Discount pub chain JD Wetherspoon has issued a statement after a Twitter account announced that staff would be not be wearing poppies ‘due to expanding multiculturalism’.

The parody account Wetherspoon_UK tweeted: “Due to the ever expanding multiculturalism of our clientele and employees this year our staff will not be wearing the poppy while working.”

But the real J D Wetherspoon account has now announced that the tweets from the parody account are not true.

The pub chain’s statement said: “Yet again, the spoof Wetherspoon Twitter account @Wetherspoon_UK has crossed the line with its distasteful and insensitive tweet about the wearing of poppies.

“J D Wetherspoon is in no way connected with this Twitter account and neither shares nor condones its posts.

“In our opinion, although the unofficial spoof account is stated to be a parody account, tweets like this are simply not funny. #Digitaltrolls” Staff and customers will be able to wear poppies freely in all Wetherspoon pubs.

After the incident went viral, the parody account posted a mocking video showing all the notifications the tweets have resulted in.

Japanese ‘dude food’, Indian tapas and plant protein look set to become the big dishes of 2018 according to a new report.

The 2018 food trends, forecasted by the Waitrose Food and Drink Report 2017-2018, has revealed shoppers’ changing attitudes to eating and shopping.

The supermarket predicts tapas style Indian street food like smoked, grilled or seared delicacies, scallops or pickled ginger, are set to become in vogue for adventurous diners, alongside hearty, indulgent, ‘dude food’ from Japan like yakitori skewered chicken and deep fried tofu in broth.

The report also predicts that plant protein is set to become a must-eat for dieters who will favour plant based proteins like pulses, shoots, grains and seeds for a healthy protein hit.

‘Everyone’s lives are busier than ever’

The report also revealed that as a result of longer, busier days people will gradually increase their intake to four meals a day. This could include a pre-gym salad or a larger mid-afternoon snack.

Jane Orchard, Manager of Waitrose Store Innovation said: ​“​In these few years we’ve seen a marked shift in grocery shopping behaviour. Everyone’s lives are busier than ever. And this coupled with more convenient ways to buy food - especially technological developments - mean people don’t need to plan in advance.”

Waitrose has also predicted that food shopping habits will make a seismic shift with supermarkets becoming a more experiential retail space and the likes of wine bars and supper clubs becoming more popular.

Orchard added: “We’ve all become very used to buying our lunch outside the home. But we’re now seeing that as well as lunch, many shoppers might just as soon stop for a quick, informal dinner out as nip to the supermarket after work. So retailers need to respond to this demand with tempting options that stand out.”

They say remember, remember the 5th of November but it is a time of year your pets won’t forget in a hurry.

Every year eight million pets suffer in the UK because of fireworks and although Guy Fawkes might be a lot of fun for spectators, for our dogs cats and other beloved animals it can be a painful and frightening time.

For many Christmas loving Brits it’s time to start considering when the Christmas decorations will go up, but when is the correct time to start the festivities?

Here’s everything you need to know about turning your home into a winter wonderland this December (or November).

When did Christmas decorations go up in the past?

Historically, Christmas decorations weren’t put up until much later in December. For example the Victorian period would see decorations come out no earlier than the 22nd or 23rd December -- any earlier was thought of as bad luck. The Roman Catholics also traditionally aimed to avoid any bad luck by waiting until Christmas Eve to decorate their homes.

When do other countries put their decorations up?

The First Sunday of Advent in the Christian Church falls on the 3rd December (ends on 24th) this year and like the Norwegians and the Swedes, is seen by some as the right time to get the festivities started.

The USA is also eager to get the Christmas party started and many American families get their tree and decorations up as early as the fourth Thursday of November -- a week before Thanksgiving.

Australians are also keen to get their decorations up early as Christmas trees are normally put up on 01 December.

But not every country is in such a rush to get the decorations up. German households often don’t put up their trees and decorations until Christmas Eve which means fewer brown needles to clean up.

When is the right date to put up the decorations?

