FINALLY, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The news that a coronavirus vaccine will be available, initially to those most in need, as early as next week is what we've all been waiting for. The scientists and experts who have worked tireless to bring us to this point should be commended - we can only hope it is rolled out efficiently, safely and quickly.

The only shame is that it comes too soon for us to enjoy a normal Christmas.

With a vaccine on the horizon, it is tempting to relax and bend the rules - but reading the story of Jamie Baty, who was placed in a coma for four days as he battled for his life after contracting the virus, should serve as a start reminder that we are not out of the woods yet.

This is unquestionably a dangerous virus, nobody knows how it will affect them. Even young people are not invincible. It would be irresponsible to undo all of the hard work we have all endured this year by throwing caution to the wind over the festive period.

It won't be the same, and nor can it - but at least now, there is a feeling that this awful virus, and this awful year, have an end in sight.

Northumberland is currently in the strictest restrictions available - some may feel that tier 3 is harsh, and the impossible situation it has imposed on those who make their living in the hospitality industry can only be described as devastating - particularly as we enter what would normally be the busiest period for pubs and restaurants.

There remain some hard times ahead, and those businesses that have been forced to close through no fault of their own should receive the funding they need to survive the winter.

After all, when the vaccine has been rolled out and the world returns back to something resembling normal, we will need them - to meet with friends and family, to meet new people, to drink, and make merry - all the things we have been missing this year.