Quantcast
Channel: Leicester Mercury Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live

Queen's Baton Relay in Leicester

0
0
The Queen's Baton relay will be in Leicester today as part of its tour of the country ahead of next month's Commonwealth Games. Claire Lomas – who completed the London Marathon in a robotic suit in 2012 after breaking her back in a riding accident – is due to join crowds of children around Leicester's Clock Tower at 11am. The baton will then be carried to Abbey Park and back to Town Hall Square for a special celebration event. The Commonwealth Games take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 3. For more information about the Queen's Baton Relay coming to Leicester, go to: visitleicester.info/ The Commonwealth Baton in Leicester - times and locations 11:15am CLOCK TOWER - EASTGATES Eastgates, at the junction of High Street, Gallowtree Gate and Haymarket, Leicester. 100 schoolchildren and athlete Claire Lomas will gather to welcome the baton carried by Trevor Low and Cherie D'Silva 1pm ABBEY PARK Mike Smith a volunteer and Leicestershire cricketer Shiv Thakor will carry the baton to a school sports day. 5pm TOWN HALL SQUARE Paige Murray a campaigner for disabled people and Olympic swimmer Ross Davenport will carry the baton to a celebration event. About 300 children will get involved in sporting activities in Abbey Park while people of all ages will join in the celebrations in Town Hall Square from 5pm. Live music and dancing – with a Commonwealth theme – will continue there until 8pm, with plenty of opportunities for people to have a go at a new sport.

Queen's Baton Relay in Leicester


£4 million school to be built on the former Holmfield Primary site, in Leicester Forest East

0
0

 A new £4 million school is to be built on the former Holmfield Primary site, in Leicester Forest East, to relieve pressure on places. Leicestershire County Council is proposing to build a new 210 place school in time for September 2016 using government funding.

 A four-week consultation will be launched on September 1 and it's hoped building work will start the following spring. 

The county council is drafting a long term plan to address a predicted future shortfall in primary school places across the county in the next few years because of rising birth rates and family migration. 

However, the need to relieve pressure on primary school places in Braunstone Town is more immediate and the council says it needs to act now to ensure there are enough. 

David Atterbury, head of school planning for the county council, said: "The site at Holmfield is ideally situated to address this issue as the three primary schools in Braunstone Town, Ravenhurst, Millfield, and Kingsway, have limited space to expand. 

"The Lubbesthorpe development is also next door to the site and if it building work starts, having a new school at Holmfield makes perfect sense." By 2017/18 it's predicted that there will be a shortfall of 148 places across all three primaries in Braunstone Town according to a report to go before cabinet next week Holmfield Primary shut in 2010 after plunging into special measures.

 Mr Atterbury said the buildings themselves were past their sell by date and were therefore mothballed and torn down. However, he added that the site was retained by the council, partly because of the economic climate. 

At the time parents campaigned against the school's closure arguing that it was at the heart of the community. 

Funding will come from the government's Basic Need grant, provided to local authorities to ensure there are enough school places. Leicestershire County Council has been granted £55 million over the next three years to fulfil this statutory duty. 

Mr Atterbury said: "There's the potential for someone, other than the council to run the school. It may be that some interested parties seek to open one of the Government's free schools at that site, therefore attracting other streams of funding to go with that. 

"We have a duty to advertise the running of the school, but in the immediate future the proposal will go before cabinet on June 17 for approval ahead of a consultation in September." 

Parent Catherine Simons, from Fosse Road South, Westcotes, welcomed the news. She lost an appeal in 2012 to send her son to Ravenhurst, despite his three elder brothers going there. 

Catherine said: "It's good news as my youngest will be going to school soon and this should relieve pressure in Braunstone Town. He might be able to go to Ravenhurst and save me a lot of travel." Councillor Jo Fox, a Labour member representing Braunstone Town for the county and town councils, agreed. 

She said: "This is good news for the area. The site is ideal and meets the requirements of Thorpe Astley and the top end of Braunstone Town. I campaigned against the closure of the school at the time and it was disappointing that its closure went ahead in the first place."

