The latest news from Thursday, January 8th, 2026

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has been honoured with a prestigious national award in recognition of its work to make its properties, communities and businesses even greener.

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team are incredibly proud to recognise Lee Allport, who has recently received his 30 Years’ Service Award with the team.

One of Hyde’s most cherished pubs, The Sportsman, has been saved from closure and redevelopment after an extraordinary last-minute intervention sparked by community action.

Oldham Council has launched a pioneering Stepping Forward fostering campaign aimed at supporting children living in residential care to move into loving foster homes.

Teachers at a Dukinfield primary school have began strike action earlier this week, amid claims that pupil violence has reached “untenable levels,” with staff warning that safety concerns are being ignored.

A teenager fined by Metrolink despite paying in full for his journey has been refunded after the Local Democracy Reporting Service’s intervention.

Willow Wood Hospice has welcomed the government’s renewed commitment to palliative and end-of-life care, while warning that current funding arrangements remain unsustainable for hospices like its own.

From electrifying Congolese dance music to contemporary English and Irish folk, with soulful blues closer to home, The Vale has revealed its early 2026 live music programme, promising another vibrant season at the Mossley arts centre.