A Northampton mum, who creates cherished keepsakes for families of stillborn babies, has been nominated for a nationwide award.

Four years ago, Diane Mears set up business, Liberty Rainne after she lost her son Rainn through still birth and has since been nominated for a Butterfly Award for her personalised gifts.

The businesswoman is aiming to support “angel families” in their grief, by providing bespoke presents such as wooden initials, memory frames and comfort boxes, which can be used to dress babies memorial gardens and gravesides.

Mrs Mears said: “Born from the loss of our son, we have created a unique business, offering beautiful handmade keepsakes and gifts to comfort those on a similar journey to us.

“Knowing first hand the pain experienced, we have built a collection of personalised gifts unusual in their type, but perfectly suited to the very sensitive, difficult and often deeply emotional reality that child loss can be.”

Mrs Mears was due to be expecting twins back in 2012 when she miscarried one baby after nine weeks.

After the 20-week scan she found out Rainn was poorly and just after 31 weeks, Rainn’s heartbeat couldn’t be found.

She added: “I had all the time in the world to think about funeral arrangements. I didn’t want sympathy or in loving memory cards. I wanted our son to be celebrated as if he were alive.

“He was still my little boy, he lived inside of me, his big sister, his daddy, and our family. We weren’t pretending he hadn’t died, we were celebrating his little life rather than mourning his loss. I found there was nothing in between ‘sorry for your loss’ or ‘new birth cards’.

“So many people who have got in touch with Liberty Rainne lost their children years ago. I try so hard not to make the presents about death. These keepsakes encourage children to still be a big brother or sister and help to celebrate birthdays as if they were still alive.”

Mrs Mears told the Chronicle and Echo that she never intended for her business venture to be a success and has now taken on three extra staff to deal with demand.

The business woman has been nominated for the ‘Cherished Keepsake’ award and the ceremony will take place on October 15 at Bank House Hotel Spa and Golf in Worcester.

Voting ends tonight at 8pm. To vote for Liberty Rainne, see link: https://thebutterflyawards.com/2016/09/20/cherished-keepsake-diane-mears-libertyrainne-profile-page/

Officers investigating the disappearance of a Northampton man, who has not been seen since leaving his home at the start of August, believe he may have travelled to Dublin.

Northamptonshire Police has renewed its appeal for the public’s help in tracing missing man Adam Frank, 46.

Mr Frank, also known as Garry Donaghey, has been missing from his Northampton home since August 1.

The last known sighting of him was later on the same day in Borrowdale Road, Corby.

It is now believed Mr Frank may have travelled to Dublin and officers are appealing for him to make contact with them to let them know he is safe and well.

Adam, pictured in the summer, is white, about 5ft 8ins and of stocky build. He has short, untidy brown hair and is clean shaven.

Adam, or anyone who knows of his whereabouts, is asked to contact police on 101, or via 03000 111 222 if calling from outside of Northamptonshire.

A Northampton schoolgirl who called for paramedics for her ill sister has been presented with an award for her bravery.

Hannah Pavitt, of Preston Hedges Primary School in Wootton, dialled 999 in April when her older sister lost the feeling in her body, started slurring her speech and suffered a loss of vision.

The East Midlands Ambulance Service yesterday awarded the selfless pupil with the Laverick honour which “recognises young persons of courage” in the area.

Mum, Amanda Pavitt, said: “I remember my eldest daughter, Aimee, telling me that she didn’t feel very well. She was really hot and light-headed, so I sat her down on the toilet and she said she couldn’t see. I automatically thought she was having a stroke.

“I shouted to Hannah to give her granny and grandad a ring to alert them, but when Aimee started to slur her speech I knew Hannah needed to ring 999 for me.”

The brave schoolgirl, who is only one of five-under 18s in the East Midlands area to receive the Laverick award, relayed vital information from paramedics on the phone to mum Amanda, who was upstairs comforting the poorly teen.

Hannah was told that she needed to tell her mum to carry Aimee from the floor to the bed so she could comfortably prop her legs in the air.

While on the phone, Hannah had to let her grandad in the house and lock away the family dog so it didn’t intervene with the paramedics when they arrived at the house.

Speaking to the Chronicle and Echo, Hannah said: “I was really nervous on the phone. The paramedics asked me how old I was, what was wrong with my sister and where I lived.”

