Lucy Grainger, 20, of Yelvertoft, has recently been diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after making dozens of needless trips to A&E, over seven years, with extreme pelvic pain.

Lucy was told by medics that she was "crazy" and "delusional", which has, in turn, left her with "severe mental health issues" that got so out of hand she tried to take her own life last Christmas.

She said: "I have been told I was 'crazy’ and 'delusional' by doctors because they couldn't figure out what was wrong.

"Nothing ever came up on scans and tests - little did I know, endometriosis is only visible when surgery is completed - so I was just discharged and left to go home.

"This happened too many times for me to count. I was also misdiagnosed with IBS. It's the most frustrating thing being told you're just being 'dramatic' or you're a 'drama queen' because you can't hack the period pains or the IBS. I know my body better than anyone else, and I knew something was really wrong a very long time ago."

Lucy, who is left unable to walk some days due to severe pain, described her the feeling as though she had been "stabbed in the pelvis with a knife, over and over again".

She added: "It doesn't come and go, it is there every single day. Pain that affects me so much, I am almost left paralysed. The feeling in my legs go and I'm left unable to walk some days."

This year Lucy was referred to see a gynaecologist, and within a few weeks she was diagnosed with endometriosis as well as PCOS - and was rushed into emergency surgery.

Now, the inspiring youngster - who was told she would struggle to conceive in the future - is calling on schools and colleges to teach girls about menstrual wellbeing.

She said: “[My doctor] said he'll do everything he possibly could, treatment and operation wise, to see if there would be that small chance.

"Therefore I want the raise awareness of the condition to educate young girls and women before it's too late.”

The 20-year-old is also reaching out to schools in the county and hopes to start giving talks to girls in a bid to raise awareness of her condition.

Northamptonshire Police successfully obtained a closure order on the property in Kennedy Close, Southbrook in Daventry.

Magistrates sitting at Northampton granted the order on April 27 following reports of repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity over the past few months.

The premises will now be closed for three months prohibiting the tenant or any visitors from entering the address.

A neighbour said the group was made up of around 15 teenagers who would terrorise the residents of the Southbrook Estate and keep children awake until the early hours.

The group would let off fireworks and would often threaten residents.

Sergeant Sam Dobbs from the Daventry Neighbourhood Team, said: “We have received a growing number of reports of antisocial behaviour linked to this address.

"The behaviour included letting off fireworks, abusive, insulting and threatening behaviour towards local people and general loutishness by a small group of young people predominantly in their teens.

“We have seen a large increase in reports of antisocial behaviour at the address in the last two months and believe this is a clear case of cuckooing, where the tenant’s property has been taken over by other people who are using it for nefarious purposes.

“We have been working closely with partners including Daventry District Council and Futures Housing to gather the required evidence needed to satisfy the courts and there was no hesitation from the magistrates at this morning’s hearing in granting the order.

“Local people had been feeling intimidated and at times in fear in recent weeks and I hope they are reassured by the action we have taken today.”

The Kennedy Close home is a Futures Housing Group property.

Suki Jandu, group customer experience director at Futures Housing Group, said: “The safety of our neighbourhoods and wellbeing of our customers is important to us. We’re pleased to have worked closely with our partners to help this community.”

Northamptonshire Police are reminding county residents of the signs to look out for in cases of cuckooing.

These can include an increase of visitors to a property, rubbish and litter nearby, noise nuisance, disturbances at the property.

Alongside an increase in antisocial behaviour, the tenant is seen less often and in some cases is never seen alone.

Anyone with concerns about the suspicious activity can call police on 101 or fill out this online form, alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone with concerns about antisocial behaviour can call police on 101 or contact their local council.

A survey asking Northamptonshire's young people about their wellbeing has been launched to find if they have the support they need in the county.

It hopes to find how difficult it is for teenagers and children to access mental health support, who they would turn to for help when they need it and how they would describe their emotional health right now.

Young Healthwatch describes good emotional health as being happy and confident and not anxious of depressed, the ability to problem-solve and having good relationships with others.

Esther Stimpson, Healthwatch officer and lead for Young Healthwatch Northamptonshire added: “This is a survey for young people that has been devised by young people.

"Local providers want to know about the views and experiences of emotional wellbeing services locally. We are keen to work with schools and Youth Groups across Northamptonshire to make sure we get as many responses as possible.