Because of commercialisation Christmas decorations are going up earlier and earlier every year in the UK. Historical traditions are now commonly thrown out the window and the festivities tend to begin whenever each household decides to, so you can decide when to turn your home into a Santa’s Grotto.

So when should I buy a tree?

Buying your tree too early will result in the tree’s needles dropping before you’ve even had a glass of mulled wine, so follow the advice of The British Christmas Tree Grower’s Association who recommend buying a tree from 01 December onwards, however, a good compromise is buying a tree 12 days before Christmas to keep it looking fresh.

If your family are self-confessed big spenders, the BBC is looking for contestants to enter Shop Well For Less which teaches households how to become savvier shoppers.

Produced by RDF Television, the prime time BBC One show presented by Steph McGovern and Alex Jones, is now in its third series of helping families save cash.

The show is seeking outgoing families who want to learn how to save cash on everything from toiletries to gadgets.

The Shop Well For Less entry description said: “We’re on a mission to help families, couples or households change the way they shop without changing their lifestyle.”

“This prime-time series focuses on all household spending other than food, such as clothes, cleaning products, cars, gardens, pets, toiletries, furnishings and gadgets etc.”

Interested families should email shopwell@rdftelevision.com or call 0117 970 7670 to enter.

Applicants must be 18 years and over and the closing date for entries is Friday 1st December.

If you use this brand or know someone who does take note.

Benefit Cosmetics has voluntarily recalled their Gimme Brow product after discovering that recent batches did not meet the manufacturer’s quality standards.

Describing the decision to voluntarily recall the gel “out of an abundance of caution”, the company say that there’s no risk if applied under “normal usage”.

However, if it comes into contact with the eyes, it could lead to eye irritation.

The manufacturer have recommended that customers stop using the product, and return it to the place of purchase.

Any further customer queries can be directed to the company by email: GimmeBrowInfo@benefitcosmetics.com, or by phone on 0800 086 8204

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

SEPTEMBER 8

Steven Newton, aged 58, of Greenwood Road, Northampton, breach of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85.

SEPTEMBER 11

Rami Mnymneh, aged 20, of Ash Rise, Northampton, assault; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Alexander Docherty, aged 25, of Warwick Street, Daventry, stole alcohol worth £29.97 belonging to Maple Leafe Garage; jailed for 12 weeks suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay costs of £70. Assault; jailed for 12 weeks concurrent suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay compensation of £130. Used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards two police officers; jailed for 12 weeks suspended for 12 months.

Mariusz Nowak, aged 35, of Paddock Mill Court, Northampton, failed to notify authorities of changes relating to housing benefit; community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge of £60 and costs of £85.

Hayley Ranger, aged 21, of Quernstone Lane, Northampton, no vehicle insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty.

Luke Flynn, aged 36, of Danesholme Close, Daventry, failed to comply with a community order; suspended sentence imposed as 42 days suspended for 12 months.

Deiniol Rednall, aged 28, of Alliston Gardens, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; jailed for two weeks consecutive; fined £140, ordered to pay compensation of £50, a surcharge of £115 and costs of £85. Assaulted a police officer; jailed for four weeks, ordered to pay compensation of £50. Possession of cannabis no separate penalty. Used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £140.

Matthew Eady, aged 32, c/o Chalcombe Road, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, failed to comply with a supervision order; fined £40 and ordered to pay costs of £60.

Oliver Hoolihan, aged 33, of St Michael’s Road, Northampton, stole a BMW car; jailed for 10 weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge of £115. Drink-driving with a breath test reading of 43mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; jailed for four weeks concurrent, banned from driving for 40 months. No insurance; no separate penalty. Driving while banned; jailed for 20 weeks concurrent, banned from driving for 40 months. Stole bank cards; jailed for four weeks concurrent.

Daniel Arbiter, aged 29, of Woodstock, Billing Road, Northampton, possession of cannabis; conditional discharge for two years, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20, costs of £85.

Charlie Farrell, aged 19, of The Croft, Brixworth, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 74mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £250, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Fiodor Ipati, aged 38, of Windsor Crescent, Northampton, failed to provide a breath test; fined £200, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 16 months.

