AS the nation mourns the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, marking the end of her tremendous 70-year reign, we look back to the joyful time she visited Colchester in 1985.

Royal artist Richard Stone got to know the Queen better than most when painting her portraits

AN experienced vet has said it “feels amazing” to be just days away from the long-awaited opening of her very own surgery following years of hard work.

ROYALISTS from north Essex have said witnessing the historic moment the Queen’s coffin passed through London brought tears to their eyes.

Prices are about 5p lower than they were a month ago

AHEAD of the Queen's funeral on Monday, many residents saddened by the news of her death will no doubt be wanting to honour her memory in their own way.

A series of restrictions have been imposed against him

MORE than 700 adorable dogs in north and mid Essex are currently without a home, according to data published as part of a heart-breaking study.

There are a few pubs for sale around Essex on Rightmove

It was a former passenger ferry operating for more than 70 years.

Earlier this year, hundreds of people across the country were awarded honours by the Queen as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

ACROSS Colchester, residents can get a glimpse at the town’s history by observing a number of special plaques scattered over the town.

Readers have their say on uniforms being scrapped.

Are you going?

People from across the country have been invited to mourn the death of Her Majesty the Queen at her lying-in-state - here's my experience.

GOOD Morning Britain has received more than 50 complaints following an interview with Katie Price.

Essex will have a few closures affecting the M25, A12 and Dartford Crossing in the early hours of the morning over the weekend from September 16-18

The Bishop broke the minute's silence with a prayer for the Queen

A BIG-HEARTED donor could be set to hang up his running shoes after completing a top marathon with the girl he helped save.

DRIVERS are being warned of delays following a collision on the A12.

He is due to return to court next week

A veteran made an MBE in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours has been invited to attend the late monarch’s funeral.

She shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before running towards two women

He has had his licence handed back to him after a ban

TWO women were knocked unconscious during a brutal fight in Clacton town centre.

Ryanair and easyJet passengers flying to and from Essex airports are being affected by a French air traffic control strike today.

A FORMER Billericay headteacher has appeared in court charged with child sex offences.

DRIVERS are facing delays after a road in a coastal town became blocked due to an incident.

Essex Police has recommended installing video doorbells to deter criminals

Tickets are available now.

The awards is sponsored by Tiptree.

COASTAL villagers will gaze skywards and marvel at a canvas of exploding colours later this year during a special seafront spectacle.

AN investigation has been launched after two people were reportedly caught tampering with the engine of a car a motorist was selling.

The plans have been approved

SHOCKED metal detectorist found Edwardian gold coin worth up to £1,500 on a farm near Clacton.

PETER Dutch, founder of the Colchester Anti Loo Roll Brigade and organizer of the Anti Loo Roll Brigade Festival, which took Castle Park by storm last Saturday, has confirmed plans are ongoing for next year’s event.

The foursome had been enjoying heavily drinking together

Wilkin and Sons has had a Royal Warrant since 1911.

YOUNG troublemakers armed with eggs and an urge to launch them are causing concern among residents of an otherwise quaint and quiet seaside town.

They will be swapping the ambulance for the campervan next week.

A MAN has been jailed for child sex offences after being caught in the act online by specialist officers.

COLCHESTER’S fifth McDonald’s has applied to Colchester Borough Council for a license to operate a late night service at their Turner Rise Retail Park location.

An independent investigation into his care was launched after the incident

The former England captain has been spotted queuing in London as he joined thousands waiting to pay respects to the Queen.

TikTok sees Brits scrolling through endless videos of cooking recipes, comedy and dance routines.

The Food Standards Agency has issued a ‘do not eat’ warning

Two police officers were stabbed in London on Friday morning, the Metropolitan Police said.

The strain of Covid has been found to show milder symptoms, comparable to the common cold.

He portrayed Mr Morris in Friday Night Dinner and had roles in soaps including Eastenders.

A MAN has been charged with murder as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Colchester.