Families joined religious leaders yesterday for a morning of prayer for the victims of the recent flooding in India.

Hundreds of people have been killed in Uttarakhand, a pilgrimage destination in northern India, following heavy monsoon rains.

Yesterday, hundreds of people visited the Shree Sanatan Mandir, in Weymouth Street, Belgrave, to take part in a vigil for the victims.

Temple president Ramanbhai Barber said: "People from Leicester and all over the world go there for pilgrimage every year."

Mr Barber said he was not aware of any groups from Leicester who are in the area at the moment.

"We have gathered many people here to say prayers to bring strength," he said.

Vibhooti Acharya, assistant secretary at the temple, said: "We've had children and people from the local community, people of all different faiths, to join us in prayers for those who have been affected.

"We want to raise some funds, too. I'm going to India on July 8, so hopefully I will have the chance to do some voluntary work while I'm out there."

The British & Irish Lions have been hit by a potential double injury blow ahead of Saturday's second Test against Australia in Melbourne.

Paul O'Connell and prop Alex Corbisiero are being "treated and assessed" for arm and calf muscle injuries respectively.

Ireland prop Tom Court, meanwhile, has been called into the squad and will go straight onto the replacements' bench for tomorrow's game against the Melbourne Rebels.

Ulster forward Court is currently in his home city of Brisbane following Ireland's North American tour, and he will meet up with the Lions squad later today

Corbisiero, who joined the Lions tour as front-row cover earlier this month from England's two-Test trip to Argentina, went off early in the second half as the Lions beat Australia 23-21 at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

Mako Vunipola – a probable second Test starter if Corbisiero is ruled out – has been withdrawn from the match-day 23 for the Rebels clash.

O'Connell's injury, meanwhile, must be of huge concern to the Lions.

The 33-year-old second-row talisman has featured in seven Lions Tests and was the 2009 tour captain in South Africa. He has won 85 caps.

He is an integral part of coach Warren Gatland's plans and, if he is ruled out of the Test series then it would represent a colossal blow.

Should O'Connell not make the second Test, then England and Leicester lock Geoff Parling would be favourite to replace him, partnering Alun-Wyn Jones in the second row.

The Lions initially looked to have emerged trouble-free from a bruising opening Test – unlike their opponents, who had three backs – Berrick Barnes, Pat McCabe and Christian Leali'ifano – carried off,.

But it now appears that Corbisiero and O'Connell are both struggling for Melbourne.

On the positive side, centres Manu Tuilagi and Jamie Roberts are in contention to make it after recovering from respective shoulder and hamstring injuries, along with wing Tommy Bowe, who had a broken hand

Gatland said: "To have Tommy and Manu fit and back is a great compliment to the medical staff.

"Tommy is fit for Saturday, he's running, but the more time he has to heal the better.

"The surgeon said that injury is normally a six to eight-week injury, so to be fit in three weeks is magnificent.We don't think Jamie is too far away and is potentially available for the weekend."

From war veterans to young cadets, hundreds of servicemen and women took part in an armed forces parade through the city centre at the weekend.

With pipers from the Seaforth Highlanders leading the way, the procession made its way from the top of High Street to the Clock Tower following a service at Leicester Cathedral.

The march was cheered on by hundreds of people who lined the streets to show their appreciation.

Among them was veteran Bob Gill, of Oadby, who served in Korea for 12 months, from 1950 to 1951.

"Days like this are important because I feel people should remember those who served, as well as the brave people who are serving now," he said.

"This is a way of commemorating."

Sue Dublin, 43, of Rowley Fields, Leicester, was also watching the procession.

"It's about supporting the retired veterans and the new soldiers," she said.

"It makes me feel proud to be British."

The parade took place on Saturday – a week before Armed Forces Day.

Officials in Leicester said they wanted to avoid a clash as Nottingham has been chosen to host a national event on the day and some military personnel and civic dignitaries hope to mark the day in both cities.

Among the groups marching in the parade was the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Armed Cadet Force, with about 60 children and 20 adults taking part.

