For those preparing to do last minute Christmas shopping today, shoppers are being urged to stay alert when taking out cash at ATMs.

New data from Santander has predicted last minute shpping could mean “rich pickings for criminals” according to Santander.

In the last couple of years around £10 million has been withdrawn in one hour alone in the weekend before Christmas Day, with shoppers paying for for festive drinks and shopping at markets with cash.

Santander is now offering advice for those who taking to the shops this weekend.

Matt Hall, Head of Banking and Unsecured Credit at Santander said, “It’s tempting to splash the cash in the run up to Christmas, especially if you are buying things at the last minute.

“From mobile banking to overdraft alerts and our Spendlytics app, we offer many ways to help customers keep an eye on their money and expenditure.

“And remember, if you’re planning a last minute dash to the cash point, keep your money and details safe. Busy cash points can mean rich pickings for criminals.”

Santander offer the following advice for staying safe and secure at an ATM this Christmas:

When withdrawing money at an ATM look out for any signs that the machine has been tampered with.

Look out for machines with anti-fraud features. Some machines are fitted with anti-skimming devices (this is usually a green beak that sticks out) or alternatively use a Contactless ATM because the card can’t be skimmed or retained – over 90% of Santander’s cashpoints now offer contactless withdrawals. And look out for PIN pads with hand covers to protect your number from onlookers.

If your card gets stuck in the cashpoint, phone your bank immediately. While it may be a simple malfunction, it could be that a device has been used to make your card stick so it can be retrieved by fraudsters later.

Distraction is a common way for fraudsters to commit ATM fraud. Be very wary of anybody who bumps into you, asks you a question, offers to help while you are using the cashpoint. They could be doing this to take your focus away from your card or your cash so they can take it while you’re not looking. Often they will also have watched while you enter your pin number so have all they need to fraudulently use your card.

Memorise your PIN. If you have it written down it can be captured by a camera, or a bystander and then used if they manage to get hold of your card or details from it.

Always shield the number pad when entering your pin, this will generally make it impossible for hidden cameras or bystanders to see it. Some machines are fitted with a keyboard cover to provide this protection.

Once you’ve completed a transaction at the cash machine, make sure you put your money and card away safely straight away. And if you have a receipt take it with you and destroy it carefully once you have finished with it.

Frank’s Big Christmas Package.

With Christmas around the corner millions of games and consoles are sitting wrapped under trees across the country but there’s one late delivery of a Frank’s Big Package... the new Dead Rising release.

If you are looking for a game which offers a real blast of action and fun this Christmas look no further.

Diehard fans of the Dead Rising series may not take to it immediately as Capcom has chosen to distance FBP from previous titles.

But the Christmas setting, lead character, wacky weapons and great gunplay, coupled with the new exo suit make for some memorable combat.

Then there is the comedy element and once again it will have you in stitches.

Frank West is back and if Capcom are being honest FBP is the perfect opportunity to right some of the wrongs which frustrated many of us in the original Dead Rising 4 release last year.

The three packs of downloadable content - Stocking Stuffer Holiday Pack, Frank Rising and Super Ultra Dead Rising 4 Mini Golf - is all included in the PlayStation 4 version, as well as a new Heroes mode and two new zombie classes.

All in all DR4FBP is a great action game in the open world that has been tweaked, fixed and on the whole made better than the original.

There is a large amount of content and the gameplay is thrill-a-minute comedy fun.

The sense of humour is rivalled only by the South Park titles and there are many genuine laugh out loud moments.

It’s not perfect and some of the problems from the original persist such as poor online stability at times.

The Heroes mode could and probably should be much better too.

But this could be not just Frank’s Big Package but a surprise package this Christmas.

While most of us celebrate the Christmas season with festivities and merriment, for victims of domestic abuse the Christmas period is one of the hardest times of year to access support, a leading domestic abuse charity has revealed.

Domestic violence takes over lives and remains a constant threat in homes across the UK with two women killed every week at the hands of a partner.

Abusers control every aspect of a victim’s life and by doing so makes it incredibly difficult to seek help, with Christmas time being no exception.

Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of national domestic violence charity Refuge, said, “At Refuge, we actually receive fewer visits to our website and fewer calls to the National Domestic Violence Helpline (run in partnership with Women’s Aid) around Christmas than we do at other times of the year.

“It can be very difficult for a woman experiencing domestic violence to access support during the festive period – a period when her abusive partner may be spending more time at home and monitoring her behaviour more closely than ever.”

In a lifetime one in four women will experience physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse at some point.

Sandra adds, “Some police forces see increases in reports of domestic violence incidents at Christmas. This may be because many police forces run high profile awareness campaigns around Christmas time. But the truth is that domestic violence takes place all year round. The police should be encouraging women to reach out for support every day of the year, not just at Christmas.”

Earlier this year proposed cuts to remove refuges and other short term welfare accommodation from the welfare system. This would reportedly reduce the services or close 53 per cent of refugees according to Women’s Aid.

If you’re concerned that a friend is being abused by a partner Refuge offer the following advice for how you can support her throughout the Christmas period, and beyond.

Try to create a safe environment for her to talk to you about what’s happening. Remember that her partner may be monitoring phone calls, texts, emails and Facebook messages, so meet in person if you can.

Give her time to talk about what has been happening.

