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Brave Claire is half-way there

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Paralysed fund-raiser Claire Lomas is half-way through her epic 22-day journey around England.

Having cycled about 200 miles on her hand-powered bike, Claire, who walked the London Marathon in 17 days last year using a Rewalk suit, said she could do with a lie-in.

She said: "It's going really well and all to plan, which is great.

"I'm managing to keep going and it's good to be half-way but it feels like there's still a lot left to go.

"I'd love to just have a lie-in, though."

Claire, of Eye Kettleby, set off from Nottingham on April 22.

Her trip has taken her to Leicester, Peterborough, Huntingdon and Cambridge.

She was due to arrive in Oxford today. After that she will head towards London, where the journey ends on May 13.

For the last leg of the trip, Claire will be joined by former Spice Girl Mel C.

Along the way, she has been welcomed to towns and cities by members of the public.

Her aims are to raise money for spinal research and to inspire people along the way.

Marriott hotels along the route have been providing her with free accommodation.

On Friday, the Marriott in Peterborough hosted a charity night which raised about £1,200 for the fund, which now stands at more than £47,000.

The cash will be split between Spinal Research and The Nicholls Foundation. On her trip, Claire has also met hundreds of pupils at more than a dozen schools, including Humphrey Perkins, in Barrow upon Soar, English Martyrs, in Anstey Lane, Leicester, and Ashfield Academy in Evington, Leicester.

She has been giving talks and demonstrating her Rewalk suit to the pupils.

Claire said: "We've been to lots of schools and all the kids are really responding well to it.

"I went to a special school the other day and they were brilliant there.

"They were all really excitable and really loved the Rewalk suit."

To support Claire's challenge, text "LEGS60 £3" to 70070, to donate £3.

Alternatively, visit the website:

www.claireschallenge.co.uk

Brave Claire is   half-way there


Live: Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

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8.30am: Vehicle involved in an accident on the northbound M6 near to J1 at Rugby. It is now on the hard shoulder. Traffic moving freely.8.20am: Area Traffic Control has reported no incidents - the roads are clear7.30am: Area Traffic Control report all roads in and out of the city are clear.For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - CLICK HERE.LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - CLICK HERE.NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - CLICK HERE. FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: CLICK HERE.WEATHER: See the latest five-day weather report at: www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/weather.CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @thisisleics or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Live: Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

ELECTION 2013: UKIP hoping to woo Tory voters after bitter fight

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Tomorrow, Leicestershire's election candidates will know whether six weeks of slogging on the campaign trail will have been worth it or not.

After a final push for votes yesterday, all that will be left for them to do is sit back and watch the ballot papers being counted.

The Tories currently hold the balance of power at County Hall with 33 of the 55 seats, but it is unclear how many of their core supporters will drift over to UKIP.

The two parties have been engaged in an often bitter campaign across the country.

Here in Leicestershire, insults have been traded face-to-face, in leaflets and on social media.

One of the most heated campaigns has been fought in the Markfield, Thornton division, where former Conservative county council leader David Sprason, now with UKIP, is looking to hold his seat against Tory candidate Peter Bedford.

Labour's Tom Neilson and Liberal Democrat Dianne Finney have fought quieter campaigns.

A number of high-profile sitting councillors are defending slender majorities from the last election.

Loughborough South was taken by the Tories in 2009 from Labour, but by just 25 votes.

Conservative councillor for the division, David Slater, the leader of Charnwood Borough Council, has faced a strong challenge from Labour's Robert Sharp, who is hoping to add to their tally of four seats at County Hall.

The Liberal Democrats, currently the main opposition group with 14 councillors, are hoping their candidate for the Market Harborough West and Foxton division will be able to take it from Conservative cabinet member Blake Pain, who holds a majority of just eight votes.

Across town in Harborough East, Liberal Democrat group deputy leader Sarah Hill is defending a majority of just 27 votes from the Conservatives.

Another seat of interest is Leicester Forest East and Kirby Muxloe, which is being vacated by former Tory council leader David Parsons, who quit after being censured over his European travel expenses.

The seat, traditionally a Tory stronghold, has been contested by Conservative deputy council leader Richard Blunt.

Coun Blunt, the leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, has given up the Ibstock and Appleby Magna seat, which Labour is hoping to regain.

Labour, seeking to become the largest opposition party, also has hopes of dislodging Coalville member Graham Partner, who won the seat for the BNP in 2009.

Coun Partner has been sitting as an independent but is standing for the English Democrats this time round.

Professor of local politics at De Montfort University, Colin Copus, said he thought national political trends would play a huge factor in the results.

He said: "Some councillors will win or lose their seats almost irrespective of what they or their councils have done. A lot of people will be voting for or against the Government.

"It's a bit sad because, though some people will be looking to send a message to Westminster, what we are actually doing is determining who will run the local council."

The election counts are due to begin at 11.30am.

ELECTION 2013: UKIP hoping to woo Tory voters after bitter fight

Man is charged with murder of Loughborough mum-of-two

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A 30-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a mum-of-two from Loughborough. The man is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court tomorrow charged with the murder of Alexis Mary Durant. Ms Durant, 42, was found dead at an address in Gallico Close, Loughborough, on Wednesday, February 20. Police were called to the property by the ambulance service shortly after 8.10pm. The man, who has not been named, was arrested following the incident and was subsequently charged after spending a number of weeks in hospital receiving treatment.

