A pioneering Leicester midwife whose own experience of stillbirth helped transform bereavement care for countless families has returned to Leicester Royal Infirmary to unveil a plaque honouring her remarkable legacy. Agnes Nisbett, accompanied by her grandson, visited the maternity unit, 22 years after retiring from University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, to see the commemorative plaque installed on Level 4 of the Kensington Building. The plaque is next to the Bracken Suite – a dedicated home-from-home bereavement facility providing compassionate support for bereaved parents. The plaque recognises Agnes’s pioneering work to improve care for families experiencing baby loss, a cause she championed throughout her 39-year career. The visit was an emotional moment for Agnes, whose determination to improve support for grieving parents was shaped by her own personal experience. In 1973, Agnes experienced the heartbreak of stillbirth when her son, John, was born sleeping. At the time, it was common practice for babies who had died to be taken away immediately. Agnes challenged that approach, asking to see and hold her son – a decision that provided her with precious memories and later inspired a lifetime of work to change the way bereaved families were cared for. Following her return to work, Agnes was instrumental in developing services for parents experiencing baby loss. She pioneered the Born Whilst Sleeping programme at Leicester Royal Infirmary and established a dedicated space where bereaved mothers could grieve away from the main maternity ward. She also introduced practices that are now widely recognised as an important part of bereavement care, including providing clothing for babies and creating treasured keepsakes such as photographs and handprints. Many of the principles Agnes fought for remain central to the care provided today, with the Bracken Suite continuing to offer families a private and supportive environment during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Speaking at the unveiling, Agnes said: “Seeing this plaque here today is very emotional. I never wanted anyone to go through what I went through all those years ago, and it’s wonderful to see how much has changed since then and how supported women are now. “It feels very emotional to see how far we have come. This has been my life and I feel it in my heart – that’s how important it is to me. “I feel in such a privileged position to be a midwife and to have had my career. I worked at the hospital for 39 years and being a midwife never leaves you. I have people talk to me and open up to me about their births and I love that – it is a privilege.” Agnes’s contribution to bereavement care has been recognised nationally. In 2024, she received a TSB Community Hero Award at the Pride of Britain Awards for her dedication to helping grieving parents, with judges praising her compassion and commitment to ensuring families receive the support and dignity they deserve following baby loss. Born in St Kitts and Nevis, Agnes arrived in Britain as part of the Windrush Generation in 1959 before embarking on a distinguished career in nursing and midwifery. Throughout her time in Leicester, she became known not only for her clinical expertise but also for her kindness, leadership and unwavering advocacy for women and families. Fiona Ford, Deputy Head of Midwifery at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “It has been lovely to be able to show Agnes the plaque and talk about the legacy she has created. “When Agnes worked at UHL she was so well respected and she helped to train so many of us who still work here today. She really has had a lasting impact and that’s clear by how many people remember her and have fond memories to this day. “It’s wonderful to be able to welcome her back and show her what a difference her work has had.” University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust News - 24 July 2026

The annual summer reading challenge is well underway, and libraries across Leicestershire are ready for this year’s music-related theme. Leicestershire County Council’s libraries and community managed libraries across the county will be hosting the challenge, with “Read to the Beat” being this year’s theme to celebrate the joy of music. The national challenge runs through to 12 September, and children aged 4-12 taking part can borrow library books or eBooks, collect stickers and rewards, and work towards completing six reading goals. Children are being encouraged to enjoy the link between music and storytelling – including rhythm, self-expression, and creativity. A dedicated mini challenge is also available for babies and toddlers aged 0-3. The colourful illustrations for the challenge have all been created by award-winning author and illustration, Harry Woodgate, and the challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency, who have partnered this year with Universal Music UK. Every child who joins the Summer Reading Challenge will also get free entry to Bosworth Battlefield and 1620s House and Garden – all children need to do is take along the "Read to the Beat" booklet alongside a paying adult. Councillor Kevin Crook, cabinet member for culture and heritage said: "Challenges like this are a fantastic way to inspire children to enjoy reading throughout the holidays, and we’re pleased our libraries will be hosting events and activities to help make it a success. I know that every year we do this we see thousands of children borrowing hundreds of thousands of books. With this year being the National Year of Reading, this brilliant initiative is a great gateway for children to uncover, or rediscover their love of reading and I’m looking forward to so many of our young people benefitting again." Last year, 7,363 children took part in the challenge, borrowing more than 181,000 books. Children can sign up either at a local library to earn stickers towards a medal for completing the challenge, or sign up digitally to get digital rewards. For more information or to join in, see our Summer Reading Challenge page. Leicestershire County Council News

