Archive
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Colchester: Soldier on sex charges flees Army
A soldier due to appear in Colchester charged with sex offences has fled the Army. Civilian and military police are now searching for Private James Gordon, of the Royal Anglian Regiment. Private Gordon, in his 30s, was reported absent without leave on
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Rugby: Friars Grove pick of the tag rugby bunch
They're never too young to enjoy rugby, at least as far as Colchester Rugby Club is concerned. The club invited four north Essex schools to send along teams to contest a tag rugby tournament as a curtain-raiser to the London League division three north
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Langenhoe: Fire hits dream home
A couple who moved into their dream home just weeks ago had to call out the fire service twice in one night. Matthew and Mandy Aldridge, of Mersea Road, Langenhoe, near Colchester, awoke to find smoke bellowing from their bedroom floor at around 1am on
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Soccer: Blues' Orient express
Southend United's supporters club are running a coach to this Saturday's short Third Division trip to near neighbours Leyton Orient. The coach departs ASDA in Shoebury at 11.45am, before making further stops in Southend, Chalkwell, Leigh, Hadleigh, Benfleet
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Southend: MP raps garrison secrecy
A veil of secrecy imposed by the Government over the new ownership of Shoebury Garrison should be lifted, says a Southend MP. Southend East MP Sir Teddy Taylor asked a Junior Defence Minister in Parliament about to whom the Old Ranges at Shoebury had
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Clacton, Chelmsford: Somerfield stores to stay open after U-turn
A supermarket giant has made a dramatic turnaround and decided not to sell up. Three of the Somerfield stores, one in Newland's Spring, Chelmsford, and two in Clacton, are set to stay open after no suitable buyers were found for them. Around 140 of the
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Basildon: £10m HQ brings jobs to town
Top engineering company MSX International is to open its £10 million European headquarters in Basildon tomorrow. The motor industry supplier has moved to the town to be close to its key client, Ford. A total of 350 jobs have been created through the building
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Colchester: Sixty new jobs created at call centre
Sixty new jobs will be created in Colchester over the next 12 months. Eastgate Assistance, which provides telephone helpline services, is offering the new jobs at its Colchester Business Park premises after getting the contract to provide call centre
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Clacton: Residents flee flat fire
Residents of a block of flats had to be evacuated after a fire. The blaze, which began at about 8.30pm on Saturday in one of the third-floor flats in a block of 13 in Pallister Road, Clacton, is being treated as arson. They spent two hours at the scene
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Southend: 'Double agent' found guilty
A former Southend Tory party chairman has escaped the death penalty after he was cleared of waging war against India - but still faces up to ten years behind bars. Peter Bleach - ex-Conservative party chairman in Southend's St Luke's ward - was found
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Colchester: Worker trapped after well fall
A building worker narrowly escaped death when he fell down an open well. Firefighters were involved in a dramatic rescue to help free him after he was trapped in water in Colchester last night. The man, who has not yet been named but is believed to be
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Basildon: £10m HQ brings jobs to town
Top engineering company MSX International is to open its £10 million European headquarters in Basildon today. The motor industry supplier has moved to the town to be close to its key client, Ford. A total of 350 jobs have been created through the building
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Colchester: Disabled pensioner imprisoned by thugs
A disabled widow who was locked inside her own home by thugs who wired her front door shut has urged the culprits to have a conscience. Phyllis Knight, 78, feared she would not be able to get out and was worried she would be trapped if a fire started.
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Harwich: Imported car boom at county port
More than 2,000 cheap imported cars have been brought through Harwich International Port from the continent in the last ten months. Stena Line's figures show the port is increasingly popular with people travelling to the Holland to save up to thousands
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Dovercourt: Brother sees cookery expert get big red book
Marguerite Patten, a doyenne of British cookery, was honoured on celebrity show This is Your Life. And for a Dovercourt couple last night's BBC TV show was extra special. Philip Brown, of St George's Avenue, is Marguerite's brother and he appeared on
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Essex: Pupils face ban in some dome areas
Essex schoolchildren expecting a once in a lifetime experience at the Millennium Dome face disappointment following the announcement they have been barred from its most popular areas. Schoolchildren on free trips to the Millennium Dome will not be able
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Westcliff: Education bosses refuse help offer
<BA kind-hearted shop keeper has offered to pay for specialist care to help little Gabrielle Turner - but education bosses are set to refuse the cash. Srirang Moholkar's offer to meet the estimated £1,000 annual bill to provide the four-year-old with
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Motorcycling: A scramble to start the new season
The Dunmow & District Motorcycling Club has recently had its fixtures agreed for the coming season. They are on Sunday, April 30 (Scramble), at Park Farm, Stebbing; on Sunday, June 4 (Grass Track), at Ugley Hall Farm, Ugley; and Sunday, September
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Leigh, Southend: 'Our son had op without anaesthetic'
Grieving parents Jack and Irene Silberston are considering what action to take after Southend Hospital admitted their son underwent surgery without an anaesthetic, before dying of blood poisoning. The doctor believed that, because Perry, 22, suffered
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Soccer: Young U's glory bid ends in tears
It was a case of so near and yet so far for Colchester United's youth team - beaten by mighty Leeds United, but only in a penalty shoot-out. The Russian Roulette of penalties may not be the fairest way to settle a cup-tie but, after 120 minutes of stalemate
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Gymnastics: Champions for the 19th year!
