Ben Mccarthy

Colchester resident Ross Oldham won an Iceland adventure after referring his partner, Sharon Knocker, to join Bannatyne Health Club during a promotional campaign linked to the new Masters of the Universe film. The prize includes flights to Reykjavik, hotel accommodation, South Iceland sightseeing, Northern Lights viewing, a geothermal spa visit and a Viking restaurant meal. Oldham said he was surprised and particularly looked forward to the spa, while Bannatyne Group chief executive Duncan Bannatyne said the campaign aimed to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles together.

Ukrainian teenager Ivan Seleznov celebrated strong GCSE results after fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and overcoming language and integration difficulties at Philip Morant School in Colchester. He achieved two grade eights and four grade sevens and plans to study maths, economics, music and French at Colchester Sixth Form College, with ambitions to study finance at the University of Warwick. The school also highlighted top performer Alex Derrick, who achieved seven grade nines, and hearing-impaired student JJ Raybould, who earned eight GCSEs at grade five or above.

Perrywood Tiptree has begun refurbishing its coffee shop and restaurant outside normal opening hours so customers can continue visiting. The details of the renovation are being kept confidential, but the garden centre confirmed that its popular cakes will remain available and said it expects to reveal the finished result to the local community soon.

Healthwatch Essex hosted an event at Colchester Arts Centre combining veterans’ lived experiences of mental-health challenges with comedy performances. About 130 people attended, and nine stallholders provided guidance and support. CEO Samantha Glover said the event aimed to reduce stigma and make it easier for veterans and members of the armed-forces community to seek help. Claire Lilly also spoke about The Forcer Protocol after losing her husband to suicide linked to mental-health difficulties and inadequate access to support.

Twelve-year-old Ollie Cliff from Tiptree lives with the extremely rare Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome and has multiple disabilities, including partial sight and wheelchair dependence. Doctors initially believed his prenatal abnormalities were incompatible with life, but he survived and later overcame severe epilepsy after treatment. A community fundraiser organized by gym owner Taz Leigh in Tollesbury raised £1,125 to support Ollie's ongoing care.

More than 1,000 people attended Brightlingsea’s annual pram race, which ran from Hurst Green to the Railway Tavern. Team BK won the race, while the Yellow Shove Marines won the best-dressed award. Organisers Leanne Crozier and Kerry Pentney said the event aimed to support struggling local hospitality businesses by bringing visitors to pubs along the route. The race, which has taken place for more than 60 years, was started this year by former participant Les Herbert.

Students at Colchester’s Sigma Sixth Form celebrated A-level and BTEC results after two years of study. Harry Caulton secured an A, B and C and will study veterinary medicine and surgery, while Emily Stephenson will study psychology with sport. Bethany Stearn, Erin Roan and Eleanor Cook are progressing to university courses in education, mathematics and astrophysics, respectively. Alfie Jones achieved a triple distinction star in sports coaching and development and is training as an emergency dispatcher. Headteacher Stephanie Neil praised the students’ achievements and the range of university and career opportunities ahead.

Four-time age-group BMX world champion Freia Challis collected her results from Colchester Sigma Sixth after balancing intensive training with two years of study. She earned a triple distinction in sports coaching and development and credited the institution with providing the flexibility and support needed to pursue both academics and elite sport. Challis plans to compete in Olympic qualifying races later this year before becoming a full-time athlete in Manchester.