Across the city and county people will gather to pay their respects to fallen servicemen and women at Remembrance Sunday services on Sunday. (9)

This year's events will have an added poignancy, marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

The city's annual commemorations take place at the War Memorial at Victoria Park with around 4,000 people expected to attend, including military veterans, civic dignitaries and members of the public.

The Seaforth Highlanders Pipes and Drums will lead a parade, starting off shortly after 10.20am from De Montfort Hall for the service which starts at 10.55am.

The service, which will be led by the Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Tim Stevens, centres around the symbolic two-minute silence, starting on the stroke of 11am.

It will be supported by the City of Leicester choir, Leicester Cathedral choir, the Salvation Army Band and local faith leaders.

A short poem will be read during the service to mark the commemoration of the start of the First World War, and a member of the Seaforth Highlanders will play a piper's lament.

Official wreath-laying will take place during the ceremony and members of the public will be able to lay wreaths at the end of the service.

The service will conclude with a march past, where the Lord Mayor of Leicester, the Lord-Lieutenant and the Brigade Commander will take the salute at the memorial.

Leicester's Lord Mayor Councillor John Thomas said: "The commemorations at Leicester's War Memorial will once again be a focal point for people to remember the sacrifices made by local servicemen and women.

"The centenary of the outbreak of the First World War this year makes it a particularly fitting time for us to reflect on all the lives lost in military conflicts across the world."

In Loughborough, around 3,000 people are expected to join the annual service and parade around the town.

The parade, organised by the Royal British Legion, will start at 10.15am in Market Place and will include serving and ex-service personnel from more than 25 local uniformed organisations.

The Remembrance Service will be held at the Carillon Tower, Queen's Park, at 10.45am.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Paul Day, said: "As Mayor, it is an honour and privilege to be able to play a role in the events which recognise the brave men and women who have fought and died for our country around the world.

"The service and parade in Loughborough has grown to be one of the biggest in the East Midlands and is always a poignant reminder of the human cost of war."

In Oadby and Wigston services will be held at St. Thomas Parish Church, Wigston, at 9.45am, attended by Deputy Mayor,Councillor Latif Darr, at 10.45am at All Saints Church, Wigston Magna where Mayor, Councillor Sarah Dickinson will be in attendance and at 2.15pm the Oadby Royal British Legion service will be held at St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Oadby.

Elsewhere in the county parades and services will be held in Coalville, starting with a service at Christ Church at 9.45am followed by the parade forming up at 10.35am outside the London Road church.

This year will see representatives of the Coalville and District Bikers, including ex-servicemen, who will bring up the rear of the parade before making their way to National Arboretum after the service at the town's war memorial.

Councillor Graham Allman, chairman of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "It would be great to see as many people as possible supporting this day of Remembrance, not only for those who lost their lives in the two world wars, but for those who have died in the current conflicts around the world today."

The Whitwick branch of the Royal British Legion will be holding their service and parade, starting from Hermitage Leisure Centre at 2.15pm and making their way to St John the Baptist Church in Whitwick.

In Market Bosworth, the Royal British Legion branch parade leaves Weston Drive at 9.20am to march through the village to St Peter's Church for the 10am service before marching back to the war memorial in the Market Place for a short service of Remembrance and the wreath laying ceremony.

Across the county scores of services will be taking place on village greens, in town parks and in town squares.

To let us know about your service, e-mail newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk.

Market Harborough has officially changed its name this month to help raise money and awareness for men's cancer charities. For the 30 days of Movember the town will be known as Mo'ket Harborough. Hundreds of men will be growing moustaches to back the cause and a group of women in neighbouring Little Bowden will be donning wacky eyebrows to raise cash too. Shops, businesses and vehicles are also sporting stick-on moustaches while bakeries are producing tasty treats with a moustache motif. A new town sign has been erected in The Square following an official launch in the council headquarters in Adam and Eve Street. Leader of Harborough District Council Blake Pain said: "This campaign has brought the whole community together, including local businesses, and not only puts Market Harborough on the map, it also raises awareness of men's health issues. "It was great that the launch event was held in the new-look council chamber. "We're delighted to be involved in this fun, yet hugely worthwhile cause." Sarah Blackler, the Sixth Form Manager at the Robert Smyth Academy, successfully recruited Sir Edward Garnier, MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston to the Mo'ket Harborough. The Movember campaign has raised £346 million to date and funded over 800 programmes in 21 countries. This work is saving and improving the lives of men affected by prostate and testicular cancer and mental health problems. The Movember Foundation challenges men to grow moustaches during November, to spark conversation and raise funds for its men's health programmes. Sarah Blackler succeeded in getting a number of town businesses and organisations on board. Edward Garnier said: "I support the county's prostate cancer charity which with the national body holds awareness raising events in the Commons. "I am very happy to support what Sarah Blackler is doing too. Prostate and testicular cancer are all too prevalent but not many people are aware of the symptoms and effects, which is why this campaign is very important." Little Bowden Women's Institute has also joined the Mo'Ket Harborough mood. For one night only they are becoming Little Brow-den WI at their meeting at Little Bowden Bowling Club on Wednesday, November 12 at 8pm. Instead of moustaches they are opting for wacky eyebrows. Little Bowden WI president Grainne Purkiss said: "As a distinct part of Mo'ket Harborough, Little Brow-den wanted to show our unique identity as well as solidarity for a great local and national cause. That's what the WI is all about!" Members will be donating £1 to take part.

