The award asks MPs to put forward the names of their favourite pub chef, or chefs, in their constituency with the winners receiving a cash prize for £500.

Chef Kieran, of The Moorings pub in Crick, will be judged by an expert panel that will decide whether he is shortlisted for the final stage, the cook-off.

Mr Heaton-Harris said: "I felt my nominee perfectly fitted every aspect of the parliamentary pub chef award criteria, and always goes above and beyond for customers at The Moorings pub.

"I believe awards such as these are incredibly important and can help give a significant amount of support for pubs within my constituency by helping to attract new customers.

"Awards also demonstrate the outstanding service that pub chefs and locals offer. Winning an award or even being nominated is testament to the work ethic and dedication that pub chefs and locals have to offer."

The nomination sees Kieran join a host of chefs up and down the country compete for the accolade of pub chef of the year from the two categories, pub chef and young pub chef.

He will be judged by a panel from organisers the British Beer and Pub Association and All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, from sponsors Nestlé Professional, as well as TV guest chef presenter and former Michelin star holder, Paul Merret.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA said: “With pubs serving around a billion meals each year it is important to recognise the contribution pub chefs make to the eating out experience in this country.

"The outstanding range of culinary options that span from breakfast to evening meals demonstrates the huge wealth of creativity in pub kitchens, big and small.

"Many leading, well-known celebrity chefs have ventured into the pub arena helping to further boost the quality of food in pubs, whilst still making it an affordable treat. Our aim is to highlight the talented chefs around the country, help spot future stars and encourage more young people to consider training and working as a chef in a pub."

A Staverton war veteran was presented with France's highest military and civilian honour medal at a special ceremony in his home town, after his neighbour applied for it on his behalf.

Roland Webb, 91, is one of 5,500 D-Day heroes to be awarded the Légion d’Honneur after President Hollande announced on June 6, 2014 on the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings that all British soldiers involved in the operation would receive one.

Mr Webb, who has lived in Staverton his entire life, joined the Somerset 4th Light Infantry in 1943 aged 18 and advanced across France, Belgium, Holland and Germany up until the war's end in 1945.

His medal was presented at the Staverton Flower and Produce festival on Saturday, August 26 by the vice-chairman of the Parish Council Tony Glover.

Tony, a neighbour of Mr Webb's, said: "He told me he was in the war, at which point in 2014 the French brought out the 70 year commemorative medal and were awarding them to British and Commonwealth troops.

"So I said to him 'would you be interested?' and he said 'no, I don't need one of those'. And then his wife Lucy said 'yes you do, that would be nice!' So I applied and it came through."

Tony suggested two options to his neighbour: travel to France to receive his medal or go to the French Embassy in London to collect it.

Mr Webb refused saying he did not want to go to the capital, and that he went to France once and was shot at.

It was then decided by Tony and others to incorporate the ceremony with the village's flower and produce show. After handing out the prizes to the various winners Mr Webb, to his surprise, was introduced to the crowd who were told he was a quiet and humble war hero.

"Everyone was very pleased that he received it," said Tony.

"He was surprised because he didn't realise it was being presented to him then, and he was almost in tears."

He added: "When we gave him his medal he was thrilled to bits."

Having spoken to him since Tony reported Mr Webb was very pleased that people had gone through the trouble to set up the ceremony, saying that he did not deserve it and was only doing what was expected of him.

Tony sent the application for the medal to the French Ministry of Defence on behalf of his neighbour. After it was approved Mr Webb received a letter addressed to him and signed by the French Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Sylvie Bermann.

It read: "I have the pleasure of informing you that the President of the Republic has appointed you to the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur.

"I offer you my warmest congratulations on this high honour in recognition of your acknowledged military engagement and your steadfast involvement in the liberation of France during the Second World War.

"As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain and the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France.

"We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life."

A charity has launched a fundraising appeal to buy a portable hoist for a disabled teenager from Byfield.

Harriet Margieson has a rare and painful condition and needs to be hoisted in and out of her wheelchair but few places have specialist equipment.

Newlife, The Charity for Disabled Children, is hoping donations will help buy the £1,655 portable hoist which would give the 13-year-old much more freedom.

Her mother Jane said: “We’re really stuck at the moment and end up staying local so we can go home to change her.

“We used to go to the same places again and again where we know they have somewhere we could use but even these places are now out of bounds as I can’t lift Harriet any more.

“However, we’ve been able to try a portable hoist so we know it’s just what we need so that Harriet can enjoy discovering new places with her sisters.”

Harriet has Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome, which has made her quadriplegic and causes severe muscle spasms, but her condition is even rarer as she does not have a learning disability.

