Sunday’s Crazy Hats Walk is still on – for now.

With much colder weather for the weekend forecast, including the possibility of snow, organisers say they are hopeful the fundraising walk at Wicksteed Park in Kettering will still go ahead.

Glennis Hooper, founder of the Wellingborough breast cancer care charity, said: “With the forecasters all telling us different stories about the possibility of snow, wind and freezing temperatures on Sunday we are in the process of putting together contingency plans.

“At the moment, everything is ready to go!

“Please turn up as planned unless you hear otherwise.

“One change is that the cake stall, tombola and the sales will now be housed in The Pavilion, as will late entries.

“Outside will be our entertainment on stage, balloon release, burger bar, goody bags and T-shirts.

“Wicksteed Park will be offering 20 per cent discount on all drinks from their outlets – not the burger bar.”

It is recommended that walkers check the Crazy Hats Facebook page regularly for updates.

Max Caller, an independent inspector, was called in by local government secretary Sajid Javid after allegations of financial mismanagement. He was also tasked with seeing if the local authority was being run properly by bosses and the cabinet's Conservative councillors.

His report published this morning says all existing councils in the county should be abolished - save for parish councils - and two new ones created, delivering all local authority services. One would cover the south and of the county and the other the north.

But this afternoon the council has welcomed the recommendation within the report to move to unitary governance in the county and is now committed to working alongside partners to achieve this in the timescale outlined.

The leader of the council Councillor Heather Smith this afternoon announced that she would be resigning and the process to find a new leader will now take place.

Councillor Matthew Golby said: “While I am pleased the report recognises the hard work and dedication of the staff and recognises recent progress in financial management it is clear that the inspector has found what he believes to be significant failings at the council.

“We accept the findings and we will now be acting accordingly and responding directly to the secretary of state.

“While the report accepts the figures we use in arguing our case for fairer funding, it states we are in no worse position than other councils. We would argue that the sector as a whole does face significant financial challenges and we will continue to work with our local government partners to present our case.

“While we will make these points in our response, we should in no way hide away from the general thrust of this report.

“We will now be reviewing the report is far further detail and respond directly to the secretary of state.”

Northamptonshire County Council's finance has been removed from his role in the cabinet according to Tory party sources.

Inspector Max Caller's long-awaited appraisal of the embattled council released yesterday, found a series of failings in the leadership of the authority.

He described how living within budget retrains was not "part of the culture at NCC" and called for Government commissioners to take over the running of services for the next two years.

He also called for Northamptonshire to reduce its current eight council system to just two unitary authorities.

Yesterday, leader of the council Councilor Heather Smith, announced her resignation from the role, describing herself as a "scapegoat" for criticism.

But Unison, the union which represents some 1,200 workers at One Angel Square, called on the cabinet member for finance, Councillor Robin Brown, to resign with her as well.

Today, group chairman for the Northamptonshire Conservative group Councillor Suresh Patel, has confirmed that Councillor Brown has been fired from his cabinet role by the group's acting leader.

An email has been sent to all Conservative councillors today confirming the move.

He said: "We do need to move on from here.

"Councillor Matthew Golby is acting group leader and I will be fully supporting him in his decisions until we find a permanent leader."

Branch secretary of Unison Penny Smith had called for Councillor Brown to resign.

She said: "If you put your hand up and as the portfolio holder for finance and you get a report saying the finances have not been looked after properly - you must take responsibility for that position."

Councillor Brown has been contacted for comment.

Goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell admits it is down to the Cobblers players to ‘give the fans something to shout about’ as they return to Sixfields to take on promotion-chasing Rotherham United this weekend.

Town haven’t played at home since the 0-0 draw with Oxford United on February 24, when there was dissent from the stands as the Cobblers made it three homes games without a win.

The draw with the Us followed on from home defeats to Rochdale and Gillingham, their eighth and ninth losses at home in Sky Bet League One this season.

Town boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was unhappy with the reaction of sections of the home supporters, but as the team returns to play on home soil O’Donnell admits it is down to him and the rest of the players to put on a show for their fans.

Asked about the recent poor home form, the 29-year-old said: “What I would say is we need to give the fans something to shout about.

“We need to put up a positive start for them to get on our side, and that is something we look to do every game, but for whatever reason at home it hasn’t worked out that way.

“I thought against Oxford we started really well and they backed us, and on any other day we would go on and win that game.

“So if we can play like we did against Oxford at home, then I think we will win more games than we don’t.

“It is just a case of putting in those type of performances, and then the results will take care of themselves.”

Town have 10 matches left to play this season, with five at home and five away.

