Any music fan will be aware of how vinyl records have become strangely fashionable again, with the retro format enjoying a resurgence as an alternative mp3 downloads and streaming.

But now it seems that its counterpart, the cassette, may been enjoying a similar resurgence.

According to Official Charts Company data, the humble tape is the fastest-growing format in the UK at the moment.

Sales of cassette albums have doubled in the space of a year - up 112% compared to 2016, thanks in part to big name acts like Jay Z , Royal Blood and Lana Del Rey releasing limited runs as a collector’s item for fans.

The biggest seller so far has been the soundtrack to Guardians of the Galaxy - ‘Awesone Mix vol. 1’ - the retro collection featuring tracks such as ELO’s ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ and Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’. It has also sold more than 70,000 copies on vinyl.

More than 80 albums have been released on cassette already this year, leading to over 20,000 sales to date.

That’s the highest annual total since 2006, bucking a trend which saw an all-time low (of less than 4,000 units sold) in 2012.

The best-selling non-compilation cassette so far this year is Kasabian’s album For Crying Out Loud, with 1,026 sales to date. It’s a small but not insignificant figure, given its limited run and exclusive availability on the band’s official website.

“That’s the best thing I’ve ever heard,” Serge Pizzorno told OfficialCharts.com, adding: “It’s about fan loyalty, I think. It’s about having a physical object. One of your favourite bands has put out an album and you want it on a different format that you can hold in your hands. It’s nice to see the sleeve and the artwork in a different way as well.”

Other releases whose cassette versions re selling well include albums by Enter Shikari, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Arcade Fire, Gary Numan and Blondie.

However, cassettes will have some way to go before they get back to their status as top-selling format, 27 years ago - long before CDs, and the internet, had taken hold. Still, with vinyl’s rebirth, and with Christmas coming up, who knows?

Next have recalled a pair of children’s coats following the discovery that they could present a choking hazard.

The company say that despite “rigorous checking” taking place, a problem has come to light where buttons may become detached, presenting a choking hazard for young children.

The two items concerned are Navy Hooded Coat (with item code: 182560), and a Grey / Pink Fur Collar Coat (code: 191228).

A company spokesperson said: “We have identified that the bulk production has not achieved the same high standard consistently.

“We’ve taken the decision of recalling it and request that you return the coat to us for a full refund.”

Anyone who has purchased either item can call 0333 777 8185 to arrange a collection, or they can return the coat to their local store. Cutstomers who have given either coat as a gift should ask the recipient to contact Next.

Next added: “We’re very sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience caused, but we hope you’ll understand that customer safety is our highest priority.”

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

OCTOBER 11:

Roxanne Gosiewski, aged 31, of Lawrence Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £220, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

Lucy Robinson, aged 22, of Upper Thrift Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £440, ordered to pay a surcharge of £44 and licence endorsed with six points. Driving without due care and attention; fined £293, ordered to pay costs of £85.

David Stoica, aged 36, of Fullerburn Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £450, ordered to pay a surcharge of £45 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

NOVEMBER 13

Marek Chlebus, aged 37, of Campbell Street, Northampton, stole watches worth £109.94; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85. Failed to surrender to custody; conditional discharge for 12 months.

Daniel Popely, aged 23, of Nags Head Lane, Hargrave, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £200, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30.

NOVEMBER 14

Gabriel Stanila, aged 34, of St Paul’s Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 149mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; jailed for 20 weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge of £115 and banned from driving for five years. Driving while banned; jailed for 20 weeks concurrent. No insurance; no separate penalty. Stole a car, jailed for 20 weeks concurrent.

NOVEMBER 16

Carol-Anne Brown, aged 58, of Shelley Street, Northampton, failed to notify authorities of changes to housing benefit; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85.

Kay Hamson, aged 36, of Drayton Walk, Northampton, failed to notify authorities of changes relating to housing benefit; community order made. Similar charge relating to Jobseeker’s Allowance; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85.

Ian Overy, aged 32, of Central Avenue, Daventry, damaged a car; fined £266, ordered to pay compenstion of £275, a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Mark Chambers, aged 29, of Grafton Street, Spring Boroughs, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; conditional discharge for 18 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Damien Kaczmarczyk, aged 29, of Sheep Street, Northampton, failed to notify authorities of changes relating to housing benefit; community order to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85.

Barry Sheehan, aged 38, of no fixed abode, threatened a police call handler that a property would be destroyed by fire; jailed for six weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge of £115.

Kelly Nelligan, aged 35, of Pyramid Close, Northampton, stole a bottle of Jack Daniels and Woodford Reserve worth £80 belonging to Waitrose; no separate penalty. Stole there bottles of Jack Daniels, one bottle of Woodford Reserve worth £108, stole two bottles of Jack Daniels and two packs of men’s razors worth £94 belonging to Asda, failed to surrender to custody, stole perfume worth £29 belonging to The Fragrance Shop, stole perfume worth £102 belonging to The Fragrance Shop, stole alcohol worth £22.47 belonging to The Co-Op, stp;e alcohol worth £146 belonging to Sainsbury’s, stole alcohol worth £58 belonging to Sainsbury’s, stole three toiletry items worth £11 from the Co-Op, stole meat, alcohol and coffee worth £82.99 belonging to the Co-Op, stole alcohol and laundry item worth £51.48 belonging to the Co-Op, stole three bottles of liquor worth £60 belonging to the Co-Op, stole another three bottles worth £55 belonging to the Co-Op, stole four bottles of liquor worth £89.99 belonging to the Co-Op, stole liquor and meat worth £25.53 belonging to BP garage in Upton, stole liquor worth £124.97 belonging to the Co-Op, no separate penalty.

