HERE we take a look at some of the most striking St Helens Star front pages from across 2023, a year which has witnessed some almighty highs, immense personal stories, tragedies that have rocked our communities and progress with plans for the town's future.

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Michael Smith got 2023 off to a bang by winning the World Darts Championship in January.

St Helens Star: Celebrating Michael's triumph in the World Darts ChampionshipCelebrating Michael's triumph in the World Darts Championship (Image: St Helens Star)

THE GREATEST:

A historic World Club Challenge win for Saints in Australia in February

St Helens Star: Saints won the World Club Challenge in AustraliaSaints won the World Club Challenge in Australia (Image: St Helens Star)

HE'S MY HERO

The story of how Billy Ward saved his mum's life was featured in April.

St Helens Star: My hero: Bill Ward helped save his mum's lifeMy hero: Bill Ward helped save his mum's life (Image: St Helens Star)

A TRUE LEGEND

James Roby broke the all-time Saints appearance record in May.

St Helens Star: James Roby set a new all-time appearance record for SaintsJames Roby set a new all-time appearance record for Saints (Image: St Helens Star)

A FANTASTIC YOUNG LADY

St Helens Star: Tributes followed the tragic death of Erin Madden at Carr Mill DamTributes followed the tragic death of Erin Madden at Carr Mill Dam (Image: St Helens Star)

A DREAM COME TRUE

Saints Women won the first Challenge Cup Final played at Wembley

St Helens Star: Saints won the first women's Challenge Cup final to be played at WembleySaints won the first women's Challenge Cup final to be played at Wembley (Image: St Helens Star)

KILLER DRIVER GETS 10 YEARS

Brandon Glover was jailed for causing the death of teenager Harley Lea

St Helens Star: Brandon Glover was jailed for causing the death of Harley LeaBrandon Glover was jailed for causing the death of Harley Lea (Image: St Helens Star)

HUGE STEP FORWARD

A contractor was appointed to develop St Helens town centre, with work due to start in 2024

St Helens Star: St Helens StarSt Helens Star (Image: St Helens Star)

MAKING MEMORIES

Cancer battler Laura Mahon shared her inspiring story

St Helens Star: Cancer battler Laura Mahon had new wedding photographs createdCancer battler Laura Mahon had new wedding photographs created (Image: St Helens Star)

FINAL FAREWELL

The end of Wilko sparked immense sadness

St Helens Star: It was the end of the line for WilkoIt was the end of the line for Wilko (Image: St Helens Star)

SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU

Celebrating the Pride of St Helens winners - and their inspiring stories

St Helens Star: Celebrating the Pride of St Helens winnersCelebrating the Pride of St Helens winners (Image: St Helens Star)

MARIE'S HONOUR

Marie McCourt was given the MBE following her relentless campaigning

St Helens Star: Marie McCourt receives her MBE from King CharlesMarie McCourt receives her MBE from King Charles (Image: St Helens Star)

SIX LIBRARIES SET FOR THE CHOP

Six libraries in St Helens will be axed following a council review

St Helens Star: Libraries in St Helens are facing the axeLibraries in St Helens are facing the axe (Image: St Helens Star)

DEVASTATED & HEARTBROKEN

The death of much-loved cyclist David Burrows in a suspected hit-and-run crash led to a wave of sadness

St Helens Star: The death of cyclist David Burrows shocked the communityThe death of cyclist David Burrows shocked the community (Image: St Helens Star)