Reserve pair John Wainwright and Gary Corbett came to Hammers' rescue in a dramatic win - after visitors Newport so nearly exposed the absence of Arena star Troy Pratt. Tommy Palmer stood in for Hammers in place of Pratt - who was today awaiting more
A lead cylinder containing potentially lethal radioactive material was discovered at Stansted Airport after being missing for 10 days. The package of irradium disappeared after leaving Boston, Massachusetts, on a flight bound for a construction firm in
A mum has spoken of her joy at finding her two-year-old son unharmed after a massive police hunt was launched when he disappeared for nearly an hour. Toddler Robert Burton went missing on Thursday afternoon from his home in Woodgrange Drive, Southend,
Claims that safety worries at a Colchester tip have been settled were rubbished as "unbelievable". This Is Essex revealed on Thursday homes bordering Bellhouse Pit in Stanway were at "very severe risk" of gas poisoning between December 1998 and February
First Great Eastern is to introduce extra trains after the best train-travelling year in the region for a decade. GER has run more than 54 million passenger journeys over a billion miles in the last year. And the new move will see an increase in the Chelmsford
Mark Ilott's six-wicket haul against Warwickshire at Chelmsford has boosted his chances of reaching the target set for him by Geoff Arnold, the county's bowling coach. "Before the start of the season, Geoff said he wanted 75 first-class wickets from me
The search for a new manager at Clacton continues after Ian Phillips was ruled out. As revealed by This Is Essex last week, Phillips had been lined up for a management role at the club. But after officials realised the amount of time Phillips needed to
Burnham Week has followed the lead of other major UK regattas and announced a title sponsor for this year's event. Southend-based industrial cleaning company, Prime Clean, was last week named as the east coast regatta's first title sponsor for four years
Former world champion boxer Terry Marsh's political ambitions were destroyed by a London council, an official report has concluded. The inquiry revealed the 41-year-old former Liberal Democrat candidate for Basildon was treated "unjustly" by Tower Hamlets
If Maldon was good enough for the vikings, it should be good enough for the BBC. That was the response from the people of Maldon to the amazing snub delivered to the town by the Beeb, after bosses said it was not good enough to make a film about the Battle
Prince Charles is helping transvestites become classy chicks by day and sexy vamps at night. Canvey mum Lisa Wright has been given £3,000 from the Princes' Trust to start up a business called "Tranzit" - selling women's clothes for men on the internet
The distraught family of mum-to-be Andrea Dykes yesterday told how she and husband Julian had been planning for their unborn baby's future. Stepfather Trevor Hogg, 48, and Andrea's mother, Frances, 50, were being comforted at their home in Boyles Court
A man has appeared at Basildon Magistrates Court charged with murdering a neighbour. Darren Cullen, 31, of Redgrave Road, Vange, is accused of killing Leon Murphy, 20. Two other men arrested following the incident at Mr Murphy's Redgrave Road flat were
Southend Athletics Club's track and field season got underway at Garon's Park with the juniors winning the day when they contested the Eastern Young Athletes League. The under-13 girls showed clear signs of their excellence at both spectrums of the running
Lifelong Colchester United supporters Dawn and Roger Dicker got the result they wanted at Layer Road. The diehard fans did not want to miss the last home game of the season - and held their wedding reception at Layer Road. The football bug was passed
The threat of Confe-rence League football was finally snuffed out at Barnet on Saturday as second-half strikes from Scott Houghton and Lee Hodges preserved Southend United's Third Division status. A long-range wonder goal from left-wing-back Houghton
Mark Ilott's six-wicket haul against Warwickshire at Chelmsford has boosted his chances of reaching the target set for him by Geoff Arnold, the county's bowling coach. "Before the start of the season, Geoff said he wanted 75 first-class wickets from me
Alan Little promised a big summer shake-up in his playing personnel after his present Southend United side had cemented their place in the Football League with a 2-0 triumph at Barnet. Second-half goals from left-wing-back Scott Houghton and midfielder
Alan Little promised a big summer shake-up in his playing personnel after his present Southend United side had cemented their place in the Football League with a 2-0 triumph at Barnet. Second-half goals from left-wing-back Scott Houghton and midfielder
If Maldon was good enough for the vikings, it should be good enough for the BBC. That was the response from the people of Maldon to the amazing snub delivered to the town by the Beeb, after bosses said it was not good enough to make a film about the Battle
