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Woman, 82, injured as thug snatches her handbag

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An 82-year-old woman was injured when a thug snatched her handbag. The woman is recovering after the man grabbed the bag from her shoulder in Castle Donington. The man approached the woman from behind as she walked by the library in Clapgun Street, pulled the bag from her and ran off. Police said the woman suffered minor injuries and was "shaken". The incident happened at 11pm on Tuesday, October 14. The bag contained the victim's purse and bank cards. Police released details of the attack today and appealed for witnesses. The robber is white, approximately 5ft 8ins, in his mid-20s and is of stocky build. He was wearing a grey hooded tracksuit with two large blue squares on the side. Also, officers want to trace the driver of a white flat-bed lorry which was seen in nearby Eastway around the time of the robbery. The vehicle had high green side on the flat-bed section and was carrying to large white square containers. Contact Detective Constable Clare Moor on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Woman, 82, injured as thug snatches her handbag


Rugby Union: England call for Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs

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Scrum-half Ben Youngs is the only Leicester Tigers player named in the England squad for the forthcoming autumn internationals against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia.

That comes as little surprise with the likes of Tom Youngs, Ed Slater, Geoff Parling, Dan Cole and Tom Croft all currently on the injured list, while Manu Tuilagi misses out after picking up a groin injury against Ulster last weekend.

Harlequins' Danny Care and Northampton's Lee Dickson are also named at scrum-half in a 33-strong squad.

Youngs has won 38 caps so far and joins up with the England squad after Saturday's European Rugby Champions Cup match against Scarlets in Llanelli.

Tuilagi is replaced by Bath Rugby's Jonathan Joseph.

"There are a number of players unavailable for this series because of long term injury but they are all on the road to recovery and as always, it gives the opportunity for others to come in and stake their claim," said England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

"We have included Jonathan Joseph as an injury replacement for Manu. It is obviously disappointing to lose Manu but JJ has been in great form and deserves this chance.

"Our medics will continue to work closely with Leicester's and ensure that Manu is supported in his rehabilitation from his injury."

The squad includes lock George Kruis (Saracens) and winger Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath) for the first time, and will be captained by 'Quins back rower Chris Robshaw.

Rugby Union: England call for Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs

Bin lorry bursts into flames in Claybrooke Magna

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Firefighters were called out after a bin lorry caught fire while doing the rounds in Claybrooke Magna.

Crews from Hinckley and Lutterworth battled to put out the fire in the back of the lorry, which was full of domestic waste when the fire started at about 11am today.

The fire took about two hours to get fully under control.

Bin lorry bursts into flames in Claybrooke Magna

I'm A Celebrity...is back: When's the ITV show back on?

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G'day mate, get your cork-hats at the ready because I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! is back and will be returning to our screens next month.

Geordie duo Ant and Dec will be returning to our screens for a 14th time, as we watch a handful of celebrities set up camp in the Australian jungle for three weeks.

An official date and time is yet to be confirmed but as soon as it is released, don't worry, we will have all the information.

So who's rumoured to be sharing their sleeping bag with spiders, or eating witchetty grubs this year?

Leicester's very own Robbie Savage. The former Foxes player insists he won't be going in but we think it's just a cover-up.

Former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos is also on the list, as are TV presenter Melanie Sykes and ex-Coronation Street lass Michelle Keegan.

Magician Dynamo and new-mum Josie Cunnigham are also rumoured to be appearing on the show.

Who would you put in the jungle? Are there any celebrities you want to see taking on the bush tucker trials?

I'm  A Celebrity...is back: When's the ITV show back on?

Halley's Comet set to treat stargazers to spectacular meteor shower

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Stargazers could be in for a treat tonight as a meteor shower is set to light up the sky.

Halley's Comet, which is one of the most famous comet of all, hasn't been seen for around 30 years and could not be seen again for more than 40 years.

It was last spotted in the mid-1980s and won't be seen again until at least 2060.

Halley's Comet produces a spectacular sky show and lasts for around a week but peaks around October 21 to 23. During this time, Earth will pass through a stream of debris left from the comet.

Weather permitting, the best time to view the shower is after midnight and before dawn.

Are you staying up to watch the meteor shower tonight? Or maybe you're getting up early to catch a glimpse?

Send us your pictures, if you're quick enough to catch the shower on camera, to newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Halley's Comet set to treat stargazers to spectacular meteor shower

Campaign group formed to object to East Midlands Gateway rail freight depot

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Residents and parish councils are fighting plans for a distribution hub that could create 7,000 new jobs.

