A charity which rescues and re-homes animals is appealing for help as it struggles with the number of animals in its care.

Animals In Need in Little Irchester is over-run with more than 500 animals and birds, including 103 hedgehogs, 55 pigeons, 71 dogs, 39 cats, 23 rabbits, seven turkeys and four tortoises.

The charity is appealing for help as it looks after the creatures of all shapes and sizes until they can be re-homed or released back into the wild.

Annie Marriott from the charity said: “The Animals In Need team is running from one job to the next as we have so very many animals in our care at the moment.

“We would be grateful for any donations of old towels, mealworms, Spikes dinner, blankets and good quality tinned dog and cat food in jelly, preferably chicken or rabbit flavours for all the hedgehogs in our busy wildlife hospital.”

The charity would also like to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering at the charity based at Pine Tree Farm in London Road, Little Irchester.

Annie said: “We have a voluntary vacancy on our wildlife team to cover Monday to Fridays from 8am till midday.”

For more information about the charity, go to www.animals-in-need.org or call 01933 278080.

A wellbeing and shopping event is being organised by Autism Concern and the team at Northampton town centre’s Boots – exclusively for people affected by and living with autism.

On Wednesday, November 16 from 6pm to 8pm the Boots Grosvenor Centre store will be opening its doors to people of all ages who are on the autistic spectrum, their families and carers.

The wellbeing event is designed to be an ideal opportunity for families to get their Christmas shopping started early.

Julia Hardcastle, managing director of Autism Concern, added: “Many of our families find Christmas shopping extremely stressful – the noise, the hustle and bustle, the lack of structure, all these things can be very unsettling and even traumatic for people on the autistic spectrum.

“This will be a calm, supportive but also fun evening, packed with activities and demonstrations and the chance for people to find out more about autism and how we as a charity can offer support.”

Lending his support to the event is Michael Ellis MP: “This is an excellent example of a local business and charity joining forces to support and cater for people of all ages on the autistic spectrum, many of whom find shopping a stressful and anxious experience. I congratulate Autism Concern on this carefully designed event which will make Christmas shopping that little bit easier for all members of our community.”

Guests at this exclusive event will be able to enjoy a range of activities including free make up demonstrations and advice on products. There will be advice available on personal hygiene and other teenage topics, pharmacy and medication information and healthy eating and wellbeing guidance.

Autism Concern’s advisors will also be attending the evening and will be available to offer information about the charity and the ways in which they can help those with autism and their families. For information, visit www.autismconcern.org

Members of the emergency services gathered today for the Northamptonshire Police Service of Remembrance at Wootton Hall.

Officers and staff took part in the service which was led by Force Chaplain Viv Baldwin.

Wreaths were laid by Chief Constable Simon Edens, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Diedre Newham, High Sherriff Caroline Brocklehurst, Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold, Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey, along with representatives from associations including the Northamptonshire Association of Retired Police Officers, Northamptonshire Police Federation and Unison.

A blast on a police whistle signalled a two-minute silence in remembrance of the whistles the sent soldiers into the Battle of the Somme, the centenary of which is this year.

Services were also held at other stations across the county, such as Daventry which was led by Chaplain Mandie Price. As well as officers and staff attending the open air service, opposite the police station, members of the public joining in the two-minute silence marked by the whistle.

The adult learning service in Northamptonshire has been rated as 'good' by Ofsted

Inspectors visited the service in September and praised inspectors, who visited the service in September, praised the high quality of adult learning and found staff also make good use of learner feedback to review and inform the curriculum.

The service was last inspected in 2010 and was also rated good.

The inspectors’ report said: “Senior leaders and managers have a strong commitment to providing a good quality of adult learning that successfully meets the needs of its users.

“All learners benefit from receiving good personal and learning support. Support staff have built trust and respect with adult learners, who often have significant barriers to participating in education. This has made a major contribution to learners’ stated improvements in self-confidence and self-worth. “

Managers were praised for their work to refocus the adult learning programme to better meet the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged people, including classes for those with mental health difficulties to help improve their life chances.

