My original version of this letter was only one of warm congratulations to Sam Dennis and her tourist agency team for their stunning gold award, in the recent South Devon business awards.

Mystery visitors identified a welcoming atmosphere in our well-organised tourist office, where team members were well briefed about local amenities and services.

Their smiling style ensured visitors enjoyed their visit with friendly guidance, in the hope they would come again.

When the centre is refurbished in the spring, the service can only improve yet further. Happy streams of visitors is a real benefit to businesses in the town and let’s hope this quality centre continues to prosper.

Since then, Sam’s team has masterminded the best Christmas event in many years.

From a Santa’s arrival on the train at 10am, all day, until the snow fest on the square at 5pm attended by 200 children with their adults, it was non-stop music and dancing, carols and entertainment.

More than 20 stalls awaited visitors in Fore Street, offering a clever variety of food, drinks and Christmas fare.

Local businesses and organisations supported Sam’s team. This gave a full-on community feel to the event, which bodes well for the future.

Congratulations to all local folk who worked to create such a happy, memorable day, led by Sam’s team.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Cllr Robin Griffin

Kingsbridge Town Council