In today's Gazette: The big freeze finally arrived as heavy snow caused disription across north Essex.

While youngsters enjoyed sledging and snow balls, gritters were out trying to keep main roads clear.

* A grieving widow spoke of her torment after a man allegedly responsible for her husband's death failed to appear in court.

Glenn Hudson, 50, of Wivenhoe fell 150 ft to his death when his harness snapped while is was parasailing in Turkey. Two men have been jailed for criminal negligence but a third man has failed to appear at court for the second time.

* An ancient spearhead found in Colchester may be Essex's oldest discovery.

A builder found the small flint while digging the foundations for the hotel development of Grey Friars on East Hill.

* A £1.5 million revamp of Colchester's recycling centre has been unveiled.

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