Police are continuing ‘extensive’ searches for a missing 81-year-old from Kettering who has now been missing for more than 24 hours.

Officers say they are increasingly concerned for Allen Dyson who was last seen at about 1.30pm yesterday (Thursday) at Tesco in Carina Way, Kettering, and officers are growing concerned for his welfare.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: “We have conducted extensive searches in and around the area that he was last seen and remain highly concerned for his welfare.”

He was wearing grey trousers, a dark grey fleece with a blue jumper underneath, and brown shoes.

Anyone who may have seen Mr Dyson is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101.

An RSPCA investigation has been launched after cat found strangled in a Northampton garden.

Chica, a female cat aged around eight, was found by a man in his garden in Trentham Close, East Hunsbury, on Saturday November 12.

The tabby-and-white cat had green-coloured string around her neck and appeared to have been strangled. It is thought that her body had been thrown over into the garden from an alleyway which runs behind it.

RSPCA inspector Susan Haywood, who is investigating, said: “Chica was microchipped and so we were able to trace her owners, who live not far from where she was found. Understandably, they are absolutely devastated.

“It does appear that Chica has been strangled and we cannot rule out the possibility that this was done deliberately, which would have been incredibly distressing and left her absolutely petrified.

“If so then there is a cruel and callous person out there and I hope anyone who knows anything comes forward so nothing like this happens again.”

People with information which could help the RSPCA’s investigation is asked to call 0300 123 8018 in complete confidence.

Inspector Haywood added: “Chica was described by her owners as being an adventurous cat who lived life to the full. She was clearly a much-loved cat who brought her family a lot of happiness.”

Fixture: Northampton Town v Peterborough United, Sky Bet League One

Date/time: Saturday, November 19, 3pm kick-off

Venue: Sixfields

Forecast: 6C, sunny spells

Outs and doubts: Cobblers: Jak McCourt (neck), JJ Hooper (thigh). Posh: Jermaine Anderson (anterior cruciate ligament injury)

Betting: Northampton 7/5, draw 5/2, Peterborough 7/4

Form guide: Cobblers LDWWWL, Posh WWWWLW

Avg. goals scored/conceded per game: Northampton 1.6/1.5, Peterborough 1.6/1.1

Likely line-ups: Northampton (4-3-3): Smith; Moloney, Diamond, Nyatanga, Buchanan; McCourt, Taylor, Hoskins; Anderson, Gorre, Revell. Peterborough (4-3-3): McGee; Smith, Baldwin, Tafazolli, Hughes; Lopes, Bostwick, Forrester; Maddison, Coulthirst, Nichols.

Man in the middle: Darren Bond

Last time out: Gillingham 2 Northampton 1 (O’Toole); Peterborough 1 (Smith) Bolton 0

Most recent meeting: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 – Peterborough United 3 (Coulthirst, Tafazolli, Nichols) Northampton Town 0

Record v Peterborough: P64 W20 D17 L28

Opposition view: “It will be a completely different game,” said Posh boss Grant McCann this week. “Northampton were missing a couple of key men at our place and that won’t be the case on Saturday. The first meeting will have no bearing on the second one. If we go there thinking we will win easily again we will get into trouble.

“Northampton are a good side with a strong home record and we will need to show the same resolution, character and ability we showed against Bolton last weekend to get the result we want. I expect us to play well. We are showing good form and we will be ready for what will be a very tough challenge.”

Cobblers connection: Harry Beautyman joined the Peterborough-Northampton club when he swapped the ABAX Stadium for Sixfields in the summer. After playing for Leyton Orient, Sutton United and Welling, the midfielder spent two years at Posh during which time he made 45 appearances and scored five goals. But after becoming something of a bit-part player last term when making just 19 league starts, the 24-year-old moved to Northampton during the summer transfer window and will now be hoping to feature against his former club this Saturday having already beaten his goal tally from last season.

James Heneghan’s preview: This weekend’s visit of rivals Peterborough United signals the start of a three-game run that should give us a clearer indication as to how high – or perhaps low – the Cobblers can go this season.

