Racks of ribs, all-day-breakfasts and a pallet of choice hamburgers can now be ordered straight to the front door from a Northampton town centre American diner.

New York-style restaurant Buddies, in Dychurch Lane, has launched a home delivery menu starting this week (February 19).

The diner will deliver to any postcode from NN1 to NN5.

A spokesperson said: "From Monday, we will be offering home delivery to selected area's of Northampton with a brand new home delivery menu, filled with your favourites straight to your door.

"Just choose your order from the home delivery menu on our website and call it through to the numbers on the menu. That's it!"

Details for delivery hours are available on the Buddies website.
The first Buddies opened in Northampton town centre's Chapel Building in 1981.

After suffering a seven-centimetre stab wound to his neck, the 17-year-old was able to answer his girlfriend's pleas to tell her "who's done this".

He told her "Kane".

A man named Kane Allaban-Hamilton, 18, from Delapre, as well as six other young men, are on trial for Liam's murder at Northampton Crown Court.

Yesterday (February 19), Liam's then-girlfriend told the jury how she had tried to stop the bleeding following the alleged group stabbing. She did not witness the attack.

The 18-year-old girl said: "[One of Liam's friends] came running around the corner shouting we needed an ambulance. Liam came around the corner. He was holding his neck. Then he dropped to the floor. There was a lot of blood.

"I said, 'you need to tell me who's done this to you'. He found it hard to breathe and speak.

"He said 'Kane'."

Liam died in hospital about an hour later.

Last week, the court heard how one of the defendants, James Dodd, 18, from Camp Hill, and Liam had a fist fight in the Drapery two days before the fatal attack.

On the day of Liam's death, Dodd bumped into Liam and his friends on St George's Street, off Barrack Road, before running away.

The witness said: "Liam was really worried. He thought James would go to the police about the fight.

"He just wanted to shake his hand and call it a truce."

James and the six other defendants - referred to by one witness as "his boys" - reportedly showed up less than an hour later "for revenge", Prosecutor John Lloyd-Jones said.

Defence barrister Michael Mather-Lees has accused Liam of having a knife during the attack.

The 18-year-old girl told the jury how she had overheard Liam saying he was "tooled up" in the half-an-hour leading up to the attack. Concerned, she "patted him down like airport security", took a knife off of him and put it in a kitchen drawer.

The court heard how one of Liam's friends had retrieved the knife before they went back to St George's Street, where Liam was stabbed.

The trial continues.

Matt Grimes is ‘very aware’ of the fact he’s just one yellow card away from a two-game ban this season but the Cobblers midfielder is determined to not let that stop him from playing his natural game.

Having picked up nine bookings so far, one more in the next three games will see Grimes receive a two-match suspension as the 37-game cut off point approaches.

“I’m very aware,” he admitted. “Obviously I’m one away from a two-game ban but you’ve still got to make the challenges.

“I’ve put myself in this situation and it’s something I’ve got to deal with. I’ll just have to be a little bit cautious now.

“I didn’t think the booking I got on Tuesday (against Gillingham) was a yellow but I’ll keep my fingers crossed!”

In their last outing at Scunthorpe United on Saturday, the Cobblers did not cough up many chances against the fifth-placed hosts but neither did they create many of their own bar the two goals, both of which came from Grimes’ set-pieces.

Despite being four unbeaten on the road, Town remain up-and-down at Sixfields, losing their last two and winning just three of the past nine games, as they continue to search for long-term consistency to pull clear of trouble.

“We just need to keep doing exactly what we’ve been doing,” added Grimes. “If we keep working hard, you can see the results we’re getting away.

“It’s not quite working for us at home but we know it’ll come, no worries.”

The Cobblers have a prime opportunity to right the wrongs of their past two outings at Sixfields this weekend when managerless Oxford United, who’ve lost five of their last six, are the visitors.

“It’s not a bad time to play them but we know that, if we turn up against any team in this league, we have a good chance of winning the game,” Grimes insisted.

“We just need to focus on ourselves this week and work out know how to beat them and see if we can execute that on Saturday.

“We’re confident going up against anyone at the moment. We’ve had a few bad results at home, which is unlike us, and we weren’t at the races on Tuesday, in the first-half especially.

“But we just need to keep building on days like Saturday and keep going.”