If it gets planning permission, the 250-acre East Midlands Gateway freight depot site will be built on farmland and woodland areas to the north of East Midlands Airport and to the west of junction 24 of the M1.

But people in the Castle Donington area have united to form the Junction 24 Action Group (JAG) to object to the proposal by developer Roxhill.

JAG's main complaints are that the development will destroy more than 600 acres of farmland and wildlife habitats, and increase traffic and noise and light pollution in the area.

They also claim the proposed new railway line that would need to be built to link the site to the rail network would ruin views in the area and pass within a few hundred yards of St Nicholas Church in Lockington, a Grade I Listed 13th century building, possibly causing structural damage.

Steve Haberfield, JAG spokesman, said: "They say this is good because it will provide 7,000 jobs but there isn't an unemployment problem in this area. The workers would come from Nottingham and Derby.

"This part of the county is already over-industrialised and this would be running 24 hours a day and, according to Roxhill's own estimates, lead to 118,000 extra daily traffic movements.

"Nobody wants it.

"Just where do these developers get off thinking they can just concrete over ever blade of grass?"

Tony Harrington, who is chair of Lockington Parish Council and also vice-chairman of JAG, added: "The parish councils of Castle Donington, Kegworth, Lockington cum Hemington and Diseworth are all strongly against this development.

"This development shouldn't be seen as just another few warehouses.

"This development, if approved, will irreversibly destroy one of the last few green spaces in north west Leicestershire."

Roger Else, a member of Castle Donington Parish Council, said: "There's a huge amount of concern from residents. It's going to be an absolute nightmare.

"Castle Donington is not short of jobs. This is going to mean people coming into the area and roads being blocked. No-one I've spoken to is in favour of this."

The development involves about six million square feet of warehousing.

Because of the nature of the development, the planning application will be decided by the Government.

The plans can be viewed at the Parish Rooms, Castle Donington, from 10am to 12noon, Monday to Friday, until November 3.

A statement from Roxhill said: "The proposed East Midlands Gateway location is strategically well placed with access to national road and rail freight networks.

"It would create around 7,000 new jobs and represent a capital investment of more than £300m.

"It would generate around £15 million of business rates revenue per year once fully operational, a proportion of which would be retained by the local authority.

"It is a direct response to Government policy which encourages a network of rail freight interchanges across the country to support economic growth and to enable a shift of freight from road to rail."

For more information about the protest group and details of how to object visit: www.j24actiongroup.org/news/

Campaign group formed to object to East Midlands Gateway rail freight depot

Police appeal for witnesses to two-car crash

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Police have appealed for witnesses to a two-car crash which left one person in hospital. The cars, an orange Peugeot 206 and a silver Saab 9-5 collided in Terry Yardley Way, close to the Woodthorpe Island, Loughborough shortly after 11pm on Friday, October 17. The Peugeot was travelling toward Loughborough and the Saab was travelling in the opposite direction when they collided. One of the occupants of the Peugeot received treatment for injuries at Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham. He has since been discharged. Pc Trevor Spare said: "We would particularly like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident between the two vehicles as it occurred, who has not already spoken to police officers at the scene. "We would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen either vehicle before the incident." Contact Pc Spare on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal for witnesses to two-car crash

Halloween 2014: Eight simple steps to carving a pumpkin

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Carving a pumpkin is a must-do at Halloween.

And as October 31 is just around the corner, we thought we'd put together our simple step-by-step guide to carving your pumpkin.

When's the best time to buy your pumpkin? A week before Halloween, October 24. So schedule a pumpkin shopping trip in for this Friday.

1. Choosing your pumpkin. First off, remember the shape of the pumpkin can make it easier or harder for the carver when they're cutting out out their spooky design. So when you go shopping, make sure you choose the right pumpkin for you. The smoother it is and more-rounded, will make it easier to carve. 

Also, the bigger ones will give more room for mistake, so if you're up for a challenge, go for a smaller size.

You need to make sure your pumpkin is ripe - knock it and it should make a hollow sound.

2. Cut out the lid. Place pumpkin on table or flat, clear surface. Then, using a knife (children, make sure this is always done with an adult), carefully cut a small circle around the stalk. Pull of the lid.

3. Time to get messy. Using your hands or a spoon, scoop our all of the flesh and seeds from inside the pumpkin. 

Want to know what to do with the your leftover pumpkin? Try these devilishly delicious recipes.

4. Wash your pumpkin. Before you start designing make sure you have washed your pumpkin and got all the dirt off the outside.

