A charity set up for dads of deceased children has accepted a special donation from the mayoress of Northampton.

Councillor Terrie Eales (Lab, Kings Heath) has donated her wedding dress to Daddy's with Angels, in order to make outfits for stillborn babies.

Mayor Gareth Eales, Terrie's husband said: "Myself and the mayoress were very moved by this cause, hence the donation of the wedding dress - more people, we think, will donate if they knew about it."

Daddy's with Angels is a charity who aim to support male members of families following the loss of a child and also offer family support.

It was launched by Paul and Helen Scully-Sloan after their son, Travers James, known as TJ, died after he caught tonsillitis and a cold in 2010.

Following his death, the family set up a charity to help others who experienced child loss.

The charity has members whose children were born too soon, died of natural causes, was miscarried, stillborn, died of cancer or other illness, committed suicide or have been murdered.

Mayor Eales said: "No one should feel alone in their grief and Daddys With Angels has begun to fill the gap for those who do not meet the 'criteria' for other groups.

"This inspiring Northampton based charity is always looking for volunteers to assist them with knitting clothes and donations of material."

For more information on Daddys With Angels, visit their website at: https://www.daddyswithangels.org

Councillor Terrie Eales (Lab, Kings Heath) has donated her wedding dress to Daddy's with Angels, in order to make outfits for stillborn babies.

Mayor Gareth Eales, Terrie's husband, said: "Myself and the mayoress were very moved by this cause, hence the donation of the wedding dress - more people, we think, would donate if they knew about it."

Daddy's with Angels is a charity that aims to support male members of families following the loss of a child and also offer family support.

Stillborn babies are usually delivered to the parlour in a plastic bag, but the charity helps to bring comfort to parents by creating knitted items.

It was launched by Paul and Helen Scully-Sloan after their son, Travers James, known as TJ, died after he caught tonsillitis and a cold in 2010.

Following his death, the family set up a charity to help others who experienced child loss.

The charity has members whose children were born too soon, died of natural causes, was miscarried, stillborn, died of cancer or other illness, committed suicide or have been murdered.

Mayor, Councillor Gareth Eales said: "No one should feel alone in their grief and Daddys With Angels has begun to fill the gap for those who do not meet the 'criteria' for other groups.

"This inspiring Northampton-based charity is always looking for volunteers to assist them with knitting clothes and donations of material."

For more information on Daddys With Angels, visit their website at: https://www.daddyswithangels.org

That match, which will take place at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday, October 15, will be followed by a trip to face last season's runners-up, Clermont Auvergne, six days later.

Jim Mallinder's men will take on Ospreys in the Pool 2 December double-header, hosting the Welsh outfit on December 9 before travelling to the Liberty Stadium on December 17.

Saints host Clermont on the weekend of January 12 before concluding their campaign at Saracens on the following weekend.

The green, black and gold booked their place in Europe's top tier tournament via the play-offs last season.

Mallinder's men finished seventh in the Aviva Premiership, meaning they had to beat Connacht and Stade Français to qualify.

They start their domestic campaign against Saracens at Twickenham on September 2.

Saints' 2017/18 Champions Cup fixtures
Sunday, October 15: Saracens (h), 5.30pm
Saturday, October 21: Clermont Auvergne (a), 4.15pm
Saturday, December 9: Ospreys (h), 5.30pm
Sunday, December 17: Ospreys (a), 3.15pm
January 12/13/14: Clermont Auvergne (h)
January 19/20/21: Saracens (a)

Burglars broke into a property in Bourton Way, Wellingborough, at lunchtime today (Tuesday).

The break-in triggered an alarm, but the suspect had escaped before police arrived on the scene

One suspect was white, aged between 18 and 25 and dressed all in black with a hood up.

A second suspect was also white, aged between 18 and 25 and he wore a cream and navy blue-striped jumper

The burglars ran off along Bourton Way onto the green area which leads to the Kingsway estate.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

The first fire started sometime between midnight and 2.30am yesterday (Monday, August 21) after arsonists set light to a large industrial bin in an alleyway, which spread to a nearby building causing damage to the window in High Street, Daventry.

As a result of the fire, the bin was completely destroyed.

In a second incident in the town, unknown suspects placed rags under the door of the United Reformed Church, and then set them alight causing scorching and burning of the door.

PC Barry Gargett, who is investigating the arson attacks, said: "Both incidents had the potential to cause serious damage and even threat to life if the fires had spread."

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

Britain's stunning Lake District gained UNESCO World Heritage status just a couple of weeks ago which positions it with other ‘must see’ iconic outdoor destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef. So why not actively seek out the joys of its lakes, mountains and fells on a Chapters Experience Holiday?

Specialising in experiential travel with a variety of active experiences, ranging from Navigation & Hill Skills to Mindfulness, map your own route through this pristine landscape with a new awareness as to what makes this one of the world’s most inviting destinations.

