Two thirds of people in Northamponshire are now aware of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), four years after the role was created.

Results of a new report reveal that around 66 per cent of people in the county are aware of PCC Stephen’s Mold’s role. This figure is up from 11 per cent shortly after Adam Simmonds was elected as the first Northants PCC in 2012.

The survey results showed significant differences in awareness amongst different age and ethnic groups.

A total of 73 per cent of 65 to 74 year old were aware of the role but only 31 per cent of 16 to 24 year olds were.

Lower proportions of black (47 per cent) and Asian (50 per cent) people were aware of the role compared to 64 per cent of white people. Men also reported increased awareness of the PCC, 72 per cent compared to 58 per cent of women.

Whilst two-thirds report being aware of the PCC, nearly half were unable to describe the role or responsibilities of the role (47 per cent). The remaining half

provided responses which reflect the duties of the role.

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It was a celebration evening in Daventry for one of the town’s newest stores.

The Sheaf Street Health Store opened to customers earlier in September, but on Thursday evening it officially celebrated with customers, the public, suppliers and civic leaders.

The 1,800 sq ft store, which is Daventry’s only independent health food shop for more than a decade.

Thursday night’s opening event gave people a chance to see the product range, try free samples and enjoy live music.

Stocked with complementary health products including a large selection of free-from specialist foods and fresh gluten-free breads, chilled and frozen, nutritional supplements including vitamins and herbals, plus natural, cruelty-free body care and sports nutrition, Sheaf Street Health Store caters for a wide of range of dietary needs from vegan to free-from products.

Sheaf Street Health Store has a fully-fitted demonstration kitchen and a schedule of celebrity chefs and high-profile nutritional experts will be giving demos and talks over the coming months.

Upstairs@ Sheaf Street Health Store is a quiet space where classes for yoga, pregnancy yoga, pilates, ballet pilates, meditation, mindfulness and tai chi will be available from mid-October.

Owners Shaun Higgs and Cheryl Thallon both have extensive experience and knowledge of the health food industry and are keen to create community hub to improve people’s overall health and well-being.

They have carefully decorated the store in warm earthy tones to create a natural ambiance for shoppers and used environmentally friendly materials as much as possible. Shoppers will also be able to see a unique piece of artwork illustrating a street scene of Sheaf Street by internationally renowned artists Tim Wilson and Necanti Zontul.

For Shaun and Cheryl, they both say opening the store is a dream come true.

Cheryl said: “We love Daventry and we are basically building a special place where we like to hang out, find the products and foods we enjoy, and relax in a fun and educating environment. We hope that other like-minded people in Daventry District will enjoy it too.”

Daventry District Council’s finances have been given a clean bill of health

The latest audit by government-appointed experts of the Conservative-controlled local authority’s accounts for 2015/16 recognised the council’s ‘planned and prudent’ approach to tackling its budgetary challenges.

Auditors, KPMG, have issued an ‘unqualified audit opinion’ – meaning the accounts are fairly and appropriately presented and comply with accounting principals.

A report of their findings concludes that DDC has met all the criteria for providing value for money and that financial resilience is currently not an issue for the authority, despite a local and national backdrop of public sector funding challenges.

The auditors stated that the council “in all significant respects... had proper arrangements to ensure it took properly informed decisions and deployed resources to achieve planned and sustainable outcomes for taxpayers and local people.”

Council’s finance officers were also thanked for dealing efficiently with the audit process and recognised for improving the quality of the draft accounts and submitting them two weeks ahead of the Government deadline.

Councillor John Shephard, resources portfolio holder at Daventry District Council, said: “We are really pleased with the auditors’ findings on our accounts and their conclusions that we are achieving value for money.

“Their comments reflect the prudent and planned approach we have been taking towards managing our finances and the ongoing hard work of officers to keep our books balanced in a volatile financial climate.”

The audit report for DDC is rather different from the one given to Northamptonshire County Council earlier in September.

Auditors looking at NCC’s books said the authority – which has a budget far greater than DDC and takes more of the council tax – failed to put arrangements in place to ensure it took properly-informed decisions or to ensure it achieved sustainable outcomes for taxpayers and local people. The report concluded the Tory-run county council does not offer value for money.

Thousands of people in Northampton whose lives could be at risk from flu are being urged by health leaders at NHS Nene Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to protect themselves as early as possible with a free flu jab.

Statistics from Public Health England showed that last year, over 80,000 people in the Northamptonshire area did not protect themselves from flu that winter.