So far it’s been a mixed bag for Rob Page’s men, with encouraging performances and promising wins followed by dispiriting defeats and reasons to be anxious of what the future holds – not least the last meeting with Saturday’s opposition.

You only need to look at last week’s game at Gillingham for a prime example. Bidding for a third straight league win to cement their play-off position, Northampton produced an indifferent performance and were beaten by a team who had failed to win any of their previous seven league matches.

Consistency and the ability to string together results are essential for any team with lofty ambitions but that is something which continues to elude Northampton this season.

And now comes a stern test and a run of fixtures that promises to thoroughly examine every facet of this Cobblers team, and by the end of it, the picture should be clearer.

In-form and high-flying duo Bolton Wanderers and Bradford City wait in the wings but up first are rivals Peterborough United who make the short hop to Sixfields this weekend, and for Northampton, it’s all about revenge following last month’s 3-0 humbling at the ABAX Stadium.

Since that dark day, both sides have managed two wins and one defeat to sit within two points of each other in the top eight of Sky Bet League One.

It’s a quirk of the fixture list that the two derby games have been scheduled so close together, and that might just work in Northampton’s favour if they can harness the pain and frustration of last month’s defeat and use it as motivation for tomorrow’s reunion.

One thing is for certain, they’ll have to perform a great deal better to appease fans.

It seems somewhat doubtful that Rob Page will deploy the same 3-5-2 formation he did at the ABAX, a gamble that spectacularly backfired as United romped to victory.

This time he’ll likely revert to type and stick to his favoured 4-3-3 system, with the possible return of Jak McCourt a timely boost after his absence was keenly felt in their defeat to Gillingham last time out.

There’s two other selection dilemmas for Page. Gabriel Zakuani has returned from international duty and will be hoping to line up against his former club, however the classy Lewin Nyatanga, who again shone at Gillingham, may have other ideas.

For the lone front role, it’s a straight fight between Marc Richards and Alex Revell. Page could go with both, but if not, Revell should be considered favourite to get the nod having often been the man of choice so far, though Richards’ recent form muddies the water somewhat for the Cobblers boss.

Marcus Maddison’s lethal set-piece delivery caused varying degrees of chaos for Northampton in that last meeting, and it’s something which Page will be desperate to address given his side’s recent defensive fallibility which has seen them concede 16 goals in their last seven league outings.

Gillingham were the latest team to profit last weekend and before that it was Millwall, Bristol Rovers and Peterborough.

More of that against the free-flowing and free-scoring Posh, who’ve registered more shots on target than any other League One team this season, on Saturday and Northampton face an uphill task to get anything out of the game.

Their defensive problems have at least been compensated by an increased goal output at the other end. After managing just 0.6 goals per game in their first five outings, Town have since averaged 2.1 per game.

But again it boils down to striking the right balance between defence and attack, and too often this season the Cobblers have leaned too far one way or the other.

Get it right, though, and they will reap the rewards.

Aside from Maddison, 17-year-old Leonardo Da Silva Lopes has caught the eye of many Peterborough observers and will be one to watch on Saturday, while Michael Smith’s superb volley inspired United to an impressive 1-0 win over in-form Bolton last time out.

While the Cobblers remain inconsistent, Peterborough, with four straight wins in all competitions, have seemingly found their groove this season.

The competitive nature of this season’s League One scrap makes predicting any game a tricky task, and that’s no different this weekend.

But up against old foes and looking for revenge, Northampton know they must deliver.

Prediction: Northampton Town 2 Peterborough United 1

Toby Carvery in East Hunsbury was reopened by the Mayor of Northampton, Christopher Malpas following significant investment at the site.

The London Road restaurant resumed serving roasts to diners on Saturday and has since created two new jobs for the area.

As part of the revamp, the carvery is set to host fundraising activities and events, in aid of Northampton General Hospital’s Disney and Jupiter children’s wards.

