City news in 250 words: Monday 26 April

A SALFORD ATHEIST, Harry Taylor, who left material mocking Christianity and Islam at Liverpool Airport's prayer room has been given an ASBO and six months suspended. A National Secular Society spokesperson has said: 'The professional offence takers in religious communities will feel they have a strong weapon to use against anyone who is critical or disapproving of them.'

BEST QUOTE OF THE MORNING comes from the MEN. This is about the ancient forger Abdullah Azad, 76, from Didsbury, who forged visas and other documents for thousands of illegal immigrants. He made big money from the work, which allowed people to claim benefits. One-time Confidential writer, Graham Stringer, MP, said of Azad: 'he was bent as a nine bob note.' Azad has been jailed for five years.

WAYNE ROONEY has been voted player of the year by his fellow players at the Manchester-based Professional Footballers' Association awards. Rooney has scored 34 goals this season and would have had more but for an ankle injury. Rooney, 24, is quoted as saying: "It's a great feeling to win because it's voted for by the players. I'm really proud."

SWEET STORY on the BBC today about how the city is home to the world's oldest amateur dramatics group. The Manchester Athenæum Dramatic Society (MADS) first gathered in May 1847 as the Dramatic and Literary Reading Society. They were orginally based in the Manchester Athenæum, now part of the Art Gallery. The Society performs three productions a year at St Werburgh's Church Hall in Chorlton.

Out of the window weather forecast: A bit rainy, damp pavements, but maybe a hint of sunshine behind the cloud. A good day for lentil soup