A Northampton man of no fixed abode is being sought in connection with an assault.

Police are appealing for information to help find 23-year-old Damien Culverhouse, who is pictured above.

He is currently of no fixed abode, but his addrewss was previously listed as Fairfield Road, Northampton.

Anyone with information about Culverhouse's whereabouts should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Mayor Gareth Eales, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Northampton South, was addressing a crowd of around 80 people at an anti-cuts rally organised by Save Northants Services, as Northamptonshire County Council prepares to make a decision on next year's budget this Thursday.

Also speaking at the rally outside All Saints Church were author Alan Moore, journalist and filmmaker Peter Stefanovic, chief executive of Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council (NREC) and Defend the NHS campaigner Dave Green.

“This is an authority that has spent £50m on a monstrosity of a building, NCC staff were an afterthought in that process," said Mr Eales.

“The chief executive at the time [Paul Blantern], the architect of this farce, was given a near £100,000 pay off.”

He added: “They said everything was under control… that was a disingenuous statement.

“They are financially and morally bankrupt.

“They have put lives at risk and it is the most vulnerable that will suffer.

“The people of Northamptonshire have been the victims of political fraud.

“We can’t let the Tory MPs off the hook. They were the cheerleaders of austerity. They are a collaborative of busted flushes.”

Northampton's Alan Moore, author of The Watchmen and V for Vendetta, gave a history lesson on Northampton's troublemaking past.

"Northampton, historically, is really, really good at producing one thing… and that’s not Batman comics, that is not even shoes - although we do make some really good shoes - what Northampton is best at producing is troublemakers.

"We have got a history of dissent in this town going back almost 1,000 years.”

Campaigner and social commentator Peter Stefanovic criticised the Government for allowing four million children to live in poverty.

He said GPs were prescribing nutritional drinks to children and sending them to foodbanks because they were not eating enough.

"We are seeing levels of poverty not seen since the Victorian age. If we stand together, if we fight to protect the rights of each other, I know justice will prevail and this insanity will end," he said.

A government inspection of the county council is currently being carried as a result of the financial concerns at the authority.

Should it be deemed necessary, Government commissioners may be appointed to take over aspects of the council in order to resolve the problems.

Defend the NHS campaigner Dave Green said he was against that idea.

“We do not need the Government commissioners. It was the Government who caused this crisis in the first place," he said.

“Asking commissioners to come in is like asking thieves back to your house for a second go after they’ve robbed you.”

A Northamptonshire County Council spokesman said: “We have faced unprecedented demand for local services for a number of years, coupled with reducing levels of funding from central Government.

“In response to these severe financial pressures, we have identified a total of £285 million of savings since 2013 through collaborative working with partners and finding efficiencies and innovation in the way we work. We also put in place spending controls to ensure we are making the most of our resources.

“In order to meet the ongoing demand pressures, we are working hard to set an accurate and realistic budget for 2018/19.

“Furthermore, the government has allowed councils to use money from the sale of assets to help transform services and now that the county council’s new headquarters is open it provides a capital asset – receipts from which can be used to fund the transformation of services. Under a sale and leaseback arrangement the office complex – which is already saving £53,000 a week on reduced running costs alone - would be sold as freehold with the council leasing it back for a period of 25 years or more.

“The council will remain in One Angel Square so will still get the benefits from this modern, flexible working environment at the heart of the town centre.”

A jury will decide whether more could have been done to save a man who choked on a McDonald's meal in Northampton and died.

David Scales, 68, died on January 11, 2017 in Northampton General Hospital after he choked on the food on January 3, while being transported from London to Leeds.

He had been in an induced coma after suffering a heart attack.

Launching a four-day inquest into his death yesterday, assistant coroner Jacqueline Devonish told members of the jury there was no suspicion of deliberate wrongdoing and that the purpose of the inquest was to identify any systemic failures or dangerous procedures.

The inquest heard Mr Scales suffered from paranoid delusional disorder and schizophrenia, as well as Parkinson’s Disease.

In September 2015, Mr Scales was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and admitted to the Leeds and York Hospital.

Between December 27 and December 31, 2016, he was was granted permission to leave the hospital escorted.

On January 2, 2017 he was then granted un-escorted leave and he absconded.

He was later located in London by police officers, and he was taken to Gordon’s Hospital by police.

