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Social care cost for smokers reaches £18.5 million year

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Smokers are costing councils across Leicestershire and Rutland more than £18.536 million a year, according to new a report.

The figures have been compiled by Action on Smoking Health (ASH) - the campaigning public health charity.

Deputy city mayor, Councillor Rory Palmer, has warned it is a cost that is likely to rise in the next few years.

He has also called for more to be done to bring in plain packaging for cigarettes.

The new research by ASH puts the cost of social care for smokers in Leicestershire at £12.3 million while in the city it is running at £5.6 million.

It reveals that current smokers over 50 are twice as likely to need help with day to day living and on average need care nine years earlier that non-smokers.

Coun Palmer, who is also chairman of the city's health and well being board, said: "For every person who dies from smoking, 20 are living with a smoking related illness.

"This research allows us to quantify that impact, not just on local authority funded services but also on our local communities.

"Smokers not only die younger but need care on average nine years earlier than non-smokers."

He added: "These figures are a reminder of the social and economic cost of smoking which is the single biggest cause of preventable illness.

"They are also a powerful reminder of the importance of investment in smoking cessation services.

"In the past year we have spent £1.2 million on smoking cessation. We have a good service and I hope that will be money well spent in the future.

"I hope we can also improve the service to reach more and to persuade young people not to start smoking."

Coun Palmer, who is also vice chairman of the East Midlands Councils Health and Wellbeing Board chairman's network, said he would like more to be done to bring in plain packaging for cigarettes.

He said: "I do believe plain packaging with minimal text would help.

"Even with the pictures of lungs currently on packets the manufacturers try to make the packets look attractive."

Latest figures from the stop smoking service run by the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust show that between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014, a total of 13,111 people used the service and 6,971 were recorded to have successfully quit at four weeks.

Coun Ernie White, chairman of the health and well being board at Leicestershire County Council, added: "More evidence that smoking is bad news and the range of support services for people wanting to quit is essential."

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of ASH, said the supporting people to quite smoking "will have to be high on the list of preventative measures to enable councils to cut their social care bills in the future."

Social care cost for smokers reaches £18.5 million year


Battling Hinckley mum tells of her fight against a life threatening illness in a new book

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A mum who has fought a rare illness and was told that she may never walk again has published a book about her battle with the disease.

Debbie Bliss, 48, of Hinckley, was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease called dermatomyositis 14 years ago.

At the time she was living and working in Tenerife and her son, Mathew,  was only aged nine.

Through rehab and healthy living she has fought her way back to good health and has now written a book called Life is Bliss.

Published in July it tells the story of her life from the day she was diagnosed.

Since recovering, Debbie has focussed a lot of time and energy on raising money for a number of charities.

In total she has raised £95,000 for causes including Cure Leukaemia, children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The fundraisers she has taken part in include trekking the Great Wall of China, biking across Vietnam and climbing a volcano.

Debbie said: "The story is really about motivation. You have to remain positive. The message I want people to get is there is light at the end of the tunnel."

She said she feels proud that she has written this book as she did not talk about her illness for a long time.

It was being involved in the Olympic games two years ago that made her start speaking about it.

"It was running with the Olympic torch that inspired me to talk about it," she said.

Debbie said her illness is very rare and only one in a million people are diagnosed with it.

She added that she went from being as fit as a fiddle to lying in a hospital bed and depending on others.

"I have always been a personal trainer, I was always running, cycling and playing tennis."

When she was taken ill she had to be nose fed and her esophagus also gave up.

"It was pretty serious. I was told I would not walk and I would be in a wheelchair. If I was a not as fit as I was, I would not be here now.

"I had to learn to walk and talk again and I had to be pushed around in a wheelchair. I would not even bathe or shower without people doing it for me."

Debbie has dedicated the book to her son, Mathew, who she calls her "rock", and her mum."

Mathew (CORR), from Hinckley, said: "I am proud of what she has achieved."

The 23-year-old said when she was ill he was worried that his mum would not make a full recovery.

"I did not know if she was going to make it or not," he said.

Mathew he said his mum was a fighter.

Life is Bliss is available on Amazon in paperback and also on kindle.

Debbie can be contacted on email

at debbiebliss@hotmail.com

Battling Hinckley mum tells of her fight against a life threatening illness in a new book

Thringstone solarfarm could generate cash for the community

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A community centre has been awarded a £17,250 grant to build a solarfarm.

Thringstone Community Centre was given the money by the Government-funded Waste and Resource Action Programme.

Bosses at the centre, in The Green, are planning to use the cash to create a solarfarm which would generate money for the community centre.

A photovoltaic (PV) power station, also known as a solar park, or farm, is designed to put electricity back into the grid – earning cash for every kilowatt generated.

A committee set up to run the project is planning to carry out a feasibility study to identify the best location for the minimum five-acre farm to be built.

Talks and presentations are being held to ask residents and groups to identify suitable sites for the scheme.

