A curious pet dog called Coco has unwittingly put her owner in the running for a top photography award – after gatecrashing a photo shoot.

University of Northampton photographic student, Aurélie Walder, was snapping images of a water-filled jug for a still life assignment when her inquisitive chihuahua decided to get in on the act.

Giving in to Coco’s desire to investigate, Aurélie, popped the pup on the table and decided to carry on shooting.

“Coco kept on looking at me and wanted to be involved,” said Aurélie. “She was so persistent that I gave in and thought ‘I’ll do something with you’.

“She loves dog biscuits, so I thought I drop one in the water and see what happens – and I got the most amazing result with my very first shot.

"I expected Coco would close her eyes as she put her head in the water, but she kept them open, which really makes the shot something special. I also love the way the water and glass distorts her body. Coco’s something special, and I just love this photograph.”

The image, below, caught the attention of the University’s Head of Photography, Richard Whitehead, who urged Aurélie to enter it into the Association of Photographers (AOP) Student Awards.

AOP judges have also been taken by the photo, shortlisting it for the Things category.

Richard said: “The AOPs are the most prestigious student photography awards going and draws thousands of entries from hundreds of universities and colleges.

“The competition is incredibly tough, so to get through to the final shortlist for an award is a huge achievement.”

Aurélie said: “I knew it was a good shot, but I couldn’t believe it when I was contacted by AOP to let me know I was a finalist.

“I was actually in a shop with some friends and I think I screamed – and it’s still not sunk in because it’s such a big deal.”

Aurélie, who is originally from Switzerland, will find out if she has won the award at a glittering ceremony in London, in June, shortly before she graduates.

She said: “I want to be a wildlife photographer, and this nomination has added so much to my portfolio. After graduation, I’m hoping to stay in the UK and pursue my career – and I plan to be reunited with Coco by flying her over because she’s currently living overseas with my mum.”

Emergency services have been dealing with an accident near Sywell Country Park this morning.

The RAC is reporting the accident happened on Wilby Road, Meers Ashby, at about 9.30am on Tuesday May 8. The latest update at 11.30am says that the road is still partially blocked and there is slow traffic in the area.

There are no details as to the nature of the accident.

Craig Smith, 36, was sentenced to 10 months when he appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court last week.

He had admitted a charge of acquiring criminal property - around £38,000 - which his mother had paid into his bank accounts.

Ann Jones, 58, had falsely listed Smith as an employee of the Shropshire building company where she worked and had transferred the money as 'wages'.

The court heard that Smith, of Balfour Close, Northampton, had squandered the cash on his alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions.

He had rejected a claim by his mother that he had pressured her into taking the monies from her employer.

His lawyer, Adrian Roberts, told the court his client had always held down a job and had shown genuine remorse.

He said that while Smith still had an issue with cocaine, his gambling and alcohol issues were now under control.

At court last week Jones was jailed for a total of two years and eight months for stealing almost £130,000 while employed as an accounts office manager.

Jones, of Heritage Way, Llanymynech, near Oswestry, had admitted taking the monies over a three year period - a third of which she diverted to her son's bank accounts.

The court heard Jones had been given a job at Jim Dorricott Construction Ltd of Minsterley, near Shrewsbury, in March 2013.

Sati Ruck, prosecuting, said Jones started helping herself to the firm's money just eight weeks after she began working as a bookkeeper and wages clerk.

She said that Jones had created a series of false invoices and had transferred £84,000 to a company that was owned by her husband.

While the money went into a joint bank account the prosecution said it was accepted that her husband had no knowledge of the fraud.

Miss Ruck said that it was also believed Jones had used an estimated £7,300 for withdrawals and personal purchases.

In addition, she had transferred £25,000 to the bank account of Craig Smith as 'wages' and a further £13,000 to another of her son's accounts.

The fraud came to light in May 2016 when company director Shaun Dorricott spotted the name 'C Smith' on the payroll which he did not recognise.

While Jones accepted being responsible for taking the monies she had insisted that she was coerced by her son.

Samantha Powis, for Jones, said her client was aware of the seriousness of the offences and apologised for the heartache she had caused the family business.

She said Jones had lost her previously exemplary good character and that she had mental health issues.

Miss Powis said the fraud was committed due to the "seriously misguided loyalty" that her client had invested in her son, her only child.

A 14-year-old girl who went missing for a number of days has now been found, according to police.

