City news in 250 words: Thursday 20 May

BOLTON-BORN CARTOON CHARACTERS have been unveiled as the mascots for the London 2012 Olymic and Paralympic Games. The animations, named Wenlock and Mandeville, are taken from children's author Michael Morpurgo's concept. The story goes that the pair begin life as two drops of steel from a factory in Bolton and were then taken home by a retiring worker who fashions characters out of the metal for his grandchildren.

THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION is to publish a report today about problems with voting in Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle and parts of London on May 6. Hundreds of people were unable to vote despite having queued for more than an hour before the polls closed. In Manchester doors were closed on 200 potential voters at Ladybarn in Withington.

THE RANGERS DAY SAGA CONTINUES, TWO YEARS ON: Two men have been found guilty over their part in the 2008 UEFA Cup final violence in Manchester city centre. Brian McVicar and Greg McKenna, both from East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, were convicted of violent disorder this week at Manchester Crown Court.Bolton born Olympic mascots

MANCHESTER ARCHITECTURE WINS RIBA AWARDS: Urban Splash's Chips development designed by Alsop Architects and the New Roundhouse designed by Walker Simpson Architects have picked up awards at this year’s Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards for architectural excellence. Eleven North West buildings were entered into the awards with three buildings in Merseyside also picking up awards. The RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist will be drawn from the winners in an event held on October 2.

Out of the window weather forecast:Go out and buy a convertible car