Essex County Council has announced extra funding for Essex Highways, in a bid to improve the face of highways across the county.

The £25 million boost will be used to fund resurfacing on key roads, vegetation maintenance, and the repainting and repairs of signs and lines on the highway.

The new programme, named 'Priority One', aims to substantially improve the condition of the network, with a focus on larger road resurfacing rather than individual potholes.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said: "This investment is a game changer and comes at a time of year when we can make a real impact on the network, before the winter weather and shorter days set in.

"The Priority One programme is well named because roads are our residents top priority...

"It will mean more crews on the roads, more roads being resurfaced and better signs and lines.

"We have one of the largest road networks in the country and it powers our economy,"

The latest funding comes after a £12 million boost in February, of which £8 million supports The Member' Highways Initiative, which focuses on local road issues raised by County Council Members.