Tributes pour in for Rik Mayall, who has died age 56

0
0
Tributes have poured in for comedy legend Rik Mayall who died suddenly yesterday. Bosses at Leicester's De Montfort Hall said the 56-year-old, who was found dead at his London home, was always popular with the public when he appeared there. Gabrielle Miller, spokeswoman for De Montfort Hall, said Rik appeared at the hall in a stage show of 'Bottom' - an anarchic comedy he starred in with fellow comedian Ade Emondson. He also appeared at De Montfort Hall in 2007 in a stage show of 'The New Statesman' - a TV show in which he played scheming politician Alan B'Stard. Ms Miller said: "Whenever he appeared here there was always lots and lots of interest from the public. "Seats always sold very well when people knew Rik Mayall was appearing." Rik was unable to go on stage for four performances of The New Statesman in Leicester. The show opened at De Montfort Hall on the Wednesday, with the former Young Ones star in the lead role. But later the next day, Rik fell ill and cancelled the Thursday show. His understudy went on stage in his place. Following a trip to see a specialist in London, Mayall decided to cancel the Friday show and the two shows on Saturday, as well. People have taken to twitter to post messages about the star. De Montfort Hall tweeted: "Such sad news about Rik Mayall. We had one special performance with him in The New Statesman here at De Montfort Hall in 2007.Comedy legend." Stephen Fry, a former Uppingham School pupil, paid tribute to his Blackadder co-star on Twitter. He tweeted: "Simply distraught to hear of the death of Rik Mayall. An authentic comedy genius and a prince among men." Former Lions, England and Tigers hooker George Chuter posted: "Absolute gold from Rik Mayall. Gutted he's gone." O2 Academy Leicester tweeted: "No way RikMayall . So sad, proper comedy legend. RIP Rik." It has emerged that Rik Mayall was "happily chatting" to the son of British director Peter Richardson only half an hour before he died. "He was happily chatting away [to my son] and then we still don't know quite what happened but it was a seizure of some sort," said Richardson on the BBC Today Programme. In 1998, Mayall was left in a coma for several days after a serious quad bike accident. He recovered, but was left with epilepsy – for which he took daily medication. "He had 16 years after the quad bike and I think that at the time people didn't think he would survive," added Richardson, who worked with Mayall on The Comic Strip Presents. "But he lived for another 16 years and it was just shocking that he was so happy and seemed so healthy when he did go." The cause of Mayall's death is still unknown, confirmed his wife, Barbara Robbin. The couple had three children together. "We don't know yet what happened," she said. "He had a strong heart, so I don't think it was a heart attack. But we just don't know until the coroner's report. "Maybe he had a fit, maybe it was his heart. We just don't know." Rik was well-known and loved for the anarchic, high-energy scene-stealing style of his comedy that often involved a funny look as much as a funny line. He played some of the best-remembered comedy characters of the last 35 years, including Rick in The Young Ones, Richard Richard in Bottom, two different incarnations of Lord Flashheart in Blackadder, and devious Tory politician Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman.
Rik appeared at De Montfort Hall in 20017 in The New Statesman, theatre critic Lizz Brain met him before his Leicester show. Here's her interview in full: HE'S been one of the funniest men on television and stage for several decades. Lizz Brain finds Rik Mayall in a B'Stard of a mood. MOST comedians aren't that funny in "real" life. But a quickie with Rik Mayall leaves you wondering just how close he really is to Alan B'Stard. Of course, one expects him to offer up a little of the B'Stard flirting and innuendo, given that his hit TV show The New Statesman became a West End hit, and is now heading off on a national theatre tour. But the lines between Rik and Alan, for this conversation at least, are definitely blurred - he's manic, hilarious, appallingly sexy and outrageously funny (most of the conversation isn't printable!). It's an attractive package, even without knowing exactly who you're talking with! So first and foremost, after such a series of successes creating hilarious monster characters, from Rik in The Young Ones to Richie in Bottom (not forgetting being the voice of the Andrex puppy……), why recreate B'Stard nearly 20 years after the Tory MP first appeared on the screen? "I feel closer to Alan than any other character," says Rik. "He's grown with me and I'm now in my prime. I did have reservations about doing this again but when I saw the script I knew it was brilliant, so very funny, so I had to do it. "They say you should never tell the same joke twice, so Alan, who used to be a Conservative, is now the man who invented New Labour. He lives at number 9 Downing Street and found a vain, public school nonentity called Tony Blair and put him into Number 10, so Alan runs the country from number 9 through Blair. I won't give you all the jokes but it's not the same as the TV series. We've done nearly 200 shows of the stage show and there's always new topical jokes. The show gets re-written all the time to keep it bang up to date." He then throws in an example, regarding the reason public schoolboys smoke pot, which clearly isn't suitable for a family newspaper…….so we move on! Does he find it difficult having to always think on his feet with new additions to the script? "Well you obviously have to learn the new lines but if it's funny you just learn it," he says. "It's fun. If you saw the show a year ago you'd have seen a completely different show. Not many people know that it was Alan who sold Leicester City to Milan Mandaric, because he wanted to make sure they never got promoted!" So how does he feel about touring the country again? "It's two hours work each day, staying in hotels, meeting ladies I've never met before, making people laugh and being adored. I don't have to get out of bed until 5pm if I don't want to! It's my job and I love the job and the character. I love engaging with the audience on an intellectual, emotional and physical level and giving them a really good time. I think I enjoy it as much as they do. At the end of a show I'm exhausted but sated, it's very sexual." It's at this moment he realises our time is running out, and he's promoting the show for its forthcoming dates in Leicester. "Oh yes, De Montfort Hall, one of my favourite places, been there lots, love it," he adds. Fair enough.