"Young people are vital as they are the service users of tomorrow. It is important that they know that they are able to have a say in services that affect them and their peers and that they know that their voice really does count and will be heard.”

The survey results will be sued to shape and inform how young people can receive emotional wellbeing help in the future.

The survey is for people between the ages of 11 and 19 living in Northamptonshire and will run until May 25.

The survey can be accessed here.

An Amazon Daventry fulfilment centre who overcame a cancer diagnosis at the age of 21 has raised more than £2,000 for charity as he completed the London Marathon last weeken.

Tom Brinkley, learning manager at Amazon’s Daventry fulfilment centre, joined thousands of runners on last Sunday to complete the race.

Tom raised over £2,000 for Sports Traider, a Bedford-based children’s charity that offers youngsters from all backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to discover their sports ambition and potential.

On deciding which charity to support, Tom said: “Playing sports has made me the person that I am today. It taught me so much about teamwork, challenging myself and never giving up, no matter how hard it may be.

"I knew when I entered the marathon, I would give back to a charity that makes it possible for all children to experience the benefits sport has to offer.”

Starting his athletic career as an international swimmer, Tom's life was turned upside-down when he was diagnosed with testicular and colorectal cancer at the age of 21. After an uphill battle to recovery, Tom is proud to say he has been in remission since 2007.

Following the marathon-running footsteps of his wife and sister-in-law, Tom decided he wanted to give back to the world of sports and provide opportunities to those who otherwise may not have the means to take part.

Tom missed what it felt like to challenge himself as an athlete and wanted to prove that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.

Although he was never an avid runner, sports have always been close to his heart.

His father, Brian Brinkley was also a swimmer and represented Great Britain in two Olympics – winning Bronze in 1976. He was also Tom’s swimming coach, which made Tom’s retirement from swimming even harder.

Tom was formerly a college lecturer in London (as well as being on England’s National Team staff for basketball) and worked with a number of athletes who have gone on to play professionally around the world. He taught them the need to give back and support others.

Tom had been preparing for the marathon since April 2017 and has followed a strict marathon-training programme. He was thrilled to see his family cheering him on the other side of the finish line and is grateful to everyone who helped support him along the journey.

An abandoned car on a Daventry cul-de-sac is concerning nearby elderly residents who fear it may prevent access to ambulances and fire engines.

The silver BMW, which has two flat tyres, has been parked on Castle Hill for three months and its owner is nowhere to be seen.

But because it is taxed and has a valid MOT - neither of which expire until July - there's little Northamptonshire Police or the DVLA can do to remove it.

"It's legally parked here but it's morally wrong," said Brian Blyth, who lives on Castle Hill.

"We need access for ambulances or fire engines.

"On one occasion the ambulance has had to park about a 100 metres down the street."

Mr Blyth said the majority of his neighbours were pensioners like him, which makes easy access for ambulances and fire engines vital.

Inquiries have been made to get the car removed via the county's End of Life Vehicle Impound Scheme (ELVIS) but there are no guarantees it will be eligible for removal.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

MARCH 20:

Brogan Kent, aged 19, of Flying Dutchman Way, Daventry, failed to comply with a community order; order to continue, pay costs of £60.

Brian Ashford, aged 32, of The Severn, Daventry, breach of the Education Act; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £120.

Amanda McGill-Hall, aged 41, of High Street, Upton, used a colour television without a licence; fined £100, surcharge of £20 and costs of £90.

Kieron Taylor, aged 49, of Park Drive, Kings Heath, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; fined £180, compensation of £50, surcharge of £115 and costs of £600. Failed to provide a breath test; fined £120, banned from driving for 28 months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. No insurance; fined £90. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for 14 days. Failed to comply with a supervision order; jailed for 14 days concurrent, costs of £60.

Jamie Allen, aged 20, of no fixed abode, damaged a side board and dining chair; compensation of £70. Damaged a glass window; compensation of £70.

Lynne Wintersgill, aged 40, of Wordsworth Road, Headlands, Daventry, stole four bottles of alcohol worth £94 belonging to Waitrose; community order made, surcharge of £85 and costs of £105. Damaged a supermarket till; community order made, compensation of £200. Possession of cocaine; community order made

Saul Hopkins, aged 50, of Ladycroft, Daventry, breach of a court order; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Daniel Bateman, aged 35, of no fixed abode, community order, compensation of £1,900, surcharge of £85 and costs of £85. Damaged a van; community order made.

