City news in 250 words: Monday 25 January

MANCHESTER MAYOR SHOULD SIT IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS SAY THE TORIES. As part of the plans for a directly-elected mayor, a peerage would be granted by David Cameron to whoever emerges as the city's leader to end the “under-representation” outside the South-East of England.

EXTRA POLICE FOR WEDNESDAY’S DERBY amid fears trouble could erupt. An extra 75 officers will be on duty and spot checks will be made at pubs near Old Trafford before City and United play in the semi-final second leg of the Carling Cup. Ian Hopkins, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, has revealed talks will take place today between both sides and the FA in a bid to prevent trouble, including reminding the players “not to do anything that's likely to incite the crowd.”

POWDER FOUND AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT SPARKS SECURITY ALERT, but was later found to be harmless. Security staff called police after a man tried to carry the unidentified substance on to an aircraft, and closed the departure area of Terminal 3. After forensic tests found that it could not be used as an explosive device, the man was released and the check-in desk reopened.

A GENDER ROW HAS BROKE OUT AT MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY after a male-orientated society has been accused of celebrating ‘Top Gear culture’. Feminists at the University have said the Masculinity Exploration Networking and Support group encourages 'beard-growing contests', 'beer marathons' and macho culture. However, the group insist they do have female members, and exist to challenge bloke-ish stereotypes.

Samuel Beckett wisdom week (1906-1989): No, I regret nothing, all I regret is having been born, dying is such a long tiresome business I always found.