Arrangements were made to escort him back to Leeds by private ambulance.

But during the journey, the escort brought him the McDonald’s meal, which he choked on.

The inquest also heard that Mr Scales suffered from a similar choking incident on December 2, 2015 while on the ward of Leeds and York Hospital. He received backslaps to dislodge some food, which was causing him to choke.

Mr Scales' sister Pauline Howard, in a statement read out at the inquest, said: "I am very sad that David's life should have ended this way."

The inquest is due to conclude on Thursday.

A Freedom of Information request by the Chron asked the Northamptonshire Police to provide information on all crimes committed by under-11’s in the county over the past five years.

Eight of the offences were found to be racially or religiously aggravated including incidents of verbal abuse, vandalism and physical assault.

A spokesman for the children's charity, the NSPCC, said: “It is important that adults do not turn a blind eye to children displaying racist behaviour and explain why what they’re doing is harmful and wrong.

“Over the last three years Childline received 2,500 calls about racial and faith based bullying with spikes in counselling sessions with victimised children following terror attacks.

“It’s vital that child victims of hate crimes and bullying are fully supported and young people can call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk for help and advice.”

There were a total of three racially and religiously aggravated crimes in 2017, an increase on the two committed in 2016 and 2015.

One crime was recorded in 2014, but there were none in 2013 and 2012.

The most startling crimes were assaults committed by a six-year-old in 2017 and a seven-year-old in 2015.

The age of those committing the crimes has significantly dropped since the single incident of racially and religiously aggravated assault committed by an 11-year-old in 2014, with three nine-year-olds, an eight year old, a seven year old and a six year old committing similar offences since.

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: “The safety and protection of children is a high priority for the force and the circumstances of all reported incidents are fully investigated.

“We work closely with partner agencies, including schools, social services and the Youth Offending Service, in a bid to divert young people away from offending behaviour and to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are put in place where necessary.”

Further figures have revealed other shocking criminal acts committed by under-elevens including blackmail by an 11-year-old and possession of an article with a blade or point by a seven-year-old.

The statistics showed the youngest offenders were aged just four and had committed acts of sexual assault, theft and common assault.

Irish firm WN Developments took over the St Crispin’s Hospital land in 2009 and announced major plans to bring it back to life, including long-awaited plans to replace the site with flats.

Despite an inferno ripping through the former hospital block in 2014, two years later a planning application was lodged to demolish the existing ward blocks, restore the clock tower and build 137 flats and 98 houses on the site.

But a campaign group, set up last week, has written to Prince Charles in the hope the the royal can use his influence to make sure the clock tower is protected.

The monument is not currently listed, which they fear offers it no protection from demolition in the future.

Michael Boulden from Rhymetime Day Nursery set up the Facebook page ‘Save St Crispin's clock tower’ and coordinated a rally, on behalf of the children at the nursery, to voice their concerns about the children losing their history.

The followers of the page have since been calling WN Developments and Northampton Borough Council to ask for an update.

Michael, who works in Connolly Lodge, which is a converted and listed building that was originally part of St Crispin’s Hospital, said: "The children are the heart of our community and our future. We have lost so many historic and beautiful buildings over the years in Northampton and we don’t want to lose this one.

"They [the children] were concerned as to what will happen to the tower and have been asking questions for ages that we simply didn’t have the answers to. So they wrote to Prince Charles on Tuesday morning (Tuesday, February 13) including their views on why it should be saved and pictures that they drew of the tower.

"One comment was that it must be saved because it is bigger than an elephant - others included that it is a landmark, historical and very precious to them."

The derelict buildings have been a hotspot for vandalism and arson in recent years.

Michael added: "They may have said that it’s safe and will be developed but until we have a date, timescale, scaffolding and builders all over it, I will not stop and we remain united as a community."

Councillor Tim Hadland, the Cabinet member for regeneration, enterprise and planning, said: “Formal planning permission for a residential development on the St Crispin site was granted on 8 May 2017.

"The planning permission approves the retention and restoration of both the clock tower and the administration building and the conversion of these to residential use.

“Our planning team has been working with the site developers, to try reach an agreement on the planning conditions, which include a providing a detailed timescale for the completion of the works.”

