McDonald's opened its doors for the first time over the road from the ground and boasted a Leeds United theme with stools in the of footballers legs as well as photos of club legends on the walls. This was Leeds in 2001, a year which also featured a visit to the city by a global icon whose long walk to freedom helped destroy Apartheid and lay the foundation for democracy in his native South Africa. It was also a 12 months which involved protests against the planned demolition of the city's International Pool and workers at an historic fish and chip shop making a stand. READ MORE: The day Leeds welcomed one of the world's great statesmen LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Leeds in 2001
July 2001 and a major blaze devastated Crawshaw School in Pudsey. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
2. Leeds in 2001
A choir of 99 children from schools around the city centre sing the South African National Anthem for Nelson Mandela, pictured left, in April 2001. They are wearing bright yellow tee shirts with the words "Leeds Welcomes Nelson Mandela" on the front and the colours of the South African flag. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Leeds in 2001
Do you remember Civic the dog? He was the homeless hound who lived rough outside the Civic Hall in Leeds feeding on the Lord Mayor's scraps. Photo: Mel Hulme
4. Leeds in 2001
Inside the Council Chamber of the Civic Hall where Nelson Mandela, the former South African President, has risen to make a speech. Seated to his left is the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Bernard Atha and beside the Lord Mayor is the chief executive of Leeds City Council, Paul Rogerson. The lady in cream on the right is the Lady Mayoress of Leeds, Susan Pitter, who for many years helped organise Leeds West Indian Carnival. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Leeds in 2001
A parade of shops, Swarcliffe Parade, located between Swarcliffe Drive and Southwood Drive. It was one of a pair of identical parades that faced each other; this one is due for demolition here, with windows and shop fronts removed, but the one opposite is still standing. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds in 2001
Manston Towers in the process of demolition in January 2001. This block of flats situated off Eastwood Lane was one of 10 that were demolished during the 2000s as part of a redevelopment scheme for the Swarcliffe housing estate. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net