Children from a Southend school learned about sign language through the medium of art with a project which will benefit schools across the country. Pupils aged between five and 11 from the Sacred Heart School in Windermere Road put colouring pencils to
Basildon babe Denise Van Outen has been named Britain's Favourite Cable TV Personality. She was voted most popular celebrity on pay television by readers of Cable Guide magazine. Van Outen, 25, won her accolade at last night's annual Cable TV Awards in
Tributes were yesterday paid to a much-loved great-grandmother who died following a road accident. Violet Davis, of Springfields, Richard Avenue, Brightlingsea, lived for her family and was adored by them. Mrs Davis, who survived her husband Edward by
Colchester United boss Steve Whitton has again scotched speculation that his talented teenager Lomana Tresor Lua Lua is set to sign for Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth up to £2 million. Whitton stressed today: "I can categorically state that I have
A top American firm could be in the running to buy Woods Air Movements. Speculation over who will buy the award winning Colchester business is heating up as the end-of-March sale date approaches. But until the sale of Marconi-owned Woods is complete,
A drinks giant is to create 40 jobs as part of an ambitious multi-million pound project. Chelmsford-based Britvic Soft Drinks needs fresh staff to add extra fizz to the launch of a new series of products. The company - which is the British producer of
Billericay were back to their sparkling best, displaying some fine approach play and clinical finishing. The visitors were put under pressure from the outset and after some intricate passing in the D, George Kallarackal slotted home the opener. From then
Essex heart patients who have to travel miles for pacemakers could be treated at their local hospitals in the near future. Doctors and health chiefs are carrying out a wide-reaching review of services. They will have to meet brand new Government standards
Well bless my soul, you can study anything these days - even Elvis Presley. Open University student Andrew Arnold has just penned a 25,000 word dissertation on the king of rock 'n' roll for his popular culture degree. The Elvis expert, of Wantz Chase,
Olivia is a modern mother, bringing up her two children on her own. She talks to JANE O'CONNELL When Olivia Yapp discovered she was pregnant on May 27 last year, she was, in her own words, devastated. Having a baby would blow apart the single mother's
Burnham's NatWest Bank will no longer be closing on June 16 - thanks to people power. There was outcry in the town when the closure was announced. Now residents are being urged to carry on supporting the branch as customer usage will be monitored over
A furious pensioner says her life is being made a misery because of administrative wrangles which have delayed therapy to remove a brain tumour. Joan Desborough, of Gosbecks Road, Colchester, has gone almost completely blind because of her condition.
A man is being treated in Southend Hospital after being stabbed at a block of high-rise flats. The 42-year-old man was found by police at Bewley Court, Whittingham Avenue, Southend, after they were alerted around 9pm on Monday night. Insp Martyn Pinkney
Football-loving youngsters have been practising their skills to raise cash for their school swimming pool. Children at William Read Primary School in Long Road, Canvey, raised £140 when they took part in an all-day training course run by Coerver Coaching
A call for British Sign Language to receive official recognition has been made at a special Working Together day. The event, held at Mildmay Infant and Junior School in Chelmsford, linked more than 120 people including members of the deaf community, voluntary
A health group has been set up to monitor the care of asylum seekers in Clacton and to look into screening them for diseases. Dozens of asylum seekers are currently staying in the town in hotels and Tendring Primary Care Group has established a working
A £200,000 appeal has been launched to help youngsters at a Chelmsford special school enjoy improved swimming facilities. The Hayward School, in Maltese Road, caters for children with various levels of learning difficulties, including those with Down's
About 100 jobs are to be created in Basildon by a proposed £20 million cinema and retail complex. The fast cars of Essex Ford on Cherrydown corner are set to be replaced by the bright lights of an eight-screen cinema and four or five retail units. Essex
Emergency patients were left waiting in two ambulances outside Colchester General Hospital's accident and emergency department. They had to remain in the vehicles yesterday afternoon because there were no beds or even trolleys for them to use. Eventually
Ministers should drop all plans to do away with grammar schools in the wake of the "futile and expensive" ballot of parents at a North Yorkshire school, says the headteacher of Southend grammar school. Andrew Baker, head of Westcliff High School for Boys
