STING: The sting was in the bill for residents this week when Bury Council announced a charge of £2.70 would be made for its staff to clear wasp nests from homes, offices or gardens. The service was previously free.

JUMPER: A prize-winning show jumper, saved from death after injuring a leg, was back competing in major events. The horse, Peppermint Boy, belonged to Elise Entwistle of Further Davis' Farm, Walmersley.

Peppermint Boy shattered its fetlock and vets were sure the horse would never be able to jump again. Elise's paid off and PB went on to win many competitions.

BYPASS: Work will soon start on the 5.5 mile northern section of Bury Easterly by-pass. The section, which will extend the now completed 3.3 mile southern arm of the M66, will cost £15 million. BLACK BELT: Karate fanatic Gerard Horridge achieved the remarkable distinction of gaining his black belt award at the age of 16. What was more remarkable was that he qualified after only two years studying the popular martial art. To complete what must have been a unique family double, brother John, aged 25, received his black belt at the same time after barely three years training.

DRUGS: Passing custodial sentences of five men, four from Bury and the other from Tottington, Judge Philip Hinchliffe at Manchester Crown Court commented: "It is time young people in this area learned that offences linked with drugs will not be tolerated by the courts."

PAINT: Council house tenants in Bury were granted permission to paint the exteriors of their own house in they future if they wished to do so.

NEE!: The Knights That Say "Nee! Nee!" were keeping audiences entertained at Bury's Classic cinema which was showing the classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." The X-rated "Naughty Nurses" and "Sex Clinic" were showing in the twin auditorium.