Dog walkers made the discovery in Hunsbury Hill Country Park at about 9am on Saturday, October 13.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious. However there was nothing on his person for officers to identify him, and an appeal for anyone who knew him to help has so far been unsuccessful.

A police spokesman: "Unfortunately no one has yet come forward to help us identify this man who was sadly found dead on Saturday, October 13."

The man is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, of a slim and slender build and about 6ft. He has short, brown hair styled in a small quiff and light brown eyes.

When he was found, the man was wearing a red t-shirt, a pair of dark blue jeans with a black belt and a black hooded top that had the words ‘ATHLTC DEPT 707’ written on the front of it.

He was also found with a black ‘No Fear’ branded tote bag that had grey writing and grey stars on it, a packet of Marlboro cigarettes with Polish writing on the front, a green lighter and a pair of silver and black Pilipe Sport reading glasses.

Anyone who recognises the man from the above description should call police on 101. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police have released these CCTV images of three men they want to speak to in connection with an alleged theft from the Bright House store in Wellingborough.

Shortly after 3pm on Wednesday, September 19, three men entered the Bright House store in Market Square and forcibly removed four securely locked Apple MacBooks and then left with the items.

Officers are keen to locate the men pictured, who may be able to assist the investigation and are urging them to make contact.

Anyone with any information relating to their whereabouts can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The volunteer special constables targeted addresses and people who were wanted for various offences on Sunday, making 11 arrests.

In addition to the warrants, the 64 specials also assisted regular officers with incidents across the county.

Specials Chief Officer Mike Maywood, said: “The day of action was a great show of strength from our Specials working with their regular colleagues, targeting problem areas across the county.

“Year to date, our specials have worked over 75,500 hours, across almost 10, 000 tours of duty, fighting crime and protecting communities.”

The Government body responsible for examining the proposal for a huge rail depot in the Northamptonshire countryside has not accepted the developer's submission.

Ashfield Land's Rail Central warehouse depot would be built on land between Milton Malsor and Blisworth, but the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) has rejected the application for examination for an order granting development consent.

Responding to the applications, the Planning Inspectorate's caseworker Simone Wilding explained: "It was not of a standard the Secretary of State considers satisfactory".

"The inconsistencies between certain documents and plans, conflicting internal references between and within documents and some inconsistencies between the hard and electronic copy submitted make the application insufficiently clear," wrote Ms Wilding.

Ashfield Land has indicated that it will be considering the points raised by PINS and resubmitting as soon as they are in a position to do so.

A second rail depot plan submitted by Roxhill, the Northampton Gateway, and potentially occupying land between Roade and Collingtree is currently being examined by the PINS.

Both plans have faced constant opposition from local action groups Stop Rail Central and Stop Roxhill, whose representatives Mark Redding and Rod Sellers were both present at a public meeting on Saturday.

The hearing was organised by South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom and Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris, whose constituents are affected by the proposals.

Speaking at the meeting, attended by around 150 people, Mr Sellers said: "What we have to avoid is being fatalistic and thinking that these developers have spent so much time, money and effort that it must be a done deal. It is not inevitable.

"The big questions about strategy, rail capacity, impacts on health and the environment have not yet been answered.

"But the really big question is ‘Are these projects of such overriding national importance that it is worth destroying hundreds of acres of open countryside and wildlife, screwing up an already creaking road network, and blighting the lives of scores and scores of people in the local communities?’

"And, in the end, will it really be a planning decision or will it be a political choice for the Government?"

Issues raised by people at the meeting included the environmental impacts, noise pollution, visual impact on the countryside, increases in HGVs and other associated vehicles on the roads, and the area's suitability for other rail freight depots given DIRFT's proximity.

"At the moment I'm a bit buoyed by what's happened recently and I think we can get rid of both of them but I don't know what decisions are made at Government," said Mr Redding.

"I will be positive, I'm being positive now - these are both effectively in the same strategic place and they're both the wrong place.

"We need to keep fighting."

He added: "The fact that you are here you've worked out for yourself that this is not particularly good for our community for many reasons."

Roxhill’s Northampton Gateway proposal is now in PINS’ examination process, with the first deadline for formal responses by registered interested parties coming at midday on Tuesday, November 6.

Mrs Leadsom said: “I am supportive of the need to push for a modal shift in freight transportation from road to rail. It is vital, however, that the Planning Inspectorate makes a fair determination through their examination processes on whether either, or both, of the proposals can deliver on their stated aims, and whether they are suitable for our area.

“However, since these two proposals were first announced, the vast majority of local residents have been completely clear that they do not feel either site is suitable for development in this manner, and that the SRFIs would be damaging to the surrounding villages with many increased vehicle journeys on the local road network, expansion onto green field sites, and a significant impact on local ecologies and ways of life.

