MAXINE GORDON reflects on 2018 in words and pictures

THE murder of little Katie Rough in January cast a shadow over the whole year. But it was heartwarming to see the community come together to support the family and friends of the tragic seven year old.

In happier news, the Jorvik Viking Centre reopened – some 16 months after the Boxing Day floods of 2015 which caused such devastation.

Plans for a new chocolate factory in the centre of York were also revealed – as was an ambitious scheme to bring a replica of Shakespeare's Rose Theatre to York.

Work began on the long-awaited Community Stadium and The Press launched a new campaign, Dual Them!, to win upgrades for the A64 east of York and the outer ring road.

In July, plans were revealed for a new chocolate factory in the heart of York.

York's food revolution continued apace with many new restaurants opening in the city, including the long awaited The Ivy at St Helen's Square.

But it was Moroccan food shack Los Moros in the outdoor Shambles Market food court that won the attention of foodies when it was rated the number one eating-out spot in York on Trip Advisor.

York had its fair share of celebrity visits too, including food heroes Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver and former heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury.

The city was a focal point in the election when Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn took part in a BBC Question Time special at the University of York a week before polling day.

Also in politics, York appointed its first all-female civic party, led by Lord Mayor Barbara Boyce.

Elsewhere, we saw drama in the stands and on the barricades: there were tears of disappointment for York City fans when the club were relegated in May, and anti-fracking protestors kept police busy with their continued actions at Kirkby Misperton.

Concrete blocks were placed around York Minster in the wake of terrorist atrocities in London and Manchester, the latter which claimed the life of York couple Marcin and Angelika Klis.

Here are some of those memorable events in pictures...