Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Robinson will be presented to the crowd at Sixfields today ahead of the Cobblers match against Southend.

The 15-year-old swimmer, who won a gold and a bronze medal in Rio, will go on the pitch at 2.50pm with her medals.

Ellie returned to see her friends at the Northampton Swimming Club for the first time on Thursday and will go back to Northampton High School on Monday.

Speaking to the Chronicle & Echo this week she said: “I’m still adjusting back to GB time and getting back into the swing of things. It’s been great going back and seeing everyone in Northampton and catching up with my friends.

“I can’t wait to go back to school (Northampton High School) and see everyone.

“Northampton Swimming Club has been the biggest part of my swimming career so it is nice to see these faces

“It was great reading all the messages of support from people in Northampton and so nice people stayed up and watched my races. I really appreciated it.”

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A family fun day is being held at a Northampton rugby club to raise money for charity in memory of a 19-year-old man who died last December after battling leukaemia.

Jake Hood, of Delapre, raised £10,000 for Cure Leukaemia after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year.

The money was raised from an event at Northampton BBOB last October that featured a match between a team made up of Jake and his friends against a side picked by his father Paul.

Jake’s parents Jo and Paul are now planning a similar event at Northampton BBOB, in St Andrews Road, on Sunday, October 16.

People who attend the day, which starts with a junior game at 10.30am, will be able to eat a hog roast provided by Butchers Block. There were also be an adult tug of war at 4pm, a tombola, raffle, children’s activities and a disco and karaoke from 7pm.

Jake’s mum Jo said: “We are hoping to make it an annual event but this will be the first one in Jake’s memory.

“The teams will be competing for the ‘Now or Never’ plate because that was what Jake wanted to call it.

“It has been very difficult to organise from an emotional point of view as Jake will not be there.

“There is not one minute that goes by when I don’t think about him.”

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A Northamptonshire man has been arrested on suspicion of hacking Pippa Middleton’s iCloud account.

The 35-year-old was arrested under the Computer Misuse Act and was taken into custody on Saturday night at a south London police station.

Earlier today, a spokesman for the Met Police confirmed specialist officers were investigating claims in the Sun newspaper that Miss Middleton, the sister of the Duchess of Cambrdige, had had images taken from her iCloud account.

A new exhibition is set to mark the life of Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith who gained an international reputation for his distinctive style of watercolour painting in the early 20th century.

Visitors are invited to take a look at his work, which will include more than 70 works of art by Mr. Shoosmith and 10 works associated with or inspired by the artist.

Author George Butlin said: “A review of the life and work of Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith is long overdue. In the early years of the last century, he achieved an international reputation through published articles and London exhibitions, as well as dominating the arts scene in his hometown.

“His works sold for sums that were the equivalent of half a year’s wages for an agricultural worker of the time.

"He achieved this while practicing as a solicitor, and was also the town clerk. He influenced a future generation of Northamptonshire artists and I hope that the publication of my book, and the exhibition, will help future generations to appreciate his distinct, individual and subtle talent.”

Many of the works are scenes from Northampton and the surrounding area, which is a subject he turned to for inspiration.

Born in Northampton in 1865, Mr. Shoosmith was a leading figure in Northampton’s art scene of the time and became the first president of the Northampton Town and County Art Society.

The artist was educated at Northampton Grammar School before joining the firm of solicitors his father had established in the town that still practises today as the national law firm Shoosmiths which has kindly sponsored the exhibition.

The exhibition is the result of a new book by George Butlin, Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith – A Reappraisal.

The book, which includes an essay by John McGowan, includes plates from a newly compiled database of the artist’s works.

A study day, to take a closer look at Shoosmith’s work, will take place on Saturday, November 19, from 10.15am to 4pm.

The exhibition, The Neglected Watercolourist – The Life and Work of TL Shoosmith, will run from Saturday, September 17 to Sunday, November 20 at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery. Entrance is free.

