Rob Radley will have two extra fans when he turns out for Clacton at Swardeston in the East Anglian Premier League tomorrow. The 26-year-old Australian run machine's parents have flown over from Sydney to watch their son play. And he is hoping to give
Colchester Golf Club juniors Rachel and Sarah Graves are looking forward to the rest of the summer after they both picked up trophies. The sisters, of Vine Drive, Wivenhoe, are golf mad and have already decided they want to become professional golfers
Nine silver coins found at Downham and minted between 1282 and 1333 have been declared as treasure. The decision was made by Coroner, Dr Malcolm Weir, at an inquest held at Chelmsford's Shire Hall last week. Dr Weir told the court the likely new owners
Pop star Tina Cousins has hit out at a council decision to demolish her former home on Westcliff seafront. The singer, with two top ten hits, lived in the 1948 building in The Leas four years ago with a former boyfriend. Southend councillors have given
Record company bosses have strenuously denied rumours of a split in boy band Five. The group, who have Basildon-born Scott Robinson as a member, have seen chart success at home and in the USA, winning several awards. The rumours began because the band
The fathers of two runaway Colchester schoolgirls pleaded yesterday: "We need to know we will see you again." Alfred Aldridge and Ian Barham told of the living hell they have been going through since the 14-year-olds disappeared 10 days ago. They are
Organisers of Maldon's Town Fair have been amazed at the community's response to a day of celebration. The High Street will be closed on June 26 from 7am to 7pm for a market twice the size of the normal Saturday venture, entertainment from 9am to 4.15pm
The search is on for a historical treasure which slipped through the hands of a Southend fisherman. The experimental torpedo fired more than 130 years ago off the Southend coast was netted by a trawler - only to be lost again when the boat owner threw
A Braintree youth band is desperately seeking sponsorship despite increasing success in competitions and being invited to perform at numerous international events. During this year the 'Braintree Dimensions' have sent out over 125 letters looking for
Detectives have launched a national hunt for an Essex golf pro suspected of a string of crimes. Tom Mansford-Stewart, a former golf professional at Rivenhall Oaks Golf Club, Witham, is believed to be responsible for a string of crimes across Essex in
Determined staff at a Brentwood estate agents have promised their customers that it is 'business as usual' this week, just days after they were forced to flee their blazing premises. Fire ripped through the first floor of Ashley and Peck's Brentwood branch
An eight-year-old boy has been told he cannot wear his smart black jeans to school - but it is all right to wear tracksuit trousers. Alex Rudd has been been banned from playing out with pals at Witham's Powers Hall Junior School after turning up to school
Hundreds of sunseekers flocked to Southend beach - as weathermen clocked the town's golden sands as the hottest place in Britain. Sizzling Southend was the place to be as the mercury nudged the high 70s and experts recorded an amazing 16 hours of brilliant
A Canvey paramedic told how he risked his own life to help rescue a man, who fell from scaffolding, Chris Tunley, 31 and fellow paramedic Steve Colmer, also 31, braved the danger of collapsing scaffolding after the man fell 20 feet into a narrow alleyway
Basildon was today dealt a major blow - when banking giant Barclays revealed it would not be moving its pensions headquarters to the town. The firm's life assurance division has spent the past six months building a massive, modern office block on a 13
A taxi driver was showered with glass when a giant tree branch crashed onto his car. Peter Street, 60, was on his way to pick up a fare at his Laindon Centre base when the branch tumbled down in Laindon High Road. Both the windscreen and sun-roof of the
One of Southend's oldest sporting competitions could face being forced to disband because of changing working practices. The Southend and District Wednesday Football League was formed in 1905 and the associated Southend Midweek Charity Football Competition
Birch Grove's golfers have certainly hit a superb run of form for the early part of the season. The Leslie F. Wood team have won their way into the third round of the prestigious countywide competition where they will face a team from Abridge Golf Club
Reserve team soccer will definitely make a comeback at Southend United next season with Blues' second string battling it out in the Avon Insurance Combination League. The Shrimpers scrapped their reserve side two-years ago to allow Premiership neighbours
Motocross star Tim Birkumshaw is chasing glory on a number of fronts this season. Seventeen-year-old Tim started riding competitively at the age of eight - although he started on a 50cc PW at the age of three - and won numerous schoolboy events up to