5. Draw your design. Using an old biro works really well here because they have a thin tip and you can press it onto the pumpkin's skin to mark your design.

As for the design itself, you can do whatever you want. Fancy a challenge? Why not go for a more detailed picture? Or if you want to go for something a tad easier, stick with a simple eyes, nose and mouth. 

6. Cut out design. Following the markings you have made, use a knife to cut out your design (children, make sure this is always done with an adult).

7. Light it up. Traditionally, tea lights are put inside pumpkins. However, feel free to use an LED light for a more safer option.

8. Sit back and watch it glow. Put your pumpkin in your chosen place, whether that be inside, or on your doorstep. Now, sit back and watch it glow - turn the lights down, to see it at its best.

Remember: If you have used a tea light, do not place your pumpkin near anything that could set alight, or things that could dangle / fall inside it and catch fire. 

And there you have it, eight easy steps to help you become a master carver this Halloween.

Send us your Halloween Pumpkin pics. Tweet us your photos and tag them using: #LMpumpkin and you could win a £25 Amazon voucher!

Twitter: @Leicester_Merc

Terms and conditions - standard Local World promotions rules apply, see www.leicestermercury.co.uk/houserules for details. Entrants must be aged 18 years or over to apply. 1 winner selected at random. Closing date Nov 3, 10am. Winner will be required to collect their prize, collection details will be given when winners are contacted. 

Halloween 2014: Eight simple steps to carving a pumpkin


More Leicestershire men killed in early days of First World War are remembered

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Fresh information has come to light about the first soldier from Leicestershire to be killed in the First World War.

It follows the publication of information provided to the Leicester Mercury by Professor Peter Olive.

Prof Olive has pieced together the stories of his maternal grandfather, Lance Corporal William James Green, of Earl Shilton, who was killed on October 17, 1914, and paternal grandfather Corporal John Edwin Olive, of Cosby, who was wounded on September 23, 1918 before dying on October 3.

Professor Olive, 70, of Newcastle, who left Earl Shilton in 1962, has written a booklet on the men's lives for their families, many of whom still live in Leicestershire.

In it, he said his family thought L/Cpl Green was the "very first" Leicestershire man to die in the conflict.

Following publication of the article on Monday (20)Leicestershire relatives of one man and a local historian who has researched the life and death of another contacted the Mercury to say the claim was not correct.

Local historian Malcolm Dark told us about L/Cpl David L Whitehouse, from Barrow-upon-Soar who was killed on Wednesday, August 26, 1914.

Malcolm, who wrote "Barrow Upon Soar. The Great War 1914/18", said:"There are full details of David L Whitehouse, aged 19 who was a Lance Corporal in the 2nd. Battalion of The Royal Scottish Fusiliers, Service No. 11244 , born in Mountsorrel and living from a very early age in Barrow Upon Soar.

"David is recorded in the village Roll Of Honour and inscribed on the War Memorial as dying in France on Wednesday 26th. August 1914.

" This was only three weeks after the commencement of hostilities. I am not claiming David was the first Leicestershire casualty but he may well have been."

Terry Gilliver, of Loughborough, also contacted the Mercury to tell us about his grandfather, Private Arthur Widdowson, who died while serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards,on September 14, 1914.

He was killed in action at Soupir, in Picardy and is on the memorial at the war cemetery at La Ferte-sous-Jouarre.

Pte Widdowson, who was 34, lived in Cossington Road, in Sileby. He was awarded the 1914 Star, British War and Victory medals.

Mr Gilliver said: "My mother was born two months after he died."

Cpl Henry Johnson, of 5th Signal Coy. Royal Engineers, son of Mr and Mrs T Fielding Johnson, of Goscote Hall, Leicester, died on August 23, 1914, aged 20.

L/Cpl Charles Edward Lester, husband of Florence Lester, of  Dronfield Street, Leicester, serving with the 1st Bn. Somerset Light Infantry, died on August 26, aged 26.

Professor Olive said of L/Cpl Green: "I would't want to cause anyone any grief, I perhaps should have said that he was believed by his family to have been.

"These traditions pass down by word of mouth, so there could easily be several families thinking the same thing.

"I would apologise to anyone who felt affronted and offer my own sympathy for their family loss all those years ago."

See our Roll of Honour here: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/WW1-names/story-22045218-detail/story.html

Colony of ants rehomed to make way for new Humberstone development

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An entire colony of ants had to be found a new home after they were discovered on a building site.

