One of the customers who have lost their holidays after a Northampton bus company went into administration say they are 'bitterly disappointed'.

Collingtree Minibus and Executive Hire Ltd ceased trading on Halloween (Thursday, October 31) after more than 20 years in the town.

About 60 people have made payments, mainly deposits, for day trips and holidays, which are unable to be honoured by the company.

Gloria Noble was due to spend last weekend in Yorkshire with her daughter and granddaughter but were told four days before that the firm had gone bust.

"I was bitterly disappointed as I've been on quite a few trips with them, including Bluewater and Skegness," she said.

Collingtree has appointed Northampton-based insolvency practitioners BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency as administrators, with the loss of 10 jobs.

The company insisted it had 'no choice' but to stop trading due to 'tough market conditions'.

Gloria, from Coventry, was looking forward to spending Saturday in Leeds and Sunday in Sheffield on a trip with Collingtree after many enjoyable holidays in the past.

But the 71-year-old grandmother felt sorry for those who have lost their jobs, and was pleased she had not booked any other trips, despite being encouraged to only a few weeks ago.

"A few weeks ago the driver, who we know quite well as we've been on a lot of trips, handed out next year's book," she said,

"We were going to book two or three different trips and he said to book early as they get filled up but something told me not to - some sort of sixth sense."

READ MORE: Ten jobs lost after Northampton bus company ceases trading
Gloria is hopeful she will get her money back but has to go through the administrators and her bank.

Many Chronicle & Echo readers have reacted with sadness to Collingtree's demise.

Judy Bexon wrote: "Such a shame, I’ve used them many times, going on their day trips and taking guides on camps and trips etc. They will be sadly missed I’m sure."

Gary Dackombe commented: "What a shame, feel sorry for all those involved."

And Kay Medway posted: "This company was very good for day trips and will be missed."

Anyone affected by the closure who has paid a deposit for day trips or holidays by credit or debit card is urged to contact their credit or debit card company to discuss the potential reimbursement for any loss incurred.

Across England, a teacher took 4.0 days off sick on average last year. This is how many days on average teachers in Northampton secondary schools took off for illness.

This data was published by the government in September 2019 but was collected in November 2018, and sickness absence figures relate to the 2017/18 school year. These are the latest figures available. They show the average number of days taken off sick by teachers at each school. The figures are shown from highest average to lowest average.

The 26-year-old was in a rich vein of form at the time of his injury, sustained following a heavy fall during an EFL Trophy tie with Peterborough United on September 3.

But after a long and at times frustrating road to fitness, Watson joined his team-mates in training for the first time on Tuesday and is only two or three weeks away from being available for selection again.

Elsewhere on the injury front, left-back Joe Martin remains sidelined with a hamstring issue while goalkeeper Steve Arnold played in a behind-closed-doors match on Tuesday afternoon.

Scott Pollock missed Saturday's trip to Oldham Athletic with a foot injury but he should be back in contention for this weekend's FA Cup tie at Chippenham Town.

"Ryan Watson is back out on the grass and Steve Arnold is playing a game today," said manager Keith Curle.

"He's been back out on the grass for the last two weeks and he's chomping at the bit and doing very well in training.

"Joe Martin is probably just outside a week away from being available to go out and get on the grass and train.

"Scott had a nasty cut on his foot which required six or seven stitches. We've had to wait for that to heal and for the swelling to go down but I think he'll be available for the weekend."

Thieves have targeted a rural garden centre stealing a digger and trailer after ramming down the entry gates.

Officers investigating a burglary at a garden centre in Whilton, near Daventry, are appealing for witnesses and information.

Between 1am and 1.25am on Sunday, November 3, unknown persons rammed the gates of the business at Whilton Locks before stealing a JCB digger and two Ifor Williams trailers containing scrap metal.

Anyone who saw the incident, or has information about it, should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Whilton Locks Garden Village has been targeted by thieves

A woman was robbed in the daylight by a man at an cash machine outside a Northampton town centre supermarket before a Good Samaritan came to her aid.

The attacker demanded cash from the victim at the Morrisons ATM in Victoria Promenade at about 3pm on Tuesday, October 29.

Another man came to help her and the suspect ran off towards Derngate, police said.

