1. Thanks to our kindhearted readers

Kindly readers have transformed Christmas for poorly and poverty-stricken families across Bracknell and Wokingham through the The Standard’s Giving Tree Appeal.

2. Scrooge in protest with Fujitsu staff

Mr Scrooge led Futjitsu employees from Bracknell as they joined their colleagues from around the country on strike in a row over pay and pensions.

3. Row over parking at Binfield Primary School

A row has erupted in Binfield over the use of a private car park at a shopping parade by parents dropping their children at school.

4. Baby P reformer joins council

The new head of a vital service at Bracknell Forest Council has spent the last six months reforming the “failing” services in Haringey, the London Borough in which the tragic case of Baby P unfolded.

5. Wheely good pay-out from Rotary Club

Charities got an £8,000 windfall thanks to the hard work and pedal power of a fundraising society.

6. No law to block Tesco opening

A supermarket in the middle of a housing estate is now able to open longer on Bank Holidays after councillors reluctantly agreed there was nothing they could do about it.

7. Restaurant wins extension permit at last

A popular Indian restaurant has been given permission to extend into a disused shop next door after almost five years of asking.

8. getbracknell top ten stories in 2009

9. Parents urged to take part in school places consultation

A mum whose sons ended up at two different schools wants parents to have their say on the catchment rules to stop the same thing happening to them.

10. Diploma roadshow at The University of Reading

Pupils in Wokingham thinking of taking on a diploma next year can learn about the options available to them at two upcoming roadshows.