What were your highlights of 2013?

Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye in central London during the New Year celebrations. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Following 2012 which was dominated by the Olympics, Paralympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 2013 was always going to be a quieter year, even if still a very busy one.

For me, it is hard to single out the most significant events of the year.

Sadly, for many the most memorable moment of the year will have been the most horrific, which happened on the afternoon of May 22nd, when Drummer Lee Rigby was attacked and killed by two men in Woolwich.

It reminded us not only of the dangers of terrorism but also of the bravery of those who serve to protect us, as well as the generosity of Pendle residents who reacted to this terrorist outrage by donating huge sums of money to charities such as Help for Heroes.

Locally, it has been satisfying to see construction work under way on three new primary schools – Barnoldswick Church of England School, St Paul’s in Nelson and Whitefield Infants School.

It has also been good to see work under way with the new £9m. Urgent Care Centre at Burnley General Hospital, the new Accident and Emergency at Airedale Hospital and the new Colne Health Centre.

This shows that, despite the cuts that have been necessary to restore the public finances, we are still seeing some really significant investments in public services locally.

In April, I was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to Pendle, when he visited cycle firm Hope Technology in Barnoldswick.

It was also wonderful to see Barrowford residents John and Penny Clough MBE recognised by the Queen for the successful Justice for Jane campaign following the brutal murder of their daughter in 2010.

Can I wish all readers a happy and prosperous 2014.