Leicester City are still on track for automatic promotion to the Premier League, according to manager Nigel Pearson.

The City boss remains optimistic despite a run of games that has seen them win just one out of four and take four points out of a possible 12.

The next two games are going to be important for their promotion push as they face league leaders Cardiff City, at home, on Saturday and then in-form Hull, away, on Boxing Day.

"We are well in the shake-up," said Pearson. "It is very tight above us. I have a good handle on the perspective.

"It was a missed opportunity (against Millwall) but we are in and amongst it.

"We have two games (Cardiff and Hull) coming up, and, if we beat them, we can make a big impact because they are teams around us."

Pearson will be aware just how quickly the promotion picture can change and that is especially true during a hectic festive programme.

The games come thick and fast with four games between now and New Year's Day.

After City's clashes with Cardiff and Hull, they travel to Burnley, a week on Saturday, then face Huddersfield at home on New Year's Day.

In the games City have failed to win, they have enjoyed plenty of possession – just as it was at Millwall.

Pearson said that defeat was "a lost opportunity" and he will be hoping for results to match performances over the festive break.

The next four games for the Championship's top six are:

City: Cardiff (h), Hull (a), Burnley (a), Huddersfield (h)

Cardiff: City (a), Crystal Palace (h), Millwall (h), Birmingham (a)

Crystal Palace: Huddersfield (h), Cardiff (a), Nottm Forest (a), Wolves (h)

Middlesbrough: Leeds (a), Blackburn (h), Blackpool (h), Derby (a)

Hull: Derby (a), City (h), Leeds (h), Blackpool (a)

Millwall: Brighton (a), Barnsley (h), Cardiff (a), Bristol City (h)

A motorist made a "monumental error" by taking a wrong turn in fog on to a dual carriageway, causing a fatal head-on crash, a jury heard.

The front-seat passenger in the other car – James Richmond, of Groby – died at the scene, on the A46 in Six Hills.

Three other people in the same car, a Mazda MX3, were injured.

David Driver (30) denies causing 44-year-old Mr Richmond's death by driving dangerously in his Audi A3 as he headed south on the northbound carriageway, at 5.10am on March 16 last year.

Michael Auty, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Driver, who had been working in Melton, was going home to Rotherham with his brother when they joined the A46 at the Dalby interchange.

He said rather than filtering on to the northbound carriageway, as indicated by two turn left signs, Driver went past two no entry signs, down the wrong slip road.

"He crossed into lane two, nearest the central reservation," said Mr Auty.

It was dark and there was patchy fog, but Driver continued for half a mile, allegedly narrowly missing an oncoming lorry and a van, the court was told.

"He made a monumental error of judgement," said Mr Auty.

Mazda driver Slawomir Korzekwa said in a statement that he was travelling north at about 70mph.

"I suddenly saw bright lights coming towards us and couldn't make out what it was or why lights were facing me," he said.

"A car was coming towards us in the wrong direction. When I realised what it was, I braked heavily.

"I managed to steer right and the next thing I remember was my car was upside down."

Two other cars, also heading north, clipped the upturned Mazda.

Lorry driver Andrew Brown told the jury he encountered the Audi shortly before the collision with the Mazda.

He was moving into the second lane heading north, at about 50mph, when he was forced to pull back into the first lane to avoid the defendant.

Mr Brown said he could see illumination from a satellite navigation system in the Audi and said the driver appeared "utterly oblivious to the reality of the situation".

He alerted the police, but a short while later heard on the radio news there had been a collision.

A motorist heading south on the correct carriageway tried to get Driver's attention, to no avail, it was claimed.

At the scene, Driver, of Pottery Lane, Rawmarsh, Rotherham, told police he was following his sat nav system.

In interview, he claimed it was "thick fog" and he was unfamiliar with the road.

Mr Auty said: "The defendant said his brother said he thought they had turned down the slip road the wrong way."

Driver claimed he encountered no other vehicles prior to the collision.

Later, he said he had not seen any no entry road signs.

Mr Auty said: "A sat nav system cannot be, and isn't, a substitute for common sense and using your eyes."

The trial continues.

The family of royal hoax call nurse Jacintha Saldanha turned to MP Keith Vaz for help to get the truth about her death, the Leicester East member has said.

Ms Saldanha was found in her quarters at London's King Edward VII Hospital days after two Australian DJs rang the hospital posing as the Queen and Prince Charles and asking for information about its patient, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Mr Vaz has appeared in several media reports with, and speaking in support of, the family of 46-year-old Ms Saldanha, of Bristol, leading some people to question why he is involved in the case.

The MP said the family had asked him for assistance and that he was determined for them to be told "the truth" about what had happened.

"The family approached me because of my position on the home affairs select committee and as there was a police investigation being conducted," said Mr Vaz.

