The decision on the final resting place of Richard III lays squarely in the hands of the University of Leicester.

Officials at the Ministry of Justice stated categorically yesterday that the university alone has the power to decide where his bones are reinterred.

The statement is likely to derail a campaign launched to take the remains from the Leicester to be buried in York.

Council bosses in York said they would write to the Queen to state the city's case and had started an e-petition, which yesterday had 6,500 signatures.

But a Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "When applying for an archaeological exhumation licence, the applicant must state that the remains will be laid to rest at a suitable location.

"The licence we issued states that the applicant (the University of Leicester) would, no later than August 31, 2014, deposit the remains at Jewry Wall Museum or have them reinterred at St Martin's Cathedral or in a burial ground in which interments may legally take place.

"The precise location of reburial is now for the University of Leicester.

"This means that no one except the licence holder, i.e. the University of Leicester, can decide where the remains end up."

Richard Taylor, deputy registrar at the University of Leicester, said: "We have said all along that the remains will be reinterred at Leicester Cathedral and I can see no reason why that decision would change."

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has previously said the bones of Richard III would leave the city over his dead body.

Speaking yesterday, he said: "The decision has already been made.

"All the permissions have been granted and the various authorities involved have agreed that the interment will take place in Leicester."

The Church of England has welcomed the opportunity to house the remains and said keeping the bones within the parish of St Martin's was the next natural step.

Leicester Cathedral Cannon Chancellor David Monteith said: "There's no question.

"It seems rather apt to reinter the bones at Leicester Cathedral, considering that Grey Friars is in the ancient parish of St Martin's.

"That just follows good ancient burial practices." The cathedral is in talks with a number of groups, including the Richard III Society, regarding a tomb.

However, it must get permission from English Heritage and the Cathedrals Fabric Commission of England before any work to alter the interior of the building.

Nigel Pearson believes Leicester City have what it takes to handle a hectic schedule of games.

City have a relatively-small squad and their strength in depth is about to be tested with, potentially, nine games in the next five weeks, starting with Saturday's trip to face Peterborough United.

Next Tuesday City face Huddersfield at home in an FA Cup fourth-round replay. If successful, they will meet Wigan at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, February 17.

City then have a midweek game every week until after the home clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, March 9, and further progress in the Cup could cause even more fixture congestion.

Manager Pearson said: "We have had to reschedule one or two games, but I would rather be in the competition (FA Cup) than not.

"It would have been nice to have got a positive result (in the first game at Huddersfield) but we will deal with it. We have an important game between now and then so I won't worry about that.

"We have worked hard on limiting the number of training injuries we have and we have been successful in doing that.

"But, throughout the course of a season, you will pick up some injuries and I think it is important now that we try to manage the squad as best as we can to try and keep as many players available as possible."

Q Can Leicester City achieve automatic promotion this year?

A Just before Christmas I would have said City will finish in the play-offs, simply because they weren't displaying that killer touch to pinch points in tight games. But the arrival of Chris Wood has given them that little bit extra required to take an automatic spot. Their form since Boxing Day has been excellent. They will face stiff opposition from Hull, Watford and possibly Crystal Palace. I look at City's strongest starting line-up and believe they now have enough to do it.

Q Does anyone have any chance of overtaking Cardiff at the top?

A It is going to be very hard to catch Cardiff as they do not look like faltering. Every time questions have been asked of them they have responded in the style of champions. And in Craig Bellamy they have the best player in the Championship.

Q Where do you think the biggest threat is likely to come from for that second spot?

A Hull – Steve Bruce is a very experienced manager and has won promotion to the Premier League twice before with Birmingham City, once via the play-offs and secondly as runners-up. They have had a little blip but they demonstrated last week that they can hold their nerve. City's win over Wolves on Thursday meant they had to respond at Millwall, and they took a vital win. But watch out for Watford too. They have an exciting team in the mould of their manager, Gianfranco Zola.