Just 38 percent of pregnant women, 41 percent aged six months to 65 years and 69 percent of people aged 65 years took up the offer of a free NHS flu vaccination. This meant that thousands of people ran the real risk of catching this very serious disease, rather than having a simple flu jab.

Most cases of flu in the UK occur during an 8-10 week period during the autumn and winter months. Last year there were 529,613 deaths registered in England and Wales, an increase of 28,189 (5.6 percent) compared with 2014.

The majority of the increase in deaths in 2015 happened during the first few months of the year, coinciding with an increase in hospital admissions for flu and reports of numerous outbreaks of the virus in care homes. Respiratory diseases, such as flu, were also mentioned in a third of deaths from dementia and Alzheimer’s last year.

Flu immunisation is one of the most effective ways to prevent flu and so reduce the potential harm it can cause. The most likely viruses that will cause flu each year are identified in advance of the flu season in the UK and vaccines are then made to provide protection against these strains as closely as possible.

Those at greater risk from flu include people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, the very young and people with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes. An annual flu vaccine nasal spray is also now offered to healthy children aged two, three and four years old, and to children in school years one and two.

Dr Darin Seiger, GP Chair of NHS Nene CCG, said: “The flu vaccine reduces risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and even death among those who are most at risk. I would urge everyone who is eligible to have the flu vaccination as early as possible before flu starts circulating in the community.

"The best time to have the vaccine is always in the autumn, so it’s important that everyone is protected now.

“The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe.

"My patients who are reluctant to have a flu jab often worry that they will catch the flu from the flu jab, so let me reassure everyone that the jab doesn’t contain the ‘live’ virus so it cannot give you the flu.

"Simply contact your GP or a participating pharmacy to arrange a convenient appointment and get your jab. It’s quick, safe and free for those most at risk from the virus."

Flu is an infectious and common viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. Common symptoms of flu include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, myalgia, extreme fatigue, a dry cough, sore throat and stuffy nose. In young children gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea may be seen.

A homeless man, who was sleeping at a recreation ground in Towcester, was subjected to an unprovoked assault.

The man was on the recreation groun off Islington Road when sometime between 10pm and midnight on Wednesday September 28 he was attacked.

Police say that during the unprovoked attack the victim was repeatedly kicked to the upper body causing bruising to the torso.

It is believed the offenders would have run away from the scene along Islington Road.

Anyone with information can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 and ask for PC Hopkins. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This amazing image was unveiled by Frances Johnson at her home in Long Buckby recently.

While removing old wallpaper they found this painting of two women running through the woods and a gnome holding a mushroom.

The paintings are believed to have been done by a Mr Cox from Long Buckby, who also painting images on many other people’s walls during his time.

The images in Frances’s house were papered over by the previous owner in the mid-1950s.

Similar paintings survive in other homes across Long Buckby.

Frances said: “The Cox family also painted half of my aunty’s house when she stripped all the wallpaper back years ago down Green Hill. Very talented.”

Community groups planning fundraising events in the run up to Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas are urged to get in touch with Daventry District Council for a grant.

One-off grants of up to £500 are available to help local groups in Daventry District put on events for the wider community.

Applicants must demonstrate they have support from their local parish council and must also match any funding they receive. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before the planned event and applicants will be notified of a decision within a week of their submission.

Events that have benefited from grants this financial year include Middlemore Residents Association’s Queen’s 90th birthday fete, the Guilsborough by the Sea Festival and Weedon FC’s Legends Day.

The three events raised a combined total of more than £5,300, which was redistributed by the groups to local good causes in the area.

As well as the one-off event funding, DDC also offers grants of up to £1,000 to allow groups to purchase items of equipment, cover expenses or for training courses. Grants of up to £15,000 are also available to cover up to 50% of the total cost of a capital building project.

Councillor Alan Hills, community, culture and leisure portfolio holder at Daventry District Council, said: “The one-off event grants are there to help groups put on fundraisers that benefit their organisation as well as the wider community. Summer may be over but there are lots of opportunities for voluntary and community groups to put on events in the coming months and I would urge them to contact the Council to see how we might help.”

For more information about Community Grants offered by DDC, including the eligibility criteria for each grant, visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk/communitygrants or phone Community Development Officer Tim Cantwell on 01327 871100.

The winners of the annual Northamptonshire Community Foundation awards were revealed at a gala evening at the Royal Theatre.

The event, sponsored by The University of Northampton and Rathbones Investment, also marked the 15th anniversary of the foundation.

