A shop owner has spoken of his "fury" after having to wait more than three days for a water company to start work on a burst pipe in his street.

Dee Patel, 42, called Severn Trent on Tuesday morning to report water leaking from the join between the road and the pavement in Beatrice Road, Newfoundpool, Leicester.

He was told the burst pipe would be fixed within 24 hours.

But while workers came to inspect the road within an hour, the leak was not fixed.

The small trickle of water turned into a huge puddle stretching across the road, and Mr Patel said it was starting to flood into the cellar of his shop, Costcutter.

When he rang to complain that the pipe had not been fixed, he said he was told workers could not get to it as there were cars parked in the road.

Mr Patel, who owns Costcutter and lives above the shop, said: "I called up to complain on Thursday evening as they had not fulfilled their promise to fix it within 24 hours.

"They told me they could not do anything because there were cars parked in the road. I'm furious. When is there not going to be cars parked in the road? People live here. Where else are they going to park?"

The Leicester Mercury contacted Severn Trent several times yesterday, but no-one was available to comment on the incident or say when the work might be completed.

However, following our calls, workers arrived to cordon the area off shortly after 4pm yesterday, Mr Patel said.

He said they had told him that work to fix the pipe was due to start this morning.

But Mr Patel said a foot of water had already leaked into his cellar.

He said: "I'm a bit concerned because our electrics for the shop are in the cellar."

A plastic recycling firm is to create 50 jobs at a former drugs research site.

J&A Young is to create a processing plant and vehicle workshop at the 69-acre AstraZeneca complex in Loughborough.

The company, which trades as Jayplas, recently took ownership of the site, which has been empty since the pharmaceutical giant pulled out with the loss of 1,200 jobs 10 months ago.

J&A property development manager Jeremy Hoare said a seven-figure sum would be spent on the new plant.

"It will be the first move by Jayplas onto the site," said Mr Hoare. "Fifty people will be employed at the site, and hopefully more, from March/ April time."

J&A announced in May that it was buying the site from AstraZeneca, and purchase was completed late last month. Neither company would disclose the value of the deal.

Plastic and glass bottles will be washed at the plant, while a workshop will accommodate the firm's fleet of 150 vehicles. The two operations will occupy 20 acres.

J&A is looking to find other businesses to occupy the remainder of the huge complex, which has a total of 1.3 million sq ft of empty office and laboratory space.

Mr Hoare said he had already shown 12 companies, who had expressed an interested in moving there, around the site.

The company said there were no plans to close its existing plant, in Cotton Way in the town, which employs more than 50 people. J&A, which employs 225 people, is the UK's biggest plastics recycling firm.

It also has sites in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Birmingham and Grimsby, as well as a head office in Corby, Northamptonshire. It has a turnover of £43 million.

AstraZeneca's announcement that it was closing the site led to the creation of a taskforce aimed at finding new employment for the redundant staff, as well as a new occupier for the site.

The taskforce included Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership and Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan.

Ms Morgan said: "I am pleased that a purchaser for the site has been found who will quickly create local jobs for local residents.

"Now I hope the whole site can be occupied in a way which brings the widest benefits to our local economy."

Charnwood Borough Council David Slater said: "The taskforce members will use all of their powers to encourage the retention of the quality buildings for high value jobs."

Experts warned the closure of AstraZeneca could mean up to £31 million a year being lost from the north Leicestershire and south Nottinghamshire economy.

But business leaders and politicians have said the impact may not be as bad as first feared after the vast majority of former staff found new jobs or started up businesses.

The Leicester Mercury has been given a tour of the AstraZeneca complex. See our Business Monthly magazine, free with the Mercury on Tuesday.

Anthony Knockaert's recent dazzling displays for Leicester City have left opponents guessing what the little French magician is going to conjure up next.

The France under-21 international has a wide array of tricks which have delighted City fans and fooled defenders.

However, David Nugent said opponents aren't the only ones trying to guess what Knockaert is going to do and admitted his own team-mates also struggle to guess.

"We don't know what he is going to do," said Nugent. "It could be seven step-overs or a back-heel.

"We have to work around him. He is a young lad who has come into the side and he has shown his abilities on the pitch.

"As he has shown, he has something special about him. He gets the fans going. Any little trick the fans love.

"I don't think there has been a flare player like him at this club for a long time and Anthony fits the bill perfectly.

"If he keeps playing like that I am sure he will go a long way in the game."

Nugent said he was caught out by Knockaert's ability to produce something from nothing in the first half of the 2-0 victory over Bristol City at the King Power Stadium.

Just when the opportunity to deliver a cross looked lost, Knockaert clipped an inviting ball in for Nugent, which was begging to be put away, but the striker headed over.

He made amends a minute later with the opening goal, but admitted he should have scored with the header. I wasn't expecting that cross from Anthony," he said.

"With the tricks he has got, I thought he was going to come up with something special and get a shot away. I didn't expect it but I did put my next chance away.

"He is a handful to play with. As the fans sing, he plays where he wants.

"Sometimes he does roam out of position, which can cause our team problems.

"But, with the ability he has on the ball, you know he is going to create something for you."

When singing is your dream, it takes guts to walk away from the biggest music show on the planet. But sisters Mary-Anne and Laura Ratcliffe, who go by the name Mia and the Moon, are sure they made the right decision when they walked off the X Factor set.

