We’ve turned 10, and millions of page views later, these are the stories which have made the biggest impact.

Here we count down the 10 most read stories on Blog Preston since we launched in 2009.

Counting them down, here’s what has got the city talking and reading more than any other posts over the years.

10. Helicopter and underwater search team continue to look for missing Michael Brookes – 22,030 views

The 19-year-old went missing in January 2018 and the emergency services and the public went looking for Michael. We shared multiple appeals and updates as the police stepped up the search.

His body was sadly found in the River Ribble and mystery still surrounds his death as his family are still awaiting an inquest. A fault with the recording equipment at the inquest in the Autumn meant it had to be rescheduled.

9. Tribute paid to woman found dead near Avenham Park – 22,388 views

Preston parkrun was about to take place on a Saturday in November 2017, when one of the runners spotted a woman’s body in the park.

Sadly it was found to be Caren Murtagh. Her niece paid tribute and it was widely read and shared.

8. This Georgian home near Preston could be yours for £2! – 24,065 views

While this wasn’t in Preston, it captivated Prestonians. Dunstan Low want shot of his Georgian home.

He raffled it off with each ticket cost £2.

7. Flooding shuts the M65 at Preston – 24,602 views

It’s not often you see an entire motorway junction under water, but when the heavens opened in 2017 – that’s exactly what happened on the M65!

6. Tributes pour in for dad-of-two found dead in Haslam Park – 24,714 views

Reports came in early on a Monday morning in July 2018 of Haslam Park being cordoned off by police.

It unfolded a man’s body had been found in the pond there. Sadly it was confirmed to be fitness coach Steve Wardle. He was 32.

5. Police cordon off part of Preston Bus Station – 24,848 views

There was a spate of incidents with those in mental distress seeking to throw themselves from the Bus Station.

Following this the work at the Bus Station included installing more robust and higher barriers on the top of the building’s car park.

4. Preston pimp who posed with snake and cash is jailed for running Fulwood brothel – 26,570

Sicarius McGrath, also known as Anthony Harrington, ran a brothel in leafy Victoria Road.

He was jailed for eight and a half years.

Pictures showed McGrath posing with a snake and wads of cash in the house where he exploited women.

3. Terrifying footage shows Mercedes driving recklessly in Preston – 28,337 views

Starting at the Broughton roundabout and ending up in North Road, the Mercedes is seen doing nearly 70mph down Garstang Road.

Police eventually caught up with the driver and booked him after a number of videos and stunts across the city.

2. Preston city centre stabbing leaves McDonalds and roads closed – 43,613 views

There had been a number of incidents around the fast-food restaurant leading up to this, and it boiled over to see a young man stabbed.

1.34 things everyone who grew up in Preston knows to be true – 53,521 views

Read them. Smile. Laugh. Everyone seems to love this from Zoe Delaney. Originally published in November 2015 it’s a much-loved piece and is still regularly shared!

Read more: Blog Preston celebrates turning 10 and launches Foxton Centre fundraising campaign

We’d like to thank all the emergency services who help give us information to ensure there’s accurate information on what’s happening in the city – and also to the family and friends of those who have lost loved ones over the years in the city. We always try to report with empathy and sensitivity about what are tragic times for those families and communities in Preston.

Thanks everyone for reading over the years, here’s to ten and many more.