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Basketball: Calvo will be back for Leicester Riders next season

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Leicester Riders took another step to rebuilding their BBL Championship-winning team by announcing the return of Jorge Calvo.

The 25-year-old point-guard, born in Ponferrada, Spain, was a huge hit with Riders fans last season, not only for his tenacious defence and ability to run the offence, but also for his hugely engaging manner off the court.

Calvo was the first Spaniard to win a BBL Championship, and he was keen to return to the Jelson Homes DMU-backed Riders.

"From very early on with Riders, as I came to understand the great mix of players we had, I was really keen to make Leicester more than a one-year stop," he said.

"I believe this is a team that can get better, and I can get better with the team.

"Playing in the BBL is a different challenge to Spain, but I think it is helping to develop my game.

"I will be looking to do things a little different, add some things to what I bring to Riders, but it is really working with my team-mates and coaches that will help make the difference.

"I was also excited to see that Drew Sullivan had re-signed, because he is such an important player in our team.

"He and Rob (Paternostro), our coach, are what make the big difference to the team, so that just reinforced my keenness to come back."

Calvo believes Riders will have it much tougher in the BBL next season, but he is looking forward to the challenge.

"For sure, teams are going to be gunning for Leicester, and it will be difficult," he said

"We set a standard this season, and other teams will be out to put one over on us.

"But I think Riders can get better, and particularly if we can keep most of the squad together."

Paternostro was excited to have Calvo back for next season's title defence.

"Jorge is hugely under-rated in my opinion," said the Riders coach.

"He handles himself extremely well, is a very smart player and is very much a team guy.

"There are a lot of decisions to make in his position on the court, particularly in terms of getting other guys involved in the offence, and that is where Jorge excels."

Basketball: Calvo will be back for Leicester Riders next season


Leicester City fans tell of play-off agony after defeat at Watford

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said it would take a long time for everyone involved with the club to get over their play-off semi-final defeat to Watford.

The fans know that feeling only too well as they try to come to terms with having their Premier League dreams snatched away from them in the cruellest way imaginable.

In the space of just 20 seconds, they were taken from euphoria, knowing that a 95th-minute penalty had all but secured their place at Wembley, to complete and utter agony as Manuel Almunia twice denied Anthony Knockaert, Watford countered, and Troy Deeney rifled home the killer blow that condemned City to another season in the Championship.

Some 2,200 travelling City fans stood and watched, or sat and wept, as the Watford fans invaded the pitch and sang the songs the Blue Army were roaring just days earlier.

But as the dust settles and the knowledge sinks in that it's trips to Oakwell, not Old Trafford, next season, the pain is still as fresh as Sunday afternoon.

And the City fans flocked to social media sites to express their anguish at what might have been.

"Still feeling gutted," tweeted Jamie Bolton.

"One of the most heartbreaking, gut-wrenching moments of my 18 years being a Leicester City fan."

"Still hurting, it is going to take me a long time to get over this," said Alan Bennett on Twitter.

"That moment just keeps replaying itself in my head," said Shaun Bradshaw.

"I will never forget how low I feel. Gutted."

City fans are used to being put through the mill when following their side, especially with their last play-off penalty nightmare against Cardiff, in 2010, but no-one could have expected what happened at Vicarage Road.

"I can handle not getting to Wembley, a last-minute Watford goal, but I can't handle the fact we missed that penalty! So close," said Lindsay Hart.

"If I'm still feeling devastated, God knows how Nigel Pearson and the players are feeling."

"I can't fault our players," said Adam Barker. "Every single one of them played their hearts out.

But, as always, the fans will be there next season to go through it all again.

"If you're a true Leicester City supporter," believes Rob Underwood, "no matter how gutted you feel today, you'll be right behind City. That's our team."

With the defeat, and another season outside the Premier League, the inevitable speculation will come over the position of Nigel Pearson.

While some fans were calling for his head, many believe he is the man to take the side forward.

"The worst thing Leicester City could do now is to sack Nigel Pearson," tweeted Malcolm Boughen. "He knows the strengths of the team to build on – and the gaps to fill."

"Don't sack Pearson," urged Liam Wheat. "We just need to build on what we already have and get automatics next season. Not start all over again."