Assault at Asda; jailed for three weeks. Assault at Co-Op; jailed for three weeks consecutive. Assault; jailed for three weeks consecutive. Another assault; jailed for three weeks consecutive. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence for the following offences. Stole alcohol worth £23.97 from B&M Stores; suspended sentence of eight weeks in jail imposed. Failed to surrender to custody; suspended sentence of eight weeks in jaile imposed. Stole alcohol worth £200 from Asda; suspended sentence of eight weeks imposed. Faield to surrender to custody; suspended sentence of eight weeks imposed. Stole meat and groceries worth £225 belonging to the Co-Op; suspended sentence of four weeks in jail imposed. Stole three packs of meat worth £20 from Co-Op; suspended sentence of four weeks imposed.Stole alcohol worth £190 from Sainsbury’s; suspended sentence of four weeks imposed. Stole alcohol worth £190 belonging to Sainsbury’s; suspended sentence of four weeks imposed. Stole alcohol worth £75.98 belonging to Co-Op; suspended sentence of four weeks imposed. Stole food worth £60 belonging to Co-Op; suspended sentence of four weeks imposed. Stole meat and whiskey worth £192.02 from Asda, suspended sentence of four weeks imposed. Failed to surrender to custody; suspended sentence of one week imposed. Overall length of sentence, 45 weeks.

Elando Parsi, aged 26, of Newnham Road, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order. No adjudication, dealt with original offence of failing to comply with a section of the Sexual Offences Act; community order made to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay costs of £60.

Oliver Smith, aged 40, of Redruth Close, Northampton, failed to comply with a section of the Sexual Offences Act; fined £500, ordered to pay a surcharge of £50 and costs of £85. Failed to surrender to custody; fined £60.

Gary Markie, aged 54, of Leicester Street, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 43mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months. No test certificate, fined £100.

Algis Petkevicius, aged 56, of Stanley Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 117mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; community order to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 28 months.

Jordan Tester, aged 18, of Woodsfield, Brixworth, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 99mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; community order to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 28 months. Driving not in accordance with a licence. No insurance; no separate penalty. Failed to stop at an accident; community order to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Edward Thorneycroft, aged 45, of Portland Place, Northampton, stole an iPhone 7; community order made, fined £85 and ordered to pay costs of £85.

Emma Cowley, aged 38, of Hawksbeard Place, Ecton Brook, Northampton, failed to notify authorities relating to housing benefit; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85.

Luke Neil, aged 22, of Collmead Court, Northampton, no insurance; no separate penalty. Resisted arrest; jailed for seven days. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for seven weeks concurrent. Driving while banned; jailed for eight weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge of £115. No insurance; no separate penalty. No test certificate; no separate penalty. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence; no adjudication, dealt with original offence. Driving dangerously; suspended sentence of four months imposed.

Luke Neil, aged 22, of Collmead Court, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; jailed for 26 weeks. Failed to surrender; jailed for seven weeks concurrent.

NOVEMBER 17

Darren Bason, aged 46, of Cliftonville Road, Northampton, failed to surrender to custody; fined £80. Stole chocolate and meat from Tesco Express; jailed for two weeks concurrent, pay compensation for £5.40 and a surcharge of £115. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for one week concurrent. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence; no adjudication, dealt with original offence. Stole trainers worth £84.98 belonging to TK Maxx; suspended sentence of four weeks imposed.

NOVEMBER 18

David Buzzard, aged 40, of Rillwood Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £40.

Sean Byrne, aged 73, of Park Avenue North, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £40, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

Paul Dunn, aged 53, of Byfield Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £150, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Uchechokwu Ikpeazu, aged 22, of Mill Meadow, Northampton, driving at 48mph in a 40mph zone; fined £133, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

Sally Scott, aged 61, of Collins Close, Towcester, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

James Tomlin, aged 39, of Riverside Drive, Weedon, driving at 68 mph in a 30mph zone; fnied £200, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 21 days.

Sally Gannon, aged 54, of Horseshoe Cottages, Sywell, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £40, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £75, banned from driving for six months.

Jake Gent, aged 26, of Skawle Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. No test certificate; no separate penalty.

Trains in between Northampton and both Rugby and London are being disrupted because of an obstruction on the track, National Rail has said.

Passengers at Northampton station were also told by an announcement that an object had struck a train.

London Midland services may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised as a result, warned National Rail.

Tickets will be accepted on Virgin Trains between Milton Keynes Central and Birmingham New Street.

The disruption is expected to continue until 15:30.

The 12:45 from Northampton to Birmingham New Street was struck by loose objects from a freight train, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

Windows were damaged and the train had to be halted because it needs to be examined.

No injuries are being reported.

A spokesperson said: "We are trying to get bus services to Rugby, Northampton and Milton Keynes."