Tyrrells County Primary School has been crowned the county's Primary Schools' Gymnastics champions for the 19th successive year. The annual competition was held at Riverside Leisure Centre and produced an exciting afternoon's sport. Over 80 local gymnasts
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Soccer: Rovers in Cup action
Great Wakering Rovers went into Essex Thames-side Trophy action at Premier Division Purfleet last night confident in the knowledge that a rare weekend of inactivity had not damaged their Ryman League Division Three title hopes. For East Thurrock United
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Pitsea: Sid's dance for brother Brett
Sidney Higgins thought on his feet about how he could raise some money in memory of his popular older brother. He decided to do a sponsored 30-minute dance and, with the help of his three cousins, raised £700. Football fan Brett, 16, of Malgraves, Pitsea
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Rayne: Village steps up vandalism fight
The battle against vandals who have plagued a village for years is hotting up. Letters are being sent out to households in a bid to end the trail of destruction in Rayne, near Braintree. And Essex Chief Constable David Stevens has been asked to chair
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Maldon: Helping hand offered to refugees
Refugees staying in the Maldon area are to benefit from a new support group. Maldon town councillors Chris Danes and Alison Lamb, who is also a district councillor, along with Mr Danes' wife Dr Catherine Cargill have formed the group to see how those
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Layer: Post office may be run by villager
A villager has pledged to reopen a post office as a community-run service. A volunteer has today offered to run the facility at Layer de la Haye. The announcement comes just hours after a meeting at the village hall which discussed how they could get
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Running: Benfleet 15 - full results
Sam Kigo made it two in a row when he took the honours at the Benfleet 15 run on Sunday. Despite the strong wind, the unattached runner knocked a few seconds off his time last year to come home first in 1:30:54 ahead of a record field. Sam's performance
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Athletics: Indoor bronze for Claxton
Colchester's top athlete Sarah Claxton picked up a bronze medal in her latest outing in Birmingham. Claxton, 20, was competing in the National AAA's Indoor Championships at the National Indoor Arena. She took part in both the 110m hurdles and the long
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Soccer: Martin goals impress Little
Southend United boss Alan Little today paid tribute to the goalscoring feats of his star striker Martin Carruthers. The 27-year-old marksman has proved a shrewd signing, hitting 12 Third Division goals in 21 league starts, following his £30,000 move south
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Soccer: Ipswich move for Stewart
Ipswich Town were today holding talks with Huddersfield Town striker Marcus Stewart. The 27-year-old travelled to Portman Road after the two clubs agreed a fee thought to be in the region of £2 million. If he signs it will break the club's record £1.1m
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Soccer: Colchester's Man of the Century
We asked for your suggestions for Colochester United's Player of he Century and you replied with nominations a-plenty. When we drew up our shortlist we asked for your votes and they came in by the hundred. Now we are at last able to announce the name
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Soccer: Knight's a hero in Walton Cup quest
Knight's charge took Eton House OB through to the third round of the Combination's senior knockout competition, the Walton Cup. They triumphed 1-0 at Battlesbridge with Knight scoring the only goal, while Shoebury Old Boys, thanks to Day and Fearon doubles
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Soccer round-up: Southend Borough Combination League
In the Southend Borough Combination Veterans League Senior Executive Cup, Premier Division Chapel United came out winners in a Titanic struggle with Eastwoodbury Ramblers. They won 4-2 after extra-time. Munns, Raymond, Williams and Foukes all got on the
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Colchester: Day nursery scheme soon to be reality
Plans for a day nursery for the children of hospital staff are nearing reality - but it is still not yet known when or where it will be built. Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust has said it is committed to the project somewhere on the Colchester General Hospital
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Shoebury: Mum is jailed for hitting policeman
A police officer working on New Year's Eve got a punch on the nose from a mother trying to see her son in custody. Sandra Madden, of Carmania Close, Shoebury, has been sent to prison after admitting assaulting a policeman. Madden went to Southend police
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Basildon: College man 'won't quit'
Basildon College boss Chris Chapman said today he had no plans to resign. The embattled principal vowed to stand firm after demands he step down by the two unions who represent nearly all of the college's staff. The college was plunged into further crisis
