Times of Malta presents a selection of its photographers' choice of their best photos taken over the past days.

Jacob Cachia is helped to overcome his extreme fear of heights to conquer the 77 steps at the entrance to Valletta on December 7. The achievement marked another milestone in the teenager’s long journey of survival after he contracted a brain infection. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaJacob Cachia is helped to overcome his extreme fear of heights to conquer the 77 steps at the entrance to Valletta on December 7. The achievement marked another milestone in the teenager’s long journey of survival after he contracted a brain infection. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Jacob Cachia is helped to overcome his extreme fear of heights to conquer the 77 steps at the entrance to Valletta on December 7. The achievement marked another milestone in the teenager’s long journey of survival after he contracted a brain infection. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaJacob Cachia is helped to overcome his extreme fear of heights to conquer the 77 steps at the entrance to Valletta on December 7. The achievement marked another milestone in the teenager’s long journey of survival after he contracted a brain infection. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Ivan John Grima Hammett is stopped by police whilst trying to fill two holes with cement at City Gate, Valletta on December 8. Photo: Matthew MirabelliIvan John Grima Hammett is stopped by police whilst trying to fill two holes with cement at City Gate, Valletta on December 8. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Ivan John Grima Hammett fills two holes with cement at City Gate, Valletta on December 8, whilst being urged on by the general public after police failed to stop him. Photo: Matthew MirabelliIvan John Grima Hammett fills two holes with cement at City Gate, Valletta on December 8, whilst being urged on by the general public after police failed to stop him. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Police officers clean up the left over cement after Ivan John Grima Hammett was taken away after filling two holes with cement at City Gate, Valletta on December 8, Photo: Matthew MirabelliPolice officers clean up the left over cement after Ivan John Grima Hammett was taken away after filling two holes with cement at City Gate, Valletta on December 8, Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The little chapel, known as ‘il Kappella tal-irdum’, at the highest point of Dingli Cliffs was extensively damaged when it was struck by lightning during the thunderstorm of December 10. Photo: Chris Sant FournierThe little chapel, known as ‘il Kappella tal-irdum’, at the highest point of Dingli Cliffs was extensively damaged when it was struck by lightning during the thunderstorm of December 10. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Participants push a soapbox car during Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliParticipants push a soapbox car during Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

One of the participants in the soap box car competition lands on one wheel after going over the ramp which forms part of the course at Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliOne of the participants in the soap box car competition lands on one wheel after going over the ramp which forms part of the course at Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A traditional Maltese bus takes off from the ramp, which formed part of the course of the soapbox competition during Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA traditional Maltese bus takes off from the ramp, which formed part of the course of the soapbox competition during Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

One of the entries in the soapbox competition takes off after going over the compulsory ramp during Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliOne of the entries in the soapbox competition takes off after going over the compulsory ramp during Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The front axel of an entry in the soapbox competition snaps after going over the compulsory ramp during Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliThe front axel of an entry in the soapbox competition snaps after going over the compulsory ramp during Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A driver is kept cool by his team mates before taking part on the soapbox competition at Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA driver is kept cool by his team mates before taking part on the soapbox competition at Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A stunt drive flips his car over after a simulated car chase at Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA stunt drive flips his car over after a simulated car chase at Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A stunt drive flips his car over after a simulated car chase at Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA stunt drive flips his car over after a simulated car chase at Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Two gentlemen stop for a bite to eat during the Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliTwo gentlemen stop for a bite to eat during the Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Two gentlemen stop for a bite to eat during the Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliTwo gentlemen stop for a bite to eat during the Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina car show at Hal Farrug on December 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Stephen Smith on his way to court on December 10 to testify against Paul Sheehan, Emanuel Mallia’s former driver. Smith told the court that he feared for his life when a man threatened him with a gun after he accidentally hit a parked car in Gżira. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaStephen Smith on his way to court on December 10 to testify against Paul Sheehan, Emanuel Mallia’s former driver. Smith told the court that he feared for his life when a man threatened him with a gun after he accidentally hit a parked car in Gżira. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Carmelo Abela (3rd left) is sworn in as Minister of Home Affairs at the Palace in Valletta on December 9, after his predecessor Manuel Mallia was sacked by the Prime Minister. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiCarmelo Abela (3rd left) is sworn in as Minister of Home Affairs at the Palace in Valletta on December 9, after his predecessor Manuel Mallia was sacked by the Prime Minister. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is interviewed for The Sunday Times of Malta on December 5. Photo: Jason BorgPrime Minister Joseph Muscat is interviewed for The Sunday Times of Malta on December 5. Photo: Jason Borg

