Braintree and Witham Times

Several schools are closed, trains are cancelled and bin collections are suspended as red and amber extreme heat weather warnings are in place across Essex today.

An energy mega-project in the Essex countryside has opened its doors to mark its move into full operational life.

Ocean rower Dawn Smith BEM is taking on a historic world-first challenge with an unsupported crossing of the North Atlantic from Canada to Burnham.

Two people from Essex have been jailed for their roles in a major drug conspiracy linked to organised crime.

Essex Community Foundation has appointed Gavin Benn as its new director to strengthen community impact across Essex.

A "do not travel" ban to Dubai, which is a popular holiday destination with flights from Stansted Airport, has been lifted.

Little Waltham Drama Group is set to bring laughter, warmth and a touch of Yorkshire flare to Essex in its latest production, ‘Ladies’ Day’.

A detached family home with views over farmland has been put on the market in Dunmow.

A man with links to Essex is wanted by police on recall to prison.

SEVERAL schools across Essex have announced planned closures or timetable changes due to the extreme heat weather warning this week.

A former Essex Police officer has been found guilty of misconduct during a hearing.

A secondary school in Chelmsford has been forced to partially close after a thunderstorm caused the school to be hit by lightning.

A Tiptree primary school has been praised for its dedication to literacy during a visit from MP Priti Patel as part of the Get Witham Reading campaign.

A family who lost their home in a major Basildon fire have spoken of their devastation for neighbours and the wider community.

A man and woman in their 80s have died after being found with injuries at a property in Great Totham yesterday.

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood is closed throughout today due to an extreme heat alert.

Nigel Farage has admitted a parliamentary watchdog could take a “different view” over a £5 million gift he did not declare after becoming an MP in Clacton.

Central Connect passengers in Essex are being advised to expect minor delays next week as an amber weather warning comes in.

Nature reserves across Essex are being damaged by a recent spate of vandalism and illegal activity.

Extreme temperatures amid a forecast 39C heatwave in Essex is forcing schools to shut early and bin collections to be changed amid major disruption.