Oleg Novikov, aged 37, of East Park Parade, Northampton, possession of cannabis; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Kamal Stephenson, aged 24, of Upland Road, Northampton, drug-driving; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Max Warren, aged 21, of Sywell Road, Overstone, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 84mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £250, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Sean Maguire, aged 47, of Richmond Road, Towcester, failed to provide a breath test; jailed for 16 weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay a surchage of £115 and costs of £85, banned from driving for three years.

SEPTEMBER 13

Bradley Croshaw, aged 24, of The Briars, Briar Hill, Northampton, damaged numerous household items; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85.

Michael McKendry, aged 55, of no fixed abode, assault; community order made to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, pay compensation of £150, a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85. Damaged an iphone 6; community order made to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay compensation of £100.

Todd McKenzie, aged 20, of King Street, Earls Barton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 63mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £266, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Kane Smith, aged 23, of Betjamin Court, Brookfield Road, Northampton, possession of cannabis; fined £43, pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Michael Shelton, aged 27, of Queens Road, Northampton, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; community order made to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85. Obstructed a police officer; community order made to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work.

James Stedman, aged 18, of Palmerston Road, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour at Northampton General Hospital; community order made to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work, pay a surcharge of £85, and costs of £85.

SEPTEMBER 14

Mark Powell, aged 24, of Grafton Street, Northampton, damaged the door of a police car; jailed for two weeks consecutive, ordered to pay compensation of £200, a surcharge of £115 and costs of £135. Drunk and disorderly at Street Record; no separate penalty. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks consecutive. Failed to comply with a supervision order; no separate penalty, ordered to pay costs of £60. Failed to comply with a community order; no adjudication, dealt with original offence as follows. Breach of a court order; suspended sentence of 10 weeks suspended for 24 months imposed.

Lee Robins, aged 36, of Billing Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; order varied, ordered to pay costs of £60.

Jamie Cooke, aged 32, c/o Queens Road, Northampton, asked a plain clothes police officer for money in breach of a criminal behaviour order; jailed for six weeks concurrent. Two similar offences; jailed for six weeks concurrent. Begged for money in a menacing manner; jailed for six weeks concurrent, ordered to pay a surcharge of £115 and costs of £85. Requested money from a member of public and became abusive; jailed for six weeks concurrent. Possession of a class A dug; no separate penalty.

Isaac Sweeney, aged 37, of no fixed abode, stole alcohol worth £100 belonging to Waitrose; jailed for 12 weeks concurrent, ordered to pay compensation of £100. Stole seven walkie talkie sets worth £230.93 belonging to Smyths Toys Superstore; jailed for 12 weeks concurrent, ordered to pay compensation of £230.93, a surcharge of £115 and costs of £85.

SEPTEMBER 15

Ian Bage, aged 31, of Dunster Street, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £440, ordered to pay a surcharge of £44 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Herbert Blencowe, aged 75, of Halse Road, Brackley, failed to stop at an accident; fined £110, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with seven points. Failed to report an accident to a police officer; no separate penalty.

Noella Mankenda, aged 27, of Stanhope Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £350, ordered to pay a surcharge of £35 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Andrei Turca, aged 30, of Great Gull Crescent, Northampton, no insurance; fined £270, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85. No test certificate; fined £90.

Jamie Deer, aged 39, of Victoria Road, Cogenhoe, no insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220.

William McKeogh, aged 32, of Sunderland Street, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, ordered to pay costs of £85. No insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66, banned from driving for six months.

Mohamed Moghrabi, aged 50, of Kent Crescent, Northampton, driving at 58mph in a 50mph zone; fined £117 and ordered to pay costs of £85.

SEPTEMBER 16

Nicholas Jordan, aged 43, of no fixed abode, damaged a window, mattress and crockery at a hostel; jailed for four weeks, ordered to pay compensation of £100, a surcharge of £115. Used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; fined £120.

SEPTEMBER 18

Alexandru Tudorache, aged 29, of Whitworth Road, Northampton, attempted to steal a mobile phone; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Paul Parker, aged 26, of The Briars, Northampton, entered a building with intent to steal; community order made to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £310. Commission of a further offence while on a conditional discharge order for theft; no adjudication, dealt with original offence, fined £350.

