In order to reach families most in need across the region, particularly in light of school closures, Company Shop has also temporarily extended its membership to those in receipt of means tested benefits, including families with children receiving Free School Meals.

Steph McGinty, deputy managing director, Company Shop Group, said: “January is always a difficult time for many people, and the national lockdown and ongoing pandemic will put even more pressure on key worker members and families most in need. We have extended our membership temporarily so that we can support as many people as possible during this challenging time.

“We would encourage anyone eligible for membership or who has not shopped with us for a while to come into store to access some brilliant discounts which will really help to stretch family budgets.

“We are incredibly proud of those members who are working tirelessly on the front-line to support the national efforts, and would also like to thank all our hard-working colleagues across Company Shop who are keeping our shelves fully stocked and our stores safe.”

he unique tradition comes around every 20 years, with the last Pole Fair last taking place in May 2002 on the Charter Field in Corby Old Village, attracting crowds of 30,000 to enjoy outdoor attractions, entertainment and of course, the reading of the Royal Charter at the three entrances to the village.

Pole Fairs in the past have used Corby’s Viking past to establish a traditional punishment of ‘riding the stang’ – men who had committed minor offences were carried astride an ash pole or ‘stang’ through the village and having insults or missiles thrown at them.

Corby’s Royal Charter was granted in 1568 by Elizabeth I. The Royal Charter contained six rights and is believed to have been granted by Elizabeth I for one of two reasons – in return for personal services to Sir Christopher Hatton, her favourite courtier or as a thank you to the men of Corby for rescuing her when she fell off her horse in Rockingham Forest.