Archive
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Joy for Blues and Rocks
THE last weekend in February proved a milestone one for two of the borough's clubs. After it, ambitious East Thurrock United stand proudly at the top of the Southern League Division One East while Grays have advanced to the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy
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Soccer: Phil targets replacement
Peter Taylor may have got his man, but Phil Parkinson is determined to get his too. Looking for new blood - U's manager Phil Parkinson Colchester United boss Parkinson lost the services of talented young striker Craig Fagan, with the 22-year-old signing
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Essex: Five held in raids by police
Police carried out a series of dawn raids today and five men were arrested in connection with an alleged football-related disturbance. Officers called on the men at 5.30am at their homes, four of which were in Colchester and one in Clacton. The raids
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Colchester: Pool King pots for charity
Fundraiser Frazer King said he will pick up a pool cue again, despite playing for 24 hours at tables between Colchester and Lincoln. Mr King, accompanied by friends Simon Longman, Ali Voy, Paul Double and Andy Lipton, took on the challenge to raise money
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Thurrock: GP phone charge hope
Calls to some GP surgeries could get cheaper as the Government looks into banning the use of premium-rate phone lines. Two surgeries in Thurrock currently use 0870 numbers for patients to make appointments, find out test results and ask questions. Now
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Soccer: Ipswich Town 0-2 Queens Park Rangers (Coca Cola Championship)
Two defeats in successive home matches - it would have taken a brave man to bet on that happening to shell-shocked Ipswich Town. Just over a week ago, sitting six points clear at the top of the table, they looked unbeatable. Despite being far from their
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Southend: Midwife nominated for top award
A dedicated midwife has been nominated for an award for her compassionate care of bereaved parents. Niki Allen, a midwife at Southend Hospital, has been put forward for the national Child Bereavement Trust award by Allison Morrissey, who lost her first
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Colchester: Father jailed for attacking his ex
A man has been jailed for a Christmas Day knife attack on the mother of his child. Barry Payne lashed out in jealousy after waking from a nap and finding his ex-partner with a male friend, a court heard. While his 17-month-old son slept upstairs, Payne
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Soccer: Southend Utd 1-0 Bury (League Division Two)
The Shrimpers remain fifth in the League Two table following a 1-0 win over struggling Bury. Fifteen-goal top scorer Freddy Eastwood got the decisive goal after 42 minutes. The striker pounced from six yards out after Mark Gower's free kick was only parried
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Essex: Making the most of the snow
Children made the most of the snow - as motorists struggled for yet another day in freezing conditions. Clearing up - brothers Jake, 12, Joe, 4, and Alex Harvey, 8, had the job of clrearing the family car of snow in The Street. Ramsey. Picture: STEVE
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Basildon: New school and surgery in development plan
A brand new school and GP surgery could be created in Basildon if the Dry Street plans are approved. Council chiefs have returned the 170-acre site to green belt in their vision for the district over the next 20 years and locals claim the proposals -
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Colchester: It's snow much fun out here
Children in Colchester had tobogganing fun in an unexpected snowfall. It's all white today - Steven Carter, 7, Tom Harris, 10, Becky Harris, 10, Keiran Harris, 8, and Sean Royle enjoy the snow. Picture: STEVE BRADING 41392-f The town woke up to a carpet
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Maldon: Quit the weed and win a bike
Quitting smoking could bag you a brand new bike. By exchanging your cigarettes, ashtray and lighter for a goody bag you could win a new bicycle from Maldon and South Chelmsford Primary Care Trust (PCT). The stop smoking support team at the PCT is gearing
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Hockley: Graffiti boy gets curfew
A teenager who graffitied 103 "tags" in a town centre has avoided a jail sentence. Robert Martin, 18, daubed his call-signs, which include "FUZE", "FUZER" and "ZERFUZER", on windows, benches, bus shelters and walls across Hockley. When police caught him
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Football: Gulls ready to attack Bishops
Canvey Island are likely to revert to a more attacking formation when they bid for a place in the FA Trophy quarter finals at Park Lane tomorrow. Gulls, after some bad defensive errors in the two previous games, reverted to a four across the back formation
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Chelmsford: Oh my Goss!
