As 2018 draws to an end, writing this column reminded me of two years ago when I decided to apply to the Conservative Party's central office, hoping to stand for Copeland in the by-election.

My highlights include welcoming the first Sunday train service on the Cumbrian Coastal Line between Whitehaven and Barrow, a huge boost to people living, working, learning and visiting the west coast.

However, the RMT strike action caused our Saturday service to be severely limited. Having the assurance from Rt Hon Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary that guards will remain on our line should mean restoration to the service.

I look forward to meeting with our local RMT representative on the 2nd January to see how this impasse can be resolved.

Work will also be commencing to plan for railway improvements as the entire line, around 100 miles between Carnforth and Carlisle will eventually benefit.

With an end to the dear old Class37 locomotive, the new trains will bring our vital railway and rolling stock up to modern standards.

During a visit to Whitehaven earlier in the year, the Transport Secretary also announced the preliminary development project would start on the Whitehaven Relief Road.

Of course it's not all about new roads, Cumbria County Council will receive £12m to repair potholes, improve resilience on local bridges and structures.

Further road progress means that commuters can look forward to a by-pass at Grizebeck, as a result of superb campaigning by local groups and two MPs working well together, I will continue to work with John Woodcock.

I will work alongside my fellow Cumbrian MPs whenever helpful for the benefit of our county, one voice for Cumbria is a practical way of collaborating and will make sense, as we work hard to develop Moorside and other nuclear priorities.

Our next Moorside meeting on January 11 will discuss the difficulties nuclear new build developers are facing, we will gather the necessary evidence to encourage change in the current market led system.

I have called upon the Prime Minister to meet with me in the New Year to discuss how we connect our local capability with the much needed capacity.

The future of West Cumberland Hospital is always close to my heart and I would like to congratulate WCH on their recent CQC report which graded services including Maternity as 'Good'. The hospital's on-going recruitment initiatives were also highly commended as was the collaborative working relationships with partners across Cumbria's health and care system to develop Integrated Care Communities. With the extra £46m of Government funding announced last year, this will support the retention, recruitment of staff and teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals in partnership with UCLan.

I very much hope that 2019 will be the year that West Cumbria Mining will move ahead with their state-of-the-art mining project, it will bring hundreds of jobs and add significantly to our export economy, supporting global steel manufacturing and an industry our area is synonymous with. Mining is part of our cultural heritage and I know it will be welcomed back to Whitehaven.

Lastly, I would like to wish you all a lovely festive season and all the very best for a happy and healthy New Year.