Football matches involving Chelmsford City and Billericay will be played despite the weather, but Brentwood's home tie against Maldon has been called off.

Chelmsford home tie against Maidenhead will be played as will Billericay's away tie to Farmborough.

Braintree's fixture against Alfreton has also been postponed.

The icy weather has caused tricky driving condition on the county's roads but accidents that have happened are not thought to be weather related, Essex Police have said.

At 10am today there have been 12 road traffic collisions reported to police in Essex since midnight and most of those do not appear weather related. However further snow is expected today and conditions may deteriorate so police would advise motorists to only travel if necessary.

Essex Police would also ask motorists if they do intend to make a journey to carry out basic preparations before setting off.

 The forecast summary for the East of England shows further sleet or snow is expected in many places, with drifting possible in the strong east to northeast winds.

Tomorrow, Sunday, there is expected a smattering of further snow flurries.

Football matches involving Chelmsford City and Billericay will be played, but Brentwood's home tie against Maldon has been called off.

Chelmsford home tie against Maidenhead will be played as will Billericay's away tie to Farmborough.

Braintree's fixture against Alfreton has also been postponed.

The icy weather has caused tricky driving condition on the county's roads but accidents that have happened are not thought to be weather related, Essex Police have said.

At 10am today there have been 12 road traffic collisions reported to police in Essex since midnight and most of those do not appear weather related. However further snow is expected today and conditions may deteriorate so police would advise motorists to only travel if necessary.

Essex Police would also ask motorists if they do intend to make a journey to carry out basic preparations before setting off.

 The forecast summary for the East of England shows further sleet or snow is expected in many places, with drifting possible in the strong east to northeast winds.

Tomorrow, Sunday, there is expected a smattering of further snow flurries.

Nuneaton moved three points clear of the Blue Square Bet Premier relegation zone with a 2-2 draw at Braintree.

The mid-table hosts needed just 16 minutes to break the deadlock as Daniel Sparkes converted from close range.

But Nuneaton equalised four minutes later when Wesley York's right-footed 20-yard shot nestled into the bottom corner.

Sean Marks looked to have given Braintree a half-time lead with a 25-yard volley, only for James Armson to draw Nuneaton level again on the stroke of the interval.

The visitors, now unbeaten in five, pushed for a vital winner after the break but substitute James Dance saw a shot blocked.

Adam Walker almost won it for Nuneaton in stoppage time, only for Nathan McDonald to tip his effort round the post.

GLENN PENNYFATHER was delighted after his side rewarded a hardy band of volunteers who got the game on with a demolition of Farnborough.

A call went out to supporters to help rid the pitch of surface water on Monday afternoon, and seven turned up to ensure the game went ahead.

And their efforts proved to be well worth it as their side recorded their biggest win of the season.

Pennyfather said: "They are fantastic. My thanks go out to them from all of us at the club.

"Fair play to all the volunteers that came out – they played their part tonight.

"Supporters and volunteers do that, we all appreciate how important they are to us, not only the vocal support during the game but also in situations like this when we need help and out of the goodness of their heart they come down here and they managed to get the game on and thankfully we've rewarded them with a good result and a good performance."

City could have fallen behind but for goalkeeper Stuart Searle, who kept out Richard Peniket's effort and then saw Jack Ainsley keep out Dan Bennett's rebound.

And the Clarets made the most of that let-off as they raced into a three-goal lead within half an hour.

All three of the goals came from balls in from the left flank emphatically headed past Ross Worner in the visiting goal.

First Justin Miller converted David Bridges' corner, then Michael Bakare scored from a superb Aiden Palmer cross, before Kenny Clark dived in to net from another Bridges corner.

Kyle Vassell rattled a post, and although Bennett spurned another good chance, Chelmsford were always looking the more likely side to score.

Early in the second half it was four when Miller's long throw was headed goalwards by Rob Edmans but looped off Alan Inns and in off the post.

Bakare headed in his second after well-worked short corner, and missed a great chance for his hat-trick before having another effort saved by Worner but that was followed up by Bridges to make it six.

Farnborough sub Nic Ciardini hit the post while the lively Bakare was denied by a fantastic Worner save late on as City claimed a comprehensive win.

Pennyfather added: "It was a good all-round performance and if Michael Bakare had his shooting boots on he could have had four or five himself.

"But I'm not complaining, I'm delighted with the performance, I'm delighted with the result."

