Tiptree United are just two games away from reaching the final of the second biggest non-league competition in the country. Only AFC Sudbury stand between the Jam-makers and the Carlsberg FA Vase final at Villa Park. The Suffolk side are the defending
Billericay Town will have a brand new striker in their line-up when they continue their Ryman League Premier Division programme at manager Gary Calder's former club Enfield tomorrow. Ed Chibogu has been signed after being released a couple of months ago
Ambulance crews blocked by barriers to an industrial estate say minutes could mean the difference between life and death. Blocked - Mike Nicholls stands by one of the locked gates which he says is putting lives on the estate at risk. Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Midfield maestro Mark Stimson will return to Canvey's Ryman League Premier Division title dogfight tomorrow boosted by a bright international performance in midweek. On Wednesday, "Stimmo" proved a star turn for the England "National Game" XI which beat
There was plenty to celebrate at Leigh accountants Clarke Kitchiner Smith when local MP David Amess dropped in to help staff mark a triple achievement. Thanks - the firm's Andrew Clarke, Roger Smith and David Kitchiner accept the trophy from MP David
Money could at last be found to improve Braintree's bus park in Victoria Road. Braintree Council is prepared to look at funding improvements - but only if a bus company also takes action to develop the so-called "Third World" depot in Fairfield Road.
A headteacher has told how he endured months of despair after being arrested by police on suspicion of possessing child porn on a school computer. Christopher Maultby, 52, who has since left his job at St Michael's Church of England School in Leigh, was
A grieving disabled widower has been unable to bury his wife's ashes six months after her death from so-called Economy Class Syndrome, because he still owes money for her funeral. United in grief - Andrew Harris with his sons Richard, 13, James, eight
A woman had a lucky escape after she managed to free herself from her burning car, moments before the vehicle exploded in flames. The 38-year-old was driving along Southchurch Road, Southend, yesterday morning when, as she stopped at traffic lights near
Essex's head of education is stepping down after seven years in the post. Paul Lincoln, 55, is well-known for bringing a "see-through" philosophy to the Essex County Council department. But he has confirmed he will leave in the autumn. A council spokesman
A seaside carnival which had been held for more than 30 years has been scrapped as there are not enough people to run it. Walton Carnival, which has been running for 34 years and has raised thousands of pounds for charity, will not go ahead this year.
West Essex Community Health Council will host a celebration of the life and work of Dr. Mary Cooper on May 29, at Foakes Hall in Dunmow. Mary, who was a retired Public Health Consultant and Vice-Chairman of the Community Health Council (CHC), died unexpectedly
Colchester United stand to lose about £600,000 if ITV Digital pulls the plug on its ailing deal with the Nationwide Football League. The modest Layer Road club is among a number of lower division teams facing hardship, in many cases ruin, if the threatened
The oldest town centre supermarket in Clacton is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a month-long revamp. Tesco's in Station Road will close from Easter Sunday to become a modernised Tesco Metro store. Tesco spokesman Katherine Edwards said: "It will
Anguished Victor Haines has launched a plea for help in tracing a vital witness to an accident which left him with severe brain damage and his successful business in tatters. Victor, 52, was managing director of an office cleaning firm in Eastwood which
The future of the Occidental Jetty could be decided in four weeks time - but the owners are pinning their hopes on a last-minute rescue package. Staying or going? The mile-long Canvey jetty Demolishing the mile-long Canvey landmark has been considered
Former Southend United goalkeeper Peter Goy led a family affair at Thorpe Hall when he won the monthly medal at Thorpe Hall with a net 71, playing off 12. For the next day, in gale force winds, his son Simon collected the club's Stableford, obtaining
An elderly man died in hospital eight days after falling at his home and breaking his hip, an inquest heard. Chelmsford Coroner's Court was told Lionel Brightwell, 92, of Hither Blakers, South Woodham Ferrers, fell on December 31 last year. Mr Brightwell
