Loughborough MP and education secretary Nicky Morgan has called for children to know their times tables before they leave primary school.

Writing in the Sunday Times she said all pupils aged 11 should know correct punctuation, spelling and grammar, and their times tables up to 12.

She said she wanted England to be in the top five in the world for English and maths by 2020. It is currently 23rd.

She also wants the country at the top of the European league tables.

She said: "This aim is unapologetically ambitious. The speed with which we slid down international league tables under the previous government is one of the starkest examples of their failure.

"Returning us to our rightful place will be a symbol of our success. To achieve this, we will launch a war on illiteracy and innumeracy."

Mrs Morgan also appeared on the Andrew Marr show this morning.

She told the host: "It is an outrage that under the last government one in three pupils was leaving primary school unable to read, write and add up properly.

"We have to be ambitious for our young people."

She said the schools budget for pupils aged from five to 16 would be protected from cuts in the future.

A scientist at the University of Leicester is working on a new satellite system that could have kept track of missing Malaysian flight MH370.

The plan is to use existing satellites in space to watch over the oceans providing a kind of global CCTV system to protect planes and ships.

The project is being funded by the US Navy Office of Naval Research-Global and Dr Nigel Bannister, from the University of Leicester, is working with the New Zealand Defence Technology Agency and company DMC International Imaging on the new system.

He said: "If you are in the open ocean and you get into difficulty, particularly in a small vessel, there is a significant chance that you will be lost at sea.

"There is currently a big problem tracking small vessel maritime traffic and this system could provide a much improved awareness of vessel movements across the globe, using technology that already exists.

"This isn't a surveillance system that monitors vessel movements in real time - instead we have proposed a system which records images every time a satellite passes over specific points of the sea.

"If we are alerted to a lost vessel, the images allow us to pinpoint its last observed position.

"This could be very powerful for constraining search areas and it could reduce the time it takes to locate missing boats and planes."

The researchers have identified 54 satellites currently being used to take images over the land that could easily be used to take pictures of the sea as well.

David Neyland, former assistant director of the US Navy Office of Naval Research-Global said: "Dr Bannister's critical knowledge and enthusiasm are a driving force to make space-based maritime domain awareness a reality.

"The University of Leicester's research is a watershed event encouraging international satellite owners and operators to collect and share open ocean imagery for the common good of enhancing safety of life at sea.

"The case of the missing Malaysian flight MH370 demonstrates how easy it is to lose a large object, even with today's technology."

Keith Vaz's team of coppers, pop stars and Leicester City ringers have edged a 25-goal thriller of a charity football match.

The Leicester East MP led his players to victory against a city council side in a game to raise money for the Lord Mayor of Leicester's appeal.

The five-a-side game, at Hamilton Community College finished 13-12 to the MP's side which included X Factor winner Sam Bailey, Chief Constable Simon Cole, Assistant Chief Constable Phil Kay and a number of Foxes academy players.

Lord Mayor Coun John Thomas said: "It was good game. We didn't expect Keith Vaz to turn up and bring along a bus load of Leicester City Under 18s but we know he likes to win.

"I'd like to thank the college for allowing us to play here and everybody who took part."

Mr Vaz, 58, said: "My blue team played a blinder. We have had some real stars - particularly Sam Bailey.

"Importantly when we have counted up the sponsorship I hope we will have raised a good amount for the Lord Mayor's charity."

Mr Cole, an avid rugby fab, said: "It was the wrong shaped ball but I really enjoyed it.

"It was good to see a few politicians in an environment different to the meetings I normally see them in."

The council's team included councillors Patrick Kitterick, Adam Clarke and deputy mayor Rory Palmer who hobbled off before half time after injuring his knee while scoring.

Coun Thomas' appeal has so far raised more than 11,700 for Leicester-based charities - Silver Star Diabetes, The Leicester Sea Cadets, and Prostate Cancer UK."

A dance and drama group for children and young people with special needs is preparing to showcase their talents for the very first time.

FTM Dance, which was established 18-months ago, is staging it's debut performances at the city's premier venue – Curve theatre, next month.