The Leicester duo made it through to boot camp, but said they got sick of being told what to do and having decisions made for them.

They said the final straw came when they were asked to "fight for the camera".

Since leaving the show, the pair have recorded a Christmas single, which they hope will rival the polished perfection of the eventual X Factor winner, and there's the possibility of joining other ex-contestants in a countrywide tour next year.

It's a far cry from where the girls could be now, performing on the live shows with the likes of finalists Ella Henderson, James Arthur and Rylan Clark.

But the sisters say they do not regret their dramatic departure from Simon Cowell's multi-million pound programme for a second.

"When we decided we'd had enough, we were literally seconds away from finding out who was going through to the next round," said 25-year-old Laura.

"The producers were chasing us down the street and trying to stop us getting into the taxi – they said we were making the biggest mistake of our lives.

"All I could think about while it was going on was that they were right, but it really wasn't for us. I don't regret it at all."

The pair, from Leicester's West End, are both seasoned musicians and performers – but their styles are a world apart.

Laura is a former cruise ship singer who revelled in the glitz and glamour, while 23-year-old Mary-Anne busked in the city centre and toured the pubs and bars of Leicester.

"We really couldn't be more different," says Laura. "But we work so well together."

Mary-Anne said: "It's great that we're different – it's definitely a Ying and Yang thing going on, we each make up for what the other one lacks."

The duo are now preparing a UK tour to promote their new Christmas single, Snow.

"We were going to play it for our audition on the show, but the contract said that anything we played would be owned by the X Factor," said Mary-Anne.

"Looking back, I'm really glad we chose not to use it.

"I wrote it in the car on the way back from the first audition.

"And when I first played it to Laura she jumped up and down shouting 'we're going to be millionaires'."

The song was produced and mastered at Tiny Studios near Highcross before being uploaded to iTunes.

Laura said: "We've done everything ourselves, which is awesome because it means we have total control.

"I realise the X Factor has its advantages, but you don't get a choice about what you do – all the decisions are made for you."

Mary-Anne said: "We've got original material and ideas coming out of our ears. We're also in talks with some of the other acts which didn't make it through X Factor to do a tour of the country next year, which would be amazing."

The girls are also planning on refining their catalogue of songs and recording an album next year. And they say they don't regret their decision to quit X Factor.

"It's not a show about singing, not like The Voice, it's about characters and personalities and drama," says Laura.

"I think we knew it wasn't for us when they were getting us to fight with other for the cameras, which is not what we're about.

"It just felt so wrong. We'd sit there before the auditions and could see exactly who they were prepping to go through even before they'd been in front of the judges. None of it was 'real'."

To download the sisters' single, search for 'Mia and the Moon' on iTunes.

www.miaandthemoon.com

Five young veterans of the war in Afghanistan joined some of their Leicester City football heroes yesterdayto launch the county's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal for 2012.

The soldiers, who between them have undertaken seven tours of the war-torn country, joined city stars Lloyd Dyer and Matty James and City ambassador Alan Birchenall at the King Power stadium.

The Leicestershire and Rutland branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) is hoping to top the £526,000 raised last year.

One of the biggest fund-raising events will be at the Remembrance Day fixture at the King Power stadium on Saturday, November 10 against city's local rivals Nottingham Forest.

Giles Coleman, the RBL branch's community fund-raiser, said that Leicester City's Remembrance Day fixture last year raised £18,000 and was second only to Liverpool's total of £20,000. Mr Coleman said: "Since the first Gulf War in 1991, 30,000 servicemen have been wounded, many of whom have needed our help at some stage.

"We spend an average of £720 on every welfare case we deal with and there are currently about 300 of those cases in Leicestershire and Rutland.

"People are very generous at Poppy Appeal time. Nationally, we are looking to raise £40 million and I would hope to get close to the £600,000 mark locally."

This year's Remembrance Day fixture at the King Power stadium will see a parade of veterans around the pitch marching to the RBL county pipe band.

Players will wear special commemorative T-shirts in the warm-up and match shirts specially embroidered with poppies will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal. Last year, the shirts raised between £200 and £700 each. There will also be a bucket collection at the game.

The match ball, which will be delivered by helicopter, will also be auctioned.

Lance Corporal Darren Bates, 25, of Syston, of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment, who has just completed his third tour of Afghanistan, and helped with the launch, said: "I don't think people realise how many young soldiers have lost limbs or are suffering mental problems through the Afghanistan conflict.

"Being involved in the poppy launch is important because you never know when you might need the Royal British Legion yourself."

The other veterans at the launch were Guardsman Matthew Sinkinson, Private Josh Seville, Private Billy Jones and Private Ian Newstead.

Midfielder Matty James said: "My cousin has just enlisted and I know my mum was a bit upset. They make a big thing of Remembrance Day here at Leicester and I'm looking forward to being part of it."

The Birch said: "We are all indebted to our young men and women for the work they are doing out there for their country. We're proud to be involved with the Poppy Appeal."

MP Keith Vaz yesterday revisited his past as he announced a sponsored cycle ride to raise money for an estate's youth facilities – including a disused Scout hut at the centre of a dispute.

The East Leicester MP recreated a photograph of him taking part in a charity ride in 1988 to raise cash for young people in Leicester's Thurnby Lodge.

He will ride around the estate on Saturday, November 24 and is urging others to join him.