Three of their next four matches are at home, with Saturday’s clash with Rotherham followed by Tuesday’s rearranged date with third-placed Shrewsbury Town before Charlton come to town on Good Friday - with a trip to Fleetwood next Saturday sandwiched inbetween.

It goes without saying that it is a crucial run of home matches for Town, who will be on the road for four of their six final games of the campaign, and O’Donnell accepts the home form has to be rectified, starting this weekend.

“The home form is massive,” said the former Rotherham shot-stopper.

“Normally in these situations you would say pick up your home points, and then anything you can get away from home is a bonus.

“But because our away form has been so good, if we can just get that home form right then obviously we would be away and doing really well and be a lot higher in the league than we are at the minute.

“All our focus now is on the home form and we have two especially tough games this week and is going to be a big ask, but we know that in our day we can beat anyone.”

Despite their home troubles, the Cobblers have kept themselves above the bottom four thanks to their away form, with the team unbeaten on the road in 2018.

And O’Donnell admits it is crucial th team keeps picking up enough points to keep their heads above the relegation waters.

“If we were in this position after the last game on May 5, then we would be delighted,” said the 29-year-old.

“That is the aim and is what we are trying to achieve, and we believe we can go a bit further than that and in the dressing room we are confident in that.

“But the be all and end all is just staying in this division.”

Paedophile vigilantes caught a Kempston dad red-handed for ‘grooming’ a 13-year-old girl and sending indecent images of himself.

Steven Dass, 43, engaged in an explicit conversation with what he thought was a young teenager - but in fact was members of a group called Stand Together for Children.

Luton crown court heard this week that Dass, himself a father, thought he was speaking to a girl in Wales on the app ‘Nearby’ before setting up a WhatsApp link with her.

In the conversations between 29 to 30 October last year, the ‘girl’ made it clear she was 13.

“He had sexualised talk with her and sent her indecent images of himself and a pornographic video,” said prosecutor Sukwinder Dhadda.

Vigilantes from Stand Together for Children went to Dass’ home, but he would not see them.

The police were called and a dossier on Dass’ activities was presented to them by the group.

When Dass’ phone was examined by the police, they discovered that he had been chatting to another 13 year old girl in Northamptonshire between August and September last year.

In WhatsApp conversations he said he was ‘bored and randy’ and ‘buzzing in his boxer shorts’. He had also sent her indecent pictures of himself.

Dass, of Molly Moore Avenue, appeared for sentence from Peterborough jail having pleaded guilty to two charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Defending, Efstathios Divaris said Dass had been in custody since 6 November, the equivalent of an 8 month sentence.

He said: “The offences were out of character. He had split from his partner and had been drinking. He was feeling emotional and lonely.”

Judge Richard Foster told him: “You must be ashamed of your behaviour. The Internet is a great source of information and an asset to modern life, but has great capacity to be misused and that is what you did on these occasions.

“It is shameful that you, as a 43 year old man and a father yourself, engaged in these conversation with girls you believed to be 13 and, even worse, sent them images of yourself.”

But the judge said he had served the equivalent of an eight month sentence and would not receive treatment in the community if he remained in custody. The maximum sentence he could have received was only two years if he had actually met the girls.

The judge passed a nine month sentence suspended for two years.

Dass must take part in a two year Horizon Programme involving 29 group sessions, as well as individual sessions. He must also carry out 10 days of a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, register as a Sex Offender and abide by the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

Two high-flying county execs who were sunning themselves in exotic, sun-soaked destinations while their council was facing serious financial scrutiny have been criticised in a government report.

The inspector called in to scrutinise the running of Northamptonshire County Council after the authority’s recent financial crisis was scathing in his condemnation of both the former chief executive Paul Blantern, who resigned in October 2017, and the now interim chief executive Damon Lawrenson, who was formerly the authority’s finance boss.

Jet-setter Dr Blantern was 7,764 miles away in Bali in 2015 when there was a critical Local Government Association Peer Review at the council.

In the Northamptonshire County Council Best Value report issued today (March 15), lead inspector Max Caller CBE said: “Even when the LGA was invited to undertake a peer review of the financial situation, at a time convenient to the authority, the Chief Executive did not think it important enough to be in the country for the whole of the review period or the feedback session. Even now not much has changed at NCC.”

And when the most recent financial crisis peaked last month and officers were forced to issue a section 114 notice, the first of its kind in two decades, the new chief executive Damon Lawrenson was on a plane to Dubai, 3,447 miles from Northamptonshire.

