Essex have been crowned county cricket champions for the eighth time - and the second time in the last three seasons.

They added the County Championship crown to their T20 Blast title claimed at Edgbaston on Sunday.

Essex drew their final game of the season against Somerset, who would have claimed a first championship with victory at Taunton.

But rain affected the match leaving an almost impossible job for the hosts to claim the win and the title.

They declared their second innings on the final day leaving Essex a chase of just 63, while Somerset would need a fanciful 10 wickets in the remaining overs.