The future of a disused Scout hut, in Nursery Road, is at the centre of negotiations between the city council, residents and a Muslim group called the As-Salaam Trust, which wants to turn the building into a community centre.

Some residents have staged regular protests outside the neighbouring Thurnby Lodge Community Centre, where members of As-Salaam have been meeting for almost three years.

Some have said they would prefer the Scout hut to be developed for the wider community.

Many support a proposal to turn it into a boxing club and community gym.

They are also concerned about extra traffic the building might create if it became a community centre.

Mr Vaz has previously suggested the Scout hut should be put to use for the wider community instead of being taken on by a faith group.

Yesterday, he said: "I am taking up the challenge of cycling around the Thurnby Lodge estate to highlight the lack of provision of youth and community services in Thurncourt ward.

"I will need all the support I can get on what is bound to be a very cold day."

Meanwhile, police have confirmed they invoked the Public Order Act to limit the size and location of the protest last Friday.

There were concerns that children taking part in As-Salaam's after school classes would feel intimidated by the protest.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "The police have a legal duty to facilitate a peaceful protest and have no powers to stop a demonstration, unless disorder occurs or is seriously anticipated.

"On Friday, October 14, officers in Thurnby Lodge asked that the protest had limited numbers and was located away from the community centre entrance.

"The restrictions applied under Section 14 of the Public Order Act were only in place that night and the group obliged.

"However, police can impose restrictions at any time they feel a protest is no longer peaceful or would cause disruption or intimidation to residents."

The city council said it was working with a new residents' group, the Forgotten Estate Committee, to improve facilities.

A council spokeswoman said: "We have had some very productive meetings with all the parties involved, in order to come up with a satisfactory solution.

"We have taken our time over this and really listened to all the issues raised.

"We are hopeful that we are edging closer to a resolution and that we will be able to announce this shortly."

Mr Vaz has set noon on Saturday, November 24 as the date for the ride.

Those who would like to take part will be asked to donate £5 or £10. All participants will be entered into a draw where the winner will be given a bicycle.

Further details of the ride can be obtained from the Thurnby Lodge Community Centre or on Mr Vaz's website at:

www.keithvazmp.com

Leicester City are determined to pick up where they left off before the international break, midfielder Andy King has vowed.

King has returned to club duty after his stint with the Wales national team.

But he said he sensed his City team-mates were fired up to extend their five-game winning streak and keep their promotion push up and running again at Birmingham City this afternoon.

King said City would also look to heap more home misery on the Blues, who have suffered poor home defeats to Barnsley and Huddersfield Town in recent weeks and who sit just one place above the relegation places.

"It has been good for me to have played against world-class players over the last few days for Wales, but it is also good to come back," he said.

"I don't think it will be difficult to get back to business. The players can't wait to get back into action and we will treat this like any other game. Hopefully, we will do a job.

"If there is a little bit of anxiety or agitation then we can definitely feed off that, especially with the sort of run we have been on.

"We are high in confidence and we fully believe we can come away with all three points."

King admits seeing the Blues, who reached the play-offs last season, languishing towards the bottom of the Championship is a surprise, but insisted they would look to be ruthless at St Andrew's.

"It has been weird for them this season," he said.

"I think they have got a lot of good players, a lot of names who have done well before at this level.

"But, for one reason or another, it hasn't clicked for them. That can sometimes happen at the start of the season and we have experienced that ourselves before.

"I am sure they will be thinking they have a chance of beating us. They have got the players who can cause you problems.

"But if we go there and do well then we are more than confident we can win."

City fans will be able to see their favourites in the club's new white kit at St Andrew's, when it will be worn for the first time.

Nigel Pearson has challenged whoever replaces Jamie Vardy in Leicester City's attack against Birmingham City this afternoon to take his chance.

Vardy is not expected to start after missing training through illness since the club's last Championship game two weeks ago

It means that Martyn Waghorn, Jeff Schlupp or Marko Futacs are in the frame to step in.

Vardy has scored four goals in 11 appearances this season and forged a strong partnership with David Nugent in recent weeks. But Pearson is confident that, whoever he picks, will rise to the challenge.

"As always, if a player misses out then it is an opportunity for someone else," said Pearson.

"We haven't made too many changes this season because we have been playing well. There have been a number of players who have had to be patient for their opportunity.

"I think when players do get their opportunity, the ball is in their court.

"They have to maximise that opportunity by playing as well as they can and keeping their place. That is what it is all about.

"There is no point talking about competition for places if players don't step up and take that opportunity."

City travel to St Andrew's looking to extend their five-game winning streak. In contrast, the Blues have been struggling and sit just one place above the relegation places.

Lee Clark's men are still reeling from a humiliating 5-0 home drubbing against Barnsley, and were also beaten at home by Huddersfield Town. But Pearson doesn't think they will struggle for long.

"I don't expect them to be down there for too long because they have too many good players and I know Lee very well from my time at Newcastle," he said.

"It is a bit of a surprise to see them in the position they are in.

"We have to make sure we go there and put on a good performance ourselves and play near to our max as we can.

"We want to improve our performances if anything. It is a dangerous situation to go to places like Birmingham, with the players they have got, and expect to have a comfortable game. It won't be. But we have to make sure they don't have an easy time at home.

"First and foremost, I want to see from my players the performances levels we have reached so far.

"We have been in every game we have played this year. We have won seven and lost three and, in those three defeats, we could have got something out of each of them. Those are the standards we have to maintain for the whole season.