A spokeswoman for WN Developments told the Chron that it has always been the firms' intention to retain the clock tower and they will be developing the site in accordance with the planning permission granted in May 2017, which includes for the retention of the clock tower.

Two sex crimes were recorded against children in Northamptonshire every day last year a new study has found.

Children's charity The NSPCC is now calling for police to be given more training to tackle child sex offences, after reports of such crimes hit an all-time high.

The number of child sex offences recorded by Northamptonshire Police rose to 889 last year the NSPCC has revealed.

The number of offences recorded in 2016/17 increased from 868 offences recorded the previous year.

New figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request to police across the UK found officers recorded crimes including rape, sexual assault and grooming – with seven offences recorded against babies aged under one in Northamptonshire.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: “This dramatic rise is extremely concerning and shows just how extensive child sexual abuse is.

“These abhorrent crimes can shatter a child’s life, leaving them to feel humiliated, depressed, or even suicidal.

"That is why it is crucial every single child who has endured abuse and needs support must get timely, thorough help so they can learn to rebuild their lives.

“These new figures suggest the police are making real progress in how they investigate sex offences against children. To help them tackle the issue going forward, we must ensure the police are equipped to work with other agencies and provide ongoing support and training to officers on the front line.”

A total of 316 crimes were recorded against children aged ten and under, while 87 were committed against children aged four and under.

Nationally there were a record 64,667 child sex offences recorded by UK police in 2016/17, up 15 per cent on the previous year with an offence recorded on average every eight minutes.

One in ten of these offences were flagged as having an online element – a 59 per cent increase on the previous year.

The total number of sex offences committed against children is unknown, as more children may not have come forward out of fear or embarrassment, or may not even realise they have been abused.

The NSPCC is now calling for government to direct more resources to ensure high-quality training and support is available to frontline police officers to help raise awareness of safeguarding procedures and tackle child sex offences, especially online.

A gripping thriller from one of the country’s most famous writers can be seen at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate starting this week

Love From A Stranger is the latest in the theatre’s Made in Northampton season which runs from Friday February 23 until Saturday March 17.

The play has been written by Agatha Christie and Frank Vosper.

Directed by the acclaimed Lucy Bailey and presented in association with Fiery Angel, the production will then embark on a nationwide tour and has the chilling catch line of Be careful who you wish for…

It tells the story of Cecily Harrington who is swept off her feet by a handsome and charming stranger.

She recklessly abandons her old life to settle in the remote and blissful surroundings of a country cottage. However, her newfound love is not all that he seems…

Electric with suspense and with a shocking twist, this edge-of- your-seat.

This is a rarely seen thriller by the UK’s greatest crime writer is rediscovered in a brand new production by Lucy Bailey who has recently directed Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution in London and in 2015 directed Gaslight at Royal &Derngate starring Tara Fitzgerald.

The production is designed by UK Theatre award-winning Mike Britton whose credits in Northampton include

A Tale of Two Cities. Justin Avoth will play the role of Michael Lawrence and Cecily Harrington is played by Helen Bradbury.

The cast for Love From A Stranger is completed by Sam Frenchum as Bruce Lovell, Alice Haig as Mavis Wilson and Molly Logan as Ethel.

Crispin Redman will portray Dr Gribble and Nicola Sanderson takes on the part of Louise Garrard with Gareth Williams playing rhe role of Hodgson.

Tickets are priced from £10 to £30 with performances at 7.45pm except for Tuesday February 27 at 7pm with matinee performances at 2.30pm every Thursday and Saturday in March.

On Saturday 10 March there will be a short response performance to Love From a Stranger by Royal & Derngate’s Young Company: Create at 5.30pm, between the matinee and evening performances of the

play. Tickets for this are £3.

For further details or to book tickets visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call the box office on 01604 624811

The organisers of this year's Shambala music festival have urged fans without tickets to buy them sooner rather than later after revealing more than 75 per cent have already been sold.

It is the first time in the festival's 17-year history the festival has issued a ticket warning in February.

Organisers said: "Less than a quarter of tickets remain for this year's festival.

"Ticket sales so far have smashed all of our previous records into smithereens.

"If you're yet to book, we very strongly urge you to get a wriggle on."

Festival goers travelling by coach can take advantage of £15 off the cost of tickets. Full details are available online.

Voting for this year's festival carnival theme is open until February 27. Options include The Toy Box, The Time Travellers' Ball and Avant Garden.

