General Election 2017: A lot has been said - and not all of it is true.

Here we break down some of the myths, fake news and mistakes that have been reported since the election.

A new breast cancer treatment could be on the horizon after British scientists discovered a protein that stops its growth and spread.

Experiments found when the chemical PRH (Proline-Rich Homeodomain) was reduced, tumours divided and progressed more easily.

Tests on tumour cells and mice suggest the protein could switch off genes that fuel the disease.

The breakthrough could also be applicable to other types of cancer as the activities of PRH are not confined to the breast.

Dr Padma Jayaraman, of Birmingham University, said: “We made the significant finding high levels of PRH actually blocked the formation of the tumours.

“Therefore our data suggests PRH can block tumour formation in some breast cancers.”

Her researchers say the protein could hold the secret to suppressing the growth of breast cancer tumours.

Dr Jayaraman said: “It’s possible drugs could be developed that target PRH - or the things it controls.”

It could also help better determine the prognosis for patients, according to the findings published in Oncogenesis.

Dr Jayaraman, of the university’s Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, said: “PRH is a protein that controls and regulates when genes are switched on or off.

“However - prior to our research - the role of this protein in breast cancer has been poorly understood.

“Public databases show, in a large number of breast cancer patients with a poor prognosis, the activity of the PRH gene had decreased.

“However, it was not known whether the amount of PRH protein was also lower in these patients as protein levels had not been recorded.”

Her researchers used a special staining process on breast cancer tissue removed during biopsy to observe the levels and location of PRH proteins in diseased cells.

They identified changes in PRH in the tumour cells compared to normal cells that were consistent with the decreased activity of the PRH gene in the public database.

Dr Jayaraman said: “In the laboratory we found when PRH protein levels are reduced in a breast tumour the cells are more able to divide - speeding up the progression of the tumour.

“Moreover, we identified some of the genes which are regulated by PRH and specifically contribute to the increased cell division.”

The researchers also carried out tests in a tumour model of mammary cancers -increasing PRH levels to observe the effect.

Dr Jayaraman said: “This was a clincher - when we confirmed our original findings in mouse mammary cells.

“We propose monitoring PRH protein levels or activity in patients with breast cancer could be particularly important for assessing their prognosis.

“In addition, since PRH is known to be important in multiple cell types, this work has important implications for other types of cancer.

“We are now working to investigate the importance of PRH in prostate cancer and in cancer of the bile duct, a type of liver cancer.”

Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease among women in the UK with over 50,000 diagnosed each year in the UK.

One-in-eight will develop breast cancer in their lifetime - with about 11,400 dying from it every year.

A decanter which promises to keep open wine fresh for nearly TWO WEEKS has reached three times its fundraising target on Kickstarter.

The ‘eto’ device uses a patented design to completely eliminate air in the decanter as it is sealed.

This prevents oxidation and can therefore keep open wine fresh for up to 12 days, according to its British designer Tom Cotton, 43.

The inventor launched a Kickstarter campaign earlier this month to raise £55,000 to put the decanter into production.

But that target was smashed within 32 hours and more than 1,600 armchair investors have now pledged a total of £174,919.

The eto has won critical acclaim from experts who were unable to detect a wine which had been opened seven days earlier in blind taste tests.

Mr Cotton started work on the design several years ago after a friend highlighted the method - common amongst wine experts - of transferring leftover wine into a smaller container to minimise air contact.

After experimenting, he discovered the method of reducing air exposure to be highly effective and started work on a marketable product.

He patented the design in 2012 and made over 60 prototype models after being awarded an Innovate UK government grant.

The result is the eto, a sleek decanter with a built-in airtight seal which will retail at up to £89 when it hits the shelves.

Welsh-born Mr Cotton, who now lives in Wimbledon, west London, said: “Five years on, we have a product that really works.

“eto looks beautiful, preserves wine brilliantly and is exceptionally easy to use, store and maintain.

“We use only the highest quality materials to ensure eto is effective, elegant and durable in the long term.”

It is estimated the average UK household pours away two glasses of wine a week or 624 million bottles a year.

The eto consists of a glass container with a pouring spout that houses a removable valve that is pushed down onto the remaining wine.

