Canvey's David Williams chopped his way to victory at the English Open Karate championship. The 18-year-old SEEVIC student became the champion in the 75kg-plus cadets category at Luton Leisure Centre. David has been practising karate for nine years under
New Southend signing Ben Smith revealed he was desperate to join Blues after feeling "betrayed" by his former club Yeovil Town. The midfielder has moved to Roots Hall on a free transfer, inking a one-year contract with the Shrimpers. However, the 22-year-old
George Burley has admitted having a bid for a mystery midfielder turned down. The Ipswich Town boss has kept the identity of the playmaker under wraps - apart from revealing he is English and plays for a lower division club. Leyton Orient defender Matt
Essex's Mark Ilott has been the thorn in Glamorgan's side in their county championship match at the County Ground, Chelmsford. By tea today (Wednesday) three Glamorgan wickets had fallen to the bowling of Ilott, who has taken over the mantle of chief
Brentwood's young microscooter enthusiasts are being invited to show each other a clean pair of heels this month during a specially-organised race in the High Street. The first-ever Scooter Sprint has been organised as part of the Brentwood Town Centre
Radio listeners in mid Essex were puzzled to find a station off air - but later found out thieves had stolen broadcasting equipment. They struck midway through a Chelmer FM programme, leaving the radio station out of action for 12 hours. They took broadcasting
A landlord was attacked by a Yorkshire Ripper lookalike when he discovered the robber breaking into the pub safe. The landlord of the White Horse pub, in Main Road, Dovercourt, discovered the raider with his head in the safe at the back of the pub. The
A proud dog owner is celebrating her pet scooping a prestigious title at this year's Crufts. Julie Skelton, from Benfleet, has only been breeding and showing dogs for four years and was delighted to scoop the top award. Her dog Georgie, a five-year-old
Southend's airshow will continue to wow crowds every year despite two fatal crashes in as many days at Biggin Hill. Thousands of people flocked to Southend seafront to watch the air extravaganza over the sun-drenched bank holiday at the end of May. However
A police team has been set up to piece together details of a campfire-side clash between two groups of teenagers. About ten youngsters were sitting around at the Hilly Fields beauty spot in Colchester when another group turned up. Witnesses called police
Stansted Airport this week announced a record operating profit of £28.1 million for 12 months to the end of March 2001. This compares to £21.1 million in 1999/00 an increase of over 33 per cent. "Our success in achieving such a significant profit improvement
Tonnes of precious porcelain which lay at the bottom of the sea off the Singapore coast for nearly 180 years has a new home - here in Essex. Divers recovered the sunken treasure - which will fetch millions of pounds on the open market - in 1999 from a
Controversial plans by Brentwood Borough Council to hit shoppers with a second increase in car parking charges within a year have been slammed by Shenfield Conservative councillor Peter Franklin, who also runs a jewellers shop in the borough. He said:
The biggest yet appeal for foster carers is being made by Essex social services. The department says that 100 foster carers are needed urgently across the county to keep pace with the growing number of children coming into care. There are currently 474
The completion of the long-awaited Parkeston bypass looks closer than ever after hundreds of thousands of pounds were earmarked for the scheme. More than £250,000 is set to be allocated for the final stage of building the A136 road, which will take traffic
TV broadcaster Chris Packham has launched Essex County Council's Festival of the Countryside. The naturalist and children's favourite was at Marsh Farm, South Woodham Ferrers, which suffered during the recent foot and mouth outbreak. But with the county
An ex-fireman said he fears a fence which overhangs an alley near his house may harm a child. Leslie Hills, 79, of Abinger Close, Clacton, described the problem as "diabolical". He said for weeks now, there had been a fence hanging dangerously over the
