Police have appealed for help in tracking down two robbers who threatened a Colchester shop assistant. An Essex Police spokesman said the attack happened at 5.10pm on Tuesday night at Hazels News in Harwich Road. A white man in his early 20s and an asian
Theatre managers have toasted the success of their annual pantomimes - but two of Southend's venues now face an uncertain future. Staff at the Palace Theatre and the Cliffs Pavilion were delighted after productions broke all box office records. At the
A teenager who died after a road crash was hailed as "a true ambassador for his school" by his headmaster. In a heartfelt tribute, Stuart Francis said 18-year-old James Piggott represented all that was best about Colchester Royal Grammar School. James
A problematic economic future awaits the Maldon district, according to a major survey. A new study by district council planning chiefs has painted a bleak picture saying up to 1,500 jobs could vanish by 2015. It also says the prospects of the area will
This special baby will forever be remembered for sharing a birthday with his town. Little Connor was one of six bouncing new-borns who took their first gasps on Basildon's 50th anniversary. The boy, whose mum Denise Drew lives in Denys Drive, Basildon
What is it about Canvey Island that the place keeps on producing world-class karate aces? Is it something to do with the prevailing wind, arriving as it does nonstop from the Far East? Or does it have something to do with the time-honoured need on Canvey
Economic fudging, shadowy bureaucrats in Brussels and some bloke called Oskar Lafontaine who wants to dictate our tax rates. To the average person living in south Essex it is difficult to know what to make of the new single currency, born at the start
The mother and daughter who died in a tragic road accident in Maldon have been named by police. Amanda Papworth, 31, from Althorne in the Dengie Hundred area, and her 14-month old baby daughter Millie were killed when the Volkswagen Passat they were travelling
Heybridge started 1999 as they ended 1998 with a 1-0 win, the latest success coming on their first ever visit to former Conference side Slough. The win, sealed by a single goal, lifted Swifts off the bottom of the premier division. Heybridge were without
After taking the lead within a minute of the kick-off on Saturday, Braintree were always the more likely winners although they could never be quite sure until a late flurry gave the scoreline a more realistic look. Another above-average Cressing Road
On the Sunday after Christmas, a medium sized group of the Witham & District C.C. met at Witham for the usual trip over the Burnham Marshes. The route went through Ulting, Woodham Walter and Mortimer, Purleigh, Latchingdon, Mayland to Steeple where
A host of new jobs are coming to south Essex, it was announced today. Food company Gerald McDonalds is relocating and centralising its operation to Basildon, bringing 30 new jobs. Council chiefs have given the company the go-ahead to build a 4,000-sqm
Campaigners want a road tunnel built under north Colchester. They want a major junction on the new northern approaches road to be built underground. The Underpass Action Group (UAG) has been posting petition forms through letterboxes throughout Mile End
Police are asking the public to help them trace a robber who hit his victim around the head several times before stealing his wallet. An Essex Police spokesman said the 22-year-old victim had been so badly hurt in the attack on January 2 that he had only
Terry Lock stormed to victory at the Gloucester Park Open weighing in a tremendous 24lb 130z. His pole-caught catch consisted of 9lb 15oz of quality roach, plus a personal best carp of 14lb 14oz! County Groundbait proprietor Terry fished the tench point
Former FA Chief Executive Graham Kelly is to make an appearance at Pitsea's Bowers United this month. Kelly, who sensationally quit Lancaster Gate on December 15 after revelations surrounding a loan to the Welsh FA, had pencilled in a January 21 appointment
Months of bitter wrangling over plans to twin Billericay with its daughter town in the USA have finally come to an end. Billericay Mayflower Twinning Association's twinning agreement with Billerica in Massachusetts is at last to become official. The link
Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks has given his biggest hint yet that he will stand for the post of FA chairman. The position was vacated by Keith Wiseman on Monday following the controversial loan of £3.2 million to the FA of Wales. However, a
