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Speedway: Leicester Lions skipper Kauko Nieminen is geared up for an 'awesome' season

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Kauko Nieminen is never one to shy away from a challenge.

After a non-stop winter in his native Finland, the popular 33-year-old is back for what he hopes will be an eventful season with Leicester Lions.

"It is going to be awesome," said Nieminen. "The team is looking really strong.

"I know most of the guys pretty well and I think we're good enough to compete against any team.

"We have a long season ahead of us, but I really fancy our chances.

"Kevin Doolan has come in, he's a good guy and a gentleman. He's been around a long time, but he's a steady rider who can score big points.

"I've always rated Adam Roynon highly but injuries have held him back a bit. Let's hope he can stay injury-free this season because I can see him going on to be our No.1."

It will be a busy six months for Nieminen, who will be doubling up with Belle Vue Aces in the Elite League.

But being busy is nothing new to the man they call the 'Flying Finn' and who has been his country's national champion three times.

"The winter went so quickly," he said. "I got married to Mervi, we've known each other for 12 years and I guess I couldn't say no any longer.

"I've also been working. My brother has a taxi business for disabled people and I've been helping out with some driving.

"I've kept in shape, too, and have done 800km of cross-country skiing. I entered just one competition, over 50km, and finished ninth out of 50, which I was very proud of."

As the senior member of the Harry Jordan Haulage-sponsored Lions, Nieminen has the respect of his team-mates and is delighted to be captain once again.

"I've always said that if the riders want me to be captain, then I will," he said. "They wanted me again this season and I'm quite happy with that. I'm proud to lead the team.

"We did pretty well last year, I was quite happy with the results and the fact we got to the play-offs. Sadly, it just didn't happen from there.

"I don't know if it was pressure, maybe we tried too hard to make up for the disappointment of the previous season.

"If we can get that extra spark, then the will to win will get even stronger."

Speedway: Leicester Lions skipper Kauko Nieminen is geared up for an 'awesome' season


Leicester Tigers skipper Geordan Murphy will make decision on his future at end of season

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Geordan Murphy will wait until the end of the season before making a decision on his future at Leicester Tigers.

The Irish full-back is weighing up the prospects of carrying on his playing career for another season or making a possible move into coaching.

Club legend Murphy has been at Welford Road for 15-and-a-half years and has proven during his 12 appearances this season that he is still one of the most gifted players in the league.

But knee problems have helped to limit his starting slots to just eight so far this term, and Murphy admitted the state of that injury would play a large part in whether he continued to play the game in 2013-14.

"I will see how my knee is because that has been troublesome," he said.

"Once I have played two or three games on the trot and pulled through them, I will have a look at it (carrying on playing).

"But that decision will be made at the end of the year."

Murphy is in full training with the rest of the squad this week as they prepare for the trip to Northampton Saints on Saturday afternoon.

He knows the battle with the fast-improving Mat Tait for a starting shirt means he will have to be on top of his game.

"I am trying to get fitter, but my body is good and I want to get out there," said Murphy. "I want to put pressure on Mat."

Leicester Tigers skipper Geordan Murphy will make decision on his future at end of season

VIDEO: Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood visits Leicester for spinach dosa lesson

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A celebrity chef has visited the city to learn how to make a traditional south Indian dish.

Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood visited Kayal in Granby Street, Leicester, where chef Ajith Kumar and owner Jaimon Thomas put him through his paces.

The visit, which appeared on Paul Hollywood's Bread on BBC2 on Monday, saw Paul learn how to make a spinach dosa.

Ajith, who has been making dosa for 18 years, was pretty impressed with Paul's skills.

"Dosa is a very difficult skill to get right because there are a lot of things to think about – the heat of the surface, the mixture and getting it spread out very thin – but he did very well for a first time," said Ajith.

"He was a great man, very nice, and it was a very good experience to have him and the BBC with us. It was a fantastic day.

"I tasted his dosa and it was good. I watched myself on TV and it was interesting to see."

Paul filmed the episode about flatbreads in Leicester earlier this year. He said Kayal's breads were "pure magic".

As he walked down Granby Street, he told viewers: "We have here a very good Indian restaurant called Kayal and they make some of the best tasting bread I have ever had.

"Rice-based, lentil-based, flour-based, it doesn't seem to matter to these guys, they produce pure magic."

Ajith and Jaimon showed Paul how to make the mixture from lentils and rice soaked in water, put through a grinder and left to ferment for six hours.

Freshly-ground spinach is added before the mix is spread out thinly and quickly on a hot plate.

Commenting on Ajith's version, Paul said: "Wow, that's so impressive. The texture that you have got going on here and the smell – you can smell the spinach in there."

Under Ajith's watchful eye, Paul made his own, which was too small because he did not add enough mixture.

"Okay, so mine's not quite as dramatic as yours, but when it's served with coconut chutneys and a spicy vegetable samba, I reckon it will taste just as good," he said.

Manager Siby Jose said it was the second time the restaurant had featured on TV, after the Hairy Bikers visited in 2011. "It is brilliant that we have been on BBC national TV twice," he said.

"They have both been brilliant for us."

VIDEO: Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood visits Leicester for  spinach dosa lesson

VIDEO: Teddy bear spy camera catches 'parasite' carer stealing from woman, 81

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A care worker was caught stealing cash from an 81-year-old woman after relatives of the victim rigged up a spy camera in a teddy bear in her room.

Thief Emelie Kleen-Barry was branded "a parasite" by a judge, who jailed her for 13 months yesterday.

The 28-year-old was already on bail for stealing from a friend when she raided severely-ill Margaret Birch's purse.

The family of Mrs Birch, of Hinckley, were at Leicester Crown Court to see Kleen-Barry sentenced.