Lakeland Explorer - Walking

The majestic fells and tranquil waters have attracted lovers of magnificent scenery for more than two centuries with walkers and writers alike rejoicing in its romantic vistas.

Based on the shores of Buttermere with lakeside views to Red Pike – some of the finest in England, this week long holiday explores the best of the Lake District on half day walks into the fells and cultural outings to areas frequented by Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

With visits to Borrowdale and Eskdale, the Honister Slate Mines and the gardens of Muncaster Castle punctuated by traditional creams teas or a Cumbrian pint, any excesses are easily walked off on quintessential ‘lake’ trails around Buttermere, beside Derwentwater, Rydal Water and Windermere.

In addition, a ride on the Eskdale Railway (known locally as the La’al Ratty) and a ferry across Windermere provide the ideal opportunity to relax, sit back and drink in the views.

Chapters Holidays' Lakeland Explorer seven night break starts from £619 including accommodation as Hassness House, all meals except dinner on Tuesday, transport as necessary, entrance fees and one cream tea. Departure 26 August 2017.

Navigation & Hill Skills

Navigating your way through the hills, when the likes of modern technology fail, can be quite liberating and what better way to do it than in a newly listed UNESCO World Heritage area with some of the UK’s most enticing countryside literally on your doorstep.

Staying in Hassness Country House on the shores of Buttermere - a tranquil area of dramatic fells, farms and woodland, beginners and more skilled navigators alike can get to grips with interpreting maps and the intricacies of a compass as they wander through superb Cumbrian countryside.

Aligned with the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS), it is a great way of getting up to speed and ensuring safe walking with the added benefit of picking up your NNAS Bronze or Silver certificate. Based on leisurely walking, days out are well rewarded with locally sourced home cook meals and the promise of resident cook Ruby’s freshly baked cakes.

Chapters Holiday' Navigation & Hill Skills three or four night break starts from £199 including full board accommodation, tuition with maps, equipment and optional assessment for NNAS. Three night departures: 4 November 2017, 14 April 2018, 16 May 2018. Four day departures: 7 November 2017, 17 April 2018.

Mindfulness in the Mountains

Away from everyday distractions, where being stressed  has so often become the norm, escape to the newly accredited UNESCO World Heritage Lake  District to  replenish diminished energy by giving yourself time to contemplate life  and develop some tried  and tested coping strategies. 

On the shores of  Buttermere with immersive lake and mountain views, Mindfulness in the Mountains provides the opportunity to live  in the moment through  a programme of walking and reflection in restorative  countryside.

Following trails such as Haystacks  and Rannerdale knots, some walking  will be in silence with targeted  activities to help connect with the surroundings and yourself.  With resources  to help familiarise yourself with techniques  and theoretical concepts, there will also be gentle yoga and short meditations sessions.

Chapters Holidays' Mindfulness in the Mountains four night break starts from £299/person including half board accommodation (except dinner on Tuesday), packed lunches on three days, meditation, yoga and transport for activities. Departures: 7 October 2017, 6 October 2018.

Women’s Activity Week

Staying in Hassness Country House on the shores of Buttermere with one of the best round-the-lake walks in the Lake District right on the doorstep, Women’s activity week is the perfect antidote to modern city living. 

\Designed to get some of that refreshing Cumbrian air into your lungs, relax with other like-minded women and perhaps try out something new, the week takes advantage of the superb setting with a daily selection of hill and Nordic walks and the optional promise of a bracing morning dip.

Interspersed with yoga and pilates to restore and unwind, days hiking with some added circuit training or aerobics, are well rewarded with locally sourced home cooked meals.

Chapters Holidays' Women’s Activity Week seven night holiday starts from £510/person including accommodation, meals except one dinner, activities and transport for activities.  Departures 12 August 2017 and 16 September 2017.

For more details, call Chapters Experience Holidays on 01707 246666 or check out www.chaptersholidays.co.uk

We all know what Prime Minister Theresa May decided last time she went on a walking holiday in Wales… this summer she’s set her sights on an Alpine holiday instead.

Nothing quite matches the feeling of wellbeing and adventure you get exploring on foot, and the health benefits of walking are manifold – both physically and emotionally.

The original walking experts, Ramblers Walking Holidays – 01707 331133, ramblersholidays.co.uk – and their sister companies Adagio and Chapters Experience Holidays have a few suggestions for those who want to escape from it all and recharge their batteries... but their advice is to be careful not to make any snap decisions!

The Lazy Alps with Adagio

This seven night alpine walking holiday is based in the beautiful village of Wengen, high in the Bernese Oberland. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the views but with slightly less of the hard graft of the ascents as you start your walks at a high level. Only accessible on foot, by train or cable car, it is surrounded by views of glaciers tumbling off the Jungfrau and other 3000m plus mountains.

