The family of a teenage girl who died in a car accident have paid tribute to their "wonderful" daughter. Amy Field, 15, of Great Bentley, died on Wednesday afternoon in Great Ormond Street Hospital's intensive care unit. She had been critically injured
Southend United have been drawn at home to Wivenhoe Town in the quarter-finals of the Essex Senior Cup. The Ryman Division One North team conquered Billericay Town in the last round. There is a Thurrock derby with East Thurrock United taking on Aveley
West Ham have been rocked by the news that captain Christian Dailly will miss the Christmas matches after suffering suspected pleurisy. The Scottish international defender - an ever-present so far this season - was undergoing tests on the lung problem
Colchester United chairman Peter Heard was today at the centre of the world's biggest football story. Heard is one of the three-man independent commision who are expected to determine Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand's fate at Bolton Wanderers
Three former Colchester-based Gurkhas have been acquitted of violent disorder by a court martial sitting in Belize. An MoD spokeswoman said a prosecution witness failed to turn up and the three have been acquitted. Prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Nigel
Parents today told of their anger after being refused entry to their children's carol concert - because the school hall is not big enough. Youngsters at Downhall County Primary School in Brooklyn Drive, Rayleigh, will be singing carols to a few mums and
Westcliff High School for Girls student Rebecca Ackers is getting ready to take part in a four-week expedition to Costa Rica. Rebecca, from St James Gardens, Westcliff, is busy saving hard for a World Challenge expedition, which helps communities around
SEEVIC College's trampoline teams have once again qualified for the British Colleges National Finals, which are to be held at Loughborough University early next year. Plenty of bounce - from the SEEVIC trampolinists Picture: ROB BROWNE The men's team
An influential committee chaired by a former Braintree MP has recommended changes to recent anti-terrorist legislation. The former Conservative cabinet minister Lord Newton of Braintree, who as Tony Newton was the area's MP from 1974 to 1997, chaired
Essex charities and local organisations who benefitted from donations made by VIP guests at the 2003 V Festival were presented with their cheques at a recent event. Representatives of the charities gather at Hylands House At the special gathering at Hylands
Matt Richards is hoping to write his name in Ipswich Town folklore when his side do battle with arch rivals Norwich City. The defender, who celebrates his 19th birthday on Boxing Day, made his full debut in last season's 2-0 win at Carrow Road, would
Five hundred new slot machines could be making their way to Southend if plans to ease restrictions on gambling get the go ahead. London Clubs International, which runs the Rendezvous Casino at the Kursaal - on Southend Seafront, already has the gambling
Police have launched a crackdown on teenage drug abuse after youths were spotted openly smoking cannabis in South Woodham Ferrers town centre. Police were tipped off by members of the public about the problem, which has reared its head over the past three
A crackdown on second-hand car sellers trading in lay-bys and roadsides is on the cards in the Braintree district. Braintree Council is looking at increasing its role to deal with the problem, with the transfer of powers from Essex County Council to its
When the Essex County apparatus finals were held at Ipswich, 11 gymnasts from the Wickford-based Carousel Club qualified in various levels and enjoyed success. In the level three section, Wickford's Chloe Morton took the beam gold and fourth on floor.