Perhaps the defining moment has finally arrived in Ipswich Town's season. Against Blackburn Rovers last Tuesday they dominated from beginning to end but could not find that finishing touch. George Burley, the Ipswich manager, believed his side could not
The organiser of a historic charity marathon in Witham has warned this year's event will probably be the last - because tough new regulations are making it impossible to staff. The British Association of Road Runners stipulate two doctors must be at the
Southend United's Welsh wing-back Nathan Jones has revealed that he intends to appeal against his sending-off at Brighton on Saturday. Jones, who now faces a one-match ban, was dismissed 19 minutes from the end of Blues' controversial 1-0 defeat, long
A plea by worried Hastingwood residents about speeding traffic has been answered by councillors. An 82 signature petition calling for limits and traffic calming was presented to Epping Forest Transportation Committee last Tuesday. And councillors were
It will be time to get those running shoes next Sunday when the Braintree and Bocking Rotary Club holds its second fun run. After last year's success - when £2000 was raised for local charities - the club is holding a six mile and three mile run, which
Leading councillor Peter Wexham has been selected to fight the Leigh ward seat for the Lib Dems at the forthcoming Southend Council elections. Mr Wexham, also a vigorous environmental campaigner, was adopted by party members at a meeting earlier this
Air-crazy Aaron Cramp became one of Britain's youngest solo pilots - just two weeks after his fourth birthday. Aaron, who was 16 on Leap Year Day, flew solo for the first time from Southend Flying Club's base at Southend Airport. Mum Kim said: "It's a
Southend Manor moved to joint top spot in the (Seatex Design) Eastern Junior Alliance's Eastern Section with a 2-1 away win at Basildon United. Manor have 26 points from 14 games and look down on the rest of the league with Southend United (Score), who
Brentwood-based based Tsu-Mo-Kie Judo Club held their first competition of the year at Waltham Abbey Sports Centre on Sunday, and clubs from all over the country were invited, the furthest coming from Tamworth. Tsu-Mo-Kie had 45 members turn up to compete
There was a superb start to the new season at the Chigboro Trout Fishery, with limit catches for nearly everybody, as well as a new four-fish fishery record. The new four fish record fell to Mark Lawrence and his girlfriend Nicola Steven. Mark fished
Canvey Island are still on the trail of three knockout trophies this season - but were made to fight all the way by Schweppes Essex Senior League Bowers United at Park Lane before winning through to the semi-finals of the Eastern Floodlight Competition
Five minutes of madness was Tiptree manager Steve Parnell's description of last night's shock Jewson League division one defeat, 3-2 at home by Whitton. The Jam-makers, who had only lost once in the league all season, were looking for a win after two
Youngsters were given a demonstration in the art of table tennis when Grant Solder and England legend Desmond Douglas made a guest appearance in Basildon. The two men gave a best-of-three-games exhibition match at South Essex Table Tennis School, in Cranes
The white Siberian tiger which killed its mate may be able to remain at Colchester Zoo. After the incident which killed partner Anna in November, zoo bosses said Sacha would ultimately be moved back to France. But today curator Anthony Tropeano said there
The aeroplane equivalent of nuts and bolts which will hold the world's newest super airliner together will be supplied by a Hawkwell manufacturer. Lentern Aircraft will supply the fastenings for the new 900-seater Airbus A3XX super jumbo, which is backed
Southend's social services director has moved swiftly to deny claims that asylum seekers are responsible for large numbers of crimes across the town. Jane Held spoke out to end the "myths and rumour" fuelling a negative public perception about asylum
Matt Wadforth's Braintree side were unlucky to lose Saturday's tightly contested London North League Two encounter at King Georges Playing Fields in Brentwood, after giving one of their most committed performances of the season. Only the home side's mastery
Sam Morrison of the South Woodham Ferrers & Wickford Rollerspeed Skating Club had two more wins in the fifth and final leg of the National Indoor Inline 2000 Series, at Rollerking in Ipswich on Sunday, to make it 10 wins out of 10, giving him a share
Of their last four matches, Hunters Carpet Bowls Club have won two and lost two. Visiting Shalford they came up against strong opposition and went down by six games to two. Playing at home to newcomers Blackmore End, who were making their match debut,
Hullbridge Sports continued their climb up the Schweppes Essex Senior League table last night with a 3-0 win at Stansted - their second success in four days. The three points gained with the victory at a side lying bottom lifts Hullbridge to ninth. In
Swimmers have taken the plunge for a homeless charity. Teams and individuals have been taking part in the BT Swimathon 2000 to help raise more than £1.5 million for Shelter, the UK's largest national charity helping homeless and poorly-housed people.