We appreciate not everyone is aware of our fire safety advice on bonfires during hot, dry conditions - and sadly, some people may just choose to ignore it. If you feel a bonfire is out-of-control, or you know it's been left unattended, you should call 999 When the temperature rises, it's important to stay calm and put safety first. In an emergency, always call 999. Many incidents can be prevented with a little extra care. Whether it's using barbecues and bonfires responsibly, staying safe around open water, or properly disposing of cigarettes and matches, small actions can make a big difference. Don't forget to check in on vulnerable relatives, friends, and neighbours who may find it harder to cope in the heat. BONFIRES We would urge anyone thinking about having a bonfire, particularly in hot, dry conditions, to think twice, and consider the following: • Is the bonfire near to trees, bushes, fences, or anything else that could catch fire? • How big have you built the bonfire? Is it perhaps too big to be properly controlled? • What exactly are you burning? Have you added anything that may be toxic, or explosive? • Can you monitor it closely throughout, and ensure it has stopped burning at the end? • Are there any children or animals that could get close and be endangered? • Do you have plenty of water nearby – a bucket, or preferably a hosepipe – for when the bonfire needs to be put out, or in case it gets out of control? You might, out of courtesy, also consider warning your neighbours about your bonfire, in case they have laundry out or are thinking of enjoying the warm weather in their gardens. For more outdoor safety advice visit the fire service website

The RMT union has announced strike action on Saturday, 1 August, Saturday, 8 August and Saturday, 15 August 2026. Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is essential and to check their full journey, including first and last trains, before travelling on these dates. In addition to strike action, the RMT has also notified EMR that members will be taking Action Short of Strike (ASOS), from Sunday 2 to Friday 7 August (inclusive), Sunday 9 to Friday 14 August (inclusive) and fromSunday 16 August until further notice. Trains may be subject to short notice alterations and cancellations. Please check before you travel. Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "We're sorry to customers whose journeys will be affected by this industrial action. "We know the disruption this will cause and are advising customers to only travel if their journey is essential on Saturday 1, 8 and 15 August, as we will be operating a significantly reduced timetable between 07:00 and 19:00. "EMR continues to engage in constructive discussions with the RMT in the hope of resolving this dispute as quickly as possible. "The dispute relates to concerns raised about the introduction of our new Class 810 Aurora fleet. Any suggestion that the trains do not meet the required safety standards is incorrect. The Class 810 fleet entered passenger service only after successfully completing all required testing and meeting the rigorous safety standards required by the independent regulator." Saturday 1 August Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is essential. EMR Intercity Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only One train per hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras One train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras EMR Connect Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only. One train per hour between Corby and London St Pancras EMR Regional Regional services are unaffected by the strike action and will operate as normal Customers are advised to check their full journey before travelling. Customers should also note that a significantly reduced service will operate on the West Midlands Railway network on Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August due to separate strike action by members of the TSSA union. Customers travelling on those dates are advised to check their full journey before travelling. Saturday 8 August Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is essential EMR Intercity Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only One train per hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras One train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras EMR Connect Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only One train per hour between Corby and London St Pancras EMR Regional Regional services are unaffected by the strike action and will operate as normal No rail replacement bus services will be provided Customers are advised to check their full journey before travelling Saturday 15 August Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is essential EMR Intercity Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only One train per hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras One train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras EMR Connect Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only One train per hour between Corby and London St Pancras EMR Regional Regional services are unaffected by the strike action and will operate as normal Customers should continue to check the EMR website for the latest information: Industrial Action | EMR EMR Press Release 24 Jul 2026

Police have closed a major road this afternoon due to a road traffic collision involving a bus and motorbike on Glenfrith Way / New Parks Way in Leicester. Time of Post 15:30 The road is closed in both directions until further notice. Please find alternative routes. Updates will follow. Update : Road is now fully open Pictures - Supplied

Join Glenfield Parish Council for an afternoon of family fun at Picnic in the Park! 17 Sunday 23rd August 2026 • 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm 9 Ellis Park, Stamford Street, Glenfield, LE3 8DL Pack your picnic, relax in the park and enjoy a fantastic afternoon with: Live entertainment A variety of stalls Food and refreshments available Fun for all the family Free to attend! Save the date and invite your friends and family we look forward to seeing you there! Facebook Event page

Leicestershire County Council have announced that LockChip trials will be taking place over this weekend. A6 Quorn/Mountsorrel Bypass overnight roadworks this weekend If you're travelling on the A6 this weekend, you may notice teams on site overnight and we wanted to let you know why. This work is not a repair to the recent surface dressing scheme. Instead, it's part of a countywide LockChip trial, which is being tested on different types of roads across Leicestershire. As one of our busiest roads, part of the A6 has been included to help us understand how the treatment performs on a major route and whether it could be used more widely in future. To keep disruption to a minimum, the work will be carried out overnight, with road closures in place from 8pm to 6am. The LockChip resurfacing trial will take place on the northbound carriageway only. Road marking works will then be completed on the southbound carriageway the following night. • Saturday 25 July – Northbound A6, Leicester to Loughborough (including slip roads): LockChip treatment and new road markings. • Sunday 26 July – Southbound A6, Loughborough to Leicester (including slip roads): road markings only We're grateful for your understanding as we complete this. We also know the recent A6 surface dressing works were frustrating and we'd like to thank everyone for their patience. As you will know the hot, dry weather meant the new surface took longer than usual to settle, leading to more dust and loose chippings than we'd normally expect.

