Euro 1996 - When football fever swept across Leeds

It was a month filled with hope and one in which everyone thought football was coming home.

Leeds like the rest of the country and beyond in June 1996 was swept up by footie fever as the Three Lions aimed to win the European Championships in their own back yard. England fans came together in the city's pubs, bars and restaurants to share the ups and downs and the final agony of a penalty shoot out exit at the hands of Germany in the semi-final. Your city welcomed visitors from across the pond with Elland Road hosting three Group B games - Spain v Bulgaria, France v Spain and Romania v Spain - as well as providing a base for defending champions Denmark. Leeds also hosted a series of Euro 96 themed events and celebrations throughout the duration of the tournament. These photos, plucked from the YEP archive, aim to transform you back to a time of hope and expectation. READ MORE: 35 photos to take you back to Leeds in 1996 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

1. Euro 96 memories

Two Spanish fans arrive along with 300 other French fans on a Boeing 747SP at Leeds Bradford Airport for the game between France and Spain at Elland Road. | Charles Knight Photo: Charles Knight

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2. Euro 96 memories

A Euro 96 photographic exhibition was held at The Professional Development Centre on Elmet Lane. Pictured are Karen Kelly from St Mary's Primary and Harkirat Bhambra from Thorner Primary. | Dan Oxtoby Photo: Dan Oxtoby

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3. Euro 96 memories

La Comida restaurant in Leeds City centre was hoping for a Spanish victory against France. Pictured with his customers is owner Vincente Rodriguez holding the Spanish flag. | Richard Moran Photo: Richard Moran