"There will be a time when things don't quite go our way but, if we play in a fashion in which we are always in the game, then that is the mentality we have to take us forward."

A driver has been jailed for eight months after a cyclist was killed in a road accident.

School teacher Neil Thompson (54) died at the scene in Botcheston Road, Newtown Unthank, near Desford, on January 19.

William Manson (62) admitted causing death by careless driving.

Leicester Crown Court was told Manson, who had a clean driving licence, was overtaking Mr Thompson's bicycle in the face of an oncoming BMW.

He misjudged the speed of the BMW. On realising his error, he moved his Nissan X-Trail back into his side of the road, causing Mr Thompson to be thrown over his handlebars.

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said the tragedy happened at 5pm as science graduate Mr Thompson cycled home to Kirkby Mallory after a few drinks at the Steam Trumpet pub, in Thornton.

Manson, an electrical engineer, of Meadow Way, Melton, was travelling in the same direction after finishing work.

It was a country lane he had regularly travelled on for nine years and the conditions were dry and clear.

Shortly after passing the junction with Markfield Lane, he ended up behind Mr Thompson and followed him through a series of bends at about 15mph.

Mr Thompson was cycling in a "perfectly proper" manner, about a foot into the road from the edge, with front and rear lights.

Mr Murphy said: "As the road straightened he commenced overtaking the bicycle."

An oncoming BMW driver became concerned because of the short distance between them.

It is not known at what speed the BMW was travelling.

The BMW driver later told police he thought it was a 50 mph zone, when it was 40 mph.

A line of drivers behind the defendant could clearly see the cyclist and oncoming BMW's headlights and thought it was an odd time to overtake.

Mr Murphy said: "There were broken white lines in the road allowing overtaking, providing it was safe to do so. Manson realised too late it wasn't appropriate and there wasn't room for him and pulled back over, colliding with the bicycle."

Police and paramedics, who arrived quickly, were unable to save Mr Thompson, who formerly taught at John Cleveland College, Hinckley.

He was not wearing a cycle helmet and it was not known if one would have saved him, said Mr Murphy.

Mr Thompson had 104 mgms of alcohol in 100 mls of blood. The drink drive limit is 80.

Mr Murphy said drink did not appear to be a contributory factor as Mr Thompson was seen cycling "straight and steady".

The deceased, who lived alone, was seeking a new teaching post.

His grief-stricken brother, who lives in Sunderland, wrote a letter to the court describing the impact of his loss.

Manson was also banned from driving for two years. Sentencing, Judge Sylvia De Bertodano said: "It was carelessness to the point of dangerousness.

"A message has to go out that people who drive cars are in charge of a very dangerous machine.

"If you fail to exercise responsibility and kill someone, you must go to prison."

Paul Tubb, mitigating, said: "It's a tragedy and he had genuine heartfelt remorse.

"He led a blameless life until January this year.

"He hadn't a single point on his licence that he obtained in 1976.

"He has never married. His career and hobbies have been his life and he now faces losing his job, which involves a 50-mile round trip each day.

"He would be like a fish out of water if sent to prison."

There is no better defender outside the Premier League than Leicester City captain Wes Morgan, believes his manager Nigel Pearson.

Morgan has been outstanding this season and leads the team out against Birmingham at St Andrew's this afternoon.

He was nominated for the Championship player of the month award for September – a rare accolade for a defender.

Pearson said he has been building his team around the 28-year-old, who joined City last January after spending 13 years with Nottingham Forest.

"Wes has continued to be a dominant figure for us," said Pearson.

"He was last season in what was, for the club, in many ways a frustrating season.

"He is a key part of the rebuilding of this football club. Again this season, his performances have been of a consistently high standard and, on top of that, he represents a very positive figure in the dressing room.

"It is not just about performances, he brings an awful lot more. I am delighted we have got him playing for us.

"I am not sure there is a better defender outside of the Premier League."

Pearson said Morgan was the sort of captain who leads by example and commands respect.

"I think the players have an awful lot of respect for him," he added.

"He is a quiet man. He is not overly vocal but he leads by example. He is a thinker and, on top of that, he has been performing very, very well.

"He is the type of player that we were crying out for here and the type of player that managers like to build sides around."

Pearson admitted that Morgan's emergence has even surprised him since signing from Forest.

At a press conference this week, he was asked: "Better than you thought?"

"Yes, and I think he has got even more room for improvement," Pearson replied.

"He is much, much fitter than when he came to us. His physical condition is much better.

"When you have been at a club for such a long time it can be tough, and Nottingham Forest will always hold a special place for him as it was a club he was at for an awful long time

"But a player sometimes needs a fresh challenge and we represented a good challenge for him and a realistic opportunity for him to get to where he wants to be."

Leicester's five-match winning sequence in the npower Championship was brought to a halt but substitute Ben Marshall's late strike salvaged a deserved point as an entertaining encounter at Birmingham finished 1-1.

The Foxes, who have now moved to the top of the table on goal difference, were aiming to record a sixth successive league win for the first time since a club-record equalling seven in 1993.

And the visitors' first-half display certainly deserved just that but they found England prodigy Jack Butland in superb form while Martyn Waghorn also blazed over a golden opportunity from close range, much to the dismay of 4,000 travelling supporters.

Birmingham, second best, duly capitalised against the run of the play in first-half injury time as Lovenkrands converted a great cross from Marlon King for his third goal of the season.