More than £5,000 used for Colchester's city status bid would have been better spent on improving transport for the community, it has been claimed. Colchester's bid - which is doomed according to a leaked Home Office document - should never have been made
An 83-year-old man died after a speeding car crashed into the taxi carrying him home from his holiday, an inquest was told. Stanley Starkey, of Lakeside Path, Canvey, was on his way home from Bavaria with his wife Joyce when the horrific accident happened
A railway crossing used often by children has been criticised by an official report. HM Railway Inspectorate has refused to approve the crossing in Maria Street, Harwich, and has told Railtrack to carry out repairs within six months. But Harwich Town
Essex Ford is still in advanced negotiations with Perry Group to take over the Southend Ford franchise, its chairman revealed today. Perry's lost its valuable Ford franchise earlier this year and the future for its garages in Rayleigh Weir, Kent Elms
Southend's population is being asked to take part in the biggest survey yet of proposals to tackle the town's straining roads network. Council bosses have sent out more than 200 questionnaires to business leaders, residents' groups and transport operators
Campaigning MP Sir Teddy Taylor today stepped up attempts to secure a new Southend bypass to cope with a possible surge in cars travelling to New Ranges at Shoebury. Sir Teddy insisted moves to breathe new life into the military testing base must go hand-in-hand
Plans for two major new developments totalling £27 million were unveiled today. Essex Ford is moving from its current Cherrydown site in Basildon into a new £7 million state-of-the-art dealership off the A127 next to the town's Mayflower Retail Park and
An 82-year-old man was due to appear in court today charged with murdering his wife at their north Essex home. Leslie Parsons, of Frost Farm Cottages, Golden Lane, Thorpe, was charged yesterday afternoon - two months after the death of his 87-year-old
Top Colchester nightclub the Hippodrome has been sold as part of an £8.5 million deal. Entrepreneur Steve Peri spent millions of pounds giving the historic Hippodrome a total makeover after he bought the nightclub in 1998 from Rank Entertainment. Now
A furious mother is seeking legal advice because of a bullying campaign she claims is being waged against her son. For months, 12-year-old Michael Millar has been bullied by fellow pupils at Colchester's Thomas, Lord Audley School. This week, as he was
One of the original Freddie Laker boys and Southend aviation expert, Bob Batt, has died. John Robert Batt, known to friends as Bob, of Belchamps Way, Hockley, was born in Hendon in 1919 but came to the Southend area in 1948 to help set up Aviation Traders
A more expensive tipple is harder to imagine. Chelmsford businessman Neil Martin has splashed out £3,200 for two bottles of whisky he will never drink. The wee dram lover invested his hard-earned cash in the rare malt signed by Prince Charles after bidding
Leopards coach Bob Donewald believes that the Brentwood-based Adidas London Leopards can win some silverware next season. The prediction came as Donewald and Leopards owner Ed Simons held a question and answer session with fans after his team's Birmingham
Campaigners in South Woodham have gathered a 3,500-strong petition as part of their fight to boost healthcare in the town. The petition calls on North Essex Health Authority and Essex County Council to consider a minor injuries unit for the town. Local
David Cole won the men's singles title against his old rival Rik James in the final of the Colchester and District Table Tennis League's annual tournament. It was the sixth season in a row the two have been pitched together in the final and Cole won a
Essex Ford is still in advanced negotiations with Perry Group to take over the Southend Ford franchise, its chairman revealed today. Perry's lost its valuable Ford franchise earlier this year and the future for its garages in Rayleigh Weir, Kent Elms
Darren Bruce faces a lengthy lay-off following the hand injury he sustained in Saturday evening's six-round contest against Mark Ramsey in the Grand Hall, Olympia. In what was, basically, a filler contest on the Prince Naseem Hamed/ Vuyani Bungu undercard
Six patients spent a night lying on trolleys in corridors at Colchester General Hospital. They had all been admitted to accident and emergency on Monday. And at 10am yeserday they were still in corridors awaiting beds. A further four patients spent the