Maldon residents do a double take when they see their community policing team - for PCs Judy Atkinson and Wendy Brown are twins. Wendy has taken over the Langford, Ulting, Heybridge and Woodham Walter area and Judy covers Maldon town. The twins say a
A teenager who struggled with a woman shop assistant while stealing £100 to pay off his drug supplier was sentenced to four years' detention on Wednesday. Anthony Davis, 19, of St James Road, Braintree, admitted robbing Susan Cuddeford, 35, of Cuddeford's
Gridlock hit Southend as day trippers flocked to the town to enjoy some seaside fun in the bank holiday sun. Motorists from across Essex and further afield poured into the town from 10am yesterday causing major traffic congestion. Cars clogged up Eastern
A baby had a lucky escape after firefighters had to free him from his highchair. The adventurous eight-month-old frightened the life out of his parents after slipping down in the highchair and getting trapped by his head. His distraught parents, not knowing
Glendene Cycling Club's Richard Whitehorn was crowned Juvenile Essex Champion and the All London British Schools Cycling Association Champion on Saturday. Riding at the Eastway Circuit, East London, Richard, 15, was the first to cross the line in the
Ipswich are prepared to revert to the long ball in their bid for Premiership football. Town have won plaudits all season for their attractive passing game but those tactics have managed only four points from the last 15 and only two goals. Blues boss
Bowers United's bid to complete a clean sweep of all three Schweppes Essex Senior League trophies ended in glorious failure yesterday. Having clinched the championship on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Saffron Walden at Crown Avenue, to add to the League
A thief who stuffed £6,000 of porcelain figurines into pillowcases and simply walked off down the road was yesterday being hunted by police. Detectives can't believe no-one saw the man as he made off with his booty after breaking into a house in Victoria
Sunday saw Burnham Rugby Club take a squad of 10 players comprising of Barclay, Bennett, Doddings, Earing, Edwards, Hart, Kelly, Morris, Tonbridge and captain of the squad Terry Wilson to the BL Sevens Tournament at Thurrock. The first game was a close
Braintree Rugby Club finished their season with the usual round of 'Sevens' matches. The seniors went to Thurrock for the B.L. Office Centre Essex Merit Table Tournament with a mixed third and fourth team. The first matches sorted out the teams going
Southend Wheelers notched a string of fine placings at circuit races in Eastway, London, promoted by Gravesend Cycling Club. Bob Barber was one of six riders to break clear and finish one minute ahead of the rest of the field in the veterans' 25-mile
The proud girls of Thundersley's Kingston Primary School did not shout it from the rooftops when they achieved double netball success . . . but they did the next best thing. For they faxed the sport department of This Is Essex partner paper the Evening
Campaigners have expressed concern at a health watchdog's lack of decision about whether to support or oppose the night closure of Harwich's minor injuries unit. The North Essex Community Health Council last week decided to wait for more discussions before
A man braved dangerous mudflats to help save his brother's family when their boat ran aground in a river near Maldon. William Saint, 59, of Cherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton, risked his own safety in order to raise the alarm after the incident on Saturday
A call has been made for Essex County Council to reconsider cuts to youth services in Colchester. Community leaders and council officials on Greenstead estate are disappointed outreach workers covering the area have been withdrawn. The trained workers
A knife-wielding man threatened two teenage boys as they took an early morning walk in Chelmsford. The teenagers, both aged 16 and from the Chelmsford area, were walking across a footbridge in Princes Road, near Chelmsford College, at about 8.30am on
IRA bomb victim Andy Mudd today offered support to the families of those murdered in the London pub bombings. Army sergeant Andy Mudd lost both his legs nine years ago after the IRA planted a bomb under the wheel arch of his car in Colchester. Mr Mudd
The Bishop of Colchester said his "thoughts and prayers" went out to the families of the dead and injured. The Rt Rev Edward Holland said: "This is a dreadful tragedy. I just feel a weariness that there seems to be no end to the violence." He added: "
Burns experts at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, are helping to treat two men hurt in the bomb blast in London's Soho. The two victims, who have been identified as Gary Partridge and a man named only as Andy, suffered serious burns at the blast on Friday
