IN TODAY'S GAZETTE: A FATHER suffered a brutal beating in an alleyway in Colchester.

The thugs launched the unprovoked attack on the 26-year-old and tried to steal his phone.

* A singer who narrowly missed out on al place in the BBC talent show The Voice is recording a charity single with fellow rejects.

* A teenager was rushed to hospital after she was in collision with a car in Balkerne Hill, Colchester.

* A top women's cycling race is to be staged in Colchester - on the same day as the famous Tour Series returns to town.

FOR MORE ON THESE AND OTHER GREAT STORIES, SEE TODAY'S GAZETTE. THERE IS ALWAYS MORE IN THE PAPER THAN THERE IS ONLINE.