Real Journalism by Leeds Hacks

Threads Instagram Youtube Tiktok

Multiplatform Newsdays

Picture of Matthew Morgan
A Beeston Hill community meeting being held in the Hamara center

Beeston want change: from sex workers to dog poo

The people of Beeston want to tackle main issues within their community.

Matthew Morgan
A small town street with parked cars lining both sides. On the left are shops including a Costa Coffee and a Halifax bank ATM where a person is using the machine. On the right are more shops such as Betfred and a convenience store. The sky is overcast, and a few pedestrians are walking along the pavements. The street is one-way, indicated by blue arrow signs, and the buildings have a mix of stone and brick façades.

Horsforth named happiest place in Leeds

Jack Houldsworth
Three dogs at revolucion de cuba for the Pop and Barks event on Sunday the 23rd of November

Travelling dog café unites dog lovers in Leeds

Pop and Bark bring mass doggy meet ups to Leeds, and the rest of England.

Matthew Morgan
Lots of golden retrievers at Revolucion de Cuba at the Pop and Bark

Dog cafe stops off to bring smiles in Leeds

The event that brings dogs and owners together with a splash of Christmas

Leo Wood
Image of people queueing for Bratwurst stall at Christmas markets, infront of a large christmas tree and town hall.

Christmas Markets “not worth the hype”?

Leeds Christmas Markets are back but are they too expensive in this current economic climate?

Samantha Diment
Fireworks at Moortown Rugby Club

Bonfire night celebrations in full swing despite growing concerns around holiday

Moortown Rugby Club host their annual Bonfire Night Celebration but attendees have their concerns about the holiday and the behavior of some during it

Leo Wood
Leftbank Christmas Market - Credit: Leo Wood

Leeds market celebrates Christmas early to boost local businesses

Leftbank welcomes local businesses for early Christmas market

Leo Wood
Runners dressed up as Santa are caught in action running down a rainy street.

3000 runners participate in Leeds’ first Santa Dash

The inaugural Leeds Santa Dash raised money for charity and provided plenty of festive cheer.

Ella Wignal
The image shows wheelchair racing

Wheelchair racing offers a new outlook for people with spinal cord injuries

Wheelchair racers during the session

Gabrielle Biyere
Kemi Badenoch speaking at a podium in a formal parliamentary setting, surrounded by seated MP's in suits and formal attire, with tiered benches and ornate woodwork visible in the background

Record low for Conservatives in opinion polls

A recent opinion poll conducted by IPSOS showed only 14% of people are still willing to vote blue.

James Ghirarduzzi
brown concrete building near body of water during daytime

Reform UK increase lead in the polls

Recent polling suggests Reform are the most likely party to form the next UK government.

Jack Houldsworth
Benjamin Watkins and Emily Webb Two smiling staff members at The Hole in the Wand mini golf venue in Leeds, dressed in matching uniforms with black vests, yellow bow ties, and name tags, standing in front of a colourful potion-themed drinks display.

Leeds among worst hit for shop closures as footfall declines

Footfall in Leeds high streets have been in decline, Emma Haresign reports...

Emma Haresign
custom guitar and more at Leeds City museum exhibition

Leeds celebrates the last 60 years of music

The exhibition is celebrating the last 60 years of music in Leeds along with the 60th anniversary of Leeds Conservatoire.

Leo Wood
Police car stationed outside of Leeds synagogue

Police increase security at Leeds Synagogue

Police car stationed outside of Leeds Synagogue in light of the recent Manchester attack.

Gabrielle Biyere
Headingley Stadium: a modern building with green geometric facades and triangular windows, surrounded by trees with autumn-coloured leaves under a cloudy sky.

Headingley residents furious over new stadium licensing

Complaints about potential "public nuisance" have been made ahead of the Council's licensing meeting next week.

Alison Adair

Award winning Leeds partnership donate nearly 2,000 sports kits at event

The John Charles Centre hosted the Kit Equipment Exchange Partnership (KEEP) as they donated sports clothing and equipment to over 30 organisations.

