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Witham Town boss relishing clashes with big clubs after promotion

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Witham Town manager Garry Kimble cannot wait to pit his wits against the likes of Maidstone United after leading his side into the Ryman League Premier Division. Eight days after leaving the pitch at Cheshunt in tears after Town were pipped to the title by VCD Athletic, Kimble's men comfortably beat Harlow Town 3-0 at Spa Road to win the play-offs. That means, just two years after promotion from the Essex Senior League, they will be facing the likes of the Stones, Billericay Town, Kingstonian and Tonbridge Angels next year. And Kimble was thrilled with how they bounced back from that heartache to go up in style. "That's my job," he said. "We didn't dwell on it. It took 24 hours to get out of the system but we didn't train at all last week, we went for a curry on Thursday, a bit of team bonding, and look what it shows you, you don't have to train. "I've got team spirit in there in abundance, the best team spirit I've been at in any club and I think that gives you half of your points. "Getting 98 points and going through the play-offs is a great achievement, usually the second side don't really get through so we broke that hoodoo but we're going to look forward to next year, big sides like Maidstone coming down here, it's fairytale stuff." The beer was already flowing as Kimble spoke to the press after the game, and the party went on long into the night. And Kimble believes this season's success has put his club back on the map. "I'm glad it's a bank holiday," he said. "We've earned it, everyone associated to the club has earned it. Little old Witham, we've put Witham Town back on the map. "Two promotions in three years, last year in the play-offs and just missed out but it's been an absolutely great ride and now the hard work starts."

Witham Town boss relishing clashes with big clubs after promotion


The Queen returns to Essex: Previous royal visits to the county

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Hundreds are expected to line the streets of Chelmsford to see The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh pay the city an official visit on May 6. The royal couple will attend a service at Chelmsford Cathedral as part of the centenary celebrations of the Chelmsford Diocese. Once there, the Queen and Prince Phillip will meet staff and volunteers in the nearby offices. The royal party then moves to Felsted School, in Felsted to mark its own 450th anniversary. They will meet students and staff, view a display illustrating the history of the school, and take in a performance by the school choir.And it will be far from the first time The Queen has visited the county, as you see from our timeline below (hover over the image and press the arrow on the right to navigate):

The Queen returns to Essex: Previous royal visits to the county

Luxury car thief who targeted hire firm at Stansted airport is jailed

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A luxury car thief who detectives tracked across Europe to his home in the Czech Republic has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.
Martin Olah, 31, stole seven cars worth £200,000 from hire firms across the UK, including two at Stansted Airport.
After a 12-month manhunt across Europe, Olah was arrested in December last year when he returned to Britain to visit relatives for Christmas.
Dc Jean Seager, who led the investigation, said that Olah, also known as Blanik, had been associated with five others who were convicted in August last year.
"We have been tracking Martin Olah all over Europe after he fled the county when the other five were arrested," she said.
"He first tried to enter the UK again in March 2013 but was stopped by the French authorities when he was found in possession of documents with false details.
"We have also worked closely with other police forces abroad, especially when he cropped up again in Austria where he was involved in the theft of cars from car hire firms in Vienna.
"He was also caught in the Czech Republic in a British hire car with false documentation. A Mercedes worth £75,000 was found in Belgium being driven by his wife.
"The theft of hire cars, particularly at airports, has been a serious problem but after the five men were convicted last year one hire car firm said that we had reduced their losses by 50 per cent.
"We have been working closely with car hire firms at Stansted Airport and fortunately security has been greatly increased as a result of the activities of thieves like Olah and his associates." 

