A portly pooch has shed the equivalent weight of 14 bags of sugar to be nominated for a top award. Golden retriever Tarn has lost almost 33lbs to reach his target weight of 72.6lbs, thanks to a crash diet at the special pet slimming clinic at Riverside
A power blackout caused by flooding, which closed Kelvedon railway station, has ended. Up to 150 households in Kelvedon were without electricity for more then 24 hours after three sub-stations were inundated with water. Electricity supplier 24seven axed
Traders faced a grim reality as the flood waters receded from their businesses. Some shops and pubs in Bridge Street, Halstead, remained shut as traders assessed the extent of damage from the weekend floods. Sue Smith, joint owner of the Bull Hotel, Bridge
Fewer people are getting trains to the capital since September 11, said one operator of Colchester to London services. Anglia Railways has recorded a drop in leisure and one-off business trip passengers since the terrorist outrages in America, although
Transatlantic flights will return to Stansted. But airport managing director, John Stent is not courting other airlines following the suspension of the Continental scheduled route on October 1. "In a few months or so I hope they will come back, but this
Grays could be welcoming a very special spectator to Saturday's FA Cup game against Margate. Andy Douglas, their popular striker who almost died in a knife attack less than a month ago, hopes to be fit enough to make the journey from his parents' Cheshunt
Graham Gooch will not be content with only helping his beloved Essex to a more successful future - he also wants to play a part in ensuring England become a major force. The new Essex head coach, appointed at the beginning of the month, made this clear
Thurrock Council's plans to spend £1.7m of the money paid by the Morrisons superstore for land in Grays have been put on hold. For the first time in the 18 months it has been possible, members of the public have called in a cabinet decision and on Tuesday
Twenty-year-old singer Danielle Munns captivated the Circus Tavern, Purfleet, audience on Friday night, with her stunning voice. She became the proud and delighted winner of the £5,000 top prize in the Red Star Vodka Ice StarSearch 2001 Talent Show. Danielle
A college student died when he lost control of his car on a sharp bend, went through a fence and ended up in a stream. Simon Pullen, 23, of Maldon Road, Great Wigborough, was driving his Vauxhall Cavalier car along Colchester Road, Salcott-cum-Virley,
A kind--hearted Braintree businessman has replaced savings stolen from a pensioner in a vicious robbery. The 95-year-old woman was held down in her Felsted home on October 11, while robbers searched her house for cash, leaving with £800 savings. Now businessman
Talks are under way over pioneering plans to save the Dover Sole fishing industry in Leigh. Leading fishermen are working closely with marine biologist Dr Sophie de-Clears to devise a plan to introduce a Dover Sole hatchery in Southend. As part of the
A 55-year-old Billericay woman has died of meningitis in Basildon Hospital's intensive care unit, it has just been revealed. Linda Murray was rushed to hospital after being found unconscious at her home on October 13, but died six days later. Infection
Controversy over a traffic barrier has moved into high gear with the threat of legal action. A residents' group has announced its intention to mount a court challenge to get the barrier in Brockley Grove, Hutton Mount scrapped. Hutton Mount Limited claims
A Westcliff development company has been revealed as the firm behind plans for a major hotel development on Southend seafront. The Robert Leonard Group, based in London Road, has forged links with Barratt Eastern Counties to drive forward the proposal
A surprise late holiday turned into a momentous occasion for 78-year-old Olive Cox from Springfield in Chelmsford when she met American ex-president Bill Clinton. While visiting her 40-year-old daughter Julia in Bristol last week she was whisked to Bristol
Traders in Maldon and Braintree are gearing up for the Christmas shopping season with special events. Braintree's late night Christmas shopping evening, which will include fancy dress and a torchlit procession, will be held on Friday, November 30. The
A woman drowned while swimming through canyons on a Spanish holiday with her mother. Essex University photocopying assistant Laura Davies, 32, of Compton Road, St Anne's, Colchester, and her mother, Regina Davies, enjoyed the sport of canyoning. Coroner's
