Sanderson scooped the players' player of the year accolade following a campaign in which he took 60 Specsavers County Championship Division Two wickets at an average of 19.65.

The seamer's heroics helped Northants to a second-placed finish, earning them a spot in the top flight next season.

There was a notably excited buzz at the end of season dinner, which took place just a day after promotion was secured with a draw at Gloucestershire.

Hayley Brown and Ricardo Vasconcelos were the evening’s first award winners, Brown recognised as women’s player of the year while Vasconcelos picked the media player of the year award.

Mushtaq Mohammad and the Kingston family became the two newest additions to the club’s Hall of Fame before Phil Rowe received an emotional farewell following his 15 years of service to the club.

Following some tremendous work during the year, including raising over £6,000 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Rob Keogh was presented with community player of the year prize.

Emilio Gay became the first player to ever win back-to-back Academy player of the year awards.

Vasconcelos then picked up his second award of the evening as he took home young player of the year gong.

Josh Cobb claimed the two power awards of the evening, his 40 maximums seeing him claim the Tony Kingston most sixes award while also taking home T20 player of the year.

Keogh had a second trip to the stage, this time to pick up the one-day player of the year title.

New red ball skipper Adam Rossington took home Championship player of the year.

The centre came through unscathed in his first outing for more than a year, but it wasn't to be the result he wanted as the black, green and gold were beaten 36-32 by Wasps on Saturday.

Symons suffered a serious ACL injury in a defeat at Bath in September 2018, having only joined Saints a few months earlier.

It meant he missed the remainder of the season and was not able to get back to full fitness until this summer.

But Symons is up and running again now, having started at inside centre for Saints in the Premiership Rugby Cup clash with Wasps.

And he said: "On a personal note, it was an amazing feeling to run out at Franklin's Gardens.

"I've only run out here for Saints once before and I love playing here.

"It was amazing to get back here.

"I couldn't be more grateful for the help I've had in getting me back to the shape I'm in and back playing again.

"Credit to the club."

Saints scored five tries against Wasps but it was the away side who won an enthralling encounter thanks to a late penalty try.

Taqele Naiyaravoro's two yellow cards cost Saints dear.

And Symons, who came off to be replaced by Fraser Dingwall with 22 minutes to go, said: "It was tough. That last 20 minutes after I'd come off was pretty stressful to be honest.

"From a team perspective it was very frustrating.

"I thought we were outstanding in certain parts of the game but there were little parts where we switched off and it cost us dearly.

"It was frustrating, especially in our first competitive home game.

"We felt the same as the crowd because I could hear everyone's frustration when I was sitting on the bench and my frustration equalled that.

"It's difficult, especially when you feel like you should have 100 per cent won the game."

Northamptonshire Police is teaming up with Trading Standards to relaunch of the Doorstep Action Network (DAN) to disrupt criminals who look to exploit vulnerable people on their own doorsteps for financial gain.

Doorstep crime can come in many forms, from distraction burglaries to rogue traders looking to make a quick sale.

Crime prevention manager Laura Jones said: “The message we want people to make their elderly relatives aware of is simple – if you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

“We are asking anyone who has contact with an elderly or vulnerable person to pass on this gentle crime prevention reminder to help prevent them from becoming a victim of doorstep crime.

“Distraction burglaries and other forms of doorstep crime often have a much more devastating effect on their victims than just the loss of money.

“They make a person, especially the elderly, feel exceptionally vulnerable and unsafe in their own homes, with past studies indicating that life expectancy decreases after you’ve been a victim of this type of crime.

“I would encourage people to pass on our DAN advice, which is available in leaflet form and via our website, and display the DAN sticker on front doors, which lets people know that cold callers are not welcome.”

Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for highways and place Jason Smithers added: “We are advising people not to deal with unexpected cold callers offering any kind of service or trying to sell you something on your doorstep.

“We’ve had reports of rogue traders carrying out poor quality repairs and charging inflated prices, sometimes even driving the victim to the bank to withdraw money or threatening them.

“In many cases these criminals try to take advantage of elderly and vulnerable people, which is why we’re also asking friends, relatives, neighbours and carers to be on their guard and look out for their loved ones.”

What can you do to protect the person you care for?

Reinforce the message “if you’re not sure, don’t open the door’

Display a DAN sticker to discourage unwanted callers. These are available by contacting the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06

Make the person aware that they are never required to open their door to unexpected callers and that it is not rude to send someone away

Explain the tactics used by rogue doorstep traders and distraction burglars.

Advise them not to keep money in the house and to keep credit cards, debit cards, cheque books, savings books and any other valuables in a safe place

Encourage them to set up passwords with their utility companies

Help them ensure that the outside of their property is well maintained

If they need any home improvement work carried out, help them to select a Trading Standards approved trader by contacting the Buy With Confidence scheme on 01392 383430 or buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

Alternatively, information about ‘Trustmark’, the Government-endorsed trader quality scheme, can be found at trustmark.org.uk.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

AUGUST 5

Shaun Underwood, aged 22, of South Oval, Northampton, had a knife in a public place without good reason; jailed for three months suspended for 12 months, surcharge £122, costs £85.

