ON behalf of Labour councillors representing local communities in CWAC, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

It has been a difficult year again for many with the cost of living leading to people going without the essentials in life.

Without all the people who give their own time to help others we know that life would be much tougher so I would like to thank, in particular, those people who volunteer to make life a little easier for others: be it helping out at a food bank; the advice agencies we are fortunate to have; or the thousands of people who care for others, your help is appreciated.

Let us hope for a better 2014 for everyone.

Justin Madders Leader of the Labour Group CWA