Mike Statham, chairman of the management committee, said: "I am delighted with this support, which will allow the committee to undertake a feasibility study into developing a locally-owned solarfarm which would financially support the centre.

"With the cuts in local authority spending, we have been looking at ways to secure a steady, long-term source of income for the centre.

"A solarfarm could be one solution with its guaranteed, long-term income."

The presentations, which will give details about the project as well as seek input from residents, will take place at the community centre.

Ben Dodd, an environmental consultant who is working on the project, said: "The presentations will outline the proposals and actively seek feedback on where the solarfarm would be best located."

He said residents will also be able to invest in the scheme.

Mr Dodd said: "The proposed farm will be community owned, allowing organisations groups or individuals to invest through a public share offer. Investors will become members of a new co-operative and own the solar installation – enabling the economic, social and environmental benefits to stay as local as possible."

For the times of the presentations, contact the centre on 01530 222 337.

Thringstone solarfarm could generate cash for the community

Motorcyclist dies after crash on country road

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A motorcyclist died after his bike crashed on a rural road last night. The man, who has not been named but is said to be in his 30s, was riding with a number of other motorcyclists at the time of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision in Shoby near Melton, Leicestershire Police said. The force's serious collision investigation unit has appealed for witnesses to the collision, which happened on the A6006 Loughborough Road shortly before 8pm. Officers said the man was riding a blue and white Suzuki GSXR 1000 motorcycle. Detective Constable Seamus Burns said: "The rider had been in a group with eight other motorcyclists who were all travelling in the direction of Six Hills Lane just prior to the collision. "We would like to appeal to anyone who saw the rider prior to the collision or the collision itself to please get in touch with us." Contact Det Con Burns on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Motorcyclist dies after crash on country road

Leicester teenager rewarded for his bravery

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A teenager from Leicester who had his leg amputated last year is among those who have clinched a national award for their courage.

Callum Mayes, 16, from Aylestone, was told by doctors treating his ulcerated leg that there was nothing more they could do.

They said the best way forward would be to amputate his lower leg to ease the extreme pain he was suffering.

Now his positive attitude and bravery have won him a national WellChild award in the inspirational young person category.

Callum will attend a star-studded ceremony in London at the end of this month when among others he is expected to meet Prince Harry - a patron of the WellChild children's charity.

Callum said: "I have my good days and bad days and I'm not going to pretend it hasn't been tough but sometimes I just say to myself, I can get through this and try to be as positive as I can be."

He added: "I couldn't have done it without my family.

"I'm really excited about the award ceremony and hopefully I'll get to meet some celebrities."

Callum dealt with his condition by joking with his parents that there would be less of him to wash and has worked hard following the operation to recover.

He also had to learn to walk using a prosthetic leg so that he could resume his car mechanics studies at South Leicestershire College and attend Air Cadets again.

Unfortunately he is now undergoing long term treatment for ulcers which have erupted on his other leg.

He was nominated by two of his nurses, Rosemary Johnson and Rachel Sheard.

Rachel said "I can't praise him enough. He's remained positive even during the darkest moments and has smiled and joked throughout. Callum has shown wisdom beyond his years."

Meanwhile, six-year-old Maddison Sherwood, from East Leake, near Loughborough, is also among those who will pick up an award for her courage.

The youngster has a muscle wasting disease, spinal muscular atrophy, and respiratory problems.

She has repeatedly defied doctors' predictions who said that she would never talk, eat on her own or even support her own head.

The bright little girl, who attends mainstream school, thanks to daily physiotherapy and a tracheotomy for breathing, talks, and shuffles on her bottom, but most importantly hasn't let her health condition get her down.

Mum, Lydia, said: "She is such a positive little thing and so laid back, she takes everything in her stride. She might be in a wheelchair most of the time but she just doesn't let it bother her. The doctors have called her a phenomenon because of the progress she's been able to make.

"When she was first diagnosed around nine months old, they didn't know much about the condition and only 10 others in the world had it, but she's come on leaps and bounds.

"Maddison's really excited about the awards. She loves getting dressed up so she's looking forward to all the fuss."

The youngster, who has a team of helpers who watch her through the night to ensure her breathing is uninterrupted, was nominated by two of her carers, Natalie Odell and Catherine Robb.

Natalie said: "I've met many inspirational children but none more so than Maddison. She's brave and doesn't let anything get her down."

Leicester teenager rewarded for his bravery

Signed football tribute placed on memorial to First World War dead in Belgium

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A football signed by people from every street in a town has been placed on a memorial to First World War dead in Belgium.

Ex-serviceman Steve Buzzard, 55, of Uppingham took the ball, signed by about 100 people, to the Khaki Chums Memorial near the Belgian village of Ploegsteert.

The village known to British Tommies in the war as "Plug Street" – is believed to be the site of a football match between troops during the Christmas Day truce in 1914.

