Royal & Derngate’s Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club continues on Friday May 27 with a line up of top stand ups.

Dane Baptise, JoJo Smith and Howard Read along with compere Dan Evans will perform at the event.

A star of Live at the Apollo, Dane Baptiste has also recently written in his own sitcom called Sunny D.

The entertainment starts at 8.15pm. Tickets cost£12.50 and can be booked by calling the box office on 01604 624811 or visiting www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

Advance booking is recommended, doors open at 7.45pm, and the show is for ages 16 and above.

Students at a Northampton secondary school have been warned to be vigilant walking to school after a man approached a sixth form student and attempted to engage her in an “inappropriate conversation” before offering her a lift.

The student was walking to Caroline Chisholm School in Wooldale Road, Wootton, on Friday at about 10.50am when the incident occurred.

The man is described as late 50s or early 60s, bald, wearing a white t-shirt and was driving a big, light-coloured car.

School principal David James said police had been alerted and anyone who saw anybody acting suspiciously near the school was urged to call 101.

In a letter sent home to parents Mr James said the man had attempted to engage in an “inappropriate conversation” with the student.

He said: “We would like our students to be extra vigilant on their way to and from school, preferably to walk in groups, and to report any concerns they have to a member of staff or parents.”

Work is to start on a massive business park on the outskirts of Wellingborough.

The development, which will be built next to the existing Park Farm Industrial Estate, will cover an area of 110 acres and could provide up to 2,500 jobs - according to Prologis, the firm behind the plans.

It has announced today that it is starting infrastructure work at Prologis Park Wellingborough West.

A spokesman said: “The programme includes diverting utilities, creating development plateaux, building a new spine road and access roundabout together with off-site highways improvements.

“Infrastructure work will continue over the summer and the first buildings could complete in early 2018.

“The development has the potential to bring more than 2,500 jobs to the area.

“Located beside the established Park Farm Industrial Estate, the new 110-acre development has planning permission for a total of 2.15 million square feet in buildings, ranging from 80,000 square feet to 700,000 square feet.

“In line with Prologis’ approach to sustainable development, each unit will be designed and constructed to achieve a minimum BREEAM ‘very good’ accreditation and the best EPC rating possible for its size.”

Prologis UK managing director Andrew Griffiths said: “There is a shortage of modern industrial and logistics space in the East Midlands, so our new development is attracting a great deal of interest both from existing occupiers and companies who are new to the town.

“There are very few logistics sites with planning permission in the East Midlands, so we are delighted that we can offer customers a wide range of opportunities at this new site.”

Amateur boxers can have a chance to train with one of the legends of the sport on Sunday.

Nigel Benn is visiting the Proaction Martial Arts and Fitness Centre on the Brackmills Industrial Centre in Northampton.

Benn held the WBO middleweight and WBC super-middleweight titles during a career which spanned eleven years.

Slots are available betweem 1pm and 2.30pm and then 2.30pmn to 4pm.

There is limited availability and people are advised to book tickets as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment.

The sessions cost £45 and will include a photo with the boxing legend known within the game as the Dark Destroyer. It is also suitable for people who have never boxed before but want to learn from the best.

The event has been organised by Talking Sports Events who have brought a wide range of stars from different sports to the county for talks.

For further information about the events or to book tickets in advance call the event organiser James Wager on 07921 568506 or email james.wager@hotmail.co.uk.

Nicky Adams has left the Cobblers and joined Sky Bet League Two outfit Carlisle United on a free transfer.

The attacking midfielder will officially become a Carlisle player from July 1, with the player asking for the move as he is keen to be closer to his family which is based in the north west of England.

Adams, who signed for the Cobblers on a three-year deal from Bury a year ago, was a key player in Town’s league two title-winning season.

Cobblers manager Rob Page said: “We wish Nicky well.

“He had already requested the opportunity to move back nearer to his family before my arrival, and after further discussion we felt it was the right thing.

“Nicky certainly played a role in the club’s success last season and I am sure he will go with the best wishes and thanks of all supporters.”

Adams, who also helped Bury win promotion from league two in 2014/15, made 39 starts and six substitute appearances for the Cobblers, scoring three goals.

Two of those came in the final few games of the season against Bristol Rovers and Yeovil Town.

