UK News
Parents thrilled as BBC hire Leeds lad as new CBeebies presenter
Parents have praised the BBC for its inclusivity and said George is a "wonderful role model"
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 Bradford Airport workers to strike over half term, as industrial action escalates in dispute over pay
Clementine Hall
Strikes by almost 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
Last week it was announced that workers were set to strike and bring the airport to complete standstill in a dispute over pay.
Today it has been announced that thestrikes are set to escalate and a second set of strikes have been announced.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.
"These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay. Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.”
The original strikes were due to take place from 03:00 this Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
The next round of industrial action will now take place from Monday 23 October to Wednesday 2 November, which coincides with the busy half term period.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport’s management. It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.”
Read more: Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
UK News
Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike
Clementine Hall
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.
"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."
Read more: Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
Georgina Pellant -
23rd September 2021 