Children are taking their lives into their hands because no replacement for a sick lollipop lady can be found, claims a concerned parent. School pupils crossing Manchester Drive, Leigh, have had to cross the road unassisted for more than a week because
Shocked Debbie Warbis found a newspaper reporting the Titanic disaster - down the back of her radiator. Debbie, 26, of Lake Walk, Clacton, was clearing up her home when she found the 1912 Daily Mirror newspaper. The undamaged paper is dated April 20 and
Southend chief Alan Little must be wondering how many ladders he has walked under or black cats he has kicked after yet another incredible disaster at Brighton on Saturday. A few weeks ago Blues lost out to Darlington with a deflected goal three minutes
Billericay held the runaway leaders of Eastern Counties One to a draw, but could have easily won a game in which their opponents were guilty of some terrible high tackles. The game started with Billericay camped out in the Walden half, and only solid
Tiptree cue ace Ali Carter took a step nearer the televised stages of the Embassy World Snooker Championship with a 10-2 victory over Mark Johnston-Allen in the qualifying stage. Carter, ranked 101st in the world rankings, is now due to meet Martin Dziewaltowski
Brentwood lost their last realistic chance of honours this season with this exit from the Eastern Floodlight Competition as they once again found Essex Senior League rivals Burnham Ramblers too tough a nut to crack. It was an even first half with few
A move to cut the number of people driving to Stansted Airport has been welcomed by the local authority which serves Ongar and North Weald. Epping Forest Transportation Committee was recommended to back the British Airports Authority initiative which
Around 50 people a year are dying from cold in the West Chelmsford constituency. That was the message given to the House of Commons by MP Simon Burns last week when he co-sponsored a Private Member's Bill aimed at alleviating "fuel poverty." The Warm
A trio of top police officers have won a prestigious award for work with the district's schoolchildren. Constables Denise Jeakins, Kevin Moore and Steve Wynn will be presented with the High Sheriff's Award tomorrow to mark their involvement in the community
After two narrow defeats by the pacesetting Sheffield Sharks and Manchester Giants, Leopards slender play-off hopes depended on a victory against Southern Conference rivals Birmingham. Sunday's game saw coach Bob Donewald returning to courtside action
Billericay Town moved closer to ensuring that they maintain their Ryman status at the highest level with their third 1-1 draw in their last four Premier Division games in last night's contest with manager Gary Calder's previous club Enfield. It took the
Billericay started Saturday's game well by immediately attacking the visitors half of the pitch and threatening the try line. Saffron Walden only managed to stop Billericay scoring by some great defending. However, Saffron Walden soon started their counter
A community centre is set to be extended just four years after opening - because it is too small. Overwhelming demand for use of the Great Notley Garden Village community centre has resulted in new £100,000 expansion plans. The Notley Green Community
Cancer victim Rob Green's colleagues and friends are holding a sponsored abseil in memory of a daredevil. But they face a slight problem. While they have the equipment ready, they have nowhere to stage the fundraising stunt. Andy Davis, pressroom manager
A nurse has been struck off the register after being found guilty of indecently touching a patient. Samuel Bovell, 68, of Great Baddow, Chelmsford, had denied allegations of indecently touching the woman - known only as Miss A - who now works as a nanny
V2000 organisers have revealed more acts confirmed to play at East Anglia's premier music festival on August 19 and 20. They include American soloist and double Brit Award winner Macy Gray, Paul Weller, Death in Vegas, Ocean Colour Scene, Supergrass,
Two sparkling century breaks helped Tipree snooker ace Ali Carter book a place in the sixth qualifying round for the televised stage of the 25th Embassy World Championship. A 10-6 triumph over Glasgow's Martin Dziewialtowski at the Preston Guild Hall
A drinks giant is to create 40 jobs as part of an ambitious multi-million pound project. Chelmsford-based Britvic Soft Drinks needs fresh staff to add extra fizz to the launch of a new series of products. The company - which is the British producer of
