Good evening and happy new year!

It feels like we are stepping off the terrifying rollercoaster of 2020 and queuing for the mystery ride of 2021 -  but at least we are all in it together.

It's natural to feel retrospective at this time of year and think about all that last year could have been but wasn't. 

But you can rest assured you are not alone in that feeling as nobody sailed through the past year without an impact on their life.

We are now in a much better position regarding the pandemic as we have something we didn't have six months ago and that is hope.

Hope this latest lockdown will have the required impact in slowing down infections and also hope the various vaccines being given the green light will mark the beginning of the end for Covid-19.

Here in Lancashire, huge positives have come from the experience including all of our everyday heroes, an appreciation for the beauty of our home county and an overwhelming surge of support for local business and commerce in its most troubled of times. But most of all it's been the resurgence of community, tackling loneliness, hunger and helping those without and in need.

Lancastrians really are the best.

Wishing a productive and safe new year to all of you from our entire team.

Nicola Adam, deputy editor

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