The 29-year-old was a popular member of the Cobblers squad, and was right at the top of the league two charts for assists last season.

Meanwhile, the Cobblers have announced that 17-year-old Academy product Shaun McWilliams has signed the two-year professional contract offered to him last week.

The combative central midfielder, who hails from Kings Heath in Northampton, has been with the since the under 14 age-group.

“All of us in the Academy are delighted that Shaun has signed his deal,” said Academy manager Trevor Gould.

“It takes a lot of hard work from many people over a number of years to help a talented 14-year-old player become a professional footballer, and a lot of credit is due to Shaun, his family and the staff in the Academy.

“Shaun is a very level headed young man and he knows the hard work starts now, but this is a fantastic boost for everyone in the Academy and for young Northampton footballers in general.

“He is joining a very talented first team squad and we wish him every success.”

Work colleagues in Northampton have paid tribute to one of four friends who died in a car crash at the weekend.

The road accident on Sunday, near the Wiltshire / Oxfordshire border, claimed the lives of four people - Sam Kay, Brogan Warren, Nicoletta Tocco and Krop Jones.

Mr Kay had worked at Lloyd House, Abington, since 2010, helping rehabilitate stroke and brain injury patients.

A statement on behalf of staff and residents said: “He was an incredibly popular worker with both staff and residents.

“Sam had an infectious grin and was a lovely lad. We are all deeply saddened by his sudden death.

“If there is anything positive to say at this sad time, it is that he squeezed every minute out of his life and lived it to the full.

“He had many friends at Christchurch Group so there is a lot of sadness and upset amongst the team.

“Arrangements have been made to send our thoughts and condolences to his family.”

The accident happened on the A420 near Swindon at 11.15pm on Sunday when the blue Citroen Saxo the friends were travelling in collided with a black Mercedes heading in the opposite direction.

A man, a woman and a three-year-old boy in the Mercedes, were seriously injured.

Anyone with any information about the collision can contact Det Sgt Collier via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101 quoting URN 1546 22/5.

Carlisle United manager Keith Curle believes he has pulled off a real coup with the signing of Cobblers attacking midfielder Nicky Adams on a free transfer.

The Cumbrians boss says he has been tracking Adams for a long time, and that he tried to sign the player last summer and also in the January transfer window.

The Carlisle management and Adams and his representatives have been in talks for the past week, with Adams keen to move closer to his family who live in the north west of England.

Curle was desperate to keep those discussions quiet, as he believes if it had become knowledge Adams might be open to a move then ‘every club in league two’ and ‘a large percentage of those in league one’ would have tried to sign him.

Adams, who is 29, has signed a two-year deal at Brunton Park, and Curle is delighted to have finally got his man.

“We tried getting Nicky in January and had conversations with his agent and Northampton,” Curle told newsandstar.co.uk

“There was potential interest because of the situation Northampton were in with their ownership issues - people not being paid, a lack of stability and we saw it as a chance to potentially invest in one of their players.

“In the event their situation got sorted out and they were able to go on a fantastic run that saw them win the division.

“But we made good contacts and links which we were able to continue now.

“Nicky is at a good age, is a very mature young lad but still has a thirst and desire to play football which is evident in the meetings I’ve had with him.

“A lot of people will turn round and say ‘how have you got him’? We’ve kept it in-house as much as we can. I don’t think a lot of people will have known his availability.

“If it had been broadcasted, probably every team in League Two would have looked to acquire his services, and a large percentage in League One would have gladly signed him.

“I think it’s a massive step in the right direction for us.”

An image has been released of a man police would like to speak to after a man was seen urinating against a till in a McDonalds restaurant in Northampton town centre.

The man urinated inside the fast food outlet in the Drapery, Northampton, at about 4am on Friday, 13 May.

A police spokesman said the man urinated against the till area, “alarming” staff and customers.

The offender is described as a white man in his twenties with ginger hair. He was wearing a white shirt and trousers.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they’d like to speak to in connection with the offence.

Anyone who recognises the man in the attached image - or who witnessed the incident - is asked to contact police.

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A woman who was riding her bike through Bradlaugh Fields in Northampton was assaulted by a gang of children.

As the woman, who was in her 20s, rode past the group of adults and children, a boy tried to push her off her bike. She stayed on and carried on cycling, at which point he was joined by three other children and together they pushed her off her bike.

