FIREFIGHTERS have given smoking safety advice after a cigar sparked a shed fire.

A CONSERVATION group has raised concerns over how a developer has been conducting itself in gaining support for a planning application.

DAREDEVIL midwives will be taking part in a skydive in a bid to raise cash for a stillbirth and neonatal death charity.

A SINGER-SONGWRITER who has been writing music for quarter of a century has told of his excitement as he prepares to release his debut single.

Colchester former leading Lib Dem and Labour coalition has announced its new shadow cabinet to take on the new Tory-led administration.

Save Our Libraries Essex believes that the threat of many libraries morphing into community hubs manned by volunteers remains.

Here is a first look at the new glamping side in Brantham, Constable Park, before it opens to its first guests in July.

Colchester residents Alan Ayres was caught with 17 wraps of cannabis by officers.

A bomb disposal team were called to Middlewick Ranges in Colchester after a teenager found a historic mortar round.

ELEVEN phone numbers used by drug dealing gangs in west Essex have been shut down as part of a police operation.

A GOOD Samaritan who was trying to cool down an argument was assaulted and left unconscious after a man launched an attack on him.

A DRINK driver who caused a collision which left a cyclist seriously injured, and then drove off from the scene, has been sentenced.

ESSEX Police say they are on the scene of an incident in Kirby Cross and are warning of a "loud bang".

TWO motorcyclists were injured after a collision on a country road between two villages.

Boris Johnson has married Carrie Symonds in a low-key ceremony planned in strict secrecy.

THE rules for recycling cans and glass across Colchester are changing this week.

Here are the new bars, cafes and restaurants which have opened recently in Colchester or are set to open soon - perfect for visiting now lockdown has relaxed.

This interactive map shows where radioactive gas radon is present in north Essex which is colourless, odourless and tasteless.

These are the rose gardens in Essex opening as part of the National Garden Scheme in June and July.

A HORSE which was struggling to get back onto its feet was given a helping hand by firefighters.

A LIFEBOAT crew was rushed to the rescue of a man who had fallen from a fishing vessel into the water.

Readers have been voting on what is the most beautiful street in Colchester town centre - here's what they choose

WITH the rules relaxing and the weather warming up, here are a selection of Essex attractions and activities residents can look forward to this May half-term.

By Sir Bob Russell

A historic former wheelwrights cottage dating from the 16th century has gone up for sale in Essex - for £700,000.

HERE are the death notices published in the Gazette this week:

Essex County Council is consulting on plans to transform Colchester town centre, creating new cycle and walking routes.

Colchester may not be the first place that springs to mind when we think of the term ‘luxury homes’.

New figures show how bike crime was impacted by lockdown in Essex, with there being a sharp drop.

Experts predict that warmer temperatures are on the way this weekend which could bring risk to drivers.

School’s out but the McDonald’s offers are in!

Boris Johnson has reportedly married Carrie Symonds in a ceremony planned in strict secrecy.

A MAN has been charged as part of an investigation into the sale of drugs in Colchester.

AN APPEAL for information has been made following an assault which left a man with injuries to his head and face.

TWO men were stabbed in an early morning incident which has seen parts of a busy high street closed today.

AN IMAGE of a man has been released by police after the theft of a vehicle in Great Notley.

POLICE are seeking a man who claimed to be a police officer and attempted to illegally take money from an elderly woman.

A FESTIVAL is set to flush away the memories of missed events over the past year and get the community dancing again.

We interview Kevin Bentley, Colchester councillor and new leader of Essex County Council, on his priorities for Essex.

AS we all hope the ongoing pandemic is drawing to a close, many are looking forward to future plans.

Angie Jones' new book, Walks in The Slow Lanes of Essex, showcases some of the best walking routes in Essex.

DRIVERS should be aware of long-term road closures on Mersea Island.

A CHEF has swapped kitchen utensils for a keyboard to write about his “tumultuous journey” living with diabetes.

STANSTED Airport is welcoming travellers back with a £70million baggage system revamp.

Clacton Pier is hosting a bumper Bank Holiday weekend of family fun, including fireworks, this weekend.

ESSEX Police are among the forces with the highest number of drugs seized, figures have revealed.

Here are five of the venues in Colchester town centre where you'll be able to watch Euro 2020 this summer, provided Covid restrictions aren't tightened.

WITH the weather set to finally show some signs of summer this weekend, it is the perfect time for a stroll outside with the family - particularly with a Bank Holiday weekend on the way.

The new leader of Essex County Council says there will be no library closures –a stark U-turn after years of turmoil and one of the council’s most controversial plans.

Take a look at our gallery of Google Maps which shows how Colchester has changed over the past decade.