Former Leicester City winger Derek Hogg has passed away after an illness.

The left winger, who played 165 times for City between 1952 and 1958, would have been 84 yesterday (Nov 4 1930).

Hogg was born in Norton on Tees on November 4, 1930, and after working as a clerk with a shipbreakers in Preston, and serving with the Royal Corps of Signals in Egypt, he was signed by City from Lancashire Combination football.

Initially he arrived as a right-winger but switched to the left with great success.

His wing play was a valuable source of goals to City striker Arthur Rowley.

Hogg was a member of the City squads that won promotion to the First Division in 1953-54 and in 1956-57, a campaign which saw a run of 104 consecutive games by Hogg come to an end.

He joined West Brom in April 1958 before moving to Cardiff City and Kettering Town.

A care home at the centre of a television programme over poor care has again failed to meet all the required standards.

The latest report from the Care Quality Commission shows that The Poplars Care Home in Mountsorrel was not meeting three of six requirements.

Inspectors visited the home, which provides accommodation for up to 23 people, on two days in August.

In their report inspectors said: "People told us they were happy with the care that they received and that their needs were met by staff.

"One person told us 'I like living here, the staff are kind'.

"It was clear from our observations that although staff were kind and patient, people with dementia did not always get the support they needed."

They added: "Staff understood the needs of people they provided support to, but did not always have the training to care for people with dementia.

"A compliance action has been set in relation to this and the provider must tell us how they plan to improve."

Inspectors found improvements were needed to make sure the home met the standard covering consent to care and treatment.

In addition they found "care and treatment was not always planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare and that care staff did not always have the training needed to meet the needs of residents.

Inspectors said they judged all three failings had "a minor impact" on residents."

They added that a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission should be appointed as soon as possible.

A previous inspection in May 2012 showed that the home was meeting all the standards.

A year later inspectors found improvements were needed in some areas but a further inspection in July 2013 found all standards being met.

A spokesman for the home said: "The Poplars is doing very well.

"There were three areas where it failed but these involved minor issues, such as the formatting of care plans.

"We implemented changes straight away and there are no issues."

Leicestershire County Council currently pays for 12 residents at the home.

A council spokesman said: "We are always concerned when care standards are not being met and we are working closely with the provider towards making the required improvements."

Joyce Zannoni vowed to fight for better monitoring of premises following the death of her mother Kathleen Reid in October 2011.

The 88-year-old was a resident at The Poplars when her family and staff became concerned about care at the home.

An inquest decided that Mrs Reid died from natural causes.

Mrs Zannoni said: "It is a dire situation when the Care Quality Commission keep going into a place and things are still not right.

"If I hadn't raised concerns with the home there would not have been improvements but these are still up to the minimum."

Two young prospects from the Leicestershire Road Club are showing good form in cyclo-cross races around the region.

Alex Haines completed a third straight win when he was first home in the latest round of the SRAM Notts & Derby League.

Club-mate April Tacey made it back-to-back wins in the West Midlands League as she crossed the line first at Wolverhampton's Aldersley Leisure Village.

Haines produced another strong ride at Swadlincote to win the boys under-14 race ahead of Emile Alexander, of Lichfield, and Archie Lewis from Sherwood Pines Cycles.

Tacey, who has come off an excellent road season, was practically faultless as she took the latest girls under-16 race in the West Midlands competition.

Second in that event was Welland Valley's Amy Garner, who was hampered by mechanical problems.

However, her good early-season cross form sees her leading the overall competition.

Three other Welland Valley riders took podium places at Swadlincote.