Steve, who served for 18 years with 2nd Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment, collected the signatures and placed the ball at the simple wooden cross memorial.

Alongside he placed a note which read: "As we enter this time of commemorations, the people of Uppingham, in the county of Rutland, England, will not forget the sacrifices made by our servicemen."

Steve, of Branston Road, said: "There were a number of other balls and tributes placed at the memorial, some from France, but mainly from England, including a Norwich flag.

proud moment

"It was amazing to stand on the ground where the soldiers were, imagining the horrors they faced."

Steve, a campus and community officer at New College, Stamford, said: "It was an extremely proud moment.

"I was quite moved as I placed the ball there.

"I had spent a lot of time researching it all and getting the ball signed, so to stand and place it there was very moving and I was very pleased to do it."

Steve and two friends visited 10 cemeteries and six memorials on the trip, including Arras, where the first soldier from Uppingham to die in the conflict – Private Joseph Thomas Edwards, of the 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment – is remembered.

They visited the final resting places and sites of commemoration of 11 men from Rutland, including eight of the 42 men from Uppingham who lost their lives in the conflict.

They also stood among crowds of about 1,000 on three nights at the Menin Gate memorial to the missing in Ypres for the nightly rendition of the Last Post.

Steve said: "The weekend was a very humbling experience and I and two colleagues found it very moving.

"We are planning on returning to the Western Front in 2016 concentrating on the Somme region of France."

Signed football tribute placed on memorial to First World War dead in Belgium

Landmark anniversary for lifesaving Ecmo machine

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The people behind a life-saving machine at Glenfield Hospital have celebrated its 25 year anniversary.

ECMO, Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is a technique of providing cardiac and respiratory support oxygen to patients whose heart and lungs are so severely diseased or damaged that they can't function on their own.

The machine itself uses a pump to circulate blood through an artificial lung back into the bloodstream.

Since it was purchased at a cost of around £200,000, it has helped to save hundreds of lives, from babies to adults, and was only made possible thanks to Leicester-based charity Heart Link which fundraised the cash to buy it.

A special celebration ball took place at the Hinckley Island Hotel involving past and present staff, patients who've undergone ECMO treatment and members of Heart Link, on Saturday.

Among those attending was Professor Robert Bartlett, founder and creator of ECMO, who flew over from America.

Gill Smart, founder of Heart Link, knows only too well, how important the machine is. When her daughter, Amanda, was born, she needed life-saving heart treatment. She was rushed from Leicester Royal Infirmary to Groby Road Hospital's cardiac unit where her life hung in the balance.

At the time, ECMO didn't exist, but it was this brush with death which led Gill to set up the charity 33 years ago - eight years before it helped to buy the ECMO machine.

Gill said: "It's amazing to be able to celebrate this special anniversary. Without that machine hundreds of patients might not have survived so to reach 25 years is a real mile stone and to have the man behind its invention join us is also very special.

"Heart Link was first approached by pediatric surgeons from the city to consider funding the setting up of this pioneering technique which they had witnessed in America. Having seen how effective it was however, it's value hadn't yet been recognized over here on the NHS.

"Despite this, the Heart Link committee, was convinced of it's potential benefits and launched an appeal which resulted in the first ECMO programme being introduced over here. Even today there are only four ECMO centres in the whole country and we're extremely proud to say that Glenfield is able to undertake this treatment on newborn babies, children and adults."

Heart Link has been instrumental in raising funds to help patients and their families since it was set up.

The first item the charity bought for the unit was a kettle so that parents visiting their severely ill children in hospital could make a cup of tea or coffee without disturbing nursing staff.

In 1994, the unit was transferred to its present site at Glenfield Hospital and thanks to Heart Link, it has a £230,000 purpose built two storey play room with outdoor play area for children.

"It's about making the experience of hospital as easy as it's possible to be and to create an environment that's not quite so clinical for children to be in. When visitors come and visit they're often surprised at what a positive place it is."

Gill says the charity has raised in the region on £4.5 million over the years and will continue to do its best to raise even more.

Her daughter, Amanda, who is a committee member, said: "The unit and ECMO is an amazing piece of equipment for this city to have and that's why heart services need to be cherished in Leicester."

Giles Peek, director of ECMO and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Leicester's hospitals, said: "This is a major landmark for us and is something we could not have achieved without the fantastic support of Heart Link, who originally funded ECMO at Glenfield Hospital.

"Over the years, our dedicated team has created an internationally renowned service that we are very proud of.

"We are now the busiest ECMO centre in Europe, treating babies, children and adults, as well as providing a mobile retrieval service across the UK."

