Zoiey Smale, 28, originally from Northampton, recently won a Miss United Continents UK competition back in June and was set to compete in the Miss United Continents final in Ecuador this September.

However, she claims competition organisers told her in order to fit their criteria and have a chance of winning she needed to "get a diet plan" and "lose as much weight as possible."

She told the Northampton Chronicle & Echo: "I have subsequently handed back my crown and want to promote awareness of how there are two tiers to the pageant competitions.

"One requires you to be escorts for rich men pumping money into the system and the other are genuine competitions that promote charity work and positivity.

"I would love to speak up and tell young girls to watch out for these scam competitions."

But Miss United Continents UK says the pageant has been taken out of context.

On Facebook the director issued a statement. She said: "As the UK director having worked for many years in this industry, I believe that I have a good understanding as to what is required to be successful and it’s certainly no secret that this involves a lot of commitment, dedication, and hard work, just as with any other competitive environment.

"It certainly does not mean, however, that contestants are required to or should pursue any form of extreme dieting or the like, as such approaches are simply out dated and are not supported by either myself or the Miss United Continents Pageant.

"As with all other international pageants, upon completion of the national event, the winner's details are then submitted to head office for evaluation and feedback, which is then given to all contestants in order to prepare themselves in the best possible way for the finals and is purely advisory."

On Facebook Zoiey wrote: "Having been in the industry for over 10 years I have seen it all, from amazing competitions to international pageant directors bullying young aspiring girls into believing the only way to be successful is to be thin.

"I'm speaking from first hand as eight years ago I was one of those girls. Those rogue competitions that claim to be pageants... yet insist you eat less, parade around in a bikini for a few days and sit on the arm of a man over dinner whilst pushing an olive around a plate.

"Honey let me tell you, this is NOT a pageant. I was branded 'fat' because I am size 10.

"I actually believed that I was so disgusting that no one would ever love me. How sad is that?"

She adds: "... I will be handing back my crown and wish the new title holder the very best of luck."

Police, fire and ambulance services were called to the junction of Wellingborough Road and Briton Road at 10.30pm last night (Thursday, August 31).

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said four cars were involved in the crash by Abington Park.

Fire crews from Moulton and The Mounts attended the scene.

A woman, who was unconscious, had to be cut out of her car following the incident.

She was taken to hospital at 11.10pm, though her condition is not yet known.

A special constable with Northamptonshire Police is due to stand trial next week for sexual offences .

Neil Almond, aged 40, will appear at Northampton Crown Court on Monday (September 4) accused of a number of offences including rape, sexual assault and the sexual abuse of a child

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2005 and 2015.

Almond has been suspended from his duties since the allegations came to light.

A support group which helps people suffering from a debilitating illness celebrated its 17th birthday in style.

The Nene Valley Fibromyalgia Support Group was set up in May 2000 to offer a lifeline to those affected by the musculoskeletal condition, which causes pain and chronic fatigue.

Heather Butterwick, who was diagnosed with the condition in the early 90s, founded the group to help others who suffer from fibromyalgia and to raise awareness of the illness.

This month, the group organised a celebratory party at St Mark’s Church Hall in Kingsthorpe to mark its birthday and both past and present members were invited, along with Deputy Mayor Tony Ansell and the Deputy Mayoress.

Mrs Butterwick said: “We came together at my request to my GP to pass on my telephone number to other fibromyalgia patients. I had been diagnosed six years before this and had come to the conclusion that there wasn’t much help out there for me and decided to help myself.

“Our support group was formed in 2000 with just five members who were just originally a small contact group meeting up for coffee. Since we started we have supported over 230 people and we currently have over 40 members.

“We have a fantastic and multi-talented committee with many volunteers to call on for extra help.

“The necessities of administering a group and fundraising can be very demanding, particularly as we all have fibromyalgia.”

Around two per cent of the UK population suffers from fibromyalgia, which is currently incurable and lifelong, but not life threatening.

The Nene Valley Fibromyalgia Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month in Kingsthorpe 2pm-4pm and at Nuffield Health, Northampton Fitness and Wellbeing Gym in Walter Tull Way, from 6pm-7pm on the first Tuesday of each month.

For further information please contact the group on 01604 751890 and 07484 669505

Now I love a Nando's as much as the next guy. But the chicken chain could have a saucy rival on its hands in the battle for the family market.

Firejacks - the latest offering from the Restaurant Group - replaced the ailing Coast to Coast at Sixfields Leisure a fortnight ago and has already been attracting positive reviews from its first diners.

The initial warmth will have no doubt comforted The Restaurant Group's shareholders, who are watching how its Northampton prototype performs with keen interest.

Well here's the good news shareholders - or should we say steak-holders - It's better than Coast to Coast.

The predecessor fell somewhat short of the Mad Men-infused 1960s diner/bar it promised. The Manhatten cocktails only maintained the illusion of New York chic up until the moment a microwaved mac and cheese arrived at your faux bureau.

Firejacks on the other hand, succeeds where Coast to Coast failed. It has that all important atmosphere that brands have craved since Nando's started pumping out latin swing over the scent of charred piri piri.

