"Today has been one in a million [...] We really, really appreciate your generosity".
Leeds-based charity Getaway Girls has been working with DIY SOS and Children In Need on a huge project, that's now been unveiled to the public.
Having build an entirely new building for the charity, the new space will be used to continue making a positive difference to young girls' lives in the local area.
"Wow, where do we even begin? Today has been one in a million."
"We're so grateful for the incredible support shown to us, and can't wait to settle into our new home. The building is beyond what we could have ever imagined, so a huge thank you to everyone that came together to make it happen, whether you donated time, skills, materials or all three, we really, really appreciate your generosity. This building is going to change lives."
"A huge thank you to the amazing @bbccin@bbcradio2 and DIYSOS teams, today was honestly spectacular and its something that we, and our girls, will never forget."
BBC Children in Need has dedicated £126,566.00 to Getaway Girls, noting that the money will “improve their self-esteem, awareness of CSE, and aspirations” through the charity’s actions.
Getaway Girls is a Leeds-based charity that inspires and empowers girls and young women from the ages of 11 to 25 and beyond. The idea is that anyone can learn new skills and build their confidence, resilience and aspirations alike by meeting like-minded individuals and
Throughout the 30 years that the charity has been operating, Getaway Girls has supported over 13,500 young women.
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
Yorkshire residents are being invited to name two new bin lorries
Clementine Hall
Well...this is a new one.
Ever fancied naming a bin lorry? Well today is your lucky day, because now you can.
Yorkshire-based waste management experts Divert are celebrating the arrival of two swanky new tbin rucks by inviting the local community to help name them.
The iconic purple bins, vans and trucks can be seen across the Yorkshire area helping to clean up waste from Bradford to Harrogate.
Two new lorries are set to be joining the fleet in April and May, and of course they need a name.
And who better to ask than the general public? The winning names will be added to the cabs of each of the trucks for all to see, and announced via the Divert website and social media channels.
Absolutely anyone from across the UK is welcome to take part, but the company are especially keen for people from Yorkshire to enter.
You can be as creative as you like, but there are a couple of rules...
No swearing or offensive names. Aside from that, you can let your freak flag fly.
The Divert team are keen to hear the 'best celebrity puns, local namesakes, and downright silly names' the public have to offer.
John Verity, Managing Director of Divert, comments: “Naming our bin trucks is a great way to bring some joy to the local community. We hope to bring a smile to the faces of passing drivers and pedestrians as our fleet passes by.
“Not only that, naming our lorries can help our drivers to take pride and ownership in the vehicles they drive and be a key reminder of our engagement within the community. We’re always keen to employ any initiatives that help the public to engage with us and ensure we’re seen as a friendly face in the area.”
Winners will be voted for by the team internally, and the competition closes at 5 pm on 31 March 2026.
Sophie Smith -
27th September 2022 
