City news in 250 words

THE ROYAL OPERA and Royal Ballet could soon have a second home in Manchester. The two top opera and ballet companies will use the Palace Theatre on Oxford Street as the base for their performances away from the Royal Opera House in Convent Garden, London. Manchester city council has said it's in the early stages of discussions about the plans.

HALLOWEEN AND BONFIRE NIGHT PRANKSTERS are being targeted by Greater Manchester Police, the Fire Service, Trading Standards, the Health and Safety Executive and other local authorities. During the whole of 2007, there were a total of 2,170 offences relating to fireworks of which 1,718 took place in October and November alone. Chief Superintendent Jon Rush said: “We’re not aiming to be kill joys but, we understand many residents across Greater Manchester dread this time of year.”

THE METHODIST CHURCH on Oldham Street has had thousands of pounds worth of valuables stolen. Thieves posed as guests at a church function at Methodist Central Hall on Thursday 23 October. They then hid in the church until it was locked up and then 'ran amok inside the empty building', according to police. They stole a safe, electrical equipment, guitars, microphones and mixing desks.

MANCHESTER CITY STRIKER Robinho has set himself a high target after his winning performance against Stoke on Sunday. The Brazilian scored a hat-trick for the Blues and later told mcfc.co.uk: “My main objective is that the team does well, but my personal objective is that I achieve 30 goals.”