The flame grill open kitchen at Firejacks, its log cabin interior all wood and scrubbed metal, looks a little more permanent, a little more intended than Coast to Coast.

When the Chron paid a visit this week, we were seated at a slightly cramped round table before being talked through the menu.

As you might expect from a flame grill restaurant, not a million miles away from The Smoke Pit in the town centre, it features steaks, burgers and grills, each with a dizzying choice of sides that can be ordered in a multitude of combinations.

Despite some murmurs of discontent from the group ('I like to be told what to order', one colleague cried) the build-your-own meal style had its merits.

Anyone who has ever been to a Subway will roughly know the format.

For example, you might fancy the vegetarian halloumi burger in an avocado bun. But you might also want to satisfy your meat cravings by having your skin-on fries topped with a beef chilli.

I opted for the flat iron steak, medium rare, with chimichurri sauce, skin-on fries and jalapeno cheese. A winning combination, I felt, though the slate plate holding the steak was a little too small to stop the runny chimichurri from ending up on the table.

Speaking of over-flowing sauces, condiment aficionados will be pleased to hear that diners are offered a choice of 25 different varieties, ranging from the mild and fruity to the frankly atomic.

The starters and nibbles are fun and nicely presented in tins or trays with - you guessed it - more dipping sauce to dunk things in.

We were recommended the cauliflower Buffalo bombs and promptly plunged them into their accompanying ramekin.

Price-wise it is about where you would expect - an average of roughly £15 for a main and a side, with puds on the £6 mark. Those who loved the Coast to Coast desserts and milkshakes will be pleased to know that little has changed. They are all still either very chocolatey and very bad for you.

Minus a few gripes, Firejacks marks a return to form for The Restaurant Group with a brand that could begin to give TGI Fridays and Nando's a run for their money in time.

It was never going to set the world on fire in terms of gastronomical flare, but as a family restaurant, as a place to take the kids to before the cinema, it ranks among the better ones.

CHRON SCORE: 7/10

Anne Higgins of Oliver Street saw her black Vauxhall Zafira damaged between 4.15pm and 4.30pm yesterday (August 31) when a white transit van was seen driving erratically, with sparks flying from it and on three wheels.

At least 30 cars have been 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.

Anne said she looked out of her window this morning while her car was being towed away. "I woke up and went to get in the car...and it was like a dream," she said.

Speaking about the incident, she added: "It came up the street the wrong way. It smashed into my vehicle and he lost his front wheel.

"It managed to get to Henry Street and then the police made the arrests.

"I'm devastated, gutted... what can you do, nobody got hurt, my car got the worst of it."

Anne also takes her granddaughter to before and after school club and drives to work in between. She added: "I don't know how I'm going to manage now."

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

The crash and arrests came after a theft at a nearby shop.

Arun, the owner and shopkeeper of Kingsley General Store - in nearby Junction Road- said a man came into his store at about 3pm yesterday and stole 20 JPS blue and eight ciders before making a getaway. "It all happened in two minutes" he said. "It would have cost £19.92".

One resident, who wants to remain anonymous, said this is the second time within a year several cars have been hit on the same road and she suggests speed prevention measures should now be put in place.

Adam Leczynski, a resident of nearby Brookland Road, seconded her idea.

He said: "Byron Street and Oliver Street all need speed bumps - because you get maniacs driving down here at 50mph - especially when there are kids down here from the school.

"It's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt."

Police have boarded up a Rushden flat following months of problems with anti-social behaviour at the address.

The closure order, executed under Section 76/77 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was issued for 23 Devon Walk, Rushden, today (Friday).

Northampton magistrates granted the order following repeated reports of nuisance and anti-social behaviour at the property.

Complaints have included concerns about drug use, people sleeping in communal areas, litter, damage to the building and human waste being left in communal areas.

The address has been linked to drug supply in Rushden.

The local neighbourhood team has worked alongside Spire Homes to prepare evidence to put before magistrates when submitting the application.

The premises will now be closed for three months, prohibiting the tenant or any visitors from entering the address.

PC Paul Mitchinson, from the East Northants Neighbourhood Team, said: “Local people have been very concerned about the activities taking place at this address for some time, so we are pleased the closure order has been granted.

“We believe it was necessary to prevent further nuisance and disorder from taking place.

“I hope this shows that we do take complaints of anti-social behaviour and drug supply seriously and will take action with partners whenever possible to jointly tackle those people responsible.

“I would urge anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour to contact us on 101 or call their local council to report incidents.

“We need as much information as possible to be able to take action and help to tackle the issue.”

Daniel Whelan, 21, from Harborough Road, Kingsthorpe, and Jordan-Reece Stratford, 19, of no fixed abode, were sentenced in Northampton Crown Court yesterday (September 1) after an earlier conviction by a jury for inflicting grievous bodily harm.

A victim impact statement read out in court said the girl's injuries, which included broken facial bones and ribs, left her feeling "unrecognisable" to the point of resembling "an elephant man".