Man is charged with  murder of Loughborough mum-of-two

Shaun Cummins murder trial hears defendant's police interviews

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Former boxing professional Shaun Cummins had promised to pay his unofficial carer £1 million from a business venture, a murder jury was told today. The carer, Tom Dunkley, who denies killing the ex-champion, made the claim during a police interview. He said Mr Cummins invested £83,500 in a social networking venture, waynesworld.com. The website was set up by Wayne Lineker, brother of former Leicester City star Gary. During the third day of the trial at Leicester Crown Court today, Dunkley's police interviews following his arrest were read out to the jury. Dunkley (29) told officers: "Shaun said he'd give me £1 million. "He said I was a friend helping him out, and no-one else was, and said 'I'll make sure you're looked after.'" However, Wayne Lineker's venture never got off the ground and Mr Cummins – who was expecting a multi-million pound return - lost his investment, the court heard. Mr Cummins, who retired from the ring in 1995, was left paralysed from the waist down after a motorbike crash in 2004. He later received a £400,000 pay-out for his injuries. The court was told Dunkley gave up his loft insulation job to care for Mr Cummins about a year before his death. He told police he did not receive any form of payment, despite promises of regular wages and a lump sum. Dunkley claimed he found the 45-year-old dead, and said he must have died of natural causes. In interview, Dunkley said he panicked and dismembered the body, putting the parts in two freezers at Mr Cummins' semi-detached bungalow in Marriott Road, Saffron Lane, Leicester. The body parts were discovered on September 12 last year. Dunkley, of no fixed address, claimed Mr Cummins had violently bullied him. He said he felt unable to leave, fearing retribution by the ex-boxer's contacts in the criminal world. He claimed the deceased had threatened to kill his ex-partner and harm his children if he left. He said he had hot coffee and dumb-bells thrown at him and was once bitten on his head. He told police: "He's a bully. "He had a hold over me. "I was scared to do anything or leave the house or upset him. "Nothing I did was good enough or quick enough." When police told him a postmortem could establish a cause of death, Dunkley said: "I'm not worried about that because I didn't murder him." He added: "He was sleeping. "I suddenly noticed he wasn't moving for a while, but by then he'd gone. "I think he'd gone the night before." The officer said: "Another possibility is you watched him die, because if he dies you get your life back and you can get his money." Dunkley replied: "It never crossed my mind." Dunkley also described to police how he dismembered Mr Cummins' body. He said: "Started at about 9-o-clock. Started the chainsaw and started cutting up." Dunkley said he used rubble sacks to wrap the body parts and secured them with duct tape. He then set about burning his clothes, shoes and a piece of carpet with blood on it. He said he finished by about 1 pm. He told police he put all but two of Mr Cummins' body parts in the freezer. "I couldn't fit them in," he said. "I had to buy another freezer." Dunkley said that on the evening of September 13, he drove past Mr Cummins' bungalow and saw police forcing their way in. He then drove headed for the M1 and drove north, because "I wasn't ready to be arrested". Dunkley was found sleeping in the car at a service station near Wakefield in the early hours the next day. He had £149 on him and a further £1,000 in cash in the car, along with Mr Cummins' bank cards and several signed blank trust fund cheques. Dunkley denies murder and also the theft of Mr Cummins' credit card. He has pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial and four counts of fraudulently using Mr Cummins' bank accounts and cheques from his trust fund, after the death. The trial continues.

Shaun Cummins murder trial hears defendant's police interviews

There's still hope for Leicester, says former City striker Alan Young

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Leicester City fans should travel to Nottingham Forest in hope because anything can happen on the final day of the season, says former City striker Alan Young.

City must beat Forest at the City Ground and hope Bolton fail to beat Blackpool at the Reebok Stadium to snatch a Championship play-off spot.

Crystal Palace's draw at Millwall on Tuesday means there is just one spot left for City to claim.

While the odds are stacked against them, Young doesn't write off a shock outcome.

City haven't won a league game at the City Ground for 41 years and Bolton are currently on a good run of form.

It means there are long odds on Nigel Pearson's men progressing into the play-offs, but it is not impossible.

And Young believes the officials could have a major say in City's ultimate destiny on Saturday.

"My glass is still half full and anything can happen at this stage of the season," said Young, who releases his autobiography, entitled Youngy, later this month.

"They have to go to the City Ground ready for one of the biggest battles of their life.

"There are going to be nerves but as Jock (Wallace) said to us 'it's good to be nervous, but nervous excitement'. That would get you through the game.

"I don't go with stats. I know we haven't won there for a long time but Forest hadn't won in Millwall for a million years and they went and won there last week.

"It is a game of football that lasts 90 minutes between two teams of 11 and with three guys in black, who will dictate how that game will go.

"There are all kinds of things that can happen. There could be a dodgy offside, a penalty, a bad tackle, someone sent off, someone hits the bar and it could go in or bounce out. The margins will be so fine.

"There are many scenarios and you just hope some of them are going to work for yourself.

"City need things to happen elsewhere, but they can happen.

"Can you imagine what will happen if the news filters through that Bolton are losing to Blackpool? The place will go mad.

"They still have to beat Forest and they have to focus on that and take it from there."

The former City striker's book, Youngy, doesn't just focus on the good times of his playing career, including his successful spell with the club.

Young also offers valuable insight and moments of perception and understanding of some of the darkest days of his life.

Youngy is written in conjunction with Simon Kimber, assistant editor of the Fox Fanzine, and is released on Tuesday.

There's still hope for Leicester, says former City striker Alan Young

Mayor in tour of revamped 'city gem' before relaunch

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Developers of the revamped Silver Arcade were due to give city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby a tour of the new complex today.

It comes as owners, Lukegate, hope to attract traders to the Victorian arcade, which has undergone a £3 million transformation.

The grade II-listed city landmark has 20 business units available.

Work to the four-storey complex has included installing a new glass roof, lifts and shop fronts.

Martin Herbert, director at the Leicester branch of property consultant Lambert Smith Hampton, which is marketing the arcade, said: "There is huge interest locally for what has always been an iconic building within the city.

