IT'S that time of the year when we look back on the past 12 months and reflect on all that has happened.

Some wonderful things but also tougher times; businesses closing, people losing their lives in tragic circumstances and traffic chaos. The cost-of-living crisis has affected all of us and we are very aware of the impact on our readers.

Despite this, we have been so proud of the way our community has responded by supporting charitable campaigns. In difficult times, we have stuck together and supported each other. It's what our community is all about.

Through it all, we see it as our role to keep you informed, to ask the questions you can't ask and to push for a better and fairer place to live.

We certainly do our best to keep our local politicians on the toes - though, regardless of their political party, we support them all in their efforts to do right by you.

We are currently running a competition available to our subscribers to thank you for our support this year.

One first-prize winner will get their hands on a Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer! The 9.5L capacity air fryer can cook two foods, two ways - both ready at the same time. It has 6 cooking functions – Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Reheat. Plus, it cooks up to 75% faster than fan ovens* and 75% less fat than traditional cooking methods**. 

And that’s not all. Three runners-up will also win an Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet with an 8-inch HD display and 32 GB storage. Relax and unwind with your favourite content from your favourite apps. Stay in touch with family and friends with downloadable video call apps.

To enter, visit: https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/subscription-competition/

At Christmas, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my team who are so dedicated to consistently delivering exceptional news and sport coverage of our region every day.

Their unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and truth and their passionate determination to amplify the voices and causes that matter most to our community makes me proud every day.

I truly believe that without journalists and newspapers like ours, who else would bring to light crucial local issues, stand up for you, and question those in power?

Thank you so much for your continued support to the County Gazette. I hope you will stick with us. Your backing means the world to us all and we never take it for granted.

I wish you a wonderful Christmas and the very best for 2024.

Kind Regards,

Tim Lethaby