Brocks Hill Country Park, Oadby, has achieved the prestigious Green Flag Award, run by charity Keep Britain Tidy, for the 19th consecutive year. Owned and managed by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC), Brocks Hill Country Park is made up of a range of habitats including woodlands, meadows and ponds as well as offering facilities including play areas and a café for visitors. Pictured (L-R) Volunteers Barry Edwards, Julia Cave and Malcolm Wilson, OWBC team member Gavin Greer, Mayor of Oadby & Wigston Cllr Carl Walter and OWBC team members Darren Henderson, Ian Foster, Eleanor Pratt and Ben Wilson. The judges’ comments praised the park for being ‘incredibly clean for such a large and busy site’, as well as for its good condition and feeling of safety. The park’s focus on biodiversity and habitat creation was also highlighted, with over 734 different species being recorded onsite, including several from the UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. OWBC’s Park Ranger and team are supported each week by a group of volunteers, who help to maintain the park. Mayor of Oadby & Wigston, Councillor Carl Walter, said: “I am delighted that Brocks Hill Country Park has once again been recognised with a Green Flag Award, and I would like to thank all of our staff and volunteers whose dedication makes it possible “High-quality parks like Brocks Hill are essential to health and wellbeing, offering residents a place to enjoy nature, be active and spend time outdoors, while also contributing to environmental sustainability. “Achieving this award for 19 consecutive years really demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in green spaces that enhance the quality of life for local people and support a greener future for our borough.” The Green Flag Award is judged against 27 criteria in total, which includes demonstrating that parks are a welcoming place, are well-maintained, and manage and conserve the natural landscape appropriately. 2,391 parks and green spaces amongst UK’s best in Green Flag Award’s 30th Anniversary year find out more link below. Oadby and Wigston Borough Council News - Published: Friday, 24 July 2026

The Love the Outdoors campaign is back this year, along with the return of the annual photo competition. Launched in 2021 as part of the Love the Outdoors in Charnwood campaign, the competition celebrates the borough’s stunning country parks, nature reserves and ancient woodlands. Cllr Anne Gray launching Love the Outdoors 2026 Residents are encouraged to grab their phones or cameras and snap their favourite green spaces or local wildlife in the borough. Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s Lead Member for Open Spaces, said: “It is wonderful to launch the photo competition again this year. The entries get better every year, and it is great to see the borough through the eyes of our residents. “Charnwood has so many beautiful open spaces and this is a great opportunity to get outside and explore them. The photos always showcase the borough’s parks, green spaces and wildlife. I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s entries.” The categories are: Open category (age 16 and above) Young photographer (under 16s) Wonderful wildlife (open to all ages) The competition is also being supported by the council’s open spaces partner idverde and shopping vouchers will be up for grabs for the winner and two runners-up in each category. Winners will receive a £50 voucher, and a £25 voucher will be awarded to runners-up. A selection of photos will be shared across the council’s social media channels after the winners have been announced. Tony Jones, Contract Manager at idverde said: “We are excited to support the Love the Outdoors photo competition this year. “idverde is proud to work in partnership with the council to maintain a variety of its parks and woodlands. “There are so many beautiful spaces in the area for everyone to enjoy, choosing the winners will be a tough but enjoyable task.” How to enter: To enter, all you need to do is: Visit charnwood.gov.uk/photo Choose your category Complete your details Upload one photo Entries close at 5pm on Friday, 4 September 2026 and winners and runners-up will be contacted directly. The Love the Outdoors in Charnwood campaign, launched by the borough council, encourages people to explore the beautiful outdoor spaces available on their doorstep, enjoy being amongst nature and spend time outside in the fresh air. As part of the campaign, a series of short videos which showcase some of the stunning places people can visit across the borough can be viewed on the council’s website. They are also being shared across its social media channels. To find out more about the campaign, visit the Love the Outdoors webpage. Charnwood Borough Council News - Published: Fri 24th July, 2026