"In my capacity as chairman of the home affairs committee, I sat on the Hillsborough inquiry.

"The family of Jacintha Saldanha deserve to be told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."

Ms Saldanha answered the prank call and put it through to another nurse on the ward where the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for morning sickness.

Reports in national newspapers claim Ms Saldanha left a letter that was critical of the treatment she had received from some colleagues in the aftermath of the stunt. The hospital has denied any suggestion that she had been criticised by staff.

It has established a fund in her memory and a senior staff member has been appointed to support the family.

Mr Vaz said he wanted the hospital to furnish the family with a complete picture of what happened to Ms Saldanha.

"The family of this dedicated nurse have gone through hell in recent days," he said.

"We need to be told the truth in two areas.

"They are the hospital's response to what happened and the conduct of the Australian DJs."

Mr Vaz has written to the hospital demanding full disclosure.

Hospital chief executive John Lofthouse wrote to Mr Vaz saying no disciplinary procedures were taken against Ms Saldanha, who was found dead on December 7. On the contrary, it was recognised that she had been the victim of a "cruel trick", he said, and was offered support.

Mr Lofthouse said: "We have been in regular contact (with the family) since Friday, December 7 and have repeatedly made offers of support, which I am pleased to say have now been accepted.

"We also met the family earlier this week and shared with them everything we know.

"We all agreed that these discussions would remain private."

A spokesman for the hospital confirmed an internal investigation was continuing and it was helping the police with their inquiries.

The body of Ms Saldanha was escorted from the UK to Mangalore, in India, on Sunday by Ms Saldanha's husband and two children for her funeral yesterday.

A decision on where authorised traveller camps will be built in Leicester is to be made early in the new year.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he intended to select sites to be developed on January 4.

Yesterday, the mayor said his predecessors at Leicester City Council had failed to deal with the long-running problem of illegal camps and the large costs associated with them.

"For decades, people have suffered from unauthorised encampments and pressed the council to do something about it," he said.

"Sadly, councillors have run away from it.

"This issue has been avoided so as not to upset anybody, but it is not an issue that will go away.

"A need for sites was established five years ago but no progress at all has been made since then.

"We have had 115 unauthorised camps in the past three years.

"It will have cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear up after them. That's not sustainable."

The council had been consulting on three potential sites to make into managed camps.

They are in Greengate Lane and Beaumont Way, both in Beaumont Leys, and Red Hill Way, in Mowmacre Hill.

Yesterday, Sir Peter said that officers had confirmed Red Hill Way and Greengate Lane were suitable for either permanent or transit sites with 10 pitches each.

He said Beaumont Way could accommodate a transit site with six pitches.

Sir Peter also said council-owned sites in Hoods Close, Beaumont Leys, and a sports ground by Braunstone Lane East were under consideration for small temporary sites, where travellers could stay for up to 28 days.

The Braunstone Lane East site sits in a flood-prone area and was under water this summer but the council said it could be used seasonally.

About 1,500 people responded to the council's consultation on the plans, which began in February.

Sir Peter said: "An overwhelming proportion – 71 per cent – said unauthorised travellers camps were a problem in their area.

"But many of them said they wanted that problem solving elsewhere."

He said travellers had said they would use the new sites.

"They do not want the hassle of being chased from one roundabout to a grass verge," said Sir Peter.

A series of petitions has been handed to the council opposing the three main sites, including one of 2,700 names from LE4 Action Group, though only 713 of the signatures were verified.

Nearly 200 names were submitted by Birstall Parish Council, with another 1,700 from people living in and around Heacham Drive, in Beaumont Leys.

Sir Peter admitted whatever decision he made would be un popular.

He said: "I am well aware of that but that is not a reason not to make a provision."

Once the mayor has made his decision, the selected site or sites will be considered by the council's planning committee.

Nearly £1.6 million has been secured from the Homes and Community Agency (HCA) to provide sites in the city, with the city council paying nearly £500,000.

To qualify for the HCA cash, the sites must be operational by March 2015.

Because of a city council embargo preventing the Mercury releasing the information in this story until today, the Mercury was unable to contact any other organisation or protest group involved in the issue.

Roadside cameras have been installed in two villages – but no-one knows who put them there.

The green cameras appeared at the side of Carlton Road, in Barlestone, and on the A447 in Stapleton, at the start of December.

After curious residents contacted the Mercury, we asked various organisations about the cameras but could not find out who installed them.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said he did not know anything about them.

"I've called around everyone and they have no idea who they belong to," he said.

"I've had two or three different conversations and everyone has said they are definitely not Highways Agency roads, so they can't be ours.

"I've checked with our patch manager and also contractors, but they couldn't say who they belonged to.

"I've had a word with our technical guys and they said lots of police and local authorities use cameras like that."

However, a spokesman for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership – made up of the police, fire service and the council – was equally stumped.

