Ashby Mayor Cllr Graham Allman addressed the Christian Churches of Ashby de la Zouch during their online service held on Sunday afternoon.

And he said that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic had been a test for the town and would continue to have an affect on events locally in 2021.

Cllr Allman said: "I'm now in my third term in office as Mayor of Ashby de la Zouch and was more than delighted to be asked to address you all today as Christian Churches of Ashby, by our good friend Rev Tim Phillips.

"The Pandemic has been a test for us all, The Annual Town Service had to be cancelled in 2020 and the upcoming Annual service is in doubt. Ashby Town Councils officers, inside staff and ground workers have all been in their work place doing great work on behalf of the good folk of Ashby, as have all your elected members, all be it meeting via Zoom. Legion House continued as a base for District Nurses, Health Visitors and the Falls Service.

"Christmas was all but cancelled, however, our festive lights did us proud and uplifted everyone's spirits with the Town Centre Manager supporting and encouraging our local businesses.

"Ashby is an amazing quintessential English market town and ranked amongst the seven most favoured place to live and work in the country, thanks to you our community, with our churches playing an important role in our wellbeing, a big thank you to all involved.

"On a more personal note, along with The Mayoress Charmaigne, we will take this opportunity to announce the blessing of the safe arrival during Covid-19 in May of Robyn Allman, daughter of my son Elliott and his wife Becky and twins two weeks ago of Alec and Jaxon Allman sons of Piers and Katie all of whom will be Christened when safe to do so.

"We urge you all to take the governments advice and stay safe and look out for each other."