City news in 250 words

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS across Greater Manchester cost the surprisingly low sum of around a million pounds. Manchester spent most with £500,000. Bolton was next at £120,000. Bury cancelled Christmas with only £33k spent on lighting up fun. Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester's city centre spokesman, said: “We are the number one Christmas city and have expanded the number of lights this year to one million.” So 50p a light then. Extra savings are expected to be made by the use of low-energy lights.

SELFRIDGES IN THE CITY CENTRE is fully operational after Boxing day's ceiling collapse. This was caused by the fall of a faulty access hatch and led to minor injuries such as bruising and a bloodied nose. One witness described a huge queue as people found it hard to resist going shopping as soon as the shops opened after being closed for as many as 24 hours.

MANCHESTER CITY's new manager Roberto Mancini insists there is no split in the dressing room over his appointment as manager – particularly with Craig Bellamy. After Saturday's 2-0 win over Stoke City, which Bellamy started from the bench, Mancini said: “Bellamy is my friend. There is no problem.”

THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS have confirmed there will be paid-for sales on Monday to Wednesday in the city centre while Thursday and Friday editions will remain free. Ruth Spratt, managing director of MEN Media said: “The challenge ahead is to continually look for innovative ways to flex all elements of our portfolio to provide readers and advertisers with the most effective media offering whether through print, broadcast or online.” Eh?

This 'N' That nearly wisdom: Joy is a fleeting pleasure (although the lady of the same name in the New Pacific massage parlour in Chinatown can spin it out for an additional fee.)

From the free calendar available at This 'n' That, Soap Street, Northern Quarter – or would have been if the editor had bothered to bring it home. Wisdom rating 8/10