Be patient – it can take time for a woman to recognise she is being abused, and even longer to make decisions about what to do. Recognising the problem is the first step.

Tell her openly that you are worried about her.

Listen to her. Believe her. All too often people do not believe a woman when she first discloses abuse.

Tell her that the abuse is not her fault. Only the abuser is responsible.

Remind her that she is not alone. If her abuser has isolated her from friends and family, she could be feeling very lonely. Tell her that you are there for her, and that there are solutions.

Build up her confidence. Tell her she is incredibly strong and resilient for coping with what is happening. Focus on her strengths.

Encourage her to break her isolation. Building up her support networks may help her feel stronger and less isolated.

Don’t try to be the expert and don’t judge her for her choices.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse please contact the Freephone 24 hr National Domestic Violence Helpline Run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge for specialist support by calling 0808 2000 247 or visit www.refuge.org.uk or www.womensaid.org.uk.

A sickness bug that swept through the Blackburn Rovers camp this week was partly to blame for their below-par performance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the Cobblers, according to manager Tony Mowbray.

Rovers were bidding for a seventh successive league win at Sixfields but in the end they were thankful for a point after Sam Foley’s close-range effort had the Cobblers deservedly ahead at half-time.

Bradley Dack’s crisp low finish brought Blackburn level shortly after the break before Craig Conway and Marcus Antonsson missed excellent late chances to take all three points back to Ewood Park, the latter denied from the penalty spot by Town goalkeeper David Cornell.

Rovers, who had scored 15 goals in their five previous away games, lost ground on the top two as a consequence and now sit seven points adrift of Sky Bet League One leaders Wigan Athletic, three behind second-placed Shrewsbury.

“I’m disappointed to only take a point,” said boss Mowbray afterwards. “We just couldn’t get to our usual intensity or levels.

“I don’t want to make excuses or a deal of things but I do believe illness in the camp was a reason for our lack of energy.

“Craig’s apologised for missing the chance just before Marcus saw his penalty saved. Marcus felt confident and unfortunately missed his kick. We haven’t played as poorly as that for a very long time.”

Mowbray was visibly disappointed not to come away from Sixfields with three points but the former Celtic manager did give credit to the Cobblers, who dropped back into the relegation zone despite the point.

“You have to give credit to Northampton,” he added. “They were a physical threat and worked extremely hard for their manager.

“We’re left frustrated to only take the point home with us. We have to get on with it. We did enough to take the points but didn’t take our chances.

“It was an opportunity for us to keep things rolling on but it wasn’t to be. There are still plenty of games to come for us.”

It wasn't to be the pre-Christmas present the Saints supporters desperately craved.

Instead, Exeter Chiefs rocked up at Franklin's Gardens and served up another slice of disappointment.

For 40 minutes, the hopes of the home fans had risen at a steady rate, with Ahsee Tuala's well-worked try and Piers Francis's conversion putting Saints in contention.

Aside from the concession of a single try, expertly created and finished by scrum-half Will Chudley, they seemed to be coping well with the champions.

And had their lineout not faltered on a couple of occasions before the break, they may well have gone in ahead.

But Exeter did what champions do.

They soaked up the pressure that came their way and eventually landed the sucker punch.

After Gareth Steenson kicked an early penalty in the second period, the points only seemed to be going one way.

There was no gift wrapped in green, black and gold paper for the Saints fans, just another dose of reality as Exeter turned the screw.

Their forward pack cranked up the heat in the set piece and punctured the atmosphere with three further tries.

It earned the Chiefs another maximum haul in what is becoming another memorable season.

For Saints, it was the latest hammer blow in a campaign full of them.

And it just showed how the fortunes of the two clubs have differed since Saints topped the Aviva Premiership table in 2015.

Now Exeter are the perennial title contenders.

Now Exeter have the forward pack capable of crushing opposition sides.

And now Exeter have the impressive team unit to consistently challenge for silverware.

A few years ago, those descriptions applied to Saints.

But not any more.

They used to rock up at Sandy Park and bring out the big guns, rolling the Chiefs over in the maul and the scrum.

But those strengths are simply not present at the Gardens right now.

They will return at some point.

But it will not necessarily be soon.

It will require the recruitment of the right man for the director or rugby role and then a steady building process.

For now though, Saints would just take a win.

They have suffered defeat in 12 of their past 13 matches in all competitions, losing their last six Aviva Premiership games.

It has been a shocking spell and one that has been the gift that keeps on giving for opposition outfits.

Saints will hope to end the year on a slight high by beating Harlequins at Twickenham on Saturday.

But that is another big ask and they will need every ounce of spirit if they are to turn things around at English rugby HQ.

There were certainly signs of improvement during the first half against Exeter.

There was more defensive resilience and Exeter didn't score from every attack like some other sides have done against Saints in recent months.

But ultimately the outcome was the same.

Another bonus-point shipped and not a single one gained.

These are lean times at the Gardens.

And all anyone can do is hope that a new saviour can be brought in to sort things out after Christmas.

How they rated...