Chelmsford: Searle, Ainsley, Palmer, Haines, Clark, Whight (Simmonds 76), Vassell (Ward 83), Bridges, Bakare, Miller, Edmans (Slabber 80). Unused subs: Fagbohun, St Louis-Hamilton.

Chelmsford are at home to Maidenhead on Saturday and then host relegation threatened Eastbourne Borough on Monday.

More than 4,500 people signed up to take part in the full 13.1 mile course or a shorter three mile fun run, raising money for charity.

The annual event, organised by the Rotary Club of Brentwood a Becket, saw runners from all over the country and even from as far abroad as New York and Egypt take part.

Waiting at the start line in Sawyers Hall Lane, was one runner who counted this as his 204th half marathon.

The full course wound its way through Shenfield towards Blackmore before making its way back to the bottom of Sawyers Hall Lane.

One runner, Chris Kay, 25, from Cumbria, said that he was using the half marathon as a way of training himself to run full marathon distances: "I completed the Blackpool Half Marathon in January, so this is another step up," he said.

Charities had a large presence at the runs.

Siblings Ellen and Adam Garrod were running the half marathon for Brentwood charity Special Needs And Parents, where they volunteer.

Speaking of the cold and snowy conditions, Ellen, 20, said:"They made the right decision – it took a lot of guts to go ahead."

Stuart Austin, 35, was running with 10-year-old CallumRossiter dressed as Where's Wally to raise money for Havering's Saint Francis Hospice.

"The costume was Callum's idea," Mr Austin said.

Mary Heartshorne, 19, was helping raising money for the Explorer Scouts to go to Kenya to work in Nairobi's slums. 15 Scouts took part in the fun run – including one dressed as an inflatable horse.

More than 100 runners, including 30 between eight and 11 years old, ran in memory of 14-year-old Georgia Cordery, who lost her battle against cancer in 2010.

Non-running members were also getting into the community spirit: staff and students from the local Becket Keys Church of England school were on hand to provide entertainment with a choir and orchestra, while students guided runners and spectators with giant foam hands.

Emma-Jane Sharp, a teacher at the school, said: "There are 70 of us here, both students and parents, doing our bit to help the community."

Ann Cardus sold 200 cakes from the driveway of her house on Highland Avenue with three other friends to raise money for Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, keeping frozen spectators warm with food and drink.

"This is my way of making a difference," she said.

The half marathon was won by Ryan Prout in a time of 1h 9m and 47s. Paul Molyneux, who led for most of the race, came in second, a mere seven seconds behind him and Crispian Bloomfield came third.

PLANS for an ambitious new football complex in North Weald boasting five floodlit pitches and a clubhouse have been submitted to the district council.

With the nearest five-a-side football centre of this scale more than ten miles away in Loughton, Bradley Smith, the man behind the proposal, hopes to set up junior and adult leagues, lay on coaching and host "Walking Football" games for the over 50s.

Mr Smith and his wife Stacy own the Barley Barn Day Nursery, in Rayley Lane, next door to the proposed two-acre soccer site.

If his planning application is approved, he says Shooters Football Centre & Academy will create up to ten new jobs and will offer a place for all ages to play the beautiful game.

The venue, served by 61 car parking spaces, would operate all year round.

Although it would be open until 10pm each day, Mr Smith believes that using floodlights to keep play going after dusk would not cause minimal light pollution.

"It's going to be floodlit so that there is virtually no spill outside of the ground," he said.

"It's condensed.

"The technology of lighting has come on a long way and there would be no problem."

The father-of-two believes his centre will deliver "important" and "much-needed" facilities for thousands of children across the area.

"We have got a lot of young people around Ongar and North Weald and what have they got to do?

"Everyone wants things for the younger generation to do, and this will give many of the youngsters just want they want.

"But this is also going to be a great facility for anyone of any age."

Youngsters aside, Mr Smith hopes to host adult leagues and hire out pitches for pals wanting a social game.

He also wants to attract the over-50s by staging Walking Football, a version of the game in which running is outlawed.

Mr Smith first came up with this idea after watching Walking Football being played on BBC News.

"We are aiming this at people, say, who are 50-plus, who are perhaps ex-footballers who cannot run around for 45 minutes, and it's also going to be a nice social thing as well," he said.

If planning permission is granted for the scheme, Mr Smith hopes building work will begin in May with a grand opening in September.