His Honour Judge Michael Fowler said: "This was a sustained and repeated attack on a vulnerable person. She was drunk and trapped in a room alone with you two on her own.

"It is unimaginable how anyone could have done what you did."

On November 6, 2016, the victim went to the Hind Hotel, in Wellingborough, to meet with Whelan and Stratford.

The court heard how when she left the following morning, she had been "subjected to the sort of violence that left her traumatised and disfigured."

Judge Fowler said: "This prolonged attack involved holding her by the mouth and hair and as the two of you beat her.

"It started when you, Whelan, for whatever reason, threw a hard punch at her face. Just what sort of evil it must take to do this is almost unimaginable.

"You then held her by the hair and continued to punch her. And you, Stratford, then joined in."

The attack lasted half an hour. A guest in a nearby room, who later gave evidence in court, heard screaming, shouting and crying.

The beating only stopped when Whelen reportedly "snapped out of it". The two attackers then forced the girl to stay in the room with them until the next morning.

Judge Fowler said: "This young woman has spoken of the social and psychological effects she has suffered and will continue to suffer."

Whelan was sentenced to seven years in prison. Stratford, who was 18 at the time of the assault, will serve five years in a young offenders institute.

People living in a troublesome block of flats in Northampton are to be moved out en masse after a small group of yobs damaged all of the fire safety equipment there.

Back in 2015 the Chronicle and Echo reported how some residents of Overslade House in East Hunsbury were afraid to leave their apartments because of the anti -social behaviour of a group of residents.

Their complaints included reports of motorbikes being driven around the forecourt in the early hours, fires and verbal abuse.

Now Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH) is set to move the tenants of all 35 flats to temporary accomodation, after the fire safety installations were "maliciously damaged".

A spokesman for NPH, said: "Overslade House has had ongoing problems with anti-social behaviour caused by a small number of residents.

"Following a joint visit with the fire service, we took the decision to temporarily move residents from the block so that we can properly assess the damage and carry out essential maintenance on the building."

NPH says it has met with 27 residents there already to discuss the move.

One tenant, who has lived there for eight years but did not wish to be named, said the move has placed a lot of stress on those have never caused trouble.

"At the moment I have no idea where I I am going," said the tenant.

"It is going to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

"It is stressful and it is upsetting because, yes this place has a lot of problems, but some of us have really made our flats into homes.

"We have decorated the place, we have made it somewhere people enjoy coming to."

But the tenant added that part of him was glad to be moving out.

As of yesterday, a set of bins at Overslade House remained blackened through fire damage. Parties are regularly held by the yobs in the court yard and only recently a newly installed CCTV system was ripped out by vandals.

"I will actually be able to get some sleep for once," said our source. "Without listening to shouting, screaming and loud music at all hours."

The NPH spokesman said the organisation will meet with all the residents of Overslade House in the coming weeks.

He said: “We want to reassure all residents living at Overslade House that we are on hand to support and answer questions during the move.

"We’ve met in person with 27 people already at "Overslade House (as of Friday, September 1) and we’re going to continue to meet with each resident individually to offer support and advice on their move.

"Each person will be moved to accommodation that is suitable for them with care and consideration taken for their individual needs."

A national cinema chain will not carry out a refurbishment at Northampton's Sol Central until the council holds off on building another multiplex down the road.

Vue has told the owners of the complex in Mare Fair, Palace Capital, that expanding its outlet at Sol Central would not be viable because of the multi-million development set to take place on the former bus station land.

Endurance Estates was selected by Northampton Borough Council to develop the four-acre site at Greyfriars, once home to the town's 1970s-built bus station.

The firm wants to create a leisure hub with a seven-screen cinema on the land, currently a mass of gravel, along with a 125-bed hotel and 345 student flats,

International chain The Light has been chosen to run the new cinema.

But chief executive of London-based Palace Capital, Neil Sinclair, said the threat of Greyfriars is putting all expansion plans at Sol Central on hold.

He said: "Vue was going to spend money on improving their site.

"But they have held off since the plan for Greyfriars was released a year ago.

"I would have done the same if I were them."

As part of Northampton Borough Council's planning for the Greyfriars land a survey was drawn up assessing whether the town had the capacity for a new cinema. It came back positively, though it did note that Vue and the Cineworld at Sixfields could lose up to 30 per cent in trade.

"This won't be attracting new people, into the town centre," said Mr Sinclair. "It will just be dividing the existing custom three ways."

Palace Capital bought Sol Central in June 2015 for £20.7 million and promised to invest heavily in revamping the 200,000 square ft site.

The company wants to expand into the former Gala Casino site, but Mr Sinclair said potential operators are holding off until more detail is released about the Greyfriars site.

"All we are saying to the council is change these plans," Mr Sinclair said.

"Help us to make our scheme successful and we will help to make your scheme successful.

"We want our sites to be complimentary.

"But - as it stands - we don't think yours works."

Councillor Danielle Stone, the Labour group leader and councillor for he Castle area, said: "Sol Central is a key part of the future success of the town centre and so the borough council must work in close partnership with stakeholders to achieve this.