Katie Hubbard's midweek training is paying off as she finished a fine second under-23 women's rider. Her brother, Jake, is also improving consistently and he rode to second in the men's under-23 category.

James Garratt collided with a tree on the first lap and lost vital seconds but, once he was reunited with his bike, he fought back to earn the runner-up spot in the junior race.

Rutland Rouleur's Owen Lightfoot took third place in the boys under-12 category.

Welland Valley's Whizz Kids have been producing outstanding results in the West Midlands competition and Fay Garner continued to dominate the under-10 girls category with another accomplished victory. Dominic Switzer was fifth boy home.

Garratt had to settle for third junior on this occasion after his previous day's exertions at Swadlincote.

Nicola Traynor is impressing in her first full season of cross and was second veteran.

Over at Huntingdon's Grafham Water in the Eastern League, off-road veteran Vic Barnett was not fazed by the tricky conditions and the technical sand and shale sections.

The Welland Valley club president finished second over-60.

The senior event in the Notts & Derby League saw Hope Factory's Dan Booth, from Ibstock, and Jonathan Harper (Mansfield Road Club) battle for supremacy throughout the race. They opened a 30-second gap over their chasers but it was Harper who won the day as he broke away towards the end of the final lap.

Paul Cox, riding for Loughborough's Pedal Power team, was pipped for third place by Renvale RT's Matt Barrett.

Kibworth road man George Atkins is extending his racing season.

The former Great Britain academy rider is currently competing in the seven-day Tour of the Southland stage race in New Zealand.

Health services are improving in the wake of a report which found that 89 people had received "unacceptable" care, according to the man in charge of driving change.

The review published earlier this year, which involved 381 patients, showed that a further 119 people could have had better care in hospital or the community in the days before they died.

Doctors, who wrote to all the relatives involved, apologised for the poor quality of service and set up a task force to make sure improvements are made.

Sileby GP Professor Mayur Lakhani, chairman of the West Leicestershire clinical commissioning group (CCG) and chairman of the task force, said: "I was deeply concerned when I read the report and to read of some the experiences people had had.

"There are no simple solutions but the situation needs sorting out.

"Improvements are already happening."

Speaking a the first of three public event to gather people's view on changes needed he said that the summary hospital level mortality indicator (SHMI) which had been 105 - just above the figure of 100 which is seen as the expected level - looks to have fallen to 99.8.

Prof Lakhani added: "I am fed up with hearing of problems in health in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

"I want them to go away and I want us to be the best and I want people to come here for treatment and we should support our institutions to succeed."

Around 40 people attended the meeting at Loughborough Town Hall.

Caroline Trevithick, chief nurse and quality lead at the West Leicestershire clinical commissioning group (CCG), said: "We want to make sure our actions are taken both from a patient experience and from a clinical perspective.

"All health organisations are working on plans specific to them and also to the task force."

She posed three questions for audience.

They included what matters most about care received; experience of services that work and those that don't and one thing which should be improved to help people stay healthy.

An emerging theme was that patients often found care disjointed between different health organisations.

After the meeting North West Leicestershire county councillors Dr Terri Eynon said: "The officials appeared to be listening to stories of fragmented care.

"There is much good care in single specialties but it falls down when it involves more than one.

"I would like to believe events like this will change things.

"I do have my doubts. There is culture of aspiring to excellence and the complexity of people with multiple morbidities (conditions) can be forgotten."

The mortality review was carried out by Dr Ron Hsu and Lucy Douglas-Pannett, public health experts from the University of Leicester.

Comments from the public meetings will be analysed by experts at De Montfort and a report published later this year.

The next meeting will be at The Orange Rooms, Voluntary Action Leicestershire, 9 Newarke Street, Leicester, on Thursday, November 6, from 1.30-4pm.

A third event will be at Market Harborough District Council Chambers, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, on Thursday, November 13m, from 6-8pm.

The subject of grappling inside the penalty box has hit the headlines recently – as if it is a new phenomenon.

But there is nothing new about the wrestling holds and tussles that seem to occur at every set-piece in the modern game.

The high-profile award of a penalty to Swansea by referee Michael Oliver for Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross' blatant holding of Wilfried Bony seemed to bring the topic back to the fore.

The debate was fuelled even further after Phil Dowd's failure to give Chelsea a spot-kick, despite John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic being placed in headlocks by Manchester United's Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo.

While Oliver, who takes charge of Leicester City's clash with Southampton at St Mary's Stadium this Saturday, was hailed as brave for making his decision, Dowd was heavily criticised for his apparent failure to take action.

