ESSEX County Hospital patients expressed sadness at having to say goodbye to the historic site.

The Gazette revealed on Monday the Lexden Road hospital would be closed in 12 months, with all services moving to Colchester General Hospital.

The decision was made because hospital bosses said some parts of the site were outdated.

The hospital has played a huge role in Linda Attewell’s life as her father was head porter for more than 20 years.

She was born on the site in the family home, the Lodge Cottage, which her dad had as part of his role.

She said: “It think it is awful the hospital is closing. It is a part of Colchester.

“It’s got a lot of memories for people, myself included. We used to peer out the windowand watch everything going on."

Read the full story in today's Gazette.