There was also recognition for the service’s work to support apprenticeships in the county.

Councillor Matthew Golby, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: “This is a fantastic result for the adult learning service and reflects the hard work they put into devising and delivering a varied and appropriate curriculum for learners in Northamptonshire.

“I’m particularly pleased to see that inspectors have recognised the work that has been done to improve provision for those who need extra help to find employment, both for apprentices and those with mental health needs.

“I hope this positive Ofsted inspection will encourage more people across the county to find out more about what our adult learning service offers and how they could benefit from learning a new skill.”

Superstars arriving at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Rotterdam on Sunday were sheltered from the weather thanks to a temporary structure built over the red carpet by Northampton-based Neptunus.

The music industry’s biggest names entered the Ahoy Arena through a 1400 square-metre VIP walkway protecting stars from the elements as they posed for photographs before the star-studded event.

The Alure Globe hall, built by technicians from Northampton had a transparent roof and glass sides to ensure fans and the world’s media all got excellent views of the celebrities.

A ten-strong team from Neptunus took just three days to erect the facility which incorporated heating and air conditioning systems.

Neptunus managing director April Trasler said: “We were delighted to be asked to provide the Red Carpet facility for the MTV Europe Music Awards which is a massively high-profile international occasion.”

A 42-year-old woman was assaulted after refusing to have coffee with a stranger.

The incident happened in the Greyfriars underpass off Market Square in Northampton town centre, just after 4pm on Wednesday, November 9.

After the woman declined the offender’s offer of coffee, he put his arms around her and touched her inappropriately.

He is described as Eastern European, in his mid-30s with a skinny build, black and balding hair, wearing a black leather jacket, black jeans and black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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78 Derngate, the only house in England designed by world famous designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, is to stage an exhibition of his work to celebrate 100 years.

Mackintosh was commissioned by Northampton model engineer W.J. Bassett-Lowke to remodel the house in 1916.

Bassett-Lowke and his new bride, Florence Jane, moved into then outlandishly modern home in March 1917. The house which was restored and opened to the public in 2003 has won multiple awards and is the number one Northampton visitor attraction on international travel website, TripAdvisor.

Now Mackintosh's other works from around the First World War period are to be shown in a 'world first' exhibition which has been funded by The Heritage Lottery. Designs which will "surprise, delight and inspire" are to feature, including work unseen for a century. The impact of the war on Mackintosh's career will be examined and the story of his last major work of architecture, 78 Derngate, will be shown in context.

David Walsh, the 78 Derngate centenary project curator, is looking for help with the exhibition from the local community.

"We want to hear from people who have information about the residents of Derngate and the town centre streets during the First World War. What were there lives like, where did they work, how were they affected by the war? Even the smallest detail will help us so please get in touch."

Alongside the exhibition, a programmed of linked talks, workshops and performances is now on sale.

Anyone with information to share can contact the 78 Derngate team via 78derngate.org.uk/100 - which also contains the latest information about the centenary exhibition and public events.

"Charles Rennie Mackintosh & The Great War" opens February 1, 2017 at 78 Derngate.

Police are appealing for a passer-by who came to a woman’s aid after she was assaulted on a canal footpath in Northampton.

The incident happened between St James Mill Road and St James Retail Park in Northampton at around 9pm on Tuesday, November 8.

The woman was assaulted by a man, who is described as black, 50-years-old and 5ft 8in tall with a slim build.

Northamptonshire police are appealing for a passer-by who came to the victim’s aid to contact police, along with anybody else who was in the area at the time.

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

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It's the end of another week of news in Northampton...and we've compiled a quiz to test your knowledge of the week's events.

All the stories have appeared online in the past seven days on the Chron's website, so see how much you've remembered!

A high precision firm has expanded its base in the Daventry district.

Torquemeters opened their new factory building in Ravensthorpe to almost double the space and allow the company to continue to grow.

There was a reception and lunch welcoming guests from customers, suppliers and representatives.

The new building has been named the Johnson Building after the company’s longest serving employee Peter Johnson who recently retired after 55 years.