Luxury car thief who targeted hire firm at Stansted airport is jailed

Cold Norton man, 75, in court over illegal and dangerous gas boiler installation in Brightlingsea

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People are being urged to check the credentials of tradespeople doing gas work for them after a man was convicted for a dangerous gas boiler installation.
William Saint, 75, of Cherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton, was hired to install a gas boiler for a swimming pool at a home in Brightlingsea on April 1 last year – even though he was not Gas Safe registered as the law requires.
At Colchester Magistrates Court last week he was handed a four-month jail term, suspended for a year, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £850 court costs.
Despite several attempts to install the boiler, it did not work and was deemed dangerous when it was later inspected by British Gas.
Even after receiving advice from a Gas Safe Register engineer, Saint failed to rectify all of the faults and the matter was passed to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which prosecuted Mr Saint for safety failings. 
HSE Inspector Vicky Fletcher said: "William Saint was well aware that he should be registered with Gas Safe Register in order to carry out gas work, yet he still chose to flout the law.  
"People can die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions. It is therefore vital that only registered gas engineers, who are trained and competent, work on gas appliances and fittings."
Call 0800 408 5500 or visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk to check the credentials of a gas fitter.

Cold Norton man, 75, in court over illegal and dangerous gas boiler installation in Brightlingsea

VIDEO: Essex Young Farmers single Put That Hoedown on sale

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A charity single co-written, sung by and filmed by Essex Young Farmers is available to buy from today (May 5). The club is aiming to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Calvin Harris and Coldplay to edge Put That Hoedown into the UK Top 40 by this weekend. The video features sites in Colne Engaine, Great Leighs and in Galleywood. "If it gets into the top 40 we will be ecstatic and anything more is a bonus," 29-year-old county chairman Sam Iddison told the Chronicle. "We have an annual fundraising challenge that all young farmers across the country take part in and they've tried everything now but have never released a song." To buy the 79p single click here Users on Twitter have said the single has already reached a 33rd spot in the iTunes charts.

VIDEO: Essex Young Farmers single Put That Hoedown on sale

Schoolboy, 9, attacked by teenager while walking his dog

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POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a nine-year-old boy was left 'shaken' after being attacked by a teenager while walking his dog. The schoolboy had been walking along Shrub End Road, in Colchester, on Friday (May 2) just before 6.30pm when he was approached by the older boy who grabbed him around the waist. A minor tussle ensued before the boy managed to break free and run off to his nearby home. Investigating Officer, Pc Dan Smith, said: "This was a strange attack and one for which there appears to be no motive. We would like to speak to any passing motorists or pedestrians who saw this interaction take place." The teenager is described as white, of slim build and has curly brown hair. Anyone with information in connection with this assault is urged to contact the Neighbourhood Crime Team at Colchester police station on 101.

Schoolboy, 9, attacked by teenager while walking his dog

Police hunt man whose picture is captured on stolen mobile phone

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Police want to identify a man who appears to have taken a 'selfie' on a mobile phone stolen from a student in Colchester. The HTC was taken from the boy's coat pocket as he was walking through Wivenhoe Park in Colchester at 7.30pm on Thursday, April 10. The man pictured above is described as white and has thick eyebrows. An in-built security feature was activated on the mobile which then sent the image to the owner's email. He then subsequently forwarded this on to police officers. Anyone with information on the identity of this man is urged to contact Pc Joe Self from the Neighbourhood Crime Team at Colchester police station on 101.

Police hunt man whose picture is captured on stolen mobile phone

IPL 2014: Ryan ten Doeschate out first ball for Kolkata Knight Riders

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Essex one-day skipper Ryan ten Doeschate was out first ball on his first appearance of the IPL season for Kolkata Knight Riders. The South Africa-born Dutch international was called into the team to face Rajasthan Royals this afternoon, but was part of a hat-trick as his team lost from a seemingly unassailable position. Chasing 171 to win, the Knight Riders were 121-0 at the start of the 15th over. But Shane Watson took three wickets in that over, before an amazing 16th over where 42-year-old leg-spinner Pravin Tambe took a hat-trick with just two legitimate deliveries. He first had Manesh Pandey stumped off a wide, before Yusuf Pathan was caught and bowled. That brought ten Doeschate to the crease but he was trapped lbw first ball. Shakib Al-Hasan and Suryakumar Yadav struck some late blows, but the Royals ran out winners by ten runs. Earlier ten Doeschate had bowled two overs for 14 runs in the Royals' innings.