Related Content• Article: It will take a long while to get over heartbreak – Leicester City boss Pearson • Article: Watford 3 City 1: Replay live, interactive coverage• Article: Watford's Gianfranco Zola shows respect for Leicester City's Nigel Pearson • Article: We were one inch from Wembley - Rob Tanner's verdict on Watford v Leicester City• Article: Last-gasp winner and the reactions! (Video and Pics) • Article: Play-off ecstasy then agony for Leicester City fans• Pictures: Watford 3 City 1 - Leicester fans at the match • Pictures: Watford 3 City 1 - agony for Leicester fans • Pictures: Watford 3 Leicester City 1 (Agg 3-2)

Leicester City fans tell of play-off agony after defeat at Watford

Leicester Tigers sell out of Aviva Premiership final tickets

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Leicester Tigers' allocation of 7,500 tickets for the Aviva Premiership final against Northampton Saints have already sold out.

The club have requested more and are waiting on an answer from tournament organisers.

The sales reflect the huge demand to see the league's first all-East Midlands final, which is guaranteed to be a sell-out before kick-off on May 25.

Tickets went on sale after the final whistle of Leicester's 33-16 win over Harlequins on Saturday and they were all snapped up by season ticket holders and members before they even reached general sale.

Some tickets are still available through the Ticketmaster website, see below.

Eyebrows are often raised at the limited allocation of tickets per club for the league's showpiece occasion.

But, Premiership Rugby put tickets on sale months before the final in a bid to make sure the event has the best possible chance of selling out and attracting supporters of all 12 Premiership clubs.

A spokesman for Premiership rugby said: "That allocation has remained the same over the past five years and, while demand has been strong, the demand from the clubs that have reached the final has not been at a level where we need to increase those allocations."

For ticket availability, see:

www.premiershiprugby.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Leicester Tigers sell out of  Aviva Premiership final  tickets

Twickenham return means everything to us, says Leicester Tigers flanker Julian Salvi

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Leicester Tigers flanker Julian Salvi says it "will mean everything" for the players to run out once more at a Twickenham final.

The 27-year-old was a commanding presence in his side's spectacular 33-16 win against champions Harlequins.

With Northampton Saints setting up a mouth-watering East Midlands final after beating Saracens on Sunday, Salvi says he is looking forward to making a second appearance at HQ since joining Tigers in 2011.

"We celebrated on Saturday night but we know that we have a massive job ahead of us now," he said.

"It's all about preparing for the final and that will mean everything to the boys when we play at Twickenham again.

"It was a huge win for us over Quins and we were thrilled with it.

"We defended well in the first half when they controlled the ball and we held our line strongly.

"But the killer blow was the try we scored before half-time, and then we knew we had to control the ball in the second half which we did well.

"We hit our breakdowns well and let the backs sing."

Tigers' win put them through to an unprecedented ninth consecutive Premiership final and made sure that the reigning champions lost their grip on the crown.

"We knew that we had the support of the Welford Road crowd behind us and that we needed to step up," said Salvi.

"We did that and are through to the final again. That was as good as we have played."

Salvi will go up against fellow back-rower Tom Wood in the showpiece occasion and the Saints flanker, who will lead England on their tour of Argentina in the summer, said his side certainly owe Leicester after losing the last seven games against their bitter rivals.

"We can't get carried away at this stage," Wood told BBC Radio Northampton. "It's no good being in a final and folding.

"We've got two weeks to prepare for that, and we know the threats Leicester pose and how tough a game that is going to be.

"It's quite a different challenge to Saracens, so we're going to have to go back to the drawing board and re-assess because we saw what they did to us at home not so long ago.

"We really owe them a few because we've lost a number of times against Leicester recently, but we've proven what we can do and it's about reproducing it now."

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder insisted Leicester would be favourites for the game.

"Leicester have a wonderful squad, strength in depth and they are playing well," he said. "We know what challenge lies ahead."

Twickenham return means everything to us, says Leicester Tigers flanker Julian Salvi

Video: Stars lead cheers for Claire at finish

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Paralysed fund-raiser Claire Lomas celebrated another awe-inspiring triumph as she completed her 400-mile cycle ride.