Ipswich boss George Burley today quashed speculation that striker David Johnson could be on his way to Manchester City. City first lodged their interest in the 22-year-old last season and have been linked with him again after their promotion back to Division
Peter Barker, Brentwood School's outstanding squash player, recently captained the English Under 17 team to victory in the European Championships at Lokeven, near Brussels. Peter, 15, who lives in Upminster and trains at both the school and the Kingswood
Harold Hill athletes struck gold at the South East England Disabled Archery Championships, held at the Broxhill Centre. Thirty seven archers from across the region took part in the event last Saturday, including eight from Havering. One of those was Eric
Lamp posts around Southend could be used to site mini mobile phone masts, it was revealed today. Council officers are suggesting councillors accept the radical idea - as a way of avoiding a forest of new, free-standing masts around the town. Cellular
A 90-year-old woman suffered a broken hip after being pushed over and robbed of just £30. The woman was out with a walking frame in Riverview Court, Vange, on Thursday, when a thug pounced. She was pushed to the ground and her handbag, containing the
Essex claimed their second County Championship win of the season against Derbyshire at the County Ground in Chelmsford concluding the match with more than a complete day plus one session to spare. Their nine wicket success shot them into seventh place
Ipswich boss George Burley has quashed speculation that striker David Johnson could be on his way to Manchester City. City first lodged their interest in the 22-year-old last season and have been linked with him again after their promotion back to Division
A family-run freight firm fears business could plummet after burglars stole 500 pairs of shoes from its factory. For the past four years Alan Huett and brother, Steve, have worked hard to build up the freight and goods moving company, ESS Logistics, at
The long-awaited new Canvey cemetery is on the cards again - after supermarket Safeway agreed to accept £20,000 for the land needed. Chief executive Barry Rollinson says a formal offer has now been accepted for the 10-acre site in Northwick Road. One
Determined staff at a Brentwood estate agents have promised their customers that it is 'business as usual', just days after they were forced to flee their blazing premises. Fire ripped through the first floor of Ashley and Peck's Brentwood branch on St
Fishing downriver aboard the Danzel at the weekend Rick Marshall and boat owner Dave Marshall enjoyed a frantic Thornback session. The pair managed no fewer than 16 quaility specimens, ranging from 6lb to 18lb. Fresh mackerell and squid was used on small
Two Campion School rugby players gained selection for England Under 18's this season, Tom Coughlan having played on the wing and Terry Ellis played in the hooker position. Terry was captain of both the Campion and Eastern Counties teams, and both boys
Southend soldier Colin Orbell made the most of the unusual combination of soccer and safari when he represented the Army on a 15-day football tour of Zimbabwe. Staff Sargeant Colin played five matches against Premiership and First Division opponents,
The likes of Manchester United and Arsenal may have a new face joining them on the pitch next season when Billericay referee Andy D'urso begins his first season officiating in the dizzy heights of the FA Carling Premiership. Andy, who lives in Crays Hill
Ireland beat Great Britain in the final to win the inaugural European Pitch and Putt championships held in Chelmsford. Despite the poor weather over the weekend top seeds Ireland also overcame teams from Austria, France, Italy and Catalonia in the prestigious
Abberton Cricket Club's ambition to be one of the best-equipped as well as biggest clubs in the area has moved ahead after they netted a national lottery grant. Their numbers came up when they were given £6,250 and now, with money they raised themselves
Colchester's troubled market could be moved out of Vineyard Street and trading back in the heart of the town by Christmas. At a meeting of the planning and transportation committee members voted after much debate to: Bolster the borough Market Forum Consult
Residents in Clacton have claimed they were at their wits' end and begged for help to save them from the "neighbour from hell". They told how they have called on every possible authority - including writing to the Chief Constable of Essex - but have been
Harold Hill athletes struck gold at the South East England Disabled Archery Championships, held at the Broxhill Centre. Thirty seven archers from across the region took part in the event last Saturday, including eight from Havering. One of those was Eric
Goalkeeper Carl Emberson has finally turned his back on Colchester United to sign for First Division new boys Walsall. The former Layer Road favourite, who had been embroiled in a pay dispute with the U's for the second year running, has signed a two-year
Paul Prichard is not expected to pull on an Essex sweater again until next month. The former county skipper, his wrist encased in plaster, revealed today that he expects to be out of action for at least another three weeks. "The tendons are damaged and
