are launching a last-gasp effort to save Snibston Discovery Museum.

Leicestershire County Council announced last month it proposes to close the Coalville attraction on July 31.

It follows a decision by the Conservative-led authority that it could no longer afford the £900,000 it costs to

subsidise the running of the museum.

The move will be debated, however, at this month's full council meeting, next Wednesday, after a motion was put forward by Councillor Robert Sharp, Labour member for Loughborough South.

It reads: "This council calls on the cabinet to reverse its decision to stop efforts to save the discovery museum."

County Hall made its decision last February to replace the existing Snibston complex, in Ashby Road, with a smaller, cheaper mining heritage museum.

It postponed the move to give the Friends of Snibston group the chance to put together a plan for it to be run independently by a charitable trust.

The council decided, however, the plan put forward was "fundamentally flawed".

However, Coun Sharp said the authority's own proposal "lacked detail", and would entail costs it cannot afford. His fellow Labour councillors in North West Leicestershire – Terri Eynon, Sean Sheahan, Leon Spence and Heather Worman – have circulated an open letter to other councillors urging cross-party support for the motion.

Coun Eynon, member for Coalville, said: "The campaign to save Snibston has received cross-party support.

"But until that cross-party support comes together at County Hall, Snibston will not be saved.

"We were elected to serve North West Leicestershire and Snibston is vital to our area.

"We believe this is a time for all Parties to unite behind a common cause – the future of one of our prize assets – and vote to protect Snibston."

Brian Vollar, chairman of the Friends of Snibston group which fought to save the museum, said campaigners will also be planning a "sizeable public demonstration" at County Hall, in Glenfield, before next Wednesday's meeting, which is open to the public and starts at 2.30pm.

Councillors in final ditch effort to save Snibston Discovery Museum

Dominoes store to reopen in Fenwick department store at weekend

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Toy and games lovers of all ages are in for a treat this Valentine's Day.

Saturday sees the highly-anticipated return of Leicester's famous Dominoes toy shop, which will reopen inside the Fenwick department store.

It has been 14 months since Dominoes, then in High Street, was forced into administration.

But the much-loved family business is back after owner Steve Sansom managed to buy back the name from administrators.

The new store will occupy 1,000 square feet of Fenwick's first floor.

Steve said: "It's been a lot of hard work over the last week getting everything ready.

"We've already had lots of customers pop in to say hello and say they'll see us on

Saturday.

"Shoppers will recognise a lot of features that make us unique.

"The old train set will be there, along with our collections of marbles – you won't see that anywhere else."

However, Dominoes has been reborn as a leaner, 21st century version, and will work in tandem with a new website, Toys On Your Screen, set up by Steve.

He said: "We'll eventually have 8,000 lines online."

Love will also be in the air on February 14 for doughnut lovers with the opening of Leicester's first Krispy Kreme doughnut shop and organic restaurant.

The American chain's latest shop will open at Highcross shopping centre at 10am, where customers will be able to sample a limited edition Valentine's Day range.

Dominoes store to reopen in Fenwick department store at weekend

Arsenal 2 Leicester 1: Battling City refuse to lie down - match report

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Arsenal (2) 2

 Koscielny (27, Walcott (41)

Leicester City (0) 1

Kramaric (61)

Leicester City went down fighting at Arsenal showing a battling spirit after a difficult few days for manager Nigel Pearson and the club.

The Gunners looked to be in control after first-half goals from Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott.

However, Croatia forward Andrej Kramaric netted his first Leicester goal after 61 minutes to reduce the deficit, while Arsene Wenger's side survived some late pressure and some five minutes of stoppage time.

The result was harsh on Nigel Pearson's side, showing plenty of industry for their under-fire manager, who came down from the director's box to orchestrate the second-half recovery.

Pearson had earlier made a public show of shaking hands and sharing a joke with owner and chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, in the stands at the Emirates for the game.

Leicester, winless in 16 games against Arsenal since November 1994, had enjoyed a promising start as a deflected effort from Riyad Mahrez flew across the Arsenal six-yard box.

There were alarm bells in the home penalty area again after 11 minutes when the Algerian forward burst clear down the right and fired a low shot through the legs of David Ospina, which flew just wide of the far post.

Arsenal slowly built some sustained possession, with fit again Alexis Sanchez central to their positive momentum.

In the 15th minute, Walcott latched onto a through pass from Mesut Ozil, but Foxes goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was out quickly to make a smart block with his chest.

Ozil played a neat exchange with Sanchez at the edge of the Leicester box, before stepping inside and sending a toe-poke shot towards the bottom right corner, which Schwarzer palmed away at full stretch.