The spokesperson added the issue with the damaged train was likely to clear by 15:30, but that passengers should expect minor delays after due to train congestion on the railway track.

Health workers who go above and beyond their everyday role to make a difference to patients, service users, carers and their families have been put in the spotlight.

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has just held its third quality awards ceremony.

The winners were:

HS Ambassador Award, sponsored by Kier – Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team

The team were recognised for their flexible and dedicated approach in leading the flu campaign in 2016 which resulted in an impressive 77 per cent of staff vaccines!

PRIDE award – Maureen Mason, healthcare assistant, Weedon surgery

Maureen was nominated for her quick thinking and reactions following a routine patient home visit to find the house full of smoke.

She entered the house and found the elderly gentleman unable to get out. Upon rescuing him she rang the fire service and waited for them to arrive, before going on with the rest of her day.

Quality Care Award, sponsored by NOA Healthcare – Helen Took, community psychiatric nurse

Helen was recognised for going above and beyond for a client with terminal cancer. Helen helped him set his affairs in place, attend appointments with him and ensured he was safe and cared for during this period of his life.

Patient Choice Award – David Boyling, community psychiatric nurse

On arrival at a routine home visit David found his patient suffering from a medical emergency and called the paramedics. The patient was rushed to A&E and given an antidote injection for anaphylactic shock.

Unsung Hero Award – Louise Currie, lead administrator, liaison mental health

Louise is the glue that keeps the liaison services across the crisis pathway running smoothly. She enables clinicians to do their job effectively and she is always considerate and respectful to service users and carers while being supportive to staff.

Leadership Award, sponsored by Hempsons – Priyadatt Joshi, senior clinical systems technician, and Nicky Leah, advanced nurse practitioner

Priyadatt was nominated three separate times by his colleagues for his natural leadership skills in enabling and motivating his team. Nicky led her team through transformation changes and set up catheter and PICC clinics for non-housebound patients in Daventry, allowing time to care for other patients.

Anne McWatt Award for Innovation in Involvement – Young People’s Wellbeing Team, Danetre Hospital

Recognised for their creation of the wellbeing workshops for young people who may be vulnerable to emotional wellbeing issues.

Special Recognition Award – Kevin Seymour, volunteer at The Warren

Kevin, pictured, has used the service at The Warren when he was in crisis and turned this into a positive by returning as a volunteer and helping others in a crisis.

Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Pertemps Medical – CTPLD South

This strong team work together for people with a learning disability. Each member goes the extra mile to deliver care to service users.

The road will form a new 3.5mile long single carriageway which will improve transport links between the towns of Northampton and Daventry, and improve access between Daventry and the M1 motorway.

The Northamptonshire County Council project will also relieve communities in Flore, Weedon and Upper Heyford of through traffic as well as supporting future growth in the Daventry district.

Cllr Andre Gonzalez De Savage, county council cabinet member for infrastructure and public protection said: “These wonderful photos really illustrate how the road is taking shape, just what a huge project this is and the significant earthworks required to carve out the route.

“Additionally there are added engineering challenges in having to bridge the road over existing highways and watercourses including the A5 and the Grand Union Canal as well as the West Coast Main Railway Line.

“Most of all, this road will bring added benefit to the Northamptonshire economy as well as alleviating traffic pressures in some beautiful villages in the west of the county.”

The project has been delivered in conjunction with the Council’s highways partner, KierWSP, and the development contractor Balfour Beatty.

Construction of the scheme began in July 2016 and is due for completion in the Summer 2018.

The first operation of Northamptonshire Police’s annual Christmas drink and drug driving campaign saw five people arrested for driving under the influence.

More than 500 checks were carried out on vehicles, drivers and passengers at a static checkpoint in St Peter’s Way, Northampton, on Friday (December 1) evening.

Breath tests were carried out on 89 drivers, with two people arrested after providing positive samples over the legal limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Three drug drivers were also arrested after positive drug wipe tests, and a further person was arrested for driving while disqualified.

A total of 33 traffic offences were identified and dealt with during the operation, and 12 vehicles were seized for offences including drivers having no licence, no insurance, or no tax.

Safety advice was also given to drivers and passengers where required.

Drink and drug drive operations will continue across the county throughout December.

Young emergency services volunteers who gave up their time to marshal a series of running events have received a generous donation as a thank you for their support.

Members of Northamptonshire Emergency Services Cadets (NESC) have been helping at races held at Stanwick Lakes throughout 2017.

As a thank you, Rockingham Forest Trust, which manages Stanwick Lakes, presented a cheque for £500 to NESC at the final race of the year, where runners took on 5k, 10km and half marathon distances.

The trust’s Becky Gill, who organises the runs, said: “We’ve had some really positive feedback from runners saying what a supportive, professional and fun group of marshals the cadets are.

“It was fantastic that they stayed right to the end of our final race to cheer on the runners – many who needed that encouragement to get over the finish line.

“The cadets encapsulate perfectly the spirit we try to create with the runs.

“As a charity, any money we make goes back into the site, and having the cadets support us has been brilliant.

“It’s great to give something back as a thank you.”