This forms an airtight seal around any remaining liquid in the bottle - thus eliminating the oxidation which causes wine to deteriorate.

‘Master of Wine’ Richard Hemming - and writer at JancisRobinson.com - took part in two separate blind taste tests, comparing freshly opened wine with its eto seven day preserved equivalent.

He said: “On the seventh day ... for me, the results were unanimous: there was no perceptible difference between a freshly opened bottle and the eto-stored sample”

After taking part in a similar blind taste test, Tom Harrow, Wine Director at Honest Grapes, said: “A wine which had been decanted (into eto) seven days beforehand tasted every bit as fresh as a wine which had come from a recently opened bottle.

“But it also had the added benefits of decanting, in that the wine was breathing ... it was opening up ... it tasted absolutely delicious.”

The Kickstarter campaign runs until July 6. All the backers will receive the first eto decanters off the production line at a discounted price.

After taking in feedback, it will then move to full production with a planned retail price of £79 for a stainless steel model and £89 for copper.

Mr Cotton said: “With regard to plans for the future, our first priority is the production of eto and were looking forward to getting feedback on how it performs with all different wine types,”

Full details can be found at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/etowine/eto-a-beautiful-innovation-in-wine-preservation?token=ec79b024

TV media player Kodi has closed two of its most popular streaming channels following a lawsuit from US satellite broadcaster Dish Network.

ZemTV and Phoenix, which are two of the biggest third-party Kodi add ons were closed this week after they were accused of a direct copyright infringement of various TV channels.

Although Kodi is not illegal and carries no media content itself, by remaining open source for third party developers, Kodi has found itself under increasing pressure from anti-piracy groups to crackdown on illegal streaming add ons.

‘Not something that was easy for us to do’

In a statement on the TVAddons forum, Phoenix developer Cosmix confirmed the closure.

“In light of current events we have decided to close down Phoenix. This is not something that was easy for us to do; we have all formed a bond that cannot be broken as a team and have a HUGE support base that we are thankful of.”

ZemTV and Phoenix are just two Kodi add ons which have or face closure.

Here is the full list of closed or closing Kodi add ons:

Phoenix (closed)

DOJO Streams (Closing)

F.t.f.a (closed)

Bamf (closed)

Zem (closed live tv - VOD available)

Deliverence (closed)

One128 (closed)

Reaper (closed)

Cerburus (closed)

Just for him (closed)

Les be friends (closed)

Mporn (closed)

News12 (closed)

Silent hunter (content moved)

Ccloud (speculation)

Salts (speculation)

BOB (issues with NAN site it’s not closed)

Zen (issues with NAN site it’s not closed)

Skynet (being phased out)

Evolve (live tv and sport gone - rest working)

SRTVHUB (being taken over)

UK Turks (live Streams taken down)

Gig-goers have been left empty handed after a website sold non-existent tickets to Robbie Williams concerts and UK festivals.

After purchasing tickets from Goticketsuk.com, victims were informed that their tickets would arrive nearer the concert date, however, there have been a number of reported cases of buyers not receiving their tickets.

Goticketsuk.com have suggested a number of reasons as to why they have not arrived, including: overbooking, cancellation or a delay in receiving the tickets from the supplier.

Neither Action Fraud or the victims have been able to contact Goticketsuk.com.

‘Unaware of any refunds’

“The Goticketsuk.com website which is taking people’s money for concerts and festivals due to take place later this year is actually a fraud,” says Action Fraud.

“We are working with our partners in law enforcement to get the website and phone number taken down to stop others from falling victim.”

At present The Goticketsuk.com website has been removed from the internet .

“Some reports have also indicated that victims have been promised a refund, though we are currently unaware of any refunds being awarded,” says Action Fraud.

Over the past three years more than 21,000 people have fallen victim to ticket fraud which has resulted in a total loss of £17 million.

Action Fraud gives the following advice if you may have been affected by the Goticketsuk.com scam.

Report it to Action Fraud. All reports to Action Fraud will receive a Police Crime Reference Number (NFRC) and an update in writing 28 working days later.

Credit Card purchases can be reimbursed under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Debit Card purchases are not always entitled to claiming money back so contact your provider to find out.