Developer Hazelton Homes, which is more used to building houses for humans, had to create a new habitat for the insects in Vicarage Gardens in Humberstone, Leicester, where the company is building 11 new homes.

The ants were moved as part of a long list of ecological works agreed with Leicester City Council in return for planning permission.

So far five anthills have been successfully relocated to Humberstone Community Gardens with the help of ecologists, along with frogs, toads and smooth newts from around the pond at the development.

The scheme of ecological works also involved creating bird boxes and encouraging bats to nest in roof ridges in the new homes.

Hazelton Homes has also designed bat-friendly street lighting or Vicarage Gardens and created passages for hedgehogs to wander between the new gardens.

Commercial director Richard Hazelton said: "We're used to moving newts and frogs and accommodating birds and bats but this is certainly the first time we've needed to find a new home for an ant population.

"Thankfully they could be accommodated at the community gardens just a few doors away so it was relatively straightforward task.

"To be able to move all the existing wildlife safely and successfully is a fantastic result."

Colony of ants rehomed to make way for new Humberstone development

America's Got Talent finalist Mauricio Herrera interviews his hero Leicestershire legend Englebert Humperdink on NBC

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Englebert Humperdink talked about life, his fans, a new album and the importance of humility during an appearance on American television.

The legendary Leicestershire singer, who divides his time between Great Glen and Los Angeles, was interviewed in his California home by America's Got Talent Finalist – and ardent fan – Mauricio Herrera.

Enge, was introduced as "international superstar – the magnificent, one and only King of Romance!".

Sitting in an armchair, surrounded by walls decorated with some of his 80-plus Gold and Platinum discs, the 78-year-old appeared slightly nervous – scared even – confronted with the colourful, but sincere, Cost Rican singer's brazen adulation.

But he soon settled down to discuss his career – and passionate fans.

Herrera asked him: "Do you have an idea of the loyal fan base that you have.

"Can you measure it, every time you go out there?

"You have the most loyal fans in the world. You perform around the world and everywhere you play is sold out.

"How do you feel about that?"

To which Enge replied: "My fans are the people I call my cheerleaders, the spark plugs of my success.

"They are out there and sort of ignite everybody around them.

"I think that's an important issue when you have a following If you can get those people in your audience, they light the fire for you, and they light up your life."

He elaborated: "If someone stops moving then they nudge them, that's what fans are for and that's what they do.

"My fans are very militant. If anyone says something derogatory about me, God forbid.

"That's why I love my fans, they really protect and love and support me, and they have done for all these many years, since 1967."

Asked why he thinks his music has transcended "generation after generation", Enge said: "I'm very happy with the kind of life I've had, and the success that I've had, I've worked hard for it mind you."

Enge went on to talk about his new album, Englebert Calling, which was released on September 30.

He said: "Things are going well because I've got a brand new CD out, a duet CD, which I've never done before.

"I've recorded about 80 albums, including compilation albums.

"But this one is very unique, because it's all duets and with amazing people like Elton John, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Gene Simmons from Kiss – and Johnny Mathis, one of my favourite singers of all time."

He added: "It was two years – a labour of love."

A gushing Herrera then put it to him: "How does it feel to have changed so many people's lives? To have touched millions of people's lives around the world and changed their worlds – for good?"

"That's a difficult question," said Enge. "Me, I just walk on stage and do the best I can with the tools I've got, I really do.

"I think each performance I do is as good as the last.

"I try to be as good every time. I've never cut my audiences short.

"Even when I have a bad throat, I will struggle through it.

"I get through the show and give them the best that I can."

Finally, a bemused Enge was asked to critique Herrera's renditions of Costa Rican star Ricky Martin's hit Livin' la Vida Loca, and the Bee Gee's Stayin' Alive – America's Got Talent-style.

Enge said: "I want to hear your voice."

Herrera finished by singing Spanish Eyes, a 60s favourite among Enge fans, to his idol.

"Now that's got quality," was his assessment.

To watch the interview visit: www.leicestermercury.co.uk

America's Got Talent finalist Mauricio Herrera interviews his hero  Leicestershire legend Englebert Humperdink  on NBC

Mum Grace Tansey, injured in Hurricane Gonzalo storms on Tuesday, recovering at home

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A woman hit by a loose section of hoarding during Tuesday's storm is recovering back at home.

Grace Tansey, 28, was struck on the head by a large plywood board as walking past the New Walk Centre in Leicester city centre, which is awaiting demolition.

