Best road out of lockdown leads to fresh air and fun… - Editor's comment

The hunt to find the perfect staycation started before the prime minister had even finished his lockdown announcement on Monday. The internet searches were instant, the holiday phone lines jammed and we all got in touch with friends to resurrect the plans we’ve been forced to dump during the last 12 months.

You can’t blame us for suddenly wanting to get away – to anywhere! We have been dreaming about this for a year and now we have dates to work with. Most of us will even put up with vaccine passports or whatever paperwork it takes to go on holiday.

I am not convinced that we will all be heading overseas though but, if we do, I sincerely hope we still focus on local and take advantage of DSA which is the only airport less than half an hour’s drive from Sheffield city centre.

I think many of us will happily settle for a few days by the sea as soon as possible. That fresh air, the feeling of sand between your toes and the screams of delight as the icy waves lap up to your knees.

There are so many simple pleasures we have gone without. There are also thousands of small, tourism businesses which have missed us more than words can say. It will be wonderful to be able to help them by making ourselves happy.

Me? Well, I was hoping to go to Blackpool to see the illuminations with my husband, mum and children for my last birthday. I really hope we can do that in 2021 instead. A bit of sunshine would be lovely but that's not my motivation. Bring on the knickerbocker-glories, fish and chips, 2p slot machines, candy floss, donkey rides and fun with the family. There is huge pleasure in showing your children glimpses of your own childhood.

A few days in Whitby would also be nice. I’ve never been there without bumping into somebody I know from back home in Sheffield so they will be delighted to hear our Steel City accents once again.

There is lots to look forward to and I can't wait to share your stories. All we need to do is pull together through this final stretch of lockdown, with a little bit of dreaming added in.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.