IPL 2014: Ryan ten Doeschate out first ball for Kolkata Knight Riders


Tymal Mills joins injury list as Essex toil against Leicestershire

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Essex have suffered another fast-bowling injury blow after Tymal Mills suffered a side strain on day two of the LV= County Championship game with Leicesterhire. Having been bowled out for 281 on the second morning - James Foster's 82 the top score - the home side started well with a wicket from new loan signing Oliver Newby with just his second ball. But in Mills' 11th over, he suffered his side strain and was unable to even complete the over. Newby and Tanveer Sikandar were signed ahead of the game after injuries to Graham Napier and David Masters, joining Saj Mahmood and Reece Topley on the injury list. Essex's only other registered seamer is Matt Salisbury, who was in the squad for the Leicestershire game having only just returned from injury himself. After the game with Leicestershire finishes, Essex do have a slight break before hosting Sri Lanka next Tuesday and then starting their T20 campaign at Lord's on May 17. Leicestershire closed day two on 255-2, with Ned Eckersley (104) and Angus Robson (69) so far putting on 139 for the third wicket.

Tymal Mills joins injury list as Essex toil against Leicestershire

Could grass verges in Chelmsford become overgrown? Council bosses at loggerheads

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WHETHER the grass is greener on the other side is always up for debate – but it's definitely longer in Chelmsford.

The city council is at loggerheads with the county council after it slashed funds for maintaining grass verges alongside footpaths, byways and highways. Now the council is refusing to cut the grass across the city.

In an e-mail to councillors, Keith Nicholson, director of public places, said: "Essex County Council has given notice of their intention to reduce almost by half the funding available for the maintenance of country ways and other public rights of way in 2014/15.

"Following discussions within Chelmsford City Council, the city council does not believe it is possible to meet the minimum acceptable standards for the reduced level of funding that will be available and would leave the city council potentially exposed to a considerable amount of criticism and other liabilities. Accordingly we have given notice to Essex County Council that the city council intends to fully withdraw from undertaking this work on their behalf."

The funding from County Hall also covers stile and bridge repairs, provision and maintenance of footpath and bridleway signs, and responding to specific service requests for grounds maintenance works along these routes. The city council downed tools at the start of the month and has referred any works needed to the county council.

But city council leader Roy Whitehead insists his authority isn't cut up over the matter.

"We're not at daggers drawn with them," he said. "The county council are saying it costs X to do and we are saying it costs Y – residents struggle to understand what councils do what and we don't want to do the job badly.

"I'm hoping next week to have discussions with county councillor Rodney Bass on it."

He was confident an agreement would be made before it was noticeable. People shouldn't notice a difference as they are only done two to three times a year."

Cllr Whitehead is also calling on County Hall to consolidate its maintenance funding pots.

Separate money is also set aside to maintain verges and footways, which the city council is continuing to do.

There is also £130,000 provided to highway rangers for small works such as repainting or straightening a signpost, cutting back obscuring vegetation or strimming an overgrown highway verge or cleaning road signs.

A county council spokesman said: "Essex County Council is happy to work collaboratively with all district, borough and city councils across Essex to deliver services, such as grass verge maintenance, in a cost effective and efficient way.

"We will continue to have discussions with all parties involved regarding flooding and other maintenance activities."

Could grass verges in Chelmsford become overgrown? Council bosses at loggerheads

LIVE: The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visit Essex

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The Queen and the Duke of the Edinburgh are heading to Chelmsford and Felsted today.Scroll down to follow coverage of the visit Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will start at Chelmsford Cathedral this morning as part of the Chelmsford Diocese centenary celebrations, before heading to Felsted School in Felsted. Click here for the planned road closures in Chelmsford, and take a look back here at previous royal visits.
 

LIVE: The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visit Essex

Foodbank hands out 41 tonnes in parcels to needy families

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BRAINTREE foodbank has given out more than 41 tonnes of food to needy families in the two years since it opened.

