Basildon snooker star Stuart Bingham may have won through to the main stages of the Embassy World Championship for the second time in his career -- but he is out of the Executive Club line-up in the Vic Harris League. Bingham, 25, travelled back from
Basildon blew a chance to close the gap on leaders Shelford with a disappointing display on Brentwood's notorious slope. Chingford did the new towners a favour by beating Shelford, but Basildon couldn't take advantage after a performance that failed to
A major international banking group is describing the appointment of its Essex chief as the first step in a campaign to corner the county's business and corporate banking market. National Australia Bank Group, which includes Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks
A mystery bus driving hero helped stop a house burning to the ground. The driver raised the alarm when he saw flames coming from a house as he drove his bus past. He stopped his bus and knocked on the door telling the house owner, who was at home with
The Seasiders travel to Great Yarmouth in the Jewson League Premier Division tonight looking to extend their excellent away record. Clacton have lost just once on the road with 11 wins from their 17 away days so far this season. In that spell, they have
A new initative to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) take advantage of eCommerce opportunities is to be launched in the county. The Essex eBusiness club is one of 16 being launched nationally and aims to strengthen public confidence in online
Southend United boss Rob Newman has confirmed he is already gearing up for a major overhaul of his first team squad. And the 38-year-old Blues chief said yesterday he could bring as many as eight new faces to Roots Hall before the start of next season
Youngsters were shown the joys of reading by a television cartoon character as a Southend book shop celebrated World Book Day. Fiction comes to life - Caleb Oakley was one of many fans impressed to see Maisey Mouse in person. Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY 87FG615
Police today warned children to stay away from railway lines after youngsters were spotted playing by a track. A resident called the police after seeing children playing by the line between Dovercourt and Harwich Town station. Police went to the scene
A home for people with learning difficulties was evacuated after a car hit its front wall. The crash happened in the early hours of yesterday at Alexandra House, off St Osyth Road, Alresford. Imtiaz Khalid, night care assistant at the home, said he heard
"And tonight, Matthew, I'm going to be ..." The familiar words millions of viewers will hear when a Parkeston man appears on TV show Stars in Their Eyes. Lee Rose, of Una Road, will walk through the famous doors transformed as Manic Street Preachers star
A Colchester student could help shape the way science is taught in future. Students' study - Anika Lewis, with a representation of a DNA molecule, is one of three students at Colchester Sixth Form College who have been involved in shaping the future of
A woman was taken to hospital with whiplash when two vehicles were in collision at Blake End. And police were called to another accident today involving a motorcycle and a car. At about 8.30pm last night a blue Ford Transit van and a silver Renault 21
Gardening volunteers have been busy putting the finishing touches to a Clacton hospice's garden in time for a royal visit. Finishing touches - Margaret Farrow and Gillian Jackson in the hospice day care centre garden. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (20261-2) The
Former England test cricketer and Essex star Peter Such opened a new children's charity shop in Chelmsford. The Little Haven Children's Hospice shop, formally opened in Moulsham Street, will sell furniture and household items to raise cash for the charity
A second attempt at staging the Essex Senior Cup semi-final between Dr Martens League Chelmsford City and Ryman League Premier Division leaders Canvey Island will be made, weather permitting, at Billericay Town's New Lodge ground tomorrow night. Torrential
This just isn't cricket. After all, it's not often Essex County Cricket Club's squad have to scale a 12 foot wall as part of its training. Tarzan-like - Essex's Darren Robinson scales the Army assault course But the army put the players through their
Worried residents are to launch a petition following a proposed GM crop trial in a Tendring village. Lodge Farm in Weeley is one of 35 maize sites that has been selected to take part in the controversial trials. At a meeting of Weeley Parish Council last
Thoughtless pranksters making malicious calls to emergency services could be putting lives at risk, firefighters have warned. Sub officer Daron Driscoll, of Leigh Fire Station, spoke out after fire rescue vehicles along with the coastguards were called
Colchester United's quest for Second Division safety has been boosted by news that U's duo Kemal Izzet and Simon Brown have signed new deals with the club. Colcheste stand just one win away from creating a new chapter of club history. Victory will ensure
Promotion-chasing Southend avenged their opening day loss to Old Boys in no uncertain terms. But they will be unhappy with a couple of defensive lapses which let in their struggling opponents for two flattering scores. Southend dominated and hooker Tom
The might of the British diplomatic service has been mobilised in support of Essex export rookies looking to tap into the £100bn European market for the first time. UK embassies throughout the continent are at the heart of the Export Explorer project,
Bogus callers have been targeting victims in Southend once more under the pretence of being electricity maintenance men. One of the conmen was caught out when a man in his fifties found a stranger in the hallway of an institution for ex-army personnel
