Nearly 1,000 pupils from 10 schools today descended on the first day of Britain's biggest Second World War commemorative extravaganza, the Victory Show.

This year, the event, which takes over Cosby village for three days, remembers the 70th Anniversary of D-Day and The Battle of Arnhem.

Sharon Donaldson, of the organisers, said: "Friday has now become a predominantly schools' education day and this year we have children from 10 schools, the largest number of schools we have had here."

This year, the children were given a chance to get inside some of the tanks aircraft and chat to members of re-enactment groups, to get "a better understanding of what our great grandparents or grandparents endured for our country during the war years," said Sharon.

This year more than 15,000 people, including visitors from Europe and Canada, are expected to attend the show, which runs until tomorrow.

Tonight's 1940's themed dinner dance will feature music from the Ockbrooke Big Band. 

On Saturday and Sunday the Victory Show continues its action-packed activities from 9am until 5pm with re-enactment camps, miniature steam train rides, 1940's vehicles, and model remote controlled aircraft.

On both days there are more than 60 stalls in a large trader's area, static WWII aircraft, tank rides and 1940's working and static farming machinery. 

A Government planning inspector will decide whether to overrule a council's decision to reject controversial plans for a crematorium.

Westerleigh Group has lodged an appeal against Blaby District Council's refusal to allow it to develop the funeral centre on land off Welford Road in Kilby.

In June Blaby councillors voted unanimously to reject Westerleigh's scheme after highways experts concluded it could lead to more accidents on the road.

However the matter will now be determined by an inspector.

It is the third time in recent months that crematoria plans in south Leicestershire have been rejected only for the matters to be appealed.

Memoria was previously told by the district council it could not build a crematorium at Countesthorpe but it successfully appealed.

The Co-op also refused permission to build at Great Glen but that decision was overturned by the same inspector.

County councillor for Cosby and Countesthorpe David Jennings said: "You can understand why people get frustrated about the planning system.

"Three times valid concerns have been raised about a these crematoria and three times their local representatives have turned them down.

"Twice those decisions were overturned by an unelected official and it may well happen again with Kilby.

"Do we need three crematoria in south Leicestershire? Of course we don't but they may all get permission.

"The situation is laughable.

"At least with the Kilby decision there were very strong highways grounds to reject it so there is a chance the appeal will be dismissed."

Coun Jennings added: "Some of the work appears to have started at Countesthorpe. It is preliminary stuff with a bit of soil being moved about but it looks symbolic to show they are underway with their development first."

A race between rival funeral firms to build a crematorium has gone to the High Court with Westerleigh and Memoria involved in a legal battle

Earlier this year Westerleigh lodged papers with the High Court seeking to have the inspector's verdict to allow the Countesthorpe scheme quashed.

The planning inspector who approved the Memoria and Co-op appeals has admitted it was unlikely all three crematoria would be built as they are within six miles of each other, and that market forces would determine the matter.

A Romanian busker who spoke on national TV about "milking the benefits system" suffered racially-motivated abuse when he was recognised by an irate viewer.

Viorel Dinu, who is regularly seen playing an accordion on the streets of Leicester, told Channel 5's Gypsies on Benefits and Proud he and other Romanians had come to the UK because it was a "soft touch" for scroungers, a court heard.

But the 25-year-old's comments caught up with him when he got out his instrument to play folk songs on the streets of York.

Ex-soldier Mark Hawksby (34) claimed there was so much money in Mr Dinu's coat by 11.30am that he tripped over it on the pavement.

When he turned round, he found Mr Dinu, who has no legs, sitting on a skateboard in a shop doorway.

Hawksby recognised the busker immediately from the hour-long documentary which he had only watched the week before, York Magistrates heard.

He told the court: "I had a go at him about being on the programme and what he had said.

"He said he had come to Britain purposely because it was a soft touch.

"I said, 'You're out of order for going on this TV programme and saying you can milk the system'.

"I admit I raised my voice - but after he started laughing at me.

"I'm an ex-soldier - 10 to 12 years ago. I was three years in the Army and served with the Ghurkas, Fijians and all races.

"If he had been an Englishman, Welshman or Scotsman I would have had the same feelings towards him."

