A landmark south Essex pub is set to be knocked down and replaced by a housing development, it was revealed today.

Up to 20 staff at the Waggon and Horses pub in London Road, Hadleigh, will lose their jobs when the pub pulls its final pint and closes at the end of March.

Punters at the popular pub were left reeling after landlord Ray Cody was informed of the closure yesterday (wed 16) by owners Millhouse Inns.

Mr Cody, who has managed the pub for the past two-and-a-half years, said he was in a state of shock after the announcement.