Richard Baker

A series of uplifting stories from Yorkshire highlights a former milkman winning a luxury mansion, a York Minster stonemason whose face has been carved into a new grotesque, and Chris Kamara receiving an honorary doctorate for raising awareness of speech apraxia. A Bradford man discusses his unexpected career as a Harry Kane lookalike, while a Hull musician recalls hosting David Bowie during the singer’s early years.

Musical instruments used in Leeds Playhouse’s stage adaptation of Brassed Off have been donated to children in Cape Verde and Kenya. The instruments, originally supplied by restorer Dave Walker, are being distributed through charities linked to Walker and Chris Backhouse, who aims to expand music access for young people. The initiative supports teachers across several Cape Verdean islands and continues earlier efforts to provide instruments in Kenya, where donated items have helped disadvantaged children join school bands and gain confidence.

Bereaved families in Leeds are meeting inquiry chair Donna Ockenden as she begins a review into repeated maternity and neonatal care failures at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The review follows findings that dozens of baby and maternal deaths in recent years may have been preventable. Families and a whistleblower describe systemic problems including poor communication, inadequate escalation of concerns and a lack of compassionate care, with some raising concerns about discriminatory treatment. Ockenden, known for leading major maternity investigations in Nottingham, Shrewsbury and Sussex, will gather testimony during sessions held in Leeds to shape the scope and direction of the upcoming inquiry.

Campaigners behind the Otley Lido restoration project argue that reopening long‑closed outdoor pools would help prevent open‑water drownings by giving communities safer, supervised places to swim. Citing several recent deaths in rivers and lakes during hot weather, supporters say accessible lidos provide essential opportunities for children and adults to learn water safety. The group seeks £3.44 million to redevelop the historic Otley Lido site, with backing from local supporters and exclusive planning rights from Leeds City Council. Former Olympian Ian Lawson adds that expanding swimming facilities is key to improving safety, fitness and access to water‑based activities.

A Care Quality Commission inspection rated Lord Hardy Court in Rawmarsh as Good, citing safe, responsive and well‑led support. Minor issues were found in record‑keeping and medicine storage, but the report noted strong care planning, healthcare access and a people‑centred approach. Rotherham councillor Joanna Baker‑Rogers welcomed the findings, and the council’s adult social care service also previously received a Good rating.

Surveyors at York Minster are digitally scanning the cathedral to document its changing structure and protect it from climate‑related deterioration. The project, led by digital surveyor Luke Snell, captures detailed 3D records of weathered features, especially the building’s grotesque sculptures, which have been affected by wetter winters and hotter summers. The scans will form an archive for future conservation efforts and have already supported public art installations in the city.

A prison officer at HMP Lindholme, Claire Hall, was sentenced to nine months in prison after admitting misconduct in public office for engaging in a sexual relationship with an inmate. Court proceedings detailed repeated inappropriate contact, including sexual encounters in staff toilets and disregarding warnings during training. Judge Jeremy Richardson condemned the behaviour as gross misconduct and a personal catastrophe, while Hall’s defence cited loneliness. Hall resigned and cooperated with investigators.

A break-in at the Rotherham Hospice donation centre resulted in a smashed window, stolen cash and electrical equipment, causing significant damage and emotional distress among volunteers. Repair costs will divert funds from patient and family care. South Yorkshire Police are investigating and have appealed for information, while a fundraising effort for repairs has begun.

A 65-year-old Leeds United and England fan, Michael Hewitt, has gone missing after travelling to Barcelona en route to Boston for the World Cup. He has not been heard from since 21 June, prompting his family to seek help from West Yorkshire Police, Interpol, Spanish authorities, and the British consulate. CCTV and a Facebook post confirm he reached Barcelona, but his onward travel remains unclear. His family and the Leeds fan community continue to appeal for information to locate him.

Photographer Emma Warley prepares to launch her first exhibition, inspired by the seaside character of Scarborough and influenced by British photographer Martin Parr. Known for her candid street photography and work as a wedding photographer, she aims to keep her art accessible and reflective of local diversity. Her exhibition, A Nice Day For It, will run at the Shakespeare Gallery in Scarborough from 8 to 12 July.