Visitors to Twycross Zoo are going ape for a new arrival.

Banya, a 23-year-old bonobo, has given birth to a son.

The six-week-old boy, who has not yet been named, is delighting visitors to Twycross, the only zoo in the UK to breed bonobos.

Dr Charlotte Macdonald, curator of living collections, said: "We knew Banya was due to give birth soon but on the evening of the March 19 she showed no signs of impending labour.

"When we arrived the following morning the keepers were surprised but delighted to see we had a new addition to the group

"Both mum and baby are doing very well.

"Banya is quite relaxed with the baby and seems confident in her mothering skills and this has given her keepers an opportunity to get a close look at the baby and confirm it is a boy."

The baby is Banya's first boy, following three girls born over the past decade.

Twycross Zoo's troop of bonobos also includes three-year-old playful duo Winton and Malaika and 15-month-old Lopori.

A spokeswoman for the zoo said it would ask the public to choose a name for the baby on Facebook.

She said: "We will put a selection of names on our Facebook site and ask the public to choose their favourite."

A council will be taking to Twitter to dispel myths about fostering and adopting.

Leicestershire County Council will be launching the week-long social networking campaign on Monday in a bid to encourage people to offer stable and loving homes to vulnerable children.

The authority said common misconceptions about fostering and adoption included the idea only married couples could adopt, that you need to have a large home, that you cannot adopt if you are gay and that fostering is not open to people who live on their own.

Carole McLean is a foster carer from Market Harborough who, three years ago, thought she did not fit the brief.

She said: "I'd contemplated fostering but as I was a single parent who worked, I thought I wouldn't be considered.

"My daughter encouraged me to pick up the phone and apply and here I am, three years later, having fostered three children.

"If I'd known, I would have applied many years ago.''

Jan Slater, county council head of children in care, said: "There are a lot of myths about who can foster and adopt and we want to make sure potential carers are not deterred by rumours and misinformation.

"Anyone can be considered – whether you are on your own or in a relationship, working or not working, regardless of your race, religion, sexual orientation or financial situation – and we spend time matching children to families who can meet their needs.''

The campaign runs between Monday and Friday. To see the tweets follow:

@LeicsCountyHall.

To find out more, ring 0800 587 7767 or visit:

www.spaceforachild.com

Judges given the task of choosing a new landmark for Leicester have been offering their ideas of what it could be.

A £70,000 monument is to be constructed in Rushey Mead, Leicester, outside a Sainsbury's store which is being built there.

The aim is for the artwork – which will be paid for by the supermarket chain – to rival the Angel of the North.

The panel of judges is appealing for the public and schools to come up with ideas to be considered for the site.

But yesterday, they were challenged to come up with their own ideas of what would look good on the site of the former GE Lighting bulb factory in Melton Road.

Judge Karen Hammond, who is the head teacher at nearby Mellor Primary School and an artist, said: "If it was up to me, I'd like to have a selection of wooden statues of people.

"It would be like a family of ducks following the mother duck, but they would represent the different people who make Leicester what it is."

Belgrave photographer Maz Mashru, who has won multiple Kodak Gold Awards in his career, said: "It has to be something artistic and I'd like it to be something to do with the old GE Lighting site.

"So many lightbulbs were produced here it could maybe have a bulb in the design."

Local councillor Piara Singh Clair was also keen for the landmark to incorporate the many years of bulb manufacturing on the site.

"I'd like there to be a glowing bulb on top," he said.

"The most important thing is that it's something for the people of this area and it has to be about the legacy of the site."

Judge Dharmesh Lakhani, who chairs Belgrave Business Association, was keen for the nearby Golden Mile to be a feature of the artwork.

He said: "It's at one end of the Golden Mile and I'd like it to be a gateway to that in some way.

"It has to be big and bright and celebrate the area.

"Leicester has people from all over the world, so maybe we could have a big globe like the one outside Universal Studios in Hollywood."

Elly Cutkelvin, Leicester City Council member for Freemen ward, said: "I'd like something that represents not only the historic nature of the city – which we've all been talking about with Richard III being discovered here – but also multi-culturalism.