One half of the top 1980s band Bros will be signing copies of his autobiography in Chelmsford. Matt Goss will be at Ottakar's bookshop on Friday, March 18 between 12.30pm and 1.30pm to sign copies of More Than You Know. The following Wednesday at 5.30pm
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Soccer: Hull City 2-0 Colchester United (Coca Cola League One)
Will Colchester United go down? With the the U's now only five points away from the drop zone it is, without the doubt, the question that is playing on the mind of the Layer Road faithful. Well, if Saturday's performance is anything to go by then the
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Maldon: Man buried in 'record case'
A man who made boxes to keep records in was buried in a larger version of one of the casings. Saying goodbye - Mr Moseley's coffin was a replica of a record case, complete with handle. Picture: ROB SAMBROOK 41270-4 Friends said goodbye to Maldon bargeman
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Harwich: Delight as teen group is rescued
The future of a teenage charity has been secured after a major cash injection. Staff at Teen Talk Harwich are celebrating after being awarded £90,000 over the next three years The money has been given by Tendring Primary Care Trust (PCT) and will pay
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Boxing: You Khan have my tickets
Canvey boxing club's Johnny Martin today offered Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan his 10 free tickets in order to make sure their fight in Yarmouth goes ahead this weekend. The duo had been expected to do battle in the quarter final of the Amateur Boxing
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Football: Flavs eyes seventh heaven
Southend United goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan is bidding to secure a seventh successive home clean sheet for the Shrimpers against Bury tomorrow. Steve Tilson's side have yet to concede a goal at Roots Hall since the turn of the year and the former Southampton
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Southend: Plan to flatten York Road market
Southend's popular street market is set to be demolished and replaced with a modern version, it was revealed today. Council leaders, anxious to retain a market in the town, want to raze York Road to the ground and build a new market on a different site
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Laindon: Gang locks up 30 commuters
A train company today vowed to step up security at Laindon Station after yobs locked in a group of commuters. The youths used their own padlock to trap more than 30 passengers at the station following a row, leaving them to be freed by nearby workmen.
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Great Totham: Women cut free from car
Two women were cut free from a car following a collision in Great Totham. Three cars were involved in a collision in Walden House Road, near the junction with Kelvedon Road, at about 12.15pm on Saturday. A rescue tender from Colchester and two crews from
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Wivenhoe: Angie wins Stars heat
Teenage songbird Angie Diggens has won her Stars in their Eyes heat. The 17-year-old singer and musician, of Field Way, Wivenhoe, will now be in the primetime ITV programme's final, which will be screened live on March 26. Angie and her family and friends
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Soccer: Davis holds hands up to costly errors
Kelvin Davis was quick to hold his hands up after Ipswich Town's shock home defeat against Queens Park Rangers. The Blues went down 2-0 at Portman Road on Saturday - knocking them out of the top two in the Coca-Cola Championship. It was the first time
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Harwich: Major revamp for town
Major plans to regenerate the whole of Old Harwich will soon go on show to the public. A new marina could be created on the quayside, as well as restaurants, hotels and homes. The blueprint is an overall vision to create new employment, tourism and business
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Castle Point: Councillors to get tips on improvements
Councillors from successful authorities are being drafted in to give tips on how to improve Castle Point, it has been revealed. The scheme comes after the council was handed £300,000 from the Government to turn itself around following a damning inspection
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Westcliff: Drug addicted robber jailed
A drug addict who gave himself up after helping to rob two teenagers at knifepoint was today behind bars. David Rawlinson, 27, would not have been caught if he had not surrendered to police months after the attack, a court was told. Rawlinson followed
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Dockers rue missed chances
Tilbury 0, Wingate & Finchley 1 AS the black hole of relegation moves ever near, Tilbury were left shaking their heads and ruing what might have been after a much improved performance on Saturday. The old saying goes that when you're down, you get
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Witham: There's a guy works down the chip shop swears he's Elvis...