Lowly Blues subsequently found a new-found confidence amid a quieter second half, but Leicester - who looked set to draw a blank for the first time this season - drew level in the 86th minute when Marshall's 30-yard effort crossed the line off the inside of a post.

To make matters worse for Birmingham, Jonathan Spector was given his marching orders in injury time.

Ravel Morrison, whose attitude had again been brought into question since his season-long loan arrival from West Ham, was handed his first Birmingham start since August amid four changes and duly impressed, the Foxes also included three new faces from last time out before the international break.

Birmingham boss Lee Clark spoke pre-match about the need for his side to start positively but he would have been furious at the way in which they gave possession away straight from kick-off, conceding a free-kick on the edge of their area which was comfortably saved by Butland.

Blues, having got a better foothold on proceedings, saw on-loan full-back James Hurst escape punishment following a challenge on Lloyd Dyer in the penalty area before Waghorn forced a solid save from Butland.

Dyer did find the net only to be flagged offside as the Foxes posed a more dangerous threat in the final third, Butland producing a routine stop to deny Anthony Knockaert from distance before Andy King lashed narrowly wide.

Leicester's best opening of the first half arrived in the 33rd minute yet Waghorn somehow fired over Andy King's cross from six yards.

Birmingham were providing very little threat in attack, with Kasper Schmeichel finally forced into action to save from Nathan Redmond in the 38th minute.

Butland then twice kept out talented Frenchman Knockaert, the second a superb stop just before half-time.

But there was still time for the home side to take the lead. Marlon King latched on to Hurst's pass and fired a great cross into the area which was expertly converted by Lovenkrands.

Schmeichel denied King when clean through early in the second half before Redmond blazed a free-kick off target for Blues.

Butland continued his heroics with another super stop to keep out Waghorn, but chances were coming at a premium compared to the opening 45 minutes.

Substitute Wade Elliott tested Schmeichel as the game entered the closing stages before Marshall drew Leicester level out of nowhere, his shot from distance going in off the inside of a post.

Spector then saw red for what appeared to be a second yellow card offence, and there was still time for Butland to produce another great stop to keep out Marshall's goalbound free-kick.

A teenager who robbed a victim of a mobile phone has been placed on a three-month night-time curfew.

Khari Walker (18) admitted committing the offence in Evington Park, Leicester, at 8.40pm on September 5 last year.

Philip Gibbs, prosecuting, said the 17-year-old victim was walking with a 17-year-old friend and two others. Walker, who was smoking cannabis at the time, was with an associate. They approached the group and confronted the victim.

Mr Gibbs said: "Walker produced a phone from his pocket and pressed it against the victim's neck. The victim believed it was a knife."

Walker patted the victim's pockets and stole his phone.

Mr Gibbs told Leicester Crown Court: "The victim thought Walker would slit his throat and didn't resist."

Walker, of Cordery Road, Evington, then punched the victim and his friend in their chests, causing them pain and discomfort, but no visible injuries.

Walker, who was 17 at the time, admitted common assault on the robbery victim's friend.

The defendant was sentenced to an 18-month community order, with supervision. He was placed on a 7pm to 7am curfew for three months. Walker was also ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work.

The court heard he had stayed out of trouble since the offence and was attending college.

Sentencing, Judge Sylvia De Bertodano said: "I have read about the difficulties you've faced. You also had issues with cannabis.''

Judge De Bertodano said Walker could normally expect a custodial sentence for robbery but, because of his age and recent progress, she was prepared to give him a chance.

She said that any breach of the court's order and he could expect to be brought back before her to be re-sentenced.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill was delighted that his team "stuck it up" the club's doubters after a memorable afternoon of Heineken Cup rugby.

Three tries in the final nine minutes of a pulsating contest at Welford Road yesterday saw Leicester break a 19-19 tie to pick up a 39-22 bonus-point win against the Ospreys.

With England fly-half Toby Flood leading the way by kicking goals from well inside his own half, and partner Ben Youngs earning the man-of-the-match award, Cockerill was full of praise for his charges.

After a week in which many pundits had laid into the club in the wake of their defeat in Toulouse, Cockerill was beaming as the comprehensive win means Pool Two remains wide open.

"We have had a lot poked at us this week," he said. "Not just me and the team, but the very fabric of the club with us not getting a game for the (2015) World Cup as well.

"It was a classic European game at Welford Road. And I am glad it has stuck it up some people who were happy to criticise us in the rugby world.

"The boys went out and fronted up. It's their team and they wanted to play and wanted to win.

"That last 10 minutes showed the spirit this team has got. The effort from our players, which has been questioned unfairly this week, was superb and they should take the plaudits.

"We have had a tough week and questioned what we do. People have had a pop at us and asked if we are a spent force. Well, it was our day."

The result put Tigers in joint second place with the Ospreys in Pool Two on five points, with Toulouse leading the way on eight points.

Leicester's next game in Europe is a double-header with Italian side Treviso in December, and Cockerill will be hoping his side again have the belief and composure they showed after the Ospreys raced out into an early 10-0 lead.

"At 10-0 down, we played ourselves back into it and kept our composure," said Cockerill. "Getting back into the game and making it 10-10 at half-time was important.

"I felt the tide was turning because they played very well in the first 20 minutes but we looked fresh going into the break. We gave away too many penalties as a whole but it was the result that we needed."