But even more exiting for the group's 70 young members is that it brings with it the opportunity to perform for crowds at Disneyland Paris.

Junior Desai, FTM co-director and musical workshop leader, said: "The children and young people are incredibly excited. To be performing their very first shows at such a prestigious venue as Curve is fantastic."

The group, which caters for ages three to 25, will be performing songs and dances from hit cartoon movie capers Kung Fu Panda and Monsters Inc.

Junior said: "Proceeds will go towards our trip to Disneyland Paris, in October, where we have been invited to lead out the big daily parade.

"We need to raise about £20,000 in all to pay for the trip."

He added: "It all came about when we called them to ask about borrowing disused costumes.

"They did some research into what we do and came back with this invitation."

Leanne Evans, who founded the not-for-profit voluntary organisation, said: "The kids are beyond excited. Performing at Curve – and Disneyland – will be a dream come true for all of them – and me!"

Charlie Davids, nine, from Glen Parva, who has aspergers syndrome, will be among the performers, having joined the group five months ago.

Mum Stephanie said: "FTM is really different. It's unique. All the children it works with have special needs in some form or another.

"Charlie has benefited massively. It's really improved his social skills and confidence, which has improved his quality of life no end.

"This time last year, he would not go out or get involved with any activities.

"But now he's getting ready to perform on stage in front of hundreds of people – and he can't wait! It's about having fun, but also acceptance."

She added: "Disneyland Paris is such a dream for all the young people involved, so I hope lot's of people come along next month to support them."

The Curve performances will be held on February 19, at midday and 2.30pm.

FTM is based at Embrace Arts, on the University of Leicester campus.

Classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays.

To book tickets for the Curve shows call the box office on 0116 242 3595.

For details visit:www.ftmdance.co.uk 

There was disappointment for a Leicestershire contestant on The Voice after she failed to make the judges turn around.

Dawn Allen, of Blaby, sang Angie Stone's 'I Wish I Didn't Miss You Anymore' on the show aired last night.

But the judges, Sir Tom Jones, Rita Ora, Ricky Wilson and Will.i.am, remained with their backs to her during the blind audition.

Dawn, 48, who is a mother of two, said she had enjoyed the experience nonetheless.

She said: "Being on The Voice was a brilliant experience - I feel like it was a breath of fresh air being on there.

"The people who work on the show are lovely, I had an absolutely wonderful time.

"It was really exciting but I was very nervous.

"I hoped Tom Jones would turn round - I actually had a dream he turned, I really believed he was going to, I was convinced.

"I was disappointed that nobody turned - my heart sunk into the pit of my stomach when nobody turned.

"But I tried to the best of my ability.

"I was so taken aback, trying to contain my emotions, I couldn't concentrate on what the judges were saying. I was so annoyed because I didn't get a chance to say anything that I wanted to to the judges.

"I didn't really think about my song choice beforehand and maybe in hindsight, I should've sung something different.

"If I got the opportunity to do it again, I would.

"The show's giving me a fabulous platform."

Last month was the second sunniest January since records began.

Leicester Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton recorded 96.1 hours of sunlight at his home in Cosby.

He said: "The average for January is about 60 hours so it's been a lot sunnier than that.

"It's way up on most years, except for 2012, which remains the sunniest back to when the records began in 1896.

"So we've had the two sunniest Januarys every recorded in just three years."

One record was broken last month, however.

Dave said: "On January 9 the temperature reached 14.6C and that's the warmest temperature recorded during January since temperature records began in 1882.

"Without taking the last days of the month into account, January was a very mild and sunny month for the time of the year."

The mother of a woman who was hit by a car wants to thank the off-duty paramedic who she believes saved her daughter's life.

Mary Lyons is hoping to contact the man who looked after her daughter Mary Hollingsworth when she was hit by a car in Hinckley Road, Leicester.

The accident happened on January 12, when Mary was crossing the road to get on a bus.

Mrs Lyons, 78, of Braunstone said: "I really do believe the paramedic saved my daughter's life.

"I am so grateful to him."

Mary, 57, suffered nine broken ribs, internal bruising and had a collapsed lung.

