A legendary West Leeds ice cream man has resurfaced to the delight and surprise of residents - with his famous van spotted out and about in the city on Tuesday (June 8).
Vittorio di Mascio hasn't been seen in his ice cream van for two years before this week - leaving many residents to wonder what had happened to him.
But on Tuesday, a member of the neighbourhood caught sight of di Mascio - better known as Mr Rossi - in Bramley.
Described by locals as a "legend", Mr Rossi is a bit of an institution in Pudsey and the surrounding areas. Now in his 80s, he's known for his smiley demeanour and has served ice cream to multiple generations for roughly 60 years now.
Two years ago, though, the popular ice cream man was left heartbroken after losing his wife and son within days of each other and subsequently disappeared.
A crowdfunder put together by neighbours helped him through the most difficult period, raising over £1,000.
Now he's back at it though - and people are overjoyed.
The resident in Bramley who spotted him was very much taken by surprise, having not heard his tune in some time.
"I was just sat in the garden and heard the tune he plays - I've never moved so quickly in disbelief," she stated.
"A little boy shouted 'Dad, Dad - Rossi is here' - he got an ice cream and I waved to him from the garden.
"He’s known four generations of our family."
The sighting was shared on Leedsplace Facebook group and prompted a big reaction from locals, many of whom thought that he had passed away and it was a new person driving the truck.
Suffice to say, they were overjoyed to hear that it was in fact the original Mr Rossi.
One said: "Aww is he still going....good old Italian Rossi!!!!"
Another said: "He must have been going at least 40 years now - we used to chase around the estate as kids on our bikes.
"Good old Rossi - god knows how that van of his is still going."
Another said: "Remember on my street it used to always be someones birthday for free ice cream. He was ace!"
While another added: "The nicest bloke around and has time for anyone and everyone. I've grown up with him visiting my street and now my little lad is doing the same."
News
Jacob Elordi says the sexiest thing about Yorkshire is ‘rocks and sheep’
As women around the world swoon over Jacob Elordi, he's too busy loving rocks and sheep.
In case you haven't been on social media over the past week and managed to avoid the influx of paparazzi images, the hotly anticipated 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation is out soon and with that comes heaps of red carpets, screenings and glamorous premieres.
Famously set against the brooding hills of Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights by our very own Emily Brontë follows the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.
Played in the upcoming film by Australian heartthrobs Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
During the recent London premiere where Elordi was seen wearing a rather dashing green three piece, the stars were asked what they thought the 'sexiest' thing about Yorkshire is by HitsRadioUK.
A valid question to which Jacob replies "rocks and sheep". I mean, he's got a fair point.
Margot Robbie went into a little more detail, she said "Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience. The sky is literally like red and orange. I honestly couldn't believe it when I was out there. The landscape is stunning."
Why thank you Margot, we absolutely agree. She continues to shower us with compliments stating that the "People are lovely. Pubs are great. I love it"
It seems like Margot has got Yorkshire pretty bang on there, and if she ever needs any pub recommendations then we'll absolutely help her out.
Jacob on the other hand, we know rocks and sheep are sexy but...have you ever met us?
Hopefully he fell in love with our county enough to come back, as we wouldn't mind bumping into him on a hike up the Yorkshire moors.
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Clementine Hall
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Georgina Pellant -
9th June 2021 
