Season's greetings from all at the Mercury.

On this very special day we'd like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas.

We hope you received all the gifts you could wish for, and are enjoying spending time with friends and family eating good food and forging great memories.

Please spare a thought for anyone you know who may be alone today, for the bereaved or those who are ill or spending the day in hospital.

Also for the emergency services and armed forces who keep us safe, and anyone else who is working over the festive period.

In the past year we have covered some amazing stories with your help and have enjoyed sharing news from Deal Dover and Sandwich with you.

Here's to a very Happy Christmas and wishing you a joyful and healthy new year.

From Graham, Beth, Emily, Eleanor and Victoria, all the sales staff and receptionists.