She was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary by ambulance before being transferred to Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham.

Mrs Lyons said that when she heard her daughter had been taken to Queen's Medical Centre, she thought Mary had been seriously injured.

"As far as I know, she was moved from the road - where she was lying - by a couple of drivers," said Mrs Lyons

"And a paramedic drove past, stopped and helped."

Mrs Lyons said that her whole family is grateful to the paramedic, as he did not need to stop and help.

"It was so good for him to stop," she added.

"If I ever saw him, I would thank him.

"It would be lovely to thank him properly."

Mary said that she cannot really remember anything about the accident.

"My memory of the day is a little blurry," said Mary, who has three children.

"But I know the paramedic told me not to move and to keep calm.

"He kept on asking me questions, to make sure I was talking."

Mary said the paramedic told her not to move her neck.

"He re-assured me I was in safe hands," she added.

"He was very supportive - if I saw him again, I'd thank him for all he did."

East Midlands Ambulance Service is currently trying to track down the paramedic.

Were you the paramedic who helped Mary that day? Get in touch by e-mailing: yasminduffin@leicestermercury.co.uk

A 59-year-old man has described how he threw himself out of a first floor window during an "inferno" at his home that killed his dog.

Fred Green was upstairs when he heard the roar of the flames after his log burner sparked a fire in his conservatory at lunchtime on Thursday.

He said: "I'd only been upstairs for a matter of minutes and I heard the howling noise of the fire and then it was panic stations.

"I soon couldn't breathe and I was fighting to open the window - it was locked but luckily the key was in it.

"I got it open and dived out, bounced on the porch and fell to the ground.

"With all the adrenalin I didn't feel a thing.

"By the time I had dropped to the ground the place was an inferno."

Sadly, Fred's beloved Jack Russell, Lady, and his seven pet birds all died in the fire, at the junction of Greenbank Road and Barry Road in Netherhall, Leicester.

The blaze spread to the next door house where no one was home but firefighters rescued a parrot and two dogs.

Fred, who spent a day in hospital being treated for smoke inhalation, said: "I've been in again and it's unbelievable. Pat wouldn't go past the front gate."

Fred and Pat, along with their grandson Kizer, 11, are now living in their caravan just up Barry Road, outside their daughter Leah Stephens's house.

He said he was determined to move back into his home when it's ready, however long it took.

Meahwhile, friends of Leah's have set up a web page to raise money for Fred and Pat, which is attracting donations of £1 and upwards as everyone gives what they can.

Fred said: "The whole community has been great. They've really stuck by us and we've had a skip for free and boarding for the doors as well as clothes, hairbrushes, everything."

Leah said: "It's fantastic what everyone's doing. It's just shocking to see what the fire's done to the house and they've lost everything from 40 years of marriage and the dog, too.

"I'm just proud of the people on this estate and everything they've done."

Leicester Riders 80

Hassan 21, Watson 16, Bernardini 12, Losonsky 9, Wright 8, Anderson 5, Rowe 4, Williams 3, Washington 2, Lamble, Gamble, Noel

Worcester Wolves 71

Owumi 19, Guede 15, Williams 11, Thurman 8, Radojevic 7, Holmes 6, Dibo 3, Irving 2, Raftopoulos, Lufadeju

Leicester Riders are through to the semi-finals of the BBL Trophy after knocking out last year's winners Worcester Wolves in a hard fought, occasionally fractious, encounter, punctuated by over 50 fouls.

Riders led for all but 90 seconds, but the holders didn't go down without a fight in the final quarter.

The first meaningful run of the game came just after the midpoint of the opening quarter, as back-to-back three-pointers from Yorick Williams and Jamell Anderson capped eight in a row by the Riders to lead 20-15.

Pavol Losonsky returned from injury and had a big impact on the game in the second period, scoring five points as Leicester eased out to a double figure lead. Riders were shooting the ball well, but when they did miss they were excellent on the offensive boards, out-rebounding the Wolves under their own basket in the first half.

