Photographer Nominated

A University of Ulster lecturer has been nominated for the prestigious Deutsche Börse Photography Prize.Donovan Wylie, one of Ireland's leading photographers and an Associate Lecturer at the University of Ulster, is one of four nominees to be shortlisted for the annual award. The accolade, which includes prize money of £30,000, recognises a living photographer of any nationality who has made the most significant contribution to photography in Europe. Belfast-born Donovan has been shortlisted for his work depicting images of the Maze prison (pictured) when he was given unlimited access to photograph after the release of the last prisoners.

Spanish Extradition Opposed

Yesterday's decision in Belfast to allow the extradition of Basque ex-prisoner Iñaki de Juana to Spain is "grossly inhumane" and ignores evidence that the Spanish authorities are knowingly abusing the extradition process, spokesperson for the Don't Extradite the Basques Campaign Kevin Morrison said today. He said they would continue to support Iñaki through his appeal against the judgment. "The case against Iñaki is motivated by vindictiveness on the part of the Spanish government despite the fact that there is no evidence against him. The charges are spurious and absurd," he said.

Man Held Over Belfast Assault

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent after the police were called this morning to the Hatfield Street area of the Ormeau Road. The victim was treated in hospital for his injuries after the 1.20am incident and the PSNI have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.

'Break Free' Call: UCF

With only over one week until No Smoking Day, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has revealed this year's theme, 'Break free, we can help', and has said that UCF will be providing an information and support stand for the public on Wednesday 10th March at Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast - from 10am to 1pm. Shoppers will be encouraged to hand over their cigarettes in exchange for a free goodie pack and on-the-spot support and advice. Carbon monoxide testing will give smokers an instant indication of damaging CO levels in their body and help motivate them to quit. Smokers will also receive helpful hints and tips from UCF stop smoking specialists on how to break their smoking habit and how to adopt effective techniques to help cope with cravings.

Cold Snap Prompts Cash

Northern Ireland experienced one of the coldest winters for more than 30 years, according to figures released by the Met Office. The mean UK temperature was 1.5C (34.7F), the lowest since 1978/79 when it was 1.2C (34.16F). As a result, the Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, has announced a fifth round of Cold Weather Payments to qualifying customers living in some parts of Northern Ireland. The latest payment was triggered by information supplied by the Met Office which forecast average sub zero temperatures for the period 19 February to 25 February 2010 at its Katesbridge weather station. Temperatures averaging below zero were also recorded at the Castlederg and St Angelo (Enniskillen) weather stations for the period 16 February to 22 February 2010. Only those qualifying customers living in the post code areas covered by these weather stations will receive a further £25 payment.

Romania Gets SDLP Man

The SDLP MLA Declan O'Loan is to be appointed honorary consul for Romania in Northern Ireland. The Co Antrim politician said he wanted to promote better cultural understanding, tourism and commerce between the countries. An estimated 1,000 Romanians live in Northern Ireland and some face problems with language and job opportunities despite more than 100 migrants having to be moved to temporary accommodation after a spate of racist attacks in south Belfast.

(BMcC/GK)