Doctors eventually told Amanda that Aimee was suffering from high hormone and thyroid levels and is now treating her condition with medication.

Paramedic Anya Donald, who treated Aimee on her second admission to hospital, presented the award to Hannah while in a special Year Three assembly with her classmates.

She said: “The Laverick team of East Midlands Ambulance Service present awards to children who have shown bravery, it’s a really special award and not many people have got this.

The award is named after a former paramedic, Nick Laverick, who died of cancer. He was an all-around amazing person and we wanted to do something in his legacy so his boys could be proud. He was a man of integrity.”

To congratulate Hannah further, the ambulance service also arranged for heroes to meet her heroes Chris and Xand from popular CBBC programme, Operation Ouch.

The duo filmed with Hannah earlier this year and her story is set to appear in the next series.

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Missing puppy Poppy who was allegedly stolen from her home in a Northamptonshire village was found in Northampton, police have confirmed

Poppy, a six-month-old Cocker Spaniel, went missing from her home on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 21.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said information received via social media posts led police officers to an address in Northampton yesterday, Sunday, October 2.

"A warrant was executed and Poppy found in the address, safe and well.

"An investigation into her disappearance is on-going and officers would like to speak to anyone who may have any information about the incident," the spokesman added.

As the Chron reported yesterday morning, Poppy was returned home on Sunday night.

Owner Gilly said: “We’re so pleased to have her home, she has been reunited with our other dog Tumble and they spent a large part of last night running round excitedly together.

“I would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal online, it was through the power of social media that we have got Poppy back and I can’t say thank you enough. I also want to thank the police for taking us seriously when we reported Poppy’s theft, and for all they have done to find her.”

A teenager was assaulted near to the shops in Willow Brook Road, Corby, on Saturday night.

The 18-year-old was assaulted following an altercation with another man at about 10.40pm on Saturday, October 1.

The offender was a white man, aged 20 to 30, about 6ft 5ins and wearing blue jeans and a grey top.

A police spokesman said: “Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding it.

“Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

A 14-year-old girl was pushed and robbed by two men near a Kettering park.

The teenager was approached by the two men in the wooded area next to the Charlotte Place pocket park on the Grange Estate between 4.30pm and 5pm, on Saturday, October 1.

The men pushed her before demanding she hand over her mobile phone.

She handed the phone over and the offenders ran off in the direction of the allotments.

The first offender was white, aged 18 to 20, 5ft 9in, of medium build and was wearing a black zip-up hooded top, with the hood zipped up over his mouth.

He wore black tracksuit bottoms, with a white triangle logo at the top of the left leg, grey muddy trousers and had stubble.

The second offender was of mixed race, 18 to 20, about 5ft 10ins, thin, with a mole above his left temple, dark bushy eyebrows and stubble.

He wore a light grey hooded top with the hood up and black jogging bottoms with two white stripes down the side.

He was wearing a small blue bag with a long shoulder strap.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding it.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

CCTV images have been released of a man police are trying to identify following a burglary at Church & Co Ltd in St James Road, Northampton.

The burglary happened sometime between 6pm and midnight on Thursday (September 29), when an offender broke in through the roof and stole a large amount of cash (in Euros) and a mobile phone.

Witnesses to the burglary, or anyone who recognises the man pictured, are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A winter food festival will be taking place at The County Ground in Northampton next month.

The home of the Steelbacks winning cricket team will host Northampton’s first-ever winter food festival.

Rather than googlies, they will be serving up a host of artisan food and drink, and dishes from around the world in a street food market.

Northampton Winter Food Festival is a celebration of artisan produce with more than 70 stalls, chef demos, tasting workshops and food talks.

It is being launched by the team behind Towcester Food Festival, which has grown to become one of the biggest in the country in just three years.

The event will take place under cover at The County Ground and street food traders will pitch their stalls on the boundary edge.

Organiser Crispin Slee said: “We’re really excited to be launching a new food festival in Northampton.

“It’s a great venue and nearly everything will be indoors and under cover. There’ll be tasting workshops and lots of free foodie talks.”

Northampton Winter Food Festival takes place at The County Ground in Abington Avenue on November 12 and 13.

