HISTORIANS looking back at 2017 will most likely be drawn to talk of Brexit and Donald Trump.

While the national focus has told a fairly repetitive story, as shown in the final edition in 2017 of the Christchurch Times, the local scene has been as busy as ever.

It has not all been positive news for the borough, but another summer filled with popular events certainly showed the area in its best light.

Christchurch closed the year getting national attention itself, in the form of a response from prime minister Theresa May following a question from MP Chris Chope in the House of Commons.

The new year will see the conclusions of the decision on local government reorganisation in Dorset.

Talk of mergers, referendums and council tax were unsurprisingly not the first thought when we asked residents for their highlights of 2017.

However, Brexit and Mrs May did make their way into the responses as the Christchurch Times asked residents for their highlights, whether that was a local event, national news or personal moment.

Shaun Welling, 58, a landscape gardener from Christchurch, said: “Really enjoyed the Christchurch Food Festival this year. Always a great range to sample.”

Seth Welling, 14, a pupil at Twynham School from Christchurch, said: “We played at the food festival as part of Christchurch Music Centre. It was a great day.”

Deirdre Mead, 74, a retired swimming instructor from Southbourne, said: “I celebrated my 50th wedding anniversary to my husband Geoff at the George. It was just perfect.”

Josh Bennett Lovell, 26, a student studying astrophysics spending Christmas with family in Christchurch, said: “Theresa May losing her majority because the government are dreadful.”

Ron Morris, 81, a retired BT officer from Christchurch, said: “Triggering Brexit because it is going to be great for this country. There are teething problems but it will be a success for everyone.”

Nick Darvill, 37, an electrician at BND Electrical Ltd from Christchurch, said: “It’s been a busy year with work, but we had a great honeymoon trip to Mexico together.”

Michelle Darvill, 42, who also works at BND Electrical Ltd from Christchurch, said: “Christmas at Winter Wonderland in London is great. We also went to Budapest which was a nice place.”

Fred Knott, 74, who is retired and did “all manner of jobs” from Christchurch, said: “AFC Bournemouth did really well finishing ninth last season. It’s a bit tougher this season though.”

Bryan Dunleavy, 53, a health and safety consultant from Christchurch, said: “The best thing of 2017 was my wife finishing the decorating. Admiration and thanks to her for doing it.”