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Great Horkesley: Family life on air
A family enjoyed a bigger breakfast today when a radio show was broadcast live from their home. The Rude Awakening team from Vibe fm dropped in on the Blume family home in Keelers Way, Great Horkesley, to help raise cash for charity. Early morning breakfast
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Braintree: Red tape strangling holiday dream
Red tape could deny a dream holiday to a young boy mourning the death of his mother. Kind-hearted Brenda Watts, of Drake Gardens, Braintree, gave a home to Craig Jamnitzky, 12, following the death of his mother, Sharon Wilson, 36, in a car crash in December
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Little Oakley: Horse rescued from shed blaze
A horse owner has told how he pulled his horse from a stable as flames threatened to engulf it. Roy Coleman rushed to the aid of his six-year-old horse Major when a rubbish fire got out of control. He said: "I pulled the horse from his stable. I have
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Colchester: MP to look at security measures
Colchester MP Bob Russell has told how he was forced to eject a man from his office just days before his close friend was attacked by a sword. Lib Dem MP Nigel Jones was slashed by a sword-wielding attacker at the Liberal Democrat office in Cheltenham
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A130 inquiry: Problems dog hearing
A trouble-hit public inquiry has been dogged by further problems. The inquiry into the proposed A130 bypass has been plagued by difficulties since it began on Tuesday last week. Protesters were due to campaign against the controversial bypass when the
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A130 inquiry: New road will be 'obnoxious'
A man whose house was bulldozed by road developers has described a proposed bypass as "obnoxious". Barrie Sanderson lost his Rawreth home six years ago under a compulsory purchase order when moves were first made to start building the controversial A130
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Essex: Archbishop's visit
The Archbishop of Canterbury is coming to Chelmsford for a four-day visit. The Most Rev Dr George Carey has announced that he will be touring the Chelmsford diocese, spending much of the time in the town itself. Dr Carey and his wife will start their
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Soccer: Duguid offered new contract
Karl Duguid has been offered a new two-and-a-half-year contract by Colchester United. The U's striker has less than six months to run on his current deal and boss Steve Whitton is keen to tie him to a long-term contract before the end of the season. Duguid
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Womens's soccer: Ladies at the double
Having had their previous week's game postponed, Old Southendians' Ladies continued their league campaign with an away trip to Sudbury. The first half saw no score, but Southendians took the game to their opponents with some marauding right-wing runs
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Soccer: Billericay win praise from disabled
Billericay Town go into this weekend's massive home match having scored a massive victory over Premiership giants Leicester City in their treatment of the disabled. The New Lodge side take on the best non-league team in the country on Saturday, Rushden
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Thundersley: Lottery dream comes true
Lottery winners Terry and Jan Verney were today celebrating a dream come true - after using numbers he dreamed to win more than £26,000. Terry and his wife Jan, of Thundersley, today picked up their cheque from Camelot and told how he had used the numbers
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Westcliff: Facing up to stage call ...
Star-studded charity show Variety 2000 has The Three Degrees, Jeremy Beadle and the local Starlight Dance Works troupe, finds SALLY KING A group of young dancers will be performing with the stars on February 27 when Starlight Dance Works perform their
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Leigh: 'I've found Atlantis!'
The secret location of the mythical island of Atlantis has finally been solved - according to Leigh author Andrew Collins. Over the years, philosophers, historians and explorers have debated the reality of Atlantis and have searched in vain for its whereabouts
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Southend: Crash landing pilot praised by firefighters
The pilot of a light aircraft which had to make a crash landing was praised by firefighters today. Four crews were put on emergency stand-by after hearing that the Cessna with two people on board was in trouble a minute after taking off from Southend
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Colchester: Every dog has its day - on film
Lassie would have been proud. A selection of starry-eyed dogs paraded themselves before talent scouts in a bid to win a part in a film. They excelled themselves by standing on hind legs, taking part in a Lady and the Tramp style cuddle and finding time
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Soccer: Newman Natters...
