A rival paper reveals that the proprietor of the Westdale Gazette is returning home to Yorkshire. But why doesn't he want the story printed in the Gazette? After the proprietor warns the editor off the story, the team decides to investigate.
Hadleigh learns that two prominent local figures - The Reverand Wilcox and Counsellor Adams - have been involved in scandals. If Walters prints both stories he could ruin several reputations and incur libel action; could the paper survive it?
Colonel Chamberlayne's hunt report criticises the conduct of businessman and hunt leader Grimley, and Walters prints a letter from and anti blood sports campaigner praising the proprietor for not joining the hunt. Hadleigh responds that he is not anti hunt but is at odds with the current management. Grimsley, incensed by this dressing down, vows to put Hadleigh out of business.
a local girl goes missing in strange circumstances. Bill Spence and a reporter from the Daily Standard find out from her father that his wife walked out on him two months earlier. The Standard reporter manages to prise the truth from the father - but will he inform the police or protect his exclusive?
a local resident brings Walters letters of application refusals for home improvements. Rumours are rife of a new bypass being built directly behind the homes of these residents. Why is the council keeping them in the dark?
Libel - £50,000 worth of it - overtakes Hadleigh when Paddy Fawcett, who maintains something of a reputation as a local playboy, takes offence at an article on the Women's Page speculating on his forthcoming marriage, Hadleigh must fight his way clear of this crippling entanglement if he is to keep his newspaper.
A promising local student dies in a potholing accident. Spence discovers that the young man's estranged brother is involved in a protection racket in London. Will Spence reveal the sensational story or spare the feelings of the bereaved family?
The headmistress of a prominent girls' school has taken the initiative to make her pupils socially aware by letting them do community work. Disgruntled parents and governors try to halt the project after a pupil claims that she has been assaulted. The headmistress maintains that the girl is lying, but risks being voted out by the governors.
Hadleigh reveals to his editor that a proposed machine tool factory will not be built in Westdale, as they had been led to believe. The decision was made months ago, but the people of Westdale have been kept in the dark. The announcement will be made after the upcoming by-election; the decision is clearly politically motivated. Will Hadleigh break the Official Secrets Act and reveal his sources?
A story Susan Jackson has written in the Gazette causes a problem for local companies. 'Why Stay in Westdale?', a report on America's need for skilled workers, might encourage disenchanted locals to leave the town - and land the Gazette's proprietor in trouble with the local community.
A beautiful girl, apparently with everything to live for, walks into an empty cottage and takes an overdose of barbiturates. Who is she? Why did she do it? If the Gazette can stay ahead of their rivals and the police in their search for answers, they could sell the story to Fleet Street...
Quarmby, the owner of the failing quarry, blames his poor sales on Westdale's Borough Architect. To Sue Jackson it's a clear case of sour grapes. Bill Spence is less sure and starts to investigate Quarmby's allegations. Will he uncover bribery and corruption? Or is he hounding an innocent man?
The death of the Gazettes's drama critic creates something of a crises at the Westdale Repertory Theatre. It also means a replacement is needed, and Sue Jackson finds herself in the role.
In this new and exclusive documentary, Gerald Harper and Jon Laurimore, along with producer Terence Williams, reminisce about making Gazette - the very first drama produced by Yorkshire Television.
Image Gallery through whole season.
