MY theme for the civic service this year was the single word 'hope', defined as 'A wish or desire supported by some confidence of its fulfilment'.

I try to start every day with hope as I am very much a 'glass half full' type of person but, I suspect that, like many of you I sometimes have to work hard to see the positives when confronted by all the gloom and doom being portrayed by the national media.

But then I take a look at the town of which I have the privilege of being its mayor and realise just how blessed we are.

In spite of the economic difficulties the town has maintained the traditional events that take place throughout the year, has continued to attract visitors from far and wide and has generously supported the many charitable organisations that do so much good work.

As we reach the end of one year and the beginning of a new one my hope is that the people of Tavistock will continue to support the town and I know that my fellow councillors will do everything they can to ensure the future prosperity of the town and its continued status as a fine place in which to live, work and play.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a very healthy 2012.