I want to take this opportunity to thank all of your readers who have contin- ued to support the work of the NSPCC children’s charity over the past 12 months.

Without the backing of local people, we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver our vital services which are so often a lifeline to many children and young people whose lives have been affected by abuse, so a really huge thank you to every- one who has helped in some way.

With the New Year comes the time to make those all important New Year’s resolutions and I’d like to appeal to readers to help to make a fundamental difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young peo- ple.

There are lots of ways to support the charity and for those readers with a place in this year’s London Marathon on April 13, you may want to cons- ider using that place to raise vital funds for char- ity.

Money raised for the NSPCC through the marathon will help us to deliver the services which support the most vulner- able children and young people across the coun- try.

Anyone wishing to find out how they can support us through the Lon- don Marathon or to find out about volunteer- ing, should contact the NSPCC on 01908 328060 or log on to www.nspcc.

org.uk.

Best wishes for 2014.

Christian Morris, Head of region for community fundraising, NSPCC.