The staff of the Kentish Express would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas.

As 2015 draws to a close it’s a time to reflect on what has been a very busy and productive year for Ashford.

The past year has seen the go-ahead granted for major schemes like the Ashford Designer Outlet expansion and the re-development of vacant land between Elwick Road and the railway line with a six-screen cinema, a hotel and eight bars and restaurants.

Next year the team here will continue to provide you with a varied diet of local news, both in the newspaper and online.

So we just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very enjoyable Christmas.