Open-air prayers will be held in Northampton on Friday (August 31) to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting.

Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid tomorrow following the end Ramadan and celebrations are set to take place on the Racecourse with over 2000 people expected to attend.

People will be arriving from 8am to celebrate Eid-Al-Adha with prayers to start from 8.30pm.

A variety of licensed halal food will be available from 10am, followed by a fun fair at 10.30am and organisers are now urging people wanting to pray to bring their own prayer mat.

The parking entrance is at St George Avenue.

A select group of sixth-form pupils has spent the summer working on a series of research projects at the University of Northampton.

Four pupils from Northampton and Kettering undertook projects involving robotics, coding and urban orchards after each were awarded a Nuffield Research Placement – a scheme which offers sixth formers the chance to work on university research projects.

David Obreja, from Northampton School for Boys, researched the number of fruit-bearing plants and trees in areas of Northampton, and mapped them on a computer.

He said: “We need more fruit-bearing plants and trees in the town to provide food for wildlife, encourage biodiversity and improve the aesthetics of urban areas.

I hope my research might encourage residents to plant more species, which would also have a social benefit as people may take it up as a hobby. Growing their own produce will also increase their food security.

“The research might also inspire housing developers to consider the mix of planting on their new developments, by including more fruit-bearing plants, rather than planting that is purely architectural.”

Fellow pupil, Nathaniel Roberts, spent his time making a junkbot - a robot made from waste items, such as a drinks can.

He then coded the junkbot to make it move and used his experiences to produce an instruction manual for junkbot beginners.

Nathaniel said: “The project has taught me how to set aims and complete them, and given me an insight into how to write a manual.”

A murder investigation was launched after the 17-year-old boy was killed in an incident in St George's Street on February 14.

Aaron Joseph, 20, from London, James Dodd, 18, from Sentinel Road, Northampton, and five other boys who cannot be named due to their age have all pleaded not guilty to his murder at Northampton Crown Court today (August 31).

A six-week trial has been set for February 5 next year

The prosecution alleges the fatal blow was a knife wound to the 17-year-old's neck.

Northampton-based hiphop crew, Origin, are feeling on top of the world after returning from Glasgow with the top international dance prize.

The girls, aged 13-18, competed in the over-18’s Novice category and saw off some tough opposition before being crowned World Street Dance champions.

They qualified for the showdown in Scotland by winning the regional finals, held in Coventry in April.

During their first round in Glasgow they had to achieve a top four score out of 17 other crews from around the world.

Choreographed by Jamie Mitchell, they received the highest points so automatically reached the final.

They were up against 12 other crews but again dominated to become world champions.

Pictured are (from left) back row: Olivia Inns, Jess Brown, Sophie Brennan, Olivia Wright, Georgina Stones, Megan Lawler, Kiara Porter, Richanna Williams and Jamie Mitchell.

In the front row are : Shannon Quinn, Jaime-Leigh Goodenough and Sophie Graham.

Students who are still unsure of their options going into the new academic year have been urged to book a session at Northampton College where they can receive potentially ‘life changing’ advice and guidance.

The sessions are being held throughout September and October at the college’s sites in Booth Lane and Lower Mounts in Northampton and in Badby Road West, Daventry.

Principal Pat Brennan-Barrett said: “If you are still unsure about what to do this year then booking a place on one of our advice and guidance sessions could be the answer. There are still plenty of places left on exciting courses starting this September that could change your life.

“You’ll receive great one-to-one advice and see first-hand what we can offer. Don’t worry if you didn’t achieve a grade C in maths and English – you can still join a college course and continue to study these subjects.”

For more information on the advice and guidance sessions available at Northampton College, visit http://www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/advice-and-guidance

The incident happened in Bordeaux Close, Duston, at about 2pm on Friday, August 18, Northamptonshire Police today revealed.

A spokesperson for the force said: "The offender was black, aged 20 to 30, of medium build and between 5ft 9in to 6ft.

"He wore a black balaclava, green or black hooded jacket and was carrying a green kitchen knife."

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Northamptonshire Sport are encouraging people of all ages and fitness levels to put on their trainers and take steps to get walking and jogging.

Jog Northants has 12 new beginners jogging groups starting countywide this month.

The Northamptonshire Sport programme aims to help people to start jogging, as well as improver groups for people who can already run 5km or three miles.

All the groups start gently with a mixture of walking and jogging and offer support to those who want a little help to get started whilst also providing a social aspect and support network of like-minded people.