Rashad Hassan and Neil Watson took full advantage of these extra opportunities as Riders built a massive lead. In a spell of five minutes in the second quarter, Leicester outscored their visitors by 15 points to four to lead 47-30.

A couple of three pointers by Worcester captain Alex Owumi had Riders lead into single figures at the start of the second half, but Leicester were soon back on top and leading 60-44.

Tempers flared late in the third when a hard foul by Dizzy Lufadeju on Neil Watson appeared to be followed by reaction from Chavis Holmes, who was already on four fouls, but the guard escaped punishment with Lufadeju and Watson called for technical fouls in the melee instead.

Watson was on the receiving end again a couple of minutes later when he has barged into the Wolves bench by Paul Guede, but it didn't appear to faze him and Leicester led 66-50 with a quarter to play.

Sensing their crown was slipping, Worcester made their charge in the final quarter and threes from Remi Dibo, Guede and Owumi saw them post the opening 12 points of the period to cut the gap to only 66-62.

Watson though calmed the nerves of the home fans with a floating shot, followed by assists to TrayVonn Wright for a dunk and Hassan for a lay-up as Riders moved 72-62 ahead.

The closest Worcester got after that was seven as Riders made sure of the result from the free throw line to keep alive their hopes in the only BBL competition they have never won.

Computer giant IBM's decision to create a major IT centre in Leicester will help stem the exodus of skilled youngsters from the county, it has been claimed.

As exclusively revealed on Saturday by the Leicester Mercury, the US group is to create 300 hi-tech jobs in the city centre over the next three years.

Managers said the majority of the jobs at the New Walk site will go to recent graduates.

IBM, which had looked at setting up the operation at a number of other UK cities, said the main reason Leicester was chosen was the quality of graduates from the county's three universities.

Business leaders and politicians have long called for more to be done to stop thousands of talented youngsters leaving the county every year after graduating.

Raj Patel, of the University of Leicester's career development service, said it would be helping IBM to recruit IT graduates.

"I think it certainly makes somebody thinking about university who is already living in the city consider studying here and it gives those already studying here a great incentive to stay", said Mr Patel.

"To hold on to that talent will help support other businesses in the city – and the economy in general – over time."

IBM regularly featured among The Times newspaper's top 100 best employers of graduates.

"I think it's a great feather in our cap," said Mr Patel.

Louise Donaghy, Loughborough University's head of employer engagement, said 300 computer science students graduate from there each year.

"We have met with IBM about this investment and their recruitment needs," she said.

"This is quite exciting as one of our key aims is to retain graduates in this area.

"To have this type of company recruiting graduates in Leicestershire means they and their knowledge stay in our area and this can only help the economy.

"Our students are fairly sought after and a lot of them come from areas that are not local and often they go back to where they came from. This will help them consider staying in the area."

Ms Donaghy said IBM would be one of 70 firms exhibiting at a jobs fair at the university on February 24.

Professor Andy Collop, deputy vice-chancellor of De Montfort University, said: "IBM's presence in the city will greatly enhance the prospects of our students and is a great endorsement of the quality of degrees we offer."

As part of a multi-million pound investment, IBM has set up a division in Leicester called IBM Services UK, which will provide a range of IT services, including software development and maintenance work, for blue-chip UK customers.

As part of its recruitment programme, it has created "the Leicester Experience", which includes an eight to 12-week training course.

Bernard Szczech, chief executive of IBM Services UK, said: "We want it to be a supportive environment to help make the transition to the world of business."

For more details about the jobs, go to:

www.ibm.com/uk/

A taxi driver has been jailed for 12 years for raping a teenager.

Earlier this year Nasir Uddin was found guilty by a jury of one rape, two counts of attempted rape and four sexual assaults against the girl, who was aged under 16 when the abuse began.

At Leicester Crown Court on Friday he was sent to prison, despite his wife getting up in court and protesting her husband's innocence.

Uddin (39), of Lower Cambridge Street, Loughborough, repeatedly assaulted the teenager over a period of three years.

Judge Robert Brown heard Uddin was still in denial about his crimes.

The judge said: "I'm very saddened he still blames his victim and her husband for orchestrating an elaborate plot against him.

