LEOPARDS Basketball team will begin next season with Essex at the front of their name.

When the club were reformed in 2004 they adopted the name Essex and Herts Leopards before becoming the London Leopards two years later.

But, with 20 of last season’s 21 home games having been staged at the Basildon Sporting Village and the Brentwood Centre, the club have decided to change their name.

“We’re part of the Essex sporting community now, and we need a name that reflects that” said Leopards’ managing director Gareth Roberts.

“We will continue to run our successful community programme in east London as it’s beneficial to both the kids we’re coaching and the club, but we’re looking to build on programmes in the Basildon and Brentwood areas.”