A new Proof of Age scheme which will start in Brentwood in the spring, and is already working successfully in Billericay and Wickford, has been highly praised in a newly issued Government white paper. The scheme which aims to combat sales of tobacco,
A network of amateur sleuths scattered around the rural heartland of west Essex is helping to mount a new year blitz on crime in the Ongar and North Weald district. Farmers, who often live in the most isolated areas, have united to share intelligence
It's good news on the anti drink drive front with Essex Police's figures showing a slight drop compared to last year. Over all, 13,231 people were tested. Of these, 301 were positive, an average of 2.3 per cent compared to last year's average of 3 per
A Harold Hill milkman had his life threatened twice over Christmas when he was confronted by knifemen during his early morning rounds. The incidents which police say they are treating "very seriously" come just five months after another milkman, also
Rollerworld, Derby, was the venue on Sunday for the first of five meetings in the National Indoor In-line Skating Series 1998/99, which precede Brit-Skate '99, featuring the British Indoor Championships to be held at the NEC, Birmingham at the end of
A catholic school will have to find an extra £50,000 a year when it becomes the first school in Essex to opt back in to council control. St Benedict's College, in Norman Way, Colchester, will have to find the extra money as its contribution when it reverts
Prior to the return to league rugby this weekend, last Saturday's annual friendly, with the visitors one league higher than Brentwood, gave the players the opportunity to test their fitness levels after the indulgence of the festive season. After an even
Town found it difficult coping with the ground conditions in Tuesday's cup tie at New Lodge and were eliminated from their last knockout competition of the season. And while the sticky conditions did not help Town's style, they were also handicapped by
The Leopards returned to the Brentwood Centre on Tuesday still on a high following the remarkable comeback to win their National Cup semi-final at the NEC in Birmingham. However, what was at stake at the Brentwood Centre was vital league points. The Leopards
Terry Lock stormed to victory at the Gloucester Park Open weighing in a tremendous 24lb 130z. His pole-caught catch consisted of 9lb 15oz of quality roach, plus a personal best carp of 14lb 14oz! County Groundbait proprietor Terry fished the tench point
Neil Campbell's move to Colchester United has collapsed. U's boss Steve Wignall insisted today the deal was off -- unless the Scarborough striker accepted the terms on offer at the last minute. But Wignall admitted this morning he was not holding his
A new-look Billericay came from behind in a pulsating second half to deservedly take a share of the spoils on Saturday. With Leon Gutzmore having been transferred to Aldershot Town during the week, Town showed off Joe Nartey, who arrived at New Lodge
The Old Boys have only themselves to blame for their disappointing performance on Saturday, the result meaning that Millwall enter the last 16 of the National Competition. The home side began well and showed some early signs of their intentions to take
Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks has given his biggest hint yet that he will stand for the post of FA chairman. The position was vacated by Keith Wiseman on Monday following the controversial loan of £3.2 million to the FA of Wales. However, a
A determined schoolgirl has taken her fight for a pedestrian crossing straight to her MP. Nicola Essex was so fed up with the daily fight across the busy Ipswich Road in Colchester that she decided to do something about it - by writing to Colchester MP
Troubled Southend nightclub, Club Art has been saved from the brink of closure - by the company that owned it in the first place. Bosses of new owners Pemberton Group were today at the Elmer Approach Club finalising details of the £1 million buyout, which
A New Year prank at a Brentwood pub ended with a man being taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. Fire fighters equipped with breathing apparatus were called to Scruffy Murphy's pub on the King's Road at 10.20pm on Saturday when the building
Brentwood police were called in after a tiny dog was attacked by a large canine in Doddinghurst. The attacker also bit the dog's owner as she tried to save her pet which later had to be put to sleep. Linda Keeling, 54, was bitten on the face and hand
Missing mother-of-two Katherine Schofield has been found alive and well, according to an Essex Police spokesman. The 34-year-old had been missing from her home in Langham near Colchester since December 28. But police said she was found safe this morning
