Looking back over the past year I am amazed and impressed by the way Altonians have risen to the challenges they have faced and have rallied round to help each other.

New charitable groups have sprung up, while others have extended their services to their neighbours.

At Christmas I would like to thank all of you for what you have done. As town mayor I would particularly like to thank the officers and staff of Alton Town Council for cheerfully taking on a multitude of extra tasks related to steering our community through the difficulties we have faced.

Alton Town Council decided to retain and enhance its Christmas lights to help us to remember our sense of Christmas Joy.

Although we had to cancel big gatherings because of social-distancing requirements, including the switch-on of the Christmas lights and the Yuletide Festival, we have ensured there is a full display of lights and that there have been a series of festive stalls in the Market Square on Saturdays leading up to Christmas.

Marmite the Marmot is back, accompanied by his friend Meribel, to bring cheer to the season and ensure Alton remains “on the map”.

This year, while fundraising for my mayoral charities has been restricted, I was really pleased to choose the final selection in the town photographic competition.

This year we asked our photographers to contribute photos of Alton’s natural life for a calendar.

We had a brilliant response!

The calendar has been sold in aid of my mayoral charities, The Kings Arms and Bushy Leaze, and I wish to thank all the retailers who sold them on the town council’s behalf.

This has been a difficult year for all of us, but Altonians have shown how we can work through the problems together.

I and all my colleagues at Alton Town Council wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous new year.

By Alton town mayor, Cllr Graham Titterington