I WOULD like to take this opportunity to wish all the residents of Stourport-on-Severn seasonal greetings for this special time in our calendar.

Christmas is a time to reflect and especially a time for families and young children. I would like to ask you to pause for just one moment and say thank-you to the thousands of servicemen and women who will not be able to spend Christmas at home this year because duties take them away from home, be it working for the United Nations on a peace-keeping mission, military involvement in Northern Ireland or one of the many servicemen stationed in Basra in Southern Iraq.

All our thoughts go out to our military personnel and local organisations whose employees work hard over Christmas to care for our citizens. This includes those from our town's police force, social workers and all the people involved in providing care for the needy in Stourport.

I hope you enjoy the festive season. On behalf of the town council have a merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous new year.

Councillor Stephen Clee,

Mayor of Stourport-on-Severn