I would like to send greetings for a happy Christmas and for good fortune in the New Year to all the residents, visitors and business people of Okehampton.

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all and making new friends and want to thank you all for your hospitality in inviting me to a wide variety of events. I particularly want to thank those who carry out valuable work on behalf of the two charities I am supporting this year, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, and St John Ambulance. They are present at so many of our regular events, dealing with road closures and providing first aid cover as well as being on hand to deal with all sorts of emergencies throughout the year.

The Carnival Committee and the organisers of Okehampton Agricultural Show and the Battle of the Bands are also to be congratulated for their sterling efforts in arranging spectacular events for us all to enjoy.

The Christmas season would be very dull without the Edwardian Evening and the Christmas lights, and I am sure we are all grateful to the Chamber of Trade for their dedication in bringing us cheer to brighten up the end of a difficult year, and to all those who took part.

I hope you have all enjoyed the new lights and offer thanks to all the organisations who helped to provide the funds for their purchase.

It is impossible to mention by name all the individuals and organisations who deserve praise for their efforts this year, but you are all in my thoughts as Christmas approaches.

Be proud of your town, be positive, and let's show all those who want to paint a gloomy picture of our circumstances and prospects that we can rise above the problems and look on the bright side as another year dawns.

I wish you all the very best for a Happy Christmas and a bright New Year.