Leo Wood
Cover of Richard Clarke's third addition to his 'calm pond' series

Leeds author teaching children life lessons through literature

Yorkshire author publishes newest addition to best-selling children's series

Matthew Morgan
Leeds Civic Hall, a grand neoclassical building with two tall clock towers topped by golden owls, stands prominently in a public square. The façade features white stone columns and ornate carvings. In the foreground, a golden statue and a decorative clock add visual interest, while a few pedestrians walk across the square under an overcast sky.

Hundreds to sleep outside Civic Hall for homelessness awareness

With homelessness rates on the rise, Simon's big sleep out aims to help rough sleepers in Leeds.

James Ghirarduzzi
Founders of GPP, Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor David Blackburn, the Children's mayor Leeds, the King's representative Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj, members of Leeds Peacelink, Garforth ukelele players and Garforth community choir in attendance at Park Square for the UN International Day of Peace on September 21.

‘We’re in the most dangerous times of our lifetime’ claims councillor at Leeds peace event

Leeds hosted the event at World Peace Flame monument in Park Square for UN International Day of Peace.

Leo Wood
Two people, a man wearing a ceremonial chain and a woman in a black dress, stand closely together viewing a wartime-themed display. The dimly lit exhibit features camouflage netting, photographs, and a headless mannequin dressed in a suit with a Ukrainian flag draped over the shoulders. A tripod stands nearby, and the scene is illuminated with dramatic purple and yellow lighting.

‘We just have to keep going’ say Ukrainians in Leeds

A Ukrainian charity in Leeds held a photography exhibtion to remind people about the war in Ukraine. Emma Haresign reports...

Emma Haresign
Leeds Corn Exchange-A grand, historic stone building with a curved facade and classical architectural elements. The structure features ornate carvings, arched windows, and decorative columns. A prominent round clock is set into a richly adorned pediment at the top center. Hanging flower baskets add vibrant greenery beneath the arches, softening the formal stonework.

Heritage Open Days had “low impact” on Corn Exchange businesses

A festival celebrating culture and heritage have not had an impact of businesses located in central hubs such as Leeds Corn Exchange, Emma Haresign reports.

Emma Haresign
Modern gym interior with various exercise machines and equipment. Several people are present: one walking down the central aisle, two seated on benches using their phones, and others actively working out. The space features bright overhead lighting, gray flooring, and black ceiling panels.

Free gym access in Leeds to combat rising inactivity

In celebration of National Fitness Day, several gyms across Leeds will have free entry on 24th September.

James Ghirarduzzi
Thirteen women pose together outdoors on a grassy field, dressed in athletic wear. Some are kneeling in front while others stand behind, smiling and relaxed. Trees and a building are visible in the background. The group appears to have just finished a run.

Campaign launched to protect women running in Leeds

Statistics show women are feeling increasingly unsafe about going for a jog.

James Ghirarduzzi
A person stands presenting in front of a screen displaying Channel 4 Served, with colourful lights in the background and an image of a man cooking on the screen.

Leeds Digital Festival celebrates its tenth year

Leeds Digital Festival has returned to the city for a tenth time. The two-week festival started 22 September and is set to continue until Friday 3 October.

Alison Adair
Boxes of cigarettes and packets of nicotine on a table as a result of the counterfeit goods raid

Armley’s £80k counterfeit bust’s impact on the community

£83,000 worth of counterfeit goods have been seized, with the community now being put in a strange position.

Henry Price-Chapman
Signs for Little Owls Nursery placed on a fence outside of the nursery

Nursery set to charge 25% extra on fees for parents

Little Owls Nursery bill prices are set to rise following privatisation

Ella Wignal
image of old book against a blue background in a glass cupboard. The book has illustrations of various plants with details about the what each plant is called and where it grows.

Book that ‘inspired’ Romeo and Juliet potion on display in Leeds

A copy of the book has made its way into Leeds Central library.

Georgia Lee
Road construction site in an urban area with several workers wearing orange high-visibility safety gear. Red and white barriers surround the site, and a digger and construction equipment are visible. In the background, buses are passing by on the road near buildings. The sky is clear and blue.

