Free Santa’s grotto returns to The Rock with festive magic and charity cheer

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• Rochdale Infirmary rated Good across all services following unannounced inspection

  Rochdale Infirmary has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an unannounced inspection.

• Rochdale-brewed Signo ale served at Parliament’s Strangers’ Bar

  A specially brewed ale celebrating Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture has been tapped in the House of Commons.

• Teen with weapon charged after pram-walking mum hurt in e-bike smash

  A 19-year-old man has appeared in court charged with several offences following a road traffic incident in Middleton.

• Mill Gate hails record fundraising success as shoppers raise nearly £90,000 for local causes

  A Bury shopping centre has celebrated its most successful year of fundraising to date, raising more than £89,000 for local charities in 2025.

• Heywood student wins RAF cadet award for leadership and STEM dedication

  A Year 11 student at Newhouse Academy in Heywood has received a top regional award from the RAF Air Cadets in recognition of her exceptional commitment, leadership, and passion for science and aviation.

• Children’s Gardening Club aims to sow lifelong love of nature across Greater Manchester

• Bin workers injured in suspected road rage attack on Middleton street

  Three Rochdale Council bin workers were injured during a violent confrontation while on their collection round in East Middleton, with at least one requiring hospital treatment.

• Bury and Bolton theatre school earns national recognition for work with young people

  A theatre school based in Greater Manchester has been named a Trinity Champion Centre just two years after opening, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to performing arts education and community inclusion.

• New retirement living village plan tabled

  A new retirement village could soon be built in Rochdale. The development would see 49 apartments and 18 bungalows erected in the Bamford area of the borough.

• The two villages that are about see life change forever

  Looking out over the rolling fields surrounding her home, Christine Crolla points in disgust where a new town is expected to be built. The landscape between the villages of Bowlee and Simister is a bizarre mix of urban and rural life.

• Family pay tribute to ‘most humble, kind man’ killed in aircraft crash

  The family of a man who died in a light aircraft crash in Littleborough have paid tribute to him as investigations into the incident continue.

• Ramsbottom pool to close for urgent repairs from 23 February

  The swimming pool at Ramsbottom Pool and Fitness Centre will shut for up to four weeks later this month to allow essential repairs to window lintels, the council has announced.