The court heard Hawksby threw Mr Dinu's coat into the gutter in Coney Street, one of York's busiest shopping areas, scattering the money everywhere.

He also grabbed Mr Dinu's accordion and threw it into the road, saying: "This is English money for English people."

A crowd formed of people puzzled by what was happening because they had not seen the TV programme, the court heard.

Hawksby was grabbed by a bystander and stormed off, yelling: "I will see you do not busk in York again."

Mr Dinu, who travels the country telling people he lost his legs as a child when he was run over by a train, did not report the incident and did not co-operate with police who investigated after complaints from the public.

Hawksby was arrested after his picture was taken by York University Professor Nick Brown who sent the images to North Yorkshire Police.

Hawksby told officers: "I told him 'I couldn't go to Romania and do what you do'. He is milking the system and it winds me up.

"He is not even from York. It costs 23 to 25 quid on the train so he must be earning some right money busking."

Hawksby, of St Mary's Close, Wigginton, denied racially aggravated threatening behaviour but was convicted.

He was given a four month suspended jail sentence and ordered to pay £100 costs and an £80 surcharge.

Neal Kutte, defending, said: "It was a chance meeting. He had seen this programme which was glorifying milking the system.

"He was annoyed this man was claiming money when he should not have been. It was nothing to do with his nationality."

But Prosecutor Neil Holdsworth successfully argued: "The target of the abuse was a foreign national and therefore it's a racial incident."

Dinu did not appear as a witness in the case and refused to provide police with a statement about what happened.

Leicester Lions have pulled off a great signing in fly-half Will Maisey ahead of their National Two North campaign.

Maisey recently made his Nottingham debut in their excellent win against Leicester Tigers, and the No.10 pulled the strings in Lions' pre-season victories at Burton and Hinckley. 

The signing of Maisey will help soften the blow of losing Lions stalwart Gareth Collins, who has had to retire after a season-long injury.

The club have also lost highly-rated prop Tom Williams to Championship side Bedford.

Other captures include wing/scrum-half Alex Smit, who played alongside Maisey at Coventry last season, and prolific Hinckley winger Devon Constant.

Laurence Brown (Nottingham), Josh McLaurin (South Leicester), Greg Mathers (Ampthill), Jonno Williams (Mansfield) and Nathan Doughie (Cambridge) have also signed.

Ben Buxton is Lions' new head coach and he will work as part of a management team that includes long-serving duo Jason Aldwinckle and Jon Boden.

Lions had a tremendous home record last season and will be pleased to start at Westleigh Park tomorrow. They take on a Luctonians side who always provide a competitive game.

Another side to have recruited well is Hinckley in National Three Midlands.

Loose-head prop Ewan Bartlett previously played for Loughborough Students, while hooker Luke Coltman is the ex-captain of South Leicester.

Experienced fly-half Mark Lord and utility back Dave Weston also arrive from Welford Road.

Liam Warren and John Roux have been snapped up from Leicester Forest, while Ben Holmes (Vipers), Luke Walker (Lutterworth), James Squires (Loughborough), Matt Robinson (University of Nottingham) and unattached duo Huw Marsden and Sam Greasley have also signed on.

Head coach Chris Campbell said: "Our aim is to be as well-prepared as possible for every game, and we aim to win every game we take part in.

"We hope to be there or thereabouts in the end but we can't think further than our first game, which will be a great battle against promoted Peterborough Lions." 

Hinckley and South Leicester finished in the top six last time and there is no reason why both clubs cannot do well again.

South have lost some key players but are looking forward to the season-opener against Bromsgrove at Welford Road.

Belgrave and Syston meet in Midlands One East this season after having contrasting fortunes in 2013-14.

Jim Regan's charges won the Midlands Two East (North) title after a consistent campaign, while Syston were relegated from National Three Midlands. Chris Tarbuck will remain as head coach.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend in Leicestershire here are our recommendations:

1. An epic tribute to the heroes of war: The Victory Show in Cosby:

2. Alcon convention at De Montfort University. Everything Anime across four days.

3. Leicester Tigers kick off their season at Welford Road against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday.