Slawomir Bielak, aged 51, of Farnborough Drive, Daventry, had a knife in a public place without good reason; community order made, surcharge of £85, costs of £85.

Kaya Searing, aged 20, of Melbourne Road, Northampton, assault; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge of £20.

Geoffrey Newman, aged 28, of Harcourt Way, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £200 and costs of £60.

Anthony Kun, aged 31, of Hardlands Road, Northampton, assault; community order, surcharge of £85 and costs of £85.

James Walsh, aged 31, of Church Way, Ecton, Northampton, assault; community order made, compensation of £700, surcharge of £85 and costs of £650. Damaged a tyre; no separate penalty, compensation of £150.

Brett Oelrichm, aged 44, of no fixed abode, knowing or believing that a wrongful credit of 14 transactions worth £2,006.92 dishonestly failed to take steps to ensure it was cancelled; jailed for 12 weeks, surcharge of £115. Stole a Dell laptop; jailed for eight weeks concurrent. Committed fraud by using a false cheque; jailed for four weeks concurrent.

Simon Baker, aged 32, of Granary Road, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £92, surcharge of £30, costs of £85, licence endorsed with five points.

Billy Battison, aged 51, of Braemar Crescent, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £100, surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Robert Bland, aged 64, of Old Quarry Court, Northampton, driving at speeds of 35mph in a 30mph zone; no separate penalty. No insurance; fined £197, surcharge of £30, costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty.

Richard Langley, aged 47, of Crowthorp Road, Rectory Farm, Northampton, driving at speeds exceeding 30mph; fined £100, surcharge of £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Prezemyslaw Pietrasik, aged 43, of Derby Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £323, surcharge of £32 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Stephen Thompson, aged 57, of St Andrew’s Drive, Daventry, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £129, surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Dylan Bosworth, aged 24, of Enfield Close, Northampton, driving at 56mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 10 days.

Andrew Care, aged 24, of Kettering Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £40, surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Tiberiu Cazan, aged 46, of Baukewell Court, Northampton, driving at 40mph in a 30mph zone; fined £107, surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £50.

Samantha Frazer, aged 36, of Arbour Court, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of the driver; fined £60, surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jack Halsey, aged 26, of Primrose Hill, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge of £22 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jane Hunter, aged 50, of Tweed Close, Daventry, driving at 52mph in a 30mph zone; fined £526, surcharge of £52 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 10 days.

Gheorghiu Stefan, aged 25, of Parva Court, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £100. No insurance; fined £660, surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Kamal Stephenson, aged 25, of Upland Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £100.

Peter Sugg, aged 53, of Stanhill Row, Towcester, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge of £66, costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. No test certificate; fined £100.

Margaret Wood, aged 48, of Lawson Crescent, Northampton, driving at speeds exceeding 30mph limit; fined £100, surcharge of £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Last week, Ashby Fields Primary School announced the start of a public consultation into its proposal and was intending to announce the results on May 4.

But after hearing from concerned parents in writing and in person at a meeting last Wednesday, the school's leaders and governors have ditched the idea.

A school statement read: "Following the consultation meeting with parents on Wednesday, April 25, the governors of Ashby Fields Primary School met with the senior leadership team to review the feedback from the meeting as well as other comments from parents received via email and letters.

"Although some parents supported the intentions behind the proposal, others raised concerns about the impact it would have on them.

"As a result, the governors and senior leaders have decided not to pursue the proposal beyond this informal consultation stage."

Ashby Fields was proposing to cut two hours of teaching from its current 27.5 hours a week timetable so that its teachers could maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout.

The plan was for staff to use the additional time for preparation and marking.

Kelly Holmes, whose daughter attends Ashby Fields, said the suggestion did not take into consideration parents in work and argued that spaces at the school's on-site childcare centre - Orchards Wrap Around Care - were limited and cost money.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The Education Secretary has been clear that his priority is to work with teachers and make sure teaching remains the attractive and rewarding profession that it is.

“We recognise the pressures that teachers can face, particularly regarding workload, and we are working with the profession, unions and Ofsted to strip away work that does not add value and keeps staff from doing what really matters.