Stephen Pellew, aged 38, of Gold Street, Northampton, stole a quantity of health tablets worth £475 belonging to Holland and Barrett; community order made, surcharge £90, costs £85. Stole two bottles of rum and four packets of razor blades worth £83; community order made, compensation £83.

Dean Foster, aged 37, of Cloushan Street, Northampton, stole two electric toothbrushes worth £160 belonging to Asda, jailed for four weeks consecutive, compensation £160. Stole three packets of razor blades belonging to Asda; jailed for six weeks, compensation £50. Stole three pairs of sunglasses worth £75 belonging to Boots; jailed for six weeks consecutive, compensation £195.

Jay Jay Trew, aged 25, of Grenadier Road, Daventry, driving while banned; jailed for 10 weeks suspended for 12 months, surcharge £115, costs £320, banned from driving for 12 months.

AUGUST 6

Samuel Deans, aged 33, of Eastfield, Blisworth, failed to comply with a community order; fined £40.

Nikita Gusca, aged 25, of Margaret Street, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; order to continue, fined £185, costs £60.

Julia Nash, aged 37, c/o North Holme Court, Northampton, failed to comply with a supervision order; fined £100, costs £30.

Oliver Hoolihan, aged 34, of Colwyn Road, Northampton, dangerous driving, damaged a wooden fence panel; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Eamonn Farren, aged 32, of St Albans Road, Northampton, failed to provide a breath test; community order made, surcharge £85, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Paul Harris, aged 42, of no fixed abode, failed to comply with a community order; jailed for seven days.

Jodie Tomkinson, aged 24, of Pleydell Road, Northampton, drink-driving; community order made, surcharge £90, costs £85, banned from driving for 24 months.

AUGUST 7

Mark Ashworth, aged 38, of Senna Drive, Towcester, harassment; conditional discharge for 18 months, surcharge £20, costs £85.

Julie-Anne Fairhurst, aged 26, of Nether Jackson Court, Northampton, assault; community order made. Damaged a car; community order made, compensation £250. Failed to provide a breath test; community order made, surcharge £90, costs £85, banned from driving for 24 months.

Kirk Love, aged 38, of Derwent Drive, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £700, surcharge £80, costs £85, banned from driving for 17 months.

Paul Shirley, aged 60, of Alliston Gardens, Northampton, breach of a court order; jailed for eight weeks.

Lauren Talbot, aged 35, of Thirleston Crescent, Northampton, stole various items worth £15.86 belonging to B&M; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge £15, costs £85.

Vasilii Budaianu, aged 29, of Kenmuir Crescent, Northampton, drink-driving; community order made to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, surcharge £90, costs £85, banned from driving for 24 months.

Calvin Samuels, aged 43, of Bouverie Court, Northampton, attempted to enter a building as a trespasser with intent to steal; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 24 months, surcharge £122, costs £85.

Diana Aleman, aged 32, of Wansford Walk, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £240, surcharge £30, costs £640, licence endorsed with eight points. Failed to report an accident to a police officer; fined £240.

Jason Campion, aged 37, of Greatholme Court, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £200, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for nine months.

Craig Clancy, aged 31, of Greendale Square, Northampton, no insurance; fined £120, surcharge £30, banned from driving for six months.

Ionut-Adrian Dascalu, aged 24, of Goldenash Court, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with seven points.

Tiberiu Cazan, aged 20, of Baukewell Court, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £375, surcharge £37, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Collin Chang-Time, aged 40, of Bushland Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Dionisie David, aged 25, of Thornfield, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with seven points.

Anthony Everett, aged 57, of Stoneacre Clsoe, Daventry, driving at 42mph in a 30mph zone; fined £114, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

David Knapman, aged 45, of Bickerstaffes Road, Towcester, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

AUGUST 8

Toby Goodwin, aged 21, of The Greenway, Weston Favell, drink-driving; fined £461, surcharge £46, costs £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Farah Mohammed, aged 26, of Spencer Bridge Road, Northampton, stole an iPhone; fined £290, surcharge £32, cots £85.

Vasile Sulea, aged 29, of St Michaels Road, Northampton, drink-driving; community order made, banned from driving for 26 months. No insurance; surcharge £90, costs £85.

Peter Kimpton, aged 36, of Helmdon Crescent, Northampton, breach of a court order; fined £150.

Grigore Meriache, aged 27, of Brunswick Place, Northampton, no insurance; fined £500, surcharge £50, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jade Edwards, aged 27, of Granborough Close, Brixworth, assault, damaged three car tyres, damaged two fence posts; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Robbie Fitzpatrick, aged 22, of Whiston Road, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; community order made, surcharge £90, costs £85.

Stacey Moore, aged 39, of no fixed abode, stole clothing worth £159 belonging to Bonmarche; community order made, surcharge £90, costs £85. Stole detergent worth £95 belonging to Poundland; community order made.

Martin Roche, aged 55, of Redruth Close, Northampton, harassment; community order made, surcharge £85, costs £250.

AUGUST 9

Emma Page, aged 39, of Freehold Street, Northampton, committed fraud; conditional discharge for 12 months, compensation £53.29, surcharge £20, costs £625.

