Dear Reader

HELLO and welcome to The News at the start of the final full working week before the Christmas holidays.

We can at last put the election behind us and look forward to the festive season.

Things are not looking too festive down at Fratton Park, though, after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat by Accrington Stanley.

Monday Sport and the back pages reflect on the Blues’ shortcomings and take a look forward to the prospects for recovery next weekend.

Of course, the outcome of the election has prompted a flurry of readers’ letters. Pages 12 and 13 are always a lively forum for local debate, and, as ever we welcome your views on whatever subject moves you to write.

We’ve the usual varied menu on the news pages, with some great pictures from a live-action nativity at Waterlooville on page 7, and a heartwarming story on page 10 about six-year-old Imogen Pike, who wanted to help make Christmas special for people who will spend it in hospital.

And there is coverage of the poignant Lake of Lights event in Southsea organised by Rowans Hospice for those who have lost loved ones.