The suspect is described as an Asian man, aged 25-35 with a black stubble beard.

He was wearing black jogging bottoms, a blue coat and a grey hoody.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information about it, should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A new development of homes will be built in a village on the outskirts of town with work starting to begin on site.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Midlands’ will be building the new development in Overstone.

The official ‘cutting the sod’ ceremony took place with David Wilson Homes South Midlands Managing Director John Dillon who marked one of the first milestones on site.

It is set to offer a wide selection of modern properties that are suitable for first-time buyers, working professionals and growing families alike.

It has not yet been confirmed how many homes will be built on the development.

Jason Hearn, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to be starting work at our new development in Overstone.

“The development is really going to take shape over the coming months and we’re looking forward to adding our beautiful new homes to this part of Northamptonshire.

“As we already have a development in the village, The Avenue, we are thrilled to be continuing building in such a sought-after area.

“Our ambitions for the development go beyond the high quality properties we are building. We are striving to contribute to Northamptonshire through the jobs we create for local people and our investment in the community.”

David Wilson Homes will also be investing in the area by supporting a range of community facilities, organisations and charities through its Community Fund Scheme.

Here are some of the key men who have yet to play for Saints in the league during the 2019/20 campaign...

Owen Franks is now available for selection at Saints.

And more good news comes in the form of Matt Proctor, who is also not too far away from making his debut for the club.

Both players arrived from New Zealand last week, having been on standby for the All Blacks' World Cup campaign.

Centre Proctor is stepping up his recovery from a pectoral injury, but prop Franks is fit and ready to play if required.

"They're both involved in training," confirmed Saints forwards coach Phil Dowson.

"Owen Franks is in full training and he's flying around.

"Matt Proctor is coming back from injury so he's doing a return-to-play protocol but he's a long way down that line. He's tackling, getting off the deck and clearing out so I don't think he'll be far away from playing."

Saints go to Bath in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday, while the Wanderers play at Oxford University on Friday night.

So will Franks get some game time in either of those encounters?

"There's a Wanderers game on Friday - I'm not sure the Oxford students would appreciate that," Dowson said.

"He is available for selection and we'll include him as and when.

"We have the luxury at the moment that a lot of the guys are playing well so we don't need to rush people in.

"When we feel Owen is settled in, established, knows the calls, knows his team-mates and knows how we want to play, he can get in the game and put his best foot forward."

Saints will also soon welcome back their World Cup stars, with Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Piers Francis, Dan Biggar and Cobus Reinach having all featured in the tournament.

"They get some time off to rest and recuperate, but it's case by case," Dowson said.

"Piers Francis hasn't played as much as he'd have liked, but Courtney has played lots so Chris (Boyd) will treat those guys on their merits.

"He will make sure they're fully rested and ready mentally as well as physically."

James Fish was forced to miss last Friday's win against Harlequins due to a head injury.

But the hooker is fit to face Bath this weekend.

"He's good, he's passed all his tests so he's fully available for selection," Dowson said.

"It's good to have him back in the mix."

A gang who "acted with impunity" as they sold drugs across Kettering have been jailed for a total of almost 100 years.

The 11 criminals will spend decades behind bars after a four-month, intelligence-led East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) investigation into the suspected dealing of cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis across the town.

During their investigation, about 1.75kg of cocaine and nearly 50kg of amphetamines were recovered and 13 people were charged with offences relating to the supply of illegal drugs.

A series of linked court cases led to 12 convictions, with the final eight defendants sentenced at Northampton Crown Court last week. In total the gang was jailed for 99 years and one month.

Those jailed were: Simon Bailey, aged 32, of Daylesford, Gloucestershire, was found guilty of conspiring to supply Class A drugs (cocaine) during April 2018, and on November 1 was sentenced to 10 years.

Lewis Hartgrove, aged 28, of Kelmarsh Road, Harrington, was also found guilty of conspiring to supply Class A drugs (cocaine) during April 2018, and was sentenced to eight years in jail.

Michael Drain, aged 47, of Burton Latimer, was found guilty of conspiring to supply Class B drugs (amphetamine) during May 2018, and was sentenced to five years and six months’ imprisonment.