Commenting on the reopening the East Hunsbury Toby Carvery the Mayor of Northampton, Christopher Malpas, said: “I’m thrilled to have officially reopened the Toby Carvery in East Hunsbury following its refurbishment. It’s always been a great place for the entire family to enjoy and it’s fantastic to see the Toby Carvery here committed to investing further in Northampton.

“Their excitement to build links with the local community and support the Children’s Ward at Northampton General Hospital is brilliant, we can’t wait to see what events and charitable initiatives they have planned.”

The restaurant is also supporting the Royal British Legion, Toby Carvery’s brand charity of the year, with fundraising efforts taking place nationwide.

General manager, Theo Hodgkin, said: “We’re so pleased with how brilliant the new Toby Carvery looks, and having the Mayor come down to officially reopen the restaurant made everything even more special.

“The investment from the remodel has not only let us improve the carvery’s appearance, but will also help us bring closer links with the local community. Being able to support the British Legion and the Northampton General Hospital’s children’s wards is fantastic for the restaurant, the staff and most importantly the people of East Hunsbury.

“We just can’t wait to see the people of East Hunsbury and the surrounding areas visit us to experience our fresh surroundings. From a wood burning fire to the cosy surroundings and succulent fresh carved meats, guests can always enjoy their new home from home.”

A comedy night to mark 30 years of a service for rape victims is to take place next week.

Stand up to Sexual Violence, in aid of Rape Crisis, takes place at the Picturedrome in Northampton on Tuesday, November 22.

Doors open at 6pm.

Comedians on the bill include Sara Pascoe, Tania Edwards and Vanessa Hammick.

Tickets are £15 or £30 here.

Police are releasing CCTV footage of two people they would like to speak to in connection with an alleged burglary at a farm.

Burglars broke into Winwick Farm, Winwick, near Crick, and stole a safe and its contents, including jewellery.

The property was targeted by thieves on Monday, November 2 between 11.45am and 2.45pm.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who recognises the two men in the footage or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area between the times mentioned above.

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

Young people from schools in Towcester and Wellingborough took over the running of children’s services across Northamptonshire today (Friday).

The move by Northamptonshire County Council was part of the national Takeover Challenge.

Takeover Challenge is a nationwide event run by the Children’s Commissioner for England which gives children the opportunity to step in the shoes of adults at work.

Pupils from the Sir Christopher Hatton Academy in Wellingborough and Sponne School in Towcester spent a day with children’s services staff at County Hall where they took part in a senior team meeting, discussing issues including child safeguarding and youth offending.

They also took part in a workshop about early help and prevention services and put questions to director for children’s services Lesley Hagger and county council cabinet member for children and families Cllr Matthew Golby.

Cllr Golby said: “This was a unique opportunity for some of the young people we support to have a direct input into the way we provide services for children and young people across the county.

“Young people can bring fresh eyes and ideas to an organisation and they have a great ability to cut through the bureaucracy I was very impressed with how engaged and enthusiastic they were.”

Miltyanna Antone, a Year 13 pupil at Sir Christopher Hatton School, said: “The day has been brilliant and really informative. It’s been a great way for us as young people to be able to voice our opinions and give feedback about how the county council is running its services for children and young people.”

The pupils later visited NHS Nene Clinical Commissioning Group to take over as writers, designers and editors of the Ask Normen newsletter, a monthly publication sent out to health professionals working with young people in Northamptonshire.

Around 45,000 young people have taken part in Takeover Challenge this year at organisations including major broadcasters, government departments, a West End theatre and MPs.

Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, said: “Children are full of fresh ideas, imagination and energy so they can really provide a fresh perspective that organisations can benefit from.

“Giving children and young people a chance to do adult roles for the day helps organisations understand the needs of children, who also use the experience to show off their talents and achieve their full potential.”

Boss Grant McCann is warning his Peterborough United players Saturday’s trip to Sixfields to take on the Cobblers will be their ‘toughest game of the season’.

