City news in 250 words

TWO BROTHERS WERE JAILED for ten years after admitting an armed robbery in North Wales. Kevin Phythian, 27, and Philip Phythian, 18, of Manchester, wore masks during the attack at Somerfield in Old Colwyn, Conwy. Mold Crown Court heard how one man thought he was going to die when Kevin Phythian held the imitation gun to his neck and pulled the trigger.

OLDHAM’S 'HOLLINWOOD' CREATOR has applied for planning permission to have the 8ft sign reinstated. Frank Rothwell's sign on the side of the M60 was taken down because the Highways Agency said it would distract motorists. Two weeks later, the businessman has applied for planning permission. He said, “It advertises the area and makes sure people know we are here.”

A POLICE CHIEF AND HIS DAUGHTER were held-up for four days in a Cuban hospital because airport officials thought his daughter had swine flu. Detective Chief Inspector Pete Marsh and his daughter were taken to the ‘ramshackle’ hospital and locked in a room with no running water after the airport’s thermal camera showed the 12-year-old had a high temperature. The pair only got out when Pete told staff that they would have to arrest him to make them stay.

COUNCIL BOSSES HAVE CHALLENGED allegations that bus lanes are illegal. Nick Freeman claims four of the city’s bus lane cameras were only approved to issue £60 fines in March this year. The council has said the equipment has always been approved and would rigorously defend any money-back claims.

This ‘N’ That wisdom: I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

Taken from the free calendar available at This 'n' That, Soap Street, Northern Quarter. Wisdom rating: 4/10