I was really pleased to announce the winner of my Christmas Card Competition last week and present the winner and runners-up with their prizes during visits to their schools.

I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to all the schools that participated in the competition this year. There were many amazing entries, and it was fantastic to see the young talent across the Forest of Dean.

Congratulations to Willoughby from Huntley C of E Primary School, who won first place, and to Rhys from Heart of the Forest Community Special School and Ronnie from Coalway Junior School, who were named runners-up.

I really enjoyed visiting the schools to present the prizes and meeting the pupils who won. Seeing their excitement at their artwork being recognised and being included in the winners list was really special. I’d like to thank Puzzlewood and Suntory for sponsoring it and helping make it possible.

I would like to wish all my constituents a very Merry Christmas and extend my warmest Christmas wishes near and far. I know this can be a difficult time for many of us, missing family and friends that are no longer with us, going through hardship, and managing really challenging times. My thoughts are with you all at this time of year.

As ever, my office will remain open during the Christmas period, and we will respond to urgent queries and support cases that need immediate help.

Please familiarise yourself with the details below in case you or someone you know may need support this Christmas time:

NHS Non-emergency: 111 Emergency: 999

Samaritans For mental health support Phone: 116 123

Gloucestershire Highways 24/7 Emergency Line: 08000 515 514

Gloucestershire Adult Social Care Helpdesk: 01452 426868

Gloucestershire Children & Families Help Desk: 01452 426 565

And finally, as we draw closer to the end of the year, I want to thank all the individuals, charities, businesses, organisations and schools I have had the opportunity to meet this year. I very much look forward to meeting even more in 2026.

We are a uniquely vibrant constituency made up of community-driven people who make a difference every day, and I have seen first-hand during the whole of 2025.

Taking the voice of the Forest to Westminster has been my mission from day one. This year has been no exception, and next year will see our voices heard even louder. I am committed to listening, acting, and initiating meaningful change for the people of the Forest.

It’s also important to acknowledge that emergency services will be working around the clock during the festive season to keep us all safe, and I want to thank them for their tireless work during this time.

Merry Christmas to all, and a very Happy New Year.