Cadet leader Steve Bedford added: “Working with the Run at Stanwick Lakes team has been extremely beneficial to our cadets; it has given them a real challenge and an opportunity to learn teamwork and leadership skills, as well as working alongside professionals from other organisations.

“We are extremely grateful for the donation from the Run at Stanwick Lakes team which will go towards funding other activities for Northamptonshire Emergency Services Cadets across the county.”

The cadets will be returning to marshal events at Stanwick Lakes in 2018.

Northamptonshire Emergency Services Cadets is open to teenagers aged 13 to 18.

It is a joint partnership between the county’s police, fire and ambulance cadets, and is an independent registered charity.

Units meet weekly across Northamptonshire during term-time, offering young people the chance to take an active role in supporting the work of police, fire and ambulance staff and making a positive contribution to their communities.

David Barnes, of Daventry, appeared in court yesterday alongside 25-year-old Craig Turner who had been a co-defendant in what was originally a murder trial.

Mr Hutchings, 22, of Southfields, Northampton, died on May 24 at University Hospital in Coventry as a result of injuries sustained in a collision which happened in Eastern Avenue North, Kingsthorpe, close to the junction with Eastern Close, a week prior.

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.

After the charge changed once more to manslaughter on Tuesday, the court heard the evidence presented by the prosecution's Peter Joyce QC in relation to the circumstances of the incident which lead to Mr Hutchings death.

'His newborn daughter will never meet her father' - Northamptonshire Police detective speaks following Stuart Hutchings case

The court was told that in the early hours of May 18 an off-road trials motorbike belonging to David Barnes' brother Gary was stolen from an address on Valley Road, where it had been entrusted to somebody to carry out repairs.

Gary put out messages on social media to help locate the bike, and someone reported it had been seen in the St James area of Northampton.

The prosecution said Gary Barnes travelled to the area to locate the bike but he couldn't find it.

"David Barnes did go from Daventry to Northampton with Craig Turner in an attempt to find the stolen bike and the result of that search was this defendant was involved in a determined and dangerous pursuit in Northampton," said Mr Joyce, who described the 1.5 mile-long pursuit as "not a race, but a chase".

The court was shown CCTV images of Barnes' red Ford Fiesta and the motorbike being ridden by Mr Hutchings - without a crash helmet or protective clothing.

One set of images from a bus's onboard camera showed Mr Hutchings overtaking the bus, which was travelling south down Eastern Avenue North.

Seconds after the overtaking manouevre, Barnes sees Mr Hutchings driving towards him so turns his red Ford Fiesta around in front of the bus, forcing it to brake heavily, and he "went in hot pursuit of the motorcycle," said Mr Joyce. The chase begins at this moment, at 8:34pm.

Further video footage showed the car in pursuit of the motorbike at speeds of 60mph, all the while in a residential area with a 30mph speed limit.

"You remained in determined pursuit, following the bike at high speed, including the wrong way along the one-way stretch," said Judge Melbourne Inman in his sentencing remarks.

The court was presented by the prosecution with the testimonies of witnesses to the chase. One witness, who was in her car, said the Fiesta was "two feet behind the motorcycle".

Another witness who had just parked her car said the Fiesta was "centimetres behind" and they heard "a loud bang" and saw the motorcycle and the victim up in the air.

When mitigating for Barnes, James House QC did point out that the witness' description of the car being "centimetres behind" was at a time immediately before the collision.

Mr Joyce said that Stuart Hutchings was riding the bike but it was not clear whether he stole it.

A police reconstruction video showing the 67 metres the motorbike travelled while on its side after the impact was shown on the monitors in court. The bike was said to be travelling at 60mph before it slowed and was hit.

Mitigating, Mr House said: "There was no intention when David Barnes set out that day to cause harm to anyone, let alone the death of someone.

"He accepts that he drove too fast and too close, and that his driving was dangerous."

He added: "He acknowledges he made a mistake. He was deeply upset by what had happened before and after the death of Stuart Hutchings."

Without the intention to denigrate Mr Hutchings, the defence did tell the court that the deceased was a disqualified driver and he should not have been on the bike. Mr Hutchings was also found to have had cocaine and cannabis in his system at the time of the incident.

Mr House continued by reminding Judge Inman of the fact the bike had suddenly braked or decelerated, which in turn meant the car was unable to avoid the collision with the bike.

Mr House pointed to a witnesses' reports in which it was said that there was a throttling back sound, then a silence before the collision, as well as the sound of a skid before the impact.

The defence also pointed to character references submitted to the judge.

Judge Inman referenced these in his sentencing remarks. He said: "As to mitigation, you are 28 years of age and have no convictions at all. You have a good work record and, as evidenced by the references I have seen are respected by those who know you.

"You are a family man and I accept that you have great remorse over your actions and the devastating effect they have had. Since your remand in prison you have been a model prisoner."

As well as nine years imprisonment, Barnes was disqualified from driving for 10 years and six months.

When remarking on the aggravating factors during sentencing, Judge Inman said: "Culpability in cases where the driving of a vehicle has caused death can vary very widely and be reflected in a number of different offences.

"This is not a case of causing death by dangerous driving. This is a case where you have pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

"That offence lies in the spectrum above causing death by dangerous driving and relates to cases where the risk of death must be very high.