The ASDA store in Chelmer Village, Chelmsford, joined forces with a leading UK children's charity on Tuesday to launch the Know More! anti-bullying campaign. The campaign, in conjunction with NCH Action for Children, features an exclusively-designed Know
Controversial proposals to widen Priory Crescent in Prittlewell provoked a stormy debate during a public meeting. The South East Essex branch of Friends of the Earth, which organised Monday's event, claimed it proved the unpopularity of the scheme - but
BERNIE FRIEND talks to Southend United's community officer Frankie Banks on the role the club is playing in helping today's youngsters both on and off the soccer pitch Southend United are set to play a key role in keeping youngsters off the streets and
Burglars raided Tiptree service station in the village's Maypole Road, setting off alarms at 4.46am today (Wednesday). They cut the telephone wires to the premises before ransacking the kiosk and stealing cigarettes and other goods. Police taped off the
Colchester United midfielder Chris Keeble, who suffered an horrific leg injury at Wycombe Wanderers in the U's final match of the season, is well on the way to recovery following surgery. He said on Friday: "Although I am still hobbling around on crutches
Colchester United manager Steve Whitton is hoping to take more positive steps to re-sign his out-of-contract players. With Aaron Skelton, Steve McGavin, Joe Keith, Gavin Johnson and Simon Brown all looking at new offers, Whitton revealed he and the club
An action plan is being drawn up to reduce breast cancer deaths in Maldon, which has the highest rate in north Essex. Maldon District Council wants the number of deaths caused by the disease cut by a third in less than nine years. The plans will also
Two community organisations in Witham have been given extra funding. Grants for the Citizens' Advice Bureau and Homestart, an organisation that supports families with children under five, were approved by councillors at last night's (Tuesday's) meeting
The Prince of Wales is set to come to Colchester for a party. Prince Charles, president of The Prince's Trust, will attend a garden party in Colchester on June 27. It will be the culmination of a day of visits around the county, including opening a sheltered
Children from Barnardos had a brush with stardom yesterday when they bumped into former Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan in Southend. The Chigwell actor, who played the Sol in the hit TV series, turned up at Southend Victoria station dressed as a guard. He
Operators of Bradwell Power Station were fined £100,000 following a radioactive waste leak into the Blackwater estuary. Magnox Electric plc, which runs the plant, was also ordered to pay £28,000 costs at Taunton Crown Court. The company admitted six offences
Ten council-run old people's homes have finally attracted bids from the private sector. Essex County Council controversially planned to sell off, or lease, half of its homes to free up £2 million for services for the elderly and launched a consultation
A 12-year-old is paddling back to health - less than two years after being diagnosed with leukaemia. Tiptree schoolboy Charles Smith underwent months of gruelling treatment, including a bone marrow transplant from his younger brother Ben. Now Charles,
A pub landlord has told how he was injured during a violent struggle with a robber. Courageous Alan East confronted the Yorkshire Ripper lookalike in the White Horse pub in Dovercourt after he found him helping himself to hundreds of pounds from the pub
The Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary near Ingatestone announced this week it is still reeling from the effects of foot and mouth disease and faces an uncertain future. The sanctuary at Little Farm, Buttsbury, is home to 40 horses, five donkeys, 20 goats
An Essex scheme warning women of the dangers of being attacked after having their drinks spiked is being rolled out nationwide. The initiative was sparked after two women reported being raped after their drinks were tampered with just after Christmas.