Sergeant Major Richard Holliland said: "I'm an ex-cadet and an ex-soldier and there are soldiers now who are out there defending and looking after us.

"Taking part shows our support. It's nice to see so many people here watching. It shows support for the armed forces.

"Leicester has always been the same, people have always supported us."

The Leicestershire Sea Cadets also took part.

Leading Cadet Scott Weston, 17, of Coalville, said: "This will be my second parade here. I feel proud to be part of it."

Lieutenant Jan Smith said: "The crowd was amazing, the biggest for a long time. It makes me proud to be British."

Several servicemen and women said this year's event was all the more poignant following the tragic death of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich.

Colour Sergeant Louise Laywood, 32, from the Hinckley Sea Cadets, said: "It makes me want to show my support even more."

Geoff Parling admits he has experienced "a quite surreal" few days following the birth of his daughter and then being named British & Irish Lions captain.

Leicester Tigers lock Parling will lead the tourists against the Melbourne Rebels tomorrow.

And he could now also make the Lions second Test team in Melbourne on Saturday after it was confirmed that Paul O'Connell is being "treated and assessed" for an arm injury.

Wife Elle and baby girl May Rose are both doing well following the birth last Thursday, and Parling said: "I've got some making up to do when I get back, to be fair.

"I followed (May Rose's birth) on Face Time and Skype. What an invention. Just beforehand she was in the room ready and the midwife came in and I said 'please just put me in the corner, I will just watch and be quiet' and the midwife actually turned off!

"I was pacing around the room for about an hour, quite nervous to be honest, because you never know how it is going to go.

"Then I got Face Timed again and I heard someone laughing, so as soon as I heard that I knew everything was fine."

The possibility of Parling going home for the birth was discussed.

"We did think about it, but these sort of opportunities don't come around very often," he said. "Mind you, neither does having a kid.

"Thankfully, my wife is very understanding. She has got her aunty and uncle looking after her and some neighbours, who are good as well.

"There is a little bit of guilt there, but I am just very relieved she is fit and healthy."

Parling can now look forward to captaining the Lions tomorrow.

He said: "It's been quite surreal over the last few days. It's a great honour to captain the Lions, and I am looking forward to getting some more game time. "

Also named in tomorrow's XV are Tigers team-mates Manu Tuilagi and Dan Cole, while Ben Youngs is among the replacements.

Head coach Warren Gatland has revealed that Tuilagi will be fit for the second Test this weekend, having recovered from a stinger to a shoulder.

Lions: R Kearney (Ireland); S Maitland (Scotland), M Tuilagi (England), B Barritt (England), S Zebo (Ireland); O Farrell (England), C Murray (Ireland); R Grant (Scotland), R Hibbard (Wales), D Cole (England), R Gray (Scotland), G Parling (England, capt), D Lydiate (Wales), S O'Brien (Ireland) T Faletau (Wales).

Rep: R Best (Ireland), T Court (Ireland), M Stevens (England), I Evans (Wales), J Tipuric (Wales), B Youngs (England), B Twelvetrees (England), S Hogg (Scotland).

Fidget, a two-year-old black cat, is recovering at home after he was shot when he left the house for an early morning stroll.

The pellet caused so much damage to his leg that he had to undergo specialist surgery.

His owner Gemma Cope said will have to remain in a cage for 10 weeks while his damaged leg heals.

She now wants the person who shot her pet to be found and a prosecuted before they can strike again.

She said: "I cannot believe anyone could inflict such discomfort on an innocent animal. It will be another 10 weeks before we find out if he will make a full recovery.

"It is devastating to see a healthy cat having to be cooped up because he has a large brace on his leg. Fortunately his veterinary bill was covered by insurance, otherwise it would have cost us £2,000."

Ms Cope, 30, said she discovered Fidget had been shot when he limped into her home in the Greenhill area of Coalville last Sunday.

She said: "I first went downstairs at about 7am and Fidget was asleep.

"I went back upstairs and when I came down again at about at 8.30am he was limping badly.

"My partner thought he could have been run over or was suffering from an abscess as there was blood on his rear right leg.