"In this case this was not only a prolonged and persistent course of very bad driving involving both greatly excessive speed and aggressive driving. You deliberately pursued the bike.

"You knew that the rider of the bike had little or no protection from collision compared with the occupant of the car.

"You deliberately pursued him at grossly excessive speed and merely feet behind him. As your counsel rightly pointed out at 60mph you would travel 27 metres in one second.

"In other words, if the bike braked you would hit it at 60mph before you could even begin to brake.

"The risk of a catastrophic collision causing the death of the rider of the bike was therefore very high.

"Therein lies your liability for the offence of manslaughter. You had ample opportunity to desist from your pursuit."

Speaking after 28-year-old David Barnes was given nine years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday afternoon DI Stuart Hitchon, from the county's major crime unit, spoke of the tragedy facing the Hutchings family following his death in May 2017.

VIDEO: Police release footage of Stuart Hutchings being chased in Northampton before his death as pursuer gets nine years in jail

Mr Hutchings was driving a motorbike without a crash helmet of protective clothing when he was struck by Barnes' red Ford Fiesta after a 1.5 mile-long, 60mph chase in a residential area with a 30mph speed limit.

Barnes had driven from his home in Daventry to try to locate his brother's stolen motorcycle after reports it had been spotted in the St James area of Northampton, rather than inform the police of the bike's potential whereabouts.

DI Hitchon said: "This has clearly been a very tragic case where a young man, Stuart Hutchings, has sadly lost his life. He was only 22 years old.

"Even though the case has concluded today the family remain devastated knowing that they'll never see Stuart again.

"His daughter was only born a few weeks ago so she'll grow up without her father.

"David Barnes has today been sentenced to nine years for manslaughter and I think this goes to show the serious consequences you pay if you take the law into your own hands. You pay the ultimate price."

He added: "The most complicated part of this case was determining whether Mr Hutchings was knocked off the bike deliberately and we've had to rely heavily on expert advice from our collision experts from the defence and from the prosecution.

"And ultimately looking at their evidence and their reports we cannot comfortably say that Mr Hutchings was deliberately knocked off the bike."

He continued: "I think it was probably a chance meeting that they did see the motorcycle and it looks like it's a deliberate and reckless chase after the bike to try and retrieve, but the manner of the driving was extremely dangerous within a residential area.

"These are the consequences you could face if you take the law into your own hands. What they should have done was contact the police to let them know that the bike was in that are so we could go out and deal with it as we should."

Barby has been crowned the ‘Capital of Christmas’ by dayoutwiththekids.co.uk

The search, launched by the biggest UK days out site, set out to find the towns and villages helping to make Christmas extra special this year. After more than 250 nominations across the UK, it was Barby’s village advent calendar that took the title.

This December, 24 houses in the village will all decorate a window of their house, ready to be revealed on their allocated day of advent. Each day, the villagers have a new house to find and a brand new display, continuing all the way up to Christmas Eve.

Cat Sabine, who nominated Barby to win, said: “I’ve lived in Barby since I was five, and Christmas is something the whole village looks forward to. My house was number three this year, so we had a little switch on ceremony with mulled wine and Christmas cookies - it’s much better than your average chocolate advent calendar!

“Walking around the village after dark is truly magical, and we’re so thrilled to be crowned Day Out With The Kids’ Capital of Christmas!”

There’s even more festive fun taking place too, with a Christmas tree festival at the local church and a Christmas fete at the village school.

Lisa O’Keeffe, brand manager at dayoutwiththekids.co.uk, added: “Christmas is all about community spirit, and it’s been incredible to read about all the festivities taking place across the UK.

“Despite being a small village, the sense of community was apparent, and we loved that there was a reason to get outside and engage with the activities every single day of December. We’re really proud to crown Barby our Capital of Christmas this year.”

One in five people in Northamptonshire are living in poverty, according to a group supporting people in crisis.

The figures were revealed by Northamptonshire Food Poverty Network, which held a special screening of Ken Loach’s, I, Daniel Blake to underline the issue of poverty in our local communities on Tuesday night.

The BAFTA award-winning film was screened at Errol Flynn Filmhouse to an audience made up of the county’s community organisations and voluntary sector.

Rachel McGrath, chair of Northamptonshire Food Poverty Network, said: “I think the film resonates in the current climate of austerity which has seen a rise in poverty within our local communities with now 1 in 5 people living in poverty across the UK according to the most recent report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

"Poverty damages lives and life chances. We wanted to raise awareness of the work that is happening locally and how people can get involved to campaign for positive change.’

The event was facilitated by Northamptonshire Community Foundation. As part of its core activities, Northamptonshire Community Foundation takes a community leadership role in addressing the needs and concerns that impact Northamptonshire. The Foundation manages the Northamptonshire Food Poverty Network to promote best practice in supporting people in crisis.

The screening is part of a series of events hosted by the Network to promote the national End Hunger UK campaign, urging local politicians to take poverty seriously in the UK.

A total donation of £587.50 was raised at the screening, the money will support local food banks and food poverty projects across Northamptonshire.

To get involved with the Northamptonshire Food Poverty Network please email rachel@ncf.uk.com or go to www.ncf.uk.com/NorthantsFoodPovertyNetwork for further information.

