Echo news from Southend, Basildon, Castle Point,Rayleigh, Rochford, Wickford, Billericay, Thurrock

12:59pm Friday 10th February 2012

Police have launched a fresh bid to catch the gunmen who killed two soldiers in Northern Ireland, as a terminally ill man convicted of trying to torch their getaway car was told he must serve a minimum of 25 years in jail.

12:55pm Friday 10th February 2012

Criminals convicted of serious drink-related offences will be fitted with US-style "sobriety bracelets" to keep them dry under a new pilot scheme.

12:28pm Friday 10th February 2012

Struggling electricals chain Comet is poised to cut 450 jobs in a drive for the "significant savings" needed to safeguard its future.

12:15pm Friday 10th February 2012

A council is seeking Government approval to become the first area in Britain to ban spitting in public.

12:15pm Friday 10th February 2012

One of the killers of schoolboy Damilola Taylor has been recalled to jail for a second time just 16 days after being released, sources have said.

11:59am Friday 10th February 2012

Surprise, Surprise - ITV bosses are in talks with Holly Willoughby to present a revival of the hit family show.

11:49am Friday 10th February 2012

It looks like a technology-loving fashionista's dream and a technophobe's worst nightmare, but this is one dress that is more likely to be looked at than worn.

11:02am Friday 10th February 2012

A terminally-ill man must serve a minimum of 25 years in jail for the murders of two soldiers shot dead by dissident republicans in Northern Ireland, a judge has ruled.

10:56am Friday 10th February 2012

The UK's first underwater viewing zone for giant otters is to open next week.

10:46am Friday 10th February 2012

Two Christian guest house owners who were ordered to pay damages after refusing to allow a gay couple to stay in a double room have lost their appeal.