WITH Christmas just a few days away, I would like to take this opportunity to send a festive message to all readers.

It has without doubt been a very eventful and somewhat unpredictable year, with a new prime minister, a new US president elected and the UK voting to leave the European Union.

I therefore hope you will join me in having a well-earned rest over the Christmas period and come back ready for whatever 2017 has in store.

We shouldn’t be shy to celebrate the fact that Christmas is a Christian festival, and that it is a time for giving and spending time with loved ones.

We should also reflect on those less fortunate than ourselves – those who may be dreading spending the day alone, or those who may be going through difficult times. To me, that is what the spirit of Christmas is all about.

So I would like to wish all Penarth residents, of all faiths and none, a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Andrew RT Davies AM

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives

South Wales Central AM