Pubs in Southend have been besieged by under-age drinkers during the festive period, landlords revealed. Managers at both O'Neill's Irish Bar and The Last Post in the town centre said their doormen had been busier than ever turning youngsters away. The
A teenager and his pregnant girlfriend were today subjected to a terrifying ordeal when they were robbed at knifepoint by a gang on a train. The couple - who are both from Harwich - were on the train travelling to Manningtree just after midnight. They
Vandals smashed the windows of two Canvey stores over the festive season. Early yesterday the front glass window of Pal the Chemists, in Furtherwick Road, was smashed, causing £100 damage. The chemist's alarm was activated, but by the time officers arrived
Traders fear a planned "bus gate" blocking traffic except public transport from using the road will kill passing trade. And parish councillors in Myland are worried the traffic scheme could threaten a parade of shops and businesses in Nayland Road, Colchester
The faith of Moreton villagers bidding to save the disintegrating roof of St Mary's Church has this week been rewarded by a £10,000 cash boost. Tower of strength: Workman Geoff Bratt had a high old time as he joined colleagues putting the finishing touches
Too many drivers are not heeding the drink drive message this Christmas, police have warned. Nearly 5,000 people have been stopped and breathalysed since the festive drink drive campaign was launched in Essex on December 1. However, the percentage of
A family's Christmas was almost ruined when they tasted their dinnertime turkey. The Whitehead family of Langdon Hills had bought two birds from their traditional festive dinners, one for Christmas Day and one for Boxing Day. Dad, Richard, said he had
The road policing unit at Brentwood faces the axe under new cost-cutting plans. The traffic police unit at London Road, Brentwood, could be disbanded and operated from Chigwell. The radical decision is set to be taken at a meeting of Essex Police support
Shoppers are being warned not to buy cheap watches from a consignment that have been stolen. An Essex Police spokesman said 50,000 Storm brand watches were stolen from Heathrow Airport recently and some of them have turned up for sale in Chelmsford. He
Freemasons who meet at Tollesbury have donated equipment worth more than £4,250 to the village's doctors' surgery, as a millennium gift. At a recent reception at the Tollesbury Masonic Hall, the chairman of Maldon District Council, Penny Channer, handed
A horse riding stables is back in business after winning a David and Goliath battle with Thurrock Council. Green Trees Farm in Old Hill Avenue, Laindon, had its business on hold after the council issued an enforcement notice earlier in the year. This
While most were still unwrapping their presents in the warm, about 60 hardy souls plunged into the sea off Clacton's West Beach on Christmas Day. Bracing dip - swimmers spend their Christmas Day away from the warmth of their homes by crashing into the
Mature employees at Essex small businesses are being offered the chance to strike a blow for grey power through a new training project backed by the European Social Fund. The Mature People into IT scheme is designed to increase the opportunities open
Martin Quinn proved himself to be the mighty Quinn when he beat around 50 runners taking part in Southend Athletic Club's annual Pier Race. Winner: Martin Quinn And he might have been Quinn the eskimo too as heavy frost kept the hardy Boxing Day souls
Staff at South Woodham Ferrer's Asda were met with an icy reception when they returned to work last Thursday after the store's heating packed up. But customers weren't left out in the cold as workers donned their coats and carried on working in temperatures
A devoted owl owner was today celebrating after being reunited with his beloved pet - thanks to the Evening Echo Welcome home - Phil Eckett gives Amber VIP treatment. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 5TCS69 Phil Eckett, of Westcliff Gardens, Canvey, lost European
Traders fear a planned "bus gate" blocking traffic except public transport from using the road will kill passing trade. And parish councillors in Myland are worried the traffic scheme could threaten a parade of shops and businesses in Nayland Road, Colchester
Although they go into the game on the back of a 3-0 home defeat by local rivals Canvey on Boxing Day, Billericay Town have high hopes of ending their run of eight games without a win at New Lodge tomorrow. For the visitors in the Ryman League Premier
Chalkwell Dental Practice in Leigh Road has beaten off competition from 540 other practices around the country to win the Denplan Practice Team of the Year Awards 2001. Judges were impressed by the practice's commitment to training and teamwork, and the
A family's battle for justice for a sightless youngster is due to be heard in the new year. Andrew Bourne was born without eyes - and now a groundbreaking case for compensation for him is finally to be held in America in the new year. Andrew, who will
More than £2m will be given to Essex schools to help them entice new teachers into the county. The new cash is part of a new Government funding pot, worth £44m, and Essex has scooped the lion's share. The county has been allocated £2,120,000, compared
Crowds flocked to Southend Pier over the Christmas period to walk off their turkey and cakes. Pier managers found people queuing outside when they opened up on Boxing Day morning. There was such a huge demand throughout the day that the pier and museum
