Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

A Thurrock Conservative councillor who has named his baby son "Thatcher" says he wanted a name that "stood out".

Image source, Rob Gledhill

Rob Gledhill and his partner Abigail welcomed Thatcher Stephen Maguire just under two weeks ago. 

Speaking to BBC Essex, Mr Gledhill said: "If he does go on to become the leader of a political party let it be, it'll be another great Thatcher running the country".

Dan Holley
BBC Look East weather

Temperatures dropped to -6C (21.2F) in Writtle last night, making it the coldest place in the East of England.

Image source, Google

It wasn't much warmer on the Essex coast either, with Shoebuyness shivering at -3.1C (26.4F).

However, spare a thought for our friends in Scotland. The mercury fell to -12.4C (9.7F) in Kinbrace - the coldest temperature recorded in the UK.

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

As the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rates Colchester Hospital as "inadequate" for the second time, we've been looking at the hospital's troubled past:

• November 2013: Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust placed in special measures over cancer data inaccuracies
• January 2015: Hospital rated "inadequate" by the CQC, leading it to take "urgent enforcement action"
• July 2015: Checks by the CQC found continued problems with patient care
• August 2015: The cancer data inaccuracies were found to be due to "managerial incompetence" rather than any criminal offence
• December 2015: Frank Sims starts as the chief executive

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

A dog walker has been threatened with what is believed to be a gun in Braintree, police say.

Image source, Google

A woman, in her 50s, was walking in Panfield Lane yesterday at about 20:30 when a man approached her and demanded she handed over everything she had.

The suspect is said to have lifted his top to show what appeared to be a firearm tucked into his waistband, but he later ran off. No-one was hurt. 

Richard Smith
BBC Essex

The new chief executive at Colchester Hospital, Frank Sims, has promised to make improvements after it was rated "inadequate" by inspectors.

Image source, Colchester Hospital Trust

"I'd like to give my personal apologises to those patients and families that perhaps haven't had the consistent high quality care that we'd like to give," he said.

"Going forward we will build on the improvements we've already made and we will be getting out of special measures."

BBC Sport

Chigwell's Ronnie O'Sullivan says he has now set his sights on a sixth World Snooker Championship title in April.

Image source, Getty Images

The Essex player won the Masters event at London's Alexandra Palace last weekend. 

"I just want to enjoy this week and try and peak for the Worlds and have a good run," said the 40-year-old.  

Ian Puckey
BBC Essex

If you do not have time to read the 175-page Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, external into Colchester Hospital, these are some of some of the problem areas highlighted in the document:

• Patient safety 
• Overuse of agency staff
• Poorly maintained equipment
• Staff being unwilling to raise concerns
• Patients having to wait more than 100 days for cancer treatment

Nick Alliker
BBC Essex Sport

Colchester United striker Gavin Massey (left) says the U's need to turn the Community Stadium into a "fortress" if they're to avoid relegation.

Image source, Getty Images

The north Essex side is currently 23rd in League One. They take on fellow strugglers Fleetwood Town this evening.

Massey told BBC Essex: "We need to pick up points and start climbing the table". 

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

The leader of the Conservative group on Thurrock Council has defended his decision to name his new born baby boy "Thatcher". 

Image source, Rob Gledhill

Your Thurrock, external first reported the birth of Thatcher Stephen Maguire, who was born on 8 January. Today, proud father Rob Gledhill told BBC Essex he was "happy" with the name.

"It's a parent's decision to call their child what they like... if he's not happy with it when he's older I'm sure he'll change it".

Ian Puckey
BBC Essex

Colchester Hospital has been rated "inadequate" for a second year, with some patients at "high risk" of harm and equipment often out of date, inspectors said.  

Image source, Care Quality Commission

The hospital's leadership was labelled "poor" by the Care Quality Commission, external, which put it in special measures in 2013.

End-of-life patients did not always receive "safe or effective care", the watchdog also found. We'll bring you updates on this story - including what the hospital's management has said in response - throughout the day. 

Laura Safe
BBC Essex

Here are the top stories this morning: 

• Colchester Hospital has been rated "inadequate" for a second year with some patients at "high risk" of harm

• More than 40 firefighters have extinguished a fire at a thatched house in Great Sampford
• A Conservative councillor in Thurrock says his decision to name his new baby "Thatcher" was partly inspired by the former Tory prime minister 

Elizabeth Rizzini
BBC Look East weather

Many places will have a dry and sunny day with just a few patches of cloud. However, it will still feel very cold, despite the light winds. Maximum temperature: 5C (41F).

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

Good morning - it's a bit chilly outside isn't it? 

Until 18:00 we'll be here with all the latest news for Essex. 

If you'd like to comment on any of the stories we mention, you can email us, tweet us, external or visit our Facebook page, external.