Peter Hall, aged 31, of Uist Walk, Corby, was convicted of conspiring to supply a Class B drug (amphetamine) in May 2018, and pleaded guilty to the supply of a Class B drug (cannabis), receiving a total sentence of 11 years and nine months. He was cleared of a third charge of conspiring to supply cocaine.

They were jailed after a trial in October. During the investigation, nearly 40kg of amphetamine and almost 8kg of N-formyl-amphetamine, a substance produced during the process of producing amphetamine, were found in Drain’s car.

Four other men were also sentenced on Friday having previously pleaded guilty to linked offences.

They were: Timothy Hartgrove, aged 57, of Lapin Lane, Thorpe Underwood, was sentenced to five years after admitting one charge of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine) during April 2018, when officers recovered almost 1kg of cocaine from his car.

Marcus McLeish, aged 36, of Balfour Street, Kettering, had pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiring to supply Class A drugs (cocaine) during April, June and July/August 2018 and was sentenced to a total of 13 years and six months’ imprisonment.

Jonathan Radford, aged 26, of Margaret Road, Kettering, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months after admitting conspiring to supply Class A drugs (cocaine) in April 2018, and conspiring to supply Class B drugs (amphetamine) in May 2018.

Tony Succo, aged 36, also known as Anthony Succo, of no fixed address, Kettering, had pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring to supply cocaine in April and June of 2018 and was jailed for 10 years and six months.

A further four people had already been sentenced for their parts in the conspiracy.

In March, Fidan Parllaku, aged 34, of no fixed address, was convicted of supplying around 500g of cocaine to Marcus McLeish in June 2018. He was sentenced to six years and six months.

Sajmir Plaku, aged 35, of Nina Carroll Way, Kettering, was charged with supplying Class A drugs between July and September 2018, and with the possession of a false/improperly obtained identity document. He admitted both charges and in July this year was sentenced to 10 years and nine months for the drug offence, with a six-month concurrent sentence imposed for the false ID charge.

Nathan Jones, aged 31, of Charles Street, Kettering, was sentenced to five years in prison in July after he pleaded guilty to supplying a controlled Class A drug, namely cocaine, between July and September 2018.

In October 2018, a 49-year-old woman of Regent Street, Kettering, had pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to 150 hours unpaid work, and ordered to pay a £340 fine and £85 victim surcharge.

The 13th person charged as part of the investigation, a 26-year-old Desborough man, was found not guilty of conspiring to supply a Class B controlled drug (amphetamine) following a trial in October.

Detective Inspector James Avery, of EMSOU, said: “I’m really pleased that our investigation has resulted in so many convictions and substantial prison sentences.

“This group was clearly well-established in its business model for selling drugs both in Kettering and for distribution outside of Northamptonshire.

Our investigations showed them acting with impunity, believing they could do whatever they wanted, which clearly wasn’t the case.

“Thanks to the tenacity, dedication and teamwork of officers from both Northamptonshire Police and EMSOU, we were able to gather considerable evidence and detail to prove the level that these individuals were operating at, leading to their ultimate downfall and securing their guilty pleas and convictions.

“The lengthy sentences imposed by the judge rightly reflect the harm done by this group’s activities, and the case clearly shows that those who seek to ruin lives by selling illegal drugs in our county can expect to be prosecuted and severely punished for their exploitative actions and greed.”

Councillors in Northampton have voted to lobby the Government to reverse an increase in interest rates on money loaned by councils.

The hike in interest for loans from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB), announced last month, has seen interest rates rise from 1.8 per cent to 2.8 per cent.

The rise has sent shockwaves through local government finance. Northampton Borough Council has used its access to the PWLB for some major projects in the town, including lending the University of Northampton a sum of £46million to develop the new Waterside Campus.

However, critics have said that the low interest rates have also allowed local authorities to play the property market.

In a letter to local councils, the treasury said that ‘some local authorities have substantially increased their use of the PWLB in recent months, as the cost of borrowing has fallen to record lows’.

But a spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA) said: “It presents a real risk that capital schemes, including vital council house building projects, will cease to be affordable and may have to be cancelled as a result.”

And last night (November 4) councillors in Northampton agreed that the borough council should try and persuade the Government to reverse its stance alongside the LGA.