Officers are appealing for information after a 15-year-old girl was seriously injured following a collision in Catherine Street, Leicester, yesterday evening (Thursday). Police were called at 9.52pm to the area, near the junction with Rearsby Road, following the incident which involved an orange Suzuki Swift car and a black off-road motorbike. East Midlands Ambulance Service were also in attendance and the girl, who was a passenger on the motorbike, was taken to hospital where she currently remains with serious injuries. The driver of the car and the rider of the motorbike have not suffered injuries. An investigation remains ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the collision and officers are appealing to anyone with any information in relation to the incident to make contact. Were you in the area of Catherine Street and Rearsby Road late yesterday evening? Did you see either of the vehicles beforehand or did you witness the collision? Do you have any dashcam footage from the area which could assist our enquiries? If you have any information, please contact Leicestershire Police at www.leics.police.uk or on 101 quoting incident 26*437985. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 16:38 24/07/2026

The Leicester Food Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August at Abbey Park, offering a vibrant mix of food, drinks, live music, and family-friendly activities. The Leicester Food Festival is set to be one of the biggest culinary events of the year, returning to Abbey Park in Leicester for a weekend of food, entertainment, and fun for all ages. The festival is family-friendly, welcoming visitors of all ages, with only registered guide dogs permitted for safety reasons. Food and Drink Festival-goers can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines from local traders and street food vendors, including gourmet burgers, stonebaked pizza, jerk chicken, dumplings, mac & cheese, and artisan pastries. Drinks options include craft ales, cocktails, prosecco, cider, and specialty beverages like bubble tea and Malfy gin. Over 80 makers’ stalls showcase local products, giving visitors the chance to sample unique, handmade goods. Entertainment and Activities The festival features live music all weekend, with tribute bands and local performers providing non-stop entertainment. Additional attractions include a circus school, kids’ DJ workshops, graffiti art lessons, climbing walls, balloon disco, silent disco, and a giant haybale stack. Families can enjoy face painting, glitter workshops, sand skills, and the Stonehurst Farm Cuddle Corner with animals. Competitions like donut-eating challenges and LCFC penalty shootouts add extra excitement. Tickets are on sale now from www.leicesterfoodfestival.co.uk 8th & 9th AUGUST 2026 ABBEY PARK, LEICESTER For more information and tickets visit TICKETS & INFO Early Bird tickets will SELL OUT by this weekend– Sunday 26th July Tickets start from £6 for kids, £10 for adultsand under 5s go free Opening Times: Saturday 8th Aug: 11am – 10pm Sunday 9th Aug: 11am – 530pm Location: Abbey Park, Leicester Entrance: Charter Street Bridge

An investigation led by specialist officers into a collision which killed an 18-year-old girl and left three others injured has led to the driver being jailed for 10 years. Jack Reape was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday 24 July) after pleading guilty in May to one count of causing death by driving while disqualified, one count of causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 years and must sit an extended retest. On Friday 15 December 2023, the 31-year-old of Townley Road, Wakefield, was driving a Citroen C3 on the A426 Rugby Road in Cotesbach towards Coventry when he drove into the path on an oncoming car – resulting in a head-on collision. The front seat passenger, 18-year-old Chloe Pearson, sustained a serious head injury in the incident and died in hospital on Sunday 17 December. Chloe’s twin sister, Abigale Pearson, was a backseat passenger in the car and also suffered life threatening injuries, including internal bleeding and a fracture to her collarbone. Reape too suffered serious injuries and spent many weeks in hospital. There were also two other passengers in the car who sustained minor injuries. The two people in the car hit by Reape – a Mercedes CLK – both suffered serious life changing injuries which still affects their mobility. At the time of the collision Reape was disqualified from driving and held an expired provisional licence only. Abigale Pearson (left) and her sister Chloe Specialist investigation builds full picture From the outset, highly trained officers from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) were deployed to the scene. As part of the initial stages of the investigation, collision investigators undertook a detailed forensic examination of the road and vehicles, carefully documenting the scene and preserving key evidence. Using specialist techniques – including scene mapping, vehicle damage analysis and reconstruction, along with witness accounts, they were able to evidence that Reape had driven across the central line in the road and into the path of the oncoming vehicle and was therefore at fault for the collision. Detective Constable Charlotte Wright, the officer in the case from the SCIU, said: “This was a deeply tragic incident which has had a devastating and lasting impact on multiple people. “Reape should never have been behind the wheel. He was disqualified from driving and held only an expired provisional licence. “His actions resulted in the death of an 18-year-old woman who had her whole life ahead of her and left several others with serious injuries. “Abigale not only suffered physical injuries but has also had to endure the unimaginable loss of her twin sister. Our thoughts remain with her and the rest of the family. “This investigation has taken more than two and a half years to complete. Thanks to the work of specialist officers and the strength of evidence gathered, Reape pleaded guilty and spared those involved the added distress of a trial. “I hope this case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that dangerous driving can have. When you get behind the wheel, you carry a responsibility not only for your own safety, but for those travelling with you and also other road users.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 15:32 24/07/2026