A man has been locked up after a police raid on his home netted 130 ecstasy pills. Jonathan Lilley, 19, got three years in a young offenders' institution after a court heard he had suffered a heart attack through using the drug. Lilley, of Haven Court
A Riverside town could try to form a breakaway authority if it continues to be "treated with disdain" by Colchester borough. Councillors in Wivenhoe are calling for an urgent meeting with chief executive of Colchester Council, Andrea Hill, because they
A smiling Denise Van Outen took a bow at the end of her Broadway debut last night in the hit production Chicago. The 27-year-old from Basildon is now awaiting the verdict of the critics for her starring role as Roxie Hart in the US production of the show
The Basildon, Billericay and Wickford voluntary service is set to create an internet-based directory of all the organisations operating in the district. The service sent out a survey to more than 900 voluntary and community organisations and the results
A former workmate of murder victim Anita Gordon has told of her shock at hearing of the 57-year-old Laindon woman's brutal death. Gloria Holding, 67, who now lives in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, said she worked alongside Anita at the Gordon's Gin
Essex businesses struggling to make themselves more welcoming to disabled customers in time for a looming Government clampdown can now call on the help of two experts. Essex first - access auditors Aindre Reece-Sheerin and Paul Houghton 87MKP3 With the
Meet the girl who had dinner with Hannibal Lecter and lived to tell the tale. Double take - Teresa Butler, above, dressed to trill as pop singer Louise. Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY 88KMT17 Benfleet singer Teresa Butler has just rubbed shoulders with a huge
A Colchester school is battling the problem of students smoking by offering a confidential clinic to get them to quit. Pupils at Sir Charles Lucas can get free advice and help to encourage them to give up the habit. The innovative scheme could be used
STOP PRESS: V2002 line-up announced. For more information see www.v2002.info Johnny Gunner and the Raiders. No, it's not a new film, they're a Southend based band who play authentic style 1950's Rock 'n' Roll and Blues. They were formed by chance when
Eight darts supremos aimed for more than the highest score during a 24-hour marathon game at a Bowers Gifford pub. Bull's-eye - the pub darts players whose marathon stint raised more than £1,000. Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY 85KR49 They helped to raise more
South Essex politicians sent a strong message to the House of Lords as they joined MPs calling for an outright ban on fox hunting. Following an impassioned debate, the House of Commons last night voted overwhelmingly - by 386 votes to 175, a majority
New plans are set to be submitted in a school's bid to benefit pupils and the local community by selling off disused land. Stanway School's original scheme to sell off its disused playing fields was rejected by Colchester councillors. The school had applied
Third Division championship chasers Luton Town have denied any interest in Southend United's midfield contract rebel Kevin Maher. Hatters boss Joe Kinnear admitted he was aware that the 25-year-old could be available on a Bosman free transfer at the end
A motorist had a lucky escape after gales blew down a tree in Wickford - straight onto his car. Crushed - the wrecked car in Market Avenue. Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL 8CQXY2 The driver was not inside the Ford Fiesta when disaster struck at 6.30pm yesterday
Detectives in Basildon have urged four witnesses to come forward in a fresh attempt to catch a violent kidnapper who subjected his victim to a terrifying ordeal. The 22-year-old man was walking along Broadmayne, Basildon, on the way home from his uncle's
Education bosses have performed an embarrassing U-turn and reversed controversial advice on teachers' strike pay, it has emerged. The National Union of Teachers (NUT) had attacked Essex County Council for recommending "divisive" and "unfair" pay deductions
A former bank in Southchurch is set for a new lease of life as a traditional pub, thanks to a leading entrepreneur. The Estuary Pub Company, fronted by Paul Barthaud, is hoping to convert the old Barclays Bank in Southchurch Road into a traditional-style
Residents of the South Atlantic island of St Helena have won back the right of British citizenship 20 years after it was withdrawn in a campaign backed by Colchester MP Bob Russell. In May the island marks the 500th anniversary of its discovery, and it
A determined mother has slammed the National Health Service after her cancer-stricken daughter was sent home from hospital to die - but has now been told in Germany she can be cured. German hope - Molly Durkin with a picture of daughter Beverley along
Celebrity items and memorabilia will come under the hammer to raise money for a charity to help the blind. Among the items up for auction are signed boxing gloves from Chris Eubank, an autographed framed picture of Norman Wisdom, and a signed photo of
When it comes to maths, Colchester schoolchildren and their teachers got the best man for the job. Johnny Ball, the TV writer and presenter who has made maths and science fun, took Old Heath Community Primary School and the town's Mercury Theatre by storm
A teenage girl has told of her terror after a dart was thrown at her from a block of flats in Southend. Elizabeth Smith, 15, was walking home with her boyfriend Mark Abbs, 20, when she felt a piercing pain in her head. As she put up her hand to find out
A national competition highlighting the success of inner city businesses has been expanded to Basildon and Thurrock firms for the first time. The Inner City 100, an index recognising the fastest growing urban bus-inesses, has broadened its coverage this
Essex-based builders and engineers are being urged to help with environmental, community and adventure projects in the third world. Raleigh International needs qualified builders of 25 and over to work with up to 13 young volunteers on health centres,