Afterwards, they told of Mrs Birch's heartbreak at seeing CCTV footage of the trusted carer taking £40 from her purse, which was in a wardrobe. Daughter Lindsey Geary, 54, of Hinckley, said: "We feel justice has been done.

"When we saw what Emelie did, it was sickening. It's had a devastating impact, mentally and physically, on mum.

"My 86-year-old father, Owen, who was doing a marvellous job of looking after mum, now feels as if he has failed to protect her, as it was happening right under their noses.

"He's upset, angry and frustrated and it's made him suspicious of the people he lets into his home.

"The grandchildren are worried and upset to see their gran so sad.

"She blames herself, saying 'Why did I leave my bag in my wardrobe?' But it's her home – she should be allowed to leave her bag where she likes without fear of someone stealing what little she had."

Mrs Geary said the family decided to rig up the camera after Mrs Birch seemed to have less cash than usual.

They noted the serial numbers on the notes in Mrs Birch's purse so they could identify them.

"Mum spotted her pension wasn't lasting for the week," she said.

"We couldn't account for the money. She wasn't going out and we did the shopping for her.

"We didn't know Emelie was on bail at the time. She shouldn't have been looking after vulnerable people while on bail for theft.

"What we think of her is unprintable. She has never apologised.

"Mum always see the best in everyone. She was badly let down by someone she trusted."

Mrs Birch's other daughter, Sandra Smith, 51, of Hinckley, said: "Mum feels as though the bedroom she calls her sanctuary has been violated.

"It was vile, stealing from such a frail and seriously-ill person."

She said the family "tried to cheer mum up at bit" by calling the spy camera plan Operation Narnia, because the device focused on the wardrobe.

The victim's grandson, Scott Birch, 28, said: "Emelie not only stole money, she stole gran's dignity, security, trust and happiness.

"I wish people who commit these sorts of crimes could see the distress and hurt they leave behind."

Granddaughter Nicola Geary, 29, said: "We're happy with the sentence."

Kleen-Barry, of John Bold Avenue, Stoney Stanton, admitted theft of £40, on November 2.

She confessed after police showed her the video of her taking cash from Mrs Birch's purse and putting it in her back pocket.

Kleen-Barry also admitted stealing a bank card, house key, mobile phone and cash from an acquaintance while they were on a night out in Hinckley on August 26.

The court heard there was a suggestion the defendant spiked the 22-year-old victim's drink, although there was no evidence to support the claim.

On the evening, the woman became ill and friends went to look for a taxi for her, leaving Kleen-Barry with her.

When the friends returned, Kleen-Barry falsely claimed the victim had been robbed, said Jim Metcalf, prosecuting.

However, when a friend phoned the victim's mobile it rang in Kleen-Barry's handbag – which also contained the victim's other missing possessions.

Kleen-Barry told police she had been the worse for drink and had no recollection of stealing.

The court was told the reason for her offending was the breakdown of a long-term relationship which had left her saddled with £5,000 debt.

Recorder Jason Macadam said: "These were both mean and wicked offences. You were bang to rights on both occasions.

"You deserve to be labelled a parasite because that's what you were.

"The theft from the elderly lady was particularly abhorrent.

"The monetary value involved doesn't reflect the extent of the harm caused.

"It was a gross breach of trust on extremely vulnerable victims."

Paul Tubb, mitigating, said Kleen-Barry had expressed remorse.

He said: "Many of her family aren't speaking to her and she's so ashamed she's moved to live with an uncle in Birmingham.

"She lost her job and remains unemployed.

"She won't be able to work in the field of care again."

VIDEO: Teddy bear spy camera  catches 'parasite' carer stealing from woman, 81

Olympic torch relay cost Leicester city £102,641

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More than £230,000 of public money was spent paving the way for the Olympic torch relay to pass through Leicester and Leicestershire last summer.

The famous flame was cheered through the streets during its 8,000-mile journey across the UK to the Olympic Park in London for the start of the 2012 Games.

Leicester City Council has now revealed how much it spent hosting the torch when it arrived in the city, in response to a Freedom of Information request.

The council said it footed a bill of £102,641 when the torch came to the city last July.

Most of that, £81,560, was spent on a giant party in Abbey Park, attended by about 20,000 people to celebrate the torch's arrival.

The rest was spent on closing the roads, crowd barriers, security, and first aid provision as the torch entourage passed through the city.

Leicestershire County Council told the Mercury it spent £29,600 on traffic management and staffing as the torch passed through the county in July and during a rehearsal for the relay in April.

Leicestershire Police said it cost them £103,629 in staffing and overtime to supervise the rehearsal event and the real thing.

Deputy city mayor Councillor Rory Palmer said the expense associated with the torch had been well worth it, and the celebrations had actually come in below their projected budget.

He said: "The Olympics was a once in a lifetime event, which Leicester had the great privilege to take part in. It not only injected spirit and enthusiasm into our city, it gave a real boost to the local economy.

"Having campaigned vigorously to bring the torch to Leicester, I was determined that the city would put on a show that no-one would forget.

"With £140,000 agreed within the council's budget, I was pleased we could host the celebrations well within that amount."

Paralysed former firefighter Kev Davies, from Shepshed, carried the torch for a leg of the relay from the National Space Centre.

The 42-year-old, who is wheelchair-bound after a motorcycling accident, said he thought the cost was worth every penny.

He said: "It sounds like a lot of money but I don't think you can really put a price on something like that.

"I set off on my stretch at 7.15am but there was still a massive buzz at the space centre with the torch coming in with a man in a jet pack.

"Gary Lineker was there and everyone was just having a great time. There is enough bad news in the world and the torch brought us a huge feel-good factor.

