Message from Ivan:

I want to use my new year message this year to say a big thank you to all those who make our community strong. So thank you to:

• The brave men and women of our armed forces who serve with such courage and professionalism in Afghanistan and elsewhere
• The doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff in our NHS hospitals and community services who save lives and support people with physical and mental illnesses to have a decent quality of life.
• The headteachers, teachers, and support staff who ensure our children have the chance to fulfil their potential
• The police officers, community support officers, and other emergency service workers who keep our community safe.
• The carers who selflessly give a high proportion of their lives to the care of a relative, friend or neighbour.
• The thousands of volunteers who support charities, faith groups, youth services, and homewatch schemes.
• The mums, dads, and volunteer coaches who run our junior football, rugby, cricket, tennis, netball and other sports teams
• The veterans who risked their lives so we could be free
• The small businesspeople who create jobs and keep our local economy moving
• Front line council staff who keep our services running
• The decent majority of parents and grandparents who work hard to give their children the best start in life and values which ensure they become good citizens.