The boy then punched the woman’s cheek while a girl punched and pinched her leg. Another girl tried to remove a bag from the bike and then picked up the woman’s handbag and threw into the bushes.

An older girl, aged around 16 to 17, offered to fetch the handbag but then pushed the victim. Eventually, the woman managed to retrieve both her handbag and bike and cycled away.

The older girl is described as white, about 5ft 6in, with a chubby build. She had a pale, freckled complexion and was wearing navy coat with fur around the hood.

The younger children are described as white and aged between seven and 10-years old.

There were two other girls/women with the group and one of them had an empty pushchair with her.

The incident happened at about 5pm on Tuesday, 10 May, and anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or know anything about it, is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Garden ornament maker Haddonstone has received a five star award for its ‘Lost Garden’ exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The company which makes architectural stonework and garden ornaments has its head office in East Haddon and manufactures its products in Brixworth.

They have been exhibiting at Chelsea for many years and this year’s display is inspired by the lost gardens of Llanerch Hall, Denbigshire.

Build-up for the show is under way with the main structures almost built ready for the garden ornaments to be positioned and planting to begin.

New items being launched this year are busts of leading names in the fields of literature, architecture and landscaping, William Shakespeare, Inigo Jones and Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

The exhibit will be located on Royal Hospital Way, stand number RHW376, next to the LG Show Garden. The Chelsea Flower Show is on from May 24 to 28.

Rob Keogh saluted Seekkuge Prasanna after the Sri Lankan all-rounder claimed five wickets on his Championship debut.

But Keogh was also left ruing some bad luck after being dismissed as Northants tried to stem the tide on the third day at Bristol.

Despite the efforts of Prasanna, who finished with figures of five for 97 in his 27.4-over spell, Gloucestershire racked up a big lead.

Michael Klinger led the way with a superb 140 before he was bowled by Prasanna and Northants were 242 runs in arrears when starting their second innings.

Ben Duckett fell early and Alex Wakely and Keogh were also dismissed before the close, with David Ripley’s men 120 for three.

Rob Newton (58no) and Richard Levi (9no) will be in the middle on the morning of the final day.

But Prasanna’s performance did at least provide a reason to smile for Northants.

And Keogh said: “We were a bit unlucky with the ball today, but it was great to see Seekkuge Prasanna get five wickets on his Championship debut.

“He is a really funny guy and the lads love him.”

Keogh also took time to reflect on his own dismissal, which came when he looked to hit off-spinner Taylor through the leg side.

He only succeeded in guiding the ball straight at short-leg George Hankins, who looked as surprised as anyone to take an involuntary catch off the face of the bat.

And Keogh, who had made 30 from 75 balls, said: “I’m told the ball hit the top of the lad’s box and then got lodged under his arm.

“It was a disappointing time to get out, but these things happen in cricket.

“The ball was coming on nicely and not turning much so I reckon we have a good chance of drawing the game.

“I’m sure Rob Newton, who played really well, and Richard Levi will dig in for us in the morning.

“We didn’t bat well in the first innings, but we know we are capable of better.”

US burger chain Smashburger makes its long-awaited UK debut when it opens in Milton Keynes today.

The firm is opening a store in Kingston as it gears up to roll out another 35 stores and create up to 1,400 new jobs in the UK.

Over a year after first announcing that it would launch in the UK, the MK restaurant is the chain’s pioneer across the pond.

So what can we expect from the intriguingly named burger restaurant?

Well Smashburger’s burgers are created by smashing a ball of fresh beef on to a hot buttered grill, which the company says creates a seal that keeps juices inside the patty.

“We treat our meat like gold,” says Tim Lowther, the company’s managing director.

Known for ‘fresh never frozen, 100% Certified British Beef burgers’, the company is set to launch a further 35 restaurants in the UK this year following the MK launch.

Smashburger says it uses premium ingredients to create artisan burgers packed with flavour and served at a competitive price.

The restaurants are famous for their innovative burger combinations and creating a localised burger for each region, influenced by local tastes and popular flavours so expect an MK Burger to be on the menu soon.

Customers can also enjoy a selection of tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches and fresh-tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, Haystack Onions, and Veggie Frites (flash-fried and seasoned carrot sticks and green beans).