AUGUST 12

Simeon Bernard, aged 32, of no fixed abode, handled stolen goods; fined £120, surcharge £32, costs £85.

Jason Hewitt, aged 43, of The Roundel, Overstone, drink-driving; community order made, surcharge £90, costs £85, banned from driving for 36 months.

Ivars Lukjankis, aged 35, of Newby Court, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £340, surcharge £34, costs £85, banned from driving for 17 months.

Barry Pallant, aged 53, c/o Campbell Street, Northampton, damaged the front and rear windscreens of a car; community order made, compensation £150, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Donatas Jokulis, aged 35, of St George’s Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £620, banned from driving for six months.

Andrew Bluck, aged 36, of St Michael’s Road, Northampton, entered a building with intent to steal; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Michael Jandt, aged 25, of Milton Street North, Northampton, damaged a car; fined £390, compensation £500, surcharge £39, costs £85. Failed to surrender to custody; fined £260.

Marcin Cybrerny, aged 31, of Countess Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a court order; fined £165, surcharge £32, costs £85.

Daniel Hayes, aged 37, of York Ride, Weedon, damaged a car wing mirror; fined £215, compensation £104, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Dumebi Okoye, aged 21, of Boughton Green Road, Northampton, assault; fined £80, compensation £100, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Laura Abrutyte, aged 40, of Heather Lane, Northampton, drink-driving, community order made, fined £300, surcharge £32, costs £85, banned from driving for 26 months.

Jeylani Abdi, aged 63, of Dallington Road, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £40. Driving without due care and attention; fined £80, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Melvyn Dixon, aged 58, of Roseberry Avenue, Northampton, driving at 50mph in a 40mph zone; fined £93, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Daniel Dumitru, aged 42, of Ivy Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

The man, who is in his 70s and who we have chosen not to name, said he was about to walk his dog when the phone rang at about 2pm last Thursday.

He said: "I thought it was one of those phone scammers, he said 'I think you might be interested, somebody is accessing your Amazon account in America.'"

The caller told the man that a purchase worth £39.99 had been made from his Amazon account by somebody in the US.

The man said: "I didn't know anything about it, for the next two-and-a-half hours I was subjected to the most horrific time I have ever had, they manipulated me to get into my computer, they accessed all my Nationwide banking.

"They just completely got me."

The man said he is wary of scam phone calls and is signed up to the Telephone Preference Service, a register for people who do not want to receive sales or marketing calls.

He said: "They said they were from Amazon and then it went into how I do my banking.

"I didn't check who they were. I was involved with several different people, they kept saying 'I will put you through to one of my superiors."

The man said it was very confusing, but that the caller seemed very professional and the initial claim that his Amazon account had been compromised had him hooked.

He said: "After much more manipulation, they said 'What we will do is we will pay a sum of money into your account.

"They told me to go into Nationwide and go to the cashier and they provided me with a bank account and sort code for a TSB account and told me to make it a personal transfer for £9,850."

He was told the money would be in safe hands for his future use.

The man said he was told that if he was challenged at Nationwide, not to say anything.

He said: "I had to ring this number on the way to the bank.

"I went to the cashier and said 'I want to transfer a sum of money'. I gave the account number and sort code and she asked me, 'Has anybody been in contact with you this afternoon?'"

The man said unbeknown to him, another transaction for £3,850 had been made and Nationwide had been alerted to the unusual activity in his account.

The cashier told the man they thought there might be a problem with the account and the man was put in touch with a member of Nationwide's fraud team who suspected something was going on.

The man said: "While this was going on, I was having telephone calls from these people which I completely ignored."

Fortunately, Nationwide's action meant the man was alerted to the attempted fraud and did not go through with the transaction.

He said: "I didn't lose any money.

"They really manipulated me, accessing my computer. They were typing on my computer. It's really, really clever. I want it highlighted to people out there."

The man also had accounts with Tesco banking that he managed to protect.

"Nationwide and Tesco were really, really good, I cannot fault them. They were extremely good and extremely helpful."

The man said he has had to get a new computer because the one that was hacked has been completely compromised.

He has still been receiving phone calls from the scammers but has not been answering them but he has been writing down the numbers and giving them to Nationwide to investigate.

Nationwide's advice page describes scams similar to this as safe account scams, it said: "You get an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from a trusted organisation such as a bank or building society or the police."

In this case, it was Amazon.

Nationwide continued: "They explain your money is at risk– your account’s been compromised in a security breach.

"Then they reassure you: move your money now to a ‘safe account’ they’ve set up for you, and all will be fine. It’s you who moves that money, not them. And it’s money you’ve lost for good."

Nationwide say never act on a call out of the blue and transfer money at the request of a caller, because a genuine organisation will never ask you to transfer money.

If you are targeted by a scam call, you can report it to Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre.

You can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

The positivity of Ehren Painter was striking as the prop spoke to the media following the defeat to Wasps last Saturday.

He was in no mood to moan about anything, even when prompted about the injury problems that blighted last season.

Painter was only able to play 15 times for Saints in 2018/19 as calf and back issues kept him on the sidelines.

But after being part of the Saints side that lost 36-32 to Wasps in a Premiership Rugby Cup thriller at Franklin's Gardens last Saturday, he was staying upbeat.