“My constituents also have doubts about whether the West Coast Main Line can deliver the number of daily freight paths needed to make either site truly viable, rather than just the minimum of four that is set out in the guidance.

“I will continue to do everything I can to represent my constituents’ concerns on the two proposals, and am fully engaging with the PINS examination processes.”

Ian Dunbar, 43, was jailed for 25 years in April 2018 for a campaign of rape against sex workers who he abused 'for hours at a time' after driving them to a secluded car park.

But a report has found Northamptonshire Police had a chance to identify and stop Dunbar after they matched his DNA from an attack in May 2017 to a sample from an earlier case.

However, investigations have shown the force did not act on the evidence and "appeared to continue on the basis there was no match", despite emails sent to officers about it.

Dunbar went on to attack another woman in November 2017.

Read more: Latest court listings from Northampton

The report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) branded the performance 'unsatisfactory' and advised that the sergeant and supervisor in the case undergo an improvement programme.

Detective Superintendent Mark Behan, said: “We apologise unreservedly for the errors made in the initial investigation and as a result of the IOPC’s findings, the officers involved are now on an improvement programme.

"I want to reassure the public that we do treat allegations of rape, both recent and non-recent, extremely seriously, with victims supported throughout by specialist officers."

One victim told Northampton Crown Court she feared for her life and believed she would "leave in a body bag" or be buried at the scene.

"These were deeply traumatic and terrifying experiences for these two women," said Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking as she sentenced him for nine counts of rape.

"One of them described it as torture... You took them to the middle of nowhere where they couldn't get away."

The court also heard he attempted to deep clean his van after the attacks to destroy forensic evidence.

A Northampton-born professor who led a team of scientists responsible for inventing the MRI scanner will be honoured this weekend.

Professor John Rowland Mallard OBE will be made a Hereditary Freeman of the Borough of Northampton at a Guildhall Ceremony this Saturday (October 27).

Professor Mallard was born in Kingsthorpe in 1927, to a local grocer. He attended Kingsthorpe Grove Infants and Junior School from 1932 to 1938 and won a scholarship to the Northampton Town and Country School in 1938. Professor Mallard went on to study physics at the University College Nottingham, completing his PhD on the magnetic properties of uranium in 1951.

After a spell at the Liverpool Radium Institute, he moved to Hammersmith Hospital in 1953, to take up the post of senior physicist in the Royal Postgraduate Medical School of the University of London. He became head of department in 1957 and Reader in 1963, before moving to St Thomas’ Medical School as Reader in 1964.

Much of Professor Mallard’s early ground-breaking work took place in London. He built the first whole-body radio-isotope scanner in 1957, now on display at the London Science Museum, and also developed the first gamma camera.

On moving to Aberdeen in 1965, he gained Medical Research Council funding to begin Aberdeen’s first scanning service of the thyroid, liver and brain. At the same time, his team was developing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology, culminating in the first whole-body imager which entered service in 1980.

Professor Mallard retired in 1992, taking up the position of Professor Emeritus of Medical Physics at the University of Aberdeen. He was awarded an OBE in the same year and conferred as an Honorary Freeman of the City of Aberdeen which is given to persons of distinction in 2004.

Professor Mallard said: “I am so thrilled and amazed at this very great honour being given to me - the Freedom of my home town – Northampton, where I was born and grew up.

“My work would not have been possible without the wonderful support of Northampton in my early years. With Northampton Borough Education Department funding me, I was one of the very few who were able to go to university, for which I was very grateful indeed.

“I was able to go on and become a Professor and eventually to create MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging – which is now used all over the world for the diagnosis of disease.”

Phil Ager, Chairman of the Northampton Freemen Trustees, said: “The Trustees were delighted to be able to put forward Professor Mallard’s name for the Mayor’s consideration so that he could be conferred as a Hereditary Freeman of the Borough, as his work has pioneered such important advances in medical science.

“He has achieved so many professional honours in his long and illustrious career, and we are very proud to be able to recognise him as part of the borough’s history.”

“There are three ways that a person can become a Hereditary Freeman, these are by birth, by serving an apprenticeship in the town or by Mayor’s discretion as in the case of Professor Mallard, which allows the Trustees to recognise those Northampton born citizens that have excelled in their field or have promoted the town.”

The title of Freeman was created over 800 years ago. It gave a person, who was not a serf, the right to trade, own their own lands, vote and more importantly, protection against imprisonment or punishment without first going through the proper legal system.

There is a lot of history held in the walls of some of Northampton town centre's well-known landmarks and a series of ghost walks will bring those tales to life.

Beginning tomorrow night (October 23), Looking Glass Theatre's Ghost Walks will mix theatre, history and the paranormal to help reawaken the town's past.

Three events are available to book as Looking Glass's ghost tours return for a fifth year.