Twenty groups from across Kettering, Corby, Daventry and Northampton were up for an award across six categories, Lifetime Achievement Award, Edge Award, Best Newcomer Award, Trailblazer Award, Brilliant Group Award and the High Sheriff Initiative Award.

In memory of Lady Juliet Townsend, past Patron of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Lady Juliet’s husband John Townsend presented a special Award for Volunteering.

The nominations highlighted the outstanding commitment, passion and energy given by the volunteers and their value to the community groups they support.

The winner of this award Yvonne Orland has been a volunteer at Home-Start Northampton for 34 years. Amarjit Singh Atwal was highly commended for the award for his work at Sikh Community Centre and Youth Club.

The Foundation announced the winners of its Capture the Moment photography competition, launched as part of its anniversary celebrations, the Foundation asked the people of Northamptonshire to enter a photograph that they believe represents their community and reflects their experience of life in Northamptonshire.

With a fantastic response and over 70 entries the winner of the Judges’ Choice Award was Barry Richardson with his photo of Braunston Canal. The winner of the People’s Choice Award was also revealed, this award was open to the public on Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Facebook page to choose their People’s Choice Winner out of all 75 photo entries from the competition. Ria Farmer’s photograph was crowned the People’s Choice Winner with her photo receiving a total of 193 likes.

Performances by the Masque Theatre entertained the guests who saw the winners take to the stage, including a refuge for women experiencing domestic abuse, a service providing Moses baskets to women who are struggling financially, a resource centre for recyclable goods, a film group created to promote and encourage the creation of moving image and a community centre and youth club that provides quality services to the Sikh, local and wider communities.

The University of Northampton generously sponsored the event for the third year and Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of The University of Northampton said: “I am delighted that the University is the key sponsor of these Awards and of an evening that recognises and celebrates the achievements of so many organisations and individuals. The University of Northampton’s Mission is to transform lives and inspire change - everyone nominated in these awards has exemplified this aspiration and, through their passion, commitment and dedication, made a significant positive impact on their local community”.

Judges included Liam Condron -Age UK, Hassan Shah of SP Law, Hazel Kouzaris from Always a Chance, Sandra Bell, trustee Northamptonshire Community Foundation and High Sheriff, Mrs Caroline Brocklehurst.

Here are all the winners from the night:

Best Newcomer Award sponsored by Stanair

Winner: Baby Basics – Northampton

Set up by four mums this group provides Moses baskets full of essential items for mums who find themselves’ struggling financially at this critical time.

The Edge Award sponsored by Santander Northampton

Winner: EVE Northampton

Offering safe refuge accommodation Eve provides a programme for survivors of domestic abuse.

Trailblazer Award sponsored by Bambino Mio

Winner – Phoenix Resource Centre

Established in 2009 to promote and practice re-use, recycling and waste reduction in a variety of ways this groups collects surplus, unwanted, damaged stock from industry which is redistributed to members from the centres, to partner projects, food banks and abroad as Aid.

The Brilliant Group Award Sponsored by The Wilson Foundation

Winner – The Film Lab Northampton

A Northampton-based group that works with local artists and film-makers providing support and help by building an audience and using its network of contacts to build the local film community.

Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Gorell Barnes

Winner: Sikh Community Centre and Youth Club

This community centre and youth club is an innovative and strong forefront organisation that provides quality services to the Sikh, local and wider communities through a host of structured services to all ages and backgrounds.

The High Sheriff Initiative Award

Winner: Green Acres Rural Enterprises CIC

Based in Daventry this group helps young people develop life skills through growing and cooking their own food and work skills by learning how to run a small enterprise.

The Lady Juliet Townsend Award for Volunteering

Winner: Yvonne Orland, a volunteer at Home- Start Northampton.

Capture the Moment The Judges’ Choice Award supported by Digital SLR Photography

Winner: Barry Richardson.

Capture the Moment The People’s Choice Award supported by Digital SLR Photography

Winner: Ria Farmer.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

AUGUST 19

Shay Rowlands, aged 18, of no fixed abode, failed to comply with a community protection notice; fined £25. Failed to surrender to custody; fined £25, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £45.

AUGUST 22

Duda Gorania, aged 51, of Sheerwater Drive, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 85mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £800, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 22 months.

Matthew Brown, aged 24, of Nethermead Court, Northampton, possession of cannabis; community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £500. Used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. Failed to surrender to custody; fined £150.

Lee McFarlane, aged 19, of Forest Road, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £110. No insurance; fined £600, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £300, licence endorsed with six points.