There will be free parking in Abington Park. Adult tickets are £6 in advance of £8 on the day. Children over ten years are £3.

To find out more about the festival, including opportunities to sponsor, exhibit or volunteer for the event, please visit www.winterfood.co.uk.

Northampton Winter Food Festival is on Twitter @nptonfood and Facebook facebook.com/NorthamtponWinterFoodFestival.

An unbeaten under-12s football coach at a village school has applied for the England job once more and says he’d take it “depending on how much money they offered”.

If he got to the big spot, the ambitious football coach said his first port of call would be to “take the boys out for a cheeky Nando’s – anyone who cannot deal with Extra Hot is not playing for me”.

Although it was a shame to lose Sam Allardyce, Weedon Bec Primary School’s Sam Chambers said it just proved that the FA had appointed the wrong Sam first time around and is convinced he’s the man for the top job.

Ladbrokes gave him 1,000-1 odds of getting the top job after his first application for the job following the stepping down of Roy Hodgson.

Despite the phenomenal success of his under-12s team at Weeden Bec Primary school Mr Chambers decided not to celebrate their unbeaten season because “we like to keep our kids grounded”.

“Our kids enjoyed what they were doing and that’s why they did so well. The England team could 100 per cent learn something from them”, he said.

As well as sending the FA a copy of his CV he wrote a covering letter outlining why he is the man for the job.

“In years to come, the England National Football Team under the guidance of Sam Chambers and Antony Witheyman [the school’s headmaster] will be re-told alongside stories of David and Goliath”, he wrote in his application, following the dismissal of Sam Allardyce.

He signed off “Yours, in the name of English footballing glory”.

Allardyce left his post as England manager after just 67 days in charge after it was claimed he was offering advice on how to “get around” rules on player transfers. Gareth Southgate, coach of England Under-21s who also has 57 England caps to his name, is the interim manager.

If he got the top job Mr Chambers said he would not rule out recruiting some of his star players in the under-12s team.

“It doesn’t harm you to have dreams and that’s how I’m approaching this with the FA”, the sports enthusiast said.

Mr Chambers, who drafted his letter to the FA over a pint in the pub, first applied for the England job after Roy Hodgson stepped down after the shock 2-1 defeat to Iceland.

Calling his team of youngsters “heroes” for their unbeaten season he also praised his assistant, Antony Witheyman, who is headteacher of the school, for helping deliver a “season full of promise”.

In his application he told the FA about one of the team’s hardest games of the season against Woodford Halse CE Primary Academy, which was played as “curtain raiser” to the England-Iceland game.

The FA wrote back saying that: “Clearly we need to change to improve if we are going to achieve our amibitions in the years ahead.”

Mr Chambers said: “The core values of any sport, whether it’s grassroots or high end, remain the same. These are the building blocks if they want to go on to the future.”

Mr Chambers has been a sports coach at Weeden Bec Primary school since November 2013 when he graduated from Swansea University with a BA in geography.

The sporting underdog is not fazed by his 1,000 to one odds: “When Leister won the premier league last season they started at something like 5,000 to one. It’s not impossible.

The winning team’s faced their toughest game against the “insanely talented” Badby Primary School.

The team train on Wednesday lunchtimes and Mr Chambers takes them to games after school and is one of the only teams at the school.

Mr Chambers said: “To have aspirations of doing well in the sporting scenario and if you have those aspirations and dare to dream, something will come of it, no matter what it is.”

Although he joked that his under-12 team’s success in 2015-16 might be due to “not playing many games” he thinks that they could teach the England side a thing or two about the beautiful game.

“The kids just love playing football and they just go crazy to go out and represent the school - the pride and honour of representing your school, your team, or your country. That has to feature in whatever level of sport you’re playing and if you’re not enjoying it that comes across.”

England only had one fixture under the management of Allardyce which the team won 1-0 against Slovakia with an injury-time strike by Adam Lallana.

Out of ten games played in 2016, England have won six, lost two and drawn two.

England’s next match is against Malta this Sunday at Wembley.

Arsene Wenger is one of the favourites to be next manager, with David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho as outsiders for the top job.

Mr Chambers is yet to hear back from the FA on his most recent application.

A lecturer from the University of Northampton will be among the stars taking part in this year's Strictly Northampton show.