Roman Catholic pupils are being turned away from a church school unless they have a reference letter from a priest. A "severe shortage" of places has meant headteacher of St Benedict's RC School in Colchester, Alan Whelan, has had to tighten the requirements
Elderly shoppers have been warned to keep an eye on their handbags after a series of "purse dippers" struck in the town centre. Basildon police have been alerted to 11 incidents so far this year where elderly women have found their handbags were delved
Has Andy Woodman played his last game in goal for Colchester United? Woodman, who has been out of favour and on loan to Third Division Oxford United for two months, today refused to comment. But although the former Brentford keeper is now back in training
Colchester's cattle market reopened today after more than a year's break. The livestock auction was close in Februrary 2001 amid fears of the foot-and-mouth disease spreading. Colchester cattle market open again for business Farmers were expected to flood
Leigh police station could be turned into a "one stop shop" after a new £2m super-station is built, if town councillors get their way. Terry Gray, ward councillor for Marine Estate, saw his proposal of the council offices being moved into the 100-year
Business people across Essex are being urged to start limbering up for this summer's Race for Business event. Companies throughout the county can now apply to enter a team for the three-and-a-half mile race on June 20, which last year raised £34,000 for
The new owners of a popular tourist attraction in Mistley could be decided in court. James Fox, secretary of the Bunker Preservation Trust, today revealed two offers had been received for the secret bunker at Furze Hill. But the sale has reached deadlock
Southend United and West Ham have both been busy donating FA-allocated money to good causes. The Blues -- in common with other teams who made the first-round proper of the FA Cup -- received £7,650 to give to charity. The money went to Business Opportunities
Thurrock made it six wins out of seven in London Two by laying down the law at Oakfield. Resurgent Tees ran in ten tries after dominating their struggling visitors in all phases of the game. The 72 points is the second most points the Police have conceded
Ipswich Town defender Wayne Brown has revealed that he's keen to stay at Watford. The centre-half has enjoyed a successful spell on loan to the Vicarage Road club. He said: "I'm enjoying my football which I wasn't at Ipswich and I'd like to stay." But
A cat is lucky to be alive after being shot in the eye by cruel thugs with an air rifle. Nine-month-old Garfie had only recently being allowed out of his home in Fuller Street, Fairstead, near Witham, when he was shot. He managed to find his way home,
A village rubbish tip could be open longer in a bid to deal with the county's waste. Waste bosses have revealed an urgent need for another civic amenity site in north Essex. The part-time recycling area on Riverside Avenue West, Lawford, could be opened
An exorcist rather than an electrician may be called in to deal with flashing lights at an Essex castle as staff fear ghostly goings-on. The phantom flickerings started at Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted about a year ago, and happen most days at midday.
Children and adults are being invited to go bunny mad during an open day at a Basildon rabbit rescue centre. The Warren Lodge Rabbit Rescue in Osborne Road treats and cares for sick rabbits and other animals and needs money to pay for urgent treatment
Firefighters battled for more than 90 minutes to bring a blaze under control in the basement flat of a house in Corringham Road, Stanford-le-Hope. Crews were on the scene just seven minutes after receiving the first call at 2.57am. Fears a man was trapped
A woman was counting the cost today after she switched on an extractor fan in her bathroom - only for the machine to catch fire. Firefighters were alerted to the blaze in Western Approaches, Eastwood, at 5.10pm yesterday. Officers used breathing equipment
Basildon's Stuart Bingham is feeling on top of the snooker world after qualifying for the main stages of the sport's World Championships for the second time. The 25-year-old professional, who plays out of the Executive Club in Leigh, produced a superb
Chelmsford MP Simon Burns is not convinced by government assurances about telephone communication masts near schools. A recent government-commissioned report which tested a selection of masts on or near school sites found they were well within guidelines
Hockley's Greensward College girls produced an excellent display of team basketball to win the English Schools' national under-19 final for the second year running. At Hemel Hempstead they took on the highly-fancied East Durham Basketball Academy, but
This man could hold the key to a rape of a 68-year-old in Colchester town centre. Detectives hunting the brutal attacker today released this picture of a man filmed on closed circuit television minutes after the rape. The footage was recorded in the subway
Talks are set to take place to encourage more tourists to Harwich. DFDS launched its Harwich-Cuxhaven route recently, the only direct passenger shipping route from England to Germany. It shaves three hours off the original crossing time to Hamburg and
A Colchester pre-school could be moving out of its home to make way for an educational support unit for youngsters. Centre Pre-school has been looking for a new home since last summer after Essex County Council announced plans to change the use of the
A family day out on Southend seafront turned into a nightmare for a young girl who was victimised by a group of people while her sister was beaten. The robbery, targeted on the girl, 12, took place on Marine Parade around 3pm on Sunday. She was approached
