Someone must have known it was the last time the Four Colnes Show was going to be held outside as organisers were blessed with one of the hottest weekends of the year. More than 1,500 people went along to the Earls Colne Airfield on Saturday and, as well
Warm weather and schoolchildren on holiday combined to keep Colchester firefighters busy with small fires on Sunday. At 4.05am crews were called to rubbish on fire at Villa Road, Stanway. Just before 1.40pm firefighters put out a fire in woods off Fremantle
Life as a multi-millionaire still seems like a game for Dean Allen - a week after scooping the National Lottery jackpot of more than £13 million. Dean, 26, a former printer, from Tilbury, said he wasn't sure if the idea of millions sitting in his bank
Copies of charters dating back to 1171 have been restored to their rightful place - Maldon's historic Moot Hall. The 16 charters were granted to the town by various kings and queens dating back to Henry II. Maldon District Museum has looked after them
The search is on in Rochford for relatives of a man who left the regular army - but went on to become an SAS hero in daring missions. Television producer Mark Handscomb is searching for people who knew Douglas Berneville-Claye, who took part in dangerous
Litter louts caught spoiling Southend's shopping areas should be fined under a new bylaw, according to a senior politician. Southend Labour group leader Chris Dandridge said: "The much-heralded Southend town centre litter initiative is a step in the right
A butcher has said he could be forced to sack his staff if charges at a nearby car park are not lifted soon. Michael Arnold, of Barkins Butchers in the High Road, Benfleet, said trade had dropped dramatically since the 20p fees were introduced in Richmond
Lion-hearted Ronnie Irani will bite the bullet and play through the pain barrier in the annual Colchester cricket festival at Castle Park. The injury-hit Essex skipper is determined to lead from the front and play a captain's role tomorrow (Wednesday)
Thurrock Music Festival is but a few days away and is getting the well-deserved reputation as the Britain's best underground festival. Joint organiser Moira Stanbury said the website www.thurrockmusicfestival.com has had a phenomenal amount of interest
Hospital Radio Chelmsford (HRC) is attempting to break the world record for the longest continuous radio programme by a single presenter. Greig Daines has been chosen to host the two-day marathon on September 7 and 8, which aims to beat the current record
Maldon's Marine Lake was re-opened at the weekend after fire gutted a boatshed. The arson attack on the storage shed in the Promenade Park took place in the early hours of Sunday, August 6. The lake had to be drained at one of the busiest times of the
Almost half the Royal London staff facing redundancy have been given a clearer idea of when they will have to leave the Colchester insurance firm. Three hundred employees from customer services and printing and stationery departments were briefed on Friday
A top Para has died on holiday. The senior officer, due to command the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment which moves to Colchester next month, died of a suspected heart attack. Lieutenant Colonel David Limb, 39, who was married with a daughter, was
Branch closures at Barclays and Woolwich could affect Colchester, Braintree, Clacton and Chelmsford. Barclays' £5.3 billion takeover of the Woolwich will mean the closure of more than 100 bank branches throughout the country. Although so far no branches
A man suffered seven knife wounds in an incident on a housing estate. And in an earlier separate incident, another man received knife wounds to his shoulder in Colchester town centre. The first incident happened at the junction with Colchester High Street
Residents from Great Notley have joined the campaign to stop a 50ft mobile phone antenna being built in their village. The 15-metre mast was to be erected by mobile phone giant One2One on land near the A130 bypass but was refused permission by Braintree
The public could have a greater say in how its money is spent under a local government shake-up. People will be able to help decide what should be funded locally if a Braintree Council scheme is approved. Each of the three main towns in the district could
Hopes of saving radio stations Essex FM and Breeze have suffered a fresh setback. The powerful Radio Authority has more or less admitted its hands are tied in the stations' shock takeover by GWR. So long as GWR keeps within Government guidelines there
New research has named Essex as the Viagra county of Britain. Colchester and Chelmsford came second and third in a libido league table based on sales of the impotency drug across the country. The people of the oldest recorded town account for 3.6 per
Three bodies discovered by Dutch coastguards have been identified as the crew from the missing yacht the Tulia. Carol Smith, 23, and experienced skipper Adam Clackson, 56, were identified on Saturday. The body of student James Chew, 22 was identified
North Essex residents and fishermen are being warned of poisonous algae affecting shellfish along the coast. Last week, Maldon District Council put up warning signs prohibiting the harvesting of bivalve molluscs, which include cockles and oysters, from
A family has been left homeless for up to two months after a fire started in their young daughter's bedroom. The blaze left the four-year-old's room totally gutted, and the upstairs of the semi-detached house severely damaged by smoke and the intense
