Leicester Tigers sign Australian defence coach Phil Blake

June 2, 2014, 3:25 am

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Leicester Tigers have signed Australian defence coach Phil Blake. The 51-year-old has coached in both codes of the game Down Under and has worked with Super 15 side Western Force and the Australian national side, under Robbie Deans. Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said he was delighted that Blake had agreed to take up the role of defence coach for the 2014-15 campaign. "His is well thought of in the game and very experienced, and has worked in a number of different environments, including Super Rugby and at Test level in Australia," said Cockerill. "He joins a very strong group of coaches at this club and we look forward to working with Phil in his new role."

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Hard graft for Leicestershire batsmen as they take on Gloucestershire in LV County Championship

June 2, 2014, 5:12 am

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Leicestershire were bowled out for 269 on the first day of their LV County Championship match against Gloucestershire at Grace Road. Runs were hard to come by on a slow pitch with the visiting bowlers sticking to a disciplined length and line, Will Gidman the pick of the attack with 5-46. The bulk of Leicestershire's batsmen made starts but only Niall O'Brien was able to go beyond 50. The Irishman produced a fine knock and was closing in on a century when he was trapped lbw for 88 made in just under three hours. Angus Robson and Ned Eckersley both made 46, while all-rounder Rob Taylor hit 31 in a sixth-wicket stand of 62 with O'Brien. Gloucestershire faced five overs before the close of play, openers Chris Dent and Michael Klinger surviving a new ball burst from Nathan Buck and Charlie Shreck to head into day two on 12-0. Leicestershire brought seam bowler Alex Wyatt into their side, resting Ant Ireland as the Foxes head into a busy spell of cricket throughout June.

Fire causes severe damage to Wigston Swimming Pool

June 2, 2014, 6:27 am

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A fire caused severe damage to Wigston Swimming Pool last night. Firefighters were called to the blaze at the swimming pool, in Station Road, Wigston Magna, at about 9.30pm. The fire started in the reception area of the building. Four fire crews attended the scene and about 25 firefighters tackled the blaze. A full search of the building was carried out and no-one was inside. Severe fire and smoke damage was caused to the ground and first floor.

Video by Liam Taylor The swimming baths were closed earlier this year and are due to be demolished to make way for a new pool. Firefighter Adam Taylor, from Wigston Fire Station, said the blaze started in the reception area. "The heat and the smoke affected the whole building. "It is suspected the fire had been burning for a couple of hours before the fire service was notified," he said. The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate and it was put out by about 11pm. Watch manager Anthony Wildgoose, who also attended the blaze, said upon arrival the crew had to firefight from the outside before going in. "There was lots of fire and smoke coming from the building and there were open doors on the premises." He added that shortly after they arrived a window on the first floor gave way. "We believe the fire had been burning for some time and the pressure had got so much it forced the window. "We believe it is deliberate ignition," he said. "Youths were seen fleeing the area a couple of hours before the call," he added. The road was closed while the crews dealt with the incident. Mr Wildgoose passed on the safety message that "disused buildings are not playgrounds." Liam Taylor, 18, who is a student at Tresham College, in Corby said he and two friends were driving along Blaby Road, near to the pool on the way back from football training at about 9.45pm last night when they saw the fire. "We drove past and there was lots of smoke. There were massive flames. "It was coming out of the side window of the gym and was absolutely huge." Liam, of South Wigston, added: "I could feel the heat from the other side of the road. "After the fire was put out we could still feel the heat 40 to 50 metres (130 to 160 feet) away." The building is owned by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, and leased by Everyone Active. Anne Court, the director of services at Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, said: "Our priority is working with the fire authorities so they can carry out the investigation to make it safe." She added that the plans to demolish the building and build a new one that is due to open in May 2015, have not been affected. Police also attended the incident and was called to the scene at 9.38pm. A spokesman from Leicestershire Police said the fire is being treated as suspicious. An investigation is being carried out and no-one has yet been arrested. The police will be looking at CCTV in the area and is appealing for witnesses. If you were in the area between 6pm and 9.38pm last night and saw any suspicious activity please contact the police on the non-emergency line 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For more information about the incident follow @wigston_fire on twitter