The Braintree mum of Stuart Lubbock, the man found dead in Michael Barrymore's pool, has remained tight-lipped about the events. The TV entertainer was today (Wednesday) held for questioning at Harlow police station. Mr Lubbock's mother, who was believed
Miracle man David Myers stunned doctors by dying an incredible 13 times - before making a complete recovery. The 55-year-old market trader, of Southchurch Hall Close, Southend, suffered his first heart attack at home which left him "dead" for two minutes
A polio sufferer has urged people to report able-bodied drivers who park in disabled parking bays at supermarkets. Ron Hall helped take part in a national survey carried out by the British Polio Fellowship entitled the Baywatch Report to see how supermarkets
Charity fundraiser Mildred Hawes of College Court, Manningtree, has died. She was 73. Over 13 years, Mrs Hawes raised more than £12,000 for hospitals in London and Colchester and for the elderly. In 1994 she was honoured with an Essex County Newspapers
Television cameras were in Colchester as BBC News 24 focused on the town as a key three-way marginal in the General Election. Presenter Bill Turnbull was at town employer Paxmans to find out the mood of voters and what their key issues are. The town is
An opportunity to talk to tutors about part time certificate and diploma counselling courses comes with an open evening at Braintree College Conference Centre on Monday 18 June. The open evening runs from 6pm to 8pm. The Certificate in Counselling Skills
Crunch talks have been taking place to reopen a cycleway that has been sealed off by developers for almost a month. Negotiations have been taking place with councillors and the landowners of the route near the Quality Hotel on East Street. The path has
Volunteers were the toast of the town in Colchester. Buck's Fizz flowed on a town centre tour seen as a symbolic thank you to everyone who gives their time to help others. Glasses were raised at nine locations, with the tenth, attended by mayor Mike Hogg
St Clare Hospice at Hastingwood near Harlow has this week announced details of a colourful summer fundraising drive. Hospice spokesman Jo Price welcomed the warmer weather by inviting residents of the district to support St Clare's annual Sunflower appeal
Basildon AC's former London Marathon winner Eamonn Martin is leading from the front as UK Athletics brings coaching into the 21st century. The sport's governing body has decided to build a register of approved coaches to ensure a bright future for upcoming
Ben Smith was to become Southend United boss David Webb's latest summer signing yesterday (Tuesday). Webb has returned to his former club Yeovil Town for a second time to capture the signature of the 22-year-old central midfielder, who will follow ex-Glovers
Ricky Anderson, the country's leading wicket taker, will have a workout in the nets before deciding if he is fit enough to play against Glamorgan at Chelmsford today (Wednesday). The Essex fast bowler has been under treatment since limping out of Sunday's
Just one Essex beach has won the coveted Blue Flag award this summer. Proud Dovercourt will be flying the European flag for Essex tourism - and is the first in the county since Southend Shoeburyness East in 1998. Residents, councillors and local officials
The historic Endeavour fishing boat arrived back in Leigh last night after a lengthy battle to bring it home. The 77-year-old boat was famed for its part in the Second World War rescue at Dunkirk. Its homecoming coincides with today's (Wednesday's) 57th
Roads and pavements in the Basildon district are inadequately maintained and the service is underfunded, according to a chief council officer. Russ Withers, head of engineering and highways at Basildon Council, made the admission in a letter to Billericay
A fire investigation is underway after a suspected arson attack at a pet shop. A rabbit, three guinea pigs and a budgie were all carried out of burning Woodgrange Pets when fire broke out at around 3pm yesterday (Tuesday). Three fire crews - two from
Colchester United striker Steve McGavin has scoffed at reports that he is set to sign for Football League new boys Rushden and Diamonds. The 32-year-old former U's FA Trophy and Conference double winner said on Friday: "I don't know where those stories
Pranksters and thieves have been making off with election signs put up by both the Conservatives and Labour in Castle Point. The problem has got so bad that both parties say they are having to send out teams every day to replace scores of signs ripped
Arsonists caused another blaze at the Canvey refuse site. The torching of two dumped cars at the site off Smallgains Avenue comes just a week after firefighters could have been seriously injured when arsonists wedged a butane gas cylinder underneath another
A huge thank you has been extended to generous and kind hearted residents in Harold who helped raise more than £1,300 for a local man left paralysed after a vicious assault last year. The fundraiser, organised by Mick Reilly, was held at the Harold Hill
The new cricket laws involving penalty runs have claimed their first victim in the Osborne League - and quite possibly in club cricket anywhere. Abberton's tail-end batsman Steve Whitfield was penalised five runs during the division one match at home
Thomas Pinault was ready today (Wednesday) to sign a new contract for Colchester United. But U's boss Steve Whitton firmly scotched speculation that former Ipswich, Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers winger Chris Kiwomya could be heading for Layer Road.