A spokesman said: “The Johnson Building will allow Torquemeters to bring assembly of testing systems into one facility at our home in Ravensthorpe and expand our engineering team to respond to our global customer base.

“The facility is the single largest investment made by Torquemeters and demonstrates the commitment to the future of our precision engineered products for the high performance rotating machinery industry.”

Latest phase of homes on new Daventry estate is launched by developer

Crest Nicholson has announced the launch of the latest phase at its Monksmoor Park development in Daventry.

Meadowside at Monksmoor Park is a new collection of homes at the popular Daventry development, comprising one and two bedroom apartments, and two, three and four bedroom homes.

At Meadowside, homes are traditional in style, and have been designed to reflect the needs of modern life, with flexible, open-plan living areas throughout.

Meadowside has been designed in the style of a 21st Century Garden Village.

David Hnyda, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson’s Chiltern division, said: “We’re very pleased to announce the launch of Meadowside, the next exciting phase of our thriving Monksmoor development. Since launching, Monksmoor Park has been met by strong demand from buyers looking to relocate to this picturesque location, and we expect these new homes at Meadowside to prove just as popular.”

A business park could welcome a “much needed” public cafe, gym and meeting room for the use of Northamptonshire workers.

An application is underway to approve a new two-storey building at Blisworth Hill Business Park on Stoke Road, which will play host to facilities to save employees venturing off-site for lunch and meetings.

It is hoped that the site is set to reduce traffic movements around the area as it will limit reasons for workers to leave the location.

However not all neighbours believe traffic would decrease overall.

A resident said: “The volume of traffic using Stoke Road is now at an unacceptable level for the residents. If the new facilities are to be restricted to use by the current occupants then, yes, it would reduce traffic movements on Stoke Road during the day and may even assist with staggering the peak hours traffic jams that occur in the centre of the village.

“However, our fears are that in fact if the application is granted there will be no such restriction and it will result in a net increase of traffic using Stoke Road. There are no traffic improvements that could be implemented due to the location of the canal, so therefore it is the residents who will once again suffer the further impacts of the development.”

The site will host a small gym, which will only be open during normal office hours, and shower and changing facilities will be provided within a nearby toilet block.

In a statement about the design of the site, David Cosby Surveyors says: “It is our belief that the site is capable of accommodating this new building it’s appropriate in scale and location and respects the environment and character of the area.

“Traffic movements would arguably be reduced throughout the day and more sustainable overall.”

A meeting room and a new office are also proposed to be located on the existing business park.

Northampton Borough Council have confirmed that the traditional German market will not be returning to the town centre this Christmas time.

In 2014 the market saw a surge in visitors to the German Christmas Market in Abington Street in the town centre and shoppers were treated to live music and special appearances from giant Christmas elves.

The market, which last year featured a reduced number of stalls - twelve - won’t be back at all as the borough council “haven’t promised to do one every year” a spokeswoman said.

This year Paralympic champion Ellie Robinson will kick-off Christmas celebrations in Northampton for the festive light switch-on.

The Rio gold medallist is set to light up the Market Square on November Saturday 19, where a range of events, entertainment and seasonal treats will be on offer in the town centre as part of a five-week countdown to Christmas.

Elsewhere in Market Walk, a Victorian-inspired Christmas den will offer free family-friendly craft workshops inspired by customs from around the world.

The borough council is also playing host to Father Christmas, who will be making a return to his grotto on Market Walk from Saturday, November 26, where he will be available for visits from children between 12pm and 4.30pm every weekend until Sunday 18 December and every day Monday 19 – Friday 23 December.

As well as this festive fun, two Frost Fairs will be returning to the market square, on Sunday, November 27 and Sunday, December 4, offering unique gifts, vintage crafts and a range of festive refreshments to residents.

The second fair will be followed by a glowing lantern parade which will wind its way through the town centre before wrapping up with a sing-along.

There are plenty of other opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit too with food stalls along Abington Street, and the chance to meet the ghosts of Northampton past through an interactive trail on your smartphone.