During the week, a superb network of trains and cable cars ease the way to exploring paths high above the valley floor with relatively little effort.

Itinerary includes the outskirts of Wengen, cable car to the Männlichen ridge, Lauterbrunnen valley for an easy panoramic walk from Grütschalp to Mürrencogwheel, train up to Schynige Platte, the valley around Grindelwald with a walk through meadows and woods between the Holenstein cable car station and the mountain café at Brandegg and the train to Eigergletscher.

Adagio Holidays (01707 386700, www.adagio.co.uk) offers a seven night Lazy Alps holiday from £1335/person including flights, half board accommodation and transport as outlined in itinerary. Departures throughout August and September.

Walking the Trail of the Bernina Express

Walking in the Alps offers some breathtaking views with fabulous routes to choose from. This eight night holiday follows Switzerland’s most scenic train journey through alpine meadows dotted with ‘flower box’ villages against a backdrop of snowy peaks.

Walking the Trail of the Bernina Express offers the perfect balance of exploring on foot and by train. Walking amongst towering glaciers and dramatic mountain scenery and covering five small villages over nine days, the journey takes in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage area between Thusis and Tirano – a landscape of waterfalls, gorges, lakes, towering rock walls, alpine farmland, bridges and viaducts – as well as the village of Latsch where the first Heidi was filmed.

Culminating in a ride on the Bernina Express, the walk is retraced with magnificent views from the train. With July and August departures offering wonderful high alpine flora within the mountain meadows, September is equally enchanting with the cooler days and early autumnal panoramas.

Ramblers Walking Holidays offers an eight night Walking the Trail of the Bernina Express holiday from £1,599pp, including and includes return flights and airport transfers, half board accommodation, a Swiss rail pass and travel on the Bernina Express. Departure 4 September 2017.

The store, which opened its doors on the August 18, has taken over space within the Tesco Extra store in Weston Favell Shopping Centre.

This comes as a result of a trial partnership between the retailers and follows the opening of its first concession in the Milton Keynes Extra store last month.

Elun Locke, the store manager at the Currys PC World shop in Weston Favell, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our doors and offering customers this new and exciting opportunity to pick up their latest gadgets with expert advice during the convenience of their weekly grocery shop.

"We’ve had really positive feedback from the Milton Keynes concession so we’re excited to see what customers think.”

A range of Currys PC World products is on offer in the Weston Favell outlet, including televisions, computers, white goods and accessories.

Additional services such as laptop repairs, advice and comparison services, which allow customers to explore switching broadband and energy supply, are also available.

Graham Barnes, store manager at Tesco Weston Favell store added: “We’re really pleased to deliver the second outlet opening of its kind, here in Northampton.

"We’re always looking for ways to offer the best possible range of services in our store and we think this will be a winning combination for our customers.”

The team, which trains every week on a set of artifical pitches in Mereway, won the Stephen Thomas tournament in Cirencester over the weekend.

A spokesman for the Cobblers said the club thanked hosts Swindon Town for their hospitality before congratulating the Downs' syndrome squad on their title.

He added: "Well done Richard (coach) and the rest of the squad - everyone at Northampton Town Football Club is very proud of you."

The team trains at the Goals Centre in Northampton every Sunday from 10.30am until noon and are on the look out for new members as they look to play more matches against other Downs' syndrome teams across the country.

In recent years the squad has played against other Down's syndrome teams including Swindon Town, Lincoln City, Coventry City and Norwich City, as well as competing in the National Finals of the Downs' syndrome Cup.

Anyone wanting more details about the squad and training should email Russell Lewis: russell.lewis@ntfc.co.uk

The Pig & Applestock Festival returns to Naseby Reservoir for its sixth year this bank holiday weekend.

As well as bands, there will be live DJs, poets, kids entertainers, traditional craft demonstrations and film installations.

A spokesman for the organisers said: “The Applestock wheels are rolling and preparations have begun for our annual weekend of love and mayhem.

“If you made it last year we would like to thank you for helping us to make it one of our most memorable years, and if you’re joining us for the first time then we are looking forward to meeting you.

“We are always humbled by your emotional and monetary contributions and hope that this August will bring more of the same, and of the different, and of the weird.”

Leading the musical festivities are Paddy Steer, Xam Duo and Love Cans as well as local favourites including The Swing Museum, The Anteloids and Stupid Boots.

Weekend tickets cost £25 in advance. Camper van tickets are £30, and children under 10 are admitted for free.

Day tickets are also available.

For further information about the event visit www.applestock.co.uk.

Billing Aquadrome said the refund was not given because the firm has a "zero tolerance on inappropriate language against its staff" but has now offered to keep the holiday open for another 12 months.

The woman, who wants to remain anonymous, was set to pitch a tent at Billing Aquadrome on the weekend of Friday, August 18 but the day prior to her trip away, she discovered her son had a brain tumour.

