By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Readers will be aware Mark Drakeford announced his resignation last week, with a new First Minister expected to be in place by Easter.

Mark is a truly exceptional First Minister and has led Wales during the most exceptional times.

He served the people of Wales with honour, dedication and compassion and his selfless leadership through the pandemic will never be forgotten.

Mark is an inspiration, a man full of integrity and it has been a privilege to serve in his Cabinet.

Teams4U is a charity that is close to my heart and each year it organises its Christmas Shoebox Appeal. The initiative, which was started in Wrexham by Teams4U founder, Dave Cooke over 30 years ago, provides gifts to vulnerable children and families who are unlikely to receive any presents at Christmas.

People are asked to find an old shoebox, fill it with useful gifts and Teams4U deliver the packages to some of the most disadvantaged children in Eastern Europe, many of whom have fled the war in Ukraine. Any gifts donated that cannot travel abroad for whatever reason are given to local schools.

I visited the warehouse in Llay in early December to offer my donation and that morning the third truck full of shoeboxes left for Bosnia. At the time of my visit, Wrexham residents had already donated over 20,000 shoeboxes – an incredible achievement!

I am so pleased this worthy cause is still going strong and the positive impact it has on the lives of vulnerable children cannot be overstated.

Congratulations to Magic Dragon Brewery Tap in Wrexham for recently winning the coveted Pub of the Year award.

The accolade for 2023 was awarded by the Chester & South Clwyd branch of CAMRA, the campaign for Real Ale.

Located on Charles Street, many of the Magic Dragon Brewery Tap’s ales and beers are produced at their micro-brewery at the Plassey Holiday Park.

It was a pleasure to be invited along to the celebratory event and to present the award to Richard, Dave and the team.

Throughout December, the pub is hosting a series of free live gigs to help raise funds to tackle homelessness. All donations collected will be given to Shelter Cymru

It is great to see a Wrexham business and brewery thriving and establishing itself as a cornerstone of the community.

Finally, I wish all Leader readers a happy and peaceful Christmas. My constituency office will close for the festive period at 1pm on Friday 22nd December and reopen on Tuesday 2nd January. If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and have an urgent issue in this period, please contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales.