It has been announced on Twitter that Leeds lad George Webster is to join CBeebies as their new presenter and users are absolutely thrilled at the news.
George Webster, who has Downs Syndrome, has been hired by the BBC to be a house presenter on the channel's children's popular television channel.
CBeebies revealed the new hire on social media, stating: "Our NEW CBeebies House presenter, George will be starting soon.
"He loves cooking and dancing, and he can't wait to be your friend."
The channel also shared a video clip of George sharing his own excitement at the news, in which he says: "I feel so proud and I'm feeling so excited to start."
It's not the first time on the BBC for George, who has previously appeared in a BBC clip dispelling myths about Downs Syndrome.
An actor and a dancer as well as a TV presenter, the move to hire 21 year old George appears to have been a hit with local parents in Leeds with many praising the channel's inclusivity.
Although no mention was made of his disability, his joining the show marks a landmark moment for the broadcaster with George being the very first children's TV presenter with Down's Syndrome.
This made his joining the show even more special for many parents.
One said, "CBeebies you have made a mum of a little boy just like George so excited. You are the best x."
Another said, "As an autistic parent, I can’t praise CBeebies enough for your work for diversity and representation."
"How wonderful! Congratulations, George!", said another person whilst a further added, "So good to see Cbeebies being more inclusive again."
"This has made my morning! George is a wonderful role model and will help so many children see what they can be and achieve," one person agreed.
Another parent added, "I second this my son has Autism and if only some of the parents I've encountered through the last few years actually took a leaf out of CBeebies book and taught their kids to be more understanding instead of calling my child names like the R word. CBeebies has always been brill."
UK News
Ilkley crowned the best place to live in the north by The Sunday Times
The beautiful spa town of Ilkley has been crowned the best place to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times.
The results are in, and our very own Ilkley has taken the top spot for the north and north-east category.
The list posted but the Sunday Times every year, features 72 locations across the UK that they deem are the best spots to settle down in.
Judges visited each location to take in the atmosphere, explore the history and chat to the locals to find out what made each place so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not the first time the wonderful spa town of Ilkley has been praised, having been the national winner back in 2022 it's no stranger to taking home the trophy.
The judging panel said about Ilkley: “It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”
"It's hard to imagine anywhere with more opportunities for youngsters."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also getting a mention in the regional category was Horsforth, which was recommended for its transport links, brilliant local schools and thriving social scene.
The guide said: "The city is Yorkshire's economic powerhouse - but for something a bit greener, a bit more family friendly, it's hard to better Horsforth's streets of sandstone houses."
Elsewhere up north, Sheffield got a special shoutout where the judges said: "Burgeoning creative industries and judicious regeneration are igniting interest in previously overlooked postcodes ... Hipsters and happy families alike are celebrating, welcoming, embracing, loving this city-wide vibe."
So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then why not hop on a train and visit the best place to live up north and see for yourselves what the fuss is all about.
The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds named one of the best places to stay in the UK
Danny Jones
One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
Georgina Pellant -
23rd September 2021 
