Alexis Wilson-Barrett

​A prominent Yorkshire food manufacturer has launched a nationwide campaign encouraging football fans to bury sausages in their gardens to secure an England victory in tomorrow's World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

Three of Calderdale's most beautiful public parks have successfully retained their prestigious Green Flag Awards, securing their status among the premier managed green spaces in the world. Centre Vale Park in Todmorden, Manor Heath Park and the Jungle Experience in Halifax, and the historic Shibden Estate, also in Halifax, have all been awarded the international quality mark.

The National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield is inviting families to enjoy a holiday-themed summer of activities running from Saturday 18th July until Sunday 30th August. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the museum's seasonal schedule has been designed to provide an affordable, high-energy day out. To support local families, the museum is running a £10-per-car parking offer all summer, which includes unlimited Paddy Train rides for everyone in the vehicle.

The Merrion Centre is celebrating the return of the Leeds School Uniform Exchange pop-up shop this summer with a significantly expanded presence to support families across the city ahead of the new school year. Following a highly successful run last year, this summer's pop-up features a larger retail unit, increased stock, and at least fifteen event dates throughout the school holidays. Run by Leeds charity Wear and Share Leeds, the scheme provides pre-loved school uniforms entirely free of charge with no referral required, helping local families manage high household costs. Recent figures from the Department for Education highlight the vital nature of the project, showing that the average cost of a full school uniform and PE kit stands at £343 for primary pupils and £442 for secondary pupils.

Richmond's historic past has been put into the spotlight as medieval items are set to be displayed at a museum just metres away from where they were uncovered. In 2024, North Yorkshire Council's highways officers were surprised to find medieval pits containing bones and clothing under Richmond's market place during resurfacing works. A team of archaeologists were called upon, and conservation work to the artefacts was carried out. The finds have now been gifted to Richmondshire Museum, which is located in Ryders Wynd close to the market place, and will be on display from September.

As the UK enjoys soaring temperatures, music festivals, and World Cup fever, Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police are encouraging the public to stay alert and report anything that does not feel right. The annual summer safety campaign is currently running alongside a packed calendar of music and sporting events across the county to highlight the importance of vigilance in keeping everyone safe.

If you have been waiting for Dishoom to arrive in Leeds, you can officially start planning your first visit. Reservations are open now for the brand's first Leeds café on Vicar Lane. To celebrate the launch, the café is running a soft-opening period starting on 3rd August, where diners can enjoy 50% off food, ahead of the official opening on 14th August.

Otley’s Newall Church Hall and nearly an acre of adjoining land are set to go under the hammer later this month with a guide price of £595,000. The site,

Zizzi has announced that kids can eat for free this summer, with every child receiving a complimentary three-course meal at its restaurants across England and Wales. Designed to make it easier for families to enjoy quality time together over the summer holidays, the deal is available for family lunches, midweek dinners, or treats after a day out.

Ken Cooke, who took part in the D-Day landings in 1944 and fought in Europe during World War Two, has joined an illustrious group in becoming an Honorary Freeman of York. The special honour was officially conferred during an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, which took place at the city's Guildhall yesterday, Thursday 16th July.