"He was convicted on what I regard as compelling evidence.

"I thought between then and now he might have said something indicating remorse."

Andrew Lewis, mitigating, said his client was not a dangerous offender.

He said: "In the years since 2006 he has lived a life that would be a credit to anybody.

"He came to this country with few if any advantages.

"He knuckled down to hard, unglamorous work to support his family.

"He is a man with the confidence of his wife and the respect of his children.

"He is not a man who needs to be taught a lesson - the life he leads shows he's a very different man today."

The judge replied: "There's another side to this man and he doesn't face it. There's no contrition. There's no remorse."

The court heard Uddin had entered his victim's home to abuse her and caused her "degradation and humiliation".

The judge told Uddin: "You were attracted to her and took every opportunity you could to touch her sexually.

"You abused her over a three-year period and she needed counselling for the abuse you inflicted upon her."

After Judge Brown ordered Uddin to be taken to the cells Uddin's wife stood up and began pleading with the judge before being taken out of court by the defence lawyers.

Uddin will remain on the sexual offenders register for the rest of his life.

Debate is raging about whether or not it is acceptable for Arriva bus drivers to give out vouchers instead of change.

People using the buses in Leicestershire can expect to receive an IOU in the future if they do not have the correct change for their fare.

They can either be used for future travel or changed for cash at an Arriva travel shop within four weeks.

Arriva manager Steve Smith said: "This will ensure our driving team continue to provide excellent service to our customers and make bus travel even easier."

While some people think it is a good idea, others hate the thought of being denied change.

Ash Ali, 35, of Evington, Leicester, said: "I couldn't believe it when I read it in the Mercury.

"It's a ridiculous idea.

"If you pay someone more than something's worth they give you change - what if shops started doing it?

"Bus fares are expensive enough as it is. You don't want to be letting them keep some of your money until next time you use a bus."

Martin Crooks, 49, of Birstall, said: "I imagine a lot of people are going to lose their vouchers or forget to claim their money on time.

"But I can see that the bus company can't give its driver unlimited change."

Since the Mercury broke the story on Saturday our online readers have been adding their comments.

A reader called Volisios said: "They're doing this because they know there will be a fair percentage of these vouchers never redeemed - ie: free money for Arriva - Welcome to rip-off Britain once again."

Another reader, called Llamalamb, said UK bus companies should have a flat rate for all journeys so people knew what change they needed.

Ralph_T said: "I used to be a bus driver for First and it was suggested to the management that it would be an idea to increase the float from what we had, £5 to £10.

"The response was 'There are 300 drivers and if each driver had £10 that would be £3,000 of dead money that we cannot use'."

Reader Ford0 said: "This a stupid idea.

"The drivers never have change. Maybe the drivers should be given more change."

Other comments from the public:

Lewis Green, 22, customer service adviser. Ibstock

"It's good the bus drivers won't have to carry so much money. They don't want to have loads of change onboard so I think it's fair enough, really."

Jake Humber, 24, building society clerk, Leicester city centre

"It's wasteful to be printing all that stuff off and it's going to be a hassle for the bus passengers who want to redeem their vouchers."

Chloe Pettitt, 16, student, Scraptoft

"It's not a good idea. A lot of people will probably want the change for buying other things. And you don't want to be waiting for the money."

Zoe Stephenson, 23, student, Leicester city centre

"I think it's a good idea and safer for the bus drivers than carrying more money.

"I've spent a lot of time in Edinburgh where they just don't give change so you're always paying 20p more to travel."

Jake Scroby, 26, builder. Thurlaston

"If you use the bus a lot it won't matter because you can use the voucher the next time. But I only use buses occasionally so it would be a hassle for me if they gave me a voucher."

Joshua Pratt, 28, teacher. Market Harborough

"I guess if you hadn't got the right money and wanted to catch a bus you'd be fine with it. It's a way of making bus travel more accessible and easier for everyone."

The Olive Branch gastro pub has been named in a UK top 50 of eateries.

The award-winning pub in Clipsham, Rutland, was the only in the whole of the East Midlands to make the 2015 Budweiser Budvar Top 50 Gastropub rankings.

