Among the most read and shared Watford Observer articles on social media in 2013 was the news that more than 100 paramedics have resigned from the East of England Ambulance Service Trust in the past two years.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information act showed how 56 paramedics resigned last year, and almost 40 followed suit this year.

Another story popular on Twitter was new that several Udinese Granada players on loan at Watford FC, including Marco Cassetti, Joel Ekstrand, Ikechi Anya, Daniel Pudil and Almen Abdi, were due to sign permanent deals for the Hornets.

Facebook users also shared the warning about an armed man who tried to get into a woman’s car in Abbots Langley in August, and the story of a brain damaged man who suffered a mini-stroke in the middle of a Watford Job Centre interview, geared towards getting him back into work.

The Hornets dominated our Twitter account, @Observer_Owl’s attention this year, with the most read stories including former boss Bassini’s gloating texts after the Championship play-offs, and the image of the club’s new shirt and sponsor.

Also attracting large audiences from Twitter were pictures of anti-Islamic graffiti sprayed outside Chater Infants School.