She was with her young children and her four-year-old niece when the incident happened at about 1pm and they were on their way to visit Grace's mother at Leicester Royal Infirmary, where she is being treated for a kidney infection.

After the incident, Grace was taken to the infirmary but was discharged on Wednesday night and is recovering at her home in Eyres Monsell, Leicester.

Her father, Michael Tansey, 52, of Eyres Monsell, said: "She's home now and she's still feeling pretty groggy and her head is swollen up.

"She's also hobbling a bit because her legs were badly bruised.

"There's going to be some physiotherapy and she's got her prescription but there's no permanent damage.

"She works at the Marks & Spencer coffee shop at Fosse Park but she's probably going to be off work for a while."

DSM Demolition, which is responsible for the New Walk Centre site, described the incident as a "freak accident".

Contracts manager Billy Young said: "We do regret the accident involving the young lady, but it was a freak accident.

"We will be carrying out a full investigation and preparing a report for our client, Leicester City Council.

The winds on Tuesday reached 40mph in Leicestershire as the tail end of Hurricane Gonzalo passed over the UK.

Mum Grace Tansey, injured in Hurricane Gonzalo storms on Tuesday, recovering at home

Powerlifting: Annjanette Wells ready to take on continent's strongest at European Championships

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Kimcote mum Annjanette Wells will take on the continent's strongest women when she competes in powerlifting's European Championships.

A 44-year-old manager for the British Psychological Society, Wells entered her first powerlifting competition earlier this month, but she is now preparing to face Europe's best, in Eastbourne, next June.

It has been a rapid rise to success for Wells.

Wells joined a gym in March last year in order to lose weight and improve her fitness.

Having achieved her target measurements by September, Wells, with her trainer Aaron Pyatt, turned to developing her sporting performance, and, following a chance encounter with a fellow gym-goer, decided to move into powerlifting.

Wells said: "I was training with my coach one day, going for a new personal best in the dead lift, and this lady was staring at me.

"I thought I was making a funny expression or something.

"After I left, my coach, Aaron, started talking to her. It turned out she was a powerlifter who had competed on the European and British tour and she was astounded by my lifts."

Wells made her competitive powerlifting debut in Manchester on October 4, at the Global Powerlifting Committee Great Britain (GPC-GB) Nodumbelles Women's Open.

She said: "I was hoping to do well. I was doing good enough lifts in the gym, but doing it in front of 200 people, other powerlifters, and in a competitive environment adds a lot more pressure."

Recording a 92.5kg squat lift, a 50kg bench press and a 130kg dead lift, for a total lift weight of 272.5kg, Wells was triumphant in the 56kg weight category.

The victory secured qualification for the European Championships, plus the British Open, next August.

Wells said: "I've got a lot of work to do, but I think I could do well. At the moment, in the dead lift for example, I am lifting 130 kilos, but I'm hoping to lift 140 to 150 by next year."

Wells will be training six times a week, including four times with her coach, Pyatt, who she described as "instrumental" to her success so far.

Good performances at the European and British events could result in what Wells called the "ultimate aim", an invitation to the World Championships in Las Vegas a year from now.

Powerlifting: Annjanette Wells ready to take on continent's strongest at European Championships

Boxing: Ryan Hookway is ready for his shot at vacant British Masters Bronze title

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Leicester welterweight Ryan Hookway gets a title shot next month.

He has been matched with Alec Bazza for the vacant British Masters Bronze title in Barnsley on Saturday, November 29.

Hookway hopes winning the title at the Metrodome will kick start his career.

He has boxed just seven times in his four-and-a-half year career and the 29-year-old said: "This fight is just what I need.

"I know I haven't been active enough. I've had injuries and work commitments and did think about packing up during the summer.

"But when I get older I want to be able to tell my daughter, Frankie, that I had a go.

"I just needed a fight like this to get me going again and (manager) Carl (Greaves) has come up with the goods.

"Ever since I found out the fight was on, I've given a bit extra in the gym and have been running at five o'clock every morning. I've never done that before.

"I know it's not a world title, but winning this title will make people take notice and help me get in the mix."

Hookway said his title bid has been boosted by sparring the "new Roberto Duran".

Duran, possibly the finest lightweight in history, was nicknamed 'Hands of Stone' – and that is what Hookway calls gym mate Ryan Bennett.

Bennett aims to make it back-to-back wins, in Lincoln, on Friday, November 7, and Hookway said: "Ryan hits so hard. I call him 'Hands of Stone' because he's got the power to turn your lights out.