A motion submitted by Labour councillor Les Marriott, unanimously approved by members of all parties, noted the increase ‘with dismay’. It stated: “The one per cent increases the risks attached to regeneration and development and creates the need for revision of existing plans and business cases. We note this has led to, for example, a delay in borrowing for the Berkley House rebuild.”

Speaking at the Guildhall last night, Councillor Marriott said: “If we want to take out a £20million loan, which is not uncommon for a local authority, a one per cent increase over 25 years puts another £5million burden on this authority.”

Conservative council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn responded: “I believe it was put up to discourage commercial property portfolios, but my view is that we need to differentiate. When it’s borrowing for housing projects we should be able to get the best possible deal.”

And Labour leader Cllr Danielle Stone added: “We need to be able to borrow cheaply and invest in our communities and not leave a legacy of debt for the councils that may come after us.”

Cambridge had to win the match outright or triumph in a penalty shoot-out to keep alive their hopes and deny Northampton, at least until they played Peterborough United next week.

But despite taking the lead, the U's were pegged back and then lost 4-3 in the shoot-out, Dan Jones missing the vital spot-kick when firing over the bar.

Harvey Knibbs had steered Cambridge ahead just before half-time but six minutes into the second-half Liam O'Neil picked up his second booking and was given his marching orders.

John Jules slammed home an equaliser nine minutes later before Arsenal triumphed on spot-kicks.

Earlier in the competition, Cobblers beat Arsenal U21st on penalties, lost 2-0 at home to Peterborough United and defeated Cambridge 1-0 at the Abbey Stadium through Harry Smith's first-half goal.

Cobblers finish second in Southern Group H behind winners Peterborough, meaning they will be away in the first round of the knockout stage of the competition.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

SEPTEMBER 25

Kyle Jordan Turay, aged 22, Stanley Road, Northampton, failed to comply with supervision order; jailed for seven days.

Bogdan-Daniel Almasan, aged 23, Essex Street, Northampton, drove without insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

SEPTEMBER 26

Wayne Clements, aged 47, Jasmine Road, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £150, surcharge £32, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Dean Sargent, aged 38, Churchill Avenue, Northampton, stole items to the value of £132; jailed for 12 weeks suspended for 12 months, compensation £25; stole a variety of items, compensation £850; stole items to the value of £522, compensation £260; stole items to the value of £150, compensation £75; stole chocolate, to a value of £40; stole meat, to the value of £10; stole meat, to the value of £4.50, no separate penalty.

Rebecca Turner, aged 33, Alchester Court, Towcester, drink-driving; fined £500, surcharge £50, costs £85, banned from driving for 24 months.

Oluseto Akinjunde Adelegan, aged 59, Trussell Road, Northampton, assault by beating; to be placed under a curfew, compensation £100, surcharge £90, costs £85.

Kieron Bartlett, aged 42, Limehurst Road Northampton, drink-driving; fined £300, surcharge £32, costs £85, 10 points on driving licence.

Paul Dickens, aged 60, Turners Court, Northampton, drunk in charge of a vehicle; fined £120, surcharge £32, costs £85, 10 points on driving licence.

Nozrul Mohammed Islam, aged 27, Wheatfield Road, Northampton, possession of cannabis; fined £80, surcharge £32, costs £85, cannabis to be forfeited and destroyed.

Calin Munteanu, aged 27, Clare Street, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £700, surcharge £70, costs £85, banned driving for 12 months.

Alexandru Panait, aged 26, St Leonards Road Northampton, drink-driving; fined £600, surcharge £60, costs £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Slobodan Wichold Stojanovich, aged 60, Salcey Street, Northampton, assault by beating; fined £300, compensation £100, surcharge £30, costs £300.

Adrian Dinu, aged 18, Crestline Court, Northampton, possession of a head torch, gloves and a snood in connection with theft; discharged conditionally for 12 months, surcharge £20, costs £300.

SEPTEMBER 27

Stoyan Zhelev, aged 50, no fixed address, failed to provide a breath test; fined £892, surcharge £89, costs £85, banned from driving for 10 months.

SEPTEMBER 28

Thomas Francis Lyons, aged 54, Rillwood Court, Northampton, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; restraining order imposed, fined £100, compensation £30, surcharge £32, costs £30.

