When we are feeling overwhelmed with all of the pressing issues ongoing in the UK and the rest of the world, it is very easy to overlook some of the lighter feel-good stories that are covered in the news.
This is why we have compiled a round-up of some of the most wholesome and positive stories we shared this month that we hope will bring a smile to your face.
January 2021 saw a great deal of both individuals and groups being presented with 'Rose of Northamptonshire' awards - which recognise those who worked tirelessly as part of the COVID-19 response effort - and residents across the county were able to enjoy a few days of snow, which made for some fun pictures!
Which story was your favourite?
5. Northamptonshire's chef of the year launches children's ready meal service to help ease lockdown pressures for parents
Danny Tompkins, who was named Chef of the Year at the 2019 Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards, launched a ready meal delivery service to help parents whose children are off school due to Covid.
6. Corby eleven-year-old's lockdown sweet business sells out in hours
Ruby Aldred, 11, decided to start her own sweet business - using her Christmas money as an investment - and she managed to sell her entire stock on the first evening after a phenomenal response from local people.
7. From Rothwell to reader: how Montsaye pupil's hard work saw her become top science academic
A former Rothwell schoolgirl who scraped through her A-Levels spoke of her pride after she became an associate professor in cognitive neuroscience. Dr Samantha Brooks, 45, went to what is now Montsaye Academy in Greening Road. She was once told she wasn't cut out for university, but fast forward 25 years and she is one of the top teachers at Liverpool John Moores University after becoming a reader at the School of Psychology last month.
8. Village pub landlady wins award for contribution to community during pandemic
Miranda Clare, 46, landlady at The Live and Let Live pub in Harpole, was awarded a Rose of Northamptonshire award for her contribution to the community throughout the pandemic. Events and services Miranda provided included medication drop-offs, special free-of-charge evenings at the pub for people who were unable to celebrate key milestones in their life due, a Christmas market at the pub and happy birthday drive-bys.