Tolleshunt D'Arcy playscheme laid on a week of fun and activities for local children recently. In its 11th successful year, the scheme's activities at the Tolleshunt D'Arcy primary school venue, included football coaching by Colchester Football Club,
An exhibition is currently running until September 17 at Burnham Museum on the paintings and drawings of John Laurie. It is the first public showing of his works since his death in 1986. The museum at the Quayside is open daily from 2pm to 5pm. Art display
The Ministry of Defence is helping to protect a marshland habitat for wildlife at a firing range. Range Supt Chico Duncan has allowed water levels to rise gradually on marshland at Fingringhoe Ranges, near Colchester, and controlled the spread of scrub
We're going for division top spot Hold on to your helmets boys - we're going all out to win the Championship's Division Two title. Promotion alone's not good enough for me - I want to go all the way. And I firmly believe that three wins from our final
A new drive to encourage victims of domestic violence to speak out is proving a resounding success, it has been revealed. More and more women have come forward for help and support since the launch of a special panel to promote awareness of the problem
A golf tournament has helped raise nearly £3,000 for three charities. Players teed off at Braintree Golf Club, Stisted, when they took part in the Chair's Charity Golf Tournament last week. Twenty-four teams of four competed in aid of the three charities
It's1966. As the English football team is busy winning the World Cup something even more astonishing is happening on TV. Today we take it for granted that comedians will rip the establishment apart. Back then it was unheard of - enter Alf Garnett. The
Top-flight Billericay referee Andy D'Urso got a warm-up to this season's premiership campaign on Saturday when he officiated the Nationwide second division clash between Luton and Notts County. D'Urso, 38, will make the trip to Kenilworth Road prior to
Goals from striker Martin Carruthers and debutant midfielder David Lee helped Southend United clinch a 2-0 victory over seaside rivals Brighton at Roots Hall on Saturday. The win ensured Blues made the best possible start to their new Third Division campaign
HAROLD PARK..................................177-9 HAINAULT ROAD................................94-9 (Match drawn) The sun shone on Saturday and it wasalmost too hot for cricket as Harold Park met Hainault Road CC. Batting first, Park lost their first
From David Beckham to Ryan Giggs in your living room - all are at your bidding on FSauctions.co.uk August 2000. Fancy kicking off the new football season with a signed Leeds United shirt, an autographed photo of David Beckham or Ryan Giggs? Then click
Evidence of camp fires has been found on one of Colchester's most treasured Roman sites. Fires have been lit on grassland at Gosbecks Archaeological Park, and dog walkers have not been clearing up after their pets. Borough councillor Tim Young said he
Police are liaising with staff at Colchester's Rollerworld in a bid to catch a man who stabbed a chef. The victim, a student chef, was set upon by two youths at about 1.40am on Thursday as he walked along East Street. One attacker had skates slung over
Some superb times were recorded on Sunday by Shatesbury CC riders, and the warmer weather is now providing the opportunity to improve times which will count towards all the club trophies which are presented at the end of the year. Terry Anderson travelled
A place in the first team could be the big prize for any player who shows up well in Colchester United Reserves' opening Avon Insurance Combination clash with Queens Park Rangers. The U's second string play their QPR counterparts at Layer Road tomorrow
Braintree Council is pumping more money into essential services after a report revealed the cost of providing them had been under-estimated. The council yesterday (Monday) confirmed it was injecting up to £500,000 to maintain high standards of refuse
Essex police officers will be one of the first in the country to begin wearing new lightweight uniforms from next April. The new designs, which will eventually be worn by officers nationwide, will be phased in over the next three years in Southend, Basildon
A controversial hunt in Maldon High Street will go ahead even if the busy road is not shut to traffic, the hunt master has said. The traditional Boxing Day hunt was opposed at a town council planning meeting, when councillors objected to plans to close
A keen gardener has been told by council officials to take down roses because they are a hazard to motorists. Joan Mitchell has also been told she needs a licence for smaller flowers planted by the side of the road. She has received a letter from Colchester
A study by a top Colchester doctor has shown the impact of health-by-phone service NHS Direct on other health services in Essex. Research by an accident and emergency doctor at Colchester General Hospital showed 80 per cent of patients referred to its
Battle of Britain veteran Bert Roomes is to tell his story in the Luftwaffe's downfall in a television tribute to "the few". The 82-year-old former Hurricane fighter mechanic from Earls Colne will be seen by millions of viewers in a special programme
It's back on. Colchester will get a millennium street festival after council chiefs did a U-turn. At last night's (Monday's) cabinet meeting members reviewed the decision to stop the event planned by Rob Brown, who helps run Colchester Ghost Tours, and