Read Which?’s guide to claiming fraudulent money back

Elderly patients should not panic over reports that taking aspirin long-term increases the risk of stomach and gut bleeding, doctors said.

Instead they should carry on taking the cheap painkiller and talk to their GP or chemist if they are concerned .

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “Aspirin is known to be an inexpensive and effective drug for patients who have suffered a stroke or heart attack, but we have known for some time that there are risks involved with its long-term use - and this research shows, it is particularly the case for our older patients.

“The study does reassure us that in most cases, aspirin is still the most appropriate course of treatment for patients, but highlights the importance of managing its use carefully and effectively and that some patients may require additional medication to protect them.

“It’s helpful that the researchers suggest action to mitigate this risk - the prescription of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as a secondary drug - but this does raise a number of health implications.

“It will continue to be necessary to make decisions of a case by case basis, considering the patient’s unique circumstances and medical history, as well as the medications they are already taking and how they will interact with each other.

“Nevertheless, as new research is published, it is important that we take this on board as guidelines for healthcare professionals are updated in the best interests of our patients.

“Prescribing is a core skill for GPs and patients can be assured that their family doctor will only prescribe medication following a full and frank discussion with the patient, outlining the potential risks and side effects associated with the drugs.

“It is also important that patients who are prescribed aspirin see a healthcare professional for regular medication reviews, and that they use this opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.

“Patients who regularly take aspirin - either as prescribed by their doctor or self-medicated - should not panic as a result of this research.

“But if they are concerned about taking the drug regularly, over a long period of time, they should make a non-urgent appointment with their GP, or discuss this with their local pharmacist.”

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

APRil 25:

Henry Cuffe, aged 36, of Grange Road, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £146. No insurance; fined £440, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £44 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

David Curtis, aged 38, of West End, Bugbrooke, driving at 42mph in a 30mph zone; fined £440, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £44 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with four points.

Zoe Dobroczynksi, aged 27, of Breach Close, Brixworth, faulty tyre; fined £440, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £44 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points. No test certificate; fined £220.

Tolulope Eboka, aged 41, of Kettering Road, Northampton, no car insurance; fined £341, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £113.

Richard Fitzhenry, aged 54, of Greenhills Road, Northampton, driving at speeds exceeding 40mph limit; fined £433, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £43 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Wayne Fitzpatrick, aged 47, of Florence Road, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £100, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Lucy Gardner, aged 35, of Admirals Way, Southbrook, Daventry, driving at 53mph in a 30mph zone; fined £116, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Matthew Gayle, aged 30, of North Oval, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220. No insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Elliott Hampson, aged 27, of Blisworth Arm, Blisworth, driving while not wearing a seat belt; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Ainsley Henderson, aged 57, of Danefield Road, Northampton, driving at 61mph in a 50mph zone; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Damien Hill, aged 31, of The Medway, The Grange, Daventry, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220. No insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and costs of £85.

Marcel Ioan, aged 23, of Abbots Way, Northampton, no test certificate; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Piotr Jakubczyk, aged 43, of Ladymead Close, Northampton, driving while not having proper control of the car with both hands in the air while making an offensive gesture; fined £150, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Dale James, aged 34, of Birchfield Road, Abington, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £146. No car insurance; fined £440, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £44 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

James Jankowski, aged 25, of Rockingham Close, Daventry, no car insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Margot-Ann Jennings, aged 69, of Pound Lane, Moulton, driving at 35mph in a 30mph; fined £200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Debbie Jones, aged 46, of Whaddon Close, Northampton, driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Linden Kirton, aged 63, of Hanover Court, Northampton, driving at speeds exceeding 30mph limit; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Claudiu Matei, aged 19, of Southampton Road, Northampton, no car 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.

Jack McCabe, aged 30, of Colwyn Road, Northampton, driving at speeds exceeding 30mph; fined £293, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

David Mead, aged 43, of South Holme Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Noel O’Connor, aged 50, of Rushmere Road, Northampton, not wearing an adult seat belt; fined £146, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Nicholas Ranft, aged 47, of Valley Road, Northampton, not wearing an adult seatbelt; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Przemyslaw Sicinski, aged 42, of Clevedon Court, Middlemore, Daventry, driving at 44mph in a 30mph zone; fined £440, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £44 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with five points.