Landmark anniversary for lifesaving Ecmo machine

Police issue burglary warning after pair arrested

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Police have urged residents to check if anything is missing from their homes following a series of break-ins. Officers issued the warning to people in the Melton area after two people were arrested in connection with a burglary of a village home. The pair, a 26-year-old man and a woman, aged 43, were arrested in connection with a burglary in Somerby, near Melton. They have been interviewed about the break-in at a house in Town End, at 2.30pm on Wednesday, August 20. Intruders stole a number of items, including jewellery. They have been released on bail while officers continue their investigation. Police are investigating a number of thefts in the area and have recovered valuables which they believe to have been stolen. Sgt Paul Kear said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who has any information regarding the burglary or may have witnessed anything suspicious at the time of the incident. "We are also investigating a number of thefts in the area and would urge people living in the Somerby area to check their gardens and outbuildings and, if they are missing any items, to please get in touch." Contact Sgt Kear on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police issue burglary warning after pair arrested


Businessman rehomes tiger from Greek zoo to new home at US big cat sanctuary

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A Rutland businessman will fulfil a labour of love by re-homing a tiger from a Greek zoo to a sanctuary for big cats in the US.

Phevos, a 15-year-old, 485lb ( 220kg) tiger was rescued from a travelling Italian circus in Greece in 2001 by local authorities and taken to a zoo in the town of Trikala.

His mate, Athena, died in March after an infected wound on her paw went untreated.

Since then David Barnes, who used to work for the Animal Welfare Fund in Greece and has re-homed dozens of exotic animals in the past 20 years, has been trying to find a new home for Phevos.

Mr Barnes, 62, who is manager of Uppingham Sports and Books shop in the Rutland town, is now just £1,400 short of his target, thanks to generous donors touched by the tiger's plight.

Mr Barnes says the animals were well looked after until the country was hit by recession.

He said: "When Phevos and Athena arrived at the zoo, the enclosure was not very good and I persuaded them to build a new one and things were going well.

"Then, three years ago, the financial crisis hit Greece and after that things changed."

Former RSPCA inspector Mr Barnes lost track of the situation after having to undergo his second heart bypass operation.

He added: "I got a phone call saying I should go and see Athena who was bleeding from a wound in her paw which had become infected. She died under anaesthetic."

Mr Barnes swung into action and set up a fund raising website to spare Phevos a similar fate by raising £11,500 to transfer him to a sanctuary for lions, tigers and bears outside San Diego, in California.

He added: "Phevos is still in Greece but he is being checked on frequently by a vet friend and so far he is okay.

"I have raised just over £10,100 so just £1,400 to go. Whatever I'm short of will go on my credit card."

He is now awaiting the paperwork to allow Phevos to be flown to California via Frankfurt in Germany.

He added: "I started applying to carry out the move in April and I'm hoping to go next month. It's the biggest and most challenging thing I've done.

"I will stay with him throughout the trip, he knows me very well, I am able to feed him and stroke him in his enclosure.

"I want him to go soon and start his new life, I know he'll be in good hands as the sanctuary he's going to was recommended to me by a vet.

"There's a 16-year-old female in the enclosure next to him where he's going, I hope they might get to like each other."

Mr Barnes, who has a 23-year-old Greek cat, Naomi, he calls his "own little tiger," said he was very grateful to everyone who responded to the appeal and helping with his mission to re-home Phevos.

Mr Barnes can be contacted via dwb@uppingham.co.uk or on 07968 959367.

Businessman rehomes tiger from Greek zoo to new home at US big cat sanctuary

Leicester pupils lagging behind in Sats tests

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Test results for 11-year-olds show city pupils are lagging behind in the three Rs.

Provisional Sats results from this summer show that the percentage of city pupils achieving level four or above - the expected level for their age - in reading, writing, and maths, is 73 per cent - a two per cent drop from the previous year.

In Leicestershire this improved from 74 to 78 per cent, matching the national figure across state schools.

Information published by the Department for Education also shows that the number of pupils progressing two levels between ages seven and 11 in Leicester has either remained the same or dropped, while Leicestershire has again made improvements.

In reading, 89 per cent of Leicester's pupils progressed two levels, compared to 90 per cent in the county. Nationally it was 91 per cent.

In writing, 90 per cent progressed two levels in Leicester, while 92 per cent did in the county. Nationally, the figure was 93 per cent.

For maths 89 per cent of city youngsters leapt two levels - on a par with the national figure. In Leicestershire the proportion was 88 per cent.

Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for schools, said: "Whilst we're pleased we've maintained results at last year's levels we are disappointed that we have not managed to continue our previous rates of improvement. We'll obviously be working with our schools to continue our efforts to accelerate progress in the city."

Attainment levels start at one for a typical five-year-old and go to seven for an above average 14-year-old.

Results are from a mixture of tests and teacher assessments.

The Government requires at least 60 per cent of pupils in every primary school to reach level four in English and maths by the time they are 11.

The results of children who entered primary schools at a late stage -some of whom could not initially speak English - will be removed from official figures later this year.

Leicester has a high proportion of such pupils and its final figure should rise when they are excluded.

School by school results will not be available until December.

Councillor Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council's cabinet member for children and families, said: "We are really pleased with these great results which show a good rise in the number of young people reaching the national benchmark in all subjects. The increase reflects the hard work put in by young people and teachers and I'd like to congratulate them on their achievements.

