Do you think without a doubt your puppy is the cutest in Northampton? Or the Best Rescue? Maybe they have the waggiest tail?

A free-to-compete charity dog show will be held on a Northampton park this summer where every dog can have their day.

RSPCA Northamptonshire are holding the show on June 16 from 11am on Becket's Park as part of the One Fun Day national fundraising drive.

There are ten ribbons on offer - and pooches do not have to be a pedigree to enter. Registration is open on the day and there are no restrictions for who can sign up.

The classes available are:

- Most Appealing Eyes

- Loveliest Lady

- Best Rescue

- Waggiest Tail

- Junior Handler

- Cutest Puppy

- Dads and their dogs

- Handsome Fella

- Golden Oldie

- Irish Brace

The fun day for families - which will charge £2 to enter - will also have children's entertainment, bouncy castles and craft stalls supported by small businesses from across Northamptonshire.

RSPCA Northamptonshire fundraising manager Stefanie Roe said: "No where else in Northampton will have so many dogs in one day like our fun.

"It's going to be a fun day out for the whole family where all dogs are welcome.

"All funds raised will go towards helping animals in Northamptonshire, and we hope to support local businesses who will be at the fun day as well."

There will also be a national contest on that will compete with 11 other 'One Fun Day' events across the country - the pony cycle race.

Contestants will be challenged to ride a 'pony cycle' as far as possible in the time limit. The winner will be the rider who goes the furthest out of all the races across the country.

Although both groups help some of Northampton's poorest people the services they provide are different.

Weston Favell Centre Food Bank package up emergency food parcels every Wednesday and provide support to people trapped in poverty. Last week 48 parcels were handed out, which fed 146 people over three days.

The provision of hot meals handed out by on-site cafe, Cafe Emm to Weston Favell Centre Food Bank users has also seen a year-on-year increase of 232 per cent. This money was spent on 142 food bank users who access the food bank, giving them a slice of toast and a cup of tea, some of whom have not eaten for a few days.

This stark reality follows the roll-out of Universal Credit launched in Northampton back in November, volunteers at the food bank say.

Weston Favell Centre Food Bank manager Jo Alderman said: "Donations have slowed down but the need has grown and it's just using up the stock quicker.

"It worries me that we are not going to be able to meet the need."

Hope Food Club - a Hope Centre charity - gives people with low incomes, and on benefits, a chance to buy essential food items at a fraction of the cost so that families can free up their earnings for other bills and parts of their lives.

The scheme works as a co-operative and the plan is that Hope Food Club will ultimately be controlled by the people who use the service. It operates in six areas currently in Northampton.

The Hope Centre also cooks breakfast in their day centre for its users, using fresh eggs, bacon, sausages, bread and milk - all of which the centre is in need of every week.

Between these the two services Hope Centre feeds about 400 people every week.

The Hope Centre and Weston Favell Centre Food Bank are now having to swap their donations so they each have enough food and toiletries to give to service users.

Robin Burgess CEO at the Hope Centre said: "It's really important to state that we are working together and we have shared needs. Even if we are sharing, there's just not enough stuff out there that's the bottom line. Shelves are becoming bare because that's the reality.

"This is not about individuals who have mismanaged their money, this is just how people have to live.

"It's an ongoing epidemic week after week. We have not enough food and not enough money to sustain it therefore we can't help as many people."

If you want to donate to the Hope Centre - here's a list of what it is in need of: rice, tea, fresh vegetables and fruit, milk, eggs, bacon and sausages, cheese, bread, cereals, tinned or jars of sauces for pasta etc, tinned meat and fish, toilet roll, squash.

If you can help call 01604 214300, email fundraising@northamptonhopecentre.org.uk or drop off donations at 35-37, Campbell St, Northampton NN1 3DS.

To donate money or fundraise, click here.

If you would like to donate to Weston Favell Centre Food Bank - here's a list of what it is in need of: tinned meat and fish, granulated sugar, cooking oil, salt, tinned fruit, razors, shower gel and washing powder.