"We had huge crowds out in the streets waving flags. It was a wonderful, overwhelming and slightly surreal experience.

"After that we had an amazing Games and Paralympics. Some people might say we could have spent the money on something else but for me, and everyone I spoke to, it was just brilliant."

Relay organisers estimate some 170,000 people gathered to cheer the torch through the city, the county and in neighbouring Rutland.

The Mercury contacted the press office at Rutland County Council to ask how much it had spent on hosting the torch rally. Nobody responded.

Olympic torch relay cost Leicester city £102,641

Michael Keane tipped to go all the way by former Leicester City captain Steve Walsh

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Young Leicester City defender Michael Keane has the potential to play at the very top level, according to club legend Steve Walsh.

Keane's performances for City have earned him rave reviews and a call-up to the England Under-21 set-up.

The 20-year-old made his under-21 debut on Monday night as a 77th-minute substitute in England's emphatic 4-0 victory against Austria at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.

Walsh believes it could be just the start of a great career for Keane.

The former City skipper said he had been very impressed by Keane since the 20-year-old joined on loan from Manchester United earlier this season.

Walsh, who was signed by City as 21-year-old and went on to play nearly 400 games for them and captain them in the Premier League, said Keane was obviously well coached at United, but added that he would love to pass on his experience to the centre-back.

"I think he is a terrific player and is developing nicely," said Walsh.

"He has youth on his side and is still learning the game, and I rate him very highly.

"From his composure and his manner, you can see how he has been taught at Manchester United.

"He can play and can read the game well, and has forged a great partnership with Wes Morgan.

"But they have to become more nasty, in the right sense of the word.

"There are areas he can improve on, which is natural for a young player.

"For example, Yann Kermorgant was taking a run on him and winning headers all night when we played Charlton recently. He needs to work on his starting position.

"But these are his first experiences at first-team level and he will learn by playing more games.

"Overall, he has been excellent for City and has been another good signing by Nigel Pearson, who obviously has a good eye for young players."

Harry Panayiotou scored an equaliser in the third minute of added time for City's development squad as they fought back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 against Barnsley yesterday.

City pulled level through goals from Martyn Waghorn and Joe Dodoo, only for Barnsley to go 3-2 up at Belvoir Drive before Panayiotou's late strike.

Michael Keane tipped to go all the way by former Leicester City captain Steve Walsh

VIDEO: Man injured after crash in Braunstone Gate, Leicester

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A van driver was taken to hospital with suspected spinal or neck injuries after his vehicle went over onto its side after a crash in Braunstone Gate, Leicester, this morning. The two-vehicle crash happened just after 10am and blocked the city bound lane of Narborough Road and caused major traffic hold-ups on the adjoining Hinckley Road. It is understood the occupants of the Volvo saloon involved in the incident were not injured. The van driver was lifted clear of his wrecked vehicle by firefighters. The road re-opened at 12.30pm

VIDEO: Man injured after crash in Braunstone Gate, Leicester

Loughborough teenagers in court on terrorism charges

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Three Loughborough teenagers accused of plotting terror attacks using pipe bombs today appeared at the Old Bailey. The youths, who are believed to be right-wing extremists, had already partly assembled the explosives when they were arrested in February this year. One of them was allegedly found with a stash of components for pipe bombs, firework powder, a stab vest, a gas mash, three .22 air rifles, a crossbow and The Mujahideen Poisons Handbook. It is claimed he also had 'a notebook containing information about the planning of attacks and the construction of explosive devices'. Another youth is charged with 'doing an act with intent to cause explosions' likely to endanger life or cause damage to property in the UK. Their alleged plot was uncovered after one of the youths was arrested in Granby Street, Loughborough, apparently with a knife on February 13 this year. The first suspect, who appeared in court by video link from prison, is charged with possession of an offensive weapon, possession of articles for purposes connected with terrorism and possession of a document containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism. It is claimed that on February 19, 2013, he was in possession of nine partially assembled petrol bombs, a quantity of commercial firework powder, a quantity of partially assembled pipe bombs, a length of commercial pyrotechnic fuse cord, a stab proof vest, a gas mask, three .22 air rifles, an Olympic .22 blank firing pistol and a quantity of .22 blank firing ammunition, a .22 air pistol, three BB guns and a black military belt containing airgun pellets and a cartridge, a crossbow and a notebook containing information about the planning of attacks and the construction of explosive devices. He is charged together with the second suspect with possession of an article for purposes connected with terrorism between January 2012 and April 13, 2012, namely a quantity of pipe bombs. The second suspect, who is on bail, did not arrive at court until after the hearing finished. The third suspect, who is on bail and sat in the dock of the court, is charged with doing an act with intent to cause explosions by use of an explosive substance and possession of an explosive substance between January 1, 2012 and April 13, 2012. That charge states that he had 'component parts for pipe bombs with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property.' All three youths, who but cannot be identified because of their age, will appear in court for a plea and case management hearing in June.

Loughborough teenagers in court on terrorism charges


Police CCTV appeal after bus driver was allegedly racially abused and spat at in Thurnby Lodge, Leicester

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Police have released a CCTV image of a woman they want to trace after a bus driver was allegedly spat at and racially abused. The driver was allegedly targeted on an Arriva bus in the Bowhill Grove area of Thurnby Lodge, Leicester, on Wednesday, January 30. Officers today released an image of a woman they would like to speak to. The image was taken by one of the vehicle's on-board CCTV cameras. Contact Pc Rich Barber on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555111.