4. Re-live the glory days of seaside holidays at the Abbey Pumping Station on Sunday with a special seaside steam day.

5. Enjoy the aerobatics, vintage vehicles and sheep racing at the Shackerstone Family Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

6. If vintage buses are your bag why not join in the fun with the Leicester Heritage Bus Running Day on Sunday.

7.Browse the powerful art and photography of the First World War at the New Walk Museum on Sunday

8. Check out Wendy Houston's 50 Acts at The Curve on Saturday night

9. Inspired by the Great British Bake Off? Why not try our recipe of the week: Mini Pear Pies

10. Watch the film of the week: Before I Go To Sleep starring Nicole Kidman.

International calls are coming thick and fast for the county's crop of outstanding young cyclists as the end of the road racing season approaches. 

Cosby sisters Lucy and Grace Garner have been called up for the Great Britain squad, which is preparing for the World Championships in Ponferrada, Spain, at the end of the month. 

Meanwhile, Cropston's Dan McLay lines up for a young Great Britain team at the Friends Provident Tour of
Britain, which starts tomorrow in Liverpool, and he is also in the GB under-23 squad for the worlds. All three are products of Leicestershire Road Club. 

Grace, who is part of British Cycling's Olympic Development programme, has had a stunning first junior season on road and track.
The 17-year-old RST speedster has been selected for both the junior time-trial and road race in north-west Spain in her first trip to the World Championships. 

However, she is no stranger to racing on the continent and already has victories in Holland, Germany, Belgium and Portugal on an impressive CV. 

Lucy, who made her GB senior debut at the world championships last year after back-to-back gold medals as a junior in 2011 and 2012, is part of a nine-strong squad for the elite women's road race, with six riders eventually tackling a course which is hilly in nature. 

The 19-year-old Sky Academy scholar has had a year of excellent progress in the professional ranks and has a final chance to impress the national selectors when she lines up for Giant-Shimano in the Lotto-Belisol Tour, in Belgium, at the end of next week. 

It is a similar scenario for McLay, another sprinter. 

He is one of eight riders named on the long list for the under-23 race in Spain with five making the start. 

The 22-year-old recently won a stage of the Tour de L'Avenir and will be relishing a crack at the world's top sprinters in the Tour of Britain, which finishes in London on September 14. 

Among the starting list are two of the world's fastest finishers in British hero Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma Quick-Step) and Giant-Shimano's Marcel Kittel, who won four stages of the Tour de France this summer. 

Kibworth's George Atkins has been named in the Team Raleigh line-up for the Tour. 

It is the second consecutive year that he has taken part in the race – last year he was part of a young Great Britian team. 

During the week, Team Sky will defend the title won last year by Sir Bradley Wiggins.

The draw has been made for Thursday's Leicester Mercury Challenge Cup. 

The 18-hole medal tournament is taking place at Humberstone Heights this year. The Mercury Cup dates back to 1923. Draw: 

11.30: K Whitfield-Green (Stapleford Park), O Cook (Melton Mowbray).
11.40: P McGorum (Lingdale), N Gethins (Humberstone Heights), M Smith (Humberstone Heights).
11.50: A Taylor (Humberstone Heights), M Woolridge (Humberstone Heights), L Measey (Lingdale).
12.0: D Orton (Humberstone Heights), J Dinsdale (Humberstone Heights), T Lawlor (Humberstone Heights).
12.10: D Warren (Humberstone Heights), P D'Costa (Humberstone Heights), M Stevens (Beedles Lake).
12.20: L Shaw (Humberstone Heights), C Abrahams (Humberstone Heights), S Singh (Birstall).
12.30: G Chuahan (Humberstone Heights), A Pike (Humberstone Heights), M Sehmi (Humberstone Heights).
12.40: R Kotak (Humberstone Heights), D Blackwell (Humberstone Heights), B Fagin (Glen Gorse).
12.50: M Peel (Humberstone Heights), J Owen (Humberstone Heights), S Neville (Lingdale).
13.0: E O'Hara (Humberstone Heights), G Kilby (Humberstone Heights), D Bentley (Melton Mowbray).
13.10: M Potter (Birstall), J Marsh (Humberstone Heights), M Boddice (Humberstone Heights).
13.20: K Ferrar (Scraptoft), A Khan (The Leicestershire), D Flavelle (Humberstone Heights).
13.30: G Ferrar (Beedles Lake), N Kullar (Birstall), J Wal (Glen Gorse).
13.40: P Maurice (Humberstone Heights), L Ferrar (Scraptoft), A Denny (Park Hill).
13.50: L Burrows (Cosby), J Parmar (The Leicestershire), K Dandy (Longcliffe).