"We are already in discussions with some retailers for upper floor units, involving such uses as designer clothing and home interiors, but would welcome further expressions of interest from any party that can add to the vibrancy this scheme will no doubt bring to the city centre, and which the building deserves."

The area surrounding the arcade has also been developed, with a £300,000 project to upgrade the road and pavements unveiled earlier this week.

Silver Street – which links High Street to the cafes, boutiques and independent shops of The Lanes and St Martin's – now features a terracotta-coloured asphalt road surface.

Today, Sir Peter was due to be given a tour of the arcade – which has stood empty for more than a decade.

He said: "Silver Arcade is another of Leicester's gems – and I'm delighted it has been polished so beautifully.

"I'm also pleased we have been able to ensure the area looks its best by completing the refurbishment of Silver Street in time for the arcade's re-launch."

The arcade was initially due to reopen in December 2012, but the launch was delayed as the units had not been filled.

A new opening date is set to be announced today.

Before the arcade closed in 2001, it was home to shops including The Black Cat Book Shop, the Corner Tea House and Groovy Gifts.

City centre director Sarah Harrison said she hoped the revamped arcade would be able to recapture its former magic.

She said: "It is beautiful, with such attention to detail. We need to get this filled for the good of the city, with great independent shops that complement the existing ones in The Lanes – not relocate them."

The Silver Arcade was built in the 19th century by architect Amos Hall, and is one of only two four-storey shopping arcades in the UK. Amos Hall also designed and built the Grand Hotel, in Granby Street, which was constructed between 1897 and 1898.

Mayor in tour of revamped 'city gem' before relaunch

Traffic chaos fears around Fosse Park as roadworks planned

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Major delays are expected around Fosse Park during the May half-term as roadworks take place to install a gas main.

Bosses at the retail park have called on the county council to reschedule the work, saying it is a key trading time for business as the end of the month is when most people are paid.

However, the council has said the work should take place during the holiday week, when traffic volume is usually lower.

The work, which starts on Saturday, May 25 and is due to take a week to complete, will take place on the junction 21 approach section of the A5460, which links the M1 and M69 motorways to the Asda/ Fosse Park roundabout.

Lanes will be closed off to allow engineers to lay the pipe beneath the carriageway.

It is part of a wider scheme by British Gas to install the gas main, which will see work starting on a slip road off Narborough Road on Tuesday.

Fosse Park manager Adrian Young, who contacted the council's highways department to ask officers to rethink their timing of the scheme, said: "The end of the month is payday and a very significant trading time for us – and all businesses in the UK.

"They couldn't have picked a worse time to carry out the work.

"It's never going to be convenient, but if they could move it to the middle of the month that would help."

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce chairman Martin Traynor agreed the work would have an impact on business. He said: "Fosse Park is the second most successful out-of-town shopping centre in Europe – the Marks & Spencer and Next stores there are the highest turnover branches for their companies in the UK.

"So you can see that any disruptions would have huge implications on business."

Drivers will be severely affected by the lane restrictions during half-term, said Terry Kirby, chairman of the Campaign for Better Transport group.

He said: "This is going to affect a lot of people. That area is a nightmare anyway, all you need is a small incident and it turns into gridlock – absolute chaos."

County council bosses said they had carefully considered the impact the lane closures would have on traffic.

A spokeswoman said: "We have considered all road users and, with the large volume of traffic entering the area from junction 21 at peak times, it has been decided work on the A5460 will take place over the half-term week, when traffic volume is usually lower.

"We would like to thank motorists for their patience while work is carried out and advise alternative routes if at all possible."

Traffic chaos fears around Fosse Park as roadworks planned


Firefighters called to help youngsters trapped in playground equipment

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Youngsters really got stuck into the warm weather yesterday - too literally in some cases. Firefighters were called to three incidents of playground mishaps after children became trapped in their playthings. Crews from western fire station were called to a small park in Pindar Road, New Parks, close to the junction of Coates Avenue, at about 2.35pm. A 12-year-old girl had lodged herself into an infant's swing and had to be cut free. The youngster was unharmed, said watch manager Steve Willatts, who was at the scene, but medics were called just in case. He said: "We had to cut the swing and release her, and there were paramedics on standby, but she was fine." Steve and the red watch crew from western station were also called to the junction of Queens Drive and Kings Drive, in Leicester Forest East, about an hour later to help a three-year-old boy who had caught his foot between the spokes of his bike and the forks. Fire fighter Willatts said: "We had to cut some spokes away, but again he was fine. "I think he went to the Leicester Royal Infirmary to make sure his foot was okay, but it didn't look too serious." He said he was expecting more of the same now that summer was on its way. "You sort of expect it because the weather is getting better but these were within an hour of each other and pretty close," he said. "We've got it all to come when summer gets here properly." Finally, crews from the new Birstall station received a call at about 5.20pm, reporting another youngster trapped in a swing in Butler Way, in Sileby. The child's legs had become tangled in the playground equipment and firefighters had to carefully remove the youngster. A spokeswoman for the fire service said: "It seemed to be a bit of a theme yesterday, I think it was something to do with the nice weather, but they were all released and went home fine - I think it was just one of those days."

Firefighters called to help youngsters trapped in playground equipment

Omens are in Leicester City's favour in bid to reach the play-offs

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Leicester City have been urged to evoke the spirit of the 1996 team in their quest for a play-off place.

Steve Walsh, a member of that side, believes City can upset the odds by beating Nottingham Forest on Saturday and hope other results go their way – and the omens certainly suggest it could happen.

The same thing happened on May 5, 1996, when City went to Watford and won 1-0 with a Muzzy Izzet goal.

City went on to win the play-off final with a Steve Claridge goal at Wembley against Crystal Palace – another possibility this time around.

Walsh was City's centre-half in the clash with Watford at Vicarage Road in 1996.