At the top of the chart was the Michelin starred Sportsman in Seasalter, Kent.

The Olive Branch has been awarded the Michelin Pub of the Year 2008, Good Pub Guide Inn of the Year 2008 and other awards.

Leicestershire Police will have lost more than 570 officers in less than a decade by 2017 as a result of budget cuts, the force has predicted.

At its height in 2009, the force employed more than 2,300 officers, but by 2017 it expects this to fall to 1,726.

Police officers cannot be made redundant but the force is shrinking through a policy of not replacing officers who reach retirement age or those who leave for reasons such as ill health, career change or dismissal.

Tiffany Lynch, chairwoman of Leicestershire Police Federation said: "Cuts have consequences. However, my concern is that the Government cuts are starting to affect victims of crime.

"We have seen reduced numbers of police officers and increased pressures on the police service.

"We are being stretched, which is affecting the service we are able to provide to the victims of crime and anti-social behaviour and also putting officers under stress."

The prediction that officer numbers will fall to 1,726 by August 2017 was made in a report for Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader.

Sir Clive Loader said crime was falling and a reduction was needed in the police force to give taxpayers better value for money.

He said: "I don't think it's going to have a negative impact. Crime has been falling and we are still going to be delivering the safe streets and safe communities people expect.

"I don't want the public to pay £1 more than they have to for a reasonable level of safety.

"This change has been forced by austerity but I think it would have happened anyway.

"We could all wish there was more money swimming around in the public sector but this country needs to live within the reality of its budget no matter who's living in 11 Downing Street after the election."

The force has found savings of more than £20 million in the past few years and expects to have to find at least a further £15 million in efficiency savings by 2017.

However, with more than 85 per cent of its annual £170 million budget going on staff costs, it says it has little option but to reduce the number of officers and staff it employs.

Leicestershire's recorded crime levels have dropped year on year for more than a decade.

However, some crimes, including burglary, vehicle crime, assaults and shoplifting, have risen in the past year.

Council tax

Sir Clive Loader last week increased Council Tax payers' contribution to policing – known as the precept – by 1.9 per cent.

This equates to an increase of approximately £3.50 a year on a Band D property's annual policing bill of approximately £180, while a Band B property will contribute £140 a year.

The increase will generate an additional £1 million for the force, however the Home Office grant to the force in 2015/16 will be £114.5 million – almost £6 million lower than last year.

Sir Clive said: "The force continues to face considerable service pressures and increasing demands that arise out of new areas of criminality and vulnerability.

"This precept will not eliminate the need to make difficult decisions on where we allocate our resources, but it will give us some temporary stability to help us address future risks."

Other police budget news

The force has closed a number of police stations in the past few years and teamed up with neighbouring East Midlands forces to provide some services.

On Monday, February 9 a new system will come into place under which a number of police stations will share inspectors, free up beat officers to concentrate solely on problems on their patches while a new unit of officers will assume responsibility for investigating crime.

However, Sir Clive has taken £2million from the force's budget reserve – a contingency fund – to invest in work with other organisations to tackle issues such as child sexual exploitation, cyber-crime and other "emerging" issues.

A thief who burgled a 92-year-old woman's home and used her bank card to obtain cash was jailed for four years.

Luke Whiteman also handled a stolen bank card after it was taken by someone else in an earlier burglary from the home of a 90-year-old victim.

Leicester Crown Court was told the victims were left distressed by the offences.

Whiteman, who was sentenced via a live video link between the court and HMP Leicester, said he was "utterly disgusted" by his own actions and wanted to put his life of crime behind him.

He pleaded guilty to handling the 90-year-old woman's credit card and fraudulently using it to obtain £240 in cash, after it was stolen by an unknown burglar on the night of June 14, in Melton.

Whiteman (35), of Victoria Street, Melton, also admitted burgling the 92-year-old victim's home in Welby Lane, Melton, on the night of June 25, when her purse and bank card with PIN number were stolen.

He also pleaded guilty to fraudulently using one of the cards to obtain £250 at a cash machine.