Of sun-seeker Mr Lawrenson, the report said: “During the period of this inspection the interim chief executive was abroad for a time during a period which also coincided with the issue of a Section 114 report late on Friday, 2nd February, by the newly in-post Section 151 Officer, a report that had been signalled to the inspection team and the external auditors (and presumably the other statutory officers) before he left the country. This left the leadership of the organisation in something of a limbo during the first crucial days following imposition of expenditure controls. It would have been expected that councillors and staff would have wanted explanation and reassurance about the implications for themselves their jobs and services.”

In this lunchtime’s press conference, BBC news producer Matt Precey asked whether new council leader Cllr Matt Golby was aware that this chief executive was in Bali during the peer review, and if he knew that Mr Lawrenson was in Dubai when the S114 notice, banning anything other than statutory spending, was issued in February.

In response to criticism of his trip to Dubai, Mr Lawrenson said when he left to go on holiday, the authority had been managing through the 2017-18 financial year and that he was due to discuss it on his return. But further discussions while he was in the air resulted in the S114 notice being suddenly issued. He added: “There was a capital receipt we were hoping to land and it came to light it wasn’t going to happen in this financial year and the S151 officer had to make a judgement call and in conversation with the external auditor he had to allow that (to happen).”

Cllr Golby said: “I know at that time the former chief executive had made comments clear to the peer review team and that formed a part of their judgement.”

Marcus Owen fell into the water by the marina in the early hours of April 29, 2017 and later died at Northampton General Hospital.

The pathologist who carried out his post-mortem recorded the cause of death as drowning in association with alcohol intoxication, with Mr Owen having 240g/100ml of alcohol in his blood, the equivalent to three times the maximum driving limit.

“Marcus was drinking with friends in a pub and on a boat in Billing Aquadrome,” said coroner Ann Pember while returning a narrative verdict.

“I don’t believe he intended to end his life.

“I believe his death was accidental.”

DC Eleri Neale, who investigated on behalf of the coroner's office, reported no suspicious circumstances in the case.

After Mr Owen fell into the water at around 2.30am, attempts were made to find him while he was under the surface.

His body would later resurface one hour after close to where he had entered the water.

Emergency services tried to resuscitate him but found it difficult due to the blood, mud and water in his airway, the inquest heard.

Mr Owen was taken to NGH at 3.46am.

Kevin Thiaba was arrested yesterday (Wednesday, March 14) during enforcement activity and charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

He appeared at Northampton Crown Court this morning and was remanded to prison.

The warrants executed yesterday were part of Op Mackle, the investigation into the shooting of a 14-year-old boy in Minerva Way, Wellingborough on Sunday, January 28.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee McBride, said: “We got some great results as part of this enforcement activity yesterday which included the arrest and charge of this man for drugs offences.

“While it would be inappropriate to comment further on what else we found at these addresses yesterday, I would like to thank members of the community and our local partners again whose support has been vital in supporting this investigation and providing us with information to further our enquiries.

“We continue to investigate the shooting of this 14-year-old boy and remain determined to bring the offenders to justice. If you have information about what happened that evening in Wellingborough, no matter how small you think it might be, I would really encourage you to tell us, either by calling us on 101 or alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice has been given a boost of more than a quarter of a million pound boost thanks to a lottery.

Players of the Your Hospice Lottery have raised £262,116.85 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Support from the community has gone from strength-to-strength since Cynthia Spencer Hospice first teamed up with Your Hospice Lottery in March 2014 to bring its supporters an exciting chance to win cash prizes.

There are currently more than 7,000 numbers played by supporters of Cynthia Spencer Hospice in the draw each week.

John Helm, fundraising manager at Cynthia Spencer said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has ever played Your Hospice Lottery in support of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

“This fantastic sum represents a quarter of what Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity has spent on supporting our Hospice care teams in the last year.

“So thank you all for the wonderful difference you have made to Hospice care in South Northamptonshire.”

Alex Howe, Head of Lottery at Your Hospice Lottery, said: “We are delighted to have helped Cynthia Spencer Hospice raise over £250,000 in the past 4 years.

“The response from the generous community of South Northamptonshire has been overwhelming and long may it continue allowing the hospice to make every moment count for patients and their families.”

Your Hospice Lottery is run and administered by a dedicated team at St Helena Hospice working with nine other hospices nationwide to keep costs down and increase the amount of funds that can be given back to hospice care through a weekly lottery draw.

The Lottery costs players £1 per play each week, plus they have the chance of winning one of 136 guaranteed prizes ranging from £10 to £1,000 and a rollover jackpot, which if not won increases by £250 up to a maximum of £10,000.