If you can help call 01604 402150, email info@westonfavellcentre.foodbank.org.uk or drop off donations at Emmanuel Church front office between the hours of 10am and 2pm.

To donate money or fundraise, click here.

Northampton Borough Council’s officer staff say that their working relationship with councillors is no longer 'unhealthy' - but that they are still sometimes pressurised to change their professional opinion.

The authority’s officers, which help draw up policies, accept that their day-to-day dealings with elected councillors is getting better, but some issues still remainm according to an internal report by BDO.

Both councillors and officers were asked to rate their working relationship on a scale of one (very poor) to ten (excellent). Councillors scored an average response of 7.73, with many commenting that the officer team is ‘the best they’ve ever had’. But the relationship was marked slightly lower by officers, with an average response of 6.24.

Of more concern to the council though was that officers indicated a score of between five and six when asked if councillors pressurise officers to change their professional opinion on any council business matters, or do anything which ‘compromises their impartiality’.

The BDO report states: “Members and officers interviewed for the review highlighted that the council has been on a journey from an unhealthy top-down culture where members were dictating policy, through a period where members adopted more of a ‘hands off’ approach to policy-making, and now to a position where the balance between political direction from members and advice and implementation from officers is more even.

“However evidence from interviews and surveys conducted for this review shows that issues remain.

“Participants in the review felt that the leader of the council [Cllr Jonathan Nunn] and the Chief Executive [George Candler] are setting an improved cultural tone for both members and officers respectively which will permeate through both groups.

“We have been able to verify that the council has made significant improvements to its member and officer relationships but there is still some way to go to achieve the standards set by the best councils.”

The report was discussed at both the recent Audit Committee, and the Standards Committee at The Guildhall on Monday evening (March 25).

Councillor Brian Markham, a member of the standards group, said: “All members of this committee took part, and the thing that stood out for me was that the councillors who were interviewed thought it was better than the officers who were interviewed.

“Things are better than they were two to three years ago, but it surprises me that some officers still think they are being pressurised to do things they don’t want to.”

The report recommends that there is ‘clearer communication by group leaders to their respective political groups of the existing protocol’s rules around influencing officer decisions’.

Enjoy a free trip down the canal near Northampton at an open day next month.

The boating open day, organised by Drifters Waterway Holidays and the Canal and River Trust, will be held at Gayton Marina on the Grand Union Canal on Sunday April 7.

The event, which will run between 11am and 4pm, will include free short trips on skippered narrowboats, as well as boat tours and holiday discounts.

People of all ages can take part and no advanced booking is required.

The event is one of 17 taking place at locations across England and Wales.

Nigel Stevens, director of Drifters Waterway Holidays, said: “Travelling at just 4mph through peaceful countryside, sleepy villages and vibrant waterside towns and cities, canal boat holidays are often described as ‘the fastest way to slow down’.

“Each year around 352,000 people enjoy holidaying on Britain’s canal network and last year, around 3,000 people got afloat at our one of our National Open Day events.

"We look forward to welcoming thousands more visitors this year for the chance to find out what makes canal boat holidays so special.”

Gareth Stephens, national boating business manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: “We believe that waterways have the power to make a real difference to people’s lives. Spending time by water makes us all healthier and happier and early research is showing evidence of this.

“Thousands of people already enjoy boating holidays on our beautiful 2,000-mile network of inland waterways, and these free canal boat taster sessions are a great way to see if this sort of holiday could be for you.”

The Gayton Open Day is taking place at ABC Boat Hire, Gayton Marina, Blisworth Arm, Northamptonshire NN7 3ER.

Further details of the open days and visiting the canal network can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/trycanalboating

A further 20 new jobs will be created by JD Weatherspoon after it completes its 15-week revamp, which gets underway next month.

Pub operator JD Wetherspoon is to start development work on The Cordwainer pub in The Ridings on Monday April 1.

The company is to spend almost £1 million increasing the size of the pub and refurbishing it, which will see its doors closed for 15 weeks while the work is carried out.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The Cordwainer is an extremely popular pub and this investment highlights our commitment to the pub and Northampton itself.