Q Is it true that you are so confident of City making the top two, you've booked your holidays for the week of the play-off final?

A Yes, I recently booked that week off after City convinced me that they can take one of the automatic promotion spots.

Q Is a continuing FA Cup run a good or bad distraction for City's promotion push?

A That's a tough one and I guess only time will tell. I think it could become an issue if City start facing the sort of fixture pile-up which would put massive pressure on what is an already slender squad. February and early March already look packed with games. However, suffering defeat of any kind could kill City's momentum. Winning is a habit and confidence is key.

Q If you had to choose, promotion for City or winning the FA Cup final at Wembley?

A Promotion – a day out at Wembley is great but it is just one day. In the Premier League you visit the top grounds and face the biggest clubs every week.

Q Where do you stand on Anthony Knockaert? Exciting talent, or profligate liability?

A A brilliant talent. Credit has to go to assistant manager Steve Walsh and City's scouting system in spotting a player who was under the radar, even in his own country. He has shown incredible skills and gets the fans going. He has had his moments where he hasn't tracked back, or has tried to do too much and City have been vulnerable on the break. However, he has shown signs he is learning. In fact, his performance against Wolves was very mature. He did both parts of the job impressively.

Q Which City player has impressed you the most this season?

A Knockaert and Wood have caught the eye and stolen a lot of the headlines, but City have two key men – Wes Morgan and David Nugent. Morgan has been the best defender in the Championship. Only Danny Shittu at Millwall has come close. He leads by example and has been commanding at the heart of the defence, helping to keep 14 clean sheets. Nugent has also been outstanding. It isn't just his goals, but his work-rate and his link play with his team-mates. He is a very intelligent player and would certainly not look out of place in the Premier League.

Q Is Chris Wood really the 'missing piece of the jigsaw' for Nigel Pearson?

A He certainly has made a difference since he came into the side. His partnership with Nugent has been excellent from the off and he has scored a few goals that other City strikers may not have been able to score, by being strong enough to knock defenders out of the way and get the rebounds. He just seems to have the knack of being in the right place at the right time.

Q Where, if anywhere, are City vulnerable in the second half of the season. For instance, what would happen if Wes Morgan was injured?

A A spate of injuries would be my big concern. City have good enough cover everywhere else but a couple of injuries to key men and they may be struggling. With Zak Whitbread and Sean St Ledger still struggling with injuries, City could have been in trouble but the emergence of Michael Keane has been vital. He really does look an impressive young player.

A mother has pledged to raise £25,000 to kit out a surgical theatre in a Syrian hospital.

Rehana Valli was inspired to take on the challenge while at a fund-raising event held by the charity Human Appeal International, which is behind a project to build three hospitals in Syria.

She has already raised about £1,000 by selling food and cakes and has more events planned to raise cash, including a sponsored walk that was taking place today.

Rehana, 42, from Hamilton, Leicester, said: "I made the promise to raise the cash at an event by Human Appeal in Birmingham in December.

"They were showing films about their work and showed one of a little girl who was hit by a sniper in Syria.

"Her father had to travel for a week to the nearest hospital in Turkey to get her treatment. She survived, but is paralysed.

"The lady on stage was talking about their shopping list for things they needed for the hospitals they were building.

"Top of the list was £25,000 for the equipment for one of the theatres.

"I don't know what came over me but I stood up and said 'I will do that'.

"I started making a list of ways I was going to do it straightaway."

Before her pledge, Rehana, a care worker, raised £4,500 for Human Appeal International through Ramadan fund-raising.

She was at the fund-raising event in Birmingham to hand over the money when she promised to raise a further £25,000.

The hospitals are being built thanks to money already raised by the charity, which works with people affected by poverty, social injustice or natural disasters.

"It still needs the cash to equip the buildings.

Rehana has until the end of November to raise the money, which will pay for items such as oxygen, tables and medicines.

