A look back at some of the most striking images of the year

We have put together some eye-catching, heart-warming and evocative pieces from the Watford Observer's photographers Pippa Douglas and Holly Cant this year.

January

Jo Fulleylove and her step dad Shaun Beard came up with the innovative idea of turning rubbish into money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital collecting and recycling bottle tops.

February

Dr Antonis Petrou-Amerikanos, the thespian dentist from Rickmansworth, landed himself a lead role in the Pirates of Penzance.

Pippa asked him if he had any props for the picture, a sword perhaps.

“No,” said the dentist, “but I do have a massive toothbrush.”

March

When Steve Keeley rang to say he was disappointed about the cutting down of a large number of trees in the Aquadrome, we didn't realise how dramatic the scene would look in a picure.

April

This picture from Chater Infants School sums up the Royal Wedding fever which gripped the nation.

An arsonist set fire to Bill Howard's shed for no discernible reason, causing the 72-year-old to lose a lifetime of sentimental items.

The anger and upset as he sorts through the charred remains is on display for all to see in this picture.

May

Nola Montgomery had her mobile phone cut off after she discovered there was a limit to her “unlimited” internet use in her contract.

June

One of the most memorable images of 2011, a man is lead out of the Co-operative Bank, signalling the end of the Watford bomb siege. Taken while hanging half-out of a solicitor's office window.

July

Here Mustak Manasia stands defiantly by his till, the day after he was forced at gunpoint to hand over its monetary contents by robbers.

This action shot shows one of the young competitors taking part at the Croxley Green skate contest.

August

A proud mother embraces her son who looks on with relief at his successful GCSE results.

Conversely, here a north Watford resident looks on at her garage, which has been destroyed by a car following a crash.

September

Looking up at a gymnast from Sapphire Gymnastics School. A young girl from Bushey held a fund-raising event to collect money from the club.

...and looking down as a brave abseiler steps off the ledge to celebrate 125 years of the YMCA in Watford.

October

Ivy Young asks for help from the people of Abbots Langley to raise money for the Poppy Appeal in this picture. Her campaign went one to collect more than £8,000.

November

An unusual take on the annual fireworks display picture, shows a young girl enjoying the show in a unique hat.

When Chris Hutchinson from Rileys bar said he was thinking of shaving his head for charity, he didn't realise his staff had already stocked up on razors.

December

This picture shows a car which had been pushed into the front of a butcher's shop window after being crashed into by another car.

Finally, a picture of 107-year-old Muriel Green, which feels like we're personally giving the birthday girl her cake.