Steven Sherlock, aged 30, of North Western Avenue, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, entered a building with intent to steal; community order made to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £310. Had an item in connection with theft; community order made to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work.

The Minister of State for School Standards has written to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Aston le Walls to congratulate the school, staff and pupils in their outstanding achievement in the 2017 phonics screening check.

The Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP was impressed with 100% of pupils at St Mary’s Catholic School reaching or exceeding the pass mark the school is in the top 3% of all primary schools in the country.

Judith Hammond bursar at the school, said: “Early fluency in decoding is the first step in acquiring the key skill of reading.

“There is a substantial body of evidence demonstrating that systematic phonics is the most effective method for teaching children to read.

“The success in teaching phonics means the pupils are developing a firm foundation in reading, from which they can become increasingly fluent and develop a lifelong love of reading.”

An open event takes place afternoon on November 23.

This year’s Annual Awards, sponsored by the University of Northampton and Rathbones Investment, will be held in Northampton’s Derngate theatre for the first time on Tuesday November 14. The ceremony will see groups from across Northamptonshire including Kettering, Wellingborough, Daventry and Northampton all contending for awards.

All nominated groups received funding from the county’s independent grant giving charity, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, in 2016-17, funding which enabled the projects to develop and thrive.

The variety in groups nominated for awards in the foundation’s categories reflects the outstanding diversity in the grants awarded by Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

Victoria Miles, chief Executive of the foundation, said: "Our annual awards evening has become a much anticipated celebratory event in the county calendar and one that we all very much look forward to in recognising the outstanding successes of our unsung heroes."

In addition to the categories and nominees listed there will be awards made on the evening to recognise outstanding contribution to the community with the High Sheriff Initiative Award and the Lady Juliet Townsend Award.

Awards will also be given to the winners of our Capture your Community photography competition, highlighting and celebrating community life in Northamptonshire.

Strictly Come Dancing fans foxtrotted to Fawsley Hall on Friday night to help raise funds for a poorly little boy from Newnham.

People hit the dance floor on Friday night in a bid to win Northamptonshire’s very own version of the famous Glitter Ball Trophy.

The amateur dancers strutted their stuff in front of former Strictly professional, Robin Windsor.

Louise Knighton and Steve Holland, dancing to Gangnam Style, were the winners.

Hayley Charlesworth, Harry’s mum, said: “Every one of the dancers put on an incredible performance to raise funds for little Harry and we are very grateful.

“Massive congratulations to Louise and Steve for their amazing performance to Gangnam Style.

“We would also like to send our thanks to brilliant team at Fawsley Hall, as well as the wonderful Robin Windsor, who gave up his time to be head judge.”

Harry suffered severe brain damage following a series of strokes prior to his birth in March 2015.

He has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and it is likely his health will deteriorate as he grows and his life expectancy is limited.

The Helping Harry Trust was launched in September 2016 to help contribute towards Harry’s ongoing care, including specialist equipment and extensive physiotherapy.

In order to raise vital funds nine couples each danced in front of a live audience, before being marked out of 10 by four judges, led by Mr Windsor.

Harry’s nan, Julie, said: “The community has really taken Harry to their hearts and we were thrilled to host this event to raise vital funds for Harry’s ongoing care.” The event raised arond £5,000 for Harry’s ongoing care.

Daventry Museum is seeking objects for its next sport and leisure-themed exhibition.

From January 13 to April 27 new displays will showcase Daventry's hobbies and sports of the past to present, from football to fishing, skating to swimming, and gardening to golf.

Alongside its own collection of items, Daventry Museum is also calling for the public to share its objects, archives and memories of sports teams or clubs from the area.

The museum would also like to welcome anyone who wants to be involved in one of its Saturday open days by way of sport or hobby demonstrations or to showcase your club.

Contact the museum on 01327 301246 for more information, or via email (museum@daventrytowncouncil.gov.uk) or post (Town Council, 3 New Street, Daventry, NN11 4BT).

