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'Boxing Binman' Rendall Munroe's hopes of getting Biffa job back dashed

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Former "boxing binman" Rendall Munroe has thrown in the towel after his hopes of returning to refuse collecting were dashed.

The 32-year-old had planned on going back to his job as a binman in Leicester after retiring from his professional sporting career in December.

Five weeks ago, the dad-of-two met with bosses from refuse company Biffa and asked whether he could rejoin his colleagues on the Eyres Monsell round.

But he told the Mercury he had not heard anything since the meeting and was now turning his attention to finding something else.

Rendall, a former English super bantamweight title-holder, said: "I have not heard anything.

"Even a phone call to say I can't have my job back would be something – at least I would know.

"I was there for eight years and only left because I wanted to follow my dream, but I always had it in my head that I was going back on the bins.

"My plan was once I'd had enough of boxing, I'd be emptying the bins again and I'd be happy.

"People keep telling me to forget about the bins, that I can do better. But the binman thing made me."

During his nine-year boxing career, the fighter and his corner team would come out in fluorescent yellow jackets to signify the binman links.

In 2011, Rendall gave up his beloved job – but kept the nickname the Boxing Binman – and became a full-time professional after securing a £1,000-a-week sponsorship deal with Derbyshire company Elite Construction.

But the dream ended after about a year, finishing with a draw – and a gaping wound above Rendall's eye – and then a defeat to Bury boxer Scott Quigg.

Rendall said: "When I gave up working, that's when it all went wrong for me. I started over-training and thinking too much about the boxing.

"When I cut my eye, I had it in my mind that was it for me.

"All I want now is to go back to work and the bins is the only thing I really know."

But with the former fighter admitting he does not think a return to his old job his now likely, he has enrolled on a course at Loughborough College, with a view to becoming a child mentor.

"I'm doing my gym instructor level two, then I can go on to do a mentoring course," he said.

"It's something I've thought about for a while and, you never know, it might be a blessing in disguise.

"If boxing has taught me anything it's that I know how to pick myself up and carry on."

The Leicester Mercury asked Biffa to comment on whether it was considering re-employing Rendall.

A spokeswoman said: "No comment."

'Boxing Binman' Rendall Munroe's  hopes of getting  Biffa job back dashed


Jordan Crane says next two games are crucial for Leicester Tigers

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Leicester Tigers back-row forward Jordan Crane believes his side's next two games will have a major bearing on the outcome of their season.

Tigers travel to Harlequins tomorrow to play the side they replaced at the top of the Aviva Premiership last weekend.

Then, in eight days' time, Tigers play host to Saracens, who are currently third in the table.

"It is a massive game," said Crane looking forward to tomorrow's trip to the Stoop.

"The next two weeks will play a big part in where we finish, whether we are home or away in a semi-final.

"If we win both of the games, we will be in a great position. If we lose, then we are looking up at the other teams hoping they will slip up.

"So it is a massive two or three weeks with the England players away.

"It is a great challenge for some of the guys who don't always play in the big games."

Tigers will at least get three of their England contingent back for the Harlequins encounter as the Six Nations championship takes a break this weekend.

Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Thomas Waldrom have all been released by England, while Quins will have influential scrum-half Danny Care back in their line-up.

"To get the England players back in the side is always good," said Crane, who has appeared in a dozen of Tigers' Premiership outings so far this season.

"It makes us even stronger. It is just disappointing that we can't have all the players back when we have crucial games coming up."

Quins, the defending champions, were 22-9 winners when the sides met at Welford Road in September, but the sides are now locked at the top of the table on 47 points after 14 matches.

The top two will earn home semi-finals in the play-offs, so the outcome of tomorrow's clash could prove critical in the final standings.

Tigers travel having beaten London Welsh 28-12 last week, while Quins were pipped 17-16 at home by Wasps.

"We will go there with good spirit," said Crane. "We are on a good run and, even though we aren't playing our best, we are still picking up points."

