But there were also some tough times, too, as the community pulled together after a fire gutted Crawshaw High School.
Here, we've dug through the YEP's archives to bring you a collection of photographs from 2001.
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7. Firefighters battle blaze
Firefighters tackle the blaze at Crawshaw School, Robin Lane, Pudsey, on July 13, 2001. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
8. New crossing joy
Campaigner Jean Thompson celebrates after a new pedestrian crossing was installed on Lowtown, Pudsey, to benefit pupils at the nearby Pudsey Lowtown School, on September 3, 2001. Photo: TONY JOHNSON
9. School blaze
Staff watching on as firefighters tackle the blaze at Crawshaw School, Robin Lane, Pudsey, on July 13, 2001. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
10. Emmerdale switch-on
Emmerdale star Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard in the soap, pictured during the Pudsey Christmas lights switch-on on November 16, 2001. Photo: TONY JOHNSON
11. Landlord search
The Leeds United-themed Shamrock pub, in Pudsey, which was looking for a new landlord in November, 2001. Photo: Dan Oxtoby
12. Mock 'arrest' for charity
Asda Pudsey's general store manager Peter Brigden, in a 'mock arrest' by PC Marie Exley and Inspector Andy Oddy, as part of a stunt to raise money for Children in Need. He was taken to Pudsey Police Station on November 15, 2001 - and only to be released 'when enough money had been raised' as part of the comedy appeal. Photo: Claire Lim