DELEGATES from Offerton Park Parish Council are looking forward to visiting Dodge City next week, and hoping to make a posse of new friends.

Representatives from the Offerton Parish Council jet off to the American city on April 3 in a bid to build closer relationships with the famous ‘cattle’ town.

The historic link between Offerton and Dodge City are strong, William Dodge left Offerton in 1629 and together with the help of his relatives went on to found Dodge City.

Parish clerk, Craig Ainsworth, and deputy clerk Damian Eaton will be keeping a blog of their experience in Dodge.

Craig says he is really excited about the trip and can’t wait to get well and truly stuck in to the cowboy way of life.

"Offerton has a unique relationship with Dodge City and it’s amazing that we can support the Friendship Agreement made by the city and Stockport council in 2001, identify the joint initiatives that will benefit both towns and ultimately celebrate the historic link between the two communities."

Dodge City manager, Ken Strobel said: "An increased connection with Stockport would be an excellent idea."

The Parish Council has provided financial support for Councillor Keith Ryan, and Damian Eaton to make the visit to Dodge City. The head of business at Offerton School, Jennifer Faricy, will also join the delegation as a representative of the young people of Offerton.

On Friday in two seperate incidents a man has tried to force two Stockport schoolboys into his car.

Police believe the incidents involved the same man, and just three weeks after two other attempted kidnaps, last time involving young girls.

In the first of the latest attempts, a man tried to entice an 11-year-old into his car.

The boy was walking home from Werneth School when a dark blue car pulled up alongside him. The driver asked the boy to get in, but the boy refused, and ran straight home.

Just 30 minutes later, close to Werneth School in Harrytown, a man tried to persuade another boy this time aged 12 to get into his car, but he also refused and ran away.

In both incidents the man was described as white, with short hair, wearing a red top and possibly a baseball cap. Age 20s or 30s.

The car he was driving may have had a green trailer.

"We are keen to trace this man because the similarities between the two incidents are many. Patrols have been increased and I would reassure people that there is no need for panic."

"We have had a lot of feedback following door-to-door enquiries and have several promising leads which we are following up. We're hoping for a successful result."

Werneth School headteacher Ms Campbell issued a joint statement with Damian Cunningham, headteacher of neighbouring Harrytown school.

They said: "The schools are deeply concerned by the recent incidents and have followed the set procedure in advising staff, pupils and the local authority."

"Clear guidance on the importance of staying safe has been issued to students and we will continue to remain vigilant."

Councillor Hazel Lees, who is a governor at Werneth, said:

"I don’t know where these people are coming from. I am relieved that the boys knew to walk away."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 856 9986 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Following the success of the first four Stockport Producers’ Markets, Stockport Council has given the event a regular slot on the third Friday of every month.

The original idea for the Producers’ Market came from Emma Boronat, owner of a childrenswear boutique called Bubsquashon Stockport Marketplace. The dramatic decline in the number of visitors and traders to the marketplace in recent years spurred Emma to action. She was faced with the decision of either relocating her own business or somehow generating new interest in the once-busy historic market place. Inspired by news of the market's million pound National Lottery grant for regeneration, she approached the Market Office with a proposal to establish a regular producers' market that would feature fresh, local produce from around the region.

Emma found enthusiastic support from many of the region's top producers. Traders quickly signed up for the initial allocation of stalls and a waiting list was soon established. With support from Stockport Council's Regeneration Team and the Market Office, the original idea of a small producers' market evolved to become a showcase for the North West's finest fresh food and produce.

There market features free samples and tastings, hot food takeaway stalls, beer tents and special limited edition souvenirs and goodies. Shoppers can look forward to a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, gourmet pies, local cheeses, breads, cakes, beers, fresh meat, chutneys, pickles, jams, preserves, fruit juices, sausages, cooked meat, fresh herbs, all produced in the North West.

Amongst the regular Producers’ Market traders are Clippys Apples, Leagram Organic Dairy, Holly Cottage Preserves, Katjas Kupcakes, HS Bourne Cheshire Cheese, Eddisbury Fruit Farm, 3 Rivers Brewery, Northern Tarts, RS Ireland, Port of Lancaster Smokehouse, Katie Cooks Pates, Jo's Cheshire Kitchen and many more. For the December Festive Market there will also be cookery demonstrations from Phillipa James, Mulled Wine, and Robinsons Brewery.

Gregg Wallace, BBC's Masterchef judge and ingredients expert, and author of Veg: The Greengrocers Cookbook said: ‘I am firm believer that every town deserves a local market where you can buy top quality, locally sourced, fresh produce at decent prices. I am delighted to hear that the historic market in Stockport has been given a new lease of life and is launching it's very first small producers market. From my experience to get the very best from your cooking you need seasonally grown veg and high quality ingredients - it's fantastic that Stockport Market is offering just this and more. Please give your support to your regional producers and visit this great new venture!’

The next market will take place between 10am and 3pm on Friday 21st December 2007 at Stockport Market and then on the 3rd Friday of every month. For further information, pick up a leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre at 30 Marketplace, or call 0161 480 7659.

The Stockport 10 Once again a donation will be made to the Christie's Appeal from any profit from the Stockport 10 Once again a donation will be made to the Christie's Appeal from any profit from the Stockport 10 This year's Thompson Brothers Stockport 10 mile road race will be held on Sunday, 9th December starting at 10.00am from Woodbank Stadium in Woodbank Park, Stockport. The challenging 1-lap course is ideal preparation for a new year half marathon or spring full marathon. The race starts and finishes on the track in Woodbank Stadium. The Stadium includes a clubhouse serving hot/cold drinks and snacks, changing and shower facilities. There is no parking inside Woobank Park, please use Woodbank Park Stadium Car Park, off Turncroft Lane. * 2007 Stockport 10 entry form PDF * 2007 Stockport 10 race info pack PDF * Stockport 10 course map * 2006 Stockport 10 full results

Four men from Greater Manchester were arrested today on suspicion of stealing valuable Lowry paintings from a house in Cheadle Hulme in May. The paintings, estimated to be worth about £2 million, include The Viaduct, Lowry’s iconic image of Stockport Viaduct. The paintings have yet to be recovered. Anybody providing information leading to their recovery is eligible for a £70,000 reward. Call Crimestoppers for free on 0800 555 111.