In 1778, Captain Cook discovered the Sandwich Islands, now known as Hawaii.

In 1944, the German siege of Leningrad ended.

In 2001, Channel 4's new digital channel, E4, launched.

25 years ago

From the Telegraph & Argus of January 18, 1982...A Bradford police chief who helped create the West Yorkshire force has announced his retirement, to begin at the end of next month. Chief Supt Ronald Holt, 60, led a planning team at the Wakefield HQ from 1972 until reorganisation in 1974. After numerous roles within the police he transferred to Bradford "to return to one's roots" and served in every aspect of policing on the old city force. Now, Mr Holt hopes to establish himself as a private investigator.

50 years ago

From the Telegraph & Argus of January 18, 1957...Baildon train station is to be reopened temporarily on January 28, "consequent of the oil and petrol situation", British Railways announced. This is the first time a station has been reopened in the North East region. It was closed in January 1953 because dwindling use had made it uneconomic. Since petrol rationing began, residents have written to British Railways requesting the station be reopened.