SWAN SONG: A swan held up traffic in Bolton Street, Bury, when it strutted along the centre of the road. RSPCA inspector Brian Oxley was called by the police but the bird was joined by a mate and both flew off before he arrived.

THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY: Two Bury youths who took a car to drive to the FA Cup Final at Wembley only managed to get 200 yards before they were stopped by police. Officers on duty in Walmersley Road in the early hours of the morning saw the youths driving the car with no lights and gave chase. The youths abandoned the car and ran off but were later arrested.

POLICE CORDON: Ramsbottom's former police station in Crow Lane was cordoned-off when building inspectors decided it was in danger of collapsing. Local architect Peter Woodcock was passing the building when his professional eye was caught by a bulge in a wall. He reported the matter to Bury Council.

MOTORWAY SAMARITAN: A passing motorist took a young boy to hospital after he had fallen 16ft from a fence and lost consciousness. Anthony Crompton (11) of Ferngrove, Bury, had been playing on the M66 motorway construction site at Heap Bridge. The youngster was allowed home from Bury General Hospital after receiving treatment for a head injury and concussion.