Victoria Marshall, aged 32, of Park Square, Northampton, dishonestly received bank card. Community order made, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85, compensation of £24.30 and costs of £85. Committed fraud with bank card; community order made.

Damien Culverhouse, aged 22, of Fairfield Road, Northampton, assault by beating; jailed for 10 weeks, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115, compensation of £200 and costs of £200. Assault; jailed for 10 weeks consecutive.

Madaha Perrett, aged 32, of South Holme Court, Thorplands, Northampton, stole groceries worth £42.89 belonging to Tesco; jailed for three weeks consecutive suspended for 12 months. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for one week consecutive. Stole meat worth £100 from the Co-Op; jailed for three weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115, compensation of £100 and costs of £85. Failed to comply with a community order; order to continue, fined £50. Failed to comply with a community order; fined £50.

Said Ramazani, aged 40, of Argyle Street, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 57mcgs in 100mls of breath; community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 36 months. No insurance; no separate penalty. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. Drove a stolen car; community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Frederick Samakin, aged 67, of Blossom Way, Little Billing, Northampton, failed to notify Northampton Borough Council of changes relating to housing benefit; community order made, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £85. Similar offence relating to Pension Credit; community order made.

Sonney Hopper, aged 23, of Park Avenue South, Northampton, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £85.

Ice Thompson, aged 20, of Gloucester Close, Northampton, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £85.

AUGUST 23

Jason York, aged 46, of Oakley Street, Northampton, possession of a class B drug; fined £90, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30, costs of £85.

AUGUST 24

John French, aged 32, of Brookside Meadows, Kings Heath, damaged a radiator; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Paul Arnold, aged 40, of Drywell Court, Northampton, assault; jailed for five months suspended for 24 months; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £85.

Michelle Moffat, aged 40, of Raeburn Road, Northampton, stole alcohol worth £63 from Waitrose, jailed for two weeks consecutive. Failed to surrender to custody; no separate penalty. Committed an offence while on a suspeded sentence for following offences. Stole food items and a gift set worth £65.62 belonging to Asda Stores; suspended sentence of one week imposed. Stole food worth £60 from Asda; suspended sentence of one week imposed. Failed to surrender to custody; suspended sentence of one week imposed. Stole fragrances worth £184 belonging to Boots; suspended sentence of one week imposed. Stole a handbag worth £159 belonging to Debenhams; suspended sentence of one week imposed. Stole meat and alcohol worth £76.42 belonging to Waitrose; suspended sentence of one week imposed. Stole meat from Waitrose; suspended sentence of one week imposed. Stole meat from Waitrose; suspended sentence of one week imposed. Stole alcohol worth £15.49 belonging to Waitrose; suspended sentence of one week imposed.

AUGUST 24:

Michelle Moffat, aged 40, of Raeburn Road, Northampton, stole two fragrances and three Gillette razor blades belonging to Boots; jailed for two weeks consecutive, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £85. Attempted to steal a Braun razor worth £159.99 belonging to Boots; jailed for two weeks consecutive.

AUGUST 25:

Kamrul Ali, aged 24, of Overstone Road, Northampton, possession of cannabis; conditional discharge for three months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Rebecca Abley, aged 60, of Littlewood Close, Northampton, non-payment of fine of £263.40; further time ordered to pay.

Charles Mead, aged 73, of Nether Jackson Court, Blackthorn, Northampton, non-payment of £10,286 fine; further time ordered to pay.

David Archer, aged 54, of Willis Way, Towcester, owner of a dangerously out of control dog that caused an injury to another person; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30, compensation of £500 and costs of £50.

John Caullay, aged 49, of Highlands Avenue, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 104mgs of alcohol in 100mls of blood; fined £425, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £42 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Craig Lawrence, aged 43, of Rossiter House, Manor Road, Brackley, stole one bottle of Waitrose brandy worth £13.25; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay compensation of £13.25. Stole four jars of Azera Coffee and six packs of chicken breasts worth £34.90 belonging to the Co-Op; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20, compensation of £34.90 and £17.45.

Lawrence Uranie, aged 27, of Morris Road, Northampton, stole alcohol worth £29.45 belonging to BP Filling Station; fined £295, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30, compensation of £29.45 and costs of £85.

Robert Sherriff, aged 54, of Alma Street, Northampton, stole meat worth £27.99 belonging to Morrisons; fined £80, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85. Failed to surrender to custody; no separate penalty.