HARRY MALLINDER

Was in the thick of the action early on, putting Exeter under pressure with some rapid breaks and doing some decent defensive work, one slip aside... 6

AHSEE TUALA

Finished off a flowing team move to bag Saints' first try, but wasn't able to get in the game during the second half as the Chiefs dominated... 5

ROB HORNE

Made some huge hits and his run and well-timed offload was crucial in setting up Tuala's try... 6

LUTHER BURRELL

Made a few trademark bursts into Exeter territory, but didn't have much front-foot ball to work with in the second half... 5

BEN FODEN

Was forced to spend a spell in the sin bin during the second period and wasn't really able to make his mark on the game... 4

PIERS FRANCIS

Played a useful part in Tuala's try with a tidy pass, but Exeter stopped Saints' half-backs getting into the game during the second period... 5

NIC GROOM

Didn't have too much to work with, but tried to bring a bit of intensity during the first period... 5

CAMPESE MA'AFU

Put his body on the line during his first start of the season, desperately trying to use his physicality to blunt Exeter... 6

DYLAN HARTLEY

Not an easy day for Saints in the scrum and lineout, with the skipper unable to steady the ship on this occasion... 5

JAMAL FORD-ROBINSON

A difficult day for Saints in the scrum and every week is a learning experience for the club's props... 5

MICHAEL PATERSON

Always puts everything he has into his performances and he battled for every inch once again... 6

API RATUNIYARAWA

Was on the front foot as Saints scrapped for everything before the break, showing off his natural offloading game and using his power well... 6

COURTNEY LAWES

Like Ratuniyarawa, he was able to have a say in the game, defending well and carrying with typical menace... 6

JAMIE GIBSON

Gave away a couple of penalties, but didn't do too much wrong on another day when he put in a huge amount of effort... 5

TEIMANA HARRISON

Works so hard every week and is unfortunate to be part of a team that sees its effort go unrewarded when it comes to results... 6

Replacements (who played more than 20 minutes)

MIKE HAYWOOD (for Hartley 57)

Came on at a time when Exeter were getting a real grip of the game and there was nothing the replacements could do about it... 5

PAUL HILL (for Ford-Robinson 57)

Saints looked to their bench to try to turn the tide up front, but Exeter simply went from strength to strength... 4

TOM WOOD (for Paterson 57)

Never short of work rate and effort, but Exeter's game plan worked as they tired Saints out and the replacements couldn't raise the bar... 5

CHRON STAR MAN - Don Armand (Exeter)

Michael Paterson says a victory will be so sweet for Saints when it finally arrives.

The green, black and gold have lost six successive Aviva Premiership matches.

They head to Twickenham to face Harlequins on Saturday on the back of a 35-14 home defeat against Exeter Chiefs last weekend.

Saints were only 11-7 down at half-time, but the Chiefs pulled away during the second period.

And Paterson, who lined up at lock, said: "In the first half we came out and defended really well.

"The boys fronted up and at times we put Exeter under a lot of pressure and on the back foot.

"It's difficult to take because we want that change to happen and it's not going to happen overnight.

"There will be positives when we look at the tape, but we've got a lot of work-ons if we're to get that victory.

"When that victory comes, I'm sure it's going to be sweet."

Saints struggled in the scrum against the Chiefs, conceding a string of penalties as they got on the wrong side of referee Thomas Foley.

"Exeter are a sharp forward pack and they put us under huge pressure at lineout time and at scrums," Paterson said.

"The scrum is a work-on every week for us.

"Scrummaging is an eight-man job, we need to be working together on our technique and we've got to paint the right pictures for the ref.

"Once the ref sees something, he gets on that, and we need to get on the right side of the referees."

Pet charity Dogs Trust have revealed the shocking real reasons people give up dogs as they prepare for the post-Christmas influx of unwanted dogs.

The organisation, who in 2016 cared for over 15,000 dogs in its 21 UK centres, are urging the British public to remember our iconic slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas®’ after a year of bizarre reasons offered by people giving up their dog. To bring the message home they have created “Why I left you,” a video with a twist which highlights the carefree attitude which people sadly display towards dog ownership.

Following Christmas last year, the charity received a call every five minutes (3,596 calls) from people looking to give up their dogs. Here are just some of the reasons.

1) I won a free holiday and I couldn’t take my dogs with me

2) I’m a vegetarian but he always wanted to eat meat

3) I got him as a secret Santa present

4) She was too friendly and wanted to greet every dog and human we met on a walk

5) He was panting too much

6) He didn’t like it when we played dress up

7) She sleeps in her own bed all night – I thought she would want to sleep in my bed

The slogan, first coined nearly 40 years ago, seems to be as relevant today as in the 1970s as a new survey reveals 20 per cent of dog owners spend less than two weeks researching before buying a dog and 1 in 5 people confessed to buying a dog simply because it was a cute accessory.

The survey also revealed that one in ten people admit to buying or receiving a dog as a Christmas gift. The dog owning public also significantly underestimated the financial cost of dog ownership with 70 per cent believing their dog will cost them less than the actual cost of £10,000 during its lifetime.

Following a staggering 1,000 calls during Christmas week last year from people unable to care for their dogs (200 of these specifically about puppies) the network of 20 Rehoming Centres in the UK are bracing themselves as they expect to take in thousands of dogs in the weeks following the festive period.

Adrian Burder, Chief Executive for Dogs Trust, who rehomed abandoned Christmas pup Skipper in 2014, explains:

“Dogs Trust take in thousands of much loved dogs from heartbroken owners who sadly find themselves unable to continue to care for their dogs due to unavoidable changes in their circumstances so it’s particularly hard for staff when they see the other end of the spectrum; dogs handed in simply because their owner’s bought them on a whim and consider them little more than toys to be discarded when the novelty wears off.