"He was in great distress so we took him straight to the vets.

"They examined him and said he had been shot and had an air gun pellet lodged in a joint in his leg.

"They said it was in such a delicate position they were sending Fidget to a specialist veterinary hospital in Nottingham."

He underwent surgery at East Midlands Referrals and was taken home to Coalville on Thursday evening.

Ms Cope, who reported the incident to the police, said: "I would urge anyone who knows anything about what happened or saw Fidget limping in the street to contact the police so that the person responsible is caught."

She has another cat, a two-year-old female tabby called Fiji, who is missing her pal and now just sits outside his cage.

Police are investigating the incident and appealed for anyone with information to contact officers on 101.

Wales wings George North and Alex Cuthbert scored tries in each half as they inspired the British & Irish Lions to a pulsating 23-21 first Test triumph at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

North's breathtaking 60-metre solo effort will go down as one of the great Lions touchdowns, while Cuthbert pounced early in the second period.

A game of brutal intensity saw three Australian players – centre Christian Leali'ifano, full-back Berrick Barnes and substitute Pat McCabe – carried off.

But the Wallabies, mainly through a brilliant try double from debutant wing Israel Folau, pushed the Lions to the limit, and they would have won if replacement full-back Kurtley Beale had kicked just one of two late penalties, the second falling short after he slipped at the key moment.

Australia were ultimately punished for their goal-kicking lapses – 14 points went begging from the boot – as Beale and James O'Connor struggled for consistency.

In contrast, though, Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny landed five out of six shots, and the tourists now head to Melbourne knowing that victory on Saturday would give them a first Test series triumph since they toppled South Africa 16 years ago.

The Lions started with Leicester Tigers pair Tom Youngs and Tom Croft, while Geoff Parling, Ben Youngs and Dan Cole later made contributions off the bench.

It was the Wallabies who suffered early on when Leali'ifano was knocked out after he attempted a tackle on his opposite number Jonathan Davies.

Davies immediately called for play to be stopped, and Leali'ifano's Test debut ended inside the opening minute, McCabe replacing him.

O'Connor then missed two penalties in quick succession for Australia but, after the Lions enjoyed a concerted spell of pressure, they were undone in spectacular fashion.

Scrum-half Will Genia embarked on a weaving 50-metre run that left his opposite number Mike Phillips in all kinds of defensive strife.

And when Genia kicked into space, Folau marked his Test debut by producing a trademark finish that underlined why Wallabies coach Robbie Deans wasted little time selecting him following his switch from rugby league.

O'Connor added the conversion, but Halfpenny opened the Lions' account before North conjured his moment of magic.

Gathering Barnes' kick 10 metres inside his own half, he then set off on a remarkable run that saw him beat three defenders before touching down for one of the great Lions tries.

Halfpenny converted and kicked a penalty to hoist the Lions six points clear, and it could have been worse for Australia when North went flat out for a second try, but Folau got his hand underneath the ball.

Folau then pounced for his second try when he cut inside Sexton and handed off Lions prop Alex Corbisiero for another devastating finish.

O'Connor could not convert, though, as his goal-kicking proved way short of Halfpenny's standard, and there was another blow for Australia when Folau and Barnes clashed heads, resulting in Barnes following Leali'ifano in being carried off.

It meant an appearance for Beale, who was back in the Wallabies' Test 23 following his much-publicised problems with alcohol, before Halfpenny missed a penalty – only his second failure from 27 shots at goal – and the Lions trooped off 13-12 ahead.

McCabe's exit early in the second period caused more disruption for Australia, and the Lions capitalised immediately when strong-running Cuthbert powered over on an angled 35-metre run.

It was an outstanding finish by the Cardiff Blues predator, who has scored nine tries in 18 Tests for Wales, and Halfpenny's conversion secured an eight-point advantage.

O'Connor responded by kicking a 51st-minute penalty. Beale and Halfpenny then exchanged penalties, making it 23-18, before Beale landed another three-pointer after he ran deep into Lions' territory, setting up a gripping final 12 minutes.