Fraser Lodge, Jog Northants co-ordinator, said: “These groups cater for all fitness levels and abilities from the complete beginner and those returning to running. “Those running with like-minded people can benefit from the camaraderie and social element of the groups, this is key as it helps to retain and motivate members.”

New groups include New2Running meeting at the Obelisk Centre in Kingsthorpe, Mondays 6pm; Running Mate in Foxfield Country Park, Grange Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm; Beginners and Improvers in Abington Park on Wednesdays at 6.30pm; Beginners and Improvers at Parklands Community Centre on Mondays at 6pm; Joggers at Bellinge Community House on Mondays at 6.30pm.

For more information, see www.northamptonshiresport.org/jog-northants

Collectors are being invited to display their goods at a special one-day exhibition at a newly refurbished Northampton museum.

The third annual Collectors' Day will be held on Saturday, November 4 from noon to 4pm at Abington Park Museum and organisers are on the lookout for more hidden gems to add to the exhibition.

Last year’s event saw 11 collectors exhibit their treasures, ranging from Bassett Lowke trains to historic bottles, local railway memorabilia and a collection of books and ephemera relating to the artist John Constable.

Councillor Anna King, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “Collectors' Day is a day for all the family to celebrate collecting and for the collectors to share their enthusiasms. Collections of all types will be considered and we do hope that even more people will take part this year."

Collections already confirmed to be on display at this year’s event include the history of gardening artefacts from Northamptonshire Natural History Society and the return of the ever popular Bassett Lowke trains, which will be set up on a full track for everyone to enjoy in action.

It is free to display a collection at the exhibition and collectors are urged to sign up before the deadline of Friday, September 29.

Anyone interested in taking part should call 01604 838111 or email museums@northampton.gov.uk

A Northampton-born runner has once again beaten more than 600 competitors to clinch first place in a gruelling mountain 100-mile ultra marathon.

Ian Sharman, won the ‘Race Across the Sky’ in Colorado for the fourth time in five years.

He had previously won the race in 2016, 2015 and 2013.

More than 600 runners from across the USA and 35 countries competed in the race over 100 miles, through the Rocky Mountains, over terrain with elevations ranging from 9,200 to 12,600 feet.

Ian, who now lives in Bend, Oregon, finished the course in a time of 17 hours 34 minutes and 51 seconds, waving a union flag as he crossed the line in Leadville.

The former Northamptonian, who works as an ultra endurance athletic coach, said: “Of all the times I’ve raced in Leadville, this race was definitely the hardest for me and winning this year means more to me than my other wins because I had to overcome more.

He added: “Leadville is a classic race and it’s great racing there. I’ll definitely be back at some point to go for five wins.”

A man has died after being involved in a three-vehicle collision on the A5 on the edge of Northamptonshire this morning.

The collision took place on near the BP Truck Stop, at about 5.40am involving a motorcyclist and at least other vehicles.

Sadly the motorcyclist died at the scene of the collision near to the village of Lilbourne.

The A5 near Lilbourne re-opened a short time ago.

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

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615, quoting the incident number 86.

A former Northampton head teacher who was "renowned" for his dedication to school boys' football has died.

Jack Pregnall, who lived in Northampton his whole life, passed away peacefully at home on August 23, aged 95.

His family have paid tribute to Jack as a man who "helped many and made many friends over his very long life".

His daughter, Dr Jackie Hooley, said: "He will be remembered as a lot of things to a lot of different people for his wicked sense of humour."

Jack was born in St Andrews Road in 1921 along with his identical twin brother Tom. They were both well-known in much smaller pre-war town and both left school at age 14 to work in the boot and shoe industry.

When the Second World War broke out, Jack and Tom joined the RAF and served in bomber command. Tragically, Tom was killed when his plane was shot down over Holland.

Jackie said: "Tom's death desperately affected Jack. It would be a source of sadness for him for the rest of his life. Through my siblings and I's upbringing, we always heard stories of Tom. He felt very lonely after he died."

Jack flew a full bombing tour before he was demobbed when the war ended. When he came home, he began a teaching career that would last over 30 years.

He started at Kingsthorpe Grove junior school, then as head teacher at St Georges School and finally at Stimpson Avenue Primary. In this time, he devoted hours to promoting, coaching and leading school boys' football in Northampton.

He was also selected as one of the country's first "ordinary" magistrates in the late 1960s, and served as president of the indoor bowling club at Kingsthorpe twice.

He had three children with his wife of 66 years, Brenda, and had two grandchildren. He was also a passionate socialist and lifelong Labour party member, and enjoyed writing poetry.

Jackie said: "He was very kind and compassionate man. He was an exceptional person and will be much missed."