A rare piece of machinery worth £14,000 was stolen from Witham when thieves took the lorry it was loaded on. The Viper Mini Sizer, a machine made in Ireland which is used to grade soil and gravel, was among plant machinery loaded on the back of a blue
A health and fitness centre can be built at the former Trebor Basset factory in Colchester after the developer went to appeal. Originally, proposals for a 2,500-member facility on the Severalls industrial estate site were not passed by Colchester Council
A worried mother has slammed Essex County Council for putting her daughter's life at risk by refusing to supply school buses with seatbelts. Polly Barthram's 12-year-old daughter Rosie travels for an hour-and-a-half each day to St Bernards High School
Millionaire businessman Terry Holding could face a prison sentence for illegally dropping leaflets over Castle Point. A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed Mr Holding did not have permission to drop what is believed to have been 20,000
Sites for a possible seven extra waste-burning incinerators in Essex have been unveiled - three in the Basildon area. The private projects are part of a Department of Trade and Industry plan to help the UK hit its Non Fossil Fuel Obligation Treaty targets
Enjoy the delights of Noak Bridge Nature Reserve at its first ever Open Day on Saturday June 23 from noon to 4pm. The Open Day will focus on wildlife and conservation with many displays and activities based on that theme. Events will include a guided
A sports and social club could be turned into a gym and fitness centre. Braintree's Crittalls Sports and Social Club is set to be sold to a health and fitness firm. Norcross Estates, owners of the Springwood Industrial Estate site, said the sale could
A man was yesterday (Tuesday) left naked after he was robbed of his clothes while out for an early morning walk. The victim had gone to stretch his legs in High Woods Country Park, Colchester, at 5.30am as he could not sleep. He told police he was approached
Hauliers blamed a lack of support after disbanding a peaceful protest staged outside a south Essex fuel depot to lobby for tax cuts on petrol prices. A small group of demonstrators held a 24-hour vigil outside Vopak, in Oliver Road, West Thurrock, at
When Chris Dines came home from holiday in Italy he found his house given a new lick of paint - in the colours of Celtic. While he was away friend painter Lee Andrews had wielded the paintbrush to transform the front of his home in Cavendish Avenue, Colchester
Central defender Stephen Broad has confirmed his heart is set on a move to Southend United. The 20-year-old has been released by Premiership Chelsea on a free transfer following six-years at Stamford Bridge, where he was reserve team captain. And Broad
A 90-year-old pensioner who sent a bogus caller packing after he tried to con him out of £300 has won praise from Southend police. The pensioner, of Southsea Avenue, Leigh, was targeted by the caller who tried to bluff his way in as a water board official
Essex bounced back from their innings defeat at the hands of Kent to win their National League Division Two match against Hampshire on Sunday. Mark Ilott was the star for Essex taking three wickets for just 20 runs leading the home side being bowled out
George Burley has rubbished speculation linking Martijn Reuser with a £6 million move to PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch giants were rumoured to be preparing a summer swoop for the Ipswich Town midfielder, who established himself as a goalscoring hero in the
Rochford and District swimming club enjoyed a successful dip during a weekend competition at Waltham Forest. Harriet Adams impressed during a host of girls' 1985/86 age group contests, winning a hat-trick of events. She claimed first places in the 100m
A town centre charity shop had a lucky escape after 20 bags of clothes left outside the premises were set alight. Firefighters from Braintree were called to the Oxfam shop in New Street, Braintree, at around 9.30pm last night (Tuesday) after a fire was
The gardens at The Old Vicarage in Broxted will be open to members of the public on June 24. Since moving to The Old Vicarage in 1999, Michael Goulding OBE and Michael Coates have been busy renovating its 10 acre Victorian garden after a 10 year lapse
The outgoing chairman of Epping Forest District Council has ended his year of civic fundraising on a high note this week after taking delivery of a second wheelchair-accessible minibus. Cllr Ron Heath's year in office has seen a major boost in facilities
Residents across mid-Essex are being encouraged to do their bit towards improving the health of their hearts. Tomorrow (Saturday) is the start of British Heart Week and Maldon and South Chelmsford Primary Care Trust has organised advice stands at Co-op
Hopes are rising that Clacton will get the chance to boost its ailing tourist industry by flying a European Blue Flag from its beach in future summers. Dovercourt was the only Essex beach to pick up the prestigious award in announcements made this week
Red-faced Royal Mail officials today (Wednesday) apologised after a parliamentary candidate's General Election campaign leaflets went to the wrong constituency. UK Independence Party candidate for Harwich Tony Finnegan-Butler was amazed to find at least