"It should show how proud we are of the different elements that make up Leicester."

The panel of judges will be chaired by Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who said: "I have absolutely no preconceptions, although on a day like today it would be quite handy to have a giant umbrella.

"Whatever it is, it needs to be eye-catching. This is an iconic site."

The other judges will be Leicester Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth and Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King.

The consultation will close on June 30. To have your idea considered by the judging panel, send an e-mail to:

leicesterlegacy2013@gmail.com

A charity set up in memory of a teenager who collapsed and died while out jogging has urged people to support a call for CPR lessons in school.

Joe Humphries appeared to be fit and well before he collapsed near his home in Rothley, in October. The 14-year-old was the victim of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (Sads) – the adult version of cot death.

His family has since created the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust to promote awareness of the condition.

A Government consultation on the future of the national curriculum in schools in England comes to a close on Tuesday. The British Heart Foundation is leading a campaign for life-saving skills to be included as part of these reforms.

The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) wants people to support the call and take part in the consultation.

Joe's dad, Steve, chairman of the JHMT, said: "We feel every child should be taught CPR so they have the potential to save a life. The best way of achieving this aim is to have CPR taught in every school in England as part of the National Curriculum.

"Life-saving skills could be included within Citizenship or as part of PE lessons.

"If someone collapses you only have a few minutes to save a life, which means friends will need to know what to do.

"We need to create a collective response to life-saving emergencies. Everyone can play their part instead of hoping someone who may happen to be around and knows how to respond.

"Having vital life-saving skills can also empower children to make a life-saving contribution to their local communities in an emergency situation."

An inquest into Joe's death heard he might have been saved if he had been treated within minutes of being taken ill – the same kind of immediate treatment Premier League footballer Fabrice Muamba received when he collapsed on the pitch last March.

The British Heart Foundation, along with Fabrice Muamba, recently handed in a petition to Downing Street, signed by more than 100,000 people calling for life-saving skills to be taught in all schools in England.

According to the charity, 86 per cent of teachers agree CPR skills should be on the curriculum, along with 78 per cent of children and 70 per cent of parents. Ian Leaver, assistant branch secretary for the Leicester National Union of Teachers, said he supported the introduction of CPR into the curriculum.

"CPR is a really useful life skill and it is easy to forget how important are things which are not conventional subjects."

Dr Ffion Davies, consultant in emergency medicine at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: "If CPR is started immediately, done effectively by a trained person and a defibrillator can then be got to the victim within minutes, the majority of cases could be saved without brain damage," she said. "Every minute lost without CPR reduces the survival rate by 10 per cent."

To take part in the consultation, visit:

www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/ campaigning/emergency-life-support-skills/curriculum- consultation.aspx

For more about JHMT, visit:

www.jhmt.org.uk/

A mother accused of murdering her boyfriend had previously threatened to kill an ex, a jury has been told.

Michelle Mills left the threatening voicemail message on the man's mobile phone.

Details of the message to the man, who cannot be identified because of a court order, were read to the jury at Lincoln Crown Court yesterday.

Yvonne Coen QC, prosecuting, said the message was left on the man's phone less than three weeks before the death of Mills's boyfriend, Edward Miller, whom she is alleged to have stabbed more than 20 times at her home in King Street, Scalford.

Parts of Mills's message said: "Seriously, I am going to kill you. If I don't I'm going to get someone to do it for me. I'll pay anything to make sure you're dead. Goodbye."

The jury was told police were called to Mills's former home in Lake Terrace, Melton, on a number of occasions .

On one occasion, Mr Miller was arrested for criminal damage. In January 2012, Mills was arrested for assaulting police officers.

Three lines of a white powder, believed to be either M-Cat or cocaine, was found on a kitchen work surface but both Mills and Mr Miller denied it belonged to them.

The following day, an officer returned to Lake Terrace and discovered damage to doors and holes punched through walls, said to have been caused by Mr Miller.

Mr Miller was found in possession of cannabis following his arrest during one visit in December 2011. He was later convicted of possessing the drug with intent to supply, for which he was given a community order by Melton magistrates in May 2012.

Mills is alleged to have repeatedly stabbed Mr Miller after they returned to their cottage following a Bonfire Night party at a pub.