“We really hope this Christmas is the year our nation of animal lovers finally takes heed of our slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ and we don’t see dogs discarded because their owners have not considered the lifetime commitment of dog ownership.”

The charity are urging anyone considering getting a dog to ensure they do their research to find a dog compatible with their lifestyle, so they are fully aware of the realities of caring for a dog for the duration of its lifetime.

More than six million full time workers are losing out on days off that they failed to take this year.

A massive 27% of employees are forgoing an average of two days’ respite as their annual leave calendars reset at the end of the year, according to new research.

Based on the UK’s average wage, £216 of additional work is being done by each overworked employee, totalling £1,341,460,000 across the country.

And it’s those working in hospitality and events management who are least likely to take their full entitlement, with an average six days still unclaimed at the year’s end.

But of those days they have managed to book off, the survey of 2000 employees by www.printerland.co.uk revealed that employees squandered an average four days acting on admin and two days to look after children.

Half of respondents had to use their valued vacation for medical appointments or to wait in for deliveries or repair engineers.

The survey revealed that on average, full time office workers get 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.

However, those quizzed believe a fairer number of holidays for hard workers would be 29 days per year, and 13% of respondents said their travel plans failed to match up with the time they were allowed, forcing them to take unpaid leave.

The stats show that an average of nine days of annual leave are used for holidays and seven to cover working days over the Christmas period, with August the most popular month for sun worshippers to shut up shop.

People in Portsmouth and Aberystwyth are set to lose out the most, with an average of four days lost.

Residents in York, Worcester, Gloucester and Brighton are most likely to use up every holiday before they run out of time.

Catherine Bannan, HR manager for Printerland.co.uk. said: “There’s a lot of money being missed out on by UK employees when you consider that 27% of people haven’t taken their full entitlement and are in work instead. And of course, many people aren’t allowed to roll over holidays into the new year, so a lot of those days will be simply lost.

“Even if you haven’t made plans to go on holiday, it’s important to unwind and simply take the time off to relax and spend time with family and friends.”

Matt Ingram and Daniel Powell could both make their return to the Cobblers squad for Boxing Day’s clash at the Keepmoat Stadium as manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink readies his players for what will be a ‘different’ test posed by mid-table Doncaster Rovers.

Powell has not featured since November’s win at Oxford United, despite Hasselbaink’s initial positive prognosis, while Ingram injured his shoulder in the goalless draw with Bury and had to return to parent club Queens Park Rangers for treatment.

But both are on the comeback trail and may well be in the squad for Tuesday when the Cobblers head to Doncaster hoping to build on their battling 1-1 draw with high-flying Blackburn Rovers, though defenders Aaron Pierre, off injured on Saturday, and Leon Barnett are sidelined.

“We’re not happy to lose Aaron (Pierre),” said Hasselbaink. “He has a groin problem but hopefully we can see some other faces coming back soon in Alex Revell and Daniel Powell, and Matt Ingram will also be back.

“Leon Barnett might return against Portsmouth but the other two (Revell and Powell) could be earlier.”

Hasselbaink was pleased with the efforts and commitment of his players in their hard-fought and well-deserved 1-1 draw with high-flying Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, but he is now expecting a different kind of test against Doncaster.

Darren Ferguson’s side are eight places but only four points above Northampton in a congested Sky Bet League One table and go into Tuesday’s game on the back of a 1-0 win at Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

“Of course we’ll go there and try to get something out of the game,” added Hasselbaink. “We want to keep this going and hopefully we can.

“We’ll have to play a little bit differently maybe because they play with a different system. They play in a diamond in the midfield so we have to try to stop them playing.

“They’re very fluent and we have to unsettle them in that way and our entries into their back four will have to come from different areas and different players, but I can’t tell you which ones!”

Just when you thought Northampton’s catalogue of bad performances and forgettable days had been filled to the brim for 2017, they find room to squeeze at least one more into the collection.

Dispatched 3-0 by Doncaster Rovers on a torrid Boxing Day afternoon in south Yorkshire, the Cobblers were unrecognisable from the team that fought with such hunger and determination in holding Blackburn Rovers to a point only three days earlier, just had they been unrecognisable at Plymouth and Oldham not long after playing Oxford United off the park.

It’s unlikely that Darren Ferguson’s team, promoted only last term remember, will earn three easier points than they did on Boxing Day as Town displayed the type of festive generosity that’s usually only reserved for the day before.

And if the scoreline flattered anyone, it was the visitors. Returning goalkeeper Matt Ingram was Northampton’s best player as he twice saw his terrific work, including a superb double stop, go unrewarded with Doncaster scoring from the subsequent passage of play.

They say old habits die hard and that certainly rings true for the Cobblers this season as the one-step-forward, three-steps-back theme of their campaign continued here. They play well for two games and immediately, and inexplicably, throw in a shocker of a performance and Tuesday’s effort at the Keepmoat Stadium was as bad as anything.

Clear-cut chances have been alarmingly few and far between this season and yet it’s not an exaggeration to say that this was their most blunt, ineffective attacking display to date, restricted to just one chance throughout the entire 90 minutes and that came about due to a defensive error as Doncaster tried and failed to play out from the back.

