MY KIND OF TOWN

BERNARD MANNING COMEDIAN on MANCHESTER

Why Manchester?

Because it's been my home town for 65 years. I've never been on holiday because I've never wanted to be anywhere else. When I do go away it's because of work and because I have to. My heart is, and always will be, here.

Do you have a favourite restaurant in the city?

I don't believe it, but I can't remember the name. It is an Italian restaurant in the centre of Middleton. I have been going there with my wife for years. The service is good and very quick, the staff are extremely friendly and genuinely nice. The food is always excellent and there's plenty of it. I love their spaghetti bolognaise. If they don't serve me a good meal I take them prisoner.

Where's your favourite pub?

I don't go to pubs very often but if I go in one it would be The Three Arrows at Heywood. It's the most homely pub I've ever been to. When you walk through the door, no matter who you are, there's always a welcome. They serve a good pint and the crowd is full of characters. You can be yourself.

Where's your favourite quiet spot?

A place called Boggart Hole Clough, sitting by the lakeside with my grandchildren, Ben and Haley, feeding the ducks. I've been all around the world, played Las Vegas and all the theatre halls in Britain, but this is my best position in the world, accompanied by two very special people. It is the place I love to be.

Where would you take someone on a first date?

I would go to a place called The Crimble, a restaurant / hotel in Rochdale. It's an old country house set in the beautiful Ashworth valley. Everything about the place is really romantic and very special.

What's your best memory of Manchester?

When Manchester City won the league title in 1968. Everything in Manchester was buzzing. It was a great year for music, people had money, opportunities, hope - things were on the up and up. It were a great time all round.

What's your worst memory?

The Manchester Blitz in 1941. I was 10 and I can remember cowering with my Mum under the stairs when bombs were raining down. There was hardly a building left standing in Manchester. Everything was in darkness except for the fires from the buildings. When you opened the front door the sky was red with burning shrapnel. The sound of bombers sent shivers through you. When I look back now, I wonder how we all got through it. They were very dark days for everyone. There was hardly anything to eat because of rationing and children were sent off to God-knows-where. It were truly awful.

Are you happy with Manchester, what would you change?

I love Manchester and there's not much I'd change about it. I would like to see better schools with more resources, especially for sport. I think cricket, hockey and swimming should be made compulsory in schools. It was in my day and I loved every minute of it. I think kids are lazier nowadays.

Where would you send your worst enemy to?

Old Trafford, where Manchester United play, for life.