| Good evening everyone It's been a roller coaster year, hasn't it? But while there have been many downs, there have also been plenty of 'ups'. At this time of year, it is tempting to think about what we are missing out on: meeting up with family and friends; a house full of guests; eating out or meeting pals down the pub. But, being an optimist at heart, I like to consider also the things we have to be thankful for: the NHS; the many other key workers who have provided food, help and teaching advice, plus the unsung heroes who ensure some of us can work from home by keeping our wi-fi going. We have got to know our neighbours better and have made the first steps to improving community spirit. As I sign off for a couple of days for Christmas, I wish all of you a safe and merry Christmas. And I hope that 2021 will bring us all a better year ... and a vaccination! As always, you can email me at gillian.parkinson@jpimedia.co.uk Take care, Gillian Looking for a useful, last-minute gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member? Keep them in the know throughout 2021 with a year-long gift subscription to lep.co.uk - and get 20 per cent off now! Just click the following link and use the promo code CHRISTGIFT20 https://bit.ly/LEPgift Here are some of today's top stories ... | 