If you want salt and vinegar all shook up with your fish and chips Danny Owen is your man. He dresses as Elvis Presley to help out at The Chippy, in Shaw Road, Witham. Mr Owen, of Rowan Way, Witham, has been a professional singer since leaving school
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Soccer: Royle defends Davis
Joe Royle leapt to the defence of under-fire goalkeeper Kelvin Davis following Ipswich Town's shock defeat at home to Queens Park Rangers. Looking for help - the answer is not in the heavens as Queens Park Rangers score their second goal at Portman Road
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Essex: Let pupils have a vote
Children are being urged to turn out and vote at the forthcoming elections. Primary schools are being invited to hold mock elections in the run-up to the Essex County Council elections in May. Laura Bruni, Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate
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Messing, Tiptree: Chairman hits out at centre site plan
The chairman of Messing Parish Council has backed claims by protesters that the planned new site for a community centre just outside Tiptree is in a conservation area. Roger Carter said although the plot of land in Colchester Road was not in the parish
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Maldon: Tasty reminders of a bygone era
Tea and nostalgia will be served up in a new cafeteria planned for St Peter's Hospital in Maldon. By the end of this year, patients, staff and visitors could be snacking among cafe screens, seated at tables reflecting the heritage of the hospital and
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Tennis: Westcliff aim for Cranston hat-trick
Deanes Tennis Centre is the focus of attention on Sunday when the Essex LTA winter finals are staged at the Thundersley venue. Westcliff Lawn's ladies' team take on Cranston Park in the final for the Harry Brickwood Cup at 2.50pm. Lawn's team will have
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Basildon: Charity under threat over cash crisis
A charity is under threat after suffering two major blows in bids to secure vital funding. The cash-strapped Basildon Community Resource Centre has launched an urgent appeal for help after pleas to Basildon Council and the National Lottery for money were
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Soccer: Phil targets replacement
Peter Taylor may have got his man, but Phil Parkinson is determined to get his too. Looking for new blood - U's manager Phil Parkinson Colchester United boss Parkinson lost the services of talented young striker Craig Fagan, with the 22-year-old signing
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Thurrock: MP's litter blast
The level of cleanliness on Thurrock's section of the A13 "is doing the image of the borough a great disservice" according to local MP Andrew Mackinlay. Mr Mackinlay said: "The A13 is an important gateway into Thurrock. For many it forms their first impression
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Dovercourt: Snowball youths nuisance
Police were called to deal with nuisance youths throwing snowballs. Around 15 children were being abusive to people at the cemetery of All Saints' Church in Dovercourt, on Thursday night. Their details were obtained by police and told to go home. On the
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Harwich: Men jailed for drug smuggling
A pair of smugglers have been jailed for a total of 19 years for importing Class A drugs worth £300,000. The two Dutchmen, in unconnected attempts, were caught in January by Harwich Customs officers. Louis Berkhof, 41, an unemployed carpenter from Rotterdam
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Soccer: U's pay price for soft goals
Colchester United boss Phil Parkinson felt that his side were guilty of not taking the game to Hull City and paid the price for it. The U's lost 2-0 at the Kingston Communication Stadium, conceding two soft goals in the first half from Leon Cort and Nicky
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Speedway: Boost for Arena Essex
Speedway fans in the borough have a new name to get their lips around. Purfleet's Arena-Essex speedway stars are now to wear the name of new team sponsor Husqvarna Motorcycles. As well as being a big name in motorcycling the sponsors also make everything
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Football: Experience vital for Hammers
West Ham travel to Leeds United on Saturday hoping for a big lift from their golden oldies. Two years ago these sides met in Premiership action, with the Yorkshire side winning a bad-temeperd game 1-0. But one of just two survivors from the Hammers team
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Soccer: U's pay price for soft goals
Colchester United boss Phil Parkinson felt that his side were guilty of not taking the game to Hull City and paid the price for it. The U's lost 2-0 at the Kingston Communication Stadium, conceding two soft goals in the first half from Leon Cort and Nicky
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Colchester: Fresh appeal over mugged pensioner
An 81-year old Second World War veteran who was badly beaten by muggers has vowed not to let the horrific incident stop him for going out. Police have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the attack which took place as Doug Bell was returning to his
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Colchester: Flat blaze tackled
Firefighters rushed to tackle a small blaze which had broken out in the kitchen of a flat in a converted house. Two appliances from Colchester went to the first-floor flat in Chapel Street North, off Southway, just after 9.30am Saturday. Crews spent an
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Witham: Artificial pitch plan
A Witham school wants parents to back its plans to construct an all-weather sports pitch. The John Bramston School, in Spinks Lane, is asking parents to return a form supporting its proposals to develop part of the school grounds into an all-weather synthetic
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Colchester: Cycle grand prix for town centre
A cycling grand prix race is to take place in Colchester in May, it has been revealed. Cyclists from all over the UK and from abroad will be travelling to the town to compete in the event, which will form one of the races in the National Elite Criterium
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Essex: Olympic park bid
Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman was on hand to boost London's 2012 Olympic bid during the International Olympic Committee's visit to Weald Country Park in Brentwood on Saturday. The cycling superstar hosted a biking workshop for pupils from two
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South Essex: Freezing temperatures bring black ice warning
Drivers were warned to look out for black ice as they headed for work today after one of the coldest nights saw temperatures plummet to minus 5 degrees centigrade. Sgt Andy Stephenson, from Rayleigh traffic, was confident South Essex's major roads should
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Clacton: Can you name that children's group?
