Last year brought us a nightmare that still has the world in its grip as 2021 gets under way.

We faced two lockdowns, restrictions preventing us from hugging our loved ones, going on our hard-earned holidays, running our businesses, having a swift pint at our local and many other challenges throughout the year, all thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.

And as reported in Thursday's Adver, some suffered bereavement and illness.

We asked you what your hopes and plans were for new year. Many of our readers simply wanted a return to normal in order to see families and friends

Here’s what some of you told us on Facebook:

Jade Turner said: “I just wish we could see our families. I don’t think it’s fair because some people are not sensible, and we all have to suffer.”

David Hulme wants to be able to enjoy life again.

Macfarlane Casey Kim said: “For this virus to get under control, and we can start seeing our family again and my children and grandchildren can go and see my mum who has Alzheimer’s who we wouldn’t put at risk.”

Terry Sargent said: “My hope for 2021 is that I will be able to fly back to the UK to see my family and friends, who I’ve not seen since early February 2020.”

Andrew Price said: “I just want to stand outside the Savoy with a pint and a fag.”

Natalie Wiles would like her children to be able to enjoy their childhood “the way they deserve.”

She also wants “for the lonely to reach out and for people to care more.”

Hels Macarthur said: “For all my friends and family to be happy and to be able to hug my mum finally.”

Anca Csorba said: “To see our family, get back to normal, and be healthy.”

Ieva Purinasa said: “I’m hoping for the life to go back to normal. Hoping for all our usual activities to restart. To be able to go to places again. To meet with friends and family. All those little things we took for granted before the pandemic started.”

Amy Earnshaw hopes to be able to go on holiday to Cornwall after it was cancelled last year.

Phil Cleverly said: “For my family to be safe, to be able to hug my grandkids again, and the people who have been absolute morons over this pandemic to realise the suffering it has caused to many.”

Robert Weyman said: “I’m hoping to complete my treatments and be in remission.”

Vette Ramos said: “To be happy and enjoy life again with my family and friends!”

Lauren Curtis said: “To see my grandparents and to be able to hold my two new nieces who are due February and May.”

For Kieron Horler this year has been a good one.

He said: “I’m hoping it’s as good as 2020, despite Covid-19 I’ve had an absolutely fantastic year for me.”