Work is underway to create an innovative world-class aerodynamic testing facility in a disused Victorian railway tunnel in Northamptonshire.

Construction on building the roads to gain access to the Catesby Aero Research Facility on the A361 will begin shortly while clearing hedgerows has already started following consultation with Daventry District Council planning and arboricultural officers.

The ground-breaking project, by Brackley-based firm Aero Research Partners (ARP) designed by architects at the Roger Coy Partnership in Eydon, Daventry, will lead to the remodelling of the perfectly straight, 2.7km-long tunnel into a smooth asphalt roadway, with lighting and end closures among other substantial upgrades.

The Catesby Aero Research Facility will also lead to the creation of a 4.5-acre science park with offices, workshops and a research facility as well as creating new jobs.

It will be the only aerodynamic testing facility of its kind available for hire and is expected to attract interest from across the world, ranging from cycling and motorsport teams to major vehicle manufacturers.

The project has been able to go ahead after £4.2 million was awarded from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership.

Luke Abbott, an architect and director at the Roger Coy Partnership, said it was exciting to see the facility get underway.

“We have been working on this for the last three years and it is great to watch the early stages of the Catesby Aero Research Facility come to life,” he said.

“As well as working on the access of the A361, detailed planning of remedial works within the tunnel and the portals is now underway.

“We have started working on the design input necessary to meet the ecological and protected species conditions within the tunnel and site area and a detailed Ecological Management Plan has been produced.

“We have also been coordinating information from specialists to submit documents which were part of the conditions when planning permission was agreed.

“The next stage is to continue with the detailed design of the Catesby Aero Research Facility building and elements within the tunnel and we remain on track for it to open in 2019.”

Dr Rob Lewis OBE, managing director of Brackley-based TotalSim, and ARP, said: “The Local Growth Fund award has been a key step in moving this project forward. We now have both planning permission and a significant amount of the required budget secured.

“We have investors ready to become part of the project early in 2018 and we expect to open the facility to customers in late 2019.

“Testing vehicles in Catesby tunnel will give the UK a unique tool in automotive and race car development. We hope that this will lead to a successful science park and other regional activities that will support the testing and innovation at Catesby.

“As the project matures we intend to explore academic collaborations as well as using the facility to engage with schools and work to inspire children into the world of science, technology, engineering and maths.”

Daventry District Council is supporting the delivery of the project and plans to acquire the tunnel from Highways England, so it can lease it to ARP to ensure the scheme goes ahead.

Councillor Colin Poole, DDC’s economic, regeneration and employment portfolio holder, said: “It is wonderful news that work has started on this unique project to revitalise a piece of our industrial heritage and create a facility of international importance.

“The council is proud to support the Catesby Aero Research Facility, which will provide a real boost to our local economy and create new jobs in this high-tech industry. We also welcome the fact that this project is being driven by local talent and expertise, further cementing Daventry District’s place within ‘Motorsport Valley’.”

Stephen Catchpole, chief executive at SEMLEP, said: “This project is a great example of what can be achieved with a partnership between business and the public sector, to grow business, develop skilled people and create high quality places that support a stronger economy.

“The South East Midlands is recognised as the most innovative area in the country. Our high-tech clusters and expertise, and the unique offer that the Catesby project in particular offers, secures our role further as the test-bed of new and emerging technology, and as the commercialisation core of the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge Growth Corridor."

Richard Wakeford, director of construction partner Stepnell, said: “The original tunnel is in remarkable condition given the low levels of maintenance since its decommissioning as a railway tunnel.

“In planning the works, including the construction of a technical research building, we are looking at the materials, trades, access requirements, specialist plant and processes. All this is accessed from the southern approach, accessing from the old station yard and under a very weak bridge that Highways England is looking to strengthen during the development work.

“Developing the design of the testing environment, managing and minimising the environmental impact of what we do and planning the construction sequence is a challenge equal to building the new facilities.”

The end of Braunston’s working canal heritage has been richly recorded in a new book.

It is made up of 150 canal photographs with 50 from Braunston.

The collection was taken by the late skilled amateur photographer Mike Webb in the early 1960s after he had bought his first camera and rapidly mastered the skills necessary to take photographs to a professional standard.

Tim Coghlan, director of Braunston Marina, said: “Whilst Mike Webb lived in the north-west Midlands and mainly photographed the canals there and in Birmingham, he also became a familiar sight around the Bottom Lock at Braunston, then very much the hub of what remained of canal carrying, which finally ceased on anything approaching a regular basis in 1970.

“His skill was in obtaining the confidence of the working boatmen – still very much a shy and illiterate community apart – and this allowed him to take photographs of them with their full cooperation, with whole families willingly posing for him. He also took pains to document every photograph with the names not only of the boats, but also the onboard crew

At the launch of The Twilight of Narrow Boat Carrying – Photographs from the Mike Webb Collection - was publisher Pete Silvester, Mike’s widow Maria and Richard Parry, CEO of the Canal & River Trust, which operates the canals as a charity.

It was sponsored by Braunston Marina, and is for sale at Braunston Marina’s shop for £18.95 or online through the publishers Canal Book Shop of Audlem.

