WITH an estimated one in three drivers nationwide being nabbed by them 2003 will be remembered by many as the year of the speed camera.

Some praise them for reducing accidents but many more say they are being positioned cynically with making money for the government in mind.

Whatever your view it is difficult to find fault with the effectiveness of Heath Kershaw's own unofficial remedy for the problem of drivers speeding past his Darwen business.

His own fake camera doesn't hit anyone's pocket but does appear to slow motorists down. It's possible that once word of its impotence gets around the camera's worth will disappear - if not it should be replaced by an official one.

For many others across East Lancashire 2003 has been a year of mixed fortunes with some sporting successes, new businesses and building developments but also major factory closures and human tragedies.

Events abroad like the war in Iraq have had a real impact in many homes across East Lancashire in different ways and community cohesion has not been helped by the election of more BNP councillors.

But beneath the surface the people of this region are among Britain's best as they showed with a fantastic response to our quest to recognise unsung heroes with the Pride of East Lancashire Awards. May that spirit prosper in 2004.