"I tore my calf and slipped a disc in my back last season and it wasn't great fun but I guess everyone's got to go through that," Painter said.

"It's nothing compared to what Andy Symons (who missed most of last season with an ACL injury) has gone through.

"Saturday was his first game back in a year and you couldn't really tell.

"I can't really whinge about my injuries - it's part of the sport and I'll learn from them."

Painter was disappointed with how things turned out against Wasps last weekend as errors and disciplinary problems cost Saints dear.

But again he adopted a philoshophical approach to the situtation, insisting it is all about learning before Saints go to Saracens for their Gallagher Premiership opener on October 19.

"It was a tough game against Wasps," Painter said.

"I felt like we controlled 80 per cent of it but credit to Wasps because they just kept applying pressure and they took their opportunities.

"When stuff doesn't go your way, like the two yellows and red card (for Taqele Naiyaravoro), you want to try to adapt, but the second one was just a bit too much.

"All roads lead to Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership but we need to start getting some more momentum now."

And how Saints need that momentum, having lost their three matches since the summer, being defeated by Leinster in a pre-season fixture before suffering reverses against Sale and Wasps.

"We need momentum," Painter continued. "We absolutely need momentum.

"We need to right the wrongs, turn this place into a fortress and go from there."

Painter will be competing with the likes of World Cup winner Owen Franks and Paul Hill for starts in the Saints No.3 shirt this season.

And he believes the squad is going to be very strong this time round.

"Mikey (Haywood), Reece (Marshall), Dyls (Hartley) and a couple of the other lads are still out but everyone's starting to come back," Painter said.

"We've obviously got the World Cup boys to come back in, we've got Owen Franks and Matt Proctor arriving so when everyone's here we'll have a very good squad.

"Even at the moment we've still got a very good squad."

Painter has shown plenty of promise since emerging from the Saints Academy, but he knows he still have lots of work to do.

"I knew I had a job to do at scrum time last weekend - that's obviously my main job as a tighthead," said the 21-year-old.

"The game at Sale was pretty tough and I feel like we improved from that.

"I'm just trying to get the most of out of the scrum every time I play.

"It's always an honour and a priviledge to run out at the Gardens and a lot of it was really fun but it was pretty gutting at the end last Saturday.

"It was lovely to be back playing alongside the boys but we need to start turning these performances into wins."

Daventry Town fell at the first hurdle in the Buildbase FA Trophy despite having a second bite at the cherry.

Town went out of the competition in Monday’s preliminary round replay at Kidsgrove a goal in each half sunk Aaron Parkinson’s side.

Already with several players unavailable through injury and work commitments, the night was made worse by travel problems due to the weather which left some players only arriving half an hour before the match started.

The match officials took the bold decision to get the match on and monitor it as the game progressed. Despite some standing water on the pitch at the start and heavy rain falling throughout the night, the pitch condition did not get any worse and completing the match was never in doubt.

Just when Town thought things couldn’t get any worse, they did, when Adam Confue went down under a heavy challenge and, despite trying to continue, he was unable to do so and was replaced by Nat Liburd after just 15 minutes.

The Grove took the lead midway through the first half following their second corner of the match. Town were unable to clear their lines and the ball fell kindly to former Portsmouth and Coventry City defender Richard Duffy to fire home.

Town looked the better side for the remainder of the first half. Kieran Fitzgerald, who bagged the equaliser in Saturday’s game, saw a defender deflect his shot on to the bar before Adam Creaney struck a fierce shot from the edge of the box that cannoned off the bar.

Fitzgerald has two good shouts for penalties in the second half but as Town pushed forward for an equaliser, James Jennings made sure of Kidsgrove’s place in the next round where they will play Wisbech Town at home.

So, it’s back to BetVictor Southern League action for Town who travel to Didcot Town on Saturday.

Saints prop Will Davis is returning to Ealing Trailfinders on season-long loan.

Davis moved to Northampton from the Championship club during the summer of 2018.

But he has only been able to make seven first-team appearances so far, with six of them coming from the bench.

And there is plenty of competition at loosehead this season, with Ben Franks having switched from tighthead.

Co-captain Alex Waller and Francois van Wyk will also be bidding to secure the No.1 shirt.

And that means Davis will have to get game time elsewhere as he returns to his old stomping ground.

David Ribbans has signed a contract extension with Saints which will see him stay at the club until at least 2022.

The 24-year-old English-qualified lock was one of the most consistent performers last season and boss Chris Boyd has rewarded him with a new deal.

Ribbans arrived at Franklin’s Gardens back in 2017 from South African outfit Western Province, and is now just three matches away from bringing up a half-century of Saints appearances.

His unrelenting play and set-piece expertise have already made him a fans' favourite at Saints, but with the ink now dry on a new two-year deal, Ribbans has his sights set on improving even further.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be signing on again with Saints; I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and it’s really exciting to think I have at least another two years here at Franklin’s Gardens,” Ribbans said.

“The town now feels like home to me and on the pitch last year we took some huge strides forward in our first season under Chris.

“This is a really talented group of hard-working guys and the atmosphere around the club is special. We know we can continue to improve and there’s nowhere I’d rather be playing my rugby at the moment.

“So, I’m thrilled to be staying and I hope I can reward Northampton’s loyal supporters with some more silverware over the next few years.”

Ribbans was named Saints' player of the month for October last season, and he has made a habit out of popping up with important scores, notching a last-minute match-winning effort against Bath back in February.

And Boyd said: “David is a really important signing for us.

"He was one of the club’s most consistent performers last season and we’re extremely keen to continue nurturing our young, English-qualified talent here at Franklin’s Gardens.

“I’m confident he will continue to prove himself a key player for us.

"His attitude in training is second to none so we’re really glad he’s bought into our long-term goals for Northampton.”

Workers facing bullying or violence at Daventry District Council have been promised that ‘all necessary steps’ will be taken to deal with their concerns after the authority adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on abuse.

The district council has implemented the policy after reviewing its health and safety regulations, and says it is a ‘box-ticking exercise’ rather than a response to any specific threats or a culture of bullying. It was agreed by councillors at a strategy group meeting on September 12.

Executive director for resources, Tony Gillet, told members: “We have had arrangements in place through our health and safety practices for some time, but when we looked more recently we wanted a policy position of zero tolerance and we didn’t have a policy that said that.”

Councillor Richard Auger wanted to know what had driven the policy, asking: “Presumably it was covered by something else prior to this? Is this more a political statement or is there a more operational and practical reason for stating we have a zero tolerance? I assume we’ve always investigated things thoroughly, that we are relentless and that we protect our staff.”

Deputy chief executive Simon Bovey said: “It does send a message to customers, staff and workers. You probably expect it anyway, but you state it.”

And Mr Gillet added: “This was picked up by our safety advisory group. We had some notices that refer to zero tolerance in our reception areas and we wanted a policy position that backed that up. So if people challenge us on what our policy is, we know.”

The zero tolerance policy puts into writing that the district council will ‘investigate any incidents of violence, threatening or abusive behaviour at work and victims will be provided with appropriate support’.

It also ensures that ‘adequate’ consultation takes place with all employees, and that employees who are ‘intrinsically vulnerable’ are identified by officers.

What should have been a happy occasion for a Crick woman turned out to be a frightening battle for her life.

Sophie Cheetham and husband Matt were looking forward to seeing their baby at the 12 week scan in January.

“No heartbeat came and there was no baby, but a huge mass that was growing where our new baby should have been,” said Sophie.

Sophie had a molar pregnancy and learned the mass was growing rapidly. She had it removed and was lucky to not need chemotherapy.

She added: “To go from expecting a new baby to potentially fighting cancer is terrifying, especially when you are labelled with a disease you have never heard about.”

Sophie, who is mum to Charlie, three, decided to help other people with the disease by taking part in a skydive on August 31.

Terrified of heights, she wanted to raise funds for the Cancer Research and Treatment Trust at Charing Cross.

Sophie said: “I used all the strength I have gained over this year to do the skydive.

“I am not looking for a medal, a pat on the back or sympathy, I want to raise awareness of this disease as it is so rare.”

Sophie added: “I want to support and stand together with all the women who have or will go through a molar pregnancy.”

To donate to Sophie or for more information, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sophie-Cheetham

A trial is underway over the death of Reece Ottaway who died in the living room of a flat in Cordwainer House, St James, in the early hours of February 1.

Five men have been charged with breaking down the door into the flat that night to rob Reece of drugs and money, before allegedly stabbing him seven times.

At Northampton Crown Court today (October 1), the jury heard how one of Reece's friends barricaded himself in his bedroom after hearing the front getting kicked in.

He told the court: "I heard these big booms on the front door four times.

"I heard someone shouting 'where's the money, where's the food [slang for drugs]'".

"Reece was shouting 'I don't have any money here, I don't keep it here."

This was allegedly the moment the five young men standing trial broke into the flat and threatened Reece and his girlfriend in the living room with a machete and other weapons, before stabbing the 23-year-old man to death.

Fearing for his life, the friend meanwhile locked the door to the bedroom he was in and could listen as the alleged murder unfolded.

Minutes after the intruders left, the friend in the bedroom came out to find Reece mortally wounded, and called the police.

The distressing phonecall was played to the jury, in which he said: "Someone's kicked my door down and beat up my friend. Please come quick, he's been stabbed."

Reece's friend says he did not see the attackers or how many of them there were.

Police arrived approximately six minutes after the call was made.

Sadly, Reece succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene.

During his evidence today, the friend was also asked if he knew about a handaxe that was propped up between a chest of drawers and a wardrobe in the living room where Reece was staying. The man said he knew nothing about it.

The court has previously heard how Reece sold cannabis out of the flat in Cordwainer and was staying in the living room with his girlfriend at the time of the attack.

The five men charged with Mr Ottaway's murder are:

- Cameron Higgs, 20, of Chestnut Close, Milton Malsor

- Jordan Crowley (also known as Jordan Kimpton), 21, of Sam Harrison Way, Duston

- Alfie Drage, 20, of Clover Street, Upton

- Adison Smith, 20, of no fixed address

- Ethan Stirling, aged 21, of Baukewell Court, Lumbertubs

All of the defendants except Ethan Stirling have already pleaded guilty to conspiring to rob Reece that night. They all deny murder.

