Marks and Spencer's new Stane Park Retail store in Stanway will welcome its first customers from 9am today. Follow us for the latest on the big launch.

Live updates with all the latest traffic, travel and other news from across Essex

BRAINTREE’S MP has called his promotion an "honour" after being announced as the new Foreign Secretary following the election of Liz Truss as the country's new Prime Minister.

Penny says: "I’m Penny Polar Bear. I live with my mummy and my other mummy."

The store opened just hours after the High Street store closed

It has submitted more plans this week

Colchester Council has the final say

A NEW memorial bench has been unveiled at Colchester Cemetery, acting as a memorial for those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Their visit was organised by a charity.

THE annual Eco Fest proved to be a success, with 4,500 attendees flooding Castle Park to take part in activities and discover new ways of living sustainably.

AN off-duty officer catches and arrests alleged thief while shopping in Colchester.

AN eco-coconscious group of litter pickers were left “shocked but not surprised” after discovering a throng of supermarket trolleys dumped in a nature reserve.

The opening by Marks and Spencer of a new store at Stane Park, Stanway, will bring “chaos, congestion and confusion” throughout the area.

The violent attack took place in Colchester's city centre

It is understood two people have been arrested

Live updates and reaction as Marks and Spencer leaves Colchester High Street with store closure

Live updates with all the latest traffic, travel and other news from across Essex

RESIDENTS have grown frustrated with the lack of access to a historic beauty spot on the days before it hosts huge events, according to a councillor.

 Lancaster is the tenth ugliest in the UK with Derry, Durham, Sunderland and other cities also making the list.

Virgin, BT and Sky Broadband customers have been warned against turning off their internet routers at night amid soaring energy prices.

The store has closed after having run in Colchester High Street since the 1930s.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented footballer and “even better guy” who will be “deeply missed but never forgotten” following a fatal car crash.

Police inquiries into the incident continue

The amount of money offered to the council is close to £1m

The 31-year-old was spared a prison sentence

There has been a M&S in the town since 1911

A woman in her twenties claims she was attacked by a man

NORTH Essex’s St Helena Hospice supported almost 2,000 patients and families facing incurable illness and bereavement across the Tendring district in the past year.

RADIO X presenter, Chris Moyles, is set to arrive in Colchester at some point this week as part of the shows Prize Dump Tour.

MALDON’S MP has said he wouldn’t rule himself out of accepting a cabinet role if approach by Liz Truss.

A PICTURE house renowned for its affordability has decided to not increase ticket prices, ensuring everyone has access to the movies during the cost of living crisis.

Officers are investigating an alleged hate crime where a teenage boy was assaulted and subjected to "homophobic abuse" in Basildon.

A CARE home opened its doors to families, friends and loved ones for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic for a celebratory event.

A SUPERMARKET giant partnered up with charities across Essex to ensure thousands of families would not go hungry during the school holidays.

SPACEMAN star Sam Ryder has revealed details about his much-anticipated debut album.

PET owners using ‘doggy day care’ or similar facilities are being urged to check if the providers are licensed.

ASPIRING rockers are being encouraged to sign-up to a community initiative which strives to introduce youngsters to the joys of performing.

THE former home secretary has said she looks forward to focusing on Witham after resigning from the cabinet yesterday.

A PAIR of witnesses who were sought by police in connection with the discovery of human remains in the River Stour have been identified.

CHARITIES and community groups which “go that extra mile” were celebrated and treated to an exciting day at a seaside attraction by a fast-food restaurant.

The festival has also collaborated with a football team.

He has been found safely

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build up to 55 houses on land near Abberton Reservoir are set to be approved by a planning committee this week.

The gardens were overjoyed with the success on the day

He also spoke about staying positive through tough periods

Campaigners have called it a 'sad day'

VISITORS flocked to Colchester city centre as a popular sci-fi and superhero event returned for its tenth anniversary.

They bypassed an alarm and broke into the visitor centre

A total of £260,000 is being spent to improve the availability of adult community learning in Essex’s poorest areas.

The Christmas cash boost will not need to be repaid and will not affect any other benefits you may receive.