Shaun McWilliams saw his shot blocked by Ian Lawlor for one of only two attempts on target, though when the other one came is something of a mystery. This was the 12th different league game this season that the Cobblers have failed to score in, the most in the division alongside AFC Wimbledon.

There was much talk regarding Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s team selection. A significant part of Hasselbaink’s management philosophy is to study the opposition and set his team up in a way to negate the strengths and exploit the weaknesses of whoever they are playing, often leading to him making at least two or three changes from game to game.

While that approach has obvious benefits – Town reaped the reward of it at Oxford, for example – it also has drawbacks and sometimes the positives outweigh the negatives, as they did at Doncaster.

Two of the four changes Hasselbaink made were perfectly reasonable. Aaron Pierre was injured so Regan Poole came in alongside Ash Taylor and first-choice stopper Matt Ingram returned to goal.

But it was always a risk to take out Lewis McGugan and George Smith and switch the system to 4-4-2 given that Town had previously looked so comfortable and settled playing 4-3-3 with John-Joe O’Toole behind Chris Long.

Those changes, including the decision to switch Sam Foley to the left flack after he had played so well on the right, backfired and Hasselbaink admitted afterwards he may have got it wrong. Indeed, it’s doubtful that the squad at his disposal is flexible enough to adapt to different systems and different styles of play.

To say 2017 has not been a vintage year for Northampton would be an understatement. The opening away game – the fateful 5-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers – set the tone and there was every chance that their penultimate away trip would end with the same scoreline, only Doncaster’s lack of ruthless edge let Town off the hook.

There’s no guarantee that this Saturday will be any easier, especially considering Portsmouth boast the third best home record in League One. With 2018 around the corner and now three points separating them from safety, making a case for Northampton’s survival is growing harder by the week.

How they rated...

Matt Ingram - Fumbled one cross but there was no getting away from the fact he was Town’s best player, brilliant first-half save and a sublime double stop both counted for nothing as goals immediately followed... 7 CHRON STAR MAN

Brendan Moloney - Pinned back for most of the game, so much so he barely got beyond the halfway line but for one excellent cross. Won’t be happy about the fact both first-half goals stemmed from Town’s right-back position... 5

Regan Poole - Superb goal-line clearance so nearly kept the game scoreless but rebound fell to Coppinger who tapped in. Never got to grips with Doncaster, and May in particular, after that... 5

Ash Taylor - Dropped well below his high standards, fortunate not to concede a penalty when lunging in on Marquis and doesn’t seem anywhere near as comfortable on the left side... 5

David Buchanan - Not directly at fault for any of the goals but was part of a defence that was unorganised and all at sea at times. Team needs more players with his attitude though... 6

Shaun McWilliams - Denied by Lawlor’s legs and gave his all but was otherwise stuck between defence and attack in a role that clearly doesn’t suit his skill set... 5

Matt Grimes - No idea what possessed him to make such a needless, poor challenge on Marquis, just what Town didn’t need before half-time and there was no way back from there... 5

John-Joe O’Toole - The fact he’s been playing through the pain barrier appeared to catch up with him here. Played a deeper role where he had nowhere near the same impact as Doncaster’s midfield got too much space and time on the ball... 5

Sam Foley - Tenacious work created Town’s only chance of the entire match, however even though he never stopped running and was perhaps their best outfield player, the decision to switch him from the right flank to the left backfired... 6

Chris Long - Remained on the fringes of the game and didn’t do enough with the ball on the few occasions he did get it. Partnership with Richards almost non-existent... 5

Marc Richards - Barely received a decent pass all game. To score goals as a striker you need chances and he didn’t even get a sniff of one here... 5

Substitutes

Lewis McGugan - 5

Sam Hoskins - First touch sent the ball out of play, then immediately got booked for kicking the ball away. Summed it all up... 5

Raheem Hanley - 5

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

November 2:

David Hazell, aged 55, of Burleigh Road, Northampton, sent offensive text 
messages; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £20 and costs of £85.

Peter Drage, aged 41, of Wellingborough Road, Mears Ashby, driving while banned; jailed for four weeks, ordered to pay surcharge of £115 and costs of £85. No insurance; no separate penalty; licence endorsed with six points. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence; no adjudication, dealt with original offence – drink-driving with a breath test reading of 140mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; suspended sentence imposed as 10 weeks in jail.

Leon Wilson, aged 41, of Balfour Close, Northampton, damaged a door; fined £80, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Ali Zarei, aged 23, of Bedford Mansions, Derngate Road, Northampton, possession of cannabis; conditional discharge of 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Marius Covargic, aged 29, of St Pauls Road, Northampton, driving while disqualified; community order made to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months. No insurance; no separate penalty.

Viorel-Alin Ludosan, aged 32, of Wellington Street, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 87mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £350, ordered to pay a surcharge of £35 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 22 months.

NOVEMBER 3

Nathan Bettles, aged 28, of Oakley Street, Northampton, stole four jars of Gold Blend coffee worth £12.76; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £85. Failed to surrender to custody; conditional discharge for 12 months.

Kristians Olsteins, aged 21, of no fixed abode, stole three cans of Red Bull from the Co-Op; fined £40, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85. Failed to surrender to custody; fined £40.

Simon Clarke, aged 49, of Bostock Avenue, Northampton, possession of cocaine; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

NOVEMBER 6

Cezar Clocotici, aged 29, of Bourne Crescent, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 55mcgs of 100mls of breath; fined £200, ordered to pay a surcharge for £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 16 months. No insurance; fined £200.