Police CCTV appeal after bus driver was allegedly racially abused and spat at in Thurnby Lodge, Leicester

Race for promotion: Football writers assess their team's chances of reaching the Premier League

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Leicester City have it all do with just just eight games left in the Championship this season. Although Cardiff look certainties for promotion to the Premier League, the second automatic spot, as well as the four play-off places, are very much up for grabs. Here, football writers from each of City's main rivals assess their team's chances, while the Mercury's Rob Tanner also gives his verdict.
CARDIFF Position: 1st Points: 75 Promotion odds: 1-50Still to play: Peterborough (Away, Mar 30); Blackburn (Home, Apr 1); Watford (Away, Apr 6); Barnsley (Home, Apr 9); Nottm Forest (Home, Apr 13); Charlton (Home, Apr 16); Burnley (Away, Apr 20); Bolton (Home, Apr 27); Hull (Away, May 4)Insider's view: Terry Phillips, (South Wales Echo) Prospects: Cardiff have never been in the Premier League, but are close to achieving that status now. They missed out in the 2010 play-off final, plus the semi-finals in the last two seasons. In 2009, they missed out on sixth place after finishing level on points and goal difference with Preston, but missed out on goals scored having lost 6-0 at Deepdale. Cardiff fans remain nervous after so many near-misses, but there is a trust in Malky Mackay.Current form: Cardiff will have been top of the Championship for more than four months, since November 24, by the time they play Peterborough away on Saturday. They have been able to deal with that pressure. Cardiff have lost only once in their last 11 league away games, winning eight and drawing two for 26 points from a possible 33. They also have the knack of winning ugly.Key figures who could make a difference: Playmaker Peter Whittingham has not hit the net since October, while Craig Bellamy's last goal, the winner at Leicester, was in December. Both are due a goal. An ankle injury could end Mark Hudson's season, a massive blow as he has been an inspirational leader.Predictions: Champions: Cardiff, Runners-up: Watford. Play-off winners: Nottm Forest
HULL Position: 2nd Points: 68 Promotion odds: 8-11Still to play: Huddersfield (Away, Mar 30); Watford (Home, Apr 2); Middlesbrough (Home, Apr 6); Ipswich (Away, Apr 13); Wolves (Away, Apr 16); Bristol City (Home, Apr 19); Barnsley (Away, Apr 27); Cardiff (Home, May 4)Insider's view: Philip Buckingham (Hull Daily Mail)Prospects: A season that began with Hull installed as 40-1 outsiders for the Championship title now sees them odds-on to clinch a return to the Premier League. A play-off finish would have been accepted by every supporter back in August, but the targets have gradually shifted up towards automatic promotion. An unbroken residency of almost five months inside the top six is a telling measure of their consistency.Current form: Three defeats in the last five games mean Hull are not in their best touch this season, but five wins in the last eight has set the standard needed in the final five weeks. A ruthless streak against the division's strugglers has maintained their march. Shipping 12 in their last five games has unearthed defensive frailties, but City do look a far more potent threat with George Boyd and Gedo up front.Key figures who could make a difference: Steve Bruce's 3-5-2 shape is made for wing-backs Ahmed Elmohamady and Robbie Brady. Their adventures up and down the flanks consistently carves open opposition defences. Striker Matty Fryatt's expected return next month could provide a further boost after seven months out injured.Predictions: Title winners: Cardiff. Runners-up: Hull. Play-off winners: Watford
WATFORD Position: 3rd Points: 66 Promotion odds: 6-5Still to play: Burnley (Home, Mar 29); Hull (Away, Apr 2); Cardiff (Home, Apr 6); Peterborough (Away, Apr 13); Millwall (Away, Apr 16); Blackburn (Home, Apr 20); Leicester (Away, Apr 26); Leeds (Home, May 4)Insider's view: Anthony Matthews,(Watford Observer)Prospects: Watford's quest for automatic promotion may have faltered recently, but they remain nicely poised for a return to the Premier League, sitting two points off second place with eight games to play. Key to Watford's prospects will be their superb away form – their surprise defeat at Barnsley was only their second loss on the road in 12 league matches.Current form: Having taken 13 points from 15 during an unbeaten February that saw Gianfranco Zola win the Championship manager of the month award, the Hornets have faltered somewhat this month, taking just four points from a possible 12. This sticky patch though, has coincided with the absence for all, or part, of key players such as Manuel Almunia, Fitz Hall and Almen Abdi through injury.Key players who could make a difference: No team in the four professional English divisions can match Watford's goal tally of 72, and almost half of these have been scored by the strike partnership of Matej Vydra and Troy Deeney. Czech international Vydra has gone off the boil recently but, if he can rediscover his best form, which has already seen him net 20 times this season during the run-in, he could be the man to fire Watford into the Premier League.Predictions: Winners: Cardiff. Runners-up: Watford. Play-off winners: Hull.