“We have also announced that there will be no changes to the curriculum or new tests for primary schools for the remainder of this parliament and across the country we know academies and free schools are using their freedoms, including the ability to set their curriculum and tailor their working day, to meet the needs of staff, students and parents.”

People are invited to give their views on plans which aim to protect the historic interest of a Daventry District village.

Daventry District Council (DDC) has produced a new draft appraisal and management plan for the Boughton Conservation Area, following a review.

The plan makes a number of suggestions for changes to the current Conservation Area, including an extension of its boundaries to take in:

- The Swedish houses in Humfrey Lane – a row of prefabricated properties that were a gift from the King of Sweden in 1948

- The hedgerow trees to the north of Jackson’s field along Spring Close

- The entirety of the stone front wall for the plot of The Corner House, in Humfrey Lane.

It also proposes to add a number of historic properties to the Local List - a catalogue of buildings and structures that are considered to be of special local interest.

DDC is now inviting comments on the proposals, which can be viewed at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/conservationareas, at the council offices in Lodge Road, Daventry, or from the libraries at Brixworth, Long Buckby, Woodford Halse, Daventry and Moulton.

People have until 5pm on Monday, June 4 to have their say by email to heritage@daventrydc.gov.uk or by post to heritage policy officer Rhian Morgan, Local Strategy Service, Daventry District Council, Lodge Road, Daventry, NN11 4FP.

There will also be an opportunity for people to meet council officers and ask questions about the proposals at a public exhibition in Boughton Village Hall on Monday, May 14 from 3pm-6.45pm.

The consultation has been launched by DDC as part of a wider review of the district’s conservation areas - areas considered worthy of preservation or enhancement because of their special architectural or historic interest.

Designation as a conservation area puts in place tighter planning controls for anyone seeking to alter or demolish a building, or carry out work to trees, in order to maintain the special interest of the area.

The review aims to ensure that the district’s conservation areas are fit for purpose. It looks at whether their boundaries should be changed and whether further controls should be introduced within them.

Find out more at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/conservationareas

Staff at Caring Kindergartens in Daventry are celebrating their recent Ofsted inspection.

Nursery manager Tina Bush said she is proud of the team, who were given a ‘good’ rating.

Tina said: “I was so proud of the team on the day, it was one of the smoothest Ofsted inspections I have ever taken part in.

“That is down to the dedication and hard work of the team and upper management.”

Since the last inspection, the manager has worked well with the staff team to address the issues raised.

Positive changes have been made to the way they monitor children’s progress and to improve the way that staff’s ongoing professional development is promoted.

Teaching is good throughout the nursery. All staff are skilled in their interactions with children. This results in children being eager and excited to take part in the activities that are planned for them.

Tina added: “The report highlights a number of key strengths, we particularly shone with our teaching skills.”

The report said: “The staff involved with these activities demonstrate strong teaching skills” and “all staff are skilled in their interactions with children”.

The inspector added: “Parents are pleased with the progress their children make, particularly in relation to their confidence, social skills and speech development.”

The report added: “The manager is committed to supporting the staff and they work very well together.”

Tina said: “I will continue to support the team in continuing to be our best and improve on our already strong teaching skills. The children are our priority and if we can achieve them having solid foundations for the rest of their lives then we are happy as they leave us for school.”

Community groups could come to the rescue of all the 21 libraries under threat in the county.

The libraries, which are run and managed by Northamptonshire County Council (NCC), are due to close their doors on August 31 as part of multi-million-pound cuts by the soon-to-be abolished authority.

The move will see only the largest 15 libraries in the county remain open. Towns such as Rothwell, Thrapston and Brackley are all set to be without a library.

However, there could be reprieve as every one of the 21 threatened libraries has had a community group express an interest in taking over the running of the facility.

A spokesman for NCC said: “We can confirm that we received at least one registration of interest for each of the 21 libraries earmarked for decommissioning. The next stage will be to work with groups that have registered an interest to look at their financial plans before determining whether they constitute viable proposals and can be taken forward.”

The county authority has not released details at this stage of community groups who could be stepping up to take over. Groups in Desborough and Brackley have already made their intentions public.

There have been mass protests about the cuts with Northampton cult novelist Alan Moore heavily criticising the council for its “anti-culture” move.