Whiteman voluntarily asked for three house burglaries, and four other break-ins at non-domestic premises, to be taken into consideration.

Philip Gibbs, prosecuting, said: "His record going back to 1995 shows he's been a prolific burglar."

Judge Nicholas Dean QC told Whiteman: "You've an appalling record.

"Over the years you've been given many opportunities and have also served many custodial sentences.

"The chances you've been given were spurned by you and you continued to offend.

"I accept you now appear to be showing appropriate determination to put your past behind you, but you've so far failed to put that into effect.

"You've had a difficult life but the problems in your childhood don't excuse your behaviour and only go some way towards explaining it."

"You burgled premises in Welby Road, occupied by a 92-year-old woman.

"You may not have known her age but that's your responsibility and it must have been extremely distressing for her."

Reading out his own letter to the judge, via video link, Whiteman said: "I know you will hear about my atrocious criminal record and will see I've been involved in crime for 20 years.

"I've wasted a life full of potential.

"I've decided to change and turn my back on crime and against drugs."

He described a "sad and traumatic childhood."

Whiteman said: "I'm utterly disgusted with myself" and "I detest my actions."

He said he had written an apology to the burglary victim and said he wanted to make a "completely fresh start." 

B4114 Leicester Road, Enderby 40mph

B581 Broughton Way / Station Rd, Broughton Astley

A447 Hinckley Rd, Cadeby

B4666 Coventry Road, Hinckley

A5199 Welford Road, Leicester

A447 Swan'ton Rd / Wash Ln / Ibstock Rd, R'stone

B5350 Nanpantan Road (30 & 40mph), Loughborough

A563 Asquith Way, Leicester

A6 Derby Rd, Loughborough

A563 Atlee Way, Leicester

A512 Ashby Road, Loughborough

A5 Route North: Dodwells - Highcross

Leicester Road, Ibstock

A50 Route: Field Head - Groby

A563 Glenhills Way, Leicester

A4304 Lubbenham Hill, Market Harborough

A4304 Kilworth Rd / High Street, Husbands Bosworth

A5199 Leicester Road, Wigston

A4304 Lutterworth Road / Station Road, N Kilworth

A6 Harborough Road, Oadby

A6 Glen Road, Oadby

A4304 Lutterworth Road, Walcote(Community Concern)

Stoughton Road, Oadby(Community Concern)

B5324 Ashby Road / Rempstone Road, Belton (Community Concern)

Swithland Lane, Rothley(Community Concern)

St Georges Hill / Main Street, Swannington(Community Concern)

B5003 Moira Road, Shellbrook(Community Concern)

A village pub hosted a Take Me Out party to watch an episode featuring Ryan Morgan of Sapcote.

More than 100 people joined Ryan and his parents at their pub, The Red Lion in Sapcote, on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old appeared on the show where he got a date with blonde Amy, who he picked because of her teeth.

In his interview at the end of the show he said: "I chose Amy in the end because she had some nice gnashers on her."

Ryan appeared on the show wearing a baseball cap and a checked shirt.

Commenting on his clothes at the beginning of the round, Amy told the show's host Paddy McGuinness: "It's a very nice shirt. I've got a picnic blanket just like it."

On the show one man has to sell himself to a panel of young women who can switch off their lights or keep them on - indicating they want to date him - after learning facts about the man.

At the end of the show four women still had their lights on for Ryan after hearing about how he styles his dog's hair the same as his own and has legally changed his name to Prince Ryan.

His dad, Cliff Morgan, 52, said: "It was a great party on Saturday night.

"We had an absolutely amazing time and I think there were lots more people than Ryan was expecting.

"We also had the best Irish band in the Midlands performing at the pub afterwards."

Most city centres are lined with street acts, hoping to entertain shoppers in return for money and Leicester is no different.

However, while some people welcome the entertainers, others have recently raised concern about unlicensed streets acts who upset their children,

What we want to know is, do street entertainers add to your shopping experience in Leicester? Vote in our online poll, which is to the right of this page.

Voting closes on Wednesday, February 3 at 2pm, with the answer revealed in the Mercury on Thursday.