Stefan Slowicki, aged 34, of St Leonard’s Road, Northampton, driving at 57mph in a 50mph zone; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Sam Smart, aged 24, of Bengal View, Greens Norton, driving a speeds exceeding 30mph limit; fined £216, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Marzanna Sobon, aged 41, of Adnitt Road, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Tara Thakrar, aged 29, of Longford Avenue, Northampton, driving at speeds exceeding 30mph; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Sarah Yeend, aged 37, of Crestwood Close, Northampton, driving at speeds exceeding 30mph; fined £209, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Nicola Young, aged 42, of Forest Road, Northampton, no car insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Estera Zgliniecka, aged 23, of Abbey Road, Northampton, no car insurance; fined £208, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with

six points. Faulty tyre; fined £69.

APRIL 26

David Harding, aged 40, of Riley Close, Northampton, harassment; jailed for 84 days suspended for 12 months. Ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £300.

Damien Miller, aged 25, of Calder Green, Northampton, damaged a kitchen drawer and pot plant; fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Gilbert Morley, aged 67, of Seaton Drive, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 52mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; community order made. Drink-driving with a breath test reading of 94mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; community order made, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £85, banned from driving for three years.

William Bradshaw, aged 36, of Bedford Mansions, Northampton, had a scalpel in a public place with good authority; jailed for 182 days, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115. Assault at a Northampton General Hospital Trust building; jailed for 28 days, ordered to pay £50 compensation. Similar offence; jailed for 27 days concurrent, ordered to pay compensation of £50. Assault of a police officer; jailed for 28 days concurrent, ordered to pay compensation of £50. Commission of a further offence while on a conditional discharge; jailed for 14 days concurrent.

Andrew Whiting, aged 52, of St Paul’s Terrace, Semilong, Northampton, failed to notify Northampton Borough Council of changes relating to housing benefit; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85. Similar charge relating to Jobseekers Allowance; conditional discharge for 12 months.

APRIL 27

Barry Sheenhan, aged 38, of Long Mallows Rise, Northampton, stole food worth £273.63 from Lidl; jailed for 42 days suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for 28 days consecutive. Failed to comply with a community order; no adjudication, dealt with original offences as follows. Sent a threatening message; jailed for 14 days concurrent suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay costs of £60. Damaged brickwork railings; jailed for 14 days concurrent suspended for 12 months. Damaged a car; jailed for 14 days concurrent suspended for 12 months.

APRIL 28

Andrew Holds, aged 59, of Whiteheart Close, Northampton, driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £246, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Mantas Dumbrava, aged 18, of Longland Road, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £40. No insurance; fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months. No test certificate; no separate penalty.

Floretin Ilie, aged 21, of Wheatfield Terrace, Northampton, driving without insurance; fined £440, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £44 and costs of £85 and banned from driving for six months. No test certificate; no separate penalty. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220.

Annett Johnson, aged

41, of Deal Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £275, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

The outbuildings, in Elderstubbs Field Farm in Browns Road, were set alight at some time between 7.30pm and 9pm on Tuesday, May 30, Northamptonshire Police today confirmed.

A group of five young people were seen running away from the scene and officers would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Preparations for this year’s Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally and Canal Festival are full steam ahead for this weekend.

Celebrities Timothy West and Prunella Scales are once again guests a the 15th festival, taking place at Braunston Marina on Saturday and Sunday.,

Tim Coghlan, of Braunston Marina, said: “The actors and canal celebrities are back to open the rally by popular demand, having last done so in 2013.

“Since then their canal TV series Great Canal Journeys has gone from strength to strength, now with a worldwide audience of waterways enthusiasts. They are also known for their many great roles on stage and screen, including Timothy West as Stan Carter in EastEnders and his wife Prunella Scales as Sybil in Fawlty Towers.”

For the opening of the Braunston Historic Rally, they will wear traditional boatmen costume.

Timothy said: “We are thrilled to be coming again.

“We usually charge to dress up. But to support this unique and wonderful canal event, we will again waive our fee in this case.”

At 11am on Saturday, Timothy will steer President - the last surviving steam narrowboat - into the marina, towing its butty boat Kildare, steered by Prunella.

