An impromptu vigil was held in Northampton last night to show solidarity with the victims of a terrorist attack that led to the deaths of 12 people at the office of French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo.

Around 24 people gathered at the event at the Guildhall in the town centre, organised less than two hours previously with the help of social media.

The idea came from 57-year-old Clare Abbatt, from Easton Maudit, who used to live in the town and works as a sculptor, focussing particularly on war and it’s affect on communities.

She said: “Nobody can be unaffected by what happened.

“I really do believe that the fact we are free to express and publish our opinions is incredibly valuable and precious. But when something like this happens so close, it strikes at that freedom that we perhaps take for granted.”

Two policeman and ten journalists were shot dead during the by gunmen in what is believed to be a revenge attack for previous depictions by the magazine of the prophet Muhammad.

Mrs Abbatt said: “I heard the news when it happened and followed it throughout the day. I found it truly shocking and distressing and when I got home from work around 6pm, I couldn’t just stay in.

“I phoned some friends in the area and they contacted some others and we put a message out on social media. We met outside the Guildhall at around 8pm and lit 12 candles for each of the victims for the attack. Then we spent an hour or so just quietly expressing together our solidarity with those killed.

“I have also been speaking to some of my French friends both in France and Canada who have also been involved in vigils.

“It goes to show that people around the world are united in their feelings about this.”

The Cobblers have confirmed midfielder Jason Taylor has made his loan deal at the club into a permanent move.

Town recruited the 27-year-old, initially on loan from Cheltenham, on Friday to enable him to play in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southend United at Sixfields.

Taylor has agreed a contract settlement at Whaddon Road and signed a contract until the end of the season with Northampton.

A two-minute silence has been held by Northamptonshire Police as a mark of respect for the 12 people murdered at the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris yesterday.

The force also flew flags at half mast at 10.30am, 24 hours after the killings, while the silence was observed.

PC Nick Price tweeted shortly after 10am: “@NorthantsPolice Will, where possible, all pause for 2 minutes at 10:30hrs today to remember those lost #JeSuisCharlie #CharlieHebdo.

He added: “As a mark of respect to the victims of the French attack @NorthantsPolice Chief Constable has arranged our flags to be flown at half mast.”

Yesterday Northamptonshire police shared an appeal for information on the Paris shootings, in which gunmen shot 12 people dead at the head offices of the French satirical publication Charlie Hedbo.

London’s Metropolitan Police is asking for anyone who was in the city around the time of the attack - at about 11.30am local time- and may have information to come forward.

A poster, which has been released on social media and shared by Northamptonshire Police, reads:

“Have you recently returned from Paris? Did you see any suspicious activity whilst you were there? Did you witness the attack? Have you video footage, mobile phone footage or photographs of the area?

“Please make yourself known to a Police Officer or Immigration Officer.

“You can also contact the free, confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.”

Chair of the Northampton Islamic Association, Councillor Mohammed Azizur Rahman (Con, Castle), attended an impromptu vigil which took place outside Northampton Guildhall last night to show solidarity with the victims of the attack.

He condemned the killings and said: “This is disgusting and nothing in Islam condones it. The Qur’an says that taking one innocent life is an attack on all humanity.

“But depictions of the prophet Muhammad is a very sensitive religious issue and I think freedom of speech, while it is very important, needs to take that into account to avoid anything like this happening again.

“My condolences to the families and friends of all the victims.”

A Northampton post office is to temporarily close next month for refurbishment and will reopen with extended opening hours.

Delpare Post Office, in Towcester Road, will close from 5.30pm on Thursday, February 12, and is set to reopen on Thursday, February 26, at 1pm.

As part of the Post Office modernisation programme, the revamped store will be open for an extra six hours a week, including a slightly earlier opening time and a slightly later closing time. The opening times are 8.30am until 6pm Monday to Saturday.

There will be four serving positions, with one open-plan counter and two screened counters open from 9am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday. Selected services will still be available from the retail counter outside these hours while the store is open.

The office will continue to offer all services, including bill payments, banking, benefits and travel money, postage, home shopping returns and Local Collect.

Alan Ridoutt, the Post Office area manager, said: “We know how important Post Office services are to residents in Delapre we are confident that this vibrant modern Post Office, at the heart of the community, will be popular.

“The modernisation is part of a major Government investment programme enabling us to continue investing in the Post Office network and to map out a bold growth strategy to the end of the decade.”

While Delapre Post Office is closed, teh nearest branches are:

Northampton Post Office, 20 St Giles Street, Northampton, NN1 1AF

Gloucester Avenue Post Office, 42 - 44 Gloucester Avenue, Delapre, Northampton, NN4 8QF

Moulton eased to a 5-0 victory over premier division strugglers Stanion Redstar at Brunting Road.

Aaron Dickens, Sam Durrant, Daniel Raymond, Adam Selling and Joshua Clipston shared the goals for Moulton, who remain in ninth.

The other premier division game saw league leaders Weldon suffer their first defeat of the season, losing out 4-3 at the hands of Ringstead Rangers.

Weldon goals came from Dalibor Kovacevic (2) and Jake Thompson.

In division one, third-placed Weedon had to settle for a point following a 2-2 draw with Medbourne.

Jordan Casey and Thomas Murfitt got the goals for Weedon, who now trail leaders Drayton Grange by four points.

Borough Alliance made home advantage count beating Kislingbury 2-0, moving two places up the table to push for a top-two finish. Will Arnold and Callum Errington were the men on target.

Higham Ferrers had an 8-1 victory over Grange Park Rangers, extending the gap between second and third place in the table.

Eleventh-placed Stanwick Rovers, who are on a good run of form, secured a 4-1 win over fifth-placed Wellingborough Rising Sun.

Tom Yorston claimed a brace to lead West Haddon Albion to a 4-2 victory over FC Titchmarsh.

Elliot Grice and Alex Burley also netted singles in the win.

In division three, Desborough & Rothwell United went on a goal spree against Irthlingborough Rangers, winning 14-0 to maintain their push for a top-three finish.

Goals from Geoff Butler (2) Charlie Hillyer (2), Jon Manning (2), McAuley Thompson (2), George Hastings (2), Matthew Bass, Thomas Coe, Kieran Toseland and Connor 
York.

Fourth-placed Northampton Spartak played host to fifth-placed Corby Kingswood and the hosts took the points, winning 3-0 thanks to a double-strike from Ashley Hunt and an own goal.