She has undergone multiple operations and is due to go back into hospital for further invasive surgery in September.

Harriet needs to use a hoist for safety and is far too heavy to be lifted but the nearest sites Jane knows of that have the necessary facilities are Milton Keynes shopping centre and Toddington services on the M1.

They have two fixed hoisted installed in her bedroom and bathroom at home so a portable hoist would also be useful.

“This would mean Harriet could, for instance, get onto her sisters’ beds and stretch out on a blanket in the garden in the summer,” Jane said.

“Simple things that so many people take for granted.”

Statutory services say they cannot help with funding because they have installed fixed ceiling hoists in the family home.

Newlife head of operations Stephen Morgan said: “Harriet isn’t asking for luxury equipment – she needs a portable hoist so she can enjoy trips out with her family, like many other people her age.

“So we are appealing to individuals, groups, clubs and companies to help us help her.

“There are now more disabled children in the UK than ever before.

“Without Newlife, thousands would simply go without equipment such as this, but Newlife can’t do this alone.

“Please help us to help our disabled and terminally ill children.”

To donate visit www.newlifecharity.co.uk/northamptonshire or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.

Telephone donations can be made by calling 01543 462777.

Any money raised over and above what is needed for Harriet will be used to support other disabled and terminally-ill children in Northamptonshire.

It’s official - trusting your gut instinct is the way forward for major life events.

A poll of 2,000 Brits revealed that instinct is the best judge when it comes to making big decisions such as buying a house or taking a job.

One in three admit setting aside logic and advice and ‘going with their gut’ on important life choices.

The survey also found three quarters believe their gut instinct usually leads them to a correct decision.

On average, the nation has had to trust its inner decision-maker four times per year - with three of those choices turning out to be the correct ones.

Nearly every Brit polled believe there is such a thing as gut instinct - with 93 per cent admitting it exists.

Correct decisions

A spokesman for online casino Casumo.com, which conducted the study, said: “It’s amazing how many Brits believe in gut instinct, and the perception that going with your gut usually leads to correct decisions.

“Our poll found that Brits are usually confident in going with their guts, and many people will go with their initial instinct despite advice otherwise.

“Almost all of us have, at one point or another, trusted our gut when it comes to a decision - whether it was a big one or a small one.”

The most common areas for us to trust our gut instincts are in relationships, at work and deciding on whether to become friends with someone.

Most found trusting their instincts paid off in other ways.

One man booked a once-in-a-lifetime trip for himself and his wife, who was unwell, to the USA. It proved to be their last trip together before she became too ill to travel.

Nightmare scenario

Another interviewed a candidate for a job who on paper appeared to have all the right attributes.

The employer’s gut instinct, however, said to pass. That candidate then went to work for a rival company, and turned out to be a nightmare.

Many suggested their gut instincts had paid off when making a bet, with one coming up trumps with a 250 to 1 winner in a horse race.

One in five Brits has had their gut instinct proved right by following their internal reactions despite advice telling them to do the opposite - although a tenth say this didn’t turn out well for them.

Half of the population believe people who have a habit of listening to their gut instinct are typically happier than those that don’t.

And when we have a really big decision to make, gut instinct is the second most important factor to help us decide - after seeking advice from partners.

It usually takes a week’s deliberating over a big decision like buying a house, a car or taking a new job, with smaller decisions like buying clothes reached in under two days.

The Casumo.com spokesman added: “Gut instinct is such a difficult thing to define. It’s just something within you that feels right or wrong.

“Some respondents described it as feeling like a compelling force, guiding the right direction - most usually coming from the pit of the stomach.

“And although gut instinct doesn’t always steer us in the right direction, the overwhelming majority of Brits think that their gut is trustworthy enough to follow, most of the time.

“Gut instinct can be an important part of reaching a decision - but make sure that you take on board advice from friends and loved ones as well.”

A cyber-attack on Electronics retailer CeX has compromised the personal data of up to 2 million customers, the company has confirmed.

Hackers walked away with names, addresses and phone numbers of 2 million CeX customers but no financial details were stolen.

In an e-mail to affected customers on Tuesday, August 29, CeX confirmed that they had suffered an online security breach that compromised personal data belonging to millions of customers.

Hackers behind the cyber-attack could not get their hands on any financial data but managed to compromise encrypted data from expired credit or debit cards that CeX stored prior to 2009.

Data compromised by the hackers includes first names, surnames, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers of registered CeX customers. Following the breach, CeX admitted that even though they had a robust security programme in place, additional measures were required to prevent such a sophisticated attack. The same have been implemented by the retailer with the help of a cyber-security specialist.