Northamptonshire Police confirmed this morning (Tuesday) that Anna-Maria Wood has been found.

A spokesman said: “We’re pleased to report that missing teenager Anna-Maria Wood has been found safe and well - thank you for your help in sharing our appeal.”

Police urgently appealed for information when Anna-Maria, who was last seen in the Duston on Tuesday (May 1), went missing for more than 48 hours.

A man was taken to Northampton custody centre after being caught at the wheel seven times the legal limit, police have revealed

Inspector Carl Wilson Tweeted on Saturday (May 5) 'Shocked to see a drink driver in custody who provided an evidential breath reading of 211 (legal limit is 35!). Highest I have ever seen.'

Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to after a handbag was stolen at Kettering General Hospital.

The incident happened on Monday, April 2, between 1am and 4am when a woman arrived at the hospital.

Another patient began talking to her and it was only after he left and was out of sight that the woman realised her handbag had been stolen from the back of her wheelchair.

Inside was her purse, phone and a set of keys.

The man in the photos or anyone who recognises him is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A Kettering man accused of murdering his partner’s daughter has made a second court appearance.

Ryan Coleman, 22, of no fixed address, appeared at Northampton Crown Court today (Tuesday) charged with murdering one-year-old Evelyn-Rose Muggleton.

Coleman, who was wearing a blue jumper and grey jogging bottoms, spoke to confirm his name and was remanded in custody.

He will next appear before a judge for a plea hearing on October 5.

Evelyn-Rose was found unresponsive at a property in Regent Street on April 26 and died three days later.

Northamptonshire Police has made a mandatory death or serious injury referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IPOC) in relation to the child’s death.

The victim was robbed while walking in Billing Road, near to Northampton General Hospital, between 4.05am and 4.30am on Saturday (May 5) when he was approached by two men.

The men engaged the victim in conversation before assaulting him, punching him to the floor. While on the floor they took the victim’s wallet and phone before making off in the direction of the town centre after being disturbed by a member of the public.

The offenders were both white men, aged 20 to 25 and wore casual clothing, including jeans. One had light coloured hair which was short at the sides and longer on top.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding it.

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

The incident happened on Friday (May 4) between 1.40pm and 4pm, when thieves forced entry into the house in Milverton Crescent by smashing a back window.

Once inside, they stole jewellery.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police officers are appealing for witnesses after the burglary in Booth Lane South, Northampton.

The incident happened on Friday, April 27, between 3.15pm and 4pm, when the offender/s forced entry via a back door. Once inside they stole jewellery before making off.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police officers are now appealing for witnesses following the burglary in Barley Lane, Northampton.

The incident happened between 10.10pm on Saturday, May 5, and 7am on Sunday, May 6, when the offender/s forced entry into the property and stole a wallet and a phone.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800

Fire engines were called to the scene off Nursery Lane, Kingsthorpe, after reports of a fire behind a row of houses at 9.55pm yesterday (May 7).

Fire crews found two burning motorbikes on the park, which they extinguished. No one was hurt in the blaze.

Northamptonshire Police say they believe the fire was arson and have started an investigation.

A spokeswoman said: "Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding it.

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

Two people were taken to hospital with serious injuries following a crash in Rushden.

A black Suzuki motorbike and silver Toyota MR2 were involved in the collision on the A6 Bedford Road, Rushden, at about 2.30pm yesterday (Monday).

The motorcyclist and driver of the car were both taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Investigating officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has any information about it.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

A £7,500 Crimestoppers grant is set to enable the delivery of educational theatre productions in schools as part of work to tackle arson and anti-social behaviour.

The Northamptonshire Crimestoppers committee secured the cash from the crime-fighting charity’s Percy Hoskins award, established in memory of the late Daily Express crime reporter.

It will be put towards youth engagement work taking place through the Arson Task Force (ATF), a joint initiative between Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Shaun Johnson, of the ATF, said: “We’ve previously used educational theatre to reinforce our successful community safety programmes in Corby, Wellingborough and Irthlingborough, and we recently launched Operation Unite in Daventry and Operation Keepsafe on Wellingborough’s Queensway estate to tackle arson and anti-social behaviour.

“This grant will enable us to continue to work with young people in meaningful and effective ways, and we’re very grateful to Crimestoppers for the opportunity to put the 2018 Percy Hoskins grant to such good use.”