The Northern Irishman says Town are a ‘wounded animal’ following the humiliating 3-0 defeat at London Road in the previous meeting between the teams last month, and he is expecting a real battle.

Posh were impressive 1-0 home winners over fellow high-flyers Bolton Wanderers last Sunday, but McCann believes his team are going to have to up their game even further to return from a packed Sixfields with any sort of reward.

“Northampton will be a wounded animal after the last game, their manager has already alluded to that,” said the Peterborough boss ahead of the Sky Bet League One clash.

“This will definitely be our toughest game of the season. Northampton’s players will know what to expect from us and from this particular derby fixture.

“They are a decent side. They have some good players and they have picked up some good results, but then we are the same.”

McCann is delighted with the current form of his players, and believes they relish big occasions - and that the weekend derby is a match they will take in their stride.

“We will need to play with the same level of controlled aggression as we did against Bolton, but then find something extra, because this will be a harder game,” he said.

“It’s a big game, but my players have a big game mentality. You can see it in training as well as the matches.

“We are confident. We are in good form, we have almost a full squad to select from and we want to keep our excellent run going, but no-one is getting ideas above their station either.

“We haven’t ‘cracked’ anything yet.”

The lives of 32 people killed on Northamptonshire's roads in the last year will be remembered in a special service in Northampton on Sunday.

Held alongside 25 other remembrance services across the UK co-ordinated by RoadPeace, the service will be help at 3pm at Holy Sepulchre Church in Northampton.

The service will mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

The training choir and guitar ensemble from Northampton Music and Performing Arts Trust will performing at service and it will be attended by the Mayor of Northampton Borough Council and representatives from the emergency services.

Brigitte Chaudhry MBE, RoadPeace founder and WDR co-ordinator, whose son Mansoor was tragically killed on the road in 1990, says:

“My real hope is that the awareness – of the terrible toll of road death and injury and the suffering of road victims – raised by the World Day will contribute to a serious reduction in road danger and future deaths and injuries, so that we will not need to remember many, if any, new road victims on our World Day of Remembrance in coming years.”

As part of a short series of concerts entitled Stripped Back, celebrated singer Elaine Paige headlines Royal & Derngate on Wednesday November 30 .

As a musical theatre performer Elaine has made a major contribution to the modern musical.

She has starred in more smash hit West End and Broadway musicals than anyone else of her generation and continues to present the hugely successful weekly BBC Radio 2 show Elaine Paige on Sunday.

The show, which is devoted to musical theatre and film music, has more than two and a half million listeners each week.

Backed by a small group of musicians, this concert will see her perform her most popular hits such as Memory, I Know Him So Well and With One Look, as well as favourite tracks, from an array of contemporary songwriters, including Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Burt Bacharach, Leonard Cohen, Sting, Elton John and Lennon & McCartney.

This show follows Elaine’s last solo tour in 2014 which was a sell out celebratory concert encompassing her incredible 50 year career and saw her say “farewell” to a full touring schedule.

She said: “I’m so excited about this series of ‘weekend’ concerts.

“Having made the decision not to do a back to back tour again, this appealed to me not only because of the schedule, but as I’ve marked my 50 years on stage, this is going to allow me to do something completely different, a new show celebrating the contemporary songwriters I love.

“Their music has been the soundtrack to all our lives, not just mine. It’s the ideal opportunity to perform in an intimate way.”

Elaine Paige heads to Royal & Derngate on Wednesday, November 30.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost from £28.50 to £55, with a VIP package available at £99. Booking fees apply.

To book, call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Northampton Town says it is continuing to make football "affordable for all" after the latest Cost of Football report was produced by the BBC.

The study, which analyses the cost of every Premier League and Football League club across the country, compares prices of match tickets, season tickets and food and drink.

The report showed Cobblers had one of the cheapest season ticket rates at £249, compared to the highest offered by Southend of £395. Its most expensive season ticket was also considerably lower than rivals.

The club's cheapest matchday ticket was second highest at £24 but the club's most expensive matchday ticket was also £24, compared to the highest of £35 at Charlton, and was considerably cheaper overall.