"We want all young people to reach their potential and the progress made suggests that the strong partnerships we have with schools are benefiting pupils' learning." 

2014 Sats Results:

How 11-year-old pupils performed                                  City    County    National

Subject

% of pupils reaching expected level four or above

Reading                                                                               83         89            88

Writing                                                                                 80         85            85

Maths                                                                                   82         86            85

Reading, writing, and maths                                             73         78            78

% of pupils making expected progress

Reading                                                                               89         90            91

Writing                                                                                 90         92            93

Maths                                                                                   89         88            89

Leicester pupils lagging behind in Sats tests

Richard III: Leicester Cathedral denies cashing in on the reinterment

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Leicester Cathedral has defended its decision to invite benefactors to the reinterment of King Richard III and denied cashing in on the event.

The diocese was criticised for offering tickets to next year's reinterment service in return for £2,500 donations towards the cost of the tomb.

Members of the For Richard Society claimed the cathedral was engaging in an "elitist" method of raising money, and had offered exclusive seats to those who could afford to donate large amounts of cash.

It said that the cathedral was discriminating against those who could not contribute in equal measure.

However, the diocese has responded and said the practice was in-line with other large-scale heritage projects, which rely on philanthropic support from individuals, trusts and foundations.

A spokeswoman for St Martins said: "A particular element of our fundraising programme was designed to raise £100,000 from existing supporters and advocates to fund the ambulatory around Richard's tomb.

"We are delighted that the people of Leicester and Leicestershire donated the full costs in under three weeks. We are very proud of them for their support.

"As a thank you to these benefactors, they will be invited to the first service so they can witness the unveiling of the place of quiet reflection and beauty which they directly funded."

The cathedral said everyone is welcome to pay their respects during the lead up to the reburial, when the remains will be laid in a closed coffin for people to see.

It said the service will also be broadcast on Channel Four.

The cost of reordering the cathedral and building the tomb is about £1.5 million.

Richard III: Leicester Cathedral denies cashing in on the reinterment

Liam Moore taking positive Premier League start into England Under-21s' Euro qualifiers

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Liam Moore is looking to take the confidence from Leicester City's positive start to the season into his performances for England Under-21s.

The City centre-back is away with Gareth Southgate's squad ahead of their European Qualifiers in Lithuania on Friday and Moldova next week.

He said he is full of belief after City's opening to the campaign, which has seen them take points from Everton and Arsenal, and go toe to toe for an hour with Premier League title favourites Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

"It's been a great start, but a difficult one with three of the top five teams from last season," Moore told the FA website.

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"As a team I think we've done really well and could possibly have had a couple more points on the board than we've got.

"But that can only be a positive because of the top teams that we've faced.

"It's been a good stepping stone for me, in the order that I've played football, and it's worked out pretty well.

"I was playing regularly in the Championship and then made the step up to the Under-21s and played a few games to get some experience, which I could take back into the Championship.

"What I've learned with the Under-21s has definitely helped me out in the Premier League, as the football there is a bit more similar to the Under-21s football.

"It's important that you're doing well for your club or else you're not going to get the chance at international level.

"What I've learned with the Under-21s has definitely helped me out in the Premier League."

It has been a phenomenal 12 months for Moore, whose performances for City helped them to the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League, and earned him a regular place in the England Under-21s squad.

At the end of the season, he played in the Toulon Tournament in France and he admits the whole ride has been a thrill.

"I'm happy that I got selected midway through last season after Gareth came to a few of our games in the Championship," he added.

"I've been able to take my experience from playing regularly in the Championship on to the international stage to show what I can do at this level and try to prove to the manager that I can definitely take part and do a job for them.

"Toulon was a great experience and it gave us that test against different opponents, and I thought we did well out there.

"It was a good test for us, but these next two games will be another challenge in difficult circumstances."

Liam Moore taking positive Premier League start into England Under-21s' Euro qualifiers

Leicestershire CCC crash to County Championship defeat at Hampshire

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Matt Coles and Sean Ervine each took three cheap wickets as Leicestershire were steamrollered to defeat by an innings and 34 runs by a Hampshire side scenting promotion to the first division of the LV=County Championship.

Leicestershire's humiliation was all over in 55.3 overs, all out for 160 just before 3.25pm with only their captain, Josh Cobb, showing any meaningful defiance with a brave and unbeaten 50, but it was all in vain.

Cobb's bottom-placed team now have two matches left of the season to prevent going through a second successive season without a win. On the evidence of their capitulation in the Ageas Bowl sunshine, it is not likely.

County's last-day task was straightforward enough. Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams declared overnight with his team 194 ahead, leaving Leicestershire to bat all day on a still-benign wicket to avoid defeat.