She said the two-night £80 break was a getaway for the family to enjoy the balloon festival together before she gives birth to her third baby but the mum-of-two had to call Billing Aquadrome last-minute to cancel the trip.

Bosses at Billing said they understand that this was a very difficult time for her family, however, they have a zero tolerance policy regarding the use of inappropriate language toward staff.

In response, she said: "I 100 per cent did not use any inappropriate language and rightly so that they a zero tolerance policy towards staff."

She said the reason for bringing the story to light was not about the cash but to make people aware of what happened.

She said: "It isn't even about the money, it's the lack of human decency and compassion.

"I feel more upset at the lack of empathy and that even though we are going through a horrific ordeal we were spoken to like rubbish, no respect from the staff at all.

"The saddest thing was he was telling all the nurses he was going camping - such an upsetting experience."

Trevor White, director of corporate affairs for Pure Leisure Group said: "I am more than happy to keep the holiday open for the family for another 12 months and it can be used at any time subject to availability at the time of booking.

"As a father and grandfather, I wish a speedy recovery for her son and look forward to welcoming her family back to Billing Aquadrome."

Jake Price, 22, Taishon Whittaker, 26, and Frank Taylor, 24, all from Wellingborough, appeared alongside Ijuha Sterling-Campbell, from Ecton, at Northampton Crown Court today (August 23).

They all pleaded not guilty to maliciously throwing ammonia at four people in an incident that took place on July 23 at around 4.45am in the Drapery.

The four men were remanded in custody. A trial date is yet to be set.

Midfielder Matt Crooks insists the mood inside the Sixfields camp is still a positive one, despite a miserable start to the season.

Four matches, four defeats, one goal scored and seven conceded.

It doesn’t make for pleasant reading for anybody of a Cobblers persuasion, but Crooks has assured the club’s supporters that everything possible is being done to turn things around.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s derby showdown with Peterborough United at Sixfields, summer signing Crooks said: “The mood is obviously not 100 per cent, but I think you have to remain positive.

“We know it is still early in the season and we are still gelling as a team, so you can’t dwell on things for too long.”

Saturday’s 4-1 loss at Charlton hit everybody at Sixfields hard, and Crooks admits that he and his team-mates have to look at themselves, and do better.

“You have to look at things, and I know I look at my clips and what I can do better, and I think as a team we have to do that,” said the 23-year-old, who was signed from Rangers in July.

“We have to take what we can from the games we have played so far, but then we have to look ahead and look at the games coming up.”

Asked to pinpoint what he has been disappointed with in his own performances, an honest Crooks said: “I think I have been too sloppy in possession, especially on Saturday.

“There were times when I gave the ball away when it was pointless really, just needless play.

“I have looked at that, and I know I need to work on that in my game, but it was a one-off game and I will try and put that right on Saturday.

“We have to just try and get three points from somewhere now, it doesn’t have to be playing like Barcelona.

“As long as we get the three points that is the key thing.”

A major topic of conversation among supporters has been the team’s use of the 3-4-1-2/3-5-2 system in all the matches to date, and it is a question that manager Justin Edinburgh has found himself fending off on a regular basis.

And Crooks is making no excuses on that front either.

“The formation is new to some of the players,” said the former Accrington Stanley man, who has started all four games in a central midfield two.

“Not all of us have played it before, but whatever formation the gaffer puts us out in, we have to work as a team, and work to our potential to try and get results.”

Crooks could well find himself with his third central midfield partner in just five games this weekend, with Matt Grimes a possible starter in the middle of the park following his loan switch from Premier League Swansea City.

Grimes made a substitute appearance at The Valley and then started in a reserve team friendly against Chesterfield on Monday, and he has clearly impressed Edinburgh, as well as Crooks.

“The better quality you bring in, that is only better for the team,” said the Leeds-born midfielder, who has already partnered Matt Taylor - who has now left the club and signed for Swindon - and Yaser Kasim.

“We have brought Matt Grimes in because he is a good player, and I have played against him before.

“I know a few of the lads at Swansea and they speak highly of him, so it is good to bring that type of player in.”

Kathleen Walsh, 26, from Southfields, and her partner Daniel Collict woke up on Thursday (August 17) to a hissing sound "like someone had lit a rocket in the room".

In fact, they say, a Samsung Galaxy S5 phone that was charging on the duvet had ignited and then exploded next to the couple, burning Kathleen's hand and tearing a hole in the mattress.

Daniel says if his girlfriend had been lying in any other position, their unborn baby and her could have suffered "a horrendous fate".

Daniel said: "We are so grateful to be alive. We have all been told the dangers of sleeping with our phones, tablets and vapes under pillows or next to us, but please don't assume it won't happen to you."

