Bold plans for new guidebook to Leeds for visitors and tourists

Lorna Parkes, a former Lonely Planet contributor, and Rich Daley, creator of the Leeds Tube Map, have teamed up to plot the publication of ‘The Leeds We Love’.

The project needs to raise £14,000 worth of public donations in just a month, and would result in a 160-page book detailing places to visit in the city.

Lorna, 34, returned last year after previously studying at the University of Leeds from 2000-2003.

She said: “The thinking behind it came when I moved back, because it had changed so much.

“There are so many fantastic things going on that it seemed a shame nobody was picking up on this.

“When people come up north, they tend to get caught up in Manchester or York but Leeds has so much to offer.

“I’ll oversee the editorial of the guide, but we want the people of Leeds to get involved; people who love the city and who really know it.”

Despite the ominous task of reaching their target within just 30 days, Lorna says her and Rich have enjoyed a positive start.

“We got £1,000 within the first 24 hours and we now just need to keep up the momentum,” said Lorna, who lives in Pudsey.

“We’re also hoping to secure up to 20 corporate backers for the book - companies that have a presence in Leeds and want to help raise the city’s profile, but we’re looking for businesses that are outside the hospitality and leisure industries, to avoid editorial conflict of interests.”

To donate, visit kck.st/2fk4TRi.