After excitable children, not to mention new pets, have been put to bed we have time to think about the year that is ending and the year about to begin.

There is no doubt that this has been a year of challenges. Both here in Knutsford and throughout the country people of all ages have been working hard to provide for their families, build up their businesses  or secure good exam results. Some of those people, such as in our emergency services, will be working on Christmas Day and I will certainly be thinking of them with gratitude. I will also be thinking of people in my constituency who have not had the easiest of years and hope that, in a small way, I have been able to help them with their problems.

2013 has been a busy year for the Knutsford area. Knutsford Academy received the exciting news that it will become one of the first Studio Schools in the country. 300 new jobs have been announced at AMEC and the new Cheshire Search and Rescue offices have opened, creating work for local people. I have always been blown away by the spirit of enterprise in Knutsford, bringing visitors flocking to the town with incredible floral window displays to rival Tatton Park. I hope that they, along with the Knutsford Promenades, will join Knutsford Royal May Day to become an annual tradition It has also been a year of recognition for deserving local people; High Legh resident Glynn Tegfan Jones received the Arctic Star for his brave service in the gruelling Arctic convoys during the Second World War and it was a highlight of my year to present it to him. He is a true hero.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.