The annual event, organised by Step By Step Dance School, takes place this year on November 19 at the Royal & Derngate Theatre.

University of Northampton Senior Lecturer, Karen Woolley - who teaches undergraduate and postgraduate Physical Education – is one of this year’s 24 selected contestants.

Now in its seventh year, the contestants have just eight weeks to learn Ballroom and Latin American dance routines, before dancing in front of a packed auditorium. The dancers will perform before a judging panel and a live audience, with the winner on the night taking home the coveted Strictly Northampton glitterball trophy.

Karen felt inspired to put on her dancing shoes and ballgown for the event as the chosen charity for 2016 is Teenage Cancer Trust.

She explained: “I want to make a difference to the teenagers and students in Northamptonshire, ensuring that when they go through this horrible time they can have family or friends to stay and support them. I want to raise enough money to kit out a hospital room from the University of Northampton, and for it to be a welcoming homely environment to get better in.”

Tickets for the show are available from the Royal & Derngate website.

You can also get involved by sponsoring Karen and donating to the Teenage Cancer Trust; just visit Karen’s JustGiving page. JustGiving sends your donation straight to Teenage Cancer Trust and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, making your donation worth even more.

Karen isn’t the first University of Northampton staff member to take part in Strictly Northampton; two former University of Northampton people have taken part in the danceathon. In 2014, the then Students’ Union president Victor Agboola competed in the event, and in 2013 Stephanie Boak, who was then Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer, took part – personally raising £1,000 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice in the process.

The thousands of women who joined Race For Life at Northampton's Abington Park are being urged to get in their sponsorship money.

Northampton’s Abington Park became a sea of pink in the summer as thousands of women joined together at Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Over 5,000 mums, grans, daughters, sisters, aunts, workmates and friends united with one mission in mind – to beat cancer sooner.

Organisers of the 5k 10k and Pretty Muddy events are sending a heart-felt message of thanks to everyone who took part and all their supporters.

Now Cancer Research UK is calling on everyone who took part to make their Race for Life count by returning their sponsorship money as soon as possible to help beat cancer sooner.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco for the last 15 years, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy, Marathon and Hiking events.

Last year, Race for Life in Northampton raised an incredible £245,915 for Cancer Research UK. This year, the charity hopes the 5,000 who have entered will collectively hit a fundraising target of £325,000.

Simon Burley, Race for Life event manager for Northampton, said: “We are so greatful to everyone who took part in Race for Life, and their supporters, as well as our heroic volunteers.

“It was a fantastic day, full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as thousands of women joined forces to conquer cancer.

“Now I’m asking everyone who took part - and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them - to transform their passion into progress by returning the money they’ve raised as soon as possible. We’re encouraging all the heroic ladies who took park to show off their pictures from the day to encourage their sponsors to return what they’ve pledged.

“Many people don’t realise that their entry fee only covers the cost of the event. It’s the sponsorship money that really makes a difference. So, whatever the amount, we’re asking everyone to make every effort to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible. It can be paid in online, by phone, by cheque or in person at a Cancer Research UK shop.”

One in two people will get cancer at some point in their lives. But thanks to advances in research, more people are surviving than ever before.

Nell Barrie, Cancer Research UK’s senior science communication manager, said: “We want to see people with every type of cancer, including those that are hard to treat, get a good chance of living a long healthy life. The advances we've made since Race for Life started in 1994 show we are moving in the right direction.

“Our researchers are dedicated to discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. They are tackling the disease on all fronts - developing personalised medicine where patients will have treatment tailored to their cancer, immunotherapy which harnesses the immune system to target the disease, better screening and tests to diagnose cancer earlier, and ways to help prevent the disease in people who are at risk.

“But each year more and more people are diagnosed with cancer, so there’s still much more to do. That’s why we need everyone who took part in Race for Life in Northampton to take the vital last step by returning their sponsorship money so that our scientists, doctors and nurses can make strides forward in research.”

For information on returning sponsorship money, or to make a donation, visit www.raceforlife.org

Two boys are set to receive Chief Fire Officer awards for the courage and bravery they showed after they became trapped in a burning house in Northampton.

James Scott, aged 15, and his brother 11-year-old Liam managed to keep calm after a fire started in their home in Briar Hill, Northampton, in November 2015.