Kindhearted youngsters happily followed the yellow brick road on the way to raising more than £1,300 towards a local charity. Thank you - the hospice's Allison Jones collects the cheque from the children Picture: ROB BROWNE The pupils of Lee Chapel Primary
Outstanding ex-students returned to their old school for an awards ceremony. Top of the class - former pupils were awarded for their A-level achievements Picture: ROB BROWNE Students from Billericay School, in School Road, who graduated in the summer
Billericay boss Justin Edinburgh is acutely aware that his basement side need to give him a birthday bonus by returning with some reward from tomorrow's visit to Hitchin if they are to stand any immediate chance of moving closer to fellow strugglers at
More than 80 per cent of the first bout of tests on babies after a TB scare at Southend Hospital have come back - and none show cause for alarm. Hospital clinical director Grahame Tosh today confirmed all of the families whose babies are thought to have
The Chelmsford part of the V Festival will once more be at Hylands Park. Now owned by Chelmsford Council, the 600 acre site has been extensively altered since it was originally built about 1730 by lawyer Sir John Comyns. Situated on the A414 The estate
Thurrock start on their gruelling Christmas period of fixtures knowing that they a will be without superstriker Cliff Akurang throughout the festive time. Akurang - relegated to watching his team from the sidelines after a controversial second sending
International fraudsters have conned an 81-year-old woman of £1,000 she was saving for an operation. The Wickford pensioner was duped into sending the cash after being told she had won £150,000 in a lucky prize draw. However, after paying to secure her
Protesters are trying to overturn a 20-year-old decision that could see houses being built near an oil refinery. Parkeston Environmental Group (PEG) wants planning permission withdrawn for a brickfield in Una Road, where developers want to build a major
Students were today due to demonstrate against university fees at a rally in Dovercourt. Between 30 and 40 Harwich sixth-formers and their relatives were expected to take part in the protest. They want Harwich MP Ivan Henderson to vote against student
A dedicated teacher at a Braintree school was given a special farewell by staff and pupils. Elizabeth Tuxworth, who has co-ordinated the music and English curriculum at John Ray Infant School, Notley Road, for the past 14 years, has taken early retirement
The parents of a 15-year-old girl killed in a car driven by her schoolfriend have said they are in "total shock" over a decision not to prosecute. But lawyers say that it is still possible charges against 15-year-old Zoe Horne may be brought at a later
The headline acts for the 2004 V Festival are due to be announced in January. Red Hot Chili Peppers At the 2003 festival, Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers proved a big hit with audiences playing the main stages at both venues. This year organisers
The headline acts for the 2004 V Festival are due to be announced in January. Red Hot Chili Peppers At the 2003 festival, Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers proved a big hit with audiences playing the main stages at both venues. This year organisers
A new mobile phone mast has been given the go-ahead despite objections from residents. The 15m-high mast, along with three antennas, three transmission dishes and an equipment cabinet, will be installed on land at the Fiveways Fruit Farm, in Heath Road
Council workers will ballot over strike action after a decision forcing them to be paid monthly instead of weekly Braintree Council adopted the executive's decision to switch to monthly payments at a meeting of full council earlier this week. The move
The Chelmsford part of the V Festival will once more be at Hylands Park. Now owned by Chelmsford Council, the 600 acre site has been extensively altered since it was originally built about 1730 by lawyer Sir John Comyns. Situated on the A414 The estate
Police have been forced to divert extra manpower to control a gang of yobs terrorising residents. The move comes in response to pleas from frightened tenants of Hoover Drive, Laindon, whose lives have been turned into misery by the mob. A block of flats
Cold-hearted thieves broke into a Canvey flat and stole £1,500 worth of Christmas presents. On the same night raiders also forced their way into an old people's home in the same road - Long Road - and stole a handbag. Acting Insp Kevin Diable-White said
A South Woodham man was viciously attacked with pepper spray, a cattle prod and an iron bar, in what police say was an unprovoked attack. The incident happened between 8am and 10am on Saturday morning when two men approached the victim's house in Hamberts
