THE Gazette is seeking out the ‘Hidden Gems’ of Halstead, and we need your help.

We want to know what residents and visitors love about the district.

You can send us your best-kept secrets of places to eat, shop and visit.

Braintree Council will be taking part in the initiative in the summer.

In the meantime, we have chosen a few of our favourite ‘Hidden Gems’ in Halstead.

Reporter Katherine Palmer, who has been keeping an eye out with the help of Braintree Council, found The Little Book Cafe in Hedingham Road to be a favourite.

She said: “For avid readers like myself, stumbling across this cafe is an absolute dream.

“It has a range of used books available enjoy alongside lunch or a coffee and cake.

“If you are after somewhere to relax, or you need a break from shopping, it’s a no-brainer.

“Independent cafes like this are what make our towns special.”

Have you found a hidden gem?

Write to us or contact us via Facebook or Twitter, using the hashtag #BDHiddenGems.