Does Saddleworth yearn to be part of Yorkshire almost 50 years after controversial split?

It has been almost half a century since Saddleworth was separated from the rest of Yorkshire, but the decision remains a contentious one in these parts.

Historically part of the former West Riding of Yorkshire, the collection of villages and hamlets became part of Oldham and Greater Manchester under the local government overhaul of 1974.

Yet spend just a few hours in Uppermill - a trendy Saddleworth village teeming with bars, restaurants and boutique shops - and it becomes clear that not everyone agrees.

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For some, the wounds have never healed.

The old Roses rivalry will be played out on a football field this weekend as Manchester United and Leeds United prepare to go head-to-head in the Premier League.

Yet Saddleworth's own War of the Roses has been raging on for decades.

"It's still Yorkshire to me," says Martin Byrom, co-owner of Towpath Bookshop.

"We often get people coming into the shop to ask where they are. We say 'you're in the old West Riding of Yorkshire'.

"Oldham Council like to claim Saddleworth as its own because it's the jewel in the crown."

Customer Chris Herring shares Mr Byrom's stance.

"I'd say I'm in Yorkshire right now," he offers, upon hearing the topic of conversation.

It is easy to see why some might feel this way.

Traces of the area's Yorkshire roots can still be found across Saddleworth, which is comprised of several villages and makes up 53pc of Oldham borough.

A plaque affixed to the front of one house in Uppermill High Street declares its location as "Saddleworth, Yorkshire".

The area's White Rose Society has campaigned for the recognition of the parish's historic identity as part of the West