The company's first tour, held in the Guildhall, will explore the upstairs of the town hall as visitors venture through the haunted corridors to the Victorian council chambers before making their way to the vaulted cellars and tunnels of the haunted George Row Club.

The second tour also begins at the Guildhall where participants will witness a trial of the 'blazing car murder' and head into dark prison cells before descending into the cellars of the Phipps Brewery.

Looking Glass' third tour offers guests the chance to step inside the 17th century Sessions House where they'll take part in a witch trial in the courtroom, go into the cells and take the walk to the gallows.

Times and tickets, priced at £12, can be viewed on the company's website.

NORTHAMPTON

Event: The biggest display in Northampton, organised by Northampton Borough Council

Where: The Racecourse, Northampton

Date: Sunday, November 4

Time: 2-7.30pm

Cost: Free

Fun stuff & food: Fairground rides and food stalls, then DJ’s from Heart FM will kick off the evening’s entertainment at 4.30pm.
Popular local covers band Pure Genius will take to the stage at 5pm, followed by a fire performance and glow show at 5.45pm and the fireworks display at 6.30pm.

Parking: There is no onsite parking, but visitors can park at St Michael’s multi-storey and the Upper Mounts surface car parks, which are only a 10-15 minute walk from the Racecourse.
Footpaths across the Racecourse between St George’s Avenue and Trinity Avenue to the Kettering Road will be closed from 9am on Sunday morning while fireworks are being set up.
There will also be some disruption to roads surrounding the park from 2pm onwards as people make their way to and from the Racecourse.
More information about the fireworks display can be found at www.northampton.gov.uk/fireworksinformation

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Event: Movie themed firework night

Where: Duston Mill, Sixfields

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: Gates 4pm

Cost: £5 entry, under 4s free

Fun stuff & food: Funfair, beer tent, stilt walkers, fire eaters, hog roast, live mus

Tickets: Book here

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Event: Bonfire Night at Boughton Pocket Park

Where: Boughton Pocket Park, Humfrey Lane

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: 4:30-6:30pm (fireworks 5.30pm by Titanium Fireworks)

Cost: £3.50 in advance, £5 on the gate - available from Smiths Farm Shop or email - boughtonpocketpark@yahoo.co.uk. Under 2s free

Food & fun stuff: Food, beverages and glowsticks sold in aid of the Boughton Pocket Park are only on sale inside the park. Any vendors outside are not associated with the charity.

Food provided by Saults of Spratton. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, sweet treats, soft drinks

Tickets: Limited tickets available. Tickets are non-refundable

Parking: Please park with car. Don't block driveways or access for emergency vehicles

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Event: Roade FC Fireworks Display 2018 Roade Village

Where: Roade Football Club

Date: Friday, November 2

Time: Funfair 6pm, fireworks 7.30pm, bonfire lit at 7pm

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Event: Fireworks night at Billing Aquadrome

Where: Billing Aquadrome, Northampton

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: TBC

Cost: £10 per car (including 4 passengers), additional tickets £5 each. Plus £5 parking charge.

Tickets/more information: Click here

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Event: Compton Estates Club Bonfire Night

Where: Compton Estates Club, Castle Ashby Village, Northampton, NN7 1LJ (opposite the old Falcon Hotel)

Date: Friday, November 2

Time: Club open 7pm, fireworks 7.45pm

Cost: Free but donations appreciated on the gate

Fun stuff & food: Burgers, hot dogs, soup, beer and sweet stall

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KETTERING

Event: 17th annual Fireworks Display at Wicksteed Park

Where: Wicksteed Park

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: From 5pm, bonfire being lit 7.15pm, fireworks 8pm

Cost: Tickets are £4 until 29th October and £5 on the night. Babies under 12 months go free. All proceeds go to developing the park for the community.

There will be a free disco in the Pavilion after the Fireworks display.

Parking: Car parking is free however it is best to arrive early as it does get busy

Tickets: Book here

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Event: The Gunpowder Plot at Boughton House

Where: Boughton House, Kettering

Date: Saturday November 3 and Monday November 5

Time: Gates 6pm, main show starts 7.30pm

Cost: Tickets £15 each. Children under the age of 5 will not require a ticket

Please note, that all bookings will incur a £1.50 transaction fee; this is per booking and not per individual ticket

Tickets can also be purchased on the night of the event. However, previous events have sold out so booking in advance is highly recommended

Fun stuff & food: Back with a bang after one year off, The Gunpowder Plot returns to Boughton House for 2018. Witness a spectacular re-telling of the events of the 5th of November 1605 with large scale projections, breathtaking theatrical performances and a dramatic soundtrack, all rounded off with a stunning firework display over the grounds of the stately home

Organisers are working with a street food company and the will also be a licensed bar

Parking: Parking is free and will be guided by onsite stewards. The walk from the car park to the site entrance is approximately 10 minutes across the estate grounds

Tickets: Book here or call 01536 470470.

