Updates for Friday, 18 November 2016
BBC Children in Need day: How is the money helping Essex youngsters?
Benefits cap could lead to more people coming to the county, Tendring District Council says
Maldon MP calls FIFA poppy row 'absurd'
Musicians from around the world came together in London last night to play a special memorial gig in remembrance of Paris terror victim Nick Alexander.
The 35-year-old from Weeley was killed while selling merchandise at the Bataclan Theatre.
Musicians play special concert for terror victim Nick Alexander
Three lanes remains closed on the clockwise M25 between J27 for M11 and J28 for A12 because of an oil spill.
Expect severe delays through the area.
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Andrew Sinclair
BBC Look East political correspondent
This is the new Labour MEP for the East of England.
Alex Mayer takes over from Richard Howitt, who stood down last month.
Ms Mayer has been a long standing member of the Labour party and currently works for the Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner.
Image source, Labour partyAlex Mayer
She was one of Labour's candidates in the 2014 Euro elections. Under EU rules another election isn't held when an MEP stands down, instead they are replaced by one of the failed candidates.
Ms Mayer said “It’s a huge privilege to take on this role. I pay tribute to my friend and colleague Richard Howitt who I am replacing, he has been an incredible servant to the region.”
There are seven MEPs for the East of England. Three UKIP, three Conservatives and one Labour.
A cat who had his right hind leg amputated due to it being caught in an illegal trap is fighting back to health.
Image source, PDSAArthur's owner Gemma Harris, from Bures, said: "The trap was so heavy I can’t imagine how he’d managed to get home, through the cat flap and halfway up the stairs.
"He was in a terrible state –his claws were gone and his teeth were damaged. We think he’d chewed through the string attached to the trap.”
His leg was amputated by vets in Sudbury.
Kitty Craig, from the vets, said: "Arthur bounded back from these horrific injuries incredibly quickly.
"Losing a leg hasn’t slowed him down at all – he’s coped so well with everything and is a lively friendly cat.
"I’m really pleased to hear that he’s being recognised in PDSA’s Pet Survivor Awards.”
Andrew Woodger
BBC News
The story of how a cat dragged himself home with an illegal metal trap on his leg has put him in line for a national award.
Arthur, a ginger tom, was missing from his home in Bures, on the Suffolk/Essex border.
He turned up after several days with a trap on his hind leg.
Image source, PDSAHe had to have the leg amputated, but is otherwise recovered.
He's up for the title of PDSA Pet Survivor 2016, external.
The MP for Rochford and Southend East has called on the prime minister to do more to tackle a "rise" in knife crime in the town.
Image source, ParliamentSpeaking during Prime Minster's Questions this afternoon, James Duddridge asked Theresa May and the government to offer more support to Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) and forces in combating knife crime.
The prime minister said she "recognised" her fellow Conservative's concerns and the Home Office was already offering support to forces including Essex Police.
Thesea May also praised the work of Essex PCC Roger Hirst who she said was doing an "excellent" job in the county.
A rare coin made of gold seized from a treasure ship more than three centuries ago sells for £225k.
Read MoreMaximo Park were one of the bands taking part in special concert in remembrance of Nick Alexander, from Weeley, who died during last year's Paris terror attacks...
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More than £3,000 was raised for Children in Need during a special theatre production of the BBC Essex Quest.
Hundreds of people packed out Chelmsford Civic Theatre to watch Eric, Liana, Barry and the Quest Master help Pudsey find secret locations around the county.
Here are some of the highlights.
Quest Live raises more than £3,000 for Children in Need
Some sunny spells at first this afternoon, but cloud and patchy rain arriving later on.
Breezier than yesterday too, and feeling cooler.
Maximum temperature: 13C (55F).
Popping out? Get the latest forecast from BBC Weather.
An 18th century rare gold coin has just sold for £225,000 at auction in Essex.
Image source, BoningtonsThe Queen Anne "Vigo" five guinea, which is said to be one of only 20 in the world, had a guide price of £250,000.
It was cast from gold seized from a Spanish treasure ship by the British in 1702 and is only the sixth example to be offered for sale in the past 50 years.
It went under the hammer at Boningtons in Epping.
An "extremely rare" gold coin, with a guide price of £250,000, has just sold for £225,000 at auction in Epping.
More details to follow.
We can officially confirm that the "chief reporter" of the spoof site Southend News Network (pictured left), is NOT the BBC Essex Quest Master (pictured right).
Earlier today the "chief reporter" appeared on the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme in a white mask disguise to discuss Facebook's attempts to tackle fake stories in people's feeds.
A teenager has since been arrested after a car flipped on to its roof in Colchester last night, police say.
The force was called to Northern Approach at about 21:00 following reports of a crash involving a Fiat Punto and Audi A3.
A 32-year-old woman suffered serious injuries - while four teenagers, aged between 17 and 19, were also treated for various injuries.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving other than in accordance with a licence.
He has been released on bail while inquiries continue.
The Southend-bound A127 has now reopened after a crash involving three lorries closed the carriageway between M25 and Halfway House.
Last night's gig was topped off with a minute's standing ovation for Nick Alexander, the only British person to be killed in last year's Paris terror attacks.
The 35-year-old from Weeley had been selling band merchandise at the Bataclan Theatre when three armed gunmen stormed the building on 13 November 2015.
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The creator of spoof news website Southend News Network, external has appeared on the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme sporting a rather bizarre mask.
Known only as "the chief reporter", he discussed Facebook's announcement that it was going to do more to tackle made-up news appearing in people's News Feeds.
Speaking about people falling for his fake stories, he responded "it makes me feel happy and scared".
Image source, Southend News NetworkQuote MessageThe people who share it know it's a load of cobblers, but the people who share it know other people are going to fall for it."
Chief reporter, Southend News Network
A cat who dragged himself home with his leg in an illegal metal trap is one of six animals up for a national "survivor" award.
Read MoreA motorist had a miracle escape last night after their car flipped on to its roof during a crash in Colchester.
Image source, Essex Fire and RescueEssex Fire and Rescue says the driver managed to climb out of the car that had overturned after colliding with another vehicle, a pedestrian crossing and barrier.
The incident happened at about 21:00 in Northern Approach Road.
There are no reports of any injuries.
Jack Warren
BBC Local Live
Essex Police's road team has sent us an update on the closure of the Southend-bound A127 between M25 and Halfway House.
We're told that recovery work of the three lorries involved is under way, with Highways officials assessing the damage caused to the carriageway.
The road remains closed.
