One of Essex's most famous unsolved mysteries is being brought to the TV screen with the help of a Braintree investigator.
The Beast of Essex is to be the star of an episode of Animal X on Sky TV's Discovery Channel.
Called The Essex Panther, the episode was put together with the help of Braintree big cat expert John Hancock.
With his wife Yannoulla, Mr Hancock has been tracking the legendary beast for three years.
Working as the Essex Big Cat Research Project, Mr Hancock records all sightings on a map.
He said: "I'm convinced there are at least two panthers in Essex, one in Stansted and one in Braintree. On the map you can pretty much draw two distinct circles around the areas.
"The sightings all report a small skull, sleek body, long tail and shiny coat, which all bear the hallmarks of a panther."
As well as panthers Mr Hancock believes there is a lynx in the Earls Colne area.
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