A Daventry publican and mother-of-two is being evicted from her pub after four years because she can no longer afford to run it in light of rising beer and rent prices.

As a result, 42-year-old Alison Granfield was forced to apply for a place on Daventry District Council's homeless list, but five days after finding out her application was successful the council told her it had been revoked.

Mrs Granfield notified pub company Enterprise Inns in June that she would be quitting as the publican of The Peppermill on Westerburg Square, Daventry because rising beer prices and increases to her rent meant she could no longer compete with other pubs.

She had managed to keep The Peppermill open for four years but was forced to shut it in August this year and she even had to use some of her savings to pay her bills because of the money she was losing by running the pub.

She had organised a Macmillan fundraiser at the pub but was forced to cancel because she could not buy enough beer.

“I just had to stop trading. I had one member of staff and it was either pay her wages or buy a barrel of beer," she said.

Well over a dozen pubs owned by Enterprise Inns alone have closed in Northamptonshire over the past seven years.

Last week Mrs Granfield was in court receiving a repossession order and is now awaiting written confirmation of the date she must vacate the premises.

Anticipating this would happen, Mrs Granfield applied to be put on the Daventry District Council homeless list so that she could find a new home for herself, her husband and her two sons, aged seven and 17, one of which has ADHD and ODD.

The housing options officer who assessed her case left her job on Friday, October 27 - the same day Mrs Granfield received confirmation in writing (pictured) that her application to be put on the homeless list was successful.

The assessment took a month and required Mrs Granfield to supply various paperwork to the council to prove her eligibility.

“She gave me a hug and told me everything would be all OK," said Mrs Granfield.

"She finished at 12 o’clock, I went and got the letter at quarter to 12."

Mrs Granfield thought she could now start bidding for accommodation by logging onto the online portal using her reference number, but she was unable to access it because she was yet to receive the activation code from the council.

On Wednesday, November 1 she phoned the council to say she couldn't log on to the bidding site.

"When someone rang me back from the council they said: 'You’re not getting anywhere, I wouldn’t have come to that decision and you’re not going to be housed,'" said Mrs Granfield, suggesting someone had re-evaluated her application at some point between October 27 and November 1.

“I was born in Daventry, I’ve lived here all my life, I’ve paid my taxes.

“I’ve been put on the homeless list on the Friday and then by Wednesday I'm told I’m not on it anymore.”

She added: “What’s the point in having a homeless list if you’re not actually going to house anyone that’s homeless?”

Mrs Granfield hopes to get out of the pub and into a new house before the bailiffs throw her children out on the street.

If she is evicted before finding council housing, her and her family will have nowhere to go.

"My seven-year-old keeps asking where we’re moving to because half of the furniture's gone and there are boxes everywhere," she said.

"I can't really say, can I?"

Police have issued a warning about a new scam currently doing the rounds on WhatsApp involving ‘money off vouchers’.

he scam appears to offer users a money off voucher sent from a trusted contact - but DO NOT open the links:

Byfield Medical Practice hopes to develop the 10.5acre site, adjacent to the existing out-of-date medical centre off Church Street.

The Byfield Surgery - as it was known when constructed 36 years ago - served some 4,500 patients. But now, the medical practice has around 9,000 patients drawn from some 41 villages and hamlets over 150 square miles across Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire.

“Our doctors have decided that we will now have to apply to close our lists to new patients, as we are beyond saturation point," said practice manager Tracey Rymer.

"Moreover, due to cramped working conditions, we are unlikely to be able to recruit suitable new staff.”

The medical centre is the largest employer in Byfield, but the facilities are inadequate due to lack of space.

The new proposed centre would be able to offer further employment and provide both existing and new patients with up-to-date medical facilities.

Doctor Adam Bone, senior partner, said: “General practice is going through a tough time at the moment and in order to survive we need to offer the best environment to both patients and the staff we hope to bring to work in Byfield; this means a new state-of-the-art medical centre that allows a full range of medical and allied professions to work together under one roof.

"As for myself, I have spent the last four years trying to get this project together so that when I leave Byfield Medical Centre it is in the best possible state to keep looking after its growing patient list.