Former Maldon mayor Ron Daws has received a suspended jail sentence for accepting a bribe from a property developer. The six-times mayor received £5,000 for his advice to Danbury Developments on how the firm's planning application for the Tesco store
Pagans in north Essex are teaming up to revive the nature-based religion. Pagans from Colchester, Clacton, Braintree and Harwich have expressed an interest in forming a Colchester Pagan Council. The organisation aims to unite Pagans to work for the environment
A secondary school is bidding to become a specialist college and gain £460,000 to develop sports excellence. Thurstable School in Tiptree is making a bid to gain sports college status for funds to improve sporting facilities and encourage sports excellence
Steve Whitton could be ready to hand exciting Colchester United teenage star Lomana Tresor Lua Lua a longer contract. But the U's boss also revealed that injury-plagued midfielder Steve Forbes has been given a free transfer. Lua Lua, who is already contracted
Ongar has played a major role in a unique project which will take fresh drinking water to a remote part of India as part of a millennium celebration scheme which has generated massive local support. The Stepping Stones water project, which aims to provide
Southend United's transfer-listed striker Neil Campbell is on the verge of making a £15,000 move to Doncaster Rovers. Blues boss Alan Little confirmed today that Campbell had travelled north to thrash out a deal with the Conference League outfit, who
A bold new initiative has been launched to boost transport in the Ongar and North Weald district. EFFECT, which stands for Epping Forest Fast Efficient Community Transport, is designed to make a major contribution to improving life in rural areas. The
Teenage eco-warrior Christiana Tugwell today celebrated a court victory - with help from the This Is Essex partner paper the Evening Echo. Christiana, 16, fought to get newspaper reporting restrictions lifted after being accused of unlawful obstruction
Billericay girls team won the 16 and under Junior Winter Cup when they beat Havering 3-1 in the final at Cranbrook Castle on Sunday. The team effort was led by Clare Mosley and Victoria Simpson who won their matches 10-7 and 10-5. The other pair of Catherine
It's tough for local sides at the wrong end of the Essex Intermediate League Senior Division One table. Ekco First Data's hopes of moving off the basement were wrecked when they lost 3-2 at home to Shell Club. Jones and Search scored for Southend-based
Young children at a pre-school will not be able to play outside in summer unless money is raised for vital playground fencing. Treetops Pre-School Playgroup, in Witham, is raising cash for a fence to keep youngsters safe. Group treasurer, Claire Hooper
Use them or lose them is the message to residents on a Colchester estate, with the news a butchers is to close after 32 years of trading. Owner of Countryside Meats on the St John's estate, Tim Esworthy, lays the blame for the closure of his shop this
A former leader of Colchester Council has decided to end his political career following the introduction of a new cabinet style system. Liberal Democrat borough councillor Steve Cawley, who has represented Shrub End for 16 years, today announced he will
A disused sports ground could be turned into a major new health complex after it was finally sold. The former Crittall Sports and Social Club in Braintree - unused for five years - is set to be sold to a health and fitness firm. Norcros Estates - owner
A burglar who stole cash and cigarettes from a shop has been jailed for six months. Aaron Saville, 21, of Rutland Road, Chelmsford, admitted burglary, handling stolen goods and two bail act offences at an earlier hearing. Chelmsford magistrates heard
Basildon cable giant Telewest is about to undergo a £30 million rebirth. A television campaign will be launched in the summer along with a new name for the company currently merging with TV firm Flextech. The new company will be given its own identity
A driver has spoken of his miraculous escape after a crane fell from a lorry and crushed his car. Robert Lee, 76, saw his Ford Fiesta wrecked around him in the freak accident - but walked away with nothing more than shaken nerves and a scraped elbow.
A pupil has been expelled after he attacked a teacher and left him needing hospital treatment. Beauchamps High School in Wickford yesterday confirmed an assault involving a 15-year-old boy and a male member of staff had taken place at the school. The