AUGUST 26:

Matthew Boxley, aged 28, of Castle Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with the licence; fined £220. No insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Margaret Jarvis, aged 75, of Churchill Road, Earls Barton, driving without due care and attention; fined £330, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £33 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Diana Kozlovska, aged 29, of Bruce Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £22 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points. No test certificate; fined £220.

Gabriel Pascal, aged 30, of Whiteland Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with eight points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220.

Georgia Shingles-Madgen, aged 24, of Park Farm Barns, Lower Harlestone, Northampton, drove at 86mph in a 70mph zone on the M1; fined £83, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Daniel Smith, aged 19, of Burwell Hill, Brackley, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £83. No insurance; fined £250, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £25 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Magdalena Tamert, aged 35, of Malthouse Close, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £200. Failed to report an accident to a police officer; fined £200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving without due care and attention; fined £200.

Ionel Tudoran, aged 37, of St Edmunds Road, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £67. No insurance; fined £200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months. Faulty stop lamps; fined £67. Faulty indicator lights; fined £67. Faulty tyres; fined £133.

Callum Gordon, aged 26, of Benjamin Square, Camp Hill, Northampton, entered a building known as Everything Apple Ltd in Weedon and stole computer equipment; jailed for four weeks consecutive, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £85. No insurance; no separate penalty, licence endorsed with six points. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence; dealt with original offences which were as follows: dishonestly received stolen goods, namely a Debenhams gift card; suspended sentence of eight weeks imposed. Dishonestly received stolen goods, namely a Honda motorbike; suspended sentence of eight weeks imposed. Stole a motorbike; suspended sentence of eight weeks imposed. Stole another motorbike; suspended sentence of six weeks imposed. Stole a bottle of perfume from Boots; suspended sentence of six weeks imposed. Stole a motor vehicle; jailed for two weeks consecutive. Overall length of sentence, 14 weeks.

Daniel Hawtin, aged 30, of Church Close, Milton Malsor, assult; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20, compensation of £50 and costs of £150.

Catalin Rohan, aged 20, of no fixed abode, damaged six sandbags belonging to Northamptonshire County Council, community order to carry out 70 hours of unpaid work. Had a bladed article in a public place without good authority; community order to carry out 70 hours of unpaid work. Failed to surrender to custody; community order to carry out 70 hours of unpaid work.

AUGUST 27

Carl Ward, aged 36, of Salisbury Street, Northampton, stole meat and alcohol worth £25.82 belonging to Aldi; jailed for two weeks consecutive. Assault; jailed for 10 weeks consecutive. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks consecutive. Stole a quantity of clothing from Xplicit in Abington Street; jailed for 10 weeks, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115. Commission of a further offence while on a conditional discharge; no adjudication, dealt with original offence which was theft of goods worth £13.47 belonging to Co-Op; jailed for two weeks consecutive. Overall length of sentence 26 weeks.

AUGUST 29

Toni Bates, aged 34, of Abbey Road, Roade, breach of a criminal behaviour order; new order made, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and fined £50. Failed to surrender to custody; fined £50.

Ashley Willmott, aged 46, of Long Mallows Rise, Northampton, stole nine bottles of Persil washing liquid worth £67.41 belonging to the Co-Op; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and compensation of £44.94. Stole meat worth £24.10 belonging to Waitrose; conditional discharge for 12 months. Failed to surrender to custody; conditional discharge for 12 months.

The family of a missing puppy have given their heartfelt thanks to supporters after their pet was returned home.

Cocker Spaniel Poppy was taken from outside her home in East Haddon on Wednesday September 21 and her owner issued a desperate appeal for help via social media.

And last night, Poppy's owner Gilly posted on Facebook the news that she and all her family and friends had been hoping for.

"We have the most amazing news. POPPY IS HOME!!!!!!"

Gilly said that there was a police investigation underway which meant she could not give details of how Poppy was returned.

"From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank Northamptonshire Police and every single person who shared Poppy's page, poster, sent encouraging messages or information.

"She wouldn't be curled up in her bed next to Tumble right now if it wasn't for the amazing power of social media, decent people and some wonderful people at the police. Thank you," she added.

Her post has been liked 43,000 times since Sunday night.

Earlier last week, Gilly had issued a desperate please for information.

"I can’t describe how awful the last few days have been,” she said at the time.

“We miss Poppy desperately. There’s a huge, gaping hole in our lives at the moment. All we care about is getting Poppy home where she belongs. There is a no-questions-asked reward for Poppy’s safe return.

“Amid the despair and sadness we feel, I can’t describe how touched we’ve been by the response to Poppy being taken,” says Gilly.

