Depending on where you are in Leeds, I would be looking at more gears to save a little effort on the hills!
As mentioned a 531 framed Raliegh or Dawes would make an excellent backbone if you were to build your own. They can also be had cheaply if you get lucky. The bonus of building your own is customisation, your bike how you want it, not some one else's interpretation or a compromise.
Choose your frame, choose your colour, choose your build kit...even choose your own graphics, it really depends on your imagination and how far you want to take it. That said it will take time and you will have to learn things along the way...but that isn't always a bad thing.