Looking back with relief

As we emerge from the dreadful consequences of the Covid 19 virus we can look back with a sigh of relief.

When we contemplate the quality of our lives during that period, we can only be pleased and grateful that we live in a nation that has faced the plague head on.

Our health service and other institutions have endured and survived the intensity and implications of Covid.

The impact has affected us as individuals, as families and as communities.

No one has been exempted.

After a fitful start 12 months ago, we are now in a much better position than most.

Recently the dark days of winter gave way to the prospect of a more pleasant springtime and expectation for better times.

The whole nation can be proud of the fightback.

Our gratitude is due to our scientists, engineers, hospital staff and those managing and working in our businesses.

They have all been on the front line in the battle to overcome the war with Covid.

In the North East new and increased investment in our economy is in hand.

The opportunity to shoulder our share of the economic recovery and deliver much-needed prosperity to our people is within our grasp.

With this good news we have the opportunity to live in a significantly more prosperous society

A society that offers an improved quality of life for all and an end to the Brain Drain that has taken so much talent from the North East in the past.

Alan Thompson, Sent via email.