CeX has advised all registered users to immediately change the passwords for their webuy online accounts and to ensure that the old passwords weren’t used in any other accounts.

“Although your password has not been stored in plain text, if it is not particularly complex then it is possible that in time, a third party could still determine your original password and could attempt to use it across other, unrelated services. As such, as a precautionary measure, we advise customers to change their password across other services where they may have re-used their WeBuy website password,” the retailer said.

The retailer is now working with the police and other relevant authorities to find out who conducted the cyber-attack and exactly how much data was stolen.

Police were called to Vernon Close at about 8.40pm, following reports of a collision involving a moped, believed to be stolen.

Officers attended a nearby house and an 18-year-old man, 23-year-old man and 22-year-old woman were arrested in connection with various offences, including theft of a motor vehicle, burglary, possession of an offensive weapon, drugs offences and obstructing the police.

All three are currently in police custody and the investigation is ongoing.

The 23-year-old man was also arrested in connection with a suspected acid attack that happened in Park Leys, Daventry, in the early hours of Saturday, August 26.

A witness said police had used a flashbang at one point during the evening, though this has not yet been confirmed.

Officers were at the scene for some time with some nearby residents taking photos past midnight.

Two Woodford Halse women decided to tackle next month’s Great North Run after they made a pledge to lose weight, raising money for a cancer charity in the process.

Heather Rawden and Emma Cook both promised to shed some pounds as they were turning 50 this year, so they joined Weight Watchers in Daventry last September.

A year on and the pair, who train by running around nearby villages and taking part in Park Runs in Daventry, have lost three stone each with the race under two weeks away.

"Training has been hard work but good fun, I'm quite addicted to it now," said Heather, who had never done any running before beginning training for the half marathon in Newcastle.

"If I don't go running a couple of times a week I get quite grumpy.

"This will definitely be a one-off but I want to keep running and doing the 5k Park Runs because they're good fun."

At the start Heather could not run half a kilometre but thanks to her friend Emma and fellow Weight Watchers members she was able to stay motivated and committed to her training.

She said: "I had never run at all and we've both lost three stone so we were quite a lot heavier then. It was really hard. I couldn't even run half a kilometre when I started.

"Emma has always done a bit of running and it's good to do it with someone to motivate you, and there are other people at Weight Watchers that go as well so there was lots of group support."

Heather also gave a special mention to Sue Howe, who mentors the Weight Watchers group every Wednesday at the Saxon Suite in Daventry Leisure Centre.

"Sue is lovely. It's not only the meetings she's always texting you, Facebooking you and keeping you motivate. She's fantastic."

Emma and Heather have both chosen Teenage Cancer Trust as their fundraising charities. Both have got children whose friends have faced and survived the illness, and this helped the pair make their decision.

You can donate here.

Steve Atkins, 51, from Coventry, died “almost instantly” when his motorbike collided with a Skoda driven by Shirley McClements, 60, outside Jacks Hill Cafe on the A5 in Towcester on Mother's Day (March 26) this year.

Shirley, from Nether Heyford, was killed after the car burst into flames on impact with the bike. She was on her way to Mother’s Day lunch with her son.

A coroner ruled the two “tragic” deaths were accidental at an inquest on August 30.

Families gasped when evidence revealed Steven’s motorbike had been travelling at nearly twice the speed limit before the crash.

Paul Gorman was out riding with Steven on the day of the accident at around 12.30pm.

In a statement read out by the coroner, he said: “We were travelling on the A5 when Steven overtook two cars in front of us. I didn’t follow.

“I heard an extremely loud bang and saw a plume of black smoke. I saw Steve’s bike up against a car in the road. It was on fire, and Steve was lying on the opposite side of the road.”

Shirley was turning out of the car park of Jacks Hill Cafe when Steven crashed into the driver’s side door.

Evidence showed the bike could only have been visible to Shirley for around three seconds before it hit her car.

Another motorbike rider, Roy Davies, was also waiting to leave the junction and witnessed the impact. He said: “It was clear when the Skoda exited into the road.

“He drove straight into her. The bike burst into flames.

“I rushed over to the car. Flames were pouring out. I tried to open the door but the flames drove me back.”

Despite efforts by a policeman and a member of staff from the cafe to fight the fire with an extinguisher, nothing could be done.

Shirley was a mother of four and had two granddaughters, one of whom was born on the Wednesday before her death.

Speaking in the days after the accident, her eldest son Ian said: “To us, she was just ‘mum’, but clearly to a lot of people she was a bit special and we took her for granted a bit. She was a great mum and grandmother.”