“We apologise to our customers and staff for the inconvenience of the pub closure while work is carried out but are confident that the new-look pub will be greatly welcomed by everyone.

“Hopefully the investment by Wetherspoon will act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in the town.”

Staff will be redeployed at other Wetherspoon pubs in the area while building work takes place, and a further 20 new jobs will be created when the pub reopens on July 16.

The development work will result in more space on the ground floor, together with a large glazed extension and roof-top terrace.

The ground floor customer area will link to the new-look garden and, additionally, the pub will feature facilities for staff and a new customer lift.

A much-loved voice in Northampton radio has announced this Friday will be his last show after 10 years on the town's airwaves.

BBC Radio Northampton's Stuart Linnell announced on his afternoon show yesterday (March 25) he would be leaving the station by the end of the week.

Stuart's well-known voice has been a key name in Northampton radio for the past 10 years, including seven years hosting the breakfast show.

But at the start of yesterday's show, he mentioned almost in passing that it would be his last week hosting a regular show before retiring.

He told the Chronicle and Echo: "I will miss it. I love being in the studio. Sometimes I talk nonsense but I really do love it all.

"But I will keep in touch. Hopefully I will be back from time to time if they ask me.

"Northampton has come to mean an awful lot to me."

His last show on Friday will mark the end of a 50-year career in broadcasting that has seen him present in Birmingham, Northern Ireland and Coventry, including national work for 5Live and Sky Sports.

He said: "I've been doing this for 50 years and at the end of the day it's time to take a break.

"Once a broadcaster could wander in and play whatever they wanted and talk about whatever they wanted. The producer has much more control over the show but probably quite rightly.

"A good team around you is important and Northampton without a doubt has a great team."

Over his career, some of Stuart's guests have included legendary cricketers Dickie Bird and Freddie Truman, national treasure Michael Parkinson and even Elton John.

The award-winning broadcaster, who was recognised with an MBE in 1995, also launched in the past year the 'Love Northampton' debates to highlights issues in the town and discuss new ways to regenerate the high street.

He said: "When I arrived to work in Northampton 10 years ago it was certainly a healthy county town. Now it's had to face the problems of other county towns.

"But I've detected a different attitude in Northampton in recent months, to move it forward and find a new era of regeneration.

Change can't be led just by politicians. It's got to come from a lot of people working together really, really positively."

Stuart is retiring to Coventry where he will take on the volunteer role of Chair of Healthwatch Coventry,a dn hopes to outline some new writing projects as well as return to the studio form time to time.

Walking in Becket's Park will be that much lovelier in the future with the new saplings taking root.

Robert Underwood trained as an apprentice in gentleman's hairdressing when he was just 15 years old and has been working ever since in the same premises, where he rented a chair as a teenager.

Since reducing his hours to two days a week four years ago, the 69-year-old has finally decided to retire for good and will be moving to Birmingham with his wife Judith to be nearer to his two daughters.

Robert, of Robert Underwood Gent's Hairdressers on Weedon Road, said he's always enjoyed the social side of his job.

He said: "I like meeting the people and I have made a lot of friends.

"I hope I have not made any enemies... but most people are great.

"It's sad in a way - 53 years in one place is a long time, I shall miss it."

Robert was unsure why he became a hairdresser but thinks it was by chance.

"I have no idea," he said. "I have often thought about it and I do not know.

"I have always lived in this area and I always came in for a hair cut and I asked the bloke for a job.

"When I started I was very, very shy."

On Wednesday (March 27) Robert - who has owned his business since 1981 - celebrated his final day of barbering before hanging up the scissors once and for all.

His barbershop shelves were lined with 'happy retirement' cards and seats were filled with many of his loyal customers who popped in to wish him all the best and indulge in Judith's homemade cookies.

Although he will be moving away from Franklin's Gardens, season ticket holder Robert, who often cuts the Saints players hair, said he will be back again soon to watch his favourite team in action.