Mako Vunipola conceded a penalty five minutes from time but Beale sent his kick spiralling wide. And he missed again with the game's final slice of action from almost halfway, slipping as he made contact with the ball.

An 85-year-old woman sat in court to see her trusted carer jailed for stealing £10,600 of her savings.

Estelle Randall systematically raided unsuspecting Peggy Garratt's bank account to buy drugs.

After seeing Randall sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment, the feisty pensioner gave the thumbs-up sign to the judge.

Peggy said afterwards: "She's got what she deserved. I felt badly let down at the time because I'd considered her a friend, but for three years she was stealing behind my back.

"I lost confidence and felt scared and then angry.

"I feel cheated that the money I'd worked so hard for has been callously taken.

"I wouldn't have employed her if I'd known she had previous convictions and cautions for shoplifting, which I've only just found out about.

"It was a rotten thing to do and my faith in human nature was shattered for a while.

"I did get quite down about it but now I'm a lot stronger.

"She was smirking when she came into court – I don't think she's even bothered."

Peggy, who has two sons, lives in sheltered accommodation in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, and suffers from osteoarthritis.

After Friday's hearing at Leicester Crown Court, she said: "I think justice has been done and that's what I came to see."

Randall (34), of Battersbee Way, New Parks, Leicester, admitted theft of £10,600 in 123 dishonest cash machine transactions between 2008 and 2011.

Judge Simon Hammond said: "Mrs Garratt saved all her life so she wouldn't have to worry about money in old age. This was a gross abuse of trust.

"It was persistent, remorseless and pitiless."

The pensioner's bank, the Halifax, is refusing to reimburse her because she entrusted Randall with her PIN number.

Mrs Garratt, a former nursing assistant, said: "I gave her the PIN because it's hard for me to get out, especially in winter."

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said Mrs Garratt, who has mobility problems and uses a walking stick, privately employed Randall for four hours' help a week – two hours on Mondays and Thursdays, at £10 an hour – to assist with shopping and other tasks.

She thought Randall was trustworthy, in the knowledge she also worked for a care company and assumed she had been through a vetting procedure.

Mrs Garratt gave Randall her cash card and PIN number, authorising her to withdraw between £100 to £150 to pay for the shopping.

Randall would bring receipts and the change.

Mr Murphy said: "In November 2011, Mrs Garratt checked her bank statement more thoroughly than usual and realised every time she gave the defendant her cash card, she was withdrawing extra sums, sometimes up to the £300 limit.

"When she told the Halifax she'd had money stolen, their response was they weren't liable.

"That's the position so far." Peggy started work as a machinist aged 15, was a shop worker and also looked after sick children as a nursing assistant at the former Groby Road Hospital, in Leicester.

She did voluntary work for Age Concern for many years and is a supporter of numerous charities.

Shital Modwhadia, mitigating for Randall, said: "She was a long-standing heroin and crack-cocaine addict, with a £40-a-day habit she couldn't keep up with.

"She wasn't living any kind of lavish lifestyle."

The court heard Randall has previously suffered from mental health problems and has been diagnosed with an "unstable personality disorder".

Wardens are starting a drive to make sure people using a park do not leave litter behind.

Bede Park, off Western Boulevard, Leicester, is a popular spot with students and others when the weather is warm.

But Leicester City Council wardens said a sunny day meant a big litter pick at the end of it.

They have been telling park visitors they could face fines and talking to shops in the area about getting customers to re-use bags.

City warden Richard Sutton, who is responsible for the park, said the aftermath of sunny days so far this year suggested the message was getting through.

He said: "Students and residents often buy their supplies at the supermarkets in the area and take them to the park.

"At the end of the busier days, we have a blitz team that goes around the parks to collect litter but we've also been doing a lot of educating to get people to take their rubbish home.

"I've been talking to shops about how they can encourage people to use bags for life.

"I have been walking around the parks reminding people of their responsibilities. If people are seen littering they will be issued with fixed-penalty notices.

"But we want to get them before that's necessary."