Resurfacing of the A12 started at Hatfield Peverel today causing major delays to rush hour motorists. Bocking traffic police said there were hold ups all along the road stretching back to Witham for about a mile this morning. The project is part of a
Stanway Rovers player-manager Steve Ball could be facing a hefty ban after being sent off for the seventh time in his career. The former Arsenal and U's midfielder was red-carded after a tirade at the referee as Rovers' visitors Wisbech Reserves snatched
The ice cream row at Frinton has taken a new twist as a proposal is unveiled for a sales kiosk to be sited on the seafront. The plan is for a kiosk at one of two sites, near the greensward by the golf club or on the promenade at the bottom of Connaught
Police have warned children to stay off railway lines after youngsters tried to derail a train. A group of children were seen on the tracks by the Pegasus Way bridge between St John's estate and St Anne's estate in Colchester. They were spotted playing
Thurrock Council's decision not to seek a referendum over whether the borough should have an elected mayor has been thrown into doubt. In July the council did a U-turn on policy following a massive public consultation exercise where 9,709 people voted
Essex social services has improved in 80 per cent of its services to the community, according to a Government survey. The survey looked at how quickly people get help from social services, admissions into residential care, the number of adoptions and
Chairman of the watchdog Chelmsford Society, Patrick Bermingham, has welcomed proposals for development of a major part of the west end of the town. What is now the six-acre central campus for Anglia Polytechnic University is set to be transformed over
Canvey lake is becoming infested with disease-carrying rats because people are leaving fast food along the banks, a worried angler has claimed. Norman Gubb, who acts as a water bailiff on behalf of Castle Point Council, fears children playing near the
Luton Town's Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Liam George and Crewe Alexandra striker Paul Tait could soon be heading for Layer Road. Colchester United boss Steve Whitton revealed the news after watching the U's produce one of their finest performances
Colchester-based Lexden, who were narrowly beaten by Connaught in their second National Squash League match, have been boosted by the support of a new title sponsor. Tek Sing Lexden will be at full strength when they take on league leaders Chichester
The destruction of more than a million tonnes of food in the European Union has been branded an "absolute outrage" by Rochford and Southend East MP Sir Teddy Taylor Sir Teddy spoke out after being told in the Commons by Environment Secretary Margaret
Campaigners have been celebrating after Essex County Council agreed to commission an independent review into the need for a new secondary school in Basildon. The unprecedented step, recommended by education portfolio holder Iris Pummell, comes after five
The people of Essex are being urged by county council chairman, Cllr Joe Pike, to give generously to this year's Poppy Appeal. Cllr Pike said, "This year is the 80th anniversary of the Royal British Legion. As chairman of Essex County Council I would
Animals at Basildon Zoo could be boarded up away from the public's gaze until they are found new homes, bosses have admitted. The business, run by the Surcouf family in London Road, Vange, will lose its zoo status from November 12, after declining to
The Essex Police helicopter and police dogs were called in to search for a youth who absconded from an ambulance. The ambulance had been called to an address in Black Notley last night (Wednesday to take the unnamed 17-year-old, who had taken a quantity
An investigation is continuing today (Thursday) to determine how murderer Derek Ive was found hanging in his prison cell. The 54-year-old was serving a life sentence for murdering his wife Jean Parry, 53, who ran Chalkwell Lodge nursing home in Westcliff
Extra funding worth millions of pounds could be pumped into Colchester to make it part of a "regional hub" of cultural excellence. It could mean more jobs, more liaison with schools and more people using the borough's museums and galleries. A report for
Two High Street businesses are aiming to put Ongar on the tourist and business maps of Essex by providing visitors to the town with a place to stay. First in line to offer accommodation is the King's Inn public house, which - under its new tenants Dale