The Landmark Hotel's freehold has of 148 bedrooms, "extensive banqueting and conference facilities" across a 7.44-acre site.

Andrew Whelan of leisure property agents Fleurets is overseeing the marketing process.

He said: “We fully anticipate that the property will remain as a hotel after purchase, however, due to its highly visible location we believe there may be further development opportunities to introduce a retail element or food offer.”

The Landmark Hotel was developed by the present owners, Property Investments (Development) Ltd, in 1976.

The original 100-bedroom hotel was extended in 1985 to provide an additional suite of 48 rooms.

The hotel was closed in 2008 for refurbishment but did not re-open due to personal reasons.

Although both groups help some of Northampton's poorest people the services they provide are different.

Weston Favell Centre Food Bank package up emergency food parcels every Wednesday and provide support to people trapped in poverty. Last week 48 parcels were handed out, which fed 146 people over three days.

The provision of hot meals handed out by on-site cafe, Cafe Emm to Weston Favell Centre Food Bank users has also seen a year-on-year increase of 232 per cent in January. They fed 142 food bank users - costing £249 - in the cafe by giving them a slice of toast and a cup of tea, some of whom had not eaten for a few days.

This stark reality follows the roll-out of Universal Credit launched in Northampton back in November, volunteers at the food bank say.

Weston Favell Centre Food Bank manager Jo Alderman said: "Donations have slowed down but the need has grown and it's just using up the stock quicker.

"It worries me that we are not going to be able to meet the need."

Hope Food Club - a Hope Centre charity - is also in need of donations.

The club gives people with low incomes, and on benefits, a chance to buy essential food items at a fraction of the cost so that families can free up their earnings for other bills and parts of their lives.

The scheme works as a co-operative and the plan is that Hope Food Club will ultimately be controlled by the people who use the service. It now operates in six areas in Northampton.

The Hope Centre also cooks breakfast in their day centre for its users, using fresh eggs, bacon, sausages, bread and milk - all of which they are in need of every week.

Between the two services at the Hope Centre the charity feeds about 400 people every week.

The Hope Centre and Weston Favell Centre Food Bank are now having to swap their donations so they each have enough and the right food and toiletries to give to service users.

The Hope Centre believes donations have tapered off due to the traditional times in the year where giving in the UK is encouraged, like Harvest Festival and Christmas.

Robin Burgess CEO at the Hope Centre said: "It's really important to state that we are working together and we have shared needs. Even if we are sharing, there's just not enough stuff out there that's the bottom line. Shelves are becoming bare because that's the reality.

"This is not about individuals who have mismanaged their money, this is just how people have to live.

"It's an ongoing epidemic week after week. We have not enough food and not enough money to sustain it therefore we can't help as many people."

If you want to donate to the Hope Centre - here's a list of what it is in need of: rice, tea, fresh vegetables and fruit, milk, eggs, bacon and sausages, cheese, bread, cereals, tinned or jars of sauces for pasta etc, tinned meat and fish, toilet roll, squash.

If you can help call 01604 214300, email fundraising@northamptonhopecentre.org.uk or drop off donations at 35-37, Campbell St, Northampton NN1 3DS.

To donate money or fundraise, click here.

If you would like to donate to Weston Favell Centre Food Bank - here's a list of what it is in need of: tinned meat and fish, granulated sugar, cooking oil, salt, tinned fruit, razors, shower gel and washing powder.

If you can help call 01604 402150, email info@westonfavellcentre.foodbank.org.uk or drop off donations at Emmanuel Church front office between the hours of 10am and 2pm.

To donate money or fundraise, click here.

Five complaints against Northampton Borough councillors are still being investigated, with one parish councillor also the subject of a complaint.

The details were revealed at the last borough council standards committee in the annual report from its chairman, Councillor Suresh Patel, on Monday evening (March 25).

The complaints relate to two different borough councillors, but the details and subjects of the complaint have not been disclosed.

It includes four separate complaints against the same councillor, with two being filed on February 11, another on February 27 and the final complaint being lodged on March 11.