He said the warden team were planning more patrols over the summer and a big education drive during Freshers Week, when the new students beginning their degrees in September and October arrive in the city.

Sarah Russell, assistant city mayor responsible for environment, said new bins were also helping improve the situation in the park, which is in her ward.

She said: "We are working to reduce littering at Bede Park.

"In the past, we did try handing out blue bags for people to take their rubbish home in but we just ended up having to collect more blue bags than rubbish.

"But we now have bigger bins in the park and things are improving."

People using the park welcomed the crackdown.

Tina McDonald, 25, who lives in the area, said: "It can be real mess after a hot day when all the students have been here. They leave food, disposable barbecues, bottles and all sorts."

Greg Stanley, 62, said: "I've not seen any wardens around here but I think it is a bit cleaner that it used to be.

"There are plenty of bins so there's really no excuse for people to be leaving litter around here."

Motorists are being warned that work to replace a gas main near Fosse Park is set to go ahead next month.

Engineers were originally set to complete the work on the junction 21 approach section of the A5460, which links the M1 and M69 motorways to the Asda/ Fosse Park roundabout, during the school half-term in May.

However, the plans were dropped following complaints from motorists and bosses at Fosse Park.

Now, National Grid has said the work is essential to keep gas flowing safely and reliably "for decades to come".

Project manager Martin Brady said: "The existing, ageing iron gas pipe needs to be renewed and will be replaced with a hard-wearing plastic pipe that has a lifespan of 80 years. We apologise for any disruption caused but we would ask people to bear with us.

"We are working with the highways authority to minimise the impact on motorists and businesses as much as possible."

National Grid is replacing more than 550 metres of gas mains alongside the A5460, with about 50 metres required to cross the carriageway as it approaches the Fosse Park roundabout.

Work crossing the carriageway is due to start on Monday, July 1 and is expected to take about two weeks, with lane closures in place.

Engineers will carry out the work across the seven-lane road in sections, starting on the carriageway heading into Fosse Park from the motorway.

As they finish each section, the road surface will be reinstated and reopened to traffic. Work will take place between 9.30am and 3.30pm – outside of peak traffic hours – and traffic management staff will be on site at all times to manage lane closures and keep traffic flowing as much as possible.

Fosse Park manager Adrian Young, who is worried the roadworks will affect business, said his operations manager spoke to the county council as soon as he found out the work was due to be rescheduled.

He said: "Unfortunately it looks like there is nothing we can do now. I think we will just have to take it on the chin.

"We have fought the fight. They have taken on board what we said about the half-term week and the rush-hour traffic.

"But we will be very nosy neighbours when they start the work – and will be monitoring what they do and make sure they stick to what they have said.

"We are now just hoping for them to get on with it and get it over and done with. Hopefully it won't affect trade that much, as it has been going well recently."

The work is being carried out on behalf of National Grid by Triio, a partnership between Skanska and Morrison Utility Services.

Meanwhile, the county council has announced that roadworks are also due to take place in nearby Narborough Road South and Soar Valley Way, in Enderby.

The roads will be closed temporarily for a week from today, between 8pm and 6am, while carriageway resurfacing and maintenance work takes place.

During the closure, the alternative route will be via Everards Way and Grove Way.

Jermaine Beckford has edged closer to leaving Leicester City.

A deal with Bolton Wanderers has finally been agreed, the Mercury understands.

Trotters boss Dougie Freedman has targeted striker Beckford since the end of last season. But talks have stalled for more than a month because the two clubs were said to be miles apart in their valuation of the 29-year-old Jamaica international.

But the Mercury understands that the two clubs have now agreed a fee for Beckford and the former Leeds United and Everton striker will discuss personal terms with Bolton and undergo a medical before the deal can be finalised.

The fee is undisclosed but is believed to be less than £1million. Although the amount City paid Everton for Beckford two years ago was also undisclosed it is believed it was around £3 million.

While City have taken a big hit on the sell-on fee, they are attempting to bring the wage bill down so they can confirm with the Financial Fair Play rules. It is believed Beckford was the club's highest earner.

