Partygoers in Essex have been urged to avoid celebrating the start of a New Year by with sky lanterns because of the danger posed to wildlife.

The RSPCA says the Chinese lanterns, which have been banned from flight from Essex County Council land, will fatally harm wildlife, livestock and other animals.

Cattle have died after bits have fallen into their feed, baby birds abandoned by their parents after being spooked, while scraps of balloons have choked horses and dogs.

David Bowles, from the RSPCA, said: "Sadly, many people are unaware of the potentially deadly consequences the release of sky lanterns can have for wildlife and other animals.

"Their sale has already been banned in countries such as Austria, Germany, and Malta and we would like to see local authorities up and down the country ban their use so this needless suffering can end.

"Sky lanterns - along with fireworks and balloons - may seem like innocent ways to celebrate the New Year, but if used carelessly they can terrify, injure and kill all animals - wildlife, livestock and pets.

"There are so many ways that people can have fun on New Year's Eve which will not cause problems for animals, and sometimes the extra thought and care can end up making the event even more special."

As we box away the Christmas decorations and return to normality in preparation for the New Year, it's fair to ask ourselves – what is there to look forward to in 2015?

There's no football World Cup, no Summer Olympics and few notable anniversaries that come to mind.

We think Essex however, home to a multitude of events and multi-million pound developments, is bucking the trend.

We've compiled a list of nine things to get excited about.

• 1. John Lewis development in Chelmsford

Groundwork starts on a £120 million project to build a three-storey John Lewis department store, 20 shops, five restaurants and a Cineworld on Sunday, January 4. Impressive machinery will be seen towering over the hoarding blocking off the Bond Street car park. The project is due for completion in autumn 2016.

• 2. Chelmsford City Racecourse

Galloping horses will race down the track at Great Leighs, based in Moulsham Hall Lane off the A131, on Sunday, January 11, for the first time in six years. The fixture will be the first of 58 race days in 2015 in front of a 3,000-capacity grandstand, complete with bars and restaurants. Ticket prices start from £15. For more information see: www.chelmsfordcityracecourse.com

• 3. V Festival

The 20th annual V Festival in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, in August. The 2014 festival, the first not to sell out in at least 10 years, faced a barrage of criticism from music fans unhappy with the line-up. Let's hope organisers answer the critics with an almighty collection of artists in 2015.

• 4. Maldon Mud Race

The hugely successful Maldon Mud Race, which has been running since the 1970s, will return once again for the spring.

• 5. Chelmsford City FC promotion battle

After a poor season last year, with the team dropping into 17th place, Chelmsford City FC appear to be in with a chance of promotion into the Conference Premier. The Melbourne team sit in eighth place, two slots off the play-off places. Get behind the Clarets before the season's end in April 2015.

• 6. Essex County Cricket Club development

The first of four tower blocks being built beside the cricket ground and the River Can in Chelmsford should be ready for residents to move into by September. It's part of an £85 million project which includes increasing the ground's capacity from 4,500 to 7,500.

• 7. Southend Airshow & Military Festival

The event, formerly known as the Southend Airshow, briefly became no more when Southend Borough Council announced it would close the show in 2013 due to a lack of funding. But a campaign saved the historic event last year. It will take place September 12-13.

• 8. Chelmsford Marathon

Great Baddow-based charity and event organiser The J's Hospice has promised the second annual Chelmsford Marathon in October will be even better. More than 1,000 ran through the parks this year along a multi-terrain route, but runners found the distance deviated slightly from the 26.2-mile standard.

• 9. Chelmsford Railway Station development

Abellio Greater Anglia is spending £3.2 millon on giving the second busiest station in the country a new stair tower, ticket office and shops. But the company has delayed construction. Work will be completed apparently some time in 2015.

The family of tragic Ashley Woolley have today decided to celebrate what would have been the student's 19th birthday.

The 18-year-old was fatally stabbed in Oaklands Park on December 18, while on his way to college, leaving his friends and family devastated and a community shocked by the incident.

Ashley died less than two weeks shy of his 19^th birthday, and his friends have bravely decided to go ahead with the party they had planned for him.

"His birthday will be hard. He would have wanted people to be happy and laughing, but it's hard not to be sad right now. But we want to have Ashley's party as he planned, and celebrate his life. We'd love to have him with us on his birthday but sadly he isn't," explained Ashley's dad Trevor Woolley, 45.

"My little Ash, it's amazing to see how many lives he touched, and is still touching.

