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
13. Middleton
The 'Middleton Miner' model was unveiled at Middleton Park High School. | YPN Photo: YPN
14. Leeds city centre
Sir Ian McKellen and Clare Swinburne were appearing in Noel Coward's Present Laughter at West Yorkshire Playhouse. | YPN Photo: YPN
15. Leeds city centre
The YEP's Child of Courage, Stephanie Walker, admires the tree which she lit with her mum Dawn at the newspaper's Christmas Carol service held at Leeds Parish Church. | Dan Oxtoby Photo: Dan Oxtoby
16. Leeds city centre
Rabbi Reuven Cohen, left and the Deputy Lord Mayor, Coun Mark Harris, light the Channkah candle at Victoria Gardens in the city centre. | YPN Photo: YPN
18. Leeds city centre
The new Criterion Place car park. | Richard Hainsworth Photo: Richard Hainsworth