An award-winning council department is facing a budget overspend of nearly £500,000. In the past Braintree Council's contract services department has won awards for its quality and for investing in staff. Braintree Commercial Services was set up in 1981
Hermann Hreidarsson will complete his record-breaking move to Ipswich on Thursday - despite Wimbledon claiming they have not accepted Town's £4 million bid. The Iceland international centre-half agreed personal terms at Portman Road on Sunday and will
Popular Arena-Essex rider Gary Corbett has hit back after Sean Wilson's very personal attack on him during the week. In the recent match against Sheffield, hard riding between Corbett and the Sheffield skipper led to the pair going through the safety
The Brentwood Centre will be the setting for world title action on Saturday. Popular undefeated West Hammer Steve Roberts will be defending his WBF light middleweight crown against Scott Dixon from Scotland, who has just relinquished his Commonwealth
An epileptic woman wants to raise awareness of the risks involved with the drugs she and countless others have to take. Fiona Dowding says drugs which control her condition heighten the risk of her giving birth to a baby with an abnormality. Aware of
A pub-goer suffered serious injuries when he was beaten up during a night out. The victim - who has not been named - suffered bruising to the brain, cracked ribs and kidney damage. The 27-year-old self-employed roofer was discovered in Head Street, Halstead
Union to fight plan The union which speaks for many care home staff has vowed to fight any moves towards privatisation. Fears have been raised that the consultation on the county council's care home provisions will end in moves to privatise the homes
Billericay Cricket Club's Under 13 'A' squad, captained by Ben Washington, gained just rewards for their efforts on Saturday by beating a strong Gidea Park side by 27 runs to seal a semi-final place in the County Under 13's Tremain Toys 30 over Cup Competition
They're hunky, tough, fearless and fit - and one of them could be yours for just £1. When not fighting fires the lads have a wealth of other hidden talents. For the second year running, fire fighters from Basildon, Corringham and Billericay are offering
Essex sports clubs are taking themselves on line for free to raise their profile and to get their message to an audience of thousands - thanks to This Is Essex. The Beehive community network at This is Essex, the Echo's website, offers free pages on-line
One of the county's most prestigious sports events, Halstead's Grand Prix of Essex, is being axed after more than 35 years. The Grand Prix of Essex cycle race is pulling out of Halstead because of the spiralling police costs and increased traffic. Organisers
Today's (Tuesday's) livestock auction in Colchester was cancelled. The Ministry of Agriculture told auctioneers Stamfords not to hold the event because of the outbreak of swine fever in East Anglia. The disease, which is highly contagious in pigs, does
Hermann Hreidarsson has become Ipswich Town's record signing after completing a £4 million move to Portman Road. The Wimbledon centre-half and his agent travelled to Ipswich on Sunday to discuss personal terms with Town boss George Burley and chairman
Colchester United boss Steve Whitton has ordered his goalkeeper and defensive players to be nasty and more ruthless when the new Football League season kicks off. Whitton is also determined to prove all the doubters wrong who have already predicted the
Police have warned children playing on a busy railway station they could be killed. British Transport Police were called four times over the weekend and again last night (Monday) to reports of gangs of youngsters putting their lives in danger at Wivenhoe
Blistering conditions, bumper crowds and record takings marked Walton Carnival's first procession of the new millennium. Thousands of onlookers lined the streets for the ninth year since st John Ambulance stepped in to take over the endangered annual
While most 16-year olds fret about exam results and peer pressure, Barrie Evans is more concerned about race results and tyre pressure. Despite turning 16 just three months ago, he is already in the first team of the Arena-Essex speedway side. He is widely
Chelmsford City go into their opening league game with a full strength side and fully prepared to work hard and achieve their sole aim - winning promotion. Saturday sees City entertain renowned tough-tackling Hastings Town in their first Dr Martens League
Southend United midfielder Scott Forbes spoke for the first time today about his impressive transition into League football with the Shrimpers. The 23-year-old made an exciting League debut as a substitute in his first match for Blues against Brighton
Essex Storytellers re-told the battle of Maldon on Friday at the Promenade Park. Carl Merry, Jan Williams and Peter Maskens, who entertained a crowd of up to 60 people with ages ranging from two to 82, said town centre manager, Marion Wells who organised
Essex Police are disappointed with interim results of their crackdown on drink-driving. Almost 3,000 drivers were tested for alcohol during the first 13 days of the August campaign. Figures from August 1 to August 13 inclusive show that 2,993 drivers
The Rural Discovery Church at St Lawrence may be off the beaten track but, throughout the summer, it houses various displays. Perched high on a hill, it can be seen from a distance and has sweeping views down to the river below. Still used as a church