"I think I can do it," said the mum-of-four.

"I'm quite a determined person and people I don't even know have offered money or help.

"I think it is a really important cause to help people who have no medical help – it can make the difference between someone who has been hurt living or dying."

Rehana and about 50 of her friends and family were taking part in a five-mile sponsored walk today, leaving Spinney Hill Park at 11am and heading to Tesco at Hamilton and back.

Anybody interested in donating to the appeal can find out more by e-mailing:

rehanavalli@hotmail.com

She was hailed a hero after rushing to a man's aid when he started choking – and now Caroline Burns has been saved herself.

The 46-year-old, from Loughborough, was in Benidorm when she went to the aid of a fellow holiday-maker who was choking on a piece of sausage.

Jonathan Howard, of Bury, Greater Manchester, said if she had not have been there to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre on him, he could have died.

He got in touch with the Mercury to publicly thank her for saving his life.

Now, Caroline has had her own life saved after choking on a piece of steak at home.

Friend Karen Andrews came to her aid after a piece became lodged in her throat.

Caroline said: "I'm quite renowned for eating fast and not really chewing my food properly. I cut off a large piece of steak, popped it in my mouth, chewed it for a bit and instantly felt it stick in my throat. I took a large sip of wine but even that didn't move it and I began to gag.

"I knew I was in trouble and I was beginning to panic, coughing and rasping for air."

Karen shot up from her chair and thumped her friend on the back, but nothing happened.

Caroline said: "She tried the Heimlich manoeuvre several times but the steak would not come up. Finally, she grabbed the phone to call an ambulance, but realised there was no way it would get here on time.

"She gave another three attempts at the Heimlich but much harder and suddenly the steak shot out of my mouth.

"When I saw myself in the mirror it was like a horror movie. My face was purple and the veins were popping out of my neck and face.

"I can't thank Karen enough for helping me. The whole thing was terrifying."

Caroline has done first aid training and said it was something everyone should consider.

"You never know when you might need it," she said. "I think everyone should do it."

Karen, 47, from Loughborough, said: "I thought Caroline was going to choke to death, and I was so scared for her.

"I started praying in my head she would stop choking as nothing I was doing was helping but, thanks to my training, it did in the end."

A major clear-up is planned to remove large amounts of waste dumped along Leicester's Great Central Way.

Stretches of the former rail track, now a footpath and cycleway through the city's West End, are blighted by fly-tipping and litter.

One of the worst affected stretches lies between Upperton Road and Aylestone Meadows, where tyres, furniture, paint pots, toys and clothes have been illegally dumped.

Residents have described the Great Central Way as an eyesore and called on Leicester City Council to clean it up.

In response, officials have promised a large-scale clean-up of the area.

They were set to remove much of the heavier waste yesterday afternoon or this morning and the council's riverside rangers are to return on Monday to carry out a thorough-clean up.

Yesterday, people living in the area said they were both angry and saddened by the state of the Great Central Way.

Angie Toone, 53, of Evelyn Drive, walks down the footpath daily to get to work in the city.

She said: "It's a grim sight to see all the rubbish piling up. You expect a bit of litter because a lot of people come up and down here but someone's made an effort to get mattresses and all that other stuff down here.''

Marius Kovaks, 25, of Heyworth Road, said: "It is a shame to see it looking so messy because there is such a lot of wildlife down here such as squirrels and birds. It can't be good for them to have it like this.

"I hope it does get properly cleaned up, but I think it won't be long before more rubbish is tipped. That is a shame."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I think the worst of the stuff has been there for a while and I have to admit I have often walked past it without reporting it. I think most people do."

The city council is seeking volunteers to help with litter- picking and reporting tipping.

Coun Sarah Russell assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, said: "It is frustrating, because it is a lovely part of the city for walking and cycling. Our riverside rangers are responsible for it but they have a heck of a lot of space to cover and it can be a challenge to keep on top of it.

