Mayor of Ards William Montgomery - “The countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun and if you have not already started your celebrations, no doubt you are looking forward to spending time with your family and friends, and to parties and presents.

“In tough economic times, the pressure of the festive season’s commercial side will be making itself felt, and for many people this can be a challenging time financially. For many more, the challenge is an emotional one, dealing with illness, loneliness or coping with the loss of a loved one.

“So, if you can spare a thought for others for whom this time of year is particularly difficult, please do.

“I wish each and every one of you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2010.”

Mayor of North Down Tony Hill - “I am pleased to have this opportunity to wish all the people of North Down a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Christmas is a time for celebration and reflection.

“It is also a time for families and especially children. I would like to thank all the children of the borough for their good behaviour and hard work over the past year and I hope that Santa brings them everything on their Christmas lists.

“I would also like to thank all those who have lent their support to my own Mayor’s Charities Appeal over the past few months. I am working to support and promote the work of Action Cancer, St Vincent De Paul and Home Start.

“To close, I would simply like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.”

Cool FM’s Pete Snodden - “I can't wait to spend some time with family and friends and of course tuck into a turkey dinner on Christmas Day. I’m a sucker for it all at this time of year.

“On the big day itself I’ll have my folks over for dinner before my wife and I head round to her family’s home later in the evening.

“As for presents I haven’t asked for anything but like most people I love surprises.

“I also have a number of friends who return home at this time of year and we usually head out for a boys’ night out between Christmas and New Year.

“We’ve been doing this for a few years so I’m again looking forward to doing it this year.”

Motocross champion Gordon Crockard - “I’m looking forward to having a very peaceful and quiet Christmas with everyone in good form.

“It's great to spend some time with my family and friends which I don't do enough of because I am always away travelling.

“In fact I am off to Sweden on Boxing Day for a motocross tournament so I will have to savour the time I have beforehand.

“I'm not really wanting anything specific this Christmas but with everyone being careful with money at the minute I’m hopeful people will put a bit more thought into their gifts.

“There is nothing I really need but if I do get something maybe it will be a present that has that personal touch to it.”

Community worker Karen Worrall - “If there was one thing I would love for Christmas this year it is a time machine so that I could return to 1975 — when the summer was good, music was understandable, Christmas was full of surprises and Santa came down the chimney. I’d also love to meet Elvis Presley!

“The excitement of my letter to Santa being answered and receiving presents such as a Tiny Tears doll, a pram and bike, are things I have never forgotten.

“This year I want a loving family dinner around the table before sitting down in front of the TV to watch a classic movie such as the Wizard of Oz.

“What more could a child ask for this festive season.”