The trial continues.

Taqele Naiyaravoro will miss Saints' home Premiership Rugby Cup clash with Saracens on Sunday after being given a one-week ban.

Naiyaravoro was sent off for two yellow card offences during the defeat to Wasps at Franklin's Gardens last Saturday.

The powerhouse wing was deemed to have deliberately tripped an opponent during the first half and put in a high tackle on Owain James late on.

The second incident resulted in a penalty try, which ultimately earned Wasps a 36-32 win.

And Naiyaravoro's frustration doubled on Tuesday evening as he was given a suspension that will rule him out of this weekend's repeat of last season's Premiership Rugby Cup final.

Independent disciplinary panel chair Dr Julian Morris said: “The sanction applicable for the offence of receiving two foul play yellow cards is one week.

“There are no aggravating features and whilst the player would normally be entitled to mitigation for a guilty plea, remorse and a clear record because the entry point is a week no reduction can be applied.”

The case was heard on the papers only in the absence of Naiyaravoro by agreement with Saints.

Naiyaravoro will be free to play against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Saturday, October 12.

Plans to build nearly 1,800 homes on the edge of Northampton have received support from the first of two district councils it needs to grant planning permission.

Last Wednesday (September 25) saw Daventry District Council approve two schemes on Duston Road in Upper Harlestone.

The approval from councillors, by seven votes to four, came despite concerns from Duston Parish Council about the ‘significant increase’ in traffic that will result from the development.

But the application straddles the boundary between Daventry District and South Northamptonshire, and the dual application still requires the approval of South Northamptonshire Council to go ahead.

Councillors on South Northamptonshire’s planning committee will meet tomorrow afternoon (Thursday October 3) at The Forum in Towcester, and officers have recommended they follow Daventry’s lead and approve the application.

Harpole Parish Council has joined its Duston counterparts in raising concerns over the ‘significant traffic’. But it also says the location of an £8.5million primary school close to the road, which is included in the application, would ‘deter walking and cycling to school with its associated health benefits and expose pupils to more air pollution’.

Applicant J S Bloor (Northampton) Ltd is seeking outline planning permission for residential-led developments of up to 1,750 dwellings and 600 dwellings. The 600 dwellings would form the first phase of the total of 1,750 dwellings that would be provided across the larger site area, and are not in addition.

As well as the first 600 homes, the first phase would include the primary school, a new local centre and a new main access off New Sandy Lane. The second and third phases would see the delivery of the remaining 1,150 homes.

The scheme would be delivered over an 11-year period if granted approval on Thursday, with work commencing between the end of 2020 and the start of 2021, with the first occupants moving in shortly afterwards.

These are the top 10 dog names which are predicted to be popular next year according to Tasty Bone, so if you’re looking for inspiration there’s plenty to choose from. If you already have a pooch - does your dog’s name make the list?

Saints supporters are being given pre-match tactical insights by boss Chris Boyd in Franklin's Gardens' new Tunnel Club.

Supporters willing to pay for the privilege of a place in the Club are able to hear exclusively from Boyd before home games.

Fans can then watch on as the players walk through the tunnel and out on to the Gardens turf, and there is also visual access to television interviews.

Boyd talked supporters in the Tunnel Club through his side's tactics before the game against Wasps at the Gardens last weekend.

And he is set to do the same again prior to the Premiership Rugby Cup match against Saracens on Sunday.

The Tunnel Club, which is the first of its kind in England's top flight, has already proved popular, with Saints quickly selling out for their first three home games.

Prices range between £350 and £700 per person.

Here's what is included in Saints' Tunnel Club...

Unique hospitality experience inside a suite located at pitch level in the Church’s Stand beside the players’ changing rooms, boasting unparalleled views of the tunnel

All-inclusive bar

Three-course meal cooked by the player’s chef

Half and full-time grazing menu

Unprecedented access to view the team in the tunnel prior to kick-off

Meet Saints’ director of rugby, Chris Boyd, for a pre-match talk

Matchday seats in the Church’s Stand behind Saints' players' dugout

Full view of the pre and post-match media interviews

Former Saints back Will Hooley says he is glad Piers Francis did not get banned for the hit on him during the clash between England and the USA last Thursday.

Francis was cited for what was deemed a dangerous high tackle that happened just seven seconds into the game in Kobe.

The Saints centre was forced to endure a disciplinary hearing but he was not given a suspension, with the disciplinary panel feeling it was only worthy of a yellow card.

Hooley was asked whether he wanted to make a statement to the hearing but declined.

"When George Ford kicked off down the middle of the field my first thought was: ‘Good, I’m getting myself into the game early'," Hooley wrote in his Guardian column. "The next second I’m being clattered.

"The first thing to stress is that I bear absolutely no grudge towards Piers Francis. He wanted to start his World Cup with a bang and that’s literally what he did.

"When I was asked if I wanted to make a statement to his disciplinary hearing, I declined.

"It was the beginning of the game, nothing came of it and, contrary to popular belief, I don’t believe I was hit in the head.