Celebrities and cheering children welcomed Claire over the finishing line in London yesterday as she finished her 22-day trip on a hand-powered bicycle.

Personalities who joined in the celebratory last leg of the ride included former Spice Girl Mel C and TV presenters Dan Lobb and Helen Fospero.

At the London Eye, where she ended the journey, Claire posed with supporters including Gary Lineker and newsreader Julie Etchingham.

Claire, of Eye Kettleby, said: "It was amazing getting to the end and I had huge support on the last day with Mel, Gary and Helen, as well as Dan, who was cycling on my spare bike.

"There were lots of people at the finish, including children from lots of schools I'd visited.

"About 13 students from Brockington College, in Enderby, came down especially, having already done amazing fund-raising for me.

"It was lovely seeing them."

The aims of Claire's trip were to raise as much cash as possible for Spinal Research, while inspiring people along the way.

So far, her fund-raising tally stands at more than £73,000.

Claire visited more than a dozen schools during her journey, demonstrating her bike and a robotic suit similar to the one in which she completed the London Marathon over 17 days last year.

Claire became ill at the end of her second week on the road, but carried on regardless.

She said: "I got pretty poorly with a bad cold and I really struggled to get better because I was constantly pushing my body to its limits.

"I'm still a bit bunged up but I'm glad I pushed on and made it."

After cycling the last leg through London, celebrities went on Twitter to congratulate Claire.

The office of Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "Congrats @claire80lomas who completes her hand cycle around Britain today for @SpinalResearch & @TNSIF #clairescycle."

Mel C tweeted: "You did it. You are amazing. I am in total awe of you. What we doing next?"

Claire said her plans for the next few months were to carry on at a slightly slower pace.

She said: "After I finished we were all joking about what I'd be doing next after the marathon and then this.

"I've got lots of talks and after-dinner things booked up and that will keep me busy for a while."

Claire set off from Nottingham on April 22, accompanied by dozens of Nottingham Trent University students for the first couple of miles.

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

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

Donate online at:

www.justgiving.com/ Claire-lomas

Video: Stars lead cheers for Claire at finish

Live: Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

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8.10pm: No major incidents or congestion to report. 6.55pm: The M1 southbound has now re-opened between Junction 21 and Junction 20.6.08pm: Still no update on when the M1 southbound between Junction 21 and Junction 20 will re-open. It's causing knock-on delays across the county this evening5.30pm: Rush hour congestion on main southbound routes out of the city following earlier accident between Junction 21 and Junction 20 of the M1. Traffic backed up along Ayelstone Road, Narborough Road, Welford Road, at the Everards Island and along Lubbesthorpe Way.5.15pm: One lane of M1 southbound has been reopened between Junction 21 and Junction 20 to relieve congestion and traffic backed up by serious accident. Diversions remain in place. 4.10pm: M1 Southbound remains closed between Junction 21 and Junction 20. Diversion from Junction 21 onto M69, then A5 and A4303 Coventry Road back to M1 at Junction 20.2.50pm: All three lanes of the M1 southbound have been closed between junction 20 and junction 21 due to a serious accident. More information coming soon.2.10pm: An accident in Leicester on Welford Road countybound, near Carlton Street, means one lane is closed. Delays heading back to the Southgates Underpass.1.40pm: The A453 has just re-opened between the M1 at Junction 24 and Ratcliffe power station.12.35pm: The A453 is closed in both directions to the east of East Midlands Airport after a crash. Police said the road was expected to remain shut for some time. The collision involved one car and one lorry and the driver of the car has been taken to hospital with slight injuries. The incident was first reported at 10.40am.10.20am: There were delays on the M1 today after a crash near Leicester Forest East. At about 9.20am emergency services were called to a crash involving two cars and a heavy goods vehicle. One motorists received minor injuries in the crash.8.20am: There are reports that the A47 Hinckley Road in Desford is blocked at the junction with the B582 due to a broken down lorry. Area Traffic Control said the incident had been reported by motorists in the last half hour but had not be confirmed.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

Severn Trent receives takeover approach

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Severn Trent Water has received a takeover approach from a group of international investors, including the Kuwaiti government. The utility firm, which supplies tens of thousands of homes and businesses across Leicestershire, said the consortium included a Canadian infrastructure company and the Kuwaiti government investment fund. Severn Trent said the approach was "at a very early stage" and there was no certainty that an offer would be made. The company was formed following the privatisation of UK water authorities in 1989. It supplies water to about 7.7 million people in total. Last month it was announced group chief executive Tony Wray, who lives near Hinckley, was to retire in spring 2014.