The next step for the groups is to put together a business plan to run as an independent library. They have until May 31 to do this and if they succeed in their bids, the group will have responsibility for all costs of running the service and they can also put forward a case to buy or lease the existing building.

There are a series of different packages that groups wishing to run an independent library can opt for. The county council will make a one-off gift of 80 per cent of the existing stock for groups who want to lease or buy the building.

The threatened closures will have a big impact on the provision of universal children’s services. Many of the early years services were moved to libraries two years ago when the county authority closed a number of children’s centres in Northamptonshire. However the services, such as the popular rhymetime, will now need to find another home.

The county authority is currently consulting on these changes and people can have their say on line by completing an online survey here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/UniversalChildrenServices2018

The libraries which are under threat are: Abington, Danesholme, Deanshanger, Desborough, Earls Barton , Finedon, Far Cotton, Higham Ferrers, Irchester, Kingsthorpe, Long Buckby, Middleton Cheney, Moulton, Raunds, Roade, Rothwell, St James, Thrapston, Wollaston, Woodford Halse and Wootton.

Crime commissioner Stephen Mold has launched a process to appoint a new chief constable for Northamptonshire Police.

Current chief constable Simon Edens announced his retirement earlier this month after almost 37 years in service.

Now Mr Mold has begun the process to find a replacement and hopes to select them by the end of June.

Mr Mold said that he is looking to recruit a leader who will innovate to improve the performance of the force and also ensure that the culture supports frontline police officers to develop their skills to the full.

He said: “I want to recruit an inspirational leader who will set Northamptonshire Police on a path of genuine improvement as well as creating an environment where every member of this force is able to use their skills and potential to play their part.

“The force is made up of talented people who have so much to contribute to the job of building an excellent police service.

“I am looking for a leader who can nurture that talent, so that the improvements we make in performance can be sustained over the years.

“The new chief constable must be able to empower and lead officers and staff at all levels and create the next generation of leaders from within Northamptonshire Police.”

The role is being advertised in print and online, with details now available on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.

The new chief constable will be selected by the end of June so that a confirmation meeting can be held by the Police and Crime Panel at the beginning of July.

Applicants will face a rigorous interview process, which will include being questioned by groups made up of police officers and staff and of representatives from partner organisations from across the county.

They will then face two formal panel interviews before the Police and Crime Commissioner selects the preferred candidate.

Mr Mold added: “Policing is more challenging and complex than ever and we need empowered frontline staff who use their training and judgement to the full.

“The new chief constable must be up for that challenge and share a passion for improvement that shows a clear commitment to the future of Northamptonshire Police and the safety of this county.”

The application pack is now available on the website of the Office of the Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner at www.northantspcc.org.uk.

The deadline for applications for is 12 noon on June 11.

George Murray, 23, from Southbrook, buried his face in his hands as he was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court yesterday (April 30) for common assault.

The court heard how he laughed as he pushed his mother to the floor in an outburst while caring for her at home in Admirals Way, Daventry.

Murray carried out the attack in December 2017 after his mother asked him for help as they sat in her living room.

He responded by smashing a crockery cup against a wall, punching her in the arm three times and cutting her with a shard from the cup.

She called him "evil" as he carried out the abrupt assault - prompting him to choke her with his hands as he ordered her to take it back.

Then, as suddenly as the attack started, Murray got up, apologised for his behaviour and called the police on himself.

Recorder Anupama Thompson QC said: "I take the view that this is mitigated by you yourself calling the police and the genuine remorse you are clearly experiencing for this offence against your mother.

"However, this clearly can only be met with an immediate custodial sentence."

The court heard how the attack happened shortly after Murray was handed a suspended sentence for arson after he set fire to his flat "in the interest of self-harm".

With the activation of that suspended sentence, Murray was jailed for 16 months.

The housing association responsible for the Daventry property at the centre of an eight-week antisocial behaviour nightmare says it will support the tenant and the Southbrook community after the home's temporary closure.

Last week, Northamptonshire Police successfully obtained a three-month closure order on the property in Kennedy Close, Southbrook in Daventry, which had been attracting antisocial behaviour from a group of teenagers for two months.

Should anyone, including Futures Housing Group, want to enter the property before then they have to apply to the courts for the notice to be lifted.

Suki Jandu, group customer experience director at Futures Housing, said: “We can’t comment on individual cases.

"If a closure notice is granted we are mindful of the need to support individual households and the wider community in the short and longer term.