Northampton Spartak hosted local rivals Northampton Mereway and neither team could be separated after the 90 minutes, finishing 3-3.

Mereway’s goals came from Justin Jones (2) and Anderw Wimpress.

In the reserve premier division, Corby Grampian Res had their first game in three weeks and showed bottom markers Brixworth Reserves no sympathy putting three goals past them without reply.

Mark Mitchell, Lee Sinclair and George Brown did the damage.

James King Blisworth Res maintained their push as league leaders with a 5-0 win over second-placed Weldon United Reserves.

Weldon have games in hand but need to win them all to push for top spot.

In reserve division one, Gretton Res, who have won 10 and drawn two of their 12 games, showed Weedon Reserves no mercy by defeating them by 4-0 to push Weedon down the table.

Weldon United A fought out a great battle in awful conditions, with both teams going for the win, but it was Corby Eagles that won the game 
with a 20-yard goal. Weldon A goals came from Aaron Brown.

The only game in reserve division two saw Desborough & Rothwell United Res claim a 4-3 victory against Higham Town Res, lifting them one place in the table.

Desborough goals came from Matthew King (3) and Jordan Beardsworth.

Jamie Hall scored four as Bat & Wickets moved up to fifth in division one with a 10-1 thrashing of Royal All Stars.

Craig Rougvie (2), Rob Hill (2), Emmanuel Odiadi and Rob Gray also netted. Morgan Littlejohn replied for beaten All Stars.

Kislingbury were the second team to score 10 this week by beating the bottom club AFC Crown 10-4.

Ashleigh Adebayo led the way with four, with other goals coming from Aaron Walters (2), James Lewis (2), Luke McDonald and Glen Hammonds.

Lord Byron stay in third place after beating Norteles 4-3 thanks to efforts from Josh Smith, Robbie Edmonds a
nd two goals from Ryan Moysey.

AC Squirrels stayed on top of the table in another high-scoring match against West Haddon Albion. Squirrels won 8-1 with goals from Stuart McDermott, Adam Froest, Oli Urquhart, Dan Gray, Nick Aiken (3) and an own goal.

Trinity Old Boys maintained their challenge to the top two in the division by beating Real Roochers 3-0.

In division two, the top-of-the-table clash between Earls Barton United and Crown & Cushion FC saw Crown come out on top 6-3 to go five points clear at the top. Albany Athletic moved six points clear of the bottom of the table with a 1-1 draw against Monks Park WMC Reserves.

Nene FC moved further away from the bottom of the table with a 4-1 victory over AFC Towcester. Steve Gale hit a hat-trick while the other came from Sam Evans.

In division three, Abington Town City closed in on the leaders after a 5-0 win over Jameeah FC.

Abington goalscorers were McDowell, Quatrine, Ratcliffe and two from Clark.

Bat & Wickets Reserves could not repeat the success of their first team as they were swept aside 7-2 by Oakley Diamonds.

Bat & Wickets’ goalscorers were Sam Howe and Liam Norris.

Oakley Diamonds secured the three points with strikes from Scott Cummins (3), Denis Typhis (2) and Josh Wilson (2).

The only other match played in the division saw Sixfields Rangers beat Pitsford Rangers Reserves 3-2.

Nick Floyer with two goals and Tim Osgerby with one ensured Rangers move up to third.

Lee Cook scored a hat-trick, but still ended up on the losing side as AFC Pioneers were beaten 5-3 by Woodford United in the Captains League Cup.

Woodford’s match winners were Thomas Davies (2), James Wallington (2) and Ben Walker.

The cold weather put paid to much of the Sunday Combination programme, but there was action in 
the NTFA Plester Shield, where Zedi United 
were comfortable 8-0 winners over Thorplands Club 81 A.

On the mark for United were Ross Fontella, Dan Martin, Luke Pankewycz (2), Don Harris, Nick Pankewycz, Jack Kirton and Andrew Duffy,

Byron O’Regan scored a hat-trick to inspire AFC Thorpe to a 4-1 win at Northampton Hotspur.

Ricky Matthews added the fourth, with Hotspur’s reply coming from Mike Thornley.

Another man in the goals was Butcher Loco’s Chris Agnew.

He scored three times and Ben Spick once as Loco eased past Brafield United 4-1, Ricky Roberts netting for the losers.

In the Ken Parker Cup there was a goal-fest in the match between Thorplands Club 81 and Locomotiv Moulton. The pair shared 10 goals, with Moulton scoring seven of them.

Chris Mann was their main man as he it the net five times, while there was one apiece for Kyle Daniels and Luke Wilson.

On target for Thorplands were Jake Bradbury, with two, and Henry Bradbury.

Most of the league programme was decimated by the Sunday morning cold snap, but one game did take place in division four.

Yusen Logistics were certainly glad they got their game on as they saw off Abington Stanley 4-3.

Yusen’s scorers were Dishpan Dalai, Lukas Sidlovsky, Ashley Meeks and Bart Kewalik, with Russell Petts, Tomasz Swiergul and Ben Hawkins scoring for Stanley.

There was also action in the Veterans League A Division, with Harpole edging to a 3-2 win at Weedon.

Jamie Clift scored twice for Weedon, while the goal stars for Harpole were Shane Geary, Neil Davies and Neil Westland.

In the NTFA Veterans Cup, Barry Mead and Les Watson were the men on the mark for Road To Morocco as they squeezed past Corby Eagles 2-1.

Rugby & Northampton Athletic Club kicked-off 2015 in style by winning all 10 team titles at the Northamptonshire Athletics Association Cross Country Championships in Wellingborough on Saturday.

A dominant performance was led by brother and sister duo Adam and Claudia Searle, who both picked up gold medals to lead their respective teams to victory in the under-15 boys and under-11 girls.

Adam stormed home in 16 minutes and 16 seconds to head an R&N one-two-three finish in the under-15 boys, finishing 37 seconds ahead of club-mate Joshua Lay (16.53) and more than a minute ahead of third-placed Joe Musgrove, who stopped the clock at 17.38.

Claudia refused to play second fiddle to her older brother and was equally impressive in the under-11 girls race, cruising to victory in 8.13 in the under-11 girls, while setting the sixth-fastest time of the day in her age group, with the boys and girls running together in each age category.

The team victory was ensured with fourth and fifth-placed finishes from Xcena Pasqualin (8.45) and Olivia Williams (8.50).

Three of the five under-11 runners to finish quicker than Searle came from R&N, as the boys secured third, fourth and fifth to wrap up another team gold.