Firefighters in Northamptonshire have a new team member to help them safely practise how to rescue larger people.

Barry, a 25-stone mannequin, was bought by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) to allow crews to safely and realistically practise rescue techniques to help obese, or bariatric, people.

As well as helping to prevent firefighters from being injured at work, Barry also helps them to ensure any bariatric rescues are carried out in the most dignified way possible.

Station manager Gary Welch, who was behind Barry’s arrival at NFRS, said: “Barry allows us to practise safe handling and lifting techniques in calm and controlled non-emergency situations.

“Real-life rescues are often difficult or stressful, so by being prepared everyone knows about lifting techniques and possible complications and it just helps make everything safer and smoother for everyone.”

NFRS attends at least one bariatric incident a month, and is often called to assist the ambulance service in helping larger casualties.

The decision to purchase Barry, who cost £3,500, came about following a discussion about how a physical training aid would enhance the manual handling training firefighters regularly undertake.

Mr Welch said: “The idea was to reduce manual handling injuries because crews know what to expect in bariatric rescue situations, and if we can stop even one person being injured at work then it’s worth it.

“I did some research and found a firm called Bariquins, which produces bariatric mannequins which simulate both the size and weight of a bariatric patient to provide a realistic experience.”

Breaking down into 15 weighted parts, Barry can be easily transported, allowing training to be delivered at each fire station, rather than crews having to travel to train.

Mr Welch added: “The design also allows us to practise lots of different scenarios as well, such as within the home or following a car crash.

“For the people we help, the training we do with Barry means crews are more confident dealing with larger people’s needs and can help them in a really professional and respectful way from the off.”

Councillors have pledged to make "every effort" to help find alternative arrangements for the Daventry Foodbank when the current premises it operates from are sold.

Last night (December 7), Daventry District Council decided to proceed with plans to sell 23 High March after receiving its first commercial buyer for the property since it acquired the premises four years ago.

In May 2013, the council offered a temporary lease to the Vineyard Church on a peppercorn rent while it sought a commercial tenant. The Daventry Foodbank began its operation from these premises in August that year.

Councillor Colin Poole, economic, regeneration and employment said: “There has always been a mutual understanding between the council and the church that the current rent-free use of the building is temporary and would need to be reviewed if a commercial offer is made for the premises.

“We are supportive of the contribution that the Foodbank makes locally and have been for many years, having previously provided accommodation at the former Danetre Garage site in Warwick Street. For this reason we are keen to see every effort is made to make alternative arrangements for the service.

“We are continuing our discussions with the Vineyard Church and other local organisations that may be able to help to see how we can assist in exploring future options for the Foodbank.”

Having discussed with DDC plans for its own commercial tenancy which it later declined, the church was advised by the council it could continue to stay until the council found a buyer.

With a commercial offer now made, councillors have agreed the premises can be sold and this is likely to take place next year.

The council is continuing to work with the Vineyard Church, and others, to find suitable alternative premises for the Foodbank along with ways it could help to support the service in the future.

Facebook has launched a messaging app for kids, a move which will see the social media giant expand their user base to a whole previously under-age sector.

Currently, Facebook and its attendant Messenger app are only open to registrations from people aged 13 and over. However, the new move will open up use of the network to those under 13.

The company have pitched Messenger Kids as a way for children to communicate with family as well as friends, with parents getting complete control over what their offspring see.

The app must be set up by parents who then get the chance to approve what contacts their children have - allaying fears that youngsters might be chatting online with strangers.

The new program will also give Facebook the chance to enter into a consumer age range currently occupied by a small number of apps such as Snapchat.

The new app - currently a “preview” only available in the USA and on Apple’s iOS - will allow the 6-12s to video chat and send photos, videos or text messages to friends approved by their parents.

“There’s really a gap in the market for a messaging app for kids that also gives parents control,” Facebook spokeswoman Lauren Svensson said.

“We’re going to see how kids are using it, and that will allow us to add updates in future versions as necessary.”

Poundland has finally launched its £1 ‘Twin Peaks’ Toblerone-style chocolate bar this week after a lengthy legal wrangle over its shape and packaging.

The chocolate bar was first unveiled in June but had its launch delayed after a legal challenge from Toblerone, a Swiss division of Mondelēz, formerly Kraft Foods.

Mondelēz claimed the high street giant had ripped off its iconic nougat treat.

But Poundland claimed it has a distinctive flavour compared to the classic Swiss confectionary - and is inspired by Shropshire’s Wrekin and Ercall hills not the Alps.

Poundland’s lawyers argued the shape was no longer protected under trademark after Toblerone controversially widened the gaps between its peaks earlier this year.

The row has now been settled and the budget bar will sell for £1, the same price as Toblerone, but will contain 20 per cent more chocolate.

Poundland said half a million of the bars would go on sale in December in “distinctive” packaging different from the light-gold wrapper it had planned.

The deal brought to an end a three-month long legal wrangle in which Poundland tried to claim Toblerone had “irrevocably abandoned” its trademark when it changed the shape of its product.

The bargain retailer said it was launching ‘Twin Peaks’ “in response to the unfavourable reception” that had greeted the launch of the Swiss company’s new version of the beloved bar - which had fewer chunks and thinner peaks.