Jordan Crane says next two games are crucial for Leicester Tigers

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson says he would still love to be in the FA Cup

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Talk of simply concentrating on the league doesn't wash with Nigel Pearson.

The Leicester City boss took little consolation from the fact that his team can now focus on promotion without distractions after their FA Cup defeat to Huddersfield on Tuesday.

Pearson said it was for others to talk of hidden positives from the defeat, primarily a slightly less-loaded fixture programme, and that he had hoped his side would quickly return to winning ways after their defeat at Peterborough United last weekend.

"I have always been a believer that success breeds success," he said following the 2-1 defeat.

"I have been involved in plenty of cup runs and had a heavy schedule, and I know as a player, especially at this time of year, you enjoy playing games.

"I am not a massive advocate of just concentrating on the league. That is the only thing we have to concentrate on now and it has always been our priority anyway.

"But I have a lot of respect for the cup competitions. I would have preferred to have gone through."

Meanwhile, Pearson has expressed his pleasure in the way French winger Anthony Knockaert has settled into life in English football.

Knockaert was an unknown when he arrived at City in the summer, but he has made a big impact.

Pearson said that while he still had plenty to learn he was a player capable of magical moments.

"You don't know what to expect from Anthony," he said. "He is a match winner and he is certainly a very creative player. I think for the most part his performances have been good.

City striker Jacob Blyth has joined Notts County on a one-month loan.

The 20-year-old, who plays for the City Development Squad, joins the Magpies to gain first-team experience.

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson says he would still love to be in the FA Cup

Suicidal patient fled as nurses were celebrating on Beaumont Ward, in Bradgate Unit , Leicester inquest told

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Nursing staff were celebrating a birthday with cake and chocolates around the time a woman with a history of suicide attempts was let out of a locked mental health ward, an inquest has heard.

The hearing was told it was "chaotic" on Beaumont Ward, in the Bradgate Unit at Glenfield Hospital, when Sally Ann Vye was allowed to leave by a health care assistant. Her body was discovered at Beachy Head in Sussex – a notorious location for suicides – the following day.

The 39-year old, of Melton, had previously absconded and travelled to Beachy Head but had been saved by the intervention of a local chaplaincy team.

Miss Vye should not have been allowed out of the ward without the express permission of a registered nurse, but left at 2.25pm on June 19.

Yesterday, giving evidence on the third day of the hearing at Leicester Town Hall, healthcare assistant Lisa Yeomans said: "It was chaotic in the ward for the hour between 2pm and 3pm."

She said she had been left to deal with irate parents virtually single-handed.

She said: "Another female patient had absconded and her parents were very anxious.

"I went looking for her with a student nurse. I reported her missing but senior nursing staff in the office were not interested."

Mrs Yeoman said they were celebrating a doctor's birthday.

She said: "They were quite jolly, eating chocolates and cake."

She told the hearing she had to go back three times before she got a response.

The other patient was found a few minutes later elsewhere in the unit.

Mrs Yeomans said she was also left to attend to an angry father whose son, returning to the ward after leave, did not have a bed.

She admitted she filled in the head count sheet and incorrectly marked that Miss Vye was on the ward at 3pm and 4pm.

She admitted making those mistakes as Miss Vye was recorded on CCTV leaving the ward at 2.25pm.

Mrs Yeomans said she correctly marked Miss Vye absent each hour from 5pm until she finished duty at 9pm.

But she admitted she ignored procedure and did not report Miss Vye missing to registered staff at the first opportunity.

She said: "I had seen her dressed to go out earlier in the day and assumed she was going on accompanied leave."

She said she did not know Miss Vye had been sectioned after a suicide attempt at Beachy Head just over a week earlier.

Mrs Yeomans said: "I kept presuming she was off the ward. I don't think I told anyone at the end of the shift.

"I presumed a senior member of staff would have known."

