New drama Rock Bottom draws inspiration from the real-life stories of children living on the breadline in Leeds.
The new series showcases the effects of ten years of austerity on Leeds' poorest families, following the lives of three children living in poverty in the city.
It's created by Leeds local Jason Lumsden, who has had first-hand experience of life at both ends of the scale - going from rags to riches, and back to rags again.
Born and raised in Leeds, he loves the city and says he "knows everywhere."
Having run an organisation working with children and families living in poverty in the city for many years, he also has intimate knowledge of the local issues experienced by the most vulnerable.
Now, he's written a TV series to highlight them to the rest of the country.
It's not necessarily an easy watch, but an essential one in Lumsden's opinion - who hopes the show will bring to light the problems experienced by those living in poverty in the city right now.
He's drawn on his own experiences to shape some scenes, including one in which a little boy opens his fridge to find absolutely nothing inside.
“There’s a strong link between financial anxiety and depression, and when you hit rock bottom to open the fridge door and there’s nothing there," he told Leeds Live.
A lot of the issues in the series are based on the issues I came across when I was working with kids in poverty,” he said.
“It was in the early 2000s, and around then, cuts hit and there was less budget to go around and more people were living in austerity.
“I met lots of kids who felt like no one cared, and I used to say, ‘You could fill Elland Road stadium up with all the kids not going to school’.”
Jason added: “Kids had been let down and faced financial discrimination, which I think is underestimated.
“These were the observations I made when working with people on the breadline and I tried to show that in the series.”
Five years in the making, the drama has been a real passion project for Lumsden and is now available to watch on Amazon Prime.
News
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first Chief Doughnut Tester
Today is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, Morrisons is on the look-out for one sweet treat fan to take on a new role.
That’s right – today (5 June) is National Doughnut Day, and Morrisons is officially on the hunt for the nation’s ultimate doughnut devotee with the launch of its brand-new (and delicious) role, The Chief Doughnut Tester – with all glaze enthusiasts, sprinkle connoisseurs, and jam-filled aficionados urged to get applying.
The search is on to crown one lucky fan who’ll take on the dream job of taste-testing their way through the supermarket‘s range of doughnuts.
The Chief Doughnut Tester is more than just a title, Morrisons says it’s ‘serious business’.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester / Credit: Morrisons
The new hire will be tasked with taste-testing doughnuts before they hit the shelves, giving verdicts on new flavours and textures, all in the name of research.
The role will also involve teaming up with Morrisons’ internal doughnut-expert team to develop new and limited-edition treats that’ll be in stores next year.
Crowned as the nation’s definitive doughnut authority, the selected winner won’t just earn the title of Chief Doughnut Tester, they’ll also receive the ultimate of sweet perks – a year’s free supply of Morrisons fresh doughnuts, which the retailer sells more than 1.1 million of weekly.
Fancy it then? Does this sound like you?
Aspiring Chief Doughnut Testers can apply on the Morrisons website here, by filling in a short 200-words about why’re the ideal candidate.
Applications close at midnight tonight (Friday 5 June), so you’ll need to be quick.
Popular New York-style pizza pop-up confirms opening date for first takeaway in Leeds
Clementine Hall
New York-style pizza pop-up, Edges Pizza, is set to open in Leeds.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residences across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason it seems.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Edges will be opening their doors in Leeds city centre on Thursday 18 June in a vacant railway arch at Fourth Court on Bridge Road in Leeds' Holbeck area.
It won't be your average pizza shop though, you'll have to preorder for now but trust us - it's worth it.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Edges said: "WE FINALLY HAVE an opening date, Thursday 18th June! All pizzas are pre-ordered like we have always done, and are slightly limited for now (still looking for helping hands!!!). The pre-orders will open the day before at 12pm via our Storekit link.
"We’ll be then opening Wednesday to Friday, 4-9pm and Saturday & Sunday 3-9pm. If there are still remaining slots left on the day, you can order up to an hour before the collection time. We have limited seating, for those who travel and would like to eat in. There is plenty of car parking space, to pick up your pizza, too.
"We can’t wait to see you all soon & more importantly, we can’t wait to start making some good food for you again."
We can't wait to get our hands on a coveted Edges pizza slice again, so you best believe we'll be there at the opening with bells on.
Georgina Pellant -
20th May 2021 
