Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Nick Rushton, has praised the region's 'sense of community' in his Christmas message.

Ashby-based Cllr Rushton has looked back at an eventful 2022 which has seen a number of significant events take place.

He said: "Christmas is a very special time of year, when families and friends come together to spend time with one another and remember those who have been important in their lives. 

"This sense of community is the fabric that binds together the diverse communities of Leicestershire.  

"People have thrown open their homes to people fleeing war in Ukraine, with the County Council helping to support them in their time of need.

"We've continued to protect vulnerable children and adults delivering the social care they need, and we will work hard to ensure a strong post-Covid recovery.

"We've also planted over 100,000 trees across the county, well on our way to meeting our pledge to plant 700,000 - that's one for every resident in Leicestershire and helping cut our carbon emissions. 

"The year 2022 has been an eventful one, celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and sadly her death only a few weeks later.

"We've welcomed the new monarch King Charles III and look forward to his coronation in May 2023. 

"May I wish everyone a very merry Christmas and hope they enjoy the festive period with friends and family."