The fossilised remains of a fascinating 320-million-year-old fish once thought to be extinct have been unearthed at a popular Leeds beauty spot.

The well-preserved, prehistoric skull bone of a coelacanth was discovered by a geologist at Roundhay Park earlier this year after being frozen in time aeons ago, during an era when the park was submerged under a vast tropical lagoon.

Two vans suspected of being used in fly-tipping offences have been seized by Leeds City Council as part of ongoing efforts to tackle environmental crime across the city.

The vehicles were confiscated this week following separate investigations led by the council’s specialist serious environmental crime team.

Both operations were carried out in the Harehills area with support from West Yorkshire Police, highlighting the strong partnership approach being taken to crack down on illegal waste dumping.

The event is expected to attract over 60,000 people as the city centre is transformed with a colourful parade on Sunday 19 July, celebrating 20 years since it officially began.

Seven of Leeds’ most popular parks have been awarded the Green Flag Award after being recognised as being of international quality.

A pioneering Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) programme, which aims to empower local people to make the changes they wish to see in the areas where they live, is to introduce two new ABCD Pathfinder sites in the city.  

Report to be discussed at executive board meeting next week