5.22pm – and our final report of the day is literally rubbish…or more accurately, about rubbish!
An army of litter-pickers are busy across Leicestershire to tackle the huge problem which has been growing across the country since lockdown began. Maria Regina Santos Semedo spoke to one self-confessed ‘womble’ about the need for volunteers like him.

Luke Williamson, meanwhile, caught up with an indefatigable father-and-son team who just don’t seem able to stop clearing up.

5.08pm – a flurry of stories now in, on a range of topics
Leicester Comedy Festival is set to celebrate Leicestershire talent through virtual showcase ‘Leicester’s Good Friday’ to raise money for the live entertainment scene in Leicester, writes Abigail Beresford.
The ugly problem of dog mess is infuriating one Rushey Mead resident, as Ben Adams discovered.
Meanwhile mysterious displays of affection have been found on various walls around Leicester by an unknown ‘Diego’ to his love ‘Marie’. Abigail Beresford went on the trail to find out more.

Molly Talbot took a look at how Pride celebrations were a success at DMU, even though the month-long event had to switch to being online.
Journalism student Thomas Carter gave his thoughts to colleague Luke Williamson on his appearance alongside City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby on the launch panel for DMU’s Festival of Teaching yesterday.
Reflections on the meaning, the importance and the success of International Women’s Day make up a report by Olivia Messum.
Meanwhile Ada White helps the Prince’s Trust promote the resumption of its courses which support young people in Leicester.
And two different viewpoints were gathered by Molly Talbot and Olivia Messum about a recent online burlesque dance class – one from a student and one from the dance tutor.
5pm – Sport now – fans are counting the days in the hope of returning to watch live cricket and football in Leicester
Leicester City football fans are eager to get back into stadiums as the much-anticipated reopening for live matches edges closer. Jayden Whitworth interviews Leicester Fan TV’s Phil Holloway as hopes grow for a return to the King Power.

Jayden’s also had a word with Dan Nice at the county cricket ground where preparations are in full flow for the fans to return to see live matches.

3.07pm – Leicester charity Baby Basics raises over £2700 for families in need
Volunteers at Baby Basic Leicester, a charity that supports families with young children, have raised over £2700 for their cause through an online donation drive.
The campaign, which has reached 92% of its target amount on Crowdfunder, will help families by providing useful baby items such as cots and cleaning products, reports Thomas Carter
3.03pm – Graffiti artists invited to descend on Leicester for summer festival
The award-winning international graffiti festival Bring the Paint has announced that it is taking place in Leicester between 23rd-29th August 2021, with the support of Leicester City Council, Abigail Beresford writes.
The city-wide festival will be free for all to attend, with opportunities for families and children to get involved, with workshops for everyone to enjoy, as well as music, food and drinks.

2.00pm – Police appeal for witnesses after two car collision
Leicestershire Police is appealing for witnesses after two cars were involved in a serious collision in Leicester last night.
The incident occurred on Abbey Park Road, at the junction with Wolsey Island Way at 7.55pm on Monday evening.
1.10pm – Do you love reading and are you on your own in Leicestershire? Read on…
Leicestershire’s library service and the Reading Agency are making weekly phonecalls to people who are isolated to get them involved in chats about books and reading.
Shantelle Gondo reports on how he new project will take place until the end of March, with the help provided from the National Reading Agency, with £5,600 of funding provided by the Government through the agency.
12.58pm – Two new helicopters join area’s air ambulance service.
The air ambulance service covering Leicestershire has added two new helicopters to help it cover its patch that includes Derbyshire, Rutland, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire.
Read Joshua Solomon’s report here.

12.53pm – DMU student tells of her abuse torment in support of Sarah Everard movement
A student at DMU has come forward to reveal details about the history of sexual abuse in her own life, in a step to support the growing movement sparked by the murder of Sarah Everard.
Ellorie [not her real name], 22, came forward after seeing multiple women tell their stories about their experiences with sexual abuse. Kira Gibson reports.
11.45am – Heartfelt sign offers support to Leicester women affected by abuse or harassment
A sign put on a park gate in Leicester is echoing similar sentiments posted by women across the country who are leaving their mark as they protest about the way women are treated. Report by Kira Gibson.

11.40am – Leicester’s city centre St Patrick’s Day parade cancelled
St Patrick’ Day 2021 will be celebrated very differently in Leicester this year, due to the country’s national lockdown.
Leicester’s St Patrick’s Day parade was due to go ahead this week but has been cancelled, due to the risk of breaking social distancing guidelines.
11.00am – Leicestershire Weather Update
Rain is forecast for the rest of the morning in Leicestershire, with cloudy skies expected for the rest of the day, highs of 14°C.
Visit bbc.co.uk/weather for more information.

10.40am – Countesthorpe Road reopens after roadworks
Good news! Countesthorpe Road has reopened after water main work has finished a day early.
10.30am – Welcome to today’s live blog from the Leicestershire Press newsdesk
Good morning Leicestershire. Hope you’re all staying safe. Stay switched on to our blog as we bring you news from Leicester and around the county today.