YEP 135: The Leeds landmark that inspired a lifetime of storytelling - and why it means everything to me
I'll never forget the first time I drove through Leeds City Centre as a bright-eyed student heading to the big city and seeing the Yorkshire Evening Post clock tower rise into view.
Quietly commanding the skyline, it has borne witness to decades of headlines - from stunning transformations unfolding below through to local triumphs and challenges that have stitched our city's communities together.
It is more than a building - it's an institution, a living witness to the trials and tribulations of life in Leeds and a keeper of secrets and stories gathered over the generations.
I had always wanted to be a journalist and I knew there and then as my dad navigated his way through the city centre that I wanted to work for the YEP.
After stepping into the Leeds Wellington Street newsroom over 18 years ago, I knew I had found my home.
Just as many journalists have done before me, I wanted to honour the stories that make Leeds such a special place to live in.
To witness, to record and to give communities a voice across the city with the same dedication as my predecessors - a roll call that includes the likes of Barbara Taylor Bradford, Keith Waterhouse and Mark Knopfler to name a few.
135 years ago the Yorkshire Evening Post came to life with a leading article promising readers: "The prompt and accurate publication of news - news of all kinds - is the main business of the Yorkshire Evening Post."
And we've held true to the pledge made more than a century ago.
Our acclaimed campaigns, investigations and fundraising drives - Boots For Bairns, the Armley Asbestos Tragedy and the Half and Half Appeal- helped to bring about real change across the city.
We're the critical friend that isn't afraid to hold power to account and fight for what is right for those who are proud to live in Leeds.
And it comes at a cost, as misinformation continues to rise we have had to defend our journalism like never before.
It reminds me that fighting for what is right is never optional: it is the DNA of the YEP.
Just as the clock tower has stood firm through decades of change, journalists are the first witness to history and challenging injustice.
And the YEP will continue to stand for what is right and give a voice to Leeds for many more decades to come.
For one week only, we’re bringing you one of the most unbeatable subscription deals of the year. You can unlock a full year of trusted, high-quality journalism for £1.35 a month - that’s just £16.20 for the whole year.A subscription to our website will unlock premium reporting, insightful analysis and unlimited digital access for less than the cost of a weekly coffee.In an era filled with information overload, having a reliable, independent news source matters more than ever. Our newsroom is dedicated to delivering clarity, context, and credible stories that keep you informed and connected to the world around you. Now, you can access it all at an incredible celebratory price.What’s Included in the 135 Celebration Offer?With your subscription, you’ll enjoy:
- Unlimited access to all digital articles
- Premium articles, including our extensive court coverage, and exclusive subscriber-only content
- See fewer ads for a cleaner, more immersive reading experience
All for just £1.35 a month for 12 months, which works out at a HUGE £33.79 annually.Once it’s gone, it’s gone, so don’t miss your chance to lock in a full year of quality journalism at a price we hope reflects our role in the communities we serve.
Purchase a subscription today and claim your 135 Celebration discount by clicking here. Simply enter code YEP135 to claim your discount at checkout when purchasing the annual package. *Billed as £16.20 annually. Subscription renews at the standard value package annual rate thereafter. Applies to new subscribers only.