Leicester City striker Chris Wood has admitted he was unsure about his future as speculation mounted that he could be leaving the club before the transfer deadline. 

However, he said he was relieved to hear City wanted to keep him and now he is fully focused on making his mark in the Premier League. 

Wood has spoken about the uncertainty while away with the New Zealand national team as Wolves and then Crystal Palace made enquiries about his availability. 

But he said he was delighted to be told he was part of City manager Nigel Pearson's plans.

"Until I got the all-clear and the backing from them I was actually staying, then it was a bit up in the air," Wood told the New Zealand media in Doha ahead of their friendly against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. 

"But they called me and said 'we're keeping you, we want you here and playing in this league with us'. 

"I feel ready, I feel this is my time to step up and test myself. 

"I feel this is where I can be playing if I play to my ability and show I'm willing. I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead. 

"It's always been a dream of mine to be playing in the Premier League and it was nice to get off the mark, scoring against Everton, because that's what I should be doing. 

"It was a nice achievement but now it's a big season ahead of me. I'm just happy to get my head down and focus on the season ahead." 

Wood was fully aware of City's attempts to bring in another striker before the transfer deadline closed. 

City made bids for Fraizer Campbell, Troy Deeney, Dame N'Doye, David McGoldrick and Jermain Defoe but were unable or unwilling to complete any of those deals. 

Wood said that just increased his resolve to stay and fight for his City place. 

"I was in contact with Leicester the whole time," he said. "There was no surprise, no hidden agenda they were looking for another striker. 

"If that happened then my position would have been a very tough one. 

"But it was a decision I made in the middle of the window, when Wolves came in. I sat down with my dad and my agent and said 'where do I want to go from here?' 

"I came to the decision, before I even spoke to Wolves, about staying and fighting, and that's what I want to do."

Two years ago today, University of Leicester archaeologists removed the remains of King Richard III from the now famous city centre car park.

In the last 730 days, the skeleton of England's most notorious monarch has been positively identified, fought over, had doubt cast on upon its authenticity and inspired a £4 million visitor centre.

Leicester Cathedral will finally lay the remains to rest next spring during a £1.5 million reineterment ceremony, which will be broadcast across the UK.

But it was exactly two-years ago that Dr Jo Appleby, from the university's School of Archaeology and Ancient History, meticulously excavated the regal remains at the dig, in New Street, Leicester, and put the city in the spotlight.

The project's site manager Mathew Morris said the day began as any other.

"I was running around keeping an eye on Jo and trying to run the rest of the site as well," he said. "But at first it just felt like a normal day."

It was Mathew who uncovered the skeleton a few days earlier, when he brushed back the dirt to reveal a leg.

He said the team had no idea what it had discovered and work to remove the bones was not carried out until a few days later.

"It seemed rather unlikely that the first skeleton that was uncovered was going to him," said Mathew. "So we never thought anything of it.

"It wasn't until halfway through the day when we saw the skull with the trauma that we thought, 'oh, that's interesting'.

"And then it was only later that got exciting, when we saw the scoliosis and how the spine was curved."

The entire skeleton was removed that day and taken to the university for testing.

Then in February 2013, journalists and reporters from across the globe descended on the university to hear the results.

It was something that Mathew said will stay for him for the rest of his life.

"In some ways the dig feels a long time ago," he said. "But in others it could have been six months.

"But in the last two years the thing that stands out for me most is the press conference.

"Of all the things that have happened in the last two years seeing all those journalist and television crews was something to behold.

"I'll never forget it."

Leicester Tigers flanker Julian Salvi is "primed" for action ahead of the new Aviva Premiership season. 

The 28-year-old back-rower has been at the heart of the Tigers side since he joined the club in 2011 and, with 86 appearances now under his belt, he cannot wait to get back into the fray when Newcastle Falcons come calling at Welford Road tomorrow afternoon. 

"I'm feeling fresh and ready to go," he said. "We've had a really positive pre-season and got the running in the legs during the last two weeks with two 80-minute games, so I'm primed and ready to go." 