Oliver's decision was seen as a potential defining moment – the point at which finally referees would act to rid the game of this farcical skirmishing. It seems to be a false dawn.

Instead of a glut of spot-kick awards to deter the penalty-box grapplers, it seems it is business as usual for defenders looking to get to grips with their opponents at set-plays.

A national newspaper, which has launched a campaign calling for stricter officiating at set-pieces, highlighted West Brom's Sebastian Pocognoli and his close attention to Jamie Vardy at set-plays during City's defeat at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

City boss Nigel Pearson said his players received similar attention at Crystal Palace earlier in the season.

However, Pearson said there was no point complaining about it and there certainly was not any need for a debate over the issue. 

here already existed rules to punish the offenders.

In fact, Pearson himself enforces those rules during City training sessions.

"I don't like my defenders doing it," he said. "If I see it in training, I give a penalty because that's what happens in a game. They are probably in a bad position anyway.

"Grappling. It's not allowed is it. What's there to discuss? Why isn't there a no tolerance rule now? It's not allowed. 

"Why do we need to look at it now? It's never been allowed. 

"I'm not aware of less being punished. 

"It's something we've experienced ourselves this season when we played Crystal Palace, but we won't moan about it, it's up to the officials to deal with it."

Pearson said the tussling had always been a part of the game, even in his playing days, and he cannot see referees getting to grips with the issue until video technology is utilised.

"Occasionally it happens in games, but I wouldn't say any more now," he said. "I wouldn't say it's happened more than since I was a player. 

"It will all mean talking about technology again. Referees don't have the luxury of seeing things retrospectively.

"In the heat of the moment you don't always see it. It's another opportunity to look at the use of technology for fourth official."

Technology or even another official patrolling the goal-line may be a way of helping officials, but ultimately it is down to the officials to be brave, stand up and award the spot-kicks.

If they all did so consistently – and that is the key – it would stamp it out.

Then it is up to the rest of the game to support them if people truly want to see the end of the goalmouth grappling.

Environmental campaigners have backed city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby's Connecting Leicester vision after a petition was set up criticising his transport projects. The Leicester Friends of the Earth have come to the defence projects Sir Peter has implemented or plans to carry out to make access better for pedestrians and cyclists. As previously reported by the Mercury, city centre commuter Mark Radymski started the online petition to complain about various projects to pedestrianise roads and give lanes of traffic over to cyclists. Mark, 26, who is also a cyclist, said the mayor's projects were adding to traffic congestion without clear joined up thinking. He said he and other petitioners felt the jams were harming city centre businesses. So far some 900 people have signed the petition. However Hannah Wakley, of the city's Friends of the Earth group, said: "We support the mayor. "Of course we do need cars but we also know that it is congestion that is bad for businesses. "The mayor has been ambitious with his projects, which is unusual because the city council is usually a bit to timid. "If you want to reduce traffic congestion you need a viable alternative means of people getting about. "The mayor is trying to create that. "Inevitably there will be some disruption while the changes are being made but this is a small price to pay for a healthier environment. "We actually need more segregated cycle space. "All the main arteries into town need them. Hannah added: "We also have levels of air pollution in Leicester that cause 250 premature deaths every year. "The only way we can tackle these problems is to walk, cycle and take the bus more so we have to make these options more convenient than jumping in the car. "We are happy that the city council are trying to make sustainable transport choices more appealing." Petitioner Mark said: "We don't want the mayor to rip up everything he has done but just stop and reassess where he is going. "I am not sure he is heading in the right direction. "I was disappointed to see him say if we didn't like it we should vote him out. We don't need to vote him out. Some of his projects have been good. "We wanted to get people talking about the issue rather than just putting up with the situation. "I hope I will be eating my words in a year or so and the situation will be better but I can't see it." Mark said he was pleased with the reaction to the petition. He said: "I wasn't sure anyone would be interested despite all the red faces I see when people get stuck in traffic every day." If 1,500 people sign the petition it could trigger a debate on the issue in the council chamber. Sir Peter said: "I think a lot of people appreciate we need to make the city centre a place for people rather than just for motorists."

Leicester Lions had a day to forget as they were beaten 38-0 at Hull Ionians in National League Two North Division.

Playing in miserable conditions, the Lions bravely held Hull to just a single penalty for half-an-hour before Joe Cave was yellow carded, which allowed the Humberside club to score two converted tries to take a 17-0 lead at half-time.