Youngsters have been putting their ideas on paper for a new logo and name for their group. Designs on paper - Lewis Towler, 11, shows off his design with Fiorella Abbarchi, group chairman. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN 41126-2 The temporarily-named Older Children's
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Clacton: Mother and daughter help people to heal
When bereaved customers consult Kathy Regan at her natural health store in Clacton, they strike up an immediate rapport. "I know how they're feeling, because I've been there," she said. Kathy was widowed ten years ago and she went for natural healing
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Clacton: Health cash will improve services
Health chiefs have pledged to improve services at Clacton Hospital following the massive public support shown for the Gazette campaign for better facilities in the town. And, speaking exclusively to the Gazette, Paul Unsworth, Tendring Primary Care Trust
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Langdon Hills: Rabbit poachers at country park
Poachers armed with catapults are flushing out rabbits and killing them at a family country park. The illegal activity is being investigated by wardens at Langdon Hills Country Park after two men were spotted acting suspiciously in the popular Hall Woods
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Colchester: Clubs facing new laws on doormen
Delays in granting bouncers' licences could leave clubbers all dressed up with nowhere to go. Security firm bosses have warned that nightspots will have to shut their doors from this week if badges giving doormen the all-clear to work have not arrived
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Colchester: Court shows up thief
A thief had to empty his pockets out in the court dock to prove he was skint. Colchester magistrates told Barry Elms to hand over everything he had on him on Friday to prove he couldn't make any contribution towards court fines and costs topping £500.
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Hatfield Peverel: Police vow to get tough on vandals
Police have warned that they will crack down heavily on louts who went on a vandalism spree in Hatfield Peverel. Yobs pushed over and cracked a concrete litter bin, caused damage to drainpipes and left rubbish in shop doorways in Hadfelda Square on Thursday
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Harwich: Drug smugglers jailed
A pair of smugglers have been jailed for a total of 19 years for importing Class A drugs worth £300,000. The two Dutchmen, in unconnected attempts, were caught in January by Harwich customs officers. Louis Berkhof, 41, an unemployed carpenter from Rotterdam
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Stansted: Airport joins scheme to save the brown hare
Stansted Airport has joined a drive to secure the future of the brown hare. The Essex airport is one of seven locations across the UK chosen to kick-start the project. Stansted has a number of brown hares and the airport has promised to donate an extra
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Clacton: Firm denies inspection visit
A Clacton firm which has been implicated in Britain's biggest ever food product re-call has denied that it has been inspected as part of the on-going investigation. A spokesman for East Anglian Food Ingredients in Wade Road said that although it had handed
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Southend: Assault victim appeals for help to catch attacker
The victim of a vicious nightclub assault appealed for information as police released CCTV images of the suspect. Ryan Wagstaff, 21, was working part time as a barman at Zinc nightclub, in Lucy Road, Southend, when a clubber suddenly punched him. The
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Colchester: Young musicians join orchestra for training holiday
Musical youths orchestrated a fun half term when they joined up with the Colne Valley Training Orchestra. Fiddling their time away - children taking part in the Holiday Orchestra course at the Lion Walk United Reformed Church. Picture: ROB SAMBROOK 41246
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Southend: Tory party donation from football club
A donation of £6,500 to the Conservative Party was made in the name of Southend's cash-strapped football club, it was revealed. The Electoral Commission published a list of donations to political parties which included the cheque to Conservative head
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Abberton: Controversial homes plan in the balance
Supporters and opposers of a controversial development in Abberton will have to wait another five weeks until the final verdict is revealed. A planning appeal closed on Thursday after two days of debate over Colchester Council's refusal to allow houses
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Laindon: Job hope with Toomey building