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CORBY

Event: Corby fireworks

Where: Corby Boating Lake, NN17 2UN

Date: Monday, November 5

Time:

6.30pm Torchlight Procession assembles at the Swimming Pool Car Park.
6.45pm Torchlight Procession moves off, led by the piper.
7.00pm The 2018 Corby Borough Council bonfire is lit.
7.30pm Firework Display starts

Cost: Free

Parking: Drivers should only use Town Centre Car Parks. Don't park by the roadside or on the verges near the Boating Lake. Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn and please bring a torch.

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Event: Brigstock Bonfire

Where: Brigstock Meadow

Date: Sunday November 4

Cost: Adults £3, children £2 (on the night £4/£2.50).

Time: Gates open with Guy competition at 5.30pm, bonfire 6pm, fireworks display 6.30pm

Fun stuff & food: Mulled wine, hot dogs and bar (no sparklers please)

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Event: Rockingham village bonfire night

Where: Rockingham Village Hall, Main St, Rockingham

Date: Monday, November 5

Time: 6.30-8.30pm

Cost: Free / donations welcome towards the running costs

Fun stuff & food: Barbecue

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RUSHDEN

Event: 51st Annual Firework Display

Where: Hall Park, Rushden

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: 6.30pm

Cost: Advance tickets - adults £5, child (aged 3-14) £3

Fun stuff: Live music, competitions and a firework extravaganza to amazing music and a light display

Tickets: Available from any Nene Valley Scout Group and vatious shops in the area

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Event: Fireworks Frenzy

Where: Santa Pod Raceway

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: Main activities between 4 and 7pm

Cost: From £25 per car

Fun stuff & food: Live action including Podzilla the Monster Truck, stunt display, drifting, bonfire, funfair, catering and bar facilities, plus family entertainment.

Tickets: Book here

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WELLINGBOROUGH

Event: Annual firework display organised by Wellingborough RFC and Wellingborough Round Table

Where: Wellingborough RFC, Cut Throat Lane, NN29 7TZ

Date: Friday November 2

Time: Gates 6pm, fireworks 7.45pm

Cost: £10 per car, £3 per person (walk ins only)

Tickets: On the gate

Fun stuff & food: Bar, hog roast, sweet stall, barbecue, hot soup

Parking: Car park attendants for easy access and exit. Disabled parking available for blue badge holders

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DESBOROUGH

Event: Desborough Fireworks

Where: Desborough Leisure Centre

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: Gates 6pm, fireworks 7pm

Cost: Adults £4, under 18s £3

Fun stuff & food: Refreshments available

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DAVENTRY

Event: Daventry Town Council annual fireworks display with MLE Pyrotechnics

Where: Parker E-Act school

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: Gates 6.30pm, fireworks 7.30pm

Cost: Free

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Event: Flore Fireworks 2018

Where: Brodie Lodge Playing Field

Date: Friday, November 2

Time: 6-10pm. Candlelight procession 6pm from Scout Hut, Kings Lane, bonfire 6.30pm, fireworks 7.30pm

Fun stuff & food: Rides, food and drink, sweet treats

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Event: Hollowell Steam annual bonfire party

Where: Hollowell Steam Rally Field

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: Gates 5pm, bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7.30pm

Cost: £1 per person

Food & fun stuff: Bar, food stalls, trade stalls, steam engines, vintage vehicles

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Event: Pattishall bonfire and firework display

Where: Pattishall Hall and Playing Fields. Hall directions - School Road, Astcote, near Pattishall, NN12 8NN

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: Gates/cafe 6pm, bonfire 6.30pm, fireworks 7pm

Cost: Adults £3, children (5-16yrs) £1, under 5s free

Food & fun stuff: Traditional bonfire (guys welcome) and fireworks set to music.

There will be a cafe selling hot food and a bar. Sweets and glowsticks on sale for children.

Parking/facilities: There is access for the disabled, parking and toilets available​

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Event: Kelmarsh Young Farmers Charity bonfire and fireworks in Crick

Where: Crick Boat Show field, NN6 7SQ

Date: Sunday, November 4

Time: Gates 6pm, bonfire 6.30pm

Cost: Adults £2

Fun stuff & food: Hot food and drinks

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TOWCESTER

Event: Ashton Primary School Fireworks In Association with Mens Own RFC

Where: Northampton Men’s Own RFC , Ashton

Date: Monday, November 5

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SILVERSTONE

Event: Silverstone Circuit stages 70th anniversary stunt and fireworks show

Where: Silverstone Circuit

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: The ticket is valid all day, allowing access to the racing from 8 am, as well as the evening entertainment that starts at 6pm.

Cost: Adults £12 in advance, £15 on the door, children (under 15) free

Tickets: Book here

Fun stuff & food: The entertainment combines a showcase of British motorsport with Silverstone’s heritage, taking visitors through the ages. Music of the decades will evoke memories of a bygone era and the evolution of motorsport with iconic race cars from the 70s through to present day, including a Surtees Formula 1, which will be a bit hit with all the race fans.