This year's musical line up will be revealed on March 20.

For full details about this year's festival and to book tickets, visit www.shambalafestival.org

Lights, camera…. ballroom as Corby favourite Pasha Kovalev, from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, returns with his brand new show, The Magic Of Hollywood.

The show can be seen on Thursday March 22.

This amazing new show will be jam packed with sequins, glitz and glamour as Pasha takes to the stage with his sensational dancers, performing Oscar worthy performances, all set to a Hollywood theme. He will be dancing alongside another Strictly professional Anya Garnis. With the departure of Brendan Cole, he is now the second longest performing professional dancer on the show behind Anton Du Beke. He won the show when he was partnered by television presenter Caroline Flack in 2014 but was eliminated first last year dancing alongside Chizzy Akudolu.

To book tickets visit www.thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470

Between getting Boyzone back together, hosting a morning radio show and raising a family, Ronan Keating is an extremely busy man these days.

However, the Life is a Rollercoaster star returns to the region next month to headline the Ricoh Arena’s Ericsson Indoor Arena and has vowed to bring out the hits for the curtain closer to his hugely successful Time of My Life tour.

The 40-year-old said he decided to head to Coventry after missing the city out of his schedule last year, with plans in place for a spectacular end to what he has called his ‘favourite ever tour’.

Support on the evening will come from soul singer Gabrielle, who is currently in the process of recording her first studio album in 10 years.

The gig forms part of Coventry Live – a programme of live music concerts which will take place in the Ericsson Indoor Arena at the Ricoh Arena this spring.

Speaking ahead of his performance, Keating said: “On the solo front I am going to be keeping it relatively quiet this year, just one or two festivals and the Ricoh Arena gig.

“I have to say I think this has been my favourite ever tour, mainly I think because of the songs from Time of My Life.

“They are so strong and mean so much to me, so to play them all one more time – along with some of my older records - is going to be huge for me.

“I have played Coventry a few times in the past but always as part of a tour, which can be quite rushed, so hopefully this time I can bring the family down and take a look around properly.

“Having Gabrielle joining me will be fantastic too, she is a great woman and a great singer.”

The superstar, who was put into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 for having 30 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK chart, has just finished recording a new Boyzone album, with the group set to make their comeback later this year.

He said: “It has been a lot of fun getting back together with the lads.

“We were always in contact anyway, we get along so well.

“I am excited for people to hear what we have recorded, there are a lot of new influences for us on this record and I think we have got a really fresh sound together.

“Some of our songs, like No Matter What for example, have this timeless quality but we get just as excited to perform our new material.”

Keating’s fellow Boyzone bandmate Shane Lynch has just finished a stint in the Big Brother house, finishing third in the reality TV show and winning the affection of millions of viewers in the process.

He said: “I think Shane did fantastic in there, he really showed his true self and he was the guy we all know and love.

“People can look at him and see the tattoos and make a judgement on his character but that is often so far off the mark.

“I thought he deserved to win but I guess I would.”

Outside of writing and performing music, Keating hosts the Magic Breakfast radio show with Harriet Scott.

He will also celebrate his son Cooper’s first birthday in April.

He said: “It has been an exciting last couple of years, the Time of My Life tour has gone so well and in my day to day life there have been a number of really positive changes.

“The radio work has been interesting, adjusting to the early starts was difficult at first but I am very happy to be doing it.

“I have also got my family now, so I have to find the time to write around the house when I can, that’s why I keep guitars in almost every room.

“I am always keeping my ears open for that next melody or lyric, that can come at any time.”

Tickets to see Ronan Keating and Gabrielle at the Ricoh Arena on Friday, March 30, cost £35 before fees and are available from www.eticketing.co.uk/ricoharena

Striker Kevin van Veen is almost certainly out of the Cobblers’ Sky Bet League One clash with Oxford United on Saturday due to a knee injury.

The Dutchman has damaged a medial ligament after taking a kick to his knee in the 3-1 win over AFC Wimbledon 10 days ago, and hasn’t trained since.

He has undergone a scan, but it is not yet known how long the former Scunthorpe United man, who has only made one start and one substitute appearance for the club, will be sidelined for.

But there is also some good news on the injury front for manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, with full-back Shay Facey set to make his comeback from a hamstring strain.