He said: "There was massive pressure going into that game because we knew we had to win and other results go for us, and Watford was a tough place to go.

"But we had been on a good run going into the game and we were a very resilient side who could hold on to a one-goal lead.

"I remember it was a backs-to-the-wall job for a lot of the time and Muzzy scored with a header, and we were able to hold on for the win.

"You have to hold your nerve in these big pressure games and show that spirit and resilience that we showed in 1996."

City have to beat Forest in front of a sell-out 30,000 crowd at the City Ground, and hope Bolton fail to beat Blackpool.

Club historian John Hutchinson said the omens, if not the odds, were good.

"Then, as now, City had to win their last game to qualify for the play-offs with the lowest-ever points tally," he said. "Then, as now, it was an away match.

"Even a win on its own wouldn't have been enough. Other results had to go Leicester's way.

"In 1996, Stoke, Charlton or Ipswich had to drop a point so that one of them would drop out of the top six for City to take their place."

City got into the play-offs with 71 points, the lowest on record. A win on Saturday and a play-off place would create a new record of 68.

One final omen – QPR were relegated from the Premier League in 1996.

City's 1996 team: Kevin Poole, Simon Grayson, Mike Whitlow, Julian Watts, Steve Walsh, Muzzy Izzet, Neil Lennon, Scott Taylor, Neil Lennon, Steve Claridge, Emile Heskey, Mark Robins.

