Busy news week

It's been one of the busiest weeks of the year in the Gazette newsroom with a number of major stories to cover.

The team have really pulled out all the stops to make sure we have given our readers the best and most up to date coverage both in print and online.

Reporting on two murders in the borough in one week is a unique situation I can't remember experiencing before in my time at the Gazette.

It was also important that we made sure that all our readers across the four editions got the full stories - which involved a lot of careful planning between the newsdesk and production team.

And while a lot of our efforts have understandably been diverted to these stories it's still important that all the other news from around the borough is fully covered.

Having just looked through this week's papers as they arrive fresh on my desk this is certainly the case and the major stories apart it is a really strong edition this week.

On a lighter note after the Gazette deadline yesterday I spent the late afternoon at The Chimes Shopping Centre in Uxbridge helping to judge tne entries for their annual charity awards open to schools, charities and youth groups.

We have been working with the Chimes in promoting the awards in the Gazette and Leader and they attracted an impressive number of entries.

It's always difficult deciding who should receive finds as they were all worthy causes in their own right.

However, finally along with centre manager Tony Dunn, marketing manager Michelle Moffitt and Mandy Bhullar we selected those who will receive the money - and a special presentation will be held in the new year.

It seems like the Chimes is becoming my second home - and not because I am spending all my time Christmas shopping - as I will be back there on Friday to give our Toy Appeal another push as we move towards the last week of collecting festive gifts for less fortunate youngsters across the borough.