Wakefield pensioner Neil Waugh has been praised online for offering the spare room in his bungalow to Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban.
The 76-year-old took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce that he had room for two Afghan refugees in his Wakefield home and that he would be opening up his property to house two people in need.
He wrote: “I am a 76 years old pensioner, I live on my own in a 2 bedroom bungalow. I have today informed Wakefield Council I am willing and able to give 2 refugees accommodation in my spare room.”
Members of the online community quickly flooded in to praise the pensioner's actions, with one user @ScottMurphy13 commenting: "It's always "oh why don't you have them in your house then?", until someone says sure, I will. Then it's all "oh why arent you having homeless there instead". Give over, he's doing a good thing. Keep it up mate, need more like yourself in [sic] England."
However, in a follow-up tweet, Neil was quick to assert that he wasn't looking for praise but rather to show that "there's always something we can do" - even when we might feel helpless.
Neil, who describes himself as a "revolutionary socialist / marxist" added: “I see it as a gesture to people who have been put in an impossible position by the Western coalition, in Particular America, NATO, and us in the in the UK.”
It appears his actions have now also inspired others around the UK to do the same, with tens of thousands saying that Neil's offer had encouraged them to follow suit and offer their own homes to those fleeing the situation in Afghanistan.
Twitter user @collinsedmunds replied: "That’s fantastic and inspiring, I’m off to do the same! I have followed you for a while now because I liked what you wrote, now I think your amazing and wish you lived close so I could drop in for a cuppa and chat!"
Another user @ellie46256165 said: "I have a spare room and am ready to help."
It comes as the British government launches its Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme, which will welcome up to 5,000 Afghans fleeing persecution in their home country to the UK within the next year.
In the long term, the program will aim to accommodate as many as 25,000 refugees to the country. Under the scheme, councils will be working with the government on the best places to house refugees.
The Prime Minister has said that women and children will be given priority status for relocation in the first year of the program.
To find out more about the government's Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme, click here.
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Top Leeds independents are taking over the waterfront for a free festival this weekend
It's officially festival season, and boy have we got a good one for you.
Is there anything better than enjoying a few drinks whilst bopping your head to live music? No, we think not.
Now add a waterside view at one of Leeds' best pubs to the equation, and you're on to an absolute winner.
And it's all kicking off this weekend at Brewery Wharf Tavern, where on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July the space will transformed into a vibrant summer destination, with visitors invited to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere throughout the weekend.
The best part? It's completely free.
Images: Supplied
Hosted by Brewery Wharf Tavern, 212, Latitude Wine, Yorkshire Wine School and Cafe Yum Yum this year's Waterfront Festival brings together some of Leeds' favourite independent businesses and partners, celebrating the city's thriving waterfront community.
Guests can expect outdoor bars serving crisp pints, cocktails, refreshing spritzes and for food there'll of course be a BBQ serving summer specials.
Live bands The Beth Honey Collective & Honey Trap will be providing the tunes as well as DJs throughout the weekend.
There will also be plenty of family-friendly entertainment as well as live street art, and a late night after party just next door at 212.
Latitude Wine will also be hosting workshops and masterclasses if you're looking to brush up on your wine knowledge.
The Waterfront Festival has become one of the area's most anticipated summer events, so make sure to get yourself down to Brewery Wharf Tavern.
The festival is free to attend, with no tickets required. You can find out more here.
10 of the best beer gardens, rooftops and terraces in and around Leeds city centre
Featured image - Supplied
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An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd August 2021 