Tributes pour  in for  Rik Mayall, who has died age 56

Leicester Tigers to meet European champions Toulon in tough Champions Cup draw

0
0
Leicester Tigers have been handed a tough draw for next season's Champions Cup. Tigers will go up against defending European champions Toulon in Pool 3 as well as Ulster and Scarlets. Richard Cockerill's men locked horns with Ulster twice this season in the Heineken Cup, suffering defeats in both their pool games. The top team from each pool will qualify for the knock-out stages with the three best runners-up also going through.Champions Cup draw:Pool 1: Saracens, Munster, Clermont, Sale SharksPool 2: Leinster, Castres, Harlequins, WaspsPool 3: Toulon, Tigers, Ulster, ScarletsPool 4: Glasgow Warriors, Montpellier, Bath, ToulousePool 5: Northampton Saints, Racing Metro, Ospreys, Treviso

Leicester Tigers to meet European champions Toulon in tough Champions Cup draw

Leicestershire hit trouble in LV Championship match with Derbyshire

0
0
Leicestershire found themselves in considerable trouble at the close of the third day of their LV County Championship match with Derbyshire at Grace Road. After Derbyshire had finally been dismissed for 336 to earn a first innings lead of 25, the County slumped to 200-9 at stumps, only 175 runs in front heading into the final day. Slow left-armer David Wainwright proved the real thorn in the County's side as he claimed five-wicket haul to add to the century he posted in Derbyshire's first innings. Niall O'Brien was the only batsman to show the application required in Leicestershire's second innings as he made his second half-century of the game, 71 compiled in three hours in the middle. Earlier in the day Wainwright had progressed from his overnight 83 not out to 109 helping his side to recover from 115-6. Tom Taylor, on his first-team debut, also added 40, he and Wainwright putting on 87 for the ninth wicket. Ben Raine was the pick of the County bowlers finishing with 3-50.

