I want to begin this column by congratulating all those students across our towns and villages that received their results this week and last.

Students will have received GCSEs, VTQs, A-levels, T-levels, BTEC results this month and it is undoubtedly a stressful time, both for them and their support systems.   

It is clear how hard you have all worked during an incredibly difficult period. Many of you will have had crucial years of your education disrupted by the pandemic and some of you by the RAAC and asbestos crisis that hit two of our local schools.

I have been really impressed by how you have continued to push through such difficult circumstances.   

Whether you got the results you wanted/needed or not, an exciting next step in your education or employment now opens. I want to wish you all well in this next phase of your life. Well done for your hard work that has got you here.  

I also want to thank the teachers and staff that work tirelessly to educate pupils across our towns and villages and who play such a vital role in helping pupils navigate these next steps. Your dedication and commitment are inspirational. Thank you for all you do.  

Last weekend, we saw Warwickshire Pride return to Leamington. It is always a brilliant event and one I know the community enjoys so much.  

However, I was appalled to read about the vandalism to the site that was found the morning of Pride, with gazebos destroyed, glass around the site and attempts to set fire to their flags before tearing them down.

This disgraceful behaviour has no place in our town and let us be clear, it is a hate crime.  

Despite this attack on what is a wonderful community event, Warwickshire Pride went ahead with thousands enjoying the day.

I think this picture of the Pride March sums up what joy the event brings to our streets and the community standing together in the face of those trying to threaten and cause harm. 

I want to thank all those who spent hours and hours organising Warwickshire Pride and work tirelessly to make it an event that is so valued by our communities. Even in the face of such threats and attacks, they pull together and pull off yet another fantastic event.  

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or concerns you would like to raise with me. I can be reached on [email protected] or on 01926 882006.