"The owners of Sol Central and VUE are willing to invest for the long term and that will attract more businesses in there.

"The problem for Sol Central is the huge uncertainty surrounding the future of the Greyfriars site.

"At present the aspiration is to build a multi-screen cinema on there amongst a few other things.

"The reality is that VUE is very unlikely to commit to Sol Central if another multi-cinema complex is going to open up just around the corner.

"Personally I just don’t think there is capacity for two multi-screen cinema venues in the town centre with one at Sol Central and other at Greyfriars.

"The Greyfriars site should offer something different in terms of leisure rather chasing the same pound as Sol Central. I would like to see something on there that attracts families. At present the town centre doesn’t have enough family entertainment. A family can spend a day in Milton Keynes but only about an hour or so in Northampton town centre.

"A multi-screen cinema needs to be dropped from the Greyfriars site plans.”

A safety warning has been issued over a new craze of swimmers wearing MERMAID tails.

The trend of wearing the item has grown alongside the popularity of children’s television show Mako Mermaids as well as classic movies Little Mermaid and Splash.

But it has also led the Royal Life Saving Society UK issuing a warning to parents about the dangers that could lead to drownings.

Earlier this month, a teenage British water sports instructor died after using a mermaid-style monofin and snorkel at an exclusive beach resort in Greece.

Harry Byatt, 19, was found at a depth of about 30 metres on the seabed on August 6.

RLSS UK say the mermaid tails should only be used in organised classes run by qualified professionals.

It has teamed up with Fin2Fit, which offers mermaid and shark tail swimming exercise classes for children, to ensure their safe use.

Mike Dunn, of RLSS UK, said: “These activities must be done in a safe and approved environment. We are conscious that there have been a number of incidents caused through improper use of mono-fins and mermaid tails.

“Videos of these incidents, which often occur in back garden and home pools, circulate on social media.

“Consequently, RLSS UK strongly recommends to all parents, that the safest way for children to enjoy and benefit from this new activity is through participation in professionally organised classes, which are delivered by qualified instructors, who are affiliated to a reputable mermaid or mono-fin swimming organisation.”

A cool August has seen spiders head indoors earlier than usual this year.

The common British house spider is likely to be looking for a mate as the autumn breeding season approaches - which means they will be much more visible inside our homes.

Yet you don’t have to surrender your house to the eight-legged creatures - there are plenty of ways you can repel spiders.

Keep your house clean and airy

Spiders love dark, damp, cluttered places. Vacuum and dust regularly, and don’t allow clutter to build up. Store things in plastic lidded boxes rather than cardboard ones to prevent spiders gaining access.

Keep your house filled with natural light - never leave blinds or curtains closed during the day or for prolonged periods of time if you’re away from home.

Use essential oils

Spiders ‘smell’ with their legs, so strong scents will deter them from leaving their nooks and crannies. Tea tree, rose, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, citronella, lavender and eucalyptus can all work - make sure you spray corners, window sills and skirting boards, and replenish regularly.

Borax

This pest control product is designed to kill ants, but it also works with spiders. Sprinkle it in corners and along door frames to prevent webs. Seal cracks Grab your caulking gun and seal up spider access points in walls, floors and ceilings.

Keep foliage away from your house

Don’t allow plants next to your home to creep too close, as spiders will hide in them. Similarly, don’t allow leaf litter, woodpiles etc to accumulate, as they make great spider hiding places.

Get a cat

A feline will fearlessly chase spiders - although you can’t always guarantee a successful outcome!

But don’t use conkers!

There’s no evidence that they’re effective. Other strong aromas are likely to work better, such as garlic or vinegar.

Earlier this month, the Police Federation announced that their campaign for the acceptance of tattooed police officers was met with success - a decision that’s sure to get the thumbs-up from a sizeable majority of the public.

Indeed, according to a new survey, a whopping 73 per cent of Brits approve of inked officers.

The new appearance standards guidance – developed by the College of Policing and accepted as best practice - has been said by the Police Federation to “provide officers and staff with clear direction on their appearance, so that they present a professional image while also being allowed some self-expression”.

London-based property firm Savoy Stewart delved deeper into the issue of tattooed police officers in the workplace using independent research, alongside reports from the Police Federation.

Studies have revealed that 48 per cent of serving officers have a tattoo, 17 per cent of which have a visible tattoo when in their uniform.

However, Home Office guidance on tattoos is vague and open to interpretation, meaning that in recent years, guidelines on inked officers have varied wildly across forces.

The survey by Savoy Stewart looked into how comfortable the public are with tattooed professionals across industries in order to see where police officers would appear on the list - with some surprising findings.

The survey asked Brits the following question: How comfortable would you be with a person with a visible tattoo working in the following

occupations?

PROFESSION / %COMFORTABLE / %UNCOMFORTABLE

Athlete / 88% / 12%

Chef / 81% / 19%

Police Officer / 73% / 27%

IT Technician / 72% / 28%

Estate Agent / 69% / 31%

Banker / 63% / 37%

Doctor / 59% / 41%

Judge / 59% /41%

Nurse / 57% / 43%

Lawyer / 57% /43%

Primary School Teacher / 49% / 51%

Political Figure / 44% / 56%

Air Hostess / 42% / 58%

The results showed that respondents were more comfortable seeing a tattooed police officer than a tattooed estate agent.