Omens are in Leicester City's favour in bid to reach the play-offs

ELECTION 2013: Candidates standing in Leicestershire

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Voters in Leicestershire go to the polls today to choose which party will run County Hall for the next four years. Here is a full list of candidates and 2009 winners. This will be updated as the results are announced tomorrow. • To see all standing candidates, view the interactive map below.
BLABYBLABY AND GLEN PARVA Shabbir Aslam (Lab) Tony Greenwood (Con) Geoff Welsh (Lib Dem) 2009 result: Alan Bailey (LibDem) BRAUNSTONE TOWN Jo Fox (Lab) Les Phillimore (Con)2009 result: Jo Fox (Lab) COSBY AND COUNTESTHORPE Mike Howkins (Lab) David Jennings (Con) Mick Munn (Lib Dem) 2009 result: David Jennings (Con) ENDERBY MERIDIAN Brian Coleman (Ind) Jackie Dickinson (Con) Amanda Hack (Lab)2009 result: Jackie Dickinson (Con) GLENFIELDS Lee Breckon (Con) Peter Cheeseman (BNP) John Springthorpe (Lib Dem) Glenn Thurlby (Lab) Lynton Yates (Ukip) 2009 result: Brian Page (Con)KIRBY MUXLOE AND LEICESTER FOREST EAST Richard Blunt (Con) Malcolm Fox (Lab) 2009 result: David Parsons (Ind) NARBOROUGH AND WHETSTONE Michael Bounds (Lab) Karl Coles (Con) Bev Welsh (Lib Dem) 2009 result: Barry Garner (Con) STANTON CROFT AND NORMANTON Steve Crane (Lab) Ernie White (Con) 2009 result: Ernie White (Con)
CHARNWOODBIRSTALL Iain Bentley (Con) Simon Sansome (Lib Dem) Marion Smith (Lab) Ken Tilson (BNP)2009 result: Roger Wilson (LibDem) BRADGATE Christine Bilby (Lib Dem) Glyn McAllister (Lab) David Snartt (Con) Jim Taylor (BNP) 2009 result: David Snartt (Con)LOUGHBOROUGH EAST Lauren Foster (TUaSAC) Jewel Miah (Lab) Judith Spence (Con) Mike Willis (Lib Dem) 2009 result: Jewel Miah (Lab)LOUGHBOROUGH NORTH Jenny Bokor (Con) Bett Newton (Lab) Robin Popley (Lib Dem) 2009 result: Betty Newton (Lab) LOUGHBOROUGH NORTH WEST Simon Atkins (Lib Dem) Roy Campsall (Ind) Max Hunt (Lab) Ron Jukes (Con) 2009 result: Max Hunt (Lab) LOUGHBOROUGH SOUTH Diana Brass (Lib Dem) Tony Onions (TUaSAC) Robert Sharp (Lab) David Slater (Con) Kevan Stafford (Btsh Dems) 2009 result: David Slater (Con)LOUGHBOROUGH SOUTH WEST Mike Cahill (Lab) Peter Lewis (Con) David Scott (Lib Dem) 2009 result: Peter Lewis (Con)QUORN AND BARROW Alice Brennan (Lab) Stephen Coltman (Lib Dem) Tony Kershaw (Con) Andrew McWilliam (Ukip) 2009 result: Tony Kershaw (Con)ROTHLEY AND MOUNTSORREL Jamie Bye (Ukip) Sarah Maynard Smith (Lab) Peter Osborne (Con) 2009 result: Peter Osborne (Con) SHEPSHED Alexis Hira (Ukip) Diane Horn (Lib Dem) Claire Poole (Lab) Christine Radford (Con) 2009 result: Christine Radford (Con)SILEBY AND THE WOLDS Gous Ali (Lab) Maurice Oatley (BNP) Ian Sharpe (Lib Dem) Richard Shepherd (Con) 2009 result: Richard Shepherd (Con) SYSTON FOSSE Cathy Duffy (BNP) Dave Houseman (Con) Ronald Jenkins (Ukip) Stephen Rose (Lab) 2009 result: Dave Houseman (Con) SYSTON RIDGEWAY Stephen Denham (BNP) Stephen Hampson (Con) Michael McLoughlin (Lab) Chris Scotton (Ukip) 2009 result: Stephen Hampson (Con) THURMASTON Robin Derrick (BNP) Paul Harley (Con) Kate Knaggs (Lab) 2009 result: Paul Harley (Con)
HARBOROUGHBROUGHTON ASTLEY Bill Liquorish (Con) Antony Moseley (Lib) Sandra Parkinson (Lab) 2009 result: Bill Liquorish (Con) BRUNTINGTHORPE Elaine Carter (Lab) Graham Hart (Con) Tim Johnson (Ukip) Kevin Loydall (Lib Dem)2009 result: Graham Hart (Con) GARTREE Peter Craig (Lab) Kevin Feltham (Con) Grahame Hudson (Lib Dem) Brett Lynes (Ukip) 2009 result: Kevin Feltham (Con) LAUNDE Simon Galton (LibDem) Ian Snaith (Lab) Simon Whelband (Con)2009 result: Simon Galton (LibDem)LUTTERWORTH David Gair (Lab) Rosita Page (Con) Martin Sears (Ind) 2009 result: Rosita Page (Con) MARKET HARBOROUGH EAST Michael Gerard (Ukip) Sarah Hill (Lib Dem) Phil King (Con) Carol Wood (LabCo) 2009 result: Sarah Hill (LibDem) MARKET HARBOROUGH WEST AND FOXTON Robert Davison (Ukip) Phil Knowles (Lib Dem) Blake Pain (Con) Anne Pridmore (Lab) 2009 result: Blake Pain (Con)
HINCKLEYBURBAGE CASTLE Stuart Bray (Lib Dem) Michael Clifford (TUaSAC) David Hodgen (Lab) Keith Lynch (Lib Dem) Tony Simhani (Lab) Peter Wallace (Con) Amanda Wright (Con)2009 result: Stuart Bray (LibDem) Keith Lynch (LibDem) EARL SHILTON Denis Bown (Lab) Mathew Hulbert (Lib Dem) Derek Marvin (Ukip) Janice Richards (Con) 2009 result: Janice Richards (Con) GROBY AND RATBY Rob Fraser (Ukip) Terry Gallagher (Lab) Ted Hollick (Lib Dem) Ozzy O'Shea (Con)2009 result: Rob Fraser (Con) HINCKLEY David Bill (Lib Dem) Gary Cart (Ukip) Eamonn Gabriel (Lab) Clark Mitchell (Lab) Michael Mullaney (Lib Dem) Alan Ottey (Con) Rosemary Wright (Con) 2009 result: David Bill (LibDem), Don Wright (LibDem) MALLORY Ruth Camamile (Con) Joyce Crooks (Lib Dem) Gordon Davies (Ukip) Andre Wheeler (Lab & Co-op) 2009 result: Ruth Camamile (Con) MARKET BOSWORTH Bill Crooks (Lib Dem) Steven Malcherczyk (Lab) Ivan Ould (Con) Aaron Yates (Ukip) 2009 result: Ivan Ould (Con)MARKFIELD DESFORD AND THORNTON Peter Bedford (Con) Dianne Finney (Lib Dem) Tom Neilson (Lab) David Sprason (Ukip) 2009 result: David Sprason (Con)
MELTONASFORDBY Mike Brown (Lab) Joe Orson (Con) 2009 result: Joe Orson (Con)BELVOIR Chris Hardcastle (Ukip) Elaine Holmes (Ind) Lin Machin (Lab) Byron Rhodes (Con)2009 result: Byron Rhodes (Con) MELTON NORTH Trev Moncrieff (Lab) Pam Posnett (Con) Malcolm Staples (Ukip) Mark Twittey (Ind) 2009 result: Pam Posnett (Con) MELTON SOUTH Gary Bush (Lab) Alison Freer-Jones (Ind) Marilyn Gordon (Ind) Alan Pearson (Con) Duncan Shelley (Ukip) 2009 result: Peter Roffey (Con)
NW LEICESTERSHIREASHBY DE LA ZOUCH John Coxon (Con) Josh Mills (Lab & Co-op) Jakob Whiten (Ukip) Maureen Wyatt (Lib Dem) 2009 result: John Coxon (Con)CASTLE DONINGTON Patrick Lynch (Lab) Trevor Pendleton (Con) John Scutter (Ukip) Kostijn Van Ginkel (Lib Dem) 2009 result: Lesley Pendleton (ConCOALVILLE John Cotterill (Con) Terri Eynon (Lab) Phil Holland (Ukip) Graham Partner (Btsh Dems) Lee Windram (Lib Dem)2009 result: Graham Partner (Ind)FOREST AND MEASHAM Daniel Bowler (Lib Dem) Martin Green (Ukip) Geraint Jones (Con) Sean Sheahan (Lab & Co-op)2009 result: Geraint Jones (Con) IBSTOCK AND APPLEBY Peter Depper (Ukip) Nigel Smith (Con) Heather Worman (Lab) David Wyatt (Lib Dem) 2009 result: Richard Blunt (Con)VALLEY Mary Draycott (Lab) Val Pulford (Ukip) Nick Rushton (Con) Alan Turner (Lib Dems) 2009 result: Nicholas Rushton (Con)2009 result: WARREN HILLS Chris Argent (Ukip) James Collins (Ind) Dave De Lacy (Lab & Co-op) Paula Purver (Con) Michael Wyatt (Lib Dem) 2009 result: Michael Wyatt (Lib Dem) WHITWICK Tony Gillard (Con) Mandy Jarvis (Ind) Tim Pulford (Ukip) David Siddon (Lib Dem) Leon Spence (Lab & Co-op) 2009 result: Tony Gillard (Con)
OADBY AND WIGSTONOADBY Bhupendra Dave (Con) Dean Gamble (LibDem) Gabriella Garcia (Ind) Valerie Jones (Lab) Jeffrey Kaufman (Lib Dem) Rani Mahal (Con) Camille Naylor (Lab) Daniel Price (Ukip) 2009 result: Dean Gamble (LibDem) Michael Griffiths (LibDem)WIGSTON BUSHLOE Michael Charlesworth (Lib Dem) Harry Jahangir (Ukip) Andrew Southerden (Con) Maureen Waugh (Lab) 2009 result: Michael Charlesworth (LibDem)WIGSTON POPLARS David Beaumont (Con) Richard Billington (Ukip) Susan Howard (Lab) Helen Loydall (Lib Dem) 2009 result: Helen Loydall (LibDem) WIGSTON SOUTH Anne Bond (Con) Bill Boulter (Lib Dem) Clive Langley (Ukip) Richard Price (Lab) 2009 result: Bill Boulter (LibDem)

