In today's Gazette: Cyclist Alan Lawrence is lucky to be alive after miraculously surviving a high-speed smash.

Mr Lawrence, 45, of Colchester, was sent into the path of two cars travelling at 60mph after he hit a stone on his bike.

* A mother had to be cut from her car after suffering neck and head injuries in a crash at Middleborough, Colchester.

* A determined mother - and 45,000 supporters - are celebrating victory today in their campaign to close a loophole in the law.

Jackie McCord began her mission following the tragic death of her daughter Cassie, who was 16. After lobbying the Government, the DVLA will now be able to revoke the licence of drivers with inadequate eyesight within hours - rather than days.

* A carer had to be cut free after getting her finger stuck in a plughole for more than two hours.

Firefighters were called to West Mersea to free the 27-year-old who was taken to hospital with part of the plug still attached to her finger.

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