Man's best friend is his dog, or in Kim Franklin's case five of them. While snow may be in short supply in south Essex, Thundersley musher Kim and her band of trusty huskies will soon be heading to the snowy slopes of Aviemore in Scotland for a spot of
Crisis-hit Basildon Hospital, cancelling routine operations to cope with a massive surge in emergency admissions, has just announced a fall in its waiting list. In the first eight months of this financial year, the number of patients waiting for surgery
Time is running out for a death row dog waiting for a last minute reprieve. A court last month ordered that Blackie, a cross-collie belonging to Sue Cook, be put down after it bit a boy on the hand. Sue was given until next Monday to have her pet destroyed
The fastest milkman in the west he may be - but to his regulars Shane Hayes is simply the cream of the crop. Customers on his busy Westcliff round have voted him gold top in a national awards scheme for committed milkies. Shane, 34, now goes forward to
A father has praised his teenage son and brother-in-law for their efforts to try to save his wife after she collapsed on the way home from a family outing. Ginny Westlake, 38, slumped in the seat of the car as they drove home to Clacton from a theatre
Neil Campbell's move to Colchester United has collapsed. U's boss Steve Wignall insisted today the deal was off -- unless the Scarborough striker accepted the terms on offer at the last minute. But Wignall admitted this morning he was not holding his
Southend United's trialist striker Dominic Iorfa is hoping to shake-off his hamstring injury and play some part in Saturday's Third Division Roots Hall match against Scarborough. Iorfa is in his second spell with the Shrimpers and was originally brought
Former FA Chief Executive Graham Kelly is to make an appearance at Pitsea's Bowers United this month. Kelly, who sensationally quit Lancaster Gate on December 15 after revelations surrounding a loan to the Welsh FA, had pencilled in a January 21 appointment
Tour star Nasser Hussain, one of the few players to emerge with his reputation enhanced from the 3-1 Ashes defeat, is convinced there is enough talent within the England party to look ahead with optimism. "I wouldn't say it's been a success just because
Cinderella Cliffs Pavilion, Southend Stars: Bobby Davro, Bella Emberg, Bob Carolgees Date: To Jan 16 Box Office: 01702 351135 Snow White . . .The True Story Theatre Upstairs, New Empire Theatre, Southend Strictly for adults only. Live music by The Hooky
Some of the biggest names from the stage and world of entertainment are on their way to the seaside. Legendary blues guitarist BB King, top opera singer Lesley Garrett, former EastEnders actress Letitia Dean and ageless charmer Paul Nicholas are all to
Both teams had chances during a close fought first half on Saturday. The best opportunity for the visitors came when Witham's Grant Wedlock cleared a shot from Dave Butler off the line. Witham's best chance was when Hemel goalkeeper Simon Sheppard did
After 13 minutes of Saturday's replay, United trailed 3-0 and looked set to make a sorry cup exit. After conceding a goal in the first minute, the visitors then conceded two goals in a minute to be left apparently without hope. A goal from Andy Johnson
Despite being two leagues below visitors Southend, Maldon had Saturday's match sewn up until the final six minutes. Maldon took charge from the off but had to work hard for their points. The two home tries came from winger Neil Osbourne and flanker Chrispin
Although Burnham started well with a brilliant try under the posts by Richard Newton which was converted by Robert Carrington it was to be a disjointed performance by the home side. Dagenham had the advantage with their massive pack on the slippery ground
Braintree were disappointed with their opening match of the New Year on Saturday, but more importantly injuries to Ian Saward, shoulder, and Darren Smith, knee, weakens the side for a heavy League schedule over the next few weeks. After Chelmsford's re-arranged
Angry residents today vowed to fight plans for a new scouting centre on a Canvey playing field. Islanders are worried about proposals for the building on King George V playing fields off Labworth Road which will be used by all the scout and guide groups
Refugee Victor Jegede was starting a jail sentence today after getting a passion for the high life. He fled his native Nigeria, landed work as a security guard and rented a flat in Carlingford Drive, Westcliff. Jegede, 29, developed such a taste for luxury
