WHAT do people in the Cotswolds want for Christmas?

To celebrate the festive season, the Standard asked the people of the Cotswolds what they’re most looking forward to finding under the tree this year.

As well as for themselves, we also asked residents what they would most like their hometown to receive for Christmas. Here's what they had to say.

Kath Sowden, who works in Cirencester, said: “It’s parking for residents, that’s what I want because Cirencester is teeny weeny. There are so many car parks and I used to stand at my window and watch strangers park in my street.

"I used to live in Ashcroft Road but I’ve moved to Stroud, and this was a big reason why. The streets are for residents. When I go to Bath I do not expect to park outside Mrs Jones’ house “For me personally, I want a chiminea [an outdoor stove] to sit around in the garden with a hot toddy.”

Jennie Rainsford, from Lechlade, said: "For Lechlade, I’d like to see more community spaces available and more support of community groups, both in terms of access to funding, and support for activities and events from the local community.

"I know that many groups struggle to find affordable indoor space and it would also be great to have a large usable outdoor area to hold regular family events."

"Personally, I’m looking forward to a sit down, although that doesn’t look likely until after Christmas. I’d like to find a spa day or weekend break voucher under the tree, something involving relaxation."

Lizzie Morris. from Fairford, said: "My Christmas wish for Fairford would be to pedestrianise the main road that runs through the town for a whole weekend and throw a big party for everyone. If it could be downgraded to a ‘B’ road eventually that would be pretty special too. For me I am hoping for a Spa 6 gift voucher and more hours in the day."

Anthony Inwood, from Bourton-on-the-Water, said: "All I want for Christmas this year is a white Bourton-on-the-Water. If I woke in the night to a covering of snow, I would be out the door no matter what time it was. I am driven by beautiful things in photography and what a place to live to do just that. For myself, as the years go by you are more appreciative of receiving the necessities such as socks, shower gels and your favourite chillout drink."

Wishes of our local leaders

Cllr Lynden Stowe, the leader of Cotswold District Council (CDC), said: “I’d like the three more ambulances which I’ve been lobbying for so that we can all have the ambulance service we need and deserve here. But personally, I would love a Morgan Aero 8 sports car, but I’ll settle for a jar of traditional Piccalilli.”

Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown’s Christmas wish was for local businesses to prosper so more jobs and apprenticeships can become available.

“For myself, in the season of good will our thoughts should go out to those that are sick and in difficult circumstances and I very much hope that they will have as comfortable and as peaceful a Christmas as possible,” he added.

Father Leonard Doolan of Cirencester Parish Church said: “My wish is for everyone to take note of the religious origins of Christmas and maybe consider coming to a church."

For himself, he'd like "a good bottle of champagne".