A Day of Action saw Witham’s youngsters give back to their community and experience riot training.

Last Friday’s event, launched by Witham MP Priti Patel, saw young people from youth organisations such as the Witham Army Cadets and Boy’s Brigade carrying out tasks such as painting, tree planting and clearing work along the River Walk.

They then enjoyed an afternoon of activities with the emergency services, including riot training with Essex Police, demonstrations by St John’s Ambulance and sports.

Keith Meredith represented Witham Boys Brigade on the day and said: "Witham Boys Brigade and Girls Association are proud to take part in planting a tree in the Maldon Rd Park as a  demonstration of our on going commitment to the young people of Witham and to the conservation work carried out so far."

At the same time, an Essex Police-led operation cracked down on rouge motorists in a bid to address concerns raised by residents and retailers.

Police were stationed in Spa Road and speeding drivers taken to the Fire and Rescue Service Community Wheels team, where they were give speed awareness education.

Braintree Council Licensing, Trading Standards, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Parking Partnership were stationed in industrial areas and performed checks on vehicles.

See the BWT for the full story and more photos