Man's body found at flat near Narborough Road

June 2, 2014, 7:11 am

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Emergency services were called to a flat in Leicester after a man's body was found inside. Police and paramedics were called to Noel Street, off Narborough Road, in Westcotes, at about 10.50pm last night. Officers found a man's body in a flat above the Trade It store, but said they were not treating the death as suspicious. Details about the man have not been released. A spokeswoman for the police said: "Officers attended the property following a report of a body of man being found inside. "The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner. "Identification of the deceased is a matter for the coroner."

Parks Primary School, Leicester, forced to shut after copper pipes are stolen

June 2, 2014, 7:58 am

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A Leicester primary school forced to shut after thieves stole copper pipes supplying water will remain shut tomorrow. Parks Primary's premises officer reported the incident at 7.54am this morning to Leicestershire police and officers are now investigating. Head teacher Cas Evans said: "We have no water to wash our hands or flushing water for the toilets and for health and safety reasons will remain shut tomorrow. "The local authority has been out to assess the damage and that work continues. New pipes are being put in today and over the course of Tuesday. It's our hope that we will then be able to open on Wednesday as normal but we'll update parents via text message and our Facebook and Twitter pages." The thieves broke in via the school's roof and water tank. Mrs Evans added: "They didn't enter the main school area and that's why the alarm did not go off. "This has caused a lot of disruption to our pupils and we're thankful that it wasn't during the exam period when Sats take place. "We're mindful of not causing more damage and flooding the place when we turn the water supply back on so we're carefully checking every inch of pipe work." It is not yet known how much copper piping has been stolen and what value it has.

Leicester City duo sign new contracts

June 2, 2014, 8:00 am

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Leicester City development squad duo Jacob Blyth and James Pearson have signed new contracts. Striker Blyth, who enjoyed a successful spell on loan with Northampton Town last season, has signed a two-year contract, while defender Pearson, son of City boss Nigel Pearson, has signed a one-year deal.