Other attractions include Morris dancing, Daventry Brass Band, the beer tent – the Wet Dock, plus fast food and fun. Music will be provided by Braunston Pickle, and folk and R&B groups. There will be a performance at 5pm on the Saturday in the Artists’ Marquee of Idle Women of the Wartime Waterways by Alarum Theatre, and on the Thursday evening before the rally a performance by DayStar Theatre in aid of the restoration of Braunston Church – the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’.

David Barnes, 28, and Craig Turner, 25, are alleged to have driven at a motorcycle being ridden by 22-year-old Stuart Hutchings, from Northampton, who was very badly injured following the road traffic incident on May 18.

Originally the men were arrested on grievous bodily harm charges, however, following the death of Mr Hutchings some days later, the charges were changed to murder.

Following legal argument this morning, the case was adjourned until a later date.

Brave Ava-Grace Stevens said goodbye to her beautiful long hair to help children with cancer.

The cut took place at Robert James hair salon in Daventry on Saturday to help the Little Princess Trust who make wigs for sick children.

It was Ava-Grace, 6, who came up with the idea to also raise money for the charity. So far she has collected £619.

Her mother Stephanie, said: “I am extremely proud of my daughter.

“She’s been asking me for over a year if she can donate her hair to help make wigs for children, but I haven’t wanted to rush it as she is so young, I thought she may change her mind.”

The Falconer’s Hill Infant School pupil pursauded her mum to let her have the chop.

Stephanie added: “She has always been very proud of her hair and this is a big sacrifice for her but it is somthing she is determined to do to help other children.”

Donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ava-Graces

A Napton couple are still pushing for the release of a relative imprisoned in Iran for more than a year on charges which are still not clear.

Alex and James Loftus are cousins-in-law to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who has been held in the country since April 2016 after her passport was taken.

A dual citizen of the UK and Iran, she travelled to the Middle-Eastern country to visit her family along with her daughter, Gabriella, who was 22 months old at the time.

She was at the airport returning to the UK when she was detained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Her and Gabriella’s passports were taken.

Although Gabriella is safe with her Iranian grandparents, Nazanin was sentenced to five years in prison. Iranian state-owned media accused her of ‘attempting to overthrow the Islamic Republic’, despite her working for Thomson-Reuters Foundation which does not work in Iran.

She is being held in Evin prison in the nation’s capital, Tehran.

Alex said: “They put her into solitary confinement to begin with.

“Naz went on a hunger strike at one point, and it was only Gabriella that kept her going.”

Her husband Richard Ratcliffe started a petition to secure her release, which has received more than 910,000 signatures.

He believes Nazanin is being held as a ‘bargaining chip’ in exchange for an unpaid debt the UK owes to Iran.

Iran paid the UK £650 million for 1,500 tanks and 250 repair vehicles in 1979.

But after the Islamic Revolution, only a fraction of those tanks were delivered, and a European court has ordered the UK to pay Iran £400 million in compensation.

Iran has been accused of holding dual-nationals in the country without charge to put pressure on the UK to pay up.

In his blog about how Nazanin is coping, Richard said: “The criminal charges are a self-serving fabrication. Nazanin is part of a wave of foreigners taken to scare those at home, and fearing to preserve certain people’s powers.

“As another birthday approaches for Gabriella apart from her parents, it beggars belief that the full weight of a government priority would not have been able to get them home.”

The campaign has been brought back into the spotlight after Liberal Democrat candidate for Kenilworth and Southam Richard Dickson raised the campaign throughout the general election, including in his speech after the result for the constituency was announced.

During that speech, he said: “For Nazanin and her family, the priorities in life are not Brexit or how we get world-class public services.

“Important though those issues are, for Nazanin and her family, her priorities are when will she see her husband? How is her three-year-old daughter coping, and when will she be allowed to come home to the open, tolerant and united country that she loves?”

Anyone wishing to sign the petition should click here or visit freenazanin.com

The motorist was driving from the A5 towards Bugbrooke at about 7am when - for reasons yet unknown - his blue Audi A6 was in collision with a railway bridge, near to The Wharf restaurant.

Paramedics, the air ambulance and police attended the incident but sadly the man died at the scene.

