On 29th June, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake was elected as Mayor of Macclesfield.

Sarah has always celebrated kindness, but the local outpouring of community support has demonstrated the level of compassion and charity in the town, inspiring Sarah's Mayoral theme of kindness.

Thankfully, daily life is slowly returning to normality as we adapt to and embrace the safety measures.

But some people are still facing huge personal challenges; those grieving or isolated or not receiving the support they need.

The Mayor urges each one of us who is able, to continue to think about our neighbours and spread kindness through our local community.

It can be as simple as a phone call or popping to the shop for basic supplies or giving what we can to local charities.

Employers can also help by taking on recently redundant locals, with a wealth of transferable skills, valuable to enhance new ways of working.

As businesses open, the Mayor reminds us to shop locally and support those independent shops and cafes that give Macclesfield town centre its energy and quirky character.

Business can continue to develop confidence with locals and visitors by joining the 'We're Good to Go' scheme from Visit Britain, Eat in establishments can join the government's Eat Out and Help Out scheme and diners can apply for a discount voucher to spend at their favourite local restaurant or café.

Finally, the Mayor would like to take this opportunity to thank all the key workers, who do a brilliant job at the best of times, but have been pushed to their limits in this extreme time.

Our local volunteers and groups such as Cre8 and Cheshire Streetwise who have gone above and beyond to support the vulnerable.

She says: "To those showing initiative making masks and scrubs at their own expense to protect others. The people of Macclesfield have always been friendly and helpful but throughout the last few months the level of community support has been truly inspiring.

"Please, continue to support those who are not yet ready to return to the new normal."

Finally, the Mayor would like to thank all the residents of Macclesfield for observing the safety