Inside this week's Hastings Observer (December 16)

We lead on a story about a three-year-old boy who was almost strangled by a stray rope dangling above a children’s slide at the play area of a St Leonards holiday park. The story features an interview with the toddler’s mother, who also shares some shocking photographs of her son’s injuries.

Also inside this week’s paper, we feature two planning stories - the first about the revelation the council has spent almost £92,000 on costs surrounding a controversial development at a caravan park, and the second regarding plans to remove the affordable housing requirement for a 103-strong development.

A popular vet announces his retirement after 37 years in the town, and a Christmas Tree festival is launched to raise funds for two historic churches.

Our special investigation this week looks at the oldest outstanding warrants in Sussex, including one for attempted murder, and there has been success for the Hastings Observer’s Drive for Justice campaign calling for tougher sentences for those who cause death by dangerous driving.

We have pages of photographs from the Marvellous Beard and Moustache competition which took place in Hastings Old Town last week, the Christmas on the Coast event at Stade Hall in aid of St Michael’s Hospice, and pictures from a weekend of festive events on the pier, which included a Mannequin Challenge and a gingerbread competition attended by a Great British Bake Off star.

There are also two pages of photographs of a group’s trek from Hastings to Rye, wearing Christmas costumes, in aid of the hospice.

This week’s nostalgia offering looks at Eversfield Place and how it survived the war intact, and nine pages of event listings includes a interview with Jaymi Hensley, the star of this year’s pantomime at the White Rock Theatre.

Eight pages of sport leads on Hastings United’s nine-goal thriller with Molesey, and the paper includes the usual letters pages, puzzles, court listings and essential information.

On top of all that, there is a bumper 16-page Christmas TV guide featuring all the best festive programmes this month.

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/christmas/