From the editor: 'Bravery, dedication and fun in the face of long tunnel ahead'

We have been here before, not so very long ago, which is why the new rules seems much more challenging even though they aren’t as restrictive.

That bigger picture is hard to focus on for so long and the tunnel ahead seems to stretch a long way with no imminent light in sight.

The first time around in March there was a huge sense of fear about the virus and the unknown. Now it feels as if we are all more fed-up and down in the dumps with everything. We can’t afford to let that take over. We have to remember why we are doing this and we have to look after ourselves and each other. So we all need to pull together to cheer each other up and The Star will work hard to play a big role in that for Sheffield. We will always keep you informed and up-to-date but we also want to make you smile. I can’t guarantee you will always find the main story on the front page will be good news. That would be ridiculous when our role is to cover everything that is happening in the city. But we will try our best to share little rays of light whenever we can.

Yesterday you had the legend that is panto king Damian Williams bringing us the wonderful news that the Crucible is still planning to save Christmas. Stories about policing aren’t very often upbeat but today’s Page 1 about two remarkably brave officers should lift your heart. We are blessed to have people who are willing to risk everything to make our city safer and we do not do enough to thank them.

Their job is never easy but is harder than ever during a pandemic. In many situations the police can not keep their distance and certainly don’t have time to put on a mask. It is because of them that we feel safe in our homes, on the streets and in our city – even when there is an invisible virus to which they are no more immune than any of us.

So, go on, enjoy the thought that these two remarkable women received a well-deserved award and, more importantly, give praise yourself when it has been earned.

If there are other nuggets of kindness which you would like to tell the city about then do get in touch.