In December 2017, after months of rolling over, the jackpot reached the maximum of £10,000 for the very first time since the lottery began where a winner was guaranteed.

To become a hospice partner visit www.yourhospicelottery.org.uk

A runner originally from Northampton is preparing to take on the London Marathon in memory of her uncle.

Charlotte Simpson will be raising money for the British Heart Foundation when she takes on the famous 26.2 mile route on April 22.

In November 2016, Charlotte lost her uncle Nick at the age of 47 because of a heart condition, and Charlotte said she wanted to raise money as well as awareness that cardiovascular disease can affect people of all ages.

As part of her fundraising Charlotte is hosting a quiz on Sunday, March 25.

The quiz is being held at the Fox and Hounds, in Harborough Road, Northampton, from 8pm.

Entry is £2 per person and there is a maximum of six people per team.

Charlotte said: “Cardiovascular disease affects several members of my family - of all ages.

“The British Heart Foundation is a charity close to me and my family and it will be a honour to run and raise money for the foundation in Nick’s memory.

“If you have a few quid to spare, any donation would be highly appreciated!”

To sponsor Charlotte, visit her Virgin Money Giving page. She has set a fundraising target of £2,000 and has already collected more than £700.

A small Northamptonshire distillery is set to launch its first gin inspired by the flavours of old England.

Potterspury-based Wharf Distillery will launch the spirit at an Artisan Food & Drink Market at their distillery, deli and tap room.

The gin is the latest spirit from the business which began distilling in 2014 with the launch of an apple brandy produced from their own cider.

Owner Laurence Conisbee and partner Alice Warren are particularly proud of the new gin which sits alongside their single malt spirits, vodka, brandy and wide range of liqueurs.

Mr Conisbee said: “All our core spirits take their names from Anglo Saxon origin.

“Our Gin is called Safine Drenc which literally means Juniper Drink.

“The production of the gin was driven by customers coming into the distillery and asking which gin was ours.

“We thought why not, it could be a bit of fun, but we wanted to create a gin that actually tasted and smelt like gin.

“Safine Drenc has a good dose of juniper berries and this forms the backbone of the gin, as it should.

“We have then entwined some classic botanicals - lemongrass to add a touch of the orient and an element of citrus, elderflower to add to the bouquet and to give flavours of the English countryside, then ling heather, the essence of old England and a symbol of courage, nostalgia and wellbeing.

He added: “Wharf Distillery is all about local, small batch, hand-crafted produce that’s often a little bit different.

“Our gin sits neatly in our range of passionately crafted spirits, each one telling its own story.”

The market will take place on Saturday, March 17 from 11am until 2pm at Wharf Distillery with the distillery open from 10am until 5pm.

To find out more about Wharf Distillery visit www.wharfdistillery.co.uk

The leaders of boroughs and district councils have said responded cautiously to government inspector findings that the only solution to the county’s financial woes is to scrap Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, East Northants, Northampton, South Northants and Daventry councils and form two unitary authorities in Northamptonshire.

A Best Value report into the under-fire financial dealings at county hall released today concluded that the county deserves a fresh start with two councils that would be responsible for all services in the county, bringing to an end the existing two tier local authorities.

Inspector Max Caller said: “The inspection team believe that a new start is required for the residents of Northamptonshire which can deliver confidence and quality in the full range of local government services.

“This can best be achieved by the creation of two new unitary councils, one covering the area of Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire and the other encompassing Corby, East Northamptonshire, Kettering and Wellingborough. These should be established following elections to be held in May 2020 and be in operation commencing at their first annual meeting.”

But leaders in the districts were understandably reticent on hearing the report’s findings as it would mean their authorities would cease to exist.

They held a summit at South Northamptonshire District Council yesterday to discuss their joint response to the report.

They said that they acknowledge the enormity of the situation and recognise the national challenges posed by the delivery of services such as Children’s and Adult Social Care. However, they stated that they do not believe that a unitary model suggested in the report is the only way forward.

They stressed residents need to be at the heart of any solutions to the challenges posed and that any proposals considered in response to the county council’s issues must be must be sustainable, long-term, and in the best interests of residents.

They say that based on their current understanding of the issues, they believe they have suggestions that can contribute towards a solution that works for residents.

They have also requested a meeting with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss the situation and explore whatever potential solutions may exist in the best interests of residents.

Leader of Corby Borough Council Cllr Tom Beattie said: “Corby Borough Council considers itself a well run and efficient council. As evidenced by our own LGA Peer Review in 2014 we are financially strong to the point that we have recently approved a budget for growth. It is extremely disappointing that because of the failure of others the future of our council is now threatened. The people of Corby deserve better than this.”