In the second half, the Lions found the powerful Hull scrum difficult to contain and further indiscipline by the Lions led to Josh Mclauren and Matt Tuckey both being sin-binned and the tiring Lions conceded two late converted tries.

Lions' director of rugby Ken Whitehead was proud of his team's battling performance. "This was a tough game, especially against a side that scrummaged well. I was proud of the way the team stuck to the task in hand and in no way gave up during the game," he said

In National League One, Loughborough Students travelled to London to face Richmond, where they lost in the last minute 24-22.

The opening to the game was scrappy with both sides making errors and showing ill-discipline. At half-time, Richmond led 10-3 with the Students' points coming from the boot of Josh Sharp.

An improved second half saw Loughborough score two quick tries as Jonny Short then Rhys Owen went over to give them the lead. Richmond responded with a try of their own, before Short grabbed his second of the match to give Loughborough a 22-17 lead.

Despite sustained pressure, the Students held Richmond off until the final minute when the hosts' captain dived over to level the game before the conversion was added.

Loughborough director of rugby Dave Morris,said "The first half from Loughborough wasn't good enough in terms of what National One demands. That was the challenge we put to the boys at half-time and they reacted well."

National Division Three side Hinckley made it four wins on the bounce as they beat Sandbach 27-15 at their Leicester Road ground.

At half-time, Hinckley found themselves in front 13-10 thanks to Sandbach's indiscipline after a yellow card led to a penalty try.

Sandbach found themselves down to 13 men and Hinckley took full advantage with a try as Dylan Weddle scored thanks to impressive work by the forward pack .

Sam Greasley added another try after an impressive run by Mitch Culpin opened up the Sandbach defence.

Hinckley's own indiscipline reared its ugly head late on with a yellow card for Mark Deaville and a red card for Weddle, but despite a late try for Sandbach Hinckley held on to take the victory.

Shepshed Dynamo's Midland League revival under new boss Jeff Stocking continued at the Dovecote.

They notched their third successive Premier Division victory by beating third-placed Westfields 3-0.

It took Shepshed just 50 seconds to take the lead. Scott Staniland broke down the left, and from the corner flag crossed to the far post where David Hind headed home.

Staniland added a second from the penalty spot on 25 minutes after Westfields' captain Jamie Cuss upended Courtney Meade as he tried to break into the area along the byline.

On the half-hour Cuss was lucky to only collect a yellow card for a bad tackle on Levi Porter on the edge of the area, which saw the Shepshed man leave the field after five minutes of treatment.

Justice was done, however, as Staniland calmly curled the free-kick into the top corner of the net.

In the second 45, Danny Chapman and Jimmy Brooks were outstanding at the heart of the Dynamo defence as the visitors tried to salvage some reward.

On the odd occasion that they did break, through, they found keeper Luke Pickering in fine form, keeping a second successive clean sheet.

Loughborough University held on to their one-point lead over Shepshed in the chart taking all three points from Continental Star, who were level on points with the Uni before the game.

Like Shepshed, the Students were three-up at half-time thanks to goals by Alun Webb, Tom Read and Sam Downey.

This was increased to five by the hour-mark thanks to a second by Webb and a strike by Jordan Neil. The outclassed Star added two late consolations for a final 5-2 scoreline.

In Division One, Heather St John's played hosts to Pershore Town. Pre-match the Saints were bottom-but-one, two points below Town, so this was very much a 'six-pointer'. In a closely-fought match, the result went the home side's way with Simeon Smith grabbing the only goal to take Heather out of the bottom two.

Quorn host Dunkirk tomorrow evening in the Premier Division, while Shepshed entertain Alvechurch.

Shepshed Dynamo defender Alvin Jarvis has been named in Antigua & Barbuda's 23-man squad for the Caribbean Cup finals in Montego Bay.

The Bennaboys will compete in Group B with Martinique, Haiti and host nation Jamaica. The competition kicks-off today with Group A fixtures, the Group B games starting on Wednesday.

Harborough Town climbed out of the bottom two in the UCL Premier Division thanks to a 1-0 victory at Wellingborough Town. Oli Magee fired the only goal with six minutes remaining.

The win edged them ahead of Oadby Town, who were beaten 4-3 at home by Desborough.

There was no joy for Thurnby Nirvana as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat at AFC Kempston. Lutterworth Athletic crashed to a 4-3 home defeat against Northampton Spencer despite leading 3-0 after 63 minutes in their First Division encounter. However, the visitors rallied and two goals in the last two minutes saw them snatch three points, Athletic falling behind Peterborough Sport at the top as a result.