Roadworks could make council £2500 daily

Road traffic disruptions caused by ongoing construction could see the council charging companies £2500 a day if they operate during peak times.

Alison Adair
A quiet look to Lower Briggate, the rainbow railway bridge over the street home to Under the Arches

Leeds’ new underground venue to boost rave culture

New venue Under the Arches is set to host its first gig on September 27.

Ella Wignal
A man Bowling a ball on a field.

Otley Santas to play bowls for MND

Bowls clubs partake in 'Christmas in September' for charity

Lonan Sheldrake
A construction site in front of a newly built three-story red-brick apartment building with white-framed windows and glass Juliet balconies. In the foreground, two orange excavators, one branded "Kubota" and the other "Doosan," are actively moving materials into a large green skip. The area is enclosed by metal safety fencing, with construction equipment, materials, and waste bags scattered around. A curved path with fresh landscaping borders the work area, while a partly cloudy sky creates a bright backdrop.

Armley affordable housing project welcomes first residents

Yorkshire Housing, Termrim and Leeds City Council have been working on a new affordable housing project in Armley. This week, the first residents were welcomed to the development.

Jack Houldsworth
This image depicts a small white ribbon in the palm of a hand

White Ribbon Day: a call to end violence against women

White Ribbon Day, held annually on 25 November, is a global movement urging individuals, particularly men, to take a stand against domestic violence and promote respect, equality, and safety for all

Saffron Carroll
This image depicts a round,, wooden German sausage stand at Leeds Christmas markets where people can be seen queueing. There is a fairground ride behind the stand.

Christmas comes to Leeds as markets return for another year

Leeds has become a festive wonderland with the return of its popular Christmas markets, featuring handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and attractions like ice skating and a ferris wheel

Saffron Carroll
This is a close up image of a tattoo artist inking somebody's arm. They appear to be doing a butterfly design

Leeds tattoo studio offers tattoos for toys in festive season

Ink Kingz tattoo studio believe around 300 tattoos were completed over the course of the day

Saffron Carroll
In this image the Lord Lieutenant is saluting to the war memorial in Victoria Gardens as people look on

Leeds commemorates Remembrance Day with tributes to fallen heroes

Leeds gathered to honour and remember the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, with poignant ceremonies, parades, and moments of reflection across the city

Saffron Carroll

The number of abandoned cats in the UK has risen by 30% in the last year.

Cat abandonment is increasing, so what are shelters in Leeds doing about it?

Daisy Shortt

Mental Elf running through Yorkshire

Runners all over South Yorkshire came to Rotherham to raise awareness for mental health.

Abigail Johnson

Leeds Traveller has “escaped death” after recent poisonings in Laos 

Natasha Moore, a 22-year-old graduate of Leeds Beckett University, was travelling through Southeast Asia when she arrived in Laos. 

Abigail Johnson

The Hodgson Family Lights: Something for Everyone On Halloween.

The Hodgson Lights offers a unique experience with impressive light displays for the family to enjoy this Halloween.

Daisy Shortt
Teddy Bear by 3D Toy Shop

Leeds Toy Maker Celebrates making 10,000 Teddy Bears for Children with health conditions 

Leeds toy maker has just shipped his 10,000th teddy bear — not just any bear, but a symbol of comfort and companionship for children facing serious health challenges. 

Abigail Johnson

Putting the MO in Motion: Movember fundraisers take over Leeds

This month marks yet another Mo-vember to celebrate men- coming together to raise money for mental health through sport.