Oleg Cociu, aged 32, of Euston Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 86mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £320, ordered to pay a surcharge of £32 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 22 months.

Eleanor Harper, aged 38, of Acre Lane, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £40, a surcharge of £30 and costs of £100, banned from driving for three months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £40, three points.

Barry Sheehan, aged 38, of no fixed abode, threatened a police officer that he would set fire to a building; jailed for 28 days concurrent.

Bartek Scibiorek, aged 33, of West Cotton Close, Southbridge, Northampton, no insurance; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving without due care and attention; fined £100. Failed to surrender to custody; fined £200.

Charlie Cox, aged 18, c/o Dover Court, Northampton, no insurance; no separate penalty. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. Failed to provide a breath test; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Samuel Cox, aged 20, of Cherry Close, Northampton, possession of cannabis; fined £100, ordered to pay a 
surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Benjamin Hornsey, aged 19, of Holdenby Road, Holdenby, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 85mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £400, ordered to pay a surcharge of £40 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Adam Robson, aged 26, of Lang Farm, Daventry, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 86mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £400, ordered to pay a surcharge of £40 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Brad Matthews, aged 28, of Dovecote Road, Roade, stole fuel worth £67.87; community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, pay compensation of £67.87. Eight similar offences; ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

NOVEMBER 7

Anton Bourne, aged 35, of Purser Road, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; community order made, ordered to pay compensation of £75. Failed to surrender to custody; community order made. Damaged a window and cat flap; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85. Damaged a chest of drawers and a wall; community order made. Assault; community order made.

NOVEMBER 8

Matthew Finnigan, aged 23, of Compton Way, Earls Barton, damaged a glass pane on a door; court order made, fined £215, compensation of £300 and surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

George Jarvis, aged 21, of Bouverie Road, Hardingstone, destroyed a window; fined £120, ordered to pay compensation of £80, a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Ricky Renshaw, aged 30, of Whiteland Road, Northampton, assault; community order made, ordered to pay compensation of £100, a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85.

Jason Hudson, aged 27, of Kingsley Road, Silverstone, assault; community order made, fined £100, compensation £200, surcharge £85 and costs £85.

Suzanne Minney, of Sir John Pascoe Way, Northampton, assault; conditional discharge for three years, 
ordered to pay compensation of £200, a surcharge of £15 
and costs of £85. Damaged 
a car and a plant pot; conditional discharge for three years.

Myles Hannah, aged 20, of no fixed abode, had an offensive weapon in a public place, namely a rounders bat; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85. Failed to comply with a community order; no adjudication, dealt with original offences. Assault; community order made. Stole a Sony PlayStation and six Sony games worth £485.97; community order made.

Richard Coleman, aged 30, of West Haddon Road, Guilsborough, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £500, ordered to pay a surcharge of £50 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points. Driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £346, licence endorsed with three points.

Paul Gardner, aged 65, of Olympia Close, Northampton, driving at 41mph in a 30mph zone; fined £454, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with four points.

Gary Newstead, aged 39, of Westfield Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £230, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with five points.

Carl Wood, aged 43, of Prentice Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £150, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £50.

Olabiyi Akinrera, aged 26, of Margaret Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220 and costs of £85. No insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66, banned from driving for six months. Driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220.

Mohammud Cali, aged 33, of High Street, Upton, no insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220.

Damion Carvell, aged 24, of Henmans Road, Daventry, no insurance; fined £330, ordered to pay a surcharge of £33 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Donna Casey, aged 31, of Queens Road, Daventry, no insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220.

Racu Viorel, aged 20, of Cranstoun Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £525, ordered to pay a surcharge of £52 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Phillip Cowdell, aged 37, of Brookfield Road, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £80, ordered to pay costs of £85. Failed to report an accident; fined £80. Driving without due care and attention; fined £80. No insurance; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Jade Eastman, aged 29, of Fulford Drive, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £150, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mohammed Hussain, of Cranbrook Road, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Julius Krompalcas, aged 19, of Junction Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220.

Iwona Lacka, aged 37, of Hazel Drive, Brixworth, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220. No insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

James Scullion, aged 63, of Ashley Way, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

The Ladies’ Section at Daventry & District Golf Club swung into action to help a severely disabled toddler from Newnham.

They held a successful charity day in aid of the Helping Harry Trust, a trust set up to support Harry Charlesworth.

His mother Hayley said club captains Julie and Peter Phillips found out about Harry and his difficulties at the start of the year and have been very keen to show their support.

Gathering together in aid of Harry, the clubhouse was transformed into a festive bazaar as a host of local businesses pitched up stalls to sell items including bags and jewellery, Christmas decorations and beauty products.

The tombola and Coffee Shop also proved extremely popular with the visitors.

Daventry Mayor Lynn Taylor attended the event and was very pleased to meet little Harry and his parents Hayley and Andrew Charlesworth.

Hayley said “We are incredibly grateful for the support shown to us by Daventry Golf Club. During the charity day the club managed to raise a whopping £1080 which will be put towards a specialist bath and changing table to ensure Harry’s comfort, safety and dignity (and our backs). Being able to buy this essential type of equipment makes a world of difference to our everyday lives, unfortunately anything special needs is incredibly expensive so support like this really helps our family. We would like to say a big thank you to Kerstin, Julie and Pete and everyone who supported the day, it was a lovely event and Harry is a lucky little boy to have the support of such a big hearted club.”

