THE most shocking development of the year happened in July when a healthcare professional was arrested on suspicion of murdering eight babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, plus the attempted murder of a further six.

Cheshire police made the bombshell announcement as part of the force’s long-running investigation into the deaths of 17 babies at the hospital between March 2015 and July 2016.

Despite the high-profile arrest, which made headlines around the world, no charges were brought forward and the suspect continues to be released on bail pending further investigation five months on.

In other news, six Chester FC supporters who were among 10 hooligans involved in a fight at a York pub back in October 2016 had been sentenced to a total of 16-and-a-half years in prison.

Four of the fans were from Flintshire, one from Ellesmere Port and the other from Chester.

A rogue trader was ordered to pay more than £10,000 after selling fake superhero costumes on eBay.

About 250 outfits were seized from Cestrian Sports on Rowleys Drive, Shotton, and confirmed as counterfeits by film giants Warner Brothers.

Ashley Colin Turner of Huntington, pleaded guilty to seven charges of supplying and possessing counterfeit goods.

Elsewhere, there were plenty of community events for people to enjoy, as Blacon Festival returned for its 23rd year and the annual Chester Raft Race saw scores of competitors making a splash on the River Dee.

Proms season was in full swing and The Chester Standard featured picture spreads of leavers from several schools in the Chester area.

And the historic home of Chester Zoo founder George Mottershead had a £3 million makeover to transform it into a pub and restaurant, called The Oakfield.