He said the cameras did not belong to the partnership.

"We've actually got no idea who these cameras could belong to," he said. "But they are certainly not monitoring speed from our end.

"They are nothing to do with us and our colleagues at county hall said it is not them."

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire County Council said its highways department did not install the devices, and both road monitoring company Traffic Master and the county's Area Traffic Control team said the cameras did not belong to them either.

The devices bear the logo CA Traffic – a UK supplier of traffic monitoring equipment, in Buckinghamshire.

However, a spokeswoman for the company said that, while some cameras were sold directly to local authorities or police forces, others were sold to middle men.

She said the cameras had not been installed by the company, and they were unable to give details of who they had been sold to.

Residents had their own ideas about the origin of the cameras.

Stapleton resident Roy Davenport, 74, said: "M15 maybe? They just popped up a few weeks ago and nobody knows where from.

"I've no idea – I've exhausted everyone I can think of.

"Someone put them up – it makes you wonder why they haven't bothered to tell people around here why.

"It is very mysterious – somebody must know and I hope they will come forward and tell us.

"I drive past them all the time and I think they are all over the place around the country."

Traffic chaos outside a city school is an accident waiting to happen, a parent has claimed.

Dad Anthony Lowe, from Lyndale Road, whose nine-year-old son attends Folville Junior, in Braunstone, has called for more to be done to prevent parents parking on zig-zag lines outside the school and on pavements, blocking the view of oncoming traffic.

He said: "I walk my son to school most days and it's absolute chaos.

"I see parents routinely pulling up and parking irresponsibly and when I challenge them, I'm subjected to a torrent of abuse.

"I've even seen taxi drivers pull up onto the zig-zag lines to drop off children. They're licensed by the council and, therefore, I would hope the local authority could do something about this.

"Traffic officers have been to the school and, of course, it stops the problem temporarily, but we need a more permanent solution, like a permanent camera to keep an eye on them or a traffic officer who regularly visits."

Mr Lowe suggested nearby schools, Caldecote and Ravenhurst, could share a traffic officer.

He said: "I know the school has tried to get the message through to parents and a member of staff regularly stands outside to try and ease the situation, but if nothing is done I can see a serious accident happening."

Mr Lowe has written to Braunstone Park councillor Michael Cooke to complain and a meeting has now been arranged between them tomorrow at the school.

Folville head teacher Bruce Wells said he would welcome any permanent solution that could be found.

He said: "I'd support anything which made a difference because it is chaotic.

"We have regular newsletters urging parents to be responsible but the message just isn't getting through to everybody.

"If zig-zag lines could be put across both sides of the school entrance and more yellow lines it might help. We have tried to get the council to do more and even had officers down here counting vehicles, but they said there weren't enough cars to warrant more action and there were other schools in a worse position.

"We have lots of children arriving on bikes or scooters, or just walking, so the potential for an accident is quite high, particularly with these darker afternoons."

Coun Cooke was not available to comment.

A Leicester City Council spokesman said: "Illegal or inconsiderate parking outside school gates is treated as seriously as it is in any other area of the city, and our officers issue fixed penalty notices to any motorist caught doing so.

"Often parents stop only very briefly to drop off children which can make it difficult to issue them with fines.

"Folville Junior School is on our list of patrols and we will look at whether additional officers can attend during peak drop-off and pick-up times and take any necessary action against motorists."

Plans have been submitted for an indoor training centre for sportsmen and women.

Leicester Athletics Development Group (LADG), an independent organisation promoting participation in the sport and better access to facilities, has put in the application to Leicester City Council.

With the support of athletics clubs across the county and several national sporting bodies, the group wants to build the centre at the Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium, in Aylestone.

Supporters said it would be a lasting legacy from the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Track and field coach Roger Beeby, 80, of South Knighton, Leicester, a member of the LADG, said: "The indoor centre could be used to coach pole vault, long jump, discus, javelin and other field events.

"It would have a 60m track that could be used by athletes to train and perhaps host small competitions.

"The main thing is it would be available throughout the year and, very importantly, will be ideal and accessible for all sorts of disability sports.

"These are very exciting times for athletics in this country. What better legacy could there be in the city from this summer's Games?"

The location for the indoor centre would be the old stadium gym, off Saffron Lane, which was demolished in the wake of the stadium and running track's £1.4 million facelift in 2006.

Access to the centre and the stadium would be from a new entrance off Saffron Lane.

The plan is for the venue to also be available to non-track and field Olympic sports such as archery and weightlifting.

Aylestone city councillor Nigel Porter is backing the project.

"The Olympic games has inspired so many young people to take up sport, including my 12-year-old son, Alfie, who has really got into archery.."

Members of the public and the city's sporting community helped raise £1,174 to pay for planning and design costs for the project.