The hearing was told the alarm was not raised until 10.20pm, when Miss Vye's parents phoned the ward anxious about her safety and it was discovered she was not there.

DC Patrick Coyle told the inquest a police search had been hindered because of faulty record keeping and delays in raising the alarm.

He said: "Because of the wrong time on the log, officers scanned the CCTV to obtain a description of what she was wearing from 5pm onwards instead of from 2.25pm."

He said the delay in raising the alarm had lost "daylight searching" time as Sussex police were not alerted until after midnight – 14 hours after Miss Vye had absconded.

The hearing had previously heard a number of accepted practices and policies had not been transferred by the Bradgate Unit staff to the Beaumont Ward when it opened in December 2011.

Bradgate Unit senior manager Teresa Smith told the inquest she was satisfied that if all those practices and policies had been implemented, including staff abiding by their own professional standards, that Miss Vye would had been safe.

She said if monitoring procedure had been followed correctly a search would have been started at 3pm that day.

Mrs Smith agreed with Miss Vye's father, Ronald Vye, that, given the way the ward was being run at the time, his daughter could not have been protected. Mrs Smith added she was in the ward when Miss Vye went missing and denied nursing staff were eating cake and chocolates.

Coroner Catherine Mason said she would be delivering verdict at noon today.

Suicidal patient fled as nurses were celebrating on Beaumont Ward, in  Bradgate Unit , Leicester inquest told

Leicester MP Keith Vaz is accused of 'sexism'

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Leicester East MP Keith Vaz has been accused of sexism after suggesting Cabinet minister Theresa May was "looking a bit thin".

Mr Vaz made the controversial comment in a post on Twitter, which he has since deleted.

He wrote: "A bit worried about Home Secretary she is looking a bit thin these days. A new diet or pressure of work?"

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's PM programme, Tory MP Caroline Nokes, who chairs the all-party group on body image condemned the remark as "silly" and "patronising".

She said: "I thought it was a rather silly and thoughtless remark from Keith.

"I know Keith, he is not by nature unpleasant, but I think this remark came across as rather patronising.

"If we were talking about a male home secretary who had lost a bit of weight, I am sure no member of parliament would comment."

Ms Nokes, said she had "borne the brunt" of jibes about her own weight.

She said: "My weight goes up and down and people will freely comment either I am looking a bit chubby or 'haven't you done well, you have lost a bit of weight'.

"I think it is a harsh reality that is dished out all too frequently to women MPs.

"I think it was sexist because the insinuation of the remark that Keith very unfortunately put on Twitter was about a woman who, he has suggested through his comments, is losing weight through the pressure of work. I think it is very sad that he chose to do so."

Mr Vaz did not respond to a Mercury request for comment.

Leicester MP Keith Vaz is accused of 'sexism'

Leicester City: Nigel Pearson named npower Championship manager of the month

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has been named the npower Championship manager of the month for January. Pearson was given the award after City won four consecutive games, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two, as they surged into second spot in the table. Speaking about Pearson's win, panel member Alan Curbishley commented: "It's been a fantastic month for Nigel Pearson with Leicester City winning all of their games whilst also scoring freely in the npower Championship. "The Foxes are now in a great position as we approach the business end of the season."

Leicester City: Nigel Pearson named npower Championship manager of the month

Fire crews twice rescue motorists from flood water

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Firefighters were twice called to rescue people trapped in flood water yesterday.

Crews from Wigston and southern station's technical rescue unit used an inflatable raft to rescue the driver of a car trapped in flood water in Crow Mills, South Wigston, at 4.20pm.

And a crew from Syston were called to help rescue a driver trapped by flood water in Syston Road, Cossington just after 6.30pm.

Fire crews twice rescue motorists from flood water

Teams announced for Leicester Tigers v Harlequins clash

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England trio Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Thomas Waldrom return to the Leicester Tigers line-up for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Aviva Premiership rivals Harlequins.
 

The international trio have been released from the England squad for this weekend and are recalled by Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill.
 