This supports the Police Federation’s own study, which demonstrated a similar level of acceptance, where 55 per cent of fellow officers felt comfortable working with a tattooed colleague.

Interestingly, the public seemed to be more uncomfortable seeing body modifications in female-associated roles such as primary school teachers (51 per cent of respondents were uncomfortable with this), air hostesses (58 per cent) and nurses (43 per cent).

Indeed, according to this study by Savoy Stewart, British workers are more comfortable seeing a tattooed politician (44 per cent approval) than a tattooed air hostess (42 per cent).

The study also revealed the characteristics we most associate with people who have tattoos.

These included being rebellious, less intelligent, and unhealthy.

Although more and more of us are inking our bodies, this doesn’t seem to be stopping employers from using this as a reason not to employ an individual, with 54 per cent of hiring decision makers thinking that tattoos can have a negative impact on the workplace.

Currently in the UK three in ten 25-39 year olds have tattoos, which means a serious shrinking of the talent pool if an employer decides not choose a candidate with body art.

This would be particularly troublesome to an already struggling police force.

Studies have shown that British women in particular would be affected, as they are more likely to be tattooed than men. Indeed, the Police Federation has demonstrated that 52 per cent of female officers have a tattoo compared with 47 per cent of male officers.

However, times maybe be changing, as proven by the new appearance standards guidelines by the College of Policing.

The average British family is wasting over TWO kgs of food every month.

The shocking figure is the result of the widespread mentality that it is ‘better to cook too much than too little’.

Researchers found seven in ten households admit throwing away too much food, often because they over-estimate portion sizes.

More than one in ten said they simply don’t have the time to weigh out ingredients before cooking them, which creates even more waste.

One in ten families also throw away up to 10 items every month because they have gone off before being used.

Overall the study found the typical family throw away 2.23kg of food every month.

Low awareness

Futurologist James Bellini, on behalf of home appliance brand Grundig who commissioned the research, said: “Given the crucial importance of food issues over the coming decades the level of general awareness and concern is surprisingly low.

“But looking ahead to the 2020s and beyond to the 2030s it seems clear that emerging technologies, changing attitudes and greater commitment within the business and political communities could spark a new era for food.

“In which tackling waste and providing healthy and wholesome eating for all in a sustainable way will move significantly up the agenda.”

Pasta and rice are the dishes that Brits most commonly prepare far too much of, followed by potatoes and fresh veg.

Four in 10 Brits say they have no idea how much pasta or rice is recommended for an adult to have with a meal - which is around 80g.

Over-guesstimates

And more than two thirds simply try and ‘guesstimate’ how much to prepare when cooking a meal with these ingredients.

On average, adults waste more than a tenth of each meal they prepare - throwing it away rather than finishing it.

And 49 per cent of the population don’t bother recycling their food waste, sending it straight to the main bin with their other rubbish.

Nearly a third don’t recycle food waste because they find the idea of a bin for rotting food off-putting.

And despite evidence to the contrary, a quarter believe they simply don’t waste enough food for a dedicated waste bin to be viable.

However, 37 per cent would be inclined to recycle more if waste could be turned into energy to power their home.

The poll of 2,000 adults revealed rather than having a wasteful mentality, almost half of the country’s careless cooks admit to preparing too much food.

Incorrectly thinking they could tell how much of an ingredient was needed just by eye was among the top reasons for Brits not knowing how much to prepare for their dinners.

Good causes

Alexandra Boon from Beko plc said: “At Grundig, our Respect Food programme spans both product development and working with partners to use surplus food for good causes.

“We believe that the fight against food waste should begin at home in the kitchen. People should not only enjoy good food but respect it too - which means wasting less.

“Advanced technologies within the Grundig refrigeration range, such as Ion Fresh, No Frost Duo-Cooling system and Vitamin Care Zone already help to keep food fresher for longer.

“We’re committed to developing brand new technologies to further reduce food waste in the home and in our UK Research & Development centre we are currently working on sensors to detect food spoilage and methods to help users track and manage their food.”

James Bellini added: “In the end, technology has an important part to play in solving our food waste crisis, but without the commitment of people to new attitudes and a changed social outlook it will not be enough.”

RECOMMENDED PORTION SIZES FOR AN ADULT

Breakfast cereal: Three tablespoons (20g)

Boiled potatoes: Two small (egg sized) boiled potatoes

Rice: Two heaped tablespoons (80g)

Pasta: Three heaped tablespoons (80g)

Lean meat: 70g cooked meat, about the size of a deck of cards

Fish: 140g cooked dish, about the size of a chequebook

Eggs: Two medium eggs

Pulses: Five tablespoons (cooked)

Hard cheese: 25g of cheddar, about the size of a small matchbox

Dried fruit: Two figs, around 40g

Dark green leafy veg: Four heaped cooked tablespoons (80g)

FOODS MOST LIKELY TO GO OFF BEFORE USE

1. Bread

2. Bananas

3. Salad leaves

4. Milk

5. Potatoes

6. Cooked meats

7. Carrots

8. Cream

9. Yoghurt

10. Apples

Experts have revealed the ultimate guide to life - including owning our first car at 21, leaving home at the same age and getting onto the property ladder at 27.

