The Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2024 has officially launched after a star-studded event last night in Leeds City Centre.
The event saw several sporting supporters of the charity, including Rugby league legend Rob Burrow CBE, Leeds Rhinos players Rhyse Martin and Ash Handley, former LUFC star Brian Deane , and women's rugby league player and commentator Danika Priim alongside host of the awards and Yorkshire TV presenter Christine Talbot and some of last year's deserving winners.
The awards itself is set to be held on 18 October 2024 at Leeds New Dock Hall where Christine Talbot and BBC Weatherman Jon Hammond will present an array of exciting awards to children aged 0-18 that have truly been remarkable.
Christine said:“I’ve hosted the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards for several years now, and it is always one of the most special ceremonies of the year. I’m blown away every time by the amazing young winners and their stories. It’s always a spectacular, inspirational, and uplifting event. I can’t wait to be back this year.”
2023 YCOC winners. / Image: Supplied, PGHL
The categories span through sports and fundraising into those that are caring for others and 'beyond brave' or have made a special achievement.
The idea is that each category has two age groups: one 0-12 and then a young adults version aged 13-18.
And with the 2024 event officially launched, nominations are now open to the public.
This year marks the twelfth year of the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards, which "honour and recognise courageous young people across the Yorkshire region and raise funds for the St. James's Place Charitable Foundation".
Funds raised by the YCCA have contributed hugely towards helping children, community groups, and organisations across Yorkshire over the past eleven years. All monies raised at the YCCA awards ceremony are matched pound-for-pound by St. James's Place.
The website notes that entries only have to be nominated once to be considered, and votes are not based on number of nominations.
Categories include:
Sporting Superstar (0-12)
Sporting Superstar (13-18)
Fantastic Fundraiser (0-12)
Fantastic Fundraiser (13-18)
Compassionate Carer (0-12)
Compassionate Carer (13-18)
Beyond Bravery (0-12)
Beyond Bravery (13-18)
Amazing Achievement (0-12)
Amazing Achievement (13-18)
Children's Charity of the Year
You can nominate someone deserving of a Yorkshire Children of Courage Award in 2024 here.
Feature Image - Supplied, PGHL
Leeds
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
21st March 2024 