Thurmaston street attack: Trio jailed for nine years each

June 2, 2014, 8:44 am

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Three men have been handed lengthy jail terms for running over a defenceless man and kicking him as he lay on the ground. Judge Ebraham Mooncey told brothers Daniel and David Brittle and co-defendant Samuel Wright they would each go to jail for nine years for their part in the "horrendous" revenge attack. They had been found guilty at a previous hearing of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on 28-year-old Dean Pick who suffered a broken leg and ankle and a fractured jaw in the assault. The attack was so severe that a bone was left poking through out of his leg. He also suffered severe bruising on his arms where he had been kicked and punched. As the judge announced the sentence there was swearing and calls that it "was a f***ing joke" from friends and family of the defendants in the packed public gallery. Judge Mooncey told the shouters to leave the seats at Derby Crown Court as the three men were taken down to begin their prison sentences yesterday (mon). At an earlier hearing a jury had been told that Mr Pick was attacked on the night of Saturday, September 8, 2012 after an incident near the Thurmaston Working Men's Club where he had head butted Daniel Brittle. Daniel Brittle had then phoned his older brother David who arrived on the scene in his car and chased Mr Pick knocking him down from behind. Mr Pick spoke about having to flee in panic, fearing that his life was in danger. A witness told the court that one of the defendants had said Mr Pick "f***ing deserved it". Judge Mooncey told the defendants: "Dean Pick has permanent injuries that have changed his life forever as a result of a sustained assault on him. "It was pre-planned and determined enterprise to track Dean Pick down and attack him. "Your chase was unfinished business in your mind. Not content with running him down, at least two if not all three of you then gave him a horrendous beating. You punched and kicked him all over his body. "Today I have been shown photographs of Dean Pick's injuries. "Just looking at the ankle makes one wince. The skin is missing and the tissue and muscle is exposed. It does not take a genius to conclude a car impact caused that. The remaining photographs show extensive scarring." He criticised the explanation that the defendants gave saying they left the scene as they were afraid of Dean Pick's friends arriving. He said the story was "wholly unrealistic given the arrogance that you three plainly have". In a victim impact statement, Mr Pick said he underwent surgery and was off work for four months and had to have metal plates inserted in his leg and ankle. He said he suffered from anxiety and depression and could no longer carry on his favourite hobby of metal detecting because of the interference from the plates and his inability to walk on uneven ground. He said his leg and ankle hurt in cold weather. Prosecuting Gary Short that Mr Pick had lost some feeling in his ankle but had now set up his own scaffolding business. He said the assault was in the most serious category regarding grievous bodily harm. Paul Trotter for dad-of-two Daniel Brittle (22), of Alexandra Street, Thurmaston, said his client was not responsible for the injuries inflicted by the car. Mike Garvey for David Brittle (24), also of Alexandra Street, said the incident was totally out of character. He said he was hard working and was well thought of by his employers. Mr Garvey said: "The presence of family and friends here today is a testament to the support the defendants enjoy." James Bide-Thomas for Wright (22) of Checkland Road, Thurmaston, presented a psychological assessment which said his client was suggestible and needed help with thinking skills. Mr Bide-Thomas said he believed the judge had some leeway in sentencing when considering the involvement of each defendant. He argued that the attack did not merit being in the top category of seriousness. But Judge Mooncey stressed to the defendants that he considered the attack was a classic case of joint enterprise which just entered the bottom end of the most serious category of offence. He said: "Your relative youth reduces the sentence you deserve and the fact that this will be your first custodial sentences also justifies a reduction in your sentence. "The lowest sentence I can pass in this case for each of you is nine years." Mr Pick and his family did not attend yesterday's hearing. When the defendants were previously convicted his girlfriend Natasha Tubby, said Mr Pick was over the moon with verdicts. She said: "Justice has been done."

Highfields landlord fined almost £35,000 for breaches of multiple occupation law

June 2, 2014, 11:04 pm

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A landlord has been ordered to pay almost £35,000 in fines after admitting failing to obtain a licence for shared houses he rented out.

Harishbhai Rambhai Patel was prosecuted by Leicester City Council for not getting the authority's permission to run three houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs).

Patel (56), of Southernhay Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, pleaded guilty to 12 offences under the Housing Act 2004 relating to the three unlicensed houses in Highfields – two in Evington Street and one in Gopsall Street.

By law, landlords must apply for a licence for any property with three storeys or more and occupied by five or more people forming at least two households.

The regulations are in place to ensure shared accommodation is safe to live in.

At the hearing on Friday, Leicester magistrates fined Patel £10,000 for each of the three houses.

He was also fined £500 for failing to produce necessary documents and a further £4,000 for eight breaches of the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

Magistrates further ordered Patel to pay £4,124.15 in legal costs, along with a £120 victim surcharge.

In total, he will have to pay £38,744.15.

Both properties in Evington Street are three-storey houses containing a combination of self-contained flats and bedsits, occupied by five or more people.

Environmental health officers from the council visited the properties following a fire at 11 Evington Street in May last year.

They discovered neither house met the fire safety standards needed.

Both properties Patel owned in the street have remained empty since the fire.

Officers visited the property in Gopsall Street in September following a complaint.

They found it had a faulty fire detection system, damaged fire doors, torn carpets, cracked plaster and broken windows.

Ten people were living there at the time.

The council said Patel had since carried out repairs to bring the property up to the correct standard and officials are in the course of dealing with his application to get a licence for the house.

Leicester assistant mayor for neighbourhood services Councillor Sarah Russell said: "Proper licensing for HMOs is there to ensure the safety of residents and landlords who fail to do so are putting tenants at risk.

"As this case shows, landlords face prosecution and heavy fines if they fail to comply with the laws – laws which have been put in place for good reason, to ensure that multiple-occupancy homes are in a fit state."