Researchers who polled 2,000 adults of all ages also found we should reasonably expect to have had two long term relationships before settling down at 23 - and become parents by 27.

Worryingly, the study found the majority of the population are either behind in terms of their planned schedule, or are earning less money than they thought they would.

Shakila Hashmi, Head of Money for comparethemarket.com, which carried out the study, said: ‘’If our findings are anything to go by, the Great British public clearly wants to have it all by the time they hit 30 years old.

“And it appears most achieve it with things like meeting ‘the one’ or buying a home.

“However, when it comes to money, the findings are a little more concerning.

“Whether it’s because we aim too high, or simply underestimate the cost of big-ticket expenses, these findings highlight just how many of us are missing the targets we set for ourselves when it comes to money.”

LIfe-defining relationships

The study by OnePoll found many Brits would have expected to be in the long-term relationship that would define their life by the age of 23, although most weren’t married until 26.

And they usually expect to go through two long term relationships before finding ‘the one’.

Home ownership may be more difficult for younger generations than it has been in the past, but most Brits expected to own their first property by the age of 27 - and achieved just that.

And in fact, new homeowners expected to borrow £106,000 to get on the property ladder, significantly under the average first time mortgage of £133,000.

Brits have constantly earned less than they would have expected to throughout their lives - although those aged between 30-39 years old expected to earn £28,000 by the time they were 30.

However, the majority admitted they actually earned an average of just over £24,500 by that age.

Great expectations

Likewise, those aged between 40-49 years old expected to earn just over £29,000 by the time they were 40 when, in reality, they earned just under £24,800 per year.

Similarly, Brits were worryingly off the mark when it comes to the cost of running a car.

Although the car-owners polled expected to spend a total of £950 a year to cover related expenses (i.e. petrol, MOT, car insurance, maintenance), they admitted to actually spending over £1,500 a year on average.

Shakila Hashmi said: “What’s worrying, for example, is that the majority of consumers are still off the mark when it comes to considering costs like running a car.

“Especially in light of recent comments made by the Bank of England that consumers are becoming ‘dangerously complacent’ when it comes to mounting debt.

“There are numerous ways in which Brits should therefore aim to be as savvy as they can when it comes to keeping down everyday costs, like simply shopping around for the best deals.”

New research from independent job board, CV-Library, has found that one third (36.8 per cent) of workplaces in the UK have ridiculous rules in place, with one in five (22.5 per cent) workers stating that they feel they can’t be trusted as a result.

The study, which asked 1,000 UK workers whether their employer had any silly or unnecessary rules in place, found that over half (57.2 per cent) of workers will disobey any rules they deem as ‘silly’.

Interestingly, the most ridiculous rules fell into the following five categories:

Toilet troubles: Many respondents reported that they either had a strict time frame in which to go to the toilet (three minutes), had to ask to use the toilet facilities, and were even searched before going to the toilet.

Dress code dilemmas

Some respondents reported that they had to wear particular coloured clothes to match the business, women weren’t allowed to wear trousers, and one individual even said that they were sent home for not dressing down.

Silent treatment

Some employees stated that they weren’t allowed to talk out loud apart from when in the staff room, while others said that they weren’t allowed to say hello to a customer, only ‘good morning’, or ‘good afternoon’.

Timekeeping

If you’re two minutes late in one business you’ll have your pay docked by 15 minutes, and in another you aren’t allowed to travel further than 20 metres away from the building at lunch in case you’re late back!

Beverage blunders

Some workplaces won’t allow their staff to drink water, while another will not let workers carry drinks up and down the stairs.

What’s more, one company won’t even let employees have drinks on their desk in case they get spilled.

“Every workplace needs rules to have – otherwise you would simply never get things done,” says Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library.

“That said, it’s clear that many of the rules highlighted in our research are just ridiculous.

“Employees want to feel trusted and while one workplace can differ massively to another, you have to treat your staff like adults – especially when it comes to being allowed to drink water and going to the toilet!”

The research also revealed that the cities which were most likely to have ridiculous rules in place included Glasgow (71.4 per cent), Cardiff (57.1 per cent), Sheffield (46.2 per cent), Birmingham (38.2 per cent) and London (37.1 per cent).

New figures show 89 people in Northamptonshire have died on the waiting list for an organ transplant over the past 10 years.

NHS Blood and Transplant revealed the tragic number of deaths to mark Organ Donation Week (September 4 to 10) and is now urging people to tell their families they want to become donors.

Hundreds of lifesaving transplants are being missed every year because families don’t know what their relative wanted.

Left to make the decision for someone they love, families often decide it is safer to say no.

The reluctance to talk about the issue is contributing to a deadly shortage of organs.