"They had planned a big party and they are still going ahead with that. They asked me to go, and I'd love to because it's nice for me to see his friends.

"When I speak to all his friends I now see how much he was the life of the party. I bet he's up there now laughing his little head off."

As well as Ashley's friends continuing with the planned party, other members of Ashley's family visited the sea of flowers and cards that had been left outside Oaklands Park, adding birthday decorations to the tributes.

"We wanted to celebrate his birthday, and put up some balloons," explained Ashley's cousin Natalie Bliss, 25.

"The big thing is this is us saying 'happy birthday'. As upsetting as it is to come here and do it like this, I know he is up there and happy."

Ashley's second cousin Gail Bliss, 24, added: "He'd be smiling down saying 'cheer up, it's my birthday'."

"I said that even if it's raining we should come down here and do something for him, if it rained we just would have laminated the cards."

The family has previously thanked everyone for the outpouring of support, with tributes to the popular teen coming from his old school, The Boswells School, as well as Chelmsford College, friends and even strangers.

"The support has been a big help," Natalie said. "There are still people coming to Oaklands Park every day, people are still laying flowers here.

"It's only just starting to sink in, and sometimes it still doesn't feel real. I will always think of him as my smiley little cousin, but it's hit me that he'll never see his 21^st birthday, we won't get to celebrate his wedding with him, we'll never see him have children.

"But I wanted to come here today, this is where I feel close to him, and we wanted to do something for his birthday."

Health chiefs at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford have reiterated the need for people without life threatening illnesses or injuries to avoid using its A&E department this winter.

Nurses treat around 80 people a day who do not need to be there, including patients who want assistance with common colds and hangovers.

The warning comes a fortnight after health bosses urged people to stay away from A&E unless absolutely necessary, as it could not cope with demand.

Kevin Kiff, clinical director of critical and emergency care at Mid Essex Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We've had up to 300 emergencies through the doors of A&E in a single day this holiday period – making our emergency service one of the busiest in Essex."

"However, not everyone who comes into A&E needs to be there. The message I want to share is please use A&E wisely."

Residents are asked to explore other healthcare or self-care options to allow trained A&E doctors and nurses to treat the truly sick patients as well as the elderly and frail, especially as the cold weather intensifies.

One alternative is to phone 111, a free NHS service open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is available for people who require medical help but not emergency support.

The achievements of more than two dozen people in Essex have been recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

Among those representing the county at Buckingham Palace in the New Year, are David Amess, MP for Southend West, who has been knighted for political and public services, while Julian Cook of Colchester will be made an Order of the Bath for services to the preparation of legislation.

Jeremy Moore, 62, of Third Avenue in Chelmsford, said he thought somebody was playing a prank on him when the letter dropped through his door.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) liasion officer was appointed an OBE for his services to road safety and policing.

He said: "I actually laughed when I opened the letter at the end of November. I thought someone was playing a joke on me.

"But when it sunk in that I was being invited to the palace by the Prime Minister on behalf of the Queen I was absolutely over the moon.

"I've had to keep it under my hat for four weeks which has been extremely difficult. You soon find out how good you are at keeping secrets when this sort of thing happens."

'Rabbiting on'

Mr Moore has served in his current role for 14 years and has been the driving force behind many schemes to reduce the number of road casualties, including running the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme.

The married father-of-three plans to get his letter framed, but first he has to pick who will accompany him to Buckingham Palace, as he is only allowed to bring three guests.

He said: "My wife Jennifer will definitely come, but my youngest son, Tim, who is 36, lives in Australia and he told me he will fly home for the occasion which won't make my life any easier.

"But I'm really looking forward to it; I'm quite verbose so I need to plan what I want to say to the Queen if she is the one handing me my award as she won't want to hear me rabbiting on."

Also appointed an OBE are Islington Council chief community services lawyer Uma Mehta of Billericay for her services to children as, while Denis Myers of Ingatestone is to be recognised for his services to occupational safety and health.

Dunmow resident Amanda Phillips, executive principal of Paradigm Trust, is made an OBE for services to education, as is Judith Salter of Benfleet, the headteacher of Glenwood Special School.

John Terry, of Colchester, is to be recognised with the same award for his services to Classical Architecture and John Morris is also to be appointed OBE for his services to education as headteacher of Ardleigh Green Junior School.

