Can you help poverty-stricken children in Manchester and Salford this Christmas?

Blossoms have unveiled a new, animated short film, Christmas Eve (Soul Purpose).

direct to your inboxAndy Burnham criticised the Government again tonight after it emerged that their scientific advisers urged more support for local lockdown areas like Greater Manchester four months ago.He lashed out after documents released today (Friday) revealed that SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) told the government on July 30 more help was 'probably' required particularly in areas of deprivation to help people abide by the tougher restrictions being imposed.The first

direct to your inboxTwenty-six more people have died from coronavirus in Greater Manchester's hospitals.The region's hospital death toll has risen to 3,900, the latest NHS figures show.Nine more Covid-related deaths were recorded by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in its 24 hour data.The trust runs the Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), Wythenshawe Hospital, the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and Saint Mary's hospital.Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed five new deaths.

Perrie Edwards gave fans a treat after showing off her Christmas decorations, and in turn also the star’s incredible home.The Little Mix star lives in Manchester with her footballer boyfriend, Liverpool ace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. While Alex is away, the star invited her friends over for some festive fun The trio uploaded the results to Perrie’s TikTok showing off her swanky pad at the same time.

A Grand Life, Heard, where some of Greater Manchester's most inspiring older residents tell their tales.

will take place this year. But while many fans of the markets were delighted to hear they'll return in some capacity yesterday, there have been many raised eyebrows and criticisms of the decision to go ahead.

direct to your inboxChristmas 2020 is already shaping up to be a very different festive season.With much of the country still under severe restrictions after the lifting of lockdown last week, many traditions have had to be put on hold this year.But one thing we know won't change is the selfless work of the region's many Christmas heroes.Every year, the M.E.N celebrates the people who are working on the frontline during the festive period - and this year, that's never felt more important.

direct to your inboxEighteen more people have died from coronavirus in Greater Manchester's hospitals.The region's hospital death toll has now risen to 3,787, the latest NHS figures show.Thirteen new deaths were recorded at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the organisation in charge of the Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital, Saint Mary's and the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed four new deaths.

Christmas dinners, restaurant meet-ups and annual Christmas Eve trips to the pub with old friends. But with the current restrictions imposed on Greater Manchester in the harshest tier of the government's latest covid alert system - it's hard to feel festive.

straight to your inbox every day for free Manchester United's players knew what they had to do to turn around a shocking first-half performance at West Ham United, according to second-half hero Marcus Rashford. The forward came off the bench at the break, along with Bruno Fernandes, to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 victory, a fifth successive away win in the Premier League when United have gone behind.

straight to your inbox every day for freeGood morning, Manchester United fans. Here are your morning headlines for Saturday, November 28.Ferguson praises Rashford’s philanthropy Former Manchester United United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Marcus Rashford following the striker’s campaigning during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Coronation Street, as well as performances from local schools and bands.

heading for tier 3 restrictions when lockdown ends next week, pupils are continuing to be sent home from primaries and secondaries across the region. We reported at the weekend how many feel schools are 'descending into chaos' and concerns are growing over Year 11s being expected to sit exams next year despite missing out on large chunks of classroom learning time.

straight to your inboxManchester City's Christmas schedule has been confirmed, as well as their upcoming Premier League games which include a Manchester derby at Old Trafford.City will face Manchester United in the first Premier League derby of the season, looking to avenge their two defeats in the league to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side last season. That game has been moved to the evening kick-off on Saturday December 12, with kick off at 5.30pm.

The announcement was made by Health Secretary Matt Hancock to the House of Commons this morning. Outdoor venues that are in Tier 1 areas - those of the lowest risk - will be allowed to host 4,000 spectators or fill 50% of their capacity - whichever is lower.Outdoor venues in Tier 2 areas will be able to welcome 2,000 spectators or 50% of their capacity back into their stadiums, but Tier 3 areas will continue to host events behind closed doors.

Manchester Evening News has seen an early internal planning document circulated within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

revised tier system, which will come into force on December 2 when the national lockdown ends, government ministers will impose the top level of restrictions on the highest risk areas.Previously, ministers had entered into discussions with local leaders over the what measures would be needed and how they would be funded.In Greater Manchester, mayor Andy Burnham led several days of intense talks as he tried to negotiate a more substantial financial package than the one the government had

schools in Greater Manchester 'descending into chaos', bubbles of schoolchildren are continuing to be sent home from primaries and secondaries across the region. Staff shortages are having a huge impact - with teachers either being confirmed with the virus themselves, identified as a close contact, or having to stay home because their own children are isolating from schools.