The volunteer-run charity that handed out its first food parcels in April 2012, has fed over 5,000 people since, a third of whom have been children.

This figure represents around three per cent of the population of the Braintree district, with over 3,300 people fed in the last year alone.

"It's remarkable how the food bank has expanded since it was first set up by Christ Church," says Alan Pinnell, director.

"We now have nearly 50 agencies working in partnership with us to help people through a crisis.

"There are now four locations across Braintree, Witham and Halstead where people in crisis can receive an emergency three-day supply of food. The statistics help us find out why people need emergency food and who they were referred by.

"All of this would not be possible without our 250 volunteers and the generosity of the public in donating food. We are glad that we can meet these needs but we hope that one day foodbanks and other organisations like this will no longer be required."

The foodbank provides a three-day emergency supply of meals in exchange for vouchers issued by agencies, such as social services, First Stop, Home-Start, and the women's refuge.

Over 29 tonnes were distributed between March 2013 to April 2014, more than double the previous year's total of 12 tonnes.

The foodbank's second anniversary on April 20 was marked with a volunteers' morning at Christ Church, Braintree, and a short service of thanksgiving led by the Reverend Peter Goodhall.

Braintree MP Brooks Newmark paid a visit to the foodbank's Christ Church distribution centre last Friday.

He said: "I think the work the foodbank volunteers do is excellent and they are meeting a need in the community.

"I think it's important charities do play their role. It is not for the state to provide charitable work, that's why they get the tax breaks, they are doing work for the community. Most people come to the food bank as a one-off, usually when circumstances change and they are between benefit payments with a two or three-week gap.

"This is something I will be raising with Ian Duncan-Smith to see how we can stop people falling through the cracks."

"But I think the overall picture for Braintree is promising. Unemployment is dropping and as more people find work and get more hours in part-time work less people will need this service."

There are four distribution centres in the Braintree Area Foodbank network, the Witham Foodbank is at the Methodist Church in Guithavon Street and Braintree Area Foodbank is at St Andrew's Church in Halstead and the Baptist Church and Christ Church in Braintree.

Foodbank hands out 41 tonnes in parcels to needy families

Duke Street and New Street will be closed for Queen's visit to Chelmsford

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Motorists and commuters in Chelmsford face disruption to prepare for the royal visit of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Hundreds are expected to line the streets of the city centre to greet the royal couple. The following roads will be affected as a result: Duke Street and New Street in Chelmsford will be closed between Victoria Road south and Victoria Road, Tindal Street is also closed until 1pm because of a Royal visit of the Queen and Prince Philip. As a result the Park and Ride at Chelmer Village and Sandon will not be able to stop at Duke Street and New London Road today.Bus services Between 6am and 1pm services operated by First will be unable to serve the section of Duke Street, Tindall Street and New London Road between the junctions with Victoria Road South and Parkway. The city centre bus stops at the Cathedral at Duke Street, and at New London Road will not be served during this time.Buses leaving Chelmsford bus or rail stations that would normally serve Duke Street will be diverted as follows: Turn right into Victoria Road South and serve a temporary stop which will be placed adjacent to the Essex County Council offices at County Hall. Then left onto Parkway and resume normal line of route at the junction of Parkway and New London Road. Buses will follow the following routes but the bus stops in Duke Street careers office, Fish Brothers and the Job Centre will not be served. Sandon buses will operate as normal to Victoria Road South and then left into Duke Street, additionally dropping off opposite the railway station, then left into Coval Lane and then back along Parkway. Chelmer Valley buses will operate as normal to the railway station stops, then operate via Victoria Road South, along Parkway to the Odeon roundabout, turning to return back towards Chelmer Valley. This service will serve both Park and Ride stops on Parkway.
Elsewhere in Essex the A12 is slow on the Brentwood bypass at junction 12 Londonbound, with the A1023 Mountnessing. On the A120 at Braintree there's slow moving traffic southbound between Marks Farm roundabout and Galley's Corner roundabout. There is also slow traffic on the A13 Londonbound between North Stifford and Lakeside. On the M25 Greater London the traffic is very slow anticlockwise between junction 28, with the A1023 Brook Street roundabout and junction 27 with the M11 due to roadworks in the area, with queuing traffic on the M25 clockwise at the Dartford bridge. There's slow traffic on A127 Southend Arterial Road Londonbound between Basildon and Halfway House and between the Little Warley Hall Lane junction and Romford. On the M11 queues of traffic southbound between junction 5, at the A1168 Loughton and junction 4, at A406 is also causing problems for motorists.