LADG is now preparing to submit a bid for lottery funding and is also looking to attract corporate sponsors.

Chairman Cherie D'Silva said: "We are submitting our bid for lottery funding this weekend.

"This bid is for about £2.2 million. We have come this far really with the support and generosity of Ian Staniforth Architects, which has helped us tremendously to get our planning application finished."

A decision on where authorised traveller camps will be built in Leicester is to be made early in the new year.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he intended to select sites to be developed on January 4.

Nearly £1.6 million has been secured from the Homes and Community Agency to provide sites in the city, with the city council paying nearly £500,000.

Oh look, after months of pretending to listen to people, Pete's gone and done what he said he was going to in the first place.

Great to see another politician pursuing their personal agenda and ignoring the clearly expressed wishes of people they otherwise claim to represent (especially around election times).

He commissions a consultation and then cherry picks the answers to justify what he wants – happily ignoring two public meetings rammed full of angry local people, petitions, an action group, and overwhelming negative comments on this site.

And politicians loudly and piously wonder why normal people are "disengaged" with politics.

It's because we can see we have no influence.

Funny how that suitability review was publicised around the time of the PCC election, wasn't it?

He knew these sites endangered the Labour candidate's chances.

Why exactly was there a city council embargo on this story? I can't think of any good reason.

Well, at least building these sites might keep those 'travelling types' away from Aylestone Meadows, eh, Pete?

Dazbot

Sir Peter said travellers had said they would use the new sites.

That's not what he said earlier in the year, when he called a halt so a review could be undertaken.

In fact, he acknowledged at the time the travellers did not like the plans as the proposed sites were too big and they wanted small family sites.

Or does the £1.6 million override every one's preferences?

jonger

We are excited by the plans being put forward for an indoor athletics training centre at Saffron Lane. The report about this planning application to Leicester City Council is published on Page 17 of today's newspaper.

Saffron Lane stadium already has a superb running track, clubhouse and other athletics facilities.

The idea of developing that further with an indoor centre which could be used by track and field athletes in the winter, as well as other sports such as archery and weightlifting, is a good one.

It is also encouraging to see that this excellent project is being driven by the community through the Leicester Athletics Development Group, an independent organisation promoting participation in the sport and better access to facilities.

Leicestershire has huge strength in athletics, with many clubs catering for all levels, from grassroots to elite, and the support for this project shows the enthusiasm there is to develop the sport further.

As the supporters of this project point out, it helps to realise the aspiration for an Olympic legacy to follow on from the success of the London 2012 Games.

Everybody is keen for this to happen and for the example of the Games to encourage more people into sport, both for the sake of general good health as well as developing the elite athletes of the future.

However, that vision is reliant upon projects such as this to turn that ideal into reality.

So, we very much hope that the Leicester Athletics Development Group is successful in gaining planning permission and raising the funds for its proposal and we wish all those involved the best of luck.

On the subject of this area of Saffron Lane, however, it is sad to reflect that the old velodrome is no more.

It was once regarded as one of the best cycling facilities in the country, but fell into disuse before being demolished about four years ago.

What a shame that it has gone given the huge interest in cycling following Britain's success at the Olympics and the Tour de France.

Could we be in for a decade (a decade sounds better than 10 years) of austerity? Well, certainly eight years at least, as confirmed by George Osborne.

The number of homeless sleeping on our streets is on the increase. Repossession of homes is at an all time high, threatening to put even more people on the streets, while stable employment is no longer a guarantee.

Living costs are outstripping the household's income. And Leicester City Council has decided to reduce the number of beds for the homeless. Could it be that this saving will help fund a £4 million development called Jubilee Square and now a further £1 million refurbishment around the Victoria Park war memorial plus millions more to "upgrade " Leicester market.

These expenses are merely bricks and mortar when compared against unfortunate human beings (who could be any of us in the future). It would be fair to say that the Jubilee Square project has caused some controversy and I'm sure if you were ask the "homeless" for their opinion their comments would be unprintable.

The subject of the "homeless" can cause heated debate but the "homeless" are a reality of our society and as such their situation has to be addressed.

LCC has got its priorities totally wrong. The chancellor has told the country that the UK's recovery will take even longer than he predicted.

How can we possibly commit millions of pounds to "making an area look pretty" when the welfare of human beings is at stake?

The figures will get worse if the authorities maintain their blinkered approach towards what is a nationwide dilemma.

It seems that LCC is only interested in a visual legacy, instead of considering the welfare of those who elected them into their well paid jobs.

It's now being suggested that those people who live outside of the city should pay more to visit Leicester's theatres.

I am staggered that such an idea could ever have been thought of – and this is from an elected member of LCC.

It appears from the recent article (Mercury, December 17) that those who live outside the city are wealthier than those who do not.