There's a chance to see how work on the new A120 Stansted to Braintree road is progressing - and have their say on what to do with the old road - in a round of exhibitions in the area. The display will be at Braintree Library on Friday, April 26 from
Pupils at a grammar school got to sample a meal designed and prepared by the winners of a cookery competition. Master chefs - Tom Ducat samples some pasta while William Steer Matthews tries out a cake. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 8EKXJ12 Children at Westcliff
Artists who live or work in Essex are being invited to enter a contemporary art competition being run by the Epping Forest District Museum. A spokesman for the museum - which is based in Sun Street, Waltham Abbey - said that the organisers of the Artists
A St John Ambulance volunteer was being made a serving brother of the Order of St John today for his "service to mankind". Hugh Hunter, of Wickford, has been with St John Ambulance for 15 years and his award was approved by the Queen, who is head of the
Mark Venus is hoping to put one over on his former manager when Ipswich Town lock horns with Aston Villa. The Blues centre-half worked under new Villa boss Graham Taylor during his years at Midlands rivals Wolves. And, speaking ahead of tomorrow's clash
Colchester United will be aiming to erase memories of one of their worst ever away days when they journey to Adams Park tomorrow to tackle old rivals Wycombe Wanderers. The well-below par U's barely put their noses out of the starting gate when they went
Pub landlords Alan and Jean Shoemake, formerly of the White Horse, Widford, the Army and Navy, Chelmsford, and the Rose and Crown, Maldon, pull their last pint on Sunday. Alan, 64, and Jean, 66, who now run the Crab and Winkle, in Peterborough, officially
Purfleet's current mood good hardly be better. They've won five on the trot and come 4.50pm tomorrow could be above Grays in the contest to be Thurrock's top side. Fleet are at home to Hampton who languish in the wrong half of the table. However, it is
A 77-year-old woman was left shaken after her purse was knocked out of her hand and stolen outside a newsagents in Shoebury. The woman, who recently lost her husband, was standing outside the Longstaffs shop in West Road on Wednesday at 2.15pm when she
Steve Whitton is hoping Con Blatsis reproduces the form of his Colchester United debut tomorrow when the U's visit Wycombe. The Australian centre-half signed a contract yesterday keeping him at Layer Road until the end of the season. And, after impressing
Norwich City Football Club has been shown the red card - and a blue one, and a grey one - by Rayleigh credit card manufacturer Thames Card Technology. It has been contracted to produce 25,000 plastic cards to be used instead of traditional season ticket
Three lifeboatmen are set to become marathon men. The men, more at ease on the sea than the streets, have been pounding out the miles to prepare for the London Marathon next month. Tim Sutton and Chris French, who both work for Tendring Council, are raising
Essex Careers and Business Partnership's latest hi-tech method of getting information on the world of work to the young people that need it has been given a thumbs up. The company, which is contracted by the Government to provide the county's careers
Forget eye of newt and wing of bat - oils, herbs and crystals are the new age tools used to cast spells, says spiritual practitioner Ruth Aitken from Wickford. Mrs Aitken, 47, recently opened her business, Spellcrafter, in Wickford Business Park, selling
Badly-parked cars in Southend's streets are causing severe delays which could cost lives, firefighters have warned. Tight squeeze - badly parked cars make life a nightmare for firemen. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 87LVW6 Crews launched an urgent public appeal
By the time they visit Premier side Grays Athletic in the Essex Thames-side Trophy semi-finals next Thursday, Great Wakering Rovers will know the meaning of the soccer phrase "have boots, will travel." For that night Alan Hull's village side will be clocking
A memorial service has been held by workmates of Laindon murder victim Anita Gordon. Mrs Gordon, 57, of Rowenhall, was beaten about the head with a blunt weapon which has still not been found. Her body was discovered by her husband at 2.30am last Friday
Police have warned residents to be on their guard against bogus callers after cash was stolen from an elderly man and two attempted thefts by bogus electricity men. The first incident happened in a flat in Gull Court, Thorpe, at 12.30pm on Wednesday when
