Editor's comment: The perfect destination and we have missed exploring it so much

The second week of schools’ Easter break is always popular for people to book off but when you add in the reopening of beer gardens and shops … well, thousands of us jumped at the chance.

Myself and colleagues who filled the gaps at the coalface, welcomed the rest of the team back yesterday. Sadly, our office has yet to fully open so there were no shared biscuits or sweets from foreign shores. In fact, there were no tales of exotic trips at all.

Everyone spent their time in Sheffield as per the regulations, and they returned to work with stories of the wonderful time they had enjoyed right here. It always raises my spirits to hear people bubbling with enthusiasm about our city but when it is people who have been here their whole lives – or at least most of it – that is very special. I might be slightly soft in the head about Sheffield and all the reasons we love living here but at least I know I am not on my own in that.

There is much we take for granted about this place and there is nothing like friends’ recommendations to remind you just how lucky we are to live in the Steel City.

The sun was out and the parks were as glorious as ever. To be able to spend time in those wonderfully green open spaces, occasionally take shade under the beautiful waves of blossom, created a perfect break.

Sprinkle on top of that a generous sharing of treats and coffees created by our very talented army of independent cafe – as well as a pint or two of locally crafted ale – and it is the perfect holiday destination.

Our eyes are being reopened to why we hold Sheffield so close in our hearts and why The Star regularly hears from ex-pats who wistfully look back at their time here as particularly special. It leaves a mark on us which is harder to remove than the Made in Sheffield stamp of those roaring furnaces which made this place internationally famous. I wasn’t expecting to write a love letter home today but after seeing so many of them from folk as they finally head back into the city centre, I couldn’t resist joining them. We’re all feeling better about life and showing more love to our home.