That must be obvious as those living in the county have to pay transport costs to travel to the theatre and dare I suggest they may even pay more council tax – hence they must be richer!

The number of tickets sold shows the value of those who live in the county compared to city dwellers; and for Mr Patel to be concerned about paying his council tax in support of his theatre he need have no more worries.

I, for one, will no longer attend any Leicester theatre in the future. He can gladly have my seat.

I would sooner travel to Derby, Nottingham or anywhere, and bear any additional costs, and spend in any other city, than suffer this unwarranted discrimination.

Let's hope others do not follow my example in protesting these proposals – for the theatre's sake.

P Wright, Wigston.

Labour's proposed tax on visitors ("Non-city residents could pay extra to see show", Leicester Mercury, December 17) demonstrates once again how out of touch with reality they are in running the city.

At a time when Leicester should be open for business and welcoming visitors with open arms, the Labour run council seems determined to put people off visiting by taxing them.

The city's retail and hospitality industry, that employs so many people, relies on theatre-goers for regular trade. It is already costly enough to park in the city centre, once you have navigated Leicester's incomprehensible one way system. These proposal will put people off visiting and bringing cash to our fabulous city.

The proposals will also be incomprehensible to people. Imagine lifelong friends Sandeep and Ada heading out for their annual treat to see the seasonal panto.

Sandeep lives in Braunstone Town and will pay more to see the same show that her friend Ada, who lives across the road in Braunstone will pay.

How can it be right for them to sit in the same seats and watch the same show, yet pay different amounts?

What next from Labour? A customs post on Narborough Road to collect a visitor tax, next to the Welcome to Leicester City sign?

D Stubbs, Braunstone Town.

Perhaps Sir Peter Soulsby would like to take a stroll along the footpath from Castle Gardens to the Space Centre. It is in an appalling, disgusting state.

I think of how nice and pleasant their walls are in Nottingham, Shrewsbury, Winchester and other cities. Why is Leicester so dismissive of what could be a great asset?

Perhaps Mr Soulsby could make this area a tribute to the Queen's Jubilee? After all, it stretches right through the Belgrave area, as well as the town.

Mrs Reid, Birstall.

A dad was so grateful to doctors for saving the life of his newborn son he decided on a madcap prank to say thank you.

Paul Martin's son Lorenzo had emergency surgery when five days old and spent nine days in intensive care after a bleed in his brain.

Paul and his partner Emma Susca, from Sileby, were warned their son might die.

However, the youngster is now back home and to thank the hospital Paul stripped to his underwear for a sponsored Jet ski at Six Hills, near Melton.

The 42-year-old also contacted shops asking if they would donate baby clothes to the neonatal unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Yesterday, Paul and Emma took Lorenzo back to the hospital.

He said: "Everyone at Leicester General and in the neonatal unit at the infirmary was fantastic.

"It wasn't just the care of Lorenzo, but the care of us all and the fact Emma could stay at the hospital."

Lorenzo was born on November 11 at Leicester General Hospital, five days late and weighing 8lb.

Mr Martin said: "Everything seemed to be fine at first but then Lorenzo kept spitting blood. He was taken to the special care baby unit at the General.

"They said something had ruptured and Emma and I were warned we might lose him.

"He had to have two full blood transfusions while doctors tried to find where the bleed was. They said they hadn't seen a case like it in 10 years."

Lorenzo was kept in a coma for 48 hours and then moved to the special care baby unit. He was allowed home on November 26.

It was then Mr Martin decided to do raise cash to help the unit.

He said: "I do a lot of Jet skiing and it was suggested I do a sponsored ski in my underwear.

"It was mad but I have collected about £500 and then I decided to call round some stores as staff on the unit said they were always desperate for baby clothes.

"Mamas and Papas and Boots have sent great donations."

Andy Currie, consultant neonatologist at Leicester's hospitals said: "It is fantastic to hear Lorenzo is doing so well.

"We want to say a big thank-you to Mr Martin and his family for thinking of all the other babies and their families."

From the traditional nativity to plays about Santa and snowmen, youngsters have taken to the stage for a variety of Christmas productions.

All 120 year two children at Catherine Infants, in Belgrave, Leicester, were involved in a production of Mend the Manger. They staged two performances yesterday.

School business manager Tom Bott said: "The children really enjoyed dressing up and taking part in one way or another, either by performing or behind the scenes.

"We had two performances and half the school saw it in the morning and the rest in the afternoon.

"They were joined by scores of parents and other relatives."

At Stokes Wood Primary School, in New Parks, Leicester, key stage one youngsters in the infants department took part in a play which covered different elements of Christmas.

It included a Santa Claus workshop, Christmas tree, snowmen and the traditional scene in the stable. Head teacher Jane Gadsby said: "We had 110 children aged five to seven take part in our key stage one nativity.

"It was so popular that we had to put on two performances, which each attracted 100 people.

