A SOUTHEND man was left “overwhelmed” when his former stepsister declared her “crush” on him... on national TV.

Essex Police officers seized a vehicle for speeding in Colchester High Street.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a brave young man who “fought to the very end” following a tragic battle with terminal cancer.

Artist Paul Harfleet has brought his Pansy Project, which highlights the issue of homophobic abuse, to Colchester.

Music Warehouse in Colchester is closing after 37 years in the town, with the owner partially blaming a new cycling lane installed outside the shop.

AN illegal immigrant who incurred a £12,000 debt entering the UK took up an illicit job as a cannabis farm gardener in order to repay what he owed.

A GOBSMACKED shopper has spoken of the “horror” he was confronted with after opening a tin of dog food caked in festering mould.

The big screen is returning to Castle Park in Colchester as part of a four-day festival of food and movies.

In his letter, councillor Mark Goacher asks for an undertaking from the new Conservative Cabinet that it will not support the development of the planned 336 student flats in the former bus park (Gazette Letters, May,17, “New Cabinet must reject ...

RETIRING care home manager Pauline Thornton has reflected on her “incredible journey” after half a century of healthcare work.

INTREPID cyclist Deacon Richardson reflected on an “amazing experience” after completing his epic bike ride across the UK.

Two men have been charged in connection with an assault on a rabbi in Essex.

According to the latest Government data Colchester has the highest average Covid infection rate in Essex.

COLCHESTER is among the best areas in the country at punishing flytippers, new research shows.

St Nicholas Street in Colchester town centre is set to be made one way to traffic, if plans are approved.

AN MP has apologised after sparking fury among shoppers by failing to wear his mask properly while shopping in a busy supermarket.

A TEENAGER who stashed a machete down his trousers was stopped by police after "behaving suspiciously" on an e-scooter.

A UNIVERSITY has admitted it made “serious mistakes” after two professors were blocked from taking part in seminars over accusations of transphobia.

Police have confirmed a 17-year-old boy has sadly died following an incident this morning.

HARWICH received the film star treatment as camera crews returned to shoot in locations around the town.

PROVIDING gloriously panoramic views of the district’s beautiful coastline, Clacton’s newest attraction is a welcome addition to the seafront.

Police are looking to find a driver who crashed into a vehicle whilst travelling the wrong way down the A12 between East Bergholt and Stratford.

THE new owner of a bridal shop has said she cannot wait to “make brides’ dreams come true” as she herself prepares to fulfil a life-long goal.

AN inspiring youngster has donated his lengthy locks to children undergoing cancer treatment following his mum’s devastating diagnosis.

HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised for a non-profit animal charity following a successful online raffle.

A COURT date has now been set for a driver who fled on foot after failing to stop for police and crashing his car into a ditch.

OUR recent Nostalgia piece on Myland Primary School brought back painful memories for reader Owen Hay.

A driver crashed into another vehicle whilst travelling the wrong way down the A12 between East Bergholt and Stratford St Mary.

Gazette columnist Alan Hayman asks why he was forced to spend more than £700 on a new but unwanted smartphone because of "planned obsolescence".

A FIRE service is raising awareness of the dangers of hoarding disorder and the fire risk it poses.

AN estate agency firm is supporting local businesses impacted by the pandemic is giving a way hundreds of pounds worth of prizes.

MARKS and Spencer is recalling their date selection over contamination fears.

ELDERLY care home residents marked the anniversary of a momentous war event by holding a party with music and tasty treats.

A FAMILY festival featuring performances of songs from some of the country’s biggest artists is taking place this summer.

A CHARITY launched following the tragic death of a keen sportsman is giving three willing runners the chance to take part in a historic race.

An emotional TikTok video created by former staff of Debenhams in Colchester has gone viral on social media.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman was asked whether minister would consider a return to a tiered system.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent after a rabbi was attacked near his synagogue, police have said.

A man's body has been recovered from the River Orwell in Suffolk after police were called to concerns for the welfare of a person near the Orwell Bridge.

A SUCCESSFUL Paralympian came to town to support an initiative which will help military personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Wivenhoe Town Council's Glyn Evans says now is the time for action on the persistent problems surrounding the River Colne at Hythe in Colchester.

I AM writing in support of the current bid by North Essex Heritage to make Jumbo a national heritage attraction (Gazette, April 9, “Vision for stunning revamp of iconic Jumbo is revealed”).

AN animal-loving care home resident has seen her wish come true after expressing a desire to have a cute and friendly feline to “love and care for.”

THE idea of being prohibited from embracing in a reassuring hug with a loved one sounds like something straight out of a totalitarian fiction.

A TEENAGER with a rare condition is being driven mad by more than 100 noises - including people chewing, pen tapping, sniffing, breathing, walking and snoring.

A PASSIONATE artist is wowing fans after producing a time-lapse video of her latest painting.

A LONG-AWAITED £2.2million “super surgery” has finally been opened in Clacton after almost 20 years of campaigning by patients.

Colchester's air pollution levels put it amongst the 100 worst areas in the UK, according to new DEFRA figures.

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK despite up to 90% of cases being easily preventable.

AN historic town is being used as a filming location for what is believed to be a Downton Abbey cinema sequel.