Watch Manager Helen Wilson, a Fire Control Room operative who stayed on the phone to support the two young boys while they awaited rescue is also due to be recognised during an awards ceremony this week.

Helen, who has worked with the Fire Service for 28 years, will be awarded the Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation at the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Awards evening, which is due to take place on Friday at Kettering Conference Centre.

She said: “I was surprised to hear about my award as I think it was a team effort. When I was on the phone to the boys I just tried to reassure them as much as possible, to make sure they were going to be alright.

“The boys were marvellous, they did ever so well. If they had been panicking, the whole situation would have been much more difficult to deal with. It feels like forever when you are on the phone in a situation like that, but in reality it was only about six minutes. You are always aware that you are only going on what that person has told you on the phone and you can never be quite sure what is happening.”

The awards list will also see Queen’s 20 Year Long Service Medals awarded to Fire Service staff including: Group Manager Barry Mullan, Firefighter Dale Betts, Firefighter Deborah Ashmore, Firefighter David Goode, Crew Manager Gary Robinson, Group Manager Jim Dorrill, Crew Manager Martin Bramwell, Firefighter Michael Manley, Firefighter Paul Sinclair, Area Manager Robin Porter, Watch Manager Rob Steward and Watch Manager Tony Evans.

Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey said: “My congratulations go to everyone who will be receiving an award. All of those being presented with 20 Year Long Service awards have demonstrated significant hard work and commitment to their roles in the Fire Service and it is with great pleasure that we recognise their contribution at this week’s ceremony.

“The amazing courage shown by Liam and James Scott, and the professionalism shown by Helen, who helped keep them calm on the phone in such a frightening situation, deserves to be recognised and I’m delighted they will be receiving these awards.”

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A free fireworks display organised by Northampton Borough Council will again be held on the Racecourse this year.

The event, which will be held on Saturday, November 5, will open at 2pm with fairground rides for adults and children, as well as a number of food stalls.

The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks display will follow at 7pm. The event is expected to finish at 8.30pm.

Last year, more than 18,000 people watched the display on the Racecourse and the council is expecting a similar number of people to attend next month.

People driving to the event are advised to use the car parks around the town centre including St Michael’s car park, which will be free to use, and a number of nearby car parks that will charge £1 to park in.

The Council is warning that disruption to roads surrounding the Racecourse such as Kettering Road, East Park Parade and St Georges Avenue will be expected from 2pm as people make their way to and from the Racecourse.

There will also be footpath closures from St Georges Avenue and Trinity Avenue across the park to the Kettering Road, whilst the fireworks display is set up.

Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Councillor Anna King said: “Our free firework display is always really popular. Each year thousands of people bring their families to enjoy the event as well as the offerings from the restaurants and cafes in and around the town centre.

“This year’s display will no doubt draw just as many people as before, if not more. As a result we are asking people to avoid driving where possible and to make use of public transport. If driving is necessary, please park responsibly and leave plenty of time to get to the Racecourse.”

For more information about the nearest car parks visit http://northampton.gov.uk/info/200072/parking/1181/find_a_car_park

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The kingpin of a cocaine and cannabis trafficking gang in Northamptonshire whose supply line had a street value of £1 million has been jailed for 14 years.

Mirjan Kola, of Brownlee Place, Wootton bought wholesale amounts of cocaine from suppliers in London, which was then couriered north to a gang in Nottinghamshire led by 31-year-old Blerim Aga.

Between July 2015 and November 2015 officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), worked with Nottinghamshire Police and Northamptonshire Police, to follow the gang members.

As a result of the investigation, officers seized more than 7kgs of cocaine, with a potential street value of around £1 million, half a kilo of cannabis, worth in excess of £7,500, and quantities of horse tranquilizer, MDEC (recreational designer drug ethylone) and morphine.

In a reflection of the extent of the group’s illicit activities a stun gun, pepper spray, deal bags and scales, false identity documents and more than £63,000 in cash were also recovered.

Kola, Aga, and 12 of their drugs suppliers and couriers, were sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court over three days (Thursday 22, Friday 23 and Friday 30 September 2016).

They were handed jail terms as follows:

• 1. Mirjan Kola, 26, formerly of Brownlee Place in Wooton, Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty to two charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine: 14 years.