“In the last 12 months we believe our customers alone have missed out on 250 tonnes of chocolate after the size of their favourite item was chopped,” said Poundland trading controller Chris Burns.

“That’s why we began development on Twin Peaks in the first place.

“Although it’s been a longer climb than we expected, we’re pleased customers will finally get to taste our Twin Peaks - 180g of delicious, British-made chocolate, for just £1”.

A representative of Poundland said: “Kraft (also the owners of Cadburys) complained about the shape of Twin Peaks.

“In recent years Kraft has fought hard to keep Nestle from registering the KitKat shape, but this summer it argued that it had similar rights in the Toblerone shape.

“Poundland disagreed with this.

“Following positive discussions, the first 500,000 bars, which will be on sale for £1 throughout December in their original shape, are set to be a collectors’ item.

“After this Poundland will revise the shape so it better represents the outline of the Wrekin and Ercall hills - the inspiration behind Twin Peaks as a British alternative to Toblerone and offering 30g more chocolate.”

With the latest instalment of Star Wars series ‘The Last Jedi’ due for release next week, the Force could be with Star Wars fans who have valuable vintage action figures.

Indeed, the classic action figures can be worth tens of thousands of pounds, according to PromotionalCodes.org.uk, who have found the ten rarest and most sought-after.

As well as the very first models of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobe with “double telescoping” light sabres, collectors also seek the near-legendary ‘rocket firing’ Boba Fett, ‘small head’ Han Solo and vinyl-caped Jawas.

Classic action figures can change hands for close to £30k, making a discarded collection from the 1970s potentially worth more than the average UK house.

The money saving website looked at how much the vintage 1970s and 80s dolls could fetch today and compiled a list of the ten rarest ones.

The most valuable and sought-after figures are the “carded” ones, which still retain the printed cardboard backing of their original packaging.

Original accessories, such as a blaster and cape for Princess Leia and lightsabre for Luke Skywalker, also increase the value. Figures also command higher prices when they are in good condition.

A very rare Boba Fett from the 1970s, still sealed in its original packaging, sold for £26,040 last year at Vectis Auctions in Teesside.

Previously, the auction house sold an R2-D2 toy dating back to the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back for £750. Both it and its original packaging were in near mint condition.

A 1977 Jawa figure, also with its original packaging and in near-mint condition, fetched £620, while a 1980 Yoda with its package went for £320.

Meanwhile, various other figures from the 1970s and 80s often go on eBay for around £70.

The holy grails of Star Wars collectibles are the very first versions of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobe, which had “double telescoping” lightsabres.

Other particularly rare figures include the “small head” Han Solo, which was replaced at an early stage for one with a larger head that looked more like actor Harrison Ford.

There is also the semi-mystical “rocket firing Boba Fett” – one such figurine sold last year at Vectis for an unexpectedly low £18,600.

More recently, Lego produced some valuable, limited edition minifigures of various Star Wars characters as giveaway prizes.

These include a 14 karat gold C-3P0 and solid bronze models of Boba Fett – Lego made just five and four of these, respectively.

Darren Williams of Promotionalcodes.org.uk said: “More than 300 million Star Wars action figures were sold between 1978 and 1985, so it’s safe to say there must be quite a lot that are still floating around in people’s possession.

“It’s hard to say which toy is the most valuable, since it all depends on things like the condition of the toy, whether it still has its packaging and if so what condition that’s in and so on.

“But if you do have a 1970s or 80s toy, it could potentially be worth a lot, so channel your inner mercenary Han Solo and get it valued.”

Ten rarest original Star Wars toys

“Double telescoping lightsabre” figures

The very first action figures of Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobe and Luke Skywalker had lightsabres that extended twice to full length. These were quickly replaced for cost reasons and because the lightsabres were highly breakable.

The Darth Vader double telescoping lightsabre figure is believed to be the rarest of the three, followed by Obi-Wan and Luke Skywalker.

Rocket firing Boba Fett

This toy is almost legendary. An early Boba Fett prototype had a rocket that fired from its back, but did not go into mass production due to safety concerns.

“Small head” Han Solo

The very first Han Solo was discontinued early for not bearing a close enough resemblance Harrison Ford, and replaced by another version with a larger head.

Vinyl cape Jawa

The original “vinyl cape” Jawa model from 1978 is another rarity, having been swiftly replaced with a cloth-caped version.

Blue Snaggletooth

When creating this toy back in the day, manufacturer Kenner had only a black and white headshot to work from. It decided to make the creature blue, but then in the film the alien wore red and was half the height. The original Blue Snaggletooth is a collector’s item.

Yak Face

This is especially valuable in America, where it was never sold. It was the last action figure to be made before the line ceased in 1985.

FX-7 Medical Droid

It had just a few seconds of screen time in The Empire Strikes Back, but this model is a jewel for collectors.

Vlix

This little-known character is from the Star Wars spin-off show Droids. It is very rare - only one line of the Vlix model was produced, in Brazil.

1985 Anakin Skywalker

There have been numerous recent Anakin Skywalker dolls, but the 1985 original is a rare collector’s item.

White cloaked Bib Fortuna

The Bib Fortuna figure had a brown cloak, but a few prototypes with white ones were produced.