The Tilbury Ferry has been saved - for the fifth time in eight months. The ferry resumed service again at 8am yesterday (Wednesday), after Thurrock and Kent County Council found another new operator. The service - the oldest in the world - stopped running
A meningitis victim left wheelchair-bound and unable to speak or hear has had her vital communicator stolen from her lap. Today (Thursday), Vanessa Quinney appealed for the return of the vital equipment. Mrs Quinney, 48, has not been able to speak or
Drinkers will find an unusual backdrop to their nights out when a new bar opens - centuries old medieval paintings. A Grade II* former Colchester antiques shop in North Hill is being renovated and is due to open as McLeans Bar at the start of next year
Four more applications for mobile phone masts in Chelmsford were argued over at a meeting of the borough's planning committee on Monday. And a former Mayor has warned that there could soon be a mast on every corner. Two applications, affecting Linnet
Grays had to give a debut to a goalkeeper in the last round of the FA Cup and expect to have to do the same on Saturday against Margate. The continued refusal by Southend to have Melvin Capleton cup-tied is the reason. To be fair to the Nationwide League
Ipswich Town staged their own version of the Great Escape, twice coming back from two goals down to claim a point on the South Coast. Marcus Stewart, who had a quiet game by his standards, still did enough to notch two goals to take his tally to five
Southend United striker Tes Bramble is aiming to blast Blues back up the Third Division table - with a little bit of help from his flat mate Mark Rawle. During recent weeks, Bramble has shown glimpses of the form which saw the 21-year-old score six goals
Witham Town Council has launched a bid to take over the ownership, management and maintenance of the town's two main nature reserves. Witham Town Council leader Tom Hewitt (Lab, South Ward) said it would lead to townspeople taking a whole new local interest
It was meant to be a ground-breaking occasion. After two meetings behind closed doors, Tendring Council's new cabinet was yesterday (Wednesday) open to the public for the first time. A larger area in Clacton's Prince's Theatre had been set aside and extra
Relaxing cannabis laws will make life harder for landlords, according to the licensee of a Colchester pub. Home secretary David Blunkett this week announced plans to cut penalties for having the drug and take away police powers to arrest people for possessing
A blind man with severe learning disabilities was "lost" for nearly ten years by Essex social services. The "unacceptable care" of the 53-year-old from north Essex in a care home outside the county led to an independent review being commissioned by social
A brave householder stood his ground and saw off two bogus callers who tried to con him out of £4,000. The two conmen initially tricked their way into the man's home by saying they needed to take a look at his washing machine. Once they were inside, they
A man with a debilitating disease has been ordered to take down a "timber shack" put up to house his car. The man, of Station Road, Thorpe, had put up a two metre-high car shelter in a conservation area without planning permission. Tendring Council's
A new country park could be specially named to mark the Queen's golden jubilee next year. The proposal for land at Blatches Farm, Eastwood, is one of a number being looked at by Rochford District Council. The council is being asked to look at including
South Essex shopkeepers are willing to fingerprint their customers in a bid to wipe out credit card fraudsters. Retailers and their customers lose millions every year at the hands of unscrupulous fraudsters using stolen or 'cloned' credit cards. The latest
A brave householder stood his ground and saw off two bogus callers who tried to con him out of £4,000. The two conmen initially tricked their way into the man's home by saying they needed to take a look at his washing machine. Once they were inside, they
Residents on a Harold Hill estate are set to join forces with each other and form a residents group, targeted at improving their own community. The plans have come to fruition after several weeks of discussion on the Briar Road estate, which has been
The new-look Colchester Marks and Spencer store has been unveiled to the public. Bosses are hoping it will bring even more shoppers into the town now the development, which includes a 50-seater cafe is complete. Developments include improved lighting
Passion and fashion retailer Ann Summers has opened its first store in the north and mid Essex area. The doors opened for saucy underwear, games and toys in the new shop at the The Meadows Shopping Centre, Chelmsford. The store, the 51st in the country
