WELCOME to 2013. We do not know what this new year will hold but we wish all our readers a happy and healthy 12 months.

We know well enough that this year is likely to be another tough one for many families across Gwent.

While forecasts suggest some light at the end of the tunnel for the economy there are still tough times ahead.

It’s likely to be another year of austerity as we tighten our belts and hang on to our cash, which will put more pressure on beleaguered High Street retailers.

Let us hope there will be plenty of positives in 2013 to take our minds off the negatives.

Many of our troops will be entering their last full year in Afghanistan, with 3,800 due to be withdrawn by this time next year. We hope the government brings them all home sooner than the planned withdrawal date of the end of 2014.

Sports fans can look forward to a British Lions tour and home and away Ashes series. Locally, Newport County AFC head into the new year with a real chance of a return to the Football League after more than two decades of non-league exile.

Our new year’s resolution remains the same as ever - to continue to bring you the best, brightest and most up-to-the-minute news, sport and information from your area in print, online, by mobile or tablet.