"If this does not come off I fear that staff will drift away to villages and towns with better working conditions and the service that is generally applauded locally will disappear forever.”

The proposal's design and access statement details a survey of the village residents which revealed overwhelmingly that they would be prepared to support a planning application for a new residential development on this scale if it was able to deliver a new medical centre.

The results of the survey were: 331 responses received, 304 for and 27 against. Additionally, a village consultation event was held at Byfield Village hall which also showed significant support for the proposals.

The construction of a new medical centre is dependent on funds being provided from the proceeds of the residential development, which means the new housing is a vital element to the scheme.

To assist in this process, the landowner has undertaken to gift approximately 0.4112 hectares of land and additionally make a financial contribution of £1.25m towards the construction of the medical centre.

No funds for the new medical centre will be forthcoming from NHS or public funds. The NHS policy is to create “Super Practices” in towns and cities, rather than in rural areas.

Dr Bone has been with the practice for 20 years and announced his retirement recently.

Members of the public are invited to join the service on Sunday, November 12 at the War Memorial on Abbey Street, Daventry, which starts at 10:50am.

The service will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women.

Daventry Town Council is coordinating the event and no tickets or passes are needed to attend. The public are welcome to watch the ceremony from the pavements or to follow the parade.

Schedule:
10:30 Parade to depart from St James Infant School
10:50 Parade to arrive at War Memorial
10:55 Hymn and Prayer – Daventry Brass Band
Last Post – Daventry Brass Band
11:00 Act of Remembrance - 2 Minutes Silence
11:02 Reveille – Daventry Brass Band

The roll call will be read by the head boy and girl from Parker Academy and Danetre Southbrook Learning Village.

After the ceremony, everybody is invited to attend the service in Holy Cross Church, which will start at approximately 11.30am.

On Saturday, November 11 all are welcome to come and share the traditional two-minute silence and short service to commemorate Armistice Day mustering from 10:45am at the Gazebo, located at the top of Sheaf Street.

Daventry District residents have until the end of the month to take advantage of the cheap gas and electricity tariffs secured by an energy switching scheme.

The Big Switch scheme is a joint effort between Daventry District Council and its switching partner iChoosr to use collective purchasing power to secure better energy deals for residents.

Everyone who registers for the scheme is entered into a collective, with energy companies then invited to bid for their custom in an auction.

Because the auction is an opportunity for energy companies to secure thousands of customers in one go, the deals they offer in a bid to win that auction are often better than those advertised to the general public.

The autumn auction took place in October, but iChoosr decided to keep the registration process open, to give as many people as possible an opportunity to take advantage of the cheap tariffs secured.

People have until 5pm on Tuesday, 28 November to register for the autumn scheme online or over the phone on 01327 871100.

Registration is quick and easy, with just an annual energy bill or evidence of annual energy usage required to complete the process. There is no obligation to switch and no fees or charges involved whether people decide to switch or not.

Councillor Jo Gilford, environment portfolio holder at Daventry District Council, said: “Since we launched the scheme in December 2014, it has helped over 900 households in our district switch to cheaper energy tariffs, making an average saving of £232 on their bills.

“Switching energy suppliers can be daunting, but this makes it easy, so I would encourage residents to register and find out more – it takes just five minutes, and there’s no obligation to switch at the end of the process, so you have nothing to lose by signing up.”

People are invited to discover the benefits of a scheme which aims to help reduce social isolation and loneliness.

Daventry District Council has been working with Northamptonshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) to develop Good Neighbours Schemes across the district.

Coordinators have now been established in Moulton and Crick, where they are on hand to provide day-to-day support for older residents, either through befriending or arranging help with household chores or transport.

Councillor Alan Hills, portfolio holder for community, culture and leisure, said: “The Good Neighbours Scheme is very well established in Moulton, and we’ve also been pleased to support volunteers in Crick to launch their own scheme recently.

“Both schemes have had a positive impact on the lives of older people living in those parishes, so we’re really keen to see this spread right across our district.

