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Otters to bin rounds: Yorkshire stories to make you smile

Tim DaleYorkshire
News imageBBC/Getty Images The image on the left is of an otter's head appearing above the water in a river, the middle image shows a refuse collector with two black bins and the third image shows the actor Robert Aramayo at the Bafta Awards.BBC/Getty Images
From otters to bins to Baftas, there was good news across Yorkshire this week

Across Yorkshire, there are people doing amazing things every day of the week - and we want to highlight them.

This week we have a travelling cat, crowds flocking to spot some otters and a local chippy taking a national crown.

Otters draw a crowd

News imageJed Skinner Otter raising its head out the water and looking to the left. Jed Skinner
Eurasian Otters have been spotted in the River Aire and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in recent weeks

Wildlife lovers flocked to the banks of the River Aire in the hope of catching a sight of a family of otters spotted in the area.

At least three of the often elusive mammals have been seen in recent weeks in the river and nearby Leeds & Liverpool Canal, between Shipley and Saltaire.

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Inspirational actor

News imageGetty Images Head and shoulders shot of Robert Aramayo celebrating at the Baftas. He is wearing a white shirt and bow tie and a black jacket. He is holding up his awards and smiling.Getty Images
As well as best actor, Robert Aramayo also received the Rising Star prize at the 2026 Bafta Awards

Robert Aramayo enjoyed success at the Bafta Awards, being named best actor for his portrayal of John Davidson in the film I Swear. Aramayo also received the Rising Star award.

The actor, who studied performing arts at Wyke College in Hull and attended Hull Truck Theatre, broke down in tears on stage and said afterwards: "It totally blows my mind."

People in the city have called him "inspirational".

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Travelling feline

News imageCats Protection A black cat with a white muzzle and bib and green eyes looks into the camera. A white wire pet basket with a light brown blanket inside stands behind the animal.Cats Protection
Matilda had to be treated for burned paws after her dramatic trip

A college worker had a shock when she discovered she had driven 15 miles with a cat trapped underneath her car bonnet.

A black-and-white cat, named Matilda by carers, is thought to have crawled into the space while the car was parked at Barnsley College's Honeywell sports campus.

She is now in the care of Cats Protection, whose staff are trying to trace her owner.

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No bin left behind

A day in the life of a bin loader and wagon driver

What is a day in the life of a refuse collector like?

We joined crews in Doncaster to find out what the work involves and answer the question: "What is the weirdest thing you've found in a bin?"

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Top fish and chips

News imageDan Bater/BBC Two owners of a fish and chip shop stand outside it holding a large silver trophy.Dan Bater/BBC
Brothers Gavin and Aman Dhesi co-own The Scrap Box in Dunnington

A fish and chip shop run by two brothers near York has been named as Britain's best - an award the owners said "every chippy dreams of".

The Scrap Box in Dunnington scooped the 2026 Takeaway of the Year honour at the National Fish and Chip Awards, which co-owner Aman Dhesi said were the "Oscars of our industry".

The awards are organised by the fish and chip industry association, the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF).

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