The site is situated next to North Weald Golf Club and Mr Smith believes the proposal will not fall foul of green belt rules.

FIRST Buses has invested more than £3.5 million on 19 new vehicles for its Chelmsford fleet to improve reliability.

Fifteen shiny "Chelmsford City" buses mean many of First's older vehicles, which are prone to breaking down, will be scrapped.

The Chronicle has been overwhelmed with complaints from passengers over the past six months with long delays at the centre of the most grievances.

But bosses at First say the new buses, which cost £120,000 each and will operate on various routes including 45, 54 and 56, will "eliminate" issues of reliability.

Regional managing director Nigel Barrett said: "These new vehicles represent a significant investment in our Chelmsford services.

"Chelmsford is a growing city that demands a regular and reliable bus service, and by introducing these brand new vehicles we are able to meet and exceed our customers' expectations."

The new buses all have CCTV, E-Leather seats, low floor access, low emissions, and "Chelmsford City" liveries, plus "Euro 5" engines to help reduce their impact on the environment.

First has also introduced four new ADL Enviro 350 hybrid vehicles, which run on both diesel and electricity, which bus company bosses say not only reduce emissions, but also give a smoother and less noisy ride.

The four hybrids will be seen along route 42, which serves Chelmsford, Galleywood and Broomfield Hospital.

General manager Charlotte Whitfield will launch the new buses at a special event at Broomfield Hospital at 11am on April 2, where bus users will have the chance to quiz her over First's local services.

She said: "We are hugely excited about the arrival of the hybrid vehicles into Chelmsford.

"By bringing in new, environmentally friendly buses, we are able to provide greener, cleaner, quieter and smoother journeys to our customers in Essex, while ensuring our carbon footprint remains low.

"I'm also very interested to personally introduce the buses to the local people, and answer any questions they may have."

Essex County Councillor Derrick Louis, Cabinet member for Highways and Transportation said: "Bus services are very important to local communities and I welcome the investment into this service, particularly with the introduction of more environmentally friendly hybrid buses."

A COUNCILLOR has vowed to stop a new JD Wetherspoon pub in Maldon getting a late licence.

The pub chain has been given the go-ahead to move into the old post office building in the town centre.

But a decision has yet to be made on whether alcohol can be served until 1am.

District councillor Michael Pearlman said a late licence would cause "havoc" in the town.

"I have now come to terms with the fact that Wetherspoon's will go ahead but the licensing hours that they are proposing I strongly oppose," he told the Chronicle.

"All it will encourage is late night drinkers causing disruption in our town.

"Smokers will be forced to congregate outside on the narrow pathways causing even more havoc.

"Is this the picture Maldon wishes to paint for their residents and for the tourists that visit our beautiful town?"

Cllr Pearlman was one of only two councillors to oppose the application at a planning committee on Wednesday, February 20. Wetherspoon's has put in a bid to stay open until 1am Thursday to Saturday and midnight on Sunday.

"A spokesman on behalf of Wetherspoon's said in one planning meeting that their business is aimed at families but families do not need these type of opening hours," added Cllr Pearlman, who wants the pub to shut at 11pm.

"As a councillor I will do my best to oppose the hours and we must all pull together before it's too late."

His concerns are echoed by many residents who fear that the town centre will be filled with drinkers spilling into the streets in the early hours.

In a letter of objection to the district council, Judy Lea, of the Maldon Society, said: "While at this stage in the process we do not want their licence to be refused, as their reputation suggests the building will be looked after, we do ask that the hours are significantly reduced from those proposed.

"Other pubs and places of entertainment close much earlier and we would not want late night drinkers from those places to settle down for more drinks in Wetherspoon's. At this hour late hour buses no longer run and lights in adjacent roads are switched off."

The final decision on the opening hours will be decided at a meeting of the licensing sub-committee on April 15 and Cllr Pearlman is encouraging those opposed to attend.

"If I can point to a crowd of people at the meeting and say 'this is what the residents think' then I can have far more impact.

"It's something I'm passionate about but we need to fight this together," he said.

CHELMSFORD Volleyball Club moved into the semi-finals of the Essex Handicap Cup with a thrilling 3-2 win over Harlow at the Mildmay Hall at Anglia Ruskin University.

Pete Guernari picked an experienced side for the first set, with John Hill, Jonathan Richards, Ed Carter, Dariusz Zieba and Anash Vora joining him in the side.