Tim Lowther, the company’s managing director, said that despite the explosion of premium burger chains over the past few years, the market is not yet saturated.

“There’s a £2.8 billion burger market in the UK, and we think there’s significant scope to capture more of the market, there’s massive room for growth.

“We don’t think the market is saturated, and what differentiates us is that nobody makes burgers to the same level of detail we do,” he said.

In the US, Smashburger has more than 300 stores and in the UK the firm has teamed up with the MSG Group, which acts as the chain’s master franchiser.

Smashburger will join fellow US burger giants Five Guys and Shake Shack who have both beefed up their presence in the UK.

The county council is considering withdrawing all funds from bus services in Northampton.

Northamptonshire County Council currently spends £1.35 million on subsidising public transport, keeping some bus routes going that are vital to some but make no profit for companies.

But it has admitted that a review of all of the funding is on the table, with decision to be made later this year.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: “Because of the significant financial pressures on the council, our 2016/17 budget agreed to remove £200k from the £1.35million the council spends on subsidising public transport.

“The next step is a complete review of transport needs for the county and how transport services are provided as part of our Total Transport plan.

“The plan will propose a social enterprise model to provide more efficient transport services, address congestion, and respond to the changing ways and times that people make journeys.”

A detailed business plan is scheduled to be presented to the county council’s Cabinet this autumn.

It comes after Stagecoach admitted last week it had to cut back its timetable, partly because free town centre parking was making Northampton town centre too congested.

The council’s approach, if approved would mirror that of Oxfordshire, where the cut will take effect from July 20.

It is understood that Call Connect Dial a Ride services will not be affected.

A playful show for children aged three and above comes to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Doodle Dance Show comes to the venue’s Underground space at 11am and 2pm.

Audiences can join award-winning performers Anna Williams (Russell Maliphant, LaRibot) and Tom Roden (New Art Club) for this inventive show that asks whether you dance a scribble, or draw a sneeze. Families are invited to grab a pen and kick off their shoes for this fun, interactive show that will get the whole family drawing, and dancing, doodling and imagining.

Together they will create an anarchic world populated by crazy birds, dancing pirates, strange underwater creatures and maybe more. A spokesman for the theatre said it is the most fun you can have with your family and a giant piece of paper!

Tickets for the show are £9 and the performance lasts for approximately 55 minutes with no interval.

For further information about the show and to book tickets in advance call the box office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

Staff at the University of Northampton are taking part in a two-day national strike today and tomorrow in a row over pay and gender equality.

Picket lines will be formed at the Avenue campus today and the Park campus on Thursday, from 7.45am on both days.

The dispute between the University College Union (UCU) has arisen following a pay offer of 1.1 per cent from the employer body, the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA).

A spokesman for UCU said universities can afford to pay more and the offer does nothing to address a “real-terms pay cut” of 14.5 per cent that its members have suffered since 2009.

The strike also comes shortly after the university published its latest equal pay audit, which showed that men at the University of Northampton are paid around 15 per cent more on average than women.

The report also showed that women are concentrated in the lower grades and that 56 per cent of female staff are employed on casual or temporary contracts, compared to less than half of male colleagues.

The union’s pay claim calls for universities to commit to closing the gender pay gap and to reducing the proportion of staff on casual and zero-hour contracts.

As well as taking strike action, members will begin working to contract from Wednesday, which means they will refuse to work overtime, set additional work, or undertake any voluntary duties like covering timetabled classes for absent colleagues.

If no agreement is reached in the coming weeks, members have agreed to further strike action targeting open days and graduation ceremonies in June and July.

The union is also beginning preparations for a boycott of the setting and marking of students’ work, to begin in the autumn if an acceptable offer has still not been made.

The union is also angered at the 5.1 per cent average increase in pay for university leaders in 2014/15.

Latest figures reveal Professor Nick Petford, vice-chancellor of the University of Northampton, received a £5,000 pay rise in the past year, pushing his annual salary up to £217,000

Including benefits and pension allowances, Professor Petford’s total pay packet was £245,000.

Nick Cartwright, UCU branch secretary at the University of Northampton, said: ‘A 1.1 per cent pay offer is an insult when we know vice-chancellors have just had over five per cent.