Paul Swift headlines the live action stunt show, with his record-breaking talent and amazing precision-driving sure to delight visitors with 40 minutes of heart pumping track action and an ‘Italian Job’ theme for this riveting entertainment.
The Stunt and Fireworks Show is rounded off with a fireworks extravaganza accompanied by music and lights.

Traditional Guy Fawkes Night fare, including burgers, hot dogs, hog roast, mulled wine, licensed bars

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FURTHER AFIELD

Event: Warwick Racecourse

Where: Warwick Town Bonfire

Date: Saturday, November 3

Time: Gates 4.30pm with funfair, short 5-minute display for children 6pm, bonfire 6.30pm followed by main display

Cost: Adults and children over 15 - £7; children under 15 £1; On the gate adults and children over 15 £8; children 15 and under £2; infants under 3yrs old free, so it’s worth buying early.

Tickets: Book here

Parking: Entry is at the main entrance off Bread & Meat Close, with free parking, access also off Hampton Road to the show and funfair.

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Please email alice.dyer@jpress.co.uk if you would like your fireworks event included in our 2018 guide

The proportion of fast food outlets in Northamptonshire is dwindling, according to new research, in a sign the county is slowly falling out of love with the takeaway.

Recent research by the British Medical Journal, which suggested exposure to too many pizza and fried-food outlets could nearly double a person's chances of obesity, prompted town halls across the UK to get tough on takeaways through stricter planning rules.

And a new study by the BBC Shared Data Unit has found some areas are not getting to grips with the problem - with their figures showing a 34 per cent rise in takeaways UK-wide.

In 2018, in 46 areas out of 215, fast food outlets represented more than 50 per cent of all food outlets, with Blaenau Gwent, on top of that scale on 73 per cent.

But Northamptonshire appears to be fairing competitively well.

In 2010 takeaways made up 48 per cent of all eateries in the county - but in 2018, that proportion fell to 44 per cent even though the overall number of takeaways rose from 310 to 375.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: “Many councils are challenged with striking the balance between a vibrant high street and a healthy one.

“However, it’s difficult to make healthier choices when our neighbourhoods are saturated with takeaways, restaurants and cafes.

“Everyone has a role in tackling obesity. Councils can help address the growth of fast food outlets and we’re working with the food and drink industry to make everyday products healthier.”

While the proportion of takeaways per 100,000 people in Northamptonshire has risen marginally from 48 to 52 over the past eight years - it is still a long way short of Westminster, which has 127 takeaways per 100,000 inhabitants, and Blackpool, which has 97.

Volunteers for the Children's Air Ambulance shop in Wellingborough Road arrived on Saturday (October 20) to find their safe empty and a gaping hole in the wall.

They found thieves had forced entry into the store over the weekend by breaking into a neighbouring flat and punching through a wall into the shop. They then ransacked a storeroom, smashed open the safe and emptied a collection tin.

They are facing a bill of over £1,200 to clean up the damage.

The charity is appealing for help and support to repair the shop and continue raising funds for the national lifesaving service, which launched two new helicopters last month.

Children’s Air Ambulance deputy chief executive Emma Peake said: “Our hard-working staff and volunteers have been devastated by this attack. For thieves to target a charity that raises vital funds to help save young lives is despicable.

“The Children’s Air Ambulance exists to provide high-speed transfers for critically ill babies and children but, instead of money going towards the vital service, we now need to spend hundreds of pounds putting the shop back together and making it secure.

“We’re appealing to the Northampton community to help the store get back on its feet. We’re looking to hear from tradespeople who can help repair walls, doors and a safe while we’re asking the generous public to continue to donate to help towards the cost of the repairs.”

To help with the appeal and to find out more about supporting the Children’s Air Ambulance, go to www.childrensairambulance.org.uk or call 03003 045 999.

A man from Northamptonshire went on the run after somehow escaping a prison and stealing a car.

Ross Gallagher, aged 32, of Bonnington Walk, Corby, was in HMP Sudbury after being jailed for, among other crimes, causing a woman a serious eye injury by attacking a car she was in.

Prison officers believed he was still there on October 18, looking in on his cell regularly during that evening.

But Northampton Crown Court heard yesterday that, to their horror, the next morning the officers made an embarrassing discovery.

Prosecutor Stella Moses said: "At 8am the prison was contacted by the police who had recieved information that he was not in prison any longer.

"They looked and found a dummy placed in his bed instead."

Police shortly after received reports of a stolen car and deployed to the area and spotted the vehicle, which turned out to be driven be Gallagher.

Officers got ahead of Gallagher's vehicle and deployed a stinger, causing him to drive over the spikes.