Mills (31) denies murder on November 6. The jury has been told that she admits she was responsible for his death.

The trial continues on Monday.

On Wednesday, Parliament was recalled so members of the House of Commons and House of Lords could pay tribute to the life and legacy of the Rt Hon Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven LG OM – or Mrs T, as many of us remember her.

Last year's film, The Iron Lady, reminded a new generation of some of the remarkable events which took place in Baroness Thatcher's time as Prime Minister, as well as the fact that like the rest of us, she was not immune from getting older.

However, what the tributes in Parliament did this week was to tell a more rounded story about Baroness Thatcher's life – particularly in the speeches from those MPs and peers, from all parties, who knew her and worked with her.

Both the Prime Minster and leader of the opposition spoke generously about her contribution to British politics.

Of course, anyone with firm convictions is going to arouse strong feelings.

The fact is she is still the only female leader of a major political party, she was the last Prime Minister to oversee a military campaign to repel invaders from British territory and also survived a direct assassination attempt.

On a personal note, she was hugely influential in leading me to get involved in politics and the Conservative Party.

I am proud that, although I did not serve alongside Baroness Thatcher, I am included in a small number of Conservative women who have stood for Parliament with a mandate to serve our constituents.

It was Ed Miliband who quoted Baroness Thatcher in saying, "If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman!" Quite right!

The House of Commons has been in recess since just before Easter.

As I have written previously, the recess offers a chance for MPs to spend more time in their constituencies.

One of the most inspirational visits I made over the past few weeks was to the Brush Academy. Anyone who knows Loughborough will know the Brush site, next door to Loughborough station.

At one time, the site employed about 5,000 workers. Now there are nearly 1,000 Brush employees there and, having met their learning development and apprentice managers at the Oak FM Pride of Loughborough awards in November, I wanted to find out more about their apprenticeship scheme.

The Brush Academy is hugely impressive – a building dedicated to helping both apprentices and more senior employees to learn new skills and share knowledge, as well as providing a training base for customers, too.

Investing in the education of the workforce is taken very seriously by the company. It was great to meet a few of the apprentices and hear how they are combining college studies with practical experience.

Finally, I've been pounding the streets during the recess because, on April 21, I will be running the 26.2-mile London Marathon.

I am raising funds for Rethink Mental Illness and Home-Start Charnwood.

Having now completed my final long run, my only goal for the next week is not to trip over and injure myself.

I am very grateful for the donations and sponsorship pledged so far for these two worthwhile organisations.

If anyone wishes to add to this, they can do so at:

www.justgiving.com/ NickyMorganVLM

ET, the European eagle owl, has gone home after five days of freedom.

The eight-month-old bird, which has a six-foot wingspan, was in Beaumont Leys, Leicester.

The owl was finally reunited with owner Steve White after being spotted perched on the porch of a house in Lords Avenue on Wednesday.

Student Liam Eldridge called the RSPCA after spotting the bird on his neighbour's house at about 1.15pm.

The 17-year-old said despite repeated attempts to lure her down, ET refused to go home for four hours.

Liam said: "It was quite funny, really, because the owl just kept flying off from house to house."

He said the RSPCA called the owner's ex-wife, Theresa White, who had reported ET missing after the owl flew off from her aviary on Saturday.

Stuart Lakin, who helps look after ET, tried to coax the owl down with lumps of chicken, but was unsuccessful.

Liam said: "It was only when the man who owned the bird came that the owl finally flew down.

"It landed on his leather glove. There were quite a few people around watching and they all clapped and cheered."

Mrs White, of Beaumont Leys, who allows her former husband to keep ET and three other owls at her house, said everyone was delighted to get the bird home.

The 53-year-old said: "She has lost a bit of weight but she's okay.

"We were worried about her because she can't hunt and feed herself."

She said she was called ET because when she moved to get a piece of chicken her neck extended like the film alien.

A pub doorman suffered a broken nose after he was attacked by two brothers.

Liam (25) and Leighton Burrell (28) were each jailed for two years for the unprovoked assault.

The incident happened in the courtyard of the Bull's Head, Ashby.

