We would like to wish all our readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It has been another tremendously hard 12 months for everyone in Newham, yet we have come through it.

Newham has such a diverse population and has changed so much over the last 35 years.

Yet one thing has remained a constant sums up the place in which we live or work...the amazing community spirit in the borough.

And that is encapsulated by the success of the annual toy appeal that we run in conjunction with the most amazing of organisations, Community Links.

Against all the odds in the toughest year ever, the people of Newham proved true community spirit lives on.

In our 34th appeal there were some truly amazing effort but we worked together to provide 15,000 toys for more than 3,000 children.

This is a truly remarkable achievement and one of which I am immensly proud as Editor of this newspaper.

God bless you all. Thank you and enjoy your family and friends at this special time of year.