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Our hopes and wishes for the New Year

Jonathon Dillon
29/12/2003

THE year 2004 is nearly upon us … and who knows what could be in store.

But if children from St Andrew's Primary School, Oswaldtwistle, had their way, the world would certainly be a better place to live.

Observer reporter Jonathon Dillon visited the school before the big countdown to ask children what their hopes were for the future - and they gave him some quite remarkable answers.

Pacifist Elliot Mercer,10, said: "I want there to be no more wars and peace on the earth."

Another pupil, Elliot Maden, six, would be on cloud nine if his New Year's wish came true. He said: "I want everyone to get free balloons."

And Eleanor Rose Walker, also six, showed she has the makings of becoming a nurse or a doctor as she wants all diseases to be cured.

While many of us pledge to give up smoking or join a gym after stuffing ourselves over the festive period, Amy McKeen, seven, wants to become a better swimmer.

She said: "I really enjoy swimming and will do more practice."

Footie fans Sophie Ward, 11, and Kyle Lewis, nine, both want their teams to do well next season.

Sophie said: "My football team is Blackburn Rovers and I want them to win the Premier League."

And Liverpool fan Kyle added: "I hope we finish top of the league."

But seven-year-old Jessica Jordan summed it up best when she said: "I want no bad things to happen to anyone next year and everyone to have a happy year."

Now that's a resolution everyone should try to keep!