“University staff can no longer put up with the continued squeeze on their income, and the university’s own equality pay audit shows that there is still a mountain to climb when it comes to tackling gender inequality and job insecurity.

“After six years of pay cuts and constant demands to do more for less, staff have said enough is enough. Industrial action which impacts on students is never taken lightly, but members feel that they have been left with no alternative. It’s time for universities to invest properly in teachers, researchers and administrators. The employers need to come back with a better offer which reflects the hard work of staff.”

A spokesman for the University of Northampton said there were no significant pay gaps where work of equal value is being done such as within the same grade.

The spokesman said the gender pay gap was skewed because the two most senior posts (vice chancellor and chief operating officer) in the university were held by men.

The exclusion of the two most senior posts in the SEN grade brings the gap to 7.9 per cent. The spokesman said the university has put in place actions to further close the gap in all grades where possible.

A spokesman for the University of Northampton said Professor Petford’s salary was below the national average of £274,405.

The spokesman said: “The salary of the Vice Chancellor and other senior staff is set by the independent Remuneration Committee of the University’s Governing Council. Competitive salary packages for senior staff are essential to attract and retain outstanding individuals who can drive the University’s objectives, and reflect the complexity of their role as the leader of an institution that competes in the global higher education sector.

“The Times Higher Education pay survey has found the average remuneration (including salary, benefits and pension) for university heads in 2014-15 was £274,405. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton’s package is below this average, at £245,000. The survey also found almost one-in-five institutions paid their leaders 10 per cent more in 2014-15 than the previous year – the figure for Northampton is 2.4 per cent.”

Wayfinder signs in Kettering’s town centre will be given a facelift over the coming months.

The current finger post signs have been in place for several years and are starting to fade.

A report set to be delivered by economic regeneration manager Alex Jelley tonight (Wednesday) says the time is right for an upgrade.

The report reads: “Town centre signage plays an important role in successful regeneration – enabling people to find their way to a known destination, and uncover exciting unknowns.

“In Kettering we have relied upon traditional finger post signage, supplemented with town centre maps within the various car parks around town.

“As an improving town centre, with more and more on offer within it, the time is right to upgrade our approach to wayfinding.”

The town centre could see signage similar to those found in London and other major cities.

The report adds: “We are in the process of setting out exactly what needs to be included, how many signs are required, and where they would be located – this will be done over the next few months.

“Consultation with businesses will take place to ensure they have had the opportunity to comment on the proposals, which we hope will develop a sense of ownership in the business community.

“We have, in fact, already held some preliminary discussions with a number of businesses.

“More information on this project will be provided as it develops.”

The service manager at a centre in Northampton that supports victims of domestic violence says it is a crime that creates both physical and mental scars.

As part of the first ever Northamptonshire Safeguarding Week, Lucy Westley, the service manager at the Sunflower Centre in Northampton, spoke to the Chronicle & Echo about the support given to adults who are abused by their partners.

Ms Westley said the reporting of the crime was increasing in Northamptonshire but it still remained a “hidden crime”.

In total, there were 14,438 cases of domestic abuse dealt with by Northamptonshire Police last year, with 1,325 referrals to the Sunflower Centre.

One in four women and one in six men are believed to suffer domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime.

Ms Westley said: “The reporting of domestic abuse is increasing as more victims become aware of the services available.

“The definition of domestic abuse is also changing with more subtle forms such as emotional and mental abuse being included.

“Words and behaviour used to control someone can have a very big impact on individuals and have a massive impact on their self-esteem.”

Ms Westley said risk assessments were carried out of all domestic abuse victims and they were given advice on alternative accommodation and how to remove themselves from an abusive relationship.

However, Ms Westley said it could often be a long, complicated process.

She said: “Making that break can be extremely hard but we work with victims to make sure we are there for them when they are ready.”

Representatives from the Sunflower Centre will attend a safeguarding conference in Kettering on Thursday along with social workers, GPs and police.

The Twitter campaign - #safenorthants16 - is being run throughout the week to promote different aspect of the campaign.

A primary school in a village near Kettering is celebrating after an Ofsted inspection deemed the school ‘outstanding’.

Cranford Church of England Primary School was given the best mark possible in all five areas after an inspection last month,

It marks a huge improvement for the school, which was graded as ‘requires improvement’ in its last inspection.

