IT’S such a pleasure to publish so many reports in this week’s Gazette about the many thriving community groups in the town and beyond.

Many have served us for generations, not least Halstead and District Choral Society, formed in 1957 and still going strong.

Then there are the twinning societies. While groups up and down the country struggle to maintain interest in exchanges with our friends in France, three societies have celebrated at least 25 years of success.

There are also new activities which are finding a following, such as the seated dancing classes started only a couple of months ago.

And when a community asset needs saving, such as the Kings Head in Pebmarsh, residents have dug deep to ensure it isn’t lost to the past.

It’s heartening to see that even in the 21st century, here in Halstead we can still rely on each other.