Severn Trent receives takeover approach

Leicester MP wants inquiry into halal food pork find

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MP Keith Vaz has called for a full inquiry following the discovery that a halal lamb burger made by a company supplying schools contained up to 50 per cent pork.

The Leicester East MP said: "I am deeply concerned by the reports meat presented as being halal contained pork and was served in city schools.

"The only right and proper response is any meat due to be served as halal is tested first.

"We need a full inquiry to establish how the companies concerned have been issued halal certificates and to make sure other public services serving halal food are not similarly affected. "

The city council said last week that the halal burger, supplied by Paragon Quality Foods, of Doncaster, had been removed from 19 school menus.

The firm has said it has never knowingly bought or handled pork, but a DNA test carried out on behalf of the city council found the burger contained between 10 and 50 per cent pork.

The burgers had been on Leicester school menus since January and are the only product supplied to the council by the Yorkshire firm.

All other halal products used in council kitchens are supplied by The Punjab Kitchen, of Tyneside.

Tests have shown it is halal compliant.

Further tests on other burger samples are being carried out. Results are expected this week.

Leicester MP wants inquiry into  halal food pork find


Tasers used to subdue mentally-ill patients in Leicestershire

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Tasers have been used to subdue mentally-ill patients.

Police have deployed the stun guns on patients on 13 occasions in the past three years.

In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the force said the weapon had been used twice on mental health wards and 11 times on people officers were taking to get treatment.

A health watchdog at Leicester City Council said it would look into why Tasers were used on the patients.

In a statement, Leicestershire Police said: "In the vast majority of these cases, the individuals were attempting to self-harm and Taser was used as a method of last resort to protect them from further harm."

Superintendent Mark Newcombe, who is in charge of operations in the city, said: "We do sometimes get calls to assist medical staff in situations where there is a physical risk to a member of the public or to staff.

"Officers attending such incidents determine an appropriate response based on consideration of the threat, harm and risk posed at that time.

"The use of Taser is one of a range of tactical options that can be deployed to resolve such situations."

Managers at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, which runs mental and community health services, said it had one record of a Taser being used in a ward in the past three years, rather than the two incidents stated by the police.

Teresa Smith, acting divisional director for adult mental health at the trust, said: "It is part of mental health care that, on occasion, some service users present with behaviours that may put at risk their own safety and the safety of others.

"As a last resort and after other techniques have been considered or tried, we very occasionally ask the police to assist medical staff in situations where there is a physical risk to a member of the public or to staff."

Michael Cooke, chairman of Leicester City Council's health scrutiny commission, said: "I would like to know more about this.

"I want to find out why it was felt necessary to use this method."

Vicki Nash, head of policy and campaigns at national mental health charity Mind, said: "Tasers are extreme and controversial weapons that we believe should only be used as a last resort by police.

"They can cause extreme distress, so to use them on people who are experiencing a mental health crisis and already displaying signs of distress, can make things even more traumatic."

Speaking about the police nationwide, she said: "A better understanding of mental health problems would allow police to recognise those experiencing a crisis and defuse a situation before resorting to weapons such as Tasers.

"There is no substitute for comprehensive mental health training."

Supt Newcombe said by "working closely with mental health services", the force had been able to reduce the number of people it felt it had to detain under the Mental Health Act and reduce the average amount of time it took officers to hand those it did detain into the care of mental health professionals.

He said: "We have also introduced a mental health triage car, which is staffed by a police officer and a mental health nurse. It is available for advice and to help officers responding to mental health incidents."

He said the car was "a really good way" of making sure patients were directed towards the most suitable care while ensuring "those accountable for their actions are appropriately dealt with by the criminal justice system".