After hitting the snooze button on their phone's wake-up alarm, Daniel and Kathleen were lying in bed with their dog on Thursday morning around 6.20am. It was then they heard "a really loud hiss".

Daniel said: "It sounded like someone had lit a rocket. There was a really loud bang."

"The battery on Kathleen's charging phone had set alight. It was glowing and melting into the mattress."

They extinguished the scorched mattress with a bucket of water. But then Kathleen noticed the burns to her hand.

She was taken A&E where she was treated for her injuries. Doctors say she will not need skin grafts.

Daniel said: "Kathleen is pregnant and if she had been sleeping two inches closer she and our unborn child could have suffered a horrendous fate.

"I just couldn't believe it happened to us."

The couple has also had to throw away their mattress after the blast damaged the springs.

A spokeswoman for Samsung said: "There are no known safety issues with Galaxy S5 devices. Samsung takes all customer queries extremely seriously and this incident is currently being investigated and our customer services team is in direct contact with the customer regarding the matter.”

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have also issued advice on safely charging devices.

A spokeswoman said: "Don’t leave items on charge for long periods of time or overnight. Unplug devices and chargers when not in use, and only use the correct manufacturer-approved charger for your phone or device.

"Don’t leave devices on soft items such as beds or sofas while they are in use or on charge. Regularly check charging plugs, wires and cables for any wear, fraying or scorch marks. Discard immediately if any damage is found. Never overload plug sockets.

!If you discover a fire, don’t risk your safety trying to tackle it. Get out, stay out and call 999."

Recruitment problems at Northampton General Hospital is delaying "critical" treatment for cancer patients, a report shows.

In June, the hospital missed all-but-one of their targets set by NHS guidelines for diagnosing or referring cancer patients within a 62-day standard.

Breast cancer targets were particularly affected, where half of patients with symptoms could not be referred to their first hospital appointment within two weeks of seeing their GP.

The hospital has pointed to pressures on recruiting consultants as the main factor that led to missing the targets.

The NHS sets the "crucial" 62-day target for diagnosis to ensure timely treatment can be arranged.

A spokeswoman for Northampton General Hospital said: "It is important to us that all our patients are seen according to their clinical need and are supported in their cancer journey, and we do everything we can to expedite their care when this is clinically necessary.

"NGH is in a similar position to many other trusts across the country in that we are seeing increased referrals for suspected cancer.

"We also have significant difficulty in recruiting consultants in some key specialities such as radiology, pathology and oncology.

"We are confident that we will see improvement in our performance figures in the near future."

NGH met three-out-of-nine of their targets in May and even five-out-of-nine in April.

The figures were revealed in an overall-performance board paper published in July.

A Northamptonshire woman hit her husband over the head with a bottle and brandished a knife after a night of drinking, a court heard.

Elain Lavery, 53, of Ericsson Close, Daventry, was sentenced in Northampton Crown Court yesterday (August 22) after earlier pleading guilty to assault.

Lavery's barrister described the attack as a "spur of moment" incident, and the couple has since separated.

The court heard how after a night of drinking and taking prescription pills, Lavery returned home and an argument started between her and her husband.

During the tussle, Lavery hit her husband on the back of the head with a bottle and grabbed a kitchen knife, which she was persuaded to put down.

Her husband was taken to hospital and treated for a large bump to his head and a cut to his hand.

Lavery later pleaded guilty to the attack in magistrate's court and was "immediately remorseful" over the incident. She has also reportedly given up alcohol.

In sentencing, Mr Recorder David Chinery said: "You're not the first person who stands in the court for offences carried out while drinking or ingesting substances, and you won't be the last.

"I do not consider you to be a dangerous person. There is little benefit to sending you into custody."

Lavery was sentenced to eight months imprisonment suspended for 12 months.

After three years of planning and after spending close to half-a-million pounds of his own money, a popular Northampton shopkeeper is hoping his new community centre will remain for a generation.

Northampton Borough Council sold the freehold of the former Ecton Brook Public House to Bipin Patel for use as a new community facility back in 2015.

This week the businessman, who runs the local post office, opened the doors of the new venture following a six figure refurbishment of the former watering hole.

More than 200 people attended the ribbon cutting of the Bipin Brook Community Centre on Saturday.

Mr Patel, said that after 30 years serving customers at the Post Office, he just wanted to give something back to the people of Ecton Brook.

"I'm happy to do something for the community," he said.

"These people come into my store and spend a lot of money."

The new facility, which cost around £500,000 to build, has two large rooms available for hire for a range of events, with a focus on hosting clubs for the older generation and young mums.

Even though Mr Patel, 55, has accepted that he may recoup the money he has already spent, he has even agreed to host wakes at the venue for free.

"I just think if someone has died in the family it is a bad time for them, they have been through enough," he said.

The dad-of-two, who grew up in Uganda before moving to Northampton in the 1980s, is applying for a wedding licence and is hoping to install a bar in the facility in the coming months.