ELECTION 2013: Candidates standing in Leicestershire

Warm weather to brighten up the bank holiday weekend

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The weather is looking good for the bank holiday weekend as temperatures rise. Leicester Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said the frost early on Wednesday morning should prove to be the last of the season. "We're only two months from the longest day of the year and we've got to have summer some time," he said. "And it looks like there will be a lot of sunshine around for the bank holiday weekend and it's going to be a little warmer than it's been." So far every month of 2013 has had below average temperatures but Dave said things could be returning to normal. He said: "May and June look likely to be very good months. "After a March that was the coldest in more than 150 years, we had the coldest April since 1989. But we're looking at a lot of improvement from now on. "There was a frost on Wednesday morning but I doubt we'll have any more - I've putting my bedding plants out in the garden now, which is about a month behind. "What we really need now is a bit of rain for the farmers." The prediction for the weekend is for temperatures to climb gradually over Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with likely maximum temperatures rising from 17C (63F) to 20C (68F), according to the Met Office. Overnight temperatures are now expected to drop below 9C (48F). Looking further ahead, the Met Office agrees with Dave's prediction for weather returning to the average for the time of the year. The Met Office predicted "a good deal of dry and bright weather overall" for May. It added: "Away from coasts, daytime temperatures will most likely recover towards average or slightly above, and it should feel warm in any prolonged spells of sunshine."

Warm weather to brighten up the bank holiday weekend

King Power Stadium to be rugby World Cup 2015 venue

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Leicester City's King Power Stadium will host three matches in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. City's ground is one of 13 stadia selected to stage matches during the tournament in England in two years' time. It will host Argentina v Tonga in Pool C on October 4, Argentina v Africa 1 in Pool C on October 11 and Americas 1 v Europe 2 in Pool D on October 6. Exeter's Sandy Park and Gloucester's Kingsholm are the only exclusively club-rugby grounds chosen compared with eight football stadiums: Wembley Stadium, Villa Park (Aston Villa), Amex Stadium (Brighton), Elland Road (Leeds), King Power Stadium, Etihad (Man City), Stadium mk (MK Dons) & St James' Park (Newcastle). Only Twickenham (10), the Millennium Stadium (8), the Olympic Stadium (5) and Kingsholm (4) will stage more games than City. King Power Stadium, which holds 32,312, was chosen ahead of Welford Road, the home of Leicester Tigers, which was not included on the shortlist of potential stadia after being told their pitch was too small despite having the largest capacity of all the club rugby grounds in the country (24,000).

King Power Stadium to be rugby World Cup 2015 venue

Plans for £2 million revamp of Leicester's historic Braunstone Hall unveiled

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Plans for a £2 million renovation of Leicester's historic Braunstone Hall have been unveiled. The 18th century mansion is to be converted into a hotel, restaurant, wedding venue and conference centre. The Grade II listed building, owned by Leicester City Council, has been falling into disrepair since it closed as a junior school in 1996 and has been a magnet for vandals and arsonists and thieves. However Leicester businessman Naresh Parmar has now agreed a 125-year lease for the property in the heart of Braunstone Park subject to his proposals to revamp the house getting planning permission. Mr Parmar, who has previously restored the City Rooms in Leicester city centre and Belgrave House (corr) said: "I am very pleased. I have been hoping to be able to get this sorted since 2008 but with changes of council and such like it hasn't happened. "It is a building with tremendous potential. It does need a lot of work be we want to turn it from being a disused eyesore into a building that reflects its former glory." Mr Parmar said he hoped to submit a planning application in the late summer, start work on the renovation in January and open the venue, with 20 to 24 hotel rooms, in 2015. He plans to put up a pavilion with a cafe and public toilets for park users. City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the city council would be putting £500,000 into Mr Parmar's scheme. Sir Peter said that since it was left vacant, the former home of the city's Winstanley family, has been costing the council between £15,000 and £25,000 in repairs from vandalism, arson attacks and lead thieves. He said the building would have continued to be a drain on the public purse if no deal had been concluded. He said: "We have granted a 125 year lease to Naresh, who has a real pedigree in restoring wonderful buildings in the city. That is a long period of security for what has been one of Leicester's unpolished gems. "Sadly for some time there has been a question mark over Braunstone Hall's future but this deal is a weight off my mind." Dorrian Gamble, of the Friends of Braunstone Hall group, said: "It's brilliant news. There are so many smiles on so many people's faces. "Unfortunately the building has taken a bit of a battering over the years from people who have not appreciated its history and its value. The damage is however mainly cosmetic. On the inside it is in quite a good condition. "it still looks a school with the old blackboards. "I am really looking forward to it being brought back into use rather than being left to deteriorate. "It will be a great future again in a wonderful place. You can stand here and not realise you are in the middle of a big city, it is that peaceful most of the time."

