Sam Morton had worked for the Chichester Observer for three years before moving to the Worthing Herald in November this year.
Here are some of his favourite stories, which he wrote in 2021, in no particular order.
5. Girl, 12, writes powerful letter urging water company to act more responsibly
What were you doing at 12-years-old? For most of us, writing a letter to a big water company is probably something we would have left our parents to deal with. Not Ruthie Gawley, though. The junior member of Emsworth Sailing Club took matters into her own hands after she was told by her parents that swimming in the sea wmay make her sick and she should not go near the water. The 12-year-old girl wrote a powerful and thought-provoking letter to Southern Water, urging the company to be more responsible with harbour waters after it was handed a record £90 million fine for pumping 16bn-21bn litres of untreated sewage into delicate ecosystems. You can read the letter here: https://www.worthingherald.co.uk/news/environment/southern-water-sussex-girl-12-writes-powerful-letter-urging-water-company-to-act-more-responsibly-3335280
6. Excitement as school is ‘finally in control of its own future'
There were jubilant scenes after the formation of a new all-through primary school in Chichester, which meant a number of children got to remain in the school that they love. This was such a brilliant ending to a story I had covered for more than year, right from when the threat of closure loomed over Rumboldswhyke Infants’ School. I had spoken to countless parents who were terrified about what would happen if the school closed and I couldn't have been happier when the school finally took control of its own future.
https://www.chichester.co.uk/education/excitement-as-chichester-school-is-finally-in-control-of-its-own-future-3185669
7. 'My dad is a hero'
Another tale of inspiration and bravery makes my top ten. Peter Fogden, 77, alerted the police to a suspicious man in Chichester in May, which resulted in a number of schools being put on lockdown. After seeing a man seemingly armed with a shotgun, many people may run away but Peter kept calm and followed police instructions to follow the suspect after dialling 999. Thankfully, the incident came to a quick conclusion and no one was hurt.
8. Mum with terminal cancer surprised by Alison Hammond and Craig David on This Morning
The amazing Heather Bone, from Selsey, captured the hearts of the country when she appeared on This Morning earlier this year. The Selsey mum tragically died this year, having been diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. The mum-of-two was so brave despite her situation and lived her last few months to the fullest. A truly heartwarming moment came when she was given a special birthday message from her favourite singer Craig David, shown to her during a doorstep visit by presenter Alison Hammond. It was always a pleasure to speak with Heather and her bravery will always inspire me. My thoughts remain with her friends and family.
https://www.chichester.co.uk/news/selsey-mum-with-months-to-live-surprised-by-alison-hammond-and-craig-david-on-this-morning-3283998