Leicester Riders head coach Rob Paternostro hailed his team's defensive toughness after they were made to work extremely hard before clinching a 71-62 win over Leeds Force.

Riders were down by six points at half-time, before ferocious man-to-man marking in the third quarter limited Leeds to just 12 points and allowed Riders to finally take the lead.

Leicester then tightened the defensive screw further in the final period, as Leeds were held to only 11 points, and Riders eased to victory. They remain in second place in the BBL Championship.

"It wasn't pretty at times, but you have to give credit to Leeds. They were well prepared and frustrated us on offence quite a bit," Paternostro said.

"You can't look at league positions when you are preparing for a match in this year's BBL, because teams are coming in well prepared.

"They all now have access to new video technology and there are no secrets."

He added: "Leeds came with a game plan and it largely worked. But our guys hung in there and ground it out. They deserved it.

"Guys like Derrick Roland, Jamell Anderson, Neil Watson and Conner Washington never let up defensively and that proved the difference.

"Perhaps, we were a bit rusty as well. Hopefully, this game will help us get our rhythm back on offence."

Riders are next in BBL Championship action on Sunday (5pm) at Glasgow Rocks, the only team who have beaten Paternostro's side this season.

The same teams will meet a week later at Loughborough in BBL Cup quarter-final action.

Elsewhere in the BBL, Newcastle Eagles extended their winning streak to eight games with a 95-75 victory at title rivals Sheffield.

The reigning champions seized the initiative from the first tip and led from start to finish to secure their second success against Sharks this season. All of Eagles' starters hit double figures and Charles Smith scored 19 from the bench as the lead continued to grow throughout.

London Lions overcame Cheshire Phoenix 87-71. Phoenix started the stronger but the Lions seized control in the second half. Lovell Cook led all scorers with 24 points, while Zaire Taylor added 21 for Lions.

Leeds secured their first league success, 73-61 against Surrey United, thanks to a hot start before the Sunday clash at Riders. James McCann finished with a 10-point, 11-assist double-double while Will Hall top scored with 23 points.

Worcester Wolves produced a thrilling third-quarter turnaround before holding their nerve to down London 83-78.

There was no mercy in Manchester as the Giants routed the visiting Plymouth Raiders 102-77.

Ingus Bankevics led the winners with 20 points, while Brent Benson collected a game-high 21 for Plymouth.

Meanwhile, the league newcomers from Bristol trailed by double figures in the first half, but fought back to upset Sheffield 73-72.

But Bristol were on the losing end when they travelled to Glasgow on Sunday with the Rocks cruising to a comfortable 107-82 home success off the back of a rapid-fire start .

Results: London 87 Cheshire 71, Worcester 83 London 78, Leeds 73 Surrey 61, Sheffield 75 Newcastle 95, Manchester 102 Plymouth 77, Bristol 73 Sheffield 72, Leicester 71 Leeds 62, Cheshire 83 Durham 79, Glasgow 107 Bristol 82

A plan for 150 new houses in Countesthorpe is expected to be rejected by councillors on Thursday.

Persimmon Homes wants to build the houses on land off Cosby Road and Willoughby Road in the village.

In their report to members of the planning committee, Blaby District Council's planning officers state that the development is "unsustainable" and that new houses were not needed in the area.

Among those to object to the plan have been Leicestershire County Council Highways, Countesthorpe Parish Council, Whetstone Parish Council and 40 local residents.

The planning meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at 4.30pm on Thursday at the Blaby District Council headquarters in Desford Road, Narborough.

Gary Lineker is to star alongside cartoon legends Tom and Jerry in a new animated feature drumming up support for the BBC's Children in Need appeal.

The Match of the Day presenter and former Leicester City and England footballer will be seen as never before in the short film, which airs on Friday.

He joins a host of other celebrities who receive a surprise visit from the slapstick rivals, who have been a perennial children's favourite since the 1940s.

The cartoon caper sees Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse patch up their differences for Children in Need after receiving a letter asking for help from Sir Terry Wogan.

Their fundraising mission takes them to the Match of the Day studio, where they pick up some football tips from our Gary.

It has sparked some good-natured online banter between the 53-year-old and his own slapstick rival – BBC football pundit and fellow ex-City player Robbie Savage.

Robbie Tweeted: " @garylineker features in new Tom & Jerry cartoon for @BBCCiN.

"Think they've been a bit kind on the ears!"

Taking the bait, Gary responded: "Finally, Roberta, a couple of decent pundits."

To which Robbie replied: "Meowww..... ha ha."

