City news in 250 words: Wednesday 17 February

MANCHESTER TO BE MORE CONNECTED WITH NORTHERN CITIES after a £530m investment programme in the rail system. As part of Network Rail’s Northern Hub project, a major bottleneck in the railways around the city will be removed, freeing up the North’s network for a 40 per cent increase in trains a day. The investment will see up to 700 trains added to the North’s rail network, with the scheme estimating it could benefit the region’s economy by £16bn.

OSBORNE’S BROTHER PRESCRIBES DRUGS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY displaying psychotic symptoms after taking cocaine, the General Medical Council has heard. Dr Adam Osborne, 33, brother of shadow chancellor George Osborne, has admitted prescribing drugs for a friend, family member and girlfriend while a doctor at Wythenshawe Hospital, but denies improper conduct after using a false name to get the tranquilisers. The hearing continues

PETER KAY PUTS LIAM GALLAGHER IN HIS PLACE at last night’s Brit Awards. The ex-Oasis frontman collected the award for best Brit album of the last 30 years for 1995's What's The Story Morning Glory, then threw the mic in to the crowd before swaggering off. Much to the audience’s delight, funnyman Kay returned to the stage and called Liam a “knobhead”.

NORTH WEST’S PETIT BOURGEOISIE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT 2010, according to a business insurer. The study by QBE found that 89 per cent of small business owners expected to maintain or increase sales turnover in the first half of this year, up from 57 per cent a year ago.

Daft American homily wisdom: After the drive-up-window person hands you your order and change, hand her two dollars and say, “This is for you.” Oh, what a surprised smile you will see.

From Life's Little Instructions Calendar given to our Health and Beauty Editor as a gift.