The fear in the Leicestershire attack, as expressed by new pace bowler Atif Sheikh on the previous evening, was that it would take some turn, but in the event Hampshire hardly used their spinners Liam Dawson and Danny Briggs.

Briggs did take one wicket, that of Sheikh to the second ball the former Derbyshire man faced, but by that time all the damage had been done in conventional manner by the pace bowlers.

Any possible resistance evaporated in the first hour when County lost first-innings centurion Angus Robson in the second over and then Greg Smith and Ned Eckersley with 35 on the board.

Robson, who had batted through 88 overs in the first innings for his maiden hundred, guided Coles to James Vince at third slip and opening partner Smith followed at 31, again Coles finding the edge, this time to Dawson at second slip.

When Eckersley was bowled by Chris Wood it became just a question of how long Leicestershire might survive although there was still nothing evident in the wicket to suggest batting problems.

Wood had Dan Redfern sparring a catch behind at 45 and it became a woeful 67 for six when in successive balls, Niall O'Brien and Rob Taylor were caught in the slips in veteran Ervine's first over.

Only then was there some mild counter-attacking, with Cobb sharing in stands of 24 for the seventh with Jigar Naik, 27 for the eighth with Charlie Shreck and an innings-best 42 for the last with Alex Wyatt.

Wyatt, whose previous best was 28, was last out for 32 after striking six authentic boundaries and staying long enough to help Cobb reach is deserved half-century.

Cobb was marooned at the other end as left-arm seamer James Tomlinson came back to finally remove Wyatt. Cobb faced 107 balls and hit six fours but there was little he could do stem the fall of wickets around him.

Naik was bowled by Coles, Shreck struck some heart-warming blows in his 17 and Wyatt batted in a carefree manner when it was clear the end was imminent.

But none of them could disguise another setback for their county against a background of news about Shiv Thakor joining Derbyshire and leading wicket-taker Nathan Buck wanted by wealthier Lancashire.

They collected just five bonus points from their trip to the south coast while Hampshire's sixth win took them a major step closer to promotion.

Coles took 3-67 to give the burly former Kent player seven from the match and Ervine, a bit-part bowler these days, ended with a season's best 3-22.

Leicestershire CCC crash to County Championship defeat at Hampshire

Rise in self-harm incidents in Leicestershire's mental health wards

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The number of people attempting to take their own lives or self harming in Leicestershire's mental health wards has risen by 30 per cent in the past four years.

Figures released by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust show a yearly increases from 180 recorded incidents in 2010, to 234 so far in 2014.

However, the trust says the majority are self-harm incidents and the number of people attempting to take their own lives has decreased.

The figures were released following a Freedom of Information Request by Labour's Luciana Berger, shadow minister for public health. Now Labour's parliamentary candidate for Loughborough, Matthew O'Callaghan, has called the numbers "shocking".

He said: "News that self-harm and suicide attempts are on the rise on Leicestershire NHS wards is deeply concerning.

"Mental health services have been squeezed year on year, the number of specialist doctors and nurses has dropped and there aren't enough beds to meet demand. The pressure this is putting on mental health wards is intolerable."

Mr O'Callaghan said that an investigation by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) revealed that there were 3,640 fewer nurses and 213 fewer doctors working in mental health in April this year compared to staffing levels two years ago.

He said that mental health trusts had lost over £250 million of their funding in the same period.

Vulnerable

Ms Berger added: "It's unacceptable that people in touch with mental health services may not be getting the support they need. These are some of the most vulnerable patients in our NHS. Ministers must now take urgent action to tackle this crisis."

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: "Our records show that the number of suicide attempts on our mental health hospital wards has fallen from 13, between January and December in 2010, to eight in 2013, while between January and May this year there were three.

"While we accept the number of reported self-harm attempts has risen, these figures cover a wide range of incidents, including minor incidents which resulted in no harm to the patient but which are reflective of the very often complex nature of the illness experienced by people in our care.

"We also know that our staff are getting much better at reporting incidents that might in the past have been considered too minor to record, and this is reflective of good practice, which means that we can make improvements from any lessons learned.

"Levels of observation of patients on our wards are assessed carefully, based on clinical assessments of their condition and any risk they might pose to themselves and others.

"This has to be balanced against our duty and commitment to respect the privacy and dignity of the people we provide care for."

Some 50 NHS Mental Health Trusts were contacted and asked for the number of self-harm incidents and suicide attempts on their wards as part of a Freedom of Information request, 29 of which responded.

Rise in self-harm incidents in Leicestershire's mental health wards

Leicester Tigers: Freddie Burns will be given free rein to show off his skills, says Tom Croft

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Flanker Tom Croft believes Leicester Tigers would never have signed a player like Freddie Burns if they were planning to rein in his precocious talents.

The 24-year-old has settled in well since his high-profile move from Gloucester this summer.

With Owen Williams seeing out a ban for 'contact with the eyes' of Saints centre Luther Burrell in last season's semi-final, Burns has had plenty of game-time to get used to his new team-mates. And the exciting brand of rugby that the former Cherry & Whites player brings to the pitch has been in evidence during the pre-season wins over Edinburgh and Cardiff.