In Northamptonshire, there are currently 49 people waiting for a transplant.

They will only receive that life-changing call if people make sure their families know they want to be a donor.

Assistant director of organ donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant Anthony Clarkson said: “It’s a tragedy that people are dying unnecessarily every year in Northamptonshire waiting for transplants.

“We know that if everyone who supported donation talked about it and agreed to donate, most of those lives would be saved.

“This Organ Donation Week, tell your family you want to save lives.

“A few words now can make an extraordinary difference. It will also make things much easier for your family to make the right decision.

“If you want to save lives, don’t leave it too late to talk to your family.

“In Northamptonshire there are more than 285,000 people on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

“However if you want to be a donor, your family’s support is still needed for donation to go ahead.

“If you are unsure about donation, please ask yourselves as a family; what would you do if one of you needed a transplant?

“Would you accept a life-saving organ? If you’d take an organ, shouldn’t you be prepared to donate?”

NHS Blood and Transplant surveys show more than 80 per cent of people support organ donation but only half of people have ever talked about it.

Research shows that women are 30 per cent more likely to start a conversation about organ donation than men.

Families who agree to donate say it helps with their grief and that they feel enormous sense of pride at knowing their relative gave others the chance of a new beginning.

NHS Blood and Transplant wants everyone in Northamptonshire to be able to save lives through organ donation and not be prevented from doing so because they have not told a relative their decision.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

JULY 8:

Kieran Brodie, aged 23, of Park Corner, Northampton, created a fake Facebook account in breach of a sexual offences prevention order; pleaded guilty, send to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

JULY 10:

James Leeming, age 33, of Campbell Close, Towcester, recorded another person doing a private act without their consent; pleaded guilty, committed to Northampton Crown Court for sentence. Indecent photographs of children; pleaded guilty, sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

Asher Gayle, aged 37, of Mounts Court, Lumbertubs, Northampton, assault; jailed for six weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £100 and costs of £770. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence for breach of a court order; no adjudication, dealt with original offence as folows – failed to provide a breath test; jailed for two weeks. Breach of a court order; jailed for 12 weeks. Stole alcohol and aftershave worth £106 from Tesco; jailed for one week. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks. Stole a handbag worth £169.99 belonging to TK Maxx; jailed for one week. Stoke three jackets worth £189.97 belonging to TK Maxxl jailed for one week. Resisted arrest; jailed for one week. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks. Overall length of sentence, 22 weeks (some sentences were concurrent).

Alexandru Frunzeanu, aged 27, of Baker Street, Northampton, driving while disqualified; jailed for 12 weeks suspended for 24 months, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 24 months. No insurance; no separate penalty.

Marius Covargic, aged 28, of St Pauls Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 83mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Jackson Kepe, aged 18, of Bridgewater Drive, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 57mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Denny Shury, aged 26, of Drywell Court, Standens Barn, Northampton, drunk and disorderly in a public place; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Stephen Sibley, aged 48, of Berkley House, Horse Market, Northampton, threatening behaviour; fined £150, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Adam Ticehurst, aged 24, of Gedling Close, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 75mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £280, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Jack Daniels, aged 47, of Latymer Close, Northampton, had a kitchen knife in a public place without good reason; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85.

JULY 11

Alan Smith-White, aged 42, of Canterbury Court, Northampton, stole various items of jewellery worth £591 belonging to Nolans Jewellers; jailed for four weeks.

Peter Crowther, aged 45, of Church Way, Grendon, failed to pay a parking ticket in Suffolk; fined £80, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £90.

JULY 12

Ion Boeta, aged 40, of Clickers Drive, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 69mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £350, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £35 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Lianne Bright, aged 24, c/o Hazelwood Road, Northampton, stole three bottles of fragrance worth £53.69 belonging to Boots the Chemist; fined £40, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85. Commission of a further offence while on a conditional discharge for being drunk and disorderly; no action taken on breach.

Thomas Coates, aged 29, of Newton Road, Northampton, assault; jailed for 10 weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £150 and costs of £85.

Kieran Durrant, aged 19, of Lasham Court, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 74mcgs in 100mls of breath; fined £210, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 19 months.

JULY 13

Anthony Freel, aged 37, of no fixed abode, stole alcohol and household items from the Co-Op; conditional discharge for two years, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £20, compensation of £40 and costs of £85.

Callum Gorden, aged 26, of no fixed abode, carried in a car knowing it had been stolen and no insurance; pleaded guilty and committed to Crown Court for sentence. Possession of a bank card for use in fraud; jailed for six weeks. Similar charge; jailed for six weeks consecutive, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and compensation of £17.40.

Richard Hefford, aged 31, of no fixed abode, no insurance, driving not in accordance with a licence, failed to stop when asked by a police officer, dangerous driving; pleaded guilty, sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

James Broadfoot, aged 44, of no fixed abode, used threatening or abusive words of behaviour; jailed for 24 weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £100 and costs of £100.

Rachel Campion, aged 37, of Louise Road, Northampton, failed to notify authorities in relation to Housing Benefit changes; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

JULY 14

Coye Franklin, aged 24, of Moorfield Square, Northampton, no insurance; fined £314, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £31 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; ined £100.