"It's great sparring for me. I have to stay switched on."

Tickets for the show in Barnsley are available from 07446 077792.

Boxer Paige Murney was a special guest at Carl Gunns Gym, in Birstall.

The 19-year-old went through her paces in front of gym members and was joined by Leicester Unity club-mate Leon Woodstock.

Murney has enjoyed an excellent year and struck gold at the prestigious Haringey Box Cup in the summer. Gunns invited her to his thriving gym to encourage the youngsters who regularly work out there.

"We have a lot of girls at the gym and they want to better themselves," he said.

"Paige is a girl who has done very well for herself and it will help anybody who watches the way she works. It was good for everyone at the gym that she came down, but particularly for any of the girls who might be thinking, 'I can do that.'

"Paige's success just shows them what can be achieved."

Boxing: Ryan Hookway is ready for his shot at vacant British Masters Bronze title

Barwell out to create history in FA Cup against Conference side Altrincham

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Barwell are eyeing up a giant-killing as they bid to reach the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in their history.

The Canaries welcome Conference side Altrincham to Kirkby Road in the fourth qualifying round on Saturday.

Altrincham, who won promotion last season, are no strangers to a giant-killing themselves. They hold the record for having knocked out more league sides than any other non-league team.

But Barwell will have no reason to fear their lofty opponents as they go into the game in good form.

The Evo-Stik Premier Division side have won their last four home games in all competitions and sit ninth in the table.

Their place in the fourth qualifying round was secured in dramatic style thanks to an 89th-minute winner from Anthony Carney.

Victory for Barwell would see them follow in the footsteps of local sides Coalville Town and the now-defunct Hinckley United, who have both tasted first-round action in recent seasons.

In Evo-Stik Division One South, Tommy Brookbanks will take charge of his first game at the helm of Coalville Town when they face Newcastle Town.

Brookbanks and assistant Mark Harvey took over the reins at Owen Street earlier this week following the departure of Jimmy Gray after their FA Trophy defeat to Mickleover Sports.

Brookbanks's former club, Loughborough Dynamo, where he left following weeks of off-field turmoil due to unpaid wages, take on Kidsgrove Athletic.

Dynamo beat Kidsgrove 6-3 last weekend in the FA Trophy in what was Brookbanks's last game at the club.

The spotlight will fall on Saffron Dynamo tomorrow as they set about maintaining their Senior League title challenge without Jeff Stocking at the helm.

Stocking transformed Saffron into title challengers during his brief spell at Cambridge Road before moving on to pick up the gauntlet at Shepshed Dynamo.

Saffron take on Kirby Muxloe Reserves on Saturday looking to hold off the challenge of a host of clubs, led by Friar Lane & Epworth.

The Lane are at home to GNG, while third-placed Melton Mowbray entertain Earl Shilton Albion.

Sileby Town's unbeaten record faces a significant test as they head to Caterpillar.

The hosts are currently in fifth, just a place behind Town having lost only once this term.

With six wins from the eight starts they have made so far, Blaby & Whetstone Reserves are lurking dangerously in the mid-table shadows. They welcome Desford to Warwick Road.

Sixth-placed Birstall United need a win at Dunton & Broughton Rangers if they are not to run the risk of falling out of contention.

Much the same is true of Rothley Imps, who are seventh ahead of their home match against Houghton Rangers.

St Andrews Reserves find themselves bottom of the pile and without a win as they go to Allexton & New Parks.

Cottesmore Amateurs entertain Barlestone St Giles with both sides needing the points to climb out of the bottom three.

Barwell out to create history in FA Cup against Conference side Altrincham


Gary Lineker defends Liverpool's Mario Balotelli after he was criticised for swapping shirts with Real Madrid's Pepe at half time

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Former Leicester striker Gary Lineker has jumped to Mario Balotelli's defence after the controversial Liverpool player was seen swapping shirts at half time during the Red's 3-0 loss to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old Italian forward has come under fire for exchanging jerseys with Galactico Pepe at Anfield, in the Group B Champions Leagues clash, last night.

The two were filmed swapping shirts in the tunnel at half time, just before Balotelli was subbed for Adam Lallana.

But fans, pundits and even his own manager Brendan Rodgers, have criticised the misfiring Liverpool star for the act, saying it sent out the wrong message.

Red manager Rodgers said after the game: "It's not something I stand for. If you want to do it… you do it at the end of the game."

Others said it showed Balotelli had given up on the game, accepting the 3-0 half time result, with a number of national papers suggesting he could be fined for breach of conduct.

