Yorkshire-based train operator Grand Central has restarted some of its services after a three-month suspension during the coronavirus lockdown.

Image source, Grand Central

The company, which runs trains from Bradford and Sunderland to London King's Cross, stopped its services for the third time in 12 months on 9 January, but they restarted at the weekend.

The firm's managing director Richard McClean said the return of services would be gradual but hoped they would be "back for good" after a year of disruptions.

The York-based company operates as an "open-access" service, so it receives no government subsidy but relies on income from ticket sales.

"This is something positive for our customers following a really tough year," he said.

"Other than a few months of relative normality during the summer, the disruption from Covid on society made it financially unviable for us to run services.

"While it's going to be so good to see Grand Central trains heading out again, we have to make our return a measured, gradual and sensible one.

"This is very much about rebuilding passenger confidence and ramping up services when the time is right."

Mr McClean added the services would operate socially distanced seating and passengers would have to wear masks while onboard.

All tickets have to be booked in advance.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested after another man was stabbed in York, say police.

Image source, Google

Emergency services were called just after 22:20 on Saturday after the 33-year-old victim went into a takeaway on Heslington Road to ask for help, according to North Yorkshire Police.

The man was was taken to hospital and is in a stable condition, police said.

Anyone who saw the incident, or who has CCTV images they think might help the investigation, is being asked to contact police.

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The 33-year-old victim is in a stable condition in hospital, police say

Police say they stopped a group from making their way to a vaccination centre in Bradford.

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Hundreds of people turned out at protests in Bradford and Sheffield this afternoon.

In Sheffield people gathered to protest about the government's controversial new police and crime bill which has seen rallies held across England.

In Bradford anti-lockdown campaigners matched through the city centre calling for a lifting of Covid restrictions.

The Telegraph and Argus reported a number of arrests and a large police presence in Centenary Square.

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Grand Central suspended its services from Bradford and Sunderland three times during lockdown.

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People in North Yorkshire need to show "common sense" this weekend ahead of Monday's easing of coronavirus restrictions, the county's health boss has said.

Image source, North Yorkshire County Council

From Monday people can meet outside with one other household or within the "rule of six", and outdoor sport facilities are due to reopen.

Louise Wallace (pictured above), North Yorkshire’s director of public health, said: "After the tough restrictions, being able to meet outdoors will do us all good."

But she warned: "Getting together outdoors is good for our mental health and well-being, but it's important we do so safely. Follow the rules, maintain social distance and wear face coverings where required."

Ms Wallace added: "While there's not a limit on how far you can travel, we’re asking people to be sensible about what’s appropriate. Let’s use our North Yorkshire common sense."

Her sentiments have been echoed by York's health boss, Sharon Stoltz (pictured below).

Ms Stoltz said: "Like everyone, I'm looking forward to being able to see friends or family outdoors in line with the national rules from 29 March.

"However, the virus is still present in our communities and we cannot let our guard down yet.

"Covid loves a crowd, so please don’t give it the chance to spread. Please continue to follow the rules and keep a safe distance from those not in your household bubble."

Thousands of workers at Leeds-based supermarket Asda have won a major victory at the Supreme Court in their battle for equal pay.

Image source, Reuters/Toby Melville/File Photo

The court upheld an earlier ruling that lower paid shop staff, who are mostly women, can compare themselves with higher paid warehouse workers, who are mostly men.

The judge stressed the ruling did not mean the 44,000 claimants had won the right to equal pay. However, they are now free to take further action.

The GMB union, which has members involved in the case, called it "amazing news and a massive victory for Asda's predominantly women shop floor workforce".

Susan Harris, the GMB's legal director, said: "We now call on Asda to sit down with us to reach agreement on the back pay owed to our members - which could run to hundreds of millions of pounds."

But an Asda spokesman said there was a long way to go before the issues were finally settled: "This ruling relates to one stage of a complex case that is likely to take several years to reach a conclusion.

"We are defending these claims because the pay in our stores and distribution centres is the same for colleagues doing the same jobs regardless of their gender. Retail and distribution are very different sectors with their own distinct skill sets and pay rates."

It said it remained confident in its case.

Lawyers say the ruling will have implications for supermarkets and other retailers.

Tony Wilkinson, who was only supposed to have mashed food, died after choking at Manchester Airport.

BBC Radio Bradford

Outpatient appointments at some of Bradford's hospitals can now be changed or cancelled online or by text message, it's been confirmed.

Image source, Google

It follows a move to digital for appointment letters last year.

However, a paper letter is sent to a patient's home address if they do not open the digital version within three days, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says.

The new service gives patients the opportunity to change or cancel their appointment online, or by text message.

A paper copy will always be sent if the patient replies "PRINT" or doesn't open the digital letter.

If the appointment is fewer than six days away, both paper and digital letters will be sent at the same time.

Andrew Mullan, service improvement lead at the NHS Trust, says: “Our Central Patient Booking Service is exceptionally busy and currently receives more than 12,000 calls every month.

“However, with 66% of trust patients now choosing to view their letters online, the option to change or cancel their appointment at any time online or by text is likely to appeal."

The fight broke out in a city centre bar following a football derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United.

Three men have been jailed for historical sexual offences against two "young female victims" in Kirklees in the 1990s which were reported in 2018.

Image source, West Yorkshire Police

At Leeds Crown Court, Paul Ineson (pictured left), 52, from Dewsbury, was jailed for 24 years for rape and indecent assault.

Phillip Ryan (pictured right), 56, from Scarborough, was jailed for 11 years after admitting indecent assault.

Peter Craven (pictured centre), 48, from Batley, was sentenced to nine years after he was found guilty of indecent assault.

The three men were sentenced on Thursday.

The convictions follow a "complex investigation" by detectives at the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, West Yorkshire Police said.

Ineson was convicted of two counts of rape and 23 counts of indecent assault.

Ryan admitted 11 counts of indecent assault.

Craven was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault

The Cygnet Woodside hospital in Bradford will be converted into a care in the community facility.