"If a customer leaves in circumstances like this we work with our partners, including Daventry District Council, to provide support.”

Neighbours described how the group, made up of around 15 teenagers, would let off fireworks, keep children awake and threaten residents.

The frequent caller, whose actions cost the NHS £13,276, was sentenced at court earlier this month.

The court heard how she rang EMAS - who handle emergencies in Northamptonshire - 97 times on Christmas Day 2017.

Ian Brett, emergency operations commander, was overseeing the control room on one occasion when the caller used three different phones to ring 68 times between midnight and 8am, which prevented three 999 call handlers from taking real emergency calls.

Ian said: “I was made aware of the caller as she was repeatedly pushing the redial button on two mobile phones and her landline. At one point, the caller placed her phones together so our 999 call handlers were talking to each other.

“This meant that three of the 14 call handlers were committed to answering this one regular caller rather than a member of the community needing emergency medical help.

Frequent Caller Lead for EMAS Deborah Powell explained that all 740 inappropriate emergency calls took place in just three-and-a-half months between 29 November 2017 and 11 February 2018.

As a result, the woman has also been sentenced to a 12-month community order, 15 days of rehabilitation activity, and will receive mental health treatment.

She said: “We will continue to prosecute those who misuse our service to ensure that the support is there for those who need it in a real medical emergency.

“By repeatedly making inappropriate calls to the 999 service during our busiest time of the year, this caller demonstrated flagrant disregard for others experiencing life-threatening emergencies who genuinely need our help.

“We are pleased with the outcome of this case because it acknowledges the impact that frequent callers such as this person have on our vital service and helps to protect ourselves and other emergency services from future inappropriate calls.

“We would urge people again to make the right 999 call and only phone us in a life threatening emergency.”

The comedian, who hails from Northampton, and the model-turned-TV personality were joined on the sidelines by former pop star Kerry Katona at the all-star football game at Northampton Town’s Sixfields Stadium in aid of Niamh’s Next Step (NNS).

Stars who played in the match included former Leicester City defender Paul Konchesky, X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Stevie Ritchie. EastEnders actor Jake Wood, best known for playing Max Branning, ITV Survival of the Fittest contestant Warren Phillips and Love Island’s Dom Lever and Alex Beattie also participated.

Niamh’s Next Step, based in Wellingborough, was set up in 2013 by Chris and Samantha Curry, following the death of their five-year-old daughter Niamh, who had suffered from neuroblastoma.

Chris Curry, said: “All the money from the celeb football match at Northampton Town has been collected and we are very pleased to have raised an amazing £42,495 from the event. As well as this amazing amount we raised an incredible amount of awareness for NNS and neuroblastoma.

“It was phenomenal to attract such high-profile names to Northamptonshire to create such a special event staged to fund vital research into childhood cancer in memory of our courageous little girl Niamh.”

The aim of the event, which took place on Sunday, April 15, and was organised in partnership with Northampton Town and Sellebrity UK, was to raise awareness of a rare type of child cancer called neuroblastoma.

Around 100 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year in the UK, of which only around 30 per cent will survive. There is currently no government or NHS funding into the research of neuroblastoma in the UK.

Niamh’s Next Step exists to raise money and awareness of neuroblastoma while offering help, support and advice to children and families affected by the condition.

A Daventry town centre shop is celebrating 50 years of trading.

Last month marked the half-a-century anniversary of Sheaf Street store Second of May at Serendipity.

Cliff and Marion Orgill first opened Serendipity in 1968 but after they retired in 1998 Jennifer Patching took ownership of the shop.

"I was hugely fortunate to continue the business," said Jennifer.

"In my teenage years I would visit my sister who worked in the shop.

"I really hoped one day I could have a shop like it never dreaming it would be Serendipity."

When they first opened, the Orgills did so with the intention of selling handmade poetry and over the years the shop came to live up to its name Serendipity, which means the ability to find unusual things in unlikely places.

Marion would make trips to London to buy the latest fashion styles and sell them in the shop - extending the previous owner's stock of handmade clothing - along with giftware, furniture, cards and more.

But after 30 years of trading Cliff and Marion handed over the keys to Jennifer in April 1998.

"The name of Serendipity I felt, had to stay and I added the name of my existing shop - second of May - and so "Second of may at Serendipity” reopened its doors to the delight of many previous customers and especially me," said Jennifer.