But Lineker had a different take on the situation.

His tweet provoked a strong reaction from fans.

Rick O'Shea replied: "Is it disrespectful of fans? Yes…"

And as always, Piers Morgan was quick to tell City legend Lineker he was wrong.

Gary Lineker defends Liverpool's Mario Balotelli after he was criticised for swapping shirts with Real Madrid's Pepe at half time

Nasa astronaut Dr Stanley Love visits Leicester to talk about his time aboard the International Space Station

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Astronaut and planetary scientist Dr Stanley Love has landed in Leicester and is inspiring young minds with tales of robots, space and volcanos filled with salt.

In 2008, Dr Love was part of a two-week mission to install the Columbus Laboratory aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and clocked up more than 300 hours in space - which included two space walks.

The 49-year-old orbited the Earth more than 200 times during his foray into the closer reaches of the cosmos.

And now, Dr Love has been talking to students at the University of Leicester, as well as to primary school children at the National Space Centre, to recount the memories and experiences of his unique journey.

He met space science postgraduates on Wednesday, and among other things, discussed the pros and cons of robot explorers versus manned missions.

Speaking to the Mercury after the lecture, Dr Love said: "There's been this long-running question of whether space is best explored withe robots or with humans and I think getting the right balance between the two gives you the best options.

"You don't get complaints about wanting to come home, or complaints about radiation sickness with robots, but then you get much more versatility with manned missions."

Dr Love has worked for Nasa since 1998 and also piloted submarines for the space agency during an experimental test programme called NEEMO (Nasa Extreme Environment Mission Operations) which was carried out off the coast of Florida.

Dr John Bridges, of the University of Leicester's Space Research Centre, said it was inspirational for the students to meet Dr Love and ask questions about the "exciting" aspects of space science.

He said: "We've got a new MSc here in space science so the students had lots of questions.

"Having Stan here captures the exciting part of space science, it's great to have someone with such a unique experience giving a firsthand account of what it's like to be in space."

The American spaceman, originally from California, said the training he endured before becoming a fully fledged astronaut was tough - and also explained some the tests he faced when he met youngsters at the National Space Centre, today.

"They have to make sure you're okay with confined spaces," he said. "Because they put in these tight space suits and the capsules you're in are not too spacious.

"They curl you up in a tight canvas ball so you can't move and put a heart rate monitor on you and just leave you there - and they don't tell you how long for.

"It's just as physiological as it is physical - I was there for about 10 minutes - I made it."

He did admit, however, to having a slight phobia of heights.

"I struggle getting up a ladder to clean my gutters," he admitted. "But once I'm up in space I'm okay.

"Actually, I did have two fears during the mission.

"One was exploding in a ball of flames during takeoff - there's a lot of power stored in those tanks - and the other was opening the hatch to go outside.

"You open it and all you can see is the Earth beneath you and you've got to hold onto a small ladder and pull yourself round underneath the space station and just hold on tight."

But once in space, Dr Love, whose primary field of expertise is planetary science, said looking back at the Earth was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Some of the night passes we made were stunning," he said. "Seeing all the cities lit up and spreading out across the surface of the planet.

"One of the most amazing things I saw was an atoll, a coral reef, in the Pacific which was a perfect rectangle. It was quite a sight.

"And there was a volcano in the middle of the Sahara desert too which had a brilliant white dried up salt lake in its crater.

"In Siberia, there are four huge vertical line stretching across the tundra - it looked like a giant Wolverine - you know the X-Men character - had got his claws out and slashed the Earth.

"I thought, 'what the heck are they'?

"It turns out the Russians had planted rows of trees to act as wind breaks. Amazing."

But Dr Love was also quick dispel one myth about what you can see from space.

"No, you can't see the Great Wall of China," he said. "In fact you can't see any of China at all. The parts we passed over anyway. There's too much pollution. It covers everything."

Although the astronaut was full of praise for our planet, he seemed less impressed by our closest celestial neighbour - the Moon.

"The Earth is a vibrant, constantly changing place," he said. "And the Moon just looks small and dusty - not very impressive. It's not lit up like it is when you view it from earth - it's just a ball of grey dirt."

Dr Love returned to Earth on the Nasa shuttle Atlantis on February 20, 2008.

The USA ended its manned space shuttle programme in 2011, but plans to have three operational craft going back and forth to the ISS by 2018.

"It'll be nice to have US astronauts flying in US shuttles again," said Dr Love. "It irritates me slightly that we're flying in Russian space craft."