Tasers used to subdue  mentally-ill patients in Leicestershire

Six firms eye city's Blue Tower

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A landmark city centre building which has stood almost empty for more than a decade is still attracting interest from would-be buyers.

The agent in charge of finding a new owner for St George's Central – known as the Blue Tower – says he is in talks with six companies about the 22-storey building.

It comes after a serious bid to buy the building was withdrawn following legal issues.

Kevin Mersh, a director at commercial agent Savills, had hoped to revive the bid from the unnamed business after it was revealed it had hit problems.

But speaking yesterday, Mr Mersh said: "The transaction hasn't proceeded."

The building, in St George's Way, only has occupants for about a quarter of the site, which totals more than 300,000sq ft.

St George's Central is occupied by a Premier Inn hotel at the bottom half of the tower unit, with 24 fully-occupied apartments at the top of the base unit to the north of the site. It also contains a shisha cafe.

"We are talking to six or seven parties," said Mr Mersh. "There's a very good income from the Premier Inn, the 24 flats and the other occupier."

If fully occupied, the building, which has had planning consent for office and leisure use, could accommodate more than 1,500 jobs.

The 269ft building, created in the 1960s to house major operations for BT and the Royal Mail, has attracted controversy in recent years.

The failed bid to buy the building was thought to be one of the most serious since the building was effectively repossessed by the Anglo Irish Bank in 2009, from London developer Magnet Property Investments. Magnet spent £33 million redeveloping the building, but ended up falling out with city regeneration officials after they called for it to be demolished. Magnet then painted it blue.

Meanwhile, the owner of the £25 million Colton Square office complex, opposite St George's Central, says it is in talks with a potential occupier to fill a large chunk of the remaining space.

Robert Cragg, development surveyor at Goodman, said the firm was in talks with a business about the 12,500sq ft third floor of Two Colton Square, which is based at the rear of the former Charles Street police station.

Six firms eye city's Blue Tower

Knockaert says sorry to Leicester City fans for penalty miss

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Anthony Knockaert has apologised to the Leicester City fans for his late penalty miss.

The Frenchman was inconsolable at the final whistle as City's promotion dream was ended at Watford.

Hornets keeper Manuel Almunia stopped his added-time penalty, which would have secured City's place in the play-off final.

To rub salt into the wounds, Watford raced away and Troy Deeney scored to dump City out of the play-offs – just 20 seconds after Knockaert had failed from the spot.

The 19-year-old was in tears and had to be helped from the Vicarage Road pitch by his team-mates, but he later tweeted his appreciation for the support he received from City's travelling fans.

"I'm really sorry for the fans of Leicester. I'm very sad for everyone," he said.

"Thank you very for your support all the season. I love Leicester."

Manager Nigel Pearson said the events of the last 20 seconds were cruel on his players, although he admitted the award of the spot-kick in the fifth minute of added time after a challenge on Knockaert by Marco Cassetti was a generous one by referee Michael Oliver.

"Anthony is distraught, as you would expect him to be," he said.

"You just hope he scores it. What happens after that compounds the misery of missing the penalty.

"That is unfortunately the nature of the beast. It can be a very cruel game. For the players to have experienced that is very tough.

"I would be the first to admit it was quite a generous decision, the penalty. There was marginal contact I thought.

"But to then concede after the double save from the penalty is very tough for the players to take."

Two strikes from Matej Vydra had wiped out City's advantage from the first leg, despite David Nugent's riposte, and Pearson also admitted he thought Watford had outplayed his side in the second half.

"I thought Watford were the better side in the second half," he added.

"They created a lot of chances but it is fine margins. It has been a good tie over the two legs.

"We created quite a lot of pressure with set-plays. They created some decent chances in the second half.

"In the first half, I didn't think they were particularly dangerous from open play. However, they scored an excellent goal.

"It was always going to be tight. In the second half, they dominated possession and we didn't manage the ball as well.

"But ultimately for it to be decided in a cruel twist like that is very difficult for everyone associated with Leicester City."

Loan players Michael Keane and Harry Kane have now returned to their parent clubs Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur after City's play-off exit.