A Northampton family could be the country’s most decorated beauty contest winners in the UK after their lorry-driving dad decided to start taking part in pageants this year.

The Beech family have now won 12 pageant prizes between them after a winning year on the catwalk.

Most recently dad Lee_ a 42-year-old lorry driver - cleared up in the classic section of Mr Worldwide claiming four out of five awards while also winning the top spot at Mr Universe, Face of the UK in two categories.

On why he started, Lee said: “I thought no way do I have what it take. I just laughed it off as a joke.

“Later I told my wife and kids what had happened. The kids turned to me and said: ‘yes, dad do it’. So me being the proud dad I said, yes, I’d do it.”

In September, eight-year-old Keelan beat thousands of other children and claimed first place to represent the country in the Junior Mr. Empire competition.

Earlier this year, 10-year-old Aimee-Lee finished third place in the Top High Street Model UK competition while also claiming first runner up in Miss Diamond UK.

This is all despite the fact Keelan suffers from a condition that means his hip joint is constantly being worn away, while Aimee-Lee suffers from cerebral palsy.

And what’s more mum Tracie, 43, is also about to start taking part in the events this year, despite her battle with tongue cancer.

Lee adds: “This is a major thing, it’s a stage boost for people. It builds your confidence right up, my children live for it. It’s a great achievement, it’s something that you do for yourself.”

The family’s love of pageant-ing all started when Aimee-Lee won the Face of Northampton as a toddler.

“My daughter wants to be a model in the future, it’s all she thinks about,” The proud dad says, “we can only thank the Chron for what she is today.”

The delivery of the Greyfriars site in Northampton town centre has moved one step closer as on-site ground investigations begin.

Following Northampton Borough Council’s selection of its preferred developer, Greyfriars Quarter Developments Ltd, in September the company is undertaking various site checks during November.

These will assist the preparation of a planning application for a leisure hub with a new multiplex cinema of up to eight screens, or a family entertainment centre and trampolining centre.

Council leader, Councillor Jonathan Nunn, said: “It’s great to see the company making a start on site investigations, which further demonstrates their confidence in taking the scheme forward.

“We believe the scheme will be of huge benefit to Northampton, bringing more people to live in the area, and creating some fantastic facilities which will tie it into the wider town centre.”

It is likely that Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet will be asked to consider a formal development agreement with Greyfriars Quarter Developments Ltd early next year.

Immediately after would come a detailed design, which would lead to a planning application.

During the next fortnight, the developer’s construction partner, R G Carter, has arranged for its in-house soils investigation company to bore piles over 20-metres deep.

The soil conditions will be analysed to ensure that the scheme is designed as efficiently as possible, ensuring best value.

It will also help determine the type of construction.

Tim Holmes of Greyfriars Quarter Developments, said: “Following our selection as the council’s partner in September, we are pleased to be making good progress on all fronts.

“In order to meet the delivery programme, we have commissioned Carter to carry out the technical due diligence like these soil surveys, commissioned Bidwells to coordinate the preparation of the planning application, and Peter Brett Associates to start the Highway design. This is all in tandem with documenting the legal arrangements.”

The ‘scheme one’ plan would also see casual dining restaurants, retail kiosks, flats, student apartments, a gym, a 110-bed four star hotel and a new coach station built.

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A school dinner lady from Northampton is delighted to have won £25,000 with People’s Postcode Lottery.

Sharon Collins, aged 47, from Montford Close, St James, was one of three winners on her street to scoop the Street Prize.

The winning trio picked up the lucrative prize after their lucky postcode NN5 5AN was drawn as a winner.

Commenting on her win, Sharon said: “When I got the knock at the door to receive the cheque, I didn’t know whether to cheer or cry. It’s amazing and I can’t believe I’ve won.

“This means a lot to me. My husband Wayne and I deserve a nice holiday and we’ve got five children who’ll be getting spoiled this Christmas.

“I’ve won £10 twice with People’s Postcode Lottery so this big win is third time lucky. I’ll sit the cheque in my bay window just to show people I’ve won!”

