A law banning fox hunting is now "unstoppable" Basildon MP Angela Smith has claimed. She spoke out after joining nearly 400 anti-hunt protesters who clashed with 30 riders in a demo at Maldon High Street. She said: "Such demos are a normal part of my
Billericay High Street could be closed to traffic for its next Christmas fun night after the mega success of this year's event. Organisers from the Billericay Mayflower Rotary Club are putting the radical proposal at the top of their agenda when they
This Rayleigh vicar branched out to entertain youngsters at his service. The Rev David Parrott, of the Holy Trinity Church in Rayleigh High Street, dressed up as a Christmas Tree during the Christmas Eve ceremony. His spectacular suit was made by one
A new name led the way when the members of Regiment Way Golf Centre played in the Monthly Medal for December on Sunday. Lloyd Miller won with a gross 83, handicap 28, net 55, while a more familiar name, Mike Bullman, finished second with a six over par
Little Dominique Overall had a Christmas to remember - thanks to her new grandparents. One-year-old Dominique enjoyed her first Christmas with adopted granny and granddad Barbara and Bob Williams. Earlier this year mum Alison, 32, appealed to the This
Steve Tilson's tremendous recent run of scoring form continued at Park Lane yesterday as Canvey enjoyed a real Bank Holiday bonanza in their Ryman League Division One clash with fellow promotion-chasers Braintree Town. Former Southend United favourite
Young cerebral palsy sufferer Holly Edwards was today still on a high after her dream Christmas Day meeting with Prince William. Holly, 12, of Rettendon Gardens, Wickford, braved the cold weather to join wellwishers outside Sandringham as the Royal Family
A major new initiative to cut crime in Clacton is proving a success - but police today appealed for more help. Crimeline was set up on December 7 and so far officers have received a number of valuable calls from residents about house burglaries, thefts
Southend's trading standards officers today warned shoppers - be vigilant when picking up a bargain. They spoke out as stores across the region were reporting record takings as the post-Christmas sales got under way in earnest. Carl Robinson, Southend's
Brave workers battled to put out a huge blaze which ripped through part of their Basildon furniture factory. The 20-odd staff were forced to give up as the fire took hold in the paint spray area of Carnaby Display in Wollaston Way on the Burnt Mills industrial
One of a Colchester court's most famous faces has gone missing. Jock the jack russell sits at the side of Judge Nicholas Brandt as he presides at the town's county court. But Judge Brandt's Christmas has been ruined and he was left "devastated" after
An angry householder has launched a campaign against moves to ban certain vehicles from civic amenity sites and recycling centres across Essex. Alan Goggin is furious that from March 1 height barriers will be introduced to stop vehicles over 1.75 metres
Tough new measures aimed at clamping down on racist thugs and football hooligans could become law thanks to a Chelmsford MP. Simon Burns, Conservative MP for Chelmsford West, has put forward a Private Member's Bill aimed at curbing hooliganism. Mr Burns
Murdered man Grant Byrom knew his killer, detectives said today. Officers leading the hunt today confirmed Mr Byrom died after a confrontation between two groups of men known to each other. They have a number of people they specifically want to trace
Santa's sleigh was not the only flying object to visit Basildon Hospital during the festive season. Essex Air Ambulance also touched down on Christmas Day to deliver presents to young patients who had to stay in hospital. Pilot Jim O'Brien and paramedics
The new year could see an increase in repossessions and homelessness across Essex, two leading campaign groups have warned. Despite recent cuts in interest rates, the two groups are warning that higher unemployment could result in a significant increase
Check-out tills were still ringing red hot today as thousands of shoppers went on the rampage looking to bag a bargain. Store managers across south Essex notched up an impressive start to the post-Christmas sales as takings soared beyond their wildest
More than half a million pounds has been awarded to Essex schools to improve security. A total of £22 million is being distributed by the Government among local education authorities nationwide to help keep out unwelcome intruders. Schools standards minister
A young Basildon man was still in intensive care yesterday following a road smash last Wednesday. The 20-year-old driver received serious injuries after a collision on the A13 near Basildon. He had to be cut out of his car by firefighters and was whisked
Engineering giant General Electric Company was the subject of mounting but contradictory speculation today over its possible merger with international rivals. The company declined to comment on newspaper reports linking it variously with US, French and
Tom, 12, from Newlands Spring in Chelmsford, was the winner of a recent competition run by This Is Essex feeder paper the Essex Chronicle. His prize was to do what many professional cricketers have wanted to achieve -- lift the prestigious B&H Cup
Top seeded Rod Harrington believes if he beats Shayne Burgess of Hastings in the second round tomorrow he will go through to the final of the Skol World Darts Championship which ends at Purfleet on Sunday. Harrington, who won his opening match against
Southend United manager Alvin Martin was left questioning his players' hunger and commitment after yesterday's 2-0 defeat at the hands of a very average Torquay United side. The Shrimpers chief must have been praying that his side had put their indifferent
Southend United pressed the self-destruct button again at Plainmoor yesterday as a totally lacklustre performance handed a comfortable win to a far-from-impressive Torquay United side. Blues travelled to Devon looking for their third consecutive Christmas
A joint crackdown on drugs is being planned by the parents of tragic Leah Betts and TV star Billy Murray. The move comes only days after the actor - Det Sgt Don Beech in the Bill - was acquitted of beating up two junkies who introduced his 14-year-old
Thousands of eager bargain hunters battled huge traffic jams today as they fought their way to the post-Christmas sales. Motorists were warned to expect queues today at shopping centres across south Essex. With many retailers offering half price deals
Many patients waited more than five hours in Southend's Accident and Emergency department as the seasonal rush reached its peak. Health chiefs at the hospital estimate more than 30 per cent of cases than normal for this time of year have come through
A mother had the best present of all when her missing teenage daughter came home for Christmas. Fifteen-year-old Holly Sale had disappeared for nearly a week but was reunited with her family on Christmas Day. The youngster was spotted by police on patrol