Police are appealing for witnesses to a robbery which took place in New Writtle Street, Chelmsford. Three men, all aged between 19 and 20, and all wearing three-quarter length black coats, were seen gathered around another man who was on the floor outside
Golden oldie goalkeeper Paul Sansome could be in line for a sensational Southend United first team squad comeback. Blues chief Rob Newman is believed to be ready to sign the 40-year-old on a non-contract basis as cover for Saturday's Third Division clash
Thurrock's £1.9m-a-year libraries and culture service is failing to meet requirements, say inspectors who have completed an in-depth survey. The team from the Government's central region Best Value department has been scrutinising the council's libraries
Great Wakering Rovers certainly did not suffer any real setback to their Ryman League Second Division hopes when their home clash with Romford was postponed due to a frostbound pitch on Boxing Day. For all three clubs above them failed to collect three
Purfleet will be hoping to bounce back from their comprehensive 3-0 defeat at the hands of leaders Canvey in their last game when they host Maidenhead United tomorrow. Fleet had their Boxing Day match with second-placed Gravesend and Northfleet postponed
There was no sign of the supposed downturn in the economy at the Lakeside Shopping Centre this Christmas. The West Thurrock complex was buzzing yesterday - the first day after the festive break - with more than 2,500 cars parked there by 5am and the car
Pupils attending a south Essex school are not getting enough fresh air, sunlight or exercise during the day, according to their headteacher. From the beginning of next term, the vast majority of pupils at FitzWimarc School, in Hockley Road, Rayleigh,
Rayleigh residents face ten days of travel chaos early next year when the High Street is torn up to replace gas pipes. Transco will be replacing the existing pipes on the High Street from the junction of Eastwood Road to Ridgeway between January 7 and
Colcheser-based Paras waiting to be deployed to Afghanistan are expected to get the "green light" very soon. Members of 2 Para and support staff from 16 Air Assualt Brigade all returned to barracks last night after spending a "relaxing" Christmas at home
Students from Thurrock and Basildon College were at the Grays campus recently for their prize giving dinner. The event was held in the Riverview Restaurant at the Woodview site, to mark the achievements of the last students to graduate from Thurrock College
Vandals smashed the windows of two Canvey stores over the festive season. Early yesterday the front glass window of Pal the Chemists, in Furtherwick Road, was smashed, causing £100 damage. The chemist's alarm was activated, but by the time officers arrived
An investigation is under way to discover how fire broke out on the tenth floor of a tower block of flats in Southend. Residents were led to safety during the drama in Sutton Court, Pantile Avenue, Southchurch, which began just before 10pm yesterday.
Blues fan Sir Teddy Taylor wants Prime Minister Tony Blair to avoid Commons debates when Southend United are playing. The Tory MP was forced to miss a crucial FA Cup second round match after Mr Blair called a debate at the end of a busy political day.
Spending frenzy gripped south Essex as the winter sales got under way in earnest - with millions being splashed out by bargain hunters. Queueing up - shoppers flocked to stores such as Next in Southend town centre. Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL 5TCWV1 It came
Too much fat poured down the drain from Christmas dinners may have been the reason for an emergency sewage pipe operation in Canvey. Anglian Water had to call in emergency crews to work in Canvey High Street yesterday when solidified fat blocked the sewers
The grim discovery of a mutilated deer carcass coupled with fresh sightings of the Beast of Brentwood has prompted police to seek advice from an expert on dangerous animals. Animal droppings discovered near the body of the dead deer have been collected
A Rayleigh golf club is counting the cost of a spree of vandalism in which eight golf carts were hot-wired and ridden roughshod over a course. Wrecked - head greenkeeper Ivor Pallett with one of the carts. Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL 5QGNU2 Police are now
Rookie Southend United goalkeeper Daniel Gay is determined to take his big chance with both hands against Luton Town at Roots Hall. Hot shots - Blues fans will be hoping strikers Barrington Belgrave (left) and Tes Bramble (centre) -- seen with midfield
Canvey soccer boss Jeff King admits that his side's fabulous unbeaten run of 26 games has made him greedy for more success. When Gulls pulled off a fabulous FA Cup win over Northampton to earn a first ever third round proper spot in the competition --
A Great Wakering couple whose business was badly hit during the foot-and-mouth crisis are hoping to recover lost trade thanks to a Government grant. David and Magi Hobbs, who run specialist door mat firm Magimat in Great Wakering High Street, lost around
Intrepid charity cyclist Dennis Warner is back home after his gruelling 4,000-mile cycle ride. Back home with his family - Dennis Warner Dennis went from Little Oakley to Timbuktu, in Africa, in three months to raise cash for cancer research. He was beset
Maldon Town are raring to go after their Boxing Day fixture with neighbours Tiptree United was called off due to a frozen pitch. Manager Colin Wallington has a doubt over the fitness of goalkeeper Dean Mahoney and reserve Ed Wootton remains on standby
