A Leeds mum has hit out at 'cruel' parents who openly laughed at her 11-year-old daughter's choice of prom outfit.
Mischa Parker from Morley, aged 11, was mocked by the parents of her classmates for deciding to wear a suit to her primary school prom.
She was reported "really excited" about her dickie bow, smart black jacket, and trouser combo, that is until parents at her school ruined her night with cruel comments.
Chaperoning mums and dads at the event allegedly starting laughing at her and calling her "suit girl" which was enough to ruin the poor girl's night and call her self-esteem into question.
Poor Mischa was so upset by the name-calling from the adults that she called her mum to come and pick her up from the prom early.
Mischa Parker pictured with her mum Tamara and her brother Tom / Image: Tamara Auty / SWNS
Her mum has since hit out at those responsible, calling their behaviour "disgusting."
"When I was 11 I had no idea who I was, but Mischa has always known who she is and what she likes," said mum Tamara.
"I’d taken her shopping the day before and she was really excited trying it on. She was a bit nervous hoping nobody laughed at her.
"I just think that children should be allowed to express themselves - why should my daughter be made to feel bad about the way she likes to dress?
"Why try and knock a child down for that?"
Mischa had picked out the outfit herself with a little help and encouragement from her mum, Tamara Auty, at H&M ready for her prom at Fountain Primary School.
Tamara said: "She did end up going into the boys' section and got a dickie bow as they suited her a bit more.
Bolstered with praise from her family, who thought she looked great in her smart suit combo, Mischa started to get excited for the party - putting on mascara and having her mum do her hair.
Tamara said: "I’d straightened her hair for her, she’d put a bit of mascara on, nails painted black and normally she doesn’t bother with makeup or do anything with her hair.
"She was a little bit nervous but felt really good, she really liked the suit."
Reflecting on what had happened, mum Tamara said:
"I think it was an attack on her individuality, I work in mental health myself I just think it was really disgusting."
"Me at eleven, I had no idea who I was, but Mischa has always known who she is and what she likes."
Feature image - Image: Tamara Auty / SWNS.
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Otley is now bidding to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture in 2028
Otley has announced its intention to bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Entering into the national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the West Yorkshire town is hoping to be the first-ever town to claim the title.
The Town of Culture competition invites towns across the UK to showcase their cultural story and develop ambitious programmes that celebrate local heritage, creativity, and communities.
The winning town receives a £3 million grant from the Government to deliver a major year-long cultural programme in 2028 designed to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Their bid is focused around the Otley 800, a year-long programme that will mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the bridge over the River Wharfe in 1228.
These two historic moments transformed Otley into the bustling market town that it is today, so it deserves to be recognised.
Work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years, with the council and Otley BID working with residents to put plans in place for the special year.
More than 70 organisations have been involved.
Mayor of Otley Cllr Paul Carter said: “Otley has always been a town that punches above its weight. This bid is about celebrating our history, but also about investing in our future — creating opportunities for our community, raising our profile and making sure Otley continues to thrive for the next 800 years.”
The shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is set to be announced later this year, with each chosen town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Fingers crossed!
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
Georgina Pellant -
9th August 2021 