Beckford didn't score in his first five games after arriving at the King Power Stadium under Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign as City boss.

But he went on to net 15 goals in his first campaign, six of which came in the FA Cup, including a hat-trick in the third-round replay victory over Nottingham Forest.

Beckford started the first three games of this season and made two more substitute appearances without scoring before City boss Nigel Pearson sent him out on loan to Huddersfield Town in September.

Beckford extended his loan with the Terriers for the rest of the campaign and went on to score nine times in 22 appearances.

Pearson has made no secret of the fact he wants to offload certain members of his squad and Beckford was on a list of seven players that has been circulated to other clubs.

A 91-year-old former Colditz prisoner-of-war was among those raising special flags yesterday to mark Armed Forces Day.

Sidney Woodvine, of Thurmaston, who served with the Desert Rats in North Africa and Italy, where he was captured, raised the flag at County Hall.

Watched by dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton, and Councillor Rosita Page, chairman of Leicestershire County Council, he raised the flag at the Armed Forces Stand Easy memorial.

Also there for the ceremony were pupils from The Hall Primary, Glenfield, members of the Royal British Legion, cadets and the Territorial Army.

Mr Woodvine, a member of the Leicestershire branch of the Korean Veterans' Association, said: "I did my duty. You're never too old for it and I keep going.

"It went beautifully and I felt proud to do it – any survivor of a conflict would be."

In Melton, six dogs and two horses from the Defence Animal Centre in the town took centre stage as RAF dog handler Sgt Nick Lyons raised the flag outside Melton Borough Council's Parkside headquarters in Burton Street.

The Rector of St Mary's Church, in Melton, the Reverend Kevin Ashby conducted a short service and blessed the flag in a ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Melton, Councillor Marilyn Gordon.

Loughborough's tribute to the Armed Forces, fallen heroes, veterans and their families, saw the Armed Forces Flag raised outside the town hall. Councillor Sandie Forrest, Charnwood mayor, said: "It is with great pride that I represent the borough at the flag-raising ceremony, paying tribute to the brave men and women who defend Britain."

A woman whose quick thinking and first aid skills helped her father when he was seriously injured is urging readers to join the Leicester Mercury's Save a Life Campaign.

Rebecca Harrison leapt into action when her dad, Paul Clarke, fractured his spine in two places and broke seven ribs after falling from a ladder at his Loughborough home.

His injuries could have been far worse if she had not kept him still while they waited for an ambulance.

Rebecca, 30, said: "I was inside with my mother when we heard a bang and a scream.

"I saw my dad lying on the patio. We rang 999 and I ran outside.

"I could see dad was struggling to breathe. He had fallen half on his back and side and I knew it was really important for him to keep still to prevent any further damage."

Rebecca, a school learning support worker from Barrow upon Soar, said: "I sat behind him to give him some support and kept talking and reassuring him.

"I knew it was important to keep him still and awake while we waited for the ambulance, which took about 90 minutes.

"When he got to hospital it turned out a piece of rib had punctured his lung and the doctors said how important it had been not to move him."

Mr Clarke had emergency surgery after the accident in September.

Rebecca, one of several first aiders at Hall Orchard Primary School, in Barrow, said: "There was one point where we thought we were going to lose him.

"I was so pleased I had done first aid training and knew what to do to help.

"I have had to use my first aid a few times at school, mainly for cuts and scrapes.

"First aid is a vital skill ."

Mr Clarke, 58, was in intensive care following the accident, but has recently returned to work as a caretaker at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

He said: "Rebecca took it all in her stride.

"Had I moved before the ambulance got there I could have severed my spinal cord or I could have simply bled to death.

"I can't remember much about the accident but I do know a lot of people who haven't had any sort of first aid training could have done the wrong thing."

Carl Makins, regional training and community projects manager at St John Ambulance, said: "A spinal injury such as this could potentially be life-changing.

"We are delighted to hear Rebecca was able to use her first aid training learnt through St John Ambulance to help her dad in what must have been a distressing situation for everyone."