Christmas spirit never dies, even in times of trouble.

Maybe that should read especially in times of trouble.

We could have filled two pages and more with pictures of help being offered and gratefully received.

Most of these pictures are from 2015 and among these archives were dozens of photos of the parties held around the town to give those most affected by the flooding a little respite from the worry.

They would have to return to the worry of the flood waters but, for a few hours at least, the kindness of strangers gave them something else to think about.

And talking about the kindness of strangers, we have included a submitted photo of Scouts, Cubs and Beavers lined up behind a row of boxes all filled with Christmas presents sent by Scouts in Warrington. That says Christmas!

We have two competition winners. One is Amber Maxfield, nine, who designed a Christmas colour scheme for a Virgin Pendolino train. The prize saw Amber and her family caught the 'Penguilino' from Carlisle Railway Station on a special trip to Glasgow.

Amer and Yumena Zia welcomed baby Zoha into the world on December 25, 2015.

As the grandmother of a Boxing Day baby it is essential for someone in the extended family to ensure that Zoha has an "official" birthday like the Queen and now King Charles. This should be somewhere around July and should be a day dedicated to the birthday child and at least one present should be given.

Zoha is now old enough to enjoy that other tradition, the Christmas panto.

Where we grew up there were no pantos but, during a time with our grandparents in Langholm, we were taken to see Cinderella in Carlisle.

It was absolutely magical. I was nine then and am now 73 and still remember nearly falling out of my seat with laughter when Cinderella, bidding Buttons a goodnight said: "Nighty, nighty." Buttons replied: "Pyjamas, pyjamas."