Of the 1,164 people recognised, 579 successful candidates are women, representing half of the list, which is reflected by the make-up of the Essex contingent, with 11 female candidates.

Richard Burlend of Great Dunmow is to be awarded an MBE for his services to defence as a mechanical engineer for the Ministry of Defence while SEN co-ordinator, Raymond Coe, of Benfleet, is made an MBE for his services to education and the Newham Community for the Royal Docks Community School in London.

Essex Police special constable Derek Hopkins, of Witham, is to be recognised with an MBE for his services to the community. Peter Holman, of Colchester, is given the same honour for services to early music.

Joan Lythgoe, of Canvey Island, is to be given an MBE for her services to the disabled and Annemarie Naylor of Colchester is to receive the same honour for her services to community asset ownership.

Susan Wigglesworth, Colchester, is to be recognised with an MBE for her services to the community in Polstead and South Suffolk while Nicholas Wright, chairman of willow cricket bat makers J S Wright and Sons is also made an MBE for services to the manufacturing industry.

Half a dozen other recipients will also be given the Medallist of the Order of the British Empire award.

Dr Leslie Atkinson, of Manuden, is to be made a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire for services to the community in Manuden as is Leonora Chiddicks for parliamentary service as office manager for the Parliamentary Security Director in the House of Commons.

Community stalwart, Janet Davies, of Colchester, will receive the same honour for services to the community in Great Totham while Elaine Dixon, also of Colchester, will be made a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire for services to Higher Education and charitable fundraising.

Mohammed Amal El-Haji, of Buckhurst Hill, will be given the same honour for services to the Ministry of Justice while Archibald Shepherd, of Chelmsford, will also be recognised for services to young people in Surrey.

WORKERS at City Link's Chelmsford depot were left jobless on Christmas Day after it emerged the parcel delivery service had gone into administration.

The 48 members of staff, some of whom had worked 14-hour shifts to get presents delivered in time for Christmas, heard of the company's collapse at the same time as frustrated Christmas customers as they tuned in to the ten o'clock news.

Rumours of a takeover had been circulating at the depot in Dukes Way industrial estate, near Chelmer Village, but the news still shocked most of the workforce.

John Butcher, 45, of Molrams Lane, Sandon, said: "I got a text from a colleague at 9pm on Christmas Day telling me to keep an eye on the ten o'clock news because he thought something might be announced – little did I know it would be telling me that I'd lost my job.

"It was such a kick in the teeth. I've been working from 6am until 8pm, six days a week, in the run-up to Christmas and this is the thanks I get. I'm gutted; I worked with some lovely people who are all going to lose their jobs."

RMT, the union working with administrators Ernst & Young, has estimated that around 2,000 of a 2,727-strong workforce will now lose their jobs today (New Year's Eve).

A statement released on Monday (December 29) from the joint administrators of City Link Limited divulged that the company will have to make "substantial redundancies" as a result of the company being unable to continue trading and accept further parcels.

It is estimated that 40,000 packages remain undelivered in depots across the country, and parcels have subsequently been turned away from the Coventry head office as well as transport hubs at Heathrow, Peterborough and Warrington and 53 depots throughout the UK.

The statement continued that the company formerly known as City Link has started informing employees of the potential for significant redundancies via a series of employee meetings.

Employees affected by redundancy will be offered advice and support in making claims for redundancy and notice pay.

However, employees not immediately affected by redundancy will continue to be paid for the returning of parcels and assisting in winding down the company's operations. Administrators will then confirm redundancies.

Mr Butcher, a stepfather of two, had been working for City Link for four months.

He said: "I'm owed just under £6,000, which was my last month's wages. This is our busiest time of the year and the time when we make a lot of money. I was looking forward to getting a nice Christmas pay packet and now I have to tell people that I can't afford to pay the mortgage or the utility bills.

"I'm just full of resentment that the company has done everything in its power to maximise its profits and has then completely hung its employees out to dry."

Bosses at the Chelmsford depot were quick to quell any whispers that the company was on the brink of meltdown just days before the eventual collapse, as posters were put up threatening civil action against rumour-mongering employees, claimed John.

Depots reopened on Monday and will remain open for a short time to enable customers and intended recipients to collect their parcels.

IT was a mixed weekend for the Chelmsford Chieftains.

On Saturday the ice hockey side made the trip to Lee Valley, the temporary home of Romford, now London (formerly Romford) Raiders.

Chieftains needed to bounce back from the previous week's defeat at the hands of Invicta Dynamos and they responded in style.