Plans for £2 million revamp of Leicester's historic Braunstone Hall unveiled

Leicester City give Pearson, Blyth and Taft contract extension

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Leicester City youngsters Jacob Blyth, James Pearson and George Taft have all put pen-to-paper on one-year contract extensions with the Club. Meanwhile 18-year-old Academy scholar Rob Paratore has been rewarded for some fine midfield displays by signing his first one-year professional contract. All four have featured heavily for Steve Beaglehole's table-topping Under-21s side this term, with second-year scholar Paratore, who has been with the Academy for four years, also a key part of Trevor Peake's Under-18s setup. Development Squad striker Blyth, 20, finished the season as top scorer for City's Under-21s, as well as picking up loan experience with Burton Albion and Notts County in League 2 and League 1 respectively. Pearson, 20, the son of manager Nigel, also played a key role in the Development Group's successful campaign from right-back, before an injury unfortunately cut his season short, while Taft, 19, has underlined his potential with some impressive defensive displays to add to the experience he gained under Noel Blake with England's Under-18s and Under-19s.

Leicester City give Pearson, Blyth and Taft contract extension


Drug deal texts land man in jail

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A drug dealer who had incriminating text messages on his mobile phone has been jailed for two years and eight months.

Sonny Culverwell (23) was arrested after police raided his then home in Vernon Road, Aylestone, Leicester, on November 8.

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, told the city's crown court officers seized 0.3 grams of crack cocaine, 7.8 grams of cannabis, 30 Diazepam tablets, scales and dealer bags.

He said the defendant's four mobile phones were examined.

Mr Murphy said: "There was clear evidence relating to text massages involving drug dealing, including offering heroin and cocaine for sale.

"Messages also indicated arrangements to sell seven grams of cannabis and Diazepam tablets on November 6."

In his first police interview, Culverwell accepted possessing drugs.

In a subsequent interview, he admitted supplying to friends for no profit, which was not accepted by the prosecution.

He now accepted supplying on a small scale to fund his own drug use.

Culverwell, who later moved to Ratby Meadow Lane, Enderby, admitted possessing crack cocaine, cannabis, a class B drug, and Diazepam, a class C drug, with intent to supply them .

He also admitted offering to supply class A drugs heroin and cocaine.

Sentencing, Robert Brown said: "You've been a regular drug user since your teens and using heroin for 12 months.

"It's plain from the text messages your behaviour involving dealing in drugs goes back to June last year.

"It was commercial street-level dealing, albeit low quantities were involved.

"You have shown a very positive attitude since your arrest and are now living with your parents, who are giving you full support."

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said Culverwell was drawn into the offences through others.

He said: "He was funding his own usage."

He urged the judge to impose a suspended sentence, enabling him to take up a building apprenticeship and also do unpaid work, as well as receiving drug rehabilitation.

Culverwell was said to be keen to turn his life around for the better.

Drug deal texts land man in jail

The Knives are out for De Montfort Hall's 100th birthday bash

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Indie rock band Young Knives have been announced as the headliners of the centenary celebrations at De Montfort Hall this summer.

Throughout this year, the venue is holding special events to mark 100 years of entertainment and the highlight of the celebrations will be on the weekend of July 27.

In the absence of a Summer Sundae this year, the venue will stage its own weekend of live music, alongside other events including comedy, classical music and family entertainment.

Young Knives, who are originally from Ashby, will appear alongside other local acts such as singer Jersey Budd and reggae band By The Rivers.

Henry Dartnall, lead singer of the Young Knives, said: "I only heard about this a couple of days ago and I'm excited to be doing it. We've played outdoors at Summer Sundae, but never inside De Montfort Hall – although I have been to a lot of gigs there and played some sports there as a teenager.

"We always get a good response playing in Leicester.

"It used to be all heavy metal venues and dives in the city, but it's a lot better for live music now."

The centenary weekend will be named Simon Says, in honour of Simon de Montfort.

The venue had asked people to send in suggestions for the name of the event and the winning idea came from Terry Potter, from Leicester.

Simon Says is being organised by three of Leicester's music venues – the Musician, Firebug and the Donkey.

The line-up is designed to reflect the breadth of musical talent from the city and county.

Other acts are being commissioned by the BBC as part of its BBC Introducing campaign to find the best unsigned bands.

De Montfort Hall's general manager, Antony Flint, said: "We wanted to hold an event that would celebrate the hall's history with the local music scene and Simon Says is just that. It has been great working with the guys from the Musician, The Donkey and Firebug and they've put together a fantastic programme."

He said the acts announced so far were "only the very tip" of the entertainment during the weekend.

Other centenary events planned include a tea dance led by Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman, a night of outdoor comedy and an open-air performances of Babe the Sheep Pig and Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado.

A classical music concert, featuring tenor Wynne Evans, is due to be held on July 20, followed by a fireworks display.

Tickets for the Simon Says event, priced at £20 weekend ticket, £15 Saturday, and £8 Sunday, are on sale from 0116 233 3111 or:

www.demontforthall.co.uk

Follow the event on Twitter:

@SimonSaysLeic

The   Knives are out for   De Montfort Hall's 100th birthday bash

Leicester Tigers flanker Tom Croft admits 'unreal' call-up to Lions is still sinking in

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Leicester Tigers flanker Tom Croft said his selection for the British & Irish Lions feels completely "unreal" as he never even thought he would be in contention.

The call-up has rounded off a remarkable 12 months for the back-rower, who only returned to first-team rugby at the start of the year.

A career-threatening neck injury picked up against Harlequins last April resigned Croft to eight long months on the side-lines.

But now he is one of six Tigers selected for the Lions tour alongside Manu Tuilagi, Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Ben Youngs and Geoff Parling.

"It is just unreal," said Croft. "A year ago I broke my neck so, to be able to come back and be selected for the Lions, is just a fairytale, without sounding too cheesy and corny.

"It hasn't sunk in. I'm absolutely ecstatic. And I am made up that I've got my mates along with me this time."

It was not long ago that the 27-year-old completely rejected any notion of being selected. "Don't get ahead of yourself," said Croft in March when asked about a potential Lions call-up following his impressive performance against Sale.