"We would like people to contact us when there is a problem and, when they do, we will sort it quite quickly. There is absolutely no reason to tip big items because the council will come and collect them for free.

"Where possible, we will always seek to prosecute fly-tippers."

A city council spokesman said: "Fly-tipping is an offence. We will investigate all dumped items and continue to monitor the area.

"We will also be writing to residents and landlords of properties backing on to the Great Central Way to ask for their support in tackling this problem."

To report any fly-tipping call the council on 0116 252 7000.

Tributes have been paid to an "inspirational" youth worker who dedicated her career to helping young people in her village.

Kim Shillcock, of Ibstock, died on Friday, January 25, aged 51.

She had been diagnosed with cancer last year.

She was well-known in her home village for her community work and helped hundreds of youngsters during more than 10 years based at Ibstock Youth centre, in Central Avenue.

Kim had also worked as a lunchtime supervisor and cleaner at Ibstock Community College since 2002 and was closely involved with various village play groups, including Busy Bees.

Chris Bates, who worked alongside her at the youth centre, said: "Kim was an inspiration and probably one of the best youth workers around.

"She was always so nice, so helpful – she was like a second mum to some of the young people.

"Never judgemental about anything, she was always happy to listen. She was someone you could bounce ideas off and some of the 17 and 18-year-olds she met at the youth club had known her since they were four.

"Kim was very passionate about helping young people. It was her life. We are all going to miss her enormously."

Kim, who had a special interest in young carers, regularly spent time in the youth centre.

Staff and students at the college, where a special assembly has been held and a book of condolence opened in her memory, described her as a "great friend and workmate" who would be sadly missed.

Head teacher David King said: "Kim was a wonderful colleague, loved and respected by students and staff alike."

Student Chloe Lycett, 14, said: "She was a unique person and was always there for me.

"She helped me when I was in trouble. We had so many good memories together and she will be truly missed.

"We will always love her and I will never forget her."

Laura North, 13, said: "Kim was funny and cared for all the students. She was so nice.

"It was a gift to everyone to have her at our school and she will always be missed. Heaven has gained an angel."

Kim was a wife to Paul and mother to Andrew, Kathy and Amy.

"Kim was beautiful and precious to me," said Paul. "She was more than a wife – she completed me. Pure sunshine."

Kathy, Amy and Andrew, in a joint tribute to their mother, said: "We are so proud to be her children.

"She wasn't just our mum, she was our best friend. We are going to miss her so much."

Kim's funeral will be an intimate service for close friends and family at Hugglescote Church on Tuesday.

Donations in lieu of flowers will go to Ibstock Youth Centre, Macmillan Nurses and Loros.

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson believes Leicester City are the best footballing side in the Championship – but is confident his team can repeat their victory of last season at London Road.

City might be heading to London Road on the back of a five-game winning streak but Ferguson said his side can draw belief from their 1-0 victory over City on home soil 11 months ago.

"We beat them here last season," Ferguson told the Peterborough Telegraph. "And we beat them when we were both challenging for promotion in League One a few years back.

"I do think Leicester are the best footballing side in the division and they're coming here in great form, but we have proved we can beat them so we can play with some confidence.

"It's a game to look forward to at any time of the season. There will be a big crowd and we will have a go at them."

Rock-bottom Posh are unsure of midfielder George Boyd's availability for the game.

Boyd was on the brink of a move to Nottingham Forest until the deal collapsed over a failed eye sight test, but several clubs are trying to take him on loan, including Crystal Palace.

However, Ferguson accused Palace boss and former City manager Ian Holloway of speaking to Boyd without permission.

"The one thing that has really annoyed me this week is that the Crystal Palace manager has been constantly ringing George," Ferguson said. "I don't think it is right and I'm not having it. He should not be speaking to one of my players."

The depth of Leicester Tigers' squad is going to be tested to the full through the course of this month.