“The kindness of people, many of whom are complete strangers, has been truly humbling," she added.

A Northamptonshire-based logistics company has launched a new service into Ireland in a link-up with another firm.

The Knights of Old Group has teamed up with VOREX to start the new service into what they describe as Europe's fastest growing economy.

A spokesman for The Knights of Old Group said: "In post-Brexit Britain, whilst trade deals with the UK are still being brokered around the globe, the launch of the dedicated Ireland Service is a move to support trade between the UK and Ireland its fifth biggest trading partner, and beyond into Europe.

"With Ireland recording a hugely impressive €75 billion rise in exports in 2015, from €220 billion to €295 billion, now is the perfect time to launch a service dedicated to serving and helping grow this important economy within Europe," he added.

"The Group’s 460 dedicated partners and 53,000 employees have extensive knowledge working with freight into and out of Ireland, through the UK, Europe and beyond," he said.

"The scale of the operation The Knights of Old Group and VOREX can offer its customers, combined with the highly bespoke levels of service that only individual operators can deliver, is the perfect mix that has served the Group well over many years," he added.

Daventry Indoor Bowls Club, in Browns Road, hosted its first every charity bowls challenge on Sunday.

The competition was open to companies, organisations, and groups of friends.

With eight teams from Steris, Early Doors Pub, Job Centre Plus, Daventry Town Council, and groups of friends competing to win prize money to help support the charity of their choice.

In the end the winners were a group of friends from Daventry, with the team name of “Bowling for Soup” (pictured) who took the top spot, winning all three of their games. The friends, James Goodwin, Joe Spires, Ricky Holcombe and Adam Websdale, were delighted with their win and donated their money to Parkinson’s Disease UK and the paediatric diabetes team at NGH.

The runners up were “Top Cats” a team from Daventry Town Council, who donated to Time2Talk. In third place was “Steris A”.

A spokesman for the club: “Daventry Indoor Bowls Club was delighted with the support from the community and also thanked Ian Litchfield for donating the winners shield and 50 per cent of the prize money. The club is open every Saturday from 9.30am to noon for people to come and try the game.”

Scores of railway fans from around the town and across the region were at a Daventry school at the weekend.

Daventry Model Railway Club staged its fourth annual exhibition on Saturday at the Parker E-ACT Academy.

The group took over four halls in the school with people coming from across the region to set up stalls selling model locomotives, carriages, scale vehicles, and all manner of items for creating model layouts, along with other train-related items.

There were also layouts set up in a range of scales, including an O Gauge scale model of Daventry Railway Station.

The event was officially opened by the Mayor of Daventry, Cllr Glenda Simmonds, and ran from 10am to 5pm.

An unbeaten under-12s football coach at a village school has applied for the England job once more and says he’d take it “depending on how much money they offered”.

If he got to the big spot, the ambitious football coach said his first port of call would be to “take the boys out for a cheeky Nando’s – anyone who cannot deal with Extra Hot is not playing for me”.

Although it was a shame to lose Sam Allardyce, Weedon Bec Primary School’s Sam Chambers said it just proved that the FA had appointed the wrong Sam first time around and is convinced he’s the man for the top job.

Ladbrokes gave him 1,000-1 odds of getting the top job after his first application for the job following the stepping down of Roy Hodgson.

Despite the phenomenal success of his under-12s team at Weeden Bec Primary school Mr Chambers decided not to celebrate their unbeaten season because “we like to keep our kids grounded”.

“Our kids enjoyed what they were doing and that’s why they did so well. The England team could 100 per cent learn something from them”, he said.

As well as sending the FA a copy of his CV he wrote a covering letter outlining why he is the man for the job.

“In years to come, the England National Football Team under the guidance of Sam Chambers and Antony Witheyman [the school’s headmaster] will be re-told alongside stories of David and Goliath”, he wrote in his application, following the dismissal of Sam Allardyce.

He signed off “Yours, in the name of English footballing glory”.

Allardyce left his post as England manager after just 67 days in charge after it was claimed he was offering advice on how to “get around” rules on player transfers. Gareth Southgate, coach of England Under-21s who also has 57 England caps to his name, is the interim manager.

If he got the top job Mr Chambers said he would not rule out recruiting some of his star players in the under-12s team.

“It doesn’t harm you to have dreams and that’s how I’m approaching this with the FA”, the sports enthusiast said.

Mr Chambers, who drafted his letter to the FA over a pint in the pub, first applied for the England job after Roy Hodgson stepped down after the shock 2-1 defeat to Iceland.

