These were the biggest stories in Preston from July to September this year

A firefighter makes his way onto the roof of the Olde Hob Inn Pic: Dave Bennion — A firefighter makes his way onto the roof of the Olde Hob Inn Pic: Dave

Not only has it been a jam-packed year, it was certainly a busy summer as well for the city.

July to September proved to be popular with readers, reaching more than 2,137,000 page views during the period.

Regrettably, we reported on some heart-breaking stories, but there were also stories of community spirit uplifting Preston too.

Here are our most read stories between July – September:

July

Tragically, on 10 July we reported on a tribute piece for dad-of-two Steve Wardle who was found dead in Haslam Park.

Friends, family and colleagues sent in heartfelt tributes in memory of the personal trainer and it became the most read story of this period.

Flowers were left lovingly tied around posts near the pond where he was discovered.

Flowers have been left around Haslam Park pond in tribute to Ste Wardle

A previous story of police attending the scene was also widely read.

Many were intrigued to read up about a new, unique, cafe opening in the city centre.

Preston’s first cat cafe was set to open and it has been successfully running since September.

A fundraising effort for a little girl after she was mauled by a dog in Ribbleton was one of July’s most read stories.

Four-year-old Tillie was set upon by a cross-breed dog in a garden in Ribbleton on Sunday 15 July.

Tillie was playing in the garden when the attack happened Pic: Blog Preston

August

An abandoned orphanage in the heart of the city became August’s most read story.

It was announced that St Joseph’s Orphanage was to host exclusive tours for one day only.

They were aiming to be held in partnership with Heritage Open Days however due to safety requirements and external circumstances, they did not go ahead.

St Joseph's Orphanage has stood empty for years Pic: scrappynw — St Joseph’s Orphanage has stood empty for years Pic: scrappynw

Another major story which gripped readers was the sentencing of Mohmed Salman Patel, 26 who was found guilty of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Rachel Marie Murphy, 23, and Shelby Lauren Maher, 17, died on April 20 2016 in Brockholes Brow after being hit by Patel’s BMW.

Mohmed Salman Patel arrives at Preston Crown Court Pic: SWNS

Our story about a missing Fulwood teenager proved a popular story among readers.

Mary Kate Morrison, 15, went missing following Bank Holiday Weekend.

Thankfully, she was later found safe and well in Blackpool.

September

The police appealed to the public for information after a man pinned to ground and stabbed in head in serious assault.

Three men approached the victim before attacking him and stealing with around £150 from him.

Thatched pub, Ye Olde Hob Inn, at Bamber Bridge set alight in September.

The pub in Church Road had smoke coming from its roof, and a fire service spokeswoman confirmed the fire was ‘within the roofspace’.

Sadly, another tribute piece was covered when a family paid their respects to a delivery driver after he died at the gates of a Ribbleton primary school.

Paul O’Donnell died from his injuries after being caught between his van and the gates of the school around 5.45am on Tuesday 18 September.

What was your most memorable story of 2018? Let us know in the comments below.