Kettering AC earned the top two positions, but Louis Buttrick’s time of 7.44 was enough for third place.

Noah Bennett (8.04) and Jake Hope (8.12) were the next pair past the post to seal an R&N victory.

As well as taking the team titles, there were individual victories in both under-13 categories with Adam Caulfield (9.34) and Molly Williams (10.56) taking the honours in their respective events.

Gus Stapleton finished fifth with a time of 10.09 for the boys, and Ger Supple completed the scoring as he secured 10th place after clocking 10.52.

Additional point-scorers for the girls were Abigail Pearce, who came fourth in 11.27, and Holly Walker, who followed Pearce over the line six seconds later.

Emer Wintsch took victory in under-15 girls race in fine style, controlling proceedings from start to finish to power to a time of 18.57, nearly 30 seconds ahead of her nearest rival.

Wintsch led R&N to a one-two finish, with Poppy Carmichael the next competitor over the line in 19.25. Amy Walker was not far behind, finishing fourth in 19.39.

R&N also had the top two finishers in the under-17 women’s event. Kirsty Goddard completed the course more than a minute ahead of her rivals and she was joined on the podium by club-mate Emma Bond, who finished second in 22.55.

Lily Carmichael wrapped up the team win with a fifth-placed finish in a time of 24.03.

Jack Bond triumphed in the under-17 boys category, coming 14 seconds ahead of the competition with a time of 17.31.

Despite a strong challenge from the Kettering team, R&N clinched the overall success by the narrowest of margins, thanks to Ben Musgrove (18.48) and Joseph Hennessy (19.28).

The pair finished fourth and fifth, to hold off Kettering by a solitary point.

R&N claimed victory in the senior women’s race despite the best efforts of Corby AC, thanks to a trio of under-20 runners. Katie Clubb was the third-quickest in her age group, and eighth among the female competitors, with a time of 22.59.

Bethan Goddard’s 23.10 was the next best time of the day, and Sarah Bennett earned 11th place overall with 23.41, to secure the team triumph.

The largest field of the day came in the men’s senior event, with 57 athletes competing in the race.

Again, R&N dominated and William Gardner impressed in a time of 36.50, which was enough for fourth place.

The top six competitors earn points in the senior events, and the team boasted three more top-10 finishers with Brendan Moen (38.58), Peter Currington (39.06) and the under-20 winner Jack Murphy (39.18) securing seventh, eighth and ninth place respectively.

Conor Hills finished just behind them, grabbing 11th place with a time of 39.21, while Ed Wise (40.42) came 21st, handing R&N the win by a massive 124-point margin.

Home club pro Dan Wood extended his sequence of excellent results as he shot the joint best round with Nick Soto (Northampton) in the NPGA Christmas Pro-Am at Brampton Heath.

In the largest field of the 2014/15 NPGA Winter Series, both players compiled a two-under-par round of 70 to finish one ahead of Simon Lilly (Wellingborough) and Adam Myers (Northants County).

The team event was also very close at the top as Mike Gallagher (Farthingstone) combined perfectly with amateurs Richard Marsh, Alan Bosher and Chris Franklin to finish on top with a score of 130.

Paul Armstrong’s Kingsthorpe team of Gavin Hitchcock, Max Armstrong and Mark Todkill (129) finished second on countback from Jon Handyside (Priors Hall), Jason Hy, Yurish Patel and Yen Pham.

Wood, who finished third and first in his two previous NPGA Winter Series events, has now closed the gap on Order of Merit leader Lilly to just three points.

The duo are well clear of the chasing pack, which is led by Matt Hodgkiss (Brampton Heath), Gallagher and Shane Rose (Cold Ashby).

Northants County

Kevin Wetherly and Andrew Hasker found their best form on the putting surfaces during the Christmas Greensomes as they grabbed the best tally of 43 points.

Fellow high-handicappers Peter Dugmore and Russell Sizer carded 42, while Steve Barber and Steve Howard won the top section with the same score on countback from Tony Billson and Andy Billson.

Richard Halliday completed a gross and net double in the December Midweek Stableford, while Rodney Haig and Annie Haig (30 points) and Peter Thompson and Liz Thompson (28) were the two divisional winners in the Christmas Mixed Foursomes Comp.

Kingsthorpe

Mark Spence and Lee O’Connor edged one clear of three pairings in the Christmas Cup after posting a greensomes total of 41 points. John Nightingale and Dave Hill took second on countback.

It was a similar story in the Bob Adie Classic on New Year’s Eve as Kev Purkiss and Vern Goodes (39) secured a one point victory from three teams.

Brampton Heath

High-handicapper Ray Dodd was successful in the December Stableford as he bagged a winning tally of 40 points. Ben Jones (38) took second by one from Richard Powell.

Visiting golfers enjoyed the third event of the Winter Series as the top five places in a field of 96 competitors went to away club members. Ben Jenks, from Buckingham, clinched the first prize with 42 points.

Cold Ashby

Paul Askew produced the standout performance with just three clubs in the Professionals Cup as he smashed a brilliant total of 38 points.

The two-handicapper completed the back nine in gross three-under-par as he finished five points clear of Ian Geddes, with four player on point further off the lead.

Colin Mutton was also in good form over the inward stretch of holes in the December White Tee Stableford as he came in with a winning tally of 39 points. Eddie Silber was second on 37.

Collingtree

Countback was needed to decide the winner of the 21st event in the Seniors Stableford Series after Tim Thornton and Keith Faulkner came in with 38 points. Thornton grabbed the verdict.

Three gross pars on the inward stretch helped Aled Owen nudge a single point ahead of Stuart Maddison (39) in the Late December Stableford. Keith Threlfall was third with 38 points.

County-based owner Richard Whitehead could be poised to add to his impressive tally of winners in the next 10 days.

Whitehead, whose string is trained by Henry Oliver and Robin Dickin, was on target at Towcester on Boxing Day with Crescent Beach in the hands of Liam Treadwell, although the horse’s owner had ironically elected to go to Market Rasen.

Whitehead said: “We had two runners at Market Rasen so it made sense to go there. Unfortunately Withoutdefavourite fell in the novices’ handicap chase while Take The Crown was third in the handicap chase.”

Fortunately, Crescent Beach kept the form of Oliver’s runners high by notching only his second win from 27 starts. Whitehead said: “We let him bowl along in front and we think that may be the key to improvement in him. He is pencilled in to go to Chepstow on the 16th.”