Related content: • Article: It will take a long while to get over heartbreak – Leicester City boss Pearson • Article: Watford 3 City 1: Replay live, interactive coverage• Article: Watford's Gianfranco Zola shows respect for Leicester City's Nigel Pearson • Article: We were one inch from Wembley - Rob Tanner's verdict on Watford v Leicester City• Article: Last-gasp winner and the reactions! (Video and Pics) • Article: Play-off ecstasy then agony for Leicester City fans• Pictures: Watford 3 City 1 - Leicester fans at the match • Pictures: Watford 3 City 1 - agony for Leicester fans • Pictures: Watford 3 Leicester City 1 (Agg 3-2)

Knockaert says sorry to Leicester City fans for penalty miss

Harborough MP Edward Garnier wants fake Twitter account closed down

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Harborough MP Sir Edward Garnier has told a person pretending to be him on Twitter to "get a life and go and do something useful instead." The Tory politician discovered this morning that an account on the social media network was set up last month in his name. He said he was previously unaware of the impersonator, who began tweeting using the handle @EdwardGarnier on April 22, without his knowledge or permission. He said he had no idea who was responsible and his office is now to ask Twitter to close the account. It has 51 followers and is in turn followed by 25 people. He said: "Until this Twitter account was shown to me this morning I had no idea that a fake Twitter account had been opened in my name. "I have never had a Twitter account and have no intention of having one. "Whoever set this up is either very sad or very silly and with plenty of time on their hands because anyone who knows anything about me would soon realise that the stream of inane comments that have been Tweeted in my name bear little relation to what I think or am likely to comment on." Sir Edward, one of the country's leading libel lawyers, said the account looked plausible but pointed out a mistake in its biography which lists him as the ex Attorney General when in fact he is the ex Solicitor General. He added: "I ask anyone who has been following 'me' in the mistaken belief that it was actually my account to delete or otherwise ignore the account. I would also urge the person who set up this account to get a life and go and do something useful instead. With any luck the account will be shut down in the very near future." He added: "Lots of MPs do have a Twitter account. The prime minister has one. "It is a modern and effective means of communication but it is not one I choose to use."

Harborough MP Edward Garnier wants fake Twitter account closed down

Radio presenter from Leicester wins Sony award

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A radio presenter from Leicester is up there with the likes of Dermot O'Leary, Danny Baker and Steve Lamacq after winning one of the biggest awards in the industry. Amy Voce, from the Sam and Amy Breakfast Show, on East Midlands station Gem 106, was a gold winner at this year's Sony Radio Academy Awards, held in London on Monday night. The show, which she has worked on with co-presenter Sam Pinkham for seven years, was named the winner in the best breakfast show with under 10 million listeners category. Amy, 30, who lives in the Clarendon Park area of Leicester, said she was overwhelmed when their names were read out. "It was one of the most surreal nights of my entire life," she said. "When it came to our award, they read out the bronze and silver winners and I just thought, 'Okay, it's not us.' "But then the judges started talking about the winning show, saying the presenters had great on-air chemistry and that it was a good family show. Then they just said it was Sam and Amy and my legs literally went to jelly. "All the people there are the biggest names in the industry, and we had to get up on stage in front of them and give a speech. "I ended up just thanking everyone who was there with us, and my mum as well." After the awards, the pair were taken backstage for official photos - and got to meet some of the industry's most famous faces. "When I first walked in, I walked past Jarvis Cocker, and it was just full of so many big names," said Amy. "Afterwards, we went backstage and I was still in shock. "This guy came up to me and started giving me advice, and I suddenly realised it was Sir Chris Hoy. It was one of those moments I'll remember for the rest of my life. "After that, we had loads of people coming up to us - people we really admire - to congratulate us. "I spoke to Chris Evans and had a chat with Greg James, from Radio 1. He was a really nice guy. "I spoke to Dermot as well and he was lovely. A photographer mistook me for his wife, which was funny. "It was just an incredible night. Most importantly, I'm just delighted for the show and the team." The judges praised Amy and Sam, saying they achieved "a rare on-air chemistry that is warm, genuine and honest." Mike Newman, the show's programme director, said: "Winning a Sony Gold is the absolute pinnacle of achievement in the radio industry. To be recognised as having the best breakfast show in the country is a wonderful achievement for Gem 106 and Sam and Amy." The awards were presented by Chris Evans, who won the bronze prize in the best breakfast show with 10 million-plus listeners category. Other winners included The Dermot O'Leary show, for best music programme, The Danny Baker Show, for best entertainment programme, and 5 live Olympics with Peter Allen and Colin Murray, for best sports programme. Radio legend Steve Lamacq was given the ceremony's 'Special Award.' Robbie Williams, The Saturdays and Jamie Cullum all performed at the event, which was held at London's Grosvenor House.

