While all eyes were on Louis Smith during the pummel horse final at the London 2012 Games, a newer face to gymnastics took the bronze medal. Max scored 15.600 with his pummel horse routine, just a fraction behind team mate Louis Smith, who scored 16.066.

Sports scientists at Essex University have analysed Usain Bolt’s running style and determined that his incredible speed is largely due to his long legs. Usain Bolt is 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) tall. Other leading sprinters are much shorter – Tyson Gay is 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in), Asafa Powell is close at 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in), as was Carl Lewis.

The Essex Games are taking place on the London border with Essex next week. The Olympic Stadium is sited on the east side of the River Lea, which is the traditional border between Essex and London. The Lea River Navigation runs along to the east if the Stadium. Here is a little on the historical geography of the Essex – London border.

Local people having rehabilitation following a stroke are now benefitting from a new piece of equipment that helps them to improve movement in their affected arm and hand. The SaeboTM hospital treatment kit is aiding recovery.

Following months of assessment and stringent judging, Essex Auto Group has been named the winner of the Green Apple Awards 2012 for Car Dealerships.

There is a new ice cream parlour in Leigh – Poco Gelato. It is on Elm Road and was founded by brother and sister Lucy and Joe Donnelly, who are the great-grandchildren of Massimiliano Rossi

Parsons Heath. just outside Colchester, may soon have a new state of the art car show room. Haddocks.

Haddocks currently have a Hyundai show room on Fox Street in Ardleigh where they sell new and used cars

Kim Wall from Chelmsford has been one of the best athletes from the Essex since Sally Gunnell’s success in the 400 m hurdles and 400 m relay in the 1992 Olympic Games. Kim has been competing for 14 years, since she was 15 years old. She has represented Great Britain at international level and was hoping to represent Team GB in the 4×400 relay this summer.

There have been reports of a cold-caller knocking on doors in Southend and selling what is claimed to be original pieces of art. The con-artist introduces himself as a student …

A £35 million development has been approved for the Hythe in Colchester. The development will provide accommodation for 765 students in 722 rooms, plus new recreational facilities, a convenience store, a restaurant and bar and a gym.