WE have made some big changes to the way you keep up-to-date with news online.

From today, we will be bringing together the Daily Gazette and Essex County Standard’s websites to create one bigger and better site.

The new site, which you can access via the existing web addresses, will have extra content and features.

As well as all the usual breaking news and information you have come to expect from ourr news teams, we have included recipes, pictures from Essex's past, ideas for days out with the kids, real life stories, theatre and music reviews in our new lifestyle section.

James Wills, editor-in-chief, said: “Bringing together content from the Essex County Standard and the Daily Gazette will allow us to bring you a better website, with a wider variety of stories and features.

“We have lots of exciting things planned for the new site, including video recipes, picture galleries and pieces from our award-winning columnists.

“We’ve also been digging through our archives and will be publishing some fascinating old photographs of some of the town’s best known sites.”

“The changes to the website will not have any impact on your Gazette newspaper and we are, as always, committed to bringing you the latest local news.”

As part of the new website, we are launching a free mobile phone app.

Our digital team has been working hard on the new project, which is live on Apple iOS and Android now.

You will be able to access the latest breaking news, sports stories, reviews and much more with just a few taps.

Mr Wills added: “The way people access and read news stories has changed drastically in the last few years.

“We’re committed to bringing our readers the latest north Essex news in the quickest and most convenient way possible.”

To download the new app search Colchester Gazette on your app store.