From the resulting corner, Arsenal took the lead after 27 minutes. Ozil floated the ball towards the near post, where Koscielny got clear of his marker to fire past the keeper from point-blank range.

Leicester looked to regroup, and Mahrez curled a 20-yard effort wide after more patient build up from the Foxes, who had lost their last three Premier League matches.

Arsenal, though, doubled their lead in the 41st minute. Ozil was given space some 25 yards out and drilled in a left-foot shot which Schwarzer could only parry.

The ball dropped to Walcott, who dispatched it on the volley back into the bottom left corner for a third goal in four games.

Arsenal felt they should have been awarded a penalty at the start of the second half when the ball clearly struck Leicester defender Danny Simpson on the arm from Sanchez's pass, but referee Mike Jones was not convinced.

Leicester continued to look for a way back into the match, with an angled pass from Simpson picking out Matty James in the right side of the penalty area, but the midfielder could not bring the ball under control.

On the hour as former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson limped off, replaced by Marcin Wasilewski, Ospina got down quickly to beat away a low drive by Kramaric, whose cross was then headed over by Per Mertesacker.

Arsenal were punished for some slack defending from the corner as it bounced around a crowded penalty area before being buried into the bottom left corner by Kramaric for his first Leicester goal since a January move from Rijeka.

Mahrez curled a 20-yard effort inches wide before Leicester broke quickly again in the 71st minute, with Ospina just getting his fingers to a chip from Kramaric.

Arsenal had to replace substitute Aaron Ramsey, who had not been on the pitch for more than 10 minutes, when the Wales midfielder pulled up with what looked like a hamstring problem.

Leicester refused to lie down, but this time, there was to be no late capitulation from the Gunners.

TEAMS;

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): 13 David Ospina, 39 Hector Bellerin, 4 Per Mertesacker, 6 Laurent Koscielny, 18 Nacho Monreal; 34 Francis Coquelin, 7 Tomas Rosicky; 14 Theo Walcott, 19 Santi Cazorla, 11 Mesut Ozil; 17 Alexis Sanchez.

Subs: 1 Wojciech Szczesny, 3 Kieran Gibbs, 5 Gabriel, 12 Olivier Giroud (for Sanchez, 68min), 16 Aaron Ramsey (for Walcott, 73min), 20 Mathieu Flamini (for Ramsey, 82min), 23 Danny Welbeck

Leicester City (5-4-1): 32 Mark Schwarzer, 17 Danny Simpson, 14 Robert Huth, 5 Wes Morgan, 06 Matt Upson; 26 Riyad Mahrez, 19 Esteban Cambiasso; 8 Matty James, 15 Jeff Schlupp; 40 Andrej Kramaric

Subs: 4 Danny Drinkwater, 10 Andy King, 11 Marc Albrighton, 12 Ben Hamer, 23 Leonardo Ulloa (for Morgan, 81min) , 27 Marcin Wasilewski (for Upson, 59min), 35 David Nugent (for Schlupp, 86min)

Yellow cards: Rosicky, Giroud (Arsenal), Wasilewski, Simpson (City)

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)

Att: 60,032

Arsenal 2 Leicester 1: Battling City refuse to lie down - match report

Arsenal 2 Leicester 1: I'm tired of being unlucky - City boss Nigel Pearson

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Nigel Pearson said it is vital Leicester City quickly find that "extra ingredient" to turn their spirited performances into points for Premier League survival.

City suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal last night, their fourth straight loss in the league, a result that leaves Pearson's men five points adrift of safety.

After a promising opening 25 minutes, City were punished for slack marking as Laurent Koscielny volleyed home from a corner before Theo Walcott doubled their lead before the break.

Andrej Kramaric gave City hope when he fired home his first goal for the club on the hour but, despite bundles of late pressure, the visitors could not find that elusive equaliser.

"I'm tired of being unlucky," said Pearson. "We need to take performances like this and win games. And we will. We must get details right.

"There were some fantastic performances. We created some great chances against a very good side.

"We take the positives, but we are not kidding ourselves. There is work to do.

"The big message is that we are capable of performing against big sides, now we need to find that extra ingredient of turning those performances into wins."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "When you see how they play football, it's surprising they are bottom of the league and want to get rid of their manager."

There was some good news for Pearson yesterday as he was informed by the FA he would not face any action after his touchline tussle with Crystal Palace's James McArthur.

Pearson said: "I spoke to James McArthur last night. He text me, so I rang him and apologised to him. The lad comes out of it with a lot of credit."