February sees the Premiership title challengers facing three key matches while a clutch of top-quality players are on international duty in the Six Nations.

London Welsh are first up at Welford Road this afternoon and second-placed Saracens also visit Leicester this month with a trip to table-topping Harlequins sandwiched in the middle.

March then begins with the visit of relegation-fighting Sale Sharks before there is a break in Tigers' schedule.

Facing those kind of challenges during the international period is something that Tigers have become used to over the years.

"We are well-versed," said hooker George Chuter. "The squad is assembled with that in mind. We have players away at the Six Nations. but we also have people to cover for them.

"The England Saxons guys are coming back to ease the burden, but we know the squad will still be tested with the likes of Harlequins and Saracens coming up.

"We are used to dealing with it."

Not that Leicester are looking beyond London Welsh, who are currently third from bottom.

Chuter knows that whatever side Tigers field at this afternoon they will face a determined Welsh outfit, who have acquitted themselves well after earning promotion last season.

"They have been together for a couple of years now and have got the makings of a good team. They have won some games which people thought they wouldn't," he said.

"I think that shows the gap between the Premiership and Championship is closing – Exeter have also come up in recent seasons and done a fantastic job and now London Welsh are making a really good case for their involvement in the Premiership. That is a good sign of the depth of English rugby."

Away from the bigger picture, though, Tigers have to concentrate on completing the double over Welsh, who they defeated 38-13 at Oxford in the first match of the league season back in September.

Chuter is anticipating a physical encounter. "Up front, they are very abrasive," he said. "Every team they have come up against this season they have given them a tough game. They have a bit more Premiership experience now and will try and play, if we give them the time and space. We are going to have to be near our best to win."

Frail pensioner Peggy Taylor is set to get the stairlift she has been waiting for for more than five years.

The 83-year-old, who suffers from heart disease and breathing problems and has brittle bones, said she owed the breakthrough to her MP Keith Vaz.

Leicester East MP Mr Vaz stepped in last week when Mrs Taylor was told she had to pay the city council £477 towards £9,000 of work, which includes fitting a shower room.

He was angered at the size of the demand, which was more than twice the amount she had been told.

So he organised a bring-and- buy sale of his old clothes at her home in Netherhall to raise the money to pay her contribution.

However, Mr Vaz said: "I was told the money had to be paid up front before the grant money was released.

"So I paid the contribution and the money raised from the sale will go to Loros."

Leicester City Council said a meeting would be held at Mrs Taylor's home in the coming week to sign the contract and that work should start on February 18.

Mrs Taylor, who has lived in the property for 56 years, said: "I am so pleased I have the date from the council.

"I have waited for five-and-a- half years for this. Now, within a week, the council has said it is about to start work.

"I owe it all to Mr Vaz getting involved."

Mrs Taylor, who is unsteady on her feet and walks with the aid of a frame, said: "I am very angry at the way the council has treated me.

"I cannot understand how it can make a mistake over the size of the contribution I had to make.

"I am pleased the council has said work will start soon, but I won't really believe it until it happens."

Mr Vaz visited Mrs Taylor on Friday, February 1 and was shocked to see how frail she was.

Keith Vaz said: "I am amazed Leicester City Council has kept Mrs Taylor waiting for five years for a stairlift and wet room. She is 83, very frail, with breathing problems and other health issues.

"Her condition makes it very difficult for her to climb stairs and get in and out of a bathtub. She has already fallen a couple of times."

A spokesman for the council said the grant was Government money and the authority had to abide by strict rules governing how it was administered.

The council has apologised for the mistake over the level of Mrs Taylor's contribution.

Martin Bromley, head of grant applications, who attended the sale, said: "The payment contribution is something Mrs Taylor can afford. She signed an agreement to pay the money.

"We will have a meeting with Mrs Taylor this week with the contractor.

"We anticipate the work will start on Monday of the following week and will take two to three weeks to complete."