As a Christmas Day like no other begins, the team at Blog Preston would like to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas.

2020 has been a challenging year for us all, with the news on the Blog being dominated by Covid-19.

Our thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected by the pandemic, be it through the illness directly, or as a result of associated financial, social and emotional strain.

It’s been a difficult ten months for Preston, and at times it’s been tough to report the news amidst so much worry and sadness.

But report it we have, and with over more than 1.4 million unique users visiting the site during 2020, we have continued to grow as a resource for Prestonians during this time of need.

As for the people of Preston – well, we can always count on you and your ability to do the city proud.

As much as Covid-19 has produced stories full of cancellations, closures and concerning statistics, it has also given rise to incredible tales of creativity, courage and kindness from our Proud Prestonians.

Away from the pandemic, we’ve celebrated achievements including a deal on a house for the city’s rough sleepers a year after the Big PNE Sleep Out, and our very own Ranvir Singh’s inspirational achievements on Strictly Come Dancing.

Thank you for sharing your stories with us – your tip-offs, photos, clicks and contributions help to make the site what it is.

On behalf of all of the team here at Blog Preston we’d like to wish you a Merry Christmas, and all the very best for a happier and healthier 2021.

Rachel, Kate, Ed, Charlotte, Abigail and all our contributors.

If you need someone to talk to this Christmas, Samaritans will listen. You can call 116 123, or find other ways to contact them on the Samaritans website.