The former Manchester City man hasn’t featured since suffering the injury in the 1-0 defeat to Rochdale at the beginning of February, but he trained with the Town squad yesterday and is set to feature this weekend.

That is a plus for Hasselbaink, but there is no doubt the van Veen news is a serious blow, although the Town boss is hoping he won’t be ruled out for too long.

“We don’t think he’ll make it as he has injured his knee,” said the Cobblers boss, when asked about van Veen’s chances of returning on Saturday.

“We thought it was a dead leg, but he got a kick or something on his knee and it is his MCL.

“He has gone for a scan and he has got a little problem in there.

“It is not a big problem, so it is just about how much he can take, how eager he is, and how quick he heals.

“I know he is very eager, and he says he can play with a little bit of pain, but the pain is too much at the moment.”

On Facey, Hasselbaink is delighted the player is back in action, but said he will be monitored closely this week.

“Shay is okay and should be alright,” said the Cobblers boss.

“He trained on Monday with the group, and he is training again today (Tuesday), and today is obviously a big day.

“If he comes through it then he should be fine for the weekend.”

Hasselbaink’s attacking options will be boosted this weekend as Hildeberto Pereira is also available again after serving the one-match for his sending off in last week’s defeat to Gillingham.

George’s previous roles include directorships in commissioning, transformation, and culture and leisure during his nine-year stint with Shropshire Council.

Previously he has worked with several other local authorities as well as in the further education sector with the University of Central Lancashire.

During his career, he has led on a number of significant projects working with key stakeholders in the private, public and voluntary sector. More recently George has led on the development of a new Economic Growth Strategy recently securing £9.3m in government funding for housing development, plus the acquisition of three shopping centres as part of a wider place-shaping vision for Shrewsbury.

He said: “I’ve already spent some valuable time getting to know Northampton and what I’ve seen is impressive - a town which has already seen significant growth, but more importantly further opportunities to build on, in partnership with the key stakeholders across the area.

“It has a wealth of beautiful architecture, a diverse and high-quality cultural offer, occupies a very important position in England’s history and is clearly a place full of ambition with people who want to make things happen.

“I firmly believe that by working together we can build on the good work that’s been done to date, and create a vision that is focussed on the people and communities of Northampton, to ensure the town continues to grow as a great place to live, work and study in, and visit.”

The appointment was confirmed following what the council said was a "rigorous recruitment process", which included ward walkabouts with councillors and a staff panel.

Council leader Jonathan Nunn said: “During the recruitment process, the candidates met councillors, staff and business representatives from across Northampton.

“George impressed everyone with his enthusiasm, positivity and ideas of how we can capitalise on Northampton’s strengths to ensure it punches its full weight.

“He was also able to demonstrate a strong track record of achievements and a wide range of experience which will provide a strong foundation for his work in Northampton.”

George, whose most recent role was' director of place and enterprise' with Shropshire Council, joined the council at the end of April and in the meantime plans to spend several days in Northampton, getting to know more about the authority and the town.

He will replace Simon Bovey who has been the council’s interim chief executive since the start of September last year, seconded from Daventry District Council where he holds the post of deputy chief executive.

“I believe we are in a stronger position to tackle the task ahead of us as a result of Simon’s hard work,” added councillor Nunn.

“He has done an excellent job as our interim chief executive during recent months and under his stewardship, we have seen real strides forward in so many areas across the council.”

Doorstep sellers peddling overcharged and wrongly described fish have been reported in Northamptonshire, Trading Standards have warned.

They say residents in the south of the county have been "duped" into buying fish that was incorrectly described and near the end of its use by date.

The doorstep fishmongers also misled unsuspecting customers over the weight of the fish and overcharged them for what they bought.

Tradings Standards advice is not to purchase goods on the doorstep and to only purchase goods from reputable sellers.

Suspicious doorstep callers can be reported to the Doorstep crime Action Network on 0345 23 07 702.

Here’s your chance to win a pair of tickets to the Cobblers’ big Sky Bet League One clash with Oxford United at Sixfield on Saturday (ko 3pm), courtesy of Carabao Energy Drink

Carabao has teamed up with the Chronicle & Echo to give five lucky Cobblers fans the chance to win a pair of tickets to Town v Oxford United this weekend.