One half of the V Festival will again be held in the 1,000 acres of Weston Park in Staffordshire. The house was built in 1671 by Sir Thomas and Lady Wilbraham on the site of a medieval deer park. It was landscaped in 1756, by Capability Brown when he
A rail firm which suddenly closed an access ramp at Benfleet station is footing a daily £20 taxi bill for a disabled passenger it left stranded. The only other available ramp at the station is currently on London-bound platform one. Now c2c is advising
This sweet Christmas display looks good enough to eat - because it's made of chocolate. The £250 display is made of real Belgian chocolate and is from top confectionery store Panache, of Knightsbridge. Good enough to eat - Dot Taylor admires the chocolate
All the older people in Rivenhall have received Christmas goodies, thanks to community spirit. A team of volunteers yesterday delivered about 80 Christmas cakes, cards and chocolates to everyone over 70 in the village. According to parish council chairman
Police have named the three pensioners who died in Wednesday afternoon's multiple-crash on the A13 near Grays. The victims were John Crooks, 75, of Cherwell Grove, South Ockendon, Iris Stevens, 78, of Deane Path, South Ockendon and Harry Blackman, 68,
Southend Council is celebrating achieving level one of the Equality Standard for Local Authorities. Following an internal audit and external challenge by the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, the council has won the award for all its departments
Airport director Roger Campbell today welcomed the decision to allow new safety measures to be installed as a "terrific Christmas present" for more than 1,000 people working at the airport. Relieved - airport boss Roger Campbell on the runway. St Laurence
Southend club divers Karen Smith and Tracey Richardson have been selected for the British World Cup team. The pair will jet off to Athens for the FINA World Cup in February after impressive performances at the British National Diving Championships at
Swimmers deprived of their pool for two months will be able to get back into the water next week. Due to asbestos removal work being carried out at Waterside Farm sports centre pool, in Somnes Avenue, Canvey, the pool has been closed since October 27.
A school full of children on drums and not a headache in sight - claims headteacher Jacquie Barber of the Rettendon Primary School, Wickford. Shake, rattle and drum rolls - children during the special musical session Picture: NICK ANSELL Touring group
A prison officer has been praised for her work Dawn Amey received the High Sheriff's annual award at Chelmsford Prison for her work with the inmates. The citation says Ms Amey "stands out for her ability to recognise and respect the humanity in all prisoners
Great Wakering Rovers face the biggest challenge to their recent revival tomorrow when they visit Division One North leaders Cheshunt. Alan Hull's side have picked up seven points from their last three home games but their last away match will not evoke
Police are appealing for witnesses after two men stole a television from a supermarket. The thieves were in Somerfield, Rayne Road, Braintree, at about 6.30pm yesterday. One of the men distracted shop employees while the other picked up a television and
A vital crime-fighting project in Clacton has received a double dose of good news for Christmas Clockwise, which supports young offenders in the Tendring area, has won a national award and funding that will safeguard the service for the next three years
Basildon, the region's only survivors in the Powergen Junior Vase, face a trip to Kent to take on Folkestone in the fifth round of the competition. The newtowners could be in for a tough tie when they clash on January 17 against a side who - like Basildon
Police are seeking information about this man captured by an in-taxi CCTV camera. Wanted - Do you know him? The man took a cab from Southchurch Road, Southend to Wicklow Walk, Shoebury. He got out of the taxi, promising to return with the £8.80 fare,
An attacker hit a man in the face with a glass at a Colchester bar. His wounded victim was taken to hospital with a cut under his eye, after the glass attack in Twisters, North Hill. The attacker was chased from the bar, through the grounds of nearby
Former Bradford City boss Nicky Law is the latest man to fall by the wayside as the Southend United management saga rumbles on. Law had seemed to have established himself as the new favourite for the Roots Hall hotseat -- but Blues supremo Ron Martin
Lions FC player Stuart Craven has received a boost from his friends in the Southend Borough Combination Veterans League. Helping hand - Tony Hoskins (left) and Les Fordham present the cheque to Stuart Craven Picture: MAXINE CLARKE Craven suffered multiple
The parents of a 15-year-old girl killed in a car driven by her schoolfriend have said they are in "total shock" over a decision not to prosecute. But lawyers say that it is still possible charges against 15-year-old Zoe Horne may be brought at a later
