The latest in a growing network of local titles being launched across the North of England has gone live.

The Calderdale Lead is the first of the newsletter-led Lead titles to be launched in Yorkshire following other similar launches in Cheshire, Lancashire and Teesside.

Edited by former Burnley Express and Bolton News journalist Andrew Greaves, the first edition focused on how Calderdale Council’s plans for empty homes in the district may be a “lifeline” in the housing crisis.

Like its sister titles it will be hosted on the subscription platform Substack, with some content made available for free while paying subscribers are given access to exclusive investigations and features.

The launch marks a return to frontline journalism for Andrew, pictured, who has spent the last decade in training roles.

He spent seven years as head of journalism at News Associates – the UK’s top journalism school – before moving to a similar role at Bauer Academy.

Said Andrew: “I’ve interviewed Prime Ministers and Cabinet Ministers and even taught the nephew of one recent PM!

“I’ve also had time to fall out with – and be banned by – not one but two Premier League managers who took exception to something I’d written in a weekly column I had for the best part of 10 years.

“I know you’ve heard it all before, and I’ll spare talented former colleagues who work hard within tough constraints, but we all know the old business model for news is challenged. This is a news service that has value to its readers.

“The Calderdale Lead is accountable to you, the readers, not advertisers or shareholders. Paid subscribers will get access to exclusive investigations and features from across Calderdale, as well as access to premium content from The Lead’s national coverage.”

Subscriptions start at £4.99 a month with founding memberships available for £125 annually.