Police issue crime prevention advice to Download festival-goers

0
0
Police have issued crime prevention advice to the tens of thousands of rock fans who are heading for the Download festival. The annual event, at Donington Park, opened for five days this week and is expected to attract up to 50,000 visitors a day. Last year there were 294 crimes reported to on-site police, including 179 thefts from tents. Police are urging festival-goers, where possible, to leave valuables at home and to use the festival site's lockers. Detective Constable Kev Walker said: "Officers really do enjoy policing Download as it is a really good natured event and the festival-goers always seem to welcome their presence. "We want people to come to the festival and have a great time. "We don't want them to have their stuff stolen, so our message is really simple, leave all your valuables at home and not in your tent or you can use the onsite security lockers. "We're also urging those people who arrive by car not to leave their belongings on display or their vehicle unlocked. Police officers and volunteers from North West Leicestershire District Council will be patrolling the car parks and camp sites offering help and advice along with on-site private security. Inspector Johnny Monk, who is in charge of the crime prevention operation at Download, said: "It is our close working relationship with the organisers that makes the policing of Download such a success." Police are using social media to get their security message to a wide audience. go to: www.facebook.com/downloadcops or search Twitter for @Downloadcops

Police issue crime prevention advice to Download festival-goers

Transfer talk: Leicester City interested in Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar

0
0
Leicester City are believed to be in the hunt for Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar. Reports in France claim Leicester are one of several clubs interested in capturing the 22-year-old from Ligue 1 side FC Lorient. Fellow Premier League side Chelsea are also said to be interested, having scouted him several times at the end of last season. Aboubakar, who netted 16 goals in 35 appearances for Lorient this season, is part of the Cameroon squad that kicks off their World Cup campaign against Mexico on Friday. The reports suggest the striker, whose contract runs out in 2016, will wait until after the World Cup before deciding on his future.

Police search for driver who left cyclist injured at side of the A6 in Loughborough

0
0
Police have appealed for help tracing a motorist who struck a cyclist and left him injured at the side of the road. The driver stopped briefly after the collision on the A6 near Loughborough, but left without giving his details. The rider, who suffered an injury to his neck and was in the cycling lane, has told police the car was a silver or grey Mondeo. The incident happened shortly before 8am on Wednesday May 21 as the rider rode from Hathern to Loughborough. Pc Adam Sparrow, of Leicestershire Police's road policing unit, said today: "We are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident and may be able to assist in identifying the vehicle. "If the driver himself could come forward so we can speak to him about the incident this would be especially helpful." Contact Pc Sparrow on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police search for driver who left cyclist injured at side of the A6 in Loughborough


Nottingham Forest fan handed suspended jail term for affray at Leicester City game

0
0
A visiting fan involved in an affray at the King Power Stadium has been given a suspended jail sentence. Michael Lowe was among a gang of Nottingham Forest fans who ran down Burnmoor Street, near the stadium, and got involved in a scuffle with another group of young men. Lowe, who had drank four pints of lager, tried to kick one of them in the head but missed. The incident happened while Leicester City and Forest were still playing the game. Leicester Crown Court heard on Friday that Lowe (24) of Threlkeld Close, West Bridgford, Nottingham, had spent most of the first half of the match on November 9 in the stadium bar before leaving, with a group, 25 minutes before the final whistle. Michael Waterfield, prosecuting, said: "The defendant attended the match and went into the Nottingham Forest end. "For most of the first half he was observed in the bar. During the second half he was in a group of about 20 who left and ran along Burnmoor Street, towards Brazil Street. "There were a number of pockets of disturbance on their route. They ran towards a group of other people, goading them. A man was pushed to the ground. This defendant swung his right leg, trying to kick the man in the head. "He did not connect and was arrested near to the scene." The court heard Lowe had pleaded guilty to affray at an earlier hearing. Richard Holloway, representing Lowe, described his client as a "mild-mannered and hard-working" man, who lived with his parents and worked nightshifts at a supermarket. He said: "He has stayed out of trouble since this offence and he expresses regret about it. "To this day he doesn't know why he got involved with this. Clearly alcohol had its part to play in the matter." Mr Holloway said an immediate custodial sentence would be "disastrous" for Lowe. Judge Simon Hammond said he was prepared to suspend Lowe's prison sentence but warned him: "You do this again and you're going to Welford Road prison." Judge Hammond gave Lowe a six month sentence suspended for two years. He ordered him to do 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £505 toward the prosecution costs. He also banned him from attending any football matches in the next five years.