"It will be half the price of any other wedding venue in Northampton and the beer will be cheaper," he added

"I want to pass this place on, I want this to stay here for years."

Mr Patel made the news back in spring when the Chron reported how he chased two knife-wielding robbers out of his Post Office.

Councillor Suresh Patel, (Con, New Duston) who has known Bipin and wife Dipika for several years, believes the couple have what it takes to make Bipin Brook work.

He said: "This will be great for the whole community.

"These sorts of facilities are so rare now.

"Bipin is a hard working person, he will make a great success there."

It is one of Orlando's oldest tourist attractions but its appeal has never waned. Since 1949 Brits have come to Gatorland time and time again – even David Attenborough himself has filmed here – so this year, I made it my mission to find out why.It is one of Orlando's oldest tourist attractions but its appeal has never waned. Since 1949 Brits have come to Gatorland time and time again – even David Attenborough himself has filmed here – so this year, I made it my mission to find out why.

The visit was part of a few days’ stay in Kissimmee, an area which offers the best of both worlds in Florida's Sunshine State and is located just south of Orlando and is another true holiday hotspot.

In 2015 more than 550,000 British holidaymakers stayed in this area in what has become the vacation home capital of the world, not least because it is surrounded by a never ending listing of things to see and do.

I started my trip with alligators and fellow thrill-seekers at Gatorland. Not only did I test my nerve on the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at 56ft high and along a 1,200ft ride reaching speeds of up to 35 mph over gator packed swamp – which alone is pretty impressive – I even came face to face with the beasts whose existence dates back 66 million years.

The giant alligator is alive and not moving and I’m assured he’s not hungry, but the experience still has a frisson of fear as I look at those powerful jaws.

With thousands of alligators, crocodiles, birds including flamingos, deer, turtles and a giant tortoise as well as bobcats and panthers and many more species there is a lot to see here and keep you occupied. There is even a mini water park where youngsters can cool off safely distanced from any reptiles.

But what I most enjoyed about being there was the feeling of peace and quiet of natural Florida. I could have spent hours watching birds such as white ibis fly in and out to their nests as I wandered the walkways in my own time.

The 100-acre park will also open a new attraction this autumn – Gator Joe’s Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure – where you can ride through the swamplands on a 12ft high monster truck to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. Checkout gatorland.com

From Kissimmee it’s just a short drive to the Disney parks, although a longer ride to Universal and SeaWorld, and a convenient way to stay for families who have the comfort of a large self-catering home with three, four, five or even more bedrooms, a private pool and, in many cases, communal facilities to enjoy either before or after visiting the attractions.

I’ve stayed here several times and it’s a great location, although traffic along its main route to the parks – the busy 192 – can get congested at peak times.

Some of the most luxurious of those vacation homes that wouldn’t be out of place as celebrity pads in Los Angeles with their impossibly glamorous kitchens and dining rooms, private cinemas and themed bedrooms for all tastes are on offer from Jeeves Florida Rentals – see jeevesfloridarentals.com

The exquisite homes I looked around were so beautiful that it seemed a shame to mar their beauty with day to day living! But for the chance to take my grandchildren to a house with beds that look like boats and a Mickey Mouse-shaped swimming pool, I’d get over my qualms.

If Disney is your thing then visit Celebration, a little town created by Walt’s company in 1994 to be the perfect place to live with gorgeous homes along manicured avenues with not a blade of grass out of place. No longer owned by Disney it is nevertheless still gorgeous and a really interesting place to visit. It has quirky boutique shops, not least The Woof Gang Bakery for pets (of course), a fifties-style cinema and great dining.

For family entertainment Kissimmee has a lot to offer, but I can recommend a really fun outing at Medieval Times, a dinner show that transports you back to the time of knights in armour, jousting and maidens needing to be rescued. Eat with your fingers, which children love, and cheer for your favourite hero as you are entertained in the action-packed arena – medievaltimes.com

Top of many visitors’ list of typically Floridian things to do is to take an airboat ride in the Central Florida Everglades. It’s fast, it’s thrilling and you can once again get up close and personal with those gators and see wildlife as wonderful as eagles and turtles in their natural habitat.

A great place to do this is at Wild Florida, on the banks of Cypress Lake which also has a wildlife park where you can see emus, zebras, watusi cattle, water buffalo and many more creatures. One of the cutest and most in demand for petting is the sloth who quite happily posed for photographs for me on my visit – facebook.com/Wildfloridairboats

But an equally thrilling way to take a look at what Kissimmee has to offer is to take an hour’s balloon ride over the countryside in pure peace and quiet finishing with a glass of bubbly to toast the occasion. It’s an early morning start and always weather permitting, but an unforgettable experience to see the Florida landscape of lakes, swamps and parts of the Disney area from on high – orlandoballoonrides.com

Another very thrilling first time experience for me was a night-time helicopter flight over Walt Disney World to get a very different perspective on Epcot’s spectacular firework extravaganza IllumiNations Reflections of Earth that wows visitors every night.