• 2. Blerim Aga, aged 31, formerly of Dennis Avenue in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine: 12 years.

• 3. Rudin Gripshi, aged 43, formerly of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was also sentenced for other matters of a similar nature in Bristol: 13 years and four months to run concurrently.

• 4. Anton Robinson, 21, formerly of Susan Drive, Basford, Nottingham, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine: 11 years.

• Jason Letts, aged 32, formerly of Rampton Road in Retford, Nottinghamshire, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine: 11 years.

• 5. Mirfat Muleshku, aged 20, formerly of Leighton Street in Sneinton, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of an identity document with improper intention: Ten years and eight months.

• 6. Dritan Xhixha, aged 30, formerly of Gainsborough Road in Corby, Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of an identity document with improper intention. He was also sentenced for other matters of a similar nature in Bristol: Six years and eight months to run concurrently.

• 7. Anthony Shannon, aged 35, formerly of Ulgham Close in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine: Six years.

• Mentor Gashi, aged 35, formerly of Rosgill Place in Northampton, pleaded guilty to two charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine: Six years.

• 8. Shkelqim Hoti, aged 45, formerly of Greenfield Avenue in Northampton, was found guilty of two charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine: Five years.

• 9. Brady Hastings, aged 31, of Millbank Place in Bestwood Village, Nottinghamshire, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine: Four years and six months.

• Bekem Hareni, aged 20, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine: Four years at a young offenders’ institute.

• 10. Adam Marsden, aged 34, formerly of Trent Road in Sneinton, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine: Three years and four months.

• 11. Chester Holliday, aged 26, formerly of Graylands Road in Bilborough, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of morphine, possession of MDEC, possession of ketamine, possession of a stun gun (a Section 5 prohibited firearm) and possession of cocaine: Two years.

EMSOU’s Detective Inspector Greg Maides said: “We were investigating the movements of this particular organised crime group over the course of 12 months and recovered a large quantity of high purity Class A drugs in the process. While we can only account for their actions during the timescales of our inquiry it’s fair to say they were an established network of criminals.

“The result of this investigation demonstrates that while we have taken out the top of the food chain, we have extended right down to those operating the local drug dealing enterprises where the damage is ultimately done to our communities.

“With drugs comes cash and with cash comes greed and ultimately violence, not to mention the crime fuelled by addiction. I hope those who live and work in the East Midlands can take comfort in the fact that 14 men who perpetuate this sort of damage have now been removed from our neighbourhoods.”

The sentencings took place while members of a seperate cocaine operation running between Northampton, Manchester and Luton were also handed lengthy jail terms totalling 147 years.

Two performing arts organisations are among the entertainers this Saturday in the latest entertainment event organised by Northampton town centre Business Improvement District (BID).

From 11am to 3pm on Saturday October 8, a host of musicians, singers, dancers and even a circus performer will be taking to a stage on the first floor of the Grosvenor Centre.

Dance styles from ballet and tap to jazz and modern are taught at the Open Stage Performing Arts Company, which aims to improve physical, social and emotional wellbeing in every session. Several Open Stage students are looking forward to showcasing the arts skills on the Discover Northampton town centre Live stage.

Meanwhile, NMPAT Rock, part of Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT), will be presenting acoustic performances throughout the event. NMPAT is an independent charitable organisation offering music and performing arts opportunities for the children, young people and communities of Northamptonshire

Open Stage and NMPAT will be supported by painter, decorator and circus performer Messy Moss, who has delighted adults and children alike at several of the street entertainment days organised by Northampton town centre BID.

Jessica D’Aulerio, chair of Northampton town centre BID, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming two local performing arts organisations to October’s street entertainment day.

"The quality of our cultural and creative destinations is one of the things that really sets Northampton town centre apart, so it’s great to see local organisations offering performing arts opportunities to local children and communities, building up talent for the future and helping everyone to enjoy music and dance.”

A newly refurbished retro-inspired lounge costing hundreds of thousands of pounds is opening its doors to the Northampton public tomorrow.

Zapato Lounge, which is at the heart of the town centre, has cost investors £525,000 to transform the Welsh House building on Market Square into a cosy retreat.

