He was nowhere to be seen at one west Leeds supermarket in the run up to Christmas in the late 1990s. Asda’s Pudsey Owlcotes store has advertised for a Father Christmas but had yet to find one when this photo was taken in 1999 much to the disappointment of these youngsters. The image is one of more than 25 plucked from the YEP archive showcasing how Leeds and its residents spread Christmas cheer during the 1990s. The festive spirit was very much alive and kicking across the city in a decade which featured Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles figures, Thunderbirds’ Tracy Island, Tamagotchi's and Furby's as the 'most popular' Christmas toys. These photos capture the festive spirit around Leeds city centre as well as the suburbs with Armley, Headingley, Yeadon and Morley all in focus. READ MORE: Memorable Leeds Christmas Lights switch-on nights LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
19. New Farnley
December 1997 and pictured is Elaine Idle with her son Jay inside the front room of their home which was covered with Christmas decorations. Elaine had spent more than wo weeks putting up over 2,500 Christmas lights inside and outside her house. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
20. Burmantofts
A Christmas kiss for 19-month-old Rhiann Watson who had double kidney failure, from Scary Spice Mel B during her visit to the children's wards at St. James Hospital in December 1997. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson
21. Leeds city centre
1997 Child of Courage Adam Warren carries the light through Leeds Parish Church during the YEP carol service. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
22. Leeds city centre
Chef Simon Shaw at Harvey Nichols testing Christmas cake in 1996. | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike
23. Farsley
Three-year-old Olivia Hester, centre, from the Little People Private Day Nursery in Stanningley among other children at Farsley Library singing Christmas carols in December 1997.. | Justin Lloyd Photo: Justin Lloyd
24. Leeds city centre
Enjoying a meal at Nash's restaurant on Merrion Street in December 1996 are Alicia Metcalf, 12, with grandparents Les and Marlene Moule. | Roy Fox Photo: Roy Fox