Opposition leader Simon Busutill addresses members of the press at Party headquarters in Pieta on December 9, the morning after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat asked for the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia. Photo: Matthew MirabelliOpposition leader Simon Busutill addresses members of the press at Party headquarters in Pieta on December 9, the morning after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat asked for the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil pauses his press conference to watch and comment on a video clip of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, at party headquarters in Pieta on December 6. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaOpposition leader Simon Busuttil pauses his press conference to watch and comment on a video clip of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, at party headquarters in Pieta on December 6. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Fr Charles Vella takes part in the mass to celebrate his 60th year since his ordination at St Gregory’s Church in Sliema on December 8. Photo: Chris Sant FournierFr Charles Vella takes part in the mass to celebrate his 60th year since his ordination at St Gregory’s Church in Sliema on December 8. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

An Emirates Airbus prepares for take off at the Malta International Airport on December 4. Photo: Matthew MirabelliAn Emirates Airbus prepares for take off at the Malta International Airport on December 4. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

An Emirates Boeing 747 flies into Malta International Airport on December 4, bringing 50 tons of pharmaceutical products that originated from India. Though not rare, Emirates’ jumbo jets are not frequent visitors to Malta. Photo: Matthew MirabelliAn Emirates Boeing 747 flies into Malta International Airport on December 4, bringing 50 tons of pharmaceutical products that originated from India. Though not rare, Emirates’ jumbo jets are not frequent visitors to Malta. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

St Nicholas and four black Peters make their way to the Dutch ambassador’s residence for a children’s Christmas party on December 6. Photo: Chris Sant FournierSt Nicholas and four black Peters make their way to the Dutch ambassador’s residence for a children’s Christmas party on December 6. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Apostolic Administrator Bishop Charles Scicluna celebrates a mass for schoolchildren at St John’s Co-Cathedral which started off the fundraiser campaign Milied Flimkien on December 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiApostolic Administrator Bishop Charles Scicluna celebrates a mass for schoolchildren at St John’s Co-Cathedral which started off the fundraiser campaign Milied Flimkien on December 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Schoolchildren in costume for a Nativity play during a mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral which started off the fundraiser campaign Milied Flimkien on December 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiSchoolchildren in costume for a Nativity play during a mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral which started off the fundraiser campaign Milied Flimkien on December 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A life-like doll used in a Nativity play is placed on a bench during a mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral which started off the fundraiser campaign Milied Flimkien on December 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA life-like doll used in a Nativity play is placed on a bench during a mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral which started off the fundraiser campaign Milied Flimkien on December 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

The future beckons for hundreds of students who graduated from the University of Malta, including many part-time students like Ian Sansone (centre) who obtained a higher diploma in administration and management from the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy on December 4. Photo: Jason BorgThe future beckons for hundreds of students who graduated from the University of Malta, including many part-time students like Ian Sansone (centre) who obtained a higher diploma in administration and management from the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy on December 4. Photo: Jason Borg

Graduates surround Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon while celebrating on December 5. Photo: Jason BorgGraduates surround Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon while celebrating on December 5. Photo: Jason Borg

New graduates celebrate in Valletta on December 9. Photo: Jason BorgNew graduates celebrate in Valletta on December 9. Photo: Jason Borg

A graduate takes a photo with her mobile phone during a graduation ceremony at the University of Malta on December 9. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA graduate takes a photo with her mobile phone during a graduation ceremony at the University of Malta on December 9. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A Springer spaniel laps up the sunshine as it watches the world beneath pass by In Hamrun on December 6 Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaA Springer spaniel laps up the sunshine as it watches the world beneath pass by In Hamrun on December 6 Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Hibernians’ Jorginho (2nd right) is fouled by Sliema’s Stefano Bian Ciardi (2nd left) during their Premier League football matct at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiHibernians’ Jorginho (2nd right) is fouled by Sliema’s Stefano Bian Ciardi (2nd left) during their Premier League football matct at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Hibernians’ Luis Edison (left) is fouled by Sliema’s Marko Potezica (right) during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiHibernians’ Luis Edison (left) is fouled by Sliema’s Marko Potezica (right) during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Floriana’s Vito Plut (right) loses his balance after a tussle for possession with Valletta’s Steve Borg (left) during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiFloriana’s Vito Plut (right) loses his balance after a tussle for possession with Valletta’s Steve Borg (left) during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Valletta’s Ryan Fenech (left) clears the ball from Floriana’s Vito Plut (centre) during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiValletta’s Ryan Fenech (left) clears the ball from Floriana’s Vito Plut (centre) during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Valletta’s Ryan Fenech (left) clears the ball from Floriana’s Vito Plut (centre) during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiValletta’s Ryan Fenech (left) clears the ball from Floriana’s Vito Plut (centre) during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Valletta’s Lateef Elford-Alliyu celebrates scoring one of his three goals against Floriana during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiValletta’s Lateef Elford-Alliyu celebrates scoring one of his three goals against Floriana during their Premier League football match at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on December 6. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A race horse warms up before the ‘Premier’ race at the Marsa race course in Marsa on December 8. Photo: Chris Sant FournierA race horse warms up before the ‘Premier’ race at the Marsa race course in Marsa on December 8. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

A man rows a small boat in Xemxija on December 8 Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaA man rows a small boat in Xemxija on December 8 Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

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