She had been on her way for Mother’s Day lunch with her family when she died.

Ian said: “She was clearly taken to soon. For the family, it’s devastating - she’s here one day and gone the next.

“She was always up to something with the grandchildren. There are lots of memories to share.

Steve’s father Leslie Atkins said: “Steven was an engineer and was very well regarded by his colleagues and boss. Everyone from his workplace came to his funeral.

“He will be dearly missed by his partner, family, and many friends and colleagues.”

A fostering agency says it is being held hostage by a cyber attacker demanding thousands of pounds to release its website domain name.

Little Acorns Fostering, of Great Wratting, is calling for other businesses and organisations to make sure they still own their domain names after it was targeted by what is known as a ‘domain squatter’, who wants £9,000 to release their web address.

Luckily the family-run agency – which previously had its website at www.littleacornsfostering.com – also owns the domain www.littleacornsfostering.co.uk and was able to transfer its website over to this address upon discovering the attack on Thursday.

Manager Cheryl Jillions said the agency registered both domains five years ago and had paid subscriptions annually since. However, littleacornsfostering.com was bought by the domain squatter after an administration error meant they were not notified their subscription had lapsed.

“Somehow – we’re not sure how it happened – our web address expired and we’ve fallen victim to an unscrupulous individual who buys domain names like ours and holds businesses to ransom. This man basically wants £9,000 from us to give our web address back,” said Cheryl.

“We are led to believe that he might post pornographic content on the domain if we don’t pay. He is quite open that he does that to make people pay up. The thought of it is very frightening.”

The practice of purchasing expired domain names is not illegal, however Little Acorns has contacted a solicitor to see if there is any kind of legal challenge that could be made.

“I would rather go through the legal process and pay a solicitor than put money in his pocket,” said Cheryl.

“If you have a website, make sure you are checking this type of thing as I would hate for anyone else to fall foul of such a scam.

“There are horrible people out there doing this just to make money and the police can’t do anything about it. It is absolutely despicable.”

Kim Morrison, Bury Free Press social media expert, said it was fortunate Little Acorns also owned its .co.uk domain as it could continue to have an internet presence.

“People are out there buying domain names so they can charge a lot of money for them,” she said. “Unfortunately, if this happens, you don’t have any comeback.”

The Pride in Northamptonshire Awards have been launched and are a perfect opportunity to celebrate the very best in our county.

We are asking readers to nominate those who always go the extra mile to improve their community, or who have overcome personal challenges to succeed.

One of this year’s categories is Excellence in Hospitality Service, which is being sponsored by Whittlebury Hall, a hotel, spa and conference centre near Towcester.

A spokesman for Whittlebury Hall said: “Whittlebury Hall is delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Excellence in Hospitality Service’ award at this year’s Northamptonshire Community Awards.

“We share in the awards’ passion for the local community and feel that it is of paramount importance to celebrate those people and businesses making substantial contributions to Northamptonshire’s reputation.

“We are proud to be located in such a picturesque and thriving county and offer visitors to Northamptonshire a fantastic place to stay, play and relax.

“Those visiting us can explore everything the local area has to offer as well as enjoying our incredible selection of award-winning facilities including 254 bedrooms, an on-site restaurant, fully-equipped meetings and events facilities catering for up to 3,000 delegates, 36 holes of championship golf and one of the UK’s largest day spas.

“In addition to our extensive facilities, we pride ourselves on our stellar customer service and so it is an honour to be celebrating and supporting other local hospitality businesses who share this ethos.

“We wish all those entering the ‘Excellence in Hospitality Service’ award the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating the winner’s success.”

This year’s other categories are Community Award, Inspire a Generation, Hard Work and Determination, Courage and Kindness, Unsung Hero or Heroine, Apprentice of the Year, Service With a Smile, Young Achiever, Volunteer of the Year, Carer of the Year, and Fundraiser of the Year.

Nominating an individual or group could not be easier, simply visit prideinnorthants.weebly.com and follow the ‘How to Nominate’ link.

Pep Forgione, 50, and Mario, 47 - who had no first aid training at the time - were at their business, Michael’s Golden Chippy on September 17, when 18-year-old Beth Nicholls suffered a cardiac arrest.

Now, one year on from the incident, the pair has been chosen as British Heart Foundation finalists for the Heart Heroes ceremony - set to take place on September 27 in Leciester - after supporters pledged their votes on social media.

Mario said: “We lost her twice, she actually died in front of us, literally in my hands, Pep was there and she took her last breath.

“It was horrific, but we feel blessed that she is still alive.