Bosses of the bingo hall where three of the blast victims had worked today spoke of their shock and sadness over the attack. Andrea Dykes who had worked at the club for nine years, met Julian while he was employed at the Osborne Street site during his
Neighbours of Andrea and Julian Dykes have paid tribute to the tragic couple. Rebecca King, 26, who lived close by in Taragona Mews, Colchester, said: "They were genuinely nice people and would always take time to help you out if needed." The mother-of-two
The vicar who married tragic bomb blast couple Julian and Andrea Dykes spoke yesterday of the "palpable sense of sadness" that the atrocity brought to their community. The Rev David Thomas, rector of St Mary the Virgin Church in Wivenhoe, said people
The threat of Confe-rence League football was finally snuffed out at Barnet on Saturday as second-half strikes from Scott Houghton and Lee Hodges preserved Southend United's Third Division status. A long-range wonder goal from left-wing-back Houghton
A band has been counting the cost after thousands of pounds of musical equipment was stolen from a lock-up garage in Dovercourt. A rare drum kit, amplifiers, cymbals, microphones and wires were stolen from the garage in Ashley Road which the group The
A Chelmsford bodyguard risked his life to rescue a man and his wife from the clutches of three drunken tourists at a Thai cocktail bar. Stuart Easton, 34, who runs The Works fitness studio, intervened because he believed that they were in extreme danger
Chelmsford Canoe Club were host to paddlers from all over the Eastern Region last Sunday for the annual Chelmer Marathon canoe race, and ended the day as winners to retain the shield they won in 1998. Ninety-six paddlers competed in 13 different divisions
BMX riders of all ages from East Anglia descended on the Braintree raceway last Sunday for the first of the Regional Summer Series of events which comprises seven meetings. The rider's best five results from these determine their Regional rankings for
Soap-loving flower fans were in for a treat at the Bocking Flower Festival. Coronation Street, EastEnders, The Bill and Songs of Praise were just some of the television programmes represented in blooms at St Mary's church over the weekend. It took major
The decision to strike off a Basildon GP for serious professional misconduct against two female patients has prompted more women to come forward. Dr Karikkassery Rajan was struck off the medical register following his appearance before the General Medical
Jobs will be lost in primary schools dotted across Colchester as head teachers face up to major cuts in budgets for next year. And in an unprecedented move, heads have passed a vote of no confidence in Essex County Council officers to provide necessary
Although there is natural disappointment at not being able to celebrate their centenary season by being one of the three teams promoted to the Premier Division, Braintree can draw considerable satisfaction from finishing in a final fourth position. This
Southend United chairman John Main today promised to launch a full inquiry into the Seasiders' financial demise. The Blues supremo has sold Roots Hall for £4 million to pay off the Third Division strugglers' crippling debts, but Shrimpers fans are still
Tiptree Road Runners started the Bank Holiday weekend with some fine results at the Witham Half Marathons. Brigid Wallen ran an excellent personal best by four minutes to finish second lady overall and first veteran. Alan Fisher hit top form again, having
A victim of crime today claimed that police failed to turn up to investigate a burglary at his house until more than a week later. Kevin Panruker, of London Road, Clacton, said his home was raided while he was on holiday in Great Yarmouth. His brother
Voluntary groups in Braintree district are being urged to use a new service offering help and advice with recruiting helpers, raising funds and administration. Called Braintree District Voluntary Support Agency, the organisation will also be able to help
Crowds gathered to cheer on toy jockeys racing real sheep during a rather unusual race! The event was held at Marsh Farm, in Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, to raise money for charities at this year's town show. The race was run over the Bank
Claims the engine shed at Wivenhoe station is dangerous have been denied by Colchester Council. But Wivenhoe Town Council, which has described the building as an "embarrassing eyesore", said such an assertion was laughable. Town council chairman Cyril
Nuisance motorcyclists who roar through villages are being targeted in a high-profile police campaign. From Saturday traffic officers have been actively targeting speeding bikers, illegal machines, or those causing problems by travelling in large groups
More than 120 jobs - 15 based in Witham - are at risk after it was revealed part of the Sedgwick Group is to be sold off. Parent group Marsh and McLennan announced plans to shed its Sedgwick Financial Services (SFS) division on Thursday. There have been
