City news in 250 words: Tuesday 14 September

TRUANCY in Manchester has declined following a campaign involving grilling parents on doorsteps about their absent children. However, Manchester is still the third worst in the country, with only Hull and Knowsley seeing poorer attendance. Councillor Sheila Newman said the improvement has contributed to the upturn in Manchester’s GCSE scores this year. She said: “These figures show the direct link between good attendance and getting good results.” The latest government figures showed improvements in Manchester’s performance, but attendance was still well below the national average.

A SIX YEAR OLD girl has suffered serious burns after playing with a lighter. It is thought another child accidentally set her t-shirt on fire at her Stockport home, leaving her with 45 per cent burns to her head, chest and arms. Her injuries are not life threatening but she may suffer permanent scarring.

FORMER UNITED and England football star Nobby Stiles will be auctioning his medals. The football legend will see his 1966 World Cup and 1968 European cup winner’s medals go under the hammer next month along with more of his memorabilia, with the World Cup medal expected to fetch up to £150,000.

MANCHESTER RADIO station Gaydio will broadcast a show tackling STIs among the over 50s. The station launched full-time in June 2010 and is Manchester’s first radio station for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The show will broadcast on Friday from 1pm as part of Sexual Health Week and will give people a chance to quiz health professionals.

Out of the window weather forecast: Rain, wind and general rubbishness. It’s all down to Rangers fans you know.