City news in 250 words

THE NORTH WEST AMBULANCE SERVICE has begun a campaign to prevent its crews from coming under attack. The Stop Abuse anti-violence campaign has been put together after there were 234 reported assaults on NWAS staff in 2007 and 2008. The ambulance service covers the Cumbria, Lancashire, Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.

A ROGUE TATTOOIST has caused a hepatitis and HIV scare in Greater Manchester. Nigel Wilde, 36, of Alderley Terrace, Dukinfield, used a ballpoint pen to etch outlines on to skin, and dirty needles. It is believed he targeted teenagers at high schools, offering tattoos for as little as £5. One child developed hepatitis and health bosses then sent out 2,500 letters to parents to trace more customers. Of the customers who came forward, many children then faced agonising waits for blood test results. Wilde will be sentenced next month at Manchester Crown Court.

A CHORLTON-BASED CLAIRVOYANT, has been ordered to tone down her adverts which say she can cure witchcraft and depression because she can't prove the claims to the Advertising Standards Authority. Sister Charlotte, 33, who does crystal ball readings, tarot cards and palm readings also claimed to be able to solve problems in love, marriage, business, exams and immigration with a 100 percent success rate.

MANCHESTER UNITED SEASON TICKET HOLDERS have complained to a government watchdog over additional charges. Some supporters have complained that they are charged for FA Cup and Champions League tickets whether they want them or not. They now want the Office of Fair Trading to investigate whether the club have abused their market position.