THE Times is seeking out the 'Hidden Gems' of Braintree, and we need your help.

This weekend Finchingfield was named one of the best places to live in national newspapers.

Businesses including The Finchingfield Lion and Bosworth’s Tea Room were named as beautiful places to visit.

We would like to know what residents and visitors love about the Braintree district.

You can send us your best-kept secrets of places to eat, shop and visit.

Braintree Council will be taking part in the initiative in the summer.

In the meantime, we have chosen a few of our favourite 'Hidden Gems' in Braintree.

Reporter Katherine Palmer reveals her favourite place to eat- The Yumy restaurant in Braintree's town centre.

She said: "Yumy in Little Square really is a hidden gem- I had no idea it existed until my dad insisted I went along.

"I get my huge appetite from my dad, so it is no surprise it is also one of his favourite places to eat.

"The food is cheap, and the portions are overwhelmingly large, which was music to my ears when I first had lunch there.

"Although it is tucked away, Yumy draws in huge crowds, most of which are made up of regulars who have developed an appreciation for fast service and a friendly atmosphere.

"I heard the staff welcome one old gentleman by name, and they even knew his favourite place to sit.

"They serve everything from burgers and steaks to sandwiches, and nothing is too much trouble.

"They even obliged when I cheekily asked for cranberry sauce to go with my brie and bacon panini.

"If you have some time to spare on your shopping trip, it is definitely worth a visit."

Have you found a hidden gem you would like to tell us about? Write to us or contact us via Facebook or Twitter, using the hashtag #BDHiddenGems.