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Cricket: O'Brien hits 88 to rescue Leicestershire from early slump against Gloucestershire

June 2, 2014, 11:05 pm

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Hard graft was the order of the day for Leicestershire's batsman as the LV County Championship match with Gloucestershire got underway at Grace Road. Though skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan won the toss and elected to bat, life was never going to be easy against a Gloucester attack showing discipline and consistency on a slow pitch. They were led by an excellent performance from seam bowler Will Gidman, who claimed 5-46 and tied down all the home batters as he stuck rigidly to a good line and length and waited for the batsmen to make mistakes. His effort was chiefly responsible for the County being dismissed for a modest 269 – though how modest a score that is will only become apparent once the Leicestershire bowlers have got to work. They had five overs at the Gloucester openers before stumps last night and though Charlie Shreck and Nathan Buck tested both Chris Dent and Michael Klinger, they were unable to engineer a breakthrough and the visitors closed on 12-0. How testing a day it was going to be for the batsmen was evident when Gidman made his mark with the first ball of the morning session, which flattened Greg Smith's off-stump. The County rallied, though, and a fluent partnership of 81 between Angus Robson and Ned Eckersley set the innings moving. Robson, who has been among the runs at the top of the order this season, again looked full of promise. He drove well on either side of the wicket and it was a considerable disappointment when he edged Liam Norwell to slip for 46 having found the ropes on eight occasions. And that really was the story of the day with batsmen getting themselves in but unable to progress and post the major score which would have carried their side to a substantial total. Eckersley also made his way to 46, Josh Cobb added 26 and all-rounder Rob Taylor played some cracking strokes in his 31. The only man to get beyond 50, though, was wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien, who played pretty much the perfect innings given the sluggish nature of the pitch. He showed great patience and waited for the right ball to come along before tucking in, as the boundary count of nine in his half-century might suggest. He and Taylor added 62 to get the County out of a little spot of trouble when they had slipped to 127-5 in mid-afternoon and O'Brien then found solid late support from Jigar Naik and Buck to help take the score to respectability. When the new ball arrived after 80 overs, Leicestershire on 227-6 at that point, the Ireland international began to go show a few more signs of aggression – the right decision at that late stage of the day. But having reached 88 after three hours in the middle O'Brien was undone by a ball from Matthew Taylor which pinned the left-hander on the crease and trapped him lbw when a century was just beginning to come into view. Alex Wyatt, selected for the game with Ant Ireland rested, didn't trouble the scorers before he became Gidman's fifth victim and Buck, who had produced some crisp shots in his 15, was last man out in the 89th over of a day which may not have been full of thrills and spills but was nonetheless intriguing.

Leicester City owners know money does not guarantee success

June 2, 2014, 11:06 pm

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Leicester City's owners have learned spending huge amounts of money does not guarantee success, says the club's vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.

City's owners are estimated to have spent more than £150million since taking over the club from Milan Mandaric in 2010, including the conversion of £103m of loans from themselves into equity and the £17m purchase of the King Power Stadium.

After initially huge amounts of investment did not bring success on the field, Aiyawatt, known as Top, said they had to show patience as it has taken four years to gain promotion.

"We came with ambition and tried to find a way to make the team a success, but you can't take anything for granted in football," he said.

"We can make the team strong but we couldn't predict when it would happen. We have learned that since we came here. We want to build the team and do everything we can to prepare the team."

Top acknowledged the huge investment but insisted he and father Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha had been driven by a love of football.

"I know we have invested quite a lot but we love football and we love the club," he said.

"We try to do everything to support them. We commit everything.

"We didn't have a timeline but now we are there and a success, I am very pleased what we have invested makes people happy in Leicester and makes everyone proud in Thailand.

"It makes King Power the owner of a Premier League team. It is something money can't buy.

"I feel English football is great to watch. To own a club is magnificent for me."

City development squad duo Jacob Blyth and James Pearson have signed new contracts.

