It was not to be for Stanford-le-Hope businessman Courtney Wood, who lost out to luxury cake boss Alana Spencer in last night's Apprentice final.

Lord Sugar grilled both candidates in the boardroom and admitted that he had "a very difficult task" as both were "very credible candidates".

But it wasn't to be for the Southend United fan who was hoping for Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment for his online novelty gift store. 

Wood said he was "disappointed", but added: "I am really pleased for Alana. She really deserves it, she's come really far in the process."  

Chris Flynn
BBC Essex

Some staff at eight Crown post offices in Essex are walking out today in a row over pension changes, job security and closures.

Some workers have been reporting for duty at this branch in Harlow, which has since opened, but none were up for a chat. 

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "There will be little or no impact on Royal Mail as a result of the CWU strike at the Post Office. Deliveries will carry on as normal and the last posting dates for Christmas remain unchanged." 

Across the UK, about 3,000 staff at hundreds of Crown post offices are expected to walk out today, tomorrow and Saturday.

BBC Weather Watchers

Thanks to BBC Weather Watcher "Karry" who uploaded this photo from Walton-on-the-Naze this morning.

A 16-year-old boy has been kicked in the head and had his motorbike stolen by a gang of men, police say.

Image source, Essex Police

The teenager was out with a friend in Waltham Abbey on Saturday night when they were approached by about six to nine men in Honey Lane.

The victim was thrown off his motorbike (which is pictured) and on to the floor and then kicked in the head.

A car has been punched and kicked in a road rage incident sparked after the attackers were beeped at for throwing rubbish out of their window while driving.

Image source, Google

Essex Police said a woman was driving on the A12 near Brentwood when her husband spotted a white Ford car littering at about 12:50 on Saturday. 

When she beeped her horn, the Ford stopped at traffic lights where two people - a man and woman - got out of the Ford and began kicking and punching the car, causing damage. 

No arrests have been made.

Three cats have died in a house fire in Shoeburyness, Essex Fire and Rescue says.

Image source, Google

The pets perished in the blaze, believed to have started due to an electrical fault in the kitchen in Herongate, at 18:00 yesterday.

A fire engine also had a scrape down a fence due to a local residents' "inconsiderate" parking, the service said.

Aisling Creevey
BBC Look East weather

A misty and murky morning for many, with spots of light rain.

It'll feel chilly, with highs of 7C (44F).

Aisling Creevey has the full forecast for you:

Jack Warren
BBC Local Live

Welcome back to Essex Live - hope you had a great weekend.

Join us until 18:00 for the latest news, sport, weather and travel for the county.

You can share your stories with us at any time today via email, Twitter, external or Facebook, external. 

Paddy McLaughlin's late penalty salvages a point for Gateshead as they draw at home with Braintree in the National League.

A Richard Duffy own goal helps Colchester come from behind to beat struggling Notts County.

Nile Ranger puts aside his off-field troubles to help Southend United to victory at Oldham Athletic.

Winchester is the best place to live in the UK in terms of quality of life, a study finds.

Follow live BBC local radio commentary from Saturday's action in the National League and National League North.