SEPTEMBER 28

John Robert Fuller, aged 52, Belle Field Towcester, possession of cannabis; fined £80, surcharge £32, costs £85; produced a quantity of cannabis; fined £120, cannabis flowers and plants to be forfeited and destroyed.

Lee Andrew Beech, aged 45, Fullingdale Road, Northampton, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; to carry out unpaid work for 160 hours, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Eileen Connors, aged 23, St Michaels Road, Northampton, theft of goods from TK Maxx; fined £80, surcharge £32, costs £85.

Colm Joseph Hyland, aged 40, Limehurst Square, Northampton, stole four bottles of Champagne from Marks & Spencer; Jailed for 20 weeks, surcharge £122, costs £85; failed to surrender to custody; no separate penalty.

Aaron Flack, aged 41, no fixed address, used a bank card belonging to someone else; fined £70, surcharge £32, costs £85.

Adam Paul Bobowicz, aged 41, Viscount Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £50, costs £60.

Edward William Fowler, aged 27, Smitherway, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £230, surcharge £32, costs £85, banned from driving for 18 months; driving without insurance, no separate penalty.

Jamie Hillery, aged 28, Northfield Way, Northampton, assaulted a police officer by beating him; to be placed under a curfew, compensation £50, surcharge £90, costs £85, banned from driving for 18 months; failed to provide a breath test, no separate penalty.

Dean William Charles Sturgess, aged 39, Kingsland Gardens, Northampton, driving while banned; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85, six points on driving licence; driving without insurance, no separate penalty; tyre tread worn, fined £80.

OCTOBER 3

Aiden James Blackwell, aged 23, Lime Kiln Close, Silverstone, drink-driving; fined £360, surcharge £36, costs £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Mihail Luchin, aged 24, Campbell Street, Northampton, failed to provide a breath test; to carry out unpaid work for 80 hours, surcharge £90, costs £85, banned from driving for 18 months; driving without a licence, no separate penalty; without insurance, no separate penalty.

Alexander Benjamin Smalley, aged 27, Avimore Gardens, Northampton, assault by beating; jailed for 10 weeks suspended for 18 months, to carry out unpaid work for 180 hours, compensation £150, surcharge £115, costs £680; assault by beating, compensation £100.

Jordan Paul Kilby, aged 25, Trent Close, Northampton, had a kitchen knife and a butterfly knife in a public place; to carry out unpaid work for 100 hours, surcharge £90, costs £85; knives to be forfeited and destroyed.

John Olanrewaju Adekunmi, aged 25, Kingsthorpe Grove, Northampton, driving while unfit through drugs; to carry out unpaid work for 60 hours, surcharge £90, costs £85, banned from driving for 15 months; while banned from driving; without insurance; didn’t stop when asked by a constable, no separate penalty.

Joe Harry Maddison Houghton, aged 20, Byfield Road, Northampton, damaged a car; fined £40, compensation £220, surcharge £32; commission of a further offence while subject to a conditional discharge order, fined £40.

Daniel Marshall, aged 31, Chapel Brampton, drink-driving; fined £400, surcharge £40, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Patrick Thomas Joseph Kelly, aged 60, Cardigan Close, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £40, surcharge £32, costs £85.

Jamie Peter O’Reilly, aged 29, Broadmead Avenue, Northampton, destroyed a TV; restraining order imposed, compensation £400, surcharge £21, costs £100.

OCTOBER 4

Robert James Sean Coates, aged 31, Castle Avenue, Northampton, assault by beating; jailed for two weeks concurrent suspended for 24 months, to have treatment for drug dependency for six months, to be placed under a curfew, surcharge £122; assault by beating, jailed for two weeks concurrent suspended for 24 months; breaching a restraining order, jailed for 16 weeks suspended for 24 months; breaching a restraining order, jailed for 16 weeks suspended for 24 months; breaching a restraining order, jailed for 16 weeks suspended for 24 months.

Svajuivas Lawiauskas, aged 34, St Georges Street, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £370, surcharge £94, costs £85, banned from driving for 36 months; without a licence, fined £123; without insurance, fined £370.

Darell Brian Osbourne, aged 50, Arbour Court, Northampton, used threatening, abusive or insulting words, racially aggravated; restraining order imposed, fined £450, compensation £100, surcharge £45, costs £620.

