Live updates as Colchester is awarded city status to mark the Queen's platinum jubilee

Essex will have a few closures affecting the M25, A12 and Dartford Crossing in the early hours of the morning over the weekend from May 20-22

MOTIVATED police officers have issued a stark warning to motorists driving irresponsibly in a town centre.

A DRIVER faced a long walk home after their car was seized by police officers.

Accountant and councillor Tom Kane has been appointed to the role

YOUNGSTERS enjoyed a unique tradition as Harwich’s mayor took on a second term in office.

It joins seven other locations in receiving the royal honour

Police have dealt with dozens of reports of break-ins

The town centre was found to break three World Health Organisation limits

COLCHESTER’S long-awaited shift to city-status has been hailed as a historic moment in which “we all share pride”.

The landmark announcement has been made this morning

What does city status mean as the eight Jubilee cities are named?

Councils around the country are in the process of paying out the £150 council tax rebate

The supermarket operates more than 300 petrol stations across the UK.

The Food Standards Agency has warned consumers not to drink the affected product.

There's just over a month until Fathers Day, that means there's plenty of time to get prepared and start buying before everything sells out.

Treat your Dad to new scents from some of the biggest brands from the perfume retailer's Father's Day favourites range.

THE whirring of some of the country’s finest cyclists lit up a town centre during a thrilling evening of racing.

The 10th annual Paras’10 was held in Colchester

Eurovision runner up Sam Ryder has been asked to join the stellar list of performer

The green spaces project is back and residents will see more areas left to grow out until September.

AN independent business owner has said “being kind does not cost anything” after gifting a pair of fresh trainers to a homeless man.

Essex County Council has elected to buy the site

Two hurt in crash between sports car and a van

Dead puppies were found in the freezer at two properties

A POLITICIAN has called on the Government to mastermind an urgent package to mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on his constituents.

PASSENGERS are being invited onboard to have a look around a brand-new Greater Anglia train.

The production is in memory of Tony Mortimer

The Essex Wildlife Trust bring back their June challenge to get people outdoors.

12-year-old Isla Widdowson will not be putting her feet up when the Jubilee Bank Holiday comes around next month...

A NEW trail celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and encouraging people to explore the district has been launched in Tendring.

A MUSEUM will be unable to open this weekend as a result of staff shortages.

A MAN had to be cut free from a vehicle by firefighters after a nasty crash left him trapped.

A GRIEVING family say a hospital failed to act quickly enough over a heart condition, leading to a mother’s death.

WORK on an art project continued as a famous sculptor hit the shores of Harwich to do some calculations.

She says her daughter was threatened with a knife

HUNDREDS of cards were sent from across the world to a special lady who celebrated her 107th birthday in style.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a car failed to stop at the scene of a crash.

A PRESCHOOL has made positive strides after receiving the top rating in its most recent Ofsted inspection.

New LED street lights are making their way around Colchester.

A FOOTBALL club owner has been urged to make this year’s summer signing a new car park barrier to help crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

AN historic deal for a site earmarked for hugely controversial £40 million plans to be purchased has been struck.

Blueprints have been submitted for a 100,000-panel solar power plant

The work has been described as “unacceptable”

It happened over a two month period

The stronger version of the classic Brewdog Punk IPA beer will be available in 330ml bottles

Here's a selection of BBQs and pizza ovens that are ideal for Platinum Jubilee celebrations in your garden.

Here's a selection of things you'll find in Aldi and Lidl middle aisles from Thursday, May 19.

Aldi's popular garden water feature is back in stock. How to get yours.

The new regal pack comes with 30 beautifully presented cards showing iconic moments from across Queen Elizabeth II's life and reign.