The victim had to have a metal plate inserted in his nose. The injury means he can no longer continue with his hobby of boxing.

He also sustained a hairline fracture to the bone under his right eye and bruising.

The brothers both admitted causing actual bodily harm at the Market Street pub on December 15.

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court the victim was on duty as a door supervisor.

He said: "He was walking around the courtyard at 10.10pm, when he encountered the defendants.

Leighton Burrell, of Frederick Street, Burton-on-Trent, said to him: "Why are you acting the hard man, walking around like you can knock anybody out?"

The doorman told him: "I'm not.

"I'm just looking around, checking everything is okay, doing my job."

Leighton Burrell then bet the victim £50 he could knock him out with one punch.

The doorman tried to keep the situation jovial.

However, Liam Burrell, of Long Street, Burton-on-Trent, pulled his sleeves up and punched him "numerous times" to his head.

He then held the victim, while his brother punched him in the face. Some of the attack was caught on CCTV.

Staff and customers pinned the defendants to the ground until police arrived.

The victim had to take time off work and suffered "months of pain".

He said in a victim impact statement: "None of this was my fault and I didn't deserve it to happen to me."

Mr Murphy said: "One of his activities was boxing and he can't risk being hit on the nose because of the metal plate."

Sentencing, Judge Robert Brown said: "It was mindless, unprovoked violence."

James Macdonald, for the defendants, said: "It was all down to drink and they would benefit from assistance in addressing their drinking.

"It wasn't premeditated."

Both men have been barred from the pub.

1. Kasper Schmeichel

Produced some excellent saves in the first half from a lively Birmingham attack. Another focused display from the reliable custodian. Rating: 7.

2. Ritchie De Laet

Always dangerous going forward for City, but at times was frankly equally dangerous defending his own goal. Rating: 6.

5. Wes Morgan

Made his presence felt on Curtis Davies to force the opening goal for City and matched the giant Nikola Zigic well.Rating: 7.

15. Michael Keane

The youngster had a great opportunity in the first half with a free header from a corner but he just couldn't get it on target.Rating: 6.

3. Paul Konchesky

Given a torrid time by the impressive Nathan Redmond in the first half but got more control of the winger in a better second half. Rating: 8.

4. Danny Drinkwater

He struggled to get control in midfield and looked off the pace last night. Replaced by Lloyd Dyer as City went for the victory in the second half.Rating: 5.

10. Andy King

Made a great chance for himself with a great piece of skill only to be denied by keeper Jack Butland, and teed up Schlupp twice with great passes.Rating: 7.

16. Matty James

Given the duty of taking the corners and he came up with two assists. He also battled away in midfield throughout. Rating: 7.

39. Chris Wood

Doesn't look the same player that made such an impact when he first arrived. Struggling for form and confidence, but put in plenty of effort. Rating: 5.

18. Jeff Schlupp

His pace down the middle caused the back-line problems and he was able to get into some great positions, but couldn't take the chances until his great header.Rating: 7.

35. David Nugent

Had a chance in the first half that he would have taken earlier in the season as his barren run goes on. Conceded the late penalty that cost City heavily.Rating: 6.

Leicester City made two changes from the side that was held to a draw at Brighton last Saturday

Ritchie De Laet was restored at right-back in place of Liam Moore, who dropped to the bench, and Chris Wood returned in attack against his former club, Birmingham City.

Ben Marshall, who also dropped out, was named among the substitutes.

3 min: Nathan Redmond beats Paul Konchesky and Michael Keane to get his cross in, which is helped back across goal by Shane Ferguson and falls for Wade Elliott but he can't direct his header on goal.

10 min: Morgaro Gomis pumps a high ball into the box and Nikola Zigic heads it on. Kasper Schmeichel has to punch clear under pressure from Ravel Morrison.

11 min: City break and the front-three combine superbly, David Nugent hits a fierce strike from 25 yards out that Jack Butland pushes away for a corner.

12 min: GOAL (1-0) Matty James sends in the corner, the Blues defence fail to deal with it and former City defender Curtis Davies heads it into his own goal under pressure from Wes Morgan.