"Things which featured in each scene in the production spelled out the letters of Christmas.

"It was very well received by the audiences."

Customers queued to bag bargains as an electrical goods chain closed.

Bargain-hunters rushed into the Comet store at St George's retail park, in the city, to snap up cut-price goods.

A small queue had formed outside the store before it opened at 9am.

The shop, which had 26 full and part-time staff was one of the final 35 Comet stores nationwide that closed yesterday.

Russell Jones, 44, of Syston, said he was delighted to be able to grab a handful of bargains.

He said: "I did not have to queue that long and have saved £100 just on a set of Orla Kiely bags.

"I think they are supposed to be laptop bags but they can be used for anything.

"I have also bought some electronic notepad cases and some webcams."

The chain was hit by weak high street trading conditions and online competition.

The vast majority of the shelves had already been cleared out as long queues of people formed at the five working tills.

Susan Astill, of Belgrave, Leicester, was happy after saving £70 on a retro radio.

The 34-year-old said: "I heard about the shop closing today so popped along to see if there were any bargains.

"I am delighted to get this radio, which was down from £99.99 to £29.99.

"It will be a great Christmas present for my brother."

Richard Lunn, of Narborough Road, Narborough, headed for the store after hearing of the closing down sale on the news.

He said: "I think the bargain of the day was the DAB radio down to just under £30 from almost £100.

"I had to queue for almost half an hour but I am very pleased with this and am going to keep it as a present to myself."

Gavin Pemberton, sales manager the shop, said he was very sad to see the end of the Comet brand.

He said: "I have been at the company for four years and it is the best place I have worked since leaving the Army 15 years ago.

"The name has been a sign of quality in the electrical retail sector and will be sadly missed."

Chris Farrington, spokesman for Comet's joint administrator Deloitte, said: "Despite significant efforts to find a buyer for all or parts of the business as a going concern, the administrators did not receive an acceptable offer.

"So, unfortunately, it has become necessary to close the remaining stores.

"Although we had discussions with a number of interested parties, the substantial working capital requirements to fund the business was a significant concern for these parties and was a key factor in preventing a deal being reached.

"We will now consider the options with regards to other assets of the company, including the brand and website.

"We wish to express our gratitude for the professionalism and dedication of all employees across the store network, head office and other support functions during what has clearly been a difficult period.

" We have put in place a series of support measures to help redundant workers find employment."

Leicester City football stars of the future are gearing up for a 24-hour festive cycling relay for charity.

Lads in the LCFC Academy's under-18 squad will attempt to ride continuously on training machines at locations across the city.

They will be raising funds and awareness for this year's LCFC Foxes Foundation charity drive.

The boys will work in teams to cycle round the clock, starting at 9am tomorrow.

The challenge begins at BBC Radio Leicester's studios, in St Nicholas Place, before moving to Beaumont Shopping Centre, Beaumont Leys and ending with the "night shift" at the club's Belvoir Drive Training ground.

Academy director Jon Rudkin said: "Our annual charity challenge is a great way of educating the players in the club's wider off-pitch commitments."

The Foundation is helping a range of charities including the Lord Mayor of Leicester's Stroke Appeal and the Silver Star Diabetes Appeal. Fans can get involved at Beaumont Shopping Centre between 11am and 10pm, or by taking a picture of themselves donating and tweeting it to @OfficialFOXES with the hashtag #LCFCAcademyRide24.

Donations will be collected throughout the Academy's 24-hour challenge.

Supporters can Text LCFC33 followed by the donation amount to 70070.

Concerns have been raised about a new site that has emerged as a potential authorised camp for travellers and gypsies.

A plot of land on the edge of a Leicester City Council-owned cricket pitch off Braunstone Lane East, Aylestone, has been revealed as a possible location for a short-term stopping-off point for travellers.

The council is looking to increase the number of managed pitches in the city because it wants to prevent illegal camps springing up on roundabouts and verges.

There have been 115 illegal camps in Leicester since 2009, costing the city council hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear up.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby this week confirmed a number of sites in the north of the city were believed to be suitable for permanent camps, joining the existing Meynells Gorse site, which has a long waiting list.

Those sites – Greengate Lane and Beaumont Way, in Beaumont Leys, and Red Hill Way, in Mowmacre Hill – have been subject to a long-running consultation and attracted fierce opposition.

This week, the mayor added the Braunstone Lane East site to the list, saying it could be used as a temporary, seasonal "stopping-off place" should the need arise.

Aylestone ward councillor Nigel Porter said he was angry that the site now suggested was not one of 350 originally considered by the council and consulted on.

He said: "Where was the consultation on this?

"This site has never been on the list before but suddenly here it is.

"Only one site in Aylestone was suggested and that was in Montrose Road.

"That got a lot of opposition and was dropped. This new idea will be just as unpopular.