Radio presenter from Leicester wins Sony award

Burglars steal gold jewellery in raid on house in Leicester

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Detectives are appealing for help to trace three burglars who stole gold jewellery in a raid on a house in Leicester. The men, whose identities were masked by hoods and scarves, entered the property, in Kingston Road, Evington, on Friday, May 10, threatening its two occupants and assaulting one of them. They stole a quantity of Asian gold jewellery, including necklaces and bracelets, and some imitation jewellery. The incident happened at about 1.40pm. Officers want help from the public to find those responsible. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects leave the scene in a black C Class Mercedes. The suspects were all white and spoke with Eastern European accents. One is described as being between 30 to 40 years-old, about 5ft10in tall, of medium build, with short black hair which was brushed forward. He had a slim face and was unshaven. He was wearing a black cotton jacket, dark jeans, woollen fingerless gloves and a scarf which covered his neck and lower part of his face. The second suspect was in his early to mid 20s, about 5ft 8in tall and of slim build. He was wearing a red hooded top which had white writing on it. The hood was pulled up over his head. The third suspect is described as about 5ft 8in tall and of medium build. He was wearing a grey hooded top, baseball cap and a scarf which covered the lower part of his face. Detective Constable Ivor Messiah said: "The victims were left quiet shocked by the incident. One of them was assaulted during the incident and received minor injuries." He added: "The vehicle the suspects made off in following the incident was parked in Kingston Road at its junction with Evington Road. "We would urge anyone who saw three men acting suspiciously in this area last Friday afternoon to contact us. "We would also like to speak to anyone who recognises the suspects' descriptions, have you heard any rumours about the incident and who may be responsible, if so please contact us." Anyone with any information is asked to call the police 101 number.

Burglars steal gold jewellery in raid on house in Leicester

One person seriously injured in crash on M1

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One person was seriously injured after a collision involving two vehicles on the M1 in Leicestershire this afternoon. The accident near junction 20 was reported to police just after 2pm this afternoon and involved a HGV lorry and a car. The occupant of the car has received serious injuries, no one else is believed to have been hurt. Motorists were being advised to avoid the M1 southbound. Detective Sergeant Mark Watling from the serious collision investigation unit, said: "The emergency services are currently at the scene dealing with the incident, it is anticipated that the M1 between junction 21 and 20 southbound will be closed for several hours. "We would advise anyone intending to travel along the M1 southbound between these junctions to take an alternative route or expect delays. "Motorists are also being advised to avoid the area around Everard's roundabout (Fosse Park) as tailbacks from the access points to the motorway are causing disruption to the area. "Diversions are in place and we apologise to anyone who may be caught up in the tailbacks but the closure is necessary to allow officers to carry out a full investigation at the scene." Traffic was tailing back towards Junction 22 the A50 turn to Ashby. Motorists are being diverted from J21 onto M69, then A5 and A4303 Coventry Road back to M1 at J20. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

One person seriously injured in crash on M1


42-year-old arrested over domestic assault in Hinckley street

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A 42-year-old man has been arrested over a domestic violence incident. Officers from Hinckley police are appealing for witnesses after an assault in London Road on Friday night. They were called to the scene at 9.43pm after reports of an altercation involving a couple. Pc Adrian McCaffrey said 42-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail pending further enquiries. He said the female victim was uninjured. "We are urging anyone who witnessed the altercation to contact us," said Pc McCaffrey. "The incident took place in a busy area and it's believed that a number of vehicles drove by at the time and flashed their lights and sounded their horns." He added: "If you were in the area last Friday night and witnessed any part of this incident we would like to speak to you." Anyone with information should call the 101 police hotline.

