Other NI News In Brief

Ex-RUC Chief Laid To Rest

Top leaders in the political field, senior police officers and even representatives of royalty yesterday attended the funeral of former RUC Chief Constable, Sir John Hermon. Leading figures from Northern Irish society, many of whom had already attended official Remembrance Sunday commemorations yesterday morning, then travelled to the north Down seaside village of Groomsport to pay their final respects to Sir John. Secretary of State Shaun Woodward, Stormont Junior minister Jeffrey Donaldson, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson and North Down Mayor Leslie Cree were present in Groomsport Presbyterian Church.

Newry Sex Attacker Foiled

A teenage girl managed to fight off her attacker during an indecent assault in Newry, County Down, police have said. The 15-year-old struggled free after being grabbed by a man on Old Warrenpoint Road on Saturday. She did not suffer any physical injuries in the attack, but was left "very badly shaken", police said.

Sporting Heroes To Launch Belfast's Christmas

Three local sporting heroes will be taking centre stage at the start of Belfast's Christmas celebrations next week. Paralympics gold medallist Michael McKillop, and Olympics bronze medallist Paddy Barnes and silver medallist Wendy Houvenaghal will be special guests at the switching on of the city's Christmas lights on the 18th November, (Tuesday). They will join Lord Mayor Tom Hartley, 'Hollyoaks' star Gerard McCarthy, ghost-chasing TV and movie star Scooby Doo and 2007 'X Factor' finalists 'Same Difference' to kick off the festive season in celebratory style. The Lord Mayor formally announced details of this year's Christmas programme as the Christmas tree - a 45-foot tall Norway spruce from Hillsborough Forest Park - was moved into position outside the City Hall this morning.

UCF Conference Boost

The Ulster Cancer Foundation, in association with the National Association of Laryngectomy Clubs, will be hosting a conference for laryngectomy patients, carers and health professionals. The event will take place on Wednesday 19th November at the Templeton Hotel, Templepatrick. Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services at UCF said: "The conference will cover a wide range of topics of interest to those affected by laryngeal or throat cancer. The focus will be on quality of life issues and practical aspects of living with the disease."

PSNI Robbery Appeal

Last weekend saw staff threatened during an armed robbery at a bookmakers in the Greencastle area of north Belfast, the police have said. Two men, one armed with a handgun, entered the premises on Gray's Lane at about 6.30pm on Friday and demanded money from staff. They made off with a small amount of cash.

(BMcC)