“A lot of customers still ask ‘how is Beth?’”

Just after 9pm that night the brothers were tidying up behind the counter, in the company of Beth.

Mario turned around to speak to her before she collapsed and hit her head.

Beth had suffered a cardiac arrest – she had no history of heart problems and no symptoms beforehand.

Pep said: “It was like, hold on a minute, did she just faint, has she just slipped?

“You try and work out quickly in your head what’s going on. He panicked, I ran to the phone, he tended to her and before you know it I’m speaking to paramedics and he is trying to bring her back round. I think the speed it all happened probably played a big part in her being here today.”

At the time, the brothers were hailed for not only saving Beth’s life, but for promptly starting CPR, which kept her brain oxygenated and prevented it suffering damage.

Since then, the duo, who work on the town’s Headlands estate, have paid for their staff to undergo first aid training.

Pep added: “I think it would benefit everybody, because you never know when it’s going to happen.”

In total that day, Beth stopped breathing four times. Twice at work and twice in the company of paramedics.

Now Beth has had an operation to fit an internal cardiac defibrillator – a device that will act automatically if she ever suffers the same problem.

Facebook is making an abandoned medieval village famous and causing a plague of confusion for users across Warwickshire.

Facebook users have been left perplexed after their posts are being tagged as coming from ‘Wolfhamcote’, a long-forgotten village near Rugby which is rumoured to have been abandoned after a plague outbreak.

People took to Facebook to voice their confusion, to find the only explanation is an accidental tagging of the village, whose name is actually spelt ‘Wolfhampcote’.

Those searching for the word ‘Wolfhamcote’ were surprised to find an urban dictionary entry, posted this week, suggesting the word is Midlands slang for ‘excess’.

The real village consists of a field, a medieval church and an undisclosed number of sheep.

But people clicking on the Facebook link to Wolfhamcote find a place which appears to be hosting a variety of events including Coventry Comic Con, Vintage Home Show Midlands and Mini Fest.

The church at the real Wolfhampcote is open to visitors and welcomes donations.

The collision took place on near the BP Truck Stop, at about 5.40am involving a motorcyclist and at least other vehicles.

Sadly the motorcyclist died at the scene of the collision near to the village of Lilbourne.

The A5 near Lilbourne re-opened a short time ago.

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

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615, quoting the incident number 86.

The victim was woken at 5.30am when she heard the front door letterbox of her home in Tweed Close, The Grange, being opened several times.

She went downstairs to investigate and smelt petrol at the bottom of the stairs. When she opened the front door she realised someone had set it alight, leaving it with a slightly stained finish.

Petrol had been thrown at the upper half of the door itself, but the offender had not actually set light to it, a police spokesman said.

Anyone with information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111

Get fired up with our hot competition to the Footman James Sywell Classic Pistons and Props show at Sywell Aerodrome.

It takes place, on Saturday September 23 and 24, combining hot rods, historic racers and bikes with exciting aerial air displays, and a variety of vintage performers - and the Daventry Express has five pairs of tickets to give away.

Formula 1, Formula 2 and Group B racing will form the mainstay of the Racing Runway, tearing up the tarmac, alongside a selection of classic and modern motorbikes. On the Sprint Strip, the popular Street Car Shootout will be providing smoke and squeals of rubber.

Air displays will be performed by the Yakovlevs and The Blades, both world leaders in aerial acrobatics. Plus, the Breitling Wingwalkers, the world’s only formation wingwalking team, will be taking to the skies.

Bring your dancing shoes as there will be live music in the Footman James Scarf and Goggles Bar, including Dusty Springfield tribute Dusty and Friends, vintage singer Jayne Darling, and rockabilly group the Rock-ola Rockets. In Hangar One, One Eyed Cats will be playing for the benefit of those staying overnight.

The show field will be adorned with displays by the UK’s best classic motoring clubs while Pole position parking will see private owners show off vehicles manufactured pre 1986. Limited spaces are available to book a space at the heart of the show for your pride and joy.

With World War 1 and 2 re-enactments, a vintage fun fair and vintage craft fair, it’s not all about transport – there is fun for all the family to be had at Sywell Classic, with awards for those who comes dressed up in period outfits and are the ‘best dressed.’

Tickets are available in advance, or on the gate. Advance prices start from £18 in advance for adults, with tickets for children aged 5-15 from £7 in advance and free entrance for those under five-years-old.

A family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) starts from £43 in advance with all advance tickets subject to a service charge. Weekend tickets are available, at £30 in advance for adults, £10 for children, £70 for family.