Calling his team of youngsters “heroes” for their unbeaten season he also praised his assistant, Antony Witheyman, who is headteacher of the school, for helping deliver a “season full of promise”.

In his application he told the FA about one of the team’s hardest games of the season against Woodford Halse CE Primary Academy, which was played as “curtain raiser” to the England-Iceland game.

The FA wrote back saying that: “Clearly we need to change to improve if we are going to achieve our amibitions in the years ahead.”

Mr Chambers said: “The core values of any sport, whether it’s grassroots or high end, remain the same. These are the building blocks if they want to go on to the future.”

Mr Chambers has been a sports coach at Weeden Bec Primary school since November 2013 when he graduated from Swansea University with a BA in geography.

The sporting underdog is not fazed by his 1,000 to one odds: “When Leister won the premier league last season they started at something like 5,000 to one. It’s not impossible.

The winning team’s faced their toughest game against the “insanely talented” Badby Primary School.

The team train on Wednesday lunchtimes and Mr Chambers takes them to games after school and is one of the only teams at the school.

Mr Chambers said: “To have aspirations of doing well in the sporting scenario and if you have those aspirations and dare to dream, something will come of it, no matter what it is.”

Although he joked that his under-12 team’s success in 2015-16 might be due to “not playing many games” he thinks that they could teach the England side a thing or two about the beautiful game.

“The kids just love playing football and they just go crazy to go out and represent the school - the pride and honour of representing your school, your team, or your country. That has to feature in whatever level of sport you’re playing and if you’re not enjoying it that comes across.”

England only had one fixture under the management of Allardyce which the team won 1-0 against Slovakia with an injury-time strike by Adam Lallana.

Out of ten games played in 2016, England have won six, lost two and drawn two.

England’s next match is against Malta this Sunday at Wembley.

Arsene Wenger is one of the favourites to be next manager, with David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho as outsiders for the top job.

Mr Chambers is yet to hear back from the FA on his most recent application.

A dental nurse from Daventry has won three prestigious awards from Bart & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Michaela Robinson, who attended E-Act Academy and now works with the Oradi Dental Practice Daventry, received awards for the Oral Health Education Program. She won The Dean’s prize for Best Overall Student 2016; Highest Mark in Part 1 & Part 2 Assessment and The Award for Outstanding Achievement.

The awards were presented by Sarah Murray, prinicipal and head of centre.

A Daventry-based tyre manufacturer is celebrating its decade-long partnership with an international development charity which help people with their transport needs.

Hankook Tyre Ltd have been supporting Transaid, who work to improve access to basic services and economic opportunity for poor people in developing countries.

They have worked to improve the quality of life of people in Sub-Saharan Africa by coming up with and carrying out solutions to transport problems, that are safe and sustainable for communities.

Mark Grace, Marketing Manager of Hankook Tyre UK, said: “Hankook has been a dedicated supporter of Transaid for 10 years now, contributing to various initiatives to help make a positive impact to people in developing countries.

“Our aim is to provide safer transport solutions that enhance the lives of our customers and the work Transaid does reflects our ethos and values.

“We will continue to maintain an ongoing partnership and we look forward to working together to create a better tomorrow for many people across Africa.”

Joining forces since 2006 to improve access to basic services, Transaid and Hankook have combined their expertise of sustainable solutions and charity’s experience to create transport systems that are affordable and accessible for all.

Hankook’s partnership has helped to improve access to health services in Zambia, Madagascar, Nigeria and Uganda - with 235 community health workers given bicycles and training in Madagascar and 5,929 drivers in Zambia and Tanzania receiving training in the last year.

Gary Forster, CEO, at Transaid added: “We are very grateful of the flourishing partnership we have with Hankook and with their support we can provide innovative solutions to some of the key challenges facing transport and development today.”

A Daventry firm held a successful Macmillan coffee morning, to add to their fundraising efforts.

Cordant People in Daventry’s New Street held a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan on Friday last week.

The coffee morning raised more than £500.

The event was not the staff’s first fundraising effort this year – three of the team completed the moonwalk in May raising more than £2,000 to tackle breast cancer.

Another member of the team from Daventry also climbed Ben Nevis, raising £500 for Marie Curie.

People living in Daventry district are being encouraged to give their views on future proposals for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS).

The scheme, which provides financial help to people on low incomes when paying their council tax, was introduced by local councils in April 2013 to replace council tax benefit, which was abolished by the Government as part of the Welfare Reform Act.

Daventry District Council, like other local authorities, runs its own version of the scheme and is consulting on a series of options for 2017/18.