The final score might suggest that Leicester Tigers were comfortable winners against the Ospreys at Welford Road yesterday.

While they were deserved winners, there was plenty of tension in the air as the two sides traded blows before Tigers landed the knock-out punches in the final 10 minutes.

Ben Youngs was awarded the man of the match honours, but Tigers had much to be thankful for in the shape of fly-half Toby Flood's unerring accuracy – and eye for the half-chance.

2 mins: try 0-7 There is an early shock for the home supporters as Ospreys are into their stride straight from the kick-off and flanker Ryan Jones forces his way over for a try from close range. Dan Biggar converts from the right of the posts.

12 mins: penalty 0-10 More trouble for Tigers, who have yet to be seen as an attacking force in the game. Biggar is handed his first penalty chance from halfway and makes no mistake.

27 mins: penalty 3-10 Tigers are beginning to threaten with ball in hand and Toby Flood eventually gets them on the scoreboard as he slots a 22-metre penalty from the left of the posts.

32 mins: try 10-10 Manu Tuilagi breaches the Ospreys defence, taking a pass from Anthony Allen to score just to the right of the posts after the visitors had been cut apart. Flood converts to level matters.

35 mins: Tigers are given a boost just before the break as Ospreys prop Ryan Bevington is yellow-carded at a scrum by referee Romain Poite.

39 mins: Biggar attempts a drop-goal from 40 metres out as he looks to give his side the half-time advantage, but the ball sails wide of the left-hand upright.

H-T: Tigers 10 Ospreys 10

41 mins: penalty 10-13 Poor start to the second period for Tigers as they are penalised at a scrum just inside their own half. Biggar makes them pay as he lands the penalty.

43 mins: penalty 13-13 The home side's response is swift and Flood has them back on level terms as he slots a 25-metre penalty from right in front of the posts.

49 mins: penalty 16-13 Flood is back in action and his aim is true once again after the Ospreys are penalised at a scrum. The fly-half scores from 45 metres to give Tigers the lead for the first time.

52 mins: penalty 19-13 The Welshmen infringe again and, although he is inside his own half, Flood lines up the kick – and scores with plenty to spare.

56 mins: penalty 19-16 Tigers stray offside and Biggar puts his side back within three points from the resulting penalty.

61 mins: penalty 19-19 It is all square again. Tigers' indiscipline at a scrum gives Biggar the chance to level from the left of the posts – and he readily accepts.

67 mins: penalty 22-19 Flood is back in the spotlight but he takes the pressure on his shoulders to land a penalty from 55 metres.

71 mins: try 29-19 Tigers seize control of the game as Flood intercepts on the halfway line and races clear to score, then convert.

73 mins: penalty 29-22 Biggar responds with a penalty and the game is far from in the bag for Leicester.

76 mins: try 34-22 The game is done and dusted as Ben Youngs scores in the corner and, although Flood fails with the conversion, Tigers have breathing space.

79 mins: try 39-22 Tigers finish on the highest note possible as Tuilagi scores their fourth try as the clock runs down, sealing a magnificent win from 10-0 down.

F-T: Tigers 39 Ospreys 22

On an evening to rival many glorious days that the club has enjoyed at the top level, Leicester Tigers produced some sensational rugby to leave Welford Road's very foundations rocking.

Beware the injured Tiger. In the context of a week when some pundits had suggested they may be a spent force in European rugby after a defeat in Toulouse, their 39-22 win against old adversaries Ospreys was the perfect tonic.

The manner of the victory was simply stunning.

Tied at 19-19 with 15 minutes to go and inspired by an England half-back duo of Toby Flood and Ben Youngs, that had also been under pressure, Tigers produced a wild finish full of intensity.

Flood intercepted a Dan Biggar pass and ran it in from the halfway line to put distance between the sides, while man-of-the-match Youngs dived over in the corner and, with the last action of the game, Manu Tuilagi secured a bonus-point fourth try.

It was memorable stuff. For Tigers to produce their best 15 minutes of rugby when they needed it most, showed tremendous belief and conviction.

The size of their achievement was made even greater by the fact that last season's RaboDirect Pro 12 champions arrived on the back of a four-game unbeaten run and with a great deal of belief. That was only added to when they shot out to a rapid 10-0 lead, former British & Irish Lion Ryan Jones popping over from close range.

Biggar's touchline conversion stunned the home crowd and the Welsh side stayed on top in the first 10 minutes.

Full-back Richard Fussell made a wonderfully fleet-footed break in the Tigers 22 and then Biggar made it 10-0 after Leicester were penalised for collapsing a scrum.

Boosted by their start, the Ospreys oozed confidence and threatened again with a line-out on Tigers' 22, but Graham Kitchener made a crucial steal which enabled the home side to clear their lines.

It also seemed to kick them into gear and, on their first visit to the Ospreys' 22, Anthony Allen made a half break only for Logovi'i Mulipola to knock on two metres short of the line.

The crowd really found their voice when Tigers got on the board through Flood, and then levelled the scores with an electric try.

Vereniki Goneva made an initial break after running a lovely line and the Fijian was again involved when the ball got recycled, passing to Allen who fed Tuilagi for the score.

Flood's extras from an acute angle made it 10-10, and things got better for Richard Cockerill's side when the Welsh region's loose-head prop Ryan Bevington was sin-binned just before the interval for repeated offences at the set-piece.