For more information about the exhibition and how to book for the study day, talks and workshops go to www.northampton.gov.uk/museums

Copies of Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith – A Reappraisal, by George Butlin, will be available to buy at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery from Friday, September 16.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

AUGUST 15:

Michael Jarrold, aged 32, of Furnace Lane, Nether Heyford, left 55 voicemails in breach of a court order; jailed for 12 weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £85. Sent 85 text messages in breach of a court order jailed for 12 weeks consecutive for 12 months; sent photo messages in breach of a court order; jailed for 12 weeks concurrent suspended for 12 months.

Phillip Dennis, aged 35, of Lasham Court, Northampton, stole a watch, an Apple product and a headset worth £234.98 belonging to Maplins Electronics; community order to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85, compensation of £234.98 and costs of £85. Stole a pair of Sennheiser headphones worth £179.99 belonging to Maplins Electronics; community order to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay compensation of £179.99. Stole a Samsung micro SD card worth £114.99 belonging to Maplins Electronics; community order made to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Matthew Phillips, aged 31, of Pyramid Close, Northampton, damaged a defribillator belonging to Northamptonshire Police; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20, compensation of £100 and costs of £85.

Edger Pondayi, aged 34, of Maidencastle, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. No insurance; fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30, costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Maksims Zemlanhunis, aged 28, of Denmark Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 91 mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months, community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 36 months.

AUGUST 16

Tristan Walsh, aged 32, of no fixed abode, no insurance, failed to surrender to custody, driving while banned,

drug driving, failed to comply with a supervision order; pleaded guilty, sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

Liam Dann, aged 30, of Harborough Road, Northampton, stole four sub rolls worth £10.40 belonging to Asda; jailed for seven days.

Cyril Walton, aged 47, of Greenwood Road, Northampton, non-payment of a fine of £875; further time given to pay.

AUGUST 17

Kiri Golding, aged 27, of Walmer Close, Northampton, assault by beating; conditional discharge for 18 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Adrian Bryan, aged 47, of Stockwell Way, Milton Malsor, assault by beating; community order made, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £85.

Aiden Wallis, aged 18, of Lasham Court, Northampton, threat to kill; jailed for six weeks suspended for 12 months, community order made to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £135. Assault; jailed for six weeks concurrent suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Mark Johnson, aged 55, of Mounts Court, Northampton, failed to pay a fine of £725.99; further time ordered to pay.

Adam Cooper, aged 27, of no fixed abode, harassment; jailed for six weeks, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85.

AUGUST 18

Karl Norris, aged 29, of Argyle Street, Northampton damaged a Lottery stand at the Co-Op; conditional discharge for three years; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85. Assault by beating; conditional discharge for three years.

Matthew Evans, aged 38, of Rothersthorpe Road, Northampton, non-payment of a fine of £804.83; further time to pay ordered.

Lukasz Keirpal, aged 35, of Junction Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 53mcg of alcohol in 100mls of breath; community order to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £85. Possession of a class A drug; community order to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work. Possession of a class B drug; community order to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

Used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; community order to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, banned from driving for 12 months.

David Cooke, aged 38, of Montague Crescent, Northampton, damaged a bathroom window; jailed for eight weeks, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and compensation of £50.

John Sturgess, aged 29, of Pembroke Road, Northampton, broke into a building with intent to steal, caused £1,000 of damage to the building; pleaded guilty and committed to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

Kane Rednall, aged 26, of Portland Place, Northampton, possession of a class B drug; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Jevgenijs Dunhio, aged 28, of Cyril Street, Northampton, stole chocolate worth £86.44 belonging to the Co-Op; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £40.

Richard Liddall, aged 61, of no fixed abode; in charge of a motor vehicle with a breath test reading of 93mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £40, licence endorsed with 10 points.

Dale Shoobridge, aged 37, of Ericsson Close, Daventry, possession of cannabis; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30, fined £85 and costs of £40.

Hayley Wetton, aged 24, of Alma Street, Northampton, racially aggravated assault; community order made, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85, fined £50 and costs of £40.

Nigel Whiting, aged 60, of Thirlmere Avenue, Northampton, drove at speeds exceeding 50mph; fined £233, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £24 and costs of £200, licence endorsed with four points.

