Crossword Genius

In Greater Manchester, a funny place for Alps (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wigan

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'funny place for alps' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'in greater manchester a' is the wordplay.
'in greater manchester' becomes 'wig' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a' becomes 'an'.
'wig'+'an'='WIGAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for wigan that I've seen before include "The Road to -- Pier (Orwell)" , "Manchester-area town, its Pier, Orwell" , "Lancashire town" , "Lancashire FC" , "North-western town" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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