"I would urge groups to get along to this event if they can and find out about the wide range of support, guidance and funding we have available to those who are interested in starting a Good Neighbours Scheme.”

The Moulton branch was set up earlier this year in June where it is coordinated by Mary-Jane Brown, a community connector who works alongside Moulton Parish Council and Moulton Surgery to improve health and wellbeing in the village and its surrounding area.

Their volunteers gave between two and six hours per month to help establish the scheme and run events, and have begun offering befriending and other services.

Speaking in June, Mary-Jane said: “The Moulton Good Neighbour Scheme has a growing group of enthusiastic volunteers who are keen to befriend isolated people in our area and help out at Health & Wellbeing events in the new Community Centre.

“From serving refreshments, meeting and greeting to taking photographs and setting up sound equipment, each volunteer has different skills to offer and we work very well as a team. The scheme has strengthened ties and built up a stronger sense of community.”

People from across Northamptonshire who are interested in bringing the scheme to their community are invited to find out more at a free event at Moulton Community Centre on Tuesday, November 21.

The event, which runs from 11.30am to 3.30pm and includes a free lunch, is a chance to hear from volunteers running successful schemes in their communities.

Attendees can also find out more about the range of support that is available for groups wishing to set up a Good Neighbours Scheme in Northamptonshire.

Places are free but must be booked in advance by phoning Rebecca Breakwell at Northamptonshire Acre on 01604 825884.

A major paedophile sting across the county this week has seen a 48-year-old from Daventry man arrested on suspicion of exploiting children online and his electronic devices seized.

Officers from the force’s POLIT (Paedophile Online Investigation Unit) have carried out warrants across the county this week in what Northamptonshire Police has called a "concerted week of activity".

Those arrested have all been released under investigation as forensic examination of their electronic devices continues.

They are a 45-year-old from Wellingborough, a 37-year-old from Higham Ferrers, a 50-year-old from Northampton, a 70-year-old from Irthlingborough, a 59-year-old from Desborough and a 48-year-old from Daventry.

The cases are not believed to be connected.

Detective Inspector Andy Rogers, who heads up the POLIT team, said: “Making and sharing indecent images of children is an extremely serious offence and the force has increased resources into bringing to justice those who choose to exploit children in this way.

"We use the latest, highly sophisticated digital investigative techniques to track down those who engage in this type of activity and anybody who does should expect a knock at the door from one of my officers carrying a warrant for their arrest.

“Along with our partners, we work tirelessly to safeguard and protect children. Policing this despicable crime is a priority for Northamptonshire Police and is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

“Anybody with any concerns about the safety of a child or with suspicions about somebody’s online activity should call 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

Brave Daventry schoolgirl Scarlett Powell is having 11 inches of her beautiful hair cut off to help others.

She is donating her locks to the Little Princess Trust who make wigs for children with cancer.

Scarlett, 11, loves her long hair, but wanted to do something to help others.

The cut takes place next Monday.

Scarlett said: “I’m not nervous at all.

“I decided to have my hair cut and thought it would be good to help others in the process. I also want to fundraise for the Little Princess Trust and aim to raise as much money as I can.”

Her mum, Karen, said she is really proud of her daughter.

“I’m very proud that she decided to chop 11 inches off and donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust. Scarlett is also raising money for the charity too.

“It’s at Medusa Touch in Daventry on Monday, November 20, at 4pm and we are appealing for donations. If you could spare any money to help her fundraising for Little Princess Trust, we would would be very grateful.”

Staff at Medusa Touch salon are supporting the fundraiser by doing the cut for free.

For more information or to make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/scarlett-powell

Donations can also be dropped in at Medusa Touch, Unit 9, Abbey Retail Park, South Way.

The Little Princess Trust was launched in 2006 by the parents of the late Hannah Tarplee, along with help from friends and from Hannah’s school.

Luke Turnock, from High Street, Weedon, pleaded not guilty to rape at Northampton Magistrates' Court yesterday (November 9).

He was released on bail and will appear in Northampton Crown Court on December 8.

Until then, he is banned from visiting parts of St James and also the River Nene under his bail conditions.