Duke Street and New Street will be closed for Queen's visit to Chelmsford

Pictures: Chelmsford greets the Queen as Cathedral hosts Royal visit

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Chelmsford Cathedral filled up well in advance of the Queen's visit to the city this morning.See above for readers' pictures from the cathedral Excited royal watchers in Chelmsford took to Twitter to post their pictures in anticipation.
A full service will take place at the cathedral from 10am, while the service will be played from loudspeakers in the grounds of the cathedral. Follow the visit here

Pictures: Chelmsford greets the Queen as Cathedral hosts Royal visit

'Wearing it like a nappy': Were you girl freed from East Hanningfield swing?

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Mystery still surrounds a small East Hanningfield play area after a girl had to be cut free from a baby swing. Firefighters rushed to the playground just off The Tye, shortly after 12.15pm on Sunday to reports of a girl, thought to be no older than 10 years old, trapped in the apparatus. She was freed by 12.39pm after the crew dismantled the swing to a chorus of ironic cheers. No one the Chronicle spoke to near the scene yesterday (Monday, May 5) knew who she was. Father-of-five Anthony Kirk, 34, of Ashley Green, who saw some of the event unfold from his house, said the youngster escaped unharmed. "It's silly isn't it, but I'm sure we've all at one point tried to get in one," joked Mr Kirk. "I can just imagine someone wearing it like a nappy then having to have it cut free. "All I saw was a couple of fire engine crew, I didn't see them physically get her out, but we just heard as a loud cheer went up and we assumed they had cut her free and the next thing I saw was the swing cut off." Are you the mystery girl or her parents/guardians? Call Chronicle reporter Peter Walker: 01245 602718

'Wearing it like a nappy': Were you girl freed from East Hanningfield swing?


Police helicopter despatched above Chelmsford: Duo arrested

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TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary after fishing equipment was stolen from a garage in Chelmsford. Residents in Melbourne and Broomfield areas of the city noticed a police helicopter hovering above the area for around 25 minutes. After a search of the area a 25-year-old and 22-year-old from Chelmsford were arrested and are now being quizzed by police. A spokesman for the force said: "Police were contacted shortly after 11pm on Bank Holiday Monday following reports two men were trying to steal fishing equipment from a garage in Brownings Avenue in the Melbourne area of the city. "The police helicopter was deployed and helped officers on the ground arrest a 22-year-old local man at the scene, a few hours later a 25-year-old man was arrested at his nearby home. "They are both being questioned by officers a Chelmsford police station."

Police helicopter despatched above Chelmsford: Duo arrested

What will the Queen be eating on her visit to Felsted School after leaving Chelmsford Cathedral?

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The Queen and Prince Philip will be dining on smoked salmon and pheasant during their visit to Felsted School later today. The royal couple will be making their first visit to Chelmsford since 1988 and after a service at the cathedral will make their way to Felsted. For starter the Queen will be having smoked salmon and asparagus terrine. This will be followed by a pheasant smitane, with Madeira mushroom and cream sauce, followed by coffee. The wine list consists of a Sancerre La Reine Blanche, Domaine Jean Reverdy et Fils 2012, Chateau Tertre Daugay and a Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe 1998 valued at around £60 and £80.

What will the Queen be eating on her visit to Felsted School after leaving Chelmsford Cathedral?