Neither team were able to settle and there were several silly errors, making points hard to win – but in the end it was Harlow who prevailed, 30-28.

In the second game, Guernari called debutant Ves Ivanov into the fold instead of Carter, and Chelmsford had much more resolve and purpose, soon moving in to a 16-9 lead, which led the visitors to call a time-out.

But that made little difference as with Guernari, Vora and Zieba picking their shots well, Chelmsford ran out 30-18 victors.

The home side were unchanged in the third set and despite a few lapses in concentration, they were on top again with a 30-24 triumph.

The diminutive Rob Pallant-Bright came in for the fourth set and he impressed, but Harlow came out on top in a scrappy encounter, prevailing 30-28.

The fifth set was another close one in what proved to be an epic clash. As the match approached the two-hour mark, cracks were starting to appear in the Harlow side, and Chelmsford were able to take advantage.

With the score at 22-22, Guernari served three winning points to put his side in pole position and they secured a 30-26 win to book their spot in the semi-finals, which are to be played next month.

Vora was named MVP for all-round court coverage and attacking power, while coach Guernari praised Ivanov on his debut and added: "This is a super result that sees the team continuing to grow in confidence.

"The team battled hard and never gave up and can be very proud of their achievements this evening."

STAFF and pupils are celebrating after their school was judged good overall with some outstanding features by the UK's education watchdog.

Ofsted upped its previous judgement of satisfactory to good after its inspectors visited West Horndon Primary School.

In fact, they were so impressed with the behaviour and safety of pupils that they awarded that area as grade one outstanding.

Also given the top level was the work the school does to develop pupils' self-esteem through social, moral, spiritual and cultural education. All other areas were judged to be good.

The judgement is the perfect start to the school's 50th anniversary celebrations, which get underway later this year.

Head teacher Matt O'Grady is particularly pleased with the outstanding judgements as they are on "two areas very close to my heart."

He said: "I am very proud of our school and its children.

"I am especially pleased that we have been able to achieve this outcome without compromising on the wide range of experiences that I believe we should offer as part of a child's educational journey through primary school.

"I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank my colleagues for their professionalism and dedication, and the way they consistently work to achieve the best outcomes for our children."

In response to a questionnaire, nearly all parents said that they would recommend the school.

One said: "The passion that spills from the teachers into children is priceless and obvious for all to see."

Inspectors praised pupil's progress in all years from the Reception to Year Six and the way older pupils work with younger ones.

In their report they note: "Pupils are extremely polite and behave very well because care and support from staff are excellent."

Mr O'Grady was praised for his "good leadership" with the result that "all staff are working energetically to improve the school, and have made it an exciting place for pupils to learn in the classroom and outside areas such as the school's woodland".

Ofsted advised staff that they should work harder on pupils' individual targets, teacher's targets and keeping parents better informed of their children's progress to improve the school further.

LUCIANO BACHETA enjoyed a successful start to his Auto GP career by getting on to the podium in his second race at Monza.

The 22-year-old was making his debut in the series after agreeing a deal with Zele Racing, and took part in two races at the famous Italian circuit over the weekend.

Bacheta, who was joined at Zele Racing by former F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan, qualified tenth for the first of the two races – two places ahead of his better-known team-mate.

But in the first race, Bacheta had to settle for eighth place, while Karthikeyan earned fifth as both Zele Racing drivers scored points.

In Auto GP, the top eight of the first race are reversed to form the grid for the second race, meaning Bacheta was on pole for Sunday's event.

But his first start from pole was an unusual one as the race began under safety car conditions due to the wet weather.

Bacheta maintained his lead when the race started properly on lap three, but was passed by Japan's Kimiya Sato, who eventually took the flag by some 20 seconds from Bacheta, who finished in second place.

The Brentwood man said: "I'm very satisfied with how this weekend ended as this was supposed to be a learning experience for us.

"When I saw Sato coming, I didn't want to take too many risks and did not block him.

"It's great to be on the podium at our debut in the series and it's a nice reward for the whole team."

Bacheta has 19 points from his maiden weekend in Auto GP to sit fifth in the drivers' standings.

BRENTWOOD U13s ensured a 100 per cent record for the whole season with a comfortable 38-0 win over South Woodham Ferrers.

Sam Cappeart was the star of the first half, scoring a hat-trick of tries, and converting all three of them – the second being the pick as he ran the length of the field to score.

