In this week's Halstead Gazette, we report on a shocking fire that killed a family of badgers in Ovington.

It is thought that hay bales were put on top of the sett and were set alight.

The set was then ploughed over meaning any badgers who might have survived the blaze would have suffocated in the sett.

Elsewhere in this week's paper, we bring you:

Halstead in Bloom are all systems go in preparation for the Britain in Bloom competition in August.

A local vineyard is set to be supplying wine to Formula 1 legends in Monaco.

Library campaigners in Sible Hedingham continue their fight against cuts.

A pregnant runner has raised £3K for the London Air Ambulance.

More and more patients are visiting Colchester Hospital leading to a five hour wait in A&E.

Upgrades on the A131 could be put on hold.

A look into the new voter ID scheme for the local elections.

A mum's leggings brand has hit the ground running after claiming a bronze award.

And the story of a mum who beat homelessness and is running classes to help people like her who are living with mobility issues.

We also have a fantastic spread of flowers from our talented Camera Club members.