Biggar kicked the Ospreys back in front two minutes into the second period but it only momentarily stifled Leicester's momentum.

Flood levelled it up at 13-13 and Tigers took the lead for the first time on 48 minutes with another Flood kick.

The England man was hitting the ball sweetly by now and when he converted from 52 metres to make it 19-13, there seemed only one winner.

But two kicks from the impressive Biggar levelled it up once more on 61 minutes and Tigers' future in this season's competition lay in the balance.

Flood landed a penalty from seven metres inside his own half before the game's key moment arrived on 71 minutes, when he picked off Biggar's pass on halfway and out-sprinted his opposite number to swallow-dive over the line.

The conversion made it 29-19 but, almost immediately, the Ospreys closed the gap to seven points. In a remarkable finish though, Youngs sprinted home from 20 metres out and Tuilagi scored the all-important fourth try with 45 seconds left.

The Ospreys looked spent at the final whistle. I doubt any other team in England could have produced a finish like it.

Loads of music and the promise of a fabulous atmosphere attracted a record crowd to Leicester's biggest-ever Oxjam festival, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

More than 200 bands and DJs performed on 17 separate stages at 15 venues around the city's Cultural Quarter on Saturday.

The event, staged in pubs, bars, a restaurant, a hotel and in the open air, is likely to have raised more than £10,000 for Oxfam.

Organiser Anna Webb said: "It was the best day ever and a really good turnout – the biggest ever.

"We think there were probably about 1,500 people who came along and nearer 2,000 when you include all the bands.

"It was the most bands, the most venues and the most people ever – it was amazing."

Nick Lowe, of Sileby, was celebrating his 48th birthday at the event.

"It's fantastic," he said. "It's great to have things like this that the whole community is involved in. It's a great line-up and a brilliant showcase for local talent."

Kate Wainwright, 34, of Wigston, was there with her young sons, Dexter and Felix. She said: "Everything we've seen so far has been very good. I've never been before, but it's a great event and it's not raining, which is nice."

Stuart Bradwell, of Braunstone, Leicester, said: "I've been seeing as many acts as possible. It's an excellent atmosphere and lots of people are here. I've just seen Multimorph play and they were brilliant – a bit eccentric, like Hawkwind."

Multimorph, from the West End of Leicester, played at The Exchange bar, where 18 acts took to the stage throughout the afternoon and night.

Multimorph's percussionist, Jim Tetlow, said: "Oxjam's a great opportunity to get new people seeing us and it's a very nice atmosphere with all the different bands playing at different places near to each other."

Guitarist David Dhonau said: "We were on pretty early at the Exchange this year, but it was a good-sized crowd.''

Ewan Watson, of Oakham band Watson & Wigmore, who played at Thread in Yeoman Street, said: "It's a great thing to have here and it's a good, worthy cause it's raising money for.

"It's also good for us to get to play live and we were broadcast on Demon FM, too.

"There's a good crowd all over the Cultural Quarter and it's a great day."

The bands attracted people from all over the county and people of all ages.

Those enjoying the music included members of staff from Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Sarah Parker, 37, who works in nursing, said: "I really like the idea of it because I love this part of town. What they've done with this area is great and this event works really well."

Steve Wright, 49, of Broughton Astley, went to watch his 19-year-old son Michael and his band, Vengeance, play at The Exchange.

He said: "It's all very good music."

James Attenborough, 37, of Oadby, who was there with his sister-in-law and wife, said: "I organised a gig myself recently and after that I'm completely blown away by all this.

"It's huge. It's a really good thing for Leicester and for the bands playing here, as well as the charity, obviously."

To view more photographs, and buy your favourite ones, visit:

www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/ leicestershire

Ben Marshall hopes his match-saving cameo as a substitute at Birmingham will put him into contention for a start against Brighton tomorrow night.

Marshall went on off the bench to force home a deserved equaliser for City at St Andrew's, just when it looked as though they would end up empty-handed after dominating against the Blues for long spells.

Marshall, who has lost his starting slot during the past few weeks after his form dipped, almost won it for City at the death with a free-kick which was sailing into the top corner until a wonderful save from Birmingham keeper Jack Butland.

Marshall admitted his loss of form was causing him concern.

"I had a massive point to prove," he said. "I have not been up to scratch, as they say. Everyone goes through these patches and I just have to keep doing what I have been doing.

"I haven't been doing anything different on and off the pitch. I am just so happy to score.

"I have been through this before and it is hard. I wind myself up easily and it gets harder. You just want to get on and do well. Luckily, I was able to do that (against Birmingham).

"I thought we dominated it from front to back but, once they got a goal, it was a different game.

"I just wanted to get on and express myself because I want to get back into the team. I have to do something in the short time I was on.

"We are quite ruthless at home so, hopefully, we can take that performance into the next two home games and get six more points and stay sitting at the top."

Marshall's 86th-minute strike finally beat Butland but the ball seemed to take ages to cross the line after going in off both posts.

"I thought I hit it well, but I was waiting for about five minutes for it to go in and luckily it did," said Marshall.

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson made three changes as his side went in search of a sixth win on the trot.

The injured Sean St Ledger, Jamie Vardy, who had been ill, and Liam Moore, who was rested, dropped out from the side that beat Bristol City 2-0 a fortnight ago.

They were replaced by Zak Whitbread, Ritchie De Laet and Martyn Waghorn.