Captain Harrison Jordan also went over in the first half as his side raced into a 26-0 interval lead.

The second half continued in a similar vein as Cappeart grabbed his fourth try – this time unconverted – before the scoring was completed when full-back Dom Lewis got through the defence to score, with Cappeart adding the extras.

Cappaert can be pleased with his 28 point haul but it was the pack, and especially skipper Jordan who had one of his best games in a Brentwood shirt, who laid the foundations for victory.

They dominated the breakdown area and scrums and scrapped for every loose ball.

Brentwood U14s were made to fight all the way for their place in the County Cup final, eventually seeing off Woodford 39-7.

Brentwood made the perfect start with Joe Croxon rounding off a flowing move within the first minute, successfully converted by Toby Tierney.

They extended their lead a couple of minutes later as Ollie Heazel broke some hesitant Woodford tackling to score another try.

Just before half-time Brentwood extended their lead as the ball was spun out to the wing for Josh Driscoll to score.

Woodford started the second half knowing that an early score could change the complexion of the game, but Brentwood captain Adam Piggott took the kick-off and, with the slope in his favour, ran virtually unchallenged to score in the corner.

Driscoll, Piggott and Harry Swailes added further tries, and Woodford managed to score a deserved consolation try through their No 8.

But it was Brentwood who progressed to set up a final against Upminster.

Brentwood U16s also booked their place in the county final with a 30-0 win over Romford & Gidea Park.

From the off, Brentwood took the game to Romford and their bigger pack, and after some initial tussles soon began to assert themselves on the match.

Sustained pressure in the Romford 22 led to three unanswered, unconverted tries from Tommy Watson, Ed Greenfield and Henry Bird.

In the second half there were three more tries with Charlie Peacock (two) and James Croxon going over the try line. Again the conversions were missed.

A CYCLING club is enjoying a post-Olympic surge in pedal power in its 93rd year.

Glendene cycling club has seen membership rise and its existing riders putting in more training hours following Britain's cycling successes in the London 2012 Games and the Tour de France.

The Navestock Side-based group was established in 1921 and is open to anyone. It has junior and senior teams competing across the country with many sponsored professional cyclists. The club has male and female members, 175 cyclists in total.

Colin Mannakee, 66, who lives in Braintree, is chairman of the club and is the British veteran road race champion.

He said: "I have been chairman for 30 years and am proud to be part of the largest cycling group in the area.

"We are based in Brentwood and meet every Wednesday evening at Navestock Side Village Hall and cycle from Blackmore at the weekends. Everyone is welcome to join the club and we are proud that around 15 per cent of our members are female."

Lloyd Chapman, 19, joined Glendene last October.

He said: "Since the Olympics lots of people upped their game and started wanting to improve their performance. There have also been more people wanting to join the club.

"I was told Glendene was a good club with lots of professionals and I was asked if I wanted to represent them in races. I hope to become professional in the next couple of years and I'm prepared for lots of hard work."

The group has had some very prestigious cyclists over the years including Alex Dowsett, former member of Team Sky who now rides for Spanish team Movistar, Jonny Bellis who has represented Britain on the track and the road, and Peter Kennaugh, who also rides for Team Sky.

Last year's drugs scandal involving Lance Armstrong has brought negative attention to cycling but Mr Chapman assures it is not something his club would ever get involved in.

He said: "If anyone was found to be using drugs they would be taken straight out of the club.

"Drugs are something I would never consider. The scandal has not been good for cycling's publicity but I think we should focus on the true role models like Cavendish and Wiggins."

Mr Chapman added: "Recently I've seen so many more people out on their bikes, which is great.

"Cyclists always nod when they see other riders out – that's not something you get in other sports, like running for instance. That's what I like about cycling – it's very sociable.

"The club is one that once you join you never leave as everyone is so friendly and supportive. Glendene teams have been doing really well this year and the youngsters have been really successful winning trophies."

Among the young talent alongside Mr Chapman is Bryony Board, 17, Daniel Young, 19, Daniel Snow, 19, and Josh Green, 19.

All five riders aspire to be professionals and ride together in preparation for competing in races.

Mr Mannakee explained: "Bryony, who is from Brentwood, is doing really well and is a potential Essex champion who may go on to nationals. She is definitely one to watch."

The members of Glendene cycling club come from all around Brentwood and across the county with many members based further afield.