Tigers edged past Edinburgh and Cardiff Blues in their two final warm-up matches as they built towards tomorrow's opener and, while the results were not the be-all and end-all, Salvi said it was still good for him and his colleagues to come out on the winning side against tough opponents. 

"We've had two decent hit-outs and won those games," he said. "They have been a bit tighter than we would have hoped but you want that confidence from getting wins under your belt. 

"Going into a home game against Newcastle, I would say we are slight favourites and there is confidence around the group." 

Pre-season has seen Tigers' new boys being put through their paces with the club for the first time and they have already made their presence felt on the training ground. "We have a number of internationals joining the ranks and that has increased the depth of the squad," said Salvi. 

"They have come through with flying colours. Pre-season has been slightly different and it has been a bit more of a competitive environment. 

"We have all been working hard but there has been that competition element in every facet. We are always challenging each other to improve." 

The new additions will be vying for places in the side from the start of the new league campaign but Salvi believes their true value will be discovered as national sides' programmes get under way. 

"When you lose guys to international duty it is a massive thing to have quality players to fill those voids," said Salvi. 

"It's the same if you want to make changes after 60 minutes. You want to be able to take players off and put equally talented players on in their place."

Young people and those out of work in one of the city's most deprived area are now benefiting from a £1 million lottery fund designed to help improve their prospects.

The St Matthew's estate, in Leicester, is one of 50 communities, nationwide, to receive funding from the National Lottery's Big Local scheme.

Residents and community groups have spent the last two-and-a-half years since the investment was announced deciding how best to use the money.

It has now been decided that the cash will be used to help residents access the training they need to find employment.

Simon Johnson, chairman of St Matthew's Big Local – set up to lead the consultation – said: "Since the announcement in March, 2012, a group of committed residents and workers have been consulting with over 650 people in the local community to see what they would like to use the money for, and how it should be used to make their community even better.

"One of the priorities that the St Matthew's Community wanted to see was to be given more access to training."

Issak Abdi, chairman of St Matthew's Community Solution Centre, a social enterprise set up to tackle deprivation on and social exclusion on the estate, was among those who played a part in the consultation.

Speaking to the Mercury at the launch of the consultation, he said: "Above all else, this money must be sued to give people the skills so they can go out and find work."

Mr Abdi had said the lack of accessible training was exacerbated by a sense of social exclusion resulting from more than 50 different languages– ranging from Somali and Arabic to Punjabi and Polish – being spoken on the estate.

The resident-led St Matthew's Big Local Partnership Board, however, which received its funding a fortnight ago, has already started to put the money to good use.

It has been working closely with the Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service (LASALS), which has an office in St Matthew's, to deliver the training.

Residents agreed that some of the £1 million should be used for people to sign up to any of the city-wide courses offered by LASALS.

The aim is to equip residents with the skills to help them find work – or to improve their carer prospects through training.

Several people have already signed up to courses who, without the support, would have had to pay around £380 to access this training.

St Matthew's Big Local will also fund childcare and creche facilities on the estate for those hindered in their search for training and employment by childcare responsibilities.

Mr Johnson said: "We are pleased that after two years of consultation within the St Matthew's Community we are now able to start to deliver on the area plan.

"It is great to be able to give members of the community the chance to take up these training opportunities."

The partnership board is now hoping to recruit a community development worker to help ensure plans for the estate are delivered successfully.

Manu Tuilagi is used to having his big brother Alesana fighting his corner.

But the two giants of the game will be on opposite sides when Leicester Tigers begin their Aviva Premiership quest by welcoming Newcastle Falcons to Welford Road tomorrow. 

Manu begins his seventh season at the club and will be as important to Tigers' chances of grabbing back the Premiership title as ever.

Alesana arrives in Newcastle after two seasons in Japan ended with a phone call from Dean Richards offering him the chance of returning to England. 

Another Tuilagi brother, Andy, has also signed for Newcastle but does not make today's squad. 

Coming back to the Premiership was a chance Alesana jumped at and now he will go face to face with the brother he shared a dressing room with at Leicester during his successful stay in the East Midlands.

Manu said it will be an unusual experience if him and his brother go head to head.