A four-goal haul from Czech Martin Piecha, a double from Darren Brown and further goals from Michael Ranby and Jamey Ayling secured an 8-3 win, closing the gap on Invicta to just one point with two games in hand.

On Sunday, Chieftains were at Riverside for the final game of 2014. Facing them were the Raiders for the second time over the weekend, but this time it was Isle of Wight-based Wightlink Raiders.

Chieftains made a dream start and Piecha was on target once more as Chieftains found themselves ahead with just 1:34 on the clock.

Chieftains looked to build on their lead but, as normal, Wightlink player/coach Jeremy Cornish had his defence well-drilled and the Chieftains had to be satisfied with a slender 1-0 lead at the end of the first period.

In the second period Wightlink came out firing on all cylinders and were level at 21:27, Richard Facey the scorer.

This lifted the visitors and only some solid stops from Euan King in the Chieftains net prevented them from getting the go-ahead goal and the period ended all square at 1-1.

Both teams had their chances in the final period, but both failed to take those opportunities as the game wound down and the points were shared.

Wightlink would be happier with the point than the Chieftains as, once again, Invicta Dynamos took maximum points, meaning that Chieftains end 2015 in second place, two points behind Dynamos with two games in hand.

Next weekend Chieftains travel to Wightlink to face the Raiders once again on Saturday.

On Sunday, Swindon Wildcats from the Premier League are the visitors to Riverside as the Chieftains play their last game in the English Challenge Cup. Face-off is at 6.30pm.

AS FAMILIES box away the decorations, gobble up the turkey leftovers and slowly adjust to returning post-holiday normality, people are also finding creative ways to throw away their Christmas trees.

Thousands of people in mid Essex are being urged to donate their unwanted conifers to the council, a zoo and a charity.

Broomfield-based Farleigh Hospice aims to collect at least 200 trees from peoples' homes to raise £1,500 towards its funding pot.

Three-acre Butts Green Garden Centre in Mayes Lane, Sandon, meanwhile, has donated 50 trees to Colchester Zoo after it had plenty left over from the festive period.

"We're animal-lovers here and I don't want to burn them, that would be criminal, and I don't want them to be cut," said manager Beth Devine.

"Sadly enough, after doing rounds in other garden centres to see if it's something we're doing wrong, it seems there is a lot of leftover trees elsewhere too."

Fifteen volunteers in five vans, including Farleigh's own branded vehicle, will drive out to homes within postcodes CM1, CM2 and CM3 on the weekend of January 10 and 11, to collect as part of its first tree recycling initiative.

Residents can sign up for a minimum £5 donation online, with 80 per cent of their fee going straight to the charity, which cares for patients with life-limiting illnesses at the hospice and in their homes.

"We're hoping the scheme will be a great success," said fundraising manager Sarah Williamson.

"Throwing away the Christmas tree can be a bit sad, but with this scheme people can rest assured that they are doing a great thing and helping to provide essential support for local people affected by illnesses."

Anyone interested living outside the postcode areas should ask the charity to expand the service next year.

FOUR friends cheated death when the Ford Fiesta they were travelling home in after a night out in Chelmsford rolled five times as the driver swerved to avoid an animal.

George Bovingdon, 18, was driving Ryanjay Culff, 18, Ted Sims, 18, and Charlie Pitterway, 19, back to Southminster in the early hours of Saturday, December 20, after spending the evening in Missoula.

George, of Sheepcotes Lane, Southminster, was the designated driver for the Friday, but as he was approaching the turning for The Lodge, near South Woodham Ferrers, an animal rushed from the bushes and into the road at 3.50am.

The machine operator at DJC Precision Engineering managed to swerve past the animal, but as he attempted to correct his 2001 Fiesta, he sent the car into an uncontrollable spin.

George said: "I was just thinking to myself as we were rolling: 'don't die, don't die'.

"The first flip was mega, and then the rest were successively less brutal."

Three ambulances and a police car arrived at the scene within minutes after a Good Samaritan stopped to help.

Mr Bovingdon was placed on to a spinal board as a precaution but only a few cuts and bruises were collectively sustained.

George said: "As we flipped over, I smashed my head through the side window and my head hit the ground so when the paramedics arrived I was really confused.

"But once I started to regain a sense of where I was I became overwhelmed by relief that everyone was all right and that we had all survived."

A voluntary police officer from Silver End, near Braintree, has been appointed an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list for his services to policing after dedicating 34 years of his life to Essex Police.