PICTURES: Felsted School greets the Queen

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Students, teachers and cadets are lining the entrance into Felsted School in anticipation of the Queen's arrival. See above a collection of pictures from her Felsted visit Her Royal Highness and the Duke of Edinburgh are visiting as part of the school's 450th birthday celebrations. Follow the visit here

PICTURES: Felsted School greets the Queen

Hundreds line streets of Chelmsford to see The Queen and Prince Philip on 'glorious day'

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Hundreds of people packed Chelmsford Cathedral and lined the streets outside as The Queen and Prince Philip visited for the first time in more than 15 years. The royal couple touched down in the city centre at around 11am today (May 6) before heading along Duke Street to the cathedral to attend a service held to mark the centenary of the Chelmsford Diocese. Follow live coverage here Excited crowds gathered in the cathedral grounds in a bid to catch a glimpse of her Majesty. Meanwhile inside the Cathedral members of the public, councillors, and dignitaries listened alongside their special guest as Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford, gave a sermon.
"Your Majesty, we are deeply honoured that you have come to this diocese and to this cathedral church to share in our centenary," he said. "We love the communities of East London and Essex, and with our ecumenical partners, and with all people of goodwill, we are determined to do our best to serve the common good here and to make Jesus known." Read the Bishop's full sermon here It was also played in the Cathedral grounds via a loudspeaker.
The service ended at around 12.15pm before The Queen and Prince Philip then headed off to Felsted School to celebrate its 450th anniversary Crowds started to disperse and the city centre roads re-opened. Afterwards, The Very Revd Nicholas Henshall, the dean of Chelmsford for the last three months, walked the queen through the Cathedral grounds as she waved to passers-by. "It was a glorious day and a wonderful occasion," he said. "There was a real sense of expectation and it was wonderful encountering her with the members of our community. "It was fantastic to see the crowds greet her and to see children from the Chelmsford Cathedral School so happy today. "The way she reacted to people - she was very understanding and friendly." "She made the occasion not about her but for the people and not about her – she was very much part and parcel of the proceedings which is the anniversary of the regional diocese and a celebration of the life that we share. "She knows that she represents the church and regards the church as part of her identity. "As a new city we need to recognise our identity better – which is something we are proud to be."
After the ceremony The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell introduced Her Majesty to a number of volunteers who work with the diocese. He said: "The crowds were amazing and we have all had a wonderful day. "It was a beautiful day and the icing on the cake to a number of celebrations that we have planned over our centenary festival. "It was a joy to welcome Her Majesty to the Cathedral – we asked her some years ago but as with these things we only found out a few weeks ago that she would definitely attend. "She is a person of good faith and that's why she wanted to come. "She understands that the church matters and wants to bring people together. "She was very friendly to us all and had a great sense of humour." Percy Lomax, 70, attended the Cathedral school as a child and works with the Diocese as chairman of the board of finance. He said: "This was the first time that I've met any of the royals and it was truly fascinating. "It was great to meet them both actually. "As I'm chairman of the finance board Prince Phillip asked if I always got along with the audit committee, which was funny. "They were both very friendly and put everyone at ease – I'm a royalist anyway and it was a very fun day." On the other side of the security barriers Lucy Codling, 19, from Chelmsford saw the motorcade as it arrived. "It was very exciting," she said. "I love the Queen and I liked her dress." Kellie Woolf, 43, also from Chelmsford said: "I love the fact that we have a royal family and we all screamed when she arrived." The Chelmsford Cathedral will welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury next week as part of the celebrations.

Hundreds line streets of Chelmsford to see The Queen and Prince Philip on 'glorious day'

Woman arrested over assault at The Old Deanery released on bail

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A WOMAN arrested over an assault at a Braintree care home has been released on bail as police investigations continue. A woman in her 40s from the town was arrested on May 2 after BBC Panorama undercover secret filming at The Old Deanery revealed alleged cases of neglect and abuse of elderly residents. One scene appeared to show a woman being slapped as carers tried to put her into a hoist. After the programme was aired last Wednesday night Essex Police announced it would be investigating and made on arrest on suspicion of assault. Police say the probe continues while the woman is on bail.

Woman arrested over assault at The Old Deanery released on bail

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