Cllr Russell Roberts, leader of Kettering Borough Council, said: “These are proposals which we need to take seriously, but which should not and will not detract from the ongoing job of this borough council in providing the best services it can. I say to residents that we will have your interests at heart as we go forward in our discussions with the government, not the interest of existing institutions.”

Cllr Jonathan Nunn, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “It will be no surprise to anyone that we have already given a potential switch to unitary very careful consideration.

“We need to know that any proposal will definitely solve the problems which exist, and big questions remain over how delivery of things like children’s services and adult social care can be achieved without impacting on the provision of the other services which residents tell us are of great importance to them.

“We fully acknowledge and understand the thrust of the report, and are committed to working with all concerned towards delivering a solution. Whatever happens, I have to put the residents of Northampton first.”

Cllr Ian McCord, leader of South Northamptonshire Council, said: “Whilst the report is damning on every page, unfortunately it does not come as a surprise to those serving the county’s borough and district councils.

“Unitary proposals are not the silver bullet for the county’s issues and the solution offered does not take into account whatsoever the successful relationship between South Northamptonshire Council and Cherwell District Council.”

The libraries minister has been a vocal critic of the Conservative-run county council for a number of months now and publicly withdrew his support from the Tory council leadership in October.

Yesterday, Max Caller CBE delivered his scathing report into the financial management of the county council and recommended that Government commissioners took over running all but the authority's planning services between now and 2020.

Northampton North MP Mr Ellis urged the Government to follow his recommendations without delay.

He said: "I have continually spoken out about this.

"It is a tragedy that this situation has been allowed to happen.

"I am calling on the Government to intervene to rescue the situation.

"I think the commissioners should come in as soon as legally possible, preferably within days, and seek to repair the damage done."

Commissioners are teams of Government officials - often ex-chief council executives - sent in to take over the leadership of council departments in order to balance books and improve standards.

In 2015, three commissioners were sent in to run Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, for example, after it was found to have a "pervading culture of bullying, sexism, suppression and misplaced political correctness."

Yesterday, Councillor Heather Smith announced her resignation as the leader of Northamptonshire County Council - suggesting she had been made a scapegoat for its failings during her two years in charge.

Visibly emotional, she said: “The personal pressure of vicious public attacks by four Northamptonshire MPs, seeking to make me the scapegoat, has not been pleasant for anyone to witness."

Mr Ellis yesterday made no apology for those "attacks" and even suggested the other cabinet members at County Hall should consider their positions

"My job is not to protect other politicians, even if they happen to be part of the same party," he said.

"My job is to protect my constituents.

"Clearly the alarm that I raised five months ago has proven justifiable, which, regrettably, this report has confirmed."

And asked whether other cabinet members should follow suit in resigning from their positions, Mr Ellis said: "The report speaks for itself.

"I think everyone who is in a position of responsibility has to look very carefully at their position."

Former printer-turned-gardener Roy Eaglestone, 71, has lived in St James for 40 years and was asked to provide some much needed TLC to St James Library garden in 2014, after he retired.

In a four-year clean-up effort, Roy has revamped the garden, almost single-handedly, and has paid for plants and seeds out of his own money, for the benefit of the community.

St James Library is one of the 21 small libraries across the county to close as part of controversial £40 million cuts. Groups interested in taking over their libraries in Northamptonshire will need to have a formal bid ready in little over two months' time.

Roy said: "I think it's a disgrace - libraries are needed for education more than anything.

"All of the people that use the flats around there all come in, we all know each other, it's like a family really.

"The elderly use it and disabled, they have even had people down there from the old peoples home to use the garden. It's not just a library - it's a community."

During the summer months, Roy leads the 'Pot It Grow It' course for children where they can attend the library for two hours a week and learn how to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and plants, while accompanied an adult.

After the produce has been grown children use the little kitchen inside the library to make pancakes and eat their freshly grown strawberries, with ice cream.

Roy, who has led the way in teaching children how to garden, said the whole community will suffer if the doors close.

Since he has given a helping hand at St James Library, he has personally handcrafted papier-mâché Peter Rabbit bunnies for Beatrix Potter's anniversary, helped children to make a mosaic for the garden and has won three awards for his beautiful garden - one being gold in the Northampton in Bloom contest back in 2015.

The authority is now offering community groups the chance to take over running individual facilities under service agreements.

Inspector Susan Haywood was called on Tuesday afternoon (March 13) after a member of the public spotted the rabbit stuck amongst the rubbish six feet down in Ringway.

