City news in 250 words

THE MEMORIAL SERVICE of Greater Manchester Police Chief, Michael Todd will take place on Friday at Manchester Cathedral. His family will join GMP officers and senior police figures at the service, which will also be broadcast on the big screen in Exchange Square. Mr Todd was found dead in North Wales in March. An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned.

A ROAD SAFETY campaign against left-hand drive lorries on British roads is coming to Manchester. Anthony and Barbara Ward, whose daughter was killed after a Dutch lorry forced her car off the M6, are bringing the campaign to the city. Although left-hand drive lorries are four times more likely to side swipe cars, fines and points aquired in this country do not always transfer back to the drivers' home countries.

PLANS for a Yang Sing Hotel may have to be put back because of a fire at their warehouse in Trafford Park, which contained £200,000 of furniture. Firefighters attended the blaze on Saturday and two workers were rescued. The £8.2m far Eastern themed Yang Sing Oriental will be situated next to the restaurant on Princess Street.

FORMER under-19s Manchester City goalkeeper, Ashley Timms, has been charged with blackmailing a top Premier League player. The 22-year-old is accused of demanding £15,000 from the un-identified player. Magistrates have made an order banning publication of the name of the footballer, however Timms' solicitor has requested that the ban be lifted at the next hearing.