The funding will pay for Solomon Theatre Company to stage performances of Skin Deep, which tackles issues including gang violence and unhealthy relationships, and Last Orders, which looks at how alcohol influences behaviour, in Wellingborough secondary schools this autumn.

Solomon’s Paola Campari-Moss said: “We’ve worked with the Arson Task Force for a while now and these productions are so well received in schools.

“It’s great to see the benefits they bring to the young people we work with, and we look forward to continuing to support the brilliant work the task force does.”

Previous ATF operations have used activity including door-to-door visits, dedicated waste collection partnerships and educational theatre productions to improve fire safety and reduce arson and anti-social behaviour in communities.

Launched in Irthlingborough last June, Operation Rebuild resulted in a 95 per cent reduction in deliberate fires and reduced anti-social behaviour in the town significantly.

It was supported by the East Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership, whose members include Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and East Northamptonshire Council.

Launched at the same time as Operation Rebuild, Operation Restore resulted in a 55 per cent reduction in arson incidents on Wellingborough's Hemmingwell estate.

In December, Operation Unite was launched to tackle arson in and around Daventry town centre, with a day of community action taking place on the Southbrook estate in March.

Operation Keepsafe was launched last month (April) to tackle the same issues on Wellingborough’s Queensway estate.

A curious pet dog called Coco has unwittingly put her owner in the running for a top photography award after gatecrashing a photo shoot.

University of Northampton photographic student, Aurélie Walder, was snapping images of a water-filled jug for a still life assignment, when her inquisitive chihuahua decided to get in on the act.

Giving in to Coco’s desire to investigate, Aurélie, popped the pup on the table and decided to carry on shooting.

“Coco kept on looking at me and wanted to be involved,” said Aurélie. “She was so persistent that I gave in and through ‘I’ll do something with you’.

“She loves dog biscuits, so I thought I drop one in the water and see what happens – and I got the most amazing result with my very first shot. I expected Coco would close her eyes as she put her head in the water, but she kept them open, which really makes the shot something special. I also love the way the water and glass distorts her body. Coco’s something special, and I just love this photograph.”

The image, below, caught the attention of the University’s Head of Photography, Richard Whitehead, who urged Aurélie to enter it into the Association of Photographers (AOP) Student Awards.

AOP judges have also been taken by the photo, shortlisting it for the Things category.

Richard said: “The AOPs are the most prestigious student photography awards going and draws thousands of entries from hundreds of universities and colleges.

“The competition is incredibly tough, so to get through to the final shortlist for an award is a huge achievement.”

Aurélie said: “I knew it was a good shot, but I couldn’t believe it when I was contacted by AOP to let me know I was a finalist.

“I was actually in a shop with some friends and I think I screamed – and it’s still not sunk in, because it’s such a big deal.”

Aurélie, who is originally from Switzerland, will find out if she has won the award at a glittering ceremony in London, in June, shortly before she graduates.

She said: “I want to be a wildlife photographer, and this nomination has added so much to my portfolio. After graduation I’m hoping to stay in the UK and pursue my career – and I plan to be reunited with Coco by flying her over, because she’s currently living overseas with my mum.”

Nuisance neighbours are usually associated with loud parties and overflowing rubbish bins. But even if you think you’re a law-abiding citizen, you could be breaking the law when it comes to the people next door.

Whether it’s picking fruit from a neighbour’s tree which hangs over your fence, to hoovering after 8pm, it’s possible to become an accidental law breaker, says Property Litigation & Dispute Solicitor, Danielle Clements, of Gorvins Solicitors.

Says Danielle: “People are often surprised by what legally is deemed to be a nuisance. Nuisance behaviour is not limited to simply loud music and late night parties. We received a complaint from an individual that was founded on noise from a water feature that was constantly turned on. The persistent noise was an unpleasant distraction that prevented their quiet enjoyment of their garden and could even be heard from their property on a night. Depending on the level of the noise this unbelievably can actually be a legal nuisance.”

Thanks to an increasing number of complaints about neighbourly activities, Danielle has now compiled a neighbour’s charter, which offers guidance and warnings over inadvertent neighbour law breaking.

For example, it’s important not to throw trimmings from an overhanging tree back into a neighbour’s garden without seeking their consent first. This could be deemed to be fly tipping.

You also need consent before attaching a washing line, garden hose or plants to a neighbour’s wall.

