In today's Gazette: A bus driver caused traffic chaos when it smashed into a building in Colchester town centre in the rush hour.

The driver of the First bus crashed into scaffolding at Bairstowe Eves in St John's Street and when he tried to reverse, he smashed into a window.

* A missing snake has been found three months after it disappeared - and ten miles from home.

The baby corn snake, called Hiss, went missing from its home in Clairmont Road, Colchester, but has been found in West Mersea.

* Veteran Labour councillor Tim Young says questions over his fitness to serve on a policing panel are politically motivated.

Mr Young was found guilty of dangerous driving in 2001 after he injured a police officer.

However, the conviction is spent and Mr Young said it has no relevance on his ability to serve on the panel.

* Homeowners could sue a water company after their homes were flooded when a pipe burst.

Water 2ft deep soaked basements in Maldon Road, Colchester, after the water main burst on Friday night.

For more on these and other great stories, see today's Gazette. There is always more in the paper than there is online.