Reading East MP Rob Wilson: “I’d like to wish my constituents a very happy Christmas and ask everyone to spare a thought for those who may be struggling at this time of year. People run into difficulties for many reasons, but we can all do a little bit to help. The economy has turned the corner, with growth rising and unemployment falling, things are getting better but nobody should be complacent – we still have a big hill to climb after the unprecedented economic crash.

Locally, please raise a glass to the extra £1.6m secured to help our A&E staff this Xmas and to the royal opening for the brilliant new UTC. We in Reading East can be optimistic about the future this Christmas.”

Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr UllaKarin Clark: “Once again, Christmas is upon us, the season of hospitality, merriment, and open-heartedness when families and friends make great efforts to be reunited in a happy state of companionship and mutual good-will.

“As Mayor, I have been privileged to officiate at or attend many events throughout the year which have celebrated the generosity and kindness of Wokingham Borough residents who have shown their support for the many charitable causes that exist in our town, not only in terms of monetary gifts that have been given but also in the commitment made by many people of their personal time. I should also like to mention and offer my sincere thanks to those persons in the public service who will be serving us over the Christmas holiday period, hospital staff, emergency service workers, social service personnel and not least members of our armed forces.

“I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.”

Rabbi Zvi Solomons: “At this time of year we remember those less fortunate than ourselves and reach out to help them. But of course love and kindness and common humanity are not just for this time but are for all the year round.

Jews of course do not celebrate Christmas, but we appreciate the sentiments and the warmth of the great Christian festival, and the spirituality associated with it. At this time of year I would like to suggest a little addition to all my Christian friends. It’s something we Jews do at the Passover.

When you lay your table for Christmas dinner, lay an extra place, for those who cannot celebrate with you. There are many thousands of people in the world without enough food, or who are being persecuted because of their beliefs. Let that place be for just one person in that hard situation. When you look around your table point out to your children and to each other that this is for that person. Remembering others at this time helps us to remember how lucky we are.

May that warmth and care of others, that charitable aspect of your Christmas cheer, spread into and warm you, your family and your community, all the year around.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Marcia Rowlinson, chief operating and development officer for ABC to Read, said: “I would like to thank you for your support this year and wish our volunteers, sponsors and supporters a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. It is because of your generosity and goodwill that our organisation is able to continue our important work. Please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your thoughtfulness and generosity and commitment.”

Reading borough council leader Jo Lovelock: “On behalf of everyone at the council, I would like to wish Reading residents a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. I would also like to thank everyone who will be working over the holiday period. That includes our own council staff, those who provide other public services such as the NHS, the police and fire service, those who keep public transport running and people who work in shops and restaurants.

I would also ask people to keep an eye out for those who may be vulnerable or on their own without family support.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!