Jack will be buried at a private ceremony on September 8, followed by a memorial get-together at Kingsthorpe Bowling Club at 2pm.

Concerns that a Northampton neighbourhood plan will take control of The Racecourse away from residents are based on "myths", the borough council says.

The first stages of a neighbourhood plan to revitalize three Northampton districts, including The Racecourse, will go before cabinet in two weeks.

Over 1,000 letters were sent to households in Semilong and Trinity to hear their views on a plan to bring together the local residents and organisations and make joint appeals to the borough council for projects.

It is hoped the plan could be used to make the Racecourse a "more friendly" public space while preparing Semilong & Trinity for an influx of housing and families in the next 10 years.

But a presentation on Wednesday (August 30) revealed the council received only 47 replies out of the 1,000 letters sent - a response of 0.5 per cent.

Many replies focused heavily on the Racecourse's place in the plan, with four-out-of-five responses asking for it to be left out.

Others raised concerns that the boundaries of the plans stop short of some 200 houses bordering the Racecourse, leading many to think they would not have a say on what happens in the park.

Planning policy officer Emma Arkley said: "I have seen the findings and I think there are some myths to be busted surrounding the plan.

"Many people seem to think the plan will exclude anybody not in the boundaries of Semilong, Trinity and the Racecourse. In fact, literally anybody in the universe will have a say in what the plan can achieve."

A consultation period on the neighbourhood plan ended in July. Two neighbourhood plans have been carried out in Northampton, one in Duston and one in Spring Boroughs.

Speaking after the presentation, ward councillor for Trinity Jane Birch said: "It was good that people are so passionate. This plan has had more responses than any neighbourhood plan the borough council has introduced so far.

"There's a lot more work to do to make sure we meet everyone's aspirations."

The consultation findings will be published on Northampton Borough Council's website on September 5 and will be discussed by cabinet on September 13.

Emma Arkley said the plan is still in its earliest stages and could be "three years away" from its first referendum when an independent examiner will be brought in to assess the plan.

A new designated area for travellers to stay in Northampton will do nothing to deter illegal encampments from pitching up in the town, an MP has said.

Andrew Lewer has responded to the claims by former housing minister Sally Keeble made in the Chronicle and Echo last week, in which the politician blamed town leaders for failing to "bite the bullet" over such a site.

She said Northampton's parks have become a target for illegal camps because the borough council has missed numerous chances to designate a patch of land for groups to pitch up on.

But new Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer said the current provision - just one long-stay site for 35 caravans in Ecton Brook - is "adequate".

He said: "We already have a designated site for Northampton.

"I notice a lot of Labour politicians are suggesting we need more spaces.

"But I also notice they are not very specific about where.

"I think people recognise the authority's obligation to provide specific traveller sites and a site has been provided. The feedback I get is that people are happy with the current provision."

Over the past fortnight one particularly large group of travellers, comprising of more than 30 caravans, has been the source of complaints in Northampton.

The use of quad bikes on Lings Park was a particular source of concern, while children were reportedly verbally and physically abused by illegal camp members while taking part in a park run around The Racecourse on Saturday.

Proposals to create a designated traveller site near Billing Aquadrome were dismissed during the 2000s after a backlash from the public.

Earlier this year a report by the borough council found there was no need for such a site, though Mrs Keeble disagrees with its findings.

The Labour politician's comments have sparked a backlash from Conservatives in Northampton.

Councillor James Hill (Con, Rectory Farm) tweeted on Monday: "@Sally_Keeble wants more legal traveller camps created in Npton- Which of her @NBCLabourGroup Cllrs wants to volunteer their wards first?"

Mr Lewer said the only solution to the illegal camps is through tougher policing.

"The police need to make further use of the powers available to them," he said.

"Given the level of public concern around this, maybe they need to use the powers available to the m more stringently.

Chief inspector Lara Alexander-Lloyd, of Northamptonshire Police, said she was aware of the complaints made by the public the encampments.

But she said officers had to work within the confines of the law when dealing with camps.

Police can issue so-called "section 61" orders on unruly camps, which gives the force powers to physically eject vehicles from land if the owners refuse. Despite the cpomplaints ove the past fortnight, no vehicles have been towed off any of Northampton parks.

“We have to operate within the parameters of legislation,” said the chief inspector.

“It is a very difficult point.

“I am a member of the public too and I understand the concerns. But we have to consider every single time, which power to use and which one is the most appropriate.”

Up until recently, The Southfields Community Centre played host to a nursery, a Pentecostal church and a residents' association.

It was also regularly hired out for birthdays, weddings and other events.

But last week, the Glorious Liberty Pentecostal church pulled out of the venue, run by the charity Community Spaces Northampton.

A small barn conversion housing development granted last year now physically joins onto the community centre, prompting fears that any noise made during events will draw complaints form neighbours.

Parts of the community centre car park is currently dug up to allow drainage works to be completed at the homes.

Jane Birch who is both a trustee for Community Spaces and a borough councillor, said the charity was now considering whether to keep running the site altogether,

"It was a totally unsuitable place to put a residential development," she said.

"Sharing a car park with a community centre, which has people coming and going late and parties at night, it's just not right.

"We opposed this development but it went through anyway."

Planning permission for the homes on Northampton Borough Council-owned land was granted in 2016. The sale of the land netted the council an estimated £125,000.

But Councillor Birch said Community Spaces is considering vacating the centre unless it can find funding to expand into another adjoining barn on the site.

"We are always looking at ways we can make this work," she said. "But we can't risk putting our other centres at risk if this one stops being economically viable."

Bishop Gideon Olowoya, who had been running the Pentecostal church at the community centre, said he had to move the congregation out before people started moving into the homes.

His services at the community centre often involve gospel singing, which he said would not be welcomed by any new neighbour.

"When people start living there they are going to start complaining," he said.

Community Spaces runs eight community centres around Northampton and must break even each year n order to retain its charity status.

Councillor Dennis Meredith (Lib Dem, Talavera) opposed the housing plans in 2016 and gathered hundreds of names on a petition against it.

He fears people in Southfields will have nowhere to go if its communal hub is vacated.

"I made a big noise about these plans at the time and the council took no notice.

"Now it is coming back to haunt the borough council."

Dixie Collett from Southfields took part in a five-lap sponsored walk around her local park on Saturday, August 5 after a neighbour encouraged her to get involved.

She fundraised for her late father, Alasdair Collett, 31, who passed away after suffering from lung cancer back in 2007.

Proud mum-of-one, Nicola said Dixie was over the moon when she realised how much money she raised.

She said: "I took the sponsor forms into work and when I added them up she was so chuffed.

"When Alasdair first got ill, I still worked for Nationwide, people who sponsored her know what I went through years ago."

A broken down vehicle has left commuters travelling into Northampton frustrated by delays of half-an-hour.

One lane is blocked and there is very slow traffic on the A45 eastbound due to the stranded vehicle at the Brackmills Industrial Estate roundabout.

Traffic is stretching back to junction 15 of the M1.

AA Travel is reporting delays of 35 minutes and more.

Motorists are being advised to use a different route if possible.

A £1,000 butcher’s shop window in Desborough was deliberately smashed by one of two unknown men seen arguing in a street shortly beforehand.

The damaged to KP Wolfenden’s in Station Road happened between 1.20am and 1.35am on Monday (August 28).

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

A mobile police station will be in Lyveden Way, Corby, today (Friday) almost two weeks after a woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault in the town.

Officers will be at the junction of Butland Road, handing out leaflets and providing reassurance between 10am and 2pm.

There will also be leaflet drops to homes in the area while this evening police officers will be handing leaflets to cab drivers operating out of the taxi area in the Old Village.

The 21-year-old woman was sexual assaulted some time between 4.15am and 4.45am on August 19.

The victim was assaulted by a man who is described as a black, between 5ft 11in and 6ft with an average build.

He wore a red top.

Detective Inspector Wayne Preece said: “This was an extremely serious incident and we are asking people with any information about it to come forward to help us find this man.

“There will be a range of activity going on in the immediate area today and this evening and we are hoping we can encourage people to come forward.

“We want to hear from anyone that might have seen either the victim or any males matching this description in the area around that time.

“They include a cab driver who drove the victim to near where she was attacked or anyone who might have dashcam footage in the area between 4.15am and 4.45am that day.

“Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”

To read more about the investigation, click here

The break-in happened between 7pm on Wednesday and 10.45am yesterday (Thursday, August 31) at the Afro Express Mart in Wellingborough Road.

Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on call 101 or ring Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111

The incident happened between 4.15pm and 4.30pm yesterday (August, 31) along Oliver Street, Kingsley, when van was seen driving erratically, with sparks flying from it on three wheels having lost one in the course of the accidents, Northamptonshire Police today revealed.

Police have since arrested two Northampton men aged 27 and 23 after 30 cars were damaged as a result of the driving.

The van was also seen going into Perry Street, Turner Street, and St Michael's Mount, on the corner of Henry Street.

Officers believe there may be many witnesses to this incident and have asked anyone with any information call 101 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.