Andrew Woodger
BBC News

A Hockley woman who came so close to death that doctors told her relatives to say their final goodbyes is due to celebrate Christmas with her family one year on.

Tracy Ralph, 35, lost her legs and fingers after she was was diagnosed with blood poisoning on 24 December. 

"Christmas this year will be very different," she said. "We are finally spending Christmas together, with the people who matter most."

Georgina Burnett
BBC Weather

A cloudy start with a few showers and strong winds. Rain clearing by mid-afternoon leaving behind sunny spells and the odd shower. 

 Maximum Temperature: 11C (52F).

Laura Safe
BBC Essex

A police cordon is in place in Grays High Street this morning after a man was attacked and left with serious head injuries.

Image source, Google

Essex Police says it was called to reports a man had been assaulted just before midnight and was on the pavement outside the Paddy Power bookmakers.

The victim, who is in his 40s, has been taken to Queens Hospital in Romford. Officers are trying to trace three white men, aged in their mid-20s, who made off from the scene.

Southend Echo

A boyfriend enlisted the help of a festive choir to help with his surprise marriage proposal, external.  

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

A woman has been bitten by two dogs while out walking with her own dog in Grays.

Image source, Google

It happened on Monday morning when she went to help another woman whose animal was being attacked by two stray Boxer types on Long Lane, police say.

Officers attended and both the strays were collected by a warden. The dog that was being attacked had to go the vets.

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

Overnight two Burmese men have been sentenced to death in Thailand for murdering University of Essex student Hannah Witheridge.

The 23-year-old and fellow backpacker David Miller, 24, were killed on the island of Koh Tao in September last year.

At a Thai court, three judges found bar workers Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo - who were migrants from Myanmar - guilty of murder at about 03:30 GMT.

Laura Safe
BBC Essex

Here are your top stories for Essex this morning:

• Two Burmese men have been sentenced to death in Thailand for murdering University of Essex student Hannah Witheridge
• Local politicians have defended a decision to ban Colchester refuse collectors from wearing Santa hats and tinsel this Christmas

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

Ho ho ho! Happy Christmas Eve to you. 

Whilst you're preparing yourself for the big day we'll bring you all the latest news, sport, weather and travel for Essex. 

Share your festive cheer with us on email, Twitter, external or Facebook, external.