Manchester are usually pretty good about allowing VFR zone entries such as that described by FFF - just goung into the zone by a mile or so. About 3 years ago I even took our Yak 52 over Wilmslow for a photo detail - and it didn't have a transponder (but being the big brute it was, it probably gave a pretty good primary return!).
Of course years ago SVFR transitis of the zone Barton to Buxton or Congleton, via the Manch overhead, were routine. Not so today. But some controllers will allow direct Barton from the LLR northbound once you are through the 24R/06L extended centreline.
SSD