There is also a recall in the backline for Scott Hamilton, and Brett Deacon is named in the back-row of the pack alongside Waldrom and Julian Salvi.
 

"We've had some tough battles with Harlequins in the last couple of seasons," said Cockerill. "Results last week meant we went to the top of the table, but it means nothing at this stage. We still haven't played as well as we can and we're now into a key part of the season."
 

Martin Castrogiovanni, Niall Morris and Steve Mafi are among the players unavailable due to injury this week. Tom Croft is rested and four players remain with the England squad – Tom Youngs, Ben Youngs, Geoff Parling and Dan Cole.
 

Kick-off at The Twickenham Stoop is at 5.15pm on Saturday and the match is  live on Sky Sports ".
 

Tigers will wear their alternative Baltic Blue kit this weekend.
 

Leicester Tigers

15 Mathew Tait
14 Scott Hamilton
13 Manusamoa Tuilagi
12 Anthony Allen
11 Adam Thompstone
10 Toby Flood
9 Sam Harrison
1 Marcos Ayerza
2 Rob Hawkins
3 Logovi'i Mulipola
4 Louis Deacon (c)
5 Graham Kitchener
6 Brett Deacon
7 Julian Salvi
8 Thomas Waldrom
 

Replacements
16 George Chuter
17 Boris Stankovich
18 Fraser Balmain
19 Ed Slater
20 Jordan Crane
21 Micky Young
22 George Ford
23 Matt Smith
 

Harlequins make changes due to injury and international unavailability after last week's surprise home defeat against Wasps.

Matt Hopper moves to outside-centre and partners Jordan Turner-Hall. Danny Care returns from international duty with England to start at scrum-half.

Among the forwards, captain Nick Easter starts in the second row, with Charlie Matthews ready to impact from the bench. In the back-row Maurie Fa'asavalu starts at blindside flanker and is joined by Tom Guest and Luke Wallace.

Among the replacements, with Karl Dickson unfit for this weekend, Jordan Burns will look to make his first appearance for the club at scrum-half, while the fit again Ben Botica returns to the bench.

.

Harlequins
15. Ross Chisholm
14. Tom Williams
13. Matt Hopper
12. Jordan Turner-Hall
11. Ugo Monye
10. Nick Evans
9. Danny Care
1. Mark Lambert
2. Joe Gray
3. James Johnston
4. Nick Easter (C)
5. George Robson
6. Maurie Fa'asavalu
7. Luke Wallace
8. Tom Guest

Replacements
16. Rob Buchanan
17. Darryl Marfo
18. Will Collier
19. Charlie Matthews
20. Joe Trayfoot
21. Jordan Burns
22. Ben Botica
23. George Lowe

Teams announced for Leicester Tigers v Harlequins clash


Russian meteor hit without warning - Leicester Space Centre experts

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Armageddon-type scenes have been captured on video after an 11-ton meteor exploded over Russia injuring hundreds of people. The space rock boomed through the Earth's atmosphere at about 33,000mph - three times the speed of a bullet - at about 9.20am (local time) today, before slowing and exploding into smaller pieces. A shock wave from a huge meteorite was felt by people on the ground as it streaked overhead and crash-landed in a lake in Chebarkul, part of Russia's Chelyabinsk region. Russia's Ministry of Emergencies said 524 people have been injured, including 82 children. It comes as an asteroid, known as 2012DA14, is expected to come within a whisker of the Earth later this evening - but experts said they are not linking the two. The 150ft-rock will come within about 17,100 miles of our planet - closer than many communications and weather satellites. Josh Barker, from the Near Earth Orbit Information Programme, based at the National Space Centre, in Leicester, said the Russian meteor had hit without warning, and confirmed it was not related to 2012DA14. He said: "It wasn't detected before it entered our atmosphere, it's small size makes it difficult to spot and it just goes to highlight how difficult it is to track these rocks in space. "We're pretty certain that it isn't related because of the direction of travel. "2012DA14 is travelling from south to north and any fragments would probably fall in the southern hemisphere. "The Russian meteor's flight path wasn't consistent with what we would expect if it was related to 2012DA14." RELATED ARTICLES: Asteroid tracked by National Space Centre Leicester as it zips past Earth VIDEO: Footage captures Russia meteor blast which injures 500