CRYSTAL PALACE Position: 4th Points: 65 Promotion odds: 7-4Still to play: Birmingham (Home, Mar 29); Blackpool (Away, Apr 1); Barnsley (Home, Apr 6); Millwall (Away, Apr 30); Ipswich (Away, Apr 16); Leicester (Home, Apr 20); Blackburn (Away, Apr 27); Peterborough (Home, Sat, May 4)Insider's view: Richard Cawley (South London Press)Prospects: Healthy. The club are in their highest position at this stage of the season since 1996. There is now an expectation that Palace – in the top six since October 2 – will achieve at least a play-off position. Their fine record at Selhurst Park, just the one defeat since losing to Watford on the opening day, should assure that the top six is not a problem to achieve. It is on the road, where they have won just once since the end of November, where there needs to be an improvement on their points return that will ultimately decide if they can snare one of the automatic spots.Current form: The Eagles' peak was in October and November and, since then, they have kept their promotion drive ticking over without really scaling those heights again. They are now 16 games undefeated on home turf but have taken just seven points from the last 33 on their travels. Ian Holloway's appointment in November has seen the club continue to employ an attacking strategy.Key players who could make a difference: Glenn Murray and Wilfried Zaha have taken most of the plaudits this season and quite rightly, but the man who is perhaps the key to getting them to tick is defensive midfielder Mile Jedinak. Whenever the Australian – so often the starting point of their attacks – is missing, Palace are nowhere near as effective. There isn't a full-back at this level who can deal with Zaha in full flight, while Palace have not lost this season when Murray has netted.Predictions: Champions: Cardiff. Runners-up: Crystal Palace. Play-off winners: Nottm Forest
NOTTM FOREST Position: 5th Points: 60 Promotion odds: 3-1Still to play: Brighton (Home, Mar 30); Burnley (Away, Apr 1); Blackpool (Home, Apr 6); Cardiff (Away, Apr 13); Middlesbrough (Away, Apr 16); Barnsley (Home, Apr 20); Millwall (Away, Apr 27); Leicester (Home, May 4)Insider's view: Paul Taylor (Nottingham Post)Prospects: The key thing for Forest at the minute is momentum. If they do manage to beat Brighton after the international break, when the Seagulls visit the City Ground, the Reds will equal a club record for seven consecutive wins that was set way back in 1921. Six consecutive wins and a draw since Billy Davies returned for his second spell as manager have helped propel Forest from nine points adrift of the play-off places up to fifth. The main aim is to secure a third play-off place under the Scotsman. Anything else would be a huge bonus.Current form: Forest's revival under Davies has been utterly emphatic. They had won only three games in their previous 14 fixtures prior to his arrival. They have subsequently powered their way back into the play-off reckoning amid this potentially record-breaking run. Davies has instilled confidence and belief into the players, while adopting a 4-4-2 formation with a midfield diamond, which makes the most of their strengths.Key players who could make a difference:While Forest's revival has been inspired by a real team ethos, the key figures have largely been in midfield. Adlene Guedioura sits in front of the back four, providing protection when the full-backs push on, and the trio ahead of him – Radi Majewski, Andy Reid and Henri Lansbury – must be among the best in the Championship.Predictions: Title: Cardiff. Runners-up: Crystal Palace. Play-off winners: Nottm Forest.
CITY Position: 6th Points: 59 Promotion odds: 7-2Still to play: Millwall (Home, Mar 29); Barnsley (Away, Apr 1); Brighton (Away, Apr 6); Birmingham (Home, Apr 12); Bolton (Home, Apr 16); Crystal Palace (Away, Apr 20); Watford (Home, Apr 26); Nottm Forest (Away, May 4)Insider's view: Rob Tanner, (Leicester Mercury)Prospects: It is hanging in the balance now for City. After a fantastic run in January which fired them into the top two, a run of one win in nine games has seen Nigel Pearson's men clinging on to a play-off place. The slump in form is alarming and they produced arguably their worst performance of the season at Derby, a display which gave no indication that they can arrest the slide. However, Pearson took his squad away to Portugal last week for some warm-weather training, and they also have games coming up against some of their big rivals.Current form: Woeful. It is the worst run under Pearson in both of his tenures as City boss. They have won one, drawn three and lost five of their last nine, and also crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Huddersfield. Even more baffling is the fact that the defeats have come against sides in the bottom half – Peterborough, Charlton, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby.Key players who could make a difference: City desperately need the front two of Chris Wood and David Nugent to return to form. Wood scored nine in his first nine games for City but has gone five games without a goal, while top-scorer Nugent has failed to add to his tally of 14 in his last eight games. To be fair to them, the opportunities have dried up and the likes of Ben Marshall and Anthony Knockaert also need to rediscover some.Predictions: Winners: Cardiff. Runners-up: Hull. Play-offs: Leicester.
BRIGHTON Position: 7th Points: 59 Promotion odds: 9-2Still to play:Nottm Forest (Away, Mar 30); Charlton (Home, Apr 2); Leicester (Home, Apr 6); Middlesbrough (Away, Apr 13); Peterborough (Away, Apr 16); Blackpool (Home, Apr 20); Leeds (Away, Apr 27); Wolves (Home, May 4)Insider's view: Andy Naylor (Brighton Argus)Prospects: Brighton faded into 10th on their return to the Championship last season. With a better and deeper squad, they are more likely to last the course this time. The big worry is up front. Free-scoring Leo Ulloa is their only recognised striker, with top-scorer Craig Mackail-Smith and Will Hoskins out injured for the rest of the campaign, and referee-tripper Ashley Barnes banned until the last three matches.Current form: Pretty good. Brighton were six matches unbeaten, including winning at Cardiff and sneaking past Hull at home, before consecutive defeats at Bolton and Barnsley. They bounced back with a 3-0 derby victory against Crystal Palace at the Amex, where their form could be key.Key players who could make a difference: Take your pick. Argentinian Ulloa stands out with eight goals in 11 games. It could be the goalkeeping of Tomasz Kuszczak, the England experience in the back four of Matt Upson and Wayne Bridge, or the pivotal midfield role of Liam Bridcutt. Failing all that, they have the class of the enigmatic Vicente.Predictions: Title: Cardiff. Runners-up: Hull. Play-off winners: Brighton.