The report states: “While each of these four complaints relates to the same councillor, the subject matter of each complaint is different. An initial assessment meeting has been scheduled for end of March 2019 to consider each of these complaints. Further information on the four separate complaints will be provided following conclusion of the initial assessments.”

The remaining complaint against a borough councillor dates all the way back to March 25, 2017. Councillor Les Marriott questioned why it had taken two years and there had been no progress, but the committee was told by officers that it was pending the outcome of a separate investigation which ‘wasn’t a Standards issue’.

Meanwhile, the file has been closed on two complaints against a borough councillor that were registered on May 14, 2018. A resolution was found after a meeting between the councillor and the complainant.

The report also highlighted a solitary complaint against a parish councillor in the Northampton area, who - after an investigation - has been found to have a case to answer for potentially breaking the code of conduct.

A hearing will now be convened to determine the case, which the Standards Committee will oversee.

Drivers are being warned of delays on the A45 near Northampton...due to reports of a swan on the road.

The AA reported this morning just before 8am that "Heavy traffic due to Swan on road on A45 Nene Valley Way Westbound between B573 Northampton Road (Grendon / Earls Barton Turn Off) and A5076 Great Billing Way (Great Billing Interchange).

A section of the A14 is closed after a power line fell down this morning.

The Highways Agency is warning motorists to find another route as the eastbound carriageway between J13 at Thrapston and J14 is totally blocked this morning (Wednesday, March 27) after a telephone line fell at Keyston following a collision.

The telephone cable has been cleared, however the carriageway will remain closed for resurfacing due to a spillage.

There are long delays on the approach to the closure, with five miles of congestion adding about 50 minutes to normal journey times.

Road users are asked to follow the "Hollow Diamond" diversion route:

From the A14, J13, take the exit slip road near Thrapston onto the A605.

Continue on the A605 through the village of Thorpe Waterville and past Oundle, Warmington and Elton.

Stay on the A605, Peterborough Road towards the A1 (M), J17 Interchange.

At the A1 (M), J17 interchange take the fourth exit onto the A1 (M) south.

Continue on the A1 (M) south, passed Stilton, Sawtry, Alconbury and rejoin at the A14, J21 Brampton Hut Interchange.

There is also some heavy traffic on surrounding roads.

Officers are on the scene but the road is likely to be blocked for some time. They estimate it will reopen before about 9.45am.

Comedian and author Russell Brand and folk-punk poet Frank Turner will be among the names leading the charge at the Greenbelt festival which returns this summer.

The event, held at Boughton House near Kettering, returns for its 46th festival or arts, faith and activism in August.

Organisers yesterday (Tuesday) released details of the full line of acts who will be appearing across its 24 stages, galleries and installations at Greenbelt.

Writing on the Greenbelt website, organisers said: “What booking this year’s festival has taught us – again – is that Greenbelt is much more than its lineup.

“It’s about a journey and a way of seeing; a motivation and inspiration that we want to share.

“Russell Brand has been on our wish-list for five years. At one point, Katherine, Greenbelt’s programme manager, even took a letter to an event where we knew he’d be, hoping to slip it into his pocket.

“Frank Turner has been in our sights for even longer. And so it was brilliant to get a yes back from his agent early on in the process. Both Russell and Frank remind us that it takes time to build a bill well.

“So, in the year when our theme is Wit and Wisdom, we’re thrilled to have them both on the bill.

“Both quintessentially English in their different ways, they come to Greenbelt at a time when Brexit is forcing us to think about national identity in ever deeper and more complex ways.

“Both independently-minded and spirited in their views, they divide opinions.”

Musicians performing at Greenbelt include Brass Against, Dream Nails, Fantastic Negrito, Five Fathoms Deep, Folk On, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Gentlemen of Few, Gregory Alan, Isakov, Hollow Hand, Holly Holden, Hope and Social, J.P. Bimeni & The Black Belts, Jasper in the Company of Others, Josh Okeefe, Les Amazones d’Afrique, Lucy Spraggan, Moonlight Benjamin, Nakhane, Old Man Luedecke, Old Sea Brigade, Press Club, Samana, Sink The Pink DJs, SK Shlomo, SOAK, Stables, Tamu Massif, The Lottery Winners, The Racket, The Undercover Hippy and Wara.