Inspector Haywood said: “I think this poor rabbit must have fallen through the gap into the drain.

“He was lucky he was found as obviously, he couldn’t make as much noise as a cat or a dog would in the same situation."

Two teenagers then waited with the rabbit until the inspector was able to get there to carry out the rescue.

She added: “Fortunately, other than being a bit thin, he didn’t have any lasting injuries so was able to be released after he’d had a feed.

“He's a wild rabbit who was absolutely petrified so the best thing to do was to release him back into the wild.

"Hopefully, he’s learnt his lesson and won’t go on any more adventures like this one.”

It took Inspector Haywood an hour and a half to entice the rabbit out using nets.

She then took the rabbit home to check him over, gave him a good meal and he was released the following day at dusk

To help the RSPCA continue to rescue, rehome and rehabilitate animals in need of care please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give

A witness called the police after listening to one of the young men on trial for a Northampton teenager's murder "laughing and joking" just hours after the fatal knife fight.

The 20-year-old man told the Northampton Crown Court how the 17-year-old boy "seemed proud of whatever had happened" as he sat around a friend's flat just two hours after Liam Hunt was stabbed in the neck.

But the 20-year-old called the police the next day when he realised he could have spent the night hearing a first-hand account of the stabbing.

Yesterday (March 15), he told the jury at Northampton Crown Court: "I was worried for [the girl who owned the flat]. I told her she might be harbouring a criminal."

The court also heard how "three or four black lads" came to the flat and sat with the 17-year-old defendant, the witness and two girls who had witnessed the knife fight.

The 20-year-old witness said: "They were all laughing and joking and seemed proud of whatever had happened.

"I can't remember in particular what it was they seemed proud of."

The same 17-year-old defendant, who can't be named because of his age, is accused of kicking Liam Hunt in the face during the fight. Liam's blood was found on his shoe by firensic scientists.

During the night, the witness claims he heard an account of the attack that places one of the defendants, Lee Warren, 18, from Queen's Park, as standing near the fight shouting 'where's my shank'.

It contradicts other eyewitness' stories that another defendant, Aaron Joseph, 20, from London, repeatedly shouted "where's my shank" before stabbing Liam Hunt in the leg.

Jospeh's defence barrister, Mr Benjamin Aina, said: "[That night] the name Aaron Jospeh was never mentioned, is that correct?"

The witness said: "That's correct."

The defendants in the trial are expected the take the stand and give evidence within the next week.

The trial continues.

Ofsted has rated Gloucester Nursery School in Camborne Close, Delapre as Outstanding following a short inspection in February - four years after its last inspection.

Angela Kirk Ofsted inspector gave a special praise to the successful expansion of the nursery to educate two-year-olds, staff's 'outstanding and inspirational leadership' and the nursery's 'carefully planned curriculum'.

She said in the report: 'There are now more than 11 languages represented at the school. Nearly a third of children speak English as an additional language, many of whom have little or no English when they join the school.

'You have arranged either bilingual or additional language support for these children, who make at least good, and often very rapid, progress as a result'.

Headteacher Julia Mann said their rating is down to brilliant teamwork.

"We constantly try to develop our practice and offer exciting experiences such as Forest Schools and working with an artist. The staff know the children and families really well," she said.

"Our children are enthusiastic to learn and demonstrate excellent behaviour. Our parents and carers are supportive and Governors know the strengths of the school and areas for development. They monitor our practice and provide challenge.

“This is the third time the nursery has been judged by Ofsted to be Outstanding."

The nursery was also commended in the report for allowing children to have discussions with staff about what they wanted to learn.

It said: 'For example, three-year-old children (in G3) were supported to make pizzas.

'They sliced and chopped the ingredients, including mushrooms and peppers.

'Discussions with each child about what they would like to cook next helped staff to plan the next cookery session'.

They can be seen on Monday April 2 with new dances, costumes and look as well as some new technology as Aljaz explains.
“We will also be adding a huge LED screen to the production to create a multi-media cinematic experience for the audience,” said Aljaz. “It's going to be an epic show to choreograph with the screens behind us.

“It’s an honour to celebrate Fred Astaire’s career and to perform all the routines inspired by his genius. Just like Fred, we will again be doing it big, doing it right and doing it with style!”

“We had the most wonderful experience choreographing and starring in Remembering Fred in 2017,” added Janette. “We were blown away by the audience reaction at every single show and we can’t wait to bring Remembering Fred to more people in 2018. The multi-media aspect is really exciting, creating a Hollywood studio feel to the show. There may also be some vocal surprises, too! Everything is just going to be bigger and better.”