Further down the line there are plans to send astronauts to Mars, but Dr Love said if that was ever going happen political and diplomatic relations between the world's superpowers, such as USA, Russia and China, would have to take an more positive U-turn.

He said: "It going to take a lot of collaboration between everyone on Earth. Mars will have to be a joint venture.

"We'll have to put political differences aside, because if nothing else it's going to cost so much money no one nation is going to be able to afford it alone."

Nasa astronaut Dr Stanley Love visits Leicester to talk about his time aboard the International Space Station

Leicester Tigers in right frame of mind to defeat Scarlets in Champions Cup, insists Marcos Ayerza

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Marcos Ayerza says Leicester Tigers are in the right frame of mind to claim a second Champions Cup win this weekend.

Tigers opened their account with a 25-18 victory over Ulster last weekend and, while that has given everybody at the club a significant lift, Leicester prop Ayerza knows that the challenge is going to be every bit as big at Parc Y Scarlets on Saturday.

The Welsh side will be looking to pick up their first win after losing in France to Toulon last Sunday.

Despite that defeat, though, Scarlets gave a good account of themselves and will be relishing the visit of Tigers.

Ayerza, who has just returned to the Leicester line-up after featuring for Argentina in the Rugby Championship, is in line to make his 50th European appearance for Leicester, which would make him only the 11th Tiger to achieve that feat.

With the depth of experience he has picked up in that time, he knows what to expect in south Wales – and how Tigers must combat it.

"Scarlets have been a great side over the years," said the 31-year-old. "They are one of the big regions in Wales and have some very important names in their squad.

"They showed what sort of side they are when they played Toulon on Sunday and went close to causing a big shock.

"Scarlets are a team to respect. They are at home and will raise their game. We are looking at a tough battle up front and in every aspect of the game. We have to be sharp.

"Confidence is high but we still know that we have a long way to go before we are where we want to be playing and intensity-wise."

Intensity was a word used across the board after Ulster had been repelled at Welford Road, and Tigers know that they have to reach those heights consistently, if they are to make an impact on European competition.

"We are in the right frame of mind, and having the last two wins is a big confidence boost and a psychological boost for the team and the club as a whole," said Ayerza.

"If we carry on doing that we will still have many more games to come, but we have to keep those wins coming."

Leicester Tigers in right frame of mind to defeat Scarlets in Champions Cup, insists Marcos Ayerza

Leicester comes second bottom in national house price rise survey

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A national survey has put Leicester second bottom in a survey of annual house price rises.

Hometrack's inaugural UK cities house price index has revealed that London came top with an 18.1 percent increase with Glasgow bottom on 4.3 percent and Leicester just above that with a rise of 4.8 percent.

But local estate agents have dismissed the year-on-year figures in the 20-city survey and suggest that the local market is much stronger.

Mark Sandall, joint managing partner at Andrew Granger in Leicester, said: "There are a lot of these surveys about and they can differ wildly.

"The experience we have in this local market is that growth has been higher than the figure quoted.

"I would estimate that the rise here would be more likely to be between six and seven percent."

He said in the city Stoneygate, Oadby and Knighton had performed particularly well as had villages around Market Harborough.

Brian Taylor, chairman of Taylor's Property Services, agreed that the local market was performing well.

He said: "We had a strong first half of the year and things have slowed slightly but that is to be expected.

"We work the local market and that survey figure does not reflect what we are seeing day in day out.

"There are still people actively buying and people. If I had to put a figure on the annual rise locally I would estimate between five and seven percent."

The survey said that the average annual rate of UK house price growth was 9 percent.

Its figures showed that the house prices in Leicester had gone up 0.5 percent in the last three months but were now 3.6 percent down the peak of 2007.

Paige Jackson tragedy: Man charged with causing death by dangerous driving

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A motorist is to appear in court charged with knocking down and killing a pregnant woman. The 22-year-old man has been charged with causing the death of Paige Helen Jackson by dangerous driving in Leicester earlier this year. Paige, 22, was knocked down and killed as she crossed Saffron Lane, Leicester on Saturday, February 15. She was just weeks away from giving birth to her son, Rueben. Doctors performed an emergency caesarean, but were unable to save Rueben, who was due to be born in May. Police confirmed today that the man who was arrested in connection with the tragedy has been charged with causing the collision by driving his Volkswagen Jetta car dangerously. He is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court Friday, November 7. He is currently on police bail

Paige Jackson tragedy: Man charged with causing death by dangerous driving

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