Four winners this season, also supplied by Take The Crown at Bangor in November as well as a brace from Whispering Harry, a horse who has won four times in the last 12 months, has given Whitehead good reason to be bullish although the score falls short of last season’s exploits.

He says: “Restless Harry and Minellaforlunch are both out injured at present although we hope Restless Harry might be back in mid-March. Keel Haul should go to Warwick on Saturday while Whispering Harry could go to Newbury next Wednesday or Taunton on the 17th.”

Seventy three pounds! Yes you read that right – 73lb – to one man in five hours on the canal...and not a carp in sight!

And in making what is almost certainly the biggest reported local Grand Union catch of all time – Alan West landed some 70lb of that in just THREE frantic hours.

Yet the veteran had started the trip with few expectations, only going to Nene’s Yardley section to keep travelling companion Ron Coles company.

A regular behind Webster Tackle’s Irthlingborough counter, Alan said: “I stopped fishing canals four years ago, and now spend all my time on commercials.”

Feeding chopped worm and caster, he fished worm fragments on a 16 and had a couple of pounds of small fish in two hours... and then the biggies just ‘switched on’.

He landed 38lb of perch – best 3-0-8 – before bream to 4lb moved in to give him another 33lb, and a 73lb total.

He said: “I didn’t know canal perch could go like that. It was unreal. I was using a number 8 hollow elastic and a puller, and still had a job to get the biggest ones off the bottom.”

Ron had 17lb, mainly skimmers, fishing a few yards further along the bank.

THE Ringers’ teams of three series got off to a flying start on Meadowlands with Steve Ringer, fishing for ‘the family firm’, well clear with 16 carp for 111-12. Swan Gold-man James Hipkiss had 81-8 followed by Swan Baits’ Carl Barnfield on 67-13.

With 16 teams on the bank, Ringers swept all before them to finish with six points on the day as Guru totalled 13 and Swan Baits 19.

SUNDAY also saw the start of the Makins pole-only individual league with Chris Harrison top on 59-12 ahead of Andy Ingleson 53-6 and Adam Rooney 52-10.

BISHOPS Bowl owner Shaun Smart kicked off the venue’s pairs league by taking top weight of 68lb followed by Steve Martin 58lb and Mark Skeggs 37lb. Rob Bassett and Kevin Follwell were top pair.

CASTLE Ashby opens: Brickyard, Sat, Dick Rogers 31-12, Mick Hewlett 28-4, Baz McNicholl 24-4; Grendon, Sun, Richard Dunkley 35-12, Chris Garratt 15-4, Dave Martin 12-12.

MKAA ‘hangover’ open, Stony Ouse: Myles Phillips 13-2 (3 chub and bits), Paul Hamilton 10-4, Ernie Sattler 7-1.

FLORE & Brockall teams of 3 silverfish opener, Barby Mills: Rob Rawlins (Regulars) 9-4, Jim Tanser (Dolphins) 7-11, Gareth Abrahams (Regulars) 5-7. Top teams Regulars 11, Dolphins 10, Tony’s Trio 5.

TOWCESTER, Astwell Mill: Mick Goodridge 6-9 (inc an unseasonal 2lb tench), Kevin Nightingale 4lb, Paul Keele 3-4.

BIG bream were feeding for Paddy Wheat at Stanwick where he had four to 8lb.

Northants players Shakeel Manji and Leah Milligan have landed running on court in 2015.

While Manji reeled off four wins in two days to reach the quarter-finals of the Aegon British Men’s Tour at the Graves Centre in Sheffield last week, Milligan reached the final of a Grade 3 Ladies Open to leave on the brink of back-to-back rating rises – she should hopefully rise to a 3.2 in the current band.

Manji will land running back on the USA collegiate circuit this week after an exciting 
run to the latter stages at Sheffield.

The Burton Latimer player was anxious to cross the Atlantic once more in good fettle and succeeded with that aim with a four match winning spree which was only ended by the vastly experienced Norfolk player Richard Bloomfield.

Two wins in qualifying and a further brace in the main draw have left him in good heart.

Firstly, he shook off the post-Christmas blues by despatching Surrey player Jack Gibbens 6-2, 6-3 and then ended the progress of 17 year-old Louis Newman 6-4, 7-6 (7-2). In the first round proper Manji squared up against Andy Ponder (Lincolnshire) and came though by a 6-2, 6-3 score line to book a tie with seventh seed Clay Crawford, who had a 2041 world ranking.

Again, Manji was able to progress, and this against a player who had beaten him on their last meeting, the Northamptonshire player running out a 6-2, 6-3 victory.

Saturday brought him a quarter-final date with 31 year-old Norfolk player Richard Bloomfield who once had a career high world ranking of 176 but here the roll came to an abrupt end as he went down 6-2, 6-1.

Manji’s first port of call for the Memphis Tigers on his return will see him travel with the team to Florida on his first weekend back.

Kettering girl Milligan followed her determined show for Northants in the 16 & U round of the 12 Counties tournament at Corby before Christmas by returning to that venue and winning the festive mixed doubles event with her Cambridgeshire partner Maki Zivotic.

Then on Sunday, she reached the final of a Grade 3 Open Ladies event to leave her just one win short of a rating rise to 3.2.

The mixed doubles victory meant she successfully defended her Christmas crown, 
having won it in 2013 with Jordan Parker, and her pairing with Corby hitting partner Zivotic went through the day undefeated.

In the Ladies Open, Milligan defeated number one seed Maria Pandya, a 4.1 rated player from Warwickshire, 4-2, 4-2 in the first round. Then she edged home 10-7 in a match tie break against Lauren Prince, a 5.2 rated player from Derbyshire, after halving the first two sets 3-5, 5-3.

This brought her to the final where she lost to 4.1 player Frances Benson from Nottinghamshire.

The leader of Northampton Borough Council is set to spend a night sleeping rough on the streets to raise money for a local homeless charity.

On January 30, Councillor David Mackintosh, (Con, Rectory Farm) is set to take part in the Big Sleepout at ChristChurch, off Wellingborough Road, in a bid raise awareness of the issues faced by homeless people in the borough.

The event, which will also see members of the Northants Cricket and borough council cabinet member for housing, Councillor Mary Markham (Con, Obelisk) sleeping rough to raise funds for the Northampton Hope Centre.

Community fundraiser for the Northampton Hope Centre, Sue Wright, said: “We have seen an increasing number of visits to the centre over the last year and so it is crucial that we continue to raise funds.