Tristan Crompton, aged 28, of no fixed abode, broke into a house and stole a debit card; jailed for 20 weeks suspended for 18 months; ordered to pay a victim

surcharge of £115 and costs of £40. Stole £501.35 cash; jailed for six weeks consecutive suspended for 18 months, pay compensation of £501.356.

AUGUST 19

Johnny Connors, aged 21, of Greatmeadow, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. No insurance; fined £160, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Marian Gheorghe, aged 43, of Sharman Road, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £212. No insurance fined £637, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £63, costs of £85 and licence endorsed with six points.

Jordan Harrold, aged 18, of Cranford Road, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £212. No insurance; fined £637, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £63, costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. No test certificate; fined £212.

David Lewis, aged 44, of Greatmeadow, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £637, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £63 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Liese McElwain, aged 30, of Edison Drive, Upton Grange, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £637, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £63 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Derrol Simmons, aged 43, of Bordeaux Close, Northampton, failed to report an accident to a police officer; fined £250. Failed to stop; fined £250, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £25 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jordan Wallace, aged 20, of Swale Drive, Northampton, drove at speeds of 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £68, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Iordan Robert-Costel, aged 22, of Kingsley Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £637, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £63 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £212. Driving while not wearing a seatbelt; fined £212.

Paul Hazell, aged 46, of Watson Road, Long Buckby, driving at speeds of 37mph in 30mph; fined £75, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Dolan Sweeney, aged 29, of no fixed abode, failed to comply with a community requirement of a suspended sentence; no adjudication, dealth with original offence. Assault by beating; suspended sentence of six weeks suspended for 12 months imposed as a sentence of four weeks. Stole shoes worth £79.98 belonging to TK Maxx; suspended sentence of six weeks suspended for 12 months imposed as a sentence of four weeks consecutive. Failed to surrender to custody; suspended sentence of imprisonment of six weeks suspended for 12 months imposed as a sentence of four weeks consecutive.

Mark Culverhouse, aged 26, of Alliston Gardens, Northampton, damaged property belonging to another person; no separate penalty, ordered to pay compensation of

£200. Used violence to gain entry to a property; no separate penalty. Assault by beating; jailed for 26 weeks, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £700. Destroyed a mobile phone belonging to another person; no separate penalty, ordered to pay compensation of £400.

Michael Donohue, aged 31, of Dimmock Square, Camp Hill, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £50.

A new subterranean nightclub is opening in an iconic building in Corby.

The Sorting Room will open its doors on November 17 in the former Bushwackers downstairs at the old Post Office in Rockingham Road.

A nine-room hotel is also set to open on the top floor of the historic 1940s building which already houses Decades bar and grill.

The club will be open on Thursdays to Sundays and its licence allows it to sell alcohol from 10pm until 4.30am.

Workers are stripping out the old fixtures and fittings ready for a complete overhaul.

Spokesman Kelly Chester said: “We’re still in the ripping-out stage at the moment but the fit-out is going to be quite quick.

“We’re going to have a mix of dance, commercial and house music.

“Since Rubix closed there’s not really been anything like that in Corby and we think that market has probably started going to Kettering so we hope they’ll come back to Corby.

“There’s a nice little circuit of bars in the Old Village with Decades, the Cardigan Arms, Malt and Bass and we hope that people will come and visit us later on in the evening.”

The previous occupant of the building, Storm nightclub, {http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/business/poor-trade-forces-nightclub-to-close-1-3470169 |shut four years ago|} after declining sales, a licence review following reports of underage drinkers and years of complaints from residents about noise and anti-social behaviour.

Kelly said: “We’re going to overhaul the back of the building to make it look nicer as that’s where our entrance will be.

“There will be nine rooms in the hotel and we’re hoping to get them open as soon as possible.”

The firm behind the plans also hoped to open a series of shop and coffee bar units at the side of the building but Corby council did not support those plans.

A puppy has been stolen from a farm in Northamptonshire.