There will also be comedy by the likes of Dave Hill, Harry and Chris, Peter Bazely, Raffle! presented by Barbara Nice, The Ballad of Kylie Jenner’s Old Face presented by Jayde Adams and The End Of The World As We Know It presented by Matt Winning.

Russell Brand will join the likes of Danny Dorling, Emma Dabiri, Extinction Rebellion, Grace Blakeley, Gurminder Bhambra, Jamie Bartlett, Kumi Naidoo, Mariam Khan, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Michael Leunig, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Paul Mason, Peter Bloom, Safia Minney, SK Shlomo, The End Of The World As We Know It presented by Matt Winning, The Nanas, The Stansted 15, Vickie Cooper and Yassmin Abdel-Magied who will be hosting idea performances.

There will also be activities for children and youths and other performing arts and literature-based showcases.

Greenbelt is from August 23 to 26. Tickets are on sale now and cost £160 for an adult weekend ticket until the end of April.

Concession tickets are available and payment can be made in installments.

Greenbelt also offers a range of accommodation options.

For full details, visit https://www.greenbelt.org.uk.

Twycross Zoo is offering free admission to all mums with every full paying child this weekend.

From Saturday 30 and Sunday March 31, families will have the chance to say a big thank you to their mum and the best part is, it won’t cost them any extra.

Which means that special member of the family can enjoy the 500 animals that the zoo has to offer – for absolutely free.

There’s something for all ages at the Leicestershire-based conservation charity, including the award-winning £3.5million habitat, Chimpanzee Eden, the immersive Gibbon Forest, the much-loved lorikeet landing, and the warm and welcoming Himalaya Centre, featuring a large, soft play area (£5) and a fully-licensed restaurant.

For a real treat this Mother’s Day why not spoil your loved one with a delicious afternoon tea in the tranquil setting of Window’s in the Wild?

Enjoy freshly baked in-house sandwiches with a variety of fillings, as well as sweet treats and scones with lashings of cream and jam.

Prices start from £25 for mum, £30 for adults and £20 for children. Price includes entry to the zoo.

Twycross Zoo relies on the generosity of its visitors to support its conservation work.

For more information and to book tickets visit Twycross Zoo

Cabinet members tend to be paid the most, because of the extra responsibility and workload, and chairs of certain committees and party leaders will be paid more for that work. Ranked below from lowest to highest in pounds (GBP) are the latest payment figures for Northampton ward councillors from April 2017 to March 2018. Note: Anjona Roy (Lab, St George) is now a councillor but wasn't at the time, having won a by-election last year. Sally Beardsworth (Lib Dem, Kingsthorpe South) was on the list but is no longer a county councillor. She would have had the lowest payment figures of £1,149)

Be one of the first people to see the fully restored B1 Mayflower at it rolls into town on Saturday.

The Steam Dreams Rail Co. will be stopping at Milton Keynes, Northampton and Rugby on Saturday on its way to Kidderminster and Worcester, hauled by the B1 steam locomotive 61306 Mayflower, from the same design shed as Flying Scotsman.

Where you can see it

Milton Keynes – 08:28 – 08:30 - Platform 3

Northampton – 08:48 – 08:50 - Platform 3

Rugby – 09:13– 09:15 - Platform 6

Enthusiasts will also be able to spot the engine at other points in the county as it passes through including Long Buckby and Daventry North Junction.

For full timings click here Steam Dream
The B1 Class steam locomotive Mayflower returned to the tracks earlier this year following a three-year refurbishment.

Mayflower has two cylinders, six driving wheels, a firebox grate area of 30 square feet and can operate at 75mph.

And Gloucester have now confirmed the signing of the tighthead prop.

Ford-Robinson has found first-team opportunities hard to come by since switching to Northampton from Bristol in the summer of 2017.