There are cyclists from Yorkshire and Cornwall and one member who competes under the club name in New Zealand.

FEMALE entrepreneurs have a new outlet to share what their business has to offer with networking events starting in Billericay.

Jo Curtis, 49, who already runs networking events for women in Brentwood and Leigh-on-Sea, has set up the business network for Billericay. The events will give women a space to champion their businesses among other local businesswomen.

Miss Curtis lives in Leigh-on-Sea with her partner and will be starting the Billericay group today (Wednesday, March 27).

The meetings will be taking place at the Magic Mushroom Restaurant, Barleylands Road, from noon for two hours on a monthly basis.

She said: "We hold our meetings at lunchtime because we want to avoid the usual testosterone-fuelled 7am meetings.

"This time seems to work better for women who may have children and prefer a more convenient time to meet."

Miss Curtis explained that the events are for women but male-ran businesses can still be represented.

She said: "We have all sorts of women who come along, including electricians, solicitors, accountants, image consultants and travel agents."

She added: "Many women who first join are quite shy and it's great to see them come out of their shell after a few meetings."

Before working for Women in Business, the larger group which runs networking events across the country, Miss Curtis worked as a wedding photographer.

She said: "I was keen to take up a new opportunity when I stopped my career in photography. I was a prolific networker and this role seemed ideal for me.

"I believe in the power of word of mouth and think it is the best way to get your businesses out there."

The meetings cost £24 per head which includes lunch and refreshments.

E-mail jo.curtis@wibn.co.uk or call 0845 1255 318.

HARMONIES filled the aisles of a Billericay church as a 60-piece choir sang their hearts out in aid of the Samaritans.

The Chelmsford Male Voice Choir performed at the Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road, at an event organised by the Billericay Friends of the Samaritans. The evening concert took place at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 23.

The performance was enjoyed by an audience of around 60 people who braved the wintry weather conditions.

Maureen Davies, secretary of the Billericay Friends of the Samaritans, said: "The evening concert went brilliantly and there was such a beautiful atmosphere.

"The choir were fantastic and Doreen Potter of Billericay entertained the crowd in the interval with her funny monologues."

Peter Freeman, chairman of the Chelmsford Male Voice Choir, said: "We often perform for charity concerts and it's good to be able to give something back.

"The weather was terrible on the evening of the Friends of the Samaritans concert but the evening went very well. There are 65 of us in the choir and we are under the care of our musical director John Taylor."

The choir formed in 1948 and are based in Trinity Methodist Church, Rainsford Road, where they practice on Tuesdays.

Mr Freeman, 66, who lives in Great Leighs, said: "I have been a member of the choir for four years.

"We're always looking for more members and there are no auditions. We will take anyone on and place them in the right part of the choir for their voice.

"Anyone can join our group and since I have been a member we haven't turned anyone away.

"In 2014 we will be taking part in the 1,000 voices concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London, which is very exciting and will be a first for our newer members."

Mr Freeman added: "We sing because we enjoy it and perform seven or eight concerts a year. We like to do new songs to keep our repertoire fresh so we spend lots of time rehearsing.

"We sing a mixture of songs, from hymns to lighter music, including some from shows."

As well as singing regularly the group have an active social calendar and get together to play golf, for an annual darts competition and for quizzes. The choir has a range of ages from men in their 50s right up to the oldest who is 86.

Mr Freeman said: "I think the singing is what keeps the older men going, it's something for them to focus on and it gives them a purpose."

Mr Freeman once sang at Covent Garden Opera House as a child but gave up when his voice broke. He started singing again when he was in his 60s.

He explained: "I first started again when I had finished work and wanted to find something to fill my time.

"I went along to see what it was like and was captivated – it's a great feeling to sing and to be heard singing. It's also very sociable and great to be able to dress up nicely in our suits – it makes you feel a million dollars."

Mrs Davies added: "Saturday's event went very well and we raised a great amount for the Samaritans. We are always looking for new volunteers to join us and support the Samaritan workers in and around Basildon. We do lots of fundraising events, including coffee mornings, quiz nights and suppers.

"We are all getting older and we could do with some fresh faces. The work the Samaritans do is vital in manning calls from people who desperately need help and often are suicidal."

Anyone interested joining the Billericay Friends of the Samaritans in their fundraising efforts should call Mrs Davies on 01277 654843. Those interested in joining Chelmsford Male Voice Choir should call Mr Freeman on 01245 361088.