The bequest from the Foundation for Bronze Studies, came after a particularly severe winter and rainy summer. More than £25,000 had been paid out to protect the famous nymphs in City Square. Experts claimed the rain was gradually washing away the bronze coating. Special polymer-coated umbrellas put up over the statues brought howls of complaints from environmental groups and taxpayers. This was 1978 and the photo is one of 23 charting the year in the life of Leeds and its residents. Other city centre landmarks are also in focus as well as memories from the suburbs including Harehills, Woodhouse, Otley, Pudsey and Ilkley. READ MORE: 12 of the best colour photos celebrate life in Leeds city centre during the 1970s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
13. Leeds RL
Lifting the Challenge Cup at Wembley in May 1978 Leeds RL captain David Ward is pictured with teammates Steve Pitchford, Willie Oulton, Kevin Dick, and Mick Harrison. Leeds beat St Helens 14-12 in front of 96,000 fans. | Ernest Brook Photo: Ernest Brook
14. Leeds city centre
Deltic Diesel 55002 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, the last Yorkshire Pullman service from Leeds to London pulls slowly out of platform five at Leeds City Station. | YPN Photo: YPN
15. Leeds United
Jock Stein on the Elland Road pitch after being made the new Leeds United manager in August 1978. | YPN Photo: YPN
16. Woodhouse
Washing hangs out to dry on Glossop View in Woodhouse in August 1978. | YPN Photo: YPN
18. Osmondthorpe
Osmondthorpe Primary School was targeted by vandals in October 1978. It prompted a visit by Coun Martin Dodgson, chairman of Leeds City Council's Subcommittee. "The damage is shocking. This is the first time I have been to a school so soon after the vandals have been, and I shall certainly be reporting back to the council on the mess they have made," he said. He is pictured with caretaker William Sice who discovered the damage. | YPN Photo: YPN