Nottingham Forest fan handed suspended jail term for affray at Leicester City game

Raiders steal cash and BMW car from home in Burbage

0
0
Intruders broke into a home to steal cash and the keys to their victim's car. The burglars escaped from the house in Brookside, Burbage in their victim's grey BMW M5. The car was later recovered in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The house was burgled between 10.30am and 11.30am on Monday, June 2. Pc Stuart Ormerod said: "We are interested in hearing from anyone who might have witnessed anything suspicious in the Brookside area around this time. "We would also like to speak to anyone who has any information as to who the offenders might be." Contact Pc Ormerod on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Raiders steal cash and BMW car from home in Burbage

Next board director Christos Angelides leaves for senior role at Abercrombie and Fitch

0
0
A man who helped turn Next into a multi-billion pound fashion retailer is leaving for a senior role at US brand Abercrombie and Fitch. Christos Angelides has been at the Enderby-based high street retailer for 28 years rising to one of the most senior members of the board. During his time at Next he has seen it become more profitable than Marks and Spencers with a value of £10.1 billion. Next announced his decision to leave to the stock market this lunchtime. Within an hour shares in the company had dropped 115p to 6540p. Mr Angelides – who has a degree in business and economics from De Montfort University – will become brand president of Abercrombie & Fitch and its kidswear division, which are based in Idaho. He will remain at Next until September and start his new job in October. He said: "I am honoured to join one of the most iconic apparel brands in the world. "Abercrombie & Fitch is a storied brand with global appeal and a clearly defined aesthetic, and I am excited to help the brand continue to grow." In its statement to the Stock Exchange, Next said: "Christos steps down from the PLC board with immediate effect, but will remain working within the business until he leaves in September. "Christos has made a huge contribution to the group in his 28 years of service and the board wish him success in his future endeavours. "Following this announcement Next will have a balanced board, with four non-executive directors, four executive directors and an independent chairman – so the company does not intend to appoint any new directors to the PLC board as a consequence of this announcement." Mr Angelides, 51, has spent his whole career with Next and has served as group product director for almost 14 years. Throughout that time, thanks to good branding, excellent products and a strong internet presence, Next has posted strong growth in sales and profits, and the firm has generated significant shareholder returns. The share value has risen ten-fold since 2000. Mr Angelides, who is also a member of Next's board of directors, has management responsibility for all product functions. Prior to being named group product director, he held senior management roles including general manager of Next's sourcing office in Hong Kong, womenswear product director and menswear product director. He serves as chairman of Next Sourcing Limited and non-executive director of Lipsy, a fashion brand for younger women owned by Next. In his new job Mr Angelides will report to Abercrombie & Fitch chief executive Mike Jeffries and will have overall responsibility for all product and customer service activities for the men's, women's and kid's brands. He will also be accountable for their financial performance. Abercrombie & Fitch, which owns the Hollister and Gilly Hicks brands, has 842 stores in the United States and 157 stores across Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. Mike Jeffries said: "We are excited to welcome Christos to the Abercrombie & Fitch team and to deepen our bench of senior leadership talent. "His experience with all aspects of running a business made him the perfect candidate for this newly created role." Mr Angelides said: "I look forward to working with Mike Jeffries and the rest of the A&F team at what is a very exciting time for the company." Leicestershire-based Next has almost 700 stores in more than 40 countries, while its catalogue and online business serves customers in 60 countries.

Next board director Christos Angelides leaves for senior role at Abercrombie and Fitch

Woman's sketch of the man who robbed her in Aylestone Meadows, Leicester

0
0
A woman who was robbed as she walked through a country park has sketched the man who attacked her. The 39-year-old was walking with her son in Aylestone Meadows, Leicester, when a man ran at her from behind and snatched her handbag. The robbery happened as the woman and her son approached the bridge which leads to Aylestone Road at 11.30am on Wednesday, May 7. Detective Constable Simon Boden said today: "The victim has been able to sketch what she believed the suspect looked like and we would like to speak to anyone who recognises the image or description of the suspect. "We would also like to speak to anyone who was in the area during this time who might have witnessed the incident." The robber has dark or olive skin and is thought to be between 20 and 40. He is plump and approximately 5ft 8ins. He was wearing dark clothes and sunglasses. He dropped the sunglasses as he ran away. The victim's bag, which contained a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone, cash and her keys, is made of light brown leather and has a long strap. Contact Det Con Boden on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Woman's sketch of the man who robbed her in Aylestone Meadows, Leicester