Thurrock's arts enthusiasts are no nearer knowing the fate of the Thameside Complex after the council's cabinet were presented with an incomplete report on the future of the authority's cultural services on Thursday night. A best value review of services
Benefits workers in mid Essex are on strike. It follows the national launch of a pilot scheme on Monday, replacing 50 traditional Jobcentres countrywide with new-look Jobcentre+Pathfinder offices. Employees from Chelmsford's Beeches Road and New London
Wine merchants Lay and Wheeler are celebrating the equivalent of an industry Oscar, for the third time. The company, which has a wine centre in Gosbecks Road, has been named best mail order merchant of the year in the Which? Wine Guide 2002. The guide
A popular carnival is under threat. The Guy Carnival is one of the major events in the Harwich calendar but this year's November 3 event is facing a major problem - it does not have enough marshalls. About 25 people are needed to ensure cars keep away
Hermann Hreidarsson has told Ipswich fans: "Don't worry, we'll get things sorted." The Blues have only won once in the Premiership in nine attempts this season -a far cry from last season's blistering form that saw them win a place in Europe. And the
Many positive points came out of this East Anglian derby clash with struggling Cambridge United. Leading scorer Scott McGleish's two goals were the result of poaching of the top class. Gavin Johnson's first goal at Layer Road was a bit special too. The
Residents whose homes were flooded by the swelling River Colne planned to ask Anglian Water to build a defence wall. Downstairs rooms in six houses in Riverside Walk, off North Station Road, which were also flooded by sewage in August, were filled with
Five Metropolitan Police officers are to face a misconduct hearing following a disturbance in a Chelmsford nightclub two years ago. The Police Complaints Authority has announced that the five, who were members of the National Crime Squad at the time,
Insurance experts have said some mid-Essex homes were damaged to the tune of as much as £30,000 following the record breaking floods. Flood warnings are still in force and more rain was expected this afternoon with up to 10mm forecast in the Braintree
Southend and Benfleet Ladies first team scored a whopping eight against Clacton in a weekend of 21 goals for the seaside club. Mance Milne scored a stunning four goals, while Lora Sharples bagged a brace. Kerry Marriott and captain Anne Johnson netted
Cars parked in a blazing carport in Colchester exploded with the heat as firefighters battled to bring it under control. The fire at the parking area in Station Road, Marks Tey, spread so quickly fire crews feared it would spread to nearby flats at Old
Dangers to the future of local government in England and Wales were highlighted by Professor Anthony King, professor of government at Essex University, in a lecture to councillors and local government officers on Friday. Speaking at the Essex Record Office
Staff at a Colchester jewellers foiled a gang of fraudsters trying to buy more than £2,000 worth of watches with a stolen credit card. Two men and two women went into Upchurch and Son Jeweller, St Nicholas Passage, on Tuesday, and chose £2,100 worth of
Chelmsford councillors have given the go-ahead for a 76 bed mental health unit on part of the Runwell Hospital site in spite of objections from neighbours about the proximity to their properties. The borough council's planning committee heard on Monday
The search for missing East Tilbury teenager Danielle Jones entered a new phase on Thursday when police called in high-tech underwater equipment. The search was focused on the former Fisons Fertiliser Plant on Stanhope Industrial Park, Stanford-le-Hope
Five more Basildon care homes are to be investigated by detectives following the jailing of two paedophiles for a string of brutal assaults on vulnerable children. The homes, under Tower Hamlets Council's control until 1989 but since sold off to become
A series of minor car accidents, a dumped vehicle and roadworks caused major hold-ups on the A12 between Kelvedon and Hatfield Peverel. Three vehicles were involved in a collision on the northbound carriageway of the A12 at the Witham bypass a few minutes
Two cats are looking for a new home after they were dumped by the side of the road by their owner. Residents in Brooklands Gardens, Jaywick, saw a green car, driven by a woman, pull up at the side of the road. She took three cats out of the boot, dumped
