I WANTED to take this opportunity to wish "Courier" readers and all my constituents a Very Happy Christmas.

Politically, 2016 has been one of the most dramatic for many years.

We have seen our country vote to leave the European Union, witnessed a change in Prime Minister, the election of Donald Trump and even watched Leicester City win the Premier League!

Football apart, these events will have a very significant bearing on the future for all of us with many challenges ahead.

Meeting these challenges requires good government and an essential ingredient of that is a high level of engagement between local MPs and constituents - so do please keep in touch and share your concerns, views and ideas with me.

I want to continue to make sure that I do my very best to represent you in Westminster. I am best reached through my website at: www.melstridemp.com .

I hope that you and your family have a very Happy Christmas.