Striker Blyth, who had a loan spell at Northampton Town last season, has signed a two-year contract, while defender Pearson, son of City boss Nigel, has signed a one-year deal.

Big Ron hails Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson as his 'best ever captain'

June 2, 2014, 11:07 pm

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Leicester City's Nigel Pearson is a natural leader who was destined to manage at the top level, his former boss Ron Atkinson has said.

Pearson was Sheffield Wednesday captain under Atkinson in 1991 when the Owls lifted the League Cup and clinched promotion back to the top flight.

He was being groomed to take on the reins at Hillsborough, Atkinson revealed.

Atkinson has also had the likes of England and Manchester United's 'Captain Marvel' Bryan Robson as his on-field lieutenant, but he rates Pearson as the best skipper he ever had and said it was always obvious he would be a successful manager.

Atkinson's judgement has been proven right as Pearson, who is understood to be close to signing a new three-year contract, has guided City back to the Premier League.

"I have been lucky in football that I have always had great captains, like John Wile at West Brom, Bryan Robson at Manchester United and Kevin Richardson at Aston Villa," said Atkinson.

"But I have always said Nigel is the best captain I have ever had, and that is no disrespect to the others.

"He was a great leader of men. He commanded respect from all the players around him and he has taken that on into his managerial career. I definitely knew he would be a good manager.

"Sometimes there are people who surprise you and go on to be successful managers, but there was no doubt about Pearson.

"In fact, there was one occasion when I had gone back to Sheffield Wednesday for a second time and we had a plan in place where I was the manager but I was going to take Nigel on board with me and groom him for the position for a couple of years before he took over.

"Circumstances went against that, and to this day, we don't know what they were.

"So he had to go back and work his way through the circuit again and he has done it brilliantly."

Newly-promoted sides are often tipped for an immediate return to the Championship but Atkinson believes City are well equipped to survive in the Premier League under Pearson's guidance.

Atkinson believes Hull, who finished four points above the drop-zone in their first season back in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final, are an example for how City should approach their first campaign back in the top flight for a decade.

"After the disappointments of last season it would have been easy to fall away from things, as happened to Watford," said 'Big Ron'.

"Nigel is a strong character and that makes him more resilient. He has done a brilliant job this season.

"A few years ago, it was a safe bet that two of the three teams that were promoted to the Premier League would come straight back down. Now it is only one.

"You look at the job Steve Bruce has done at Hull and that would be the example for Nigel at Leicester.

"He will give the boys who have got them up a chance and he will bring some new bodies in, players who have perhaps got a bit more experience of the Premier League.

"Leicester is a club which can command decent gates, so I can see them doing quite well next season."

Family tell of desperate wait for news of John Preston, missing for three weeks

June 2, 2014, 11:07 pm

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A family is still desperately awaiting news of a husband and father who went missing from home three weeks ago.

John Preston was last seen at his home in Glenfield at noon on Monday, May 12.

Since then, his wife, Lindsey, and children, Georgia, 20, and Will, 19, along with family friends have been helping police in the search.

John, 59, and his family had moved to Glenfield from his lifelong home of Markfield only a couple of weeks before he went missing.

He has suffered depression for the past year, after losing his job.

Lindsey said: "We just want him home.

"We're beginning to see Father's Day being advertised in the shops and it hurts.

"There's no news at the moment and it feels worse every day.

"I know I'm not on my own. Everyone is rallying around and trying to help me find him.

"The police are working hard to find him and they are in contact with me each day.

"I have been to the police station a couple of times to look at CCTV of possible sightings, but it hasn't been him, so the search goes on."

Mrs Preston said her husband had been ill for about a year.

"It came out of the blue after he'd been made redundant and hadn't been able to find work," she said.

"He'd been told he wouldn't be able to find a job at the age of 59 and I think he began to feel he was a failure and that he felt he'd let his family down.

"We love him very much and we just want him back.

"He loved to take his dogs for walks in the area and I'm just hoping that other dog walkers will recognise him from the photograph and help us look for him."