"Now 20 wonderful years on I continue to love this shop and look forward to opening every day.

"I consider myself so fortunate to have the help and friendship of Sue, Chris and Sue who work in the shop."

"A huge thank you to all our loyal and supportive customers, many of whom have become friends," she added.

"Here's to the years ahead!"

Between 1am and 9.30am on Tuesday, April 24 a lamb was stolen from a barn in a field on Station Road in West Haddon.

Then, between 8pm on April 24 and 10am on April 25, a thief entered a field on London Road in Daventry and removed chickens and a feeder.

Anyone with information about the two incidents should contact the Daventry Neighbourhood Team via https://www.northants.police.uk/webform/online-crime-reporting or call 101.

Royal Bank of Scotland has announced it will be closing 162 branches across England and Wales.

As a result, the bank has said 792 jobs will be lost, with staff offered voluntary redundancy.

An RBS spokesperson said: “We realise this is difficult news for our colleagues and we are doing everything we can to support those affected. We will ensure compulsory redundancies are kept to an absolute minimum.”

Why are branches closing?

Royal Bank of Scotland in England & Wales and NatWest retail banking business in Scotland were due to be launched as a separate ‘challenger bank’, under the name Williams & Glyn. However, this is no longer going ahead.

The RBS spokesperson said: “We are no longer launching Williams & Glyn as a challenger bank, and we now have two branch networks operating in close proximity to each other; NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland, in England & Wales.

“As a result we have had to review our overall branch footprint in England and Wales and we’ve made the difficult decision to close a number of Royal Bank of Scotland branches.

“Customers of Royal Bank of Scotland in England & Wales will be able to use NatWest branches instead for their everyday banking needs.”

Changes in banking

Royal Bank of Scotland said since 2014 branch transactions have been down by 30 per cent.

During the same period there has been a 53 per cent increase in the number of customers using mobile banking and mobile transactions have increased by 74 per cent.

What does this mean for customers?

We do not yet know which branches will be closing. However, the bank will be writing to customers of affected branches to highlight the alternative ways to bank in their area.

RBS has said that technology has been developed which means that customers of Royal Bank of Scotland can now use NatWest branches for their everyday banking, such as withdrawing cash, checking balances or paying in (and vice versa).

Additionally, personal and business customers will be able to access a range of services at either a Royal Bank of Scotland or NatWest branch, including payments, international services, account detail changes and mandates.

In order to support Royal Bank of Scotland customers with these services and their banking needs, members of staff will be dedicated to nearby NatWest branches to offer assistance.

Not all customers are comfortable or familiar with using online or mobile banking, so the bank has created a new specialist taskforce of TechXperts who will be dedicated to supporting customers with training and support with digital skills.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

MARCH 22

Tilda Devlin, aged 19, of Whitfield Road, Biddlesden, Brackley, stole food, baby products and washing products from Tesco; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge of £20 and costs of £85. Stole Red Bull from Tesco; conditional discharge for 12 months, compensation of £108.77. Stole Christmas decorations worth £160 belonging to Bell Plantation; conditional discharge for 12 months, compensation of £80. Stole food articles from Co-Op; conditional discharge for 12 months.

Valdi Isankovs, aged 18, of Merthyr Road, Northampton, dangerous driving, no insurance, driving not in accordance with a licence; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Nathan Bettles, aged 29, of no fixed abode, stole two jackets worth £229.98 belonging to SuperDry; jailed for three weeks, ordered to pay compensation of £229.98, surcharge of £140. Stole one coat worth £89 belonging to M&S; jailed for four weeks consecutive, compensation of £89. Stole two jackets from SuperDry; jailed for three weeks consecutive, compensation of £229. Stole one jacket from SuperDry; jailed for four weeks consecutive, compensation of £85. Stole a coat from M&S; jailed for four weeks consecutive. Commission of a further offence while subject to a conditional discharge order for theft and failing to surrender to custody; jailed for 12 weeks consecutive. Overall length of sentence, 46 weeks.

Kyle Smith, aged 22, of Rillwood Court, Northampton, failed to comply with a supervision order; jailed for 14 days, ordered to pay costs of £60.

Alexander Comrie, aged 42, of no fixed abode, failed to comply with the Sexual Offences Act; jailed for 28 days, surcharge of £115.

