I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year break this year.

Hopefully you manage, or managed, to get some well-earned rest and peaceful time with family and friends.

Of course, not everybody has that luxury. Many members of our armed forces will spend the holiday away from their loved ones as they do their duty and serve our country. I want to thank them for all that they do. Their sacrifice helps to keep us safe.

I also want to pay tribute to the amazing NHS, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and all emergency workers who will also give up their own time this Christmas to help and protect others. I am continually blown away by their dedication and tremendous work ethic.

We also shouldn't forget all those small businesses and hospitality workers who will keep working round the clock for our benefit. Thank you to everyone who will spend the festive break serving others.

This time of year is one to share joy with family, but it's also a time to think of those less fortunate. If you are able to donate time or money to charities or food banks working to tackle poverty, other people can have a better time than they were anticipating.

Please also take a moment to consider people in your community who are more vulnerable or lonely, particularly older people who may not have other people to rely on. A little kindness to a frail neighbour may make all the difference in their lives.