Man charged with murdering his wife following crash on the M1 at Markfield

0
0
A man has been charged with murdering his wife following a crash on the M1 in Leicestershire earlier this year. Tracy Maria Walters, 48, suffered serious injuries in a collision on the southbound M1, near junction 22 at Markfield on Friday, March 21. Mrs Walters, 48, died in hospital in Coventry two days later. Her husband, Ian John Walters, of Tregantle Walk, Swindon, Wiltshire, has been charged with murder. The 50-year-old appeared at Leicester Crown Court yesterday and was remanded in custody. He is expected to appear before the court again on Monday, June 23.

Man charged with murdering his wife following crash on the M1 at Markfield

Former Leicester City star Robbie Savage in World Cup passport mix-up

0
0
Former Leicester City star and TV football pundit Robbie Savage is finally en route to Rio for the World Cup – after almost missing the flight due to a passport mix-up. The ex-midfield workhorse accidentally picked up his wife Sarah's passport by mistake, leading to an awkward scene at Manchester Airport when he presented himself at the British Airways check-in desk yesterday morning. Explaining the near debacle on his World Cup audio online blog, the 39-year-old Radio 5 Live motor-mouth said: "So, wow! What a start to the day. "Turned up at Manchester Airport, went to give my passport in and the woman has looked at me in shock! "I thought, 'well, she knows who I am'. There's a lot of shocked faces when I check in places. "She looked at me and thought 'hmmm', she showed me the passport and it was my wife's! "Obviously, a lot of people say I look like my wife, but to be fair she needs a shave though!" He added: "So, I've got to tell her to get a haircut now. It's the second time it's happened." But it was a case of all's well that end's well for the good-humoured Welshman, after Sarah went to the rescue. He said: "Anyway, I phoned her and she rushed from our house with the kids in the car, got there – and I just made the flight. "Now I've just landed at Heathrow Airport and waiting for our connection. "So, what a bad start to the trip to Brazil." A relieved Robbie also took to Twitter to thank airline staff for helping him to embark on his transatlantic journey to Brazil, where he will be informing and entertaining football fans on BBC TV and radio during the World Cup, which starts tomorrow.(Thursday). He tweeted: "Wow, thank you British Airways, great staff for rushing me through as I turned up with my wife's passport. Just got mine in nick of time. "Second time it's happened, I'm going to have to tell my wife to get her haircut." He also posted a picture of Sarah to underline his claim. "I nearly passed for her, to be fair," he added. Robbie is fondly remembered by Foxes fans for his energetic performances under manager Martin O'Neill. Following his near-miss yesterday, he has been taking some good-natured stick from football fans and footballers alike. Paul Saunders tweeted: "Poor old Robbie Savage picks up his wife's passport on the way to the airport and triggers a million blonde jokes." Robbie will be flying a total of 25,000 miles, visiting five cities, during the World Cup. In another tweet, he joked: "Luckily, I'm not following England. I'd have been home after the group stages." You can follow Robbie's exploits during the competition on his Audioboo blog and on Twitter.