Tickets on the gate start from £22 for adults, £10 for children and £54 for families. Weekend tickets on the gate are £85. Car parking is free, and for those who wish to camp a pitch for one caravan or tent is available for £60 in advance. Camping pitches cannot be bought on the day.

The show is open from 10am until 5.30pm on Saturday, 10am until 5pm on Sunday. For more information about Sywell Classic Pistons and Props, please visit www.sywellclassic.co.uk

To win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and daytime telephone number to lucie.green@jpress.co.uk by next Friday, subject

Earlier this month, the Police Federation announced that their campaign for the acceptance of tattooed police officers was met with success - a decision that’s sure to get the thumbs-up from a sizeable majority of the public.

Indeed, according to a new survey, a whopping 73 per cent of Brits approve of inked officers.

The new appearance standards guidance – developed by the College of Policing and accepted as best practice - has been said by the Police Federation to “provide officers and staff with clear direction on their appearance, so that they present a professional image while also being allowed some self-expression”.

London-based property firm Savoy Stewart delved deeper into the issue of tattooed police officers in the workplace using independent research, alongside reports from the Police Federation.

Studies have revealed that 48 per cent of serving officers have a tattoo, 17 per cent of which have a visible tattoo when in their uniform.

However, Home Office guidance on tattoos is vague and open to interpretation, meaning that in recent years, guidelines on inked officers have varied wildly across forces.

The survey by Savoy Stewart looked into how comfortable the public are with tattooed professionals across industries in order to see where police officers would appear on the list - with some surprising findings.

The survey asked Brits the following question: How comfortable would you be with a person with a visible tattoo working in the following

occupations?

PROFESSION / %COMFORTABLE / %UNCOMFORTABLE

Athlete / 88% / 12%

Chef / 81% / 19%

Police Officer / 73% / 27%

IT Technician / 72% / 28%

Estate Agent / 69% / 31%

Banker / 63% / 37%

Doctor / 59% / 41%

Judge / 59% /41%

Nurse / 57% / 43%

Lawyer / 57% /43%

Primary School Teacher / 49% / 51%

Political Figure / 44% / 56%

Air Hostess / 42% / 58%

The results showed that respondents were more comfortable seeing a tattooed police officer than a tattooed estate agent.

This supports the Police Federation’s own study, which demonstrated a similar level of acceptance, where 55 per cent of fellow officers felt comfortable working with a tattooed colleague.

Interestingly, the public seemed to be more uncomfortable seeing body modifications in female-associated roles such as primary school teachers (51 per cent of respondents were uncomfortable with this), air hostesses (58 per cent) and nurses (43 per cent).

Indeed, according to this study by Savoy Stewart, British workers are more comfortable seeing a tattooed politician (44 per cent approval) than a tattooed air hostess (42 per cent).

The study also revealed the characteristics we most associate with people who have tattoos.

These included being rebellious, less intelligent, and unhealthy.

Although more and more of us are inking our bodies, this doesn’t seem to be stopping employers from using this as a reason not to employ an individual, with 54 per cent of hiring decision makers thinking that tattoos can have a negative impact on the workplace.

Currently in the UK three in ten 25-39 year olds have tattoos, which means a serious shrinking of the talent pool if an employer decides not choose a candidate with body art.

This would be particularly troublesome to an already struggling police force.

Studies have shown that British women in particular would be affected, as they are more likely to be tattooed than men. Indeed, the Police Federation has demonstrated that 52 per cent of female officers have a tattoo compared with 47 per cent of male officers.

However, times maybe be changing, as proven by the new appearance standards guidelines by the College of Policing.

A safety warning has been issued over a new craze of swimmers wearing MERMAID tails.

The trend of wearing the item has grown alongside the popularity of children’s television show Mako Mermaids as well as classic movies Little Mermaid and Splash.

But it has also led the Royal Life Saving Society UK issuing a warning to parents about the dangers that could lead to drownings.

Earlier this month, a teenage British water sports instructor died after using a mermaid-style monofin and snorkel at an exclusive beach resort in Greece.

Harry Byatt, 19, was found at a depth of about 30 metres on the seabed on August 6.

RLSS UK say the mermaid tails should only be used in organised classes run by qualified professionals.

It has teamed up with Fin2Fit, which offers mermaid and shark tail swimming exercise classes for children, to ensure their safe use.

Mike Dunn, of RLSS UK, said: “These activities must be done in a safe and approved environment. We are conscious that there have been a number of incidents caused through improper use of mono-fins and mermaid tails.

“Videos of these incidents, which often occur in back garden and home pools, circulate on social media.

