Karen Bradley: In this week's column, the Moorlands MP has discussed the return of many historic local annual events after they were cancelled in previous years due to Covid.

After an eventful week in Parliament, I was pleased to be home in the Moorlands and to attend two very important local events.

On Saturday morning I visited the Open Café run by Biddulph Churches Together and which is part of the Biddulph Festival. It was great to have a cup of tea and some cake and join in the Italian themed morning. The café was packed – which is hardly surprising given the quality of the tea and cakes and the warm welcome given to all.

In the afternoon, I was delighted to take part in the Leek Club Day celebrations and this year it was the turn of The Gateway Church @ Leek to lead.

I have taken part in this annual, historic event for many years although sadly the event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. It was therefore so good to join people from the Gateway Church @ Leek and other churches once more at the open air service and to walk through the town and celebrate our sense of unity and faith.

The Gateway Church @ Leek and other local churches are thinking about new life and growth this year, so the colour scheme was green, symbolising this very theme. The event was enjoyed by all with so many people lining the streets of the procession, having fun and just celebrating our fantastic local community.

Finally I would like to remind local people that I will be hosting a Pensioners' & Carers' Advice Fair in the Churnet Room at Moorlands House on Saturday 16th July from 10 -12. Thank you to the many organisations who have agreed to come along to offer advice to any pension age visitors, or people that might come on behalf of elderly relatives. Please do come along, everyone is welcome.