"I will just try to play my own game and I will do everything I can do to make my team win, whoever I am playing against," said Manu. 

"I know Alesana is looking forward to coming back and playing in the Premiership. It will be strange for me playing against my brothers, especially Alesana who I used to play with." 

Tuilagi is still only 23 but he has been around the block long enough to have learned to deal with the highs and lows of the sport. Last season's semi-final defeat by Northampton was a major test of that maturity. 

"It was a frustrating season not getting past the semi-finals," said Tuilagi. "But I just had to put that behind me. 

"You learn with the more games you play and the more mature you get. It was hard to forget it but I had to put it behind me and focus on what is coming next. It has made us really determined this season. 

"We had to take that pain into this season and turn it into a positive. I am all good and fit and ready for the new season. 

"We have made some good signings and the new boys have been brilliant. Seremaia Bai, Freddie Burns and Christian Loamanu are quality players. 

"It's not a case of doing much different this season. We have a new defence coach in Phil Blake and it's good to have him here and bring in a new defensive structure. We have bought into it and we are all looking forward to working with him. 

"He is a good bloke and is very good at what he does on the pitch. We are all very excited about what he can add to our play. 

"He has already earned our respect."

Anthony Knockaert has hit out at claims he described Leicester City as a "springboard" for a move to a bigger club.

In an interview with Foot Mercato, conducted in French, Knockaert was quoted as referring to Leicester as "un genre de tremplin" - a kind of springboard.

Knockaert, who has not featured in City's last two Premier League games, was also quoted as saying "ça serait pas mal de voir ailleurs et jouer pour un club plus huppé", translated as: "it would not hurt to look elsewhere and play for a bigger club".

The Frenchman received some pretty vitriolic criticism from a number of City fans and has taken to Twitter to respond, telling people to stop being stupid.

"..that's not what I said...they distorted everything! People are very idiot [sic]," he tweeted.

When he was sent a message of support from one City fan, saying Knockaert had the "full support" of the fans, he replied: "Not everyone mate trust me there is some bad people."

Five men who blew open dozens of cash machines by pumping them full of explosive gas have each been jailed for between 13 and 18 years.

The crooks – four from Liverpool and one from Coventry – travelled the country to target cash machines at banks, supermarkets and post offices, including eight in Leicestershire.

They filled up the machines with explosive gas which they then ignited - a method police said was "extremely dangerous".

They stole about £1.5 million in cash, while the cost of repairs and replacements came to more than £200,000, police said.

The five, who officers said lived luxury lifestyles on the back of their crimes, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (FRI) where they were sentenced.

Detectives who caught the gang said the 2013 crime spree included raids in Loughborough, Mountsorrel, Birstall, Whetstone and Groby.

Two ATMs were targeted twice – one at Barclays, in Bishop Meadow Road, Loughborough, and the other at Budgens supermarket, in Granite Way, Mountsorrel.

The others were at Santander, in Loughborough Road, Birstall, the Co-Op in Dog and Gun Lane, Whetstone, and two Barclays branches, in Ratby Road, Groby, and Sibson Road, Birstall.

They did not escape with cash in all cases, but left their Leicestershire victims with a collective repair bill, including replacement of the ATMs, of almost £50,000.

Merseyside Police said the gang also targeted machines in Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and the West Midlands.

Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney, from the Matrix Serious Organised Crime Team, said: "Given the geographical spread of these offences, the investigation has been complex and extensive.

"These five men thought they were untouchable and they used hazardous tactics in targeting ATM's, clearly endangering members of the public.

"The techniques used by the men involved in these attacks were extremely dangerous and we are fortunate that no-one was hurt.

"Offenders often believe that by committing crimes in different force areas they can escape detection and arrest, but police forces across the country do work together, regardless of boundaries.

"This case is an example of painstakingly piecing together huge amounts of complex evidence, to bring people to justice.

"These men were driven by greed and a need to fund lavish lifestyles, expensive cars, holidays and large houses.

"They didn't think about the danger of what they were doing and the potential that they could cause serious and significant injuries to others through their reckless actions."

All five were charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion and conspiracy to commit burglary.