"It's unfair this site has not been consulted on like the others.

"It is a sensitive site on the edge of Aylestone Meadows."

Sir Peter has said he will make a decision on whether to develop any of the three main sites early in the new year.

He said: "If – and it is a big if – a site such as Braunstone Lane East was to be considered there would be a fresh round of consultation.

"There is no question that I would try to slip in any new site without consultation."

The site is prone to flooding but Sir Peter said it would be used in good weather if the need arose and families would stay for up to 28 days.

Aylestone resident John Hayto said: "If it is such a short-term thing, I wouldn't object to but experience tells us that travellers sometimes stay at a place longer than they say they were going to. Then it becomes a problem.

"I think it will be very unpopular with people around here, though."

A similar short-stay site is being considered in Hoods Close, Beaumont Leys.

The LE4 Action Group collected 2,700 signatures on a petition against the sites in the north of the city, although about 2,000 of the names were discounted because they were of people living the other side of the city boundary in places such as Birstall.

Group spokesman Roy Rollings said: "We are not surprised the mayor has confirmed the sites as suitable.

"He hasn't really listened to the reasons we don't think they are right. We will fight them when they go up for planning permission."

Leicester City stars visited poorly children in hospital to wish them a happy Christmas yesterday.

Club mascot Filbert Fox and players including Andy King, Kasper Schmeichel, Lloyd Dyer, Anthony Knockaert and Jamie Vardy met young patients on the Leicester Royal Infirmary children's ward.

They handed out gift bags, signed autographs and posed for photographs during what has become a popular Christmas tradition with the players, as well as patients and hospital staff.

Goalkeeper Kasper said: "It's very mixed emotions because it's not nice to see kids ill but if it helps them a little bit, it's worthwhile.

"I've got two kids myself – a two-year-old and a baby who's nine weeks old – and you know this could easily be you and your kids.

"I do know that when I go home, I'll remember how lucky I am."

City captain Wes Morgan said: "The kids in here are going through a difficult time and it's great to see their faces light up when we go round bringing some Christmas cheer.

"We've met a few Leicester supporters and we've been having a chat and handing out goodie bags.

"Some of them are wishing us good luck, too.

"They know we've got a tough gig on Saturday against Cardiff City."

City fan Hamzah Tapali, 14, of Evington, Leicester, who is recovering after an operation on his leg, had a chat with Kasper.

Hamzah said: "It was brilliant and I was really excited to meet him. He brought a smile to everyone's face and told us all to get well soon.

"Quite a few of the players came to say hello to me and had their pictures taken with me."

The youngsters said they were all happy with their goodie bags, which included a chocolate selection box, a Filbert Fox cuddly toy, a DVD, a flag and a mug.

Laura Fox, whose six-year-old son Alfie Poxon met the players, said: "He's very happy with his Filbert Fox toy and enjoyed seeing them all coming round and chatting to him. He's just had an operation on his toes and hopefully he won't be in here too much longer.

"But he was so excited he asked me if he could come back in to hospital every week."

Amy Ingleton, 12, of Seagrave, who has been on the ward since Sunday, said: "We met Kasper and he gave me a bag of presents and he was really nice."

Mum Jo said: "We're not really football fans and I wasn't sure who they all were but they were very nice.

"Nice to look at, too."

Health workers are calling for patients to wrap up warm and make sure they have enough medication to see them through the Christmas break.

Peter Ripley, operations director for East Midlands Ambulance Service (Emas), said people should plan ahead to make sure ambulances and hospitals only had to deal with serious cases.

"We prepare our vehicles for the worst winter can throw at us and plan for a seasonal spike in calls.

"We want people to take the same forward-planning approach in their homes and for their families," he said.

"Many people will be busy preparing for Christmas yet forget to organise a repeat prescription or make time to see their doctor and that could lead to a crisis in their health."

Motorists planning journeys are urged to make sure they are equipped with blankets, snacks and hot drinks in case of difficult weather conditions.

Dr James Gray, Emas medical director, said: "We want people to respect the cold and be prepared for the impact it may have on their health.

"The cold has an adverse effect on many long-term conditions and strenuous activities, such as shovelling snow in freezing temperatures, can increase the risk of heart attack for those who are already vulnerable.

"Keeping warm is key to keeping well. It's especially important elderly people heat their home and have hot meals.

"Slips and trips on ice and snow account for a large number of calls during winter. We would advise everyone to be extra careful and not take risks.

"People can make a real difference to elderly neighbours by checking they are well this winter and offering to help with shopping."

A police search team has walked the streets where a woman who went missing two months ago was last seen.

Officers searched around Abbey Lane, in Leicester, yesterday as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Michelle Grimbley.

The 45-year-old was last seen by relatives in Abbey Lane, which is near her home in Beaumanor Road, on Friday, October 19.

