CHRISTMAS brings out the best and worst in people. In the village of Alton Barnes a couple's festive display in their garden has been spoilt by thieves who stole a figure of Santa that was the centre piece of the attraction.

The couple spend many hours making the front of their home a delight for passers by and village children.

But an act, that was probably though to be funny, has spoilt not just the couple's Christmas but has left a sour taste in a whole community.

In Chippenham by contrast supermarket Safeway got in the Christmas spirit when a primary school faced having to cancel its Christmas party when its water supply was turned off.

The supermarket not only sent along a supply of bottled water but staff joined in the party fun.

In Devizes one family has particular reason to celebrate this year. A four-year-old boy who suffers from a rare heart problem is well enough to be home with his family for the big day.

He has just undergone a major operation and his family thought he might have to spend Christmas in hospital.

But instead he was well enough to take part in his pre-school's nativity and to enjoy the build-up to Christmas at home.

In Sherston near Malmesbury a woman who has spent many Christmases and birthdays in hospital is also well enough to be home this year.

She suffers from brittle asthma and often has to go into hospital for emergency treatment. But this year she is feeling well and is at home.