Fred Astaire was one of the most influential dancers in the history of film and television musicals and, says Aljaz, an inspiration in his own career. “He was a pure perfectionist, and to think that it was 80 to 90 years ago is incredible. It doesn't really matter what level of dancing you are at, he's always inspirational. He was the first star who brought dancing to mainstream film, so all of us who are working as dancers today should really be thankful to him. In a funny way, without Fred Astaire Strictly Come Dancing probably wouldn’t exist.”

Janette agrees that Astaire’s legend made a lasting impression around the world. “He made everything look so natural and easy and just delivered his routines so brilliantly. I don't think anyone has ever reached that level since, so to be playing tribute to him is quite an honour for Aljaz and I.

“We both enjoy dancing the American Smooth, and that era in general. The classiness of wearing the tux, white tie and tails, and the woman in a beautiful big gown…I think we really love the class and elegance that came with him and his time. We look back on a lot of his legacy for inspiration; he's a huge inspiration in everything that we do. Aljaz and I grew up thousands of miles apart, but that's the beauty of Fred Astaire; no matter where you were in the world you knew what he represented.”

And dance was the language of love that brought Janette and Aljaz to the alter. “When we first met, Aljaz had just left Slovenia. His English was quite good but limited. We were friends for five years before we went out - that came with a bit of a language barrier, but we had danced in the same show in groups.”

The couple married in July 2017, and their first dance was to Janette’s dad singing Michael Bublé’s You And I. “We didn't do any choreography together,” explained Aljaz. “It was just the two of us having a lovely dance. We didn't feel under pressure - it was a wedding, not a gig. It was a lovely, intimate moment.”

“I married the love of my life,” added Janette, “so that was pretty great! My dad recorded our wedding song and it was so beautiful I cried. My new husband in my arms, dancing with me and looking into my eyes, and my father was singing our song. I was an emotional wreck! Remembering Fred was a huge success, so I’m not going to lie, 2017 will go down as a brilliant year for us.”

“Absolutely,” says Aljaz, “seeing so much of this beautiful country and sharing the stage with Janette, dancing our hearts out night after night. The response we received from the audiences was incredible every single night.

“We played some incredible theatres, but the London Palladium was definitely one of the highlights as our families were in the audience. It was the first tour we did after four years of being on Strictly, so doing it again means we will have those beautiful moments to look forward to again.

“In addition, we are going to add to the production, so I think it's going to be another great tour.”

For 2018 the production will include new songs and new dances, along with the best of the 2017 routines and a huge LED screen creating a Hollywood studio feel to the show.

Janette also explained their hope to reach out to a younger audience who have grown up with Strictly but are not familiar with the legend of Fred Astaire. “We want to educate them and give them a bit of an insight about this legend who never dies and what he brought to the dance and film world. I think the new screen will be a huge plus to the show. Everything is just going to be bigger and better!”

Remembering Fred visits the Royal and Derngate, Northampton on Monday April 2. For more details visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk or visit the box office on 01604 624811.

The county’s healthcare apprentices have had their moment in the spotlight with their first ever awards ceremony.

Taking place during National Apprenticeship Week (March 5 to 9), the awards are designed to highlight the excellent work carried out by this important and much-valued sector of the NHS.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and the successes of our apprentices, Thursday, March 8, saw the first award ceremony for county-wide apprentices across Northamptonshire NHS organisations and partner healthcare organisations.

“The ceremony brought together apprentices and their mentors from Kettering General Hospital, Northampton General Hospital and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as well as representatives from general practice and adult social care.

“ There were lots to celebrate on the evening from individual successes and heartfelt nominations, to the difference apprentices have made to the care patients, service users and carers have received across Northamptonshire.”

The award categories recognised all apprentices working in many different job roles and settings including business administration, recruitment, pharmacy technician, domestic assistants and healthcare assistants.

Chris Oakes, director of HR and organisational development for Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony and is a true advocate of apprenticeship recruitment.

He said: “This celebration event provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase how valuable apprenticeships are for individuals and the NHS as an employer.

“Apprentices make a real difference to the workforce and bring with them new and innovative ideas which have a positive impact on patient and service user care.

“It is a great pleasure to have this opportunity to celebrate the achievements and successes of our apprentices across the network.

“We hope these success stories will encourage and inspire others to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a successful career.”

“Apprenticeship programmes provide routes into a variety of careers and the NHS is committed to offering apprenticeship opportunities at all levels – both for new recruits starting out on their NHS career and also providing opportunities for existing staff to develop and progress.