Derek Hopkins, 62,  assistant chief officer of specials, has been invited to Buckingham Palace by the Prime Minister on behalf of the Queen to receive the honour at a ceremony next year.

• Men and women of Essex recognised in New Year Honours list

The scout leader and charity fundraiser said he has not always enjoyed life in the force, but is nonetheless privileged to have been recognised for his work.

He said: "I am of course extremely proud and I feel honoured to have had my voluntary service recognised in this way.

"I will not say that I have enjoyed every minute of my 34 years' service with Essex Police Special Constabulary – the role of a police officer is often challenging, sometimes traumatic and occasionally dangerous.

"I have, however, always found it very rewarding and am privileged to play a small part in an organisation that has, at its heart, people who really want to make a difference in their communities, often without thanks or recognition for their enthusiasm and dedication."

It is a job which Mr Hopkins has had to juggle with the rigours of family life, and as well as undertaking paid work he admits it has not always been an easy task.

He said: "I must also recognise that I would not have been able to devote as much time to volunteering as I have without the unwavering support of my family.

"I know there have been times when my commitment to volunteering has competed with responsibilities to my family, and that my priorities could sometimes have been different, but my family has always been very supportive. I could not have done it without them.

"I accept the award in the knowledge that it reflects the efforts of all my volunteer colleagues who work tirelessly, fitting their duties around their normal jobs and family lives, to assist full-time colleagues in delivering an enhanced policing service.

"I wish to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues, past and present, for their support and friendship during my time with Essex Police."

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: "I am delighted for Derek and his family and extremely grateful for the continued and enduring commitment Derek provides to the force.

"This is a magnificent achievement which highlights his immense devotion to Essex Police and the public we serve.

"He has made an enormous contribution to the safety of residents of Essex at considerable personal sacrifice.

"Derek's commitment to serving the people of this county and his determination in making Essex a safe county is inspiring and I would like to sincerely congratulate him on receiving this MBE."

A suspected burglar rammed a silver Ford Fiesta into a police car before speeding away from the scene.

Police have launched an appeal to find two men suspected of being in the car that crashed into the patrol car in St Chads Road, Tilbury, at about 1.30am on Wednesday, December 17.

The female office in the car was hospitalised for a check-up but did not require treatment.

The Fiesta was later found abandoned nearby.

Police searched the area for the suspects, who are also suspected of being involved in burglaries in Tilbury.

Anyone with information about the users of the Fiesta, index number W634YHJ, which had been sold by a previous owner a few weeks earlier, should contact officers at Chigwell Road policing office on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 5555111.

If you're getting down to celebrate this New Year's Eve, you'll no doubt be joining hands to the lyrics of Auld Lang Syne.

But can you get past the chorus?

The famous tune, which can be translated to Old Long Since  was based on a Robert Burns poem and is set to the tune of a traditional folk song

It's English translation is thus:

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and days of long ago?

CHORUS:

For days of long ago, my dear,

for days of long ago,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for days of long ago.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for days of long ago.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since days of long ago.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine^†;
But seas between us broad have roared
since days of long ago.

CHORUS

And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for days of long ago.

CHORUS

The 48 workers at Chelmsford's City Link depot have been thrown a potential lifeline after it emerged administrators Ernst and Young received a "credible bid" to save part of the business earlier today.

Many of the employees at the Dukes Way industrial estate learned of their likely redundancies on Christmas Day, and were told they would receive their notices today (December 31).

Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT union, has offered hope to those braced for job losses.

He said: "Within the past 24 hours RMT has been made aware of what we believe to be a credible bid to take over some or all of the City Link trading operation.

"At this stage we have no further details and we understand the matter is in the hands of the administrators, along with the Government. Business Secretary, Vince Cable, is aware of the situation.

"With today key in terms of redundancies, RMT is urging the administrators to suspend the redundancy process and work with the Government and the administrators to urgently evaluate and act on any viable options that could keep City Link trading."

A HUMBLE former primary school teacher says she hasn't the foggiest who nominated her into the New Year's Honours.

Janet Davies, of Maldon Road, Tiptree, was appointed a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for her relentless voluntary work as a day centre cook and art group leader in Great Totham.

"I just don't know who nominated me, I have no idea," said the 79-year-old grandmother-of-three.

"When I got the letter at the end of November I wondered what on Earth I had done, it really was a complete shock.

