Good News 
Essex hop growing returns to Markshall Estate after 150-year absence
Markshall Estate has harvested its first crop of hops by hand, reviving a local tradition that vanished in the 19th century due to poor wea…
Rescued donkey Dandi finds a companion at The Donkey Sanctuary
Dandi was one of more than 50 animals taken into RSPCA care from an Essex property in 2023, where he had been kept in isolation. He has now…
Maldon gardener Ben White prepares 1,200lb pumpkin for RHS Malvern Autumn Show
Ben White from Maldon is preparing his 1,200lb pumpkin, named Gladys, for competition at the RHS Malvern Autumn Show later this month. By d…
Chelmsford Museum's taxidermy bear helps develop new methods to tackle wildlife crime
Forensic science graduate Hayden Leigh is using hair samples from a 120-year-old museum bear named Boris to refine techniques for identifyi…
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson hires out Colchester cinema for Sudbury primary school pupils
After seeing a video of students from St Gregory Primary School asking to see the new Moana film, Dwayne Johnson booked out nine screens at…
Southend Drama Society marks 80 years of community theatre
Founded in 1946, the Southend Drama Society is celebrating eight decades of bringing local residents together through weekly rehearsals and…
Southend school transformed into a happier place after tackling discrimination
Chase High School in Essex has successfully moved out of special measures by implementing specialist workshops and training to champion gen…
Sixteen-year-old wins Maldon Mud Race with no preparation
A 16-year-old named Albert has triumphed at the annual Maldon Mud Race, beating hundreds of competitors across the boggy River Blackwater. …