21 min: Paul Robinson almost gifts City another as his back header falls for Jeff Schlupp but Jack Butland is out quickly to make a good save. David Nugent keeps the attack going and plays the ball into Schlupp again and he forces Butland into a second save.

23 min: James curls in another great corner and Michael Keane steams in but plants his header over the bar. It was a free header and a good chance for 2-0.

26 min: Andy King breaks superbly past the ageing legs of Robinson and gets into the box but Butland saves again.

28 min: Paul Caddis does well to skip past Nugent and pulls the ball back for Redmond, who again beats the City defence and tries to beat Schmeichel at his near post with the same result.

30 min: From another corner, Zigic gets a free header at the far post but he wastefully heads over the bar.

36 min: Nugent flashes a right-footed strike from an acute angle across goal and wide after Chris Wood's shot is deflected into his path. A great chance for City.

45+1 min: Both sides have created chances with Birmingham arguably shading the play, but it is City who go into the break with a vital lead.

H-T: City 1 Birmingham 0

53 min: Schlupp plays a great one-two with King and is in but Davies produces a great recovery tackle. From the corner, Schlupp heads just wide from James' cross.

55 min: Redmond is again causing all the problems and he finds Wade Elliott inside the box who has time to turn and shoot, but his curling effort is inches wide with Schmeichel beaten.

61 min: GOAL (1-1) Zigic scores the equaliser after a fantastic move involving Caddis and Ravel Morrison, Caddis squares the ball across the six-yard box and Zigic provides the simpliest of finishes. On the balance of play, the visitors deserve the equaliser.

63 min: City respond and King plays in Schlupp, who hammers a thunderous strike past Butland but it cannons off the top of the woodwork. Blues may have shaded possession, but City have created some great chances.

68 min: King again sets Schlupp clear on goal but he takes too long to set himself and shoot, which allows Robinson to get in a great tackle.

69 min: City change to a 4-4-2 with Lloyd Dyer replacing Danny Drinkwater. A positive change as a point is not enough for City.

75 min: GOAL (2-1) Schlupp rises superbly to head in James' corner. It might have been against the run of play, but Schlupp's determination is rewarded.

87 min: A let off for City as King almost turns the ball into his own net.

90 min: Nugent bundles into Wesley Thomas inside the City area and the referee points to the spot.

90+1 min: GOAL (2-2) Substitute Chris Burke beats Schmeichel, despite the City keeper guessing the right way and being agonisingly close.

F-T: City 2 Birmingham 2

Leicester City's play-off hopes were dealt a shattering blow as they were denied a much-needed victory by a last-minute penalty at the King Power Stadium.

City looked to be heading towards their first win in nine league games when Jeff Schlupp headed City back in front with 15 minutes remaining, after Nikola Zigic had cancelled out Curtis Davies' own goal.

But then David Nugent brought down Wesley Thomas in the penalty box and Chris Burke denied City the chance of going back into the play-off places from the penalty spot.

City were looking to end their longest winless streak since the end of the 2006-07 season, one which has left their play-off hopes hanging by a thread.

Blues boss Lee Clark had said his side would try to capitalise on any nerves around the King Power Stadium and the way City started the game there was plenty of tension.

But it was City who took a lead in the 12th minute when Matty James' corner was headed into his own net by former Leicester loanee Davies, who was under pressure from Wes Morgan.

Blues defender Paul Robinson almost gave City a second with a woeful header which Jeff Schlupp seized on but Jack Butland demonstrated why he is so highly rated.

England keeper Butland made a couple of other vital stops, notably from Andy King and David Nugent, and the latter dragged a right-footed strike past the far post.

Michael Keane also wasted a gilt-edged chance midway through the half as he put a free header from a corner over the bar.

Kasper Schmeichel was just as busy as Butland in the first half as Nathan Redmond twice tried to beat the Dane at his near post.

He also had to produce a good block to deny Robinson at the far post.

There was always the sense City would need a second goal and it was proven correct when, after concerted pressure, Birmingham got the equaliser through Zigic.

City were still creating chances, but continued to waste them – Schlupp rattling the woodwork with a fierce strike.

