December is always an exciting time across Barnsley.

There are lots of activities taking place to mark the festive season, from Christmas fairs, plays at school and Christmas markets, there is plenty to get involved with across our area.

I know that there are lots of individuals, groups and charities who are working hard to ensure that people across Barnsley can have the best festive season possible.

One of the things that makes Barnsley such a brilliant place to live is the generosity and community spirit of the local people, and at Christmas, this is no different.

Barnsley Foodbank are asking the community to give the gift of HOPE this year in preparation for the demand that they are anticipating over the festive period.

As always, Age UK Barnsley are holding a number of events throughout December, which have already included wreath making, an event at Barnsley Town Hall, and their winter wellbeing event!

The Reading Agency are holding the winter mini challenge once again, which operates from December through to February, just like the summer reading challenge.

This is a great opportunity for young people to find joy in reading, and make use of our excellent public libraries over the school holidays.

I have been pleased to run my annual Christmas card competition once again this year for primary schools across Barnsley South. Thirteen schools have taken part and I will be visiting them all.

I was pleased to visit Joseph Locke Primary School to present Muhammed from year six with his prize for first place!

A special mention goes to Diana from year one at Elsecar Holy Trinity Primary for placing second overall, and Eva from year five at Wombwell Park Street Primary for placing third overall.

Muhammed’s design is on the front of this year’s Christmas Card, and I am really thankful to everyone who submitted a design for consideration. Thank you also goes to the teaching staff at schools and the competition’s sponsors across Barnsley South who made sure that children could participate in the competition.

I really enjoyed looking at these festive designs, and I have been really impressed with some of the artwork produced.

I have been pleased to join some of the festive events that have already taken place in our local area, including Barnsley Bright Nights at the start of the month to mark the Christmas lights switch on, Christmas Fairs including those at Thornhill House and Darfield All Saints’ Church, the brilliant Barnsley Youth Choir’s Christmas concert at Horizon Community College, which included the Barnsley Christmas Carol.

I was also proud to visit small business Hunningley Christmas Tree Farm to get my Christmas tree this year. The staff there were so helpful, and a special thank you goes to Russ for helping me choose my tree!

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked so hard to ensure that these festive events could take place.

I wish everyone across Barnsley a very merry Christmas.