OCTOBER 7

James Edward Cadd, aged 41, Campbell Street, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; discharged conditionally for 12 months, surcharge of £21, costs £85.

Sean Barry Humphreys, aged 32, High Street, Long Buckby, drink-driving; fined £288, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 17 months.

Victoria Anne Welch, aged 31, Danefield Road, Northampton, harassment of another person through the creation of a false Facebook profile; restraining order imposed, compensation £50, surcharge £90, costs £45.

Adelin-Dumitru Grigore, aged 20, Picadilly Close, Northampton, dangerous driving; to carry out unpaid work for 80 hours, surcharge £90, costs £85, banned from driving for 18 months; drink-driving, no separate penalty.

Roman Kacailo, aged 27, no fixed address, stole a sat-nav; jailed for two weeks; stole a chain, necklace and £10, jailed for two weeks; stole sunglasses and gloves, jailed for two weeks; stole sunglasses, cigarettes and £3, jailed for two weeks; failed to surrender at court, jailed for two weeks.

Thomas Joseph Peter Keenan, aged 47, Hamsterley Park, Northampton, caused unnecessary suffering to a cat; to carry out unpaid work for 120 hours, surcharge £85, costs £300, banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Ramon Kingsley Browne, aged 39, Semilong Road, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £450, surcharge £45, costs £85, banned from driving for 20 months; drove without insurance, fined £150.

OCTOBER 8

Lukasz Stefan Michajlow, aged 33, Jubilee Road, Daventry, possession of amphetamines; discharged conditionally for 12 months, surcharge £20, amphetamine to be forfeited and destroyed.

In July 2016, a botched cocaine deal outside a Northamptonshire pub led to a 'revenge raid' by the dealers on the Greenfields Travellers site near Braybrooke.

The terrifying attack saw a 'small army' of debt enforcers attack the caravan site with weapons. Caravans were smashed up, a man was beaten bloody and a 17-year-old boy was blasted at close range with a shotgun.

But the perpetrators might not have been caught if not for the bravery and presence of mind of one motorist who captured crucial evidence for the police on his dashcam.

The motorist - who asked to remain anonymous - was driving his car when he suspected that others vehicles around him - driven by the drug collectors - were acting suspiciously, and switched on his dashcam to record what happened.

What he didn't know was he had just captured evidence crucial for police that linked the attackers from the pub in Corby to the caravan site in Braybrooke, which helped convict them for the raid.

Now, the driver has been commended for his actions by Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking and rewarded with a Northamptonshire High Sheriff Award for bravery.

At an award ceremony at Northampton Crown Court last week (Nov 1), Judge Lucking told the motorist: "[This man] demonstrated exception presence of mind and recorded the suspicious activity of the vehicles as well as courage in following the vehicles.

"He provided evidence to the police and gave evidence before the jury about what he had seen.

"It played an important and substantial role in securing convictions in this case."

He was presented with the award by the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire Nicholas Robertson as well as a cheque for £1,000.0

In the botched cocaine deal outside the Chequered Flag pub in Corby in 2016, a large amount of cash was stolen from a drug dealer by one of a member of a travellers' family, which led to the late-night revenge raid.

Photos published by police on the morning after show how caravans had been smashed and cars were badly damaged. Several vehicles even appeared to have been peppered with buckshot from shotguns.

The ringleaders in the attack were named as Nathan Hadfield, 36, from Burton Latimer, and Richard Loveridge, 27, formerly from Ecton Lane, Northampton.

A total of 13 men were convicted or pleaded guilty to their parts in the attack - but the prosecutor, Christopher Donnellan - says the squad may have been made up of some 30 people.

The Abington Street clothes shop is one of many branches across the country to have the signs appear in the windows.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill's owner, UK billionaire Philip Day, is said to be interested in buying fellow high street retailer Bonmarche, which is in administration and looking for a buyer.

The firm has been contacted for comment.

There were times last season when you wondered whether Taqele Naiyaravoro’s switch to Saints would work out as hoped.

Because while he clearly had incredible attacking prowess, there were a few worries at the other end of the field.

Teams took him on defensively and caused him some problems.

But as the season went on, Naiyaravoro got better in defence and his attacking game, which was never is doubt, became simply unstoppable.

This season, Naiyaravoro has appeared to have it all.