Promotion contenders Hinckley recorded a morale-boosting 22-13 win against rivals Bromsgrove in National Three Midlands to move above them in the table.

Despite Bromsgrove opening the scoring with a couple of penalties, Hinckley soon established control of the game, exerting pressure on the home side that ultimately resulted a penalty try, which the returning Mark Lord converted. 

There would be no further scoring at half-time, with Hinckley taking a narrow lead into the second half. 

Their dominance continued after the break as Hinckley looked to stoke up the pressure. 

With Lord in imperious kicking form, Hinckley pinned Bromsgrove inside their 22-metre line and the pressure soon told as Ben Avent went over in the corner, although Lord missed the conversion. 

Tom Morris added a further try for Hinckley, with Lord converting, as Hinckley built up a 19-6 lead with just 10 minutes remaining. 

Bromsgrove attempted to get a foothold in the game and added a try of their own but it was too little, too late for the home side as Lord finished off the scoring with a penalty to give Hinckley an outstanding away victory. 

South Leicester continued their march to the title as they comfortably beat Longton 32-7, giving themselves a 20-point cushion in the table. 

Tries from Jethro Rawlings (2), Chris Bale, Connor Smith and Will Ward, as well as four conversions from Rick Aley, were enough for the in-form South. 

In National One, Loughborough Students travelled to Blaydon but lost a closely-fought contest 27-23 despite a brace of tries from Jack Pons. 

A further try from Harry Elrington, as well as a penalty and conversion from Tom James and a penalty from Will Edwards, were not enough for the Students. 

Director of rugby Dave Morris will be wary of Loughborough's league position as they remain just below mid-table, with a small gap from those in the relegation fight. 

They will not want to get dragged back into the mix and will look to get a crucial win in their next match at home to Wharfdale. 

In National Two North, Leicester Lions were defeated 41-21 at Caldy in a game closer than the scoreline suggests. 

Tries from David Williams, Steven Cross and Devon Constant, along with six points from the boot of Jonathan Boden, were not enough for the Lions as they fell short, with indiscipline in the side costing the away side in the end. 

In Midlands One East, Belgrave stopped the rot of defeats as they beat Huntingdon & District 26-14 with tries from Curtis (2), Kyle and Palmer. Curtis added the remaining points from his boot. 

Syston thumped Newark 61-0 to consolidate top position with their tries coming from J Lorriman (2), Smith, O'Reilly, Nunney,
E Lorriman, Cavner and Davey. Morgan added five conversions and three penalties and Smith also added a conversion.

Only two games in the East Midlands County League survived the weather on Saturday and both had a bearing on the position at the top of the table. 

Bardon Hill Sports stayed second as they picked up a useful point at in-form Radford, the side immediately behind them. 

And at Canal Street, St Andrews put themselves back in the title race as they beat another of the contenders, Ellistown & Ibstock United. 

Bardon had to respond to a strong start from Radford, who went ahead on 20 minutes thanks to John King. 

They held that advantage at the break but, immediately after the re-start, Bardon levelled through Steve Chaplin. The county side had the better of the second half with Steve Hart forcing a fine save from the home keeper, while Chaplin rattled the crossbar with another strike. 

The point moved Bardon to within two of leaders Blaby & Whetstone Athletic with a game in hand. 

Radford are also two behind Blaby but have played a game more. 

The Andrews took control of matters at Canal Street in the first half. Danny Henfrey had already gone close by the time Luke Coxon did put the city outfit ahead. 

Leon Doughty and Ben Stephens could have added a second goal but it was Toby Warner who did put the Andrews 2-0 ahead. 

The game was almost over at the break, by which time Henfrey had added his second to give his side a three-goal cushion. 

To their credit, Ellistown responded and they were given a lifeline inside the final 20 minutes when Ben Harris netted a twice-taken penalty. 

With nine minutes to go, Tendal Chitiza grabbed a second for United but some determined defending saw the Andrews hold out to bank the three points they needed to close in on the top three. 

Ellistown are due back in action this evening when they travel to Arnold Town for a League Cup quarter-final.