Gareth Southgate is hoping to lead England to Euro 2020 glory tomorrow night

RICHARD Harris is taking on a charity bike ride this month and, by his own admission, there is an ironic twist to his fundraising efforts.

Downton Abbey fans hoping to catch a glimpse of an Essex town in the latest film will have to wait a bit longer.

The race is on for a group to raise £45,000 by 2026 in an attempt to secure a 999-year lease on a pocket of land providing a sanctuary away from the chaos of the busy world.

This week the Prime Minister confirmed the legal requirement to wear a mask and social distance will be lifted after freedom day.

Plans have been revealed to create two new office buildings on the car park at the old Norfolk pub in Colchester.

REPAIR works are set to force a three-day road closure in Colchester.

ESSEX is an animal cruelty hotspot, newly released figures from the RSCPA have revealed.

DURING the past few weeks a number of pupils and staff from schools in Essex have tested positive for Covid-19.

Almost 800 violent or sexual offences were reported in Colchester in May as police received reports of more than 1,900 crimes in the borough.

More than 70 "outstanding" Essex schools are set to face inspectors for the first time since controversial exemptions were axed.

A further 100 cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus have been recorded in Colchester, latest figures reveal.

Spin is offering residents of Colchester free e-scooter training sessions at Firstsite in the town centre.

The company claim the new supermarket product is a first of its kind in the UK.

Tommy Smith has signed a contract extension at Colchester United

Colchester United have made seven signings so far this summer

An entire year group at Philip Morant School in Colchester are learning from home until the end of term due to a Covid 'outbreak'.

Colchester Council's new Tory-led administration has moved to reverse the cut made to councillors' locality budgets.

The construction firm which was set to build the new Trinity School in Colchester has pulled out - leading to even more delays.

A man will face trial after denying the murder of Mary Wells, 21, who was found stabbed to death at a home in Greenstead, Colchester.

A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of several offences after a vehicle smashed into a parked car and a police officer was assaulted.

COLCESTRIANS are being invited to join members of the Lion Walk United Church for a weekend of reflection and celebration.

The Home Office spent more than £370,000 to settle a top civil servant’s tribunal claim after he quit amid allegations of Priti Patel’s bullying, accounts confirm.

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for across Essex on Friday, with heavy rain set to lead to flooding in some areas.

An England super-fan has just covered the final inch of his house in England flags ahead of the final of the Euros - and he reckons the boys have it in the bag.

The best and worst surgeries across north Essex have been ranked in the GP Patient Survey 2021.

LOVED up lemurs have given birth to a second baby in Colchester Zoo, and it now needs a name.

A SECONDARY school will now be able to offer additional extra-curricular activities for sport-loving students after receiving essential funding.

Here's the weather forecast for Colchester in advance of England's Euro 2020 final showdown with Italy on Sunday.

LIFEBOAT volunteers were tasked with rescuing people reportedly stuck in mud.

A 6m tall fairytale castle is set to be set up in Culver Square Shopping Centre in Colchester once again this Christmas.

Here are the latest coronavirus stats for Colchester - with cases rising across the borough.

A FURTHER two year groups will now not return to school until after the summer holidays after staff and students tested positive for coronavirus.

A CHARITY is hosting a celebratory event to commemorate the milestone anniversary of an organisation which provides support to veterans and their families.

FLATFORD Mill is celebrating the 200th anniversary of John Constable’s iconic landscape painting The Hay Wain.

A POPULAR Chinese takeaway has closed its doors after serving up delicious meals to seasiders for nearly two decades.

A COMMUNITY team of volunteers have joined forces with law professionals in a bid to help residents gain access to legal advice.

A NEW stand-up comedy night is to make its début in Colchester next month thanks to the efforts of a pharmacy worker.

SCHOOLCHILDREN have been using football to learn about new countries and boost their geography skills.

LUCIA Campanella will be smiling and cheering whatever the outcome of Sunday’s European Championship final.

Football fans are calling for employers to consider allowing workers to come in late or take the day off if England win the Euro 2020 final.

Katie Price has defended travelling to a red-listed country for cosmetic surgery.

THE owner of a well-known beach hut has joined forces with a famous and magical nanny with the hope of bringing joy to as many people as possible.

THE owner of a sweet treats trailer has told how an “inspirational” teenager he employed has opened his eyes about those with learning difficulties.

Do I have to download the NHS COVID-19 app? What happens when it pings?

DOZENS of “outstanding” Essex schools are set to face Ofsted inspectors for the first time since controversial exemptions were axed.

A DIRECTOR’S “utterly bonkers” new movie has been given the green light to shoot in a seaside town after film fans raised thousands of pounds.

IS football coming home - or going to Rome?

Residents wanting to watch England Vs Italy in the Euro 2020 final can visit Nightflix outdoor cinema in Stanway - and there's no need to book.

A BURGLAR who embarked on a spree of raids targeted five homes in Colchester and snatched possessions including a drone and an ornamental knife.