“Consequently, RLSS UK strongly recommends to all parents, that the safest way for children to enjoy and benefit from this new activity is through participation in professionally organised classes, which are delivered by qualified instructors, who are affiliated to a reputable mermaid or mono-fin swimming organisation.”

Neil Almond, who attested as a Special in October 2015, heard the case against him made at Northampton Crown this morning.

Almond is alleged to have carried out the offences on various dates during a 10-year period between November 2005 and December 2015.

The 40-year-old from the south of Northamptonshire faces two charges of rape and two sexual assaults against adults.

He also faces four counts of sex attacks against children.

Appearing in court this morning, Almond spoke to confirm his name and address.

In her opening remarks to the jury, prosecutor Victoria Rose said: "At the end of this trial you will have to decide on the facts of this case.

"You will be required to return verdicts.

"In order to return verdicts of guilty in respect of all or some of the offences, you will have to be satisfied you are sure."

Almond is currently suspended from duty.

The trial is expected to last a week.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

JULY 8:

Kieran Brodie, aged 23, of Park Corner, Northampton, created a fake Facebook account in breach of a sexual offences prevention order; pleaded guilty, send to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

JULY 10:

James Leeming, age 33, of Campbell Close, Towcester, recorded another person doing a private act without their consent; pleaded guilty, committed to Northampton Crown Court for sentence. Indecent photographs of children; pleaded guilty, sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

Asher Gayle, aged 37, of Mounts Court, Lumbertubs, Northampton, assault; jailed for six weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £100 and costs of £770. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence for breach of a court order; no adjudication, dealt with original offence as folows – failed to provide a breath test; jailed for two weeks. Breach of a court order; jailed for 12 weeks. Stole alcohol and aftershave worth £106 from Tesco; jailed for one week. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks. Stole a handbag worth £169.99 belonging to TK Maxx; jailed for one week. Stoke three jackets worth £189.97 belonging to TK Maxxl jailed for one week. Resisted arrest; jailed for one week. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks. Overall length of sentence, 22 weeks (some sentences were concurrent).

Alexandru Frunzeanu, aged 27, of Baker Street, Northampton, driving while disqualified; jailed for 12 weeks suspended for 24 months, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 24 months. No insurance; no separate penalty.

Marius Covargic, aged 28, of St Pauls Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 83mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Jackson Kepe, aged 18, of Bridgewater Drive, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 57mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Denny Shury, aged 26, of Drywell Court, Standens Barn, Northampton, drunk and disorderly in a public place; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Stephen Sibley, aged 48, of Berkley House, Horse Market, Northampton, threatening behaviour; fined £150, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Adam Ticehurst, aged 24, of Gedling Close, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 75mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £280, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Jack Daniels, aged 47, of Latymer Close, Northampton, had a kitchen knife in a public place without good reason; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85.

JULY 11

Alan Smith-White, aged 42, of Canterbury Court, Northampton, stole various items of jewellery worth £591 belonging to Nolans Jewellers; jailed for four weeks.

Peter Crowther, aged 45, of Church Way, Grendon, failed to pay a parking ticket in Suffolk; fined £80, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £90.

JULY 12

Ion Boeta, aged 40, of Clickers Drive, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 69mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £350, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £35 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Lianne Bright, aged 24, c/o Hazelwood Road, Northampton, stole three bottles of fragrance worth £53.69 belonging to Boots the Chemist; fined £40, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85. Commission of a further offence while on a conditional discharge for being drunk and disorderly; no action taken on breach.

Thomas Coates, aged 29, of Newton Road, Northampton, assault; jailed for 10 weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £150 and costs of £85.

Kieran Durrant, aged 19, of Lasham Court, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 74mcgs in 100mls of breath; fined £210, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 19 months.

JULY 13

Anthony Freel, aged 37, of no fixed abode, stole alcohol and household items from the Co-Op; conditional discharge for two years, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £20, compensation of £40 and costs of £85.

Callum Gorden, aged 26, of no fixed abode, carried in a car knowing it had been stolen and no insurance; pleaded guilty and committed to Crown Court for sentence. Possession of a bank card for use in fraud; jailed for six weeks. Similar charge; jailed for six weeks consecutive, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and compensation of £17.40.

Richard Hefford, aged 31, of no fixed abode, no insurance, driving not in accordance with a licence, failed to stop when asked by a police officer, dangerous driving; pleaded guilty, sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

James Broadfoot, aged 44, of no fixed abode, used threatening or abusive words of behaviour; jailed for 24 weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £100 and costs of £100.

Rachel Campion, aged 37, of Louise Road, Northampton, failed to notify authorities in relation to Housing Benefit changes; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

JULY 14

Coye Franklin, aged 24, of Moorfield Square, Northampton, no insurance; fined £314, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £31 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; ined £100.