But the escapee continued to drive off at increased speed despite two deflated tyres Taking a roundabout the wrong way, he soon crashed the car.

A police dog team and helicopter conducted a search and soon spotted Gallagher crouched on a garden shed.

He was arrested after the shed roof collapsed and he was taken into custody.

Despite a police interview, he has refused to reveal how he escaped jail.

His case has been sent to Leicester Crown Court on Novemeber 19.

Beginning tomorrow night (October 23), Looking Glass Theatre's Ghost Walks will mix theatre, history and the paranormal to help reawaken the town's past.

Three events are available to book as Looking Glass's ghost tours return for a fifth year.

The company's first tour, held in the Guildhall, will explore the upstairs of the town hall as visitors venture through the haunted corridors to the Victorian council chambers before making their way to the vaulted cellars and tunnels of the haunted George Row Club.

The second tour also begins at the Guildhall where participants will witness a trial of the 'blazing car murder' and head into dark prison cells before descending into the cellars of the Phipps Brewery.

Looking Glass' third tour offers guests the chance to step inside the 17th century Sessions House where they'll take part in a witch trial in the courtroom, go into the cells and take the walk to the gallows.

Times and tickets, priced at £12, can be viewed on the company's website.

Recent research by the British Medical Journal, which suggested exposure to too many pizza and fried-food outlets could nearly double a person's chances of obesity, prompted town halls across the UK to get tough on takeaways through stricter planning rules.

And a new study by the BBC Shared Data Unit has found some areas are not getting to grips with the problem - with their figures showing a 34 per cent rise in takeaways UK-wide.

In 2018, in 46 areas out of 215, fast food outlets represented more than 50 per cent of all food outlets, with Blaenau Gwent, on top of that scale on 73 per cent.

But Northamptonshire appears to be fairing competitively well.

In 2010 takeaways made up 48 per cent of all eateries in the county - but in 2018, that proportion fell to 44 per cent even though the overall number of takeaways rose from 310 to 375.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: “Many councils are challenged with striking the balance between a vibrant high street and a healthy one.

“However, it’s difficult to make healthier choices when our neighbourhoods are saturated with takeaways, restaurants and cafes.

“Everyone has a role in tackling obesity. Councils can help address the growth of fast food outlets and we’re working with the food and drink industry to make everyday products healthier.”

While the proportion of takeaways per 100,000 people in Northamptonshire has risen marginally from 48 to 52 over the past eight years - it is still a long way short of Westminster, which has 127 takeaways per 100,000 inhabitants, and Blackpool, which has 97.

The award-winning Northampton Concert Band will play two one-hour sets at the Holy Sepulchre Church in Sheep Street that will feature a sing-a-long and the likes of The Great Escape, Songs of the Great War, Fanfare for Heroes, At Dawn They Slept and more.

The band will also play renditions of Last Post and Abide with Me before closing with the national anthem.

The Sheep Street church is known as the Forces Church for Northamptonshire because of its ties to the military and the 7,000 soldiers of the two World Wars are remembered there.

"The Holy Sepulchre is the soldiers' church," said concert organiser and founder trustee of the Holy Sepulchre Restoration John Kightley MBE.

"It was the home of the Northamptonshire Regiment and the military has had an enormous impact on the restoration of the church.

"It's the right place for the concert."

"This is our 170th fundraising concert; we have raised thousands of pounds using the round as a venue," he added.

A remembrance service will be held by Reverend Canon Stephen Trott and a wreath will be laid by a cadet to mark Armistice Day.

The We Will Remember Them show at the Holy Sepulchre Church on Saturday, November 10.

Prior to the start of the concert at 7.30pm there will be a reception at 6.30pm.

Tickets can be bought by calling Mr Kightley on 01604 754 782. Admission is £11 and £6 for under 16s.

Leo Bewers was at his sister's wedding reception at Highgate House in Creaton when he was discovered slumped by a fellow guest.

An ambulance was called and a paramedic soon arrived and began to attend to him.

But Northampton Magistrates' Court heard yesterday (Monday) that, as the medic touched Bewers on the shoulder, the defendant became abusive and used the 'c' word a number of times.

The medic continued to try to treat him and told Bewers he was going to try to find some identification. But on reaching into Bewers' pocket, he was hit in the face and then the arm by the defendant.

The prosecution told magistrates that Bewers also spat towards the paramedic, who manage to move out of the way.

Bewers, who lives in Norwich, then struggled free and tried to walk off along Welford Road. By then, police had arrived and tried to handcuff him.

He resisted and a constable had to use Parva spray to subdue him.

Yesterday, Bewers' solicitor Stuart Jeffrey said the assault was a serious matter because of the victim's profession.

Mitigating, Mr Jeffrey said that his client had not deliberately spat at the paramedic: "He was vehement, and a bit of spittle came out."