One of our bus stops is missing! Mystery surrounds the sudden felling of the number eight bus stop in Blackheath, Colchester. Felled - Berechurch ward councillor Terry Sutton and son Craig with the bus stop, which was uprooted in Blackheath. Picture:
Southend United goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan is hoping to secure his fourth successive home clean sheet as the rejuvenated Shrimpers host Bristol Rovers tomorrow. The 25-year-old shot-stopper has gone over 350 minutes since conceding a Roots Hall goal and
John Begley suffered a points defeat to prevent him claiming Canvey Boxing Club's second NABC championship title of the season. The island fighter lost 21-17 on points to Sunderland Boys Club opponent Tysen Carphy in Liverpool. Begley had hoped to follow
A piece of land can be sold off in Maldon to house a new car showroom. Quest Motors, a Vauxhall dealership currently based in the town centre, has been fighting to move to the Wycke Hill site on the town's edge. But the plan went against Maldon Town Council's
Braintree Town have stepped up their attempts to sign former Wycombe Wanderers FA Cup hero Roy Essandoh. The 27-year-old striker, who scored the winner for Wanderers against Leicester in the 2001 cup quarter-finals, has been transfer-listed by Braintree's
Canvey will be hoping to sign off their pre-Christmas Ryman Premier programme by moving ten points clear of the field tonight - even if it is just for a few hours. Gulls have brought forward their home clash with Bishop's Stortford from tomorrow to avoid
An anguished Canvey woman may be forced to use Christmas money to buy a car - to replace the one wrecked by teenage joyriders. Bonnie Rae, 46, of Cedar Road, discovered the loss of her blue Ford Sierra Sapphire after being woken by police at 4.20am. She
Southend warmed up for their daunting home clash with high-flying North Walsham tomorrow with a thumping win over Brentwood in the quarter-finals of the Essex Senior Cup. Fielding half their normal first team and fringe players and second-teamers, Southend
Trouble makers in Billericay and Wickford are being kept on the run by a small dedicated team of council peace keepers operating in the district. Noisy neighbours, vandalism, youth nuisance and under age drinking are among the targets of the council's
Chelmsford City face probably their most important game of the season on Saturday whe-re nothing but a win is needed City, third from bottom in the Dr Martens League Premier Division, take on Chippenham Town, one place below them, at New Lodge in what
Three million viewers are expected to see valuable Essex Police artefacts displayed on BBC television show Flog It. Painted truncheons, helmets and helmet plates at Chelmsford's police museum will be shown off on the popular programme in the New Year.
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Essex charities and local organisations who benefitted from donations made by VIP guests at the 2003 V Festival were presented with their cheques at a recent event. Representatives of the charities at Hylands House At the special gathering at Hylands
Detectives investigating an armed robbery are searching for a mystery man. The potential witness had a conversation with a member of staff in Barclays, in Broadway, Pitsea, on December 2, days after the raid in Billericay High Street. The man, stocky,
The grandfather of a 14-year-old schoolboy who died during a PE lesson today claimed there were still unanswered questions over the boy's death. Mike Shelvey spoke out after a coroner recorded a verdict of death by natural causes on Jake Howard-Shelvey
Residents are being advised to be more vigilant and "don't let criminals have a good Christmas". That is the advice from Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators throughout the district to homeowners over the festive period. Chairman of Braintree Neighbourhood
A generous widow has left behind an estate totalling more than £2.5 million and much of it is going to organisations in Colchester. Nina Rose Markham, widow of respected Colchester businessman Hugh Markham, who owned a pawnbroker's shop in Colchester,
MP Sir Teddy Taylor dropped in to see posties hard at work on the biggest job of the year - delivering the Christmas mail. Hands full -sorting office worker Julie Gray shows Sir Teddy the ropes Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL Postal workers at the Southend sorting
A charity worker has been thanked during a special presentation for her tireless efforts in raising money for needy children. These are for you - Lady Brigid Crofton, right, hands over the flowers to Doreen Cannon Picture: MAXINE CLARKE Doreen Cannon,
A Leigh man admitted affray after a brawl in a pub after his group were asked to leave because of rowdy behaviour. Lee Robinson, 24, of Fleming Crescent, and four others appeared at St Albans Crown Court yesterday. The court heard trouble erupted on December