Kinga Krol, aged 34, of St Michaels Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85. No insurance; fined £120. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. Driving while using a mobile phone; fined £120.

Martin Smith, aegd 29, of Daneholme Close, Daventry, not wearing a seat belt; fined £85, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30.

Luke Isom, aged 20, of Admirals Way, Daventry, failed to comply with a community order; fined £40 and ordered to pay £60 costs.

JULY 15

Oliver Love, aged 27, of Castle Avenue, Northampton, breach of a court order; jailed for four weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £85. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence for assault; jailed for eight weeks consecutive.

JULY 17

Mitchell Kahan, aged 27, of St Crispin Drive, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Colin Whitlock, aged 58, of Church Street, Helmdon, five charges relating to indecent images of children; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Brian Hepburn, aged 38, of Home Close, Towcester, failed to notify the authorities of changes relating to Housing Benefit; community order made to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85.

Lisa McDonald, aged 34, of Hinton Road, Northampton, stole perfume worth £299 belonging to B&M Retail; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85. Wifully obstructed PC Lobb; community order made. Stole meat worth £33.59 belonging to Waitrose; community order.

Jamie Allen, aged 19, of Campbell Street, Northampton, stole a motor vehicle; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £300. Stole a pedal bike; fined £100, ordered to pay compensation of £100 and fined £50. Failed to comply with a community order; fined £100.

Grzegorz Marcinek, aged 27, of no fixed abode, stole moisturising cream worth £73 belonging to Boots; jailed for five weeks consecutive, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £73 and costs of £85. Possession of a class B drug; jailed for five weeks concurrent.

Lee Sherlock, aged 41, of Scafell Rise, Northampton, handling stolen goods; jailed for eight weeks. Possession on a prescription in relation to fraud; jailed for eight weeks concurrent. Stole an ID card; jailed for eight weeks concurrent. Broke into the staff room at Lloyds Pharmacy; jailed for 12 weeks, ordered to pay compensation of £60.

Sarah Fitchew, aged 25, of Artizan Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 90mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £140, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £35, banned from driving for 23 months.

Anthony Fitzgerald, aged 56, of no fixed abode, breach of conditions under the Sexual Offences Act 2003; jailed for six weeks suspended for 24 months, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £45. Failed to comply with a community order issued after breach of conditions under the Sexual Offences Act 2003; jailed for six weeks consecutive suspended, ordered to pay costs of £30.

Lukas Karpinskas, aged 23, of Lordore Gardens, Northampton, drink-driving with

a breath test reading of 49mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £285, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 38 months.

New research from independent job board, CV-Library, has found that one third (36.8 per cent) of workplaces in the UK have ridiculous rules in place, with one in five (22.5 per cent) workers stating that they feel they can’t be trusted as a result.

The study, which asked 1,000 UK workers whether their employer had any silly or unnecessary rules in place, found that over half (57.2 per cent) of workers will disobey any rules they deem as ‘silly’.

Interestingly, the most ridiculous rules fell into the following five categories:

Toilet troubles: Many respondents reported that they either had a strict time frame in which to go to the toilet (three minutes), had to ask to use the toilet facilities, and were even searched before going to the toilet.

Dress code dilemmas

Some respondents reported that they had to wear particular coloured clothes to match the business, women weren’t allowed to wear trousers, and one individual even said that they were sent home for not dressing down.

Silent treatment

Some employees stated that they weren’t allowed to talk out loud apart from when in the staff room, while others said that they weren’t allowed to say hello to a customer, only ‘good morning’, or ‘good afternoon’.

Timekeeping

If you’re two minutes late in one business you’ll have your pay docked by 15 minutes, and in another you aren’t allowed to travel further than 20 metres away from the building at lunch in case you’re late back!

Beverage blunders

Some workplaces won’t allow their staff to drink water, while another will not let workers carry drinks up and down the stairs.

What’s more, one company won’t even let employees have drinks on their desk in case they get spilled.

“Every workplace needs rules to have – otherwise you would simply never get things done,” says Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library.

“That said, it’s clear that many of the rules highlighted in our research are just ridiculous.

“Employees want to feel trusted and while one workplace can differ massively to another, you have to treat your staff like adults – especially when it comes to being allowed to drink water and going to the toilet!”

The research also revealed that the cities which were most likely to have ridiculous rules in place included Glasgow (71.4 per cent), Cardiff (57.1 per cent), Sheffield (46.2 per cent), Birmingham (38.2 per cent) and London (37.1 per cent).