A martial arts champion has revealed his lifelong fight with epilepsy and how he suffers up to 250 seizures per DAY - half a million in his lifetime.

A resident caused a stir on Facebook by kayaking down Haven Road in Colchester when it had flooded due to high tide.

A BIG-HEARTED outdoor education charity says it is “thrilled” after being given one of the country’s top awards.

AFGHANS who worked with British troops could be resettled in north Essex as part of moves to withdraw remaining Western powers from the wartorn country.

WE'RE heading out onto the sports pitch for today's nostalgia spread thanks to these pictures sent in by former Gilberd School student-turned-teacher Roger Springett.

Paramedics are set to be fitted with body cameras in a bid to stop them being assaulted by members of the public, it has been announced.

A DESPERATE father left out of work during the first coronavirus lockdown fraudulently claimed more than £12,000 in pay for hours he never worked to feed his family.

A DESPERATE mum is continuing to fight to get her baby boy a life-changing dose of the world’s most expensive drug.

A BUS passenger was left in tears after she was subjected to a “disgusting” barrage of verbal abuse by a stranger.

A MAN has been arrested after officers responded to concerns over drug dealing in Clacton.

AN independent inquiry is inviting families of people who died while receiving inpatient mental health treatment at three Essex hospital trusts to get in touch.

KIND-HEARTED fundraisers embarked on a charity walk in memory of a young mum’s daughter who tragically arrived stillborn.

A MAN was caught behind the wheel smelling strongly of alcohol with suspected urine on his trousers after an off-duty police officer raised the alarm, a court heard.

Plans for Colchester's fifth McDonalds at the Turner Rise Retail Park have received fresh opposition... despite a bid to drum up support.

SHOCKED seasiders have sent message of sympathy after a woman died when her caravan was engulfed in flames.

TV presenter Denise van Outen celebrated her 47th birthday with a trip to Mersea Island - posting some lovely pictures on Instagram.

A SEA shanty group from north Essex have penned a song encouraging people to get their Covid jab inspired by the viral Wellerman song.

Any new deaths to have occurred on Tuesday will be recorded in the days to come.

Drivers have been urged to avoid a road in Colchester after a fallen tree blocked the route.

It follows reports of a staffing crisis within hospitality venues, with places struggling to fill thousands of jobs. 

After a week of showing no Covid areas across the whole of north Essex one new cluster has returned to the map.

A PUBLIC consultation is set to take place for a new solar energy farm.

A POST Office branch saved by a town council has opened its doors for the first time.

Back in February, the Prime Minister announced a four-stage plan to end lockdown restrictions in England with the final stage just three weeks away.

Temperatures in Essex will continue to climb this week and could reach as high as 26c - but forecaster have warned of the threat of thunderstorms.

A DOG was left for three hours locked inside a car ... while the owner went to the pub.

Further disruption is expected at Ipswich Road in Colchester due to repairs to the Cowdray bridge getting underway from Monday, June 7.

Work to create Colchester's third Lidl supermarket is underway, with photos showing progress at the former Homebase site, in St Andrew's Avenue.

Colchester nightclub Atik will be offering GoPros to drinkers this summer to help them remember their boozy nights out.

This summer in north Essex is set to be spectacular with the launch of KAT Marketing and Tendring Council's Octopus Ahoy! project.

Gazette Camera Club member Jon Allard tells us about his love of photographer as part of our Behind the Lens feature.

Residents have hit out at Tendring's Council's new home in Lotus Way, Jaywick, claiming they block their light.

The Government is considering paying teachers to add an extra 30 minutes to the school day in England under leaked proposals to help pupils overcome a year of disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

FAMILIES flocked to the seafront to watch Clacton Pier’s first free fireworks extravaganza of 2021.

AN elderly woman was injured in a suspected acid attack after a boy who was being chased by a gang took refuge in her home.

DINERS on a floating restaurant had to be rescued by lifeboat crews after it ran aground and became stuck in the mud.

A CLACTON-based charity dedicated to helping youngsters stay out of trouble came to the aid of a child who was being exploited by a county lines drug gang.

Three woman from Essex, and one from Wiltshire, are set to row across the Pacific Ocean to raise money for charity.

Visit Essex has launched its new tourism campaign to promote the wonderful Essex coast.

A DRINK driver who crashed into two vehicles while she carried a child as a passenger has narrowly avoided a jail sentence.

The new community art and charity project Octopus Ahoy! takes place this month across north Essex.

Octopus Ahoy! is an engaging, family-friendly art trail taking pride of place in parks, on streets and in open spaces across the Tendring District.

Sunseekers flocked to parks and beaches to enjoy the sunny weather across the UK over Bank Holiday weekend.

Ministers are considering a £15billion plan to help pupils make up for lost time in classrooms.

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

HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for a “no-nonsense” landlady who spent 30 years running one of Southend’s most iconic seafront pubs.

A THUG attacked a woman before going on an illegal driving rampage and smashing a window at McDonald's.

A new Crown Decorating Centre has opened in Smeaton Close, in the Severalls Industrial Estate in Colchester.

Amusingly, three in 100 (3%) non-drivers admit that they are ‘too lazy’ to learn to drive. 

The UK’s vaccination programme is offering a “false sense of security” amid a mounting third wave of infections, according to Government advisers who have called for next month’s unlocking to be delayed.