John Gorman has resigned as Ipswich Town first-team coach after just four months in the job and will be replaced by defender Tony Mowbray. Gorman, 49, announced his departure yesterday, insisting he did not want to risk "doing the dirty" on the club if
Braintree's record scorer Gary Bennett has joined neighbours AFC Sudbury. Bennett, 28, was allowed to leave Cressing Road as his contract had run out. The former Colchester United striker missed most of last season with a groin injury but has been told
Fishing downriver aboard the Danzel at the weekend Rick Marshall and boat owner Dave Marshall enjoyed a frantic Thornback session. The pair managed no fewer than 16 quaility specimens, ranging from 6lb to 18lb. Fresh mackerell and squid was used on small
Television stars will be donning their cricket whites on Saturday, June 26, to form the Bunbury XI who take on a Nasser Hussain XI. The celebrity cricket match at the County Ground in Chelmsford, is being staged as part of Essex captain Hussain's Benefit
Clearview are represented in three Essex Cup finals which will be held at Thorpe Bay tennis club on Sunday. The men's first team are in action in the Essex Senior Cup final taking on Westcliff Hard. Clearview are five times previous champions, having
Two Campion School rugby players gained selection for England Under 18's this season, Tom Coughlan having played on the wing and Terry Ellis played in the hooker position. Terry was captain of both the Campion and Eastern Counties teams, and both boys
Wickford shopkeepers are forming a hi-tech intelligence network to stamp out the menace of High Street crime. A pioneering new initiative called Shop Alert will see electronic pagers distributed to shops and businesses throughout the town centre so that
Two brave schoolgirls who rushed to help the victim of an armed robbery in Colchester have received a rare award. Guides Jennifer Bines, 12, of Heatley Way, Greenstead, and Sarah Gregory, 14, of Primrose Walk, Greenstead, have been recognised for their
A multi-million pound compensation claim in America involving a Frinton boy who was born without eyes is due to be heard later this year. For Andrew Bourne and his campaigning parents Chris and Maggie, it will be the end of long wait to have the case
Wickford shopkeepers are forming a hi-tech intelligence network to stamp out the menace of High Street crime. A pioneering new initiative called Shop Alert will see electronic pagers distributed to shops and businesses throughout the town centre so that
Disgraced former vicar Michael Taylor was believed to be back on British soil after serving 22 months in a Romanian prison for paedophilia. He was the Anglican vicar of St David's Church in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, when he was arrested in Bucharest for
A family-run freight firm fears business could plummet after burglars stole 500 pairs of shoes from its factory. For the past four years Alan Huett and brother, Steve, have worked hard to build up the freight and goods moving company, ESS Logistics, at
The long-awaited new Canvey cemetery is on the cards again - after supermarket Safeway agreed to accept £20,000 for the land needed. Chief executive Barry Rollinson says a formal offer has now been accepted for the 10-acre site in Northwick Road. One
Retail giant Littlewoods is injecting £1 million into its Southend store, in a bid to create the shop of the future. Company bosses hope the revamp will create the complete shopping experience, where customers can get everything they want under one roof
Thieves are stealing thousands of pounds of petrol from garages across Ongar and Brentwood in a crime police say is running out of control. The criminals use stolen cars, untraceable cars and even number plates pilfered from vehicles owned by unsuspecting
Commuters across south Essex could face chaos tomorrow as London financial institutions brace themselves for a major demonstration. Thousands of protesters are set to bring the City and West End to a standstill in what is believed to be the largest international
A 90-year-old woman was today facing an operation on her broken hip - after being pushed over and robbed of just £30. The woman was out with a walking frame in Riverview Court, Vange, when a thug pounced. She was pushed to the ground and her handbag,
An eight-year-old boy has been told he cannot wear his smart black jeans to school - but it is all right to wear tracksuit trousers. Alex Rudd has been been banned from playing out with pals at Witham's Powers Hall Junior School after turning up to school
An alert caretaker has been praised for preventing a potential explosion at a packed high school. Intruders turned on all the gas taps in two science laboratories at Clacton County High School. Caretaker Steve Moore spotted the smell on his usual rounds
A good second-half recovery allowed Belfairs Bowling Club's H Cohen to take control of his rink and win against Southchurch Bowling Club's F King in the Parren Shield. K Wood was in fine form for Belfairs as he comprehensively beat R Walker, while A Davies