Clash of the titans was a great advertisement The 1-1 draw between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday night was the perfect advertisement for the Premiership, which I firmly believe is the best league in the world. This fixture was
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Southend: Legal threat over dumped refugees
The boss of Southend's social services has threatened legal action over London councils which continue to dump asylum seekers in the town without prior knowledge. Jane Held said immigrants were still arriving in the borough - without the council knowing
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Basildon: Mum let son take drugs
A mother was today starting a three-year jail sentence after allowing her 13-year-old son to take drugs which nearly killed him. Helen Gillespie left the teenage boy unconscious for 30 hours after he plunged into a coma at their home in Kent View Road
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Soccer: Blades cut into Ipswich promotion hopes
While Ipswich Town were struggling to a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, Marcus Stewart banged in two for Huddersfield - and the irony will not be lost on boss George Burley. Ipswich, who last week made a bid for the Huddersfield striker, were simply crying
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Rochford: Husband's loving kiss for his special diamond
A Rochford couple have received congratulations from the Queen in recognition of their 60 years of marriage. Douglas and Matilda Conway, both 81, met as he visited his mother on leave from the Navy during the war. Mrs Conway was at the house and from
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Witham: Teenager punched in stomach in assault
A terrified young woman hit her attacker in the face to escape from him - and she was then punched hard in the stomach. The 18-year-old was walking home in Witham when she was assaulted. Police say a car pulled up near her in the Avenue at about 11.15pm
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Witham: Factory jobs could be on line
Jobs could be on the line after factory bosses admitted they may be forced to close their Witham premises. Durabella System Floors, based on Eastways Industrial Estate, was bought by Hewetson three months ago and is understood to employ about 75 people
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Witham: Call for action on car parking
Tough restrictions to stop commuters parking in a residential street have been called for. Cars parked throughout the day in Armond Road, Witham, are becoming increasingly hazardous to pedestrians and motorists. And commuters who dodge having to pay to
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Schools round-up: Pupils take a big leap to nationals...
Thunderley is well on the way to recognition as the trampolining capital of Essex after two of its schools won places in the national championships. The zonal finals, which took place at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, saw the Thundersley representatives
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Southend salutes sporting stars
Sporting heroes were honoured when Southend Sports Council announced its annual awards. The usual senior and junior sports personalities of the year titles were presented and a special team tribute was made to honour Southend High School for Boys' national
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Soccer: Wednesday League faces number crisis
The Southend Wednesday League is currently celebrating its 95th season, but officials fear that one of the longest-established soccer competitions in the area may not survive to celebrate its centenary. The recent withdrawal of Basildon Post Office means
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Essex: Council tax may rise 10 per cent
Essex residents could face a council tax rise of almost ten per cent. If the county wants to spend as much on education as the Government wants it to, Essex County Council finance officers say a 9.8 per cent hike is needed. Lib Dem councillor Tom Smith-Hughes
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Soccer: Hails' relief at first-team role
Southend United's longest serving player - Julian Hails - has spoken of his relief at finally getting back into Blues' first-team. The right-sided defender/winger has endured an injury nightmare over the past couple of seasons, following cartilage damage
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Frinton: Man murdered at holiday home
Tributes have been paid to retired businessman Tony Fetherston, who was murdered at his Caribbean holiday home. His friends at Walton and Frinton Yacht Club - where he was a lifelong member - told of their shock and sadness at the tragedy. Mr Fetherston
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Soccer round-up: Southend District League
Linford Wanderers went three points clear at the top of the Southend District League's Premier Division when they triumphed 2-0 at Sixty Acres with goals from I Bass and S Talbot. Nearest rivals Thundersley and Hadleigh were held to a 1-1 draw at Cricketers
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Running: Record entry at Benfleet
And they're off - a record 415 athletes battled against strong winds to take part in the tenth Benfleet 15 run on Sunday. The event was won by Sam Kigo for the second year running. Sam shaved a few seconds off his winning time in 1999 despite the blustery
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Colchester: Call for ban on sex shop
A Christian pressure group is determined to keep on fighting for the closure of a sex shop. The group Campaign for Family Values will be urging councillors to close the Private Shop, in Butt Lane, Colchester, when its licence comes up for renewal on Thursday
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South Essex: They're the tops in public service
South Essex has scooped awards for the Government-backed Charter Mark, designed to find top public service groups. Basildon Hospital scored a hit with its ultrasound department while the council had two outstanding successes in its building control and
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Essex: Brigade works to end discrimination
Essex Fire Authority is working to stamp out all forms of discrimination in the service. A report by Her Majesty's Inspector has said the brigade still has a lot of work to do to create equal opportunities and increase the number of women and ethnic minorities
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Woodham: School head seeks donations
Parents were today urged to dig deep and raise £50,000 to kickstart a South Woodham school's technology boost. Dennis Parry, headteacher of the William de Ferrers School, has written to every parent appealing for a donation of at least £45 to support
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Chelmsford: Doctor reinstated
A doctor who was suspended for 12 months for incompetence has been reinstated. Taha Bhadra, of Roxwell Road, Chelmsford, was given conditional registration at a hearing of the General Medical Council. He had been suspended by the Council's professional
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Canvey: Kicking her way into the movies...
JANEO'CONNELL stands back to talk to stunt-double Nikki Berwick, who is fighting her way to film stardom Nikki Berwick is cutely pretty (big blue eyes, blonde ponytail), and bubbly. But this epitome of girl-next-door sweetness could kick your teeth in