He hasn’t been troubled defensively and opposition sides have found him almost impossible to deal with.

He tortured Leicester Tigers at Welford Road in the Premiership Rugby Cup clash and did the same against Saracens on the following weekend as Saints claimed a stunning win in the Gallagher Premiership opener.

Naiyaravoro had taken a knock in that game and spent the early part of following week in a surgical boot as a precaution.

But, much to Worcester’s disappointment, he was fit to square up to the Warriors at Franklin’s Gardens.

And, yet again, the powerhouse wing showed just how quickly he can break an opposition defence, and a game, wide open.

Saints used a dominant scrum to deliver him with the possession he needed to demolish all before him and get the ball down.

It was a key try as Saints built on an earlier Tom Collins effort to take the game away from Worcester.

At 20-9 up, they moved through the gears, scoring three more tries to put the game to bed and the try bonus point in their pocket.

And once again, they could thank Naiyaravoro for his sizeable efforts as he was replaced with 10 minutes to go.

It was quite a way for the 27-year-old to celebrate signing a new two-year deal at Saints in the build-up to the game.

And he just keeps going from strength to strength, producing arguably his most destructive display of the season so far last Friday.

Naiyaravoro steamrollered Harlequins not once but twice as he delivered a man of the match showing in a 40-22 success.

His performances are proving to be worth the entrance fee alone at Franklin's Gardens right now.

And he is a man admired and much loved by his team-mates and coaches.

"He's been excellent," said Saints forwards coach Phil Dowson.

"Some of the press after the game last Friday was about how much of an athlete he is and what a big man he is, but what maybe goes unnoticed is the work he's been doing with (attack coach) Sam Vesty about his decision making around the offload and his work defensively with (defence coach) Alan Dickens.

"A lot of the cerebral side of the game probably goes unnoticed when you see big T, but he's improved, he's had a brilliant pre-season, he's looking well and he's playing well."

Keeping Naiyaravoro for at least another two seasons after this one is a big boost for Saints.

And Dowson added: "It's brilliant and fantastic to keep him here because of what he can do to defences.

"He would have been a very sought after player, but it says how happy he is here and how happy his family are here that he was willing to stay.

"He buys into what Chris (Boyd) is looking to build."

Naiyaravoro's team-mates are able to just give him the ball and watch him go.

And lock David Ribbans said: "I don't know why teams would kick the ball down his channel at the moment - he's playing great rugby.

"We've just got to use him. He's a massive threat for us and he's got subtle touches as well.

"Not only does he run over people, he's got great hands and awareness of the game so I'm very chuffed he's with us.

"We all strive to be like him. Unfortunately when we're in the grind in the middle, we don't get the chance of the offloads like him, but he's a class player.

"It's really exciting he's staying with us and he's a great guy off the field as well."

Keith Curle was left somewhat bemused by Dino Maamria's suggestion that Oldham 'totally dominated' Saturday's 2-2 draw with the Cobblers at Boundary Park.

Town held sway for much of the contest in Greater Manchester and Oldham needed to score twice in the final five minutes to snatch a point after goals from Matty Warburton and Andy Williams.

Despite that, though, Latics boss Maamria claimed afterwards: "The draw is the least we deserved. Take out the first 10 minutes of the game, we totally dominated.

"We were unlucky not to score, the second goal for them came against the run of play and hurt us. They were hanging on for the draw."

That took Curle by surprise when he reflected on his side's performance and the disappointment of the result a few days later.

He said: "It's important that we address the negatives and that's not just about in those split-seconds when you concede a goal because there are other things we know we can improve, such as loss of possession and when we haven't retained the ball as much as we could have done.

"That's one of the big things on Saturday because in the first-half I thought we dominated possession of the ball, we had good forward momentum and we had good movement, which is probably contrary to what their manager said.

"He thought they outplayed us. Looking back on it I think I must have been watching a completely different game!"

Curle was ultimately left frustrated by the result though after his side spurned a 2-0 lead for the third time this season.

He added: "Frustrated is probably an understatement because you think of being 2-0 up against Crawley, 2-0 up against Morecambe and 2-0 up against Oldham and that would have given us another another six points.

"If you add another six points onto our tally, everyone would be saying we've had a very good start to the season so we know there's more to come."