Officers investigating the collision would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who may have any information regarding it.

Anyone with information or who witnessed this incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

Daventry’s town and district councils will both mark Armed Forces Day with respective flag raising ceremonies to honour Britain’s servicemen and women.

The district council has already recognised the occasion in the lead-up to Armed Forces Day at a Monday morning flag-raising.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Royal British Legion, councillors, council staff and members of the public, at the civic offices in Lodge Road.
Councillor Chris Millar, leader of Daventry District Council, said: “We are honoured to show our support for Armed Forces Day, which pays tribute to the British Armed Forces community for their hard work, dedication and efforts to keep us safe both in the UK and globally.”
Daventry Town Council will hold their own ceremony at 11am on Saturday at the Twinning area located at the top of London Road.
As well as the mayor, there will be representatives from the Twinning Association, the church, the Royal British Legion and other local organisations.
The invitation is extended to anyone wanting to attend.
Armed Forces Day is the annual opportunity for the nation to show its support for the UK’s serving and retired soldiers, sailors and airmen.

For the last three years, Daventry’s Parker Academy has collaborated with sculptor Beatrice Hoffman in welcoming students of all ages to her sculpture class in the school’s art and design department.

The workshop takes place every other Friday and lasts the duration of the school day.

Both GCSE and Sixth Form students are welcome to drop in and develop their skills, and the group is a good example of multi-generational learning.

Beatrice, who is based at her studio near Oxford and has more than 20 years of teaching experience, is always on hand to offer her help and support to the class.

Next year, one of Beatrice's sculptures will greet visitors to Northampton General Hospital after she was awarded the commission for the site beside the main entrance.

Anyone wishing to get in touch with Beatrice about the workshop can email her at beatricemhoffman@gmail.com, find out more on her website.

Plans that could see the Northamptonshire’s police and crime commissioner take on responsibility for the county’s fire service as well head out to consultation today.

Stephen Mold has launched proposals that could shift the governance of the county’s fire and rescue service away from cash-strapped Northamptonshire County Council and the 57 member fire authority.
The plans - which if adopted would come into effect from April 2018 - have been drawn up following recent changes in legislation as part of a drive to join up emergency services at local levels.
Mr Mold said: “It will save significant amounts of public money which we will reinvest in frontline services.
“Having reviewed the business case for this proposal, I’m confident that a change in governance is in the best interests of everyone in Northamptonshire. “However, we want to hear from as many people as possible in the county around their views and concerns, to ensure they are accurately represented as we move forward.”
Mr Mold, who was elected on behalf of the Conservatives in 2016, claimed the police’s chief constable Simon Edens and the chief fire officer Darren Dovey would continue to operate independently if the move were to go ahead.

There are no plans to join the branding of the police and fire services and Mr Mold said efficiencies would be made by the sharing of buildings and back-office functions.
However, The Fire Brigades Union(FBU) has voiced real concern over such plans nationally.
The Staffordshire branch of the union recently slammed similar proposals in the county stating ‘PCCs (Police and Crime Commissioners) pose an intrinsic threat to the independence and effectiveness of the fire and rescue service.”   
Chief fire officer for Northamptonshire Darren Dovey argued the move was about making decision processes ‘slicker’ and about ‘freeing’ the fire service from the county council’s budget.

Police will not ‘carry hoses’ and firefighters will not ‘carry handcuffs’, a promotional video for the move states, though it adds that fire fighters may check windows and door locks on house visits as an example.

Mr Dovey, said; “The county council has a massive amount of demand for its services in adult social care, in children’s care.

“We are part of an organisation with serious demand for services, which means we are often left with the cuts.

“Being part of the police and crime commissioner’ office, we can then set a precept.”

The fire service is currently governed by the fire authority, which is made up of 57 county councillors.

At current funding levels it will need to cutting a further £1.5 million from the service between now and 2020

Mr Mold said he would ask the taxpayer to ask to pay 3p more on their council tax bill towards the fire service if his bid was successful and pledged to increase firefighter numbers.

However, he said the move to make him the police, crime and fire commissioner would only go ahead if there was support for it during the consultation.

“If people don’t want to do it then we will not proceed with it,” he said.

“In politics these days there can be plenty of surprises.

