THE Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Dadds, has issued a Christmas message to the borough, saying: "As 2021 comes to an end, all in our community have continued to face difficulties as we cope with and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent events demonstrate that those difficulties are far from over and we need to help and support each other.

"The achievements of our NHS, including the ambulance service, and all those in the community and voluntary sectors in the early response to the pandemic in 2020 has been remarkable and continues to be so even now through the enduring problems of 2021.

"I am immensely grateful to everyone in our community for your continued efforts in keeping us all safe and well, which is far from easy.

"Next year will bring its own challenges, but I'm confident that together we can overcome these challenges with our common good.

"I hope that everyone will find time to have a break over the coming holidays and find the Christmas spirit."

"May I offer you and your families my best wishes for the holiday season and for the New Year."