“The annual sleepout is our biggest fund raiser of the year and the sum raised last year was amazing.

It would be quite something to top that.

“We still have spaces left for anyone who wants to take part in this year’s event and help us raise funds through sponsorship, but they need to register beforehand.”

The sponsored Big Sleepout is organised annually by the Northampton Hope Centre and is its biggest fundraiser of the year.

Last year 98 people took part and helped raise over £30,000.

Councillor David Mackintosh, said: “Homelessness can affect anyone of us and so I am keen to do anything I can to help raise awareness of the issue.

“Sleeping out – even a sponsored sleep out like this - is tough, but I feel privileged to be part of it. The more sponsorship everyone taking part can make, the more we can help the Hope Centre.”

To sponsor councillors David Mackintosh and Mary Markham visit www.justgiving.com/DavidandMaryareSleepingOutAgain

or contact 01604 837210.

For more information about the Big Sleepout or to take part contact the Northampton Hope Centre on 0845 5199371 (ext 6288) or email sue@northamptonhopecentre.org.uk.

The Big Sleepout 2015 takes place at Christ Church churchyard in Abington from 7.30pm on Friday 30 January, until 6am on Saturday 31 January.

As well as the sponsored sleepers, some Northampton Hope Centre clients who are homeless or have previously been homeless will be joining the sleepout.

Please contact Northampton Hope Centre direct on 0845 5199371 (ext 6288) or email sue@northamptonhopecentre.org.uk if you would like to arrange a photo/interview on the night.

Brackley Town have sent out an SOS to former Leicester City and Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair as they bid to solve a defensive dilemma on Saturday.

Sinclair recently resigned from his role as player-manager of Brackley’s Vanarama North rivals Colwyn Bay.

And with the Saints short of options at centre-back, with Tom Sharpe and Stuart Pierpoint both suspended, boss Jon Brady sent Sinclair a text.

To Brady’s delight, Sinclair, who made 218 appearances for Chelsea and 194 for Leicester, who he joined for £2million in 1998, has accepted his offer.

And the 43-year-old will now be available to line up against Harrogate Town at St James’ Park this weekend, subject to international clearance.

“I heard Frank had left Colwyn Bay and just text him to see if he fancied a one-off game,” said Brady.

“He said he’d love to play and we’re just going to pay his train fare down.

“I get on very well with him and he is someone who will talk well on the pitch.

“It’s quite a coup for us and testament to how much he loves football.”

Brady is desperate for his side to maintain their 100 per cent start to 2015 when Harrogate head to Brackley this weekend.

The Saints claimed a 1-0 win against Gloucester City on New Year’s Day 
before getting the better of Gainsborough Trinity three days later.

Those wins have lifted Brackley up to 13th in Vanarama North, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

But Brady has told his players there is still plenty of work to do to secure safety, despite their recent revival.

He said: “It’s a very tight division this season, there are no easy games and I’ve used Tamworth as an incentive. When we drew against them earlier in the season I still thought they would improve and they’ve always been my tip for the play-offs so it’s no surprise to see them in third place.

“We need 21 points from 18 games to reach my 50-point target and the question is whether we can do it.

“The table looks a lot healthier but there is still a lot of work to do before we can be safe.”

Sunday’s 2-1 victory at Gainsborough was secured thanks to a double from David Moyo.

The 20-year-old has struck up a potent strike partnership with another player who came through the Cobblers youth system, Will Green.

And Brady said: “It’s been really pleasing seeing the younger players starting to shine for us.

“Will Green was doing great until he got injured but Greg Kaziboni and now David Moyo have taken it on.

“It’s nice to see those young players who came through at Northampton Town doing so well together.”

Old Scouts had to dig deep to get through to the semi-finals of the Midlands Intermediate Cup in a hard-fought battle with Stourbridge Lions.

Following heavy rain all morning, the conditions underfoot were not ideal but Scouts started in great style when from the kick-off the ball was quickly recycled and centre Russell Lynch glided through to touch down. Adam Frost added the simple conversion.

With only 12 minutes on the clock, Scouts increased their lead. Lions had been attempting to get on the scoresheet and were driving hard at the Scouts line. The hosts eventually broke away and from a resulting maul, Frost dived over under the sticks and added the extras.

At this point, Scouts thought they were looking at an easy afternoon but in fact the exact opposite was obviously in Lions’ plans. Within two minutes a speculative kick to the corner was not dealt with and the Lions winger scooped the ball up to dot down in the corner.

Scouts were now having to defend as the visitors continued to attack and a penalty was eventually conceded which they duly converted to bring the score to 14-8.

Lions continued on the offensive and Scouts were finding it difficult to get out of their half.

They did manage it near the end of the half and ain Simmons thought he had worked his way over in the corner only to be brought back by Scouts’ touch judge for foot in touch. The hosts again came close when a kick ahead wasn’t cleared by Lions and Sam French just failed in his attempt to gather the ball over the line.

After the break, Lions soon narrowed the gap to three points with a penalty and it was game on.

Both sides were looking to play a free-flowing game but the ground conditions were getting worse as it cut up. Scouts camped for long periods in their opponents half without success, although they thought they had scored midway through the half when, following a drive for the line by Dan McMurray, the resulting maul saw skipper Maurice Bazini dive over only for the referee to deem that he had been held up.

In this tense affair, Scouts were keeping the Lions in their own half either by continually driving the ball on or by excellent cover defence when a breakaway looked on the cards.

The visitors resolve saw them throwing everything at Scouts with the last roll of the dice and they were held up short of the line before Scouts won a turnover to clear. With seconds remaining Scouts were awarded a scrum and happily cleared to touch to end this close encounter 14-11.

The game was a credit to both sides for providing a competitive match in difficult conditions.

Heathens 5 Mens Own IIs 19

A close-fought and competitive friendly on the Racecourse saw local rivals Mens Own IIs take the honours in a scrappy match that featured a series handling errors by both teams. Mens Own took the lead after eight minutes with an unconverted try which was extended on 13 minutes with a converted try.

Heathens responded on 34 minutes when full-back Ash Brown crossed for an unconverted try that left the score at 12-5 at the break.

Both sides pressed for points in the second half but many moves broke down due to poor handling and the only score of the half came with the last move of the match when Mens Own were awarded a try that they duly converted to make the final score 19-5.

Heathens’ man of the match was Wayne Stride who took the opportunity well of a rare appearance at scrum half.