Shortly after 7pm on Monday, October 28, two men picked up bottles of wine from a fridge in the Co-Op store in Fieldmill Road, Bellinge, and made for the exit.

As they tried to leave the manager saw them, prompting the shorter of the pair to strike him in the head with a bottle, causing swelling and bruising.

The pair then ran towards the Deer Leap pub, where the shorter man fell and dropped a bottle, before both ran off.

A Co-op spokesman said: “Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt, however colleagues were left shaken.

"As a community-based organisation we can see the impact of social issues in our stores, and safety and security is a number one priority for us.

"We have invested millions of pounds in innovative technology to deter crime, including the latest remote monitored CCTV and SmartWater in our ATM’s and kiosks.

"We appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward to police, who are investigating.”

A number of people were around the shop entrance at the time of the incident and police would like to hear from them as they may be able to provide further information about the incident.

The suspect who assaulted the manager is described as a white man, around 5ft 6in, of slim build, in his late teens to early 20s.

He wore a grey hoody, a black jacket with a fur-edged hood worn up, grey jogging bottoms and grey trainers - he also carried a black Nike rucksack on his back.

The second suspect is described as a white man, around 6ft, of slim build and also in his late teens to early 20s.

He wore a red jacket with a white logo on the chest and the jacket hood up, blue jeans and dark shoes.

Anyone who saw the incident or has information about it should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

As the clock ticks down towards 2020, we're asking you to vote for your best Cobblers XI over the past decade.

Zander Diamond or Charlie Goode? Marc Richards or Adebayo Akinfenwa? Make your choices on our poll below. The results will be revealed later in the month.

The celebrity cut the ribbon on the new clothing area, which has doubled in size with almost all of the range, before picking three customers to pick out a Christmas outfit in five minutes.
The winner was chosen by Davina and given £150, while the other two got £50 and all three got to keep their clothes.
Flick through out photos from the day and read the full story here.

Northamptonshire County Council is charging people £15-a-head to attend the “How To Wear Accessories” workshop.

The three-hour course, run by the council’s Adult Learning department, promises to teach people to “understand the impact of accessories” and improve "body image".

It also says the seminar will “identify what accessories would work best for you” and “experiment with alternative approaches”.

The misspelt course sheet also tells students “be confident in how to accessories an outfit”.

Students will be given “practical demonstrations” and PowerPoint lectures and group discussions on how to wear shoes, belts, bags, jewellery and scarves.

The course - led by style advisor Lesley Clarke in Northampton on February 27 next year - has been branded “a complete waste of money” by local residents.

Mum-of-two Janet Wilson, 30, said: “I often take up an adult course every year to improve myself.

"I’ve done sign language and creative writing in the past which were great but when I saw the council were teaching people how to wear shoes I was just flabbergasted.

“Why on earth is this course, which doesn’t even sound like a fashion course, being run alongside other valuable courses.

“If you need lessons on how to put on shoes and wear belts I think you're probably beyond help.”

Sociology student Annabelle Wright, 22, from Northampton, added: “This course, which appears completely backed by the council, is a complete waste of money.

“How patronising to be taught how to carry a handbag or even wear a belt.

“If it was designed to help with preparing for job interviews then that’s fine but the course details says you’ll be taught basically how to carry a bag and tie your shoe laces.

“What’s next? A course on how to switch on a light?”

The Conservative-runcouncil, which is set to be abolished in 2021, defended the course saying it was intended to be “fun” but also designed to help people's "body image".

A spokesperson said: “Our adult learning service is self-financing and not subsidised by the county council and in addition learners pay tuition fees for courses and provide their own resources.

“If there are insufficient numbers to finance the ‘How to Wear Accessories’ course, then it will not go ahead.

“This course is designed to be a fun, sociable morning and one of a number of personal development classes we offer that aim to help people to build their confidence.

“This can be particularly helpful for adults who are looking for work, to find out how to dress for interview or increase their own sense of wellbeing including a more positive body image.

“In the past learners have also attended this type of course to seek advice on how to disguise scars or disabilities.”

The council was branded the UK’s “worst run local authority” after overspending its 2017 budget by millions of pounds and banning all non-essential spending twice in

2018.

Two serious case reviews published this year found the authority also failed to protect two murdered children.