Abigail Johnson
Nick Hardman, founder of 3D Toy Shop

3D Toy Shop has shipped it’s 10,000th teddy bear, and hopes to go global

Nick Hardman, the Dad from Leeds who makes teddy bears for children with medical conditions, hopes to make his idea global

Sophie Nicholson
Natasha Moore, Leeds backpacker with Laos flag

Leeds backpacker “cheated death” amid Laos poisonings

Backpacker from Leeds, Natasha Moore, escaped Laos poisonings after her trip to the 'Nana Backpackers Hostel' was delayed

Sophie Nicholson
Runners

Movember takes over Roundhay Park as crowds gather to fundraise for men’s health

Over 800 runners took part in Leeds' MoRun to fundraise and support men's health

Sophie Nicholson
John Burkhill with lifelong friends

Sheffield’s Man With A Pram is on the road to raising another million pounds

John Burkhill, the Man With A Pram is hoping to reach the £2 million mark for Macmillan

Sophie Nicholson
A shop window displays many flavored disposable vapes set to be banned in 2025

Government announces disposable vape ban for June 2025

The government has announced that disposable vapes are due to be banned from the 1st June 2025

Jake Grattage
Record Plant in Farsley shows off its new home. A big room with tall ceilings and walls all painted white and adorned with hanging lights.

Leeds record shop opens new venue on first anniversary

Record Plant in Farsley has opened a new venue only a year after initially opening

Jake Grattage
Two army men in uniform are laying wreaths at Leeds cenotaph on Remebrance Sunday

A silent city: Leeds remembers fallen soilders

At the 106th Armistice Day, the people of Leeds joined serving soilders, vetrans, religious leaders and members of the council to pay their respects to those who have lost their lives in conflict.

Caitlin Page
A black steam train pulling into Keighley Railway station as guest of the beer and music festival wait to be taken to the other locations

5 mile pub crawl along Worth Valley railway line

With over 120 differnt alcoholic drinks to try, the Worth Valley Railway beer and music festival was a hit with people travelling from across the country to attened.

Caitlin Page
A man is laying on the floor of the Headingley Stadium stands with a book in his hands in an orange sleeping bag as he prepares to sleep

Headingley Stadium puts up fundraisers for the night

The Leeds Big Sleep event took place for its 8th year as three Leeds based chaity look to raiser money for the work they do support the homeless and most vunerable in Leeds.

Caitlin Page

The Leeds Festival of Gothica makes a return to Kirkgate market.

This is the 6th year where the Festival of Gothica Market has taken place in Leeds, where inclusivity and individuality is preached.

Daisy Shortt
Leeds Central Library

Compass Festival 2024: How important is art to people in Leeds?

The people of the city have been giving their views on the cities' art culture.

Flynn Connolly
A group of people who are stood infornt of a fire bed cheering after completitng their fire walk

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice host a fire and LEGO walk

Forget Me Not Children's Hospice hosted a fire and LEGO walk to help raise funds for their charity that supports families across West Yorkshire who are faced with the loss of a child.

Caitlin Page
A man who is stood in the stand of Headlingley stadium rolling out a sleeping mat as he sets up his bed for the night

Leeds fundraisers gather at stadium to spend a night under the stars for local charities

"You've got to do it to know what it's like"

Saffron Carroll

The annual Winter Clothing Appeal is back: What’s different this year?

Zero Waste Leeds team up with community and leisure centers across Leeds to deliver a service with a great cause.

Daisy Shortt

Arson attack at Leeds car garage

The fire damaged five cars.

Sophia Kenny
Crowds on people getting off an old steam train at Oxenhope station. There are people sat at a picnic bench on the left. The sun is shining and the sky is blue

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway transforms into 5-mile beer and music festival

With steam trains transporting guests between the three festival sites at Oxenhope, Ingrow, and Keighley, the historic railway setting saw train enthusiasts and beer and music lovers, come together to celebrate local flavours and sounds

Saffron Carroll

Leaves on the lines: an unlikley culprit for autumn rail delays

Northern Rail are hoping to see a noticeable difference in delays this year due to new technologies

Saffron Carroll
red apple fruit on four pyle books

SEND children face government budget cuts across West Yorkshire

A recent report by the Leeds City Council has called for an increase in funding for special educational needs and disability (SEND) children in West Yorkshire.

Joseph Poole

Leeds Driving Tests reach an all time high

Learning to drive is a crucial life skill, enabling individuals to travel from A to B-without relying on public transport.

Abigail Johnson

YOUR time to decide your transport, your future.

A Consultation is in place until 30th September for members of the public to have their say on the future of transport in Leeds.

Abigail Johnson

Leeds Shopping Centre Closes its Doors after 37 years.