Carabao Energy Drink, established 15 years ago in Thailand, the home of energy drinks, is a premium, great tasting energy boost, designed to give consumers the energy they need to achieve their everyday goals.

The drink takes inspiration from ‘the Carabao’, the revered Asian water-buffalo, admired for its physical power, extraordinary stamina and unbreakable spirit. The energy drink is available in four flavours, Original, Original Sugar Free, Green Apple and Green Apple Sugar Free.

Carabao is currently stocked in Morrisons, Co-op, WHSmith Travel, One Stop, Booker, BP and Greene King as well as a significant number of independent retailers.

For more information about Carabao, please visit: carabaoenergy.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, simply answer the following question: Who scored the Cobblers’ second goal in their 2-1 win over Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium in November?

Email your answer, titled ‘Oxford United Ticket Competition’, to chron.sports@northantsnews.co.uk

The closing date for the competition is 10am on Thursday, February 22.

Good luck!

For more information about Carabao, please visit: carabaoenergy.co.uk

Terms & conditions

1 The prize is for five winners to win a pair of tickets for Northampton Town vs Oxford United on 24th February 2018.

2 The competition is open from [insert time and date] and closes on [insert time and date]

3 The competition is free to enter via Northampton Chronicle & Echo entry route advertised in the competition copy

4 Carabao will inform winners within 24 hours after the competition has closed. Winners must confirm no later than 17th Nov and provide their address. Tickets will be available for collection on the day of the match. Collection point details will be provided by the Promoter once eligibility checks have been completed by the relevant football club.

5 The prize is for one pair of home team supporter tickets only. No travel, accommodation or other expenses are included with the prize. The winner is solely responsible for arranging, at their cost, all other logistics, purchases and arrangements required for it to access, utilise, redeem, enjoy and/or receive their prize including (amongst others) any accommodation, travel arrangements, meals and other subsidence.

6 Winners will be picked at random by Northampton Chronicle & Echo from those that correctly answer the question in relation to the advertised competition. The Prize Draw will be supervised by an independent person.

7 The competition is open to adults living in the UK above the age of 18 only. Entries from other countries and from those under 18 will not be accepted. SEE POINT 8 BELOW FOR FURTHER RESTRICTIONS AROUND ELIGIBILITY FOR TICKETS

8 THE PRIZE IS FOR HOME TEAM TICKETS AND ELIGIBLE SUPPORTERS OF THAT TEAM ONLY. AWAY TEAM TICKETS AND TICKETS FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE AWAY TEAM ARE NOT AVAILABLE. TICKETS ARE LOCATED IN THE HOME SUPPORTER STANDS.

9 Winners are responsible for their own behaviour and the behaviour of their guest whilst enjoying the Prize. The Promoter and stadium operator reserves the right in its absolute discretion to exclude a winner and/or guest from participation in the Prize if a Winner and/or their guest fail to comply with the directions of the Promoter or any companies associated with the Prize or a Winner and/or guest act in a manner that is dangerous to themselves or to the public or is anti-social in any manner or which causes a disturbance or nuisance to others or is subject to a banning order or Club ban.

10 The prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and is not redeemable for cash or other prizes. Name changes are not permitted.

11 Entries are limited to one per person. Multiple entries from the same person will render all entries void.

12 The Contest Promoter is < Intercarabao Limited, 5th Floor, 7 Old Park Lane, London, W1K 1QR >. The English Football League is not the promoter of this contest.

13 This is a joint promotion between Carabao and the media partner.

14 If the entrant is unable to attend the match, the prize is not applicable on any other day.

15 Carabao reserves the right to substitute the prize with another prize at its discretion.

16 The winner will be expected to comply with any third-party terms and conditions that form part of the Prize, including but not limited to Carabao Tickets Standard Terms and Conditions and Ground Regulations at the relevant football stadium.

17 Winners will be bound by any rules of conduct set out by the relevant football club or Event Organiser (EFL). The Promoter, Event Organiser or stadium operators reserves the right to refuse entry and or require you to leave the venue should you not comply with these Terms and Conditions.

18 Carabao or EFL will not be liable for incorrect or incomplete contact information and if a winner cannot be contacted within 24 hours of the prize draw or is not able or available to accept the prize for any reason which is beyond the Promoter’s reasonable control, then the Promoter reserves the right to award the prize to another entrant.