With a glass of bubbly in our hands a friend and I were snugly seated in the back of the Max Flight helicopter behind our pilot to fly as near as regulations allow to the show. To see Disney laid out below us in all its lit up glory at night was absolutely fabulous. If you love flying of all varieties as I do, it’s one experience to save up for - stunning. Find out more at facebook.com/MaxFlightheli

Central and South America has been a huge influence on the cuisine in this part of the USA. One of the most prestigious and stunning is the Columbia Restaurant specialising in Cuban food. Owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generation of the same family the Columbia brand is Florida’s oldest with the original restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa opening in 1905.

The menu in Celebration has the same Spanish/Cuban highlights – try the trademark 1905 salad or the paella a la Valenciana – columbiarestaurant.com/celebration. The whole experience with amazingly attentive staff fits with the exclusive feel of Celebration itself.

It is also, however, a good destination for all the family and an especially safe place to go for a bike ride around the lake and trails or even take an audio-guided Segway tour.

There is a gorgeous boutique hotel here, but if you like your Florida hotel to literally give you ‘everything’ then head for the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate. This is an area with plenty of shops and facilities right on the doorstep of the theme parks with a complimentary shuttle to Walt Disney World – music to my ears!

Children love the wave pool and the lazy river and there’s a spa, miniature golf and championship level golf over 36 holes.

A particular delight of my stay was a deliciously authentic Chinese meal with seemingly endless dishes to try at the fine dining restaurant Zen where there’s also a sushi bar. You can eat Italian dishes at Trevi’s and at other more casual locations at the resort, including with cocktails by one of the many pools – omnihotels.com/hotels/orlando-championsgate

Another stunning location to eat is in the 4.5acre glass atrium of the nearby Gaylord Palms Resort, so spacious it has its own waterways and lush gardens. Take your time over a succulent breakfast or Sunday brunch from Vila De Flora’s chef’s table while you sit in awe of your surroundings. The hotel also now has a new waterslide complex and FlowRider surf simulator as part of a £40 million upgrade – marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/mcogp-gaylord-palms-resort-and-convention-center

Discovering more of what Kissimmee has to offer was an eye-opener for me – it definitely isn’t just a place for families. Staying here gives you the best of both worlds – theme park thrills combined with natural experiences and adventure.

WHAT'S NEW?

Roller coaster enthusiasts will love the new wooden rollercoaster expected at Fun Spot America’s Kissimmee theme park – www.fun-spot.com

The coaster is the only wooden coaster in the Southeast United States to include a barrel roll. The track is 2,256 feet long, 82 feet high with a top speed of 48.5 mph, featuring 11 instances of air time.

Pandora –The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom is the latest attraction to open at Walt Disney World this year. Visitors will be able to enjoy a flight simulator-based banshee experience and a boat ride through the mind-blowing landscapes of Pandora. Find out more at www.disneyworld.co.uk

At Universal this year an exciting tropical island-themed water park Volcano Bay has opened its doors and is a welcome addition to the existing two parks Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, www.universalorlando.co.uk

Summer is in full swing at SeaWorld Parks and Resort Orlando. Race through underwater canyons and the deep, dark hunting grounds of a legendary sea monster on Kraken Unleashed, a virtual reality roller coaster now open. Dolphin Days will entertain and inspire, while educating families about dolphins and their importance to our natural world. See baby dolphins in the Dolphin Nursery.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort has added LEGO Ninjago World, bringing to life LEGO's popular Ninjago line of toys and it’s Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu television series. Kids will train to think, move, and be ninjas alongside Kai and Nya.

Visitors who feel the need for speed now have the chance to experience Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, just opened. The attraction will feature electronic go-karting, indoor adventures, arcade gaming, bowling, racing simulators, laser tag, and a full-service bar and restaurant.

iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving has a new home on International Drive. The new single-story facility features two all-glass wind tunnels and allows spectators to watch flyers in action.

Find out lots more from Experience Kissimmee the official website for tourism at experiencekissimmee.com

Find out more about what Florida has to offer at visitflorida.com

Tom Stephenson had to wait a year before he could return to the Franklin’s Gardens turf in a 15-a-side game - and in the end it didn’t disappoint.

A try, a big victory and, most importantly, an injury-free run-out came the way of the 23-year-old as Saints smashed the Dragons 71-21 in a try-fest a couple of weeks ago.

Jim Mallinder's men have since backed that up with victories against Nottingham and Glasgow Warriors, with Stephenson continuing to play his part.

And he is now ready to make up for lost time in the green, black and gold.

“First of all, I’ve got to stay fit - that’s my main goal,” said Stephenson, who suffered a broken leg in a pre-season game against Rotherham Titans at the Gardens last August.

