Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county and urban region in North West England. It was created in 1974 from the city and associated towns that had formerly been in Lancashire, plus a few lying south of the River Mersey that had been in Cheshire. The whole area was based upon the textile industry, which collapsed in the 20th century. Manchester city has been the most successful at re-inventing itself, and is now a lively modern destination. The other towns all have things to see and do. Although administratively separate these days, most locals still consider the area to be part of Lancashire, and the rivalry with Yorkshire still persists, perhaps best epitomised by the bitter rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds United football clubs.