It is a style that Croft, who is fit and raring to go after fully recovering from a knee injury, said is unlikely to change.

"He will not be held back from using his skills," said Croft.

"If he loses a game by doing something daft, I am sure Richard Cockerill (director of rugby) will have something to say to him.

"But he has been bought in for the player he is.

"We signed him on merit and if Cockers didn't want a player with his skill set, he would not have signed him.

"He likes the way he runs a game and controls the game."

Croft is in a good place after his first pre-season at the club in seven years.
With two pre-season games under his belt and the injury worries that have ruined the previous two campaigns behind him, Croft is likely to be in the squad for the opening Aviva Premiership game against Newcastle on Saturday.

He said Burns, who will make his first Premiership start for the club at Welford Road, has also put in a good shift since arriving at Leicester six weeks ago.

"Freddie is a hard-working guy and has slipped into the systems here well," said Croft.

"There is this perception of Leicester that it is all about contact and there are punch-ups every day in training – but it isn't quite like that.

"Freddie has bought into it and worked hard since his first day of training and that is what people at Leicester respect.

"He works hard, trains hard, does his extras and talks well, which is exactly what you need from someone at a new club."

Leicester Tigers: Freddie Burns will be given free rein to show off his skills, says Tom Croft


Leicestershire CCC all-rounder Shiv Thakor to join Derbyshire

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Leicestershire have suffered a major setback as young all-rounder Shiv Thakor has decided his future lies away from Grace Road.

The 20-year-old has turned down the offer of a new two-year contract at Grace Road and signed a two-year deal with East Midlands rivals Derbyshire.

"We are disappointed but we want to wish Shiv well," said Leicestershire chief executive Mike Siddall, adding that the search for players to bring in next season was well under way.

"Phil Whitticase (director of cricket) is talking to a number of people at the moment, especially on the overseas front," Siddall said. "But it is the beginning of September and, while we would like to have things sorted out, we have a long time in order to get those signings across the line."

Thakor, a former England Under-19 captain, has barely featured in the County first team this season due to a long-standing finger injury, although he is back to full fitness now.

He came through the County age-group system and was a product of Leicestershire's academy as he eased himself into first-class cricket, rapidly making a name for himself in all forms of the game.

Thakor became the youngest Leicestershire player to score a first-class hundred when he made 134 on his debut against Loughborough MCCU, in 2011, at the age of 17.

He went on to score 1,288 runs first-class runs for County and had a top one-day score of 83 not out.

His medium pace bowling was a more-than-useful addition to the side with either the red or white ball, and he claimed 39 wickets in all competitions.

"I would like to thank the staff, board and most importantly the supporters at Leicestershire," said Thakor as Derbyshire announced their coup.

"It's been a tough decision to leave the county that has given me my start in professional cricket, but I feel it's time to take the next step forward. Also, I would like to say a huge thank you to my family in supporting me in this decision.

"I had several options on the table but, having met with Graeme Welch (Derbyshire's elite performance director) and the management team, it was an easy decision to join a progressive club like Derbyshire.

"The way he talked with passion about the club, its plans for the future and the role he sees me playing was too good an opportunity to turn down.

"I'm still at the beginning of my career, I have ambitions – both personal and as a member of a winning team – and I'm absolutely focused to achieve these things with Derbyshire."

Thakor will remain with Leicestershire for the remainder of the season before he joins up with Derbyshire.

Leicestershire will not be offering a new contract to seam bowler Anthony Ireland, who has been at the club for two seasons.

Leicestershire CCC all-rounder Shiv Thakor to join Derbyshire

Police alert after robbery and sex attack in Aylestone Meadows

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A man robbed and tried to sexually assault a woman as she cycled through a beauty spot. The man targeted the woman, who is in her 20s, as she rode through Aylestone Meadows in Leicester on Sunday. He pushed her off her bike and took £30 before trying to assault her, police said. The incident happened at around 9am. The man is white, in his 20s and was wearing dark clothing. Detective Constable Alison Ide said: "The Meadows are an open space popular with dog walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders. "There would have been people around at the time of the offence and we urge anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to contact Police. "It may be that the suspect has been to the area before so please think back if you have seen anyone suspicious or loitering in the area in the past – no piece of information is too small. "Officers will be in the area for the remainder of the week speaking to people who use the area, so please approach one of our officers if you cannot ring in." Contact Det Con Ide on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police alert after robbery and sex attack in Aylestone Meadows

Israeli security detain pair from Leicester mayor's party on Palestine trip

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Two members of Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby's party were held overnight by Israeli security officials and questioned about their movements as they travelled to Palestine.

Leicester city councillor Mohammed Dawood and chairman of the Leicestershire Federation of Muslim Organisations Riyaz Laher were detained for seven hours at immigration control at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport.