"Trust me, you know when that happens. If anything, the contact felt like it was to my shoulder.

"I didn’t see a huge problem with it and agree with the disciplinary panel’s verdict to dismiss the citing.

"I wish Piers all the best for the rest of the tournament and am glad he’s not been banned.

"There are a lot of big hits on the field but, ultimately, everyone is a rugby player and cares for each other."

Lewis Ludlam and Courtney Lawes are on the bench for England's key World Cup clash with Argentina in Toyko on Saturday (kick-off 9am UK time).

Both Saints forwards have featured in every England match so far, but there is no place in the matchday 23 for centre Piers Francis.

Owen Farrell will captain England from inside centre with Manu Tuilagi playing at outside centre for his second game of the tournament.

Elliot Daly, Jonny May and Anthony Watson make up the back three with George Ford starting at fly-half.

Ben Youngs will start his 92nd game for his country becoming the third most capped England men’s player behind Dylan Hartley (97) and Jason Leonard (114).

Dan Cole will equal Youngs if he features in the game off the bench.

Joe Marler, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler are named in the front row with Maro Itoje and George Kruis as the lock pairing.

Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Billy Vunipola will start in the back row.

Jack Nowell and Mako Vunipola are included in the matchday squad for the first time in the tournament, having both recovered from long-term injury.

And England boss Eddie Jones said: “We are in Tokyo for the first time and the players are excited to be here and have had a good week’s preparation so far.

"We know Argentina are a very good team and our players will be ready for the game.

“Argentina is a completely different team from others we have played so far in the pool stages and are always about the physical contest.

"This week it’s about getting our game right, our set piece in a good place and making sure defensively we are organised and ready to find ways to score points against them.”

England starting XV

15 Elliot Daly (Saracens, 35 caps)

14 Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 38 caps)

13 Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 36 caps)

12 Owen Farrell (Saracens, 75 caps) C

11 Jonny May (Leicester Tigers, 48 caps)

10 George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 61 caps)

9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 91 caps)

1 Joe Marler (Harlequins, 64 caps)

2 Jamie George (Saracens, 41 caps)

3 Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 27 caps)

4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 30 caps)

5 George Kruis (Saracens, 37 caps)

6 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 15 caps)

7 Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 11 caps)

8 Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 47 caps)

Finishers

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 17 caps)

17 Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 54 caps)

18 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 91 caps)

19 Courtney Lawes (Saints, 77 caps)

20 Lewis Ludlam (Saints, 4 caps)

21 Willi Heinz (Gloucester Rugby, 6 caps)

22 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 23 caps)

23 Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 33 caps)

The 20-year-old centre speaks so well it is easy to imagine that he is 10 years older and has 100 more games to his name.

Dingwall relishes leadership roles and he earned the right to skipper the England Under-20s in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship during the summer.

Now he is enjoying imparting some wisdom on his Saints team-mates, with many members of the club's current backs division younger and less experienced than himself.

"Our backs at the moment are incredibly young and in some ways I'm one of the more experienced backs, which is crazy considering I'm only 20 years old and only a third year," Dingwall said.

"On a personal note, it is good for me this year because I'm trying to kick on again.

"My injuries stopped me a bit last year and that was frustrating, especially because I felt I was going well at the time.

"I played against Clermont away in January and I felt I had one of my best performances of the year.

"I was given two weeks to rotate and rest before I went away with the England Under-20s and then I did my ankle in a 20s game (in Ireland).

"I came back and then did it properly again against Saracens at Allianz Park and had the op so I felt like I hadn't played properly for Saints for ages until this summer.

"It was frustrating to feel like I was playing well and for it then to be cut short."

But Dingwall has now put the injury frustrations behind him and is fully focused on getting back to the form earned him nine starts and three replacement appearances last season.

He has played a part in both of this season's Premiership Rugby Cup matches, starting as part of a back-line that had an average age of below 20 at Sale a couple of weeks ago.

And Dingwall now appears to be a fully-fledged member of the first team having truly emerged from the Academy during the early part of last season.

When asked whether he envisaged getting the amount of minutes he earned during the previous campaign, he said: "No, not really,"

"I was quite keen to get some first-team experience and I did want to break through.

"I set out a few goals, which I do every year, and one of them was to play for the first team, and I felt like that year was a good opportunity with new coaches coming in.

"But then to break through and get more regular game time was really pleasing."

Cambridge-born Dingwall has been a staple feature of the England Under-20s side in recent times but he is now too old to represent his country at that level.

That means he can set his sights entirely on cementing a starting spot at Saints.

And he said: "I'm too old for the 20s now so I've done my time so I'm fully into senior rugby now.

"There's no more age-grade for me, which is a little bit scary, but it's brilliant to be here and I'll do my first full pre-season next year."

So what has Dingwall been working on during recent weeks and months at Saints?

"Physically I'm not naturally gifted with being the biggest or the quickest so I'm always striving to improve in those areas, mainly in terms of strength and speed," he said.

"I'm not too bothered about weight and I don't want to put that on unnecessarily if I'm not strong enough to use it.

"I'm constantly trying to improve my attacking game.