Nine players who helped Colchester United win promotion last season and kept them up this year, have been released. Paul Abrahams, Joe Dunne, Simon Betts, Scott Stamps, Tony Lock, Tony Adcock, David Rainsford, Tamer Fernandes and Nicky Haydon, have all
Chelmer Cycling Club's Bill Broadfield clocked 57 minutes, 24 seconds and was best veteran on age standard, in the Mildenhall "25" last Sunday. Mike Hutchinson (Cambridge University) added to his successes this season with the fastest time of 52 minutes
Orienteers from Essex showed their keen sense of direction at the East Anglian Championships in Sandringham, Norfolk last weekend with five competitors crowned champions. Joanne West narrowly defeated fellow Essex Stragglers Orienteering Society team
A thief who stuffed £6,000 of porcelain figurines into pillowcases and simply walked off down the road was yesterday being hunted by police. Detectives can't believe no-one saw the man as he made off with his booty after breaking into a house in Victoria
Reserve pair John Wainwright and Gary Corbett came to Hammers' rescue in a dramatic win - after visitors Newport so nearly exposed the absence of Arena star Troy Pratt. Tommy Palmer stood in for Hammers in place of Pratt - who was today awaiting more
Volunteers are to be given a helping hand in Maldon Volunteer Development Agency's bid to reach its Pledge of Time target in time for National Volunteers Week from June 1 to 7. The agency has already clocked up 2,300 volunteer hours worked since the start
The Labour party's election bandwagon hit the rails today - after police seized its campaign van's number plates and launched an investigation. Red-faced Labour bosses were shopped by a rival Tory after the election van was seen parked on Canvey with
Owners of a Wickford chicken factory threatened with closure by EU regulations are calling on Euro-sceptic MP Teresa Gorman to fight their case. The Billericay Tory MP has agreed to meet brothers Keith and David Killick, of Crescent Farm Fresh Poultry
Claire Raft, of Lancaster Road, Rayleigh, knew what she would do - dash off to Italy and spend the day living the life of a movie star. The 18-year-old, who works in a nursing home, had her dream come true after winning a competition in More! magazine
With the majority of motorcycle Road Race fans heading for Donnington Park for the World Superbike Round, a larger than expected contingent of Colchester enthusiasts travelled to Snetterton in Norfolk to watch their local riders in action. They certainly
Braintree Rugby Club's Stewart Cornelius has scored another kind of success this week - passing his Diploma in Sports Psychology with flying colours. At 15 Stewart, who has been player of the year for the Braintree Under 16s side, is one of the youngest
The ninth Witham Tens Tournament for women is being held on Sunday, May 9. Although Witham Rugby Club no longer has a women's team - Witham Amazons disbanded in 1996 after seven years but were the first women's team to form in north and mid-Essex in 1990
Former Lithuanian international Lorestas Trumpauskas topped the individual averages in his first season in the Chelmsford & District table tennis league with a record of 92 per cent. His was a remarkably successful season in which he also captured
For their last game of the season on Satur-day, Heybridge made their first ever visit to Hampton with the home side needing a win to guarantee their own Ryman League Premier Division status for next season. Swifts were without Tony Adcock, who had flu
Landowners in the Maldon district are being warned to protect their land from flytipping. The warning comes in the light of a sharp increase in the number of complaints about illegal tipping received by Maldon District Council. Complaints have almost
A sea of floral tributes was today left outside the Gala Bingo club in Colchester where bomb blast victims Andrea Dykes and John Light worked. The moving messages came from both friends and colleagues unable to come to terms with the tragic snuffing-out
Prince Charles is helping transvestites become classy chicks by day and sexy vamps at night. Canvey mum Lisa Wright has been given £3,000 from the Princes' Trust to start up a business called "Tranzit" - selling women's clothes for men on the internet
An appeal has been launched to send a disabled youngster to America for specialist treatment. Jordan Weaver, six, suffers from severe epilepsy, severe autism and has learning difficulties. His mother Sam, of Cattermole Close, Clacton, wants to raise about
A bizarre coincidence saw history repeat itself when 18-month-old Chloe Chalk locked her red-faced mum Suzanne out of their house. For at exactly the same age - almost 21 years ago to the day - Suzanne was guilty of carrying out an identical prank on
Three Colchester families have been devastated after losing loved ones in the London pub bombing. Mum-to-be Andrea Dykes, 27, of Taragona Mews, Colchester, died instantly in the carnage of the Admiral Duncan pub on Friday night. She took the full force
