IN March 2000 a murder hunt was launched in Bridgwater after Michael Crago was brutally murdered in his Marina Row home.

The 32-year-old was gagged, bound and beaten to death in a crime that shocked the town – and detectives began searching for clues that would lead to his killers.

Eight months later Paul David Hooper, 28, and Mark Cossham Britton, 26, were found guilty of killing Mr Crago by a jury of nine women and three men.

The two were jailed for life for the brutal killing.

BRIDGWATER Carnivalites drank goodbye to the last Black Friday ever in the town in November 2000.

With Bridgwater Carnival moving to a Friday evening for the first time the following year, it was the last time that Carnivalites were able to take part in the usual revelry, which occurs the day after the event.

The 80-year-old tradition had its final farewell toasted in style by all the carnival clubs – as members filled the pubs of the town.

Carnivalites mourned the passing of the special day by dressing up with black armbands and ‘RIP Black Friday’ t-shirts.

Bridgwater MP Tom King announced he was standing down at the next General Election in April 2000, after 30 years in politics The 67-year-old told a meeting of the Conservative Association that he would not be contesting his Bridgwater seat.

The veteran Conservative started his political career in 1970 when he was elected as an MP for Bridgwater.

During a distinguished career he was Secretary of State for Environment, Transport, Northern Ireland and Defence.

Fellow Tory Ian Liddell-Grainger was voted in for Bridgwater at the next election in June 2001.

MERCURY photographer Jeff Searle hit the headlines in 2000 when he captured the moment an RAF helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing on Bridgwater Town’s Fairfax Park ground during a match.

The game had to be cancelled – but on-the-ball Jeff grabbed himself a picture exclusive that even the national newspapers were after.