This is real Manchester

The Meteor asked photographer Gary Roberts to take some photos of ‘Real Manchester’ – the unique face of the city caught in glimpses by those who live it every day. Here’s what he came back with. If you attended our listening event on 16 and 17 November, you’ll have seen these pictures already. This is the story behind them.

Graphic novel illuminates Thomas Paine’s revolutionary life and legacy

The British born Thomas Paine played a fundamental part in the American Revolution, which led to the formation of the world’s most powerful democracy.

The radical free thinker’s life is depicted in Paul Fitzgerald’s new graphic novel PAINE. The author answers The Meteor’s questions on Paine’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, how he fell foul of the French Revolution, and what the arch anti-royalist would have made of the Queens Platinum Jubilee.