THE Chester Standard website has published thousands of stories this year, covering events in Chester, Ellesmere Port and the wider area in 2022.

Here are some of the most-read stories that attracted readers to the site this year:

The news that CF Fertilisers was to close its Ince site, with the announcement made back in June, was one of the most-read stories of the year. Sadly, despite an attempted buy-out deal, the factory closed its doors in August, amid concerns nationally the UK could experience shortages in carbon dioxide used for the packaging and preservation of fresh food and salads.

There were concerns in November about the future of Marks and Spencer stores across the UK, after the retailer said 25 per cent of its larger stores would be closing.

Female jaguar Goshi, aged nine years old, had been a firm favourite with zoo visitors at the Spirit of the Jaguar enclosure with male jaguar Napo. But sadly, Chester Zoo confirmed "with a huge amount of sadness" the jaguar passed away in March.

It was confirmed in November the Browns of Chester building, once home to the Debenhams department store, had been sold to Irish family-owned business Martin Property Group for an undisclosed sum.

The news a popular Chester pub was to change its name received a lot of attention in November. The Faulkner in Hoole was to change its name to The Mouse in Mittens, but following a backlash, owners Wildes Group decided to scrap the name change. The pub is due to close in January and reopen with its new look the following month.

The extraordinary heatwave this summer saw record-breaking temperatures for the area, and that resulted in some services having to make adjustments. Thousands of you read this short story about changes to bin collections.

The heatwave was also responsible for a number of wildfires in the area, the most significant being one in Delamere Forest on July 19. Eight fire engines were deployed to the scene. Fortunately, the damage was not too extensive to the forest.

After missing out on 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions, the annual Chester Races Ladies Day returned in style, with thousands of punters gathering in glorious sunshine.

The question of what is going to happen to the currently disused Sealand Road Park and Ride site was explored with this story, which attracted thousands of readers.

And finally...readers still evidently have an appetite for 'big cat sighting' stories, with this one being apparently spotted on the roof above the Chester Market toilets. Is it unequivocal proof of a puma in Chester city centre? Or has someone been telling tails?