The rain may have curtailed more than half of the Jaygate Two Counties Championship programme. But it did not stop bowlers Simon Larkin and Gary Dench from setting the Tattingstone v Copford Division B contest alight with a remarkable hat-trick apiece
The likes of Manchester United and Arsenal may have a new face joining them on the pitch next season when Billericay referee Andy D'urso begins his first season officiating in the dizzy heights of the FA Carling Premiership. Andy, who lives in Crays Hill
A major row is set to erupt as the players of Clacton and Halstead prepare to wage war on Essex County Cricket Club. The two new East Anglian Premier League cricket clubs are claiming Essex has failed to honour its side of the bargain in allocating a
Basildon'S Helen Crook sets her sights on qualifying for the Wimbledon singles this week, already knowing that she has a place in the main draw of the Wimbledon doubles event. Helen along with Welsh partner, Victoria Davies, have been awarded a wild card
Early talks have been launched over a bid to bring back an old-fashioned land train service for tourists along Southend seafront. Trains used to operate along the seafront many years ago, running from the corporation loading pier to the bottom of the
Generous Basildon boy Scott Robinson of top band Five has splashed out £250,000 on a luxury home for his parents. The 19-year-old used his first proper royalty cheque to buy a brand new house in Basildon. Scott had always vowed to give his mum and dad
Southend soldier Colin Orbell made the most of the unusual combination of soccer and safari when he represented the Army on a 15-day football tour of Zimbabwe. Staff Sargeant Colin played five matches against Premiership and First Division opponents,
Thieves are stealing thousands of pounds of petrol from garages across Ongar and Brentwood in a crime police say is running out of control. The criminals use stolen cars, untraceable cars and even number plates pilfered from vehicles owned by unsuspecting
Havering Council has agreed to slash spending and radically review services, which could mean job cuts for staff. The council's powerful strategic policy committee have agreed plans for a new structure which will create new posts and lead to a significant
Retail giant Littlewoods is injecting £1 million into its Southend store, in a bid to create the shop of the future. Company bosses hope the revamp will create the complete shopping experience, where customers can get everything they want under one roof
Nine silver coins found at Downham and minted between 1282 and 1333 have been declared as treasure. The decision was made by Coroner, Dr Malcolm Weir, at an inquest held at Chelmsford's Shire. Dr Weir told the court the likely new owners of the coins
Detectives have launched a national hunt for an Essex golf pro suspected of a string of crimes. Tom Mansford-Stewart, a former golf professional at Rivenhall Oaks Golf Club, Witham, is believed to be responsible for a string of crimes across Essex in
Les Harris was in fine form for Southchurch Park Bowls Club when they took on Alexandra in the Tuesday morning triples. The Southchurch player was level at the halfway stage before pulling away from Arthur Smith to win by 12 shots. Bill Osborne enjoyed
Television stars will be donning their cricket whites on Saturday, June 26, to form the Bunbury XI who take on a Nasser Hussain XI. The celebrity cricket match at the County Ground in Chelmsford, is being staged as part of Essex captain Hussain's Benefit
Basildon'S Helen Crook sets her sights on qualifying for the Wimbledon singles this week, already knowing that she has a place in the main draw of the Wimbledon doubles event. Helen along with Welsh partner, Victoria Davies, have been awarded a wild card
Peter Barker, Brentwood School's outstanding squash player, recently captained the English Under 17 team to victory in the European Championships at Lokeven, near Brussels. Peter, 15, who lives in Upminster and trains at both the school and the Kingswood
Colchester United manager Mick Wadsworth explained the reasons for the growing exodus from Layer Road. His comments came after Paul Buckle became the latest player to quit the club. Effervescent 28-year-old midfielder Buckle has turned down a new deal
Braintree town and country folk defied the dreadful weather on Saturday, turning out in the streets in their thousands to turn a rain-soaked carnival into a day of sunshine and smiles. Spectators packed the town centre route in torrential rain, dancing
Residents who campaigned to stop communications equipment being put up close to their homes are being backed in their fight. People in Seymour Road, Jaywick, signed a petition against the plans by the Orange mobile phone firm. The company also wants to
Jubilant campaigners are celebrating after councillors threw out controversial proposals to build a unit for mental patients near their homes. A spontaneous round of applause from a packed public gallery greeted Castle Point councillors' vote to reject