19 Except in case of death or personal injury arising from its negligence or in respect of fraud and so far as is permitted by law, the Promoter and its associated companies and agents exclude responsibility and all liabilities arising from any postponement, cancellation, delay or changes to the prize details beyond the Promoter’s control and for any act or default of any third party supplier.

20 For the avoidance of doubt the competition winner is not permitted to sell on these tickets or alternatively pass to a third party under any circumstances.

21 Entrants will be fully notified by Intercarabao if any use is to be made of their personal data. By submitting your personal information when entering the Prize Draw, you agree the Promoter may disclose that information to the Event Organiser and the relevant football club for the purpose of verifying your eligibility for any prize and or administering delivery of the prize.

22 If a Winner has any special accessibility requirements, the Winner will need to make Carabao aware of this as soon as the Winner has won a pair of tickets. In some instances, notice of accessible seating may only be available at short notice. If wheelchair spaces are available, these will be offered on a first-come first-served basis.

23 The promoter accepts no responsibility for entries lost, damaged, delayed or unreadable. No correspondence will be entered into.

24 The name and county of the prize winners will be available on [date the day after the date of the draw] for 14 days or by sending a SAE to: [insert address].

25 Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these T&Cs and agreed to be bound by them when entering this Promotion. All other Northampton Chronicle & Echo terms and conditions apply.

The managing director of the Northamptonshire company said to be behind Team GB's skeleton team's outfits has downplayed the role of his firm in their success.

Dr Rob Lewis OBE explained that TotalSim, based in Brackley, had not been directly involved with UK Sport for the last two Olympic games in Sochi and Rio.

But, given the firm's past success in designing Team GB's Olympic cycling's suits, it was possible some of the techniques may have been used by the English Institute of Sport when creating the Winter Olympic outfits.

"I got all the credit but it wasn't me," said Dr Lewis.

TotalSim received a lot of media attention after questions were raised about the legality of the athletes' suits in light of the British team's improved performances in practice runs.

Because the Team GB members do not wear the same suits during the regular season, their times were boosted when competing for their country.

For example, Lizzy Yarnold, who defended her Olympic crown in PyeonChang this week, was ranked seventh in the World Cup standings and produced the third and fourth fastest times in practice, with fellow Brit and now bronze medallist Laura Deas posting the first and second fastest times.

As a result of such improvements, it was, according to Dr Lewis, only normal for other countries to raise their eyebrows and question Team GB's equipment.

"The person that's winning gets the most scrutiny," said Dr Lewis, who was awarded an OBE for services to sport in recognition of his contribution to the performance of British athletes’ performance over the last three Olympic campaigns.

Three men stole a till and its contents from a Kettering bakery.

The incident happened at Santoro’s bakery in Rockingham Road between 2am and 3am this morning (Tuesday).

The offenders got into the shop by smashing the front window with a brick.

When inside, they stole the till and its contents.

Officers believe three men were involved who drove away in a small dark green or grey car.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Saints have announced the signing of Ealing Trailfinders prop Will Davis.

The 27-year-old will move to Franklin's Gardens from the Greene King IPA Championship club this summer.

Davis will bolster Saints' ranks at loosehead, bringing plenty of Ealing experience with him, having played more than 70 times for his current club.

He was part of the Trailfinders side that won promotion after topping the National One table back in 2014/15.

And he has since gone from strength to strength as the Trailfinders transformed into Championship title contenders, currently sitting second behind big-spending Bristol.

Saints currently have Alex Waller, Francois van Wyk and Campese Ma'afu competing for their No.1 shirt.

But Ma'afu is believed to be out of contract this summer.

And Davis could prove to be a replacement for the Fijian if he does not sign a new deal.

“It’s an honour for me to be joining a club with so much history at the very highest level like Northampton Saints,” Davis said.

“I’m fully focused on ending my season strongly with Ealing, but at the same time I’m really excited to join up with my new team-mates in the summer and to test myself at the pinnacle of English rugby.

“This is a club that has aspirations to become one of the very best in Europe, and with the likes of Chris Boyd as director of rugby and internationals like Dan Biggar joining the squad, I am relishing the prospect of being part of it.

“I can’t wait to contribute towards that effort and push for silverware in a Saints jersey.”