Daily Post

Tram Network Tops the Transport Agenda ; Exclusive Call for Task Force to Revive Light Rail Plan

A SPECIAL task force must be set up to ensure Merseytram is finally delivered to the region, key regional figures said last night. The call came as the Daily Post can reveal that a tram system has once again been placed at the top of the region's transport "wish list", the Local Transport Plan.

Puffin Portrait Scoops Honour ; Amateur Snaps Up Top Photo Award

THIS stunning portrait of a puffin has landed a Wirral amateur a national wildlife photography award and his 15 minutes of fame. Richard Steel, an environmental consultant from New Brighton, initially did not even want to send the picture into this year's BBC Countryfile Photographic Competition.

City Trial Begins of Youth, 18, Accused of Shooting Rhys Dead

THE teenager charged with murdering Rhys Jones last August will go on trial in Liverpool today. Sean Mercer, of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, turned 18 last month meaning his identity could be revealed.

Qe2 to Make Last Mersey Voyage

THOUSANDS of Merseysiders are expected to flock to the riverfront tomorrow to watch the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth 2. The world's most famous ocean liner - on its round-Britain cruise to celebrate its 40th anniversary - is due to sail in at close to 10am.

Murder Charges

TWO men have been charged for the murder of a man who had picked up pizzas from a takeaway in Liverpool. Ryan Wooley, 20, was shot three times at close range as he returned from the takeaway on Picton Road. He is believed to have died instantly after suffering a gunshot wound to the back of his head and shots to his chest.

Final Piece in the Jigsaw to Complete Liverpool One ; Liverpool One Phase Two Around a Billion Pounds of Investment Paid Off Yesterday - As David Bartlett Reports

THE opening of the second phase of Liverpool One came to a spectacular end with a firework display last night. The Princess Royal braved the rain in Liverpool to officially open the pounds 1bn development.

Man, 68, Dies After Crash

AN ELDERLY man has died after a road accident in Maghull. The collision on Ormonde Road, at 9.10pm on Monday saw a silver BMW car hit a fence and leave the road.

Costs Rise

Star's Club Shut After Stabbings Is Set to Reopen ; Singer Promises to Install Weapons Detector

A CITY centre night club owned by former Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton is to reopen, after police shut it down following a stabbing. A licensing committee ruled yesterday that H Bar, on Victoria Street, can trade again under certain conditions - and it will be the first club in Liverpool to install an airportstyle metal detector to prevent weapons entering the premises.

City Goes Up the Wall to Celebrate Art

A MUSICAL milk float, interactive video projection, a swarm of insect lanterns and a "world of wool" are among the artworks and performance pieces featuring in Chester's Up The Wall arts event. Created by Chester Performs, it has become an annual celebration of the city historic walls in light, sound and art.

Top Five

1 Liverpool One chief: We'll beat crunch 2 Benitez confident of ending big two's grip

Nwda 'As Doomed As Anne Boleyn' ; Tory Targets Development Quango

THE quango set up to attract businesses and jobs to Merseyside is as doomed as Anne Boleyn under the ruthless reign of Henry VIII, a senior Tory has vowed. Eric Pickles, the party's local government spokesman, let slip his determination to guillotine the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) during a fringe meeting at the Birmingham conference.

From Docklands to Tory Stage

PEOPLE from Liverpool docks have been betrayed by Labour and should turn to the Conservatives, a Tory candidate told the conference. John Bell, who is standing in for Clwyd South, told of his journey from the city's docks, and his sadness others cannot follow.

No Miracle Cures, Says Cameron

DAVID CAMERON told the country he was "a man with a plan" yesterday, as he pinned the blame for the economic crisis on Gordon Brown in his conference speech. Presenting the Conservatives as the party to clear up Labour's financial "mess", the Tory leader tackled head-on the prime minister's claim of economic experience.

Man Admits Knife Killing

A MAN has admitted fatally stabbing another man. Thomas Lythgoe denied murdering Michael Wiseman-Grue, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Chancellor of New University Tackles Work with a Passion

BROADCASTER, psychologist and writer Tanya Byron has taken up her post as Edge Hill University's first chancellor. Speaking at the Ormskirk campus yesterday, she said: "This is my first chance to do something at an academic institution. I have a passion to do it and love the job.

Cctv Cameras Installed at School Toilet Blocks ; Council Move Defended

A DOZEN schools acrossWirral have installed CCTV in toilets, it was revealed last night. It follows parents of a pupil at Hilbre High, inWest Kirby, complaining their son had been punished for blocking one of the cameras.

Road to Re-Open

LOWER Bridge Street in Chester will re-open to two-way traffic this weekend. The gas main renewal work will continue, but without the need to close part of the road.

Hospital Trusts Score Top Marks ; Audit Commission Applauds Merseyside 'Financial Health'

TWO Merseyside hospital trusts have scored top marks in a new report analysing their financial health. The Audit Commission review of performance in 2007/08 looked at 302 trusts, including mental health trusts, ambulance trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs).

Craze Brings Eighties Icon to Mtv Awards ; Rick Astley Is a Surprise Nomination at This Year's Mtv Awards Thanks to Online Craze Rickrolling

LEGENDARY eighties pop icon Rick Astley is the surprise inclusion in a shortlist for a Best Act Ever music award, to be handed out in Liverpool next month. He will be pitted against Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Green Day, Tokio Hotel and U2 for the prize at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) when they are held at the Echo Arena.