More jobs could go at insurance giant Royal London in Colchester. A major "restructuring programme" is likely to see up to 200 people made redundant across the UK - and Colchester has not been ruled out. Although the new plans will see more people bought
A report issued by the Audit Commission this week says Thurrock Council's libraries, heritage and cultural services are "fair and have uncertain prospects for improvement". But the council says it disagrees with the findings of the Commission's inspection
Purfleet helped them out a couple of weeks ago, and now Canvey will look for assistance from Grays - because it's their turn to face Gravesend & Northfleet. Craig Edwards takes his side into Kent tomorrow and if past history is any guide then Jeff
A woman who died following a horrific smash on the A13 was today named as Roberta Whelan. The 36-year-old mum, who was from the Mayland area, was married with two children. She was travelling towards London in a Ford Fiesta when she was involved in a
Southend AC cross-country star Adam Hickey goes into his first international date at Alfreton, Derby, tomorrow aiming to prove he's the best in Britain. Having been pipped for first place in the Inter-Counties under-15 cross country in Nottingham by Essex
A cartilage injury is expected to keep former Southend United hitman Martin Carruthers out of promotion-chasing Scunthorpe's trip to Roots Hall tomorrow. The 29-year-old, who moved north for a cut-price £20,000 fee last season, has netted 15 goals this
Thurrock MP Andrew Mackinlay is calling on rail operators c2c to run all their trains into Fenchurch Street and not to use Liverpool Street station at night. His comments follow the publishing of research by the London Transport Users Committee which
A thief snatched an 88-year-old woman's bag from her shopping trolley as she turned to talk to a shop assistant. The woman had placed her black leather handbag in the trolley during her visit to the Asda store in North Shoebury Road, Shoebury. The thief
A man who needed help after crashing his car in a mid-Essex village might have been forgiven for thinking he was down in Devil Gate Drive. For the when the car driver went to the nearest house for help he found himself at the sumptuous home of 1970s rock
A pensioner has told how he suffered a heart attack after losing a High Court battle to stay in his £30,000 mobile home in Hullbridge. Turfed out - Fred Hampton with partner Eleanor and Rosie the dog outside the caravan they are to be evicted from. Picture
A knifeman burst into a mid-Essex house and demanded that the occupant hand over possessions. The intruder pushed his way in, wielding an eight-inch knife. The 21-year-old resident was told to put a PlayStation computer console and games into a bin bag
Southend United boss Rob Newman wants his side to take some revenge when Scunthorpe United visit Roots Hall this weekend. Scunthorpe are riding high in fourth place and Newman said ahead of tomorrow's game: "Scunthorpe are a good side and I've got a feeling
Police are hunting heartless thieves who broke into a dead woman's home in Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, and stole £7,000 of antiques. The woman had only recently died and her family are devastated by the raid. Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers
Drunken thugs and vandals are to face instant fines of up to £80 as part of a pilot scheme to be launched in Essex. Under the project, police will issue tickets for £80 or £40 for a range of offences including drunkenness, obstructing a highway, throwing
Only ten people a week are using Maldon's new minor injuries clinic. The clinic was launched in a blaze of publicity three weeks ago but so far just 30 patients have used the service. It was said to be the answer to hold-ups at accident departments in
A Maori method of treating mental health patients has been test-run in Essex. The results of the two-year trial in Family Group Conference across the county will be presented at a conference for health professionals run by the North Essex Mental Health
Defender Leon Cort has given Southend United a huge boost ahead of tomorrow's Roots Hall clash with promotion seeking Scunthorpe by pledging his future to the Third Division club. New deal -- for Blues defender Leon Cort. Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL 4PF2H13C
Christmas usually comes just once a year - but not for children at Willows School in Basildon, who have only just enjoyed their festive dinner! It's a cracker - pupils wait for Santa after sharing their festive dinner with firemen. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH
A get-tough scheme to crack down on inconsiderate commuters parking outside a train station has been hailed a success. Police threatened to ticket cars parked outside South Woodham Ferrers train station last month following a barrage of complaints. Residents
A yoga centre could take pride of place in the rebuilt Harper's sports building in Colchester's Head Street. The centre, which will also cater for aerobics and other exercise classes, will be on the first floor of the new building, to replace one destroyed
Youngsters kept their pyjamas on and raised funds for a new project. No thought of sleep - Kiera Horner and Ross Withy, with their nursery pals. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 8EDVM7 The children got the chance to get out of bed and stay in their nightwear to
A five-year £10m investigation into Thames-side flood defences is being sought in an effort to prevent floods from engulfing the area from Sheerness in the east to Teddington in the west. Coun Gerard Rice, Thurrock Council's representative on the local
An expedition by Essex Police officers to Romania has been given a kick-start thanks to Colchester United Football Club. Charity strip - Mickey Cook, of Colchester United, presenting sports equipment to PC Tina Rolyes ad Chief Supt Dave Murthwaite. Picture
Colchester's first out-of-town security camera system will be set up on the town's biggest housing estate. Until now, CCTV cameras have only been used within the town centre boundaries for both privacy and technical reasons. But five new colour CCTV cameras
A man charged with murder has walked free from court after a judge ruled he had acted in self defence when he stabbed a friend who attacked him with a baseball bat. Darren Pearce wept and hugged his family after Judge Stuart McKinnon ordered the jury
Police removed a group of travellers who had been occupying waste industrial land in West Thurrock for a month. Around 25 officers arrived at the encampment in Oliver Road, at 7.45am yesterday, to ensure the travellers moved on. Officers had served a
Tiptree manager Neil Farlie sends his team into tomorrow's FA Carlsberg Vase, semi-final first leg at AFC Sudbury with the message: 'You've got nothing to fear.' Farlie has been nothing short of a revelation at Tiptree since taking over from Steve Parnell
A doting mum who lost her 29-year-old son in the Southall rail disaster has entered a new phase in her crusade to bring rail companies to account. Commons trip - Maureen Kavanagh is fighting for a change in the law. Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY BFCAP36 Maureen
Being at home is not something Tilbury have looked forward to since the turn of the year. For a team that has not lost any of their last four away games it's puzzling that in 2002 Dockers have recorded a single victory at St Chad's. Hemel Hempstead, who
As well as coming to Roots Hall to face Southend United on July 23, West Ham will be making a trip to Colchester Utd. The east London side travel to Layer Road in north Essex three days later on July 26 for another pre-season friendly. The Irons are also
Essex Police detectives who will shortly be piloting video interviews are being told not to wear cartoon character neckties in case jurors get the wrong impression. Popular ties featuring Homer Simpson and Mickey Mouse could leave them open to riducule
Weekend sport Colchester United reversed the problems of recent weeks with a 3-1 victory over QPR at Layer Road in Nationwide Division Two. There was also good news for Southend United in Division Three as they beat Lincoln City away with a Steven Clark
Darren Bent has a double reason for hoping Ipswich Town secure their place in next season's Premiership. Aside from the obvious reasons for wanting his side to stay in the top flight, Bent is desperate for Ipswich to secure their status as quickly as
Essex's oldest man has celebrated his 108th birthday - and put his long life down to being a bachelor! Marvellous - 108-year-old Harry Laverick says the trick is to stay single. Picture: STEPHANIE MACKRILL (20369-a) Harry Laverick is thought to be the
A play area in Colchester's biggest housing estate is to be shut down because of nuisance behaviour and vandalism. Inappropriate behaviour around the play area in Arnold Drive, Greenstead, has been causing disruption for people living in the area and
Survivor star Lee Capon has quit his sales job after the programme gave him a "wake-up call" to seek more excitement in his life. Lee, 25, of Silverdale, Thundersley, was forced out after bungling a challenge in the TV show, losing his chance to claim