Headteacher Julie Grey says the result is the product of two-and-a-half years of hard work.

She said: “The staff, governors, pupils and parents of Cranford C of E Primary School are all absolutely delighted to have been accredited with an outstanding grading from Ofsted in all areas of the new Ofsted framework introduced in September 2015.

“We have been on an incredible journey for the past two-and-a-half years, striving for this exact result.

“Everyone has had their part to play in achieving this wonderful accolade and I am extremely proud to be the headteacher who has led us to achieving this.”

The inspection praised the pupils’ achievement, quality of teaching and overall leadership at the school.

Pupils’ behaviour and their attitude to learning was branded exemplary and the report classes the school’s ‘exciting and vibrant’ curriculum as one of their great strengths.

The grading comes just a week after {http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/top-stories/desborough-school-celebrates-outstanding-ofsted-inspection-1-7384835|Havelock Infants School in Desborough was given the same grade|}.

They are the only schools in the county to receive the accolade since the introduction of a new inspection regime in 2015.

If someone tells you about a show all about the life of Marvin Gaye, you might expect some sort of tribute show in a jukebox musical.

But in Soul, the story of the musician’s life, avoids this and not only looks back at his life but also the circumstances which led to him being shot by his father.

The show is all the stronger for avoiding some of Gaye’s most loved tracks and concentrating on the family circumstances and the show is far more dramatic and entertaining as a result.

Indeed the action is nicely bought down to just over two hours, but they leave you gripped. You can normally tell how gripped you are by a show by how often you looked at your watch, and at no point during the show did I look at my watch.

The actors deserve the most praise for playing it with the pace and giving it the intensity that is throughout a deep and well written script by Roy Williams.

Keenan Munn-Francis as the young Marvin is absolutely outstanding. It is such a well judged performance, from nervous and humble origins to the acclaimed confident musician you sensed he would become. For someone so young, it was an incredible performance that I suspect we shall hear from him in far more high priority roles in future.

When we see Marvin as an adult, Nathan Ives-Moiba is playing the part and is full of rock star charisma and is on the stage more or less the entire time. He has plenty of the star’s charisma but also playing some of the drug-induced scenes and paranoia expertly.

I suspect that many people will be fascinated by the relationship that Marvin has with his father Marvin senior. Leo Wringer takes a part that in the wrong hands could be easily two dimensional, and yet makes him a realistic man. A proud man but one who can’t help but have the flamboyant touches that would make his son famous.

The whole cast are fantastic and the ably supported by the Royal & Derngate Community Choir who overcome some initial nerves to shine and play an important part in telling the show.

Like a classical painting, critics will probably get different things out of it.

Some will see it as the break down of a close family unit, about the emasculation of an older generation, a lack of communication between a father and a son or a duo who fail to realise how similar they are to each other. I’m sure some audience members will look back at the good times and the bad times of their own upbrining.

One thing is for certain, Soul might well be a contender for the best shows ever produced under the Made in Northampton umbrella and considering the quality of the shows, that is not an accolade to be handed down lightly.

Soul can be seen at Royal & Derngate in Northampton until Saturday June 11. For tickets call the box office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

A fox cub was rescued by the RSPCA after he got his head stuck in a plastic jam jar in Rushden.

The young cub was seen by a member of the public on Friday (May 20) in St Peter’s Avenue, who immediately called the RSPCA.

Animal collection officer Sharon Knight, who attended the incident, said: “The poor cub had hidden himself under a car.

“The jar was firmly wedged over his head and it is unlikely he would have been able to get free without any help.

“We do not know how long he had been stuck like that, but it is horrible to think that if the member of the public had not contacted us then the cub could have starved to death.”

Miss Knight carefully removed the jar from the cub, before checking him for any injuries and releasing back to his family who were nearby.

Miss Knight added: “This case is a reminder to people about how dangerous it can be to leave litter lying around.

“This fox had a lucky escape, but often discarded jars like this, or tin cans, or even elastic bands, can be a real death trap when dumped where wildlife lives.

“The message here really is simple – litter can be lethal.

“All it takes to stop this from happening is for people to throw rubbish away properly.”

To find out more information about issues related to wildlife and litter, as well as what you can do to help, click {http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter|here|}.