Russian meteor hit without warning - Leicester Space Centre experts

Thug spat on woman who was wearing a hijab in Humberstone Road, Leicester

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A thug spat at a woman in the street apparently because she was wearing an Islamic head scarf. Police have appealed for help tracing the man, who targeted the woman in Humberstone Road, near Leicester city centre. The 20-year-old woman was walking near to the St Matthews service station when she noticed three young men approaching her. One of them spat on her as they passed by and the three began laughing as they walked away. Officers have released a CCTV image of three people they want to trace. The incident happened shortly before 1pm on Monday, February 4. Pc Dave Adams said: "The victim felt upset and frightened following the incident and feels that she was targeted because she was wearing a hijab. "We will not tolerate people feeling intimidated and frightened on our streets and I would urge anyone with information to call us as soon as they can. "The road was quite busy at the time of the incident so there is a possibility that passers-by and passing traffic may be able to help." The three suspects are white, 18 or 19 and of slim build. One was wearing a peaked cap and another was wearing a black hooded top. Contact Pc Adams on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Thug spat on woman who was wearing a hijab in Humberstone Road, Leicester

Leicester City fans queue to meet players at King Power Stadium

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More than 2,500 Leicester City fans flocked to the King Power Stadium to meet some of their heroes this afternoon. Strikers David Nugent and Chris Wood, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and captain Wes Morgan were in the Fanstore to sign autographs and pose for photos for the fans. Supporters started queuing outside the stadium during the morning for the event, which began at 1.30pm. The queue stretched through the store, out through the Family Stand and right round the Fanstore back towards the rear of the West Stand. The players were due to attend the session for one-and-a-half hours but spent three hours meeting delighted City supporters. Wood said he was overwhelmed by the turn-out. "It is lovely to see the turn-out," he said. "They are a great bunch of fans. They have supported me in my short time here so far and it is nice to see all of them coming out and supporting us."

Leicester City fans queue to meet players  at King Power Stadium

Leicestershire County Council withdraws products from school menu over horse meat scare

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Leicestershire County Council has withdrawn two beef products from school dinners over fears they could contain horse meat. Beef grill steaks and minced beef will no longer be served to youngsters after the council sought reassurances from its suppliers. Tests are now underway to ensure the products contain only beef following revelations that some products in the food chain contain horse meat. In a statement released yesterday, a county council spokesman said: "The vast majority of food supplied by the council's School Food Support Service is Red Tractor assured and we regularly seek assurances from our suppliers to ensure that they comply with legislation. "It's important to reassure parents that following this mis-labelling issue, we've sought and received further specific assurances from suppliers that their products do not contain horse meat. "We're happy with the quality of all beef products on our menu except for two that we have removed. These are two products we buy which aren't processed on site by the supplier. Although they are produced within the UK we're carrying out precautionary sampling and analysis to ensure that horse meat isn't contained within them. "Until we know the outcome of these precautionary tests we have put a hold on using these products." The Red Tractor is a food assurance scheme which covers production standards developed by experts on safety, hygiene, animal welfare and the environment. All suppliers in the Red Tractor food chain are inspected and certified by an independent professional body to ensure that the food is safe and it is known where the raw ingredients come from. The Red Tractor certifies that food has been produced to independently inspected standards right across the food chain – from farm to pack and was started by UK farmers, food producers and retailers. It was launched by Tony Blair in June 2000. The School Food Support Service provides 22,000 meals to children across 244 schools across Leicestershire every day. Leicester City Council withdrew beef from its school menus several years ago following the scare over BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy).

