Kittens to Christmas trees: Yorkshire stories to make you smile

Grace WoodYorkshire
Filey Cat Rescue/NHS Humber Health Partnership Two images: on the left, three black-and-white kittens are sitting together in a soft pet bed. On the right, a decorated Christmas tree adorned with pink and silver ornaments, including baubles and a star topper, stands next to an informational display board covered in pink and white papers.Filey Cat Rescue/NHS Humber Health Partnership
From rescued kittens to cancer awareness, there were positive news stories across Yorkshire this week

Across Yorkshire, there are people doing amazing things every day of the week - and we want to highlight them.

This week, kittens were rescued in Scarborough, while a tiny garden in Saltaire was nominated for an award.

Meanwhile, a Christmas tree in Hull Minster has been used to raise awareness of breast cancer screening.

Take a look below and enjoy some positive news stories from across BBC Yorkshire.

'Almost a miracle'

The cats were found abandoned near Scalby and had to be rescued by staff from Filey Cat Rescue

Three kittens and their mother have been rescued after being discovered by two litter-pickers near Scarborough.

The cats were left in a hard-to-reach location by someone "knowing they would die", staff at a cat rescue centre said.

Libby Gerhardsen, 66, one of the litter-picking pair, said the kittens were "obviously in distress" and she was "just delighted" to have been able to help.

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'Boob-les' tree promotes cancer screening

NHS Humber Health Partnership A number of NHS staff stand in front of the tree with the Lord Mayor in her red ceremonial outfit with chain and black tricorn hat. The tree has the knitted "boob-les" and has pink tinsel and a star on topNHS Humber Health Partnership
The tree features in the Lord Mayor's Christmas Tree Festival in Hull Minster

A Christmas tree has been decorated with knitted "boob-les" to promote breast cancer screening in the region.

The tree, created by the Humberside Breast Screening Team, hopes to show the importance of attending screening appointments.

Sue Whittle, health promotion officer, said she hoped the tree was a "fun way to help family and friends encourage anyone eligible for breast screening to attend their appointments".

It is part of the Lord Mayor's Christmas Tree Festival in Hull Minster.

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Scarborough couple engaged at Ed Sheeran show

Scarborough proposal at Ed Sheeran show

Ed Sheeran super-fan Melissa, from Scarborough, told Georgey Spanswick on BBC Radio York this week about the "massive shock" when her partner proposed to her at the singer's gig in Coventry.

The couple have seen Sheeran's concerts six times - but this was perhaps their most memorable.

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Running up that hill

A man wearing a cream-coloured hooded top is standing in front of Castle Hill in Huddersfield, which is a large castle-like tower on a hillside. There is frost on the ground and a clear blue sky. He is looking out into the distance.
Craig Mastalerz was diagnosed with three types of dementia when he was 51

A former soldier from Huddersfield has spoken about how his hiking adventures helped him come to terms with a young onset dementia diagnosis, aged 51.

Craig Mastalerz initially fell into a deep depression, but gradually began to find comfort by setting himself hiking challenges and sharing videos of his adventures on social media.

Since June, Craig has been on numerous adventures that have seen him walk up Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Pendle Hill in Lancashire, as well as doing other challenges like plunging into ice baths.

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Big hopes for tiny garden

The tiny Yorkshire garden up for an award

Kamal Hussain, from Saltaire, has been chosen as a finalist in the Gardener's World Gardens of the Year competition.

His 13ft x 7ft (4m x 2m) canal-side garden is inspired by the colours used in the paintings of world famous Bradford painter David Hockney.

Kamal's garden is the only finalist in the competition from the north of England and he is the youngest gardener nominated.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire or Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, or catch up with the latest episode of Look North.