The cost of a pie at £3 was pretty average, but a cup of tea at £2.20 was the second highest in the league.

The full report is available on the BBC's website.

Club chairman, Kelvin Thomas, said: "We firmly believe in making football affordable for all, which was part of the motivation for us freezing season ticket prices this season even after promotion.

"We are really pleased that the survey showed the excellent value of our North Stand season ticket. It is the fourth cheapest season ticket in League 1, and only seven clubs in the entire EFL and Premier League offer a cheaper adult season ticket than we do.

“What the survey didn't show is that we also offer free match and season tickets for under 7s and attracting younger supporters is crucial for us. This year we have seen the number of young supporters who are season ticket holders rise by 117 percent, from 364 to 790, while season ticket numbers, in general, are up 53% and home attendances are up 35%.

"We feel with these increased numbers we are striking the correct balance between making football affordable and generating income for the football club."

Children have been sent home from a Northampton school with letters from Public Health England after a fellow student was hospitalised with suspected meningitis.

The students at Northampton School for Boys were given the letters this afternoon (Friday).

The letters – from the public health protection team at Public Health England East Midlands – state a child from the school is in hospital with ‘probable’ meningococcal septicaemia, it adds there is no need to alter the routine of the other students or keep them at home.

The letter does include examples of the potential symptoms of the infection, but adds the chance of there being another case at the school is ‘very small’.

The bacteria does not spread easily and the letter adds all those that have had enough contact to be at potential risk have been given antibiotics as a precaution.

Views on what makes Kingsthorpe so special are being sought by the borough council ahead of plans for conservation areas.

Members of the public are asked to take part in the consultation on the Kingsthorpe Village and the High Street and Manor Road conservation areas, to help identify features which contribute to their special character, to justify each area’s special status and consider how they can be preserved and enhanced.

The draft appraisals identify a number of features which contribute to the character and appearance of the two areas, including architecturally and historically important buildings, area layout, materials used in buildings, and a wide variety of building styles and ages.

In addition, the appraisals propose that the two areas remain separate and that their boundaries stay the same, excepting inclusion of the Old Institute building on Kingswell Road into the Kingsthorpe Village area.

Comments are also welcome on whether planning permission should be required for anyone wishing to alter the external appearance of their house in Kingsthorpe Village.

Both of the conservation area consultations are open until December 20. Residents wanting to contribute can email conservation@northampton.gov.uk or visit www.northampton.gov.uk/haveyoursay and leave their comments online.

The draft appraisal documents are available for viewing on the council’s website, in the One Stop Shop at The Guildhall, and at the Kingsthorpe and Central Libraries.

Cabinet member for regeneration, enterprise and planning at Northampton Borough Council, Councillor Tim Hadland, said: “The two conservation areas in Kingsthorpe have a distinct and attractive character with wonderful architecture, some of which dates back to medieval times.

“Valuing our heritage is incredibly important as we change and grow as a town, so we need to put measures in place to preserve and enhance key features so that generations to come can enjoy them and learn about their history.

“We welcome comments from residents over the next two months on the proposed appraisals, with the aim of putting any changes in place by February 2017.”

Union bosses say a fall in Government spending on schools will see Northamptonshire have 1,077 fewer teachers in just four years time.

The National Union of Teachers' (NUT) calculations take into account current Government spending policies, including plans to reallocate school budgets according to a new national funding formula, and not increasing 'funding per pupil' with inflation.

Losses to existing Northamptonshire schools' budgets would total more than £40 million, which is the equivalent of 1, 077 full-time teachers. Alternatively, the union says £410 less would be spent on each boy or girl compared with today.

Kevin Courtney, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "No head teacher should be put in the position of increasing class sizes, leaving building repairs undone or cutting staff and resources simply to balance the books.

"Nor should any parent accept this for their child. We are one of the richest countries in the world. We can and we should be funding our schools properly.”

In total, 86 per cent of schools in Northampton will face reductions as things stand.