Leicestershire County Council withdraws products from school menu over horse meat scare

Praise for players and staff after Leicester City's Nigel Pearson wins Manager of Month award

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Nigel Pearson has praised his Leicester City players and backroom staff after picking up the Championship Manager of the Month award for January.
The City boss beat Burnley's Sean Dyche and Brighton's Gus Poyet to the division's first monthly accolade of 2013, after guiding City to four wins in four Championship games since the turn of the year.
Pearson's side had a perfect record in January, a month which saw them hit 13 goals in victories over Huddersfield Town, Bristol City, Middlesbrough and Wolves, while firmly establishing themselves in the race for automatic promotion.
"It was a terrific effort from the entire group over the course of the month," Pearson said.
"The players and all the support staff have an outstanding work ethic and have applied themselves superbly all season. When you see that reflected in results, it is extremely rewarding for everyone.
"Our form during January helped put us into a good position to achieve our overall objective this season and it's important that we now build on that during the coming games."
City return to Championship action at the King Power Stadium against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night after a weekend off as scheduled opponents Blackburn are in FA Cup action at Arsenal.

Hundreds back forest lottery bid

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Hundreds of people have supported a lottery bid to spruce up Charnwood Forest by filling in a questionnaire.

Leicestershire County Council has called on the public to help it secure a £3 million Heritage Lottery grant towards conserving the forest and improving access.

So far, 350 people have returned a questionnaire asking what they cherish most about the forest and how they would like the money to be spent.

If successful, the lottery money will be used to support a range of programmes, with ideas including training in countryside skills and archaeological surveys.

A Charnwood Forest Regional Park steering group has been set up to lead the bid.

Chairman Lesley Pendleton, who is also council cabinet member for environment, said: "We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to fill in our questionnaire and demonstrate their support for our bid.

"It is apparent from the responses that people really treasure Charnwood Forest.

"It is a beautiful and unique area that is of geological, historical and environmental significance.

"We hope even more people who either live in the area or who like to visit it will take some time to support us by filling in the questionnaire."

The forest boasts some of the oldest rocks in Britain – dating back 550 million years – and is home to 85 species of birds, nine of amphibians and lizards and 21 of spiders.

Anyone who completes a questionnaire will be entered into a free draw with the prize free parking for a year at all county council country parks.

It is available until March 1 at:

www.leics.gov.uk/ charnwood_forest

Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court

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Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

Daniel Richmond (20), of Waterloo Crescent, Countesthorpe, admitted travelling on a train without a ticket on September 16. His fare would have cost £13.70.

He was fined £135 and ordered to pay £13 compensation and £105 court costs.

Jason Northern (45), of Aikman Avenue, New Parks, Leicester, admitted stealing four bottles of whisky and food from Tesco, in Leicester, on November 3.

He was given an 18-month conditional discharge.

Klaudia Fodor (37) and Zeno Nemes (44), both of Barkby Road, Northfields, Leicester, were found guilty of stealing furniture worth £4,000 belonging to a woman between September 2011 and March 2012.

They were each ordered to pay £300 compensation and given 12-week jail sentences, suspended for 12 months.

Phabian Smyle (25), of Radstone Walk, Humberstone, Leicester, admitted carrying a knife in the city on October 11, and obstructing/resisting a constable in the execution of his duty on the same date.

He was given a four-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 court costs.

Imtiaz Patel (36), of Marina Road, Evington, Leicester, admitted stealing chocolates worth £60 from Poundland, in Leicester, on November 9, and batteries worth £50 from the same shop on November 13.

He was given a 12-month community order and ordered to pay £50 compensation.

Cases  dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court


Search is on for winner of £262k lucky ticket prize

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A EuroMillions prize of £262,109.60 has yet to be claimed in Leicestershire.

The search is on to find the owner of the winning ticket, bought in the Hinckley and Bosworth borough, before the time to claim runs out.

