City news in 250 words

MORE THAN 50,000 homes are unoccupied in Greater Manchester, despite tens of thousands of people still waiting on housing lists. Half of the empty council, housing association and privately-owned properties have reportedly been vacant for more than six months, although the council dispute this figure saying the number of vacant homes in the city was in line with the national average.

AN ARTIST from Calcutta has been chosen to spend 40 days and 40 nights as a hermit in a tiny room at the top of Manchester Museum. Ansuman Biswas, 43, will document his existence in isolation through blogging and a webcam. The challenge is for him to become the museum's ultimate exhibit. He will begin his hermit existence in the ivory tower from 27 June until 5 August.

A SEWING NEEDLE has been found inside a chicken breast. A father of three from Droylsden came across the needle in the barbecued chicken as he prepared to serve it to his family. He then informed Gabbots Farm Meat Mart of the discovery before the health authorities picked it up to be inspected. The butchers' chain said they sourced the product from a third party and put their label on it.

30,000 DISHEARTENED UNITED FANS have started arriving home from Italy after the 2-0 defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League Final last night. Thousands of fans watched the game in pubs and bars in Manchester. Ten arrests were made for public order issues and one person was arrested for assault.

This 'n' That wisdom*: Failure is more frequently from want of energy than from want of capital

*Taken from the free calendar available at This 'n' That, Soap Street, Northern Quarter. Those curry masters are so very, very sagacious. How does this wisdom rate? Confidential rating: 5/10