Police are growing increasingly concerned for John's welfare.

They have searched a wide area, circulated photographs and have urged people to report any sightings immediately.

Pc Penny Smith, of the police's missing from home team, said: "This is an extremely distressing time for the family and we are supporting them and actively following up any leads identified.

"However, we would urge anyone who has any information about John's whereabouts to contact us immediately and not to delay the call to the police."

Mr Preston is white, 5ft 7in, slim and has closely-shaven, dark grey hair.

He occasionally wears glasses and when last seen was wearing a red Vortex coat, dark tracksuit bottoms and brown walking boots. Anyone with information is asked to contact the missing from home team on 101, or the national missing persons helpline, on 116 000.

Ten Siberian husky puppies reunited with mum Misty on their first birthday

June 2, 2014, 11:07 pm

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Ten Siberian husky puppies have been reunited for a first birthday party.

Mum Misty welcomed back her pups Mishka, Ziko, Bella, Keiko, Duke, Polar, Max, Zuko, Dakota and Loki for the celebration at her home in South Wigston.

"It's the first time we have had them all back together," said Misty's owner, Val Lynch.

"I always said they would have a first birthday party."

The dogs enjoyed a chicken and liver birthday cake and party bags filled with dog chews, bones and biscuits.

All the puppies live in Leicestershire and Rutland except one whose home is in Burton-upon-Trent.

"A lot of them went to friends, friends of friends and family," Val said.

"We only had to advertise two. They were hand-picked owners. The party has been a great way for all the owners to meet up and catch up on what's going on and to give the dogs a chance to socialise."

Val said all the siblings had a "really gentle and loving nature".

"Some of the boys just had to figure out the social order, though," she said.

Tracy Leftley, of Rutland, the owner of Mishka and Ziko, said seeing the puppies come together for the occasion was an "absolute dream".

"They've all grown to be different shapes and sizes but you can tell them apart by their eyes," she said.

Val said she would definitely be organising a second birthday party.

"If everybody really enjoyed today, we would love to get them all together again," she said.

Leicester Tigers bring in former Australia defence coach

June 2, 2014, 11:08 pm

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Leicester Tigers have added former Australia defence coach Phil Blake to their coaching staff. The 51-year-old is expected to join in August when he finishes his contractual commitments Down Under. Tigers' defence in their final game of the season against Northampton was astonishing at times. But they conceded more tries (41) and more points (430) than anyone in the top six of the Aviva Premiership during the course of the regular season. That compares to 29 tries and 345 points in their title-winning season of 2012-13. With director of rugby Richard Cockerill also coaching the forwards and his second-in-command Paul Burke just having finished the first year in his role as backs' coach, Leicester clearly felt the need to add another body to the coaching staff. Cockerill said he was delighted to have Blake on board. "His is well thought of in the game, is very experienced, and has worked in a number of different environments, including Super Rugby and at Test level in Australia," said Cockerill. "He joins a very strong group of coaches at this club and we look forward to working with Phil." Tigers are bringing in a man with a huge amount of experience and someone who is widely-respected Down Under. Blake was described as a "legend" by the Australian Daily Telegraph when news of his move was covered. He has vast experience as both a player and coach. He was the Wallabies' defence coach at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, when Australia conceded just 48 points in four pool games and then beat the fancied South Africans 11-9 in the quarter-finals. That game prompted former Tigers' Aussie head coach Bob Dwyer to remark afterwards: "How did we win that match? Virtually no ball, no field position, dusted in the line-out, creaky at the scrum, kicking out of hand average at best. "Our defence was fantastic, that's how. So Phil Blake, as our defence coach, you can take a well-earned bow." Blake joined Western Force the following season in the Super 15s and is currently back in club rugby, coaching Manly to a 10-game undefeated start in the New South Wales-based Shute Shield. It was recently announced that Blake would be the inaugural coach of the North Harbour Rays, who will compete in the newly-formed National Rugby Championship starting in August. However, the chance to join Leicester has seen him turn his back on that opportunity to arrive here before the start of the season. As a player, Blake played 272 first-grade rugby league games in the 1980s and '90s for a host of clubs, including Manly-Warringah, St George and New Zealand Warriors. He also played one State of Origin game for New South Wales.

