THE HOT SUNSHINE MID-JULY gave way to more changeable weather, with heavy rain but still lots of sunny periods. Here are more pictures taken out and about in Manchester and further away...

CHEETHAM HILL ROAD is one of Manchester's most historically significant roads, but one which has seen steady economic decline during the 20th century.

This is a view which for me captures the beauty of "the city's ripped back side" (quoting the song "The Passenger" by David Bowie and Iggy Pop)

Can you identify where we are located, and the building whose rear facade we are looking at?

E-mail aidan@anamaria.u-net.com

I'll be featuring more pictures of Cheetham Hill Road in coming updates of Eyewitness in Manchester.

CHEETHAM HILL'S GHOSTS can often be found roaming through this churchyard at night - or so a paranormal investigator might tell you - I'm not sure if I believe in ghosts myself.

But even for disbelievers, this churchyard reverberates with echoes of the past. Most of the church has been demolished, but the bell tower has been left to remain, a prominent landmark on Cheetham Hill Road.

I am currently researching this location - any information please to aidan@anamaria.u-net.com

THE BELL TOWER of this church on Cheetham Hill Road has some wonderful details, including gargoyles.

The architectural style is typical of the early 19th century.

I am currently researching this church - any information please to aidan@anamaria.u-net.com

THE CO-OP BUILDINGS are seen across the picturesque (well, it was 300 years ago) valley of the River Irk, just near the bottom of Cheetham Hill Road.

The railway and Metrolink lines from Victoria Station can be seen on the left, leading past St Michael's Flags and nearby old commercial buildings some of which have been turned into flats.

The large office building in the centre is of course, the CIS Building, opened 1962. It marked the highpoint of post war modernist architecture in Manchester, both in elevation above the ground and build quality.

The site in front of us was to have been the location of "The Gateway Centre" a shopping centre first announced in 1997. Today in mid-2000 it has still not materialised.

MOW COP, the hill and folly, can be seen here from one of the roads leading up to it.

The imitation castle, archway and ruined wall was erected in 1732 for Randall Wilbraham, who wanted a striking hilltop view from his house, Rode Hall. Rode Hall is located three miles west of Mow Cop and is a private home.

Mow Cop is approximately 35 miles (50km) south of Manchester, on the border between Cheshire and Staffordshire and is owned and maintained by the National Trust.

More pictures and mini-articles will be posted shortly