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A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said the union's statistics did not take into account any future changes in Government spending.

But an Associ\ation of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) spokesman said the Government’s proposed ‘Fair Funding’ reforms will not make matters any better.

"Without additional funding, a new funding formula will simply spread an already inadequate amount of money around more thinly.

"For every school which gains from this, others will lose - and almost every school will lose when the impact of inflation and other cost increases - against which the Government’s funding freeze offers no protection - are also taken into account."

Go to http://www.schoolcuts.org.uk to use an interactive map.

Northampton Saints and Travis Perkins have announced that the 2016 Big Christmas Toy Collection will be launched at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday, November 25.

Supporters heading to the Saints’ Aviva Premiership game against Newcastle Falcons will be able to donate their gifts at one of several drop-off points around Franklin’s Gardens, which will be open throughout the day.

Drop-off points will also be open at the two Northampton branches of Travis Perkins on Harvey Reeves Road and Kettering Road and also at the Travis Perkins Head Office at Lodge Way House in Duston. Supporters can also leave their donations during opening hours in the Saints Shop and the club’s main reception, both at Franklin’s Gardens.

This is the fourth Big Christmas Toy Collection, and over the past three years supporters have helped brighten the festive seasons of thousands of young people in care and in need across Northampton and the wider county.

Supporters are asked to spend no more than £10 on a new toy or gift, and to plan for a range of age groups, from toddlers to teenagers.

For some ideas and more details about this community initiative head to www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/xmascollection.

“Every year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community, Travis Perkins employees and customers and Northampton Saints supporters at the annual Toy Collection”, said Travis Perkins plc’s chief executive John Carter.

“The Toy Collection makes such a difference to young people across Northampton and we're immensely proud to be working with the Northampton Saints to give back to the local community around our business at this time of year.”

“We work closely with Travis Perkins across a range of areas, but there’s nothing quite like the Big Christmas Toy Collection,” said Saints chief executive Allan Robson. “We’re both aware of our place in the Northampton community, and by encouraging our supporters to donate just a small gift we can help change the Christmases of many more young people in care and in need across the area.”

The Saints and Travis Perkins will work with Northamptonshire County Council to distribute the donated toys and gifts in the run-up to Christmas.

Two men who kidnapped a woman they saw laying on a bench on the town centre, and later raped her, have been given jail terms.

Dumitru Chirac, aged 31 of Turners Court, Wootton, was convicted of kidnap and two counts of rape and sentenced to 13 years in prison with an extended sentence of five years on licence.

Vasile-Cristinel Calin, aged 44 of Obelisk Rise, Northampton was convicted of kidnap and two counts of rape, and sentenced to 13 years in prison with an extended sentence of five years on licence.

The victim had been on a night out in Northampton town centre with friends and family, earlier this year. While three of them went into McDonald's on The Drapery in the town centre, the victim was asleep outside on a bench.

It was here that she was approached by one of the defendants, Chirac, who took her to a Vauxhall Vectra parked on Mercer’s Row.

Eye witnesses who saw Chirac take the victim away, and who later called the police, gave an account that the victim did not look steady on her feet, that she was stumbling and that it was unclear whether she was resisting the male leading her away or trying to steady herself.

Both offenders pleaded not guilty but in October, following a trial at Northampton Crown Court, they were found guilty.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Suttie, who led the investigation, said: “These two men saw a vulnerable young woman and took advantage of her in the worst possible way. They refused to take responsibility for their actions and made the victim further endure a trial.

“Hopefully now, the victim can put this terrible ordeal behind her and move on with her life.

“I would like to thank those witnesses who called the police and made a note of the registration plate, for their quick thinking and support in the case.

“We want people who go out to enjoy themselves and keep safe. The sad reality is that drinking too much could make you vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime or even a perpetrator of crime. We would always advise people to drink safely and stay with friends when you go out. Plan your return home and don’t deviate from it.”