But just two months on and Croft's outstanding form made him virtually impossible to leave out and, sure enough, he now finds himself on the plane to Australia.

"When I said that, it wasn't an attempt to be modest," said Croft. "I genuinely never thought I would be in contention. I came back playing at the end of the Six Nations and was still trying to find my feet."

Croft is the only one of the travelling Tigers to have previous Lions experience.

He was a late selection for the tour of South Africa in 2009, following the suspension of Alan Quinlan, and scored two tries in the first Test.

"Hopefully, I can take some of that experience," said Croft.

"But all the guys selected have massive experience in Test-match rugby, playing in huge games and World and Heineken Cups. No-one will be out of their depth."

Five out of the six Tigers players are products of the club's academy system, and Croft believes that pays testament to how Leicester nurtures its talent.

"It just shows how well the club looks after its players and the types of characters it brings through," he said.

"Look at Tom Youngs and how well they have brought him through from centre to hooker.

"He is now the club's starting hooker, England's starting hooker and a Lions tourist.

"And who would have thought that skinny guy Geoff Parling from Newcastle would play for the Lions? He absolutely fully deserves a call-up, as do the rest of the boys."

Leicester Tigers flanker Tom Croft admits 'unreal' call-up to Lions is still sinking in

Speedway: Lewis Blackbird leaves Leicester Lions

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It's one in and one out for the Leicester Lions tonight.

British under-21 champion Robert Brandford will make his debut at Somerset Rebels in the club's first Premier League away fixture of the season.

The 19-year-old takes the place of Lewis Blackbird. who has decided to leave, with Scunthorpe his likely destination.

"Lewis has asked to be allowed to move to another club where he will be guaranteed regular rides," said Lions co-promoter Alan Jones.

"Lewis was due to share a role with Robert, but the latter will now occupy one of the reserve positions on a full-time basis."

Blackbird made 25 appearances for the Lions. His best meeting came in the opening match of the season, a League Cup tie at Scunthorpe, where he collected 10 points to top-score with captain Kauko Nieminen.

"During the winter, we set out on a policy of creating opportunities for young British riders to step up from the National League and into the next tier of racing at Leicester," said Jones.

"Our initial entry before the start of the season did not get off the ground because Lewis Kerr, who was earmarked for a similar role, received an offer to go full-time at Newcastle.

"We were undeterred and never lost sight of repeating the initiative resulting in an agreement with Robert Branford.

"Unfortunately, we are back to square one again but we will park the idea for now and take stock of the situation at a later date."

The Harry Jordan Haulage-sponsored Lions will be looking to improve on previous visits to the Oak Tree Arena, which has never been a good hunting ground.

Somerset came within a whisker of being crowned Premier League champions last season, only to lose out in the very last meeting to Scunthorpe.

They have started the season in winning form and are currently top of the southern section in the League Cup, a competition they won last year.

Somerset: 1 Jason Doyle, 2 Kyle Newman, 3 Nick Morris 4 Alex Davies, 5 Josh Grajczonek, 6 Stefan Nielsen, 7 Tom Perry.

Leicester: 1 Kauko Nieminen, 2 Jan Graversen, 3 Lasse Bjerre, 4 Kevin Doolan 5 Magnus Karlsson 6 Robert Branford, 7 Simon Nielsen.

The future of British speedway is on show tomorrow at the Jordan Road Surfacing Stadium, when 41 riders take part in the British Youth Championships (5.30).

The competition is open to any British rider under the age of 16 and the series will be staged at six different venues throughout the season, starting at Leicester.

Home interested will be centred around the Lions' three mascots, Luke Whitehead and eight-year-old twins Dan and Joe Thompson, who making their first appearance in an official competition.

Speedway: Lewis Blackbird leaves Leicester Lions

Leicester City confident of 'doing the business' at Nottingham Forest, says Chris Wood

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Leicester City must forget about what is happening at the Reebok Stadium and be completely focused on securing the victory against Nottingham Forest, says striker Chris Wood.

City must beat their East Midlands rivals at the City Ground – and hope Bolton fail to beat Blackpool on home soil – if they are to gatecrash the play-offs on the final day of the season.

But Wood said they cannot afford any distractions going into tomorrow's lunchtime kick-off.

In contrast to City, who have won just two of their last 16 league games, Forest have lost just two of their last 14 to march into play-off contention themselves.

They also need the victory – and hope either Bolton or Crystal Palace slip up – to finish in the top six, but Wood is confident City can overcome the odds.

"People probably don't expect us to do it, but there is always some sort of pressure on any game," he said.

"It is all about focusing on us. It is a big derby weekend for us and we want to put one over on Forest. We just have to go out and do our job.

"We know we need a bit of luck elsewhere, but that doesn't matter if we don't win. If we don't, then nothing can happen.

"We have to hope but, first and foremost, we have to do the business ourselves, that is all we can do.

"It is all about us. We need a win, there is nothing else to think about. I have seen the lads and the team and we have the ability in there.

"We just have to show it and make sure we get off to a good start.

"Things have gone against us recently but football is a funny game and you never know what it is going to throw up.

"At least we still have a chance going into the last game, we just have to make sure we get the right result."

Besides what is at stake for both sides, the game also has the added spice of being an East Midlands derby, and Wood is relishing the prospect.

"The only major derby I have experienced before was Millwall v Crystal Palace, which was a lively one," he said.

"So I will be looking forward to this one and getting right among it. I don't think form is relevant going into a derby because anything can happen.

"Players go up another level for derbies, even if they don't admit it. It will be an interesting experience for everyone.

"We have to put that form behind us. It is the last game to show what we can do, our last chance to push our case for the play-offs."

Leicester City confident of 'doing the business' at Nottingham Forest, says Chris Wood

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