The physical assault came about, Mr Jeffrey said, because Bewers had become agitated and confused when the paramedic shone a light into his eyes. He also did not register the forewarning from the paramedic that he was going to search him for ID.

He had suffered the loss of his uncle four weeks previously, who was a figure figure to him and led him to drink heavily during the reception.

Mr Jeffrey said his client apologised: "He feels his behaviour was abhorrent, quite frankly."

Bewers will have to carry out 100 hours' unpaid work as punishment. He will also have to pay the paramedic £75 compensation, £85 in court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

CCTV images have been released of a man wanted in connection with an alleged handbag theft in Northampton.

The man pictured allegedly smashed the window of a car and stole a handbag from inside.

The incident happened on Thursday, October 2, between 7.40am and 7.50am on Semilong Road, Northampton.

The man in the images or anyone who recognises him should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Education experts say an ‘exam factory culture’ is contributing to increasing levels of absence in Northamptonshire schools.

More than 10,000 children were regularly missing from Northamptonshire’s schools during the first two terms last year, according to the latest figures.

Across the country, absence rates have increased over each of the last two years, following several years of general improvement.

The National Education Union said that the “exam factory culture” in schools is causing disengagement among pupils.

Department for Education numbers show that 13% of state secondary pupils in Northamptonshire were classed as persistently absent in the autumn 2017 and spring 2018 terms, meaning they missed at least one in ten classes.

When primary schools are included, 11% of pupils across the 301 state schools were persistently absent.

On average, pupils missed six days of school, which equates to 5% of their teaching time.

Authorised absences, such as for illness or medical appointments, accounted for 76% of time off. The remainder was unauthorised, including truancy and family holidays for which permission was not granted.

In total, Northamptonshire’s state schools lost 551,000 days of teaching during the two terms.

Across England, 14% of students in state secondary schools and 10% in primary were persistently absent.

Nansi Ellis, assistant general secretary at the NEU, said: “Pupil absence is a serious issue but not necessarily one for which there is an easy or quick solution.

“Teachers understand that the curriculum plays a major role in engaging young people and reducing disruptive behaviour. The exam factory culture in our schools however is a significant contributing cause of children and young people’s mental health problems and disengagement in school life.

“We need a curriculum that gives every child the education they deserve and makes education the fulfilling joyous experience it should be.”

A DfE spokesman said: “No child should be taken out of school without good reason – children only get one chance at an education and evidence shows that every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil’s chances of achieving good GCSEs.

“While the number of absences has risen slightly, they are still far below the rate seen in schools ten years ago.

“The rules on term-time absences are clear and we have put schools back in control by supporting them – and local authorities – to use their powers to deal with unauthorised absence.”

Local councils can impose fines of £60 on parents who fail to ensure their children’s attendance at school, rising to £120 if not paid within 21 days.

Pals Alex Duggan, of Moulton, and Miki York, of Lumbertubs, have been investigating spooky goings on in decaying buildings, ghostly graveyards and dank basements across the country, since forming UK Haunted in 2012.

Their investigations, broadcast on Youtube, have seen them gather more than 100,000 followers online.

On Friday (October 26) the duo, who now work alongside Eamonn Vann-Harris, are set to host a three-hour live investigation show, which will be streamed on Really UKTV Facebook page.

The location, which cannot be revealed for security reasons, is in Stratford-upon-Avon and is described by Alex as "one of the most paranormally-active locations in England" with history of "death, the plague and a serial killer who murdered up to 20 women."

Alex wanted to do the investigation to show people a different angle on paranormal investigation and the trio will use new technologies, never thought to be used before, such as a Pegasus Machine, which picks up on scalar waves - believed by some to be from the afterlife - and translates them into words.

He added: "We are hopeful people will see and hear the activity for themselves and make their own judgement.

"With what we do you have to see it with your own eyes and hear it with your own ears and that's what we want people to experience."

Back in 2016, the pair made their TV-debut on Celebrity Haunted Hotel Live, which saw a host of celebrities stay in a haunted hotel for five nights. Alex and Michael were part of a team of six paranormal investigators leading the famous faces on a series of terrifying tasks, hosted by Christine Lampard, Matt Richardson and Jamie East.

The new show, which airs at 11pm, will be filmed on a 360-degree camera for viewers who want to move the camera themselves at home and engage with the show with VR headsets.

"I think growing up I have always had an interest in life after death and the unknown," said Alex. "I had questions over what happens when you die."

Alex's first sighting of a spirit was five years ago in a graveyard in Wales, where he spotted a man dressed all in white walking past before he vanished behind a tree.

He said the sighting matched up with local reports, unbeknown to him at the time, but he added that a good ghost hunter should always be sceptical.

"Once you do one you get braver and braver each time and want to experience more," he said.

"I think it makes you jump when you least expect it - but me personally I want to go towards it and ask for the spirits to do more.

