WHAT'S IN FRIDAY'S CHRONICLE

UP to 2.5 million homes in the North-West could be without phone lines and internet after fibre optic cables were deliberately severed in Oldham, Whitworth and Bacup. Police are investigating the attack on BT cable systems.

Elsewhere, we report on one teenager's protest against the teachers' strike, and there is a clash over plans for new homes in a Greenfield garden.

In sport, Latics boss Lee Johnson has issued a challenge to youngster Kirk Millar to prove he is worth a starting spot in a new role as central striker.

This and much more in tonight's Oldham Evening Chronicle. Make sure you buy your copy or check out the eChron and iChron for laptops and mobiles.

We are back on Monday with all the weekend sports action and all the latest news, including our picture special on the People's Carnival.