However, the FA did write to the City boss to remind him of his responsibilities.

City also announced the permanent appointment of Jon Rudkin as the club's director of football.

Academy director Rudkin was appointed to the role in December after the departure of Terry Robinson.

Arsenal 2 Leicester 1: I'm tired of being unlucky - City boss Nigel Pearson

New app allows parents to monitor children's online activity

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A mobile app which allows parents to track their child's movements and view their online activity is set to be launched.

The application will be released in the UK later this year, according to BBC News.

It will allow parents to see all messaging, website and social media traffic from their child's tablet, smartphone or computer.

A list of recent websites visited and messages sent on social media sites will be accessible.

Mother Gail Green told the BBC she thought the app was a good idea: "It would be a very good idea if I could get access to monitor [my child], not on a daily basis, but every few days".

However, when six children were asked whether they would want their parents using the app, only two said yes.

Do you think this app is a good idea or is it an invasion of a child's privacy? Vote now in our online poll which can be found to the right of this page.

New app allows parents to monitor children's online activity


Golf: Exciting times ahead for Oliver Willson

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Oliver Willson (Longcliffe), the County golf captain-elect, has revealed his exciting plans for the new season.

He is set to take over from Jim Longstaff (Park Hill), who has joined Kirby Muxloe playing pro Jason Palmer as his full time European Tour caddy. Longstaff is not standing for re-election at the county annual meeting.

Willson, who is off scratch, has played for the county for the past five years at first and second team levels.

Ahead of the 2015 inter-county matches, Willson has arranged three squad get-togethers. The first is a county trial at Beedles Lake on Sunday, to which around 30 leading county golfers have been invited.

They will play a nine-hole Stableford competition on the par three course, followed by match-play in groups of four over the 18-hole course.

Willson said: "Par three holes can be absolutely crucial in match-play throughout the season, so it should be a highly interesting session. I am really looking forward to meeting up with everyone so we can begin to formulate plans for the months ahead."

Early next month, Willson has a full day planned at The Belfry where there will be an emphasis on short game skills, including chipping, bunker play and putting, before 18 holes of competition over the PGA National course, again with a Stableford format.

Later in the month, there is another innovative match-play event when a new trophy will be at stake for a 10-a-side foursomes and singles game between the county first and second teams at Rothley Park.

Willson added: "This will give an excellent opportunity for me and Richard Harris, the second team skipper, to watch players in action and to look at potential pairings for the new season.

"The firsts won the Anglian League championship last year, with the seconds runners-up in their league, so we have good potential on which to plan for this year.

"But by having this new trophy it will help to inject some light-heartedness to the day and I am sure there will be good team spirit and plenty of competitive banter. So it should be very enjoyable, as well as the serious side of people wanting to win and to play well."

Willson has an impressive personal record in matches for the county, both in foursomes and singles clashes, whether in the firsts or playing top in the second team order.

He was a county junior golfer before spending several years in France where he competed in an amateur Grand Prix series, as well as in other top amateur tournaments. Now he is looking forward to making a strong contribution to the county game as captain.

Golf: Exciting times ahead for Oliver Willson

Local football: Oadby Owls fly Alliance League flag in County Premier Cup

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Oadby Owls secured their place in the Sunday Premier Cup final after a superb 2-1 win over Appleby Magna.

Danny Copp and Callum Jarman scored the semi-final goals.

Star & Garter are through to the competition's last four after defeating Creation Builders 2-0, Darren Wheeler and Aaron Preston on target. They will play Barcabullona for a spot in the final.

Huncote Sunday were also in county cup action, progressing to the Sunday Shield final after a 6-4 extra-time victory over Aylestone Lounge. Ryan Smith scored a hat-trick, Wes Johnson grabbed two and Daniel Bennett also notched.

Medz's Sunday Trophy run came to an end, they lost 6-2 to Chequers at the semi-final stage.

In the Alliance League's EW Foster Cup, Athletic Blaby edged Leicestershire Constabulary 4-3 to reach the semi-finals. Kelvin Phillips scored two, Liam Burden and Daniel Lane notched one each.

New Parks Estate are also through to the last four, defeating Horse 3-0. Chris James, Anthony Wilkes and Matt Riley bagged.

In league action, Fosse City are up to third in the Grosvenor Casinos Premiership after beating GT 3-1. Nathan Williams' double was followed up by a Dean Wade strike.

In Division One, Phoenix United recorded their sixth win on the bounce, 5-1 against Monsell WMC. Kade Lewis and Justin Peace grabbed doubles, with Marshal Keenan also on target.