42-year-old arrested over domestic assault in Hinckley street

Firefighters put out blazing car at workshop in Leicester

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Firefighters were called out to tackle a blazing car at a workshop in Ross Walk, off Belgrave Road, Leicester, at 7.34pm yesterday. Two crews from Eastern station took 45 minutes to put out the fire, which had spread to the roof of the workshop. The fire caused 80 percent damage to the car and 20 percent fire damage to the roof. The cause is believed to be deliberate.

Firefighters put out blazing car at workshop in Leicester

Leicestershire dole queue shrinks

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The number of Leicestershire people claiming Jobseekers' Allowance fell by 440 last month. Figures out today reveal the claimant count in the county declined by 2 per cent to 22,022. In the city, the figure fell by 107 to 12,845 between March and April, while in the county it declined by 333 to 9,177. Max Boden, policy manager at Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said it reflected a return of confidence to the county's economy.

Leicestershire dole queue shrinks

If I'm sent back to Kabul, I will be killed

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Campaigners are calling for a 23-year-old failed Afghani asylum-seeker to be allowed to remain in Leicester, saying he will be killed if he is deported.

Abdul Ghafar Rajabali's parents and family were murdered when he was a baby, and he entered Britain illegally as a traumatised 16-year-old in August 2006 after fleeing.

He applied for asylum but was turned down and started living rough.

He was later found destitute by the Red Cross.

Because he has extreme post-traumatic stress syndrome and a medical condition which, say campaigners, could not be treated in Afghanistan, Mr Rajabali was allowed to stay in the UK while his medical case was reviewed.

However, that permission ended last week and when he attended a routine reporting session with the immigration authorities in Loughborough on Friday, he was detained by UK Border Agency staff.

Mr Rajabali, who has converted to Christianity, was taken to Morton Hall Detention Centre, in Lincolnshire, and faces being put on a flight to Kabul at midnight on Tuesday.

The Leicester City of Sanctuary group, which has been working with Mr Rajabali, has launched an e-petition calling on Home Secretary Teresa May to stop his deportation.

It has so far been backed by more than 1,100 people.

The group said he was wrongly treated as an adult when he arrived in the UK, and was put at a disadvantage because the translator used by the UK Border Agency did not understand the dialect he spoke.

He also inadvertently missed an asylum hearing and, fearing he would be deported as a result, went under the radar of the authorities which resulted in him living on the streets.

The group said Mr Rajabali was preparing a claim for asylum "based on new evidence" when he was detained, and wants him released so the application can be heard.

Speaking from the detention centre, Mr Rajabali said: "I am scared. I cannot go back to Afghanistan, I will be killed because I am now a Christian.

"Not only will the Taliban kill me, but other religious groups too. I love England and I love Leicester. The police are very good here. They do not hit you if you ask a question."

Pam Inder, chairman of Leicester City of Sanctuary, said Mr Rajabali had "touched the hearts of everyone who knows him" in Leicester.

She said: "Abdul is an illegal immigrant, but he is a very special person. He is intelligent and kind and would be a very good addition to our society."

She said Mr Rajabali would be killed if he went back to Afghanistan, a country where he has no family does not know anyone who could help him.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Every asylum application is carefully considered on a case by case basis.

"The UK only returns individuals if both the Home Office and the courts are satisfied they do not need our protection and have no legal basis to remain in the country.

"Mr Rajabali's case has been considered and rejected by the courts and he failed to attend an appeal hearing before an independent judge."

If I'm sent back to Kabul, I will be killed

Severn Trent rejects takeover offer

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Water supplier Severn Trent has rejected a takeover offer from a group of investors, which includes the Kuwaiti government. The utility firm, which supplies tens of thousands of homes and businesses in Leicestershire, received an offer, believed to be worth about £5 billion, from a consortium made up of Canadian, Kuwaiti and British businesses. The Severn Trent board said that the offer "completely fails to recognise the existing and potential value of Severn Trent". The company was formed following the privatisation of UK water authorities in 1989.

Severn Trent rejects takeover offer

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