Homegrown hero David Batty returned to the Whites from Newcastle United for £4.4 million. Manager David O'Leary wanted the midfielder to provide bite and experience for his youthful side. Elsewhere the discovery of a suspicious package in Leeds city centre forced the evacuation of shoppers and staff. Fundraising drives and charity initiatives also dominated the news agenda. This was Leeds in December 1998. Is it a city you remember? READ MORE: Leeds in December 1995 - 14 stories making then news LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Little London
Santa and Rudolf hitch a lift during a party at Carlton Barracks in Leeds with, from left, Michelle Clenand and Chris Cardiss, and Capt Vaughan Westbrook. The Officer Training Corps organised the Christmas party for the children. | Matt Griggs/UNP Photo: Matt Griggs/UNP
8. Leeds city centre
Last minute loading by newspaper staff for the Yorkshire Post Shoebox Appeal before the convoy set off to Romania to help disadvantaged children. | Gary Longbottom Photo: Gary Longbottom
9. Leeds city centre
Morrison's staff evacuated their store in the Merrion Centre after a suspicious package was discovered at McDonalds in St John's Centre. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Leeds United
Gary Kelly pulls the same face as 17-month-old Jamie Underdown while Lucas Radebe and Lee Sharpe try to get a smile out of him during a visit by the team to the childrens wards at St James's Hospital. | YPN Photo: YPN
11. Leeds city centre
'Dont drink and drive' was the key message from the Leeds Road Safety Promotion Unit on Lands Lane. | Justin Lloyd Photo: Justin Lloyd
12. Garforth
Pupils from Barley Hill Infants School study The Hammond Shield awarded to them by Michael Hammond of The Royal British Legion for selling the most poppies per head in Garforth. | Justin Lloyd Photo: Justin Lloyd