People are putting on their walking boots on December 30 for a 10k walk across some beautiful Northamptonshire countryside. £15 minimum sponsorship or donation. Starting and finishing at The Windmill Inn in Badby, with breakfast included at the end. To sign up or for more information please email Hayley at thehelpingharrytrust@gmail.com or search for The Helping Harry Trust on facebook.

Nearly 3,500 pregnant women across the country who are expecting babies in 2018 have revealed their selected baby names in a new survey.

According to www.emmasdiary.co.uk - a support resource for mums to be and new parents - Harry was cited as the number one choice for baby boys, thanks to the double influence of J.K. Rowling’s boy wizard and the name of the prince who is currently fifth in line to the British throne.

Olivia has proved to be a firm favourite with parents for the last few years - presumably thanks to popular actress Olivia Colman - and has hit the number one spot again as the most popular name for baby girls in 2018.

Other names ranking in the top three most popular for 2018 included, Noah and Oliver (for boys) and Isla and Lily (for girls).

Showing signs of more current royal influences, George and Charlotte also made the top 20 names for 2018 with other royal favourites for boys such as James, Henry and Arthur also making the grade.

For girls, there are notable influences from popular TV shows such as Game of Thrones with Aria ranking 18th most popular name for girls in 2018.

Names names such as Max and Ruby (a popular animated show for young children) also made the top 20.

For girls in particular, names ending with the letter ‘a’ show a strong trend for 2018 (with almost 50 per cent of the names chosen, ending with the letter ‘a’) including, Olivia, Isla, Ava, Amelia, Sophia, Freya, Matilda, Aria and Ella – all cited in the top 20 girls names for next year.

Faye Mingo, Marketing Director at Emma’s Diary commented: “We can see a real ‘royal’ influence in the names selected for 2018 - interestingly, George and Charlotte were both ranked in the top 20 most popular names.”

“Olivia and Oliver continue to remain popular amongst parents to be as do traditional and biblical inspired names such as Jacob and Noah.”

Boys

1. Harry

2. Noah

3, Oliver

4. George

5. Jack

6. Arthur

7. Freddie

8. Jacob

9. Charlie

10. Teddy

11. Theo

12. Henry

13. James

14. Alfie

15. Leo

16. Oscar

17. Archie

18. Max

19. Logan

Girls

1. Olivia

2. Isla

3. Lily

4. Ava

5. Elsie

6. Emily

7. Poppy

8. Amelia

9. Sophia

10. Freya

11. Evelyn

12. Grace

13. Charlotte

14. Willow

15. Alice

16. Matilda

17. Ruby

18. Aria

19. Florence

An 11-year-old caught with a knife was one of the youngest arrests made by Northamptonshire Police this year.

The child, who would have either been in primary school or had just started secondary school when arrested, was also arrested for criminal damage to property.

The youngster was released under investigation over the criminal damage and refused charge for the possession of the knife.

A Freedom of Information Act request by this newspaper has also revealed that another 11-year-old was arrested for arson in 2017.

They were also refused charge.

The two youngest arrests made by police in the county were both on 10-year-olds, arrested for theft from a shop.

An 11-year-old was also arrested for common assault and criminal damage to property.

Both that 11-year-old and the two 10-year-olds were released under investigation.

This newspaper also asked Northamptonshire Police for details about the oldest people they had arrested this year.

The force withheld details about the two oldest individuals arrested as they may be identified and could jeopardise investigations.

The oldest arrest they were willing to disclose was an 84-year-old drink-driver, who was charged and bailed to attend court.

An 83-year-old was arrested on a warrant and not given bail, while an 82-year-old was also arrested on a warrant and refused charge.

A similar Freedom of Information request last year revealed a 93-year-old arrested on suspicion of manslaughter was the oldest arrest in 2016.

The youngest was an 11-year-old burglar.

Argos has recalled a range of chairs, which could unexpectedly break when sat upon.

Anyone having purchased the Hygena Angel Chair between December 1 2016 and July 13 2017 is being advised to stop using the chair immediately, as the glue which holds the chair legs together may failing and cause the chair to break.

The retail giant have said that they have only found the issue to affect a small number of items, but as a precaution, are providing replacement legs with an updated design which has improved the chair’s strength.

The replacement parts can be ordered online for home delivery, free of charge. Full instructions will be included, as will four replacement bolts.

There are three varieties of the chair available: Pink: (catalogue number 487/5657), Yellow: (number 497/1094) and Blue (453/7799).

To order replacement legs, customers can visit https://www.clickspares.co.uk/angel/ and enter their chosen delivery address. The parts should then be sent out within 2-3 working days (UK) or 4-5 days (ROI), free of charge.

Chairs purchased after the dates stated are not affected, as the supplier is now using an updated design for the legs and independent testing has shown that this has improved the overall quality and strength of the chair.

Further questions can be addressed to Argos by calling 0345 6402020.

People travelling by car and bus in Northamptonshire this morning have been hit by problems caused by heavy snow.

There are queues of up to 13 miles on the A14 between Junctions 1 and 3 after multiple collisions because of the severe weather.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and delay their journey if possible.

Bus services 1, 3, 23 and 24 are also not running in Corby.