Danyl Johnson, People’s Postcode Lottery’s Ambassador, said: “These incredible cheques have definitely put a big smile on our Northampton winners’ faces and it was nice to meet them all.”

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £154.8 Million to date for over 2,000 good causes across Great Britain and internationally.

NBA Gateway Resource Centre in Semilong was awarded more than £18,500 this year for a community health and fitness initiative.

For more information on People’s Postcode Lottery, please visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk or to watch the winners’ reactions check out Facebook and Twitter.

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Dog walkers in Kettering may face a fixed penalty notice if they fail to abide by new measures which look set to be approved by councillors.

Kettering Council currently has three dog control orders which it wants to replace with a new PSPO, along with three new laws.

The new rules would prohibit dogs from enclosed play areas, ban people from walking more than six dogs at any time, and mean dogs must be on leads in designated areas.

The areas include: the Manor House Gardens, Garden of Rest, Parish Churchyard, Jubilee Gardens, Market Place and Municipal Gardens.

The order would continue existing rules making it an offence not to clean up dog faeces, mean dogs must be kept on leads in cemeteries and mean dogs must be put on leads if requested by an officer.

The proposal was considered at the council’s research and development committee last month, whose members agreed to consider the areas where dogs must be kept on leads after complaints from dog walkers who felt it was an unneccessary restraint.

But the council’s executive committee look set to approve all six orders under the PSPO banner at a meeting on Wednesday (November 16).

The measures would not apply to assistance/guide dogs, with offences punishable by a fine.

The council has seen a previous incident of a member of staff being bitten by a dog.

An earlier public consultation about the orders saw a positive reaction with every order supported by between 64 and 99 per cent of those who responded.

A paper prepared for the meeting reads: “The introduction of these new controls enable dog fouling and other forms of irresponsible dog ownership to be better managed.

“This will have a beneficial impact on the protection and enhancement of the local environment.”

If approved, appropriate signage will need to be erected advising of the new measures.

This is likely to cost between £2,000 and £3,000.

The meeting takes place at 6.30pm at the council chamber on Wednesday, November 16.

Two police officers led an elderly lady from a house in Northampton that was on fire.

The officers were in the area of Woodland Close, New Duston, when they became aware that the a house was alight.

With little thought for their own safety, the PCs dashed into the smoke filled home and led a woman, aged 95, to safety.

Warren Ellison., a fire service manager. said: "That was an exceptional rescue. Obviously, we don't encourage entering a burning building but circumstances dictated the risk."

He later added in a tweet to Chief Constable Simon Edens, "Sir, you have staff to be very proud of here."

Mr Edens responded: "I'm very proud indeed."

Jo Edgar, the lady's great niece, said: "We'd like to give our heartfelt thanks to PC Matt Baker and PC Taylor Ellis who risked their own lives to save my 95-year-old Great Auntie.

"Words cannot express how much we appreciate your courage. You are both heroes.

"Without you we would have lost a truly amazing lady in such tragic circumstances so thank you again."

The woman was initially left in the care of firefighters before being transported to NGH by land ambulance.

She is recovering in hospital and in the process of being stepped down from high dependency.

The heroic PCs were treated at the scene by paramedics, after the incident, which happened on Friday morning.

A Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said the house suffered smoke damage to the living room.

An elderly man was left with serious injuries after a collision on a main Daventry road.

The collision, involving a pedestrian and a car, happened on Western Avenue near the junction with Orchard Street in the town at around 5.30pm on Sunday, November 13.

A 92-year-old male pedestrian was involved in the collision involving a grey Vauxhall Corsa being driven by a 62-year-old man.

The pedestrian was taken to University Hospital Coventry with serious injuries.

Investigators would like to speak to anyone who may have any information about what happened.

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

The windscreen of a car was smashed when it was parked on Manton Road at the junction with Park Road, Rushden.

The damage to the Peugeot 508 took place at some point between 5.30pm on Saturday, November 5, and 8am on Sunday, November 6.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area during those times.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111555.