“But I think it is a good idea.”

Chief constable of Northamptonshire Police, Simon Edens, also stated both blue light services ‘share the same vision of a safer Northamptonshire’.
“I believe the proposals will help us improve efficiency and make the best use of our resources to help us better protect people from harm,” he said.
The consultation is open to members of the public at www.northantsfireproposals.co.uk and will run from Tuesday, 20th June until Tuesday, 1st August.

Download our app by clicking here to download from Google Play or clicking here to download from Apple’s App Store.

The covenant states that Armed Forces personnel, veterans or their families will not be disadvantaged by their military life when accessing goods and services, compared to other citizens.

It also recognises that in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved.

Chief Constable Edens said: “Northamptonshire Police are proud to be an HM Forces-friendly organisation. By signing the covenant we’re demonstrating our commitment to treating service personnel and their families with fairness and respect, and recognising their dedication and sacrifice in serving our country.

“As part of this commitment we look forward to celebrating Armed Forces day with our county’s military community, and supporting the covenant’s great work in the future.”

The covenant recognises the potential effects of serving in the Armed Forces on personnel, including injury and potential difficulty in integrating back into civilian life. It also acknowledges the effect on their families, who may have to regularly move home, which affects access to healthcare and education. Relocating can also make it harder for partners to find jobs, get credit or mortgages.

Armed Forces Day takes place nationwide this Saturday, 24 June, and a military parade and speeches are taking place in Northampton town centre.

To date, the covenant has helped to secure a Forces Help to Buy scheme to help with home ownership and career development opportunities for service partners, including business start-up support.

Earlier today (June 20), Ministry of Defence representative Colonel Stuart Williams, Deputy Commander of 7 Brigade, and Catherine Suckling, assistant regional employer engagement director for the East Midlands, attended the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant at Force Headquarters in Wootton Hall.

Miss Suckling said: “Throughout their military service, members of the Reserve Forces undergo a variety of training which can be beneficial to their civilian employers, including the ability to manage and lead a team of people.

“We are delighted that Northamptonshire Police have signed the covenant confirming that they aim to support Armed Forces personnel and that they understand the potential benefits of employing service personnel past and present.”

More information on Northamptonshire Police’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant can be found on their website, where feedback is welcomed.

The incident happened on June 16 between 2.30pm and 2.45pm on the South Way-Eastern Way iCon roundabout.

A white Audi A3 undertook a convertible car on the roundabout before then pulling across the front of the other vehicle and stopping in front of it.

The man in the Audi was verbally abusive to the driver of the convertible before he sped off along Eastern Way.

The Audi driver was mixed race, aged under 30 and slim. He had short dark hair and was wearing a blue polo shirt.

The incident happened last Friday (June 16) between 2.30pm and 2.45pm.Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

A cheeky craze has taken off with the soaring temperatures - of people baring their BUMS across the country.

The sizzling sunshine has seen men and women uploading photos of their backsides to an Instagram account called Cheeky Exploits.

It is dedicated to ‘making the world happier through butts’ and shares photos of people exposing themselves in places around the world.

Some of Britain’s best known places feature in the gallery and the heatwave has seen an upsurge in activity.

The latest shots includes two blondes frolicking in an unnamed forest with their rear ends on full show.

In another a woman lifts her skirt at a farm while one man showed his bum at London’s Regent’s Park.

Other recent posts include half naked golfers and scuba divers.

One of the most daring includes a buttocks-only shot at famous Durdle Door on the Dorset coast.

The woman had pulled down her trousers and underwear from the rear while facing a group of unsuspecting people.

Another shows a completely naked woman from the rear with arms outstretched at Hope Cove in Devon while a fully nude woman is also seen standing among the gorse on the clifftop in nearby Salcombe.

Other more daring shots have also been taken in London’s Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

A missing 73-year-old woman from Northamptonshire has sadly been found dead, police say.

Geraldine Turner, from Old Stratford, who had been missing since Monday morning (June 19), was found in a field near Grafton Regis after 9pm yesterday.

Officers have prepared a report for the coroner and are currently not treating her death as suspicious.

Northamptonshire Police say they would like to thank the public for their help in sharing the appeal and to Northants Search and Rescue team for their assistance.