Mowmacre are nine points clear at the top after a 5-0 win at East Goscote Athletic. Clint Gunn hit a hat-trick with Dave Coleman and Ezra Knight adding the extras.

Wigston United edged local rivals AFC Royal Oak 2-1, Dean Waldrom and Craig Alexander getting the goals.

In Division Two, Thurmaston WMP Reserves emphatically jumped off the bottom of the table, beating Clarendon Park Rangers 9-1. Ash Hastings netted five, Matt Maize grabbing four.

CSKA Carnabys comfortably overcame LDA Spartans. Luke Williamson scored twice, Chris McCafferty, Dave Payne and Jon Brice once in a 5-0 win.

Club breezed past Pochin 6-1. Matthew Harrison and Keiran Thomas notched doubles, while Ashley Sharp and Quinton Thompson also got their names on the scoresheet.

The top two were both victorious in Division Three. Sileby Athletic beat Tumar 3-2, Doug Moore, Matt Davies and Adam Boulter all on target.

But Sileby stay second as leaders Humberstone 2000 edged AFC Bees Knees 5-4. Joe Geary's double, plus Mark Gifford, Adam Brogan and Jordan Cunningham strikes, secured all three points.

Leicester Klub Sportowy beat Countesthorpe Athletic 9-4. Gregg North and Kane Peden hit hat-tricks, Synclair Jules bagged two and Luke Bryan added the other.

United Revolution got out of jail in Division Four. The league leaders trailed Sporting Birstall 3-0 thanks to a Luke Underwood double and a Courtney Smith effort, but salvaged a draw following goals from Keiran Rowley, Ross Griffin and Sam Broderick.

Local football: Oadby Owls fly Alliance League flag in County Premier Cup

Cricket World Cup: Niall O'Brien is relishing another crack at the big guns in Australia and New Zealand

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Leicestershire wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O'Brien has hardly stood still since the end of the 2014 county season.

And the Ireland international knows that the pace is going to heat up considerably in the next few weeks.

O'Brien, one of the few County players to prosper last summer, is currently in Sydney with his Irish team-mates as they make their final preparations for the World Cup, which begins in Australia and New Zealand this weekend.

"Our first tour with Ireland this winter was four days after the end of the county season, so I've really been playing for two years non-stop," said O'Brien, who is heading to his third 50-over World Cup.

"I really enjoyed that trip to Australia and New Zealand and had some good time in the middle – any tour or game I welcome with open arms."

Despite the volume of cricket he has been involved in, O'Brien says that the World Cup remains a "special" event.

"I'm very lucky to play the game," he said. "I love cricket and love experiencing different countries and cultures.

"I've spent a lot of time in Australia and have a lot of friends there. The pitches are brilliant for batting and there should be some big scores in the big stadiums there.

"The Big Bash League has just finished in Australia and has been a huge success, so it is an exciting time, even for an old man like me."

The 'old man' is still only 33 and has just extended his contract with County for another year.

He and his domestic colleagues will be hoping for better fortunes than they have enjoyed in the last couple of seasons, but there is plenty of business to attend to on the international front before that can happen.

Ireland are in a group which also contains West Indies, Pakistan, South Africa, India, Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates.

It is a tall order to ask them to make the last eight from that section, but nobody will take them lightly given the experience of men like O'Brien, his brother Kevin, Gary Wilson, Will Porterfield, Ed Joyce and Paul Stirling.

The loss of seamer Tim Murtagh to injury, however, has affected their bowling options.

"We have got a very good batting line-up," said O'Brien. "Bowling-wise we are a bit inexperienced, but they are fit young lads and nobody will know much about them, which might play into our hands.

"Zimbabwe and UAE are must-win games for us as they have similar rankings to us.

"Then we have to try to turn over one of the big boys. They are all difficult opponents but this is what the World Cup is all about, playing those big sides.

"We are under no illusions but we have played in World Cups before and come out on top."

Nobody will expect Ireland to be lining up in the final at Melbourne on March 29 but, equally, none of the big guns will relish the prospect of facing the Irish, and if there is to be a major upset, do not be surprised if O'Brien and Co are at the heart of it.

Cricket World Cup: Niall O'Brien is relishing another crack at the big guns in Australia and New Zealand

Leicester Tigers news: Logovi'i Mulipola is already planning for his twins to make a big impact

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Leicester Tigers prop Logovi'i Mulipola has grand plans in place for his twin boys.

Valentino and Louis Mulipola come from the sort of rugby lineage that head coaches could only devise in their wildest dreams.

