The Nifty 250: News of the day in so many words

FAST rail services between Liverpool, Manchester and Preston will begin within four years.

Chancellor Alistair Darling agreed to electrification between the three centres in one of the few exceptions to a £5 billion cut in public services which he unveiled in yesterday’s Pre-Budget report.

Mr Darling was persuaded that North West industries are leading the way out of recession and they need better transport links to secure investment.

Electrification between the region’s two cities was expected, but the Preston link was a bonus.

A LIVERPOOL STUDENT HAS BEEN CROWNED STUDENT PILOT OF THE YEAR and will get the chance to fly a 1940s original biplane. Ross Willington, 20, who is in the second year of a pilot studies degree at Liverpool University was given the honour yesterday by Liverpool Flying School at John Lennon Airport.

CHRISTIAN HOTELIERS HAVE BEEN CLEARED OF RACIAL ABUSE CHARGES against a Muslim woman. Benjamin and Sharon Vogelenzang were acquitted by a district judge at Liverpool Crown Court, a decision that was greeted by a deafening applause from the court’s packed gallery. The born-again Christian hoteliers spent two days on trial accused of branding their guest Ericka Tazi a "terrorist" and "murderer". Afterwards, Mrs Vogelenzang, 54, said, "We are delighted we have been found innocent of any crime.”

RED SQUIRRELS HAVE DOUBLED IN NUMBERS in Merseyside, despite being threatened by a killer virus. Since 2006, the number of red squirrels has been decreasing in the Ainsdale and Crosby areas. A successful breeding season has rejuvenated the dwindling population, which had been wiped out in some areas.