City news in 250 words

A HEADTEACHER in Oldham flew his staff to Barcelona for a training weekend because he said it was the “cheapest option”. The trip came to £5,691 in total – a cost which the headteacher, Adrian Guy, said was less than that of local training programmes. The training trip was designed to enhance 'creative teaching and cultural awareness'. Chadderton South councillor Dave Hibbert said he did not understand why the event was held abroad.

HARD DRUGS and violence are still rife at HMP Risley near Warrington, according to government inspectors. The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, said that the staff are “struggling to cope” in an environment where gang members are recruited with £50 cash incentives, and 60 per cent of inmates suspected of using hard drugs test positive.

THE INQUEST of Mike Todd, the late Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, has heard from his widow Carolyn Todd that she and his family have forgiven him. Carolyn Todd said, "In his last e-mail to me Michael said: 'I really am so sorry for all the hurt I have caused you, I just hope that you will be able to forgive me at least in part some day.'”

THE UEFA CUP draw for Manchester City means that they will play in a difficult group that includes FC Schalke, Paris Saint-Germain FC, FC Twente, and Real Racing Club Santander. Meanwhile, Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will captain the Scottish team when they play their World Cup qualifier against Norway on Saturday.