The Loungers-branded restaurant and bar is set to create 20 new jobs and will cater for “all different tastes throughout the day.”

Loungers manager Craig Williams, said: “We’re honoured to be breathing life back into such an iconic building. Welsh House is at the bustling heart of Northampton and we can’t wait to throw open our doors.

“The team at Zapato Lounge is looking forward to becoming the party of Northampton’s community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible.

“A community noticeboard is available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area is kept well stocked. “The team will also be holding regular fundraising events as part of Loungers’ commitment to making a difference in the community.”

Zapato Lounge offers its consumers an all-day menu, which features everything from tapas, chilli beef and “the best mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted.”

The lounge, which prides itself on its quirky decor, will also offer a menu especially for children.

Opening times are from 9am to 11pm.

For more information head to: http://thelounges.co.uk/lounges/zapato/

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To mark the end of the national Love the Lorry campaign, two transport and logistics companies based on Northampton’s Brackmills Industrial Estate pitted themselves against one another using man-power.

The 10-strong teams representing Action Express and C Butt Ltd flexed their muscles to pull two 44-tonne tractor trailer units along the estate’s Liliput Road.

Elaine Harries, managing director of the eventual winners, Action Express, said: “This truck pull was our way of showing love for the lorry and flagging up the importance of logistics. Working with lorries is so much more than just driving and it’s a fantastic industry. A lot of people in logistics management started off driving.”

A woman from Kingsthorpe who died just three weeks before her daughter gave birth to her granddaughter, has been the inspiration for a six-month fundraising tribute.

A fete and craft fayre has already been held at Pauline Daybles’ daughter’s, Rebecca Easter’s, Buckingham dance academy.

Next month, a week after the first anniversary of Pauline’s death, there will be a gala evening in the club house at Kingsthorpe Golf Course.

Rebecca, 35, now living in Upton, set herself a target of raising £2,740 to sponsor a day of research in memory of her mum.

Starting with a sponsored Wear A Hat Day for brain tumours at her dance school in April, Rebecca will finish her half a year with the evening with disco, dance show and buffet supper.

Rebecca said: “My goal is to raise £2,740 for Brain Tumour Research – enough to sponsor a day of research in memory of my much loved and very much missed mum.

“I was one of five children, but mum still found time to do everything to help make my dreams come true, taking me to London to attend the Silvia Young Theatre School and later the Italia Conti Academy.

“I still can’t believe Mum is gone. It was only after she died, aged 65, that we learnt she had an aggressive brain tumour. Just three weeks later my first child was born, so Seren never got to meet her wonderful nanny.”

Tickets for the evening, on October 21, are £10 per person (including buffet). For tickets email rdaybles@gmail.com

Northampton’s Royal & Derngate Theatre is looking for young people to take part in a unique dance project in memory of a professional ballet dancer who was born in Northampton.

Jonathan Ollivier, known as Jonny, died in 2015 following a motorbike accident, and in response, the Ollivier family created an online fund to raise money for Re:Bourne, the charitable arm of the dance company New Adventures.

This Christmas, Royal & Derngate will stage the European premiere of the five-time Tony Award-winning show Peter and the Starcatcher.

The production’s movement director is Tom Jackson-Greaves, who has a long history as a dancer with New Adventures.

To coincide with the show, Royal & Derngate , New Adventures and Re:Bourne will work with young people from across the county to develop a dance performance response piece.

Under the leadership of two dance artists, the young dancers’ performance will draw on the pioneering choreographic language of 
New Adventures and be inspired by Peter and the Starcatcher.

The unique performance piece will be staged on Friday, December 16, complementing the evening performance of the main show.

This project is aimed at participants aged 14–21 who may have little or no previous experience of dance.

For more information and to apply to take part in A Project for Jonny, email trudy.bell@royalandderngate.co.uk or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk/get-involved/aprojectforjonny/.

The deadline for applications is tomorrow (Friday).

A Co-op store in Northampton has held a special event to support local school children.

Shop staff and customers raised more than £300 for Barry Road School with a host of events including a bagpipes performance, a tasting session and a raffle.

The money raised will go to help rebuild a wall, seriously damaged by a lorry driver, and to complete some work in the playground area.

Children from the school also released balloons to support the Barry Road store’s Co-op membership launch.