"I wouldn't say I'm happy with my defensive game but it's one of my strengths so where I want to grow my game is on the attacking side and to be able to contribute to the team there."

With Dingwall a real leader in defence, it is easy to see him forming a formidable centre partnership with someone like Rory Hutchinson for many years to come.

And that is a suggestion Dingwall likes the sound of.

"Me and Hutch haven't actually played together too much - we've probably played four or five games," he said.

"But we do work really nicely together. He's a very skilful boy and that allows me to take a bit of a back seat in the attacking game.

"He's happy to have a large role in attack and I can complement him in defence, which is something I enjoy.

"So we do complement each other quite well."

Dingwall, Hutchinson and Co are now aiming to help Saints see off Saracens in a repeat of last season's Premiership Rugby Cup final at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday.

But the really serious game against the same opposition will come 13 days later at Allianz Park, where the Gallagher Premiership season will start for Saints.

"It's the start of the season and the Prem kicks off a bit later so the opening (Premiership Rugby Cup) games are being viewed a bit like pre-season matches," Dingwall explained.

"Now we're getting towards the latter stages of those games we're starting to ramp it up more and expecting better things from our performances.

"We hope to get better week on week, learn from our performances because we've actually got games to review.

"We want to have a really good run-out this weekend and to right some wrongs because we were frustrated about that Wasps game (Saints lost 36-32 last weekend).

"We could have done a job on them quite comprehensively but we'll go again on Sunday.

"Momentum and confidence are key and if you've got a couple of wins under your belt everyone clicks into the systems and has real belief.

"When things start to go wrong it can be easy to become fragmented but we've got good faith in what we're doing and we've got a very strong squad this year.

"Everyone's just really excited to get the Prem started now."

Consultants could be paid up to £7m to help Northamptonshire County Council make multi-million-pound savings across its adult social care services.

A risk and reward style contract is being proposed by the financially-fragile authority and predictions are the 18-month work programme could help save the authority and its successor councils up to £25.9m in the next five years.

The proposal comes after the authority employed management consultancy Newton Europe on a 12-week £435,000 contract in August to come up with ways to change its practices in the face of growing demand for adult social care, an ageing population, the move towards unitary governance and the stretched budgets of the council and health budgets.

That work - which included workshops with staff and case study analysis - has now been completed and a series of recommendations made on how the authority can reduce its social care bill. The £435,000 contract was signed off by the council’s director of adult social care Anna Earnshaw under delegated powers and was paid for by the business rates pilot money which was approved by the leaders of the eight councils in the county.

The specific recommendations and the precise ways the council can save the funds in its highest spending department are not outlined in the paper that will go before the Conservative-run cabinet on Tuesday (Oct 8th) . Under the suggested contract the more money the consultants save in adult social care, the more fees they will earn.

The cabinet paper says: “This report seeks approval to procure professional services to support the development and implementation of a significant programme of transformational change within adult social services over the next 18 months. This will include changes in process, pathways, ways of working and culture change and will help embed best practice in order to maximise the benefits of the new social care system being implemented and the sustainability of the new unitary authorities going forward.”

It continues: “The programme of change will be based on a fixed fee and will be self-funding as it is proposed that the commercial approach to be sought for the design and implementation will require that fees are based on the savings realised in order for any future partner to be incentivised to help the service meet its objectives and the council meet its long term goals. Fees are expected to be between £4m- £7m with a 1:4 to 1:5 return on investment.”

Chair of the scrutiny committee Labour Cllr Mick Scrimshaw said he will be asking a number of questions at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday and the scrutiny committee wants to look at the matter in much more detail.

He said: “It is not clear what the nature of this work is and we need much more detail. It is clear the council does not have the expertise it would need to do this specific work, but at the same time if we are spending between £4m and £7m on consultants, that is a lot of work and should we be using consultants to this degree?

“I thought we had moved on from that.”

It is not known whether Newton Europe will tender for the contract, but it has won similar contracts at other councils. Northamptonshire County Council has said the organisation is free to tender for the work.

On its twitter account Newton Europe describes itself as: “A team of the brightest and most curious minds. We crack some of the toughest business and public sector challenges of the day.”

The company works across a large range of sectors including rail and aerospace.

In his register of interests the council’s lead commissioner Tony McArdle, who was appointed by Government in May last year to spearhead the turnaround of the council, declares he is a special advisor for Newton Europe.

A council spokesman said: “Tony McArdle has publicly declared his interest in the company Newton Europe and this is published on the council website. Not only has he never worked on the company’s behalf in Northamptonshire, he has also left meetings when any discussion takes place regarding their work in the county.

“His role at Newton Europe is one of an advisor. He is not paid a retained fee or a salary and only receives payment for any work he undertakes for them.

"Any work carried out on behalf of Newton Europe for other organisations is a matter between them and the client.”

Newton Europe has been contacted for comment.

The organisation had previously been involved with NCC last summer as part of a national programme funded by a group of government departments and the Local Government Association, to offer support to the council in reducing its delayed transfer of care rates from the acute hospitals.

The proposal being put to cabinet is for the director of adult social services Anna Earnshaw and portfolio holder Cllr Ian Morris to undertake the procurement, negotiate and award the contract.