This Saturday Heathens take on Long Buckby IIs at the Racecourse.

Old Northamptonians 20 Ilkeston 10

Old Northamptonians extended their unbeaten run to seven games as they produced a strong start to beat Ilkeston.

Both sides showed early intentions of running the ball despite the heavy conditions although the first chance was a penalty attempt by Tom Goodman but the kick fell short.

A strong run along the left touchline from Dan Napier took play deep into opposition territory and the quickly recycled ball was spread right where Alex Crofts powered over for his 10th try of the season.

The second score soon followed when Rhys Hughes won clean lineout possession, the pack drove on and the ball was released, Crofts again made initial inroads and swift handling put Joe Marston in at the corner.

A tap and go from Lewis Barker on halfway produced another penalty for the ONs, and a yellow card for Ilkeston, and the home side just won the race to touch down after Goodman had slid a kick through.

Marston was causing the defence problems with his mazy running and although he was stopped just short and the ball was lost forward, the ONs scrum turned over possession but were held up over the line.

Another attack resulted in a five-metre scrum, Phil Beaumont picking up from the base before releasing the backs, when again desperate defence prevented an ONs score. But eventually the pressure and numerical advantage told and Barker burrowed over from close range before Goodman added the conversion.

Restored to 15, Ilkeston came back and with minutes left in the half, were awarded a penalty try at a scrum and Jack Partington added the two points to make the score 17-7 at the break.

Ilkeston further reduced the deficit soon after the resumption with a successful Partington kick but Goodman replied on 50 minutes to take the score to 20-10.

Despite there being no addition to this scoreline in the remainder of the game, there was no shortage of action.

Centre Jake Spencer’s break took play into the Ilkeston half, his pass found Mark Edwards who continued driving forward but after Ilkeston had infringed at the breakdown, Goodman’s penalty attempt was wide.

At the other end, it required a concerted defensive effort by both backs and forwards when Ilkeston mounted a series of attacks but the tackling was secure and the pressure relieved.

Another Goodman kick was wide, however the intensity did not drop as both sets of players, now muddied and almost indistinguishable and with steam rising from the packs, continued to slog it out, the ONs seeking their fourth try and Ilkeston a losing bonus-point score.

But the defences held firm and as the final whistle blew it was the ONs who celebrated a hard-fought win.

Leighton Buzzard 8 Towcestrians 5

It was inevitable at the start of the day that this was to be a tough and frustrating game of rugby as the rain lashed down.

Tows started well, pushing a lineout drive over from close range, captain Liam Wilkinson dotted down.

Playing down the slope however Tows failed to capitalise on their territory and poor discipline allowed Buzzard to find some great field positions.

Both sides seemed intent on spreading the ball wide, however with the conditions being so bad this was hard work.

The second half was largely played in the middle of the field and for some time it was a stalemate before the hosts then finally found their way to the try, only for their conversion to hit the post.

With Tows’ lineout struggling, opportunities went begging and towards the end of the game, to the astonishment of Tom George he received a yellow card in front of the posts. Buzzard kicked the resulting penalty to 
take the game in the closing stages.

Tows’ second string ran out 31-0 winners against Buzzard IIs, while the IIIs went down to only their second loss of the season to a mixed Market Harborough side.

The manager of a nursery in Northampton says she will use extra Government funding to help parent’s develop a love of reading at home with their young children.

Childcare Minister Sam Gyimah MP today visited Little Fishes Pre-School in Lings, Northampton, with town MP Michael Ellis to announce that Northamptonshire County Council will receive £201,655 to introduce the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP).

Nurseries are able to claim money for any three or four year old who is in looked after care or whose parents are in receipt of benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit.

The extra funds work out as about £300 per child and, at Little Fishes Pre-School, 11 of the 26 children qualify for the EYPP.

Barbara Jones, who runs Little Fishes, said the extra money would be used on a range of activities and projects to help the children.

She said; “It will give us extra options to take on more staff or fund more outings and social activities.

“We will also be using the money for a home learning programme to help parents develop a love of reading with their child.”

The Childcare minister said the EYPP, which will involve £50 million being given to nurseries across the country, would make a huge difference.

Mr Gyimah said: “The idea is that by giving the money direct to nurseries they will know their children and the best and most appropriate way to use it.”

Mr Ellis said: “This is a tremendous boost for very young children in Northamptonshire. It works out as about £300 more for each child and that will make a big difference.

“This money is helping the most disadvantaged children and that is something I think Government should be doing.”

Councillor Heather Smith, Northamptonshire County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for children’s services, said the local authority, as well as Ofsted, would make sure the money was spent in an appropriate way.

She said: “The reason we have been chosen to pilot this project is because of the work we do with two-year-olds and identifying their access to the early years premium.

“We have also developed a mentoring scheme amongst nurseries to help spread expertise and knowledge very quickly.”

However, Northampton Borough and County Councillor Danielle Stone (Lab, Abington and Phippsville) said the annoucement was “blatant electioneering”.

She said: “Of course any childcare support is welcome but the Coalition has done nothing in five years to address the crisis in living standards being experienced by families in Northamptonshire meaning more and more working families are now living in poverty.

“We need more nursery places a for two and three year olds in the areas of highest need. We simply do not have enough children from low income families accessing these services.”

What’s on in Northamptonshire this week

THURSDAY, NOV 13

MUSIC

Jam Night, The Cardigan Arms, Moulton, 9pm

The Great Birmingham Trombone Company, Stirrup Cup, Barton Seagrave, 9pm. Free entry.

Ben Meets Sweets – Ben Cummings/David Horniblow Band play jazz at The Castle, Wellingborough, 8pm. 01933 270007

Country Jam Session at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

OTHER

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do at Kettering Leisure Village (NN15 6PB), 7pm. www.tangsoo.net

COYS Touch Rugby Club training at Dallington Park, Npton, 6.30pm. www.pitchero.com/clubs/coystouchrugby

County Market in The Chantry House, Towcester, 8.30am–noon.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (10.5 miles), start nr Bletsoe church, 10am. 01234 713526

East Northants Association of the National Trust Meeting, Corn Market Hall, Kettering, 7.30pm. Capt William Wells talks about Myths and Legends of the Bermuda Triangle. £3 otd

Comedy Night at Victoria Inn, Poole Street, Npton, 8.30pm

FRIdAY, JAN 9

MUSIC

Rhythm & Roots at Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm

Kontra Roots Club at Kennedy’s Bar, Finedon, 8pm. Free. www.kcbworld.co.uk

Disco Night at Monks Park WMC, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8pm

Doctor Moonshine at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

THEATRE

Beyond The Barricade, Derngate Auditorium, Guildhall Rd, Npton, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Quiz Night at Brafield WMC, A428.

