Olympic Games: Manchester in the money

AN OLYMPIC flag was raised in Manchester yesterday to mark a pounds 35.5m grant to boost the city's bid for the 2000 Games.

John Redwood, the minister for inner cities, confirmed the grant, the largest yet made under the Government's City Grant programme to regenerate inner cities, at Manchester's Victoria Station.

Work begins in the new year on a pounds 235m development around the station, which will include a pounds 50m Olympic arena. This will be the scene of gymnastics competitions if Manchester secures the Games when the International Olympic Committe (IOC) meets next year.