Hundreds of jobs could be created if a new business sets up in an empty warehouse which has gone on the market. Laindon Holdings Ltd, which owns the Toomey's Vauxhall and Saab car depot at Dunton, hopes to lease the warehouse on a nine-acre area it owns
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Soccer: Trophy test
Grays take on Altrincham on Saturday in what will be a tough FA Trophy fifth round test for Mark Stimson's squad. Grays dream is to make it through to the last eight - but first they have to get past a side with three decades of Cup competition history
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Basildon: College teachers threaten strike action
Lecturers at Thurrock and Basildon College are to strike tomorrow in pursuit of a pay claim. They will join fellow members of the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education at at 42 colleges across England who have already staged
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South Ockendon: Booze crackdown
A POLICE crackdown on adults who buy alcohol for under-age drinkers is to begin in South Ockendon. Posters warning people not to buy alcohol for those under 18 have been put up in newsagents and off licenses in the area as police look to stamp out the
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Thurrock: Immigration centre for the borough
An immigration centre could be set up to deal with the growing number of asylum seekers at Tilbury docks, the Home Secretary has told the Echo. Charles Clarke said there were strong arguments to support a unit to deal with would-be immigrants arriving
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Harwich: Oscar eludes Essex hope
Actor Clive Owen, who lives in the Harwich area, has missed out on winning an Oscar. Mr Owen rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous at the Hollywood awards. But he was beaten in the category for best supporting actor by veteran Morgan Freeman. Mr Owen
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Athletics: Hickey's fit for world challenge
Southend's sporting superstar Adam Hickey will be fully fit to run for Great Britain in next month's World Cross-Country Championships. The teenager will be back in action on Saturday, March 5, to lead the Essex bid for the under-17 inter-counties crown
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Soccer: Hull City 2-0 Colchester United (Coca Cola League One)
Will Colchester United go down? With the the U's now only five points away from the drop zone it is, without the doubt, the question that is playing on the mind of the Layer Road faithful. Well, if Saturday's performance is anything to go by then the
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Thurrock: Council take charge
Thurrock Council has been busy this week letting residents know that from April parking in the borough will be under their control. Posters have been put up across the borough warning residents that as part of the Decriminalisation Bill, the police will
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Canvey: Carers failed fight to save fire victim
Two women who tried to battle a wall of flames to rescue a man trapped in his blazing home were today praised by firefighters. The women, both carers, were beaten back by the intense heat and were unable to save the 80-year-old man who is thought to have
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Hockley: Prison's award for helping inmates beat drug addiction
A treatment programme for inmates at Bullwood Hall women's prison has won a national award for helping prisoners beat drug addiction. The drug rehabilitation unit at the Hockley jail has been such a success that there are plans to roll it out to women's
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Grays at home
Grays have been drawn given a tough test in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy, but at least they will be at home. The Blues' reward for a 4-2 win at Conference North side Altincham on Saturday is a home tie on Saturday, March 12 to Exeter City. Currently
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Laindon: Commuters locked in at station
Security will be beefed up at Laindon station after a gang of youths locked up commuters following an altercation last Friday. Full report in Monday's Echo. Published Monday February 28, 2005 Brought to you by the Evening Echo
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Clacton: Ruthie comes home
Broadway and West End star Ruthie Henshall revived her Clacton connections to open the glitzy two-night gala at the town's Princes Theatre. Welcome back - Broadway and West End star Ruthie Henshall, front right, with some of the dancers taking part in
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Harwich: Courageous son dies of cancer at 30
Parents today spoke of their son's courageous fight to beat a second brain tumour. Warren Turner died aged 30 after being diagnosed with only the second case of his condition ever discovered in the world He had earlier battled successfully against a tumour
