YEP 135: 'Why we're proud to fly the flag for Leeds and tell your stories'

Andrew Hutchinson, Retro Reporter

I am immensely proud to have been working for the Yorkshire Evening Post for more than 25 years.

Time flies when you love your job and believe me at times it feels like yesterday I was taken on as a reporter with a crazy dream and a determination to make a difference.

I feel privileged to be able to write about Leeds, a city I care passionately about.

It is the people and places which, for me, make it the best place to work, rest and play.

I take great satisfaction knowing that people are reading, connecting and engaging with your stories.

In many ways I feel honoured to be a custodian and ambassador of the paper whose reach and impact is felt far and wide.

I often think wouldn't life be boring without stories and someone to tell them.

Happy Birthday YEP! Here's the next 135 years and beyond.

Nick Frame, Court Reporter

Having worked for the YEP for more than three years as the court reporter, it is a privilege to be the eyes and ears for justice in this city.

When it feels that it is not always fully served in a courtroom, it is you, the YEP readers, who play your part in ensuring that justice is "seen to be done", as the old adage goes, clicking and engaging onto the stories we work hard to bring you every day.

It is very much human nature to want to know what is taking place in their city, their street or even with their neighbour.

At the YEP, we are in an elite position to dedicate so much time to court when other media outlets simply can't.

Court work is among the most fascinating and rewarding aspects of journalism, where we often hear the most extreme details of human behaviour. Yes, it can be shocking and terrible, but on occasion it can sometimes be admirable and heartwarming.

But without you to read these stories, it would not make it worthwhile. So thank you.

Alex Grant, Education and Transport Reporter

As the YEP celebrates its 135th birthday, I reflect on over four years since I traded in Scotland for Yorkshire. During which time I’ve gone from a fresh-faced trainee to seasoned senior journalist and covered everything from crime scenes, to the expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport, to the death of the Queen, but whatever the story, whatever the circumstance, one thing about Leeds remains the same - the spirit of its people.

As a journalist it’s those personal stories of triumph, of battles against adversity that keep you going and inspire you. Never is that more apparent than in the story of Leeds’s favourite son, the late-great Rob Burrow.

I’m not sure if I’ve earned that ‘honorary Yorkshireman’ status just yet, my accent certainly doesn’t help me in that regard, but Leeds is home now and it’s an honour to tell its story. Never change. Here’s to the next 135 years.

Charles Gray, Senior Reporter

Leeds has been an incredible place to cover in the three years I've been at the Yorkshire Evening Post. Upon receiving the job offer I firmly felt the pride and responsibility that comes with joining such an esteemed news title that has been at the heart of this Northern Powerhouse for generations.

The number of moments I’ve covered that I’ve delighted in adding to Leeds’s life story have been plentiful, but getting among the various communities and institutions that help the city tick is always a joy.

Whether meeting one of Yorkshire’s last remaining ballroom dancing clubs, supporting the Abbey House Museum in avoiding closure or chatting with the countless brilliant independent businesses, there’s hardly a day that goes by where a new and fascinating factor of Leeds isn’t brought up.

And with the city only growing in stature and the challenges it faces ever-changing, here’s to hoping that the YEP remains around for another 135 years.

Dennis Morton, Reporter

"Working at the Yorkshire Evening Post is a unique honour - it feels like being entrusted with the heartbeat of Leeds. For 135 years, this newspaper hasn't just reported the news; it has been the city's champion, its collective memory, and its trusted voice. To be a part of that enduring legacy is a huge privilege.

“It means every time I step into the office, I know my role is to serve the community. I get to uncover the vital stories, hold power to account, and ensure that the voices of every neighbourhood in Leeds and West Yorkshire are genuinely heard.

“It’s a demanding but significant commitment, knowing that every interview, article, and printed edition adds a new chapter to this incredible 135-year journey. We don't just work in Leeds - we are intrinsically tied to it."

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:

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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.