Aden Fordjour, aged 23, of no fixed abode, had a blade in a public place without good authority, failed to surrender to custody, possession of cannabis; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Ashley Manning, aged 22, of Stockmead Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; jailed for 26 weeks.

Marian Popescu, aged 34, of Broadmead Avenue, Northampton, stole a mobile phone; fined £81, surcharge of £30 and costs of £220.

Malcolm Chapman, aged 73, of High Street, Upton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £240, surcharge of £30 and costs of £310, licence endorsed with six points.

Kiri Downey, aged 30, of Broughton Place, Northampton assault; community order made to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, compensation of £100, surcharge of £85 and costs of £375.

Jacqueline Fox, aged 42, of Gladstone Road, Northampton, possession of heroin; community order made, surcharge of £85 and costs of £85. Possession of crack cocaine; community order made.

Maxine Richards, aged 57, of Broughton Place, Northampton, assault; jailed for 10 weeks suspended for 24 months, compensation of £100, surcharge of £115 and costs of £375. Assault; jailed for 10 weeks consecutive suspended for 24 months,.

Gheorghe Scurcan, aged 27, of Sidebrook Court, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 120mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; community order made to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, surcharge of £85 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 29 months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £115, no insurance; fined £345.

Jacek Szydlowski, aged 43, of Campbell Street, Northampton, assault; jailed for 12 weeks, surcharge of £115. Assault; jailed for 12 weeks concurrent. Threatening behaviour; jailed for four weeks concurrent.

The Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire has partnered with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and other PCCs from across the East Midlands to launch a new specialist hub in the county that will support young victims of sexual violence and assault.

The new referral centre, provided by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, will operate from the Serenity Centre, Highfield Clinical Care Centre on Cliftonville Road and is one of two in the East Midlands - the other operating from Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham.

Both hubs will be staffed by specialist forensic medical examiners and paediatricians who have high levels of expertise and are experienced in treating children and young people who have been subjected to sexual assault. Together with crisis workers, a young person and their carers will receive an excellent standard of care and support.

Stephen Mold, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire, said: “This is a vitally important service which will support some of the most vulnerable people in the county who have been the victims of horrific crimes, and who need our help and care. At the same time as providing specialist support, this new service will allow the police to collect valuable evidence to ensure the perpetrators are caught and brought to justice.

“My Police and Crime Plan is centred around supporting vulnerable people and victims of crime, and increasing partnership working to ensure that public services operate in the most efficient and effective way possible. This arrangement is a fantastic example of the positive work that can be done when we work together.

“I am committed to supporting victims of crime to ensure they are able to cope, recover and thrive following their experiences, and I’m delighted to be able to work with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and other PCCs in the region to fund this valuable service.”

In Northamptonshire, on-going support throughout the Criminal Justice Process will be provided by Children and Young People's Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (CYP ISVAs) and specialist support workers at the Serenity Centre, who provide continuous emotional support, practical help and advocacy to young people and their families.

Part of a £2million-per-year project, the hubs – known as Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres – have been created to provide highly specialised support for under 18s, and to increase partnership working between blue light services. Clinicians at the centres will provide the medical care that victims of crime need at the same time as collecting forensic evidence which may be used in a prosecution.

Each centre will be open 24 hours-per-day, 365 days-a-year to support under 18s who have been, or are suspected of having been, subjected to crimes of a sexual nature. Centres will receive referrals from police, social workers and other key stakeholders.

The partnership with NHS England builds on the previous co-operation between the PCCs Office, Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who have supported victims of sexual assault of all ages at the Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre. This work will continue alongside the new, specialist service for young people.

Referrals to the East Midlands Children and Young People's Sexual Assault Service can be made to the 24-hour single point of access, on 0800 183 0023. The service provides a 24-hour confidential helpline for the East Midlands. This is a channel to get the right help for children and young people at the right time.

Detective Chief Inspector Lorraine Gordon from Northamptonshire Police said: “We welcome the introduction of this extremely valuable service, which will complement the excellent service already provided by Serenity.

“We encourage anyone who has been the victim of rape or sexual assault to report it, whether to the police or other agency and regardless of whether it happened recently or several years ago.

“It is vital that young victims of sexual crime have someone they can turn to for help and this new specialist service for children and young people will provide a safe, supportive place for them to get the help and support they need.”