The Echo in south Essex is celebrating victory in a campaign to stop more than 1,300 new homes being built on a beauty spot in Basildon.

More than 9,000 readers signed the paper's petition in-paper and on its website, calling on Government regeneration agency English Partnerships to withdraw its proposal.

English Partnerships wanted to build more than 1,300 new homes and community facilities on the land, known as Dry Street, which is made up of open countryside.

But now responsibility for any planning application has been handed over to Basildon Council, which has opposed the plan throughout.

The Echo campaign was spearheaded by political reporter Jon Austin.

Jon said: "This campaign has really captured the hearts of our readers.

"We were overwhelmed by the response. We are now delighted English Partnerships has decided not to progress this application."