CHRISTMAS for me, and for many others, is a time to enjoy and spend with family, friends and loved ones.

It is also a time to pause and reflect upon the year gone by and the year ahead.

Whilst many of us will be spending time celebrating and enjoying ourselves this Christmas, my thoughts turn to those for whom Christmas may be a challenging, lonely or unhappy time.

As the season of goodwill, Christmas is a time for community and I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to remember the most vulnerable in your communities; those who may be lonely or homeless, those who are struggling financially or with relationships.

Sadly Christmas is not an enjoyable time for all. But, by taking the time to look out for each other we can help to keep each other safe and very often make a real difference to someone’s life.

I am also reminded of those who won’t be celebrating Christmas with their families this year because of work commitments; such as our police officers, PCSOs and Specials; other blue light services, medical professionals and voluntary support services who work tirelessly to support others, no matter what the season.

I would like to wish you all a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas and new year. I hope you find the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy this special time, and look forward to a prosperous 2016.

Angus Macpherson