The pair, Sir Peter and his colleague city councillor Patrick Kitterick were heading to The West Bank last week to "try to get a flavour of the plight of the Palestinian people."

The party had been unexpectedly transferred onto a flight with Israeli airline El Al when connecting at Brussels airport on Thursday.

Sir Peter and Coun Kitterick were quickly allowed through security at Ben Gurion while their Muslim colleagues were held.

Coun Dawood said: "Peter and Patrick got through okay but Riyaz and I were detained.

"They already had information about us we hadn't expected.

"They said: "Are you going to Gaza? You know there's a war going on?"

"We had no intention of going to Gaza.

"They wanted to know what was the purpose of the visit, where we were going, who we were going to meet?

"They asked us question after question.

"They had our passports so we were not free to leave.

"I fully understand they have to do security checks but this was disproportionate.

"It made me feel like a criminal.

"We were questioned together and individually by an man and a woman.

"They would not give me their names or say who they were.

"They just said they were security.

"They were trying to intimidate us. It felt like it was about mind games.

"All we could do was sit down and wait we had no idea how long they would hold us.

"After they let us go and we got to the hotel some guys told it might be normal to be questioned for two to three hours.

"It gave us a taste of how the Israeli security services treat people just going about legitimate business."

Sir Peter, whose luggage went missing on the flight out and has yet to be returned, said: "It's certainly the case the security services took a considerable interest in our visit and checked up, on a number of occasions, on all four of us but particularly on the two Muslim members of the party.

"I am not going to make too much of an issue of that because I think all we got was a flavour of the way in which the security services in Israel work."

During the three day trip the group visited Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethlehem.

Sir Peter, who has stressed he was travelling in an individual capacity rather than as mayor, said the party was shocked by the treatment of Palestinians they witnessed.

He said: "Israel is a country that presents itself as being democratic and as being run by the rule of law and one that is merely responding to the threats to its continued existence and security.

"It is the case that many of the things they claim they have been doing in terms of their security are a sham."

Sir Peter said he believed large security walls erected by the Israel's Government are intended to disrupt the daily lives of Palestinians and oppress them.

He said: "They make it impossible for Palestinians to go about their daily work, to farm their fields.

"They are there very clearly to grab Palestinian land and subject Palestinian people to the humiliation of occupation in a way that is quite shocking."

He said he witnesses Israeli soldiers intervene in an argument between three Palestinian boys and large group of Jewish children from a settlement by arresting one of the Palestinians youngster and members of his family.

He said: "That is the sort of thing that happens in our streets every day.

"It was in his own land, on his own street and he was arrested for responding to intolerable provocation.

"What I found was an occupying force exercising brutality in a way that is indefensible.

Sir Peter added: "No doubt an Israeli Government spokesman would continue to maintain what they are doing there is legal and necessary for their security.

"What is very evident, even from a very short visit, is that it is neither legal or necessary.

"It is about subjecting the Palestinians to the humiliation of occupation and grabbing their land."

"I readily acknowledge it was a short visit and I would very much like to go back and hear more from people who would want to argue on behalf of the Israeli Government but quite clearly I got a flavour of something very nasty indeed."

Israeli security detain pair from Leicester mayor's party on Palestine trip

Two hurt in four-vehicle crash in Abbey Lane, Leicester

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Two people were hurt in a pile-up involving four vehicles.

Emergency services were called to Abbey Lane, Leicester, at 11am, today.

A police spokeswoman said: "The collision involved four vehicles, three of which were stationary at the time.

"The ambulance and fire service were also called."

A fire service spokesman said no-one was trapped, but the occupant of one car had to be treated by paramedics before they could be helped from their vehicle.

The police said two people were treated by ambulance staff at the scene, but did not require hospital care.

The Abbey Lane junction with Beaumont Leys was closed while the emergency services dealt with the incident and the vehicles and debris removed from the road.

It reopened shortly after 12.30pm.

Two hurt in four-vehicle crash in Abbey Lane, Leicester

Cycling: Leicestershire's Garner sisters and McLay named in Great Britain squad for World Championships

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Cosby sisters Lucy and Grace Garner have been named in the Great Britain squad for the World Road Race Championships in Spain later this month.

They are joined by Cropston's Dan McLay, who has been named in the initial squad for the under-23 road race. All three are products of Leicestershire Road Club.

Grace has had a stunning season on the road and track and is in a four-strong team for the road race. She has also been selected for the time-trial.

Lucy, the Giant-Shimano professional, has continued her progress on the continent this year with some outstanding rides. She is one of eight women named, though five will ride the event.

Likewise, McLay is one of eight men in the squad for the under-23 race and five will tackle the event.

He has a chance to impress during the next week, too, as he is in the Great Britain team to ride the Friends Provident Tour of Britain which begins on Sunday in Liverpool.

Cycling: Leicestershire's Garner sisters and McLay named in Great Britain squad for World Championships

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