With the 19-and-a-half stone Samoan as their dad and the sister of former Tigers prop Martin Castrogiovanni as their mum, world-class rugby blood is freely flowing through their veins.

The boys are six months old and early signs are that their dad's plans are already falling into place.

"My boys are awesome," he says with trademark smile and giggle. "One is 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and the other one is 9.9 kilograms so they are quite big.

(The rough 'average' weight of a six-month-old child is around 16 pounds)

"They eat a lot, they play well and they are healthy.

"They are running around in their 'walkers' and they are only six months old. It is unbelievable how quickly they grow up.

"They already have their rugby balls and boxing gloves to play with.

"I am going to teach them some things. I am going to teach them to become forwards.

"One will be a loose-head prop and I will coach him. The other will be a tight-head and he will learn from Castro!"

Mulipola would probably have been seen as a father figure during the recent spell of LV= Cup games, too.

The 27-year-old was one of the oldest members of a squad that earned a semi-final berth with wins over Northampton and Cardiff.

While he was gaining some much-needed match fitness after a four-month lay-off through injury, Mulipola was relishing his role as a senior member of the squad.

The Samoan international is not a fan of watching the game when he should be playing.

"It was a long lay-off and I hated it. But there is no problem now.

"I have been working hard for the past four weeks.

"The first year I was here, I was involved with the LV= Cup and I really like to help the boys out when I can.

"The spirit in that group is awesome. We work hard and have a lot of fun.

"The young lads have impressed me. It's hard to pick people out because they have all stood up and I am really proud of them. They have been awesome.

"I love helping people. That is one of my favourite things. That is what I do. Doing things for other people makes me feel good and proud.

"You want the young fellas in the squad to be fighting hard for your shirt. It always puts pressure on you."

Mulipola could start only his third game since September when Gloucester arrive on Friday as the Premiership returns to Welford Road.

It's the start of a big spell of games for the home side as they face four of the bottom five sides during the next month.

"We need to win those games and catch up on the teams above us so we can get a home semi-final," Mulipola said. "We need to get our standards up so that when the Six Nations boys come back, there is a winning feeling in the squad.

"We cannot afford to make mistakes. We need to win first and then have the performance to match.

"If we play well, we can make the top two this season. I am 100 per cent sure of that."

Leicester Tigers news: Logovi'i Mulipola is already planning for his twins to make a big impact

Leicester City's Andrej Kramaric opens his account but knows that Premier League points are the most important thing

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Andrej Kramaric's assessment of Leicester City's current plight is as pin-point accurate as his opening goal for the club at Arsenal.

"We can play the most beautiful football in the world," he said, "but without the points, we won't stay in this league."

And that is precisely the problem.

City, like so often this season, played some attractive football at the Emirates on Tuesday night, at times out-passing a quality Arsenal side, and created numerous chances.

Their general play did not look like that of a side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.

But the chances that were created went begging, and two momentary lapses cost them two goals.

It left City with a mountain to climb and, despite Kramaric' s goal and a torrent of late pressure, they left themselves too much to do.

The display even left Arsene Wenger praising City's football, saying it is surprising to see them at the bottom of the table.

But that is where City are and are now five points adrift of safety.

Kramaric, who impressed as City's lone front-man, admitted the defeat had left him with mixed emotions.

"It is an amazing feeling (to score)," he said. "I am very happy to score my first goal but also I am sad because of the result. We played very well. We didn't have much luck.

"But what is important for us is points. That is the most important thing.

"We were so close. I am happy because of my first goal but also sad because when I missed my second chance, I wish that ball had more power on it. We have to take our chances."

Kramaric admitted he is not used to playing the lone striker's role. In Croatia, he liked to drop deep, picking the ball up from midfield and drifting into the channels.

That was also apparent in his first few appearances for City. But on Tuesday night, Kramaric thrived. His close control was excellent, holding off Arsenal's defenders with ease despite his slight frame, and linked up superbly with Riyad Mahrez.

"It means a lot for my confidence. I have only been here a few weeks and this was a big step for me.

"I wasn't used to playing this formation. In Croatia we played more offensive football. We can be proud for what we showed."

City will be hoping Kramaric's goal can kick-start the kind of form he showed for previous club and country, which saw him bag 28 goals in 31 games.

With five points now the gap, and trips to Everton and Man City, and coming up, City have a lot to do. But Kramaric insists the side still believe they have what it takes to survive. 

"The belief is still strong," he said. "We have a lot of games left. With this football, we can get more points. We will fight to the very end."

Leicester City's Andrej Kramaric opens his account but knows that Premier League points are the most important thing

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