"We all have a different level of scepticism and you have to question everything in life. I always say you have to questions everything in life in general."

Tens of millions of pounds worth of repairs need to be carried out at the Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust in order to bring its facilities up to scratch.

Data released by NHS Digital has revealed the extent of the maintenance backlog across NHS property and facilities in England, with the British Medical Association warning it is having an impact on patient care.

The Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is currently sitting on a backlog of £20.4 million worth of repairs or replacements which should have been carried out on its buildings and equipment.

Around £14.3 million worth of the outstanding jobs are classed as ‘significant risk’ repairs.

This means that if the trust doesn’t prioritise them soon, they could pose a risk to safety or disrupt the delivery of care.

Examples of maintenance required could include upgrading software on medical equipment, maintaining generators and boilers, and ensuring the structural integrity of buildings.

According to the data, which covers the 12 months to March, problems with the trust’s infrastructure led to eight incidents where patients were either harmed or put at risk of harm.

There were 17,900 incidents across England during the same period, an increase of 800 in a year.

Clinical services were delayed, cancelled or otherwise affected because of problems with buildings or facilities on four occasions.

Chaand Nagpaul, council chair at the BMA, said there was an “urgent” need for an injection of capital funding to address the NHS’s “impoverished infrastructure”.

Siva Anandaciva, chief analyst at independent health think tank the King’s Fund, added: “Continued underinvestment has left some hospitals delivering healthcare in buildings that are quite literally falling apart.

“Deteriorating facilities and unreliable equipment can expose staff and patients to increasing safety risks, and make NHS services less productive as operations and appointments may be cancelled at short notice.”

The repair bill across England reached a record £6 billion at the end of March.

It has risen every year since 2011-12, when it stood at £4 billion, while costs for outstanding high risk works have more than tripled over the same period.

“It is an unsustainable situation – both patients and the staff who work in the health service deserve much better,” said John Kell, head of policy at the Patient’s Association.

The NHS has a capital funding budget, which is the money to be spent on maintaining, improving or acquiring buildings and other assets rather than on the day-to-day running of services.

Over the last four years, the Department of Health and Social Care has transferred money from the capital budget into the pot for day-to-day spending.

According to NHS Providers, which represents trusts across the NHS, years of financial pressure combined with capital-to-revenue transfers have left trusts unable to address the mounting backlog.

Amber Jabbal, head of policy at NHS Providers, said: “We need to act now to ensure vital repair works are carried out to NHS buildings and equipment.

“Although more of the capital spending this year has been targeted at reducing the backlog of repairs, this is likely to have come at the expense of investing in new equipment and facilities to improve the experience of patients.

“While this approach shows trusts are rightly prioritising immediate concerns about safety, they are increasingly unable to take a longer term, strategic approach to investment.”

Last year, the Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust spent £2.2 million trying to reduce its backlog.

Since 2013-14, the cost of the backlog has risen by 9%.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “Investment to tackle this maintenance work has increased by 25% from £324 million in 2016-17 to £404 million in 2017-18 to help trusts maintain their estates and invest in new facilities.

“We want patients to continue to receive world-class care in world-class facilities, which is why our long-term plan for the NHS will boost funding by £20.5 billion a year extra by 2023-24.

“We are also investing £3.9 billion into the NHS to help transform and modernise buildings, and improve patient care in hospitals and communities.”

Northampton's first set of triplets in nearly three years have spent their first night at home with mum and dad.

Northampton's first set of triplets in nearly three years have spent their first night at home with mum and dad.

Kings Heath couple Ben Hannah Donoghue and Ben Fagan have become the proud parents of Kasey, Ella-Rose and Lester, born on October 3 at Northampton General Hospital.

The trio is Northampton's first set of triplets in nearly three years. But even rarer, they are all non-identical and were carried to full term with individual sacs and placentas.

Dad Ben said: "There were about 30 people in the room when they were born. They had eight nurses each and there were a lot of student nurses watching because they might not see anything like it again.

"It was amazing and very emotional. We had them all out in about three minutes."

The couple says their jaws hit the floor when they went for a scan at Northampton General Hospital earlier this year and were told doctors had found three sets of heartbeats.

Mum Hannah, 29, who delivered by c-section, said: "It was a bit overwhelming. Once they've injected you feel like you can still move your legs but you can't.

"I was very emotional because I couldn't see what was happening. There was a lot going on around me. But it all went very well."

The eldest of the three, Kasey - who Ben says is the definite leader of the bunch - weighed in at 4lb 11oz. Her little brother Lester came in at 4lb 5oz while little sister Ella-Rose weighed 4lb 1oz.

The three siblings are Hannah's third pregnancy - and because the couple already had three girls between them, it means their household has now grown to eight people.

Ben said: "The staff at the hospital and the Gosset Ward have just been amazing. They loved seeing the triplets and they've really cared for us."