THIS year has been full of ups and downs for everyone - no matter who you are, where you live, or what you do.
Some might say that 2021 has been one of their most difficult years, and will be welcoming the start of a new year.
With the pandemic and te added stress it has brought to people working, learning and trying to get by, it can be hard to think of the little things that made this year special.
Thankfully, here at the Daily Echo we've documented some of the amazing things that have happened throughout 2021.
To celebrate the end of the year, we've put together a three-part series of all our favourite moments to share with you as part of a little flashback on what this year has brought us.
Here are some of the best stories of 2021:
I'm celebrating my first Mother's Day after becoming a single mum by choice
Gemma Hill, the 39-year-old founder of the Potters Beauty Barn at the Potters Heron Hotel in Ampfield, welcomed Archie in October 2020.
Gemma, who lives in Eastleigh, had undergone IVF treatment at Wessex Fertility in Shirley.
She celebrated her very first Mother's Day in March.
Read the full story again HERE.
Covid couldn't derail the Bessants and their big day
Having her terminally ill dad walk her down the aisle was all this beautiful bride could have dreamed of on her wedding day.
Stephanie Wright was accompanied by her beloved father, Motor Neurone Disease sufferer John as she married her sweetheart Ashley Bessant.
Read the full story again HERE.
This happy couple are celebrating 70 years of wedded bliss at home in Hampshire
Back in May, Gwen and Howard Crook celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
The couple, who have lived in Bishopstoke for the past 65 years, received a special congratulations from The Queen on their impressive milestone.
Read the story again HERE.
PHOTOS: Thousands hit Southampton to celebrate Pride 2021
In August, thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans festival-goers and their friends filled the heart of the city with colour and love.
Hosted at Southampton Guildhall, the event featured a number of live music acts, performances and outdoor stalls.
Take a look at all the photos HERE.
VIDEO: Endangered zebra foal born in front of visitors at Marwell Zoo
Visitors to Marwell Zoo were treated to the sight of a rare zebra foal being born in October.
The endangered Grevy’s zebra gave birth to a healthy foal at the zoo’s Wild Explorers paddock opposite Marwell’s Grade I listed hall in front of amazed onlookers.
Read the full story again HERE.
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