There has been much communication in these columns recently about the snowy and icy weather.

Many correspondents have been inconvenienced and some, the younger ones in particular, have taken a rare opportunity to have a lot of fun.

I am sure we will all be able to agree that the demands on staff at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, particularly in the A&E department, have been almost unprecedented.

Staff have responded to the emergency and made their way in, walking considerable distances in many cases to make patients comfortable and treat the injuries with their usual skill and compassion as speedily as possible Thank you to all of you, including volunteers, who were on hand to provide a much-needed cup of tea. We are so lucky to have dedicated people like this who always respond whatever the crisis.

A very Happy Christmas and a healthy year in 2010 to you all.

Councillor Ann Norman
Mayor of the City of Brighton and Hove