Stuart Needham proposed to his girlfriend Julie Ratford on the big wheel at the Valentine’s Fair in Leeds city centre. Your YEP has no idea whether they went on to tie the knot but this writer, a hopeless romantic who loves love, would like to think so. This was Leeds in February 1998 and romance extended beyond all the fun of the fair with four members of staff at a city jewellers all pregnant at the same time. This wonderful collection of photos, plucked from the YEP archive, chart the 28 days and showcase the news stories making the news during the month. READ MORE: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leeds city centre
Stuart Needham proposed to his girlfriend Julie Ratford on the big wheel at the Valentine's Fair. | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike
2. Leeds city centre
These staff at a Leeds jewellers all had a common bond - they were all pregnant. Pictured with manager Tim Booley are, from left, Tracey Frost, Lisa Harding, Christy Holmes and Joanne Johnson. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme
3. Armley
Anne Gray comforts her daughter Jemma, a pupil at West Leeds High, after part of the roof was blown off the school in high winds. | Justin Lloyd Photo: Justin Lloyd
4. Leeds city centre
Leeds International Pool hosted the Kippax Swimming Club gala. Pictured is the start of the 15 year old boys' 100 metres freestyle relay. | Mike Cowling Photo: Mike Cowling
5. Roundhay
Pupils at Roundhay School were preparing to stage The Wizard of Oz. Pictured, back left to right, Caulton Cuffy (Lion) and Holly Read (Toto). Front Ben Brown (Scarecrow), Phoebe Smith (Dorothy) and John Havard (Tinman). | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
6. Leeds city centre
These language experts - Mathie Van Looveren, Rebecca Hunt, Victoria Jones - were on hand to help visitors to the Victoria Quarter. | Keith Lawson Photo: Keith Lawson