The Core, food hall and shopping Centre has finally closed its doors.

Abigail Johnson
West Yorkshire Fire Service new Engine

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue issue warning ahead of firework shows and bonfire night

The flashing lights face another year of callouts for bin fires and out-of-control campfires.

Flynn Connolly
Blue Plaque honoring Nadine Senior MBE

Leeds 200th blue plaque dedicated to visionary dance teacher

Leeds Civic trust has unveiled a new blue plaque honouring the work of visionary dance teacher Nadine Senior MBE.

Jake Grattage

Record fair hosts vinyl revival

Leeds Record Fair takes place in Kirkgate Market this Saturday.

Ben Dinning

Scabies surge hits Yorkshire as experts call for change

A recent report has revealed that hundreds of children across Yorkshire have been treated in hospital for scabies, an increase of two-thirds on last year.

Joseph Poole
An image of the Old Red Lion pub located on York Road, Whinmoor. The building is white with red signage. The bottom windows are boarded up and the top windows have been smashed. The grass at the front of the building is overgrown.

Health concerns over plans to convert derelict Leeds pub into a McDonalds

Of the 500 people surveyed in the public consultation, 61 per cent were in support of the proposal to replace the pub with a McDonald’s restaurant

Saffron Carroll

The spike in obesity amongst primary school children: Are schools doing enough

Is the increase in child obesity a fault from schools or the cost of healthy foods?

Daisy Shortt
Zhanim Vulah, man living in Walmer Township showing what children use to play with.

Girl from Leeds in the townships of South Africa: Helping underprivileged communities

Leeds girl "part of the change" in the townships of South Africa

Sophie Nicholson
Leeds bus with a junk food advert on the side

Junk food adverts to be banned on buses and trains in Leeds

West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracey Barbin, has pledge to ban junk food adverts on buses and trains to help with childhood obesity.

Caitlin Page

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe returns to Leeds for it’s 75th anniversary!

The magical world of Narnia is returning to the Leeds Playhouse following a successful UK and West End tour.

Abigail Johnson
Cold and Flu essentials

NHS England campaign to “get that jab” against Flu following recent mortality rates

The war against flu: 18,000 flu related deaths have been recorded over the past two years

Sophie Nicholson
Clothing racks inside the Revive Reuse shop, in Kirklees. There are green signs on the walls behind.

Leeds’ third Revive Reuse shop opens in Hunslet

This new store is one of five in West Yorkshire, three of which are based in Leeds

Saffron Carroll
Joseph Jacklin

Yorkshire has worst bank access in country, report finds

The Which? report found there are just under 4.5 banks per 100,000 people in the region, with 9 constituencies not having any bank access. Minority groups, like the elderly and some women, are expected to be the worst affected.

Joe Jacklin

Second-hand September: The rise of rehoming clothes

Today, more and more people are buying second hand clothing with the sector seeing a 27.2 per cent increase since 2021 acroding to statistic. But what is the cause of this?

Caitlin Page
This is an image of the outside of Cottage Road Cinema. It has sand-coloured brickwork and large opaque windows either side of the entrance which have been painted blue. This building has quite an old-fashioned feel.

Plans in place to repeat Indie Cinema Crawl after successful launch

Organisers believe around 250 people attended the cinema crawl and plans are already in place for a repeat next year

Saffron Carroll

Council launch careers fairs to counter unemployment crisis

Youth unemployment has risen to its highest level since the pandemic.

Joseph Poole
Cricket ground

Cricket players unhappy with ‘dangerous’ league schedule

Players are upset about the late cricket schedule.

Matthew Caines

Leeds organisation hosts Sustainable Fashion Week

Sustainable Fashion Week will see the Scrap Centre of Creative Reuse in Farsley host workshops, exhibitions, clothes swaps, repair shops and an evening of sustainability talks.

Jake Grattage

Zombie Knives to be slashed by government’s new legislation

A Leeds youth coordinator claims the ban of Zombie Knives will not fully get them of our streets.