Currently people of working age in Daventry district who qualify for CTRS – approximately 1,920 – are required to make a minimum contribution of 20 per cent towards the council tax that they are liable to pay.

There are several possible changes that could be made to the scheme from April 2017 including introducing a number of national welfare benefit reforms.

The options for consideration include the following:

- Either keeping the minimum council tax contribution level for working age claimants at 20 per cent of the bill, or increasing it to 33 per cent.

- Reducing the time that a person can be absent from Great Britain and still receive Council Tax Reduction from 13 weeks to four weeks.

- Removing the Work Related Activity Component when calculating reductions for new Employment Support Allowance claimants.

- Limiting the number of dependant children, when calculating Council Tax Reduction, to a maximum of two for any new child born on or after 1 April 2017.

- Adjusting the level of non-dependant deductions made in line with council tax increases (this is the amount taken off a claim when a person lives with a non-dependent aged 18 or over who is expected to contribute towards paying the council tax).

- Removing the Family Premium when calculating Council Tax Reduction for new claimants from 1 April 2017.

- Reducing the backdating of new claims to one month from 1 April 2017.

No changes are proposed for pensioners, whose scheme is set by the Government.

Daventry District Council’s preferred option – set out as Option 2 in the consultation – is to keep the minimum Council Tax contribution level for working age claimants at 20 per cent and introduce changes that bring the scheme in line with national welfare benefit reforms.

During October, the council is sending questionnaires to all working age claimants in the district, along with private and registered social landlords and welfare agencies, asking them to have their say on the options. They can also suggest their own ideas or alternatives as part of the consultation.

The consultation runs until Thursday November 10 and people can also have their say by going online at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/consultation.

Cllr Chris Millar, leader of Daventry District Council, said: “We are carrying out this yearly review to ensure we can continue to help people on low incomes while keeping the scheme financially affordable for our council, which is facing future cuts in government funding.

“It’s important that people have their say on the options we’ve put forward and I would encourage as many as possible to complete the survey and give their views.”

Residents who receive questionnaires by post should complete and return them by November 10 2016, using the freepost address provided. Responses can also be made online at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/consultation. For queries or more information, please contact the Benefits Team on 01327 302300 or email benefits@daventrydc.gov.uk.

People can request songs for this year’s firework display in Daventry.

Daventry Town Council is organising the event to take place on Saturday November 5.

This year the event is being held at the Parker E-ACT Academy, off Ashby Road. Admission is free.

This year’s event will be set to music and staged by professional display firm Daventry-based MLE Pyrotechnicals, who are a former winner of the British Fireworks Championships.

The gates will open at 6pm with the display starting at 7.30pm.

Refreshments will be available including; burgers, pizza, candy, toffee apples, doughnuts and a licenced bar.

As the fireworks will be set to music Daventry Town Council is after requests and suggestions from the public. You can reach the council via its Facebook page www.facebook.com/DavTC or on Twitter at @Daventry_TC

Distraction burglars struck two Northamptonshire homes on the same day, taking cash and other items.

Two men called at the victims’ homes in Hartwell and Bugbrooke today (October 5) offering to do some hedge cutting, before then asking for a drink. While the elderly home owners went to get a drink the men entered the property and stole items, including cash from within.

Northamptonshire Police say the offenders were two white men in a mauve coloured Transit van.

Officers are appealing for information and are urging people never to open the door to anyone they are not expecting, whoever they say they are.

They are also asking people to share the following advice with family and friends:

- Make sure you can see who is at the door before you answer it – and if you don’t know who it is, don’t answer it.

- Where possible fit a spy-hole to identify callers. Alternatively talk to them through an adjacent window.

- Don’t feel pressured into opening the door. Don’t feel you are being rude, genuine callers won’t mind. If you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

- Set up passwords with your utility companies – genuine callers will need to recite this password to you.

- Don’t use telephone numbers on ID cards – if the person isn’t genuine the ID and the telephone number won’t be either. Obtain telephone numbers direct from the phone directory. Alternatively make a list of your important numbers and keep them near the phone.

- If someone is knocking on the door saying they are the police, call 101 and check the identity with the police control room. In an emergency call 999.

- Look out for those who are vulnerable within your family or neighbourhood.

Anyone who has suspicions or concerns that distraction burglars are operating in their neighbourhood or targeting someone they know, should call 101 or the dedicated doorstep crime number on 0345 23 07 702.

Witnesses to the two distraction burglaries, or anyone with information, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.