Ronnie Irani has been told he will require hip replacement surgery. But the successful Essex captain, who is on the brink of signing a new three-year contract, has been assured such drastic action will not signal a premature end to his county cricket
Brian Statham almost broke the football manager's code when announcing he was delighted with Heybridge Swifts' latest FA Trophy draw. Swifts have been paired at home with Nationwide South bottom-half-of-the-table side Bognor Regis Town, in the third
Residents were led to safety early today after a fire ripped through a stack of tyres. The dazed residents, of Albert Street, Colchester, grabbed warm clothes and tried to wake neighbours as the heat intensified and smoke filled the air. One woman's
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Leading Conservative Kevin Bentley has been charged with drink-driving. Mr Bentley, portfolio holder for Culture and Public Relations for Colchester Council, was arrested by police on Friday night after being breath-tested at about midnight on his way
A couple are furious after getting a parking ticket - for parking in their own driveway. Marc Murphy and Noreen McEneany parked as normal at their home in Alexandra Road, Colchester. That didn't stop traffic wardens slapping a £30 fine on their car.
Wannabe film-makers are getting the chance to showcase their talents through a new website. After the worldwide success of clip sites such as YouTube, amateurs from north-east Essex are being urged to have a go at making their own videos. The new site
From the coast of Essex to the frozen, inhospitable world of Antarctica. Polar explorer Capt Sean Chapple, of Dovercourt, is about to set out on his quest to reach the South Pole. If he completes the 65-day, 1,500-mile ski with his team of Royal Marines
Absolutely scrumptious! Prospective young cooks stirred up their own version of TV cooking show Ready Steady Cook. The On Your Marks, Get Set Cook! competition consisted of two teams from Alton Park School, Clacton, racing against the clock to create
Essex Police have recorded a major drop in the number of crimes. A total of 5,609 fewer incidents were reported in a five-month period this year than the previous year, figures show. The 8.1 per cent reduction puts the force among the safest counties
A top cop is backing the fight to help keep Tendring's streets clear of a dangerous hazard. District Commander Steve Robinson has decided to send Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on the beat with a new weapon to tackle irresponsible dog owners
Sonny and Cher, Tina Turner and Frank Sinatra are among the stars expected at a charity night in Jaywick. The pub regulars at the Never Say Die will be dressing up as their favourite entertainers for a charity Stars in their Eyes karaoke night on Sunday
Disabled West Ham fan Barry O'Connell has given the red card to train operators. Since he broke his back in three places and was paralysed, he has to use the train service to get to the team's ground at Upton Park. Mr O'Connell, 60, of Saxstead Drive
Groups across Harwich and Dovercourt have been left in the lurch after their transport was attacked by vandals. Charities, schools and organisations have had to cancel trips after two Harwich Connexions buses were smashed. Connexions, a transport co-operative
Pupils danced for life as they took part in a tour programme raising awareness for the fight against HIV/Aids. The event was in the run up to World Aids Day, encouraging youngsters to join together through the power of dance and music.
A women's organisation will be closing after more than 80 years after a row over a £4 increase in subscription fees. The Kirby branch of the Women's Institute voted to close because its members did not agree with the price hike. They believe the increase
Only Fools and Plonkers missed a convention celebrating Britain's favourite sitcom. More than 1,600 fans of Del Boy and Co from across England descended on Colchester's Leisure World to meet stars of the BBC series. The Only Fools and Horses devotees
This is the moment a 4x4 turned into a fireball on the outskirts of Colchester. The vehicle burst into flames on the A120 hard shoulder just before the Colchester turn-off. Witness Alan McKay-Firth, who snapped this photo, said: "I was worried the tank
Plans for a multi-million pound business centre are more likely to be refused than accepted, senior council officials have indicated. Colchester Council planning boss Vincent Pearce said developers would need to prove "exceptional justification" to persuade
Embarrassed speed camera bosses have been given a taste of their own medicine after one of their engineers was caught red-handed breaking traffic rules. This photo shows a workman parked on double yellow lines as he puts a new film in a speed camera
A woman burst into tears as a court heard she is accused of murdering her partner. Unemployed Tammy Fletcher wept as the charge against her was read out at yesterday's hearing. The 35-year-old was arrested at the weekend, after the death of Marcus Witham
A man left a pan boiling while he popped out to the supermarket - and returned to find a blaze had ripped through his kitchen. Neighbours called firefighters after spotting smoke at about 4.30pm yesterday at a bungalow in Chinook, on Colchester's High
Three mid-Essex holidaymakers were today due to face trial in Cyprus accused of killing a teenage motorcyclist. Christos Papiris, 17, died on August 18 near Ayia Napa, while 18-year-old Marios Demetriou sustained serious injuries. Julian Harrington,
A grandmother was among ten dealers jailed for a total of 25 years following Colchester's biggest-ever drugs bust. Operation Petite, aimed at stamping out the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, was the biggest anti-drugs push carried out by police in
A worried mother has raised child protection fears over plans to rent out a house in the grounds of a school. The caretaker's bungalow at Home Farm Primary School, in Lexden, Colchester, is being advertised to let for £625 per month. Headteacher Mo