Stagecoach is attempting to run the X1, but it will not be servicing Stephenson Way, Oakley Vale estate, Occupation Road or Kettering Rail Station at present.

Staff and punters are raising a glass at a brand new pub opened in Long Buckby.

The Badgers Arms, described by the landlords as a “little gem” has recently opened its doors to the public.

Situated on the High Street, The Badgers Arms is set over two floors and specialises in local real ale, craft cider and gin.

The landlords of The Badgers Arms, Jeff Harrison and Ali Gage, wanted to create a pub and social hub that they would want to go to.

“We have tried to source all our beers and ciders from a 30 -mile radius of the village, even our gin,” said Ali.

“The Badgers Arms has five beers on at any one time and a great list of ciders.”

She said the gin selection was very impressive.

Ali said the pub has a cosy, homely feel which is ideal to unwind in.

She added: “The main bar is upstairs with two cosy rooms, while downstairs there is a great little snug.

“For those customers who find stairs difficult, a bell is provided in the snug and we are very happy to come down to serve you.

“There are no music or gaming machines so customers sit and chat whilst being watched by Brock, a magnificent stuffed badger which takes pride of place in the upstairs lounge. We don’t allow children under the age of 14 in the pub, which makes this a place for adults to unwind.”

Well behaved dogs are welcome if they are kept on a lead.

The pub is open five days a week, Tuesday to Friday 4pm till 10pm and Saturday 2pm till 10pm. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

Due to the current snowy conditions, waste and recycling collections have been suspended in some areas of Daventry District today.

Treacherous road conditions, coupled with abandoned vehicles and road traffic incidents in a number of routes, mean crews are unable to collect from the following rural areas today: Welford, Naseby, Thornby, Creaton, Guilsborough, Sibbertoft, East Farndon, Clipston, Great Oxendon, Arthingworth, Maidwell, Draughton, Lamport, Haselbech, Cottesbrooke, Hothorpe, Marston Trussell, Kelmarsh, Hanging Houghton, Cold Ashby and Sulby.

Residents in these villages are asked to bring their black bin and recycling boxes back in and re-present them next Wednesday (3 January).

Waste and recycling crews will be attempting to carry out collections today in the following areas, but only where it is safe for them to do so: Brixworth, Moulton, Old, Scaldwell, Holcot, Walgrave, Pitsford, Church Brampton, Chapel Brampton and Boughton.

The council has asked residents who live in one of these areas and who do not receive a collection today, to keep bins out for collection later this week.

A Daventry District Council spokesperson said: "We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause, the decision to suspend collections in some areas today has not been taken lightly by our contractor and is based on health and safety risks to crews."

Further updates will be available on the council's website and on its Facebook page and Twitter feed.

The council's offices are currently closed until Tuesday, January 2.

A series of collisions around the county are causing lengthy delays while emergency teams work to recover vehicles. Police officers have even reported seeing vehicles abandoned in snow-hit areas.

Among the incidents, the downpour has left the outer lanes of the M1 at junction 16 for Northampton "impassable" in both directions according to AA Travel, although there are no lane closures in place. Motorists are also reporting tricky conditions in both directions at junction 17, for the M45.

A fallen tree has partially blocked the A508 Harborough Road Both between A14 and Draughton Road, while there here has also been numerous reports of fallen trees between Kelmarsh and Maidwell.

The A14 is still closed between Junctions 1 and 3 following a number of collisions on the stretch.

A jackknifed trailer is among the incidents between the M1 junction 19 and B669 Kettering Road.

In the last few minutes Highways England has tweeted: "Our Traffic Officer patrols are continuing to work their way through numerous stranded vehicles on the #A14 between J7 & the #M1/#M6 to try & get traffic moving again. Police are also conducting welfare checks for those caught in the traffic, thanks for your continued patience."

The snow across the county is expected to have cleared up completely by 1pm, though a yellow weather warning for ice has been put in place by the Met Office for this evening.

Between 4pm today and 11am tomorrow motorists are being advised to drive with extra care as snow-hit stretches ice over.

Updates to follow.

George North could play a part for Saints against Harlequins at Twickenham on Saturday - if he comes through training unscathed.

The Wales star has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury during the Champions Cup defeat to Saracens in October.

He was due to return in one of the recent matches against Ospreys, but suffered a setback.

North has been back on the paddock but Saints will continue to monitor him ahead of the final fixture of 2017.

"George North has trained so we'll see how he gets through the week's training," said interim head coach Alan Dickens.

"He did have a bit of a setback.

"He did train and pulled up, which put him back a week or two.

"Any team would miss George North.

"When George North is at the top of his game, there aren't many wingers in the world who are as good as him.

"At the beginning of the season, George was outstanding, he was scoring tries, he was getting a lot of the ball, working well off his wing and he has been a miss.

"Wales have missed him as well and he's a quality player."

Saints were also without Stephen Myler (calf), Tom Collins (foot) and Kieran Brookes (hand) for last Saturday's 35-14 defeat to Exeter Chiefs at Franklin's Gardens.

But Dickens said: "Stephen Myler has returned to training and Kieran Brookes is not too far off.

"Tom Collins has been in a boot for the past couple of weeks due to a foot injury, but he's pretty close."

Alex Waller remains sidelined after suffering a broken arm in the clash with Newcastle Falcons at the start of December.