The youngster did not drop his head. In fact, he used it superbly to head City in front with 15 minutes remaining from James' corner.

However, referee Mick Russell had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot when Nugent bundled into substitute Wesley Thomas and Burke hammered home the spot kick.

A man has spoken of his terror after two robbers snatched £6,000 from him moments after he withdrew it from the bank.

The 55-year-old victim, who does not want to be named, was picking up the cash at Lloyds TSB in Narborough Road, Leicester, and planned to spend it on a second-hand car.

After he returned to his car, two men pulled open the front doors and one held him down while the other climbed in and snatched the cash from the glove compartment.

The victim, who lives in Braunstone Town, said he no longer felt safe outdoors and was having trouble sleeping.

The victim said: "I'd ordered the money and arranged to pick it up from the bank.

"I'd parked nearby in Browning Street and got the cash from the counter. I wrapped it up in my jacket and carried it back to my car and I was pretty sure no-one outside the bank saw it.

"I got into the car and put the money straight into the glove box.

"Then one man got into the passenger seat and the other opened the driver's side door at the same time.

"It all happened so quickly. I asked what was going on and they swore at me, telling me to shut up.

"The man in the passenger seat ripped open the glove box and got the money.

"They had a car parked up the road and they went to that and drove off."

The victim said he then started "screaming blue murder" and people came out into the street to see what had happened.

The police were called and they have since appealed for witnesses.

The victim said: "I don't know if they knew I was going to get the money or if it all happened by chance.

"It really does your head in having no idea about that. It wasn't visible on the street at any point.

"I'm a reasonably rounded person but after something like this I'm doubting my own safety with everything.

"I can't sleep and I don't feel safe any more."

The robbery happened at about 12.30pm on April 5. One of the robbers was black, of very large build and was wearing a big overcoat. He is thought to be in his 30s or 40s.

The other was black, 5ft 8in and stocky, with a round face. He was wearing dark clothing with a dark bobble hat.

It is thought a third man may have been inside the silver getaway vehicle, which was driven off in the direction of Harrow Road.

Pc Claire Middleton said: "The victim has been left very badly shaken up."

A police spokeswoman said: "We would encourage people to try to avoid withdrawing large sums of cash, to lessen the chance of them being of a victim of crime, but we understand there are occasions when cash is the only option.

"For anyone who is intending to withdraw such money, we would remind them to beware of strangers when withdrawing cash, try to have a friend with them and to split the cash discreetly into smaller amounts and keep it in a zipped compartment in a bag.

"Inside a vehicle, keep the cash out of view of passers-by and keep your doors locked."

Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101.

A former topless model has defended the Sun's Page Three feature after 90,000 Girl Guides signed a petition to have it axed.

Jo Hicks, from Hinckley, worked for the tabloid for seven years as a Page Three girl before hanging up her skimpy garments to pursue another career.

The feature has been running since the 1970s, but now Guides from Leicestershire have joined a national campaign called No More Page 3.

The movement has also backed a letter to the Sun's editor, Dominic Mohan, explaining why it should be scrapped.

However, 34-year-old mother-of-three Jo, who herself was once a Brownie, has responded to the campaign, saying it is simply a matter of choice.

"I don't understand it. If they don't like it, they shouldn't read it – there are plenty of other newspapers out there," she said. "Obviously, because I did the job for about seven years I didn't think it was exploiting women, but I do understand when people talk out against it.

"I can see it from both sides – but I really enjoyed doing it and I didn't see anything which was disrespectful and I worked with complete professionals.

"Page Three has been around for such a long time I can't see why people would want to get rid of it now.

"I know 90,000 Guides have signed a petition against it, but can you imagine all the builders and blokes who love Page Three agreeing? They'd have a petition with 10 times as many signatures asking to keep it. It would be such a shame if it disappeared."

The campaign was launched after the Sun used a topless shot of a young woman as the paper's biggest image despite Jessica Ennis winning an Olympic Gold Medal the day before.

Leicestershire Guide members have supported the drive and added their names to the petition. Georgina Fearn, 19, from Birstall, who has been in the Brownie and Guide movement for about 12 years and runs a Brownie group, said: "These images are making people think they have to look like the models, even though most of them are not realistic anyway and have been photoshopped."

Guide leader Gemma Lawrenson, 27, from Birstall, said: "I agree that it's a national institution that has been around for ages, but it's never really been challenged before and people just seem to accept it.

"We need positive role models, not just the message that you'll only be accepted if you take your clothes off."

The Sun's owner, Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch, responded to a Tweet about ditching the feature in February, writing: "Page three so last century! You may be right, don't know but considering. Perhaps halfway house with glamorous fashionistas."

A former soldier shot while serving in Northern Ireland and his wife, who has breast cancer, say they should not have to pay more for the second bedroom in their council bungalow.

Keith and Julie Foyle are facing a rent rise of £10.04 week because of the introduction of the spare room subsidy – called the bedroom tax by critics.

The couple have lived in a two-bedroom home in Newbold Verdon for eight years.

They said they could not share a room because of their medical conditions.

Keith, 60, was shot twice by a sniper in Belfast while serving with the Royal Anglian Regiment in 1972. He still suffers complications because of his injuries.

He was medically discharged and suffers leg spasms and twitches in his sleep, leaving him worried he might hurt Julie, 54, who is having radiotherapy to treat breast cancer.

The couple live on £400 a week from his various war pension payments and said they could not afford a £40-a-month increase in their rent.

Keith, who also suffers from severe arthritis, back pain and angina, said: "We can't afford it and we don't live in a house that is under-occupied.

"We don't have a spare room but we are being charged for one.

"The bedroom tax doesn't apply to pensioners, but I am a war pensioner.

"Even if we wanted to go to a one-bedroom place, the council hasn't got one for us.

"If we have to pay it, we will. But it will be hard."

Julie said: "It's a stress I could do without because of the cancer and an expense we can't afford."

The couple said they have given Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council a letter from their GP saying they need to sleep in separate rooms.

Julie said: "We spoke to the council when we got the letter about the bedroom tax.

"They weren't very sympathetic."

Councillors have helped them apply for support from the council's £93,483 discretionary fund for people facing exceptional hardship. They have yet to hear the result.

A council spokeswoman said: "The changes to Government regulations mean a working-age couple in housing association or council accommodation is only entitled to one bedroom.

"There is no discretion in the regulations for individual circumstances such as this.

"We have a great deal of sympathy with the situation this couple find themselves in."

She said the council's Discretionary Housing Payment scheme had seen a sharp increase in applications since the benefit changes.

She said: "The fund is limited and officers are prioritising people on the very lowest incomes and in the most need."

1181 (Syston) Squadron were invited by The Royal British Legion (RBL) to a review of their fundraising sucesses over the previous 12 months. The evening was held at the King Power Stadium  with 50 guests in attendance including representatives from the Church of the Latter Day Saints, the Poppy Appeal Organisers, British Military Fitness, the High Cross Shopping Centre and many other people who had helped to raise funds for the RBL.

There were a variety of presentations about the fantastic work carried out by the RBL followed by a superb buffet enjoyed by all. The Leicestershire and Rutland Branch of the RBL raised nearly £500k for the Poppy Appeal during 2012, inlcuding monies raised at collections at Leicester City, Leicester Tigers, The High Cross Shopping Centre and other sponsored activities.

1181 (Syston) Squadron was presented with a trophy and a certificate as a gesture of thanks for its conituned support of the RBL and the Poppy Appeal.

Sergeant Andy Norman said "It gives me great pleasure to know that our hard work helps to generate lots of money for  a very worthy cause. All the cadets enjoy volunteering opportunties like this and its good to know that we are appreciated by the RBL and the people that benefit from it. They also help with our Btec and Duke of Edinburgh Awards."

1181 Squadron meet on a Monday and Thursday from 19:00hrs to 21:30hrs and are based in the ATC hut in the grounds of Wreake Valley College. We are actively recruit new members and any interested parties should contact Flight Lieutenant Kenyon on oc.1181@aircadets.org. Anyone interested in the Royal British Legion should visit www.britishlegion.org.uk or contact Giles Coleman on gcoleman@britishlegion.org.uk or 020 32072445.