Kids 'Go Green'

Green-fingered enthusiasts Jonathan Rafferty and Noah Ritchie from Arellian Nursery School in south Belfast get to work in the greenhouse that pupils helped to build out of plastic drinks bottle to show 'they've got some bottle' and are learning the importance of recycling. With the help of some grown-ups, the children have built their own greenhouse using more than 1,000 plastic bottles. The children collected the bottles at home and were given a helping hand by Belfast City Council and community groups in the area. The school is now using the greenhouse to grow their own tomatoes and red peppers as they learn about biodiversity and food chains.

Robbery Suspects Held

Two men have been arrested in connection with an attempted robbery on a cash and transit van in Belfast this morning. The incident occurred at about 9.40am at a bank branch near Owenvarragh park when two men, one of whom had a gun, approached the security van and tried unsuccessfully to remove a cash box. The men fled the scene in a car which had been stolen earlier today from a car park in Kennedy Way. Two men were later arrested in Glenties Drive and a replica handgun was recovered.

Durkan Backs Culture Bid

The SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan attended yesterday's live 'skype' link-up between the Derry City of Culture bid team in Liverpool and a capacity audience at the Nerve Centre in the City - which included the first public viewing of the six-minute video for the 2013 City of Culture bid. Mr Durkan said: "It was great to hear the bid team so warm and excited after their presentation and interview with the judging panel. There are so many strengths to Derry's bid which reflects so many of the talents and traditions of our city," he said, noting that the video is evocative of all of these. "It is truly impressive and you wouldn't have to be a Derry person to be moved and inspired by it," he continued. "This is a big week for Derry. The chance to be the City of Culture 2013 can emancipate creativity, talent and warmth that are in Derry's character."

West Belfast Attacks

The police have come under attack with petrol bombs and paint during a disturbance in west Belfast. It started with rival gangs throwing stones in the Ballygomartin Road area at 5.30pm yesterday evening and while no PSNI officers were injured, damaged was caused to two police vehicles. Two teenagers, aged, 19 and 16, have been arrested although it is understood between 20 and 30 youths were involved in the trouble.

Kenny Wins Vote

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny was last night celebrating after his victory in yesterday's confidence vote in Dublin. Mr Kenny won the backing of a majority of the party's 70 TDs, MEPs and Senators, some 45 of which made contributions during the meeting. Fine Gael has refused to reveal the margin by which the confidence motion was carried. Speaking outside Leinster House following the meeting, Mr Kenny said the exercise had been "very constructive" and "very well meaning".

(BMcC/GK)