Most of us recycle wrapping paper at Christmas but please remember metallic paper can’t be recycled. Try the scrunch test - if it scrunches and stays scrunched, you can recycle it. Just don’t forget to remove any ribbons and bows.

Please don’t leave cardboard boxes outside to get wet as soggy cardboard can’t be recycled. Fold it flat or tear into smaller pieces or, if it’s still too big for your recycling bin, take it to your local Household Waste Recycling Site.

For lots more advice - including what to do with leftover Christmas food - head to the Waste Prevention website or check out Facebook and Twitter.

Meals for two and family days out, cinema tickets and bottles of sparkling wine. These are just some of the prizes up for grabs this December in the Experience West Sussex advent calendar competition.

Filled with gifts from across the county, a prize will be announced every day this month up until Christmas Eve on Monday 24 December.

It’s not too late to enter. Just head to the Experience West Sussex website, fill in your details for the prize draw and check back daily to see if you’ve won.

From Nineteenth century maps of Worthing and Chichester to vintage black and white portraits, find a special gift with West Sussex County Council Records Office. www.sussexpictures.co.uk offers a wide range of wall art, photo gifts including framed, key rings, cards, posters, canvas prints, mugs, puzzles and cushions.   

Turn your favourite print into a canvas, puzzle, cushion, key rings and more with www.sussexpictures.co.uk.

With winter upon us don’t forget to keep touch with your older neighbours, relatives and friends who are more vulnerable in the winter months and may need a bit of extra help.

It is important to keep warm as the temperature drops – both inside and outdoors as it can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

If you start to feel unwell, at the first signs of illness, even if it’s just a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist, before it gets more serious.

And don’t forget – you may be entitled to a Warm Home Discount.

For more information visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/winter.

Firefighters in West Sussex are warning about the risks and consequences of drink and drug driving over the festive period.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has launched a driving under the influence (DUI) campaign as the Christmas party season gets underway.

In 2017 West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service attended 43 road traffic collisions where the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

For more information please visit our Winter Fire Safety Advice page.

Please let us know your views on a new three year vision and strategy for adult social care support by taking part in our consultation.

This proposal sets out how the council will support people to live healthy and independent lives, while keeping the most vulnerable safe.

You can share your views by completing our survey on our website before the 14 December 2018.