1 min: A quick break from the kick-off by City and David Nugent is fouled. Talk about starting quickly. City were like Usain Bolt coming out of the starting blocks.

5 mins: Massive shout for a penalty as Curtis Davies challenges Lloyd Dyer right in front of the huge travelling support, but the referee says no.

16 mins: Whitbread, up for a free-kick, heads the ball back into the penalty area and Waghorn tests Jack Butland with a volley.

18 mins: The referee gives a free-kick for a perceived foul by Paul Konchesky on the edge of the box but reverses his decision after speaking to his linesman. More controversy.

19 mins: City break and Nugent goes close with a great volley which is inches wide.

20 mins: Dyer has the ball in the net but it is ruled out for off-side. City look dangerous.

24 mins: The first effort on goal by Blues. Steven Caldwell heads straight at Kasper Schmeichel.

25 mins: Another City shout for a penalty when Waghorn's cross is blocked and bounces up and hits James Hurst on the hand.

26 mins: Andy King is inches wide with a fiercely struck effort from 20 yards out after a quick free-kick by City.

28 mins: Jonathan Spector, who has already been shown a yellow card, trips King in the middle of the pitch. Spector is living dangerously.

33 mins: A fantastic move by City involving Anthony Knockaert and Nugent. The Frenchman picks out King's run and he crosses to Waghorn, who should have scored from close range but he skies his effort. A great chance.

36 mins: A great block by David Murphy denies De Laet as City take a firm control of this game. They are playing as though they are the home side.

43 mins: Butland produces a great save to tip Knockaert's shot over the bar after the Frenchman again jinks his way inside the penalty box.

45+1 mins: GOAL 1-0 City are hit with a sucker punch. Dyer loses possession on the edge of the opposition penalty box and Blues break down the right with Marlon King, who crosses for Peter Lovenkrands to score the opening goal.

H-T: Birmingham 1 City 0

49 mins: Knockaert caught in possession by Nathan Redmond who tees up King, but Schmeichel rescues City.

51 mins: Redmond goes close as the Blues start the second half much brighter.

62 mins: Waghorn fizzes in another superb strike from 20 yards out and his England Under-21 team-mate Butland tips it over the bar.

72 mins: City make a double substitution. Ben Marshall and Vardy go on for Dyer and Waghorn.

80 mins: The game starts to dwindle away into a tired, scrappy encounter, which is suiting the hosts much more than the visitors. City need to show more urgency.

84 mins: City still pressing and King fires over from the edge of the area but time is running out.

86 mins: GOAL 1-1 De Laet does brilliantly to keep the ball in play on the touchline and gives it to Marshall, who drives towards the edge of the box and shoots. His shot beats Butland and comes off the inside of the near post and trickles along the line before nestling inside the far post.

90+2 mins: A scare for City as Redmond jinks his way into the box, but his shot is blocked and allows City to break. Only a last-ditch tackle from Davies stops Vardy from breaking clear.

90+4 mins: RED CARD De Laet runs full tilt at the Blues defence and is tripped by Spector, who receives his second yellow and takes the long walk. City have a free-kick 25-yards out to the right of the penalty box.

90+5 mins: Marshall swings in a superb free-kick towards the top corner and Butland somehow touches it over. A fantastic effort and save.

F-T: Birmingham 1 City 1

On any other day, attending a council meeting and finding a seat at the back would be easy.

But Blaby District Council is in the unusual position of having to make one of its planning meetings next week a ticket-only event.

The subject of the meeting is a controversial plan to build 4,250 homes at Lubbesthorpe – which has attracted more than 1,000 objections – and hundreds of people will want to be there.

The first 130 people will get a seat to watch the planning meeting in the council chamber. About 100 others will get tickets to watch live screenings at two other venues.

A council spokeswoman said: "It's in order to prevent people turning up on the day and not being able to get in. "The council chamber holds about 130 people and we expect it to be full."

The meeting is to take place at the council's headquarters in Narborough on Thursday, November 1, from 4.30pm.

As well as 4,250 homes, the development plan includes shops, schools and 52 acres of employment land on the site, which is near Leicester Forest East.

Tickets are free and limited to two per household.

The live screenings will be at Winstanley Community College, in Kingsway North, Braunstone Town, and Enderby Civic Centre, in King Street.

However, it is unlikely people will see the planning issue resolved next week.

The recommendation from planning officers is to agree to the plans, as long as the Government is happy with it.

This means that if the planning committee says the development can go ahead, it will then be forwarded to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles, who might decide to intervene.

And, after 18 months of negotiations between planners and the consortium of developers, there is likely to be an appeal if councillors refuse the builders permission to go ahead.

Paul Fox, secretary of the protest organisation, Leicester Forest East Residents Action Group, said he was happy the Government would have a say.

"It's good news," he said. "Hopefully, it will be given proper consideration now."

David Clements, a councillor for the area, said: "We don't know what the members of the development control committee will do.

"I will be there and I'm sure it will be very busy."

Paul Burton, of the New Lubbesthorpe development consortium, said: "This development can deliver a multi-million pound package of transport improvements, new shopping, three schools, a health centre, work space, community and leisure facilities.

"It will be sustainable, boost the economy and create thousands of new jobs."

Applications for tickets can be made by calling 0116 272 7505. The ticket phone line is open between 10am – 5pm and will remain open until the tickets are gone.

To watch the meeting live online visit:

www.blaby.gov.uk/webcast