Five things to know about today's news in Leeds

No worries, here’s a preview of the most important news happening in Leeds today.

1. Heaven scent for minster on 175th birthday

This weekend will mark the 175th anniversary of Leeds Minster, and spectacular displays of floral art will add a contemporary twist to celebrations. Volunteers spent two days installing the floral decorations for the FloraLeodis display, which will be on show at Leeds Minster on Kirkgate in Leeds city centre until Monday. Catherine Gledhill and Judy Watker, of York-based New Contemporary Flower Group, spent months designing the displays. The two think that the floral art will enhance the beautiful colours of the minster, and hope that people will really enjoy it.

2. Junior doctor releases music track ahead of hospital strike

Junior doctor Rishi Dhir, from Harewood, has released a protest song ahead of an unprecedented mass hospital walkout. Hospitals in Leeds are braced for five consecutive days of strike action this month in a dispute over contracts being imposed by the Government on trainee medics. Dhir, an orthopaedic registrar, teamed up with a member of hit electronic band Faithless for the Stand Up music track to highlight the protests. He used the stage name Dr Rishi for the track, which he co wrote the lyrics for and produced with guitarist Dave Randall, who has performed with the likes of Faithless and singer Dido. The dance song includes a music video and the lyrics refer to teh protest by medics against the contract imposition.

3. The bare necessities! Women’s Institute members from Leeds strip off for charity calendar

More than 30 members of the Rhubarb & Custard Morley Women’s Institute made a calendar to raise funds for cancer charity… in the nude. The Leeds women who age from mid-20’s to mid-50’s unveiled their contribution at yesterday’s launch. Good news to potential purchasers- as well as women and their friends and families- the photos have been done in the best possible taste. The pictures were taken by Morley based Kate Campbell of Campbell’s Photography, and will hopefully raise £10,000 for the Brain Tumour Research & Support charity.

4. Club captain Bamba leaves Leeds United

Leeds United captain Sol Bamba has left the team due to personal reasons by mutual consent. The 31-year-old centre-back has fallen down the pecking order and failed to make the United match-day 18 for last Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Nottingham Forest. The White’s were willing to listen to any potential interest in the defender on transfer deadline but Wednesday’s 11pm deadline passed with Bamba still at the club. The defender’s shocking departure has now left Leeds United with only three recognised centre-backs. After the closure of FIFA’s summer transfer window, clubs are now forbidden from undertaking any regular transfer activity until the new window opens in January.

5. Nursery is told it is ‘inadequate’

New Beginnings nursery in West Leeds has been ordered to improve after an inspection by Ofsted. The education watchdog ratted the nursery as ‘inadequate’ overall in a new report. Inspectors raised concerns about management, development, and supervision at the nursery, which is based at Park Spring Primary School. Concerns were also raised about the progress childern make at the nursery. However, Ofsted praised staff for their friendly approach.