Kinga Krol, aged 34, of St Michaels Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85. No insurance; fined £120. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. Driving while using a mobile phone; fined £120.

Martin Smith, aegd 29, of Daneholme Close, Daventry, not wearing a seat belt; fined £85, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30.

Luke Isom, aged 20, of Admirals Way, Daventry, failed to comply with a community order; fined £40 and ordered to pay £60 costs.

JULY 15

Oliver Love, aged 27, of Castle Avenue, Northampton, breach of a court order; jailed for four weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £85. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence for assault; jailed for eight weeks consecutive.

JULY 17

Mitchell Kahan, aged 27, of St Crispin Drive, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Colin Whitlock, aged 58, of Church Street, Helmdon, five charges relating to indecent images of children; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Brian Hepburn, aged 38, of Home Close, Towcester, failed to notify the authorities of changes relating to Housing Benefit; community order made to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85.

Lisa McDonald, aged 34, of Hinton Road, Northampton, stole perfume worth £299 belonging to B&M Retail; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85. Wifully obstructed PC Lobb; community order made. Stole meat worth £33.59 belonging to Waitrose; community order.

Jamie Allen, aged 19, of Campbell Street, Northampton, stole a motor vehicle; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £300. Stole a pedal bike; fined £100, ordered to pay compensation of £100 and fined £50. Failed to comply with a community order; fined £100.

Grzegorz Marcinek, aged 27, of no fixed abode, stole moisturising cream worth £73 belonging to Boots; jailed for five weeks consecutive, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £73 and costs of £85. Possession of a class B drug; jailed for five weeks concurrent.

Lee Sherlock, aged 41, of Scafell Rise, Northampton, handling stolen goods; jailed for eight weeks. Possession on a prescription in relation to fraud; jailed for eight weeks concurrent. Stole an ID card; jailed for eight weeks concurrent. Broke into the staff room at Lloyds Pharmacy; jailed for 12 weeks, ordered to pay compensation of £60.

Sarah Fitchew, aged 25, of Artizan Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 90mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £140, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £35, banned from driving for 23 months.

Anthony Fitzgerald, aged 56, of no fixed abode, breach of conditions under the Sexual Offences Act 2003; jailed for six weeks suspended for 24 months, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £45. Failed to comply with a community order issued after breach of conditions under the Sexual Offences Act 2003; jailed for six weeks consecutive suspended, ordered to pay costs of £30.

Lukas Karpinskas, aged 23, of Lordore Gardens, Northampton, drink-driving with

a breath test reading of 49mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £285, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 38 months.

Signs for the new University of Northampton’s students’ union club and cafe have been now been revealed, giving the former Black Bottom Club a new lease of life.

The newly named club, The Platform, is set to become one of the towns most popular nightspots as part of the University’s move into the town centre.

The University of Northampton’s Students’ Union has signed a 10-year lease with the Richardsons Group on the former Black Bottom Club situated on George Row, which will house a brand new nightclub, café bar (The Basement), art shop and volunteer training space.

It will also be the base to a number of the Students’ Union’s current services, including a student letting agency and temporary recruitment service.

The café bar aims to be a contemporary venue offering light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, soft and alcoholic beverages and will be open to the students and the general public throughout the day all year round.

With the nightclub aiming to be a 'premium' evening destination for students and will open to the general public through club nights, independent events and private bookings.

The venue is due to shortly undergo a full refurbishment and will open at the start of the new academic year.

Relative of the deceased, Wayne Casey of Obelisk Rise, alongside the mayor's office, pupils from St James CE Primary School, where the aunts went to school, and other organisations will together visit Sywell Aviation Centre on October 17 - where the inactive incendiary device is displayed - to commemorate the anniversary.

The device was one of 22 bombs dropped on the town from a German Zeppelin airship on the night of October 19, 1917, in a raid which caused the first war casualties in the county since the civil war.

The deaths of Eliza Gammons and her 13-year-old twin daughters Lilian and Gladys when their house in St James was bombed, were the only fatalities from 29 Zeppelin raids which dropped 66 bombs in the county during the war.

The Chronicle & Echo interviewed Albert Bazeley back in 1983 who was married to Wayne's great grandmother, Elizabeth who lived in the same property as the three women who died.

He said: "It was my second night home on leave. The bomb came through the roof and landed on the bed in my mother-in-law's room, killing her instantly and injuring her two daughters, who were with her.

"I was in the front room with my wife and two sons.

"I rushed into the other room but it was ablaze - I got the twins out and put them by the front room window. Their mother was already dead. The stairs were unusable because of the fire so I threw my sons aged six and three out of the window into blankets neighbours were holding. The twins followed.

"My wife Elizabeth and I jumped after them. I burnt myself on my arms but I still make sure my army kit was safe otherwise I wouldn't have anything to wear."

The twins were rushed to the hospital and shortly died from severe burns while their mother died at home from the fire.

Now, the twins and their mother are now buried at Dallington Cemetery and will be remembered next month.