CHRISTMAS is an opportunity to reflect on the people who are important to us.

Those who go out of their way to be kind to others and work to keep us safe deserve special recognition.

Our charity workers, community volunteers, faith leaders and first responders always focus on providing help to the most vulnerable:

“Harlow is a stronger community because of the many faiths and individual cultural groups that make it a great place to live.

“Christmas is a particularly significant time for Christians, but Harlow is home to people of all faiths and none. Making sure that every part of our diverse community is celebrated during the festive season is the right thing to do, and a responsibility we all share.

“Our common values centred around empathy and respect have helped to build a stronger sense of community since the town’s inception. This appetite for coming together is what binds us at this time of year.

“There are some people in our town who stand out the most. First responders embody the values of integrity and resilience that mark them out to be the very best of us. The compassion shown by local charity workers and volunteers to support those most in need demonstrates that every effort is made to ensure no one is forgotten.

“It is important that the contribution of those who put others first remains at the forefront of our minds this and every December.

“Wishing everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas this year.”

Mr Joel Charles