AN Essex woman who is engaged to a convicted American killer she has never met now plans to marry him in prison – even though he could be locked up until 2034.

Ardleigh's Jubilee Restaurant has announced it will reopen this month - with a huge new outside dining area set up.

A DEVASTATED wife has pleaded for her husband to return home after police said they have exhausted all their leads.

A NIGHTCLUB owner fears he could have been attacked after a gang of suspected armed thugs broke into his venue.

Three quarters of neighbourhoods in Colchester recorded less than five Covid cases in the latest week - this is where.

A MOTORCYCLIST who may never be able to walk unaided again after a hit-and-run has bravely spoken out about her ordeal.

Richard Okorogheye's mother has reportedly been told the body found by police in Epping Forest on Monday matches his description.

Scientists are warning the UK faces a resurgence of Covid infections as lockdown continues to be eased.

THE number of new Covid-19 cases reported in Tendring has fallen 60 per cent in the past week.

ESSEX University has been named one of the best in the country for engaging with the community and helping to generate regeneration.

Peacocks has been bought out of administration in a move which will save 2,000 jobs and see 200 stores reopen this month.

A LONG-RUNNING bookstore which was on the brink of potential closure is set to be moved to a new location and transformed into a creative hub.

AN inspiring young boy whose parents were told he would never be able to walk has completed a lengthy and testing challenge in aid of charity.

THE owner of Colchester United was “barged into” by a charity employee following a foul mouthed exchange between the pair, an employment tribunal has heard.

NORTH Essex residents are divided over being offered free twice-weekly Covid tests.

A HALSTEAD businesswoman has been names the most inspiring in the UK after scooping at top national award.

A TEENAGER was left with a broken elbow after a vicious attack with a baseball bat.

Police looking for missing student Richard Okorogheye said the body of a man has been found in a pond in Epping Forest.

Boris Johnson has confirmed the next stage of lockdown lifting in England will take place from next Monday.

COLCHESTER Zoo will be collecting contact details for anyone over the age of 16 due to recent changes to the Government’s Track and Trace system.

A NEW eco-conscious shop offering essential refillables and freshly prepared food delivered to your door is opening in Colchester.

McDonald’s says its planned fifth restaurant in Colchester will not cause traffic problems despite residents’ concerns.

A HISTORIC railway museum is set to receive £34,000 in emergency funding to help it survive the pandemic.

THE owners of a historic seaside attraction are urging council officials to allow them to start work on the installation of an observation wheel.

Two areas in south Essex have been named as the hardest places to pass your driving test in the county.

One person has been arrested and 22 drivers given tickets after a large car meet in Thurrock and Chelmsford.

Iceland could face legal action from Colchester Council for allegedly flouting planning rules and disturbing residents sleep with deliveries.

A new quay and pier is set to be created in Brightlingsea to boost the town's tourism industry after plans were approved.

Snow showers have been falling across parts of Essex today as a new cold snap has seen temperatures plummet.

A WOMAN from Essex is set to marry a US killer who shot two men after meeting via a prison penpal scheme.

AN eco-conscious group embarked on a litter-pick to clean-up a mess beauty spot.

THE PRIME Minister is set to give the go-ahead for foreign holidays as part of a new traffic light system for travellers, it has been reported.

SNOW has fallen across Essex this morning.

WHEN I first tried to speak with Ben Brown, he was a little preoccupied.

RESTORATION works costing tens of thousands of pounds have been carried out on one of Harwich’s historic landmarks.

Stacey Solomon has said her wedding to Joe Swash is on pause while the couple try to get a licence to get married in the back garden of their new home.

A CHURCH group brought a cross and a heart to the sky over Colchester on Easter Sunday.

TODAY’S spread is a celebration of our Community Champions.

A group of up to 450 cars gathered for a large car meet, prompting warnings they could have their vehicles seized if they didn't return home.

The worried mum of missing student Richard Okorogheye has shared the "complete nightmare" her life has become since the disappearance of her son.

Everyone in England is to be offered free, twice-weekly coronavirus tests as ministers prepare for the next stage of easing lockdown restrictions.

Boris Johnson will hold a Downing Street coronavirus briefing tonight.

PARTY season will descend on Southend this summer with Craig David and McFly set to perform, thanks to a Government funding boost to aid recovery from Covid-19.

Visitors to the outdoors are being urged to say hello to other people, stay on footpaths, and bag and bin their dog’s poo in a new-look Countryside Code.

Colchester resident Dean Wicks is running 2,021 miles this year to raise money for Kidney Research UK.

Colchester's Clothing Clinic has been running a craft lockdown project getting residents to make flowers for a dress.

TWO litter-busting cousins are celebrating after raising more than £2,600 during their fight against rubbish.

Colchester claims it’s Britain’s Oldest Recorded Town. Fine. But can it also claim the Oldest Recorded Hot Cross Bun? Is it time to make a call to Guinness World Records? Colchester historian Andrew Phillips turns detective...

The Colchester branch of Save Our Libraries Essex has written to all Essex County Council election candidates to ask for their support.

CHAMPAGNE, high heels and a singalong to (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles by the Proclaimers was a fitting way to end a month-long fundraising walk.