This week we reflected on a year that has changed our lives in more ways than we ever could have expected when we first heard rumours of a new virus emerging in Wuhan, China.

On 23 March 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson took to our TV screens to announced the first lockdown with the rallying cry of "stay home, protect the NHS, save lives".

We asked our readers to recount what their last memories of 'normality' were before the PM uttered the now-famous phrase.

Diane Heathcote commented: "School closed on the Friday, then a weekend in Anglesey and site has to close whilst we were there. We had to be off-site by 6pm Sunday evening."

Sue Doris also managed a getaway before the lockdown, saying: "Week before lockdown, a break to Haven with grandkids."

Sharon Stanley said: "My memory was sitting around a gorgeous pool with a cold drink, taking in the sunshine. We were in Spain when lockdown hit there, we flew out four days later to lockdown here."

Nicky Bowers recounted time spent with family: "Celebrating my birthday at The Ryles Arms with lots of family around the table....eating, drinking, laughing."

Michele Slack recalled the joys of live music: "Going to see James Arthur in concert at the Manchester Arena on the Saturday before lockdown."

June Ross said: "Going on holiday with the grandchildren in August. That was the last time I saw them."

Emma Saunter commented: "Seeing a Tim Walker exhibition at the V&A Museum, before getting a call from one of my best friends in floods of tears as she realised that her (beautiful Scottish castle) wedding wouldn't go ahead as she hoped, and more than that, her mother couldn't make it to the ceremony as her home country of France was locking down."

Peter John reminisced over the once mundane things in life: "Proper shopping, snacking in town, going to the match, getting a haircut."

As we emerge out of lockdown over the coming weeks and months, lets hope we can embrace family once again and make restore our town to the vibrant place we know and love.