Prepare a tin to set fudge in. line with non-stick foil. I used a small/medium sized rectangular ceramic dish. It depends on how thick you bhi want b the fudge to be. use ca smaller dish for thicker pieced

place the water and sugar in a pot and put on to Medium low heat until the sugar completely dissolves.

add the syrup and butter to the pot, stirring all the time, until the butter melts.

add the tin of condensed milk. turn heat up to medium high and bring to the boil, stirring all the time

Once it starts to boil reduce the temperature to med low, ensure that the mix is constantly simmering. simmer until at soft ball stage ( approx 25 minutes on medium heat) stir constantly to avoid burning.

Once soft ball stage is reached, remove from heat and add vanilla essence. stir the mix vigorously for approx. 3-5 minutes, or until the mix starts to thicken. You will see that it starts to set to the sides of the pot. Once beaten and thickened ( do not beat for too long or it will set in the pot) pour into prepared pan and allow to set. ( 30 minutes)

note: it is easier to use a food thermometer to measure for soft ball stage. But you will see after aprox 25 minutes of constant simmering at medium low/ medium heat, the colour and consistency will have changed considerably. This is when you know it is nearing soft ball stage.

cut into squares and enjoy! :)