Molly Cook
Man playing piano in the Tetley

Pub Piano Competition showcases Leeds’ talent on the keys

On Friday the 20th, 8 pianists got together at the Tetley to compete against each other for a prize of £500.

Flynn Connolly

Georgian artefacts uncovered at original Leeds railway station

Fragments of the original main train station in Leeds have been unearthed by a team of archeologists.

Oliver Jackson-Bolton

Labour Conference: Leeds’ opinion on the government’s first weeks in power

Speculation over Labour's beginning in power has already begun in Leeds, with people from all over the city having their say.

Joe Jacklin
dog on top of person's lap while sitting on ground at daytime

Helping the Homeless: What charities in Leeds are doing this Christmas

More than 66,000 more people will become homeless in the UK by 2024 - Crisis Housing Charity

Kiera Wilcox
two girls drawing arounnd stensils on fabric to make reusable sanitary pads

Leeds workplaces and charities join the fight to end Period Poverty

A woman in the UK will spend £492 a year on her period, up to £4,800 spanning her entire lifetime

Kiera Wilcox

115 people die by suicide in the UK every week – 75% of those deaths being male says Office for National statistics

Andy's man club is the UK's leading mens talking charity. Their branding has been wrapped around both ends of a TransPennine Express Class 185 train for 2 years in hopes of spreading their message - it's okay to talk.

Lauren Olivia Arkell
group of women sat at a table painting pottery

Leeds Girl: The Facebook group tackling loneliness for women in the city

Recent research shows that loneliness can be as damaging to physical health as smoking

Kiera Wilcox
Recycled materials sign inside the Beam Works shop

Small businesses join Leeds city council in net zero project

In March 2019 Leeds City Council launched a plan to get Leeds carbon neutral by 2030. Now small businesses are jumping on the bandwagon making their business sustainable.

Lauren Olivia Arkell

Simon’s Big Sleep Out comes back for second year

Participants at Simon's Big Sleep Out have raised £25,000 for those sleeping rough.

Molly Dutton
Table with pottery painting and drinks

Girls Facebook group in Leeds to tackle loneliness

A better-health survey revealed 43% of 18-34 year olds worry that their peers would judge them if they said they were lonely.

Lauren Olivia Arkell
protesters holding up signs at trans rights protest

Conservative conference sparks outrage in Transgender community in Leeds

Over 100 protestors gathered in Victoria Garden to challenge the Conservative party's comments on Transgender rights

Kiera Wilcox

Scream Park makes horrifying return to Hell Lane

The Yorkshire Scream Park is back this year for another thrill filled Halloween experience.

Molly Dutton

A dream that may never become a reality for first time buyers

Leeds Building Society say that first time buyers are struggling to join the housing ladder.

Ally Gregory
Zaatar manoushe on black board

New authentic Lebanese restaurant celebrates its first month of business

A taste of the Middle East in Leeds. Owner Anis Ataba hopes to share his own country's cuisine in a place where it is missing.

Lauren Olivia Arkell
Man stood in the take away at the counter

Restaurants face single use plastic ban in bid to help the environment

The government has launched a fast food items ban including plastic cutlery and packaging, polystyrene cups and containers. The ban began on 1 October 2023.

Lauren Olivia Arkell
Walksafe sign in front of the brass band performing at the parade to celebrate te launch

Walksafe app launched to increase safety for women in Leeds

97% of women believe that just "being a woman" affects their personal safety in Leeds, according to Safety Survey Report by Women Friendly Leeds

Kiera Wilcox

Four men killed in local stabbings

19 year old man killed in stabbing in Halifax; the second victim of the attack.

Molly Dutton
UCU strike rally on the University steps

University staff continue to strike as demands still not met

UCU strikes continue into another academic year with four clear demands.

Lauren Olivia Arkell
An image of a pile of coats on the floor of a warehouse with individuals putting more coats on the pile

Zero Waste Leeds and Leeds City Council team up

2,000 coats will be going to those who are most in need this Winter.

antoniafairburn
Co-op robots

Delivery robots launch at Leeds Co-op

Robots set to deliver food to shoppers in Leeds

isabelleelleringtonholden