Manchester City Council

Welcome to the first Manchester People of 2009

The year ahead promises to be an exciting one, not least because the groundbreaking Manchester International Festival - the world's first festival of new and original work - returns after its acclaimed debut in 2007. Expect more memorable and imaginative events.

But 2008 will be a hard act to follow as a year of successes. As the following pages show, these achievements took many forms. From the In Bloom awards earned by the proud efforts of residents to improve their areas, to the Olympic and Paralympic medal haul by Manchester-based competitors, successes have rightfully been celebrated.

Sportsmen and women based here, and throughout the north west, brought home 55 medals - more than a third of the nation's total Olympic and Paralympic tally. They included BBC Sports Personality of the Year Chris Hoy, who trains at east Manchester's Velodrome.

The city as a whole also recorded a sporting triumph, being named the world's best Sports City for its successful hosting of six international sports events last year, including three world championships.

The Manchester World Sport 08 programme saw the city host events including the UCI Track Cycling World Championships, the 9th FINA World Swimming Championships 2008 (25m), the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships and the Paralympic World Cup. Regular events such as the Great Manchester Run (pictured) were also enjoyed by thousands of runners and spectators.

Less high profile, but just as important, are the individual stories of people such as Barry Higginson - the Council's employee of the year recognised for his dedication to customer service.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Every year brings its own challenges and 2008 has been no exception. But it's also important that we reflect on what Manchester people, collectively and individually, have achieved in the past 12 months.

"There's a huge amount of pride in the city, in its distinctive neighbourhoods, its heritage, its character, and record for innovation.

"I'm sure we will build on these in the months ahead and make 2009 another year to celebrate."