As your local online newspaper, Maldon Nub News aims to bring you all the local news - big and small.

Not every news item needs a longer story, so from time to time we will bring you some of these shorter News in Briefs (Nibs).

Here's a few of the latest.

THE latest Covid-19 infection rates for the Maldon district show an increase to 63 confirmed positive cases per 100,000 population for the last seven days.

The previous seven days gave a rate of 54 per 100,000, showing an increase of nine in the week-on-week figures.

BUSINESSES across Maldon district can now register their interest in finding out more about new grants available because of the county's Tier 2 'High' level pandemic alert.

A notice on the landing page of the Maldon District Council website reads:

"New grant scheme for businesses who have been impacted by Tier 2 restrictions.

"If your business has been severely impacted by the social restrictions in place as a result of moving to Tier 2 and you wish to express an interest in the grant scheme, please provide contact details and we will be in touch when you are able to submit an application."

Anyone wanting to find out more should visit the home page of the Maldon District Council website here.

A WOMAN was rescued from mud at Bradwell Beach by a volunteer lifeboat crew on Sunday.

West Mersea's volunteer lifeboat crew rescued the woman after she became trapped up to her knees in the mud with an incoming tide.

The launch took place within six minutes of the call at 3.31pm, and the crew freed the casualty with water up around their waists.

She was handed over to Essex Fire and Rescue and the South Woodham Rescue Team.

THE RSPCA's Essex mid Essex branch is inviting pet owners to get involved with a Home Pet Show to raise money for animals in need.

All animals are welcome in the five online classes, including Wise Wizards, Pumpkin-Spiced Baby, Tricks and Treats and Howloween Pets. There is also an art class for budding photographers, crafters and artists.

People can enter their pets into one of the 20 regional heats across the country from now until Friday, 30 October. National winners will be picked from across the regions and will be invited to take part in the live final hosted by CBBC's Pets Factor vet Rory Cowlam and actor and influencer Sophie Craig at 4pm on Saturday, 31 October streamed on the charity's Facebook page.

More details on the day and an interactive map of available classes can be found on the RSPCA website here.