“Our 2010 themed year will be Health and Wellbeing, and, with our partners in the PCT, we will be working hard to promote the benefits of an active lifestyle and a healthy body and mind.Š

“May I take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have done, no matter how small, to improve our great city and wish you all the best for the festive season and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.”

Lord Mayor Cllr Storey said 2009 had shown Liverpool has culture “sewn up”, and was a premier visitor destination.

But he also said his thoughts would be with the families of those serving abroad.

He added: “We should also take time to think about those extremely brave members of our Armed Forces who are serving away from home.

“This must be a tremendous strain on their loved ones and I hope as a city we support their family and friends.

“Liverpool’s Lord Lieutenant and I sent Christmas and New Year wishes to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and the Rifles, including those serving overseas, to their daily bulletin that they read on Christmas Day.”

Cllr Anderson added that “despite the economic and physical growth of the city, there still remain major areas of population in which, after two decades of regeneration, there are continuing cycles of social injustice.

“Where need is not being connected with opportunity and as a council we lack the vision, strategies and plan that will take this City to new levels of social prosperity, economic growth and international reputation, it’s imperative we find solutions.

“Liverpool already has the basic ingredients necessary to take it to the next levels. We need to use the ingredients in the right way to achieve investment and create jobs.”