Athena Orchard: Tributes to 12-year-old who has lost her battle with cancer

June 2, 2014, 11:09 pm

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The mother of a 12-year-old girl who lost her battle with cancer has paid tribute to her "brave" and "beautiful" daughter.

Athena Orchard, of New Parks, Leicester, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma after finding a tiny bump on her head in November.

The first sign that something was seriously wrong came at Christmas, when she blacked out and collapsed at home.

Within months doctors had found a number of tumours, including one which they removed from her spine.

Despite intense treatment, she died at home on Wednesday, surrounded by her family.

Mum Caroline, 37, said her daughter was the bravest person she knew – spending more time worrying about other people than thinking about her own illness.

She said: "She was beautiful. An inspiration to everyone.

"She touched a lot of people's hearts and was only ever worried about everyone else – she would always tell me it was going to be okay.

"Her words still go through my head. She would say, 'if you get upset, I'll smack you'. She didn't like me getting upset, but I can't help it.

"When I wake up in the morning I just wish it was all a dream, but I look at her bed, where she passed away, and it becomes real again and it's horrible."

Athena, who was a keen amateur boxer with Unity Boxing Club, in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, was one of 10 siblings.

Caroline said: "I'll never forget when she said 'I'm glad it was me who got ill and not any of my brothers and sisters'.

"All she did was worry about how everyone else was feeling.

"Her brothers and sisters are devastated and they're being brave, but that's only because Athena's bravery has rubbed off on them.

"The youngest keep asking when she's coming home and I have to tell them 'she's up in the stars with special angels looking after her'.

"But they ask 'when can the angels bring her home?' and it's so hard to explain."

News of Athena's illness prompted people to rally round and raise money.

Unity Boxing Club and Technique and Turn Swimming School, in Thurmaston, collected cash to put towards a family holiday.

Athena, her parents and her nine brothers and sisters spent a week in Torquay thanks to the generosity of the well-wishers.

At the weekend, Leicester City Ladies U13 held a minute's silence and wore black armbands for the game against Narborough.

Athena's funeral will take place at Gilroes cemetery on Thursday, June 12, at 1pm.

For more information about flowers or donations, call Co-operative Funeral Service, on 0116 251 6906.

A special funding page has also been set up to help with the costs.

To donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/9n20so

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Athena Orchard: 'I try to put on a brave face for my family'

In March, Athena spoke to the Mercury about her illness.

She described the frustration of losing her hair and the trauma her body suffered as the disease spread.

"I was so close to being paralysed," she said.

"The tumour on my spine was the reason I kept on falling over. It was horrible. I broke down."

Athena was put on a chemotherapy plan, which meant she spent most of her time in hospital.

She said: "I used to cry every night when I was in hospital because I wanted my family with me, but I knew they couldn't do anything about it.

"My family would come to visit and would get upset because they didn't want to leave and I would get upset because I didn't want them to leave.

"I lost all of my hair, which was the worst part. I have a wig now, which looks like my old hair."

Then in April, the 12-year-old began a new chemotherapy programme, which saw her visit hospital once a week as an out-patient.

"It's really good because I get to spend a lot more time with my family," she said at the time.

"The cancer isn't exactly getting better, though. To be honest, I don't know how I've coped. I try to put on a brave face for my family."