The Tom and Jerry special will be shown at 7.30pm on Friday during the Children In Need appeal show on BBC One.

Tom and Jerry, who were created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in 1940, will also be visiting a selection of other popular shows and TV personalities.

They perform a dance for Strictly Come Dancing judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, before stirring up more trouble and strife on the Eastenders set when they drop in to The Queen Vic to wind up Mick and Linda (actors Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright).

The pair seek out The Great British Bake Off presenters Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood for a snack, and call on Lord Alan Sugar, Karren Brady and Nick Hewer in The Apprentice boardroom.

The cartoon is not Lineker's first foray into the world of animation.

He voiced the character of Underground Ernie, the eponymously titled CBeebies cartoon following the adventures of a London Underground supervisor.

Other stars who have been transformed into animations for 2014 Children in Need include James Bond actor Daniel Craig, who calls on people from across the UK to unite on a mission to help the appeal.

Actress Helena Bonham Carter, TV presenter Abbey Clancy and Welsh singing legend Tom Jones have also lent their voices and likenesses to trailers urging the nation to 'Sign up, pledge their allegiance and Be A Hero' to support Children in Need this year.

Friday's show will feature performances by boy band One Direction, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Susan Boyle.

It will also see former EastEnders characters coming back to haunt Ian Beale.

If you are doing something for Children in Need, let us know! Email the details, with your name and contact number, to newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Dan Cole said he is ready to answer Leicester Tigers' call after returning from almost 10 months on the sidelines.

And that means England will have to wait.

The 27-year-old prop enjoyed a 33-minute return to action in the 29-13 LV= Cup win over Sale Sharks yesterday.

Cole's appearance helped the home side turn around a 13-3 half-time deficit to earn five points with a four-try second half.

With England relying on Bath's Davey Wilson and Newcastle's Kieran Brookes this autumn, there were already questions about whether Cole could make a return to international rugby after his successful comeback.

The British & Irish Lion, however, raised his eyebrows at the suggestion and said he is happy to keep playing for his club.

"I am tired after 30 minutes and I want to just concentrate on tomorrow," he said.

"I am (only) bothered about Saracens (this weekend). I have just played 30 minutes of rugby and am happy to be back on the field.

"I have had nine months of not playing and am happy to be playing for Leicester.

"Leicester have looked after me for that long, they want me to play and I am playing for them.

"When you are away from the boys rehabbing, it's tough. The best thing you can do is get back on the field and, hopefully, I can push on now.

"I was a bit rusty but once I was out there, you just go into autopilot. A try is still worth five points and the adrenalin takes over, so you just go and do it.

"I just need game-time now. The S&C (strength and conditioning) department at the club have done a great job and there has been lots of hard work. But nothing you can do off the field prepares you for the pace and tempo of the game.

"Being out for that long makes you appreciate the game a bit more."

Cole's return is great news for Tigers fans and director of rugby Richard Cockerill, too.

Tigers are without international front-rowers like Marcos Ayerza, Logovi'i Mulipola, Tom Youngs and Michele Rizzo this month for league games against Saracens, London Welsh and Wasps.

Cockerill suggested that England should look at the bigger picture instead of considering rushing Cole back into a white shirt.

"It's too early for Dan to play in the autumn internationals," said Cockerill. "He has not played for a long time and has just had 30 minutes which he found tough.

"It's unrealistic at this point to stick Coley back in an England shirt. We need to look at the bigger picture.

"For Dan, it's us, then the Six Nations and then the World Cup.

"He will be so important to England if they seriously want to win the World Cup. He could be the difference.

"The Six Nations is clearly a realistic target and then it is the World Cup after that.

"He is one of their major assets and you can't risk his short-term fitness."

A couple whose pet dog died in a fire at their home are planning legal action against furniture giant ScS, after firefighters said the blaze started in a sofa they bought from the company.

Ross and Kim Marvin purchased the £3,149 Endurance Invincible sofa, which contained a Bluetooth-capable sound system with speaker and sub woofer, from the company's Fosse Park store in October last year. (2013)

As reported in the Mercury yesterday, (MON) Mr Marvin returned to the couple's home in Burnham Close, Wigston, on Friday evening to find it filled with smoke from a fire inside.

The blaze severely damaged the semi-detached rented property where they have lived for more than five years.

The couple's beloved dog, Rolo, perished in the smoke, despite Mr Marvin's desperate attempts to rescue the four-year-old Jack Russell/Chihuahua cross.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service later said: "The cause of this fire was accidental due to an electrical fault in a sofa unit."

