City news in 250 words: Friday 11 June

NAKED CYCLISTS IN MANCHESTER TONIGHT: More than 100 cyclists are expected to take part in a naked bike ride around Manchester tonight. Riders will meet at All Saint's Park near Manchester Metropolitan University, off Oxford Road and proceed on an hour-long route around the city centre as part of the World Naked Bike Ride. The aim is to protest against 'car culture' and 'celebrate bicycles and bodies'.The ride, open to anyone, will start at 7pm and include a police escort. Dare to bare?

FORTY HOMES HAD TO BE EVACUATED in Stockport due to a potentially explosive gas cylinder. Fire fighters who were called to a fire at an industrial unit in Charles Street discovered the acetylene cylinder. A safety zone around the site whilst the gas cylinder was cooled down and safely disposed of.

LASER DANGER: Hand-held laser pointers can cause serious eye damage if used inappropriately, doctors from the Royal Liverpool Hospital and Manchester Eye Hospital, have warned. Clinicians conducted tests on a teenager who bought a green, diode laser pointer over the internet and shone the laser beam into his eyes. The youngster had central scotomas, or dark spots, in his vision.

WORLD CUP BIG SCREEN EVENTS will be closely monitored by Greater Manchester Police. Large numbers of people are expected to travel into the city to watch matches in pubs or large screens, including a 17,500 capacity site in Castlefield. Authorities say they are confident there will be no repeat of the Rangers Day mayhem in 2008.

Out of the window weather forecast: It's probably sunnier in South Africa. Ho-hum.