"I am honoured obviously, you feel humbled to feel you have been picked above everyone else, but there are lots of people who do so many things.

"I was lucky to be nominated for it over other people who do just as much if not more than me."

Berkhamsted-born Janet, who moved to Southminster in 1961 when husband Philip found work at Bradwell Power Station, was a Great Totham Primary School reception teacher for more than 20 years.

"I loved my years teaching – and now me and my family can't go anywhere without someone knowing me because I've taught so many children," she said.

She volunteering at the village United Reformed Church day centre, whose elderly members have recently dwindled to about 20, from retirement in 1992.

"The day centre is very important for the company, for meeting up with each other, for having a good freshly cooked meal each week," she said.

"I think they appreciate it very much."

She leads as many as 30 people at her art group at the church between 2 and 4pm on Mondays at the church.

Janet needs one extra cook at the Wednesday, 10.30am to 2.30pm, day centre.

To volunteer call her on: 01621 819419.

THE chairman of Barnston Parish Council, who once worked with explosives in the defence industry, has been recognised in the New Year Honours.

Richard Burlend, who was born and brought up in Liverpool, had an early passion for flying and gained a Higher National Certificate in engineering.

Now the 63-year-old has been appointed an MBE for his lifetime of service to defence and is currently a part-time engineering consultant.

Cllr Burlend admitted his work "does occasionally involve explosions" but said "with some sadness" that his days were now more office-based than experimenting in the laboratory.

He believes the award reflected his "persistence" over a career typified by dedication and hard work.

"I have been very fortunate – I've had a very, very interesting career, working with some extremely good, intelligent and hard-working people," he said.

His career began with the Ministry of Defence in the 1970s, starting at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, that became the Royal Aerospace Establishment, in Bedford, which ceased major operations in 1994.

From there he moved to the Rocket Propulsion Establishment in Westcott, Bedfordshire, where innovations in missile systems have been developed.

The facility was once so secret that it was not marked on Ordnance Survey maps.

He then transferred from Westcott to the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey.

While Cllr Burlend is unable to talk about the details of his work, that establishment has a 300-year history in military propellant and high explosives and latterly included work with rockets.

After re-organisations of Governmental research, the Essex centre finally closed in 1991 and Cllr Burlend moved to Fort Halstead in Kent, which again works with explosives.

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) group leader David Southgate said: "Richard, who has worked for the Ministry of Defence for more than 40 years, has been recognised for creating many bespoke engineering solutions using his practical mechanical and electrical engineering skills and knowledge of materials and explosives to support operational tasks."

Cllr Burlend has served on Barnston Parish Council for around 20 years and been its chairman for the past 12 years.

Married to wife Amanda since 1983, the couple have two grown-up children, William and Helen.

He continues his engineering work with his favourite pastime, restoring a 65-year-old Rover 14 Sportsman saloon.

A man is being quizzed by police in Chelmsford this afternoon (December 31) after he was arrested during an operation outside County Hall.

The 24-year-old, from Waltham Forest, was detained in Victoria Road South on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Police received reports that a car window had been smashed in a road off Eglinton Drive in Chelmsford.

A spokesman said enquiries are ongoing.

Those planning to head to the New Year's Eve fireworks display at the London Eye tonight have been warned to get there early.

The hugely popular event has been ticketed for the first time, at £10 each, and non-ticketholders are being advised to avoid the area.

It will not be shown on screens at Trafalgar Square and St James Park.

The event is also being televised on BBC1 from 11.50pm.

Road closures will begin as early as 2pm, with most closures in place from 8pm, stretching from Oxford Street in the north to Elephant and Castle in the south, and Vauxhall Bridge in the west to Southwark Bridge in the east.

There will also be some bridge closures. Some central London Tube stations will become exit only, be closed completely or for periods at a time for crowd management and safety purposes.

Why not try out some of the following areas as free vantage points?

Alexandra Palace - closest station, Wood Green

Greenwich Park - closest station, Greenwich

Cannon Street - closest station, Cannon Street

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'The London New Year's Eve fireworks display is a major operation, which involves months of planning and the involvement of many partners, from the Met Police to TfL and emergency services to local authorities.

"It is a spectacular show enjoyed by people up and down the country and around the world and we have brought in ticketing to ensure crowd safety on the night and the event's future sustainability.

There will also be free travel all night on all its public transport services, from 11.45pm on New Year's Eve until 4.30am on New Year's Day.