Race for promotion: Football writers assess their team's chances of reaching the Premier League

Jimmy Savile's luxury seaside flat bought by ex-Leicester City chairman Sir Rodney Walker

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Jimmy Savile's luxury seaside flat has been bought by former Leicester City chairman Sir Rodney Walker. The Yorkshireman, who is one of the country's leading campaigners against child abuse, has bought the Scarborough apartment to use as a holiday home for his family. Sir Rodney who was vice-chairman of the NSPCC's Full Stop campaign, now plans to strip Savile's second home, which Savile had turned into a shrine to his dead mother. He said had been hoping to buy the property last summer as he needs more room for his grandchildren. But the deal was delayed after the scandal emerged. Sir Rodney, who already owns one apartment in the block, said: "I think like everyone else in the country I was totally taken aback. "I had never heard any rumours or any suggestion he was not the generous philanthropist we all thought he was." He added: "The only effect it had on me was to delay the completion of the sale and set me back about five months. There were no second thoughts." Sir Rodney, 69, was chairman of Leicester City from 1997-2002 during one of the club's most successful periods under manager Martin O'Neill. He insists he is not troubled by the flat's past, adding: "We are buying a piece of property. It could have belonged to anybody. He added: "Once the scandal broke, the trust handling the estate had to stop to see what the consequences were. "There were a lot of claims coming in against the estate so it delayed the whole legal process. Thankfully, we now own the place." "It's going to be a holiday flat. We are spending a lot of money trying to improve it and hope to have a nice apartment we can enjoy for many years." Savile bought the apartment as a gift to his mother Agnes and after she died he turned it into a shrine to 'The Duchess'. He kept wardrobes full of her old clothes, which he washed every year and put back on the hangers. Sir Rodney added: "I raised £25 million for the NSPCC Full Stop appeal and they were generous enough to make me a life member. "Once I had raised the £25 million, that completed what I had been asked to do and I moved on to other charities – though I continue to support their work obviously." Sir Rodney and his family have been going to Scarborough for 35 years and own a property on the floor below Savile's. He said: "We have grandchildren and they want to come to Scarborough and we need more room. "Savile's is a three bedroom flat. We have taken everything out that was there and are carrying out major alterations." The flat was originally put on the market for £170,000 but is thought to have fetched around £200,000. Sir Rodney refused to say what his offer was - but indicated competition had been fierce. Sir Rodney said: "At the end of the day, the man himself will not benefit from the sale of the flat, but maybe the charities he supported or, after due legal process, people allegedly abused by him, will." Sir Rodney is a former chairman of Sport England, UK Sport, the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, Wembley National Stadium, the Rugby Football League, and the World Snooker Association. He was knighted in 1996 for services to sport.

Jimmy Savile's luxury seaside flat bought by ex-Leicester City chairman Sir Rodney Walker

79-year-old drink driver John William Edward Clarke is jailed for four years for killing elderly mum and daughter in Oakham crash

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A 79-year-old drink driver who caused a crash which killed an elderly woman and her daughter was today jailed for four years. John William Edward Clarke was over the legal limit when he lost control of his car on a bend and crashed into an oncoming vehicle near Oakham, Rutland, in March 2010. The driver of the oncoming car, 65-year-old Jacqueline Hibbins, of Oakham was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother 85-year-old Jeanne Slyfield, who lived with her daughter in the town, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and died four days later. Clarke, of Warne Crescent, Oakham, Rutland, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court this afternoon. He had pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink at an earlier hearing. A judge today also banned him from driving for 10 years. The collision happened shortly after 11am on Thursday, March 18, 2010 on the A6003 Oakham Road, just outside of Oakham. Clarke, who was driving his Ford Galaxy towards Oakham, failed to negotiate a bend and crossed on to the opposite carriageway, colliding with the oncoming Ford Focus. Detective Constable Paul Bingham, from the Serious Collision Investigation team, said: "This was a tragic incident which left the family to cope with not just the loss of one member of their family but two. "Both Jacqueline and Jeanne were loving mothers and grandmothers with Jeanne also being a great grandmother. "Their deaths have left a huge space in their families' lives and they are still attempting to deal with the effect that this tragedy has had on them some three years on. "This case is a sad reminder of the devastating effect drink driving can have and we hope that this highlights the consequences that the drunk driver may face."

79-year-old drink driver John William Edward Clarke is jailed for four years for killing elderly mum and daughter in Oakham crash

Pret a Manger to open store at former Jessops site in Leicester city centre

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Sandwich shop Pret a Manger is set to take over the premises of the former Jessops store in Gallowtree Gate. The photography company ceased trading on January 11, closing stores across the country and axing more than 100 jobs in Leicester and Loughborough. The firm had outlets in Gallowtree Gate Leicester and the Cattle Market, in Loughborough, as well as its head office in Braunstone Frith, Leicester. It was thought that the city centre shop could reopen after Dragons Den star Peter Jones bought the brand following the collapse earlier this year. However, London based company Pret a Manger yesterday confirmed that a new shop would be opening at the former Jessops site in the early summer. Pret, which was launched in 1986, has about 295 stores worldwide, although most are in the UK, and turns over about £380million a year.

Pret a Manger to open store at former Jessops site in Leicester city centre

Heart surgery decision quashed - giving hope to Leicester campaigners

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Campaigners fighting to save children's heart surgery at Glenfield Hospital will have to pin their hopes on the findings of an independent review. Mrs Justice Nicola Davies today said a decision regarding the exclusion of services at Leeds General Infirmary, but including Newcastle's Freeman Hospital should be quashed because the decision-making process was "fundamentally flawed." The decision made by the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts (JCPCT) was to cut the number of children's heart surgery centres from 11 to seven. The seven centres did not include Leeds or Glenfield. However, Justice Davies stressed that only part of the JCPCT decision had been overturned, so the process does not have to go back to the beginning. Campaigners in Leicester are now hoping a review by the Government's Independent Reconfiguration Panel, due to report to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, next month, will recommend surgery for children born with heart problems remains at Glenfield Hospital.