“Since April 2015, we have had more than 300 apprenticeship starts across the network and increasing participation in apprenticeship programmes is a key part of our workforce development plans.

Louise Holland, overall winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award, pictured, said: “I was really surprised when they announced my name for the Apprentice of the Year award.

“I feel like my year of hard work paid off and that I am able to use the skills I have learned to develop and move forward with my career.

“I could not have come this far without the support of my manager, she is the one who gave me all the opportunities to help me grow.”

All the winners:

Team working:

Bethanie Mitchell - Care and Support Assistant, Olympus

Jessica Ingall - Healthcare Assistant, Northants Healthcare

Louise Holland - Volunteer Services Admin Apprentice, NGH

Tom Carvey - Healthcare Assistant, KGH

Patient experience:

Cody Holt - Trainee Healthcare Assistant, KGH

Lauren Head - Health Care Assistant, NGH

Marteen Haughton-Brown - Healthcare Assistant, Northants Healthcare

Sophie Monteith - Healthcare Assistant at Wollaston Surgery

Trust values:

Charlie Styles - Workforce Admin Assistant, KGH

Harley Childs - Recruitment Specialist, Northants Healthcare

Luke Toresen - Admin Apprentice, Learning & Development, NGH

Personal achievement:

Charlotte Ashby – Trainee Deputy Manager, The Cube Disability

Hannah Scanlon – Assistant to CEO, Local Medical Committee

Matthew Simons – Pharmacy Technician Apprentice, KGH

Prejesh Kurup – Business Administrator, Clinical Research Network, Northants Healthcare

Shari Bradshaw – Health Care Assistant, NGH

Behind the scenes:

Anaise Spriggs - Admin Support, Practice Development Team, KGH

Angelika Mae Mercado - Admin Apprentice, NGH

Mark York - Domestic Assistant, Northants Healthcare

Apprentice of the year:

Louise Holland - Volunteer Services Admin Apprentice, NGH

Apprentice mentor:

Emma Wilson - Supt Radiographer, Nuclear Medicine, NGH

Jane McCarthy - Nursing Quality Team Administrator, Northants Healthcare

Leanda English - Ward Matron, Deene A Ward, KGH

Apprentice manager:

Ashley Allen - Manager, Olympus

Claire Oakes - Ward Matron, Forest Centre

Jane Thompson - Principal Technician for Training & Education, Pharmacy, NGH

Vanessa Morley - Education and Training Technician, Pharmacy, KGH

Cobblers boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has called on his players to recreate their performance in their most recent home game against Oxford United when they take on Rotherham United this weekend - just with a few goals thrown in!

Town are without a victory in their past three Sixfields encounters, losing to Rochdale and Gillingham, before a 0-0 draw with the Us last time out.

It was a much-improved performance on the previous two defeats, but there was still unrest among the home fans as Town failed to capitalise on their early dominance and chances, and had to settle for just a point.

With Town still just a point above the relegation zone with only 10 matches left to play, the need for a win is becoming ever more urgent.

But Hasselbaink believes another showing as good as the one against Oxford gives Town a great chance of doing that - even though Rotherham are a team in strong form.

The Millers had gone 14 matches unbeaten until suffering defeats to Rochdale and MK Dons this week, but they still sit fourth in the Sky Bet League One table, and Hasselbaink said: “Rotherham have been on a terrific run, and the way they are doing it is they work very hard.

“They try to wear you down and they keep on going like a really big locomotive, they just keep on going, keep on going and keep on going.

“We will have to stay with them, and give them even more than that and show them that we cannot be worn down.

“I was very happy with the last performance at home against Oxford, and we need another performance of that ilk, only this time we get some goals.

“It is the hardest thing, it is the most difficult thing, but you have to try to really give it a go.

“If the performance is right, then we have a bigger chance to do that.”

The relegation picture became even more murky for Town on Tuesday, with MK Dons closing to within four points of the Cobblers with their win over Rotherham.

Rochdale also picked up another point to move to within six points of Town with three games in hand, and fourth-from-bottom Fleetwood are a point behind Hasselbaink’s men with one game in hand.

The Cobblers travel to Fleetwood next Saturday for what looks like being a massive clash, but before then they have the little matter of Saturday’s showdown with fourth-placed Rotherham, before second-placed Shrewsbury come to town next Tuesday.

And Hasselbaink insists he is only focusing on those matches, and what his players can do.

“As we said, we can’t control other results, unfortunately,” said the Town boss.

“We have to control us and what we can do, and we can try to make sure we have a good performance, and then what happens with others, happens.

“We need to try to get things right at home.”