Thomas Whittingham (28), of Broughton Hall Road, Liverpool, was found guilty of both offences and sentenced to 18 years; Anthony Bushell (29), of Childers Street, Liverpool, was found guilty of both offences and sentenced to 17 years; Craig Cartwright (39), of Vinecote Road, Coventry, pleaded guilty to both offences and has been sentenced to 17 years; Kurt Beddoes (31), of Hanford Avenue, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to both offences and has been sentenced to 17 years; Ian Ellis (30), of Warrington Road, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to both offences and has been sentenced to 13 years.

Ashley Goubister (30) of Freehold Street, Loughborough, was proven guilty in absence of entering a train at Barrow upon Soar and Loughborough on March 26 2014 intending to travel without a valid ticket, He was fined £200 with £135 costs, £20 victim surcharge and £2.50 compensation.

John Smith (71) of Ross Close, Melton Mowbray, was found guilty in absence of failing to give information relating to the identity of a driver believed to have committed an offence on April 4 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, with £60 victim surcharge and six penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Terry Paul Swann (39) of Prince Albert Drive, Glenfield, was proved guilty in absence of exceeding the 30 miles per hour speed limit at Glenfield Road, Leicester on February 26 2014. He was fined £200 with £85 costs, £20 victim surcharge and three penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Edmund Richard Tarbuck (73) of Nineacres, Kegworth, pleaded guilty to exceeding the 30 miles per hour speed limit on the A6004 Ling Road, Loughborough, on February 25 2014. He was fined £80 with £20 victim surcharge and three penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Michelle Tipler (40) of Martival, New Humberstone, pleaded guilty to using a vehicle in a public place, Thurmaston Lane, Leicester, on May 16 2014, without third party insurance. She was fined £100 with £20 victim surcharge and her driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

Farida Ul Haq (47) of Waterloo Way, Leicester, was found guilty in absence of exceeding the 30 miles per hour speed limit on the A47 King Richards Road, Leicester, on February 23 2014. She was fined £200 with £85 costs, £20 victim surcharge and her driving licence was endorsed with three penalty points.

Barry Warner (34) of Bradgate Drive, Wigston, pleaded guilty to using a vehicle on the A6, Market Harborough on January 15 2014 without displaying a vehicle or trade licence. He was fined £80 with £20 victim surcharge.

John Michael White (25) of Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth, was found guilty in absence of filing to give information relating to the identity of a driver believed to have committed an offence on May 5 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and six penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Leicestershire's favourite holiday resort rolled out the red carpet to give one of its most loyal visitors – 104-year-old Sid Pope – an extra-special welcome.

A surprise reception party was on hand at Skegness's historic Grand Parade to greet the sprightly centenarian, from Branston, in the Vale of Belvoir.

Sid has spent every summer holiday lapping up the sights and sounds of the Lincolnshire seaside town ever since the age of just 10.

Leading the town delegation, which included its Jolly Fisherman mascot and 2014 carnival queens, was Skegness mayor George Saxon.

He said the idea of the welcome party resulted from a phone call from bus driver with A&P Travel, which regularly ferries Sid on his annual summer holiday.

Mr Saxon said: "It was the bus company that rang me to tell me they were bringing this 104-year-old gentlemen, Sid Pope, was visiting us, and could I come and meet him.

"I said I'd be glad to, thinking, well, it's the very least I could do for such a loyal visitor to our town.

"For him to have been coming to Skegness on holiday every year since he was just a 10-year-old boy is truly incredible."

Mr Saxon arranged for the Jolly Fisherman – who is, coincidentally, also 104 this year – and the rest of the party to welcome their VIP guest.

A bewildered Sid told BBC Radio Lincolnshire his surprise reception was "absolutely marvellous".

"This was the place to come," he said. "I like it because the air is so fresh here."

Sid said the resort, renowned over the past century for welcoming 'chisit' visitors from Leicester during the city's traditional July holiday fortnight, had not changed that much over the years.

"The surroundings of Skegness have (changed) but not Skegness itself," he said. "It's more or less the same as it always was."

Sid was treated by the mayor to a traditional fish and chip lunch, his favourite food, and to a tipple of his favourite drink at the town's Marine pub.

Sid said drinking Scotch whiskey had helped him to live a long life, adding that he intended to keep visiting Skegness for years to come.