And using a neighbour’s unsecure Wi-Fi connection without their knowledge - known as ‘piggybacking’ – could lead to criminal charges under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 / the Communications Act 2003.

A 2014 report by consumer group ‘Which’ found that a quarter of UK adults had had a problem with a nuisance neighbour in the past year.

Danielle adds: “It’s astonishing how careful you need to be in consideration of your neighbours. What may seem like an innocuous action may actually be illegal and many people will not realise this.”

GUIDE TO ILLEGAL NEIGHBOURLY BEHAVIOUR – THE NEIGHBOUR’S CHARTER

• If you intend to attach your washing line / garden hose / plants to a neighbour’s wall or fence obtain consent first. It is your neighbour’s property so their consent is required.

• Bubbling hot tubs which are relaxing for you may not be for you neighbour and could constitute a nuisance due to noise.

• Only cut back tree branches to the extent that they overhang your land. Cutting back into your neighbour’s property is illegal. If the tree has a preservation order you cannot cut any branches.

• Do not just throw back HEDGE/TREE trimmings from overhanging plants without speaking to your neighbour first. Despite the plants belonging to them this could be considered to be garden waste fly tipping.

• Do not take fruit from a neighbour’s tree even if it overhangs your land – THIS CONSTITUES theft.

• Ensure any CCTV cameras around your property do not point at part or all of a neighbour’s land. This could in some cases breach privacy laws under the Human Rights Act and possibly lead to allegations of harassment.

• Smoke – whether from a wood burner in the house, a chiminea in the garden, or a barbecue – can constitute a nuisance.

• Keeping chickens might seem like the “good life” and a good idea but the noise, odour, flies and vermin can be deemed to be nuisance behaviour.

• Be mindful where you position children’s trampolines to ensure that the noise is not too disturbing but also to avoid children (and adults!) being able to see into neighbours gardens and affect their right to privacy.

• Bright security lighting if it shines directly into a neighbour’s property can constitute light pollution or a nuisance

• It is recommended by environmental health officers that noisy DIY should only take place between 8am and 6pm on weekdays, Saturdays between 8am and 1pm and never on a Sunday. Similar recommendations are in place for hoovering and other noisy domestic appliances.

• If you are parking a caravan or motorhome on your drive give some thought to whether the position of the vehicle might affect your neighbours right to light and constitute a nuisance.

• Do not use a neighbour’s unsecure Wi-Fi connection without their knowledge i.e. ‘piggybacking’. Criminal charges can be brought against you under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 / the Communications Act 2003

The three-year-old American Red Oak was found in pieces in Ladybridge Park over the weekend and appears to have been ripped down by somebody hanging off the trunk.

It was planted to mark the centenary anniversary of the Women's Institute in 2015 and was funded by the local Hunsbury Hill chapter. But now it has been pulled down.

It comes after a commemorative bench was installed around the tree only last week at the cost of over £300.

Liz Gibson, president of the Hunsbury Hill WI chapter, who found the broken sapling, said: "It's just mindless vandalism. I'm absolutely incensed.

"It took quite some fundraising to get everything for the tree so everyone could enjoy it. We were so looking forward to seeing it grow."

The WI is now asking anyone who might have seen what happened to the tree to get in touch.

Liz says she visited the tree on at noon on Sunday (May 6) to take a photo of the new bench.

But when she returned on Bank Holiday Monday at around 10am, the tree had been snapped.

Liz said: "The park was so busy for bank holiday. Someone must have seen something.

"I just can't understand why anyone would get any pleasure out of doing this whatsoever. It makes me wonder why we bothered."

If a new tree was planted, the WI would first have to hire a JCB to break the concrete base of the newly-installed bench.

Anyone who might have information on what happened to the tree can email the WI on emjayg@btinternet.com.

The crash was reported on J15 of the M1 at around 1.50pm today (May 8) and involved two cars.

The collision closed two of three lanes for over three hors today, but all lanes have now reopened.

No one was seriously hurt in the incident.

Travel times of over one hour and 20 minutes have been reported around the incident.

The RAC reported the accident happened at 4.05pm in Park Street, Towcester, and involved a car and a pedestrian.

Delays were being reported in the area as emergency services dealt with the incident. There are no details as to the nature of any injuries.

Traffic is building and the M1 is partially blocked following the accident on the A508 Northbound at J15.

Emergency services are on the scene. The crash was reported at around 3.55pm.