Quiz Night, Shoulder of Mutton, Weldon, 8pm.

Bingo, Liburd Room, Whilton Road, Kingsthorpe, 7.30pm.

R-Zone Club for ages 8-13 at the Community Centre, Olden Road, Rectory Farm, 5pm. Contact Mel 07979 152746.

Farmers’ Market in Richmond Road car park, Towcester, 9am–1pm. Profits to charities.

SATURDAY, JAN 10

MUSIC

50s & 60s Disco at Semilong WMC, St Andrews Rd, Npton

Laura Lou at Monks Park WMC, Wellingborough Road, Npton

Motown’s Greatest Hits, Derngate Auditorium, Npton, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

Suzie Scott-Lee at Queens Park WMC, Cranbrook Rd, Npton

Richard Deveraux, Brafield WMC, A428, from 8pm.

The Revisited at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Kate Axten at the Kettering Rifle Band Club, Havelock Street, Kettering.

THEATRE

Magical Mishaps, Underground, Royal & Derngate, Npton, 11am/2pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Military Fitness Class for adults and children at Delapre Park, N’pton, 9.30am to 11am. For info www.bpt-uk.com

Woodford–Kettering & District Ramblers Club (5 miles). Meet at Dukes Arms. 01536 210183

Afternoon Walk with The Ramblers Association (4.5 miles). meet 1.30pm from Yardley Gobion Church.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (7 miles), start at Royal Oak Cogenhoe, 10am. 01933 678545

Sport to Street exhibition at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Guildhall Rd (until Apr 19). Home to the largest collection of trainers and sports shoes in a museum.

Northampton Vintage Jumble Sale, St Matthews, 27a The Drive, N’pton, 11am–2pm. Entry £1, children free

KOS Musical Theatre Company Coffee Morning at The Toller Church Rooms, Gold Street, Kettering, 10am–noon.

Coffee morning at Laxton Village Hall, 10.30am–noon. New for 2015: bring your craftwork to swap skills and ideas.

SUNDAY, JAN 11

MUSIC

Bullit’s Karaoke at The Welcome Inn, Irchester Road, Rushden

Adrian Marx at Monks Park WMC, Wellingborough Road, Npton (& bingo 8.30pm).

Harborough Jazz presents Tina May & her trio at the Angel Hotel, High Street, Market Harborough, 12.30pm (doors open at noon). Admission members & guest £13, non-members £15. 01858 466737 or www.harboroughjazz.com

Music and Hoy at Queens Park WMC, Npton

Alan Black, Brafield WMC, A428, from 8pm.

Jazzin’ Around with Dave Rance’s Rocking Chair Band at The Walnut Tree Inn, Station Road, Blisworth, noon–2.30pm. Admission £8

Mallennia Duo at Kingsley Park WMC, N’pton

Open Mic hosted by Hannah Faulkner at Ken’s Diner, Finedon, 2pm–4.30pm

OTHER

Stepping Out communities Café Church in Whitefriars Junior School, Rushden, 10.15am; Silver Service church service with traditional hymns in the Bridge Community Office at 10.30am. Also Books ‘n’ More Reading Group at Beans in Higham Ferrers from 10.30am.

Circular Day Walk with The Ramblers Association (12.5 miles), meet in Church Lane (adj to rear of Church of Hoily Sepulchre), 8,45am or meet leader 9.30am at Titchmarsh church.

MONDAY, JAN 12

MUSIC

Karaoke at The Golden Horse, Far Cotton, 4pm to 7pm

Acoustic Open Mic Night with Jim & Darryl at The Woolpack, Rothwell from 9pm

Folk Jam Session at the Artichoke, Moulton, 8pm. Free entry.

We Three, Northampton Live Music Society Concert at Quaker Meeting House, Wellington Street, Npton, 7.30pm.

THEATRE

Moscow City Ballet perform Giselle, Derngate Auditorium, Npton, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Pub Quiz, Charles Bradlaugh, Earl Street, Npton, 8pm. Entry £1 or £5 for 5+

Lunchtime bingo at Monks Park WMC, Wellingborough Road, N’pton, 2.30pm

Movie Night at The Picturedrome, Npton, 8pm

Just Voices choir meets at Kingsthorpe Baptist Church, 7pm. stuartpauljenkins@gmail.com or 01604 717866

Northampton Morris Men practice 8pm–10pm. For info visit www.northamptonmorrismen.co.uk

TUESDAY, JAN 13

MUSIC

Jazz Numbers at the Wig & Pen, St Giles Street, Npton, 9pm. Free entry

Northampton Male Voice Choir meet 7.30pm at Kingsley Park Methodist Church Hall (opp St Matthews Church), N’pton. www.nmvc.co.uk

Open Mic, hosted by Hannah Faulkner at The Obelisk Centre, Obelisk Rise, Npton, 8.30pm

THEATRE

Moscow City Ballet perform Giselle, Derngate Auditorium, Npton, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Salsa Tuesday at The Picturedrome, Ketttering Rd, Npton, from 7pm, 01604 230777.

Bingo at Monks Park WMC, N’pton, 8pm

Classic Movies Afternoon brings you films from the Golden Age of cinema at The Picturedrome, Npton, 1pm

Women’s Hour at Gretton Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Gretton, 2.15pm. Guest speaker is Barbara Prince.

Painted Volcanoes is a place where writers can meet, read out and discuss their latest work. Fortnightly meetings at The Lamplighter, Overstone Road, Npton, 7.30pm. www.paintedvolcanoes.weelby.com

WEDNESDAY, JAN 14

MUSIC

J for Jazz at The Coach & Horse, Lubenham, 8.30pm. Free admission. 01848 463183

Acoustics Night, Horseshoe Inn, Sheep St, Wellingborough, 9pm. Free entry.

Jazz & Blues at Charles Bradlaugh, Earl Street, Npton, 8pm. Free entry.

Country Born – Wednesday Country Music Scene, The Headland, Longland Road, Npton, 8.30pm.

The Freight Train Jam at Thomas A Becket, St James Road, Npton, 9pm

Phil’s Mighty Music Quiz at The Lord Byron, Kingsley, Npton

Legends Open Mic at Kitty O’Shea’s, St Peter’s Way, N’pton, 8pm.