The ticket buyer, who matched the five main numbers and one Lucky Star number in the EuroMillions draw on Friday, February 1, has five months to claim the money.

National Lottery players are being urged to check and double-check their tickets.

The winning EuroMillions numbers on that date were 5, 21, 34, 37, 38 and the Lucky Star numbers were 1 and 6. The lucky ticket-holder has until Wednesday, July 31, 2013, to make a claim.

If no-one comes forward with the winning ticket before the prize claim deadline the prize money, plus all the interest it has generated, will go to the Good Causes – adding to the £29 billion already raised through sales of lottery tickets since The National Lottery launched in November, 1994.

A National Lottery spokesperson said: "We are desperate to find this mystery ticket-holder and unite them with their winnings – this amazing prize could really make a huge difference to somebody's life.

"We are urging everyone to check their old tickets again or look anywhere a missing ticket could be hiding.

"Try checking in the pockets of clothing, in wallets, bags and down the back of the sofa, someone out there could literally be sitting on a fortune.

"We have the Champagne on ice and our fingers crossed that the lucky winner comes forward to claim the win."

Anyone who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0845 910 0000.

my passion

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Actor Nathan Obokoh is to play Jesus Christ in front of thousands of people in a spectacular open-air city centre production.

The 29-year-old from Oadby will play the lead role in this year's production of Christ in the Centre at Humberstone Gate, in Leicester, next month.

The former church youth worker said: "It is a real honour and a privilege to play this role.

"I will bring my own experiences to bear when playing Jesus, but it is a big responsibility.

"It is both exciting and nerve-wracking to be taking on such a role and to be performing in front of thousands of people in my home city.

"All my family and friends will be there so they will be giving me much-needed moral support on the day.

"To me, my colour is not an issue – I will concentrate on communicating Jesus's words as clearly as I can."

Nathan, a former student at Wyggeston Queen Elizabeth I College, has played the part of disciples James and Simon in past years.

This year's production features a cast of about 40, with about half performing in the event for the first time.

Director Sarah Chiswell-Hornett said: "I am delighted with the commitment and story-telling strength of the 2013 cast and really excited about rehearsals and the production we are going to create.

"I cast Nathan as Jesus because he possesses a natural talent and serenity that are perfect for the role."

The powerful reenactment of the crucifixion promises to tell the Easter story in a different way to previous years.

The event, held each year on Good Friday, will be given a new twist by children's author Meg Harper.

It will be based on her play, The First Easter, which has been performed in both the UK and US.

She has joined the event's producers and is writing fresh scenes to extend the original script, which will premiere in Leicester.

It is also the first year the play will be staged twice in one day. Vic Allsop, ecumenical officer for Churches Together in Leicestershire, welcomed the move.

He said: "Several major parishes around the city say they have not been able to attend Christ in the Centre because they hold their own events on Good Friday morning, but are looking forward to joining us for the afternoon performance this year."

The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, welcomed thousands of people to last year's event, which cost £40,000 to stage.

Hoards of spectators packed out Humberstone Gate and joined in prayer before watching the traditional Bible story unfold. Many audience members were brought to tears by the powerful narrative.

Writer Meg Harper has previously penned scripts for similar events in Warwick, where her story The Day They Killed The Son of God was performed on Good Friday in 2007.

The performance of The First Easter will take place in Humberstone Gate, at 11am and 2pm.

my passion

Two beef products off school dinner menus over horse meat fears

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Leicestershire County Council has withdrawn two beef products from school dinners over fears they could contain horse meat.

Beef grill steaks and minced beef will no longer be served to youngsters after the council sought reassurances from its suppliers.

Tests are now under way to ensure the products contain only beef, following revelations that some products in the food chain contain horse meat.

In a statement, a county council spokesman said: "The vast majority of food supplied by the council's School Food Support Service is Red Tractor assured and we regularly seek assurances from suppliers to ensure they comply with legislation.

