On behalf of my husband Neville and myself, I would like to take this opportunity through the Andover Advertiser, to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

As Mayor of Test Valley, I have considered it an honour to represent the authority, since last May when the Mayoralty took place at Crosfield Hall in Romsey.

The residents of Andover and surrounding areas have been most generous in welcoming the Mayor to the numerous engagements I have undertaken, it has been a pleasure to meet so many of you who have extended this warm welcome.

We have visited many organisations throughout the borough including, schools, village gatherings and charity fundraising events, and more recently visiting nursing and care homes and attending special carol services and concerts in the beautiful St Marys Church, and the Lights Theatre, also the magical lantern service at St Pauls Church Centre at Smannell.

A special highlight was the Freedom March of the 22 Engineer Regiment in October through Andover where you the residents were most generous in supporting the young soldiers on their return from a tour of duty from Afghanistan.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to you all where ever you are at Christmas time, with family, friends, neighbours and I hope we can all together spare some time during the Christmas period to think of those who are on their own or whose loved ones are serving the country overseas.

I send you all my best wishes for Christmas and the New Year 2014 Janet Whiteley – Mayor of Test Valley