Former Leicester City star Robbie Savage in World Cup passport mix-up

Hundreds gather to watch Queen's Baton Relay in Leicester

0
0
Hundreds of people gathered to watch the Queen's Baton Relay as it passed through the city centre yesterday. The baton relay, which acts as a countdown to the Commonwealth Games, will have visited 70 countries by the time it is taken to the opening ceremony in Glasgow on July 23. Leicester is the only city in the East Midlands to host the relay this time round. Six local people were chosen as baton bearers for the city and county, based on their contributions to sport and the community. Trevor Low, 66 of Bruntingthorpe, who has been coaching and teaching various different sports for 35 years, carried the baton towards the Clock Tower. He said it had been an "exciting" day. "The most interesting thing is that the general public who can't go to the games still get to be part of it," he said. "For them to see the baton gives them a personal link with the games." Cherie D'Silva, of Oadby, who received the baton from Trevor, said: "I feel excited to be part of the whole event. I am particularly proud of the fact that I have been part of the first stage." The 65-year-old, who is chairman of the Leicester Athletics Development Group and was picked for her contribution to organising sporting events in the city, said she hoped the relay would get people in the mood to support England at the games next month. "I hope people from Leicester are inspired to go to Glasgow to watch and support our England team," she said. After the celebrations at the Clock Tower in the morning, the baton was taken by table tennis player and volunteer Mike Smith and cricketer Shiv Thakor to Abbey Park, where 300 schoolchildren enjoyed sports activities throughout the afternoon. Later in the day, there were more celebrations at Town Hall Square, with live music and sporting sessions including boxing, hockey, bowls and squash. Swimmer Paige Murray, 20, carried the baton into the square at about 6.30pm. She said: "I feel really privileged as one of the six people to represent Leicester." London Marathon star Claire Lomas, who completed the event in a robotic suit two years ago following a horse-riding accident which left her paralysed in 2007, was a guest of honour at yesterday's event. "It's a real honour to be here," she said. "Sport has been really important to me. I know what you can get from sport." During the run up to the arrival of the baton at the Clock Tower, youngsters from five primary schools performed songs, dances, and poetry. Among them were year five pupils from Marriott Primary School, in Saffron Lane, Leicester. Head teacher Catherine Stretton said: "They have been rehearsing for a couple of weeks. It is important that today reflects the children and the community." Pupil Carys Smith, 10, said: "I like how we were chosen to represent the baton - I am proud of us." City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said it was a proud day for the baton bearers and for Leicester. The Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 3. Commonwealth Games England is sending a 400-strong team to compete across the 17 sports.

Hundreds gather to watch  Queen's Baton Relay in Leicester


Crews tackle fire in Great Glen

0
0
A haystack fire has destroyed 50 tons of hay and damaged farm buildings. Firefighters were called to Stackley House Farm, off Stretton Road, Great Glen, just before 2pm, today. Crews from Wigston, and Leicester tackled the fire, which was still blazing into the evening. A fire service spokesman said: "On arrival they discovered 50 tons of hay on fire, with a risk of it spreading to a second haystack containing a further 250 tons. "A jet was trained on the second stack to prevent the fire spreading, and the farmer assisted crews using his digger to clear the unaffected stack." They were not able, however, to prevent the fire spreading to a nearby barn, and further crews from Billesdon and Market Harborough stations were called to the farm at 2.45pm. The fire service spokesman said the barn fire was extinguished by 5pm, with an inspection scheduled at 8pm. He said the 50 tons of hay was left to "burn itself out" under the supervision of crews. No persons or farm animals were hurt in the fires, the cause of which are under investigation.

Crews tackle fire in Great Glen

Warning issued after "dangerous" medication stolen in Leicester

0
0
A warning has been issued by police after thieves stole a handbag containing potentially dangerous medication. The handbag, which contained a quantity of tablets, was stolen from Gallowtree Gate, in Leicester city centre, at about 1.45pm today. Police warned the tablets could prove dangerous if taken in excessive amounts. A spokeswoman said: "The bag contained medication including Amitriptyline, Diazepam and Zopiclone. "It is dangerous if taken in excess or without medical supervision." Anyone who comes across the handbag, or medication, is asked to hand them in to their nearest police station. Alternatively, call the police using the 101 number.

Warning issued after

Fire crew helps rescue man after fall on Coalville footpath

0
0
Firefighters helped rescue a man who had fallen on a footpath alongside a railway line in Coalville yesterday. The crew helped two female paramedics get the man onto a spinal board and raise him up to road level following the incident close to the Co-op in Bridge Road shortly before 5.30pm yesterday. Coalville fire station watch manager Martin Ballard said: "The footpath is about six feet below the level of the Co-op car park and we helped get the man, who was in his 60s and had a leg injury onto a scoop stretcher."