"It's important to reassure parents that following this mis-labelling issue, we've sought and received further specific assurances from suppliers that their products do not contain horse meat.

"We're happy with the quality of all beef products on our menu except for two we have removed. These are products we buy which aren't processed on site by the supplier.

"Although they are produced within the UK, we're carrying out precautionary sampling and analysis to ensure that horse meat isn't contained within them. Until we know the outcome of these precautionary tests we have put a hold on using these products."

The Red Tractor is a food assurance scheme which covers production standards developed by experts on safety, hygiene, animal welfare and the environment.

All suppliers in the Red Tractor food chain are inspected and certified by an independent professional body to ensure that the food is safe and it is known where the raw ingredients come from.

Two beef products off school dinner menus over horse meat fears

Bakers Waste to appeal over new plant refusal

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A waste firm is challenging a decision to refuse its plans to relocate.

Bakers Waste wants to move from Glen Parva to South Wigston, but was refused planning permission by Leicestershire County Council.

Councillors rejected the proposal to open a plant in Magna Road, which would process 50,000 tonnes of commercial waste each year, after more than 2,000 people signed a petition against it.

Councillors said the plant would be unacceptable to residents because of increased traffic, noise and odour.

Bakers Waste's appeal will be decided by a Government planning inspector.

The company said planning officers had recommended approval of the application.

South Wigston county councillor Bill Boulter said: "I've put leaflets out in the area warning people there is an appeal and the response I have had is they are pretty upset about it. They thought they had seen this off."

Coun Boulter said the firm was operating on the site, pending the outcome of the appeal.

The county council said it was not taking enforcement action.

Coun Boulter said: "That they are up and running already on a limited basis gives people a taste of what will come if they are granted permission.

"The lorries are already causing problems."

Andrew Lawrence, 35, of Pullman Road, near the site, said: "I hope the appeal fails.

"The roads round here are already chocka and a load more rubbish lorries won't help. It's the wrong place."

Nobody from Bakers Waste was available to comment yesterday.

However, director Paul Baker has previously said moving would allow the company to have a building which was better sealed and which would be fitted with a filter system to prevent smells escaping.

He said the move would safeguard the jobs of 62 staff and allow future expansion.

A county council spokeswoman said: "The planning appeal will be dealt with by means of a hearing to be held at County Hall.

"Local residents have been notified about the appeal and have until February 26 to send comments directly to the Planning Inspectorate.

"All comments made previously have been forwarded to the inspectorate.

"We have not yet received a confirmed date for the hearing, but residents will be informed of this once we have."

Submissions should be sent to Deb Smith, The Planning Inspectorate, 3/10b Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN.

Bakers Waste  to appeal  over new plant refusal

Councillors to debate concerns about HS2

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Politicians are set to debate the Government's plans for a high-speed rail link.

Phase two of the £32 billion HS2 project, connecting Birmingham with Leeds, could cut through Leicestershire.

A motion by leader Nick Rushton to a full meeting of Leicestershire County Council on Wednesday will ask members to raise concerns with ministers, MPs and HS2 Ltd.

Councillor Rushton has described the project as "all pain and no gain" for the county.

His motion outlines his concerns, including the potential loss of jobs and road improvements – referring to a Kegworth bypass – and business rates rises if the proposed line blocks the development of the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at East Midlands Airport.

He highlights the potential blight on other developments along the proposed route, including difficulties it would pose for a solution to congestion at junction 13 of the A42, at Ashby, which Coun Rushton said was a "key requirement for the delivery of growth" in the north west of the county.

The motion also states that Toton is the wrong option for an East Midlands station.

North West Leicestershire District Council's Labour group is supporting the Conservative county council leader's view that Derby would be a better location for the station.

This would mean the line would not have to pass through Leicestershire.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Measham district councillor Tom Neilson said: "Derby City Council has said it wants the East Midlands HS2 station to be in Derby and we agree this is a better option than Toton."

Councillors to debate concerns about HS2

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