He has made just 23 appearances in the black, green and gold.

The 25-year-old has only featured twice this season and was recently sent out on loan to Championship club Coventry.

And now it has been confirmed that he will be exiting Franklin's Gardens at the conclusion of this campaign.

“Jamal remains focused on giving his best for the club for the remainder of this season, and everyone at Saints wishes him well for the future,” said Saints boss Chris Boyd.

Saints will have a wealth of options at tighthead next season, with New Zealand star Owen Franks joining to strengthen the squad.

A new pricing system is being introduced for car parking at some of Northamptonshire County Council’s country parks from April 1.

The new tariffs apply to all the council's parks except Brampton Valley Way. They are: Barnwell Country Park, Brixworth Country Park, Fermyn Woods Country Park, Irchester Country Park and Sywell Country Park.

A council spokesman said: "The money raised through charging for parking will be ploughed directly back into the service to help pay for the ongoing maintenance of the parks."

The increase was agreed as part of the council’s budget approved in February.

The changes:

Time period Existing charge New charge

Up to four hours £3 £3.20

Up to eight hours N/A £5.20

Up to 12 hours £5 £7.20

Annual season ticket

Covering all five parks £50 £51.50

Parking in one named park £37 £38

The Cobblers are hoping to welcome back both Aaron Pierre and Jordan Turnbull into the team for Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two clash with Port Vale at the PTS Academy Stadium.

Both players missed the 3-1 defeat at Cheltenham Town last weekend, with Turnbull injured and Pierre away on international duty with Grenada.

The pair were sorely missed as the Cobblers suffered their first defeat in nine games, but boss Keith Curle is hopeful both will be fit and ready to go against the Valiants.

Pierre was due back in the country on Tuesday afternoon following Grenada’s 2-0 win in Puerto Rico, while it is hoped Turnbull will be back in training on Thursday.

“With Jordan, he blocked a shot and slightly turned his ankle in training last Thursday,” said Curle.

“He didn’t train on Tuesday, but if he continues with his healing process, then we might be able to get him out on the grass on Thursday.”

Pierre’s absence at the weekend came as something of a surprise to media and supporters alike, but Curle was well prepared for it.

He had known about the call-up for more than three weeks, and it was a similar story for Timi Elsnik who made his debut for Slovenia Under-21s last Thursday.

Pierre won his sixth cap for his country, but it was the first time he had played an international for two years, and when asked if it was a surprise call, Curle said: “I knew about the call-up about three-and-a-half weeks prior.

“One thing I will says is I will never say to a player you are not to go and represent your country.

“I think it is the ultimate achievement and the pinnacle of a player’s career to get that recognition.”

And he added: “I did have a mini panic attack on Sunday, because I looked at the team sheet for the Grenada game and his name wasn’t on it!

“But then I realised it was a clerical error and they had only put 10 names down.

“We are hoping him and Timi Elsnik both travel back safely, with Tim making his under-21 debut as well (for Slovenia), so we are hope they don’t have any issues.

“Aaron will be elated with being captain in a game they won 2-0, and I know some of the players as well, with Alex McQueen and Antonio German who I coached at QPR, so I have a bit of familiarity with the team.”

As well as the expected return to fitness of Turnbull, Curle also had good news on the club’s other injured players.

“Everybody is responding well,” said the Town boss.

“Shaun McWilliams is back doing field-based training, Junior Morias is field-based training, and George Cox is also back field-based training, albeit still at Brighton.

“He is in the latter stages of a natural handover when they are happy to release him to come back up and do the final stages of his rehab here.”

Another player to go away and get some international experience last week was Morgan Roberts, who spent four days on a Wales Under-21s training camp.

The teenager frustratingly picked up a knock to his knee while he was with Rob Page’s men, but Curle says Roberts did well on his time away.

“Morgan enjoyed his week with Wales, and it is great for any young person to be around an international environment,” said the Cobblers boss

“I was going to say he came back with a spring in his step, but he has come back with a limp! But he will be okay.”