The dog is believed to have been stolen after a white Ford Connect van was seen heading along the drive of a farm in East Haddon on Wednesday just before 4.30pm. The two dogs from the farm ran out to the vehicle and their owner, going out to investigate, noticed the van leaving the property.

One of the dogs, a puppy called Poppy, was subsequently missing. She is a brown six-month-old Cocker Spaniel who is chipped, docked and has a small area of white on her bottom lip.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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Arsonists set fire to a redundant shipping container in Arkwright Road, Corby, at the weekend.

The container, which was being used by homeless people for shelter, was set on fire some time between 8.30am and 9am on Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man launched an unprovoked assault on two teenage boys in Corby.

The attack happened at the rear of the Texaco garage and KFC in Oakley Road, some time between 4.30pm and 5pm on Saturday (September 24).

The offender is described as being 25 to 30 years old and 5ft 10in.

He was wearing a red hoodie and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A 12-year-old boy was threatened and robbed while he was walking through a park in Kettering.

The incident happened on Saturday, September 24, at about 4.15pm when the victim and his friend were approached by two teenage boys in Meadow Road, one of whom was riding a BMX bike.

The boy on the bike threatened to assault the victim unless he handed over his bag which, in fear of being hurt, he did.

The offenders searched through it and stole cash and an iPhone 5.

They made off towards Kettering town centre in the direction of McDonalds.

Both were white, about 14 years old, about 5ft 7in and slim.

The one on the bike wore a grey tracksuit and the other wore a red and black hooded top with black trousers.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A man attempted to abduct a woman who was walking down a street in Northampton.

A woman was listening to music in her headphones while walking down Birchfield Road East, Abington, some time between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Friday.

A man in a red Volkswagen Polo began honking his horn before pulling over to ask for directions. He then grabbed the victim’s right arm and pulled her towards the vehicle, but she managed to pull away and run off.

The suspect was white, of medium build and aged in his mid-40s with an English accent. He had messy brown hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A motorcyclist died after a collision on a country road near Daventry on Saturday September 24.

The 49-year-old male victim, who has not yet been named, was driving an orange KTM motorcycle along Charwelton Road from the A361 towards Preston Capes, when at around 1.50pm it collided with a red BMW 1 Series at the junction with a road heading towards Woodford Halse.

The BMW driver, a 32 year old man, was arrested at the scene while the victim was airlifted to the University Hospital Coventry where he died on Sunday afternoon.

Anyone with information or who witnessed this incident is asked to call the ‘Drivewatch Hotline’ on 0800 174615.

Vandals set fire to a number of wheelie bins stored beneath a small window of the Emmanuel Evangelical Church in Shaftesbury Avenue, Kettering.

A spokesman for Northants Police said: “The fire destroyed the bins and damaged the church window itself.”

Anyone with information about the arson attack can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police have issued a warning about contaminated meat after sheep were stolen and killed for their meat on the county border with Rutland.

Five sheep have been stolen on two separate occasions from land near Cottingham.

Five of these have been found having been killed, skinned and the meat taken in a manner that was clear they were killed for their meat.

The main concern is the day before the sheep were stolen they were given Noromectin, a drug which is used to treat worms in sheep.

The safety advice is the sheep must not be slaughtered for human consumption until 42 days after the last treatment.

While the risk is not great, the company which produces the drug says it has the potential to cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

A police spokesman said: “We’d ask the public to be very vigilant of people selling meat in the area, in particular local butchers who might be approached.”

Anyone with information about the sheep thefts can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The head of a Northants Police team that targets online sexual predators says there has been a “330 per cent” increase in the number of cases in the past two years.

Detective Inspector (DI) Andy Rogers heads up the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) consists of a specialist team of 14 officers (including civilian investigators) dedicated to catching people who download and distribute indecent images of children.

Mr Rogers said his department, which was set up at the start of 2014, had rapidly grown to deal with the increase in cases.

Latest figures show POLIT has identified 102 suspects since the start of 2015.

Mr Rogers said: “There has been a 250 per cent increase in the number of cases compared to 2014.

“It happens right across the county and perpetrators are people of all ages and from all sectors of society.”

