IT would be nice to think we could extend seasonal goodwill to the frontline emergency services which underpin our lives 365 days of the year – but I doubt that will happen.

Firemen will continue to be endangered by firework-throwing youths, police will continue to get little respect from various low-life and ambulance staff and nurses will continue to be harangued for the lack of resources which has nothing to do with them.

Yes, we’ve seen all that in 2016 – and before – but it would be a great vote in the decency of human nature if it did.

Like many, I’ve felt sick at witnessing the way that the people we rely on most for help during emergencies are reviled by members of the public. Don’t the mindless yobs realise firemen are saving lives and property? Don’t the criminal and feckless see that blaming the police for upholding the law and trying to make reasonable lives for the majority is plain stupid?

And don’t those who attack paramedics and A & E personnel, by words or –much worse – actions, understand that without their help and skills they themselves would fare much worse?

We have long undervalued all our front-line personnel but never as much as now when reduced resources means that they are trying to provide vital services with huge difficulty.

The patience of the police, firemen and paramedics never fails to impress, especially under duress. I watched recently in a packed A & E at the Royal Bolton Hospital, while waiting for my husband to have his suspected fractured wrist attended to, as rude, ungrateful and impatient individuals aggressively questioned staff about being seen.

It was such a tribute to their patience and professionalism that they didn’t lose their temper at any time and remained calm, and helpful throughout.

I’m sure this disdain towards those in helpful authority has developed into a downward spiral over the past decade. We used to recognise the importance of police in upholding the law for everyone, and the idea of trying to prevent firemen or paramedics from doing their job seemed plain suicidal.

We all know, deep down, that we need our frontline services’ personnel but many feel that it’s absolutely fine to take out our frustrations or prejudices on them simply because they’re there and probably won’t fight back.

Perhaps in 2017 we can finally respect them for the role models they are.