The couple, who are now living with family nearby, said they had been offered new furniture by ScS and had been told the company had stopped their monthly payments on the sofa.

However, they said they did not feel that was acceptable, and are planning legal action against the company.

Their situation has been made worse by the fact that the couple, who have no contents insurance, have been told by the Dubai-based landlord's agents they must meet the cost of repairing al of the damage at the property - something the couple dispute.

Mr Marvin, a 28-year-old recruitment consultant, said yesterday: "We were called by Sharon from the Fosse Park store this morning offering stuff for us to sit on, beds, everything, and telling us they have stopped the payments on the sofa.

"I think they thought we were still living in the house, but we told them we're staying with family.

"But I'm afraid their offer is not acceptable. We have lost everything in the fire and now we've been told the landlord is holding us responsible because it was our sofa that started the fire."

He added: "The landlord's agent called us and said sorry for our loss and asked what state the house was in.

"They told us we would have to meet the cost of all the damage to the landlord's property - and carry on paying rent.

"But a clause in the tenancy agreement says the landlord is responsible for insuring the property and his own contents. We have no insurance on the property."

A spokeswoman for ScS said: "Our thoughts are entirely with the family at this time. We have offered to assist them if we can.

"We do not know what the cause of the fire was, and a full investigation is required. As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Irfan Malik, business development director and head of the legal department at letting agents UK Investment Property Services, of London Road, Leicester, said in an e-mail to the couple: "As mentioned to you over the phone that your furniture in the property is not covered by landlord's insurance, this is also confirmed in clause 2.25 of your tenancy agreement.

"As the fire was caused by your furniture therefore the fire damage to the property together with any other related financial loss by the landlord is your responsibility.

"I understand from our earlier telephone conversation that you do not have contents insurance therefore you would be personally liable under the circumstances."

In response to the Mercury's requests for a comment, Mr Malik e-mailed: "You would note that there is likely to be legal proceedings in this matter.

"In order to not jeopardise the legal proceedings there will be no comments at this point."

Nigel Pearson said he will not be making wholesale changes to his Leicester City squad during the January transfer window.

After a good opening to the season, City have started to struggle and have picked up just one point in their last six games.

Although the City boss said they need to find more quality, he said he was not looking to completely reshape his squad in January.

City are in the relegation zone and face a fight for Premier League survival, but Pearson is confident the players he already has at his disposal are up for the fight.

"The January window is a difficult window to operate in," said Pearson.

"It is normally a window in which you bring in players not necessarily for the short-term, but it becomes a need for change.

"When you are building a side you tend to do the business in the summer.

"The January window becomes one of inflated prices because people understand there is the need for change which affects market forces.

"At this moment, I am not sure what money or funds would be available so I am not saying we won't do business, but I don't think we need wholesale changes.

"It is always nice to add quality to a squad but, likewise, you can't totally change a squad in the season.

"I have a lot of belief in the players I have got at the moment, but it is getting that balance right.

"We will do business if it is right for us and if we are able to do it.

"If we can't, then we will continue to work like we always do, that is to prepare the players physically and mentally and continue to give them the knowledge that our belief in them as staff is there.

"Of course it is about results. It has never been about anything else. While you are not getting positive results there will be negativity. We have to break that cycle."

Pearson said he retains a belief in his players that they can arrest the recent run of four consecutive defeats without scoring a single goal.

When asked if he feels he has enough quality in his squad, he said: "Results at the moment would suggest 'no' but I think we have some very capable players. It is not happening at the moment, but that is where we are at and we will continue to work in the way we always do, which is getting the preparation right and making sure the performances are as good as they can be."

Hundreds of people donated their old clothes and spare change during a charity fun day at a Sikh temple.

The event on Saturday at Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara in East Park Road, Evington, Leicester, saw more than 1,000 bags of clothes donated and money raised for Children In Need.

Pudsey Bear made and appearance and people donated cash in return for the chance to throw sopping wet sponges at volunteers in a large set of wooden stocks.

Among those in the firing line was Ayran Singh, who helped out at the event.

He said: "I got into the stocks for people to throw sponges at me but luckily no one managed to hit me.

"Other people weren't so lucky.

"It was a really good day and there were a lot of people - not just from the temple but others from the community as well."

The event was held to mark the birth of the Sikh guru who founded the religion - Sri Guru Nanak.

He was a social reformer who taught equality, selfless service, earning an honest living and sharing.

The clothes collected on the day will be given to various local charities including LOROS, Women's Aid and the Indian charity Unique Home for Girls.