THEATRE

Moscow City Ballet perform Giselle, Derngate Auditorium, Npton, 2.30pm/7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Craft Club – knitting, stitching and cardmaking – at Hazlewood Community Centre, Gainsborough Road, Corby, 7pm. 07910 989410

Morning Walk with The Ramblers Association (7.25 miles), 9.30am The Turnpike, Harpole Turn, Weedon Road.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (7.5 miles), start White Swan PH, Holcot, 9.30am. 01933 398905.

Yoga sessions restart at Laxton Village Hall, 11am–noon. To enrol contact 0300 1261000 or see the adult learning pages on www.northamptonshire.gov.uk (Course code : S1LVH200C0).

THURSDAY, JAN 15

MUSIC

Acoustic Jazz, Blues, Indie & Soul, Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8.30pm

Rock ‘n’ Roll Tea Dance at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, N’pton, 1pm.

Jam Night, The Cardigan Arms, Moulton, 9pm

The Dick Patrick All Stars at The Stirrup Cup, Barton Seagrave, 9pm. Free entry.

Open Mic hosted by Hannah Faulkner at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth, 8.30pm

THEATRE

Moscow City Ballet perform Giselle, Derngate Auditorium, Npton, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

County Market in The Chantry House, Towcester, 8.30am–noon.

Quiz at Monks Park WMC, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm. Free entry.

Talks for Over-60s at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, 10.30am to 11.30am. Artist and footwear designer Ellen Sampson will talk about her exhibition “Palimpsest”. More info 01604 838111

FRIDAY, JAN 16

MUSIC

The Acoustic Lounge at the Lord Byron, Kingsley, 8.30pm. Singers and musicians welcome

OTHER

Quiz Night at Brafield WMC, A428.

Quiz Night, Shoulder of Mutton, Weldon, 8pm.

SATURDAY, JAN 17

MUSIC

Nolan Terry at Monks Park WMC, Wellingborough Road, Npton

Caron Welsh at Queens Park WMC, Npton

Danny Fisher, Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, 8pm.

Karaoke at Semilong WMC, St Andrews Road, Npton

THEATRE

Alice In Wonderland performed by STAGs at Stanwick Village Hall, 2pm/6pm. Tickets £4, family £12 (2 adults/2 children) available from shop@stanwick

OTHER

Afternoon Walk with The Ramblers Association (5 miles), 1.30pm from triangular grass island at Manor Road/Church Way, Grendon NN7 1JE.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (6.5 miles). Start Royal Oak PH, Cogenhoe, 10am. Contact 07740 995707.

New school food standards will see pupils eating healthier as it is revealed that 30 per cent of East Midlands children are overweight or obese.

The Government’s new School Food Standards, which came into effect this month, aim to build healthier eating habits in children, as well as give school cooks more freedom in creating their own menus.

Health and wellbeing consultant at PHE East Midlands Centre, Ann Goodwin, said: “With over 30 per cent of East Midlands children in year 6 at primary school being overweight or obese, improving the diets of our children has never been more important.

“Schools play a key role in helping to achieve this and the new school food standards will ensure children get into the habit of eating healthily from an early age.

“We can help children maintain a healthy weight by following a balanced diet based, keeping an eye on portion sizes and limiting sugary drinks and sugary or fatty snacks. Children also need a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day, which can be achieved in one session or through shorter bursts of 10 minute activity.”

According to the new standards, minimum requirements for school kitchens include:

One or more portions of vegetables or salad as an accompaniment to meals every day

At least three different fruits, and three different vegetables each week

An emphasis on wholegrain foods

An emphasis on making water the drink of choice and limiting fruit juice portions to 150mls

Restricting the amount of added sugars or honey in other drinks to five per cent

No more than two portions a week of food that has been deep-fried, batter-coated, or breadcrumb-coated.

No more than two portions of food which include pastry each week.

Schools minister David Laws added: “These new food standards will ensure that nutritious, tasty meals can be enjoyed by children who choose a school lunch.

“Providing healthy school food boosts children’s health and education. It gives them the fuel they need to concentrate inside and outside the classroom and establishes healthy eating habits for life.”

Beyond the Barricade returns to Royal & Derngate tomorrow night with a show featuring some of the best-loved songs from hit musicals.

Recreating West End and Broadway hits, Beyond The Barricade gives songs from musical theatre a bold concert treatment, while retaining the conviction and delivery of the original performances.

It stars Andy Reiss, David Fawcett, Katie Leeming and Rebecca Vere, with their own ensemble of musicians.

This new production reflects Beyond the Barricade’s 15-year history and features songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, The Lion King, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Blood Brothers, The Jersey Boys with a spectacular finale from Les Miserables.

The vocalists in Beyond the Barricade have all played principal roles in Les Mis, both in the West End and on national tours.

The show is staged tomorrow, January 9. Tickets cost from £22 before fees.

The ultimate celebration of Motown returns to Royal & Derngate this weekend with How Sweet It Is.

Now in its 13th successive year, the show combines music from The Formations.

This show will feature songs by legendary acts including Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many more.

Songs will include Reach Out I’ll Be There, Walk Away Renee, I Can’t Help Myself, Going Loco in Acapulco, My Girl, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Get Ready, Tops and Temps, I heard It Through The Grapevine, Sir Duke, Dancing On The Ceiling, This Old Heart Of Mine and I Want You Back.

Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is heads to Royal & Derngate on Saturday, January 10.

Tickets cost from £23 before fees and doors open at 7.30pm

For more information about both shows, call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Rockgrass icons Hayseed Dixie return to The Roadmender next week.

The band is on the road touring in support of their latest album, Hair Down To My Grass, which is released this month.

Hayseed Dixie play a mixture of rock cover versions and original material in a bluegrass rock style.

They formed around the turn of the century with their first album, A Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC, released in 2001.

Their latest record features re-workings of classic tracks from the 1970s and 1980s including Don’t Stop Believin’, Livin’ On A Prayer and Don’t Fear The Reaper.

Hayseed Dixie comprise of guitarist, fiddle player and singer John Wheeler, bassist Jake Byers, mandolin player Joe Hymas and banjo player Johnny Butten.

Hayseed Dixie headline the Northampton venue on Friday, January 16.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £15 in advance before fees.

To book tickets, visit www.sotickets.net

Tickets are on sale for the Sleaford Mods who play the venue on February 27.