People in the county who have been convicted of downloading and distributing indecent images in the past year include Mark Willimott, a former teacher at a Northamptonshire secondary school, and Stephen Coleclough, a well-known tax advisor from Bugbrooke.

Mr Rogers said the team act on tip-offs from the public and other sources and work in conjunction with other police forces, nationally and internationally.

He said: “We are not purely concentrating on the issues here in Northamptonshire - we are well connected with what is happening across the globe.

“We receive information and intelligence from various sources and work tirelessly to provide an effective response to this serious crime.

“I encourage anybody with any information about people viewing and sharing indecent images of children to report it immediately by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

Mr Rogers said his team used high-tech software to track down online paedophiles and were improving the speed of the process from arresting a suspect to them appearing in court.

He said: “Offenders are increasingly using the internet and technology to harm children. Every image viewed has a victim and this perpetuates more offending against the most vulnerable in our society.

“It is vitally important we have a team of experts dedicated to catching those committing these types of crime and bringing them to justice.

“We safeguard children by detecting abuse and prosecuting offenders for the possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

“My message to anybody viewing indecent images of children on their computer is this: Expect a knock at your door from one of my officers who will have a warrant for your arrest. This will not only impact on you but those closest to you. The impact can be far-reaching and devastating for all concerned.

“We want to stop this exploitation and safeguard the most vulnerable in our society and ensure we continue to protect people from harm.”

A Northampton resident has condemned the “mindless morons” who have scratched the bodywork on his car and a number of other vehicles in the same street in the last four days.

Roy Anderson, who lives in Hazeldene Road, in Links View, said his Ford Mondeo and a number of other cars were damaged in the early hours of Friday and on Saturday night.

Police are investigating several incidents of criminal damage and are encouraging any witnesses to come forward.

But Mr Anderson said he was now planning to buy a CCTV camera system to act as a deterrent to the vandals.

He said: “The look of my car is ruined, as is many of my neighbours.

“The mindless morons have gouged deep scratches into vehicles all the way up one side of the road, in my case, and others, they came back to inflict even more damage the next night.

“Even though the security light came on, they still had no fear coming on my property and damaging my vehicle.

“Unless I do something they will keep coming back with impunity.”

A spokesman for Northants Police said the force was investigating the report of criminal damage to a car in Hazeldene Road, Northampton and was appealing for witnesses.

Anyone who has any information about the criminal damage can call police on 101.

A Northamptonshire junior school has been placed in special measures after Ofsted criticised senior leaders for having an “overgenerous” view of the work of the school.

Earls Barton Junior School, which had been rated ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted, has now fallen down to the ‘inadequate’ category after inspectors found “issues had not been addressed to secure a good quality of education for pupils.”

A report of the July visit states senior leaders’ plans for improvement “lack detail” and do not address all aspects of school life.

The Ofsted inspectors also found pupil safeguarding was not effective because senior leaders have not always made referrals in a timely manner.

Teachers were also criticised for not consistently adhering to the school’s marking and feedback policy and not routinely intervening quickly enough when pupils are ready to move on with their learning.

The report states: “Several parents used Ofsted’s online survey, Parent View, to express dissatisfaction about communication and the quality of leadership.

“Only just over half of the parents felt that the school was well led and managed and just over one quarter would not recommend the school to other parents. “However, a large majority of parents said that their children are happy at the school.”

A letter posted on the school’s website from executive headteacher Noel Springett-McHugh and Kelly O’Connor, associate headteacher, stated pupil’s happiness and enjoyment in school was “paramount.”

When Ofsted visited in July the school had a different headteacher.

The letter states: “We aim to achieve this by having an open door policy and through our communication with parents.

“We are also striving to ensure that our curriculum is exciting and engaging and that wherever possible links to learning are made so that the learning is purposeful.

“We also aim to continue to build on the success of previous enrichment activities such as family days and funding raising events. Values will also continue to be at the heart of what we do and we aim to achieve a balance between retaining the traditions of a village school which is at the heart of the community and at the same time modernising the practise so that it is in line with National Standards.

