City news in 250 words

THE BODY OF A SHOPAHOLIC PENSIONER has been found among hoards of her shopping. Stockport resident, Joan Cunnane, 77, had been a compulsive shopper for around 15-years according to a friend who said her obsession began when a group of youths started causing trouble in the area of Heaton Mersey. A police investigation has opened into the circumstances of her death although it is believed she may have been crushed to death by the pile of purchases.

MANCHESTER AIRPORT has opened an extra platform to help ease congestion for the two million passengers who use the airport's rail link. About £100m has been spent in public transport services at the airport and the extra platform was jointly funded by Network Rail, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and The Northern Way, and Manchester Airport plc.

IT'S GOOD AND BAD NEWS FOR THE HIGH STREET as music, games and DVD chain, Zavvi, announced the closure of 22 stores whilst JD Sports and the camera chain Jessops have seen a rise in sales. Zavvi has been badly affected by the demise of Woolworths, which forced it to stop taking new orders via its website. Bury-based JD Sports has seen a 3.8% rise in sales in the 48 weeks to 3 January and Jessops said in the five weeks to 5 January, like-for-like sales rose 3.1%.

DO YOU THINK YOU'RE FUNNY? Manchester College in Openshaw is running a free course for people who want to be stand-up comedians. The 12-week lesson plan includes tips on writing material followed by technique and performance skills. Comedian and teacher, Ashley Boroda claims he can't make people funny but he can dig the funny out of them. The course is for over 18s and starts on Tuesday 20 January. For more details call 0161 223 1155.