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Firefighters cordon off industrial unit after chemical spill

June 3, 2014, 1:18 am

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Firefighters cordoned off a section of an industrial unit when a 25 litre drum of hydrochloric acid leaked after falling from the back of a HGV. Crews used chemical protection suits as they contained the spillage at a logistics firm in Beverage Lane, Bardon Hill, near Coalville, last night. Six teams of firefighters and a command support vehicle were called to the scene at about 9.40pm. They found that about one litre of the corrosive substance had spilled and worked to contain the rest of the leak. A number of firefighters wore breathing apparatus as they placed the damaged barrel within a larger safety drum and cordoned off a 30m area. They left the scene at about 1am. Security guards kept watch over night and a team of specialists has been called to clean up the remainder of the toxic liquid. A spokesman for the fire service said: "It seems like the drum fell as it was being loaded, or unloaded from the back of a HGV. "The firefighters used protective suits and contained the remainder of the leak in an oversized drum. "We've left it in the hands of the specialists – our job is to make sure there is no danger to people. "Now it's up to clean-up crews to remove the rest of the spillage."

Robbie Williams backs Dion Dublin's new World Cup song for England

June 3, 2014, 4:43 am

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Former Leicester City star Dion Dublin is hoping to score with a World Cup song for England. The 45-year-old former England striker has recorded 'Winner in You' - a catchy cover of the New Radicals' 90s hit 'You only get what you give'. The video of the song, which was released on iTunes yesterday, includes many famous faces and has an introduction from pop superstar Robbie Williams. In the introduction, Robbie says: "This is my mate Dion Dublin's song for the fans by the Establishment and for the world cup. "Come on England this is 'Winner in You'." The video also features Ibstock actor Stephen Graham, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, former rugby star Matt Dawson, former cricketer Phil Tufnell and boxer Audley Harrison. Dion has recorded the song with his band The Establishment.

Leicestershire all-rounder Rob Taylor shines in LV County Championship clash with Gloucestershire

June 3, 2014, 4:52 am

≫ Next: Floyd Mayweather cancels Leicester visit

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Leicestershire's Rob Taylor prospered on the second day of the LV County Championship match against Gloucestershire at Grace Road. The left-arm seamer produced career-best figures of 5-55 as the visitors were bowled out for 260, giving Leicestershire a first innings lead of nine runs. They had extended that to 21 as they reached 12-0 in their second innings before bad light and rain chopped 20 overs off the tail-end of the day. Nathan Buck also had another good day with the ball as he took 4-81, the only real thorn in Leicestershire's side a rapid fifth-wicket stand of 107 between all-rounder Will Gidman and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones. Gidman finished unbeaten on 52, Jones having blazed his way to 93 from just 75 balls before he was dismissed lbw by Jigar Naik.

Floyd Mayweather cancels Leicester visit

June 3, 2014, 4:57 am

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Boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather has cancelled his visit to Leicester. The 37-year-old undefeated American was due to meet and greet fans at the Maher Centre, in Ravensbridge Drive, Leicester, on June 18. Events company K Kong, co-owned by ex-Leicester City player Steve Walsh, organised the event, which would have included a question and answer session and opportunities for photographs with the fight star. However, it announced the cancellation on its website - saying a full refund will be given to those who bought tickets. The notice said: "Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances Floyd Mayweather Jnr has cancelled his UK tour. "We are very sorry for the inconvenience and full refunds will be processed over the next seven to 14 working days." Former WBO cruiserweight champion and Sky Sports presenter Johnny Nelson was due to host the black tie evening, which costs between £100 and £300 to attend. It is understood that visa problems prevented the five-weight world champion from boarding a flight to London. The visa problem has not been specified, but Mayweather has recently served a prison sentence in Las Vegas for assaulting a former girlfriend.

Road works cause major delays for traffic in South Wigston

June 3, 2014, 5:13 am

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Bus services through South Wigston are being severely disrupted due to road works in Blaby Road. Arriva have said nine routes are affected by huge queues of traffic stretching from South Wigston to Wigston Magna and from Saffron Road/St Thomas Road back to Gloucester Crescent. The disrupted services are 44, 44A, 47, 48, 49, 49A, 49B, 84, 85. A spokesman for Arriva said: "These are emergency works that have not been planned. "Arriva Midlands apologise to customers for the delays to their journeys today, which is clearly beyond our control."