Heart surgery decision quashed - giving hope to Leicester campaigners

Police investigating suspected shoplifting incident in Scalford Road, Melton release CCTV image of women they want to trace

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Police have released CCTV images of two women they would like to trace in connection with a suspected shoplifting incident. Two women were spotted by staff at a shop in Scalford Road, Melton, apparently placing items of stock into bags. When a member of staff walked towards them, the women emptied the bags and left. It is unknown whether any items were stolen. The incident happened at around 1.40pm on Tuesday, March 19. Police community support officer (Pcso) Claire Gilbert said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have seen these women in the CCTV image, or who has any information as to their identity, to get in contact with us." The first woman is white, 20 to 30, of medium build and has long, dark hair which was partly tied up. She was wearing a long red coat, a beige top, jeans and was carrying a white or beige shoulder bag. The second woman is white, 18 to 25, slim and has long, black hair with a side parting. She was wearing a black coat, black trousers or leggings, a yellow or beige scarf and was carrying a white shoulder bag and a black shoulder bag. Contact Pcso Gilbert on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police investigating suspected shoplifting incident in Scalford Road, Melton release CCTV image of women they want to trace


Cyclist is critically ill in hospital following collision with a bus in King Richards Road, Leicester

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A cyclist is critically ill in hospital after he was involved in a collision with a bus. The collision happened in King Richards Road, near its junction with Kate Street, in Leicester. Leicestershire Police's serious collision investigation unit has appealed for witnesses to the crash, which happened at 2.20pm yesterday. (Tuesday March 26) The cyclist is in Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham, where he is in a critical but stable condition. The incident involved a First Leicester bus Both the bus and the cyclist were travelling towards the city centre. Detective Constable Pete Davies said: "We would like to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle prior to the collision. "We are also keen to speak to anyone who may have been travelling on the bus and have not as yet contacted police." Contact Det Con Davies on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous on 0800 555 111.

Cyclist is critically ill in hospital following collision with a bus in King Richards Road, Leicester

I'm expecting hostile reaction from Millwall fans – Leicester City's Chris Wood

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Leicester City striker Chris Wood is expecting a hostile reception from the Millwall fans tomorrow night after he rejected the Lions to join Nigel Pearson's men.

Wood was a firm favourite with the Millwall faithful during his loan spell at the New Den earlier this season.

But when he had the opportunity to make the loan permanent, he opted instead to join City from West Brom, in January.

He scored 11 goals in 19 league games for Millwall and his departure coincided with a drop in league form.

Millwall fans are still upset by his decision.

"It is going to be an interesting one tomorrow and the reception might be one I won't like," he said.

"It is one of those things. It will be the first time in my career I will have to deal with that. But I am looking forward to the game.

"I did very well in the short time I was with Millwall. I made myself proud. I put in the right performances and scored goals at vital times.

"I was scoring goals and playing well down there and Leicester took note of that. When they came in, I had to make a decision and I chose Leicester.

"I could have joined Millwall permanently, but when I weighed it up – after speaking to the managers at Millwall and Leicester – I just felt it was right here to give me an added chance to do well.

"It was my choice to join Leicester. I had the option of both. I looked it over for a number of weeks and went back and forth on the decision.

"I knew my time here would be better and give me the drive and ambition to take it on to the next level."

Millwall's league form may have dipped since Wood's departure, but they have a FA Cup semi-final against Wigan to look forward to and Wood said he was delighted for his former team-mates.

"I am over the moon they have reached the semi-final," he said.

"They deserve it. They are a great side and a great bunch of lads. They have achieved something many would not have thought possible at the start of the season.

"They have knuckled down and worked hard and they have their rewards."

I'm expecting hostile reaction from Millwall fans – Leicester City's Chris Wood

79-year-old death-crash drink-driver sent to prison

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A 79-year-old drink-driver was yesterday jailed for four years for causing the death of a mother and daughter in a crash.

Shortly before the fatal head-on collision, another motorist was so concerned about John Clarke's erratic driving, she pulled over to let him pass.

She could see in her rear view mirror that his head was bobbing forwards and at one point he was slumped over the wheel, Leicester Crown Court was told.

Clarke ended up mounting a kerb and losing control of his Ford Galaxy on the A6003, just outside Oakham.

His car spun into the opposite carriageway, into the path of Jacqueline Hibbens's oncoming Ford Focus.

Mrs Hibbens, 65, of Oakham – who was taking her 85-year-old mother, Jeanne Slyfield, out for lunch – died at the scene, shortly after 11am on March 18, 2010.

Her mother died later in hospital.

Clarke, who was 76 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving, while over the prescribed alcohol limit.

He was banned from driving for 10 years.

Clarke, of Warn Crescent, Oakham, suffered multiple fractures and a collapsed lung and was in hospital for two months .

A blood sample from hospital was back-calculated to reveal at the time of the collision he would have had between 101 and 214 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80mg.

Gordon Aspden, prosecuting, said the Crown was prepared to accept the lowest reading of 101 milligrams.

An empty half-litre bottle of vodka was found in the passenger foot well of his car, but Clarke has no recollection of when he drank it or of events leading up to the collision.

He had also taken a sedative, prescribed for osteoarthritis in his spine, which could also have adversely affected his driving.

Leicester Crown Court was told Clarke had a previous conviction for drink-driving, in 2004, when he had crashed into a wall in Oakham.

Sentencing, Judge Robert Brown told the women's relatives no sentence could measure the lives of their loved ones.

He said: "All lives are priceless."

He told Clarke: "This collision was caused by driver error and you were responsible for that."

Some of the delay in bringing the case to court was caused by investigation into whether a heart attack might have caused the defendant to lose control. This had been ruled out.