Fire crew helps rescue man after fall on Coalville footpath

Leicester Tigers boss calls club's Champions Cup pool draw 'very competitive'

0
0

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has described the club's first Champions Cup pool as "very competitive".

Leicester were drawn alongside Toulon, who have won the last two Heineken Cups, as well as Ulster, who did the double over Tigers in the Heineken Cup last season, and Welsh club Llanelli Scarlets.

Tigers' first Champions Cup campaign will begin in October and dates for the home and away legs will be announced soon.

After hearing the draw, which was made in the Champions Cup's new home of Neuchatel in Switzerland, Cockerill said the three teams in the club's group would provide a stern test.

"At Leicester, we always want to be competing against the best of the best and that is what the new European Rugby Champions Cup is all about," he said.

"We're looking forward to taking part in its first season and maintaining the club's proud tradition in European competition.

"I'm sure the Tigers supporters are already looking forward to some big European occasions at Welford Road and some exciting trips away with the team, too.

"It is a very competitive group with Ulster, the Scarlets and Toulon, who won the European Cup and French title this season.

"We've been to all three venues in recent seasons and know the strength of the challenge from each of them, and I'm sure they'll all be looking at Leicester and thinking the same thing."

Tigers lost a thrilling Heineken Cup quarter-final 21-15 in the south of France the last time they met Toulon, during the 2012-13 campaign.

Leicester lost narrowly on two occasions to Ulster in last season's competition, 22-16 at Ravenhill and 22-19 at Welford Road, while their last European meeting with the Scarlets came during the 2010-11 season when they followed up a 46-10 home victory with a 32-18 win in south Wales.

Champions Cup draw – Pool 1: Saracens, Munster, Clermont, Sale Sharks; Pool 2: Leinster, Castres, Harlequins, Wasps; Pool 3: Toulon, Tigers, Ulster, Scarlets; Pool 4: Glasgow Warriors, Montpellier, Bath, Toulouse; Pool 5: Northampton Saints, Racing Metro, Ospreys, Treviso.

Meanwhile, Tigers will play two games on one day to mark their final preparations before the start of the 2014-15 Aviva Premiership campaign.

Welford Road will host a double-header on the evening of Friday, August 29.

The Leicester squad will be split into two teams, with one taking on Championship side Doncaster at 5.0 and the second playing Cardiff Blues at 7.30.

Cockerill said the fixtures would give his squad the opportunity to get more game-time under their belts.

They will be the only home games of the Tigers' pre-season programme, and admission is included in Tigers' season tickets for the 2014-15 campaign.

Leicester play Edinburgh at Melrose on Saturday, August 23.

Tigers centre George Catchpole scored a crucial try to send holders England Under-20s through to the semi-finals of the Junior World Championship.

The 20-year-old ran in his side's only try of the game in a thrilling 17-16 win over Argentina in Auckland.

Fellow Tiger Henry Purdy was also part of the side that now faces Ireland in the semi-finals.

Leicester Tigers boss calls club's Champions Cup pool draw 'very competitive'

Police investigate reports of man carrying out sexual act on horse in Leicester

0
0
Police are looking for a young male who is believed to have performed a sexual act on a horse, which left the animal needing veterinary treatment. Officers received reports of indecency involving the suspect and a horse at about 3.20pm, on Thursday, June 5. The incident happened in a field near Braunstone Lane East, Leicester. Police described the suspect as being between 15 and 20-years-old, white, about 5'5" tall and with short dark scruffy hair. He was riding a BMX. Pc Gareth John, who is investigating the incident, said: "This has been a particularly distressing incident that left the horse requiring veterinary treatment, thankfully it does not appear to have suffered any lasting injury. "I am keen to identify anyone who may have witnessed either the offence or saw a man matching the description of the suspect in the area last Thursday afternoon. "I would like to reassure members of the local community that this appears to be an isolated report and we are working with partner agencies in order to identify the person responsible. In the meantime we are stepping up patrols in the area." Anyone with information can call police on: 101

Police investigate reports of man carrying out sexual act on horse in Leicester

Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images