"I haven't thrown my chips in yet!," he said.

Mr Saxon said it was wonderful to meet Sid when he arrived at the resort on Thursday.

"For someone who's 104, you wouldn't know it," he said. "I was surprised at just how sprightly he was and walked with me all the way from the Embassy Theatre to the pub, which is about 700 yards."

Mr Saxon told the BBC: "He's got all his faculties and said he loves the fresh air here in Skegness – we've always been saying it's good for you, Skeggy, it's bracing.

"And touch of Scotch at night. Well, you can't beat that for a life, can you?"

Skeggy and the 'chisits':

While Skegness is popularly known as Skeg or Skeggy, the nickname for Leicestrian visitors to the seaside town is "chisits".

The affectionate term refers to the question 'How much is it?', which people from Leicester are renowned for saying.

It is often heard in the town's shops and arcades during the traditional July fortnight mass exodus of tourists from Leicester.

In the 1850s, Skegness was a village with less than 400 inhabitants.

It became more popular with the coming of the railway to the town in the 1870s, making it possible for working class people to spend a day at the seaside.

A poster commissioned by Great Northern Railway in 1908, featuring the Jolly Fisherman mascot and the slogan 'Skegness is so bracing', helped put the resort on the map.

The first Butlin's holiday resort was opened by Billy Butlin in Skegness in 1936 – helping to make it one of the UK's best known seaside towns.

Skegness has suffered under the popularity of cheap foreign package holidays, but it is still popular with families from the East Midlands.

Arsonists are thought to be responsible for a rubbish fire in an abandoned factory.

The fire service was called to an industrial premises in Ross Walk, Belgrave, Leicester, just after 6pm today.

A spokesman said: "On arrival, a crew discovered a small fire located in a two-storey, disused factory, building, involving a quantity of rubbish."

He said the member of the public who raised the alarm said they had seen "some youths running away from the factory".

The blaze was extinguished and a stop message was received by fire control at6.37pm. The incident was left with the police.

A man was rescued from his house after a kitchen fire started by unattended cooking.

Firefighters were called to a property in Farnham Street, in Spinney Hills, Leicester, just before 6.30pm, today, after a neighbour reported smelling smoke.

A fire service spokesman said: "Crews discovered a kitchen fire and a male occupant was led to safety.

"He was conscious and breathing, but needed treatment for smoke inhalation by ourselves, and later the ambulance service."

He gave the cause of the fire, which resulted in widespread smoke damage to the kitchen, as "unattended cooking".

The spokesman said crews from the service's Central Leicester and Wigston stations attended the incident as both crews from Eastern station, which would have been closest, were dealing with a rubbish fire started at a disused factory in Ross Walk, Belgrave, Leicester.

He said: "This just shows the importance of not setting fires deliberately , which is believed to be the case in the Ross Walk fire."

An airline has said it will be writing to all passengers individually in the wake of criticism following an emergency landing at East Midlands Airport.

People travelling on Jet2 flight LS644, from Ibiza, said they were unhappy at the way cabin crew dealt with the incident last Wednesday.

The Boeing 737 was evacuated shortly after it touched down at the Castle Donington airport due to an electrical fault that caused a burning smell in the cabin.

Some passengers claimed airline staff lost control when smoke began filling the cabin, leading to confusion and at least one person trying to escape on to the aircraft's wing.

Jet2 said on Thursday that all passengers had been looked after by its airport team after disembarking the flight.

But after the criticism it has received in the aftermath of th e incident, a spokesman said the company would be writing to all passengers individually.

Micheal Sharpe, 23, from East Goscote, told the Mercury on Thursday that, while it soon became apparent there was a problem, passengers were not briefed on what was happening.

"We were not told anything," he said. "Staff were running up and down the plane, so we knew something wasn't right because when do you ever see them doing that?"

Another passenger, Malcolm Yates, told the BBC that there was no communication between cabin staff and passengers as the incident unfolded.

Incoming flights to the airport were cancelled after the emergency was declared, shortly before 8.30pm so the plane could land.

Jet2 said, on Thursday, that the landing was a "precautionary measure" due to a "minor electrical problem".

It said all passengers were looked after.

"The safety of our passengers is of paramount importance," said a spokesman.