Teacher Peter Foakes has finally blown the whistle on a 34-year career at one school. Mr Foakes, a former Premiership referee, started at Colbayns High School, Clacton, as a maths and PE teacher, in 1968. At that time it was Pathfields. He went on to
A series of street collections saw fundraisers generate nearly £4,000 for St Clare's Hospice at Hastingwood. Shoppers in Ongar, Great Dunmow, Safron Walden and other towns gave generously throughout December. Their contributions will help the hospice
Matt Holland has set Ipswich Town a target of eight more wins to stay in the Premiership. The Blues skipper reckons a 25-point haul should be enough to maintain top-flight status, following Boxing Day's 2-0 triumph against Leicester. He said: "We've given
A horse riding stables is back in business after winning a David and Goliath battle with Thurrock Council. Green Trees Farm in Old Hill Avenue, Laindon, had its business on hold after the council issued an enforcement notice earlier in the year. This
Marine experts are looking for a valuable shark-tracking device which is expected to be washed up on a beach. Seasonal strollers have been asked to help in the hunt for the tag as they walk along Essex beaches, and shark trackers have offered £50 to anyone
Controversial plans to sell ice cream and other seaside goodies from Frinton's cherished seafront are set for an icy reception when they go before councillors. Planning officers have recommended that entrepreneur Ernie White's plan for kiosks should be
Rayleigh residents face ten days of travel chaos early next year when the High Street is torn up to replace gas pipes. Transco will be replacing the existing pipes on the High Street from the junction of Eastwood Road to Ridgeway between January 7 and
Would-be robbers attacked a man while they tried to snatch his wallet. Police said the man was walking home from a night out when the incident happened at about 12.45am yesterday in Douglas Road, Dovercourt. However they failed to get the wallet and then
Children on the Sunshine children's ward at St John's Hospital received an extra sack of Christmas gifts on Christmas day thanks to Essex Police and local businesses. Sgt Terry Slater, of Chelmsford traffic, delivered the goodies on Christmas Eve on behalf
Steve Whitton believes his four strikers with a little help from his defence could hold the key to Colchester United's fortunes for the rest of the season. Top scorer Scott McGleish, Kevin Rapley, Arsenal loanee Graham Barrett and new record signing Adrian
New Year revellers are being warned to stay away from stolen beer which could make them violently ill. Burglars stole five large barrels of lager - containing about 400 pints - from the Clear Springs club in Low Road, Dovercourt. However, the thieves'
George Burley has spoken of his regret at being without Sixto Peralta for tomorrow's Premiership duel with Sunderland. The Ipswich Town midfielder misses out after injuring his foot in the Boxing Day success against Leicester. Peralta scored his first
A South Woodham man is starring alongside comedian Bradley Walsh in the pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, in Hastings. Marc Hopkins, 20, who was part of the lighting team for the West End show Mamma Mia!, beat 50 others in auditions for the
Plans to create more than 1,000 new jobs on Shoebury's New Ranges have been shelved, it is feared. An ambitious scheme announced in March by the owners of the site, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, to safeguard the future of the weapons' testing
There was no sign of the supposed downturn in the economy at the Lakeside Shopping Centre this Christmas. The West Thurrock complex was buzzing yesterday - the first day after the festive break - with more than 2,500 cars parked there by 5am and the car
Big-hearted pupils at a Canvey school laid on a festive feast for senior citizens. Sixth formers at Furtherwick Park School served lunch with a traditional Christmas theme and provided entertainment with a festive cabaret. Chris Richardson, headteacher
The headteacher of a south Essex school is calling it a day after nearly 22 years in the hot seat. Set to take a back seat - Furtherwick Park's retiring head Chris Richardson. Picture: MAXINE CLARKE Chris Richardson, headteacher of Furtherwick Park School
They must be mad...but after a three-year break, the Maldon Mud Race is still as popular as ever. Competitors wade their way across the river (19003-e) The maximum number of 150 entrants braved the freezing weather to battle across the mud in the River
Sunderland will be hoping to record their third consecutive win tomorrow when they tackle Ipswich Town. The Black Cats have enjoyed a prosperous festive period so far, pipping Everton 1-0 on Saturday and then routing Blackburn 3-0 on Boxing Day. Peter
Arsonists put lives at risk in a Basildon estate by setting fire to bags of Christmas refuse which trapped four people in a flat. Basildon firefighters rushed to Somercotes Court but found the fire access gates to the estate had been tampered with so
A 14-year-old was arrested by police after a car he was in hit a wall on Clacton seafront. The Ford Escort was discovered embedded in the wall at the Colchester Institute on the corner of Thoroughgood Road and Marine Parade East. The vehicle burst into
Plans to create more than 1,000 new jobs on Shoebury's New Ranges have been shelved, it is feared. An ambitious scheme announced in March by the owners of the site, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, to safeguard the future of the weapons' testing
