It has been announced on Twitter that Leeds lad George Webster is to join CBeebies as their new presenter and users are absolutely thrilled at the news.
George Webster, who has Downs Syndrome, has been hired by the BBC to be a house presenter on the channel's children's popular television channel.
CBeebies revealed the new hire on social media, stating: "Our NEW CBeebies House presenter, George will be starting soon.
"He loves cooking and dancing, and he can't wait to be your friend."
The channel also shared a video clip of George sharing his own excitement at the news, in which he says: "I feel so proud and I'm feeling so excited to start."
It's not the first time on the BBC for George, who has previously appeared in a BBC clip dispelling myths about Downs Syndrome.
An actor and a dancer as well as a TV presenter, the move to hire 21 year old George appears to have been a hit with local parents in Leeds with many praising the channel's inclusivity.
Although no mention was made of his disability, his joining the show marks a landmark moment for the broadcaster with George being the very first children's TV presenter with Down's Syndrome.
This made his joining the show even more special for many parents.
One said, "CBeebies you have made a mum of a little boy just like George so excited. You are the best x."
Another said, "As an autistic parent, I can’t praise CBeebies enough for your work for diversity and representation."
"How wonderful! Congratulations, George!", said another person whilst a further added, "So good to see Cbeebies being more inclusive again."
"This has made my morning! George is a wonderful role model and will help so many children see what they can be and achieve," one person agreed.
Another parent added, "I second this my son has Autism and if only some of the parents I've encountered through the last few years actually took a leaf out of CBeebies book and taught their kids to be more understanding instead of calling my child names like the R word. CBeebies has always been brill."
UK News
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
M&S launches massive recruitment drive in Leeds with hundreds of jobs available
Emily Sergeant
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Yorkshire.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit for plenty of new colleagues across the UK.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
Image: Supplied
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Leeds - including city centre, Moortown, Crown Point, White Rose Shopping Centre and Pudsey.
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Georgina Pellant -
23rd September 2021 