Police have received reports of sightings in nearby Beaumont Leys and Stocking Farm.

Officers searched the area yesterday, showing people a photograph of the missing woman.

Michelle's daughter Nicola made a direct plea to her mum yesterday.

She said: "We really miss you, Mum, and we want to have you home for Christmas. Please come home."

Inspector Pete Williams, the senior investigating officer for Michelle's disappearance, said: "There have been seven sightings in Beaumont Leys and Marwood Road, but they have not been corroborated and they have not led us to finding Michelle safe and well.

"The investigation is focusing on the possibility she is missing voluntarily and is not ready to return home.

"She has a lot of friends in Stocking Farm and Marwood Road and my aim is to contact her, ensure she is safe and well and return her to her family, ideally by Christmas.

"She has gone to stay with friends for a few days in the past.

"But it is out of character for her to be missing this long.

"We just want to contact her and discuss whether there is a reason or problem behind her staying away from home.

"If there is a reason she does not want to speak to her family, she can speak to us in confidence and we would then at least be able to tell them she is safe."

Michelle is white, about 5ft 4in, of medium build with shaved hair, although it is possibly longer now.

Information can be passed to Leicestershire Police's missing from home team on 101.

Alternatively, contact the charity Missing People, on 116 000 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555111.

A drunken beggar who pointed a kitchen knife at two Leicester railway station employees and a commuter has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Leicester Crown Court was told that Sean Michael Rutherford was on bail at the time of the incident, for hitting a police community support officer on the back with a crutch.

Sentencing, Judge Robert Brown said: "It would be very alarming for people to know you're begging at the railway station armed with an eight-inch knife.

"You used it to threaten violence. You've a history of more than 70 offences on your record, including public order offences, and have been repeatedly convicted for possessing knives and other weapons.

"You've threatened people in the past and behaved in a thoroughly offensive manner to members of the public and railway employees.

"They need protecting from you."

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said at 7am on November 26, a member of railway staff saw the defendant sitting near the taxi waiting area.

Rutherford, who has a prosthetic leg after losing a limb on a train track several years ago, was known as someone who begged in and around the station. The member of staff asked him to move on.

Mr Murphy said: "Rutherford reached into his pocket and pulled out an eight-inch kitchen knife.

"He held it out in front of him with the blade pointing upwards and then put it back in his pocket."

The station worker moved back and alerted the police, before telling a colleague – who was also going to move Rutherford on – not to approach him.

Mr Murphy said: "The defendant got up and pulled the knife out again."

A commuter then came rushing up to the two shocked employees saying: "He's just pulled a knife on me."

Rutherford was then seen talking to someone outside nearby Elizabeth House, before they ran off "looking frightened", said Mr Murphy.

The police detained him in the city centre, near an alley where he dumped the knife.

Rutherford (37), formerly of St James Terrace Hostel, in the city, admitted possessing a knife, threatening behaviour and being intoxicated at a railway station.

He also admitted common assault on a police community support officer who confiscated a can of lager he was drinking from outside Mansfield House police station, in the city – an area where outside drinking is prohibited.

Rutherford hit him on the back with a crutch.

Olwen Davies, mitigating, said the defendant turned to drink and became a "chronic alcoholic" after losing his leg.

Judge Brown said the maximum term for possessing a knife was four years, but he was giving a discount for Rutherford's guilty pleas.

A sham marriage fixer who lent his expertise to an illegal immigration conspiracy has failed in an appeal against the length of his sentence.

Salim Mullan, of Tuskar Road, Thurnby Lodge, Leicester, was jailed for two years and eight months at Leeds Crown Court in July, after admitting a plot to facilitate a breach of immigration rules.

At the Court of Appeal in London yesterday, he was told by Lord Justice Rix, Mr Justice Mackay and Mrs Justice Sharp that the term was justified.

The court heard Mullan (58) had served a four-year sentence, imposed in 2005, for organising a large number of sham marriages.

He was back in trouble after a Huddersfield registrar became suspicious about a planned marriage between a British woman and a Pakistani man.

On the day the marriage was planned, in April last year, the man and woman who were planning to wed, as well as another conspirator, were arrested.

Mullan was arrested four months later. He admitted providing advice to the plotters and booking a taxi for them to get to the register office.

He said he had been approached for help, that he was not the instigator or organiser of the plot and that he "bitterly regretted" getting involved.

Sentencing him in July, the crown court judge said the conspiracy involved a considerable degree of planning and Mullan's previous conviction was a significant aggravating feature.

His lawyers yesterday argued his role was peripheral and he had made little or no financial gain.

Rejecting his appeal, Mrs Justice Sharp said: "In our view, the judge was right to regard the appellant's previous conviction as a significantly aggravating feature.

"We don't consider it's correct to describe the appellant's role as peripheral."