Across Britain we all know that us Croydon locals don't get the best press. With attacks, stabbings and all sorts covering our local area on a regular basis it isn't hard for us, let alone others, to assume the worst about the community in which we live, especially when we cast our mind back to the events of last summer and the riots that swept our neighbourhood.

However if we can cast our mind back to last year, it is equally not a hard request to look back to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations only a few weeks ago. For at least one weekend, I for one can vouch for our community all coming together and enjoying each others' company in the celebrations.

My road was so privileged to be one that was closed on the Saturday for a street party. As bunting and flags, and the sight of red, white and blue covered the street the celebrations were soon underway. The Mayor of Croydon came and opened the party for us and the festivities followed, including a choir, barbecue, quizzes and fireworks.

Of course, this is not an article to talk about the Jubilee celebrations which are now certainly not the news of the moment, but rather to remind us that it was an opportunity where we came together as Croydon locals in the celebrations.

There was not one family who weren't involved, and as much as we can credit this to the sense of British camaraderie and mutual celebration for her Majesty, it does quite simply reflect the fact that we, like the rest of Britain can be a happily cohabiting and friendly society, all doing our part for the neighbourhood. Whether that meant in this case tying the ribbons on the trees, or in another case supporting local charities and organisations.

And what a wonderfully diverse society we have in Croydon, something we should be proud of. Young, old, white, asian - we were all there happily together, as we should be.

Quite simply, we should be proud as local Croydonians of our community, and we should equally take pride in it. News of our happy community should overrun those of violence and we should not forget that.

Based on information supplied by Rabia Khan.