Nearly three-quarters of Basildon residents are scared to leave home because of the fear of crime, figures reveal. More than 70 per cent questioned said they felt scared of being attacked on the housing estate where they lived. Vange residents were the
This bruised and battered face tells the shocking tale of a cyclist injured in a hit-and-run accident in Southend. Brave Brian Lawrence agreed to have his badly injured face pictured in a bid to encourage public help to trace the driver involved in the
Be vigilant - that's the message from police after an attempted abduction of an eight-year-old girl in Harold Hill. The attempted kidnap in Farnham Road was the latest in a string of similar incidents. Police are appealing for witnesses. The young girl
Disappointed panto-goers were turned away from a theatre after the show was cancelled at the eleventh hour. The show at Colchester's Mercury Theatre was called off after it was discovered a section of plasterwork had fallen from the ceiling over the audience
Police have warned two child car safety seats stolen in Harlow are faulty and could be dangerous. An Essex Police spokesman said the seats were taken in a burglary at Harlow Council's Edinburgh Way depot, which houses its road safety unit. The thieves
Battling baby Jessica Birdsall is looking forward to a bright new year after confounding doctors by fighting a rare life-threatening condition. Little Jessica will see her first birthday next week - a date mum Vicky thought her daughter might never reach
What is it about Canvey Island that the place keeps on producing world-class karate aces? Is it something to do with the prevailing wind, arriving as it does nonstop from the Far East? Or does it have something to do with the time-honoured need on Canvey
It was dubbed Vampire Day at Southend Hospital - a chance for the bosses to be bled dry. Luckily for chief executive, David Brackenbury, it did not quite reach that extreme when Maureen Cartwright got stuck in with the needle. Mr Brackenbury, finance
Behind every great man there's a great woman, or so the saying goes. And that's something proud MBE winner Jim Springford, 56, can testify to. Were it not for wife Valerie, 55, Jim would not be gearing up to head off to Buckingham Palace to collect his
Scrooge criminals took the festive glitter off Christmas in parts of the Ongar district with a spate of thefts over the holidays. Thieves who failed in a bid to hotwire a lorry in Toot Hill made off with a £5,000 van instead. The raiders caused £50 damage
A warning that North Weald Airfield needs a rush of public spending and fresh ideas about use has been made by a team of experts. The alert to the 384-acre site's owners, Epping Forest District Council, has come from consultants hired at a cost of £63,000
Colchester Rugby Club are gearing themselves up for their London League 2 North clash against Bishop's Stortford on Saturday. The club have had a terrible season to date, but hopes of survival in the league were raised after their 20-10 victory at Bury
Southend United boss Alvin Martin promised to ring the changes after watching his shot-shy Shrimpers slump to a disappointing 3-1 Auto Windscreens Shield defeat at Exeter City. Martin is finally losing patience with his players' inability to finish opposition
Southend United missed out on a taste of Wembley glory following last night's latest collapse at Exeter City, which saw them make an early exit from this season's Auto Windscreens Shield. It's true that even though one route to the famous old stadium
A pub landlord died three days after marrying his long-term love. John Tait, landlord of the Captain Fryatt pub in Parkeston, had been suffering from cancer. He married Mavis, his partner of 14 years, in a simple, moving ceremony in the bar in front of
Brentwood is the latest target of a gang believed to be responsible for till snatches at McDonald's restaurants in Essex. Police are appealing for information following the thefts at restaurant on the town's High Street and at the Mountnessing drive-thru
Commuters today faced delays after a broken rail disrupted rush-hour services. Anglia Railways passengers were left waiting for more than an hour for some trains after 8am today and Great Eastern customers were also affected. A train driver spotted the
A puppy who needed vital surgery to save his legs was today recovering from an operation paid for by hundreds of kind-hearted readers. The case of four-month-old Tommy, who was unable to walk properly because he had a twisted leg, touched the hearts of
