Billericay's two main secondary schools have their support behind a police crackdown on drug pushers. Both Billericay School headteacher Sue Hammond and Mayflower deputy head Brian Mason also vowed to continue teaching pupils about the dangers of drug
For most youngsters, the upcoming six-week break from school is the highlight of every year. But for their parents the summer holidays can lead to more stress than ever before. Complicated childcare arrangements, financial pressures and trying to keep
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Witham and blew whistles as this year's carnival procession came through town. Witham Court - carnival queen Carly Victor with senior princess Danielle Elton and junior Kayleigh Deaning. (37002-16) The weather held
Socialising in the playground won't be a problem for youngsters at one Thundersley school this week. Mixing time: Laura Withchurch, Toni Weatherspoon and Jodie Lapslie Picture: ANNA LUKALA ZSKLT4 Students from Kingston Primary School, in Church Road,
There will be no local participation in this year's Open Golf Championship, which gets underway at Royal Troon on Thursday. Two Orsett players who got through the regional qualifying round at their home course a week ago both failed to overcome the final
Sports facilities in Promenade Park will be improved if a deal can be struck between Maldon District Council and Maldon Tennis Club. Membership at the tennis club has soared to 60 people, of which 29 train regularly, since it began two years ago and the
Education Secretary Charles Clarke has refused to intervene in the growing row over the future of Canvey's three secondary schools. An angry mum has written to the minister demanding he sort out the "fiasco" of the threat to close one of the main schools
South-east Essex young athletes enjoyed a medal bonanza at the English Schools Track and Field Championships at Gateshead International Stadium. They won four golds - one each for the four south-east Essex districts - and a plethora of silver and bronze
The biggest open art show in the county opened at the weekend, featuring a number of award-winning works from Southend artists. The 46th annual Essex Open Exhibition is showing in the gallery in Station Road, Westcliff. This year there were about 500
Two more businesses have been awarded the prestigious Investor in People accreditation. The award-winning Clacton-based Nannas nursery chain is expanding across Essex and has further plans for expansion nationally. The family-run business offers both
The first week of the Southend Men's Open Bowls Tournament culminated in two thrilling finals at Priory Park on Saturday - with Essex County's Kevin Watkins enjoying mixed fortunes. Concentration - Kevin Watkins in action in the men's singles, watched
Two thousand women helped the fight against cancer by joining in Colchester's Race for Life. Pretty in pink - women join in the camaraderie of the event Picture: STEVE ARGENT 37006-12 The event - a 5km sponsored run round Lower Castle Park - raised money
Police have promised to shut down off-licences and pubs that persistently flout the law by selling booze to under-age children. Officers believe irresponsible staff in Billericay are helping to fuel rising crime rates among youths at Lake Meadows park
Police have defended a ban on taxis collecting revellers from a string of nightspots, saying it should reduce drunken flare-ups. Southend Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association has objected to the ban on cabbies in Herbert Grove and Lucy Road, home to nightclubs
Chelmsford College has become one of the UK's first Investors in People Champions. The Investors in People Champions programme recognises those employers who have enhanced the performance of their organisation through the way they manage and develop their
Playing pitches in Basildon could be improved or closed as part of a ten-year strategy to make the most of sports facilities. Councillors have approved a ten-year action plan, which looks at pitches for football, rugby, cricket, hockey, American football
Featuring The Corrs, Bangles, Bee Gees, Westlife and many more, Pure Harmony is filled with super summertime songs. In a mixture of ballads and more up-beat tunes, it brings you songs from the 60s to the present day. This double CD is full of easy-listening
A nursery welcomed families through the doors for the first time after a major overhaul. Looking up - Sir Teddy meets youngsters at the nursery Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL 2NCYA4 Sir Teddy Taylor MP opened the Cockleshell Neighbourhood Nursery's new building
Taxi fares in the Rochford district could rise by an average of eight per cent from later this year. Members of the council's taxi licensing sub-committee will be considering an application from the Hackney Carriage Drivers Association at a meeting being