The school held a question and answer session with parents last week and has listed all the improvements it is planing to make by December on its website.

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Northamptonshire Police are set to overspend on this year’s budget by a huge £3.1m.

Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold will today (Tuesday) explain to members of the county police and crime panel why the force is forecast to bust its budget for the 2016/17 fiscal year - his first in charge of Northants Police.

The force itself is predicted to overspend by £3.1m and the Office of the PCC will spend an extra £45,000 over its own budget, despite Mr Mold cutting a number of top jobs to try to balance the books.

Some of the overspend – about £697,000 – wasplanned into the budget, but there is still a £2.404m black hole which will have to be paid for from cash reserves which currently stand at about £10m.

In his county hall meeting with councillors and other independent panel members, Mr Mold will provide details of the overspend which includes:

- £100,000 spent on finding an external provider for the police pensions fund.

- £200,000 spent on unexpected staffing costs in the force control room.

- an extra £500,000 needed to provide breathalysers, mobile speed cameras and to plug a potential VAT gap for the Safer Roads Team.

- £1.8m spent on support departments which wasn’t planned. The departments were asked to save £1.757m but were unable to do so.

- collaboration with other forces costing an extra £600,000.

The force is already committed to a £60m building programme which includes the new northern headquarters off the A43 in Kettering which are already under construction.

It will also have to find room for staff moving out of its Wootton Hall HQ, which is due to shut.

If this total increases, it will mean the force will exceed its recommended borrowing limit as all of its current finance is being used.

Mr Mold said: “Policing is facing a period of sustained financial pressure and although we have financial reserves to cover any projected overspend, it is our priority to work with Northamptonshire Police to deliver a new service delivery model that ensures we are more efficient in our work and therefore spending.

“We are working with Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire on a tri-force collaboration to develop shared back-office functions and deliver more efficient and effective service through the use of technology, while we have just appointed a new director for technology and digital transformation and director for early intervention who will help the force to deliver savings in the long term.”

Acting finance director Steve Dainty has written the report to the panel.

In it, he says: “When the budget for 2016/17 was constructed the force had a savings requirement of £7.267m but only managed to identify £5.510m, leaving a balance of £1.757m still to find.

“It was assumed at the time that the Service Delivery Model, which is reviewing the workforce model, would deliver a substantial proportion of this gap.

“Unfortunately, currently, this has not been the case and the gap has now risen to £2.403m.

“Work is currently under way by the force to reduce this overspend and it is anticipated that this forecast will reduce as the year progresses.

“Any remaining balance will be funded from the capital/ transformation reserve.”

Police have released these CCTV images in a bid to identify three men they think may have valuable information about a serious sexual assault in Buccleuch Street, Kettering.

A woman was knocked to the ground and seriously assaulted while walking home from a pub in the area at about 3.45am on Sunday, August 28.

Officers are appealing for the three men pictured in the CCTV images to get in touch as they could have important information about the events leading up to the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Organisations across Northampton will be working together to support Hate Crime Week next month.

Northampton Borough Council is working in partnership with Northants Police, Northampton Rights and Equality Council and Northampton Inter Faith Forum to deliver local events in support of Hate Crime Week, which runs from October 8 to 15.

The partner organisations are inviting Northampton residents and businesses to four events taking place during the awareness week. The events include an Inter Forum Community afternoon tea at the Guildhall on October 10, which includes a discussion about how to tackle hate crime with Councillor Anna King, Mayor Councillor Christopher Malpas, Northamptonshire Police and volunteer organisations.

Cabinet member for community engagement, Councillor Anna King, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with key agencies to deliver effective activities in support of National Hate Crime Week. We encourage residents and businesses to get involved with the events, to help raise awareness and understanding of discrimination and hate crime.”

Other events organised by Northampton Rights and Equality Council and Northampton Inter Faith Forum include an evening with Human Rights Campaigner Peter Tatchell and awareness raising of LGBT hate crimes.

For a full list of events and details of the timings and venue, visit www.northampton.gov.uk/hatecrimeweek