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."
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Inside Sheffield’s new supersize JD Sports Store that has just opened in Meadowhall
Meadowhall has just welcomed a brand-new JD Sports Store - and it is absolutely mega.
Trainer and sportswear lovers, this one's for you as JD Sports has just opened the doors to its newest store.
Located in Meadowhall shopping centre on the Lower Level of the High Street, the new store is almost triple its previous size and spans a whopping 29,225 sq ft.
Shoppers can now browse an ever bigger selection of clothing, footwear and sportswear from big brands like Nike, Montirex, New Balance, Adidas and Berghaus just to name a few.
Image: The Sheff
To make your shopping experience even smoother, the new store features self-service tills so you can be in and out within a flash.
To celebrate the opening, Chunkz and Kenny from popular Youtube collective Beta Squad officially opened the store today and held a meet and greet for fans.
Image: The Sheff
And the celebrations don't stop there, as from Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August customers can get involved in JD's Spin-to-Win, with the chance to win gift cards, trainers and JD-branded merchandise.
Not only that, but Montirex will be hosting games all-weekend-long.
And if you can't make it that weekend, then do not fear. As on Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August, The Crep Protect truck will be rolling into Meadowhall giving out free goodie bags for customers who sign up to JD Status and follow Crep Protect.
Image: The Sheff
Sneaker Throne will also be offering a shoe-cleaning experience, with demonstrations showing customers how to keep their trainers fresh using products available in-store and goodie bags will be on offer which will also include tokens to play the Cop & Flop game.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you there for a fresh new fit.
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
Clementine Hall
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Georgina Pellant -
9th June 2021 