Billericay Town boss Justin Edinburgh has made five new signings as he continues to build up a squad to hopefully make an immediate challenge on the Ryman Premier crown when the 2004/05 season gets underway. Best known of the new arrivals is Hendon's
Basildon has criticised other parts of south Essex for appealing against their ratings. District councils across the country were graded as part of a performance assessment. Basildon was graded as fair. But several other councils, including Castle Point
Frinton celebrated a string of victories in their annual international veterans tournament. Defending champion Colin Minter - from the host club - was victorious in the men's over-55 singles, beating Philip Hope 6-2, 6-3. Chris Harris, the club's head
An investigation has been launched after a suspicious early morning fire wrecked an empty house Fire - House in Mersea Road, Colchester Picture: Steve Argent (37005-2) Three fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were sent to Mersea Road, Colchester
The parks department of Basildon council have a number of quality football pitches up for grabs for local teams to book for the new season. The Council has 10 football pitches remaining for hire for the 2004/05 season. The pitches are located at Barn
Chelmsford Police have assured residents that an initiative to tackle alcohol-related crime will continue throughout the summer. The news comes as the Government leaves the division out of an eight week blitz on alcohol-related violence and disorder across
Determined Sarah Claxton faces one final hurdle before she can start packing her bags for this summer's Olympic Games. The 24-year-old from Colchester managed a decisive win in the 100 metres hurdles at Saturday's qualifying race in Manchester, clocking
A fistful of improvements are on the cards for two areas in Thundersley. Councillors will decide on Wednesday at the Thundersley area forum whether to approve a variety of proposals. A budget of £10,000 has been allocated to the St Peter's ward and the
Emergency services went on red alert today as an eight-seater plane prepared for an crash landing at Southend Airport. The twin-engined plane alerted the control tower that it would be making an emergency landing after an apparent malfunction in the plane's
Rain clouds were kept at bay but the visitors - all 24,000 of them - did nothing but pour in through the gates for the 93rd Tendring Show on Saturday. Crowds - Enjoying the Tendring Show Fears that bad weather would keep the crowds away were unfounded
Hundreds of visitors refused to have their spirits dampened by light showers to help raise £2,500 for various charities at Hullbridge's annual Brandy Hole regatta on the River Crouch. On dry land, a troupe of exotic belly dancers, an inflatable slide,
The local soccer world is mourning the passing of one of its best-loved personalities. Ray Scott, who worked alongside Frankie Banks at Southend United in the Community, died in a Kent hospital early on Saturday morning after suffering a stroke nearly
Essex return to the Twenty20 Cup trail at Southgate tonight seeking the win which will keep them firmly on course for the trophy. Victory against Middlesex will guarantee them a place in the quarter-finals and also keep them on track for a home draw.
Essex Eels achieved their long-awaited first win in National League Three after a rollercoaster ride against fellow league newcomers Carlisle. Despite the difficulties of switching the game away from their usual Basildon Rugby Club home, Eels quickly
The king and queen of daytime TV delighted dozens of fans at a care home's summer fete. Big attraction - Richard & Judy Picture: STEVE BAINBRIDGE (36942-5) Channel 4 chatshow hosts Richard and Judy cut a ribbon to open the event at New Copford Place
A member of Runnymede Swimming Club he took the title in the nine-years age group with a 38.98 seconds sprint in the 50m butterfly. Henry also took gold in the 50m backstroke at the open gala at Haslemere, Surrey, silver in the 50m and 200m freestyle
A man who suffers from cerebral palsy today told how three men tricked their way into his home claiming they were from the water board. The 61-year-old, who does not want to be named but lives in Weeley, said although they went through a number of rooms
An award-winning headteacher is to offer crucial help, advice and support to get Prittlewell Technology College off special measures. Alan Roach, of Chalvedon School in Pitsea, will help draw up action plans and guide staff at the school to improve standards
Health staff in Castle Point and Rochford will be singled out and commended for their work in a special ceremony. Castle Point and Rochford Primary Care Trust is hosting a Celebration of Quality event on Thursday at the Cliffs Pavilion. The theme for
Police evacuated a popular beach to allow the Navy to blow up a Second World War shell. On the job - the Navy's bomb disposal team arrives Pictures: ANNA LUKALA 2SMS73 A 200m stretch of Old Leigh was sealed off for five hours after the high-explosive