The family of the man who died after the gas leak at the Carlsberg factory in Northampton have paid tribute to him tonight.

David Chandler, 45, from Bridgnorth in Shropshire, was working as a contractor at the factory when he was overcome by the ammonia gas leak a week last Wednesday.

Tonight, through Northamptonshire Police, the family have paid tribute to Mr Chandler and described him as a "really lovely, happy family man, with a beautiful family".

"David was a happy person, he always had a smile on his face, was always happy to help others and you would never hear anyone say a bad thing about him," the statement said.

"Married for six years, David leaves behind his beautiful wife Laura and two beautiful daughters Ava, five, and Isabella, nearly two.

"Not only do Laura, Ava and Isabella have to learn to cope with this, but also David’s two sisters and father who are left devastated and heartbroken. He was an amazing uncle to two little nieces, so the knock on effect is huge.

"This is such a massive thing, this will take a long time to move on from. David was very well known. He was a really lovely, happy family man, with a beautiful family. He was always happy, funny and bright. We need to get on as best we can," the statement added.

The family has asked that the media do not contact them directly and the Chronicle & Echo will be respecting those wishes.

A police constable who developed a relationship with the widow of a crash victim has been issued with a final written warning.

Constable 0098 Matt Godfrey was found guilty of the allegations at a gross misconduct panel.

PC Godfrey was found guilty of the following allegations:

- That he had an inappropriate relationship with an individual he came into contact with in his role as a family liaison officer;

- That he failed to maintain an accurate log of his contact with the individual in question;

- That he failed to inform senior officers of the existence of the relationship;

- That he misled another officer concerning the relationship.

Independent chair of the panel Henry Gordon said: “In our view this is a very serious case.

“His behaviour defied common sense and clear guidance.

“His misconduct has the capacity to seriously damage the reputation of Northamptonshire Police.

“We find the misconduct aggravated by the numerous opportunities he had to report or remove himself from the relationship and by the fact that he, on our findings, appreciated the relationship was inappropriate.

“We have identified mitigating factors. We take into account that the relationship is ongoing.

“That he did not use his position as a police officer to advance the relationship. We also take into account that, in reality, no further investigative work was required.

“We take into account that this is not a case on our findings on operational dishonesty, and that his misleading of (another officer) whilst unfitting towards a colleague, was largely of omission.

“Having considered very carefully the appropriate sanction, in our view PC Godfrey can properly be issued with a final written warning.”

A police spokeman said: “We expect the highest standards of behaviour from all officers and staff and matters such as these are taken extremely seriously. “Officers are expected to uphold the law in a professional capacity and when this comes into question, the impact can be significant.

“Any concerns raised to us relating to the conduct of an officer or staff will be looked at seriously.”

There was no last-gasp heartache for Saints at Sixways on Friday night as Jamie Shillcock missed a penalty with the final kick of the match to hand the points to Jim Mallinder’s men.

In a dramatic denouement, Bryce Heem scored with a minute remaining and Shillcock added the conversion to bring Worcester back to a point behind.

And with Calum Clark sin-binned for throwing a player to the ground after the try, referee Greg Macdonald restarted the game with a penalty with the clock dead.

But Shillcock’s effort from the halfway line was wide, handing Saints a nail-biting 18-17 win.

They had suffered late agony at Sixways on the opening night of last season, when Tom Heathcote landed a nerveless drop goal.

But they held on by the skin of their teeth on this occasion, with six Stephen Myler penalties providing the victory.

Saints had fought back after going in 10-9 down at half-time, but they had to ride their luck late on to record their fourth victory in eight Aviva Premiership matches this season.

Shillcock had shown early signs of his kicking ability as the 19-year-old fly-half steadied the nerves with a penalty from close to halfway.

But after good work from Jamie Gibson won a penalty, Saints pushed on to win another closer to goal, with Myler easily levelling the scores.

But Worcester came charging back at Saints and after Wynand Olivier managed to break the line, the centre offloaded to Dean Hammond, who scored.

