Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live

Makes you feel proud, ay...

If we count all the medals competitors from Beds, Herts and Bucks have won at Rio so far, the region would stand 13th in the current table, just pipping Essex in 14th. That's above the likes of Spain, New Zealand and hosts Brazil.

OK, OK - some of you may have noticed we've popped Hemel and Basildon's Max Whitlock as golds under both. We'll leave it to you to scrap for who claims our great gymnast.

Essex strengthen their position at the top of Division Two by beating Derbyshire by an innings and 62 runs.

BBC Weather

This afternoon will be fine and dry with plenty of sunshine. Despite the easterly breeze, it will feel warm. 

Maximum temperature: 22C (72F).

Get your local forecast from BBC Weather.

The man killed in a hit-and-run in Hockley has been named as Basil "Bas" Shale. 

His family said he was a "much loved husband" who'd been married to his wife, Vera, for 59 years. 

Image source, Essex Police

A statement said: "Bas lived in the village of Hullbridge for around 50 years where he was well known by many and worked for a number of years as a milkman to the local and surrounding areas.

"He was often seen out and about in the village, especially buying the daily newspaper, and is remembered by many."

CCTV has been released of cars and people police wish to identify after an 84-year-man was killed in a hit-and-run in Hockley.

The man was in Lower Road late on 5 August when he was struck by a car which failed to stop. He was taken by air ambulance to hospital where he later died. 

PC Heidi Lee, at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Today we're issuing CCTV captured near the scene and shortly after the collision showing a number of people and occupants of vehicles we want to speak to."

A 23-year-old man from Rayleigh was arrested in connection with the crash and has been bailed until December pending further enquiries. 

A tribute to the victim has also been released, which we'll bring to you shortly. 

A man who allegedly ran off from police when they handcuffed him and tried to put him in a car is found.

BBC Essex

This caller had such a terrible time trying to pass her driving test... she turned to hypnosis. 

A nurse who left a syringe full of drugs on a patient's bed and gave another patient the wrong medication is struck off.

If you were thinking of a move to Leigh-on-Sea, you'll be following in the footsteps of some famous faces.

You may spot actress Helen Mirren tucking into some jellied eels, comedian Phill Jupitus walking along the Broadway or maybe David Lloyd at one of the local tennis clubs, who all derive from the seaside town.

Leigh-on-Sea, famous for its cockles, beaches and lack of parking, has been named as the happiest place to live in Britain, according to a new survey. 

The Happy at Home Index, external was completed by almost 24,000 people, who picked the south Essex seaside town as the chirpiest place due to a strong community spirit and sense of belonging.

But if you were thinking of flocking to Leigh, it isn't the cheapest place to live. The average house price there is £384,439.

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

Three times. That's how many attempts it took me to pass my driving test in Basildon - the town that has one of the lowest pass rates in Essex.

Here's how other towns and cities fare...

It comes as the latest figures from the Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency show that if you take your test in a rural area, you're much more likely to pass then taking your test in a built-up urban area.

But, if you're thinking about the easy option and booking a test in the countryside, Colchester driving instructor Mark Cole warns against it. 

"People should take their test where they are going to be driving the most, not where conditions are easiest," he says.

Kate Kinsella
BBC Look East weather

After a cool dawn, a fine and dry day will follow with plenty of sunshine.

Despite the easterly breeze, it will feel warm with a maximum temperature of 23C (73F).

Check the latest with BBC Weather here.

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

Quick question to start with, where did you take your driving test? 

If it was Southend, then give yourself a pat on the back. New figures show the seaside town is the hardest place to get your pink licence in Essex.

Image source, Getty Images

More on that shortly, plus we've got the rest of the day's news, sport, weather and travel until 18:00.  

You can get in touch with your tales on email, Twitter, external or Facebook, external.

Re-live Tuesday's text commentary on the final day of the latest County Championship matches, as the Roses game is drawn.

Derbyshire captain Billy Godleman hits a century against his former county Essex on day three at Derby.

A six-year-old girl is critically ill after a garden wall collapses on her.

Julie Reinger
BBC Look East weather

There'll be plenty of sunshine to end the day and then a dry night with some isolated mist and fog patches. 

Light winds and temperatures down to about 10C (50F).

Tomorrow will be another fine and dry day with plenty of sunshine.

Temperatures are expected to climb to about 23C (73F). It will be a few degrees cooler on the coast with an on-shore easterly wind, light to moderate in strength.

You'll find your local forecast at BBC Weather.

BBC Travel

One lane is closed and there are long delays due to an overturned car on the A127 Southend-bound, between the Fairglen Interchange and Rayleigh Weir. 

Latest travel updates here.

Good to see so many of you have been able to enjoy the sunshine across the county. Here are a few of our favourite pictures uploaded to the BBC Weather Watchers page today.

Charlotte Rose
BBC Essex

A man who staged a sit-in protest to try and stop the removal of a phone box in Billericay is now getting the once over from paramedics.