Clarke, a grandfather, had earlier that day been at North Luffenham Golf Club, but stopped playing because of back pain. He returned to his car and was seen to fall over.

Mr Aspden said there was "no evidence" he was under the influence of drink at that point.

Kevin Barry, mitigating, said: "He extends his sincere apologies to this family.

"His thoughts and sympathy are with them.

"He accepts he's to blame."

Detective Constable Paul Bingham said: "This was a tragic incident which left the family to cope with not just the loss of one member of their family but two.

"Their deaths have left a huge space in their families' lives and they are still attempting to deal with the effect that this tragedy has had on them some three years on."

79-year-old death-crash drink-driver sent to prison

How many points do Leicester City need for play-offs?

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Leicester City have recharged their batteries during a warm weather training camp in Portugal and will need every ounce of energy for what promises to be a difficult final run-in.

City head into the final eight games of the season clinging on to a play-off spot on goal difference.

There is no question that if City do not arrest their recent slump of one win in nine league games, their dreams of promotion to the Premier League will have to wait for another year.

History would suggest they will need to win four of their final eight games at least to secure sixth spot.

Only once since the play-offs were introduced in the 1989-90 season has a side finished in the play-offs with less than 70 points – that was in the abnormal season of 1990-91 when Middlesbrough finished seventh on 69 and qualified.

In that year. four sides were promoted to the old First Division.

The lowest total that has been enough to finish in the top six since has been 70, achieved twice – Watford, in 2008, and Blackpool, in 2010.

A total of 71 as been enough on three occasions – Derby County in 1994, City in 1996, when they won the play-offs, and Crystal Palace the following season, when they also won promotion.

But the total required in the last two seasons has been 75 and City, who are currently on 59 points, would need to win five and draw one of the last eight, and that would be tough.

On paper, City face an incredibly tough run-in. Five of their eight games are against sides vying with them for a play-off spot.

After tomorrow's visit of Millwall, who will have one eye on their FA Cup semi-final day out, City travel to face relegation-threatened Barnsley on Easter Monday, but then they travel to Brighton, who are on the same points total as City in seventh.

After the visit of mid-table Birmingham, City then finish with games against improving Bolton, who are eighth and still in with a big shout of the play-offs, Crystal Palace, Watford and Nottingham Forest, who all occupy the other play-off spots.

As tough as the run-in looks, it may be a blessing in disguise for City. Nigel Pearson's men have lost five of their last nine, but all five were against sides in the bottom half – Peterborough, Charlton, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby.

City's record against the top eight is mixed. They were unlucky to have only taken a point from two games against league leaders Cardiff, but have taken four against second-placed Hull. City have suffered defeats to Watford and Palace this season, but have drawn with Forest and beat Brighton earlier in the campaign.

The challenge of the run-in may bring out the best in City.

How many points do Leicester City need for play-offs?

Tragic Tia Waldrom, 15, is helping three other people live

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A girl who died this month has already helped three other people with life-threatening conditions.

Tia Waldrom, 15, from Saffron Lane estate, Leicester, died on March 2 at Leicester Royal Infirmary after an asthma attack at home five days earlier.

Her family made the heartbreaking decision to turn her life-support machine off, but said they were immensely proud her organs were helping to save the lives of three other people.

One of Tia's kidneys and her pancreas have been transplanted into a diabetic man in his 30s and her other kidney has been donated to a woman in her 50s who has the same condition.

Another woman, also in her 50s, has received Tia's liver. Two of her heart valves are waiting for suitable recipients.

Mum Niki Allen said: "Tia had talked about organ donation and at the end of the day we didn't want any other family having to experience the death of someone they loved.

"It means a lot to know she is helping others. I'm very proud of her.

"She went through a lot in her short life.

"Tia couldn't take part in lots of exercise. At one point she dreamt of joining the Army, even going on a week-long camp, but her condition just wouldn't allow it.

"Sometimes it was very difficult for her. People often wouldn't believe she was ill, but her attacks could come on so suddenly and that's what happened in the end.

"It all happened so quickly. One minute she said she was struggling to breathe and I rang for an ambulance, the next second she had collapsed."

Tia's family hope that by sharing her story, they can raise awareness of asthma.

Her funeral took place on March 21 at Gilroes Cemetery on what would have been her 16th birthday.

The family were joined by hundreds of mourners at the service, including friends from Guthlaxton College, in Wigston, where Tia was studying for GCSEs.

"They sang Happy Birthday and let go helium balloons as her horse-drawn carriage went by. It really means a lot to me that people have been so touched by her death," her mum said.

"We were planning a day of Twilight movies for her birthday with her friends and they have asked if we can still go ahead with it in her memory.

"Tia loved performing and had thought about acting as a career, alongside her other passion of looking after children.

"She was very much a home girl and we're missing her so much because she was always here with us."

Her service included some of Tia's favourite songs, including The Lumineers' Ho Hey, One Direction's Little Things and Codie Simpson's Wish You Were Here.

Marie Waldrom, Tia's grandmother, said: "She was my first grandchild and we were very close.

"Whenever she was in hospital because of an asthma attack, I would make sure I was by her side. She was a lovely girl with a big heart."

Tia leaves behind siblings, Lana, Kya, Ellie and Alena.

The family are raising money for Asthma Research, Leicester Royal Infirmary and Glenfield Hospital.

To donate, make cheques payable to Relanti, c/o Anstey and District Funeral Services, Talbott House, 9a Leicester Road, Anstey, LE7 7AT.

To donate online, go to:

www.justgiving.com/remember/56679/Tia-Waldrom

Tragic Tia Waldrom, 15,   is helping three other people  live

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