“I want to get five or six games under my belt without any problems and then really push for some form and try to get in the starting team.

“I’m not going to hide. I’m 23 going on 24 and I want to be pushing for a first-team spot now.

“I’ve had two years out and it’s going to take me a bit of time to find my form, but I’m really ready for the season now.

“It’s time for me to grow up and step up in the team.

“I desperately want a starting spot so we’ll see how it goes.”

Stephenson looks a different player to the one who broke into the Saints side a few seasons ago.

He has bulked up significantly, but the trademark fast footwork still remains.

And he has clearly learned plenty from a spell in Sydney with amateur side Randwick Greens earlier this summer.

Both Stephenson and Tom Collins, who also went to play for the Greens at the end of last season, have looked razor-sharp during pre-season.

So does Stephenson feel he and Collins got a head-start on their Saints team-mates, who spent the close-season enjoying a well-earned rest?

“We were actually probably a bit overweight when we came back, but we lost that.” Stephenson said.

“It took me a while to get back into the speed of the game so it was definitely worthwhile going over there.

“Maybe we were a little bit ahead in terms of the speed of the game but the boys have been training a lot with the ball in hand this year.

“There’s been a real emphasis on having the ball in hand as much as possible so they’re all pretty much up to speed with it.”

Saints have been desperate to play running rugby since switching their style during last season.

They played some sparkling stuff towards the end of the campaign, and Stephenson’s time with the free-flowing Greens will help him fit into Saints’ attacking picture.

“The style of rugby they play there (at Randwick), they don’t really concentrate on set piece,” he said.

“It’s all about keeping the ball in hand, playing some good rugby and the weather down there allows you to do that.

“It’s good just to get the ball in your hands as much as you can as a back, and fitness wise it helps a lot.

“We were more than ready to come back here and hopefully the season will go right for us.”

Drivers are being warned of severe delays on the M1 approaching Northampton from Milton Keynes after an accident earlier this morning.

Two lanes are closed on the M1 northbound between junction 14 at Milton Keynes and junction 15 at Northampton after an accident earlier this morning. There are no details at this stage as to the nature of the accident.

Highways England is reporting stationary traffic northbound with delays of up to two hours. Southbound is very slow as vehicles pass the accident and delays are being reported on the A45 coming out of Northampton and approaching junction 15.

The Friends of Northampton General Hospital (NGH) - a service who man three reception desks and assist outpatients - are winding up their 28-year-strong volunteer group on August 31 after the group had their free parking privileges withdrawn by the hospital in a recent review.

The charity estimates they would have to spend £15,000 a year to cover the costs of parking for their shifts. As part of the review, Northampton General Hospital announced it would reimburse its in-house Trust volunteers for up to £5 for parking - but this does not apply to the Friends.

In a letter to Northampton North, MP Michael Ellis, secretary of state for health, Jeremy Hunt said: "I am hugely disappointed to learn about the concern this has caused locally.

"Volunteers are hugely valuable and we would expect trusts to be doing all they can to support them, including ensuring that appropriate parking is available to them wherever possible without unreasonable costs."

The Trust has recently made changes to its parking policy following the build of a new assessment unit, which will result in the hospital losing 70 parking spaces outside the main entrance.

John Paterson, 69, volunteers for four hours per week with the Friends of Northampton General Hospital, which also provides a buggy service to take those with disabilities or who struggle with mobility clinics around the hospital.

He confirmed that there are at least eight people leaving, including six buggy drivers and two part-time paid administrators, as a result of this change.

"There is a number of us who are giving up due to the lack of respect shown to us by NGH. We are also having to give up our charity shop, which generated a £23,000 profit last year," he said.

"In total, we estimate we are losing volunteers with over 100 years of combined service with the Friends.

"We are resigned to this closure and we all wish our 'Friends' who are staying on in the new regime, every success."

In a staff briefing letter seen by the Northampton Chronicle & Echo - written by Sonia Swart, chief executive of NGH - it shows that a row over safeguarding checks could have contributed to the fall-out.

But Mr Paterson claims that the group has made various attempts to renew CRB and DBS accreditations and the in-house volunteers are not being subject to the same scrutiny.

He added: "This letter to all NGH staff is totally disrespectful of our efforts and contribution over the 28 years and seeks to tarnish our excellent reputation."

A spokeswoman for Northampton General Hospital said: “The contribution the Friends volunteers have made over the last 28 years has been highly valued by our staff, patients, and visitors.

“We’re disappointed that the management of the organisation decided to withdraw their services as we had tried very hard to work constructively with them to resolve all the issues which had given rise to concern.

“However, on a more positive note, we’re delighted that the overwhelming majority of the Friends’ volunteers have chosen to join our in-house volunteer service and will continue to support our patients and visitors.”