Shillcock converted and there was injury added to insult for Saints as skipper Sam Dickinson hobbled off before play was restarted.

Saints had the chance to cut the gap to four points, but Myler missed a penalty chance he’d expect to make, sending the kick to the right of the posts.

Any attacking threat from the away side was being snuffed out by Worcester, who were having it easy as Saints struggled to keep hold of the ball, with their handling below-par.

But when they did manage to go through the phases, they earned a penalty, which Myler landed with ease.

Saints were growing into the game, carrying hard at the Worcester defence, and the home side’s discipline was being called into question.

Another penalty provided three points for Myler, reducing the deficit to a single point before half-time.

Worcester’s lack of control really started to bite after the break as centre Ryan Mills was sin-binned, and Myler soon put Saints ahead for the first time, at 12-10.

It wasn’t long before Myler added another three points to his tally, with the Warriors again ending up on the wrong side of referee Macdonald.

When the Warriors did get a penalty from the man in the middle, at a scrum, they used it to put pressure on Saints, with Tom Kessell having to be alert to halt Hammond.

Kessell and Ben Nutley, who had been early replacements for Lee Dickson and Dickinson respectively, had been two of Saints’ better players, driving the team on.

But Worcester were able to fight back when Mills returned to the field and they thought they had scored, only for Val Rapava Ruskin deemed to be short of the line by the TMO.

And Saints stemmed the tide, pushing Worcester back and playing the game in the oppositon half again.

Myler looked to have sealed the win with a well-struck penalty after replacement tighthead Gareth Denman had impressed in the scrum, earning plenty of pats on the back.

But Worcester kept scrapping and after Heem scored in the corner, Clark was sin-binned for throwing the player to the floor.

Shillcock kicked the conversion and Macdonald took the decision to restart the game with a penalty, meaning the Worcester fly-half had a chance to win it.

But his kick from the halfway line went wide, with Saints and Clark, in particular, breathing a sigh of relief as they picked up the win.

Worcester Warriors: Pennell; Hammond (Adams 75), Olivier, Mills, Vuna (Heem 55); Shillcock, Arr; Rapava Ruskin (Leleimalefaga 72), Annett (Singleton 59), Schonert (Daniels 72); O’Callaghan (Kitchener 53), Barry; Potgieter, Kirwan, Dowson (c).

Saints: Foden; Elliott, Burrell, Hutchinson, Wilson (Collins 64); Myler, Dickson (Kessell 22); A Waller (E Waller 64), Haywood (Clare 77), Brookes (Denman 65); Paterson (Craig 64), Day; Gibson, Clark, Dickinson (c) (Nutley 11).

Referee: Greg Macdonald

Attendance: 8,156

Jim Mallinder admitted Calum Clark’s late sin-binning was ‘silly’ - but praised the flanker for a ‘very pleasing game’ in the win at Worcester.

Clark was yellow carded for throwing an opposition player to the ground after Bryce Heem had scored a try a minute from time for the Warriors.

Jamie Shillcock landed the conversion and then lined up a penalty from the restart, with the clock dead.

But the fledgling Worcester fly-half sent his kick to the right of the posts, to the relief of Clark and Saints, who won it 18-17 thanks to six penalties from Stephen Myler.

It was a fourth successive victory in all competitions for Mallinder’s men, who move up to sixth in the Aviva Premiership table.

And the director of rugby said: “It is all about winning.

“It wasn’t a good start, going 10-3 down, but we really came back into the game, controlled it, put them under pressure, kept building our lead and you thought that at 18-10 up with a couple of minutes to go, we would win the game.

“There were a couple of mistakes, first of all a bit in defence, then a lack of discipline, and it gave them a chance - but fortunately they didn’t take it.”

And on the Clark incident, Mallinder said: “He just got a bit of a shoulder charge and reacted to it, which was silly, but when you’re out there, it’s a completely different thing.

“Overall, I thought Calum had a really good game, he was very good at the breakdown and got some good turnovers.

“Generally, it was a very pleasing game for Calum.”