A new minicom line which will enable deaf people to use the NHS Direct service in Essex has been welcomed by the Essex branch of RAD, the Royal Association in Aid of Deaf People. The NHS Direct 24-hour helpline was launched in Essex in February last year
Tories in Southend on Friday celebrated their 100th day since storming to power in the May elections. The Echo asks the party leader what has been achieved in those 100 days, and what his hopes are for the next 100. When council leader Charles Latham
Police have appealed for witnesses after a passenger in a vehicle was killed when it overturned. He has been named as Alfred Spencer, 53, of Old Road, Clacton. The driver was taken to Colchester General Hospital but was due to be released yesterday (Monday
A family has been left homeless for up to two months after a fire started in their young daughter's bedroom. The blaze left the four-year-old's room totally gutted, and the upstairs of the semi-detached house severely damaged by smoke and the intense
James Allman has come a long way since he sat in the tugalong behind his mum's cycle as she pedalled resolutely around the Southend Bikeathon circuit last year. A month before, just as James was looking forward to a family caravan holiday in Somerset,
A top animal sanctuary has thrown its support behind a council bid to curb the danger of horses straying on Wickford's roads. The Remus Horse Sanctuary, in Buttsbury Road near Billericay, has started its own campaign against animal neglect, the Welfare
A man coping with depression brought on by a double murder has admitted harassing his ex-girlfriend with phone calls. Jason Sherwin, 38, of the Parkway, Canvey, wept in the dock at Southend Magistrates' Court as he told of his efforts to come to terms
A service is to be held to celebrate the life of Colin Burns, who was killed at a stunt show. Mr Burns, whose stage name was Richard Kyall, died after a motorbike landed on him at Rush Green Recreation Ground, Clacton. He was compering the Hollywood Stunt
Essex's Laura Louden has enjoyed an unforgettable few weeks, which have seen the talented young show-jumper win gold for England and make the line-up in a top national championship. The Althorne rider began at the Cavan Home Pony International in Ireland
<There's nothing like top pop stars for packing youngsters into large venues. And although Britney and Boyslife aren't quite the real thing, they're near enough to Britney Spears and Westlife - or even Boyzone - to pack a young audience into the Cliffs
It's all change for Stage One Theatre Company and their production of A Slice of Saturday Night. The group were set to perform the hit show at the Thameside Theatre, Grays but have now moved the performance to the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch. Although
Budding Michael Owen's gathered at Basildon's Gloucester Park for the latest Basildon council-run soccer school. The course, run as part of the council's football development scheme, proved a huge success as over 35 youngsters attended the four-day course
Ronnie Irani is faced with a couple of teasing selection problems ahead of Essex's Championship clash against Gloucestershire at Colchester tomorrow. But the County skipper will not be making a final decision until he has has studied the Castle Park pitch
The hunt is on for a potentially lethal cocktail of drugs which have gone missing. Police are concerned the tablets - which were in a plastic bag - could be picked up by children, with devastating consequences. The drugs were lost on Sunday by a woman
Lion-hearted Ronnie Irani will bite the bullet and play through the pain barrier in the annual Colchester cricket festival at Castle Park. The injury-hit Essex skipper is determined to lead from the front and play a captain's role tomorrow (Wednesday)
A retired man took pictures of yobs wrecking his boat and made three desperate attempts to contact police without luck. Tom Mason made three failed attempts to call out police to deal with the vandals wrecking his 18ft cabin cruiser. He has now vowed
A firefighter was taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle after tackling a blaze at a Danbury woodyard. Crews were still damping down at a timber yard near Chelmsford today (Tuesday) after tackling the fire all night. No-one was injured in the
Police have urged witnesses to come forward to help their search for the rapist of a young woman in Witham. Officers leading the inquiry said today someone must have seen something but they were disappointed at the number of people who had phoned the
Arsonists have hit a Southend school for the second time in two nights, causing thousands of pounds of damage. Fire investigators are now combing the charred debris in a boiler room at Bournemouth Park Infant School for clues after the blaze broke out
Hassan Kachloul has turned down the chance to join Ipswich Town in a deal worth nearly £2 million. Town hoped to land the Moroccan midfielder after agreeing a fee with Southampton and talks were held on Thursday to sort out personal terms. But Kachloul
Heart disease patients in north Essex are set to benefit from a £500,000 Government handout to improve their care. North Essex Health Authority (NEHA) is one of just ten in the country to get money to set up new fast track teams of specialist doctors,
Ship ahoy my hearties! That was the cry of these playful pirates who invaded a popular farm and took these land-loving youngsters on an amazing treasure trail to help them find their ship. Staff at the Essex County Council educational farm in Marsh Farm