Southend United manager Steve Tilson today blasted a new FIFA directive which limits the number of substitutions the Shrimpers can make in their pre-season friendlies. Blues visit East Thurrock this weekend but will only be allowed to make six changes
Eleven murders which have remained unsolved for up to 30 years are being pursued by Essex detectives. In January, a new "cold case" detective unit was established to trawl over old murder and rape cases in an attempt to catch violent offenders still at
A missing labrador was lovingly reunited with her heartbroken owner after an Evening Echo appeal. Home sweet home - Lesley Miller is reunited with labrador Tilly Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL 2NMSQ1 Nine-year-old Tilly went missing two weeks ago after a door
Traffic police are warning speeding motorists to think twice before using the new A120 road to try to break the speed limit. Bocking traffic police have been monitoring the duelled road, which links the Braintree bypass to the M11, at its junction with
A young woman was left fighting for her life after she was thrown from a motorbike when it collided with a car. The 25-year-old woman, from the Billericay area, was flown by air ambulance to Basildon Hospital suffering serious head injuries, a broken
A motorist died after driving away from a police patrol car. Robert Warner, 20, of Butts Green Road, Sandon, was seen by officers driving on the A414 in Maldon in the direction of Heybridge at about 1am on Saturday. The patrol car was going in the opposite
Southend AC youngsters performed outstandingly in the UK Young Athletes League at New-ham. They beat their hosts and only had to give second best to Tonbridge AC. With virtually every event covered on this occasion, much to the delight of the team managers
Hordes of high-flying youngsters will celebrate their achievements from the past year tonight. The fourth annual Canvey schools awards evening is to take place at the Paddocks, in Long Road, with students from every island school attending. This year's
Colchester United have bolstered their defence with the signing of ex-Ipswich Town man Wayne Brown. He joins Liam Chilvers as the second former loanee to make a permanent move to Layer Road. Brown had one more year to run on his contract with Coca-Cola
Thieves stole more than 1,000 gift boxes of designer perfume from a lorry while the driver was asleep. The perfume, which is not yet available in the shops, was swiped at around 2am on Saturday while the lorry was parked in Fulmar Way, Wickford. The driver
Two early goals helped Ipswich Town celebrate victory in their first pre-season friendly of the summer at Peterborough United. Pablo Counago and Clacton's Ian Westlake were on target in the first 16 minutes of Saturday's 2-1 triumph at London Road. Spanish
A man accused of indecently assaulting a door-to-door saleswoman appeared in court dressed in a blue surfing wetsuit and tracksuit bottoms. Gabriel Calvete, of Appleford Court, Pitsea, pleaded not guilty at Basildon Magistrates' Court to trying to force
He's spent eight months working in Tanzania raising awareness of HIV and Aids. Now Clare Shaw is off to help the poor in India. Calcutta calling - Clare Shaw Picture: ANNA LUKALA 2MHUP2 The 28-year-old, from South View, Benfleet, is to spend six months
Postal deliveries from Shoebury sorting office were disrupted for a second day. Supplies to the George Street sorting office were cut because of the storms on Wednesday evening and had still not been reconnected by Friday. A Royal Mail spokesman said
A secondary school is set to be unshackled from the Government's failing list before Christmas, its head said today. Winning - Thorpe Bay School head Jean Alder Picture: MAXINE CLARKE NTHBU12 Jean Alder, of the Thorpe Bay School, has been battling since
Determined Sarah Claxton faces one final hurdle before she can start packing her bags for this summer's Olympic Games. The 24-year-old from Colchester managed a decisive win in the 100 metres hurdles at Saturday's qualifying race in Manchester, clocking
Essex lost by 54 runs at Warwickshire yesterday in their Totesport League match, leaving them stuck in the First Division relegation zone having been set a 224 score for victory. Brad Hogg caused the visitors' undoing, returning figures of 5-23 in his
The Government has revealed why a beleaguered war memorial was given a reprieve just hours before council planners were set to approve its demolition. Under plans submitted by Billericay Town Council, the Second World War memorial at the junction of Chapel
A car ended up with two wheels off the ground after a crash at a pedestrian crossing. Two Nissan cars collided at a crossing in Bournemouth Park Road, Southend, at 7.50pm on Sunday. Three women and a man suffered minor injuries. One of the cars hit a
A toast is set to be made to one of Tendring's founding fathers. The organisers of the Harwich and Dovercourt Bay Winter Ale Festival have managed to get hold of a special beverage for a landmark day. To celebrate the 150th anniversary opening of the
